Enjoy tentpegging at the MP Show

MBOMBELA - The sport of tentpegging, formerly known as gymkhana, involves swords and lances with which the rider has to strike an object at a full gallop.

The bond of trust between horse and rider has no boundaries. To successfully strike an object that is driven into the ground or hanging from an overhead gallows construction, calls for the rider to focus on the object and to strike it without having to distract his concentration by shifting his attention to his horse.

Once a rider commences an event, the emphasis is on the object and not on his horse. Tentpegging calls for a well-schooled horse that will respond to commands instantaneously and have no fear of noise or sudden movements.

A high standard of riding skill is required to gallop a horse at full speed and maintain posture as judges award points for the style and accuracy with which objects are struck or retrieved.

Witness four horse and rider teams at the Mpumalanga Show, taking place from August 24 to 27. These riders will be performing a very rare demonstration on the 26th. You will have to come and see it for yourself - photos and videos on social media are rare. The event will be taking place on the main field. “Fire, speed and weapons on horseback are all we will leave you with for now,” the organisers said.