Gymkhana is mounted games competition — fast, fun, and fiercely competitive. Originating from Indian colonial army games in the late 19th century (the word itself derives from the Hindustani gend-khana, a ball house or racquet court), gymkhana has evolved into a structured discipline with national governing bodies, international teams, and a lifelong community of participants. In the UK, it forms the backbone of the Pony Club competitive season.
What Happens at a Gymkhana?
Gymkhana competitions consist of a series of mounted games, typically run in heats against other competitors or teams. Each game involves completing a set task on horseback as quickly as possible — the combination of speed, precision, and handling ability makes for spectacular and exciting sport even for spectators unfamiliar with horses.
Common games include:
- Bending race: Weaving through a line of poles at speed, turn at the end, and return through the poles. One of the most technically demanding games for horse and rider.
- Mug race: Collecting and depositing mugs or cones onto posts at each end of the arena.
- Sack race: The rider dismounts at one end, runs in a sack to the far end, and remounts — controlling the horse with one hand during the return.
- Flag race: Collecting flags from a bucket and depositing them in another, testing one-handed riding and accuracy.
- Potato race: Carrying potatoes in a spoon from one container to another — dexterity and horse steadiness are key.
Team Gymkhana and the Pony Club
The Pony Club runs the most prominent gymkhana programme in the UK, with area competitions leading to Zone championships and ultimately the Mounted Games Championships held at major venues including the Horse of the Year Show. Teams of five riders compete in relays and individual games, and the standard of riding at the upper levels is genuinely impressive.
At team level, vaulting (flying mounts and dismounts at the gallop) is a key skill that separates competitive teams from casual participants. Training a pony for team mounted games involves extensive work on steady gallop control, desensitisation to activity and noise, and reliable game-specific responses.
The Ideal Gymkhana Pony
The classic gymkhana pony is a small, compact, fast animal — typically 12.2hh–14.2hh — with excellent manoeuvrability and a relaxed temperament under pressure. Native crosses, particularly Welsh and New Forest ponies, have traditionally dominated the discipline. The pony must start instantly from a halt, stop quickly, turn sharply, and tolerate all manner of props, noise, and activity around the arena without becoming tense or nappy.
Training a gymkhana pony is not trivial: games ponies often learn specific patterns and anticipate actions, which can be useful (automatic turns at the end of the arena) or problematic (the pony that charges off before the whistle). Consistency of training and clear aids keep the partnership working correctly.
Adult and Open Gymkhana
While gymkhana is predominantly associated with younger riders and ponies, adult mounted games competitions exist and are growing in popularity. The Mounted Games Association of Great Britain runs adult competitions, and some riding clubs include gymkhana classes. The core games transfer well to larger horses, though some games require modification for height and stride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can children start gymkhana?
The Pony Club opens mounted games to children from the age of five in some branches, with led classes for the youngest beginners. Competitive team mounted games typically starts from around age seven. There is no upper age limit, and many adult riders continue competing well into their thirties and beyond. The Pony Club caps participation in certain mounted games formats at age 15.
Do you need a special horse for gymkhana?
Not necessarily for fun, entry-level competition. A sensible, forward-going native type or cob will manage basic gymkhana games perfectly well. At higher levels, speed and manoeuvrability become critical, and dedicated gymkhana ponies with the right instincts and training make a significant difference. A calm, obedient pony that won’t be fazed by buckets, flags, or crowd noise is more important than raw speed at grassroots level.
What is the difference between gymkhana and mounted games?
The terms are broadly interchangeable in British usage. “Mounted games” is the more formal term used by the Pony Club and governing bodies; “gymkhana” is the wider cultural term that encompasses all mounted games competition including informal shows and riding club events. Internationally, “gymkhana” can also refer to any casual mounted competition, whereas the Pony Club’s Mounted Games programme has a specific, structured format.