GALLOPING like the wind, bending like cavalry tent peggers and leaping on and off ponies in the style of Mongolian tribesmen, the Mounted Games Association is confident it will be recruiting dozens more youngsters after its stunning display at this year's Three Counties Show.

The team from Hereford and Worcester may have been the most junior taking part, but its stunts and antics on horseback left the audience transfixed as the youngsters raced around the ground on very fast ponies competing in a series of obstacle and relay type races.

The speed of the ponies and the agility and athletic skill of the riders is breathtaking and has to be seen to be believed.

Tim Pinney, who comes from Peopleton and whose daughter Catherine rode for England in the European Championships, is the commentator for the organisation, which cater for minis' up to the age of 12, juniors' up to the age of 17 and holds open classes for adults. The only stipulation is that the pony must be under 15 hands high.

Tim said this year was one of the most successful ever.

"This is the third year running teams have appeared at the Three Counties Show and the venue is especially significant because the team from Hereford and Worcester was one of the founder members and the first games took place in the area," he said.

"Although the England team was also competing at the show, the juniors from the two counties demonstrated they have what it takes to get to the top."

Christine Barclay, the association's representative for Hereford and Worcester, said athletic riders with their own ponies are welcome to join the association.

"We are always looking for new riders from the two counties to join us as an alternative to the Pony Club Prince Philip Cup," she added. "It is a great sport and very thrilling.

"During the winter we practise at various venues around the area ready to compete during the season that begins in April and lasts until October. Teams go all over the world to compete and it is both thrilling and one of the fastest moving equestrian arena displays in the country.

"The English team have been world champions three years running so we obviously have an aptitude for it."

The Mounted Games Association was founded in 1984 with seven county teams. It is because of this that the theme music from the Magnificent Seven was chosen to accompany their events.

Today, there are more than 90 teams competing regularly up and down the country and 18 nations across the world are members of the International Mounted Games Association. England is the current reigning world and European champions. The association makes regular appearances at many of Britain's top county shows.

If you would like to know more about the association you can contact them on 01494 564500 or 01298 24292.