Simon and I teamed with Gwen and Kim
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

The competition started Friday evening with the first session, and Simon was hot.  During warm up he was hoping around and getting a little light in his front loafers.  He plowed through a bending pole and when I hoped off to fix it, he popped his tail up in the air like an arab, and puffed his nose, blowing out it in ticks, and pranced in circles around me.  Totally out of character.  Kim hoped on him and took him for a few laps around the ring, and that took the fire out of him. 

Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Kim and I had a great time riding together, and we tried to push some of our skills a little faster than usual (like placing the orb in Windsor Castle race at a canter).  Unfortunately we were not as accurate as usual, and our ponies really were the slowest out there.  In the Speed Weavers race, I went first and Kim went second.  On the Old School pair, Carol Ann rocked up and back and Linda was on her final pole home as their second rider, as Kim was hitting our first pole as our second rider.  No faults, just no speed.  Our lack of speed was collective between Kim’s mount Gwen, and Simon, but sadly, it really radiated from Simon.  Carol Ann commented during the final session that he “looks like he is out on a nice hack”. 

Carol Ann and Linda representing Old School
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

We rode two more sessions on Saturday, and a final one Sunday morning.  Linda and Carol Ann cleaned up with Old School taking the win in our division ahead of the wicked fast Canadian duo, team Rehab.  Kim and I ended forth, and left the ring with big smiles and a new bottle of fly spray as our prize. Carol Ann was riding her second pony, Finn, in the intermediate division and her partner had to bail for the final.  So Simon and I stuck around to fill in as a HC pairs team, School Bullies, and get in some extra practice.  Simon had already done his fair share of work and taken part in 4 sessions, but he is fit enough to handle a 5^th with no problem.  So we enjoyed the extra time on the equipment. 

Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

It also became apparent that Simon fit right in place in the intermediate division.  Granted we were in the B final, he still kept pace quite fine with the majority of the ponies, and his good breaks and my agile skills proved to be perfectly adequate.  Teamed with Carol Ann and Finn we would have had a very respectable finish if we had been scored. 

In conclusion I left the intermediate B final, with a bag of pony treats Simon was indulging in, and in thought that maybe Simon should be my intermediate pony.

Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Brea and pony Jabubba
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Masters
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

There are currently three organizations in the US that offer mounted games competition opportunities.  I am not including local gymkhana, fun show, barrel and generally western gaming competitions because, although they have similar aspects, they are not the same thing.  One of the defining aspects of a mounted games competition is that riders are required to sign up for the entire competition.  In gaming and gymkhana events, riders may select specific classes and races they wish to take part in.  With mounted games it’s an all or nothing singular event.

United States Pony Club

Addie and pony Tommy
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Masters
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

One of the three organizations offering mounted games opportunities is the United States Pony Club.  Some pony club regions offer one mounted games rally a year for members to participate in.  Riders must be a member of USPC to enter, and are divided up into different divisions by age, with 18 being the oldest a rider may be to take part.  Winning teams of a regional rally may take part in Championships for their section of the country if games is being offered.  I am not very familiar with Pony Club outside of the east coast, which does currently offer games at champs.

Brian and pony Squiggles
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Masters
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Regardless, I discount Pony club as a games organization, because it is a youth educational organization that introduces riders to an array of disciplines.  Games is one of the many equine events PC offers and is not the focus of the organization.  I also discount it because it restricts entry to its games competitions to only Pony Club members and they must be under the age of 18.

This leaves two games organizations which I will introduce and then discuss the differences of.

Mounted Games Across America

Genevieve and Pony Dj
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Intermediate
Photo: Linda of EquiStar Photography

The larger of the two organizations is MGAA – Mounted Games Across America.  MGAA covers most of the east from New Hampshire and the northern states, down through the Mid-Atlantic region including New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia and into the Carolinas.  It extends out into the southern Midwest from Georgia up through Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and into Michigan.  It is a relatively newer organization, awarded its nonprofit 501c3 status in 2004.

MGAA operates under an elected board of governors that adhere to restricted term lengths and limitations on repeated terms in office.  A detailed bylaws is followed that was updated earlier this year.  MGAA released their own, extensively detailed rulebook in late 2010 with a new revised 2012 edition being released later this summer.  MGAA has detailed rules for over 30 races that include team, pair and individual versions of play and adds new games on occasion.

United States Mounted Games Association

Stacey on Simon and Nancy on Marley
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Fossils
Photo: R Crowley

USMGA – United States Mounted Games Association is the other mounted games organization in the US.  USMGA holds the representation for the US as members of IMGA – International Mounted Games Association.  It is a much older organization, with US affiliation dating back to the late 1980s, when mounted games was a much smaller discipline in the US and across the world.  USMGA has changed hands over the years and the modern USMGA is much larger and more active than the older organization was.  In general I will speak of the newer USMGA, which was primarily established around 2000.

Tommy and pony Tigger
USMGA Champion Series #2 ~ Norman Patrick
Photo: R Crowley

USMGA has members in the east, but is primarily positioned in the Midwest, in Kentucky to be specific.  The majority of their competitions are held in Georgetown at the Kentucky Horse Park  as well as in Ohio.  Last year was the first year they offered a competition in the east, again speaking of the newer USMGA, which was held Memorial weekend in Doswell, Virginia.  The former USMGA that operated primarily in the 90s was exclusively in the east, seated almost entirely in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.  This year USMGA is offering two east coast competitions.  One was held in West Virginia over Memorial Weekend and one will be held in New Jersey in September.

The two organizations, MGAA and USMGA generally offer competitions of a similar format and design, with many of the races being exactly the same, and the general format of play also matching. Riders can easily participate in one organizations competition one weekend and attend a competition hosted by the other the following weekend with very little alteration. But there are also several differences some of which I will touch on below.

Divisions

Hunter and pony Jiminy
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Masters
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

MGAA offers several divisions including Beginner Novice, Novice and Green Pony.  But the primary divisions continuously offered consist of Intermediate, Masters and Fossils.  Intermediate and masters are open to riders of any age, and allow riders to select which division they feel their skill, speed, physical fitness and pony best fit into.

• The intermediate division is devised for riders that are learning or still perfecting skills, developing skills at speed or that wish to ride at a slower pace.  It is a good option for skilled experience riders to take their training ponies into for experience, as well as riders recovering from an injury or time off.  This division is for your newer competitors, your slower competitors and those that are not ready for, or no longer fit into the masters division. 
• The masters division is developed for the skilled, experienced games rider, that plays with speed and accuracy and is riding a skilled and experienced pony that has some speed.  Vaulting is a near essential skill to have perfected to be a successful Masters rider.  This is the division for your top games competitors. 
• The fossil division is restricted to riders 21 years of age and older, and prohibits riders that are currently active masters players from taking part.  It is generally for riders that are no longer in their prime, or may quite frankly, be well past their prime.  This division is surprisingly competitive, and is frequented by extremely accurate players who navigate their races at a good canter and gallop.  Many Fossil riders can vault onto their pony, but the speed, skill and physical physique of a fossil rider vaulting onto their pony, when compared to a masters rider, is extremely dissimilar.    The fossils division is made up of a diverse selection of riders, where some may have physical limitations, or lack the experience or skill that others have already acquired.  To the point, there is no fossil beginner/intermediate and fossil masters options.  In this division, all of these riders are grouped together.

Anita on Pinto, Kim on Chance, Zoe on Cheyenne
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Fossils
Photo: R Crowley

USMGA also primarily offers three divisions, Open, Under 17 (U17) and Norman Patrick (NP).  Where MGAA restricts the under age limit in their Fossil division, USMGA has an upper age limit on their U17 division, which quite obviously requires riders to be under 17years of age to take part in it.

• The under 17 division is a mish mash of MGAA’s intermediate and masters division.  The riding level varies and may include riders that are very young or very new to the sport as well as some of the young, but still top skilled and experienced players.  This division is set up based on age. 
• The open division is closely lined up with MGAA’s Masters division, although it generally requests riders to be over 17 years of age, it is not overly restrictive on this and many riders under 17 years of age ride in both Open and U17 divisions.  Generally a rider over 17 years of age that is new to the sport or riding a new pony would be encouraged to enter the NP division instead of the open division, although there may be slow or inept teams mixed in with the top teams in the sport. 
• The Norman Patrick (NP) division is closely related the MGAA’s intermediate, green pony and fossil divisions combined.  There are no restrictions for this division and Open riders may have their new or second pony in this division.  It is also frequented by younger teams that are still learning the basics of play, as well as adults of varying skill and speeds.

Linda and pony Blue
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Fossils
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

There are pros and cons to the way both organizations outline their divisions.  I like that MGAA allows riders to fit into divisions by skill vs age.  This makes it possible for riders starting the sport at different ages to more easily fit in.  In a competition with a large turnout, I feel keeping riders restricted by skill and experience makes for a safer environment.  It also seems to make the competition more thrilling as more teams are neck and neck, and evenly matched.

Although, allowing riders to select their own division, does allow riders to move up to masters before they are ready for it.  It also allows riders to stick around and have the possibility of dominating the intermediate division when they should move up to masters.  It is additionally possible for adults and older teens to ride against young kids in intermediate.  The perception could be garnered that the younger riders are being “beaten up on” by the older riders.  Age restrictions prevents this.  Organizers and officials at competitions are granted the option of speaking up if a rider/team is in the wrong division, but often it is too late at that point.

The open, anyone is welcome, format of the NP division, prevents the adult set from having a division all their own.  Similar to the intermediate division in MGAA, it is possible for a young and athletic team to dominate that division.  Although USMGA lacks a large adult turnout and operating a division singularly for adults is not possible to date.  Having the division open as a catch all, makes it possible to incorporate opportunities for a larger range of riders that otherwise would not have enough competition to take part. 

The Games

Sam on her new pony
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Masters
Photo: R Crowley

Another big difference between the two organizations would be the variety of games. 

MGAA offers all of the same games USMGA offers with identical rules and instructions of play.  But MGAA also offers a large selection of other games, a few adapted from Pony Club, and many completely new and original to MGAA.  This makes it possible for riders to play a large variety of races, with the possibility of few repeats at a single competition.  Many find this more exciting and enjoy the variety and that races are targeted at a larger variety of skill and diversity for the rider and pony.  Although some prefer the limited selection USMGA offers because its fewer races to practice and perfect, and some feel that the races that are played are the strongest exhibition of a traditionally skilled games rider and pony.

Perhaps change is scary, which adding new races, and thereby, new skills, can be.  While, the old trusty, tried and true, are proven races, adding fresh new races also adds challenge and diversity to the sport, keeping it from becoming repetitive.

The Equipment and Setup

Joy and pony Vegas
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Fossils
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

The equipment is generally the same between the two organizations.  Flags and sticks are the same length, cones and poles are the same height. 

The minor differences can be a bit of a challenge for some riders to adapt to quickly, but are inconsequential in most cases.  They can be compared to the same differences between one set of competition equipment vs another set within the same organization. 

This is a factor in part because some of the equipment is homemade with loose standardization, so weight and size may vary to a degree.  This is seen frequently with bottle shuttles and swords.  Another factor is the change in what is commercially available.  A good example would be mugs, where in years past 16oz was easily found as the standard size, but has more recently been replaced by a 12oz manufactured standard.

Competition Layout

Regan and pony Cinnamon
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Masters
Photo: R Crowley

The competitions are generally laid out very similar.  Each division enters the ring and rides a session of consecutive games.

An MGAA session generally consists of 12-15 races played consecutively in a 45 minute to an hour long time frame.  Teams for a new session enter the arena as the previous session is leaving, and are allowed a few minutes to warm up in the arena and pick their lanes as they please.

Sarah and pony
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Masters
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

USMGA sessions generally consist of 8-12 consecutive races, that take an hour to an hour and a half to complete.  Teams are called into the arena in the order of current placement, and are asked to parade around the edge of the field of play and then line up in the lanes in the order of placement.

The entry with parade does provide a more organized and better presented entry, but with lack of spectators if feels a bit pompous and a simple waste of time.  Riding next to the teams placed closest to your own is enjoyable and allows teams to see their placement more easily.  I do enjoy this aspect, although I can see how this could add pressure to some riders.  I can also perceive how it could cause unrest if the team constantly placed next to you has continuous interferences in play with your own team, or particularly cranky ponies behind the line that effect your own team’s ponies.  By allowing teams to select their own lanes, a team can jockey for the lane that best suits their own needs. 

Perhaps USMGA is able to take a slower pace, with greater breaks between races and sessions because they generally only run one heat per session.  MGAA often has two or sometimes three heats in some divisions running in each session.  So instead of running 1 heat of three divisions for a total of 3 runs through each session, they may have a total of 5 heats across the three divisions, meaning they have to run two additional heats per session.  This adds up, particularly in the case of running two sessions in one day.  Having two more heats in two sessions would add an average of 4 additional hours to an MGAA schedule.

Work Shifts

Mackenzie and pony Inky
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Masters
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

All games competitions require a lot of manual labor during a competition.  An assortment of judges are needed to assist the chief referee in looking for infractions in play.  Mounted games also requires a new set of equipment to be taken down and set up for each race.  Both organizations have their work set up slightly different.

Although the standard for MGAA may vary slightly from one competition to the next, in general all teams provide assistant referees for one heat per session and also provide ring crew workers for one heat per session.  In most instances a team will provide their workers in the heat that takes place two after their own.  Although on occasion a team is required to provide a pair of equipment workers during their own session instead.

Leah on pony Rudy
USMGA Champion Series #2 ~ Open
Photo: R Crowley

USMGA also requires teams to provide assistant referees for a heat other than their own.  They also require teams to provide equipment crew.  The difference lies in USMGA requiring each team to provide their own equipment crew during their own session.  The idea is for the team’s crew to set their specific lane, and their lane only.

As a team that does not travel with a large contingency of family and supporters, it is often hard to find someone to work the ring during our session.  Often it is possible to ask a friend’s team in another division to swap work sessions.  Although with less heats, this can cause issues with getting one’s own pony tacked up and to the ring on time, or untacked and put up in time.  I could also see this as particularly difficult for a team that is newer to the sport, or organization, and that does not know as many people and other teams to swap shifts with.

Kelsey and pony Coco
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Masters
Photo: R Crowley

Another aspect that seems a bit needlessly laborious, would be setting ONLY one teams equipment.   With all ring crew working as a team, all of the teams can have their equipment set up in a quick turn around with minimal ring crew labor.  But with each team riding needing their own team of equipment crew, this can take more people and a lot longer to complete.  For example, in a race with a simple set up like Mug Shuffle, where a single mug is placed on the first and the third pole of each lane, only two workers can set this up in a mere minute.  One worker takes the line of first poles and one worker takes the line of third poles.  Each worker crosses the arena placing one mug on each first or third pole, there by setting up ½ of each lane quickly.

Annie and pony Bela
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Intermediate
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

In contrast, with each team needing their own ring crew, this requires either one person per lane to place two mugs in just their own lane, or two people per lane to place one mug on each pole.  Either way, that requires a much greater amount of energy and time to complete.  The advantage I can see though with a team having their own personal ring crew is they can guarantee their equipment is set to the best of standards, and if something is messed up because of improper set, it is on their own team.  Perhaps in much larger competition formats with 100s of teams running and a greater thrust to beat out the competition, a bit of sabotage could occur, and by having ring crew per team, that could be avoided to a degree.

Rules

Alicia on her pony
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Masters
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Although for the most part, the rules of play are just about the same, there are some differences that should be noted.  And as always, when participating it is helpful to review the rulebook of that organization in particular.

MGAA has a rather new, and rather extensive rulebook.  It was originally released in 2010 and since then has had quite a few edits, additions and changes that have been released.  A new version that will include all of these changes is due to be released this summer.

Brett on pony Gemma
USMGA Champion Series #2 ~ Open
Photo: R Crowley

USMGA, as part of the International Mounted Games Association, uses the rulebook released by this international body, that governs all MGA branches.  It is a much slimmer book that is rather to the point and conveniently fits into a pocket.

While MGAA’s rulebook is a behemoth compared to the IMGA rulebook, it does leave relatively little to question.  The organization has made an exhausted effort to write the book so that a person new to the sport could pick it up and begin playing.  It has also made labors to remove as much interpretation for referees, loop holes and questionable play as possible.  While IMGA has a much easier to digest rulebook, it does require the user to already have a basis of play, and leaves some possible interpretation to the host.

Rachel on pony
USMGA Champion Series #2 ~ Open
Photo: R Crowley

The minor rule differences can also be marked in what type of equipment and tack are allowed.  Where IMGA only allows snaffle bits, MGAA has opened the door to an array of different bits, including popular bits that work on different types of ponies, such as hackamores, kimberwicks, western bits, leverage bits and combination bits.  This allows for riders of none traditional English backgrounds, which is particularly mindful of the US where many come from a western background.  It is also appreciated by riders who have ponies that do not fit the typical mold and may work better in other devices.  Allowing the rider to select what works better for a particular pony, often makes for a better bitted and more responsive pony.   USMGA follows IMGA in their bitting requirements, sticking to only snaffles,  but they do allow ponies ridden in their Norman Patrick division to ride in any bit they feel comfortable in.  Another minor difference of note would be that IMGA does not allow riders to wear jewelry, where MGAA has no restrictions on this.

Officials

Ashley and pony Romeo
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Masters
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Both organizations’ officials follow very similar standards.  The notable difference would lay in MGAA having a rooster of chief referees with a  short list of nationally qualified and experienced ones.  Where USMGA generally uses the same chief who they employ from overseas. 

The difference is most likely very simple and easily explained by understanding that USMGA has only a few large competitions a year, which they run to the IMGA standard of play.  This is accomplished with the skill and experience of an international referee.  MGAA has a full calendar of large and small competitions spread throughout the east and Midwest parts of the country, often offering two large competitions on the same weekends in opposing regions.  Having a larger pool of semi local referees to pull from makes it possible to accomplish this.

Although I find all of the referees I have ridden under in both organizations to be excellent and professional, in both small and large competitions, and I see no fault in having a smaller pool to draw from, I do find that having a larger selection of trained and qualified local professionals to be an advantage.  It also seems to generate more critiquing and perspective on possible rulebook edits and clarifications from the perspective of many experienced individuals.  I am sure IMGA finds the same thing with their pool.

In contrast, MGAA makes efforts not to have a referee assigned to a division a family member is riding in, with the closeness of games riders, it is virtually impossible to avoid having a completely impartial referee, and having ones that are local, makes this even harder.  I feel that all the referees make strong and sucessful efforts to be impartial, although there may always be the perception that favor is being garnered. 

Organization Setup

Mitchel and pony Dusty
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Masters
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

There are large differences in how the two organizations are set up and operate.

MGAA operates by an elected board of governors that meet strict bylaw requirements, voting practices, and in general, democratic procedures.  No more than one family member may serve on the BOG at one time.  Terms are limited in length of one or two years and terms are limited to two consecutive.  MGAA is a 501c3 nonprofit which adds additional restrictions and requirements.   MGAA has developed its own lengthy rulebook that governs all competitions.

USMGA is owned with paid employees and little member voice, set up as more of a dictatorship or monarchy.  USMGA operates as a branch of the international organization, and follows the rulebook and requirements set by the international division.

Lexie on pony Glory
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #1 ~ Masters
Photo: R Crowley

While I personally prefer the democratic operation, there is no perfect process and there will always be politics involved, even if they are simply perceived to exist.  MGAA’s setup tends to take time, as a BOG of 9 members spread out in varying locations can take an  extended time to come to even the simplest resolutions.  It is always possible to have a BOG that is one sided or leans to a specific way of thinking, with term limits and elections, this can only be for a restricted period of time.

Laura on pony Cookie
USMGA Champion Series #2 ~ Open
Photo: R Crowley

With an organization having ownership by an individual or family, it allows that individual or family full control, regardless if it is for the whole organization’s best or not.  And regardless if they do, the perception will never be seen as fair and equal.  There is a greater possibility to make things unpleasant for those that cause trouble or are disliked, and to make things better for those that win favors, even if it is no done on a conscious level.  An advantage though, with a dictatorship is that resolutions are quick and to the point. 

Megan and pony Misty
MGAA’s Mid-Atlantic #2 ~ Masters
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Although not perfect, as a young all volunteer organization, MGAA has some room to grow and improve, I strongly support their operations.

In Conclusion

Both organization offer excellent opportunities for riders of all ages, skill and experience to take part in.  And while they are very similar there are some pointed differences, which can be taken as pros and cons. 

Regardless, both organizations have something they can learn from each other.

Setting up the turn and preparing to lean down for the scoop. Simon is still holding a slow canter!
Diane on team Red Solo Cup is already scooping to my left. For perspective my litter would be lined up with hers, so just in front of me and just out of the photo frame.
Photo credit: Ryan Crowley

This is a skill all of my previous ponies picked up very quickly.  The pony essentially learned the race, and as long as I set up the turn properly, they were capable of completing the turn on their own, or with very little assistance from me.  Simon is not as quick to pick up the races but he also continues to look to me for instruction during races rather than taking the initiative on his own. Which has its advantages, and like with this skill, its disadvantages.

Scooping at a strong trot, only breaking stride briefly.
Photo credit: Ryan Crowley

Simon also does not turn as smoothly as most of my previous ponies, or most agile ponies for that matter. He is stiff and clunky.  Part of this derives from his breeding, but it is also something we have been working on, and have made significant progress with over the past year.  So when turning, I need to do more than just lay the rein on his neck.

And dunking our litter into the blue bin at full speed.
Photo Credit: Ryan Crowley

Anyway, blah blah, right?  My whole point in posting about this again so soon, is that last night friend, and fellow games competitor, Nancy, posted some photos her very talented photographer son, Ryan shot of Simon and I in the litter race last weekend.

and just for fun, another cool photo Ryan took of Simon and I doing Balloon Race You can see the stick poking into the board on the right of Simon. This is just a fraction of a moment after the balloon that was in that same spot burst.
Photo credit: Ryan Crowley

Nancy is one of my favorite fossil rivals.  She rides on our greatest competition, the pink clad, Time Flies team.  Her and her pony, Marley are a fantastic pair.

Nancy and Marley making the turn while picking a flag in the Three Pot Flag Race.
Photo credit: Ryan Crowley

Side note: The footing was very very deep at this competition, which is pretty viable in the photos.  The ponys’ feet are all gone under the sand.  wow. 

The litter Race requires riders to ride to the far end of the lane with a 4 foot dowel in hand.  At the end of the lane are a line of 4 litter cartons with the open end facing away from the start line.  Riders circle behind the litter, scoop one up on the end of the stick and then ride back up the lane, dropping their litter in a trash bin on their way.  They then hand the litter stick over to the next rider who repeats the race sequence.

I am sure this all sounds a lot easier than it is.  I challenge you to give this a try at home.  If you do not have any MGAA standard litter, you can use a tennis ball tube or really any drink container that has the end cut off.

Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

scooping on the move
Mid-Atlantic #2 June 9, 2012
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

and off we go
Mid-Atlantic #2 June 9, 2012
Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Dunking in the Old Sock Race.
Photo by Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

We arrived Friday afternoon, got the ponies settled in and set up a massive camp that we shared with close to 20 friends.  I tried to get a good photo of the camp set up, but there was no angle that really showed the awesomeness. 

Placing the final mug in the Mug Shuffle Race
Photo by Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Photo by Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

 As a team we rode pretty well.  We had a few mistakes throughout the session, perhaps a few more than ordinary.  I know I made a mistake, although exactly what has slipped my mind.  Oh darn, guess I can’t tell you about it.  The mistakes were enough to leave us 3 points behind Time Flies.  Like normal, they were our greatest competition.  Red Solo Cup, the other team in our division also held their own, only 5 points behind us leaving the spread; 28, 25, 19.  

That afternoon we rode our second session of 12 races.  We had a few mistakes but as a team we were a bit more on than the previous session.  I missed my ball pick up in High-Low and had to hop off to retrieve it.  It was an out of character mistake, reminding me that I need to practice this skill more frequently.  We tried a few different orders in a few races, and that seemed to shave off a few seconds here and there.  We left the ring one point ahead with 27, followed by Time Flies with 26 and finally Red Solo Cup with 19 points.  Of course that still leaves Time Flies in the lead since points from each session are combined, but whatever, we took that session, even if it was only by one point.  Got to take the glory where you can, right?

Photo by Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Bottle Shuttle Race
Photo by Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Joust
Photo by Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Sword Race
Photo by Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Dunking
Photo by Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

Photo by Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

It was a fantastic weekend, which I’ll blog about later, but for now, I wanted to leave you with my new favorite photo taken by the amazing, Genevieve Arens. 

Photo: Genevieve of EquiStar Photography

This is MGAA Fossil Team, Old School, directly after the final session on Sunday. 

Kim, Linda, Carol Ann, Krista and Zoe. 

4 of my favorite people, and myself.  And Simon of course.

Teammate Carol Ann and her pony Zeke
Photo grabbed from Facebook
and taken by Pat Neuhauser

Our team normally rides at MGAA (Mounted Games Across America) competitions and although they are both mounted games organizations and the basic sport is the same, there are quite a few differences between the two.  I’ll have to discuss that in a different post though because I will probably be rather winded about it. 

This competition weekend turned out to be a hot and sunny one, which is a little daunting to riders like myself that don’t fare well in such conditions.  But it wasn’t raining so that’s a bonus.  We also rode on grass, which I personally love but is a mixed bag for some. Grass does tend to be cooler, because it doesn’t hold and reflect the heat back up like all weather footing does, but it is also not “all weather” footing.  I ride in grass at home so I get lots of practice on it, and I also have my pony in 4 shoes with borium and that does make a difference because he has more grip than the standard barefoot pony.    Games was almost always played on grass pre 2000 but the current precedence is to ride on footing in the US so most riders and ponies are not accustomed to compensating for the changing conditions on grass, like slowing up a tad and balancing a pony around sharp turns when its slick.

A pretty terrible photo of Simon and I plodding along at a snails pace
Photo taken from Facebook
and taken by Pat Neuhauser

My team rode in the Norman Patrick division, which is open to any rider of any age, skill or interest.  I’ll give a lot more detail on the different divisions break down when I post about the differences in the organizations at a later date.  But for ease of this post, just know we are used to riding against only riders over 21yo, and this weekend, we were the only team solely made up of adults.  But we were expecting this and didn’t mind.  We were also playing shorter heats, of only 10 races, but since we were a short team of four for the weekend, again, we didn’t mind. 

Our first session was a bit bumpy but we had a good time and left the arena tied with the In The Navy team for the lead.  Simon and I rode quite well, although slowly, and only had one minor fumble picking our litter in the litter race. 

Over the lunch break we decided to mix up some of our orders and try a few new rotations and see if we could come up with some ways to shave a few seconds off our races for future competitions.  As individuals and as a team we tend to get stuck, or more accurately put, possessive, about particularly positions in specific races.  And just because so and so always goes first in such and such race, doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best layout for the team as a whole.  All in all I was pretty impressed with some of the mix ups we tried throughout the rest of the weekend and I think we will be wise to implement them in the future.  

Our second session of the day, and our third session, played the following day also went well.  Although Simon had slowed down even more, and we were just getting burned up on the straight runs, but we played clean and only made one minor mistake which I have conveniently forgotten.  My team also pulled off some good riding, with few minor errors, and we came out 4 points and then 12 points ahead in those two sessions.  Go us! 

Our fourth session, the second one of the second day was not as pretty.  There were a few errors across the team, and one of our teammates, who I will not call out by name, was rather off.  She physically looked like she was over heated and not feeling right.  She was slow, out of sorts and made a lot of really odd mistakes.  Just not herself.  This is where having our 5th rider would have made a difference.  We could have given her a chance to sit out and recuperate and get her color back.  Simon was also slower than a slug in salt.  I felt like I was riding a merry go round at some points, happy carnival music and all.  He was happy and performing well, but had no interest in breaking faster than a riding school pony canter.  A friend from the sidelines even commented, ‘Simon seemed really slow in that session”.  And yep, he was.  But we muscled on and came out of that session 4 points behind In The Navy, but still in a solid second. 

Our final session on Monday was a mixed bag.  We started out a little rough with a few out of character mistakes, but got back in our game as the session went on.  I warmed Simon up with the aid of a bat and he was moving out a bit more agreeably.  I did make a fumble placing my bottle in bottle shuttle, and had to turn the barrel again to correct it, not once, but twice, but Simon was really agreeable and helped me make that correction as quickly as possible.  But the other teams had gotten their groove rolling and we just couldn’t make up the difference. 

We finished in a solid second place behind In The Navy and were awarded with a nice leather belt with a USMGA engraved plate on it.   We left feeling like it was a good weekend, with lots of practice for our more essential competitions.  We had gone in with practice in mind and no expectations so going home with a new leather belt was pleasing. 

And now I remember why I was holding off on this blog post.  I was hoping to find some decent photos on Facebook taken by friends to include which I have not been very successful at to date. 

A team shot, and you see, Simon can’t even keep up with everyone while walking around the ring.
Photo taken from Facebook and taken by Pat Neuhauser

Enjoy!

Photo: R Crowley

Simon and I taking it easy in the Bottle Shuttle Race.  We are picking up that bottle from the top of the barrel as we turn around it.

Photo: R Crowley

Simon and I in the Litter Race.  We ride down the field, turn around the litter and scoop one up with the stick, then ride back towards the start, dropping the litter into a waste bin.  The litter are old style water bottles with the ends cut off.  Its much harder to do that it appears.

Photo: R Crowley

Simon and I completing the 4-Flat Race.  We had collected a colored flag, and need to slide it into a small slot that matches the color of the flag.

Team Old School
Zoe, Carol Ann, Linda, Krista, Kim
Photo: Genevieve Arens

 This past weekend was the big season opener for the east coast mounted games season. We kicked it off with the first edition of the MGAA Mid-Atlantic Series held at the Price George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Simon and I rode with our team, Old School, including usual team members; Linda, Kim and Carol Ann. We also asked our friend Zoe to join us for the weekend with her pony Cheyenne.

I started off the weekend with a lengthy hack around the grounds and then joined up with teammates and friends for a a nice little practice on Friday afternoon to help work out some of the silliness.

Photo: Genevieve Arens

Apparently it wasn’t enough because the first session on Saturday started out with Simon a little full of himself. This is typical of Simon, and something I just need to expect and work through until he grows out of it. He did a few little rears (I suspect his hooves are only going one or two feet off the ground) and some leaping starts and a few slow take offs when receiving hand offs. We also took out the end barrel in bottle shuttle, which I am blaming on Simon’s silliness and lack of focus. I managed to reset it relatively quickly without needing to dismount, and proceeded on. The rest of the session was pretty clean with very few mistakes team wide.

Photo: Genevieve Arens

Simon took a little lunch time nap in his portable corral while I took my turn as an assistant referee for the intermediate division.

Nap Time
Photo: Me

Photo: Genevieve Arens

We returned for the afternoon session with Simon in full effect. He moved out, he stopped, he turned, and I felt like we were a well matched pair with great communication and a worthy member of our team. I did miss a flag put in the 3 Pot Flag race. It was totally my fault and Simon was right there, ready to help me pull off a quick correction. Otherwise the session was pretty clean for Simon and I, with just a few other mistakes throughout the team.

Zoe lookin good in Navy and Yellow
Photo: Genevieve Arens

That night we had a fun potluck and social affair at our camp site. We got in lots of laughs and took down some good eats. We also took the moment to invite Zoe to be an official member of the team and she accepted! Yea!

Simon first off the Line
Photo: Ashley Desjardins

Zoe fits right in with the four of us and is such an upbeat, easy going person. She is fun and a real joy to have around. She is also a good rider and an asset to have in races. I am thrilled she accepted and is going to be sporting navy and yellow with us. So yea, Old School is now a 5 man team!

Hand off to Kim
Photo: Genevieve Arens

Sunday we woke up from a night of rain to a warm sunny morning. We hit the field feeling good and the team rode very well. Simon and I had a snafu in the Ball and Cone race, which is generally a pretty strong race for us. He is a true fossil pony, and will stand nicely for me to complete technical tasks like balancing tennis balls on the tops of cones. But Sunday, although he was stopping and standing, he kept turning to face the cone when I would lean over to place the ball, thereby putting it out of my reach. We were eventually successful, but it took a few attempts to reach the cone and ate up too much time. I was rather disappointed in this race, but overall, we had a very clean session with just a few mistakes team wide.

Simon waiting for the call to the start line
Photo: Ashley Desjardins

The 15 race session blew past in no time and we found ourselves in a solid second place at the end. The other teams were fantastic. Particularly our friendly favorites, Time Flies, who rock the pink and black gear. They are a fantastic well practiced team, who have a few members that can pull off vaults and reach items floating in buckets of water without dismounting. Two important skills our team very much lacks. Time Flies gives us a real challenge. They push us to try harder, practice more, and push for additional speed and accuracy. And the best part, they are fun and friendly and nothing but enjoyable to ride with. Which is common in the adult division where teams cheer each other on, compliment well pulled off skills and give occasional high fives amongst each other.

Team Time Flies
Photo: Ashley Desjardins

An excellent weekend, with lots of friends, fun, ponies and games. Old School grew in members, and together we have a real challenge to push for this season.

Simon and I got home late Sunday, but I decided not to take our customary Monday off, and we had a nice hack and got in a little technique practice for myself.

Moving into the changeover box for the start
Photo: Ashley Desjardins

In general I am seeing improvement in Simon.  After the first session I was very pleased with his starts, and noticed in some photos that he was out front of the other ponies quite often.  He also has picked up the pace since last year and made the end of the lane in line with the other ponies, and even ahead on some occasions.  His end turns have improved and he has not lost any of his excellent stopping or standing skills.  He has also improved slightly in bending poles, which is one of his worst races.  This weekend he did not drop his shoulder into any of the poles and he even had a lead change around one of them.

The next two weeks I will be going heavy practicing Ball and Cone, flag puts and turning around barrels.

With the first installment of the series behind us, we have four more to up our game and catch Time Flies.

Photo: Me

So, per a friend’s suggestion, I ordered one from Chick’s Saddlery online.  I got it in navy blue with gold overlay and had  ‘Old School’ embroidered on the nose and ‘Simon’ on the cheek.   

I think it looks pretty spiffy on him, although I wish I had ordered a size larger.  I ordered the size he was currently wearing, which had tons of room to spare, but apparently the sizing on the monogrammed halters was a little different.  It does fit him, but it’s a little more snug than I would like.  But unless I happen to get another pony named Simon that has a slightly smaller head, my current pony named Simon is just going to have to deal.

Thanks to the Aren’s family for taking the picture.

Next month Lindsey will host their first clinic and practice session.  Today I helped her with a flyer for it.

Here is what we ended up with.

Check out South Mountain Games on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/388210634540983/

Since then I have been working on getting the poles that go into the bases, painting them, and then assembling the poles into the bases. 

I already had a bucket of blue paint I picked up last summer to paint the balloon boards.  I figure it will be the unoffical, official, Blue Ridge Games equipment color. 

I got the poles painted in blue two weekends ago.  Which took a lot more time than one would think. 

Next I added some yellow electric tape to the poles, in a candy cane like fashion.  I think this really made the poles look a lot fancier.  Side note, the electric tape did not stick to the painted poles nearly as well as I expected.  I wonder how well it will hold up over time and in weather.  I suppose we will see! 

Once the tape was applied the poles were ready for the final step, screwing into the bases. 

Yesterday, Rich helped me finish the process by screwing two screws per base into the poles.   It only took a few minutes, and then they were done! 

Now we have two lanes of five poles, assembled, loaded into my trailer, and ready to go to the first practice of the year this coming Sunday!  Wooo! 

Yep, it’s over a week in advance, but I tend to plan ahead like that.

I loaded the smaller stuff into a giant tote and piled most of what was left into the stacked barrels.  I still have a few items I need to pull out of the field but the majority is loaded into the passenger side pony stall in my trailer now.  Ill have to rearrange a little to fit in the bending poles, which still need to be screwed into their bases, but that shouldn’t be too hard.

I am getting pretty excited about next weekend.  It should be a lot of fun!

Not Simon. Granted he is built more like an 18 wheeler and weaving is harder, my previous ponies were more like Moseratis so it was a tad easier for them, it’s been a year now and he still seems a bit confused going through the poles. After we complete a run through them I imagine his brain, “so you want me to change which side of the pole I am running on? Are you sure about that?”

Simon's first competition last April - Bending poles end turn, not pretty

I righted the poles and tried going through them again and we did a bit better, managing to leave all the pole standing, although I don’t know if it was physically possible for Simon to go any slower and still maintain the three beat canter. He often trots faster.

His end turn has really improved over the past year though. I give him that. He is developing a nice turn on the haunches. I even had to grab the pole to keep it upright when we turned around it the second time. Go Simon!

Next we worked through litter race some. This is another race that has been a particular challenge for Simon. In litter, the rider starts at the A line and rides up the field to a neatly lined up “pile” of cartons. For MGAA we use water bottle like containers with the end cut off. The open end is facing away from the A line. So the rider must ride behind the containers, turning to face the A line, and using a little stick (4 foot dowel rod), scoop up one carton. The rider then rides back to the A line, dropping the litter from the stick into a trash can that is sitting in the middle of the field. (up and back).

Simon's first competition last April - walking his turn to face the litter

May 2011 - Pick and Run

We have been working on this pretty rigorously for the past month and are getting mixed results. Most days, the first four or five times through the race Simon does not quite understand that I am asking him to turn completely and he turns half way. Eventually he gets it and continues through the turn although then we are still left trying to get the size of his turn perfected, which is disconcertingly inconsistent.

Spring 2011 - Stand and pick

I am told that this is a draft brain. That drafts are generally known for their willingness and interest in pleasing their rider, but are a little slow on the uptake.

April 2011 - He knows to gallop home at least!

Thats me and Simon at the expo

I should explain my recent absence from this blog, and also cover my butt for the next few days.

I was out of town the later part of last week at a very exciting horse event, the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo.  My team worked the MGAA, Mounted Games Across America, booth and we also rode in a demo as part of it.  It was very exciting, very time consuming, and you can read about it on my other bog, Blue Ridge Pony.  I created three posts concerning the event…

http://blueridgepony.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/mounted-games-at-the-pa-horse-world-expo/

http://blueridgepony.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/mgaa-booth-pa-horse-world-expo/

http://blueridgepony.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/mounted-games-demo-pa-horse-world-expo/

I have also been shamelessly promoting two upcoming clinics my local MGAA Branch, Blue Ridge Games, is hosting by plastering flyers all over Craigslist and Facebook and then checking the links and my email every few minutes to see if I am getting any responses.

http://blueridgepony.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/blue-ridge-games-clinic-and-open-practice-poster/

Our Facebook page is www.facebook.com/blueridgegames

or on the web at www.blueridgegames.org

I also write a quarterly newsletter for MGAA, the same organization mentioned above and I am in the process of finishing up the latest edition.  Which takes way more time than one would think.  If you are crazy interested, or crazy bored, and like that type of thing, you can find most of my past newsletters at this link on the MGAA site.

www.mountedgames.org/pages/newsletters

Next, I am preparing my home business, Cosmic Earth, for our return to the Farmers Market this weekend.  My husband and I took January and February off from this job (but still worked our normal 40/hr a week jobs), but generally spend every Saturday at our market working our stand.  And just like any normal person, I totally enjoyed my two months of Saturdays off and have completely procrastinated any return to market preparations I should have been working on.  Which I am now cramming to get done.

http://cosmicearth.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/free-time-makes-me-lazy/

I also got this amazing new leather industrial sewing machine about two weeks ago that I am still learning about.  Unfortunately I can’t blame my lack of activity on here for that because I still need to blow a ton of money ordering supplies so I can actually work with the machine!  You can check that out on my Cosmic Earth blog here.

http://cosmicearth.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/momma-got-a-new-machine/

My last excuse is that it is getting to be garden time and I am way way behind in placing some much needed seed orders.  Really, take two months off and all goes to hell.   So I have been spending way more time than any human should browsing seed catalogs and websites filling my virtual carts with an over abundance of goodies and then spending even more time weeding them back out.

But yeah, I should be posting more regularly in short order.  Back to entertain the nonexistent masses with my witty charm, remedial baking and … oh who am I kidding.  Just give me a few days and I’ll be rambling a profusion of nonsense on here again!

Simon at Kelly's getting dressed to leave.

Leading up to the demo day, Simon got to stay at our friend Kelly’s barn for the weekend, where he soaked up her loving hospitality. 

Simon loves stalls, and would prefer to be stabled part of the time versus a full time pasture pony.  So he loved having his very own stall for a few days, although he did follow their pony, Nicky’s example and let himself out Thursday night to frolic around. 

Kelly bathed, fed and let Simon in and out of his stall for the weekend and he was in pristine order when I arrived to pick him up Saturday morning.  I had my wash bucket in hand and found him still squeaky clean.  Since I had some time to burn I lunged him for a bit to get out some bucks and then got his wraps on in advance, before loading up and shoving off for PA.

On the road

We arrived in a three trailer convoy and managed, after much deliberation, to get parked awkwardly at the end of the lot, but still near the majority of the other MGAA trailers. 

After parking our group went in to visit the booth, which was hopping with Saturday expo goers, and joined in inviting spectators to come watch our demo and cheer us on.

Stopping for gas

Before long it was time to tack up and get dressed in our navy and yellow gear.  Linda, Kim and I combined our team, Old School, with two riders, Nancy and Phyllis, from the pink and black team, Time Flies.  Together we were representing the adult, “fossil” division.  Once tacked up, we spent a bit of time trying to figure out how to get into the venue with our ponies.  This was surprisingly difficult as the venue did not have signage or people out to offer direction.  We eventially found a people door we were suppose to take our ponies through and then made our way to the holding area. 

We spent about 40 minutes on deck just outside of the arena as other horses entered and exited for their demo events.  Everyone was nervous, ponies included and we were told the house was packing in and there were already 2000-3000 spectators in the arena with more entering.

Simon and I - Carton Race (photo: R Crowley)

Simon and I - Carton Race 2 (Photo: R Crowley)

When it was time to go, Linda led the entrance with me and Simon just behind her.  Linda’s pony Blue did not hesitate as we reached the opening to the arena and we pranced into a packed house.  The other riders all followed and everyone lapped the arena a few times for warm up as our fantastic ring crew prepared the equipment, and a few short minutes later, we were ready to roll.

Simon and I, Kim and Gwen - Pony Pairs (Photo: R Crowley)

Simon and I - Litter Race (Photo: R Crowley)

We started off with speed weavers, which is a pole bending race.  Riders cross over the start, or A line, and weave up through a line of 5 poles, turn the end pole and weave back.  The incoming rider passes a baton to the outgoing rider who repeats the same pattern, leaving all poles standing.  During the set up our announcer encourage the crowd to cheer the riders on and named off the teams describing the difference in age and level of play each team represented.  The crowd came through when the team next to us dropped their baton and the arena filled with a united bellow of “OOOOOHHHHHHHH”.

Simon and I - Mug Shuffle (Photo: R Crowley)

Simon was very pumped up and when it was our turn, instead of his usual plodding canter, he ripped up the field at a full gallop, performing like the games pony I have been hoping he could become.  After that the races started to blur together.  The crowd performed lots of collective “OOOOHS” and “AHHHHHHS” and  a few “EEEEKKKK” type of reactions.

Simon and I - Mug Shuffle (Photo: R Crowley)

Sadie and Truffles - Mug Race (Photo: R Crowley)

The star of the show was 8 year old Sadie.  A tiny little thing, on a cute 11 and a half hand pony, Sadie has been playing games for a few years now, and is a determined and fearless rider.  She did a fabulous running vault onto her pony and the crowd cheered uproariously loud.  At the end everyone wanted to speak to “the little one”.

The other crowd favorite was Mackenzie on her leopard Appaloosa Inky.  Mack and Inky are amazingly fast, and work together like a clock work team, with Mack vaulting on and off, and performing all of her skills at a full gallop.  The striking appearance of Inky certainly caught spectators’ eyes and after the event I repeatedly heard interested individuals asking about the “Dalmatian pony”.

Mack and Inky - Bottle Race (Photo: R Crowley)

Simon was so proud of himself and clearly liked performing for a crowd.  He had his tail up through the whole event and although he was very nervous, he listened to me and worked to put on a good show.  He is really becoming an outstanding games pony.  I hope I can figure out how to get him to bring out that speed at our regular competitions.

Kim and Gwen - Carton Race (Photo: R Crowley)

We left the arena full of adrenaline and returned to untack and blanket our hard working ponies and return them to their trailers with plenty of hay.

Before taking off for home, we went inside to see how the stand was going, and as expected, it was booming with interested spectators.  Half a dozen MGAA representatives were speaking with groups about games and brochures were being handed out.  I stuck around for a while and helped out, before I decided I needed to go before I was too tired to make the drive home.  On my way out I was stopped two times by spectators that had seen our demo and were on their way to our booth to get some more information.

Simon all done and ready to go home

It was a really cool experience and I really hope it helps MGAA grow and gives more people the opportunity to try this fantastic sport.

If you would like more information on mounted games, MGAA or Blue Ridge Games, feel free to post a comment, send me an email kristashine@hotmail.com or click on one of the corresponding links in the side bar on the left.

The Pennsylvania Horse World Expo was pretty cool.  My teammates, Linda and Kim and I went up to Harrisburg to work the MGAA booth all day Friday along with friends Genevieve, Tommy and Annie.  It was a really good time and the booth was pretty busy.  The video running, the photos on the blue display board and the big joust board out in front of our booth all attracted people and we spent most of the day chatting about mounted games, MGAA and telling people how they could give it a try.

I spoke to some jousters, as in full metal jousters, eventers, hunters, barrel racers, trail riders, pleasure riders and people of all ages.  I talked to people who traveled from as far away as New Hampshire and also people down in my own area in Virginia!  We gave them info about clinics in their area, directed them to our website and invited them to watch the demo we would be performing the next day.

Kim and I walked around the venue, taking in the sights and did a little shopping.  I picked up a trailer aid, which I have been wanting to get for my trailer, and a new set of blue cotton reins for Simon.  There was a lot to see and just about everything equine you can imagine to purchase.  We stopped by the event rings and round pens and got a feel for the whole venue, which took hours.  My feet hurt.

Our friend and fellow games rider, Kyley, had her booth, Painting Pony, across the aisle from us.   Kyley’s pony, Minnow, was in the booth and performed painting demos several times throughout the day.  Minnow Is Kyley’s retired games pony, come painter and trick pony.  He is a Chincoteague Pony and he is also adorable.  He hammed it up for the crowd climbing up onto his pony stand and reaching over the corral to greet passersby.  Check Painting Ponies out at http://www.paintingpony.com/

It was a day well spent.  I am pretty enthusiastic about mounted games and can ramble on about it all day long.  But, the only thing better than talking about mounted games all day, is actually playing mounted games all day.  Which is what we did on Saturday.  But you will have to wait until tomorrow to read about that!

If you would like more information on mounted games, MGAA or Blue Ridge Games, feel free to post a comment, send me an email kristashine@hotmail.com or click on one of the corresponding links in the side bar on the left.

It was a really fun time, and it was a really cool experience.  Ill be sure to post about the Booth and demo in detail, but for now, Ill leave you with a video that one our our amazing members, Annie Seymour put together of the demo.

Tomorrow morning Simon and I are driving up to teammate, Linda’s  house.  Then Linda, myself and our teammate Kim will get together to have a practice and get our ponies cleaned up and show ring presentable.  It should be a fun day! 

Friday morning we will be driving up to the expo and working the MGAA booth all day along with a few other friends.  I am looking forward to checking out the facility and looking at all the cool booths.  I am also very excited to talk about MGAA and mounted games all day long. 

Saturday we will be loading the ponies and driving up to take part in the expo.  We are riding at 4pm, so if you happen to be there, be sure to cheer us on.  We are team Old School and will be dressed in navy with yellow.  One of the best parts about mounted games is that as a spectator you can cheer really loud and pick a team to support. 

Ill be sure to blog about the experience next week.  I am excited to ride in such a different type of venue, but I am also excited to take part in it with my team.  It’s a cool way to kick off the games season! 

http://www.horseworldexpo.com/PAmain.shtml

I love the people I ride with.  Linda, Kim and Carol Ann are the best teammates.  We have tons of fun together and have our whole hand signal, when to push each other and when to laugh at each other type of stuff worked out. 

Ideally we would like to have a fifth rider, someone that fits in competitively and likes to have fun.  If someone comes along we are ready to scoop them up asap (hint hint).  But our division is still growing and there’s not that many people that don’t already have a team to ride on. 

As I see it we have two realistic options. 

1. Find someone that is already a strong rider but new to the sport of mounted games that is ready to dive in and kick some butt.  Train them up and outfit them in some of our team gear.
2. Get someone that used to play but hasn’t in a long time and remind them how much fun it is and convince them to come practice with us.  One practice is bound to get them re-hooked and want to ride with us. 

Here is a video of us at the last competition in 2011, the Mid-Atlantic Series #5 at PG Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland in October.

The weekend was really muddy from start to finish.  This was probably the driest it got all weekend, in our second session on Saturday.  We are playing 4 flag, which involves riding to the end of the field (where the video taper is), selecting a flag, and then ride to a metal holder.  The 4 holes in the holder are color coded and you must slide the flag you selected into the matching slot. 

You know you want to ride with us.  Look at how awesome we are!    

We are offering clinics that are open to riders that are brand new to games as well as those that are already playing but want to advance their skills some.  It would be great for any Pony Club games riders that are gearing up for their regional or the national competitions or that want to start playing MGAA games this year.  Riders will be grouped by skill and experience to best optimize their time.  Its only $25 and riders may also stick around and take part in the open practice for no additional charge. 

The practice is open to anyone.  We bring the equipment, and mark out an A and C line and everyone can dive in and have fun.  It’s a great opportunity to brush up for the spring season, and get the bugs worked out of your pony.  It is also a fabulous way to get a new pony out and experienced before going to a  competition.  Practice is $20 a rider. 

We are doing these at the Shenandoah Fairgrounds in Woodstock, Virginia.  Everyone must register in advance.  We ride in a ring on all weather footing, but will cancel if the weather stinks. 

We have a website – which is still under construction – www.blueridgegames.org and we also have a facebook page www.facebook.com/blueridgegames that you can “like” if you want updates. 

I am also happy to answer questions kristashine@hotmail.com

We need to have our own set of games equipment to really operate.  So far BRG has been able to barrow equipment for our competitions and we use my own personal equipment for practices and we have been able to make that work.  But it really adds an obstacle to hosting a competition and it’s a lot to ask of other people.

Creating your own personal set of equipment is not an inexpensive task, but some things can be skimped on and fabricated, although often to a not-quite-standard degree.  Which does not always work for a competition set of equipment.  For a competition set, you need to have 4 -6 sets of each item, and they all need to match and be to specifications.

There are also a lot of heavy metal, specially made pieces that are expensive to purchase and are a bit difficult to find.  There are two current games people that create and sell these metal items.  One, The Steel Pony, is the original artist for metal games equipment in the USA.  Operated by Mark, he originates in PA but recently moved to FL.  The other seller is a family in Kentucky.  They both make excellent equipment that lasts a life time.  We are talking about items you can gift to your kids who will then in turn gift to their kids.  Once you purchase these items you are set for life.  Although because of location, handing over equipment is a task that can take a year or more to arrange.

When it comes to expense, these items add up.  With the rise in metal prices the cost of a single bending pole has shot up some, being close to $60 each, and metal costs continue to rise.  Each set requires 5 poles.  So at last year’s $60 price, one set costs $300.  Our little BRG group needs 4 sets of everything to make the cut, which would run us $1200.  Wow right!

Because our little group can hardly afford to purchase one or two poles in a good year, we decided to check with the local vo-tech center that operates as part of the public school system.  They agreed to make the bases for us at cost!  Score!  We could still only afford two sets, 10 bases total, but it’s a start.  I have a set of matching poles as do two others in our group, so between us and the new bases we actually have five lanes!  Crazy!

Of course we still need to save up for the wooden poles, which will cost about $70 for both sets.  But shoot, we are just happy to have the bases for now.

We attempt to provide the Blue Ridge Valley with local mounted games competitions, clinics and practice opportunities and I have set up three dates for this coming year so far. 

• March 18, 2012 Clinic and open Practice
• April 15, 2012 Clinic and open Practice
• September 1, 2012 BRG Fair Demo, Shenandoah Fair

These events will be hosted at the Shenandoah Fairgrounds in Woodstock, Virginia and anyone can take part. 

So what is mounted games?

I can best describe it as relay races on horseback.  Riders are generally set up on teams.  The riding area is arranged with matching lanes.  Teams are line dup at one end of the playing field behind a line, one team per lane.  A referee starts the race with the drop of a flag.  The first rider on each team races through an obstacle that has been preset in their lane, and then “hands off” with a teammate who then races through the obstacle.  The finish is called in the order the final rider of each team crosses the finish line. 

Races are generally run one after the other, with the same teams of riders staying in the playing field and completing 10-18 races within a one hour session.  The order of completion in each race gains a predetermined amount of points for each team, and at the end of the session those points are added up for a final score and placement. 

That’s the basics. 

Mounted games gives riders the opportunity to ride on a team, where working together is paramount to completing each race. 

Because all of the equipment in the lane must be left in a specific condition at the end of the race, riders must decide how fast to push their pony without disturbing the equipment.  If, for example, riders are riding around a barrel, and they knock the barrel over, it must be righted and returned to its original position before that rider can continue.  Finding the fastest speed to go around the barrel without knocking it over is a key element in games. 

But generally in games you do not just ‘go around a barrel’.  You most likely need to retrieve an object from that barrel, or place one on it while going around it.  So riders are then required to figure out how close they need to get to the barrel to pick up the object, while still keeping speed and not knocking it over. 

Some races require riders to dismount, retrieve an object and then remount before continuing.  This encourages riders to perform a vaulting mount without the aid of stirrups.  Generally reserved for the younger more agile riders, feats of vaulting onto ponies at a full gallop are spectacles to witness, but they do require a lot of training of the pony and practice of the rider to accomplish.  Spills happen.    

Lots of fun to take part in and with an array of divisions that are directed toward riders of different age and skill level, mounted games is a sport for many. 

I have been playing games since I was 9 years old,  and although Simon just started a year ago, he is already a fabulous games pony.  Simon and I ride on a team, Old School, in the adult (fossil) division.  Being part of a team is amazing, and I will be sure to post about it in the future. 

We generally take the winter months off, although there are still games competitions taking place.  We have our first one coming up at the end of February.  Our calendar packs in after that, with games dominating about every other weekend through October.  No worries, you will hear a lot about it if you choose to follow this blog.

Three of the teams at the Fall Demo 2011