Mounted Games

What is
Mounted Games?

 

Mounted Games is a team sport that combines a love of ponies and friends with various races. Teams of four or five riders and ponies take part in a series of exciting and exhilarating races that involve a mix of turns, handovers, skill, vaulting and galloping against other teams.

Often run on grass or all-weather surfaces, Mounted Games is an adaptation of Gymkhana and is great fun for you, your pony and your team. You can develop skills such as accuracy, agility, concentration, speed, hand to eye coordination, team work and sportsmanship whilst having lots of fun playing some thrilling games.

 

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.

How do I get started in Mounted Games?

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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.

Do I need special equipment to practise?

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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.

Where can I get coaching or support?

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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.

How can I progress in Mounted Games?

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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.

What are the higher-level opportunities?

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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.

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Key Competitions & Events

Mounted Games offers a wide range of competitions, from grassroots team events through to major national and international championships. These include friendly Branch and Centre competitions, Area Competitions, the Mounted Games Championships, the Prince Philip Cup at Horse of the Year Show, Royal Windsor Horse Show, and the International Mounted Games Exchange.

Expand the sections below to view further details on each key competition, including how to qualify and what to expect.

Mounted Games Championships

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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.

 

Prince Philip Cup – Horse of the Year Show

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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

Royal Windsor Horse Show

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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.

International Mounted Games Exchange

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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:

  • Lily Penn – East Stirlingshire
  • Jack Cowan – Iveagh
  • Harriet Brown – Little Margate Equestrian Centre
  • Martha Fisher – Atherstone
  • Gwen Parry-Barrow – Swansea

Non-travelling reserve:

  • Lottie Beachus – North Herefordshire
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External and Friendly competitions

 

You must publicise all Branch/Centre Friendly and External competitions on the Pony Club website in accordance with Rule 21 in the Mounted Games rulebook. To register your event, use the links below. We strongly encourage organisers to use entry systems that link to their Branch and Area calendars.

 

Friendly competitions

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

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.

Contacts

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Annabel Stanley

Sports Officer
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Ian Mariner

Mounted Games Chairman (Volunteer)

Area Coordinator Contacts

If you are interested in becoming the Mounted Games Area Coordinator, please CLICK HERE to submit an application.

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Stacy Munro

Area 1 Coordinator
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Emily Simpson

Area 2 Coordinator
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Sally Wright

Area 3 Coordinator
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Elaine Barker

Area 4 Coordinator
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Clare Dawson

Area 5 Coordinator
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Katie Lee Calvert

Area 6 Coordinator
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Caroline Chadwick

Area 7 Coordinator
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Simon Duddy

Area 8 Coordinator
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Caroline Queen

Area 9 Coordinator
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Alison Davies

Area 10 Coordinator
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Sheila Barbour

Area 11 Coordinator
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Vicky Pattinson

Area 12 Coordinator
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Philippa Westphal

Area 13 Coordinator
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Nicola Way

Area 14 Coordinator
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Mark Wilson

Area 15 Coordinator
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Diane Jones

Area 17 Coordinator
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Dennis Whitney

Area 18 Coordinator
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May Wylie

Area 19 Coordinator