MOUNTED games is a branch of equestrian sport in which approximately 27 different games are played by people of all ages on ponies up to a height of 1m52cm.

A mounted games team consists of a minimum of four riders and ponies and a maximum of five riders and ponies (usually five). Only four members take part in any given race. Each team has their own trainer, who accompanies them into the arena.

Each team is assigned a lane, within the arena playing field, before the race begins. It is imperative that each team member stays within their own lane. If a rider and/or their pony strays from his/her lane and obstructs an opponent, the team, causing the obstruction is eliminated. After each race the teams will be asked to move to the next lane.

THE START/FINISH

All riders and ponies must be behind the penalty line for the start of the race. The referee raises the flag. The riders are called forward to stand behind the start line and the race is started by the drop of a flag.

If a rider is not ready, you may see them raising a hand, this could be because their pony has turned around or is getting a bit excited at the start line. A referee will not start a race if a rider has his/her hand raised.

The last member of each team is distinguished by wearing a clearly visible hat band of contrasting colour distinguishable from the hat silks. This is useful for scorers and spectators because it indicates which teams are ahead in the race.

All races are decided by the order in which the head of the pony of the last member of each team crosses the finish line.

Points for each race are awarded as follows: the team with the highest accumulated points and the end of the competition wins. In the sport of mounted games every point counts, eliminations can be very costly as the team will receive no points for that race.

TYPES OF RACES

Races can be split into three categories, speed, vaulting and technical races.

Speed

Speed races such as bang-a-balloon and carton are fast and furious – there is no room for error. Riders pass equipment to each other at top speed and the ponies keep up a relentless gallop until they pass that finish line.

Blink an eye and you might just miss them.

Vaulting

Vaulting races can be some of the most exciting races for spectators to watch. These races require riders to dismount from their ponies, carry out a task and remount by vaulting. Sound pretty straightforward? It’s anything but!

These races are done at top speed and require serious athleticism and skill. Riders jump off at full gallop and land without disrupting the forward momentum of their pony, perfectly in sync, pony and rider carry out the task as required.

Then the rider jumps, propelling themselves upwards and back into the saddle. It really is incredible to watch these races. Examples of vaulting races include agility aces, run and ride and victoria cross.

Technical

Technical races require speed, focus, teamwork and above all, precision. This is where you get to marvel at what these ponies and riders can really do.

The really good ponies will do everything they can to help their rider, look out for them lowering their bodies in close to the equipment and racing on autopilot so that the rider can concentrate on the equipment and the task at hand.