A council worker in Wales has a unique side gig – she’s a world-class jouster who competes in tournaments across Europe. Emma Pearn, 30, fell in love with the medieval sport at a young age and has since become one of a small group of women jousters in a male-dominated field. Her passion for jousting led her to learn horseback riding and martial arts, eventually allowing her to participate in competitions in countries like England, France, Norway, and Italy.
Despite the historical roots of jousting as a combat sport, Emma sees it as a 21st-century activity that requires skill and precision rather than just brute force. She emphasises the importance of safety for both herself and her specially trained horses, as they work together to execute thrilling and precise passes during tournaments. Emma’s dedication to jousting has not come without sacrifices, as she has endured injuries like broken hands, wrists, and fingers while honing her craft.
For Emma, the thrill of competition and the rush of adrenaline that comes with charging towards an opponent with a lance are what keep her passionate about jousting. Her custom-made suit of armour, costing £7,500 and weighing 32kg, is an essential part of her equipment, providing both protection and authenticity to her sport. Emma’s commitment to promoting jousting as a modern and inclusive activity has led her to undertake challenges like climbing Pen y Fan, one of Wales’ highest peaks, in full armour to raise awareness for the sport she loves.
As she prepares for her ascent up Pen y Fan, Emma acknowledges the physical and mental challenges that lie ahead. The weight of her armour, representing 60% of her body weight, will test her strength and endurance during the climb. Despite the discomfort of wearing the suit, Emma remains focused on her goal of showcasing jousting as a competitive and exciting sport that she hopes will gain recognition on a global scale. Her determination to inspire future generations of women jousters and advocate for the inclusion of jousting in major sporting events like the Olympics drives her to push the boundaries of her capabilities.
Emma’s story exemplifies the passion and dedication required to excel in a niche sport like jousting, where tradition meets modern athleticism. As she embarks on her challenging journey up Pen y Fan, clad in armour that echoes centuries of history, Emma Pearn symbolises the spirit of a determined and fearless jouster, ready to conquer new heights both literally and figuratively.