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Most people will tell you that Clayton, Washington is “famous” for two things: the Clayton Burger and the Clayton Rodeo. But now it is known for one more thing: jousting. Yes, jousting — that sport where people on horses try to stab each other with really long sticks in hopes of scoring the most points. You can catch this medieval sport on June 1 and 2, 2019 when the third annual Tournament of the Inland Northwest takes place in Clayton.
The Tournament isn’t just about jousting, though. There’s also archery, longsword combat, skill at arms games, mounted sword fighting, mounted wrestling, and my personal favorite, the grand melee. The latter involves riders in armor trying to hit each other on the head with rubber clubs. This sport, back in its time, used to be more popular than jousting, and I can see why, for sure. Not only was it fun to watch, you could actually hear some of the riders laughing as they were trying to assault each other.
At last year’s event, I was surprised to discover that the participants, many of whom were members of the Epona Equestrian Club of Spokane, actually made most of the weapons they use and the armor they wear. They were kind enough to offer me the opportunity to try on a helmet and chain…
