Medieval Times-Chicago

When the head trainer at Medieval Times Chicago invites you to experience his horses up close, you don’t say no.

Cold Midwest weather makes space for long-overdue catch-up. I’m only a couple of years late on this post, but revisiting it through my photos was such a treat.

Mario Contreras—Master of the Horse and head trainer at Medieval Times Chicago—graciously invited me to one of his shows. Before the tournament, I was given a personal showing of his horses, witnessing years of dedication through capriole and other advanced movements.

The tournament itself did not disappoint. Talented horses and trainers, brave knights, a falconer, and an experience unlike any other. My knight won—and I even received a rose.

After the show, Mario invited me back for a personal tour of the stables where I learned of their day to day and a couple of show secrets.

The full experience is below with behind the scenes at the end.