Page:Indoor and Outdoor Gymnastic Games.djvu/30

22

This ancient game is played under difficult but very amusing conditions. The players "pair off" according to height, strength and agility, and form a double circle, faces to the centre, with from two to six paces interval between pairs, according to the number of players taking part. A coin or other article tossed in the air decides who of the pairs shall become "pack-mule" or "pony" and who "rider." Those designated as riders take a stride position sideward and brace themselves by placing both hands on the knees, which should be kept extended, the body being forward in order that the riders in the rear, outer circle, may readily mount by straddling their shoulders, upon the command of the leader of the game to "Mount." The riders having mounted, play "catch ball," the ponies (as the play becomes better understood) growing restive, turning right, left or about, in order to make the ball catching as difficult as possible. When the ball has been missed by a rider, all immediately dismount and flee, the pony of the rider who missed the ball quickly picking it up and commanding all to "stand" or "halt." All riders obey by standing still and the pony endeavors to hit a rider who may jump upward, or drop, but not otherwise leave his place. The other ponies remain in position in order that the riders may be readily distinguished. If the player who aims to hit a rider is successful in properly hitting him, places are exchanged, riders becoming ponies and ponies riders. If not successful, the game is continued as at first. The ball must at no time be held by a player but tossed as quickly as caught, no matter in what position the rider may find himself. The play may also be so directed that any pony can pick up the ball and aim it at the nearest rider. The leader of the game gives the command to mount and dismount, determining the "misses" and "hits."

The players divide into two equal parties and take their places