The Sport of Polo
The History
Known as the "Game of kings" polo's origins can be dated between 6th century BC and 1st century AD. Polo is believed to have been first played in Persia, although its origins have been found all throughout central Asia. Although ancient Polo has always been seen as a sport fit for both men and women with references going back 6th century AD where the queen of Persia and her ladies engaged King Khosrow II Parviz and his courtiers.
Polo would eventually find its way to the states in 1877 thanks to newspaper publisher James Gordon Bennett who witnessed his first game in 1876. Later in 1877 what was formerly Jerome Park Race Track of Westchester County New York would become the Westchester Polo club.
Polo would eventually find its way to the states in 1877 thanks to newspaper publisher James Gordon Bennett who witnessed his first game in 1876. Later in 1877 what was formerly Jerome Park Race Track of Westchester County New York would become the Westchester Polo club.
Polo Specifics
Polo which is traditionally played on a grass field, can also be played indoors this style of gameplay is known as "Arena" polo. Outdoor polo fields are generally measured at 300 yards long by 160 yards wide with goal posts that are 8 yards apart. When the game is played outdoors teams will be made up of 4 players. The game itself when played outdoors lasts for six periods which are also known as "Chukkers" each chukker lasts 7.5 minutes. Although other countries such as Argentina are known to play up to eight chukkers.
Polo 101 & Terminology |
Chukker: A chukker is a period of play. Each chukker is 7 minutes. For an outdoor game six chukkers will be played, and for an indoor game four will be played.
Foul: Any infraction of the U.S. Polo Association rules. Fouls can range from dangerous riding to the line of the ball. Handicap: Polo players are rated from -2 to 10 goals. With -2 being a beginner and 10 goals would be a player who has reached the pinnacle of the sport. The US Polo Association's rating committee issues rankings annually. Handicaps are based on playing ability, horsemanship, team play, horses, and knowledge of the game. Line of The Ball: The imaginary line the ball creates each time that it is hit. Players may not cross this line except in special circumstances. Mallet: The stick that is used to hit the polo ball. Mallets range from 48 to 53 inches. The size of the mallet depends on the height of the horse. Primarily made of a bamboo shaft and hardwood head. Goal: Each time a ball goes through the two goal posts. Hook: A player may block another player's shot through a tactic known as "hooking". Throw In: How the umpire starts the polo game. Umpires will throw the ball between the two teams that are lined up on opposing sides. Ride Off: An opposing player may ride his horse into the other player's horse. This maneuver is done to take the opposing player off the line or to interfere with a shot. Off-Side: The right side of a horse. Near-Side: The left side of a horse. |