Mounted Games
Mounted Games is an equestrian sport in which riders of all ages take part in very fast relay races on ponies.
What is Mounted Games?
Riders need strong horsemanship and good riding skills, along with athletic ability, coordination and a competitive spirit. Just as important, they need to work well as a team and help one another.
A competition is made up of several sessions, and each session can have a number of heats. In each heat, up to eight teams, pairs or individuals race against each other at the same time. The points from each session decide which final every team rides in.
The rulebook describes more than 30 team, pairs and individual races, grouped into speed races, technical races and vaulting races. Any mistake must be put right straight away before the rider can carry on, so the placings can change very quickly.
Once a rider finishes their task, they hand the equipment to the next rider. Changeovers take place in the start box, where riders pass items such as batons, bottles or tennis balls, or simply swap over. The last rider wears a hat band, and their finishing position decides the team’s place.
Each heat is made up of a selection of games decided before the competition starts.
Once all the sessions are complete, the teams with the most points go through to the A final to compete for the overall win, while the others ride in the B, C or D finals. The arena party changes the course between games, and a head judge and five line judges make sure the rules are followed.
Unlike many equestrian sports, you do not need an expensive, highly trained pony.
Most well schooled ponies under 15hh (152 cm) pick up the basics quickly and can become top class Mounted Games ponies. The ponies love racing and watch the starter’s flag for the signal to go.
The pony always comes first. Ponies must be treated fairly and with respect at all times, and spurs and whips are not allowed in Mounted Games.
History
Mounted Games was originally inspired by HRH Prince Philip. In 1957, when Colonel Sir Mike Ansell was Director of the Horse of the Year Show, Prince Philip asked for permission to create a competition for children who did not have access to expensive, high quality ponies. The first Mounted Games event took place at HOYS in London that same year, with teams competing for the Prince Philip Cup.
Mounted Games as we know it today was founded by Norman Patrick. Pony Club games had an age limit, and he wanted to open the sport up to more riders, so in 1984 he set up the Mounted Games Association of Great Britain. In the years that followed, his support and patronage helped the sport spread across Great Britain and beyond.
As the sport grew around the world, the International Mounted Games Association was formed in 2003. It now has members in 26 countries on five continents.
Every year, IMGA runs the World Team, World Individual and World Pairs Championships, the European Championships and the Nations Team Championship. It also sets the international rules and trains the referees who officiate at them. You can find every champion in our Hall of Fame.
Our Partners
How can I get started?
You can join Mounted Games at any time and bring elements of the games into your usual riding. Look at our Member Countries to find a Mounted Games club near you, or get in touch with us and we will help you get started. Many clubs also run lead rein classes, so even the youngest riders can have a go.
IMGA championships are run in four age groups: Under 12, Under 15, Under 18 and the Open class, which is for riders of any age.
Download our Rulebook to 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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Join the Mounted Games family
Find a club near you through our Member Countries.
