Pakistani neza bazi (tent pegging) riders parading in a column
A colour landscape photograph showing a column of Pakistani riders crossing a stadium. The column is four-deep and stretches to the background, with at least twenty riders visible. The front four riders are heading towards the right of the camera. Each rider has a pink tunic, pink turban and green armband worn over white garments. All the horses are grey (appearing white) and each has a pink sash passing from its neck to its underside. They ride over bare earth with sparse tufts of grass. A man on foot can be seen to the right of the column’s front. He is carrying a green flag with white writing in Urdu (reading ‘neza bazi’). Stands full of spectators can be seen in the background, with an electricity pylon and at least one treetop visible beyond.
Tent pegging is an ancient martial sport that is popular in Pakistan. It involves riders picking up or piercing targets on the ground using swords or lances whilst riding at speed.
Tent pegging is an ancient martial sport that is popular in Pakistan. It involves riders picking up or piercing targets on the ground using swords or lances whilst riding at speed.