Gymkhana games to play with your pony: UK 2025 guide

One of the delights of pony ownership is competing in Gymkhana games. These exciting events offer fun for both rider and pony, enhancing fitness, agility, and control. Many UK shows host a variety of Gymkhana games, often including qualifying heats so everyone has a chance to compete. The Pony Club's official website supports Mounted Games competitions, with regional teams aiming for prestigious events like the Horse of the Year Show. Many accomplished riders started with Gymkhana games. Joining a local Pony Club branch opens opportunities for summer camps and expert coaching, increasing your chances of making the branch team.

Practice Makes Perfect: Setting Up Your Gymkhana Arena

Before entering any Gymkhana race, practise regularly at home or with friends. Most games are easy to set up in your yard or arena. The Pony Club recommends an arena size of 125m by 74m with lines marked 6m from both ends as start and changeover points. For casual practice, smaller spaces suffice, but always ensure there is ample room to turn safely.

Gather your arena props, increasing quantities if racing with others:

• Five cones, placed in a line 7 to 9 metres apart
• Five poles, thin and safe, ideally with flags on one end
• One Hessian sack (avoid plastic bags)
• Five sturdy plastic or camping mugs
• Four strong buckets able to hold your weight

Popular Gymkhana Games Explained

1. Walk, Trot and Canter

This game builds your pony's responsiveness and keeps it attentive to your aids. The course involves three laps, each requiring a different gait at the fastest speed without changing gait mid-lap. If your walk unintentionally shifts to a trot before the turn, you must circle to correct it before continuing. It's a simple, effective game for any practice area.

2. Bending Race

The most common game in Gymkhanas, raced at thrilling speed. Five upright poles set 7 to 9 metres apart form a zigzag course. Riders must weave swiftly through the poles, turn tightly at the last, and return. Missing or knocking over a pole means backtracking or possible disqualification. Poles can be replaced by cones in practice.

3. Flag Race

Played individually or as team relays, this game requires passing or collecting flags from cones. Riders start with one flag and race to the far cone to insert it, then grab another flag on the return or pass it to a teammate. Dropping a flag necessitates dismounting to retrieve it. Flags must always be placed in cones from horseback.

4. Sack Race

Inspired by the traditional school race but mounted on ponies. Riders hurry to a sack, dismount swiftly, hop into it, and race back led by a handler or teammate. Ponies should be trained beforehand to remain calm, as running in a sack can be tricky. Practise your sack technique solo first.

5. Mug Race

Starting with poles in cones, an upside-down bucket with mugs set before the first cone. Riders race to grab a mug, ride the course, and place the mug on the poles. In teams, each places mugs sequentially; solo riders manage all mugs themselves. Dropped mugs must be retrieved before continuing.

6. Stepping Stones

Set stepping stones or sturdy blocks mid-course. Riders race, dismount, and run over the stones without falling, then remount quickly and sprint to the finish line. This game sharpens balance and quick mounting skills.

7. Musical Mats

Like musical chairs with mats. Riders circle on ponies until music stops, then dismount to stand on a mat. One mat is removed each round, and the last rider on a mat wins. This game encourages quick thinking and agility.

Key Focus for Safe and Successful Games

• Prioritise safety for both you and your pony to prevent accidents.
• Familiarise your pony gradually with equipment like flags and poles; introduce these around the yard to build confidence.
• Expect your pony to behave differently at shows, possibly becoming excited; keep calm and adapt your riding accordingly.
• Practise core skills: speed control, sharp stopping, precise turning, object pickup, and quick mounting/dismounting.
• Above all, enjoy the experience and celebrate progress with your pony.