Carolyn Noren

Horses have always been an interest in Carolyn's life. Starting at the age of 5, she learned to ride basic Western and English styles of riding and was soon thereafter taking part in shows. She continued riding and learning the proper care for horses at different barns in her hometown of Woodstock, Connecticut. When she was 14, a freshman in High School, she decided to buy a horse of her own. Carolyn purchased a Paso Fino mare named Gabriella. Carolyn continues her riding at Bramble Hill Farms located in Woodstock, CT, and continues working with her own horse.

Carolyn has had an interest in her local Renaissance Faire in Woodstock for a few years, and was astounded when attending the 2004 season to find horses and knights dressed up in costumes, dashing around the field with lances. The same day that the Faire opened to the public, Carolyn was well served by her outgoing personality, and found herself working for the War Horse Rides at The Connecticut Renaissance Faire. She soon learned the daily routine and tasks, which involved grooming and tacking up horses and other errands, along with leading horses and spotting children during War Horse Rides. During this time she met the Paragon Jousting crew, and by the end of the season, was helping out with the upkeep of the jousting horses as well.

Her interests in jousting, horses, and Renaissance history have all expanded, and at Paragon she can incorporate and learn more about the fields of her interests. "The job of squiring looks rough," Carolyn says, "In my first few weekends watching the joust, I learned quickly why squires run. They need to be fast on their feet to keep the show going, and the knights count on them to be everywhere at once." When asked what she would like to aspire to in Paragon, she replied with, "Haha, I want to be a perfect, obedient squire who who can read her knight's mind. Long term goal? I want to be able to yell 'Squire!', and have someone bring me a lance."