Mounted Games is a fun and fast-paced discipline that you can enjoy at every level, whether you’re just starting out or aiming for top-level competition. The FAQs below explain how to get involved, where to find support, and how to progress in the sport.

You don’t need expensive equipment to begin. You can practise at home using everyday objects to develop your skills – for example, setting up buckets to ride weaving patterns or improve bending and control. You can also start by attending lessons with a trainer or joining rallies and friendly sessions, which are a great way to build both your and your pony’s confidence in Mounted Games.

No. Mounted Games training can be done using simple, everyday items at home. Riders often use household objects such as buckets or poles to practise agility, accuracy, and control in preparation for races.

You can take lessons with a qualified trainer and develop your skills further at rallies and friendly competitions. Each Area also has a Mounted Games Area Coordinator to help you get started, answer questions, and point you in the right direction.

Members can join a team through their Branch or Centre and compete at local friendly competitions. As riders develop, they can take part in Area Competitions, which usually begin around April, and act as qualifying competitions for Zones, which are qualifiers for both the Horse of the Year Show, and the National Championships.

Riders and teams can qualify for major events such as the Prince Philip Cup at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) or Royal Windsor, where they may represent their country. DCs may also nominate older Members for the PCUK team for the International Mounted Games Exchange.
The Mounted Games Championships are part of The Pony Club Championships and showcase some of the most exciting action in the sport. Teams compete over several days in Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Pairs classes.
For Senior teams, the Championships also offer qualification for the Prince Philip Cup, making the competition highly competitive. Teams qualify through success at Area and Zone competitions.
The Prince Philip Cup, first held in 1957, stands as one of the most prestigious Mounted Games competitions in the world. It takes place at Horse of the Year Show and features fast-paced team competition between six Pony Club Branches and Centres.
Qualification comes via Zone competitions and the Mounted Games Championships, with only the top Senior teams earning a place. Competing in front of thousands of spectators at HOYS is a highlight of the Pony Club calendar.
2025 Winners: Wylye Valley
The DAKS Home International Mounted Games Championships takes place annually at Royal Windsor Horse Show. This invitational event sees teams from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland compete for the international title.
DCs/CPs nominate Members to attend Trials, and Members must hold their C Test or above. Final team selection is based on performance at Trials.
Competing at Royal Windsor is a major highlight in a Pony Club Member’s journey.
The International Mounted Games Exchange gives Pony Club Members the opportunity to travel abroad, experience different cultures, and compete in international Mounted Games competitions.
The host nation changes each year. In 2026, the team will travel to Kentucky, USA.
2026 Team:
Non-travelling reserve:
Branches and Centres hosting friendly Mounted Games competitions can list their fixtures on the Pony Club website. Only list competitions organised by Branches or Centres where entry proceeds go to the organising Branch or Centre; do not include private companies. We update the document below every two weeks during busy periods.
External competitions include shows such as Bath & West, Three Counties and Bramham Horse Trials, where Mounted Games deliver displays. We may provide additional materials and merchandise to support your Pony Club presence. Organisers will typically invite teams; if you need teams to sign up, include a link to the sign-up page in the description box. All organisers of demos or competitions at County shows must liaise with their Area Representative before agreeing to run a Pony Club event.
If you are interested in becoming the Mounted Games Area Coordinator, please CLICK HERE to submit an application.