What is Gymkhana? How Can I Get Involved?
What is Gymkhana? Gymkhana is a term used to describe an eqeustrian event consisting of speed pattern racing and timed games for riders on horses. These events often emphasize children's participation and in most of the western United States, the phrase means "games on horseback." Gymkhana include timed speed events such as barrel racing, keyhole race, keg race (also known as "down and back"), flag race, and pole bending. All of these events are designed to display precise, controlled actions and tight teamwork between horse and rider at speed, although most clubs offer a variety of classes, allowing riders to compete at the speed level they are most capable of, and comfortable with.
How much experience do I need to ride a gymkhana pattern? You will need to have a solid seat on a horse when deciding to do gymkhana. It would be best to start off in an english or western pleasure class so that you can develop a good seat on the horse, due to the fact that you will be learning to manuever around obstacles with your horse. While gymkhana is most often observed with horse and rider running through the different gymkhana patterns. All riders and horses start out walking through the patterns, then jogging, loping, and eventually increasing speed as they become more familiar and comfortable with a pattern. Gymkhana is all about precision and being one with the horse and rider. So it is best to master the pattern before increasing the speed. Mastering a pattern before racing through it is also the safest way to keep your horse from unnecessary injuries.
Do you offer Gymkhana classes? Yes we do. Please call us or if your are a student, please speak with our instructors about joining a gymkhana class. We do practice once a week together and if you lease or own a horse, it is best that you practice a couple times a week. We also attend many gymkhana shows a year and would love to have you join us.
When and where do you attend gymkhana shows? Gymkhana shows are held in Acton at the Vincent Hill Arena and Hosted by the Acton Rangers. Our group has enjoyed showing with the Acton Rangers. They offer friendly competition and a relaxed, fun environment. Each gymkhana will consist of 6 events, Washington Poles, Quadrangle Poles, Single Barrel, Precision Barrel, Cloverleaf, and Keyhole. As a side note, Saddle Series Day ribbons are awarded to 5th place in the 4 divisions: AAA, AA, A, and Novice. The Gymkhana show season runs from March through November. We attend 6 of the 8 shows. The shows will always be at the same show grounds. Vincent Hill Show Grounds at: 600 Sierra Hwy,Acton, Ca. 93510
Do I need to own my own horse to ride at shows? No you don't. We do provide nice horses for lease that will match your ability and goals. Please see an instructor to inquiry about leasing a horse.
To Contact Us for more information, please feel out the form below:
How much experience do I need to ride a gymkhana pattern? You will need to have a solid seat on a horse when deciding to do gymkhana. It would be best to start off in an english or western pleasure class so that you can develop a good seat on the horse, due to the fact that you will be learning to manuever around obstacles with your horse. While gymkhana is most often observed with horse and rider running through the different gymkhana patterns. All riders and horses start out walking through the patterns, then jogging, loping, and eventually increasing speed as they become more familiar and comfortable with a pattern. Gymkhana is all about precision and being one with the horse and rider. So it is best to master the pattern before increasing the speed. Mastering a pattern before racing through it is also the safest way to keep your horse from unnecessary injuries.
Do you offer Gymkhana classes? Yes we do. Please call us or if your are a student, please speak with our instructors about joining a gymkhana class. We do practice once a week together and if you lease or own a horse, it is best that you practice a couple times a week. We also attend many gymkhana shows a year and would love to have you join us.
When and where do you attend gymkhana shows? Gymkhana shows are held in Acton at the Vincent Hill Arena and Hosted by the Acton Rangers. Our group has enjoyed showing with the Acton Rangers. They offer friendly competition and a relaxed, fun environment. Each gymkhana will consist of 6 events, Washington Poles, Quadrangle Poles, Single Barrel, Precision Barrel, Cloverleaf, and Keyhole. As a side note, Saddle Series Day ribbons are awarded to 5th place in the 4 divisions: AAA, AA, A, and Novice. The Gymkhana show season runs from March through November. We attend 6 of the 8 shows. The shows will always be at the same show grounds. Vincent Hill Show Grounds at: 600 Sierra Hwy,Acton, Ca. 93510
Do I need to own my own horse to ride at shows? No you don't. We do provide nice horses for lease that will match your ability and goals. Please see an instructor to inquiry about leasing a horse.
To Contact Us for more information, please feel out the form below:
