Medieval battle is joust what Kristina wanted

May 22 2008

Most little girls dream of being a princess for the day, but all eight-year-old Kristina Roberts ever wanted was to become a jousting knight.

That dream came true as she became the smallest jouster to take part in the medieval tournament at Warwick Castle, on her own 2ft 6in pony Buzz.

The horse-mad youngster learnt the ropes in a special training session before joining a joust in front of hundreds of guests and took to her role with ease, taking on one of the most seasoned riders in the tournament.

Kristina had written to Warwick Castle to ask if she could join the jousters and staff were delighted to help make her dream come true.

Mum Linda said: "Kristina has always got her head buried in a book about knights and horses. We came to see the jousting last summer and since then she's not stopped talking about it. She has even been practising at home with a mop!"

Richard Timpson, chief jouster, said: " We always welcome new recruits, but Kristina is certainly the youngest and smallest we've ever had.

"She was a delight to ride with and impressed us with her equestrian skills."

The Great Joust tournament takes place at the castle from this Saturday until June 1.