The Polo game has its root in Persia. The actual game began in 600 BC with an individual that found that hitting a ball with a stick while riding a horse was fun. Fast forward 2,600 years later, a game played by the Indian tea planters, the Argentine gauchos, and the British cavalry has become the international, royal-approved, divot-treading sport that polo is today. Unlike today, the Indians used a piece of the willow root.
About the Game
Polo is a fast, furious, aggressive and skillful sport. Additionally, it is infused with an old-fashioned bonhomie and good sportsmanship. The game begins with the bond between a player and his/her horse. The relationship is the backbone of every game. It’s not an easy game especially if you prefer something else other than four legs. For a proper competition, you need not only one pony but a whole string of them. You will need to keep them healthy, well fed, and in shoes. On the other hand, you will require handcrafted buffalo leather boots, membership fees, and several monogrammed bamboo sticks.
Today’s Polo
If you fancy playing polo, with many polo clubs opening up in the UK, it has become easier to play. The game is no longer a game for the posh or loaded. It has opened up to hoi polio, often in the form of corporate bashes and hen parties. It’s not a cheap sport, but the clubs try to make it as affordable as they can. Some old clubs still insist on the white dress code while others don’t encourage white attires.
The Lesson/How to Play
The first lesson in a game of polo is learning how to mount your horse. Otherwise, the game ends before it begins. If you are new to riding horses, it’s only practical that you take time on the wooden pony. The wooden pony helps you to understand and practice your swing. It’s also wise to practice the stops, turns, forehand, and backhand at the confinement of an indoor arena. The indoor training helps to protect you and your pony from exiting the premise in the event of brake failure.
From indoor practice, you are ready to join the polo grounds. You should also know that a pony allowed time in the field is seven and a half minutes (Chukka), after which you change the pony. With days, weeks, months, or years you end up becoming a professional.