Polo is a sport associated with grandeur, luxury and the highest levels of competition and horse handling. However, the reality is that the sport is as accessible and open as any equestrian activity.
Horse polo has existed since at least the 6th century BC and is one of the oldest surviving sports in the world, behind just athletics, wrestling, football (counting Tsu Chu) boxing and archery.
Whether you are getting started with horse riding or want to switch equestrian disciplines, here is how to get started with Polo.
Find A Teacher
Generally, there are three types of would-be players who want to give polo a try. There are total beginners who have never ridden a horse before, amateur riders who are total beginners to polo, and people who have had some lessons or experience but do not have a handicap.
The first step in all of these cases is to find a coach licensed by the Hurlingham Polo Association, who are the governing body for the sport in the UK.
Build Up Skills
Once you have a teacher, they will provide lessons tailored to your level of experience which begin with riding lessons before moving on to structured chukkas (seven-minute periods of play).
At this point, once you have made the commitment and have learned the rules of play and how to balance your riding, stick and team tactics, it is time to move on to club chukkas, pay for membership and prepare to earn your handicap.
Pass The Test
To play polo at a competitive level, you will need to be ready to pass a rules test that proves you understand how the game works at all levels.
This is to make sure you play the game safely and with the welfare of horses in mind at all times.
Pass the test and congratulations! You have a handicap which is a representation of your skill level and is factored into score differences when you play competitively.
You generally start with a rating of minus two and it can go all the way to ten, although there are only ten of those in the world.