AN INTERNATIONAL competition with a medieval twist is heading to the county this weekend.

The Scottish Tilting Riding Club (STRC) is hosting the Garleton Lodge International Tilting Competition on Saturday at the Rockrose Equestrian Centre near East Linton.

Tilting is a sport that has its roots in medieval jousting, where knights would hone their skills with a lance.

When jousting was later banned, after an eye injury sustained by King Henry II, the sport of tilting was born.

The modern sport sees riders try to ‘spear’ sets of rings, requiring pinpoint accuracy and skill as they become progressively more challenging, and as small as 4mm.

The international event will see riders from Scotland, England, the Netherlands and the USA battle it out to take home the Garleton Lodge trophy.

'It's going to be a really exciting day'

Scott Rodgerson, treasurer of STRC, is delighted to see the event return and hopes that residents will turn out to support the event, held for the first time in three years due to Covid-19.

He said: “We hope to see lots of supporters along at Rockrose on Saturday and hearing them cheer on the riders and their country.

“It’s going to be a really exciting day; and it’s very good for East Lothian to host this exciting international sport.

“We really hope that the county will come along and show their support.”

The event will be contested over two disciplines, ring jousting and tilting, with the former taking place in the outdoor arena and the latter inside.

Competitors will be put into two categories, open and novice, with winners and prizes awarded in each section, as well as an overall international champion.

The competition will start at 10am on Saturday, concluding at 2pm.

The event is free, and all are welcome to attend, with car parking available.

Further information can be found on the Scottish Tilting Riding Club Facebook page.