Western Mounted Games For South Africa

Western mounted games aren’t only for those in the Wild, Wild West of the USA, Africa is in on the fun too. The South African Western Mounted Games Association is exactly that – the only official western mounted games association in South Africa – and runs the entire western mounted games scene in the area.

The Lowdown:

For those of you who don’t know what western mounted games are, or simply don’t know how they differ to English mounted games, the answer is simple – they’re games on horseback, and they’re really quite similar to English mounted games. Western mounted games usually use western tack (though at the lower levels, this is not a requirement), and include most of the same games as English mounted games – keyhole, barrel racing, flags, and so forth – with a few extras thrown in. The key difference between English and western mounted games is that western mounted games include both contact and non-contact events. Non-contact events include Barrels, Bi-rangle, Figure-8 Flags, Figure-8 Stake, Hurry Scurry, Keyhole, Poles, Quadrangle, Speed Ball, Speed Barrels, Big T, the Rope Race, and more. Contact events involve doing cattle work with the horses, and have a minimum age limit for safety reasons. The games are always timed, and most can be run either individual or as teams.

The Advantages:

Western mounted games are varied – some favor speed, some favor agility. All of the games, however, require a sound, respectful relationship between horse and rider, and place a strong emphasis on safety. The S.A.W.M.G.A requires all riders under the age of 18 to wear an approved hard hat, and speed divisions and age separate riders. This way, riders compete against others of similar ability, keeping the competition alive, whilst ensuring all participants are safe. S.A.W.M.G.A is also committed to ensuring that anyone who can sit on a horse can enjoy western mounted games – even the youngest riders can have a go in the Lead Line division! The games instill discipline, sportsmanship, respect and courage into riders, and are a great family activity.

S.A.W.M.G.A as an association covers the entire realm of western mounted games in South Africa. They provide all props and course building equipment required for the games, as well as the course layout and markings. They also take care of administration and event organisation. They will happily assist with promoting and advertising the event, and will cover all records and point-scoring throughout the day. Their requirements are that they approve all clubs and venues before putting on an event, and that only S.A.W.M.G.A approved props, equipment, instructors, course builders, and club members participate, all for obvious safety and legal reasons.

S.A.W.M.G.A also run an “Earn As You Learn” awards program, which rewards riders as they develop their riding skills. The Association is heavily focused towards the betterment of the horse and rider both as individuals and as a team, and makes sure that all riders, from age 3 to 90, can compete and earn awards for their efforts.

With such a strong emphasis on fun, community, and safety, it’s easy to see why the S.A.W.M.G.A is making waves. They’ve recently been officially recognized by the Ranch Sorting National Championships (RSNC) as being in partnership in the promotion of Ranch Sorting. If the safety, success and enjoyment of their mounted games is any indication, Ranch Sorting is about to become extremely popular in South Africa.

Like S.A.W.M.G.A. on Facebook by clicking here. 

(Photo credit: Image 1 – SAWMGA Facebook Page; Image 2 – Wikimedia.org, Jason A. Quest)

Category: News