GYMKHANA

The Fundementals

Gymkhana events build excitement for horseback riding, improve competitive skills, and foster friendships among riders who love this active sport. Participants learn to navigate various timed obstacle courses, encouraging both teamwork and individual growth in their riding abilities.

Key elements 🐴

Agility and Speed: Riders must navigate a series of timed obstacles with quick reflexes and precise control over their horse, showcasing both athleticism and strategic thinking.
Fluid Communication: Effective use of cues—both verbal and physical—enables seamless coordination between rider and horse, essential for executing each course with finesse.
Adaptability: Riders learn to adjust their approach in real-time, responding to their horse’s strengths and weaknesses while maneuvering through various challenging patterns.

Evaluation Requirements for Participation

To ensure the safety and proper skill placement of all participants, the following youth must have their horsemaster levels evaluated BEFORE registering for the clinic:

First-Time Participants: All riders joining for the first time, regardless of their horsemaster level.
Level Advancement: Any past participant wishing to progress to a higher horsemaster level.
New Horse Entries: Returning participants who will be riding a different horse.

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Class Levels

Participants must complete a Horsemaster level evaluation before registering for their chosen level

Gymkhana 1

Level 1: For riders with minimal experience.

Class Overview

This class introduces the exciting world of Gymkhana, focusing on the fundamentals of speed events. Participants will learn the key skills needed to navigate various speed patterns and courses, emphasizing techniques that promote agility and quickness.

Fundamental Skills:

Correct hand and body positions
Learning balance and control

Gait Techniques:

Walking, trotting, and potential loping (instructor's discretion)
Backing

Exercises and Drills:

Basic techniques and patterns of barrel racing, pole bending, flags, down and back, etc. (instructor's discretion)

Gymkhana 2/3

Level 2/3: For riders with intermediate skills.

Class Overview
This class builds on Gymkhana 1, focusing on enhancing both speed and the complexity of the patterns involved. Participants can expect a more challenging environment, which is designed to refine their skills further.

Fundamental Skills:

Refined hand and body positions
Improved balance and steering

Gait Techniques:

Controlled walking, trotting, and cantering
Smooth transitions between gaits

Exercises and Drills:

Indermediate Gymkhana patterns. Emphasis on technique before increasing speed.

NOTICE: Participating horses should be at least 6 years old

Gymkhana 4/5

Level 4/5: For riders with advanced skills.

Class Overview

This class focuses on mastering advanced Gymkhana techniques, emphasizing speed, precision, and control. Participants will learn complex patterns while improving their overall performance under pressure.

Fundamental Skills:

Highly refined hand and body position

Fully independent seat and hands
Exceptional horse control

Gait Techniques:

Controlled walking, trotting, and cantering at increased speeds

Exercises and Drills:

Advanced Gymkhana patterns for competition. Timed runs.

NOTICE: Participating horses should be at least 6 years old