The Las Vegas Gymkhana Association (LVGA) is a family oriented riding
organization. The organization is open to all ages and all equine breeds.
Gymkhana is timed obstacle racing on horseback. It's one of the most exciting
family oriented equestrian sports in the world. Gymkhana is the action packed,
precision sport of the equestrian world. A good Gymkhana horse must have the
speed of a race horse, the turning quickness and agility of a cutting horse and the
control and responsiveness of the stock horse.
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. Through the years different events have been
added, some of which originated in Europe and others which were developed in
this country. Ring Spearing, an event that is still part of Gymkhana in some areas,
resembles the knight in medieval days riding full charge with his lance aimed at his
enemy. The British Bengal Lancer engaged in Tent-Pegging, using his lance to
unearth the tent pegs of the enemy, bringing down the tent on his adversaries.
Pole Bending can easily be seen as good training for a Calvary charge through
dense forest. The Rescue Race and Cowhide Race were originated by the Native
American Indians as a way to rescue their comrades in battle. Similarly, the
Speedball Race may have derived from the Native American Indians counting
"coup" in which they would touch their enemies without harming them.
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 competition between riders which bring into play the
abilities of the rider and the speed and handiness 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.
To encourage new riders and foster a family oriented environment where everyone feels welcome. We support riders of all ages: from barely old enough to sit on a horse to those that have flourished over the years. Our focus is on beginner and intermediate riders. We remain dedicated to the horse and encourage the owners of back-yard horses, the pasture ornaments, and the performance and show horses to participate. We support all breeds and riding styles, and strive to provide participants, spectators, families and sponsors a sense of community, support, fun, excitement and reward.
“This is about providing encouragement, support, education and goodwill in a world full of misguidance. This is about fast, friendly competition, where all feel welcome regardless of their riding ability, horse breeding or the age of their trailer. This is about bringing the shy, intimidated and unknowing to the forefront of Gymkhana. This is about you, about me, about us!”
• Barrels: Riders enter at the red line, circle around the 1st barrel, proceed to the 2nd barrel, and then continue on to the 3rd where they will complete the pattern and finally exit the course crossing the red line a second time. This pattern is often referred to as a "Cloverleaf" The pattern may also begin with the left barrel first.
• Poles: A rider and horse run past a timer line to the end of a line of six poles, then turn the end pole and weave down through the pattern, again turn at the last pole and weave back up, then run back home across the timer line. The fastest time will win
