POLO 6.0 By Ron Allen

1.0 The Game

Six chukkers (periods), seven and a half minutes each. The field is 300 by 160 yards. There are goal posts on each end. Points are scored by hitting the ball between the posts. Each time a goal is scored the teams change direction of play. 

2.0 Teams

There are four players on a team. All positions are interchangeable. 

#1 Forward: Always out in front ready for the long pass.

#2 Hustler: Quick and aggressive with fast ponies.

#3 Pivot: The quarterback and captain. Has to run the game.

#4 Back: Defender is not a goalie. It's his job to stop the goal shots.

3.0 The Gear

The mallet is solid cane with a hard wood head. It's 4 1/2 feet long and you hit the ball with the side of the mallet, not the end.

The polo ball is solid plastic and is a little larger than a baseball. Historically polo balls were made of wood.

The horses are called polo ponies. They are high-speed Thoroughbreds with exceptional abilities. The tail is braided to stay out of the way of the mallet. The mane is clipped off so the player can see the ball, and to prevent the reins from getting tangled up. 

The tack consists of an English type saddle with a girth; an over-girth and breastplate help hold the saddle in place. Two sets of reins are used. A martingale, a part of the bridle, keeps the pony from throwing its head and blocking the player's view. The lower legs are wrapped for support and protection.

4.0 The Shots

Players stand in the stirrups when hitting the ball. The shots are made from the "off" side (right side) or the "near" side (left side) of the pony. With reins in the left hand and a mallet in the right hand, the player is only holding on with his legs.

5.0 Handicap

Players are rated on a scale of minus 2 to 10. Beginners start at minus 2. Only nine players in the world are rated at 10, none in the U.S. 95% of American players have a handicap of 2 or lower.

6.0 Foul

When you hear the umpire blow the whistle, it's just like basketball, somebody fouled. The other team gets a free hit. The most common foul is crossing the line or in the right of way. 

Mashup

Don't hit your horse or anyone else's with your mallet. You can't play left-handed. No dangerous riding. Abusive play and language are not allowed. The team with the most points at the end of six chukkers wins. If the game ends a tie its sudden death overtime.