We welcome the British Tentpegging Association back to this July's Forces Equine Games with both a competition and your chance to try this growing sport, with a newcomer training session taking place on the Saturday.
The sport of tentpegging has its origins in the mounted cavalry units of armies worldwide with several mounted and non-mounted troops fielding teams for competitions alongside civilian teams. The BTA are pleased to be associated with Forces Equine to continue this tradition and aim to grow participation in the sport from all areas of the equine community.
"We are so excited to invite the BTA back to FEG. The BTA have been competing at FEG since 2013 and the discipline is so exciting to watch and take part in. We are really happy that this year Forces Equine members and guests have the opportunity to take part in a taster session, BRING ON THE GAMES!" said Debi, Founder of Forces Equine.
Some of the UK's top tentpeggers and their horses will battle to claim the prizes and coveted Master at Arms overall award from 11.30am on Saturday. Watch the action as riders attempt to spear targets as small as one inch in diameter at the gallop with their lances and swords. Riders will compete as individuals and pairs and will offer a team display if time permits.
If you like what you see and are keen to have a go yourself, BTA accredited coaches will be on hand from 5.30pm to run a newcomers training session for you a nd your horse.
Starting with dismounted safety briefing and introduction to weapon drills, you will be introduced to the sport using dummy practise 'weapons.' Once you're happy on the ground, the coaches and members of the GB squad will help you to introduce your horse to the dummy weapons and tent pegs on the ground.
Don't be concerned about your horses' reaction – the vast majority of horses can be taught to tent peg and training starts at walk and trot. All sorts of horses take part in the sport, and many come to the sport as a second or third career, happily competing into their mid-20s.
This is a chance to take advantage of having coaches and top level riders on site and to try something different and rewarding with your horse.
The newcomer training sessions will run for 60-90 minutes, depending on how participants feel, and cost just £10 to cover you as a day member of the BTA. Pre-booking is preferred so the team have an idea of numbers, but you can also decide on the day. Please make your way over to the tentpegging run by 5.15pm so you have time to register, or make yourself known to the organisers from 11am on the day.
To pre-book or for any questions you may have, please contact the BTA Events Secretary Tina Ricketts-Smith via email at naturalbacks@gmail.com
Find out more about the sport at: britishtentpegging.co.uk
Images courtesy of Melissa Penrose-Body on behalf of the British Tent Pegging Association.