Riding through the lush landscapes of South Africa on her trusty horse Yogi, Khosi Dlomo embodies grace, skill, and determination. At just 19 years old, she is breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in the world of equestrian sports with her passion for tent pegging.
“When you get a peg, it gives me an adrenaline rush,”
confesses Dlomo, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she describes the thrill of aiming for and successfully hitting a target while riding at full speed. In tent pegging, precision is key as competitors aim to dislodge small wooden pegs from the ground using lances or swords—all while mounted on a galloping steed.
The origins of tent pegging trace back to medieval India but found its way to South Africa during the Second Boer War thanks to British cavalrymen. Dlomo’s journey into this unique sport began serendipitously after attending a friend’s horse-riding birthday party in Durban—a fateful encounter that sparked her love for all things equestrian.
As the sole black female registered in sub-Saharan Africa for tent pegging, Dlomo stands out not only for her formidable skills but also as a symbol of diversity in a predominantly white middle-class sport.
“It’s an amazing honor and opportunity…but I also feel a bit of pressure and responsibility,”
she shares humbly, recognizing the weight of representing underrepresented communities in this niche discipline.
Dlomo’s training regimen is rigorous; she diligently hones her craft at her base in KwaZulu-Natal. From perfecting her aim during target practice to mastering intricate drills on horseback, every moment is dedicated to sharpening her abilities for competitions both local and international.
Despite her undeniable talent, Dlomo faces challenges common to many aspiring equestrians—the exorbitant costs associated with maintaining horses. According to estimates by the South African Equestrian Tentpegging Association
as reported by BBC Sport Africa,
supporting a single horse can amount to significant expenses annually. Nevertheless, fueled by unwavering dedication and familial support, Dlomo remains undeterred in pursuing her passion.
“Unfortunately I do feel tent pegging is in danger of extinction,”
laments Dlomo thoughtfully as she reflects on the declining participation rates observed at recent championships—an ominous sign that threatens the future of this traditional sport she holds dear. In an effort to breathe new life into tent pegging and attract diverse audiences, especially younger generations, Dlomo aims to raise awareness about this captivating discipline.
Determined not only to excel personally but also to promote inclusivity within equestrian circles, Dlomo advocates for gender equality within competitive spaces. In tent pegging events where men and women compete side by side based on merit rather than gender distinctions alone,
“What I love about the sport is that you’re not looking at my gender…you’re looking at my capabilities as a rider,”
emphasizes Dlomo passionately.
At the 2024 World Championships held in Jordan last year,
Dolmo participated alongside fellow riders from around thw world.
. She faced unique challenges competing on an unfamiliar horse due tinternational competition rules Yet despite these obstacles,she helped lead South Africato fifth place finish—a testamenttoher resilienceand skillontheworld stageKhosi Dolmo’s story servesase inspirationfor buddingequestrians everywhere.Her grit,determination,and commitmentto diversity showcase why representationandinclusivity mattersin everysport—makingher atrailblazingfigureinthe realmofequestrainexcellence
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Source: [BBC Africa](https://www.bbc.com/sport/equestrian/articles/czxyv3xw3L9o)
