She rides joust for the fun of it
By Mary Thurwachter, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 21, 2002

Cynthia Morrison's love of horses dates to her childhood, when she rode in
4-H junior rodeos. Her fascination with jousting came from watching the TV
series Ivanhoe, starring Roger Moore.

The show prompted her to play act at home.

"I would to use a broom for a lance and a garbage can lid for a shield,"
Morrison remembered.

Then, six years ago, Morrison saw a Renaissance magazine that had an ad in it
for jousting school near Los Angeles.

"I called and ended up flying out there for three weeks to learn all about
it," Morrison said. Competitions followed, which meant considerable travel
for the West Palm Beach woman. Most tournaments are held in western states.

After she won international women's jousting champion titles in 1999 and
2000, she started a local jousting club to teach the sport to others.

Jousting, a medieval sport that involves combat with lances between two
knights on horseback, can be dangerous. Morrison is nursing a cracked rib she
suffered when she fell from her horse during a recent show.

"The club, called the Palm Beach Jousting Club, is still in its infancy but
developing fast," Morrison, 42, said. Founded last year, the club has two
goals. First, to provide voluntary jousting displays for events that will
benefit children's charities. The inaugural event was for the benefit of the
Triumphant Trotters, which provides a therapeutic riding program for
handicapped children.

"We had a wonderful time performing there," said Morrison, a powerlifter who
also wrestles alligators.

Jousting club members also made appearances at the back-to-school fun fest
held in the Palm Beach Mall.

"The kids really enjoyed their lessons on chivalry and knighthood, "
Morrison, an automotive service manager, said.

The club's second purpose is to provide an environment for area residents
interested in learning and competing at small local tournaments as well as
giving Morrison a chance to practice for the international tourneys.

The local club recognized Jessie Arbogast, who was attacked by a shark, as an
honorary knight for his outstanding fortitude and valor to stay on the road
to recovery.

Medieval equestrian games, including spear throw, ring tilting and quintain
hitting on horseback, are being planned. These games are geared for skill and
no combat is involved, Morrison said.

To find out more about jousting, see the club's Web site:
www.palmbeachweb.com/pbjc

Morrison's e-mail address is
NoGunsHier@aol.com.