WESTERN GAMES NATIONAL FINAL 2018

Western Mounted Games (WMGA)
What is Western Mounted Games?
Western Mounted Games is the action-packed, precision sport of the equestrian world. A good WMG horse does not only require the speed of a racehorse but the turning ability of a cutting horse and the control and responsiveness of the stock horse.
Western Mounted Games in South Africa only includes the American Gymkhana Events:
Barrel Racing * Keyhole * Hurry-Scurry * Pole bending (Poles 1 & 2) * Quadrangle * Bi-Rangle
Single Stake * Fig 8 Flags * Fig 8 Stake * Speed Ball * Big T * Speed Barrels
A selection of 5 events is run in each Western Mounted Games Qualifier show. At the National Competition, 12 of the 13 events are selected to be completed in over three days.
The level of a rider/horse combination is determined by the average level of times ridden and recorded through the year at Qualifier shows according to a Rating “Matrix”. The “Matrix” is a timetable used to determine the level of competence of a rider. In South Africa, the highest average level of competence is level 4.
This sport of speed and precision, evaluated with fair and accurate time-measurement, is a sport that trains and teaches all horse and rider combinations the skills needed to grow into an accurate and effective team, able to compete successfully as a team (in any discipline) under all circumstances on a high standard.
It is important to note that any horse is suitable for competing successfully in this sport. The success depends mainly on the horse-rider combination with regards to the level of training, the precision of completing the event, changing legs efficiently, correctly judging speed and turns, etc. Well-trained rider and horse combinations normally competing in show jumping, eventing, polo cross, endurance, and most other disciplines are doing exceptionally well in Western Mounted Games.
Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Anglo’s and Boerperd horses, as well as school ponies are very popular and are holding National Records in different classes and events.
SAWMGA adheres to the requirements of the Sports Act, SASCOC, and the SAEF.
We are also a member of SANESA (South African National Equestrian Schools Association).