Gymkhana (Horse Play Day) is 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at Brewer Field. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County has announced Gymkhana (Horse Play Day), events that often emphasize children’s participation, and in most of the western United States, the phrase means “games on horseback”. The local Gymkhana is 5-9 p.m., Wednesday, April 1 at Brewer Field.

The event includes timed speed events such as barrel racing, keyhole race, flag race, pole bending, and on or off-horse roping.

For Gymkhana purposes, the exhibitor’s age as of Jan. 1, 2026, will be maintained throughout the year. Horses of any breed or combination of breeds may be entered. There will be no stallions allowed. Event staff may excuse unmannerly or unruly horses from the arena and/or showgrounds.

Check-in is at 5 p.m., followed at 6 p.m. by the start of the event.

Fees:

• $10 per day entry per participant or $40 for the series;
• Family of 4: $35 for the day or $140 for the series;
• Entry and fees will be accepted by the Los Alamos County Recreation Division online or at 2760 Canyon Road throughout the series. Direct questions to 505.662.8170. NO REFUNDS will be made for any reason except the incapacitating injury or illness of the contestant or horse.

Dates:

• Every other Wednesday;
• Spring Series: April 1 – May 27; and
• Fall Series: Aug. 26 – Oct. 21.

Basic Rules:

• No Studs/ Stallions.

All classes may be ridden in these types of tack:

• English, Western, Dressage, and Australian saddles. NO Bareback;
• Bridles may be in any style. No “bit less” bridles. Bosals are OK;
• Bits must be humane as described in AQHA, USEF, USDF, or WE. No mechanical hackamores, gag bits, or bumper bits;
• No martingales, no draw reins, no metal browbands;
• Spurs are optional but must be humane. Whips are allowed in speed events;
• Excessive “whipping” or spurring of any horse will disqualify the rider;
• All Youth MUST wear a helmet in all events; and
• Open riders are encouraged to wear helmets in all classes, but Western hats may be used by adults.

Registration can be done online or in person at the Aquatic Center. If done online, please note that you will be sent a registration form and waiver within your receipt documents. This needs to be completed for every participant and sent to the Recreation Division either via email or drop off. 

Those who do not receive the registration form with their receipt documents can find it at HERE(PDF, 352KB).

When

• 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 1;
• 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 15;
• 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 29;
• 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, May 13; and
• 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.

Location

• The event takes place at Brewer Arena