The Essentials of Polo

Polo Essentials

Polo is an exciting equestrian sport played throughout the world with specially trained horses known as polo ponies. Polp requires a large grass field that is about the size of nine football fields. Goal post are stationed at either end and the objective is for the riders to hit the polo ball (bocha) with their mallot between the two posts.

The fast action makes the sport attractive to many fans. Spectators often bring their own lunches much in tha fashion of football tailgaiting. At fancy polo venues such as Wellington, brunch is often served featuring strawberries and champagne.

Polo Ponies

Agile and Athletic: Polo ponies are bred for agility, speed, and responsiveness. Their compact build and nimble movements allow them to swiftly change direction during the fast-paced game. Although they’re called “ponies,” this term refers to their agile type rather than their size. Most polo ponies stand around 15.1 hands (61 inches or 155 cm), but it’s not uncommon to see horses over 16 hands.

Breeds and Origins: Polo ponies can be of any breed or a combination of breeds. Many have Thoroughbred bloodlines due to their speed and endurance. Over time, various breeds have contributed to the polo pony gene pool:

- Thoroughbreds: Known for their speed and stamina, Thoroughbreds are a popular choice.

- Quarter Horses: In the United States, Thoroughbred-Quarter Horse crosses are common.

- Australian Stock Horses: These versatile horses are widely used in Australian polo.

- Criollo Horses: Crosses of Thoroughbreds and Criollos from Argentina are gaining popularity.

Training and Conditioning: Polo ponies undergo rigorous training to ensure they’re comfortable with bumping into other horses, following the ball’s movements, and avoiding shying at mallets.

Each match consists of four to six chukkas (periods), lasting seven and a half minutes each. Players often rotate between several horses during a match. Owners invest significant time and resources in exercise and conditioning to maintain a competitive polo string.

Grooming and Preparation: Before a match, polo ponies have their manes roached (trimmed short) and tails braided to prevent entanglement with the mallet. Tail docking (shortening) used to be common, but today, the tail is often trimmed or shaved, and the remaining tailbone is braided and folded up. Polo ponies are impeccably turned out, ready to gallop across the field and chase that elusive white ball.

Polo Video | Basics of Polo

Master the essentials of polo by watching this engaging video. Polo is an exciting and engaging sport involving rider and polo pony thundering down the polo field together. Horse and rider are equally determined to score exciting goals while avoiding aggressive defenders. With four players on a side, each player keeps at least three ponies resting to insure a fresh pony for each chucker.

This video does an excellent job in describing the sport of polo, the players, and the role of the polo ponies. You will learn how the sport is played as well as some of the nuances of what makes a great polo player.