We (Jeff and Christine) both started our interest in draft horses through jousting.  Christine started in 1985, breaking and training draft horses to joust, and Jeff came along shortly thereafter to learn how to joust.  Although Jeff had much theater experience, and was even trained in stage combat by Dale Girard (SAFD Fight Master), Jeff had never ridden a horse before.  He took to it quickly though.  After a short time, the company split into two traveling groups, and he was put in charge of his own 'troupe'.   Now he was able to tailor his 'show' in ways to take best advantage of each individual troupe member's skills.  He always stressed horsemanship above all else, and was constantly heard telling the 'guys' that they'll never be able to use a sword or lance until they could use the horse. 

 Of all the draft breeds we worked with, the English Shire Horse was the one we fell in love with and chose to breed.

Here are some pictures of those jousting days, way back when...  We used to make our living by performing at various events nationwide.  Jeff is riding a lovely Sorrel Percheron mare named Polly.  Yes, sorrel Percherons exist, but are rare.  Jeff doesn't regularly joust anymore.  He retired from the sport officially in 1990.  However he did perform in a brief 'comeback' show in 1996 where he first place in the weekend's tournaments.  That was the last time he's put on the armor.