What is Western Mounted Games?
Western Mounted Games is a fast-paced, precision equestrian sport that combines the speed of a racehorse, the turning agility of a cutting horse, and the control of a stock horse. Originating from cowboy gymkhana practices, it tests the ultimate teamwork and trust between a horse and rider through timed obstacle patterns.
⏱️ The Core Events
The discipline focuses on timed American Gymkhana patterns where every split second counts. Competitors—who are categorized into levels based on their average times using a rating matrix—must complete various setups:
- 🏺Barrel Racing: Weaving your horse in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels.
- 🎯Pole Bending: Weaving in a serpentine path through a line of six upright poles.
- 🔑Keyhole Race: Riding into a keyhole-shaped chalk outline on the ground, turning the horse around, and exiting without stepping on the lines.
- ⚡Other Challenges: Fast-paced patterns like Hurry Scurry, Big T, Speed Barrels, and Bi-Rangle.
Who Can Participate?
The sport is inclusive, welcoming riders of all ages, and can be successfully done on practically any breed of horse or pony. Success relies heavily on the rider’s ability to smoothly change leads, control speed, and guide the horse through precise maneuvers.
While popular worldwide, the discipline has seen massive, organized growth in South Africa, managed by the South African Western Mounted Games Association (SAWMGA). It features heavily in provincial and national competitions, as well as the South African National Equestrian Schools Association (SANESA) leagues.
“A horse gallops with its lungs, perseveres with its heart, and wins with its character.”
