Horse Bolts Into Crowd at Turku Castle Jousting, Injuring Spectators
At least one person was injured on Saturday when a horse charged into the audience during the Turku Castle Jousting event in Turku Castle Park. The incident occurred shortly after 5 PM as the jousting competition was about to begin, with no barriers separating spectators from the horses.
A woman from Turku, who suffered a calf injury, described the moment as "one of the most terrifying experiences of my life" (Turun Sanomat). She told Turun Sanomat that the horse suddenly bolted toward the crowd, knocking down several people, including children. The woman criticized the event’s organization, stating that staff were unprepared to assist her, and first aid response was inadequate. Emergency medical services were called to the scene, and she was later kept under observation in the hospital overnight (Iltalehti).
Another attendee reported that their 7-year-old daughter was trapped under a fallen person during the chaos (Iltalehti).
Henry Eklöf, CEO of Rohan Stables, the event’s organizer, stated that the horse was startled by an unknown disturbance, causing it to bolt (Ilta-Sanomat). Despite the incident, the event continued, and the horse later participated in the jousting competition as planned (Turun Sanomat).
The Turku Castle Jousting is an annual medieval-themed event that has been held since 2016. It features four historical disciplines: skilled at arms, longsword, jousting, and buhurt. Admission to the event is free, and the competition was set to continue on Sunday (Ilta-Sanomat).
