How to Play Horse Polo
A popular club sport for hundreds of years, polo is a high-intensity, fast-paced game. The rules and basics are simple to understand, but it can take lots of practice to become a master. If you are a beginner looking for a better comprehension of the game, where to play and how to improve, there is a lot of information you will need.
Instructions
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Getting Started
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If you are already skilled at horseback riding and have your own pony, you certainly have a leg up. However, if you have no experience, take lessons through your local polo club if you have one. The object of the game is to move a ball down the field and score points by hitting it through the goal posts. Each team is made up of four players, and field direction changes after each goal. Typically played outdoors on a field that is 360 yards by 160 yards, a match lasts about an hour and a half. Each game is divided into seven-minute periods, referred to as chukkers.
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The game starts with the umpire throwing in the ball. Throw-ins occur at the beginning of every chukker and every time a goal is scored. Players must also change horses every period, since the game places a high demand on them. Officiating is often done by two mounted umpires who ride alongside of plays, as well a a midfield ref who provides a majority vote when the umps disagree on a call.
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There are four positions per team, and each player's position is numbered on his jersey, 1 through 4. The first position is the attacking offensive player and focuses his energy on scoring goals and defending the opponent's No. 3 player. Second position is mostly an offensive player who stays close to the No. 1 team member and assists with goal scoring and defense. No. 3 is typically the most experienced player on the team and is similar to a quarterback position in football. They are accurate and strong hitters and keep game play running by passing the ball downfield into scoring position for No. 1. No. 4 team player is the most valuable defensive component of the team whose primary objective is to turn play back to his own team and move the ball downfield for scoring. Team roles are typically flexible and position changes on-field are common.
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Handicaps play an important role in the ranking system of polo players. All players are rated by the United States Polo Association on an annual basis and are ranked from -2 (being Novice) to 10 (being Perfect). Most players in the U.S. average a 2 goal handicap, and it is rare that one advances beyond a 3. Each handicap evaluation has seven components: Rules, Horsemanship, Playing Skills, Position Knowledge, Teamwork, Strategy and Ponies.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are a beginner in this sport, take the time to become familiar with the equipment, rules and pony information that are relevant to the game.
References
- Photo Credit Polo Player Hitting Ball image by Clarence Alford from Fotolia.com
