THE SPORT of HORSEBALL

An Innovative, Fast and Exciting Team Sport
HORSEBALL is a fast and exciting team sport played on horseback. It is essentially a combination of basketball and rugby on horseback. It was invented by a French riding instructor at the end of the 1970s, who was also a rugby player, as a solution to the French Equestrian Federation’s (FFE) quest to bring a dynamic new sport to its riding schools.

Any Horse is Suitable for HORSEBALL, and Every Horse’s Welfare is Every Player's Priority

Any horse or pony is suitable for HORSEBALL at a novice level - most are 'general purpose' horses that also do showing, jumping and dressage. At an internationally competitive 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 - a high standard of basic dressage with the agility, muscle structure and obedience demanded by the game. Each player’s responsible stewardship of the welfare of his or her horse, and of all of the horses on the pitch (field of play) is demanded, and there is profound value in this horse-and-rider relationship that is absent from virtually all other mainstream team athletics.

An Excellent Additional Riding School Discipline

For the rider, HORSEBALL has proven 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 far more girls than boys, whereas the sport of Horseball is bringing more and more boys into the desire to ride in order to play the sport, and improve their game. With HORSEBALL, more boys start riding, and those who start then ride more consistently over time, and do not tend to give up equestrian interests after a few lessons, as otherwise often occurs.

A Highly-accessible and Inclusive Game of Skill

The game of HORSEBALL is played in a normal riding area with elevated goals at opposing ends. Two teams of four players attempt to score by shooting the ball into the opponent's goal. A brilliant element of the game of HORSEBALL is that each team must make at least three passes between three different members before it is qualified to score. Therefore all team members must collaborate for each event of offense and defense, which is why the game is referred to as “collective” or “inclusive” amongst all of its players. No player is ever much removed from the action. Because of the goals, the mandatory passing game, and the quick pace of action, HORSEBALL is often compared to basketball.

Respect for Team-mates, Opponents and Animals

In a society in which businesses often have to send their adult employees to costly 'team building' seminars, this team sport builds relationships and encourages a deep understanding of team values. Because it is a also contact sport that demands great sportsmanship between opponents, young players learn critical intangible life-skills that will serve them throughout their lives. As the following point bears repeating: each player’s responsible stewardship of the welfare of his or her horse, and of all of the horses on the pitch (field of play) is demanded, and there is profound value in this horse-and-rider relationship that is absent from virtually all other mainstream team athletics.

A Safe Game

The rules of the game are now mature to 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. Referees are highly-respected and active participants in the sport of HORSEBALL.

The Rules
A complete set of official rules are available for download here

[ Above Text Courtesy of FIHB - with USHBF Adaptation ]