K.E.J.A. Breaks another "first" Barrier!!!

Last Week: 

K.E.J.A.'s Kryssi Jeaux Miller wins first female Title Joust   

Jeremy Johnson jousted his first heavy joust in "The Black Knight" armour.   

This week:

Jousting gains the chance to become a sport in the 

Special Olympics!!!

Kevin Connolly lives life to the max...without legs

Our latest student lived his childhood dream to venture into the renaissance subculture at the Epona Faire & Fantasy Festival with K.E.J.A. in Fort Collins, CO.

Kevin may not be a horseman, but his extreme skiiing (X-games medalist), cliff diving, lumberjack-style tree climbing & world-wide skate-boarding photography adventures have given Kevin the empetus to learn jousting by our own Patrick Lambke, "The Black Knight".

The Travel Channel is producing a new 6-episode Kevin Connolly Adventure series that follows Kevin's photography collection, "The Rolling Exhibition" and his book, "Double Take".  

This episode has Kevin blasting out of the list on Rex, K.E.J.A.'s warhorse. He rides with a special saddle constructed by Heath Howes of Saddle Tree, Chicago IL.  "The saddle will hold him if we can strap Kevin in and prevent (him) falling forward", says Heath.

We documented all the steps necessary to blast Patrick with a strike that shatters Kevin's lance!

The first step was the saddle fit & function for Rex & Kevin.  Next, Kevin walked, trotted and cantered with Jeremy Johnson and Taylor Swanson (Epona) on each side on their Shire warhorses.  All on day one!

On the second day, Kevin (filled with nervous anticipation) was introduced to "The Black Knight" and his journey into jousting commenced.  

Kevin wrestled with a few minor setbacks.  The strapping of the saddle was not holding him on Rex, but the "MacGiver jury rigging" efforts of Heath launched Kevin successfully to the final day & the Joust.  

                                               

Kevin, Jeremy & Patrick

Patrick felt his safeguard position also had the best vantage point, therefore, champion Jouster, Kryssi Jeaux Miller took the first passes with Kevin holding his shield & lance respectively.

Kryssi (The Duke) & Kevin (Rex)

All leading up to one of the veteran Jousters greatest challenges...teaching a man that was born without the ability to use stirrups

Kryssi tags Kevin as he presents his shield

Kevin Connolly vs Patrick Lambke

Bam Baby!!!

"Kevin is an awsome guy with more guts than anyone I have ever met!" 

FOLLOW KEVIN'S ADVENTURES:  

http://www.kevinmichaelconnolly.com

Taylor, Patrick, Kevin, Heath, Jeremy

 We also held a tournament of games and light armour jousting this weekend...too much to blog...until next time

Our Website:  http://www.knightsedgejoustingacademy.com