Equestrian:Activity - Mounted games - Pato

Pato

Pato is a game of South American origin. Colonial accounts from Argentina describe indigenous riders wrestling over a duck in a basket. Once one rider had control, the duck was carried to a distant location such as an estancia. In the modern version played today, the activity evolved into horse ball.

SCA adaptation of this game include use of stuffed animals (ideally a duck) carried by riders, sometimes under the arm or under the leg. Local rules vary. Some include throwing the duck through a hoop, others include crossing a line. The degree of wrestling over the duck allowed varies.

Marshals running this activity should clearly state conventions and tailor them to the level and comfort of the participants.