Equestrian Federation of Pakistan

Tent pegging, a sport of cavaliers, has roots that reach back many centuries. While the exact origins of the sport may not be well known, it is believed to have begun in 326 BC in Afghanistan. In tent pegging, a horseman rides from the speed of a gallop using a lance or sword to piece into a ground target that looks like a tent peg. In fact, it symbolizes a tent peg, and you might have a congregated group of targets.

After the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947, tent pegging lose some popularity because of various reasons. This ultimately led to some of the more glamorous games like squash and cricket gaining more favor. While the cities of Pakistan like Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Sukkur saw a rise of popularity in squash and cricket, luckily, the rural regions of Pakistan kept tent pegging alive. They provided the funding and raised the horses. In addition, they maintained the playfields, and the tent peggers attended to participate.
Tent pegging has long been the most popular equestrian events found every year in Punjab and North Pakistan. The National Horse and Cattle Show is a mega event, and it covers every type of sport and cultural activity you can find. Unfortunately, this show was discontinued, and we saw a loss of patronage with tent pegging. Luckily, the cattle selling markets of the Mela Mandis in the Punjab province saw the revival of this sport. At these events, we saw valor and competitive edge of tent pegging in one place where players from across Pakistan have participated.
Enthusiasts of the sport of tent pegging come from across Pakistan, and they wear their traditional uniforms. For those who have never seen this, it’s worth the sight. You could see participants practicing their skills, and only a few succeeded with uprooting the tent pegs from the ground. This goes to show the level of skill and dedication required. It can be hours of fun even watching the horsemen trying to uproot the tent pegs.

Copyrights: Equestrian Federation of Pakistan 2022-2023