Spectators
NZ Mounted Games
Q. What is Mounted Games?
A. EXCITING!!
Performed at speed, mounted games involves racing between teams, pairs or individuals. Each race also requires the execution of particular tasks, maybe vaulting on or off ponies at speed, collecting sword rings from a pole or picking up equipment at a gallop.
So, whilst speed is clearly critical, riders must be skilled and agile enough to complete these tasks while racing. Highly tuned horsemanship enables the best to have pony and rider working as one.
Ponies can be no higher than 15 hands and as much as they need to be fast they also need to be agile and have a calm brain. They must be strong and brave, extremely obedient and the best are trained for years to reach the standards they do.
Races aren't timed - first one over the line wins - so the sport is very easy for everyone to follow and enjoy.
Classes are run according to age, from the under 12's to the over-35 veterans and everything in between. Points are awarded for placings in the heats and the accumulated points are used to "seed" the finals. The premier class is the hotly contested Open section where we will see New Zealand's finest (and some from overseas as well) leaving nothing in reserve as they compete for the coveted National Titles.
Horse of the Year 2013 saw New Zealand host and win the World Team Championships in a spectacle never before seen on these shores. This year will see the national titles being decided in both pairs and teams.
Enjoy the action!!!
- Barbara Thomson
- Diana Black Design
- Kampic Photography
- Take the Moment
© 2013 Horse of the Year (Hawkes Bay) and NRM Horse of the Year Show
