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WHAT IS MOUNTED GAMES?
WHAT IS MOUNTED GAMES?
Mounted games is an equestrian sport in which very fast relay races are played by riders of all ages on ponies.
Riders require a high degree of athletic ability, good riding skills, hand-to-eye coordination, determination, perseverance, and a competitive spirit, which nevertheless requires an ability to work together with other riders and a willingness to help one another.
Just like relay races in athletics, multiple teams compete head-to-head at the same time. The start and changeover lines are set 54 meters apart, and various tasks (the games) must be completed between them. The rulebook contains descriptions of more than 30 different team, pairs & individual races, which are grouped according to their main requirements into speed races, technical races, and vaulting races. Any mistakes must be corrected immediately before the race can continue, which means rankings can shift very quickly. Once the first task is completed, the piece of equipment is handed over to the next rider. Changeovers take place in the “start box,” which is 9 meters wide. Here, riders pass items such as batons, bottles, or tennis balls—or simply switch riders. The final rider, identified by a hat band, determines the team’s finishing position when they cross the line.
At competitions, several qualifying heats are held, usually consisting of around eight games. The top-performing teams then move on to the A final—which typically includes ten games—to compete for the overall win. The remaining teams ride in the B, C, or D finals. Course changes for all 24 games are carried out by the arena party. A head judge and five line judges ensure that all rules are followed, including one of the most important: the pony must always be treated fairly and respectfully. Spurs and whips are not permitted in Mounted Games.
Unlike many equestrian disciplines an expensive prefixed pony is not required and most well schooled ponies (under 15hh) will quickly pick up the basics and become top class mounted games ponies. The ponies love racing and will watch the starters flag for the signal to start.
HISTORY
Mounted Games were originally inspired by HRH Prince Philip. In 1957, while Colonel Sir Mike Ansell was serving as Director of the Horse of the Year Show, Prince Philip requested permission to create a competition for children who didn’t have access to costly, high-quality ponies. That same year, the first Mounted Games event took place at the HOYS in London, featuring teams competing for the Prince Philip Cup.
The sport of mounted games as it exists today was founded by Norman Patrick. His aim was to extend the sport, previously age-restricted by Pony Club, for wider participation, and for this reason, in 1984, he established the Mounted Games Association of Great Britain. In the years which followed his continued support and patronage ensured that the sport spread across Great Britain and beyond. At the time of Patrick’s death in 2001, the sport which he had established was being enjoyed by many riders across the world, and the International Mounted Games Association, which was formed in 2003, now has members in twenty two countries on five continents
How can I get started with Mounted Games?
You can join the Mounted Games scene at any time and incorporate elements of the games into your current riding training. Check out our Member Countries to find out if there’s a Mounted Games Club near you or get in touch with us and we will help you get started. Anyone from the lead-rein class onward can take part.
There are different age groups. Some countries offer a lead-rein class for the very young ones, but the official categories are divided into under 12, under 15, and under 18 years. After that, there is only the open class, which is for all riders.
Download our Rulebook, and get to know the different races.
You can also use our DIY Equipment Guide if you would like to make your own equipment.
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