Fun For All

From an article in the OEF Fall 2009  Whoa Magazine

Mounted Games Across Canada (MGAC) is an organization offering opportunities for the enjoyment of an equestrian sport that is accessible to riders of all ages and horses of all varieties. Mounted games are team or pair relay races played on horseback that includes a wide variety of rider hand/eye coordination skills.

One of the great things about equestrian activities is the lack of any age barrier.  Recently mounted games competitions at the Grand River Raceway in Elora included competitors from 8 to 65 years of age. Pony club members from various clubs attended and gained valuable experience in preparation for the Regional Prince Philip Games competition. They learned new ways to play the games more quickly, accurately and safely through interaction with more experienced riders who were very supportive and willing to share their knowledge. Not to be outdone, several seniors showed how quick, flexible and resilient they were, posting a number of wins against the youngsters. Although vaulting skills were not evident, their stirrup mounting was accomplished with amazing speed.  Looking out at the playing field, you saw an impressive variety of ponies and horses. There were 11 hand, spindly-legged, fur balls bearing tiny riders, being led by proud parents. There were 16.2 hand giants sporting agile riders dedicated to getting them through the grid of bending poles. There were Thoroughbreds, Paso Finos, Shetlands, Quarter Horses just to mention a few.

At the end of the day, riders left the playing field with smiles on their faces and prizes in their hands, looking forward to the opportunity to challenge their abilities.

Mounted Games Across Canada is a member organization of the Ontario Equestrian Federation.