Tent Pegging

Tent Pegging is a sport of cavaliers with roots going back to centuries BC. The exact origins of the sport are not determined but some sources say it dates back to 326 BC in the North Western province of India and Afghanistan. It is for sure the sport is originated in Asia.

There are two widely accepted theories about the term "tent pegging". One that it was a training tool for the cavaliers in India. They trained to stab the sensitive part of war elephant's foot behind the toenail. This stabbing caused the enemy elephants to run back into their own ranks and trample infantry.

Second theory is that cavaliers practiced tent pegging to use it in a surprise pr-dawn attack on enemy camps. Pulling the tent pegs of enemy tents caused the tents to collapse.

In tent pegging, a rider galloping on a horse back with a lance or a sword pierces and picks a wooden peg from the ground.

These days tent pegging is practiced around the world but is more popular in Australia, India, Israel, Oman, Pakistan, South Africa and UK. In 1982 the Olympic Council of Asia included tent pegging as an official game. In 2004 the International Federation for Equestrian sports, recognized it as an official equestrian discipline as well. Since 2008  tent pegging games remain centered in Asia and Middle East.

A sketch depicting tent pegging during "British Raj" in India

Tent pegging in Asian games

Asian games

Rider dressed in traditional dress of Punjab 

Great shot of horse and rider in action

Getting ready for the competition 

Tent pegging with a sword

Horses are decorated with colorful scarfs

Credits: Google etc.