Hedge knights are independent knights who wander the Seven Kingdoms seeking employment with major lords. They are so-called because it is said they are so poor that they cannot afford to stay at inns, but sleep under hedges by the roadsides. They also sleep in ditches and stables. Unlike knights who are are sworn to the service of a lord, they have little money and no family name. For this reason they spend what money they have on armor and a horse and ride in tournaments in the hope of impressing a lord and being accepted into his household or winning a prize.