Horse Competions
Polo

From: Equestrian and Horse

Horse Picture

Polo
This is a team sport where the aim is to score more goals than the opposing team and therefore win the match.

Originates
The sport of Polo originates from Iran or Persia as it was known then back  in the 6th  century  and it takes its name from the Tibetan word Pulu which means ball.

How many Players
There are 4 team members each with a key role to play and recognised by the number they wear. ( For arena polo there are 3 players instead of 4).

Handicap
Each player is given a handicap which can vary from -2 goal to + 10 goal. This handicap will mean that they are either High Goal, Medium Goal, Intermediate Goal or Low Goal.

The Pitch
Polo is traditionally  played  outside with the size of the pitch varying, an outdoor pitch is usually 300 by  160 yards, with the game being played on grass or snow. Indoor polo is called arena polo and the pitch is slightly smaller at 100 yards by 50  yards. The goalposts are positioned 8 yards apart one at either end of the pitch.

The game
A field  polo match is split up into either 4, 6, or 8 periods which are known as Chukkas. Each Chukka lasting for 7 minutes. Arena polo has 4 Chukkas at  7.5 minutes each.

How do you score
Each team player has a mallet which they should be able to use on both their nearside and their offside as well as both forehand and  backhand. By hitting the ball with your mallet into the goal you will score. The mallet is made of bamboo and is approximately  50 inches long with a wooden head on the end which is used to hit the ball with. The ball  is approximately 3.5 inches wide for outdoor polo and slightly larger for indoor polo being around 12 to 14 inches wide.

Rider Clothing
 A hard hat which will often have a face guard at the front, knee  guards, long leather boots, gloves and jodhpurs or breaches, mallet.

Horse clothing
Saddle, numnah or saddle cloth, over girth, double bridle, boots or protective bandages, breastplate, studs if applicable.


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