Turn sharp, run fast, stop hard...
In our region, gymkhana shows (also called speed shows, contesting, gaming, fun shows) are horse shows where riders race to complete a set pattern in the shortest time.
Each timed event, or class, has a different pattern, but all require horses in great physical condition and riders with gentle hands and a good seat that communicate with their horse almost effortlessly.
A well-matched pair are exciting to watch!
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Gymkhana lenses:
All Horses: Gymkhana: Speed & Action
You begin the Speed & Action pattern by running through the 'box' ... a rectangle with cones for corners and the lines drawn in with chalk or lime. Yo...1 point
All Horses: Gymkhana: Indiana Flag Race
The flag race is a fun event for all ages. Combining horse speed and rider skill, it is a popular gymkhana (also called contesting or speed show) clas...1 point
All Horses: Gymkhana: Keyhole
The Keyhole Race at a gymkhana show is a test of not only speed, but stopping and turning as well.The horse races to a 'keyhole' at the other end of t...1 point
All Horses: Gymkhana: Pole Bending
Pole bending is a timed horseback event requiring speed and agility for the horse, and a competent rider who can guide the horse quickly through a ser...1 point
Barrel Racing
Barrel Racing On Squidoo is attempting to bring everything that you need to know about barrel racing to one site. If we can't show it here, we'll have...0 points
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Cloverleaf Barrel Racing
This is undoubtedly the most well-known event, included in many rodeos across the nation. Three barrels are set up in a triangular pattern at measured intervals, with the point of the triangle at the opposite end as the starting line.The rider can choose which direction to begin their pattern, but once started must follow it precisely or be disqualified. Knocking over a barrel is a costly 5 second penalty.
Here is a lens with more detailed information on barrel racing.
Barrel racing fever!
Turn it and burn it!
LadyBrinx has several designs to choose from including Paint and Appaloosa horses burning the barrels.
Pole Bending
Another popular speed event. The contestant follows a serpentine pattern between six poles erected in a straight line. The horse and rider must have excellent communication to complete this pattern with speed.For details on the pattern and event, check out What is pole bending?.
Amazon Spotlight
Barrel Racing 101: A Complete Program for Horse and Rider
Amazon Price: $17.21 (as of 07/19/2008)
Few equestrian sports are more exciting than barrel racing, in which horse and rider carve a lightning-fast cloverleaf pattern around three barrels, then gallop down to the finish line. Time is measured in hundredths of seconds, and winners receive substantial prize money and the admiration and respect of fellow competitors and spectators alike.
As thrilling as barrel racing is to watch, doing it is even more fun, as thousands of people are discovering every year. To help them-and you-get started, champion racer and internationally respected instructor and clinician Marlene McRae shares her program that has taken hundreds of her students to success in the arena as well as to becoming educated horsemen and horsewomen:
Selecting Your Champion Horse: Choosing a barrel-racing prospect based on conformation and temperament; finding a qualified veterinarian to help you assess the prospects.
Choosing and Using Equipment: Determining the right saddle, bridle (including bits), leg protection, and other tack to buy, as well as their proper fit and use.
Feeding and Nutrition: Establishing a basic common-sense feeding regimen for your horse; the role of supplements, as well as their possible misuse.
Shoeing and Foot Care: Proper foot care, with an emphasis on working with your farrier and veterinarian to avoid foot- and leg-related injuries.
Conditioning and Exercising: A comprehensive program for developing your horse's stamina and fitness, along with ways to avoid unsoundness problems.
Getting Started in the Barrel Racing Patterns: How to set up the pattern correctly; techniques for training the horse, with an emphasis on rider position, balance, and using hands, legs, and voice as communication aids.
Competing: Locating entry-level local events, clubs, and associations; the mental game of competing to stay focused; achieving teamwork with your horse.
Barrel Racing 101 is the perfect textbook for the sport. Study it, use it, and you're bound to finish at the top of your class.
Flag Race
The pattern for a flag race seems to vary by region. In our area, we run what is known as the Indiana Flag Race. In this event, three barrels are set up in a triangle formation just like cloverleaf barrel racing. However, the contestant runs around the outside of the barrels.Sound too easy? Now you add the "flag" part of the deal: on top of the first barrel, in a bucket of sand, is a stick or baton (the flag) and you grab it while galloping by. But you're not done yet... you also must stick it in a bucket placed on top of the third barrel before crossing the finish line. If you break pattern, stop or drop the flag, you are disqualified.
Learn more about the Indiana Flag Race and other speed show flag racing patterns.
Speed & Action
In this event, you not only must exhibit a couple quick bursts of speed, but a tight turn and a sudden stop.Speed & Action starts when you run through "the box" -- a rectangle with the corners marked (generally with cones) and the sides drawn in white lime powder on the arena sand. You speed to the far end of the course and maneuver a turn between three cones. You can turn the center cone from the left or the right, but you must not break pattern or you will be disqualified.
You get back up to speed on your way back to the box, just to bring yourself to a complete stop within the confines of the box.
Check out my Speed & Action lens!
More on Amazon
I love gymkhana!
Paralyzer - speed show clips
This is my one-eyed gaited trail horse Titan doing gymkhana speed show events. I've got a new Aussie saddle I'm not quite comfortable running in yet, and I also tend to forget that turning sharp lefts is not one of his favorite things. All in all, a good day, lots of fun, no ribbons, but I can't complain. Classes are: gymkhana barrels, keyhole, flag race, cloverleaf, pole bending, speed & action. Song is Paralyzer by Finger Eleven, just because it happens to be my current favorite.
Runtime: 3:24
1557 views
10 Comments:
Now you choose:
Which looks more difficult?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byCloverleaf barrel racing
Pole bending
ellaben says:
Both of these disaplines are just as hard as each other and require an athletic horse and hours of ongoing training from the basics up.They both need the horse to perform flying changes which is a pretty advanced movement.
Posted February 04, 2008
