More Than a Competition: The Spirit of Western Mounted Games at Whispering Pines

Whispering Pines, near Kimberley, recently played host to a spectacular showcase of speed, agility, and precision as riders from across the Northern Cape, North West, and Free State descended on the venue for the Western Mounted Games (WMG) Northern Cape Qualifier.

The air at the venue was filled with excitement, the scent of horses and dust blending into the crisp countryside atmosphere, as both young and old took to the arena with one shared passion – their love for the sport and their horses.

Competitors travelled from towns as far as Upington, Prieska, Barkly West, Hopetown, and Oranje, joining their equestrian peers from neighbouring provinces in what turned out to be a heart-pounding, exhilarating day of competition. Families gathered under gazebos and around the perimeter of the arena, cheering as riders and horses tackled a selection of five thrilling gymkhana events that tested every aspect of their teamwork, athleticism, and strategy.

From novice youth to seasoned veterans, every participant brought their own style, determination, and flair to the arena. What united them all was the undeniable bond between rider and horse, a connection built on trust, communication, and countless hours of training. And in a sport like Western Mounted Games, that connection is not just appreciated; it’s essential.

What are Western Mounted Games?

Western Mounted Games is the action-packed, precision sport of the equestrian world, blending speed with technical control in an electrifying format. A top-performing WMG horse needs the speed of a racehorse, the turning agility of a cutting horse, and the responsiveness of a disciplined stock horse, all within a single performance.

The version of the sport practised in South Africa follows the American Gymkhana Events and is officially governed by the South African Western Mounted Games Association (SAWMGA), a body affiliated with the South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF). SAWMGA has adopted the rules, patterns, and regulations from the California Gymkhana Association, ensuring fairness and consistency across all competitions.

Events such as Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Keyhole, figure 8 Stake, speedball, and Big T are staples of the sport. At qualifier shows like the one hosted at Whispering Pines, a selection of five events is chosen to challenge the riders.

The National Competition sees a rotation of 12 out of 13 events across three demanding days.

Each rider-horse combination is rated using a national “Matrix”, a performance-based table that calculates an average time rating to place them into levels. In South Africa, riders can qualify from level 1 to level 4, with level 4 being the highest standard of performance.

A Sport for All

One of the most inspiring aspects of the qualifier was the sheer diversity of participants and horses. It was a powerful visual reminder that in WMG, success depends more on the partnership between horse and rider than on pedigree or price tag.

This inclusive nature of the sport is part of what makes it so special. Riders who excel in disciplines like show jumping, eventing, endurance, and polo cross often find themselves drawn to Western Mounted Games, and they’re excelling. The combination of precision, leg changes, judging speed, and tight turns makes it not only a competitive sport but also an excellent training ground for riders seeking to improve across various disciplines.

Building Provincial Pride

Events like the Northern Cape Qualifier also serve a greater purpose beyond medals and times. Riders are evaluated for selection into provincial teams, with opportunities in both the Open Competition and the Provincial School Teams. These events contribute to building provincial pride and offer young riders in particular a path to national representation.

For communities across the Northern Cape, where horse culture runs deep, this goes beyond sport; it’s a heritage. In towns like Hopetown, Prieska, and Barkly West, young riders are emerging as local heroes, inspiring others in their communities to saddle up and chase their dreams.

A Family, A Lifestyle

The atmosphere at Whispering Pines was as much about camaraderie as competition. Riders offered advice to one another, parents assisted with tacking and grooming, and seasoned competitors mentored younger riders. The arena was definitely a battleground of barrels and poles, but above and beyond that, it was a place of learning, support, and lifelong memories.

As the last rider completed their final run, applause echoed through the grounds. The applause was for all the podium finishes, as well as the passion, resilience, and the spirit of a growing sport in South Africa.

Western Mounted Games continues to thrive thanks to dedicated riders, supportive families, committed organisers, and the unmistakable sound of hooves pounding rhythmically through dust, the heartbeat of a sport that’s here to stay.

With eyes now turning to the next round of qualifiers and ultimately the National Competition, the riders of the Northern Cape and their magnificent equine partners have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with.