Another season of Mounted Games Across Canada had concluded – and very successfully.
The Mounted Games hosted a clinic at Grand River Raceway on Jan. 22 with Debbie Ottier from Sharpe Farm Supplies. Her topics were nutrition, worming, and vaccinations – to mention a few topics.
The clinic included isolation procedures, current diseases that are posing a threat, the importance of water and a basic nutrition lecture.
Participants learned about what to feed their horses, when to supply supplements, whether to feed first or second cut hay, hay cut hay – or both, and how much is too much.
The Mounted Games Across Canada annual general meeting followed the clinic.
The Mounted Games are a series of relay type races completed while on horseback.
All that is required is simply a sense of balance, coordination, and determination, mixed with the desire for fun, friendship, and good Sportsmanship.
The organization is family oriented and encourages participants of all ages and abilities. Whole families often take part in the sport where the kids have a chance to cheer mom or Dad – or maybe both – to the finish line.
Game format
Team competition was the original format of the games. They are now also played by individuals and pairs of riders.
As with many Sports, mounted games are enjoyed by competitors of all age groups, all levels of riding ability, and game skills levels. The same general rules, however, apply to all divisions: no whips, no spurs, no unsporting or bad behaviour.
A team consists of five riders and ponies. In each game, four out of the five riders compete, allowing the team the flexibility to play its four best riders for any particular game.
In pairs, the race is run with two riders. It is often easier for two friends to train and compete together instead of organizing a team of five.
In an individual competition, only one rider competes, and if any mistakes are made it is easy to see whose fault it was (the rider’s, not the pony – who is only following orders.)
The riders
Riders range in age from youngsters of 7 to “more experienced” in their 60s. Until recently, there was an age limit of 21, but that was changed so there is no age maximum. Riders over age 23 may compete in the Open Class and later they can move into the Forever Young class.
The ponies
Top players and teams may prefer a particular type of pony, but anyone with an equine buddy can get started and have a lot of fun. Almost any horse or pony can become a Games pony. Pedigree is not a requirement.
But, with that in mind, the horse or pony will be subjected to a number of diverse challenges, including coordination, flexibility, obedience and a willingness to be with other horses. Mount and rider will need to learn the requirements of each game, props, sounds (such as the popping of balloons and flapping flags, etc.)
Another benefit is that this repeated exposure to those types of distractions helps the animal to be more stable for the rider – thus making the horse or pony a much better riding experience for all levels of rider. Those benefits can also prove quite valuable as well when exposed to other disciplines. Gaming is one ingredient that can help make riding in any discipline more pleasurable.
The Grand River Raceway venue last month brought riders from Port Perry, Newmarket, and the Fergus-Elora area.
Organizers have tried to make the Mounted Games as competitively friendly for families and individuals. The games challenge the ability, the agility, and a desire for fun, speed, and above all else, the safety of those involved.
As with all clubs or groups, the games can only be as successful as those who organize and volunteer at the events. Organizers are always looking for new members to share the load. The volunteers, at this year’s competitions, made for a smooth transition from race to race.
Winners
The winner of a show blanket for high points at the competition this year was Stacey Bootsma, of Newmarket. The Spirit of Competition blanket for the individual who stepped up to help other riders went to Maddie Chavin, of Elora.
For information about the Mounted Games, visit www.mgac.ca.
