Horse-Ball
What is horse-ball?
Horseball is a team equestrian sport. Two teams of riders compete to score goals with a ball. Imagine a field where the precision of basketball meets the intensity of rugby, all on horseback. This is the only equestrian activity that allows contact between riders. Horse Pilot takes a closer look at this intense and highly technical team game on horseback.
What is horse-ball?
Horse-ball combines skill, speed and equestrian agility. Two teams of riders must score goals in the opposing camp with a ball on their horses. This intense team game demands strategic passing and perfect cohesion. Horseball is generally played on a sand pitch 70 metres long and 30 metres wide.
The history of horse-ball
Horseball has its origins in Afghan bouzkachi and Argentine pato. In the 1930s, Captain Clavé was inspired by these equestrian disciplines and created a version adapted for France.
At first, horse-ball was seen as a simple French game. But in the 1970s, the Fédération Française d'Équitation (FFE) reinvented it as an official sport.
Since then, its popularity has spread beyond Europe's borders to become a popular global game. France has played a key role in its development and continues to be a pillar in the promotion of this equestrian discipline.
Horse-ball rules
The game is played on a rectangular pitch in two 10-minute halves. Two teams of 6 players compete - 4 horseballers on the field and 2 substitutes. The goals are represented by a basket 3.5 meters above the ground at each end of the pitch.
The game involves the use of a ball specially designed for this riding activity, to ensure better grip and handling.
The aim is to score goals in the opposing camp during the game. Players must make at least three passes between three different players before aiming for the opponent's basket.
Strict rules govern ball movement, duration of possession and interaction between players.
Equipment required for horse-ball
The physical contact involved in this discipline means that both rider and mount must be well protected. The duo's equipment must be robust and in good condition. In addition, a ball with six leather handles is used for the game.
The horseballer's equipment
The horse-ball rider wears the basic equipment of classical equitation. He wears riding pants and adapted riding boots. They wear helmets that meet EN1384 safety standards.
Gloves for better grip, knee pads and spurs up to 3 cm in length complete the outfit. Long hair must be tied back, and all players wear a numbered jersey in their team colors.
Horse-ball equipment
The list of equine equipment is longer than that of the rider.
Limb protection
Horseball horses wear gaiters or polo bands on all four limbs. The bands are often held in place by the addition of tape. Mounts also wear hoof protection bells for safe riding.
The ideal saddle for horse-ball
To protect the horse's back, we recommend the use of a loose-fitting mixed saddle with comfortable padding. The addition of a thick saddle pad is also recommended. Saddles with large front and rear cleats, such as Western saddles, should be avoided. They restrict the player's movements and risk injury.
Other riding equipment
Horses sometimes wear a fixed martingale to prevent them from raising their heads suddenly. The pick-up strap is a specific piece of horse-ball equipment. This flexible strap passes under the horse's belly to connect the two stirrups. It allows the stirrups to remain in position when the horseballer bends over to catch the ball, without the risk of falling.
The different categories and levels of horse-ball competition
As both a competitive and recreational equestrian sport, horseball is open to all ages. There are categories for both young beginners and experienced riders. The sport is also mixed in competition. However, specific categories are reserved exclusively for female riders. Teams compete in matches ranging from local amateur equestrian events to top-level national and international competitions.
Age categories in horse-ball
Age categories in horse-ball are defined according to the age of players on January 1st of the current season:
Mosquitos: the youngest players, aged 8 and under.
Poussins: children aged 9 to 10.
Benjamins: junior riders aged 11 to 12.
Minimes: players aged 13 to 14.
Cadets: teenage riders aged 15 to 16.
Espoirs (mixed) and Espoirs Féminine: for players aged 15 to 21.
Upgrading may be granted if a player meets the conditions laid down in the regulations.
Horse-ball competition levels
The different levels of competition in horseball illustrate the competitive and disciplined nature of this equestrian sport. Each level has its own rules and qualifying conditions, requiring total commitment from each team and player to compete in this demanding discipline.
Pro Division
This is the highest level of competition in horse-ball. It characterizes teams with a high level of play.
Amateur Elite
This category offers a competitive level of play, slightly lower than the Pro Division. It is ideal for players who are progressing or who aspire to a higher level.
Amateur Élite Féminine
This variation of the Amateur Elite category is exclusively dedicated to women's teams. It offers a competitive environment specially adapted to female players.
Club Seniors
This division is designed for equestrian club teams. It often represents an accessible level for developing players and teams.
Club Jeunes
This category is dedicated to young players. It enables riding club teams to compete at their own level of development.
Horseball techniques and strategies
Horseball combines individual skills with collective tactics. These skills are fundamental to success in this demanding sport. The agility of the rider is combined with the dexterity of the horse and tactical synchronization to create opportunities for play.
Individual horse-ball techniques
Basic individual techniques can be summed up in three words: passing, shooting and collecting.
Taking the ball is a decisive moment. It requires skill and precision to seize the ball while respecting the rules.
Grabbing, a real joust, occurs when a defending player steals the ball with one hand from the opposing player.
Offensive and defensive fouls are strictly defined and carry penalties. They include actions that endanger an opposing player or interfere with play. Brutality, insults to the referee and dangerous play are also penalized.
Team strategies in horse-ball
Teams develop attack and defense strategies to counter their opponents.
The synchronization of actions and strategic passes are prepared during the implementation of the team strategy. Not to mention the creation of offensive and defensive opportunities and the tactical rotation of players.
In addition, constant communication and cohesion between team members are crucial to achieving optimum performance.
Teams train regularly to perfect their strategies, preparing for high-level equestrian competitions.
The benefits and advantages of horse-ball
Horseball combines skill, strategy and connection between the horse and rider. Beyond the competitive aspect, this equestrian sport offers physical benefits and significant emotional advantages for horseballers. It's a rewarding activity in many ways.
The physical benefits of horseball
Riding a horse to play horseball requires precise coordination between rider and horse. It is one of the equestrian activities that reinforce essential horsemanship skills, thanks in particular to constant play on the field. But also thanks to fast movements and interaction with the ball. These elements promote the development of balance, suppleness and agility, all of which are essential in horse riding. Not least thanks to constant play on the ground, fast movements and interaction with the ball.
Constant ascents and descents, fast turns and sudden stops put the body's muscles to the test. Regular practice of horseball also improves the rider's posture. It also contributes to maintaining excellent physical health, notably with improved cardiovascular fitness.
Mental and emotional benefits of horseball
In addition to the physical benefits, the dynamics of the game enhance the player's cognitive abilities. It encourages concentration, responsiveness and rapid decision-making.
The closeness between rider and horse reinforces self-confidence, patience and self-control. In this way, it plays an essential role in emotional balance.
Finally, horse-ball reinforces the emotional and mental stability of participants. It teaches values such as perseverance, respect and stress management.
The development and popularity of horseball worldwide
Horse-ball has undergone significant expansion worldwide, initially in France, before spreading to various countries. This growth led to the creation of international competitions and the formation of the Fédération Internationale de Horse-ball (FIHB) in 1999.
The development of horse-ball in France
France has played a major role in the structuring and popularization of horse-ball. It has laid solid foundations for the practice and growth of this equestrian discipline. The standardized rules created in the 1990s and the organization of national and international competitions have contributed to this significant development.
The international popularity of horse-ball
Internationally, horseball has gained in popularity in many countries. Nations such as Spain, Portugal, the UK and Argentina now organize international tournaments and events. The FIHB has played a major role in stimulating the expansion and recognition of horseball on the international scene. Although its popularity remains more pronounced in France.
Horseball is a unique blend of equestrian skills and sporting strategy, combining maneuverability and complicity. This equestrian sport offers an exciting experience for all riding enthusiasts, whether beginners or experienced riders. Accessible to all ages, this dynamic activity offers physical, mental and emotional benefits. It contributes to the close bond between man and horse. Its growing popularity around the world bears witness to its universal appeal and promising future in equestrian sports.