Overview
Gather up a few hula hoops and "rope" yourself some fun. Players take on the character of horses as they gallop around the playing area trying to avoid being roped by a hula hoop wielding cowboy. Feel free to modify the characters, making it perfect for any occasion.
Age
Preschool, School-age, Tweens, TeensNumber of Players
5 to 10, 10 to 20, 20+Team Division
Every man for himself (individual players)Competitiveness
Either/or (can be played either way)Difficulty
Easy peasy (fun and simple)Indoor or Outdoor
OutdoorsSpace Needed
Large (gym, outdoor field, reception hall)Noise Level
RowdyMess Factor
Clean and tidyPrep Time
No prep time needed!Game Time Length
5 - 15 minutesSupplies
Setup
1. Set boundary lines for the playing area.
2. Select an adult to be the "Cowboy" - arm them with the hula hoops (the hula hoops represent lassos).
How to Play
1. On "Go," all the players become wild horses running around the playing area.
2. The cowboy uses the hula hoops to capture as many horses as possible, by placing or tossing the hoop gently over the horses.
3. Once a horse has been hooped they must freeze inside the hoop.
4. Stuck in place, the horse may begin to neigh for help. The horse can only be released when 2 fellow horses lift the hula hoop up and over the frozen horse.
5. Anyone trying to release a frozen horse CANNOT be hooped by the cowboy. However you must have two people to release the frozen horse.
6. Play continues until everyone is tired, or the horses figure out that they can hoop the cowboy...which usually happens eventually.
Variations
The structure of the game is the same for each variation, however the name of the game and players can change to fight any theme or occasion.
1. "Bunny Round-up"- One person is the Magician trying to capture is magic bunnies
2. "Catching Butterflies"- The nature enthusiast does his/her best to capture as many butterflies as possible for a home collection
3. "Dog Catcher"- There are too many dogs loose in the streets and the Dog Catcher must round them up!
Other examples include: Catch a Dino, Ghost Mutiny
4. One more fun Variation, is to give one of the players a magic bead/jewel. The person with the magic bead is unknown to the "hooper". Once that person is caught, the bead is revealed, and the game is over!
Tips
1. Since this game has the potential to get rowdy, it's important that an adult or older player take the role of the cowboy. A gentle, friendly, effective means of lassoing the horses needs to used to keep player safe. Once the children have watched and learned the proper way to "lasso" each other, the "cowboy" role can be passed on to a child. However, make sure the child is tall enough to effectively catch the horses. Safety first.