Andrew Paul Photography

There’s a new horse sport sweeping Arizona. This one doesn’t require cattle or expensive equipment. The only equipment is a giant ball; it’s horse soccer. The horses actually move and block the ball. The rider provides guidance and encouragement. According to Monika Snyder, one of the founders of the Arizona Horse Soccer League, it only takes five or ten minutes to introduce a horse to the ball; an hour later, they’re playing. “People are having fun,” she said. “The horses are playing and having fun. They use their noses, feet, or chests to push the ball. Horses just start playing. I got off my horse to get a drink of water and he started playing by himself.”

Andrew Paul Photography

Originally, horse soccer started in the mid-west. It took a little time to catch on here in Arizona. About two years ago, a few ranches informally held matches. Last year, Monika Snyder and Glenn Davis of Surprise started the Arizona Horse Soccer League, complete with web site (www.azhorsesoccer.com). Snyder and Davis have held clinics and demonstrations all over the state. Snyder said the goal is to attract enough new teams and individuals across the state to get bigger divisions and more competition. In the league, there are four divisions: Beginner, Adult, Youth, and Family so everyone can play with teams of their own level. In the Family division, parents, grandparents, and children all can (and do) play on the same team.

Andrew Paul Photography

Playing horse soccer is good for both horse and rider. Soccer is a great way to exercise the body, and mind of both. Riders build a stronger bond and partnership with their horses. They strengthen the communication between themselves and their horses. Also, they develop an active riding seat.

Thursday nights a group meets at Horse Lovers Park for a scrimmage.
Everyone is welcome to come and watch. Snyder and Davis hope that horse soccer will breathe some life into the horse industry. They want everyone to have fun with their horses. The web site has pictures and video clips of people, horses, and mules having fun. It also has a calendar. The web site has contact information.

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