O-Mok-See

Minnesota Circuit Riders is a member of the National Saddle Clubs Association (NSCA), which promotes the sport of O-Mok-See, which takes its name from the big riding dance of the Blackfoot nations. Modern O-Mok-See is a Western style of pattern racing; horseback events that highlight riding and horsemanship.

Arena Race: all age groups	Rider mounted at starting line, races to pole bending pole centered on turning line, makes a left or right turn around stake and races back to finish line. Disqualification for steadying pole with hand.

Barrel & Stake:12=15, Adult divisions	At signal, rider races to barrel centered in lane 30 feet from start/finish line which comtains three stakes. Contestant picks up one stake and races to second barrel centered on turning line and deposits stake, continuing until all stakes are placed in second barrel and races across finish line. Rider must keep barrels to right or left at all times. Hitting horse with stake disqualifies rider. Wooden stakes, 5 feet long, full round, 1 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter and of a light weight to be used. Disqualification for dropping a stake outside of barrel. If a contestant accepts the position of the stakes and a stake falls out of the barrel after the ready light signal is givern they wii be disqualified.

Barrel & Stake, Graduated: Under 8, 8-11	Same rules as Barrel & Stake (above), however, only one stake is used for Under 8; two stakes for 8-11.

Cloverleaf Race: all age groups	Contestant may go to either right or left barrel first, but must make one left turn and two right turns, or one right turn and two left turns. Barrels should be at least 20 feet from the fence and the start/finish line at least 45 feet from the fence. Regulation distance of 165 feet from start/finish line to turning line; 40 feet from start/finish line to barrels #1 and #2; 75 feet between barrel #1 and #2. All distances measured to the center of the barrels. For safety reasons, distances may be governed by the amount of arena space available. Contestant must cross start/finish line between poles. Thirty (30) gallon barrels, closed end up to be used. No cloverleaf horses will be allowed to run in or out any gate.

Devil's Cowhide: adults - pairs	At signal, mounted contestant pulls hide rider around 30 gallon barrel centered on turning line, making a right turn around barrel and racing across finish line. Hide rider must cross finish line in contact with cowhide. Disqualification for not making a right turn or ropes tied hard and fast to saddle horn. Safety helmets are required for hide riders. Specifications for cowhide drags: the cowhide drags can be made by securing a 3 foot length of 2x4" board to one side of the cowhide, then securing a loop of rope to both ends of the 2x4". Ropes 15 feet in length to be secured to the loop. Ropes to pull cowhide must be uniform. If cowhides are not available, heavy canvas may be used.

Exchange Race: 12-15, adults-pairs	First rider starts mounted in saddle at starting line. At signal, first rider races to second rider who is standing behind turning line. After crossing turning line, first rider dismounts and second rider makes a attempt to mount. Second rider must be astride horse before crossing finish line. Riders may assist each other. Disqualification for not crossing turning line, losing contact with horse and not making an attempt to mount behind the turning line.

Express Rescue: 12-15 adults-pairs	First rider mounted at start, races to partner who is standing behind turning line, crosses turning line and picks up partner behind saddle and races across finish line.

Figure Eight Stake Race: all age groups	A pole bending stake is centered on the turning line with a second stake set 60 feet toward the start/finish line and centered in lane. At signal, contestant races to stake on turning line, making a left or right hand turn, races to second stake and makes opposite turn, then returns to stake on turning line, repeating first turn, then races across finish line.

Flag Race: all age groups	A flag is placed in a gallon can of sand and centered on a 30 gallon barrel which is centered on turning line. At signal, contestants race around barrel picking up flag and return across finish line with flag in hand. Flag to be white 9 inches square attach to stick 18 inches long. Flag to be set straight up in center of can. Disqualification for knocking over barrel or can.

Four In A Row: open-teams of four	Four poles centerd in lane 21 feet apart, first pole set 21 feet from starting line. A barrel is set on the turning line and in line with the poles. Two barrels, on each set 30 feet on either side of barrel on turning line and placed 21 feet bach toward starting line, Last rider to bear a red arm band. At signal, contestants, riding one behind the other, start to weave poles, then race around outside of barrel pattern and weave back again through poles. Last rider to completely circle the last pole before crossing finish line. May go either left or right, but all riders must go the same way. Disqualification for not starting/finishing in the same order, breaking pattern or knocking over properties.

Gretna Green: 12-15, adults-pairs(boy and /or girl, man & woman	Woman or girl stands behind turning line in lane opposite her partner. Man or boy, mounted at starting line, holds reins of partner's horse. Man or boy leads horse to partner, dismounts and holds reins of horse while woman or girl mounts her horse. Man or boy mounts his horse. Race back across finish line while holding hands. Disqualification for failure to hold hands at all times between turning and finish line. No two reins will be allow from the same side of the bit.

Half Eight Race: all age groups	First pole centerd on turning line, a second pole is set 6 feet gack toward start/finish line. At signal. contestant rides between the poles before crossing turning line, makes a left or right hand turn, and races back across finish line. Disqualification for all four feet of horse crossing turning line before going between poles.

Just-N-Other Pair Race: 8-11, 12-15, adults-pairs	Pair mounted at start/finish line holding a red sock between them. All socks to be of uniform size. At signal, weaves right or left between two poles, turns pole on turning line, reverses course between poles and return across finish line. First pole back toward start/rinish line and centered in lane. Disqualification for letting loose of sock at any time before both horses cross finish line.

Kansas Leadback: all age groups	At signal, horse and rider must race across turning line, rider dismounts and leads horse back across finish line. Rider must cross finish line ahead of horse with reins in hand. Length of rains not to exceed seven feet(7'). The use of a strap, lead rope or rein attached where the riding reins are attached is permissible.

Keg Race: all age groups	Course of six kegs 25 feet apart, centered in lane-last keg set on turning line. Rider passes first keg to left or right and weaves kegs, turns last keg and returns, weaving back and across finish line, Disqualification for jumping keg with all four (4) feet of horse. Kegs to be uniform in size.

Key Race: all age groups	Two pole bending stakes covered with a 4 inch by 5 foot red sock are placed on the turning line 5 feet apart-12 1/2 feet from each stake to the lane divider line. Two more stakes are placed 10 feet back toward the start/finish line, also 5 feet apart. These stakes are to be in line with the stakes on the turning line. At signal, contestant races between the stakes, across the turning line, turns and reverses course back between the stakes to finish line. All stakes to be red covered.

Lane Barrels: all age groups	A barrel is centered on the turning line with a second barrel set 75 feet toward starting line and centered in the lane. Contestant races between barrels before making a right or left turn around barrel on the turning line, then races to second barrel making an opposite turn and returns to the turning line barrel and makes a turn in the same direction as the second turn, then races back across finish line. Disqualifications for breaking the pattern and knocking over barrel.

Little Falls Circle Race: 12-15, adults-pairs(boy & girl/man & woman)	Pair to start mounted, riding double, to a 3 foot diameter white chalk circle centered behind turning line, lady or girl dismounts in circle, man or boy races across finish line. Disqualification if toe goes out or lands on the circle.

Little Falls Circle Race "A": 12-15, adults- pairs	Same rules and regulations as Little Falls Circle Race (see above).

Pair Sack: 12-15, adults-pairs	Partners are mounted at starting line holding a 4 inch by 5 foot red sock between them. At signal, they race around a 30 gallon barrel centered on turning line, making a left turn, and race across finish line. Riders will be disqualified for not making a left turn or letting loose of sock at any time before both horses cross the finish line.

Pole Bending: all age groups	Each contestant shall have a line of six poles, 5 feet high, 1 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Bases to be a maximum of 15 inches in diameter, Total weight of pole and base not to exceed 16 pounds. All poles and bases to be be uniform. Poles to be set 21 feet apart, cnetered in lane, with a distance of 60 geet from the start/finish line to the first pole. Last pole to be centered on the turning line. At signal, contestants race to last pole first, make a left or right turn, weaving through poles and back again, then race back across finish line. Disqualification for steadying poles with hand.

Polo Turn: all age groups	At signal, rider races to pole centered on turning line, makes a complete circle (one and a half revolutions) around pole, then returns back across finish line. Rider may turn to either right or left.

Pony Express: adults-teams of four	Members of team shall be one-quarter mile or less apart, all riders shall be dismounted at their stations. A line to be placed across the track and lines extended for lanes, and that the riders must start behind those lines and in their lanes and be able to change within 30 feet of the line. Lanes must be at least 21 feet wide. First rider is mounted, races to rider #2. Rider #2 mounts, races to rider #3. Rider #3 mounts, races to rider #4. Rider #4 mounts and finishes the relay in front of the timer's stand. The 4th rider may cross the finish line in any lane as long as they do not interfere with the other riders. The baton must be carried throughout. Each rider must hand and recieve the baton dismounted. In coming rider may assist out going rider both holding the horse and mounting. Committee members assisting with the relay should be assigned to stations to instruct and arrange contestants in the proper position to avoid horses crossing in front of each other. Baton shall be a 12 inch section of plastic garden hose. Disqualifications for the following: hitting horse with baton, turning horse loose during the race, not finishing with the baton, passing baton while mounted and dropping bation.Where no track exists: run teams in lanes using a pole bending pole centered on turning line, making a left turn and races back across start/finish line, dismounts and hands baton to next rider, continuing until all four riders have completed the course, Disqualification for horse crossing lane divider line with all four feet at same time, not making a left turn, hitting horse with baton and dropping the baton.


Rescue Race: 12-15, adults-pairs	Standing start. First rider of team stands next to horse with both feet on ground at the start/finish line. Partner to be rescued stands behind the turning line in lane opposite his partner. At signal, rider mounts and races across turning line, picking up partner and races across finish line. Partner to be rescued must make an attempt to mount behind the turning line. Both riders to be astride horse at finish. Race will be started by a sound device. Time to start simultaneously with starting signal.


Rock & Roll: 12-15,adults or combined (12-15) & adults as one division-teams of four	First contestant to start mounted on bareback horse at starting line. Other three riders are behind the turning line, picks up one rider and races back across start/finish line-front rider dismounts. Remaining rider races to turning line, picking up next rider in line and races back across start/finish line. Only mounted rider may assist contestant to be picked up. All riders to be picked up must make an attempt to mount behind the turning line. The last rider to wear a red arm band.

Saddle & Rescue: adults-pairs (man & woman)	Man mounted on bareback horse at starting line. Woman stands behind turning line with saddle blanket in hand. Saddle is also on ground behind turning line. At signal, he races to partner behind the turning line. Both saddle horse, placing blanket first then saddle. Woman mounts, man mounts behind her and they race across finish line. Horse must be saddled from left side-ends of the latigo may not be secured before saddling the horse. Conventional cincha hooks, tackleberries or any conventional western riding equipment will be permitted. Judges will inspect equipment before and after race. All buckles and tongues must be secured to the latigo. Latigo must pass throuch cinch or tackleberry twice with end secured on saddle.

Scurry Race: all age groups	A 1.5 to 3 inch diameter pipe 15 feet in length and supported at each end by standands 12 to 18 inches high is centered in lane 40 feet from line with 40 feet between the jumps leaving a distance of 45 feet from third jump to a barrel centered on the turning line. All jumps to be uniform. At signal, contestant races to first jump and proceeds to cross first, second and third jump, makes a left or right turn around barrel on turning line and reverses courst, crossing all three jumps and racing across start/finish line.

Speed Barrels: all age groups	Three barrels centered in lane-50 feet between barrels-last barrel to be centered on turning line. At signal, contestant weaves barrels, through and back. Contestant may start weave to either left or right of the first barrel.>

Straight Barrels: all age groups	Three barrels centered in lane-55 feet between barrels-last barrel to be centered on turning line. At signal, contestant races to first barrel and proceeds to circle barrels to left or right, heading toward turning line, turns last barrel and reversed course, circling barrels to opposite direction on return trip. Disqualification for turning barrels in wrong direction.

Team Arena: adults-teams of four	Rider #1 carring a 12 inch baton races to a pole bending pole centered on the turning line, making a left turn, then races back to rider #2 who has moved tward start/finish line. Rider #1 passes baton to rider #2. Baton must be passed behind start/finish line. Repeat for riders #3 and #4, Race finishes when rider #4 crosses finish line. Riders must be mounted to pass or receive baton. If baton is dropped, rider passing baton must pick it up and re-mount horse before passing baton to receiving rider. Disqualification for not making a left turn around pole, hitting horse withh baton or more than one horse at a time on course between starting and turning lines. Last rider to tie a red sock around left arm.

300 Yard Stock Horse Race: women, men	Standing or walking start. Horses to be in a straight line facing the same direction as the race is run. Horses to be ridden with western equipment. Saddles to weigh a minimum of 20 pounds. There shall be no more that eight (8) horses run at one time. If there are more than eight (8) entries, event shall be run in heats and each heat timed. Contestants will draw for positions on the track. Bats or quirts not to exceed 22 inches in length.

Tomahawk Ball Run: all age groups	A barrel, open end up, is centered in lane 30 feet from start/finish line with a second barrel centered on turning line, closed end up. Three base balls to be placed on barrel on turning line. At signal, contestant races to turning line, makes a left or right hand turn around the barrel, picks up one ball, races to barrel with open end up and deposits ball into barrel, continuing until all three balls are deposited in the open barrel. Disqualification if any ball falls to the ground.

Tomahawk Race: all age groups	A barrel, open end up, is centered in lane 30 feet from start/finish line with a second barrel, closed end up, centered on turning line. A 15 inch white garden hose (tomahawk) with a red mark 6 inches from the end of the tomahawk is placed on top of barrel on turning line, extending 6 inches from edge of barrel. At signal, contestant races to second barrel, picks up tomahawk and races to first barrel, depositing tomahawk into barrel. Disqualification for dropping the tomahawk. Contestant must keep barrel to either right or left at all times.

Two Barrel Flag: all age groups	Two 30 gallon barrels per lane, two (2) 5 foot wooden poles (1 to 1 1/2 diameter) with a colored flag on one pole and different colored flag on the second pole. Flags to be 9" inches square. Approximately 1"-2" inches of dirt will be placed in the bottom of first barrel. Contestant will raise right or left arm when they will pick up stakes. All stakes will be set in the same fashion from bottom edge of barrel to opposite top rim. Stakes may not be custom set by contestant. At signal, contestant races to first barrel centered in lane, 30 feet from start finish line, picks up stake with a colored flag and races to second barrel centered on turning line, deposits stake into barrel and picks up second stake with a different colored flag, then races across start/finish line. Rider must keep barrel to right or left at all times. In the event of a contestant breaking the first stake, a re-ride will automatically be awarded (contestant may not elect to keep their time). If the second stake breaks when contestant deposits it to final barrel, the portion remaining in the barrel must be the full diameter of the stake to be considered a qualified ride. Disqualification for dropping stake with flag.

Two Barrel Pole Race: all age groups	Two barrels are set 60 feet from the start/finish line. 10 feet between barrels and 10 feet from each barrel to lane divider lines. All measurements make to the center of the barrel. Three pole bending poles centered in lane, the last pole to be centered on the turning line. The remaining two poles set 21 feet apart towards the start/finish line. At signal, contestants race to the right barrel, making right turn and the opposite turn around the second barrel, then weave poles through and back, either right or left, then races back between barrels across start/finish line. To be run in alternate lanes per heat.

Western Jumping: all age groups	>A plastic pole 15 feet in length and 3 inches in diameter set on standards a minimum of 12 inches and a maximum of 18 inches above the ground is placed 60 feet from the start/finish line. For the Under 8 division, the jump shall be set at a height of approximately 6" above the ground. Standards to be placed at the end of each pole. Three poles centered in lane. Last pole placed on the turning line with remaining poles set 21 feet apart toward start/finish line. At signal, contestant races to and crossed jump, weaves poles through and back, crosses jump and races to finish line. Horse must cross jump with all four feet.

Western Relay: open-teams of four	Last rider to wear red arm band. Barrels to be placed on four corners of arena. Barrel #1 placed on inside corner of start/finish line in lane #1. Barrel #2 placed on inside corner of start/finish line of lane #4. Barrel #3 placed on inside corner of lane #1 at turning line. All riders to enter center of box created by four barrels. Start/finish line to be between barrel #1 and outside fence. First rider to start between barrel #4 and barrel #1, races around arena, outside barrels, passing baton to the second rider between barrel #4 and barrel #1, continuing until all riders have completed course. All members of the team, upon completing the course, must either stay at start/finish end of arena or return to center of arena between barrels#1, and #2. Disqualification for dropping baton, letting horse cross line between barrel #2 and outside fence after course is complete; using baton as a bat; and failure to pass baton before start/finish line. A 12 inch long black garden hose or plastic may be used.