Saddle Fitting
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Inky and Wiremu
HOOFBALL is the newest Horse Sport to emerge in New Zealand, and its appeal is spreading quickly throughout many facets of the riding community. HOOFBALL "the sport" is played in an open field, sand or rodeo arena, (actually where ever the players choose to play), and comprises of two teams, up to 4 aside. The aim is for riders to guide their horses to dribble, kick, nudge and bowl the HOOFBALL through the goal posts at either end of the field. There are some rules and safety guidelines, so the games run smoothly and safely. (see the "HOOFBALL" page on www.hobbyhorse.co.nz for rules, and the Photo Album page for a slideshow of practices and games).
The first game was recently played at the Gallaghers Rodeo Arena in Huntly. The local team Hillside Rangers challenged Hamilton's Lodge Country team, after a morning practice and BBQ. The competition was keen as a myriad of riders and horses played together, ranging from a
15hh 26 year old cutting horse with only one eye hotly contesting possession of the ball against a feisty 17hh clydie hunter ridden by his 75yr old rider! There was a mix of thoroughbreds, stationbreds, tall ,short, wide, you name it, HOOFBALL is for everyone. "Horses seem to pick it up very quickly and enjoy the focus very much. We suggest introducing the ball on the ground, then riding when your horse is ready, remarkably this takes only up to half an hour in some cases!" says HOOFBALL New Zealand co-director Leslie Hodgson. The event drew a crowd of over 100 spectators and in the spirit of this friendly and fun game players offered rides later and some tried a little HOOFBALL themselves. "Although we have developed official rules to play by, we love the fun concept of HOOFBALL" says Mary Torok (also a co-director), "you should hear the laughter and cheering from riders and spectators alike, it really does create a festive spirit".
HOOFBALLS have many other benefits for horses and riders. Used as a desensitization aid, the balls can be a great advantage in the home paddock for groundwork and alleviating winter boredom when riding becomes next to impossible between rain and wind storms. Many horses will free-play with the balls too, using their necks and heads to push the balls around, they lay on them and squash them too, the balls are designed to "take the strain". They have covers so horses may pick them up in their teeth and toss them without the risk of bursting the balls, and if punctured can be easily repaired with a standard bicycle puncture kit.
Horses recovering from injury or trauma , in restricted environments, benefit from the stimulation the ball provides and the RDA have also been using the balls to create a fun focus building co-ordination and confidence between horse and rider.
Leslie Hodgson and Mary Torok of HOOFBALL New Zealand ™, import and distribute the balls (small pony and standard sizes) and are happy to co-ordinate team challenges and demonstration days.
If you wish to receive newsletters, updates of HOOFBALL events and displays you can register on the emailing list. Send in your details to hoofball@hobbyhorse.co.nz or visit the website www.hobbyhorse.co.nz for more information.
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