District 9 is a local group committed to supporting the sport of gymkhana in our area for both the competitive long-time rider and the first-time leadline gymkhana participant. Our goal is to encourage all riders, no matter what their discipline, to try gymkhana and learn how to work with their horse in both skill and speed events.
We have riders on mounts from the smallest shetland ponies all the way to the biggest draft horse you've ever set eyes on. From riders two years old to riders well into their seventies. They all have lots of fun! There are always plenty of friendly people to help the new riders! We are all volunteers who just enjoy being around horses and the people who love them.
We are part of a larger state-wide organization - California Gymkhana Association (CGA). Within this organization, there are tons of opportunities for great awards. The system is set up so the beginner rider can earn some of the same awards that the top division riders can earn. Check out their website at www.calgymkhana.com (link at the bottom of our page). You must be a member of CGA to ride in any district show. Yearly CGA fees are $25 for individuals and $50 for a family. You can sign up at your first show.
District 9 offers five horse divisions, one pony division and a leadline division (no High Point in leadline). These divisions are separated by a time matrix. This means that the division you place in depends on the time you run in that events. The following is an example of the Barrels event for horses: Anyone running a 28.310 or below would be placed in the FC division. 22.850-28.309 would place in the A Division. A time of 20.540-22.849 would place in the AA division. 18.710-20.539 would put one in the AAA division. Faster than 18.709 would be a AAA+ time and over 18.199 would be a Supreme accomplishment. When you enter the show, you sign up in a division. Any placings you get in that division or any divisions above that will earn you a placing ribbon/button. Any placings you get in your division and the one directly above will earn you points towards the day's High Point Award. No placings or points below your division.