The lengthy (but interesting) reason why we include Mounted Games in our riding lessons:
WHAT IS MOUNTED GAMES?
Games is a unique equestrian sport that emphasizes teamwork, speed,
accuracy, and fun. Games teams compete in an exciting array of
relay races with some pretty unusual equipment -- everything from
bending poles to hockey sticks to old socks. Competitive Games
players are highly skilled riders capable of vaulting on and off of
their mounts, hanging in front of a pony's legs at a full gallop, and
executing tight turns around barrels and poles -- yet even beginning
riders can learn to play Games. Games ponies are exceptional
athletes with speed, agility, and a competitive spirit -- yet any horse
or pony can be trained to play Games. Games competitions involve
some of the best Games players in the world -- but also include
divisions for beginners and mature adult riders who play just for the sheer
fun of it.
In short, Games is the most fun you can have on horseback!
HOW CAN GAMES IMPROVE YOUR RIDING SKILLS?
Games is all about balance and coordination and control -- riding
skills that you may not even realize you're using as you concentrate on
grabbing that flag or making that hand-off. You'll build strength
and reliance in your legs when your hands are busy with swords and
litter sticks; your coordination will improve as you learn to reach down
to your horse's knees to dunk socks in a bucket or pick up a ball from a
cone; and the communication between you and your horse will improve as
you bend through poles and shuffle mugs back and forth. You may
even learn to vault on and off of your pony!
HOW CAN YOU LEARN TO PLAY MOUNTED GAMES?
We'll teach you! We incorporate Games into our regular lesson
planning because it helps students learn balance and control while
they're having fun. The cool thing about Games is that riders of all ages and abilities
can play -- even young riders on a leadline can learn and compete.
We offer a one-day Intro Games Camp for beginning riders (walk/trot) and a fast-paced Mounted Games Camp for more advanced riders. We'll even provide specialized Games clinics for individuals or groups -- at your barn or here at HorseSense.
It's always a good idea to study more advanced riders, so our students are welcome to watch and assist in our local practices and competitions. You can learn a lot about the games you want to play when you work with the Ring Crew!
WHERE DO GAMES PLAYERS COMPETE?
Although
there are some competitions with games for individual players, most
competitive Mounted Games are all about teamwork. Games teams of
2, 4 or 5 riders -- of any age -- can compete locally here at The
Stables or in one of the national MGAA or USMGA competitions. These Games associations offer clinics, competitions, National
Championships across the country, and even an international Worlds Cup
competition. Pony Clubs around the world also offer regional
and national competitions for their members.
We
offer several opportunities throughout the year for our students to
compete. In addition to our Mounted
Games Day Camps, we include a very popular Games division in our
annual schooling show and
host occasional themed Games competitions, like our
Trick-or-Treat Games for Halloween.
Students are also welcome to join us when we travel to Kentucky or South
Carolina for MGAA or USMGA competitions.
You'll notice that teams at most competitions have their own team name (e.g., "The Wildflowers") and are encouraged to dress themselves and their ponies in color-coordinated gear. This allows spectators to join in the fun: "Go Wildflowers!"
You can see photos of our local games camps and competitions in our Photo Gallery. We also videotape our competitors when we go to national competitions so our students can see what happens at competitions; click here to see our favorite videos. There are also some great videos on YouTube of Mounted Games competitions -- including the exciting Worlds Cup competitions.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAYING GAMES?
1. Learn the rules. You can download rulebooks here:
Mounted Games Association Rules
2. You and your pony must work at staying fit -- Games is strenuous exercise!
3. For serious competition, your Games pony should be under 15 hh. While you can play informally on a taller mount, a smaller pony will make it much easier on to grab a ball off a cone and dunk it into a bucket -- not to mention vaulting into the saddle!
4. There are some games that can be played from a Western saddle -- but there are many other games activities that are awkward or dangerous with a saddle horn. You'll find it much easier to play Mounted Games in an English saddle.
5. Practice using the proper equipment -- see rulebooks for details. Most games equipment can be made from inexpensive household items.
6. Practice at least weekly, rotating through all of the games.
7. Keep it fun -- the best Games competitions are relaxed and friendly, and you will play better when you're having fun.
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MOUNTED GAMES?
Learn more about Games by visiting the websites of these national and international games programs:
International
Mounted Games Association