Horse Games for Boys

Horseback riding is a popular sport for both boys and girls, and horse sports can be an excellent way to gain fitness and build confidence. There are a number of games and exercises that boys will find entertaining. Races and tests of skill are always a popular choice, and there are a number of equine activities designed to test these skills.

  1. Jousting

    • Boys can pretend they are ancient knights as they run around the arena with a lance in hand. Actually the lance can be as simple as a broomstick, and the goal of the game is to spear rings that have been suspended from the posts of the riding ring or arena. This can be an excellent game for improving the hand/eye coordination that is such an important part of riding. In the beginning boys can do their jousts at walk or a trot, and as their confidence grows they can build up to a canter and finally a full gallop.

    Broom Polo

    • Polo has long been a popular equine sport, but most riders are unlikely to have a set of polo mallets hanging in the barn. Riders can, however, recreate the fun of polo with a couple of brooms and a cheap inflatable ball. Boys can gather their friends for a friendly game of broom polo, or they can work on their coordination with a solo game whose object is to put the ball through a self-created goal.

    Scurry Race

    • Jumping is always a fun game for horseback riders, and races are popular, as well. The scurry race combines the best of both worlds, with a series of small jumps designed to be taken at speed. The competitive scurry race consists of three small jumps, usually about 1 foot high, combined with a standard size barrel. Riders run down the line, jumping each of the three jumps, run around the barrel and run back over the jumps. Boys can set up a home version of the scurry race with three jump poles and six milk crates, or they can create different variations of this unique game with whatever materials are available.