Paladin

Paladin is a 16 hand Percheron Gelding from Massachusetts, discovered by Scott in July 2005. Paladin made his Paragon Jousting debut in 2006 as the mount for our Master of the List at the 2006 Vermont Renaissance Festival. Paladin performed in his first joust at the 2007 Hudson Valley Mayfaire.

Paladin's previous career was as a harness horse, showing in pulling competitions throughout the northeast. The horse's owner offered to sell him to Scott after meeting the Paragon Jousting team on the way to a jousting performance. Paladin's owner told Scott that he had a horse that was "meant for better things" than pulling, and he wanted Scott to meet him, because he felt the horse would make a fine jouster. After going to meet and spend some time with Paladin, Scott agreed, and purchased him.

Pal spent most of 2005 being reconditioned, as his previous job required him to have enormous muscle mass. In order to be a jouster, he needed to slim down, and trade some of his incredible pulling power for running stamina. Along with this, he began learning the skills he would need in his new job. Paladin proved to be very intelligent, and a willing student. He quickly acclimated to being under saddle, and developed a trusting relationship with Scott. By the 2006 season, he was ready for his performing debut. Scott and Becca took Pal out to the Medieval Majesty show in Pennsylvania, where Paladin debuted as a Master of the List horse, a role which he reprised at the Vermont Renaissance Festival, working with Seth.

This striking grey Percheron is the largest of the Paragon warhorses, and is a friendly, gentle giant who enjoys the company of people. He has completed his long journey from competition pulling horse to a beautiful show horse, and we are all very proud of his accomplishments!

More updates on his progress as we have them.