A dream until victory
The Catalan rider Gil Carbonés has reached a historic milestone this April, becoming Horseball World Champion with the Spanish team during the World Cup held in Argentina. ‘It was a time I will remember forever,’ he says enthusiastically. ‘After so many attempts, we finally achieved the title we wanted so much.’
An exceptional player
Carbonés, who has been recognized as the best player in the world on three occasions, once again demonstrated its quality on the field. With four goals in the final, where Spain defeated the rival team by 7 to 6, and a total of 11 goals throughout the tournament, its impact was decisive. ‘I felt in full shape throughout the competition and I am proud of both my individual performance and the team.’
The roots of a passion
Originally from La Garriga, Carbonés has forged a deep bond with the Osona region due to his love for horses. ‘I started mounting at the age of only 4 at the Can Trap Horse Riding of Cardedeu, inspired by my grandfather, who was a farmer and had some horses,’ he recalls. ‘It was from the age of 9 when I discovered Horseball, and since then I have continued to evolve in this sport.’
The community and growth
Carbonés recalls with nostalgia the successes obtained from his Cardedeu club, where he and his friends became one of the most successful teams in history. With the desire to experience new experiences, he has found a new home in Malla Horse Riding, which has been owned for two years. ‘I started working there seven years ago, as well as playing, and over time I took more responsibilities until I was entrusted with the direction.’
A vision of the future
From its new position, the goal of Carbonés is clear: ‘I want to improve the facilities, take care of horses and grow the school’. Despite progress, he acknowledges that ‘The Horseball World still has great potential to explore’. With remarkable growth, especially among girls, Carbonés encourages everyone to immerse themselves in this exciting discipline, emphasizing that ‘the most rewarding is the connection you establish with your horse and the responsibility that this entails’.
