Polo
By: Mallory Schuh
What is Polo?
Draw Reins
Polo Tack
Umpire
What type of horse do you need?
Rules
When the umpires blow whistle it means a penalty occurs. White lines on polo field indicate mid-field, sixty, forty, and thirty yards. The bump or ride- off is when a player rides right along side and the person with the ball has to leave. "line of the ball" when the ball is hit it creates an invisible line. This line can not be crossed in a dangerous way or it will be a foul.
A player can hook and opponent's mallet, push him off the line, bump him with his horse, steal the ball from him. The player who last hit the ball has the right away. The mallet may only be held in the right hand. A pony could only be in one period. If a goal is scored before the half way line it is 2 points. Games stops for fouls, fallen horses or riders, players or horses injured, broken tack, loss of helmet, ball goes out of bounce.
Position
Number 1: The most offense oriented position on the field.
Number 2: Offence, They usually score or pass to number 1 then they score. This is probably is one of the better players.
Number 3: is the tactical person must be a powerful hitter and a good at defense. Best player on the field.
Number 4: is primary defense player. They could move anywhere but they prevent scoring.
Tack
A helmet- A polo helmet has a face guard. Polo mallets- They are made off Tipa and weigh about 160 grams, with a rubber grip. Ball- weighs about 4 ounces and is wooden or plastic but is always white. Knee Pads- so in a bump or ride off the knees don't get hurt. Polo Saddle- is an English saddle that is like a jumping saddle with no knee support. Polo Wraps- They are used to percent hurting the fetlock. Stirrup irons- are heaver than most to give most support. Stirrup leathers- wider and thicker for safety when players stand in the stirrups. Reins- Polo teams usually have double reins because it improves accuracy. Mane- is cut or shaved so it does not get caught in the mallet. Breastplate- so the saddle does not move and rub the horses back. Draw reins- it is like a single movable pulley. This rein goes thought the bit.
Also: Whip, Spurs, One or two gloves, wristbands, white riding pants, and boots.
Fun Facts
- There are usually 3 umpires
- If one team gets 6 foals the other team gets a goal
- A normal period is 30 minutes and 30 seconds to finish a play
- It was in the Olympics from 1900 to1939
- Lefties are not welcomed
- Polo is not just horse in India they ride elephants and camels. In Europe they ride bicycles on asphalt.