Polo Guide

Polo is a team sport played on horseback by two teams of four players each. Each team wears its colours so that everyone knows which player is on which team. The object of the game is to score points called goals by hitting the ball between two goal posts. The polo field, usually referred to as polo grounds, is most often 280m (300yd) long and 180m (191yd) wide, though it can and does vary from field to field. At the end of the game the team with the most goals wins.

A polo game is usually divided into six periods called chukkas; each chukka lasts six minutes and there is most often a three minute break between chukkas during which the players change their mounts. The teams change goals after each point is scored so that there is no advantage for any team toward any specific set of goal posts. An advantage could be something such as wind or the sun’s position. This changing of ends during the chukkas is one thing that can make polo confusing for persons who don’t know the game.

Polo is a game of sprints and is very intense for the ponies. Therefore the ponies are changed at the end of each chukka so as not to injure them. Each player is responsible for maintaining his or her own string of ponies.

Polo events are always played to the right side of the horse and if a player strikes the ball on the left side his or her team will be penalized. This rule is for the safety of the players both human and equine. Polo can be a dangerous sport when players are careless of the rules.

Polo is played with a hard white plastic or wooden ball about 11.4cm (4 1/2 in) in diameter which is struck using a long-handle mallet, always to the right side of the horse. The horse is referred to as a polo pony and is most often a full sized thoroughbred. The players ride using an English style saddle and wearing an equestrian helmet for safety. The players also wear protective riding boots which reach to just below the knee. In some clubs kneepads are also required. Optional equipment includes such things as spurs, gloves, a face mask, a whip, and wristbands.

The mallets can vary in length and composition depending on the player’s preference. Some players use a longer mallet with a taller pony while others us the same sized mallet regardless of the height of the horse. The ball is struck with the wide side of the mallet and not the tips.

Polo is an exciting game, fun to play and fun to watch. Understanding what is going on adds considerably to the enjoyment.