Abstract:
A competitive horse riding game is described, between two teams of horsemen, with a mounted referee, and one a playing field with demarcated center line, center circle, goal lines, goal circles, sidelines and end lines. The game is played with an object called the ‘ox’, which is a weighted sack with four arms or straps to facilitate riders picking up and carrying the sack. Goals are scored by dropping the ox into the goal circle of the opposing team. The winning team is the team that scores the highest number of goals. The game is played over 4 quarters of 15 minutes each. Overtime is played if necessary to determine the winning team.

Description:
[0001]     The present invention incorporates a new horse riding game, suitable for outdoor play. The game involves competition between two teams of horsemen, with a goal assigned to each team. An innovative scheme in the invention is a target object, called the ox, which is used in place of a ball.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The present invention is a game-playing method derived from a series of ancient horse-playing games played for millennia in Central Asia. The ancient game goes under many different names. A commonly accepted name for this ancient game is Buzkashi. This game has survived for so long, its popularity in Central Asia and elsewhere is unquestioned.  
         [0003]     The game of Buzkashi is relatively unstructured. The field is not demarcated, goals are rarely delineated as such, and the number of players on each team is variable—if there are teams at all, as the game is often played more as a free-for-all, with every rider for himself.  
         [0004]     To complete the description of the game of Buzkashi, the target object is usually a headless carcass of a goat or calf. The carcass is heavily salted to preserve it.  
         [0005]     The present invention is designed to produce a civilized version of a game related to Buzkashi, but with elements of polo and other games, especially soccer. The game of the present invention will have a demarcated field, it will have teams of horsemen, and it will replace the carcass with a more acceptable target object. That object is not, however, a ball.  
         [0006]     The present invention is not the only attempt to modernize the game of Buzkashi. The British Horseball Association was formed in 1991 to promote the game of horseball. Horseball is a game played between two teams of horsemen, four per team (with two alternates for substitution purposes). It is played with a ball, which looks like a football encased in a leather harness containing 6 attached handles. The handles facilitate horsemen picking up the ball while riding. The field on which Horseball is played is only 70 m long by 30 m wide (76×33 yards), allowing this game to be played in an indoor arena.  
         [0007]     The game of Horseball has goals that more closely resemble basketball goals than most other goals. The goal is a 1-meter (39 inch) diameter hoop suspended 3.5 meters (4 feet) above ground. The ball must be passed through the hoop in order to score. 2 referees control the match, 1 on horseback and one seated at the side of the field.  
         [0008]     The game of the current invention is a competitive riding game between two teams of horsemen, wherein each team attempts to win the game by scoring more goals than the other team. Teammates assist each other in team play and strategy, and scoring goals. Goals are scored by carrying a target object, called the ‘ox’, to the designated goal area, a circle marked on the field—one goal for each team.  
         [0009]     An object of the game of the current invention is to provide an entertaining outdoor game involving horse riding skills.  
         [0010]     Another object of the game of the current invention is to provide a game involving teams and teamwork.  
         [0011]     Yet another object of the game of the current invention is to provide a modernized game that has the look and feel of the ancient game of Buzkashi.  
         [0012]     Yet another object of the game of the current invention is to provide a modernized game that substitutes some of the less civilized and highly disorganized aspects of Buzkashi with modern, civilized, and ordered rules.  
         [0013]     Still another object of the game of the current invention is to provide a modernized horse riding game that is easy to learn and intuitive to play.  
         [0014]     Further aspects of the current invention will become apparent upon reading and viewing the attached description and drawing figures. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     The many objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.  
         [0016]     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a field as it might appear at the beginning of a game of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  displays a field as it might appear at the restart of a game of the present invention after a stoppage in the game.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  displays a scene from a game of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  displays another scene from a game of the present invention. The referee is visible at the left, wearing the dark beret-style cap.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  displays a view of the ox, the object that is the target of the horsemen&#39;s attention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  displays another view of the ox, showing to advantage how the handles are useful for grabbing and holding the object.  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  provides yet another view of the ox, with all four arms clearly on display.  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates another scene from a game of the present invention. Four payers are visible. The head of the horse bearing the referee is just visible on the extreme right.  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  displays another scene from a game of the present invention. The player 3 rd  from the left is holding onto and yanking an arm  75  of the ox, which is currently carried by the player on the right.  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  illustrates another scene from a game of the present invention. The horseman on the right has apparently dropped the ox  70 , which has yet to hit the ground.  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  displays another scene from a game of the present invention. Two riders are present. This figure displays safety helmets of the type often worn by horsemen.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]     Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.  
         [0029]     The present invention is a game-playing method for two opposing teams of horsemen. The teams must contain equal numbers of players, though the actual number can vary. For a game played on the regulation field of 100×50 yards, teams of 10 horsemen per side can be accommodated.  
         [0030]     As just described, the desired field size is 100 yards by 50 yards. However, smaller fields can be used, especially for teams of fewer than the regulation 10 players. Ideally, the field should be twice as long as it is wide. Variations from the ideal are allowed, and indeed are to be expected in many cases, where a proper size area of land is not available.  
         [0031]     The object of the game of the present invention is for one team to score more goals than the opposing team. Goals are scored when a member or members of a team carry the target object (the ox) to the opponent&#39;s goal, and drop the ox therein. To score a goal (also often called a touchdown, though worth only one point), the subject ox must be placed inside the goal, not touching the line of the circle bordering the goal.  
         [0032]     The basic scheme for the preferred embodiment of the present invention—the regulation game—at the start of the game is presented in  FIG. 1 . The field  100  is symmetrically oriented, with a center 50 yard line  50 , and the following demarcations on either side of the center line: a 20 yard line  20 , a 15 yard line  15 , and a goal  90 . There is also a rectangular boundary around the field, comprising two short end lines  95  spanning the width of the field, and two long sidelines  35  along the long axis boundaries of the field. Finally, there is a small circle  40  of 2 yards in diameter, and a larger circle  60  of 10 yards in diameter, each centered on the midpoint of the field, on the 50-yard line  50  halfway between sidelines  35 .  
         [0033]     Note the players on horse  10 , lined up in teams along the 20-yard lines just prior to the start of the contest. The team on the left defends the goal behind it on the left. Similarly, the team on the right defends the goal behind it on the right. The ox (not shown) will be placed within the inner circle  40  by the referee (also not shown). On the referee&#39;s signal, play begins.  
         [0034]     The horsemen charge toward the center of the field. One lucky (and fast) horse bringers his rider to the center first. The rider then leans over and attempts to pick up the ox, preferentially by means of grasping one of the four arms of the ox. The rider may not intentionally dismount, although often riders unintentionally lose their horses.  
         [0035]     The rider bearing the ox will then attempt to score a goal. Generally this will not be possible without the aid of his teammates. Thus, the rider with the ox may head straight toward a teammate.  
         [0036]     The rider may pass the ox to a teammate. This is encouraged. Any member of the team may score, although he had best score in the opposing team&#39;s goal! Own-goals (where a rider scores a goal into his own net) are not very likely, but certainly possible.  
         [0037]     After the first goal, the ox is returned to the center of the field, inside the two-yard circle. Rather than move back to the 20-yard line like at the beginning of the game, all twenty players position themselves around the larger circle at the center of the field (see  FIG. 2 ). The whistle is blown by the referee, and all players rush towards the ox. The only time the twenty-yard line is used is as the beginning of the game or the second half, optionally.  
         [0038]     Players may push or kick an opponent&#39;s horse, but cannot push, hit, kick, or attempt to dismount an opponent. Players may crowd out opponents by steering their horse and rushing towards the ox, then swoop down with a free hand and grab it. The ox may not be tied to a player&#39;s horse. Once the ox is in hand, the player rides swiftly to the goal. Players of the opposite team will rush towards the horse and try to grab the subject ox away.  
         [0039]     The game is monitored by a referee, who is also mounted on a horse. The referee would normally ride on the field away from the players, but within sight of them. The referee interprets the rules, and rules on specific issues, such as whether a goal has scored, the ox ridden out of bounds, or a player has been fouled. The referee also keeps time, and allows timeouts. He may be assisted by one or more assistant referees, who themselves may be mounted, or not. However, no one is allowed on the field unless riding a horse, and riders dismounted must remount as soon as possible.  
         [0040]     Fouls are awarded for interference with another player. Examples are fouls for hitting or kicking an opponent. Players are allowed two fouls. The referee will show the offending play a yellow card, signifying a foul.  
         [0041]     A flagrant foul automatically removes a player from the game. Examples of flagrant fouls are attempting to dismount an opponent from his horse, or charging one&#39;s horse into an opponent who has been dismounted. The referee will show the offending player a red card, signifying a flagrant foul, and requiring removal of the player from the game. The referee may also issue a red card to a player who fouls after already collecting two yellow cards.  
         [0042]     Red-carded players may not be replaced. The team will play the rest of the game with one player fewer than before the red card was issued.  
         [0043]     Each team is allowed three timeouts. Timeouts can be used before playing has again commenced after a goal is scored. There are no timeouts during actual game play. However, players may be substituted during play for players on the teams&#39; substitute list.  
         [0044]     A game lasts one hour, divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each. If the score is tied at the end of the fourth quarter, five players from each team face each other in a five-minute “five-man showdown,” and the team with the most goals at the end of the showdown wins. If no one scores at the end of the game, or the score is tied, three players from each team face each other in a five-minute “three-man showdown”, again wherein the team with the most goals at the end of the showdown wins. If no one scores within the 5 minutes, or the score is tied, one player from each team faces another in a one-man showdown over another 5-minute period. If neither team scores, the game is won by the team whose goal area the subject is closest to at the end of the final showdown. Optionally, the showdowns can be played with the ‘golden goal’ rule, meaning that the first goal scored during a showdown ends the game, with the scoring team the winner.  
         [0045]     The game of the present invention will now be more fully explained through the descriptions of the remaining drawing figures associated with this application. These figures depict an actual game played between two abbreviated teams of two players each, with a referee present.  
         [0046]      FIG. 3  depicts the riders after the ox has been picked up by one rider. The rider  12  in the foreground is carrying the ox on his right side. (The ox is obscured from view by the body of this rider&#39;s horse.) A rider  24  of the opposing team is riding up toward the right side of this rider, obviously in an attempt to take the ox away from rider  12 . Much of the game is involved with taking the ox away from riders of the opposing team, and conversely, protecting the ox when it is your team&#39;s possession.  
         [0047]     Note that in the rear, the teammates of the two forward riders are riding up. The rider  22  on the extreme right is a member of the opposing team, a teammate of rider  24 . Rider  22  is riding up toward the left side of rider  12 , the current ox possessor. This is a smart tactical move, as will be described below. The ox possessor, rider  12 , cognizant of the danger inherent in the rider of the opposing team approaching his right side, may well adopt the common tactic of switching the ox to his opposite side—in the present case, to his left side. This will position the horse&#39;s body between the ox and opposing rider  24 . This clearly will hinder any attempts of the opposing rider to snatch possession of the ox away from the current carrier.  
         [0048]     Rider  22  of the opposing team anticipates the possibility of this move. Thus, he rides up toward the left side of the ox holder  12 . Should the ox holder attempt to switch the ox to his left side, away from rider  24 , rider  22  will be in position to snatch the ox and ride away.  
         [0049]      FIG. 4  displays another scene from a game of the present invention. This is a scene just prior to a restart of the action. The referee  30  is visible at the left, wearing the dark beret-style cap. The various riders mill about outside the center circle  40 , inside of which is the ox  70 . When the referee signals start of play, by blowing his whistle, the riders will all dash toward the center circle, in an attempt to pick up the ox.  
         [0050]     This brings us to  FIG. 5 , the first of 3 views of the ox. The ox  70  is an elongated sack, or hollow bag, constructed of leather, canvas, high-strength flexible plastic, or other sturdy material that can take the punishment that invariably comes to the object of this rough-and-tumble game. The ox  70  ideally has four legs  75 , one at each corner. These legs are straps with knobby ends, to promote grabbing of the ox, and hinder slippage. The straps are either integral to the sack, or are firmly and fixedly attached thereto, in light of the severe service to which the ox will be subjected.  
         [0051]      FIG. 5  shows a person grasping one of the legs of the ox  70 . This view shows the zipper  78  extending down the centerline of the ox. This zipper is useful in filling the ox with wet sand. This weights the ox, to a degree desired by the players. We have found that a weight of 75 pounds (34 kilograms) is a suitable weight to encourage hearty play without unduly straining horses or riders. Lesser weights could be used for practice, younger or inexperienced riders, etc.  
         [0052]      FIG. 6  shows another view of the ox, while being held.  FIG. 7  shows the reverse side of the ox, in a prone position without being touched or carried.  
         [0053]      FIG. 8  is a view from behind the players. In this view, rider  24  has succeeded in grabbing one of the arms of the ox, in an attempt to take it away from rider  12 . Rider  14 , rider  12 &#39;s teammate, is attempting to box in rider  24 , while rider  22  trails the rest of the players.  
         [0054]      FIG. 9  is yet another view of play. Rider  24  and rider  12  are still competing for the ox. Rider  12  has managed to secure most of the possession, and no longer is boxed in by a second opposing rider. Rider  24  appears to be losing his grip on a leg of the ox. Dust is flying on the track as the horses wheel and spin.  
         [0055]     Mistakes happen in this game, as in other fast-paced, physical games. In  FIG. 10 , we see the ox in free fall as a horseman loses his grip on a leg. This happened in the absence of a close challenge by a rider of the opposition. This may be a staged view, and would be more likely to happen under duress of a challenge in a real game.  
         [0056]     Not only can the ox fall in this game. Riders can be unhorsed during play. Usually, he will immediately remount his horse, but occasionally, the referee will be forced to stop play for such an event.  
         [0057]     Because of the roughness and danger associated with the game of the present invention, and indeed any game involving horsemen, safety equipment is often worn by players, either voluntarily or due to the requirements of league rules. The most common type of safety equipment is a helmet. Examples of safety helmets are displayed in  FIG. 11 , which displays two mounted horsemen wearing headgear. A common type of headgear worn by horsemen is produced by the Troxel Company, as viewed at the following website: http://www.troxelhelmets.com/products/.  
         [0058]     Uniforms can also be worn by players of the current invention. Uniforms are ideal for quick identification of teammates and riders of the opposing team.  
         [0059]     While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment or embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.