Gymkana Rules
Barrel Racing
Riders enter at the red line, circle around the 1st barrel, proceed to the 2nd barrel, and then continue on to the 3rd where they will complete the pattern and finally exit the course crossing the red line a second time. This pattern is often referred to as a "Cloverleaf" The pattern may also begin with the left barrel first.
Penalty - Add 5 seconds for each barrel knocked over
Disqualification - Going off pattern
Crossing backover the starting line before completing the pattern
Pole Bending
A rider and horse run past a timer line to the end of a line of six poles, then turn the end pole and weave down through the pattern, again turn at the last pole and weave back up, then run back home across the timer line. The fastest time will win.
Penalty - Add 3 seconds for each pole knocked over
Disqualification - Going off pattern
Touching pole with hand
Stakes
Stakes to be set 100 feet apart with start and finish line (same) midway between the set of stakes. From a standing start at the starting line, horse must completely cross the starting line before making a right hand pivot. Proceed to a left hand turn around the first stake, then a right hand turn around the second stake, left hand turn around the first stake, then rush to the starting line (midway between stakes) to finish. Pattern maybe reversed (mirror image).
Disqualifications - Knocking over a stake
Going off course
When running double, going over the centre line
Touching stake with hand
Flag Picking
Course to be set up with four flag stakes in a straight line 10 feet apart. A container to hold flags to be set 50 feet away from the first flag and 20 feet from the start line. A rider crosses the line and runs to first flag, picks it up, returns to barrel and drops flag in barrel and continues consecutively up the row of flags. After the fourth flag is deposited, crosses the finish line. A rider may start on either side of the flags but must continue picking flags from the same side throughout.
Disqualifications: Not going around flag or barrel
Knocking over barrel
Not picking flags in proper order
Dropping or missing a flag
Crossing finish line before course is finnished
Going off course
Touching horse with flag (that is: used as a crop)
Keyhole
The keyhole is a 20 foot diameter circle with a slot 4 feet wide and 10 feet long. A starting line is set 100 feet back from the moutn of the slot. A rider is timed from crossing the line, running through the slot, turning and running out through the slot and back across the finish line. Horse must not step on the white marked lines. A judge is appointed to watch for stepping on or over the lines.
Disqualifications: Stepping on or over the slot or keyhole
Going off course