A Look into the Equestrian Sport of Tent Pegging

Oct 11, 2011
Chris Thomas

Tent Pegging in India, Used with Permission - mbostock

Described as 'fun, fast and spectacular', tent pegging is an equestrian sport worth looking into for males and females, young and old alike.

Practiced in many countries throughout the world, tent pegging is believed to have found its origin in India. Today the Federation Equestre International (FEI) and the International Tent Pegging Association provide opportunities for international competition. Growth of the sport has seen it becoming popular in:

The United States
Great Britain
Canada
New Zealand
The Netherlands
South Africa
Pakistan

The History of Tent Pegging

The sport arose from times of war, when soldiers on horseback would gallop through enemy camps. As they did so, they would use their swords and lances to remove tent pegs from the enemies’ tents. The mounted soldiers that followed would then act on the confusion that was caused to the enemy’s camp.

From here, the British Cavalry took on this protocol, even incorporating it into their training drill. Prior to World War 1, the Australian Light Horse made use of Tent pegging as a training exercise. Competitions and military tournaments were also popular. In 1982, Tent pegging was recognised as an official event at the Olympic Games in New Delhi. From here, growth of the sport has continued in many countries, including those listed above.

Tent Pegging as a Sport

Tent pegging can be carried out individually or in teams. Teams of four can be involved, utilising a lance or sword in the sport. The idea is to strike, pick up and carry a plastic coated cardboard peg over a predetermined distance, whilst on horseback.

For those more interested in competing individually, overhead tent pegging may be the way to go. Again utilising a sword or lance, there are three events that can be competed in. These are:

Rings and pegs
Lemons and pegs
Skills at arms

Choosing to Compete

In order to be able to take part in competitions in Australia, it is a requirement that riders become members of the Australian Tent Pegging Association. For individuals in other countries, it is worth looking into whether a tent pegging association exists or not.

Competitors must be at least 15 years of age if wishing to compete in senior level competitions. To fit in with safety regulations, personal protective equipment including riding helmets must be worn and of approved safety standards. Horses are required to be a minimum of 14.2 hands high for senior competition.

Tent pegging has an interesting history and is now well known around the world as a competitive sport that is fun, fast and for young and old alike. For those interested in finding out more about the sport, visiting the Equestrian Australia or FEI website would be of value.