A Beginners Guide to Polo – Part one
By Victoria Elsbury-Legg
Polo – frequently referred to as ‘the game of kings’ is one of the oldest team sports in the world, played in Asia over 2000 years ago. In recent times, Polo – its ponies, passion and personalities has become more accessible to those keen to spectate and participate in this most beautiful of equine occupations – but be warned, this game played on horseback at speeds of 40 mph, on the largest field in organised sport is also one of the most addictive.
You do not need to be able to ride to learn polo. Being used to the gait of a horse will give you confidence, but polo style is more ‘cowboy’ than traditional English seat. Once you’ve grasped your stick in your right hand and gathered up the double reins in your left, it’s then a matter of mastering the art of balancing in transitions from walk to canter and lining up your stick and swing with a small white plastic ball (which seems easier to hit the faster you approach it).
Amateur players (patrons) and professionals play together in teams of four players, numbered 1-4. Players change ends every time a goal is scored, can ride each other off and hook sticks, but two mounted umpires will award a penalty if an infringement of a player’s ‘right of way’ occurs (meaning an opposition player has ridden across the path of the ball), inappropriate use of the mallet or dangerous riding; a referee seated in the stands can also be consulted.
Players are handicapped from -2 goals (beginner) through to 10 goals (the best players in the world) and play with sticks made from cane normally 52/53 inches in length. Play is divided into ‘chukkas’, each is 7 ½ minutes long, in low goal there are 4 chukkas, medium goal 5, and high goal 6.
To be continued …