Countries who compete in the International Mounted Games include Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Sweden,United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Another great family oriented games competition is the California Gymkhana Association (CGA). Founded in 1972 by a group of Gymkhana enthusiasts, CGA's sole purpose is to promote the sport of Gymkhana and its riders. Only certified CGA judges may judge a sanctioned show. Safety (wear your helmet) and fun is stressed. CGA boasts a horse and rider combination of 2,800 with about 4,000 member's total. What is unique about this organization is each rider can earn year-end awards based on skill and consistency not because they have the fastest horse in the country (although there are special awards for the supreme and hall of fame horse and riders too).
Thirteen sanction events are offered through the year with classes like Barrels (adapted and modernized from the Nez Pez Indians stump race) Popularly known as Rodeo barrels, Clover leaf or Texas barrels, Poles II (a.k.a. Washington Poles), Figure 8 Flags and more. To assure fairness exact measurements and two electronic timers are required for each race.
Divisions are based on a times matrix for both horse and rider. Example a Future Champion Time for Barrels is 28.310 and above. Triple A plus rider is 18.709 and below. The time matrix allows the young rider being lead on a lead-line to a triple A plus rider to compete against people of their same talent and speed. At larger shows the divisions are further divided by youth and adult classes in each division and pony classes. It's not unusual to see Grandfather, Mom and grandson compete on their own horses at the same shows.
The oldest CGA competitor, is eighty-two year old Frank Hyde. He has never missed a CGA State Show proudly carrying the American Flag in the beginning ceremonies. He still rides every day, and trains his own quarter horses, passing on words of wisdom to future generations, "Take it slow with your horse then gradually as your skill increases work up to speed. The biggest mistake in training for gymkhana is starting your horse to fast."
