PONY CLUB Mounted Games

Mounted Games is a team competition that requires courage, determination and all round riding ability from team members in combination with the careful and systematic training of their ponies. Teams consist of five members participating in a variety of games where speed and breath-taking accuracy are the norm.
Competitions are held during the summer at various locations and shows throughout the country at Under 10, Junior and Senior level culminating in the Under 10 and Junior Championships at the Pony Club Festival in July and the Senior Competition at the RDS Dublin during the International Horse Show. The games are exciting and fun to watch and are one of the top attractions at the Dublin Horse Show in the RDS

Mounted Games News

2019 Under 10 and Junior Mounted Games Spring League

The following are the dates and venues for the 2019 Under 10 and Junior Mounted Games Spring League:

2019 Mounted Games Trials Results

Please click on the following link to download the results from the 2019 Mounted Games Trials.

Booking Form for Irish Pony Club Mounted Games International Squads Trials Now Open Online

The Irish Pony Club Mounted Games Committee are delighted to announce that they have created an Its Plain Sailing site dedicated to Mounted Games for Irish Pony Club members.

Nominations Requested for 2019 Mounted Games Trials

Guidelines and Information for 2019 Mounted Games Trials

Please carefully read all of the following guidelines and if you wish to nominate members for these trials, download and complete the nomination form located at the end of this article.

The 2019 trials dates are:

Day 1 is Sunday 20th January - all-weather arena at Punchestown Racecourse.
Day 2 is Sunday 27th January - all-weather arena at Punchestown Racecourse.
Day 3 (for the top fifteen only) is Sunday 3rd February in Abbottstown, National Sports Arena, Dublin.

Entry fee is €75.00 of which €50.00 will be deducted from the cost of the trip or training.

Nomination forms must be returned to Eilidh Hyland by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or to the Irish Pony Club Office Main Street, Urlingford, Via Thurles, Co Kilkenny before the 7th January 2019 and signed by the branch D.C.

A letter will also be required from the D.C. and parent stating that the size of the pony and weight of the rider conforms to the rules as follows: -

Dressed to compete a rider weighing over 54kg, may not ride a pony 128cm or under.
A rider weighing 60kg may not ride a pony 133cm or under.
A rider weighing 66kg may not ride a pony 138cm or under.
If a team Member changes to a different pony during the competition or training the same weight/height rules apply.

Before training starts parents will be asked to commit to attending training sessions and anyone who misses two or more sessions (without good reason) will be dropped from the team at the discretion of the Chief Steward. Entry fees must be paid before the first day of trials.

The pony that a rider presents on the first day of trials must be used throughout the trials, training and travelling period. If it becomes necessary to change a pony it can only be done at the discretion of the Chief Steward. If a player or Pony gets injured during the trials their placing will be at the discretion of the selectors.

The selectors are: TBC

Please note the following when preparing for and taking part in the trials as the points below will be important when the Trainers are making the final decisions. All points having equal merit.

Ability to vault.
Ability to correct a mistake quickly and accurately.
Ability to achieve pace and speed but also to check or pull up.
Ability of pony and rider to give a pass.
Ability of pony and rider to take a pass.
Ability to play technical games correctly.
Temperament and attitude of pony and rider

Notes.

Consideration is given to the complementary attributes of all 5 riders and ponies to the overall team as a unit.
All players who attend trials will be given the best possible chance to show their abilities.

Cost of Trips for 2019
WINDSOR €1700.00
BATH & WEST €1300.00
Scotland & England €300.00

Details regarding payment methods will follow in early 2019.

Guidelines and Information for 2019 Mounted Games Trials

Mounted Games Team Selection Nomination Form 2019

Provisional Mounted Games Dates for 2019

Cayli Herbert My International Mounted Games Experience

The International Mounted Games Competition proved to be another great success in 2018. Despite the terrible weather conditions, large numbers tavelled to Punchestown to compete. One of those who made the journey to Punchestown was Cayli Herbert from Wales. Cayli has kindly written a wonderful report, recounting her experiences from the trip. It is an excellent read.

"Being selected to represent your country with your pony is the dream I had since starting games. I can remember my mum / trainer saying one day you will be in Windsor doing games. I at that time didn’t realize you got to go to Ireland to compete as well. I’m very fortunate to have experienced Windsor twice once as reserve and once in the team. They were both amazing experiences. To ride in front of the Queen in such a fantastic arena will stay with me for ever but it is also a very busy week with early feeding and late riding, so early nights. During the week in Windsor you make friends with the other teams and when you leave Windsor you leave with memories and at least twenty nine new friendships.

The final competition in Ireland to finish off the amazing Welsh team experience is the perfect way to end the pony club year. It is a chance to meet friends from Windsor, to compete in a relaxed atmosphere, not that the competition is any less fierce but the hospitality and camaraderie is always outstanding. The Irish not only welcomed us but provided brilliant ponies for us to ride this year. Due to the unsafe weather conditions most of the Welsh team ponies could not be transported over seas to Ireland, so the Irish without a second thought stepped up and thoughtfully gave us ponies to borrow. Both times I have been to the competition in Ireland something for the Welsh team has not gone according to plan. Even simple things like leaving boots sitting by the front door at home, but both times the Irish Pony Club Mounted Games committee and all the Irish Branches have been more than helpful. I have got to do a shout out to my wonderful trainers who kept us laughing and motivated, while storms on both trips tried to make the journey more challenging. A massive thank you to Sharon and Lauren Boyce for helping us go with the flow. The whole weekend was wonderful from the quiz on the Friday, to the social on the Saturday where everyone got together for food and a singsong, where the teams merged into one voice (not all Welsh can sing, so not necessarily an in tune voice lol). I’m sure I’ve made friends for life and the company is extravagant!
Thank you to everyone who makes the show possible." Cayli Herbert and Choci

Thank you Cayli. Well done!

Mounted Games Open Meeting 2018

The Irish Pony Club Mounted Games Open Meeting will take place on Thursday 8th November 2018 at 8pm in Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, Co. Loais.

All are welcome to attend.

International Mounted Games Competition 2018 - Results

Feedback From the International Mounted Games Competition in Punchestown

The Mounted Games committee have created a feedback form for the International Mounted Games competition which was held in Punchestown last weekend.

They would be delighted if you could take a moment to complete this very short form. Feedback is essential following any event to evaluate and identify successful elements and areas for further improvement. Please click on the following link to open the feedback form.

International Mounted Games Feedback Form

Thank you in advance for your assistance.