The sport of polo often is associated with the wealthy and polo matches often are conducted in a country club setting, with finely dressed spectators sipping champagne during matches. Of course, not all polo matches are such upscale affairs, but whether you're attending a match with royalty or more down-home folks, you'll enjoy it more if you know a little about the competition and what to expect when you get there.
How to Play
The basic rules of polo are relatively simple. Teams of four players try to knock a ball through goal posts set up at each end of the field. The match is divided into four to six chukkers, depending on the rules and terms of that particular league or match. A chukker is like a period in hockey, except it lasts seven and a half minutes. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. There are fouls, too, which can be hard to identify. Mounted referees call the fouls, which usually have to do with a player crossing in front of the player with the ball.
What to Ride
You've no doubt heard the horses in polo referred to as "polo ponies." Well, the truth is that horses of any size or breed can be used in polo matches. The most commonly used horses in the U.S. are thoroughbreds and quarter horses. Polo ponies are identified at a young age and trained for several years to become "made" ponies, which means they are ready for tournament play. The horses are fitted with special padding and protection around their legs and players often switch horses a few times per match to give the animals a rest.
Understand the Traditions
One of the most enduring polo traditions is the "divot stomp." During halftime of a match, when the horses and players have left the field, spectators are invited onto the field to help replace divots in the grass kicked up by the horses' hooves. It not only helps maintain the field, but also allows for socializing among the spectators in an unusual setting. Tailgating before and throughout a day's matches also is a longstanding polo tradition, with some spectators going all out on decorations and gourmet cuisine.
Extra Information
Teams change direction after every goal is scored, so a team that is trying to score in the north goal post will be aiming for the south goal post after either side scores a goal. The matches begin with a throw-in, which is just what it sounds like: The referee tosses the ball between the two teams, which are lined up facing each other in the middle of the field. Some fields are boarded, which means an 11-inch-high wooden wall surrounds the field to keep the ball in play and away from spectators. Of course, the ball still can get away, but the boards keep a lot of balls inside the field. Some fields aren't boarded, so spectators need to be especially alert for a ball rolling their way.
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