Tentpegging and Mounted Skill at Arms (MSAA) are the collective name for equestrian sports using lances, swords and guns on horseback. Disciplines are performed at the gallop as individuals, half section pairs and team sections of three or four. Tentpegging is the ultimate test of horsemanship, requiring determination, hand-eye coordination, discipline and a fearless love of speed. Pegs range from three to one inch in diameter. The majority of horses and ponies can be taught to peg and they love it!  

Now for beginners do not worry, the training process is all done slowly to ensure the riders have control of their weapons and the horses get used to the rather strange activities. 

In the tentpegging community it is often referred to "the sport for broken riders and horses", as it is relatively gentle on both horse and rider compared to other disciplines. Essentially you are just asked the horse to run straight for around 100m and for the riders it is a bit like pony club games, only we use real weapons and don't vault or bend as much as the youngsters. For juniors it is a growing sport, and GB often has opportunity to send youngsters abroad to compete as part of teams. 

The beauty of this particular equestrian discipline is a level playing field, buying an expensive horse won't help you, as it is mainly down the riders skill. Jumping is a relatively minor part of the sport, so if your horse doesn't jump it is not a problem.

The West Oxfordshire Riding Club will be holding a series of clinics and competitions, and everyone is welcome to attend

£10 PER ENTRY