Horse Races

• Stick horses serve as the main tool in this game. Make your own with a thick wooden dowel and a horse head cut out of felt. Hot glue the horse head onto the dowel, adding yarn along its head to resemble the mane. Limit the race to three or four children at a time so the kids don't trip or knock each other over. Have the kids race from one end of the yard to the other while galloping on the stick horses. Another option is to set up an obstacle course using hay bales and other obstructions for the racers. Have the kids navigate the course atop the stick horses.
  
  

Shooting Range

• A Wild West shooting range gives kids the chance to improve coordination and find motor skills. Set up a row of empty soda cans or water bottles on a table. Provide each shooter with a water squirt gun. Set the timer for 30 seconds, allowing the kids to knock over as many cans as possible using the squirt gun. Set the cans back up and start over. This game allows the kids to continue playing as long as they want, only stopping to refill the squirt guns and set up the cans.
  
  

Hay Stack Search

• Purchase a bale of hay from a home improvement store or plant nursery. Pull the hay bale apart to create a pile of the material. Hide small toys or coins in the pile. If you have many guests, create two or three piles so the kids can spread out. Provide each child with a brown paper bag or other container for collection. Send the kids to search through the haystack to uncover as many of the prizes as possible.
  
  

Western Dress Up

• Provide several different Western dress-up items for the young party guests. Ideas include vests, cowboy hats, flannel shirts and chaps. Visit a thrift store or ask friends and family for donations for the dress-up game. Let each child assemble a Western outfit using the provided clothing. Hold a Western fashion show or costume contest, allowing each child to cross a stage area to show off his outfit. Award a prize to the most creative or authentic costume. Another option is to include instructions in the invitation to come dressed in Western gear. Hold the contest based on the costumes the children wear to the party.