About Polo

Polo has been termed the "sport of kings", or sometimes the "king of sports". However, one does not have to be a king to play this game. The enjoyment of playing can be achieved by owning only one horse or by having a string of polo ponies. The challenge of the game is to combine highly skilled athletic ability and horsemanship with the efforts of super trained mounts. Game tactics have many similarities to those of soccer, hockey and football. Yet, it is the terrific speed combined with body contact and the darting turns of the horses which gives polo its appeal to spectators and players alike.

THE MOUNT PONY GLOSSARY A = Neck B = Chest C = Shoulder D = Withers E = Good, long sloping shoulders F = Back G = Ribs H = Hindquarters I = Depth through the girth The mounts are called polo ponies, although they are horses ranging from 14.5 to 16 hands high at the wither (one hand equals four inches), and weighing 900-1000 lbs. The polo pony is selected carefully for great speed and stamina, similar to the thoroughbreds at race tracks, as well as agility and maneuverability, similar to the cow pony used on ranches. When one can combine these traits and train the horse to carry the rider smoothly and swiftly to the ball, the horse can account for anywhere from 70-80% of a player's ability and net worth to his team. THE PLAYER Each team consists of four mounted players, which can be mixed teams of both men and women. The Number 1 is expected to score the goals and carry out an offensive position. The Number 2 is also an offensive player but has to be more aggressive since his objective is also to break up the defensive plays of the opposition. The Number 3 is the pivot man, similar to a quarterback in football, and he is usually the long ball hitter and playmaker for the team. He usually hits the penalty shots and knock-ins. The Number 4, or back, is the defensive player. He is usually the most conservative player and his job is to guard the goal and keep the opposition from scoring. THE FIELD The playing field is 300 yards long by 150 yards wide, the approximate area of nine football fields. The playing field is carefully maintained with closely mowed turf providing a safe, fast playing surface. Goals are posts which are set eight yards apart at each end of the field. THE EQUIPMENT Mallets are made of bamboo canes, or poly resins, which provide flexibility, and the mallet heads of willow or maple. The mallets come in lengths of 49 to 53 inches and selection is made according to the height of the pony being played. The ball is struck with the side of the mallet, not with the end. The ball is made of bamboo, willow root, poly resins, or leather (for indoor arena polo). It's diameter is 3.5 inches and weighs about 4.5 ounces. All players must wear a protective helmet with a chinstrap and preferably a faceguard. Knees are protected with leather knee guards. The ponies are provided with protective bandages or wraps on all four legs. Tails are braided, taped or tied to minimize interference in making the various shots. THE GAME Play commences when the mounted umpire bowls the ball between the players who line up opposite each other in the centre field. The game consists of six 7 minute periods called Chukkers, during which players may change mounts. There is a four minute interval between chukkers and a ten minute halftime. Play is continuous and is only stopped for penalties, broken tack (equipment) or injury to horse or player. The object is to score goals by hitting the ball between the goal posts, no matter how high in the air. If the ball goes wide of the goal, the defending team is allowed a free 'knock-in' from the place where the ball crossed the goal line, thus getting the ball back into play. Teams change goals on ends of the field after each score to minimize any wind advantage which may exist. There are two mounted umpires who officiate the game while a referee on the sidelines makes all the final decisions concerning penalties or infractions of the rules. Penalties and fouls are described and explained in literature available through the UPSA (United States Polo Association). THE HANDICAPS Each player is rated on a scale of minus 2 to 10, by regional and national handicap committees of the US Polo Association. A player's handicap is based on his net worth to his/her team with factors considered such as horsemanship, team play, hitting skills, anticipation and overall understanding of the game and its rules. The rating given to players is termed in goals. For example, if four three goal players formed a team, it would be a 12 goal rated team. If the opposing teams' handicap totaled 10 goals, there would be a two goal advantage to the first team at the start of the game. The term "goals", is not a player's rating and is not to be confused with how many times he/she will score in a match, it is just a system of rating. DUTIES OF THE SPECTATOR During our playing season, we welcome all specators and enthusiasts who enjoy spending an afternoon outside. Entry to all games is free unless an organized tournament is taking place. We encourage you to bring along your garden chairs, picnic basket, and sporting spirit. Unlike most sports, polo requires active spectator participation. Before leaving for a game, you will want to prepare a picnic, pack your camera and bring your binoculars, remembering of course that you'll be spending time outdoors, therefore appropriate outdoor dress is necessary for your comfort. If you don't have time to pack your picnic, several restaurants (offering take-out service), are located nearby the polo fields. Once you arrive at the game, be sure to park at least ten yards back from the side of the field and not at the end of the field. The objective is to park by the game, not in it. Now you are ready to participate in the game. First open your picnic and remember the following points: Keep your eye on the ball and the horses. Action frequently extends ten yards beyond the edge of the field. Many unwary spectators have narrowly escaped from a changing horse. Pets MUST be on a leash or rein and children CLOSE at hand. Now for the fun part - you get to walk on the turf. To golfers this is known as replacing the divots. After the third and sixth chukkers you will be ready to walk off your picnic. So take a stroll and help maintain the field. Please return all polo balls hit out of bounds to the umpires, goal judges or other club officials.