Knights parade in full costume in front of the judges.
The 21st Running of the King’s Tree Trials sponsored by the Cedar Swamp Lancing Association was held in 2012 at the McCutcheon Training Center near Kingstree. Each participant furnished his horse, his lance, and wore an appropriate costume as did his lady. Families ate barbecue during the competition as was the Trials’ tradition.
The trials used the Rules of Lancing which required three judges, a time keeper, a firm 75- yard turf with a starting post, three ring posts 25 yards apart and nine feet high, and white metal rings two inches in diameter.
The announcer called the riders by their title (i.e. Knight of Greeleyvil le) and used their horse’s name (i.e. Beauregard) The number of rings a rider collected was totaled after three rides. Nine rings was a perfect score.
Riders under age 15 followed the same rules as older riders except they had no time limit.
After winners were decided, the knights assembled in full costume in front of the judges for presentation of trophies. The winning knight’s lady was crowned Queen of the King’s Tree Trials and received a silver goblet trophy.
Spectators casually enjoyed the Lancing event.
Lancing rules require riders to wear an appropriate costume such as this man wore.
This rider is aiming to collect another ring on his lance.
“Red Rider” is declared the victor.
The South Carolina flag makes the Trials official.
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