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United States Pony Clubs
4041 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511-8462
Phone:  (859) 254-7669
Fax:  (859) 233-4652

Game Setup:

Center the 10-foot board on Line B. Insert six round balloons (three on each side) into the slots on the board. Riders 1 & 3 start the race behind Line A and riders 2 & 4 start the race behind Line C. Riders 3 & 4 need to be behind the 6-yard holding area line at the start of the game. Give the lance to rider 1.

Game Play:

Rider number one, carrying the lance rides to the balloon, bursts one, rides on to the changeover line and hands the lance to rider number two. Riders two, three, and four complete the course in a simliar manner, up and down the arena, bursting a balloon in succession.  The winning team will be the one whose rider number four is first over the finish line, mounted and carrying the lance.

Each rider (not the pony) must break a balloon.  In the event all of the balloons are burst before the last rider goes, the team will be disqualified from the game.

Correction rules:

• If the lance is dropped, the rider may pick it up mounted or unmounted.

• The balloon MUST be burst with the rider mounted.

• If all the balloons are burst before rider 4 can go, then the team is disqualified.

Special Tips:

• Remember the holding area line (6-yard line) is six yards from Line A and Line C.  During the playing of the games only the next rider out may be in front of this line.  All others must be behind it in the holding area.  If there are more than one outgoing rider in front of the 6-yard line, the team will be eliminated for that game.

• Riders should not whack at the balloon. This is a good way to damage the point on the lance. A lance with a bent or missing nail tip makes it difficult for the other riders to burst a balloon. Also, swinging wildly at the balloons can upset the pony.

• When bursting the balloon, it is better for the rider to bend down and come with the lance at a more horizontal position to the board.  This method gives the rider more control and makes the lance closer to the balloons so it’s easier to burst the balloon.

• Riders should hold the lance about 1/3 up the lance. Do not hold the lance on the very end. Holding the lance further down gives the rider more control when bending over to pop the balloon.

• The team captain should have everyone pick his or her balloon before starting the race. This way each rider can concentrate on the balloon they are going to pop. However, if the rider misses, he should just take the next most available balloon.

• The rider should bend down and prepare early for bursting the balloon. The rider should not wait until he is right over balloons to prepare for the pop.

• Many ponies are afraid of balloons and the rider should spend a lot of time training the pony to not be afraid. Be very patient with these ponies.  If the pony remains afraid of the balloons, then you might need to leave that pony out of the balloon race.

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