What is Mounted Games?

Games is a unique equestrian sport that emphasizes teamwork, speed, accuracy, and fun.  Games teams compete in an exciting array of relay races with some pretty unusual equipment -- everything from bending poles to hockey sticks to old socks.  Competitive Games players are highly skilled riders capable of vaulting on and off of their mounts, hanging in front of a pony's legs at a full gallop, and executing tight turns around barrels and poles -- yet even beginning riders can learn to play Games.  Games ponies are exceptional athletes with speed, agility, and a competitive spirit -- yet any horse or pony can be trained to play Games.  Games competitions involve some of the best Games players in the world -- but also include divisions for beginners and mature adult riders who play for the sheer fun of it.

In short, Games is the most fun you can have on horseback! 

Games is all about balance and coordination and control -- riding skills that you may not even realize you're using as you concentrate on grabbing that flag or making that hand-off.  You'll build strength and reliance in your legs when your hands are busy with swords and litter sticks; your coordination will improve as you learn to reach down to your horse's knees to dunk socks in a bucket or pick up a ball from a cone; and the communication between you and your horse will improve as you bend through poles and shuffle mugs back and forth.  You may even learn to vault on and off of your pony!
 

How can you learn to play Games?

We'll teach you!  We incorporate Games into our regular lesson plan because it helps students learn balance and control -- while they're having fun.  We also offer Games clinics for experienced riders (proficient at  walk/trot), and host Games competitions here at Eagle Mountain.  We'll even provide specialized Games instruction for individuals or groups.

What are the requirements for playing Games?

1.  Learn the rules.  You can download rulebooks from the following organizations:

United States Pony Club Rules
Modern Games Assn. Rules

2.  You and your pony must work at staying fit -- Games is strenuous exercise!

3.  Practice using the proper equipment -- see rulebooks for details.  Most items can be made from inexpensive household items.

4.  Keep it fun -- the best Games competitions are relaxed and friendly.

Where do Games players compete?

We hope to offer local competitions here at Eagle Mountain --  but we also participate in USPC, MGAA, and USEGA competitions.  Pony Club offers a regional Games competition for its members (usually held at the Georgia International Horse Park) every year, as well as a National Championships competition in Virginia and Kentucky.  Other Games associations offer clinics and competitions across the country.

Links to Games sites     

Learn more about Games by visiting the websites of these national and international games programs:

United States Pony Club -- Games (USPC)

Mounted Games Across America (MGAA)

United States Equestrian Games Association (USEGA)

Mounted Games Association (MGA)

International MGA Site