POLO

 

With a powerful stroke, a player drives the ball down field. He and his teammate gallop in pursuit, trying to avoid their opponents' attempts to stop their attack and gain possession of the ball. Bursts of speed, tight turns, bone-jarring contact, teamwork-that is the essence of polo, one of the world's oldest and fastest games.

The Polo Pony

No longer small in size but still called ponies, these horses can be any breed or type so long as they possess handiness and stamina.

Equipment

Knee guards protect players against injury from ball or mallet. Balls of solid wood are used in outdoor matches; larger rubber ones are used in indoor games. Players hit the ball with the side, not the tip, of the mallet.

Dress

Players wear protective helmets and knee guards, white breeches, high-heeled boots, and a garment familiar to everyday dress - a polo shirt.

 

History

The name Polo comes from a Tibetan word "pulu," the root from which the ball was made. Ancient Persia is considered the birthplace of the game which is colorfully depicted in its art. Polo was introduced to modern times when the English rediscovered and popularized the game in 19th century India. James Gordon Bennett introduced the sport to America in 1876.


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Original Artwork by Kentucky Horse Park Artist-in-Residence, Boguslaw Lustyk.