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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:

Riders 1 & 3 start the race behind Line A. Riders 2 & 4 start the race behind Line C. Riders 3 & 4 must start the race behind the 6-yard line. Give the feed sack to rider 1.

Game Play:

Rider number one, carrying the sack, will ride forward, dismount and get into the sack before crossing the cen-ter line (line B) then run or hop across the changeover line in the sack, leading his or her pony. Rider number one gets out of the sack and hands it to rider number two. Riders number two, three, and four will complete the course in the same manner up and down the arena successively. The winning team will be the one whose rider number four in the sack, leading his/her pony, crosses the finish line first. All six legs must cross the finish line to complete the race.

Getting out of the sack and handing it over must be done behind lines A or C; both the rider and all four legs of the pony must be over the line before the rider gets out of the sack and hands it over. Only the rider, while getting into the sack, must remain behind line B; if the pony wanders across the line it does not matter. No competitor is allowed to get help from the pony either by holding onto the mane, the neck, the saddle, or any part of the bridle held close to the bit (leaning on the bridle for support).

Correction rules:

• If the rider gets out of the sack or hands over the sack before crossing all six legs cross the changeover line, he must get back in the sack and cross the changeover line with his pony.

• If the rider drops the sack before getting to Line B, he may pick up the sack mounted or unmounted.

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 try all hopping techniques and pick the fastest one: hopping forwards, backwards, sideways, diagonally or even running in the bag (good for small feet).

• Riders should practice trotting ponies in hand before practicing the race.

• Riders should make sure the ponies are accustomed to flapping sacks before starting this race.

• Riders should make sure they are on the correct side of Line B when dismounting and getting into the sack. The rider and the  pony must stop before Line B.  The rider can not cross Line B before he has both feet in the feed sack. If the pony wanders over the line however, that is not a problem.

• Riders should make sure ALL of the pony’s legs are across the finish line before he quits hopping.