What is it?
Basically, mounted games are races on horseback where an obstacle or task needs to be negotiated in the fastest possible time either as an individual or in teams. Mounted games are always popular with spectators and the Pony Club finals at the Horse of the Year Show is a real crowd pleaser.
When?
Gymkhana games take place during the summer at local shows. Pony Club mounted games zone and area finals also take place in the summer culminating in the finals at the Horse of the Year Show in October.
At what level?
Any rider can take part in local gymkhanas from leading rein to open. In Pony Club mounted games riders compete in teams of four (although in some games a fifth rider is required) and must be under 15 years of age. The competition is very fierce to earn a coveted place at the finals, although there are plenty of 'friendly' competitions too. After the age of 15 it is possible to continue with the MGAGB (Mounted Games Association of Great Britain) either individually, as a pair or in a team.
How is it judged?
Basically the team/individual to finish first is the winner but there are specific rules for each game and there are 40+ games to choose from! These vary from very basic games requiring little equipment such as the Bending where riders must weave in and out of a line of five poles; to more complicated ones such as the Dragon Race which involves bursting balloons attached to a 'fire-breathing' dragon (it's a smoke machine!) with a lance then number five must tie ribbons to the lance before being carried off on number four's pony!