players must stand on the stirrups and avoid sitting on the saddle, while the hand not involved in the tugging must hold the reins. The tug is usually the most exciting part of the game. is played competitively and also by amateurs, mostly in weekend fairs which usually include (Argentine rodeo). Its status as the national game of Argentina has been challenged by association football, which is much more widespread. While virtually the entire population of the country are avid football fans and players, it is estimated that 90% of Argentines have not seen a match, and there are only a few thousand players of the game. In light of this, a bill was introduced in the Argentine legislature in 2010 to elevate football to the status of national sport and reduce to a traditional sport. Defenders of '''s official status point out that it is a completely indigenous game, while football was imported.'' is similar to the game of horseball played in France, Portugal, and other countries. References External links Federación Argentina de Pato y Horseball Equestrian team sports National symbols of Argentina Sport in Argentina Sports originating in Argentina Obsolete blood sports