Horseball
Horseball is a very fast and exciting team sport played on horseback. It was invented in France at the end of the 1970s. At that time the French Equestrian Federation (FFE) was exploring possibilities to bring a new dynamism in the riding schools, looking for an activity inexpensive and easy to organize in any riding school.
Horses
Any horse or pony is suitable for Horseball, at a novice level, most are "general purpose" and also do showing, jumping and dressage. At International level, some prefer the Thoroughbred for it's speed, some prefer the Native breeds for their short, compact bodies, but all have one thing in common ? they require a high standard of basic dressage in order to comply with the agility, muscle structure and obedience demanded by the game.
For the rider, Horseball is proving to be an excellent riding school discipline for all ages, it teaches the rider balance and the use of seat and legs without reliance on the rein. The equestrian sport is one which historically attracts girls, with Horseball, more boys are now coming into riding in order to play the sport and continuing to ride, where before they would have given up at after a few lessons.
In a society which is constantly striving to work together in the world, where business now has to send their employees on costly "team building days", this team sport builds relationships and encourages an understanding of team spirit that stays with it's participants through-out their lives.
The game
The game is played in a normal riding area of 20x60 meters - ideal dimensions being 25x65 meters. The goals are one meter loops hooked vertically at 4.50 meters off the ground.
Two teams of four players attempt to score into the opponent's goal. The team with the most of goals wins the game. Because of the goals, the passes game, and the quick actions, horseball can be compared to basketball.
An important point of the game is that you must make at least three passes between three different team members before it is allowed to score. Therefore all team members must collaborate together for each action.
The rules of the game are now mature and insure a collective and fast but safe game. The game is controlled by two referees one mounted and the second one seated with a view of the entire pitch. The referees have a radio connection for direct communication. Horseball worldwide Initiated in France, Horseball has quickly spread in Europe, becoming more and more popular. Since 1992 eight nations have competed for the annual European Horseball Cup. Horseball is now played all around the world, for example in Brazil which already has tens of teams in just a few years.
FIHB, the International Horseball Federation, was founded in 1999 to promote the discipline worldwide. FIHB organizes International competition, update the rules and provides International referees.
FIHB - Fédération Internationale de Horseball - www.fihb-horseball.org