Welcome to a’Plaisance, Ltd.
a’Plaisance, Ltd. is a full service, Chivalric Equitation training facility and Event Production company specializing in memorable historic equestrian events and is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country just north of Austin, Texas. Our facility is the home of Chivalric Equitation in the USA and is made up of friendly people who all share the love, camaraderie and esprit de corp of historic jousting tournaments.
Learn to Joust
Whether at our facility in the beautiful Texas Hill Country or at our clinics around the USA, join us to learn everything you will need to know to succeed in this historical martial art.
- Learn to handle various weapons on horseback
- Experience riding in armour
- Master striking your target
- Train for the tournament
Event Production
Would you like to see Competitive Jousting live? Would you like to host an event or sponsor a clinic of your own? We offer many opportunities to experience Chivalric Equitation.
- See Competitive Jousting live
- Host your own event
- Sponsor a clinic
- Non-profit fundraisers
- Corporate events
- School demonstrations
Horse Training
Do you have a horse that you’d like trained for Chivalric Equitation? a’Plaisance Academy will teach them the fundamentals of carrying an armoured rider, how to maneuver the Skill at Arms course and how to help their rider compete in a melee.
- Accept the weapons of Chivalric Equitation
- How to carry an armoured rider
- Be relaxed amongst the sights and sounds of a tournament
a’Plaisance has been a key partner for Fable Fest since the beginning of the event. They have added tremendous entertainment and educational value to each Fable Fest with spectacular jousting displays. Their knights embody chivalry and honor in both jousting matches and chatting with attendees. They have also been thoughtful, professional and dependable colleagues who we can count on to bring a high level of quality, share creative ideas, and be easy to work with.
– Julia Mitschke, Director, Cedar Park Library
– Andrew McKinnon, Executive Director, The Tournament of St. Ives, Australia
Steve is a talented and knowledgeable jousting instructor. His lessons are coherent and he never fails to ensure his students understand the concept being taught. His passion for the chivalric and equestrian arts is made transparent by the joy in which he teaches them.
– Raven Eastwood
After seeing just one production of Lysts on the Lake, I was so inspired that I found a new horse, historical armor and trained for several years until I achieved my goal of jousting at Lysts. Steve Hemphill was pivotal to that journey, providing advice and key training as I progressed along this path. On the occasions I can’t ride, I join the ground crew which is as much fun as jousting. Nowhere else have I enjoyed such camaraderie, joy of spirit and smooth organization and operation of a such a complicated sport. I can’t wait until the next one!
– Melissa Midzor
Lysts on the Lake is a very special event for me. The team that Steve has curated to support the tournament is fantastic in every aspect. Lysts is probably the friendliest event I have ever enjoyed participating in. Good sportsmanship is important at Lysts and that is something I really value. A chance to ride at this awesome event is one not to be missed.
– Sarah Hay
I was the lead in planning a medieval history day for the Midway University’s horse club. Working with Steve and a’Plaisance Ltd. to make this event happen was the best decision we could have made. Steve and his team are incredibly knowledgeable, organized, and thorough. Communication was prompt and effective, which made dealing with university procedures a breeze. We were able to work with Steve to create an event that was both educational and entertaining; that both the college and local communities enjoyed. Steve was professional and polite making sure any and all questions and requests were heard. I would not hesitate for a second to work with he and a’Plaisance Ltd. again to produce a quality event.
– Victoria Nader
– David Parish-Whittaker
The first time I ever attended Lysts on the Lake, I did not ride but I had been involved in medieval recreation for many years. I was immediately captured by the atmosphere and the pageantry and I was hooked. With Steve’s help and training, by the next year, I was completely into a horse owning lifestyle and returned to Lysts as a competitor. Since then I have attended many a’Plaisance events and it has rekindled my interest in medieval history and allowed me to travel all across the country and even oversea in a way I never would have otherwise. Thanks for the opportunity to be involved!
– Galen Bevel
– Jim Myers
– Whitney Schneider
– Doe Flynn
I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering at Lysts on The Lake as a Mounted Squire for the past 8 years. On the field during the joust and other activities it is my job to “run lances” as well as oversee the safety of everyone on the field and assisting where needed. Over the years, I’ve seen many displays of true chivalry between competitors and volunteers. This event is a highlight of my year. It is run with great professionalism and a village feel that is refreshing and a joy to work and attend. .
– Robin Daniel
Lysts on the Lake is a fabulous experience, learning from and working with experienced equestrians from around the world.
– Scianna Augustine
Lysts on the Lake … the grounds are a magical place which draw and hold me in a dream of when jousting was the sport of the day and all the hard work I put into my horse and his armor finally paid off. Even only watching the mounted combat, you get the swirl of color and excitement and anticipation.. so much in one! Pictures are memorable, but you truly have to surround yourself with it for the best time of your life.
– Lesley Wilson, Sponsor, Darkwood Armory
– Casey Smith
– Elizabeth Baker
– Helena Taft
– Dianne Karp
– Caroline LaBrie, Arion Productions
– Kristi Kam
– Linda Young
– Allan Winkel
