| About Gymkhana |
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It is a fast growing, exciting equine sport that anyone can
enjoy, and is family oriented.
Gymkhana is an action packed, precision sport in 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.
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,
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.
Information above was based on information from the California Gymkhana
Association web site. www.calgymkhana.com