Equestrian polo is a team competition on horseback, the essence of which is for the team of one club to score the ball into the goal of another using a stick. If you want to bet on polo, check here to find the most reliable bookmakers. This competition originates from Central Asia, as evidenced by various finds, such as engravings, documents, and paintings. After some time, equestrian polo gained tremendous popularity in 77 countries worldwide. At one time, it was even included in the Olympic program.
Types of Polo
There are four subtypes of equestrian polo:
- Cowboy: held between two teams of 5 riders on hard ground.
- Beach: the game occurs between two teams, each with three players.
- Arena: the game is played in an indoor playing area 90 by 45 meters. Distinctive features are a large ball size, a small goal, an additional series of penalties, and a speed limit.
- Grass polo is a traditional sport played on a field 145 meters wide and 275 meters long.
A sport like equestrian polo has exciting variations. For example, such a game can take place in the snow, where the rules are similar to beach polo. Competitions are also held not on horses but on yaks, camels, or elephants.
Rules
The first official rules for horse polo were introduced in 1874. Many of them are still relevant today. The rules were implemented to prevent injury to animals and people and maintain safety on the playing field. Penalties have also been introduced to avoid dangerous situations. A system of international rules has been created, which may vary depending on the subtype of the game.
Team Composition and Inventory
Traditionally, the game involves two teams. Each team consists of four riders divided into defenders and attackers. The game ball must have a diameter of 8 centimeters, and the mass of the ball must be 110 grams. Previously, the ball was made from bamboo root, but now an object made of special plastic is used for the game.
Players have special clubs to hit the ball. Typically, clubs are made from bamboo stems, willow branches, or composite materials. A mandatory attribute of every player is a helmet, which performs two functions. Its primary function is protection. The secondary role of the helmet is distinctive since each team has its own color.
Progress of the Game
A classic match is played on a court measuring 280 by 150 meters. To play, you need a level field sown with a trimmed lawn grass. The game is divided into six periods, which are called chukkas. Each chukka lasts seven minutes; in the case of active actions in the game, it can be extended by 30 seconds.
The judges intervene to stop the game when horses or riders are injured, or rules are violated. There are four judges on the playing field: one on foot behind each goal and two on horseback on the playing field. After each chukka, there is a break and a mandatory change of horses. Using the same horse for two halves in a row is prohibited. The main goal of the game of horse polo is to score the ball into the opponent’s goal. The team that scores the most goals wins.
Player Classification
There are four types of players in total:
- Defender: can support the attack and move around the entire field, but his primary function is to defend the goal.
- Leader: considered the main player on the field, his job is to make passes to the number two and number one for the attack and support the defense.
- Center: his task is to support the first number when attacking and block the third player from the opposing team when defending.
- Main Striker: this player’s job is to block the opposing team’s defender.
The rules of equestrian polo state that the central element of the game is the line of movement of the ball. This element is capable of changing after each blow with a club. The line of movement of the ball is determined from the initial to the final position. The rider who hits the ball with their club has priority since other riders cannot get in the way of the leading player nor cross the ball’s movement line. Other participants have the right only to approach them from the sides.
Defenders of their team can cross the line of movement of the ball if this does not cause interference for the attacker. Otherwise, there will be a penalty. Defenders have the right to move the horse relative to the line to the side by pushing the horse’s shoulder, but the angle should not be more than 30 degrees. Defenders can also block a player’s stick by catching it with theirs. If you want to try polo in Nigeria, visit one of the best clubs.
Conclusion
Polo is a beautiful and dynamic sport. However, to enjoy the spectacle, you need to learn the rules. It’s not that difficult, and after reading this article, you will know what’s happening on the field. Enjoy the show!
