GREEN and gold pride may be piquing at the moment with the Olympic Games in full swing, but the region will farewell a number of Australian representatives, on Monday, who are off to the Horseball World Cup in Portugal.
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Horseball is still trying to gain traction across Australia, but the New England North West has got the bit between the teeth.
Described by spectators as a cross between rugby union and basketball played on horseback, competitors say it is rough, physical and a fast sport.
Teams of four players on horseback aim to throw a round ball through a one metre hoop after completing at least three passes.
Libby Thompson's son and grandson, Matt and Tyler, will be representing Australia at the world cup, after picking the game up just four years ago.
"My son and grandson were involved with Barraba pony club," Ms Thompson said.
"They sort of got over pony club, and they wanted something with a bit more adrenaline and a bit more action."
Tyler Simpson will be playing in the pro-elite section and he said the roughness and physicality of horseball drew him to the sport.
He was optimistic about the team's chances in the competition, but said the opportunity to travel to Portugal made him a winner already.
Australian coordinator and junior team manager, Richard Riggs said the Aussies would face some stiff competition from the European sides, where Horseball is a much more popular sport.
"We'd love to win something, but this is a learning curve," Mr Riggs said.
"When these guys come back, they'll talk to their mates and say how good a time they had."
Mr Riggs and his wife have been working towards making this trip a reality for two years and said there has been a few challenges thrown up along the way.
“It’s a couple of grand just to fly over there and it’s about $700 a horse for hire over there,” he said. Mr Riggs said the teams will get a lot out of the trip including making friends and boosting their love of the game.