Tent pegging is thought to have originated in India.

Mounted soldiers would gallop through enemy camps, removing the tent pegs with their lances and swords. They would be followed by more mounted soldiers who took advantage of the surprise and havoc caused by collapsed tents and a confused enemy. The British Cavalry adopted the principles and adapted them as cavalry training drill.  

Military tournaments were popular before World War 1 The Australian Light Horse used Tentpegging as a training exercise before and during World War 1 and also held competitions. The army was still using horses and tentpegging for weapons practice at the beginning of World War II.

The Australian State Mounted Police also adopted Tentpegging as a demonstration of their skill and horsemanship, participating in demonstrations and competitions at Royal Shows.

In 1964 the first Australian Civilian Tentpegging team was formed in Deniliquin, NSW and they were invited to compete at the Melbourne Royal Show. Following this, several other civilian teams were formed and by the late 1960’s Tentpegging had grown across the four eastern states of Australia. This led to the establishment of State Tentpegging Associations and in 1981 the Australian Tentpegging Association was formed with a view to standardising the rules and judging methods throughout Australia.

The sport received its first international recognition when the Olympic Council of Asia accepted Tentpegging as an official event in the 1982 New Delhi Asian Games.  

With growth of the sport in countries such as South Africa, Namibia, India, Pakistan, Oman, Israel, Great Britain, Netherlands, USA, Canada, and New Zealand,

International competitions are now being conducted by the Federation Equestre International, and the International Equestrian Tentpegging Association, with teams competing from Australia.