Gymkhana Rules 2024
- The Leadline and Beginner classes will only compete in the first 2 events. Leadline and Beginner riders may walk and trot only.
- The Novice and Intermediate Classes are for NEW and NOVICE RIDERS ONLY. Please do not enter these classes if you do not belong there. Year-end CHAMPIONS and RESERVE CHAMPIONS are not eligible to repeat the same class the following year.
- BEGINNER MEANS: walk and trot ONLY. Any rider breaking into a lope for 4 strides or more will be disqualified. The rider may also be DQ’d if faster than the set time of 38 seconds for the cloverleaf barrels and 15 seconds for the poles (the beginner class weaves up and back 3 poles with no extra run up and back). An average time will be set for the 3rd pattern at every gymkhana.
- NOVICE & ADULT NOVICE MEANS: walk, trot and SLOW lope is permitted, BUT if the lope is too fast the rider will be disqualified as per the set time of 28 seconds for the cloverleaf barrels and 18 seconds for the poles (the novice class weaves up and back six poles no extra run up and back). An average time will be set for the 3rd pattern at every gymkhana.
- INTERMEDIATE MEANS: the set breakout time for barrels will be 22 seconds and intermediates will compete in the Washington Poles pattern with a time no faster than 33 seconds or they will be disqualified. Also this class is based on the rider’s ability not the horse. There are no trainers allowed in this class or any other rider that rides in open barrel racing events such as NBHA, AW etc.
- No personal timing or coaching to speed up and slow down throughout the pattern will be allowed in the Beginner, Novice and Intermediate classes. If we find that someone (inside or outside of the arena) is timing and coaching the rider to go faster or slower they will be disqualified from the class. This does not include if a rider is out of control and the trainer/parents/friends, etc. are telling the rider to slow down for safety reasons. Coaching for safety reasons only will be permitted. Judge/committee decision is final.
- Current rider must enter the arena within 30 seconds of being called or forfeit his/her turn.
- Horses will be allowed help when entering the arena as long as it is done in a safe manner. No running horses through the entry/exit gates.
- At the chairperson's discretion, a rider may be disqualified for horse abuse, unsportsmanlike conduct, lack of control or unsafe situations.
- A rider may request that a jump be laid on the ground, adding a 5 second penalty to their time.
- There is a 5 second penalty for knocking over a barrel, pole or jump.
- A maximum of 2 riders may use the same horse for each age class. (No limit in Leadline, Beginner, Novice or intermediate).
- Time will not be given for major tack changes, please be prepared.
- A rider may enter more than one horse for the day for gymkhana, but will only collect points, ribbons and high-point or reserve on the designated point horse. All horses other than your point horse will be ridden in the non-point horse class.
- To be eligible to earn points a horse/rider combo must be entered in at least 2 of the 3 patterns daily for novice, intermediate division and age divisions. A rider entered in Beginner must enter both patterns to earn points. Any rider entering less than the required number of classes for their division will be placed in the non-point class.
- One entry form per horse is required.
- No whipping or spurring in front of the cinch.
- All riders must wear boots with a heel of 1⁄2" or greater, long pants and use a western type saddle.
- HELMETS: leadline, beginner, youth novice, and intermediate 18 & under are required to wear a helmet at all times while riding. All riders are highly recommended to wear helmets for safety reasons.
- Leadline riders MUST wear a helmet, leader must be 16 yrs or older and leader must hold lead no more than 2 ft from the halter.
- In Leadline classes, the horse must cross the start and finish line first.
- No re-rides for broken equipment or your horse falling.
- GYMKHANA CHAIRPERSON, JUDGE OR DESIGNATED PERSON/S DECISION IS FINAL. THIS INCLUDES “STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES”.
- No refunds once entries are paid. Refunds will not be given due to poor weather, dropped patterns, DQ’s or lameness.
- If you move into a different class you need to do so by the beginning of the 3rd gymkhana of the year and will carry your points from only 1 event to your new division. After the 2nd gymkhana you will forfeit your points and start with 0 when changing to a new division.
- All entries must be turned in 15 minutes prior to start time of each event.
- Ties for a specific pattern will be broken by a run off of the affected parties present. Parties not present will default. Ties for daily high point will be broken by the barrel time.
- No racing in the warm up arena or parking lot.
- Riders must walk their horses at all times when outside the arenas.
- No horses allowed in the bleacher area or around the announcer's stand.
- The age of the rider as of January 1st will determine the age group the rider will ride in for that year.
- The use of profanity or abusive language by any contestant will result in disqualification from that event and could result in disqualification from the entire gymkhana.
- Any act of discourtesy or disobedience toward any Gymkhana Official/Board or Committee Member, in and out of the arena, will result in disqualification for the duration of the Gymkhana. It could also result in removal from all Scottsdale Saddle Club events and activities for the remainder of the year.
- Any grievance must be submitted in writing before the end of the Gymkhana and may not be discussed at the announcers stand.
- All Arena rules must be followed.
- If a timer failure occurs, the rider has the option of up to two re-rides. If during the first re-ride an obstacle is knocked over, the rider may take a second re-ride. If the second re-ride is taken, it voids the first re-ride and the rider must take the time given during the second re-ride. When the first re-ride is successful (no obstacles were knocked over) the rider is required to take that time and a second re-ride is not allowed.
- End of the day high point tiebreakers for the age classes will be the rider with the fastest barrel time.
- A broken pattern (being defined as any illegal crossover) constitutes a NO TIME.
Gymkhana Divisions
Scottsdale Saddle Club prides itself in being a place where competitors of all levels can come and enjoy the day with their family and horses. Click the link below to learn more about our gymkhana divisions.
Explanation of a Broken Pattern
A broken pattern occurs if the rider fails to complete the designated pattern or if the rider commits any cross over (completed circle) which is not in the specified pattern.
Broken patterns often occur during the pole bending patterns when the rider’s horse goes past one of the poles in the middle part of the pattern.