Horse polo is an old sport that dates back to the 6th century BC, when Persian emperors used to play polo to train their cavalry units. Over the centuries, the sport spread across Asia and eventually reached England and other parts of the western world in the 19th century. Today, horse polo is played professionally in over 50 countries and amateur games are hosted in many more. While variations exist, there is an established set of international rules that govern professional horse polo games across the world. These rules cover all aspects of the game including the playing field, equipment used, composition of teams, scoring, fouls and tournament formats.
History of Horse Polo
The origins of horse polo can be traced back to 600 BC amongst Persian emperors who used it to hone cavalry skills. Back then it was called “Chovgan” and played extensively by Iranian warriors. As the largest Persian Empire spread across Central and South Asia over the next 800 years, this energetic horse sport spread too into regions like Tibet, China and India. Medieval Sultans and royalty began patronizing horse polo games. However modern codified rules did not emerge until the 1800s.
The turning point came in Manipur region of North-Eastern India where local variants called “Sagol Kangjei”, “Kanjai-bazee” had existed for centuries. British cavalry regiments stationed here immediately took to the tremendously fast horseback game played with bamboo canes and a wooden ball. Enthralled English officers learned Sagol Kangjei and its rules more formally from the Sylhet District Police Commissioner, novelist and polo player Captain Robert Stewart. It was Captain Stewart along with Lieutenant Sherer of the King’s Own Light Cavalry who introduced the sport with adapted rules to their fellow British military men first in Silchar, Assam in 1834. This group later formed the first polo club ever, called the Silchar Polo Club in Assam, India in 1856.
The new game caught on amongst British nobility back home. Silchar Polo Club rules formed the basis of formal established rules adopted by England’s first polo club called Cachar Club formed in 1859. From here began the spread of modern global horse polo. As the British Empire’s reach expanded, so did horse polo’s popularity through aristocrats traveling abroad especially into Argentina, USA and Australia. Regional adaptations did arise but British rules standardized modern polo. The oldest surviving polo club called Calcutta Polo Club formed in India in 1862, just before the creation of the historic Hurlingham Polo Association in London in 1886 which today is called Federation of International Polo governing the sport.
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Polo Field
Horse polo is played on a rectangular grass field 300 yards in length and 160 yards wide, which is the area of approximately 6 soccer/football fields. Boundary lines demarcate the longer sides as sideboards and shorter ends as backlines. Near each backline is a centrally set goal post marking a goal that spans 8 yards. There is also a center spot denoted in the middle of the field where play begins. The playing area has strict requirements on grass length and evenness to facilitate safe play and prevent tripping of horses.
Equipment
Horse polo equipment includes mallets, balls, riding gear and protective equipment. Polo mallets have bamboo shafts with hard wooden heads. Balls used are made of high-impact plastic, sometimes wrapped in leather. Each player must carry a regulation mallet and wear protective knee pads, riding boots as well as helmets for safety. The horses also wear protective equipment on their legs to prevent injuries.
Players and Teams
Professional horse polo teams comprise 4 players. Horse polo players are numbered based on their position, indicating specific offense, defense and supporting roles. Number 1 is offense, Number 2 is midfield offense and defense, Number 3 is midfield defense and Number 4 is defense. Each player must be an experienced rider. Amateur village rules allow teams of 3 or 4 players. Substitutions are frequent as a fast-paced game takes its toll on horse and rider. There are no age or gender restrictions for players.
Officials
Horse polo games have two central umpires positioned on the sidelines who start play, call fouls and settle disputes. There are also two goal judges, one stationed behind each goal post to determine valid goal scoring. Timekeepers track the fixed periods of play. Foul referees watch for illegal maneuvers like improper use of mallets and report to umpires.
Time Factors
A standard horse polo game has four 7-minute periods called chukkers, punctuated by a 2-5 minute break between them. Play is not stopped between chukkers. The entire match lasts around 1 hour. Teams change directions/goals between each chukker. Time may be extended for serious injuries or equipment issues. The central umpire keeps time with a stopwatch.
Scoring
Goals are scored when the ball passes fully through the goal posts of opposing teams. Each goal awards 1 point to the scoring team. After each goal, the two teams line up centrally for the next play. The team with the most aggregate points over 4 chukkers wins the polo match.
Fouls and Penalties
Polo penalties for infractions vary in severity. A warning is issued for the first offense. Repeat offenses lead to free hits awarded to the opponent team from the foul location. Deliberate dangerous offenses or arguing with officials results in ejection and substitution of the player. Common fouls include improper mallet hits, blocking opponents unfairly and stepping into the space of a right-of-way player.
Tournament Formats
Professional horse polo tournaments follow varied formats but often consist of preliminary leagues, semi-finals and finals with each progression eliminating the lowest scorers. Handicap ratings may be used, allowing teams of different skill levels to compete fairly via goal head starts. Amateur horse polo clubs host seasonal tournaments for enthusiasts. Top highlight tournaments include the Argentine Open, US Open Polo Championship and the famous Hurlingham Polo Annual Tournament hosted at London’s Hurlingham Club since 1886.
