See it in motionDon't look
Don't look
away.
A few seconds from the arena — and that's one heat. Two full days of them, back to back.
Live action
Mounted Games.
Fast-paced. Action-packed. Built to thrill. Two days of Pairs Mounted Games, across the Saturday and Sunday.
Runs
Sat & Sun
3–4 October 2026
Format
Pairs
Combined South Island branches
To watch
Free
Included with entry
Race times
When to watch.
Racing starts at 9am on both days. Times are approximate — the full programme is coming soon. If you can only make one session, make it Sunday afternoon's finals.
Saturday 3 October
- 9amRacing startsSenior and U12 classes, plus the U18, U15 and Opens title classes
- 11:30am – 12:15pmLunch break (approx.)
- 12:15pmRacing resumesTimed to give the lunchtime crowd something to watch
- About 3:30pmFinish
Sunday 4 October
Finals day- 9amRacing startsSenior & U12 pairs, U18, U15 and Opens
- 11:15am – 12pmLunch break (approx.)
- After lunchThe FinalsSenior/U12, U18 and U15 — then the Opens to close it out
- About 3pmAll finished
2026 featureA sport built
A sport built
for speed.
Two riders, two ponies and a clock. Heats are short and the turnaround is quick, so there's almost always something running in the arena.
Watch skilled riders and nimble ponies at full tilt. No “horsey” knowledge needed — just come ready to be entertained.
On the field
What you'll see.
No programme needed — you'll pick up the rules in about thirty seconds. Fastest pair round, nothing dropped, wins.
Fast relays
Pairs hand off at the gallop — one rider flat out down the arena, a clean exchange at the line, and away again.
Obstacle courses
Weaving poles, mugs, flags and bending races. Tight turns at speed, with the clock running the whole way.
Precision challenges
Pick it up, drop it in, don't touch a thing. Hand-to-eye coordination at a flat gallop — the bit that gets the crowd going.
Who's ridingThree branches,
Three branches,
one arena.
For 2026 the South Island's three branches are combining forces, bringing riders from Canterbury, Otago and the top of the South.
CMGA
Canterbury Mounted Games Association
Visit the club site →OMGA
Otago Mounted Games Association
Visit the club site →TOTS MGA
Top of the South Mounted Games Association
Visit the club site →Prize sponsors
Backing the riders.
Thanks to the brands putting up the prizes for the 2026 Mounted Games.
Grab a spot on the fence-line.
Free to watch with your show ticket — no booking, no extra charge. Just turn up at the arena.