Horseboarding: The Phenomenon That Combines Skating With Horse Riding
Let me ask you a question. When you think of extreme sports, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? You’d probably say skydiving, free climbing, bungee jumping, or skateboarding, right?
Well, how about we remove the “skate” and add a “horse”? We are talking about horse boarding.
Have you heard of such a sport? Probably not.
No worries, I made the same confused face as you when I first found out about this sport. Horseboarding is a sport that combines the rush of skating infused with some horsepower.
It is without a doubt an adrenaline-rushing sport, and I usually have a rule that I don’t like sports that involve animals just because they are unpredictable no matter how well they are trained, but horseboarding is different.
Also, we are not talking about a niche sport. Horseboarding is now quite popular and there are such events held all over the world.
So, what’s the deal with the sport, and why is it so popular?
What Exactly Is Horseboarding?
The name is quite self-explanatory, to be honest. It is basically a combo of horses and skateboarding. What could go wrong?
However, the sport has updated its rules, and the devices used. First of all, this is no regular skateboard, it’s an off-road skateboard (since you are on grass or sand), with big chunky tires (it is called a mountain board), and you hold on to a rope attached to a horse. The horse then runs and accelerates up to 35 mph and makes tight corners while you try to hold on for dear life.
It sounds crazy just because it is CRAZY!
You probably cannot imagine this sport vividly if you’ve never seen a full-grown 1,000-pound horse in real life. These animals are huge, and being behind them while running at 35 mph with all the dirt and rocks from their hooves getting in your teeth, sounds pretty dangerous to me.
So, who the heck thought of such a sport?
Well, we have Daniel Fowler-Prime to blame. He is a professional stunt rider who had an idea of combining horse riding and skateboarding. And boom! The idea took off, and now it is gaining traction all over the world.
How Does It Work?
So how does this madness play out? It’s pretty simple, at least in theory. The rider controls the horse’s speed and direction, while the border holds onto a handle attached to the horse via a 10-meter rope.
The key here is teamwork. The boarder needs to read the horse’s movements, predicting changes in speed and direction, while the rider ensures the horse doesn’t go rogue.
But is it dangerous? Well, let’s just say you don’t pick this sport if you’re looking for a relaxing Sunday stroll. Like any high-speed activity, there’s always a risk. You’ll need protective gear, good reflexes, and maybe a little bit of a wild side.
I think that it is even more dangerous than horse racing, and we all know how dangerous horse racing can be. The only thing that is missing from this sport is some betting action, right? It will make it even more exciting.
Just take a look at horse racing, people are placing bets which makes watching races even more exciting. If you are thinking about placing a horse racing bet, make sure to check out some expert tips and predictions first on the link here: https://www.twinspires.com/edge/racing/wagering/
Types of Horseboarding Competitions
Once the sport started gaining popularity, competitions quickly followed. There are two main types:
- Drag Racing: This involves teams of riders and boarders competing head-to-head in a 100-meter dash. It’s pure speed. The first team across the line wins. Simple enough, right?
- Arena Horseboarding: Now, this is where it gets even more interesting. In this version, teams navigate through a course filled with gates, obstacles, and tight corners, all while racing against the clock. It’s more about skill and precision than just speed.
Who Is Taking Part?
You might think this sport is for seasoned equestrians or hardcore skaters only, but you’d be surprised. Horseboarding has caught the attention of teens, young adults, and even families. It’s breathing new life into the equestrian world, making it more appealing to a younger crowd who crave adrenaline and adventure.
Why Is Horseboarding Gaining Popularity?
Why, of all the combinations, did this one take off? A big part of it is the sheer uniqueness of the sport. In a world where extreme sports are getting more creative by the day, horseboarding stands out. It's the perfect blend of horse riding—an age-old tradition—with skateboarding, a modern urban sport. Plus, it’s highly accessible; all you need is a horse, a board, and a healthy dose of courage.
Another factor driving its growth is the competitive circuit. The National Horse Boarding Championship in the UK has become an annual event, attracting participants from across the country. It’s a whole community, and that sense of camaraderie is appealing to people.
Is Horseboarding for You?
Now, before you go running off to find the nearest horse and mountain board, let’s talk logistics. Can anyone try horseboarding? Technically, yes, but it helps if you’re already familiar with either horses or skating.
At the very least, you’ll need a strong sense of balance, quick reflexes, and a willingness to get thrown off (because trust me, you will). Some events have even started offering training sessions for beginners, making it more accessible to those new to the sport.
