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.

Use only the appropriate method for holding a spear during the pig sticking. The shaft should be couched, across the elbow and to the outside of the upper arm, so it can be rotated backwards, around and the target held up after the spear strikes the target.

The rider may only spear one target per pass.