Ali hopes to bring tent-peg to UAE

If ace 'tent-peg' Shahriyar Ali's efforts bear fruit then this fascinating sport of tent-pegging could soon become a regular feature in the UAE's equestrian field.

Ali, a U.S. citizen, who has spent most of his life with horses apart from being a professional banker, is currently looking at avenues to organise demonstration of the art of tent-pegging, an event which could capture the UAE nationals, who enjoy a very close relationship with equestrian sport.

"Tent-pegging is perhaps the most spectacular of all equestrian events. This art originated in India over 500 years ago and later the Cavalry Regiments adopted it as a sport and training aid," says Ali, who apart from winning over 200 flat and hurdle races has also won tent-pegging events in India, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Nairobi, Yemen and Kenya.

"In this competition a rider uses either a sword or lance and charges across the riding arena to pick up a wooden block," Ali stated.

Modern tent-pegging is described as a wooden tent-peg, similar to those ordinarily used in Indian camps, is driven firmly into the ground, and the object of the horseman is to draw this with the point of his lance as he passes at full speed.

"In description the who exercise sounds simple enough, but it is not so when one mounts the horse and tries for oneself. There are more qualities needed than just a good seat and a quick eye to make one an accomplished tent-peg," Ali says.

"The hand must be light as a feather, the grip close as steel, the eye true and the aim unerring," states Ali.

Ali, who is based in Chicago, is currently in the UAE as a Financial Consultant with Rhythm Technologies in the capital.

"I have met the top official at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club and they have evinced a lot of interest. I hope to meet more officials from the various equestrian clubs in the country and then hold a series of demonstrations," he added.