Games
Pure fun on horseback – Mounted Games are fast-paced, team-based challenges like relay races, bending poles, and flag grabs! It’s laughter-filled competition that hones speed, agility, and teamwork.
What is Games?
Mounted Games — or simply “Games” — is a high-energy team discipline where riders race against the clock to complete obstacle-based challenges on horseback. Events include relay races with bending poles, flag races, sock races, speed weavers, and more — all built around quick pony control, hand-eye coordination, and team strategy.
Unlike individual disciplines, Games is entirely team-oriented, with a strong focus on fun, sportsmanship, and lane discipline. It’s thrilling for spectators and riders alike, and provides a fantastic foundation for other riding skills — improving balance, reaction time, and confidence at speed.
Many Pony Club rallies include Games activities, and clubs help form teams for beginners through to experienced competitors. Game on!
Skills you’ll learn
Mounted Games develops a wide range of practical riding and teamwork skills in a fun, supportive setting.
These skills progress through practice at rallies, clinics, and competitions, with emphasis on safety, enjoyment, and building strong rider-pony bonds.
Competition
Riders compete in teams of 6–7 combinations, with flexible age mixes. Individual games — such as bending, mug, flag, and ball & bucket — are run as relays or timed challenges. Teams select any 6 games per event, maintain rider order once started, and aim for clean runs with no fouling.
Events range from club rallies and zone competitions through to the annual Kay Irving Games, Flat & Musical Ride State Championships and qualifiers for Pony Club Australia National Championships. Victoria’s top teams are represented nationally through Team Vic squads.
Progression
Games has no formal grading system — it’s team-based and open to all levels. Progression happens naturally through skill-building and competition experience.
- Start with Games activities at club rallies
- Step up to zone interclub competitions
- Compete at state championships
- Work towards national and international representation through Team Vic Mounted Games Squad selection — with annual skills clinics held throughout the year
All activities follow Pony Club Australia Syllabus principles, with a focus on safety, fun, and progressive development for riders of all ages.
Games Rules
Games follow the Pony Club Australia National Gear Rules (updated periodically) and PCV-specific guidelines. Key emphases include lane discipline, no fouling, and prompt replacement of knocked items.
For full details:
- Check the Rules Hub (includes Bylaws and discipline amendments).
- Refer to the latest PCV Mounted Games rules (amendments effective from dates like 1 March 2023 onward; check for 2025/2026 updates).
- National and state events also reference PCA guidelines for teams and equipment.
Games Resources
FAQs
Check the PCV events calendar on ponyclubvic.org.au, including clinics, zone comps, and state championships.
Standard Pony Club gear applies, with focus on safe, secure saddlery (snaffle bits common). Body protectors recommended for fast activities — refer to current PCA National Gear Rules.
Clubs form teams at rallies; zone competitions lead to state championships. Top performers may be selected for Team Vic squads via clinics.
Absolutely! It's one of the most fun and accessible disciplines — no prior experience needed, just enthusiasm and a suitable pony.
