A Zorbing Adventure Like No Other
What happens when you combine a fearless trainer, a plastic zorb ball, and a determined pony? Pure equestrian magic! Devon-based trainer Emma Massingale recently swapped Easter egg hunts for an unforgettable zorbing experience, complete with an unexpected co-star: her spirited eight-year-old Connemara pony named Atlantis.
Meet Atlantis: The Unlikely Zorbing Co-Star
Atlantis has just made a triumphant return to filmmaking after a three-year hiatus following a collateral ligament injury. And what better comeback could there be than helping his trainer navigate the quirky world of zorbing—that thrilling sport where you roll downhill inside a giant plastic orb?
Emma describes Atlantis as the “natural choice” for this wild adventure, and for good reason. This playful pony didn’t just participate; he took ownership of the project in the most endearing way possible.
“He is really playful,” Emma explained. “He was the worst pony to get injured and not be able to do stuff because he just looks at you continuously to say ‘me, me, me!’ Some of the others were quite keen to be involved, but whenever they went near the ball he would say ‘it’s mine, go away’—he definitely took ownership of this one.”
From Curiosity to Confidence
What started as a simple introduction to the zorb ball quickly became something extraordinary. Emma initially let the ponies familiarize themselves with the strange new object, but Atlantis had other plans. His enthusiasm was immediate and undeniable.
“He was naturally on it so quickly and wanted to do it,” Emma shared. “Now I can roll it in the field, jump in it and he’ll come cantering over and want to push it around.”
The result? A viral-worthy moment where Atlantis gives his trainer a mighty shove down the slope, sending her rolling faster than expected!
Emma’s First Zorbing Experience
This ambitious project marked Emma’s first-ever zorbing adventure. She and her fiancé Jeremy had been brainstorming ways to create more entertaining equestrian videos—ones that would bring smiles to people’s faces and showcase the joy of working with horses.
“I’d never been in a zorb ball in my life,” Emma admitted. “It’s really quick. It’s funny when you watch the video—it feels much faster when you’re in it. When you get going quite quick and Atlantis is cantering along next to you and gives you a shove, he sends you flying!”
Horse Ownership Should Be Fun!
Beyond the laughs and thrills, Emma has a meaningful message for horse owners everywhere: owning horses doesn’t have to be serious all the time. Her videos celebrate the lighter side of equestrian life while showing genuine care and creativity.
“The ponies are enjoying themselves, it’s easy, it’s a good exercise—it’s a bit of harmless de-sensitizing fun,” Emma explained. “I love making people smile, and I thought this will be fun.”
This philosophy shines through in every frame. Atlantis and his herd aren’t just participants; they’re genuine partners in Emma’s creative endeavors. The desensitizing work pays off in more ways than one, building confidence in the ponies while creating heartwarming content that reminds us why we fell in love with horses in the first place.
If you haven’t seen Emma’s incredible zorbing video yet, prepare to smile! It’s a perfect reminder that with horses, the best moments often come from embracing playfulness, creativity, and mutual trust.