NHS
Gymkhanas
Games on
Horseback
James
Long Park, Haymarket, VA
(map and directions using Google
Maps)
Spring/Summer
June 13 |
Fall
September 19
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Gymkhana
is the action packed, precision fun-sport of the
equestrian world. The word `Gymkhana' is thought
to have originated in India, probably meaning
'games on horseback'.
The English military, during the
Colonial period, used horses for both
transportation and military maneuvers. On Sunday
afternoons, the calvary would compete in
horseback games to sharpen their horsemanship
for war.. Thus, Gymkhana had it's
beginning. Pole Bending can easily be seen
as good training for a Calvary charge through
dense forest. Games like the Rescue Race and
Cowhide Race were originated by the Native
American Indians as a way to rescue their
comrades in battle. The Pony Express Race, of
course, simulates the old time Pony Express
rider who delivered the mail between St. Louis
and Sacramento in the Old West.
In recent years Gymkhana has
been steadily gaining in popularity. New events
have been designed for fun competitions between
riders which bring into play the abilities of
the rider and the agility of the horse. A number
of events such as Barrel Racing, Pole Bending
and the Keyhole Race, can be found at gymkhanas
throughout the United States.
The very first event held by the
NHS after forming was the first annual NHS
Spring Gymkhana. This popularity of this
event led to the establishment of both the Fall
and Spring Gymkhanas as annual fun events for
the NHS. The Gymkhana isn't considered to
be a full fledged sport but was seen as fun
events or play days as relief from the more
serious classes in English and Western Shows
that have become popular in Northern Virginia
and with the NHS. Today's NHS Gymkhanas
are for the entire family, the young and the
young at heart. |
Spring Gymkhana Class List
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Children Bribe
Your Horse (Age 12 and under)
Run up and around a barrel on foot holding a
bucket of grain with horse chasing
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Adult Bribe Your
Horse (Age 13 and up)
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Children
Leadline Judged 50/50
rider and horse. Walk only.
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Costume Class
Most original or elaborate
or pretty costume wins.
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Bareback
Ride-A-Buck Bring your
own dollar, place it under your thigh and w/t/c on
command without losing dollar
-
Egg & Spoon
Ride Ride at w/t/c with
an egg on a spoon w/o dropping egg.
-
Ribbon Pairs
Partners must
hold crepe paper ribbon between them and perform
gaits called without breaking ribbon.
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Jumping Race
Jump the jump, run around
the barrel and jump the jump again. Fastest time
wins.
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Rider Switch
Race Partners on
opposite sides of the ring when music stops,
dismount, switch horses and remount. Slowest pair
up is out.
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Musical Chairs
When music stops riders
dismount and run to the center with horse and sits
in chair. Person without chair is out.
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Tack Up Race
Place your saddle and pad
at the end of the ring and all contestants lines up at
other end of ring with bridled horse. Race to tack
while leading horse, tack horse, jump on and race
home.
-
Pony Express
Race Partner
at each of ring, race down, hand off letter, race
back
-
Cowboy
Challenge Trail Speed
trail class
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Plug Barrel
Race up and around one barrel and back home
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Barrel Race
Perform cloverleaf barrel
pattern
-
Pole Bending
Race down, weave poles,
back up, run home
-
Flag Race
Rider must switch flag as
they go by barrels
Up
to Date Coggins must be presented at Registration
booth
ONLY $6.00 a class for members, $9.00 per class for
non-members
$2.00 Admin fee per horse
-or-
Choose All day fees
NHS Members - $50.00 for Individual
NHS Members - $70.00 Family
Non-members - $70.00 Individual
Non-members - $100.00 for Family
Show Rules for 2009
General
Rules that Apply to All NHS Shows:
-
All horses/ponies must show an original current
Coggins Test dated within one year for each horse
exhibited, and any other horse brought to the show
grounds. Anyone without such documentation will
be excused from Show Grounds and refused entrance to
classes. No Exceptions!
-
All entries must be accompanied by payment of all
necessary fees by way of cash or open check. Checks
may be made payable to NHS or Nokesville Horse Society.
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There will be a $2.00 administration fee per
horse/rider combination at each show.
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All fields on registration form must be filled out
completely. Registration must also be signed by
exhibitor and parent or guardian of exhibitor if under
18 years of age.
-
In order to receive your number you will need to
present current coggins; completed registration form;
and payment (cash/open check). Failure to
present the above will result in you being asked to
come back to registration when you have all the
necessary papers.
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The Nokesville Horse Society, Prince William Park
Authority, Staff and Volunteers will not be held
responsible for accident, loss, injuries to
exhibitors, spectators, or animals, or damage to
equipment.
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Should any question or dispute arise that is not
provided for in the aforementioned rules, the same
shall be submitted to the show management, whose
decision will be final.
-
The Judges decisions are FINAL No Exceptions!
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Exhibitors are hereby notified that any act of
discourtesy or disobedience to judges or show
officials on the part of the owner, trainer, rider,
groom or parent shall be grounds to disqualify the
horse and all entry fees and prizes will be forfeited.
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Any exhibitor or spectator who is abusive to any
individual or animal may be removed from the grounds.
Safety is our main concern both in and out of the
ring.
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No cursing, poor sportsmanship or bad conduct will be
tolerated and exhibitors will be asked to leave with
NO refund of class fees.
-
Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash and contained
at all times unless we have to move to a different
facility due to inclement weather at which point dogs
will not be allowed.
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All
exhibitors are expected to clean the area around their
trailer and to take any manure home with them.
Click Here for a Printable Show Program/Class
List
(Page will open in a new window in PDF format)
Click Here to pre-print a Registration Form
(Page will open in a new window in PDF format)
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