Gymkhana Event Rules

1. Quadrille Race – Rider starts and finishes in center with start-finish poles 20 feet apart. Horse to run through starting poles, make two left-hand or two right-hand turns around the corner poles and then race back through center start/finish poles to make two right-hand or two left-hand turns around corner poles and then back through start-finish poles to end time. Right or left beginning turns are rider’s choice, but must be done two left, two right OR two right, two left. There is a five-second penalty for each pole knocked over. Corner poles are 75 feet apart on all sides. Rider disqualified if crosses time line before completion.

2. 75 Up and Back – Only run one contestant at a time. Contestant will race 75 yards up the arena around a stake or barrel and return across the starting line for a time. Running start. IF the marker is knocked over, contestant is not disqualified or assessed a time penalty.

   Disqualification:

• Any fall of horse or rider
• Horse makes full turn prior to or after rounding the designated marker.
• Crossing back over time line before completion of the pattern.

3. Pole Bending Race –  Poles to be set in straight line with first pole 21 feet from starting line and each pole spaced at 21 feet between thereafter. There are six poles. Poles should be at least 6 feet tall. Contestant begins on either left or right side with full run down the last pole, 180° turn and weave back to first pole, 180° turn weave back, another 180° turn and full run back across finish line. A disqualification occurs when the horse’s body (any part) goes between poles in any configuration other than the one described. Any back up in the pattern constitutes a no time. A five-second penalty will be assessed for each pole knocked down.

4. Keyhole Race – Only run one contestant at a time. Pattern is to consist of 10 buckets and nine 10-foot poles with wrapped/covered ends. Plastic buckets and ½-inch or ¾-inch conduit pipe recommended. Entrance to keyhole should not be more than 5 feet wide and 10 feet long. Keyhole should not be less than 30 feet and not more than 75 feet from starting line. If a pole is knocked down for any reason, the contestant will be disqualified. Horse may not step outside of circle. Field judge’s decision will be final.

  Disqualification:

• Any fall of horse or rider
• More than one turn of horse within keyhole.
• Knocking off of any pole or knocking over buckets.
• Stepping or jumping outside of keyhole anywhere other than the actual entrance to and exit from the keyhole.
• Crossing back over time line before completion of the pattern.

5. Flag Race – One and one-half minute time limit on this event. Contestant appears at start line where he/she is given a flag not over 24-inches in length. Contestant races 50-75 yards to first barrel (left or right side depending on right or left handed), sticks flag in bucket containing either sand, dirt, oats, cat-litter, runs straight across to second barrel and picks up flag and races back across finish line. Barrels should be no less than 25 feet apart. NO backing is allowed. Time of two seconds will be added for carrying flag any place except in hand as required (mouth for example). Contestants will be disqualified for knocking over barrel or bucket, missing or dropping flag, using flag as whip. Disqualification occurs if flag touches horse in such manner.

  Disqualification:

• Any fall of horse or rider
• Missing first bucket.
• Missing flag in second bucket.
• Backing in any manner.
• Flag touches horse in any manner other than accidental.
• Full turn other than barrel.
• Crossing back over time line before completion of the pattern.
• One clockwise turn around each barrel is allowed if flag is missed on first or second barrel.

6. Stake Race – Pattern to be set by field judge before starting event. Upright markers (preferably cones) are set 40 feet on either side of centerline. (Center line also start and finish line). IF cones are not available, poles or barrels may be used, but are not recommended. Start by crossing center line between upright markers, making right or left turn at first marker then opposite turn on opposite marker completing figure 8. Time and patterns stops when finish line is crossed.

  Disqualification:

• Any fall of horse or rider
• Knocking down or running over marker.
• Any turn other than 180° turn around first or second cone.
• Crossing back over time line before completion of pattern.

7. Barrel Racing - Distance between first and second barrel should be set at 35 yards, distance between third barrel and first and second shall be 35 yards. Plastic barrels are preferable, metal may be used if no other are available. A five-second penalty shall be assessed for each barrel knocked over during a competitive run. Contestant may run to left or right barrel first and then continue to cloverleaf pattern. One left and two right turns, or one right and two left turns.

  Disqualification:

• Any fall of horse or rider
• Any turn outside of pattern other than those listed as part of the pattern sequence.
• If horse passes on the wrong side of any barrel within the designated pattern.
• Crossing back over time line before completion of the pattern.