Come look these horses in the mouth at Tent Pegging World Cup

Whether you are a traveller planning a trip to our region in the near future or a local looking for some thunderous action and world-class excitement, you are in for a treat. The City of George is gearing up to bring you not one, but two thrilling events to fulfil your craving for pleasure.

The exhilarating ITPF Tent Pegging World Cup 2023 will take place from 24 to 26 August during the annual George Agricultural Show. The World Cup is an exciting event of international significance that is currently the talk of the town – and with good reason. Competitors from nine qualifying countries (India, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, South Africa, Pakistan and Sudan) will be gracing our abode and surrounds with their presence to compete for the top trophy in this particular discipline of horse sports.

If you are not sure what tent pegging comprises, read on for some fascinating insights into this realm of the equestrian universe. Yes, that’s right, it’s all about horses, riding skills, and accuracy with not a tent in sight.

You might know it by its former name, gymkhana. Origin stories vary, but most experts agree that it’s a sport with Asian roots. The most common theory is that it originated when Alexander the Great invaded India in around 326 BC. According to the legends, his cavalry soldiers used it as their main attack strategy by spearing the toenails (which is a very sensitive spot) of the enemy’s battle elephants to demobilise them and create havoc. In order to achieve excellence in this battle technique, they practised on wooden tent pegs, striking at it with lances and swords from the backs of their galloping horses. Other stories are similar, but place the date of origin in the Middle Ages. Further chronicles give accounts of mounted riders descending on sleeping enemy camps at the crack of dawn, upending tents with their spears, and thereby causing pandemonium.

Regardless of which account is true, the concept is a precious relic from the distant past. Today, tent pegging has grown into a contemporary sport with a huge global following, especially in Australia, the UK, India, Israel, Pakistan, Oman, and Canada. It was introduced to South Africa by Britain during the Anglo-Boer War. The first tournament on South African soil took place in Middelburg (Cape) after which the sport grew in popularity to include participants from outside the military and all over the nation. It is now represented by the South African Equestrian Tent Pegging Association (SAETA), a member of the International Tent Pegging Federation (ITPF) which was declared in 2013 in Muscat, Oman with the aim to promote the sport. The first World Cup took place in Oman in 2014 and was won by South Africa. We proved to be a force to be reckoned with as we came second in both the 2016 and 2018 World Cup events and also took the laurels during the 2018 Women’s World Cup and the 2022 Women’s Grand Prix competitions.

So, how does an ancient battle strategy translate into a modern sport? Tent pegging involves horse riders striking at cardboard pegs stuck into the ground, or objects hanging from an overhead construction, with a lance or sword while on full gallop. Thus, participants must have excellent riding skills, and the horses must be well-schooled in order to respond immediately to commands. A high level of trust between the rider and horse is key. Judges award points for the accuracy with which objects are struck, drawn, or carried. A strike guarantees two points, drawing an object equals four points, and carrying the object will earn a participant six points. If athletes drop their lances or swords or exceed the time limit, they get penalised. Horses are drawn out of a hat to level the competition.

It’s both a team and individual sport, and young and old as well as riders from all genders and backgrounds can compete against each other. Most types and breeds of horses are suitable, but the best ones are those that are flexible and not easily spooked by noises or sudden movements.

If one studies the latest ITPF qualifier ranking list, it seems the battle will be on between Egypt, Oman, and Yemen, in particular, to secure the coveted cup as they are in the top three positions respectively. South Africa is hot on their heels in the fourth place.

Nine competitions will take place during the week of the World Cup, namely: Individual Lance; Pair Lance; Team Lance; Individual Sword; Pair Sword; Team Sword; Lemons and Peg; Sword, Rings and Peg; and the relay competition (first run involves using the lance and the second run comprises the sword). Click here for the programme.

After it was confirmed that South Africa would be the host country for the 2023 ITPF World Cup, the board of the George Agricultural Show, the biggest agricultural show in the Western Cape with a glowing history of 161 years, became a partner to the event. According to Corné Botha, president of the George Agricultural Show, this is an amazing opportunity for both the show itself and the City of George.  “We are thrilled to be hosting this international event on our home grounds. From an economic point of view, it has great significance for local businesses.”  A special arena was built on the showgrounds according to world-class standards, and the scene is set for great equestrian acrobatics.

This is a global event not to be missed, especially if you have an interest in horses or history. Get to George to come watch the best of the best in action. Add all the other great stuff related to the George Agricultural Show (food stalls, activities, and performances by some of SA’s best musicians), and you have a recipe for a truly unique and entertaining weekend. Find some great accommodation lodgings to suit your taste, budget, and needs in George here.