Top 5 Fun Games to Play in Pony Club

 

Pony Club isn’t just about riding lessons and horse care; it’s also a place where young riders can have fun, build friendships, and develop important skills through interactive games. Some of my Pony Club friends from years ago remain my best friends today.  One thing we all loved was games.  These games encourage teamwork, coordination, and agility while reinforcing horsemanship principles in a playful environment. Whether you’re looking for exciting activities for Pony Club camp, rallies, or simply want to mix things up during practice sessions, here are five fantastic games to try in Pony Club!

1. Pole Bending Race

The Bending Race is a classic Pony Club game that tests speed, balance, and control. Riders navigate their ponies through a line of evenly spaced poles or cones, weaving in and out as quickly as possible without knocking any down.

How to Play:

• Set up five to six poles or cones in a straight line, with enough space for ponies to maneuver comfortably between them.
• Riders take turns guiding their ponies through the poles, turning sharply around each one in a zigzag pattern.
• The goal is to complete the course in the fastest time without hitting or knocking over any of the poles.
• At the end of the race there is a line and once you cross it you pass a baton to the next rider.  The pass off can be tricky depending on your speed.  
• Why It’s Fun:
• This game encourages quick thinking and improves the rider’s ability to make tight turns. It’s a great way to build coordination and test how well a rider can control their pony at speed.

2. Egg and Spoon Race

The Egg and Spoon Race is a test of patience, balance, and concentration. Riders hold a spoon with an egg (or a small ball for less mess) while riding their ponies, trying to keep the egg from falling.

How to Play:

• Each rider is given a spoon and an egg or small ball.
• Riders must hold the spoon in one hand while navigating their pony through a designated course.
• If the egg falls, the rider must stop, dismount, pick it up, and remount before continuing.
• The winner is the first rider to complete the course with their egg still balanced on the spoon.

This game is great for improving a rider’s concentration and balance while also being a lighthearted activity that guarantees plenty of laughs and frustrations.  You cannot be too hard on your teammates for dropping the egg as it may happen to you too!

3. Stepping Stone

Riders start at one end of the arena and run to the middle.  They need to jump off run over stones and get back on and run to the opposite end of the arena.  

How to Play:

• Place stones about 8 stones in the middle of the arena and have two people on each end of the arena.  One side starts and runs to the stones, jumps off runs over them while leading their pony and jumps back on and runs to the other end where the next person goes.  

Stepping stones teaches them to control their pony quickly and precisely and getting comfortable and quick mounting and dismounting, the athletes on the team learn to vault pretty quickly which ups it up. It’s a lively game that combines coordination and friendly competition.

4. Sack Race

The Sack Race is a hilarious mounted game where riders jump off their ponies, put on a sack, and hop to a designated point before returning to their ponies to finish the race.

How to Play:

• Set up a start and finish line and give each rider a sack or large pillowcase.
• Riders mount their ponies, ride to a designated point, dismount, and put on their sack.
• They then hop to a marker, remove the sack, and run back to their ponies or in some games bring the pony beside them.  
• The rider who mounts and crosses the finish line first wins.

This game combines riding skills with agility and physical endurance, making it both challenging and amusing for spectators and participants alike.

5. Flag Race

The Flag Race is a fast-paced relay game where riders take turns picking up and placing flags in designated buckets while racing against the clock or another team.

How to Play:

• Place two buckets at opposite ends of the arena—one filled with small flags or objects and one empty.
• Riders must race to the filled bucket, pick up a flag, and transfer it to the empty bucket as quickly as possible.
• Teams compete to see who can transfer all the flags in the shortest time, or individual riders can compete for the fastest transfer time.

The Flag Race helps develop speed, accuracy, and coordination. It’s a fun game that encourages riders to move swiftly while maintaining good control of their pony.  Flag and pole bending move along the fastest.  

 

 

Benefits of Pony Club Games

Pony Club games aren’t just about having fun—they serve an important role in a rider’s education and development. These games:

Enhance Riding Skills: Riders develop balance, control, and agility as they navigate their ponies through different courses.

Build Confidence: Games provide a supportive environment for riders to challenge themselves and improve their abilities.

Promote Teamwork: Many games are team-based, helping riders learn to communicate and cooperate with others.

Encourage Sportsmanship: Riders learn the importance of playing fair, respecting others, and enjoying the competition, whether they win or lose.

 

Final Thoughts

Pony Club games offer an enjoyable way for young riders to practice their skills, strengthen their bond with their ponies, and form lasting friendships. Whether it’s the precision of the Bending Race or the hilarity of the Sack Race, these activities create memorable experiences that make Pony Club truly special. Pony Club games are one of the most memorable fun times we had as kids in Pony Club.  So, the next time you’re looking for a fun and educational activity, give one of these five games a try—you’re sure to have a blast!