• The Quintain, mounted
The Quintain is a target against which fighters can practice and improve
their techniques. The Quintain is more a pastime than a contest, and
there is no prize. For mounted warriors the Quintain consists of a
wooden post with a revolving arm on top. To the shorter end of the arm
is affixed a knight or round shield, and to the longer end is a heavy
weight such as a sand bag. The arm is designed to swing easily when the
shield is struck. Usually, the Quintain is dressed with a coat of mail
and helmet, giving it a scarecrow-like appearance. The object is to
charge at the target and strike the shield with a blunted lance and pass
by quickly, avoiding the sand bag that will swing rapidly in response.
The rider must spur his horse into a canter. If the rider is hit by the
sand bag, he loses the contest. Should he be unhorsed, the rider may
sustain potentially fatal falling injuries.
• The Quintain, on foot
On foot the Quintain is designed to be attacked by a person running at
the shield with a blunted spear. This Quintain looks similar to that
used by the mounted, except the sand bag is and the swing is just as
fast. The footman’s Quintain is usually unadorned or crudely dressed in
an old tunic and cap. Participants in this pastime must provide their
own weapon, which is usually a staff that is held and used like a spear.
The attacker must run at the target full pelt with the blunt spear. If
the footman is hit by the sand bag, he loses the contest.
• The Ring
Running at the Ring is more of a practice session than an actual
contest. It entails a mounted knight charging at a metal-and-leather
ring hanging from an upright structure resembling a miniature gallows,
with the object of carrying it off on his lance. This pastime is
indulged in by knights awaiting their turn at the Joust or whenever they
find themselves sitting idle.
