GYMKHANA

The Fundementals

Gymkhana events create excitement for horseback riding, enhance competitive skills, and encourage friendships among riders passionate about this energetic sport. Participants learn to navigate various timed obstacle courses, promoting teamwork and personal growth in their riding abilities.

Key elements 🐴

Agility and Speed - Riders navigate a series of timed obstacles, requiring quick reflexes and precise control over their horse, showcasing both athleticism and strategic thinking.
Fluid Communication - Effective use of verbal and physical cues allows for seamless coordination between rider and horse, which is essential for executing each course with finesse.
Adaptability - Riders learn to adjust their approach in real-time, responding to their horse’s strengths and weaknesses while maneuvering through challenging patterns.

Evaluation Requirements for Participation

To ensure the safety and proper skill placement of all participants, the following youth must have their horsemaster levels evaluated BEFORE registering for the clinic:

First-Time Participants: All riders joining for the first time, regardless of their horsemaster level.
Level Advancement: Any past participant wishing to progress to a higher horsemaster level.
New Horse Entries: Returning participants who will be riding a different horse.

Learn More

Class Info

Class fees are $60.00 per class

*Participants must be 8 years old by January 1st(current year) or older*

Patterns, gaits, and all activities will be at discretion of the instructor and may vary in order to maintain safety. Please be sure that your horse and you fit the criteria for the class.

Gymkhana 1

For riders with minimal experience.

Class Overview

This class introduces the thrilling world of Gymkhana, focusing on the fundamentals of speed events. Participants will learn essential skills to navigate various speed patterns and courses, with an emphasis on techniques that enhance agility and quickness.

Fundamental Skills:

Correct hand and body positions
Learning balance and control

Gait Techniques:

Walking, trotting, and potential loping (instructor's discretion)
Backing

Exercises and Drills:

Basic techniques and patterns of barrel racing, pole bending, flags, down and back, etc. (instructor's discretion)

Required Horsemaster Level
Level 1 - Mounted Skills

Gymkhana 2/3

For riders with intermediate skills.

Class Overview

This class builds on Gymkhana 1, focusing on increasing both speed and the complexity of the patterns involved. Participants can expect a more challenging environment designed to further refine their skills.

Fundamental Skills:

Refined hand and body positions
Improved balance and steering

Gait Techniques:

Controlled walking, trotting, and cantering
Smooth transitions between gaits

Exercises and Drills:

Indermediate Gymkhana patterns. Emphasis on technique before increasing speed.

NOTICE: Participating horses should be at least 6 years old

Required Horsemaster Level
Level 2 or 3 - Mounted Skills

Gymkhana 4/5

For riders with advanced skills.

Class Overview

This class focuses on mastering advanced Gymkhana techniques, emphasizing speed, precision, and control. Participants will learn complex patterns while improving their overall performance under pressure.

Fundamental Skills:

Highly refined hand and body position

Fully independent seat and hands
Exceptional horse control

Gait Techniques:

Controlled walking, trotting, and cantering at increased speeds

Exercises and Drills:

Advanced Gymkhana patterns. Timed runs on Tuesday.

NOTICE: Participating horses should be at least 6 years old

Required Horsemaster Level
Level 4 or 5 - Mounted Skills