The best place to start when explaining the game of horseball is Harry Potter. Have you heard of the fast-paced game of Quidditch? Imagine playing that game on the ground, with one significant difference; substitute the brooms for horses and you have an exhilarating game that brings out the fun-seeking child in everyone.

The game originated in France at the end of the 1970s. Two brothers from Bordeaux were approached by the French Equestrian Federation (FFE) and asked to create an activity that was inexpensive and easy to organise that the whole of France could play. They took inspiration from basketball, rugby and the ancient Argentinean game of Pato and created the game of horseball.

Moving forward to the 1990s, with France having over 4,000 players they took their sport across the channel and introduced it to the UK. The British Horseball Association was set up in 1991 and the popularity of the sport is increasing all the time with clubs now based throughout England and regional coaches developing their areas with new teams emerging all over the UK. There are now two regions – one in the north, one in the south - each holding their own league competitions during the April through October season.

As well as the leagues, there are novice and junior teams, ladies squads, university clubs, cadet teams (under 13s), friendly international competitions, training sessions and camps and the big event, the Open Weekend, held twice a year where both regions compete against each other for the title of Britain’s Best Team. Oh, and not forgetting the most prestigious event of the year - the one every player strives to be good enough for - the Annual International Competitions.

The game
The game is comprised of two teams of four players. They must make at least three passes between three team members before a shot on the opponent’s goal. The winner is the team with the most goals at the end of the match. Sounds simple enough, but take into consideration that these passes are made at speed while not only trying to steer your own horse without using your hands, but also keeping an eye on the opposition so they don’t intercept what could be the winning goal.

The set up
The games were designed to be played within a standard riding school, so the pitch is typically 20x60m, but ideally 25x65m for all major competitions. The goal is a one metre diameter hoop which is suspended vertically 4.5 metres from the ground and overhangs the pitch by approximately one metre.

Match time varies depending on the standard of the game. Those competing in the top leagues and at international competitions play 10 minute halves with a half-time to allow the horses and riders a chance to catch their breath. Most other leagues and junior games play seven minute halves.

Due to the fast pace of the game, all matches are governed by two referees, one mounted referee and one chair referee who is situated on the half way line with a view of the whole pitch. The referees have a direct link to each other through a radio and earpiece.

The equipment
Possibly the most important part of the game after the horses is the ball. The ball is a size four football surrounded by a leather harness with six straps. This enables the ball to be retrieved from the floor when needed. Which leads to possibly the most asked question, “How do you reach the ball on the floor without dismounting?” The answer is: “That’s easy - you just lean over the side.” This is all well and good when you’re 12-years-old riding a 12hh pony. Try doing this on board a 16hh Thoroughbred and you can begin to see the problem that arises. Unless you are unnaturally tall, you simply can’t reach that far down without falling over the side and looking like humpty dumpty lying on the floor. The solution is that the riders all use a pick up strap which connects the stirrups together through the martingale under the horse’s stomach. This allows you to lean over the side and retrieve the ball without your stirrup moving - easy!

Who is it for?
Horseball is for everyone. We have members from all different backgrounds and players aged between eight and 60. Horseball educates the rider not to rely on their reins and teaches balance and the use of the seat and legs as the main aids. Any horse can play horseball at novice level and most horses that currently compete in the British Horseball League are used for general purpose riding, with many competing regularly within other disciplines. Most riders at international level favour the Thoroughbred for its speed and agility, however all the horses used have one thing in common: they require a high standard of discipline on the flat in order to perform efficiently due to the agility, obedience and fitness levels demanded by the game.