Equestrian Draft:Games Spear Throw

Throwing a spear or javelin through a ring or into a target as the rider goes past.

There are several types of games that involve the use of a spear thrown from horseback towards a target. The spear may be thrown to both the rider's off side and the rider's near side. It is recommended that a lane or barrier be used to prevent the rider from getting too close to the targets. There must be either a clear space or barrier behind and to the sides of the spear targets.

After the marshal has declared the course clear and given the rider permission to proceed, the rider will proceed at their chosen gait past the target. The rider will throw their spear attempting to strike the target in the desired location to gain the most points.

This game can be run in one of two ways depending upon the space and equipment available:

• The target may be positioned so that the rider rides towards the target and hurls the spear almost as he passes abreast of the target, the distance being approximately ten (10) feet - this must be at least far enough away to ensure that a "bounce-back" will not hit the horse.
• Alternately, the target may be positioned at a right angle off the lane by several yards. The rider, traveling straight down the lane, turns in the saddle and hurls the spear perpendicular to the direction of travel. More space or obstruction is needed for this set-up behind the target and to either side.

Either method requires close marshaling to ensure the safety of participants, other riders, and spectators.