Equestrian ball sports
For centuries the horse has been featuring in several sports and games, where competition and agility are important components. Our sport is one of the youngest team sports and, none the less exists since 1902 when it was introduced in the Durland’s Riding Academy in New York.
In 1891 Pushball started with a human version. In the photo gallery old and contemporary photos of Pushball (on foot) are on display. This human version of Pushball is still played in the American army and on universities in the USA as an important tool to foster team play and condition training.
The official name of the equine form of Pushball is called ‘Pushball on horseback’; in short ‘Pushball’.One of the main differences between Pushball and other equine team sports like Polo, Horseball and the lesser known, but spectacular Djerid and Bozkashi, is that in Pushball it is the horse itself that plays the ball. In the other equine team sports the rider plays the object (ball, stick or goat) and the horses are being steered and commanded by the rider. In Pushball some of the horses sometimes get so involved in the game that they may start following the ball of their own initiative without a steer to that effect from their riders.
As in Pushball it is the horse itself that pushes the ball forward with its forelegs either or shoulders, it is slightly less agile than the quick Argentinean Polo ponies. Nonetheless, experienced Pushball riders play a smooth game at a brisk trot, in some countries even in full gallop. It is self evident however that during the execution of these games, both the wellbeing of the horse and safety for horse and rider are of paramount importance. Just as in other equine ball games, the referee is on horseback too, as it facilitates his reading of the game and fosters his safety.
Pushball is presently played actively in the following countries (in random order): Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Ukraine, Russia and the United States of America. In the past it was played in France and Switzerland as well. Pushball as a sport is not very harmonised internationally yet and occurs under different names: Equine Soccer (USA), Horse Soccer (USA), Hoof ball (NZ), Horse Football (GB), ‘Paardenvoetbal’ (B, NL), ‘Pushball à cheval’ (F), ‘Pushball on horseback’ (CZ, D, NL and in the past USA). We have contacted several Pushball nations and the global Pushball network is growing every day as a consequence of our efforts and the weblog www.pushballonhorseback.blogspot.com, where international Pushball trainers are being invited to share their experience and knowledge with each other.
