Inside the Order of Epona’s mounted combat tryouts

By Luke Purvis
The Ramspondents

In North Fort Collins, athletes, performers, and horse lovers came together for the Order of Epona’s winter tryouts. This is a building step to the troupe for the 2026 jousting season. This November, the group welcomed newcomers to the arena to see what the program involves and how they might join.

The Order of Epona began its current form in 2010. Josh Cordova, Jeremy Johnson, and Taylor Jewell all lead a structured training program. New members start with squire-level ground fighting to learn the basics of medieval-style combat before moving on to mounted events.

The tryouts offer a complete look into the group’s training environment. On Nov. 23, potential recruits trained with returning members and experienced what they would do if chosen for the 2026 season.

“It's cool seeing this many people interested. We are all passionate about what we do. It's really exciting to see where this goes and who makes our squad,” said Teslin Ruge, who has been jousting for 4 years.

The evening included a full rotation of disciplines:

This helped newcomers understand the physical demands, the training pace, and the range of skills they will need to learn.

Some attendees came specifically to try out ground fighting, learn sword drills, and know what it means to begin as a “squire.” Others wanted to join the jousting team later, so they paid close attention to the mounted activities to see how the process worked. 

Mounted combat and jousting come later, if the participant proves readiness on their foot. Riders with their own horses have a separate tryout date, while beginners follow a step-by-step path before advancing.

“I thought they did pretty well. What I saw was good, eager people ready to learn. I think we got a lot of good prospects,” Josh Cordova said after the tryout.

Physical activities are central to the tryouts, but the leaders pay close attention to teamwork and focus. The Order of Epona expects good fitness and a mindset that values community. 

The atmosphere showed the kind of camaraderie the troupe expects from those joining the 2026 season.

“I think just for more people that they can do. People think this is an inaccessible hobby,” Ruge said. “A lot of people believe they have to be grandfathered in. It's fun to have this as a passion.”

Alex Butterfield, the group’s announcer since 2016, watched over the event. His role is to help recruits build stage presence, which is essential for performing at events and Renaissance fairs. He often reminds people that even skilled athletes can freeze when everyone is watching. The tryouts give newcomers an early chance to practice handling that pressure.

The Order of Epona travels to perform at shows, appears before large crowds, and competes in both live steel and mounted games. The tryouts help find people who can handle the training and the disciplined environment.

One suggestion Josh Cordova has for future jousters is “Definitely, not getting caught up in your own head. People try to think about what their arms or feet are doing. Let your feet follow what your hands are doing.” 

Luke Purvis is a CSU Journalism and Media Communication student. He hopes to gain as much knowledge as possible so that he can come prepared when he graduates.