Gymkhana games flag race

When participating in gymkhana games it is important that riders compete in a big enough arena, in order to allow adequate room to turn, dismount and canter safely alongside other competitors.

It is also important that horses and ponies alike are comfortable with the equipment used, especially if it needs to be picked up. Looking for upcoming competitions? Search events near you. Skip to content ». Home News. TAGS: essential guide. As you near the finish line, you must grab a flag from the first cone and pass it to your team member waiting on the line. Racing individually would mean you having to collect and move all of the flags on your own.

If you drop a flag, you must dismount or lean if you are near the floor and pick it up. Flags should only be put in the cone from horseback. Just like the school sports day race, but with a pony. You start the race mounted, and must race to the end of the course where the sack is laying. Dismount as quickly as possible, and jump in the sack. You will either have someone waiting to hold your pony, or you must race back in the sack whilst leading it. Make sure your pony knows not to race off, as running in a sack is hard enough when you are on your own.

Develop your sack running technique before you attempt with pony! Before you start put all of your poles in the cones. In front of the first cone place your upturned bucket with mugs on it. At the start you will need to rush to the bucket and pick up a mug, race to the end of the course and put the mug on the top of the pole. If in a team, race over the line so your team member can do the same thing, but placing the mug on the fourth pole after the turn.

If playing individually, you must place all mugs on the poles. Set up your stepping stone in the middle of the course. At the start, race to the end of the course and turn. At the buckets — aka the Stepping Stones — you must dismount and run over them without falling off.

Once completed you must get on as soon as possible and race to the finish line. Practice makes perfect Before you enter any race, you should practice at home or with friends. This should include these are given per course, so if you are racing against others increase the numbers per lane : 5 cones — these should be set up in a line, 7 to 9 metres apart.

Now for the games… Popular gymkhana games Walk, Trot and Canter This is excellent for getting your pony off the leg, or in other words listening and active. Bending race This is the most common game at events, and is usually done at breakneck speed.

Flag race This race is can be done as a team relay, or individually. Sack race Just like the school sports day race, but with a pony. Mug race Before you start put all of your poles in the cones. Stepping stones Set up your stepping stone in the middle of the course. Key things to focus on Always be safe — look after yourself and your pony. It is easy to get carried away. Put the items round the yard, teach them slowly. It will help build their confidence and experience.

Be aware your pony will act differently at the showground — all of the sounds, ponies, and scenery will be new. They are likely to get over excited. Keep them calm and adapt your riding until they get used to it.