Equestrian Draft:Games Pig Sticking

Targets are placed on the ground which the rider attempts to spear with a lance or spear.

This game builds the skills necessary for spearing objects that are low to the ground with accuracy such as in the hunting of wild boar. Generally the objects to be speared, such as duct-tape-wrapped-Styrofoam targets, require a sharp point on the spear.

This game may be done either with stationary or moveable targets.

The stationary targets are placed on the ground in the center of the list area with room to pass on either side of the targets. The rider then rides past the targets at their chosen gait and attempts to spear a target and raise it to the vertical.

For moveable targets, the target is attached to a line on a coursing apparatus or similar and may only be pursued from one side. Lure machines must be set up in such a way as to reduce risks to the ground crew by using extra pulleys to keep the lure person out of the path of the horse and rider.

The rider may only spear one target per pass.

When the activity includes a ground target, and the intent is to strike towards the ground at the target while holding a spear or lance, the following applies:

• The rider shall use the following technique:
  • Overhand grip (hand on top of the lance). The shaft must be held in line with and pressing against the underside of the forearm. Do not hold the lance away from, or perpendicular to the forearm.
  • Extended lance forward of the horse slightly, the tip ‘ridden into the target’ – not thrust at or from a bent arm. Once the tip strikes the target and the ground, the elbow should be relaxed and the tip left in place as the horse passes by, the lance and arm ending up moved to a position behind the horse, before being lifted and swung back along the same line, parallel to the horse’s body.
  • Always maintain grip (not shift their grip) of the lance during the strike and immediate lifting of the lance after the strike.
• "Ground target" does not intend to include the situation in which the target stand rests on the ground. Ie. A hay bale (or stacked hay bale) on the ground, and the target is on the bale but clearly above the ground.
• There shall be no throwing/releasing of a spear or javelin at a ground target within close proximity of the horse (within 5 feet of the horse).

1. It is not the intent of this recommendation to preclude historical techniques of spear and lance activities. Historical techniques, such as those depicted in the Bayeaux tapestry, include changing the grip on the lance when switching between target types (a ground target to a standing target, for example). However, when stabbing at the ground there should be minimal shifting, and the grip should be maintained.