We went to see a Polo match last week. It was the World Cup of Polo, but I'm not sure if it was the semi-finals or the finals. Argentina was playing England.
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| The scoreboard showed the players on each team along with their individual and team handicaps. There were 6 Chukkers or Chukkas (Periods) of about 7 minutes each with a short break in between each Chukka. |
Games are usually 4-8 Chukkas in length. I think ours had 6. The Chukka goes for 7 minutes and ends when there is a stoppage of play or 30 seconds after the 7 minute mark.
The field is 300 x 160 yards (274 x 146 meters)
THE PLAYERS
- Number One plays offense.
- Number Two also offensive player passing to one or scoring themselves. Usually this player and number three are the best players
- Number Three a defensive player is also the tactical leader. Has to be a powerful hitter to feed the ball to the offensive players.
- Number Four Also defensive, their main job is to prevent scoring of the opposing team.
All players must play right handed.
One point is scored per goal and it would appear that either team can score at either goal.
First about the players: A player and his horse are one unit. The horse is trained starting at 3 years for 6 months to 2 years. Usually Thorobreads Polo Ponies (actually horses) are quick, have great stamina and agility. Their manes are roached (given a crew cut) and tails are tied to avoid having hair caught in the mallet (polo stick). Their lower legs are wrapped for protection.
The saddle is English style with a breastplate and running Martingale (strap from chin of bridle to breastplate)
The mallet may differ in length of handle according to the height of the horse ( usually 14.5 to 16 hands). The ball is hit on the broad side of the mallet, not the end.
Riders wear helmets in the colors of their club, polo shirts (no surprise there!) White pants and boots that begin just below the knee. They carry a mallet and a quirt (riding crop)
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| A couple of differences for the referees. Their horses do NOT have their tails wrapped and they get a handy little ball grabber stick. (Yeah, that's a technical term!) |
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| Ref without his jacket. It's easier to see the horse's breastplate and running Martindale on the grey. |
AND NOW FOR THE GAME:
Oh no, I forgot, first the introductions and the National Anthems.
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| The Band |
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Helmets off for the National Anthems
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| Paratroopers brought in the Argentine Flag |
We were ready for the game!
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| Bottom row: Alexis Mayo, Karen Casós Next row up: Joan Boyle, Joann and Irval Mortensen, Next row: Lyle and Necia Burrup, Tonya and Mike Ford, Next row up Dan and Vickie Smith...Garry Boyle was taking this photo. |
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| This gives you a different view and Garry Boyle is there in the Brown Hat! |
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our seating!
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| Argentine Players and a ref. |
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| English team and a ref |
The Ref throws the ball into the midst of the group and......THEIR OFF!
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| First they're at full gallop going one direction... |
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So which way ARE we going. Sorry, lost the ball in the sun.
There is something in Polo called "line of the ball" There is an imaginary line along the trajectory of a ball in flight or rolling on the turf that extends past the path of the ball. Players on the opposing team are not to cross this line in their defensive efforts or a penalty is called. |
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| Then there is a scramble and they're off a different direction... |
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Which way did they go?
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| Amazing how much tilt horse and rider can get on a turn without falling! |
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| Notice that the folks on the other side were in the shade! Next time the shady side!!!! |
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| Down near the goal...a pass and .... |
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| GOOOOOOOOOOOOOL! |
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| Of course, after a few chukkas, it gets so warm in the sun and you just sort of ...ZZZZZZZZ. And when the game is over, Final score England 9 Argentina 8 |
And ponies and players get a well deserved rest!
Would I go again? Yes... but next time can we sit in the shade???
L
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