Horseback Heaven

stronglegs, softhands, stongmind says:

gymkhana is speed events. poles, flags, and barrels are usually the main events.

laffnmules_lode says:

Yes, in the western United States (California) it is like a playday.

It is mainly timed speed events which can include:

Barrel Racing – the standard clover-leaf pattern
Speed Barrels – three barrels in a straight line
Pole-Bending – weaving in and out upright poles (2 possible running patterns)
Single Stake Race
Key-Hole Race
Rescue Race
Ribbon Race
Quadrangle Stake Race – a pattern around 4 posts
Flag Race
Figure-Eight Race
Baton Race – a type of relay race
Hurry Scurry Jumping

I think what is confusing you, is that in different areas (even apparantly of the US) the term gymkhana can mean different things. In another country, like England or Australia, it could be entirely different.

EDIT: I just found this set of rules —
{requires Adobe Acrobat to read}

raerae says:

it has all timed events, like the first answer the only difference from a rodeo is that a rodeo has rough stock events, like bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, all that stuff

love luck says:

Gymkhana is gaming events Poles, key hole, berrals, speed berrals and other events. Its fast pas you get the spot light only for a few seconds if your good enough.
You ride in a western saddle called a berral racing saddle.