Tent Pegging
As stated on our main page, some of our members are involved in tent pegging.
The art of Tent Pegging originated in India approximately 500 years ago and was used to practice wild boar hunting on horseback. Later, Cavalry Regiments adopted it as a sport and training aid. In this competition, the rider, using either a Sword or Lance, charges across the riding arena and attempts to pick up a wooden 4-inch block. If the rider successfully carries the block to the opposite corner, then he/she is credited with a full point. If the peg is picked up from the middle of the arena but not brought to the opposite corner, then 1/2 point is credited. Today we use a 300mm x 75mm wide by 25mm thick peg.
There are 3 sections to tent pegging. Over heads lemon and peg, ring and peg, and skill at arms which is a combination of in ground and over heads. All to be done at the gallop.
Single File Run
Distances between markers. Start:(A) present is (25 m) to (B) engage is (20m) to (C) carry is (40m) to (D) recovered (20m) to Finish is (20m). Pegs shall be placed in the ground (1.5m) apart for single file and (2.5m) apart for abreast run.
The pace required shall be full gallop at marker (A) and maintained by all riders until reaching marker (D).
Horses in the single file start in single file but stop in line abreast. Present weapons of pegs to be removed and continue on in line abreast for abreast run. Riders must stay in numerical position throughout the competition.
Lance Drill
In the approach to a peg in either single file or line abreast the lance will be carried in a uniformed position at the "carry or the trail". After reaching marker (A) the lance is to be presented by pushing forward in a vertical position, approximately midway along the horses neck. At marker (B) the lance is to be lowered to engage the riders peg. After engaging the peg the lance is to be returned to the "carry or trail" by marker (D) through the present.
Sword Drill
In the approach to the peg in either single file or line abreast the sword must be carried at the slope. On reaching marker (A) the sword must be brought to the straight arm engage (edge of blade outwards). At marker (B) the sword is to be turned edge down with a slight pause and the point lowered to engage the peg. Thence sword will be carried to the rear and above the level of the right shoulder with a slight pause By marker (D) return the sword to the front with an underhand sweep, and a straight arm slight pause hence resume slope position.
Scoring
Drill points 8 maximum per round. Carry 6 points. The peg is to be removed (20m) or more forward from where the peg was placed. Draw 4 points. Peg to be removed from the ground but not carried (20m). Strike 2 points. Peg struck, but not removed from it’s position in the ground.
Note: peg must be struck on the face by the point of the weapon. Split pegs. Must be struck in excess of ¾" (2cm) from either side to score full points.
Their are also teams (consisting of 4 horses) pairs and individual events.
The below picture is of the Palara Lances team with Bob on the right, then Graham, Troy and Kay.
This picture is of Graham on his horse Cobber tent pegging.
Above is the Australian junior team who rode at Glen Innes show grounds. From Left to Right: Heath Biffen, Grant Biffen, John Gunner, Bradley Hinze.
John on his horse.