Gymkhana is the action packed, precision sport of the equestrian world. A good Gymkhana horse must have the
speed of a race horse, the turning quickness and agility of a cutting horse and the control and responsiveness of
the stock horse.
The word `Gymkhana' is thought to have originated in India, probably meaning 'games on horseback'. The English
military, during the Colonial period, used horses for both transportation and military maneuvers. On Sunday
afternoons, the calvary would compete in horseback games to sharpen their horsemanship for war.. Thus,
Gymkhana had it's beginning.
Through the years different events have been added, some of which originated in Europe and others which were
developed in this country. Ring Spearing, an event that is still part of Gymkhana in some areas, resembles the
knight in medieval days riding full charge with his lance aimed at his enemy. The British Bengal Lancer engaged in
Tent-Pegging, using his lance to unearth the tent pegs of the enemy, bringing down the tent on his adversaries.
Pole Bending can easily be seen as good training for a Calvary charge through dense forest. The Rescue Race
and Cowhide Race were originated by the Native American Indians as a way to rescue their comrades in battle.
Similarly, the Speedball Race may have derived from the Native American Indians counting "coup" in which they
would touch their enemies without harming them. The Pony Express Race, of course, simulates the old time Pony
Express rider who delivered the mail between St. Louis and Sacramento in the Old West.
In recent years Gymkhana has been steadily gaining in popularity. New events have been designed for competition
between riders which bring into play the abilities of the rider and the speed and handiness of the horse. A number
of events such as Barrel Racing, Pole Bending and the Keyhole Race, can be found at gymkhanas throughout the
United States.
The California Gymkhana Association was formed in 1972 by a group of Gymkhana enthusiasts for the sole
purpose of promoting the sport of Gymkhana and the welfare of Gymkhana riders. It was felt that an association
was needed that would be responsive to the needs of Gymkhana riders. Gymkhana wasn't considered to be a full
fledged sport but was seen as fun events or playdays as relief from serious classes in English and Western Shows.
It was time for the sport of Gymkhana to come into it's own and that this could best be accomplished by
concentrating time, energy and money on Gymkhana only.
Today, the California Gymkhana Association has grown into the biggest and finest Gymkhana organization in the
State of California. Gymkhana has come a long way since it started in 1972. CGA has brought fairness and dignity
to Gymkhana with the standardization of Gymkhana rules and the "Earn As You Learn" awards programs. Riders
now have the opportunity to win awards in Gymkhana as they develop their riding skills. CGA is very proud that all
riders, from 3 to 83, can compete and earn awards.
CGA is comprised of districts throughout the State of California. The districts choose their own representative to
the CGA Board of Directors to ensure that their district members' needs and desires are heard and acted on.
CGA does not interfere with local club business as long as there is no conflict with CGA rules. CGA's statewide
programs are designed to complement and support the needs of riders at both the state and local levels.
CGA supports member clubs by providing a generous year end awards program for the riders, insurance, rule
books, rider information manuals, statewide newspaper, State Championship Finals, Southern & Northern Spring
Classics, and the Annual State Convention and Awards Banquet.
CGA developed a Gymkhana Rule Book in 1973 that has become the standard over the years for Gymkhana
throughout California.
CGA has over 3,000 rider/horse or pony combinations that are eligible to sign up in various programs and over 800
of these riders earn one or more Year End Awards and are honored at the CGA State Convention each year.
