So, you think you know horse sports? Think again. You may be familiar with the fan’s favorite – horse racing- and maybe you’ve dove into some dressage and even barrel racing. But this is just scratching the surface of what we as humans do with these incredible animals for entertainment.
The equestrian world is huge and it is full of some downright bizarre but quite fun to watch competitions that go way beyond the mainstream.
So, if you love equine sports but want something new, don’t worry; we have an entire selection of unusual horse sports that you probably never knew existed.
Maybe most of them don’t make sense, but who sets the rules of what’s a good sport and what’s not? Most of these sports are quite niche to a specific location, but they go on the professional route and even offer betting just like you’d bet on the Breeders’ Cup on TwinSpires.
Let’s go down the rabbit hole and find out some of the most unusual horse sports that are happening around the world.
Buzkashi: The Wild Ride of Afghanistan
First up is Buzkashi—a sport that’s as intense as it sounds. Originating from Afghanistan, this game is essentially the Afghan version of polo, but instead of a ball, players are wrestling over a headless goat carcass. Yeah, you read that right.
How Does It Work?
Imagine a massive free-for-all where horseback riders—sometimes dozens of them—scramble to grab hold of the goat, maneuver it past their competitors, and drop it in a designated scoring circle.
The game is chaotic, physically demanding, and deeply rooted in Afghan culture. It’s not uncommon for a match to last several days, with no rules beyond “get the goat to the goal.”
Buzkashi isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life in Afghanistan. It requires incredible skill, bravery, and a high tolerance for danger. The horses are specifically trained to be fast, fearless, and resilient, often more so than the riders themselves.
Horseball: Polo Meets Basketball
Ever wondered what would happen if you mashed together polo and basketball? Enter Horseball, a high-paced team sport where players score points by throwing a ball through a hoop, all while riding horseback. Originating in France, Horseball has spread to countries like Spain, Portugal, and even Argentina.
The Rules of the Game
In Horseball, two teams of four riders each compete to grab a ball that has six leather handles (imagine a rugby ball with grips) off the ground, pass it at least three times between teammates, and then toss it through a hoop that’s about 3.5 meters high. It’s a bit like quidditch, minus the flying brooms, of course.
If you enjoy fast-paced, team-oriented sports, Horseball is a thrilling watch. It’s got the strategy of basketball, the speed of polo, and the precision of a soccer striker aiming for that perfect goal. Plus, it’s a growing sport with a strong following in Europe.
Tent Pegging: Medieval Meets Modern
Ever fancied yourself a knight in shining armor? Tent Pegging might just be your thing. This ancient sport, with roots tracing back to Central Asia, and now is quite popular in UAE, involves galloping at full speed while trying to spear small, wooden pegs from the ground with a lance.
The Skills You Need
Precision, speed, and hand-eye coordination are key here. Riders charge down a narrow lane, aiming to pick up the peg with their lance. Points are awarded based on how cleanly the peg is lifted and whether it’s carried all the way to the finish line.
Tent Pegging isn’t just about skill; it’s about showmanship. It’s an FEI-recognized sport (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) and is still popular in countries like Pakistan, India, and South Africa. It’s also gaining traction in Australia and the UK.
Polo-Crosse: When Polo and Lacrosse Had a Baby
What do you get when you mix the ancient game of polo with the fast-paced intensity of lacrosse? Polo-Crosse!
This sport combines the best of both worlds—horseback riding and ball handling—into one adrenaline-pumping game.
The Game Plan
Teams of six players (three on the field at any time) work together to pass a sponge ball using rackets with nets, much like in lacrosse. The aim is to score goals by getting the ball into the opponent’s net. But there’s a catch—players can only hold the ball for a few seconds before passing, making the game incredibly fast and dynamic.
Polo-Crosse is the ultimate test of teamwork, agility, and speed. It’s popular in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK and is perfect for those who find traditional polo a tad too slow. Plus, it’s often played by families, making it a great way to get everyone involved in the fun.
Jousting: A Medieval Revival
You thought jousting was dead? Think again! Jousting is very much alive, especially in places like Maryland in the United States, where it’s even recognized as the state sport. This isn’t just a Renaissance Faire attraction; modern jousting is a serious competitive sport.
The Jousting Breakdown
Riders in full armor charge at each other with lances, aiming to unseat their opponent or at least break their lance on the opponent’s shield or body. Points are awarded based on where the lance strikes and whether it breaks.
Jousting is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a sport that requires incredible courage, balance, and strength—not to mention a well-trained horse that won’t bolt at the sight of a lance coming its way. Plus, it’s a sport steeped in tradition, offering a unique glimpse into the pageantry and combat of medieval times.