Players passing the ball; there must be three passes before a team can shoot for goal.

By Equestrian Life

It’s been described at quidditch on horseback, as well as a cross between polo, rugby and basketball — but what exactly is horseball?

Riding at speed with no hands on the reins or while hanging off the side of your horse isn’t for everyone, but for those who play this unique sport it’s all just part of the game.

The sport was invented in France by a former riding instructor and rugby player and brought to England in 1991 — so it has been around for some time. In its country of origin, the horseball now has around 450 clubs.

Players prepare to shoot for a goal.

A game is comprised of two teams of four riders and is played over two ten-minute halves. The ball resembles a junior soccer ball with leather handles, and the aim is to throw it through the goals; the attacking team must make three passes before a rider attempts to score. Located at each end of the arena, the goals are large hoops attached to 3.5 metre poles and they really do resemble the goals used in the imaginary sport of quidditch as depicted in Harry Potter! The defensive team can try to stop opponents by pushing riders out of the playing area using their horse’s weight, and they can also intercept passes and pull the ball from the hands of the attacking team.

While throwing the ball is relatively easy, catching it is another story and picking up the ball should it fall on the ground is even harder — one of the rules of horseball is you can’t dismount during play!

While you may not have heard of this sport, it is one of ten equestrian disciplines recognised by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.

Horseball in Australia

The sport was introduced to Australia in 2009, following its popularity in European countries. The Australian Horseball Association has around 45 playing members and is popular across parts of NSW, including New England, North West, Tamworth and Upper Hunter.

You can learn more about Horseball in Australia here.

You can learn more about Horseball in the UK here.

The balls used in horseball.

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