Mounted Games Across Canada is about a lot more than who gets to the finish line first.
Whole families can take part and kids have a chance to cheer mom and/or dad to the finish line.
To take part, all that is required is a sense of balance, coordination and determination, mixed with the desire for fun, friendship and good Sportsmanship.
Mounted Games Across Canada (MGAC) is a dedicated, family-oriented organization that encourages participants of all ages and abilities.
As the season opened earlier this year at the Grand River Raceway, MGAC president Maureen Lalonde was more than happy to share a few thoughts about the games.
Though the weather was gorgeous, Lalonde noted it also meant the ponies needed to be well hydrated.
She added the raceway always generously provided large fresh water tanks for the ponies.
Nearby, the organization provided a large cooler with bottled water for the riders.
Lalonde explained the opening day had a slate of 15 races divided into two levels, one of which is a novice level.
Lalonde explained the novice level allowed for additional assistance for the riders.
“We want to make sure they enjoy the day, although they (or the ponies) may not be as experienced.
“It gives them the opportunity to try the games in a safe and enjoyable way.”
For the rest of the riders, in the open division, Lalonde said the games are a bit faster.
“We do a number of different types of skills,” she added.
Within the five lanes, there are two people per lane in the pairs competition.
“Basically, it’s a race to see who can cross the finish line first.” But there is more than just that, she explained.
“In doing so, you have to perform a number of hand-eye coordination skills, which can be very challenging.”
Lalonde added “All in all, it is such an enjoyable sport. We have such a good time and everyone is friendly. It is very much attuned to families and is entry level.
“For those wanting to learn more, this is a great venue for them.”
Of Grand River Raceway, Lalonde said, “You just can’t ask for a better facility.”
She noted the team competition in June was a very popular event, but pairs competitions are also slated for July, August and September.
Plans are also in the works to offer an educational clinic either in October or November.
At that time, people will have the opportunity to become registered in equine first aid.
“It will be targeted at riders helping riders.”
Lalonde explained there are injuries which are unique to the sport.
“We want to make sure people are able to offer help in a professional way.”
Lalonde was quick to add that members of St. John Ambulance are on hand for all the Mounted Games Across Canada events.
Mother and daughter team
Though sisters have been often known to compete as pairs in the event, this year included the mother and daughter team of Sally and Robyn Woods.
Sally Woods said she and Lalonde were founding members of the adult mounted games program. She said the idea originated in Ireland in 1998 when their daughters were riders in the Mounted Games.
“When we got back to Canada … we started the Fossils team. We got other people interested across Ontario, and even went to compete in Kentucky a few times.”
When she and her daughter Robyn were asked what it would be like competing together, the response was a unanimous “we’ll find out.”
Woods said her daughter had been living in California and hadn’t competed in the past decade.
“We haven’t done the games together for a long time.”
She said she and her daughter practiced and rode together occasionally.
Robyn generally participated with a team whose members were younger, faster and more agile than an adult.
“Now that we’re both older, we’re going to give it a try.”
