Melbourne Cup Horse Race Game

The Horse-Race game is a great way to spend the morning!

Some dementia residents are quite able to play this game. It is up to you to judge how capable are your residents.

Object

Social interaction. Relaxation, fun.

Materials:

• 5 ‘Horses’ - learn how to make the horses in this activity.
  Print on different coloured paper and cut roughly to shape.
  Mount on timber, 60 centimetres high, each a different colour.
• White chalk or white tape (make sure if you use tape that it is not difficult to rip off once you finish the game). Note: Remove tape as soon as possible after the game - the longer it is left on, the harder it will be to remove.
• A large die (i.e. dice)
• Prizes such as: a bottle of sherry, a box of chocolate, a bag of marshmallows, a pair of socks, hand cream, face cloth, cologne, aftershave, etc.

Instructions:

• Use chalk or tape to make a horseshoe design on the floor (see picture). The size is up to you, it depends on the space available.
• Write ‘Start’ at one end and ‘Finish’ at the other.
• Make lines (spaces) at regular intervals throughout the horseshoe.
• Place horses on the ‘Starting Line’.
• The first player rolls the dice once and then passes it on to the next player.
• All players need the number ‘six’ to start the race.
• When any player gets the number ‘six’, he has another roll of the dice.
• The number coming up on this second roll is the one that propels his horse forward on the horse shoe.
• Count the spaces to match the number in the dice.
• The horse arriving and the ‘Finish’ line first is the winner.

Note: Make sure you explain the race rules to residents prior to starting the race. Engage them in the play and ask them to guess which horse will win the race. Ask them to name their horses. Have the prizes on show so everyone can see.