REVIEW: Neza Bazi Family Fun Day Out
- opera787
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
On an overcast Birmingham afternoon folk gathered to enjoy a free equestrian spectacle that brought sunshine and joy.
Neza Bazi Family Fun Day Out was held at The Ackers Adventure Park.
The weather forecast for Sunday was full of rain and thunderstorms but that didn’t stop spectators turning up from nearby Bordesley Green, Small Heath, Sparkhill and Sparkbrook to watch the ancient equestrian sport of Neza Bazi (tent-pegging).
Tent-pegging is a very skilful and exciting cavalry sport where riders on horseback use a lance to pierce and pick up a pinned target off the ground. Tent-pegging apparently dates as far back as the 4th century BC.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment of the British Army also held tent-pegging contests during the British Raj era.
This sporting discipline is recognised by the International Equestrian Federation and clubs have sprouted up around various cities across the UK, and the World Cup of the sport takes place in South Africa.
The recreational sport is attracting youngsters, including girls, and getting people interested in connecting with horses, the outdoors and strengthening community spirit.
The level of concentration, skill, dexterity, and connection to your horse means that tent-pegging requires real dedication and passion. The skills picked up in this sport results in giving the participants a deep respect for horses, nature and fellow human beings. There is a real camaraderie and warmth between the teams which is so refreshing and life-affirming.
At a time when knife crime - and drugs related violence - are reaching epidemic proportions, it’s really encouraging to see the youth engaged in activities that divert their energy away from vice and crime.
Several tent-pegging clubs took part in today’s event, and several teenage riders were spotted in the various teams including female participants. The age range was also diverse with some riders in their 40’s and beyond.
The horses were the absolute stars of the show. They glowed. Each horse or pony was festooned with colourful and decorative ribbons, lace, silks, braids, and a whole assortment of other beautifully crafted objects. It was as if these gorgeous and happy looking animals had stepped out of an exotic tale from The Arabian Nights.
It was so heartwarming to see the horses looking relaxed, healthy and full of zest as they cantered up and down the field as the riders practiced and prepared for the event.
These magnificent horses and ponies were handled with real love, care and kindness by their teams. Treats were constantly given to the horses by the riders, and they were constantly groomed and pampered throughout the duration of the event.
The riders were attired in regal looking traditional Punjabi outfits which included a flowing salwar, kameez and a pagg (turban), and team badges and logos were stitched and sewn into the saddles and waistcoats.
Local families, with grandparents and babies, gathered under overcast skies to bask in a glorious day full of fun. This event, which was sponsored by Birmingham Youth Sports Academy, brought various local communities together to enjoy a lovely day out that inspired unity and friendship.
Before the event was officially opened, a singer stepped forward and treated the audience to a soulful rendition of the poetic Punjabi folk song called Saif-ul-Malook which deeply moved the people, and even the horses became still and paused until the song ended.
When the dhol players played their drums the horses – totally unprompted – began to respond to the musical notes and they started to dance gracefully in a hypnotic manner which was synchronised to the melody of the Punjabi dhols. Even the little children in the crowd began to sway their heads and hips in tune to the dhol music.
Neza Bazi Family Fun Day Out brought sunshine and joy to the heart.
Verdict: ★★★★★
Neza Bazi Family Fun Day Out took place at The Ackers Adventure Park on Sunday 20th July 2025
コメント