Riding ex-racehorses around a small pitch at breakneck speed playing a cross between rugby and basketball may sound a bit dangerous, but for father and son, Jim and Stuart Copeland it's deadly serious.

The pair, of Clifford Road, Barnet, were part of the North London Horseball Team which scooped the Horseball British Open Championship at the Forest of Dean last month.

Horseball is what it sounds a game involving a ball and horses. Competitors play on horseback where teams of four score by passing a small ball at least three times before shooting through a suspended hoop one metre in diameter.

Jim Copeland, 53, said: "The description we use is a cross between rugby and basketball on horseback. There are certain parts of the game when the horses can be flat out which makes it very exciting for players and spectators."

First played in France, horseball is just beginning to take off in this country but Mr Copeland has been involved for many years. Formerly training at the Barnet Riding Centre in Galley Lane, he recently moved to Penniwells Riding Group for the Disabled in Elstree.

He added: "I first saw horseball in 1990 at the Horse of the Year Show and I thought I would have a go. There are about 20 clubs nationally but this year has not been good because of foot-and-mouth."

Mr Copeland's 23-year-old son Stuart has taken after his father and will represent England in the European Championships, along with fellow team mate David Devoy-Williams. "I would like to develop a second team so that I can slowly fade into the background," said Mr Copeland.

If you are interested in learning more about horseball call the Horseball Association on 020 8441 1799.

November 7, 2001 14:16