If the traditional equestrian disciplines of dressage, jumping and eventing aren't your cup of tea, and you don't have time to try reining or vaulting, then the new equestrian sport of Horseball could be for you! Horseball began in France more than 20 years ago. The French Sports Federation wanted a new game for France to be played on a small arena, to be suitable for television and exciting for spectators. Jean Paul Dupont, a rugby player who also owned a dressage school, looked at numerous ball games on foot, at polo, basket ball, and rugby. He took a bit from each and came up with the game of Horseball. The French now have more than 4000 riders competing in Horseball tournaments. They have League competitions all over France with audiences of up to 8000 at the larger venues. The French Equestrian Federation have made Horseball part of the riding instructor exam and support their International teams financially. There are Horseball Centres all over France and the French International team is made up mainly of riders who teach the sport professionally. Any type of horse or pony can play. The majority of those used also compete in other disciplines, some at affiliated level. Very little equipment is required -- a size 4 junior football with a harness of 6 leather straps, a 'pick up strap' from one stirrup to another and normal bandage protection for the horse's legs. Apart from that, normal every day saddlery is used. The arena is