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HORSEBALL - GREAT FOR PONY CLUB CAMPS AND RALLIES

Although Horseball has been in the UK for 15 years, it is only in the last 3 years that a sudden surge of interest has lead to an explosion in the number and variation of players taking up the sport. Best described as a cross between rugby and basketball on horseback, the game is now being taken up by university riding clubs with the first university competition being planned for 2006.

The British Horseball Association has formed four new regional sub committees to help deal with the extra demand for teams playing in league competitions. This had lead to the introduction of regional  competitions and a ladies league. They have up graded their coaching certificates to be in line with the new UKCC and are working to qualify more coaches to deal with the increased interest in Scotland and the far South.

To enable to all standards to play in the Horseball league competitions, the British Horseball Association have introduced a number of new divisions in the last 2 years. Novice Adult (3rd division), under 13’s and Novice under 16 years.

Horseball is played across the UK from Kent to Newcastle. Clubs and registered trainers can be found at www.horseball.org.uk  from there you will be given advice on introducing your horse or pony to the ball and have any questions answered.

If there is a large group in one area to try the sport, again click on the web page and ask to arrange a ‘have a go’ day. This involves a registered coach bringing the equipment to you and showing you the ropes – any age, any size, any ability, all are welcome to have a go at Horseball.

Following a demonstration by the ABRS and after realizing how safe Horseball is and the benefits of the sport, a number of riding schools across the country now have training sessions available to those without their own horses. Again, visit www.horseball.org.uk  to find you nearest riding school with Horseball training sessions.

To try Horseball, initially all you need is a standing martingale, a junior size football (size 4) in a leather harness and a leadrope, which will be eventually upgraded to a leather ‘pick up’strap, to hold your stirrups together. Your horse must also wear 4 exercise bandages and 4 over reach boots, to protect their legs. Normal riding attire and tack is used.

As well as a new, fun and exciting method of exercising your horse, you will achieve a new understanding and confidence in the partnership between you and your horse as you are unable to use your reins at all times. Riding without your reins also improves your balance as you gain an independence from the reins – putting more emphasis on being able to ride with your legs.

Horseball is a team sport and team work is an essential part of the sport. Nowadays, great emphasis is placed in industry on working within a team so particularly for children, the game encourages team spirit at a very early age.

Horses and riding are known for being popular with the girls but this sport is definitely one to get the boys riding, many boys playing horseball actually learnt to ride in order to play and the game has as many boys and men playing as the girls and ladies.

Horseball has an excellent safety record, all accidents are recorded and in 15 years of Horseball, out of the thousands of equestrian accidents reported to the HSE, only 2 were from horseball (and both of those riders continue to play Horseball).

The game has strict rules, with 2 referees on the pitch to enforce them. All horses are inspected for soundness on the morning of every competition but as Horseball is played predominantly on a ‘surface’, horses do not suffer the same injuries from hard ground in other competitions.

Throughout the years I have played Horseball I have had opportunities to meet people and visit places, both in England and across the world, which without Horseball I would not have been able to do. I have also built up friendships, which are still with me 9 years after taking up the sport.

Although I and my sister live in Newcastle, we play with the Nottingham club who are the BHA league and Open Champions 2004/5 and 6. We have quite a lot of interest in the North so as a qualified coach, I am busy getting new groups playing. We also compete in other disciplines – eventing and dressage – some people say – oh ‘my horse couldn’t do horseball’ – but any type of horse can be used from race horses to show ponies and family cobs, and most do other things as well as horseball. My horse recently finished 2nd at the National Riding Club Dressage Competition in Lincoln this year.

For pony clubs and riding clubs we are organizing ‘have a go’ days, this is an excellent activity for camps and rallies, this also helps you to find out how much interest there would be in training sessions.

For more information please contact me jl@lowther-industries.co.uk .

I look forward to introducing you to Horseball soon.

Kindest Regards
Emma Lowther
 

Web News Editor: kate@eldwickridingclub.co.uk

Cheers
Kate

 

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