Dozens of riders turned out to showcase their skills at an extravagant tent-pegging tournament in Blackburn. The now annual event at Pleasington Playing Fields took part throughout the day on Sunday. Riders gathered early in the morning for the event which attracts crowds and fans from across the North West to the town.
This year organisers had decided to separate the event from a Kabaddi tournament. Both have taken place on the same day in recent years but due to numbers and parking the events will be held a week apart.
Tent pegging is an equestrian sport where mounted horseman gallop, pick up and carry away a small ground target.
Each club, dressed in their club colours with matching turbans enter the playing area joined by supporters and drummers. Riders gallop down a playing area and attempt to hit a small target on the ground.
This year a juniors team from each of the clubs opened proceedings to show off their skills.
When a target is hit, a commentator, who was one of the highlights of the day, congratulated the rider and his team to the sound of more dhol drums.
Each club had its own colours and regalia with riders and horses extravagantly adorned. Imtiyaz had travelled from Accrington. He said: “I missed it last year but it is lot bigger than I thought it would be. “It is great to meet old friends and the horses are amazing.”
Kamran has headed to Blackburn from Bolton. He added: “I think it is great that the sport is alive and well. “It is a lovely day out for everyone.”
Next Sunday the Kabaddi tournament will be held at the same location.
