Horseball, a sport described as a combination of basketball and rugby on horseback, is gaining popularity in Australia after being introduced in 2009. The Australian pro-elite team, which includes three women, is currently competing in the 2025 Horseball World Cup in Argentina. Despite being a young team, they are proving to be very capable and are attracting international attention.

The sport involves two teams of four players on horseback competing for possession of a leather ball and shooting it into an upright hoop after passing it three times. The Australian team, coached by Linda Gray, is known for their fantastic horsemanship and ride. The team’s success is leading to invitations to compete in Canada, Britain, and Europe, which will help raise the profile of horseball in Australia.

Players like Char Adams and Katie Maund are balancing school with training to be elite athletes in horseball. Despite their nerves and lack of experience compared to older competitors, they are excited about the adrenaline rush of playing against more seasoned players. They hope that their participation in international competitions will inspire more young people to try the sport and create more opportunities for horseball in Australia.