Gymkhana refers to speed event competitions where horse and rider are rewarded for being the fastest while negotiating obstacles such as barrels, poles, etc. The common reference to these events is barrel racing, pole bending, stake race, flag race, etc. These are also commonly referred to as contest classes.
Most gymkhana classes are timed using an electronic timer or stopwatch. Although contestants are not subjectively judged by a person, an official judge does watch the run to make sure that the horse and rider follow the rules and run the obstacle course in the correct manner.
