IN 2023, 11-year-old Peyton Barclay (right) stood at the edge of an arena in Cato Ridge, watching her cousin thunder past on horseback, sword in hand, striking a tiny white peg from the ground at full gallop.

That was the moment she discovered her passion for tent pegging and she has been charging forward ever since.

Peyton’s journey began at the Okusha Equestrian Tentpegging Centre in Harrison, Cato Ridge, where she quickly moved from observer to athlete under the guidance of coach Dalene Baksa, a South African Protea athlete and international coach.

Her coach said she immediately recognised something special in Peyton.

“She has a natural talent fused with discipline, courage, and fierce determination.”

Within months of joining Okusha, Peyton qualified for the KZN Equestrian Tentpegging Championships, where she was selected for the Junior KZN Provincial Team.

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The junior division included all athletes under 20, placing Peyton, then just 12, in competition with athletes up to seven years her senior.

Yet the youngest competitor on the field held her own.

Her first KZN Championship was held in Perdekop in 2024 where she and her teammates captured several major honours.

In the same year, Peyton was selected for the SA Development Team.

Now, just a year later and at the age of 13, Peyton is preparing for her second provincial championship, set to take place at Turn & Burn in Lion’s River.

Her coach said Peyton’s accolades speak not only to her technical skill but also to her sportsmanship, dedication, and ability to work as part of a team.

Peyton has her sights set on once again qualifying for the Junior KZN Team, with the goal of competing at the 2025 Inter-Provincial Tournament in October, and at the SA Junior Equestrian Tentpegging Championships in Bothaville later that month.

“There, she will take on top national competitors in the Junior Open category — vying for a coveted place on the SA Protea Team,” said the proud coach.

Baksa explained that tentpegging, an equestrian sport with deep military roots, is not for the faint-hearted.

“Athletes gallop at full speed while executing highly precise manoeuvres, striking pegs from the ground, slicing suspended lemons with a sword, or hooking tiny rings with a lance. One small error can cost crucial points, or worse, endanger the athlete or horse.
The young champ understands the gravity of it all. “If you’re not nervous, something is wrong,” she said.

“You can’t be overconfident when you’re charging with a sword or lance on horseback. You need discipline and full focus, or accidents can happen.”

Peyton said she gets her inspiration from her coach and fellow Protea athlete Makhosazana Dlomo.

The Atholl Heights Grade Seven learner said her dream is to one day wear the green and gold and represent SA as a Protea athlete on the international stage.

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