Rodney and Liberty Deaman are a couple from Tarago, New South Wales, who have been participating in jousting events for the past 10 years. They have dedicated a significant amount of time, effort, and money towards ensuring they have the best possible armor to protect themselves during the jousting competitions. Rodney recently took a hit to his helmet during a demonstration at the Blacktown City Medieval Fayre in Sydney, but thanks to their high-quality armor, he only suffered minor injuries. The couple participates in up to 10 events a year across the country, traveling long distances with their horses to compete.
The Deamans first encountered jousting a decade ago when they watched a demonstration at a Canberra equine event. They were impressed by the display of training and theatrics involved in the sport. Five years ago, they were encouraged by a friend to try jousting while competing in horse archery. Since then, they have become dedicated participants in the sport and have seen a growth in popularity, with an increase in crowd numbers and events across the country. Jousters now make appearances at agricultural shows and even weddings, showcasing the growing interest in this unique and historic sport.
Jousting involves riding against opponents with lances, targeting an opponent’s shield while being vulnerable to getting hit on the upper body. The impact is typically blocked by one to two layers of hard spring steel, which serves as protection for both the rider and the horse. The Deamans emphasize the importance of riding in a safe manner not only for themselves and their horses but also for their opponents. Despite the physical risks involved, they find that participating in jousting together has strengthened their trust and bond as a couple, creating a sense of teamwork and mutual support.
The couple describes jousting as a sport that requires trust, honor, and standing by each other, rather than focusing on romantic love. While Liberty does not consider jousting to be romantic, she emphasizes the love they have for each other and the successes they achieve as a team. Rodney adds that the sport itself promotes love and respect, making it a positive activity for couples to participate in together. The shared experience of jousting has brought Rodney and Liberty closer and has contributed to the success of their relationship.
As they prepare for a jousting tournament at Kryal Castle near Ballarat, the couple reflects on their journey in the sport and the challenges they have faced along the way. They acknowledge the financial investment and dedication required to participate in jousting, from acquiring quality armor to traveling long distances to compete. Despite the demanding nature of the sport, the Deamans find fulfillment in the teamwork, camaraderie, and shared experiences they have gained through jousting. As they continue to participate in events and showcase their skills, they hope to inspire others to explore the world of jousting and appreciate the unique traditions and camaraderie it offers.
The jousting tournament at Kryal Castle will feature competitions at 11:30am and 2pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Rodney and Liberty Deaman, along with other skilled jousters, will showcase their talents and compete for glory in this historic and challenging sport. As they prepare to ride into battle, the couple’s shared passion for jousting and their commitment to each other reflect the enduring bond they have built through their experiences in the sport. The Deamans’ journey in jousting serves as a testament to the power of teamwork, trust, and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in the pursuit of their shared passion.
