Keyhole race

The keyhole race is commonly seen at local equestrian events and gymkhanas.

The Keyhole Race is a speed event over an obstacle, and so the horse and rider who get the fastest time in completing the event wins. The obstacle course is a pattern. The pattern is usually made up of white powder, commonly flour or powdered chalk, poured into a 'keyhole' shape in the dirt. The event begins when the horse and rider crosses the timing line. The team enters the keyhole at a gallop, then turns in either direction inside the keyhole's circle without stepping over the chalk. The team then exits the keyhole again at a gallop and the time ends once they cross the timing line.PenaltiesEach gymkhana or event may operate under different rules and therefore the penalties may be different. Penalties may include adding five seconds to the team's time, or may even be enough to disqualify the contestant completely.PatternThe pattern will also vary between events. According to the California Gymkhana Association the pattern should be set up as follows:80 feet from arena gate to timing line.100 feet from timing line to center of keyhole.Keyhole should be four feet across at the entrance, 10 feet from the entrance of the key hole to the bulb.The bulb itself should be 20 feet across.The pattern may also be made of cones or poles set up in a similar pattern.

Winning times for this event range from 5 to 10 seconds.

Horses running this event must have speed, but also the agility to stop quickly in full stride, turn, and bolt directly back into a run.

External link

http://www.calgymkhana.com/Public_Pages/ThirteenPlus/Keyhole.aspx