First lets talk about selecting the field. The field needs to be flat with no bumps in the area were the two horses meet. If not, this could cause the horses to collide with each other. The field also needs to square, so the pullers have enough room to run at 90 degrees from the horses.

The pulley placement will determine the lay out of the rest of the field. To do this, stretch out two lengths of rope across the field 7 feet apart. The pulleys should be placed the length of the run apart,(we used 50 ft), one lined up with each rope. The length of run can vary due to the area available of the field. Shorter fields may cause a problem with the horses getting up to speed before they meet. Adding more pullers can compensate for this. If you do not have enough pullers, a longer run will help them get up to speed before the horses meet.

The rope you select needs to be the appropriate diameter for the pulley system you are using. It also needs to be soft, so that it is comfortable to grip. The length of each rope needs to be the distance the pulleys are apart plus the distance it will take to get the pullers out of sight from the spectators.

A horse should be on the opposite end of the field from its pulley. Place a bale of hay on each side of the horse. Now attach the rope to horse and run it through the pulley and in the direction of the pullers

At this time check the running of the horses. Make sure the casters on the front of the horse are turned forward, so that it will steer straight when you start pulling. If you pushed the horse backward into the start position the caster will need to be turned 180 degrees before they are correct. An easy way to do this is to push the horse beyond the starting position and then pull them forward into it. During the tournament you will need two people to act as handlers that will reset the horses after each run.

Get two people with lances to mount the horses and slowly pull them together. When they meet, check the angle of lances that will enable them to strike the other person. If the angle is greater 45 degrees it will reduce the amount of force that can be delivered. This can be corrected by moving the starting points closer together. If the horses are to close together then they may collided. They may even run fine for several run, then collided due to imperfection on the ground. The trick is to get them close enough that the combatants can hit each other but, far enough apart to keep the horses from colliding. This is something that you will have to play with a little. It appears that somewhere between a 45 degree angle and 60 degree is the ultimate angle. Also at this time mark a line about 3 feet beyond were the pullers now stand this will be the stopping point for the pullers.

Once you are satisfied with the distance between the combatants the field is ready for the spectators. Make sure to mark off a safe distance for the spectators. Except setting up a list table and water bearers, you are ready for the list to begin.