Polo, as a very intense and passionate sport, promises high doses of adrenaline to anyone who practices it. However, as in any sport that combines horses and speed, it entails certain risks. For this reason, players can’t trust their skills alone. They also need adequate preparation for them and the horses to play polo safely.
What happened to the horses’ manes and tails?
Free flowing manes and tails are a danger in polo because they can become entangled with players’ mallets or with the reins as the rider tries to control his horse. Manes, therefore, are shaved and the ponies’ tails are wrapped or braided to prevent the hazard.
Can you use the same horse for an entire game?
No. Polo ponies run the equivalent of one to two miles during a seven-and-a-half-minute chukka, so they must be rested frequently. At the high-goal level, players ideally will have a fresh horse every period although many will “double” on their best ponies.
Which are the most common protective apparel in polo?
Wearing a helmet is compulsory to play polo. The next most common items are knee pads, followed by goggles, wrist supports, face guards, elbow pads, gum shields and back supports.
What do we use knee pads for?
Like the boots, these are used to protect the legs of the player from possible blows or falls. They also protect them in case of being pushed by another player in the defense.
Why do riders always have to use the mallet with the right hand?
It’s one of the basic rules of the polo game and it was stipulated for safety reasons. This rule applies to both right and left-handed players. In the latter’s case, it’s recognized that they hit the ball with less precision but they guide the horse more skillfully
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