Horseball is the latest British equestrian sport, recently imported from France. This highly spectacular game has been compared to a cross between rugby and basketball on horseback and was invented by Jean-Paul Depons, a former riding instructor and rugby player. The game was created as an excercise to improve skills and discipline between horse and rider. Several concepts were developed by the french Equestrian Federation, but only horseball proved successful and, since its introduction, has become a discipline in its own right.
The game is played on a fairly small pitch and involves sudden spurts, rapid stops, half turns and acceleration, therefore horses must be well schooled and under perfect control. Riders must be reasonabley experienced and confident.
Despite the speed and physical nature of the game it is fun to play and it is safe, and our Association aims to keep it that way.
PRINCIPLES OF THE GAME
1. The Game
Two teams oppose each other. They are required to gain possession of a ball, especially fitted with 6 leather handles, pass it at least three times within the teams as they race towards the goals and score by shooting through the hoop (1 metre in diameter) suspended on a 3.5 metre pole. It is essentially a team game and any member can score. At no time may the riders dismount, but passes may go forwards or backwards and can be short or as long as the opponents permit. Speed is of essence.
2. The Team
Each team is composed of 6 riders and horses. Only 4 from each team are allowed on the field at the same time, but substitutions are allowed during the match.
3. The Ball
This is a junior football (size 4) enclosed in a harness fitted with 6 leather handles.
4. The Match
There are two halves, each of 10 minutes, with half time of 3 minutes. It is umpired by 2 referees, one on horseback and the other on a chair at the side of the pitch. |
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