Saddle up! Western Mounted Games qualifiers set to kick off

GET READY for an exciting season as the Western Mounted Games (WMG) qualifiers for 2025 kick off!

This thrilling sport puts riders and their horses to the test with a variety of fun and challenging events designed to showcase both skill and speed.

What are the Western Mounted Games?

WMG is a fast-growing sport in South Africa, featuring events that require precision, agility, and teamwork between horse and rider. Some of the most popular events include:

• Barrel Racing: Riders navigate a cloverleaf pattern around barrels as fast as possible.

• Keyhole: Enter a keyhole-shaped area, turn, and exit without stepping on the lines.

• Hurry-Scurry: A timed course with jumps and obstacles for riders to tackle.

• Pole Bending: Riders weave through a series of poles in a serpentine pattern.

• Quadrangle: A square pattern that tests a horse’s ability to turn and accelerate.

How Do the Qualifiers Work?

Each qualifier includes five events, such as Barrel Racing and Pole Bending. A rider’s performance is evaluated based on their recorded times, contributing to their overall rankings for the year.

Qualifier Dates

Mark your calendars! Here are the upcoming qualifier dates for 2025:

• 8 February 2025 – Qualifier 9 (Upington, hosted by SAWMGA and SANESA)

• 24–25 May 2025 – Qualifiers 3 & 4 (Kimberley, hosted by SAWMGA and SANESA)

• 7–8 June 2025 – Qualifiers 1 & 2 (Upington, hosted by SAWMGA and SANESA)

• 28–29 June 2025 – Qualifiers 7 & 8 (Prieska, hosted by SAWMGA and SANESA)

• 12–13 July 2025 – Qualifiers 5 & 6 (Kathu, hosted by SAWMGA and SANESA)

• 26 July 2025 – Qualifier 10 (Kimberley, hosted by SAWMGA and SANESA)

Why Join?

WMG is inclusive and versatile, welcoming riders from various disciplines and horses of all breeds. Success in this sport depends on proper training, precision, and the unique partnership between horse and rider.

Want to Join or Learn More?

If you’re interested in becoming part of this exciting sport, contact your nearest club:

• Upington: Coenie Willemse – 082 892 1812

• Kathu: Neels Uys – 082 922 8057

• Kimberley/HT: Dawie Griesel – 084 240 6353

• Prieska: Jan/Henvia Beukes – 083 256 0714 / 073 414 7770

Follow the SAWMGA Northern Cape Facebook page for updates.