Lessons & Clinics 

"Playing polo is like trying to play golf during an earthquake"

- Sylvester Stallone

 

 

 

 

 

Learn how to play polo

Complete our Membership Survey to join our e-mail list and stay updated on information about our programs, tournaments and clinics.

Complete our waiver if you plan to participate in MEF activities.



Polo Glossary:
 

Polo Pony – It’s really a horse. They're quick and agile and ideally, you should have four or more of them. The most common breeds used for polo today in the United States are the Thoroughbred and the Quarter Horse. Polo Ponies are also imported from countries around the world including Argentina, England, New Zealand and Mexico to name just a few.

Mallet – Mallet. Also known as a stick, this is the tool used to hit a polo ball. The shaft of the mallet is usually made of bamboo so it can give or bend when swung, although graphite and fiberglass are also used. All polo players hold the mallet in their right hand.

Chukka – Is a period of play and lasts 7.5 minutes. There are usually four chukkas, but sometimes more in a game. Players use a fresh horse for each chukka.

Line of the Ball – An imaginary line created by the ball as it travels down the field. The player who hits the ball generally has the right of way. Other players cannot cross this line in front of that player for safety reasons. The line changes every time the ball is hit.

Ride Off – One player pushes or bumps against their opponent and their pony in an effort to move them either, off the line of the ball or to stop them from receiving the ball.

Hooking – Hitting the stick of another player is another way to prevent him from hitting the ball.

Foul – Rules in polo mainly focus on the safety of the horses. Most fouls are blown for crossing in front of a player about to hit the ball.

Penalties – Awarded when a player is fouled. Depending on the severity of the foul and where it was committed, this can be a hit from the spot or a hit at goal.

Goal – A goal is scored when the ball goes between the two posts. Sides are switched after every goal on the grass. 

Mixed Teams – Polo is one of few sports that can be played in mixed teams.

Umpires – There are two mounted umpires on the pitch and a ‘third man’ off the pitch.

 

Work-2-Ride

Inspired by Leslie Hiner's Work to Ride program, founded in 1994, located in Philadelphia at the Chamounix Equestrian Center in Fairmount Park. Aimed at preserving the relationship between the military and equine sports, the Military Equestrian Foundation’s Work-2-Ride (W2R) program is dedicated to encouraging the participation of our military members, their families, and caretakers in equine activities while also educating them on equine care. 

Logo

The Military Equestrian Foundation  is a preeminent nonprofit veterans organization formed under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to the Military Equestrian Foundation are tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes to the extent allowed by law.

Copyright (c) 2023 Military Equestrian Foundation. All Rights Reserved. Please review our Privacy Policy.

We need your consent to load the translations

We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.