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Gymkhana when associated with horses or ponies is a competitive event in which pony and rider skills are tested in a number of different fun competitions. Often run by the pony club or other riding clubs.

Age
Although often associated with children, there is no age restriction to competing in gymkhana, most gymkhanas have open age competitions in which adults can compete and leading rein competitions for young inexperienced riders to compete.

Ability
Very little riding ability is necessary before starting to compete in gymkhanas, as gymkhanas are designed to bring on inexperienced riders. Gymkhanas are often used by experienced riders to give completion experiance to inexperienced horses.

Description
A typical gymkhana will start with a best turned out competition, followed by a number of competitions designed to test rider competency and skills, and to strengthen the bond between pony and rider. (bending; weaving in and out of a series of poles. potato race; involves mounting and dismounting and riding accuracy. There are also competitions that simulate opening and shutting gates while mounted. There may also be some purely fun competitions, designed to improve the enjoyment of riding.

Potential
Experience gained in gymkhanas creates an apatite to competing in a wide range of equine activity, riders quickly finding where their expertise or interest lie. The most prestigious gymkhana event is competed at The Horse of the Year Show.

Closely Related Activities
Pony Club 238, show jumping 241, Le Trec 751, BHS Trec 721, Omoksee and showing. (Omokseea is a term derived from a Native American phrase meaning games on horseback.)

Cost
There is a nominal entrance fee to each discipline entered. These costs are on top of any riding club membership fees and the costs related to owning, keeping and transporting the pony or horse.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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