For the first time, Argentina will host the Horseball World Cup. After four editions held in Europe, two in Portugal (2008 and 2016) and two in France (2012 and 2022), the premier competition of this revolutionary sport will finally take place in the land where the best horses are born.
Between March 25 and 30, La Rural will host one of the most significant equestrian events in the world. Fifteen countries and 30 teams will compete on a 4,200 m2 indoor track specially prepared for the occasion. The presentation will be held next Monday, and less than a week later, a new champion will be crowned.
Round Trip
Participants include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Spain, France, England, Italy, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Uruguay, and, of course, Argentina, the host country.
Organized by the International Horseball Federation and the Argentine Horseball Association, this event promises to be a unique experience for fans of equestrian sports and high performance. In the competition, each country will present teams in the Pro-Elite (men or mixed) and Ladies (women) categories, offering a spectacle full of adrenaline and skill.
In an interview with LA NACION, Pablo Segovia, president of the Argentine Horseball Association, highlighted the importance of this event: "It is an honor for our country to host the Horseball World Cup. Argentina was chosen for its great potential in this sport, thanks to the quality of its horses, the skill of its riders, and the strong connection of our culture with equestrianism."
What is Horseball?
Horseball is a dynamic and strategic equestrian discipline that originated in Europe and is derived from pato. It is similar but incorporates various rules from other disciplines such as rugby, basketball, polo, and handball. It is played indoors on a 70-meter by 40-meter sand surface, surrounded by inflatables that protect the horses and players.
Two teams of four players each (plus two substitutes per team) compete, picking up a ball from the ground without dismounting. The ball is encased in a frame with six leather handles, and through a series of passes, they must throw it into vertical baskets fixed at the ends of the field.
To score goals, there must be intervention from at least three players of the attacking team. Three passes between different players are required.
There is a time limit for possession, scoring is done within a vertical basket, and side restarts are done with a line-out. Unlimited substitutions are allowed during the two ten-minute halves, separated by a three-minute break, with each team having a 30-second timeout per half.
This sport demands skill, speed, and a close connection between rider and horse, as each player participates throughout the tournament with the same equine.
Argentine Teams
Argentina had an outstanding performance at the 2022 Horseball World Cup in Saint Lo, France.
Argentine Pro Elite Team:
Nicolás Taberna (c)
Lautaro Mc Dermott
Justo Bermudez
Facundo Taberna
Tomas Healy
Narciso Díaz
Gonzalo Etulain
Coach: Sergio Pedretti - Luis Newforge
Argentine Ladies Team:
Inés Healy (C)
Maria Pastrana
Pilar Re
Cuyen Glenny
Catalina Trino
Ángeles Maria Goyret
Sofía Jimena Robles Lera
The Horseball World Cup will be one of the main attractions of "Our Horses 2025," the most important equine exhibition in the region.
In addition to the championship, visitors can enjoy multiple activities, such as the 3rd Latin American Summit on Equine Therapy, breed demonstrations, artistic exhibitions, and a Masterclass by renowned trainer Monty Roberts. There will also be an equestrian art exhibition and interactive activities for the whole family, including the opportunity to experience horseback riding.
Other highlights include criollo skill competitions, classical riding exhibitions, natural horsemanship shows, and parades of the main equine breeds, such as Criollo, Argentine Saddle, Quarter Horse, Arabian, and Percheron. There will also be workshops and talks on equine care, nutrition, and advances in the equestrian industry, ideal for professionals and enthusiasts of the horse world.
The World Cup in Numbers
The designation of Argentina as the host of the 5th Horseball World Cup in 2025 represents a significant opportunity for the local economy, especially in Buenos Aires. Although the final figures will be available in April, it is estimated that the Horseball World Cup will generate revenues exceeding 300 million pesos. This amount covers various areas of the local economy, including tourism, services, and commerce.
Delegations from 15 countries are expected to arrive, implying an increase in the flow of international tourists during March. According to INDEC data, 672,400 non-resident tourists entered the country in January 2025. Although exact figures for March are not available, an increase in arrivals is reasonably anticipated due to the event.
In addition to the main event, many visitors often extend their stay to explore other tourist destinations in Argentina, such as Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, and Mendoza. This additional tourism contributes to increased spending in sectors such as transportation, lodging, and recreational activities in various regions of the country.
Pablo Segovia acknowledges the enormous challenge of Argentina hosting the 5th edition of the Horseball World Cup and expresses his desire that this sporting celebration be crowned with the colors of the homeland. "May this tournament engage families, all Argentines, the countryside, our flag, always proud of our history, always proud of our horses."
Tickets
Individual online: $10,000
Family Pack (3x2): $20,000
At the box office (in person): $15,000
The exhibition has underground parking and entrances on Av. Sarmiento and Av. Cerviño.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
