Crowds of people flocked in their hundreds to this year’s first-ever Neza-Baazi tent-pegging tournament held over on Sunday, May 24, at the fields on Leeds Road.
Organised by the Ali-Shaan Rupyal Tent Pegging Club, riders from across the country came to take part in over eight hours of amazing equestrian games. Turbans and traditional clothing were worn by the competitors whilst different clubs competed against each other for a selection of trophies and other accolades.
Trained expert riders - and some very brave young boys - were sat on their fast galloping stallions while racing across the Leeds Road fields. The challenge for each rider was to pick up a tent peg stuck in the ground with a lance as his stallion galloped past with lightning speed.
A spokesperson for the Ali-Shaan Rupyal Tent Pegging Club told the Reporter Series:
“The Leeds Road Fields saw another hugely successful tournament showcasing the best mix of traditional Pakistani culture and British culture.
“Tent-pegging is not only a sport, but the riders sitting on their magnificent stallions also represent a symbol of patience, bravery, and utmost discipline.
“We were also privileged this year to welcome young 12-year-old Prince Yusuf Ali as the latest addition amongst our dynamic group of Ali-Shaan Rupyal riders.
“As the tournament organisers, we also felt absolutely delighted to welcome our local community. To see more and more residents - especially from our local white-English speaking communities - was something exceptionally encouraging.
“Everyone turned up to have a great time at our free event. The aim was to bring all our communities together through this tournament.”
The annual family event also had ice cream vans on standby, alongside stalls selling Indian food with cold refreshments.
Information stalls from Kirkwood Hospice were also busy handing out leaflets about their work.
1. Neza-Baazi tent-pegging tournament
It was an afternoon of culture, colour, dancing stallions, delightful food and breathtaking equestrian showmanship in Heckmondwike at the end of May. Photo: SUB
2. Neza-Baazi tent-pegging tournament
Crowds of people flocked in their hundreds to this year’s first-ever Neza-Baazi tent-pegging tournament held over on Sunday, May 24, at the fields on Leeds Road. Photo: SUB
3. Neza-Baazi tent-pegging tournament
Organised by the Ali-Shaan Rupyal Tent Pegging Club, riders from across the country came to take part in over eight hours of amazing equestrian games. Photo: SUB
4. Neza-Baazi tent-pegging tournament
Trained expert riders - and some very brave young boys - were sat on their fast galloping stallions while racing across the Leeds Road fields. Photo: SUB