At a signal the warhorse leapt forward. His gait picked up quickly. Fifty yards from the target, he broke into a full run. The rider raised his lance until it pointed at the center of the straw-man’s breastplate. The target, outlined in brilliant sunlight, was still clearly visible through his visor. Suddenly, without warning, a young boy appeared, waving his arms frantically. Instinctively, the rider pulled back on the reins. The charging horse dug his front hooves into the ground, reared, spun around and let out a loud whinny of protest. “Easy boy, easy,” the rider, his visor thrown back, spoke sharply, then - softly. “Good boy, easy - easy now.” The great animal heaved and pawed at the earth. Breath billowed from his nostrils. Finally, his energy spent, the horse came to a stop.