Pato (Argentine Horseback Ball Game)
P
PLAYERS
8, two teams of four riders
DIFFICULTY
SETTING
Outdoor
MATERIALS
- Horses
- Six-handled leather ball
- Two elevated basket goals
MEASUREMENTS
Open field roughly 180m x 90m with a raised goal ring at each end
HOW TO PLAY
1
Mount up with two teams of four riders on a large open field.
2
Lean from the saddle to grip one of the ball's six handles while riding alongside an opponent.
3
Carry the ball at a gallop while defenders try to wrestle it free using the handles.
4
Score by throwing the ball through the elevated ring goal at your attacking end.
5
Restart from mid-field after every score and play for a set number of periods.
6
Follow strict right-of-way rules so riders don't collide while contesting the ball.