Imagine racing against the clock, weaving through poles at top speed, snatching flags while galloping, and spinning your horse on a sixpence! Western Mounted Games is the most action-packed equestrian discipline you’ll ever try – it’s like playing video games, but on a real horse!
What is Western Mounted Games?
Western Mounted Games (WMG) is all about speed, precision, and perfect teamwork between you and your horse. It’s a timed sport where you race through different patterns – called ‘events’ – as fast as you possibly can without making mistakes.
Think of your horse like a Formula 1 racing car that needs the speed of a racehorse, the turning ability of a cutting horse, and the control of a perfectly trained stock horse. But here’s the best part – ANY horse can be brilliant at Western Mounted Games! It doesn’t matter if your horse is a Thoroughbred, Arabian, Boerperd, or even a riding school pony. What matters is training, teamwork, and practice.
Every single run is measured to 1/1000th of a second, so accuracy is everything. One knocked pole or missed turn can cost you precious tenths of a second!
The 13 exciting events
In South Africa, SANESA Western Mounted Games includes 13 different American Gymkhana events. At each qualifier show, you’ll compete in five selected events, and at Nationals, you’ll tackle at least 10 of these over three action-packed days!
Here’s what each event involves:
- Barrel Racing: The classic! Race around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. Your horse needs to bend around each barrel at top speed without knocking them over.
- Keyhole: Gallop down to a marked keyhole shape on the ground, turn around inside it without stepping on the lines, and race back. It’s all about control at speed!
- Hurry Scurry: Race to one barrel, around it, then to a second barrel and around that one, before sprinting back to the finish. Think of it as barrel racing’s speedy cousin!
- Pole Bending I & II: Weave through a line of poles like a slalom skier! Pole Bending I uses six poles, while Pole Bending II uses even more. Your horse needs to be super flexible and responsive.
- Quadrangle: Race around four barrels arranged in a square pattern. It tests your horse’s ability to make tight, fast turns in succession.
- Bi-Rangle: Similar to Quadrangle but with two barrels instead of four. Speed is everything here!
- Single Stake: Sprint to a single stake, circle it, and race back. Simple but lightning fast!
- Figure 8 Flags: Ride a figure-8 pattern around two barrels while carrying flags. You need coordination, balance, and speed all at once!
- Figure 8 Stake: Just like Figure 8 Flags, but without the flags. Pure speed and precision through the figure-8 pattern.
- Speed Ball: Race through a pattern while handling a ball. It’s trickier than it sounds when you’re going at top speed!
- Big T: Navigate a T-shaped pattern as fast as you can. Sharp turns are essential!
- Speed Barrels: A variation of barrel racing with a different pattern. Still three barrels, still all about speed!
How levels work: The Rating Matrix
Western Mounted Games uses a really cool system called the ‘Rating Matrix’ to determine which level you should compete in. It’s completely fair because it’s based on YOUR times, not your age or how long you’ve been riding!
Here’s how it works:
Level 0 (Rising Stars): Perfect for absolute beginners! You’ll only walk and jog the events. This is where everyone starts to learn the patterns safely.
Level 1: For riders just starting to compete at speed. For example, if you complete Barrel Racing in 24.361 to 28.970 seconds, you’re a Level 1 rider for that event.
Level 4: You’re getting faster! Times for Barrel Racing at this level are 22.213 to 26.360 seconds.
Level 5: Now you’re really flying! Barrel Racing times are 21.155 to 22.212 seconds.
Level 7: The elite level! If you can complete Barrel Racing in 21.154 seconds or faster, you’re at the top!
Important: Each event has different time brackets, and you might be at different levels in different events! Your level is determined by your average times recorded at qualifier shows throughout the year.
This system is brilliant because: (1) It’s completely fair – you compete against people at similar speeds, (2) You can see your improvement in actual numbers, (3) As you get faster, you move up levels naturally, (4) There’s always a goal to aim for!
Why Western Mounted Games is special
Western Mounted Games teaches you skills that work in EVERY equestrian discipline:
- Lightning-fast reactions: You learn to think and react in split seconds.
- Precise control: Your aids need to be spot-on at high speed.
- Perfect balance: You’ll develop an incredible seat.
- Lead changes: Your horse learns to swap leads smoothly around every turn.
- Judging speed and turns: You’ll develop amazing spatial awareness.
- Trust: You and your horse become an unstoppable team.
- Confidence: Speed and success build incredible confidence!
Many top showjumpers, eventers, polocrosse players, and endurance riders credit Western Mounted Games for teaching them the precision and control they needed to excel in their other disciplines!
Rules and requirements
Important rules:
- No cross-entering between levels at one show; you must compete in your correct level.
- No horse may compete in more than six selected events per day.
- You can only participate in a maximum of nine qualifiers during the year.
- No horse or pony may compete with two different riders in the same class.
- Horses and ponies compete together – size doesn’t matter, speed does!
What you can wear and use:
The good news: Western Mounted Games is really flexible about equipment!
- Clothing: School clothing is perfectly fine! Wear your school shirt, jodhpurs/breeches, and boots. Don’t forget your hard hat with a properly fastened three-point harness.
- Saddle: Any suitable saddle is allowed – use whatever your horse is comfortable in.
- Bridle: A snaffle bridle works perfectly. Martingales are allowed too.
- Hands: You can ride with two hands regardless of your horse’s age – this is important for control and safety at speed!
- Turnout: Keep your horse clean and tidy, but this isn’t a beauty pageant; it’s all about performance!
Remember: Level 0 riders may NOT wear spurs. Safety first!
What makes a great WMG horse
Here’s the amazing thing about Western Mounted Games: success doesn’t depend on your horse’s breed, size, or price tag. It depends on:
- Training: A well-trained horse who responds quickly to your aids.
- Precision: Completing the pattern correctly every single time.
- Lead changes: Your horse needs to swap leads smoothly around turns.
- Turning ability: The tighter your horse can turn, the faster your time.
- Focus: Your horse must listen even when excited.
- Partnership: You and your horse working as a team.
Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Anglo-Arabs, Boerperd horses, and even riding school ponies all hold National Records in different events! It truly doesn’t matter what breed your horse is, what matters is how well you work together.
Top tips for success
- Learn the patterns perfectly: Walk through each event on foot first so you know exactly where to go. One wrong turn costs precious seconds!
- Start slow, build speed: Practice the patterns at walk, then trot, then canter. Only go for speed once the pattern is perfect.
- Work on lead changes: Your horse needs to be able to swap leads smoothly. Practice flying changes or simple changes through trot.
- Focus on tight turns: The tighter you can turn around barrels and stakes, the shorter your distance and the faster your time.
- Watch your position: Stay balanced and in rhythm with your horse. Lean into turns slightly to help your horse bend.
- Don’t knock equipment: Hitting a barrel or pole usually adds a time penalty. Accuracy beats pure speed!
- Practice your start and finish: A clean, fast start and a straight sprint to the finish line can shave off valuable tenths of a second.
- Keep your horse fit: WMG is athletic! Your horse needs to be fit and well-conditioned to perform at top speed safely.
- Study your times: Look at the Matrix times for your level. Set goals for each event and track your improvement!
- Stay calm under pressure: The clock can make you nervous, but your horse needs you to be calm and clear with your aids. Breathe!
Understanding the timing
Western Mounted Games uses electronic timing that measures to 1/1000th of a second! That means your time might look something like 24.361 seconds. Those tiny fractions of a second can make the difference between winning and coming second.
Throughout the year at qualifier shows, all your times are recorded. Your average times across all the qualifiers you attend determine which level you compete in. This is super fair because:
- If you have an off day, it won’t ruin your whole season.
- As you improve, your average gets faster, and you naturally move up.
- You’re always competing against riders of similar ability.
- You can track your progress in real numbers!
How competitions work
At each SANESA qualifier show, you’ll compete in five selected events out of the 13 available. The organising committee chooses which five events will run that day, so you need to be ready to compete in any of them!
At the National Championships (the big event at the end of the season!), you’ll compete in at least 10 of the 13 events over three exciting days. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and absolutely thrilling!
Remember:
- You compete in your correct level based on your times.
- You can’t cross-enter different levels at the same show.
- Your horse can do maximum six events per day.
- Every run counts toward your season average!
Why you should try Western Mounted Games
If you love speed, excitement, and the thrill of racing against the clock, Western Mounted Games is for you! It’s perfect for riders who:
- Love fast-paced action.
- Want to see measurable improvement.
- Enjoy the challenge of precision and accuracy.
- Want to develop skills useful in ALL riding disciplines.
- Have a horse of ANY breed or size.
- Like competing as individuals but being part of a team.
- Want an adrenaline rush every time they compete!
Plus, Western Mounted Games is brilliant for building your horse’s fitness, focus, and responsiveness. The skills you develop – quick reactions, precise aids, perfect balance, and split-second decision making – will make you a better rider in every other discipline too!
Ready to race?
Western Mounted Games is one of the most exciting equestrian disciplines you can try. Whether you’re on a Thoroughbred, a pony, or anything in between, you can compete, improve, and have the time of your life!
Start in Level 0 (Rising Stars) at walk and jog to learn the patterns safely. As you build confidence and speed, you’ll naturally progress through the levels based on your times. Before you know it, you’ll be flying around those barrels, weaving through poles, and racing against the clock!
Every 1/1000th of a second counts. Every practice session makes you faster. Every qualifier brings you closer to that perfect run and an even better time.
Ready, set, GO!
For more detailed rules, regulations, and the complete Rating Matrix for all events, visit the SANESA website or check out the South African Western Mounted Games Association (SAWMGA) guidelines.
