Background Information and History

Mounted Games is an intense sport played all over the world. Beginning in 1957, Prince Philip wished to produce a sport where children without expensive show ponies could still participate. To do this he created the idea for “Mounted Games” or “Pony Games”, where four riders would play a series of different games on horseback on a team of four.  These games were also aimed at spectators to enjoy the thrilling experience too.

As a result in 1957 Mounted Games was played for the first time at the Horse of the Year show, where the competitors play to win The Prince Philip Cup. Since then the event has become an annual occurrence at the show and the sport has spread worldwide.

Today different branches from Pony Clubs across the world have developed and improved the games played first in 1957, with approximately 40 different games in existence. Every year the world championships take place for teams, pairs and individuals. Ireland held the European Championships for the first time in 2013 in Tattersalls.