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The History of Mounted Games and the IMGA
Mounted games has humble and rather charming origins. The idea of racing ponies through skill-based games was popularised at the Horse of the Year Show in the late 1950s, dreamt up partly as entertainment between the more serious classes. It caught on because it was such good fun to watch, and because the riders so obviously loved it.
From the Pony Club to a sport of its own
For years the games lived under the wing of the Pony Club, which ran competitions for younger members. The trouble was the age limit. Once riders turned fifteen they aged out, and a lot of keen, talented young people had nowhere to go. They had outgrown the junior structure but were nowhere near ready to hang up their hats.
1984 and the founding of the association
The answer came in 1984. Norman Patrick, who chaired a Pony Club committee, set up a new association so that older riders could keep competing. It began with just seven teams. From that small start it grew steadily as county after county joined, and what had been a sideshow at a single event became an organised sport with its own structure, rules and championships.
Seven teams in 1984 has become a worldwide sport. Few people setting out that first season could have guessed where it would end up.
Going international
The sport did not stay within Great Britain for long. Its appeal travelled well, and the International Mounted Games Association grew up to bring together member countries from around the world, more than twenty of them. International championships now see teams from very different riding cultures lining up in the same arena, which is part of what makes the sport feel bigger than its modest beginnings.
Where Northern Ireland fits
Northern Ireland is one of the regions within the wider structure and has long played its part. Our teams compete at home and travel to events alongside friends from Ireland and Scotland, including the Celtic League that brings the three together each year. It is a small community but a close one, and the connections across these islands are a big part of the fun. You can read more about us on our about page.
Still the same idea
For all the growth, the heart of the sport has not changed since those early shows. It is still teams of riders on willing ponies, racing through games that test nerve and skill, cheered on by everyone around the arena. If you want to see what that looks like today, our beginner's guide explains the modern sport, and joining MGA NI is how you become part of the next chapter.