By Becky Maxedon

One definition of “gymkhana” in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is “competitive games on horseback.”

Well, that’s exactly what happened in SARA Park Rodeo Grounds Saturday.

Christyn Somers, director of Three Cans Up, gymkhana and barrell speed racing events will continue through spring at the rodeo grounds.

“There are timed events – games on horses, so to speak. There is a set pattern that you need to do correctly and not a set amount of time, but the fastest time wins,” Somers said.

Saturday featured barrel racing, a game called Y – a pattern in a Y shape, speed ball where a ball is dropped into a cone, and obstacle courses at the end.

Different age groups compete in various events during the gymkhana.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Age groups include 13 and under, 14-24, 25 and up. “We’ve got an 18-plus cruiser class for us older ladies who want to join in but night not want to go as fast,” Somers said.

There are younger participants that are either just learning to ride or have just begun to ride on their own.

For more information on the gymkhana and barrel racing events planned by 3 Cans Up, check their Facebook page.

Here are some photos from Saturday’s event.

Angler Baldwin rides with a family member during Gymkhana Saturday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Emma Lyn Evans-Poe rides on a horse during the Gymkhana Saturday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Ashton Evens-Poe rides a horse during Gymkhana Saturday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jace Ruiz rides a horse during Gymkhana Saturday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Harley Barnes rides a horse during Gymkhana Saturday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Isabel Geraci rides a horse during the Gymkhana Saturday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Aubrey Cole rides a horse during the Gymkhana Saturday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene