Slicing oranges with swords on horseback

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GEORGE NEWS - Despite the cold, rainy weather of Saturday 26 August, many local and international spectators gathered at the George Show Grounds for the last day of the International Tentpegging Federation (ITPF) World Cup.

The competition took place over three days with nine participating countries, including South Africa, who qualified for the fourth ITPF World Cup.

Saudi Arabia was crowned as overall winners of the event, followed by Pakistan in second place, and India in the third position. "It was the first time that these three countries received podium places at an ITPF World Cup, which makes this extra special for all participants," said Marje Smit, media liaison officer.

South Africa ended in an overall sixth position, but received a bronze medal for the competition held on the third day, thanks to the ingenious performance of the rider, Burger Heckroodt.

The three-day-event covered lance and sword competitions, a gallows event, and a relay contest. Previously known as Gymkhana, the objective is for a rider to pierce, pick-up and carry a target with a lance or sword, as they gallop towards the target.

PHOTO GALLERY: Tentpegging Federation (ITPF) World Cup

The objective is for a rider to pierce, pick-up and carry a target with a lance or sword, as they gallop towards the target.

A friendly country

"The international countries are very pleased with South Africa's hospitality," said Smit. "They said it was a very fair competition and well-organised."

All the horses belongs to South Africans who made their horses available for this event. "The riders were very impressed with the horses, and said they knew exactly what to do and looked well after their riders," said Smit.

"It's been said that South Africa has raised the bar for the World Cup event. Although the weather did not play along on Saturday morning, it did recover nicely. In George we are used to rapid changes in the weather conditions."

Smit said all the riders where absolutely of world class standard and showed tremendous skill and professionality: "Internationally more competitors are entering tentpegging as a sport, which lifts the level of professionality and competition levels. We are very excited about this. The ITPF is currently attempting to get recognition for the sport on Olympic level."

For more information on tentpegging, contact Marje Smit on 078 606 0706.

A rider from Saudi Arabia picks up the peg with his sword. Photos: Michelle Pienaar