TOWNER (AP) - Horses and their riders are playing new game here. It's called equine soccer.

A practice match kicked off on Sunday at the 7E Riding Instruction, owned by riding instructor Mary Eaton.

Eaton said to entice horses to play with objects, she used a 48-inch inflatable ball as a test and found that some of them enjoyed playing with it.

"Some of the horses would push the ball with their nose, or others would take larger strides and push the ball with their front legs," Eaton said. "It's something different to do, and the horses love it."

Eaton said equine soccer gives riders and their horses another activity.

"Equine soccer is another way to do things with horses and provides one more of a variety of activities the riders can enjoy," Eaton said.

Eaton said the sport is just in its infancy, but she would like to see more riders involved.

"I would like to get more people interested in playing and get a league started by this summer," Eaton said. "It doesn't take that many special skills to play."

Eaton said some horses are better than others at playing soccer.

"The horse has to be aggressive and willing to be able to play offense and defense to be a little more successful at the game," Eaton said.

Cheryl Gerard, of Logan, said even the most timid riders can play equine soccer.

"Even I can do it. I am one of the least brave riders out there," Gerard said.

Fifteen-year-old Ashley Carter, of Anamoose, said equine soccer offers something more to do with her horse, Fancy.

"I enjoy playing soccer with Fancy," Carter said. "It's something different to do."

Eaton, along with other riders, will be demonstrating equine soccer at 10 a.m on Saturday during the Horse Fest at the All Seasons Arena in Minot.