Female 'Knights' to Compete for the 1st Time Ever at English Heritage Jousting Tournaments in UK

— -- For the first time ever, female "knights" will be joining jousting competitions at castles in the U.K. this summer, according to English Heritage, a registered nonprofit that manages over 400 historic sites in the U.K. and routinely hosts jousting events.

"Horsewoman extraordinaire" Nicky Willis will be the first woman to take the reins at the English Heritage's annual Grand Medieval Joust at Kenilworth Castle this Saturday, the nonprofit told ABC News today in a statement.

Willis will be pitting her skills against three leading male knights, including Russian champion Dimitry Shabachenko, the nonprofit said.

"I have heard how much fun it is to joust at Kenilworth and can’t wait to be part of the action this year," Willis said in a news release. "Kenilworth is famed for some of the most elaborate tournaments in Medieval England -- as well playing host to one of England’s strongest women, Queen Elizabeth I –- so it’s the perfect place to sort the women from the boys!"

Historically, women weren't allowed in the "elite band" of knights who took part in jousting tournaments, according to English Heritage's head of events, Emily Sewell.

But "[n]ow they are," Sewell said in a news release. "[I]n order to bring our visitors the opportunity to witness some of the most accomplished knights on the circuit, it made complete sense to invite the leading female jousters to join us this summer."

Female jouster Alix van Zijl will later compete in tournaments at Carisbrooke Castle and Bolsover Castle this August, according to English Heritage.