14th Annual White Pine Gymkhana

Gymkhana is an equestrian event consisting of speed pattern racing and timed games for riders on horses. These events often emphasize children’s participation and may be organized by a recognized Pony Club or a 4-H club. In parts of the western United States, this type of competition is usually called an “O-Mok-See” (also spelled “omoksee” or without hyphenation as “o mok see”) competition, a term derived from a Native American phrase said to mean “games on horseback.” Very small events with little or no prize money, designed for beginners or riders at a local level, are sometimes called playdays. Gymkhana is the word used in most of the rest of the English-speaking world, including the United Kingdom, and both the east and west coasts of the United States.

Gymkhana includes timed speed events such as barrel racing, pole bending, keyhole race, keg race (also known as “down and back”), flag racing, and stake race. Some organizations include ride and run, musical mats, egg stomp, $1 bill race or “ride a buck”, and sack race.

Most of these events are designed to display precise, controlled actions and tight teamwork between horse and rider at speed, and demonstrate many skills such as flying lead changes, sliding stops and more. Most clubs offer a variety of classes for all ages and abilities of people, allowing riders to compete at the speed level at which they are most capable and comfortable.