Keyhole race

The obstacle course is a pattern, usually marked with white powder (commonly flour or powdered chalk) poured into a "keyhole" shape in the dirt.^[1] The pattern varies between events. According to the California Gymkhana Association, the pattern should be set up as follows:

• 80 feet (24 m) from arena gate to timing line.
• 100 feet (30 m) from timing line to center of keyhole.
• Keyhole should be 4 feet (1.2 m) across at the entrance, 10 feet (3.0 m) from the entrance of the keyhole to the bulb.
• The bulb itself should be 20 feet (6.1 m) across.
• The pattern may also be made of cones or poles set up in a similar pattern.

The event begins when the horse and rider cross the timing line.^[2] The team enters the keyhole at a gallop, then turns in either direction inside the keyhole's circle without stepping over the chalk.^[3] The horse-and-rider team turns as fast as they can in the bulb. The team then exits the keyhole again at a gallop and the time ends once they cross the timing line.

Winning times for this event range from 5 to 10 seconds.

Penalties may be applied to a team's time. Each gymkhana or event may operate under different rules and therefore the penalties may be different. Penalties may include adding five seconds to a team's time, or even outright disqualification of a team.