Arena Polo

As most of the Academic year is spent in the winter months, we play arena polo.

Arena polo is played within an arena, which range from 75x150ft to 150x300ft. The arenas tend to be filled with an all weather rubber/sand mix as they are used all winter.

We don't use regular outdoor polo balls. The ones we use are about 12.5" in diameter, and resemble miniature footballs ( so if, I mean, when you do get hit, it's not all bad!).

We have 3 players on each team, whereas outdoor has 4. They play the positions of 1,2 and 3. One being the most inexperienced player, 2 being the attacker and 3 being defense and large hit-outs.

The aim of the game, is to score goals, much like in football. Goals are scored when you hit the ball onto the white goal boards, which are situated at each end of the arena.

We do play grass polo in the third term of university depending on exam timetables.

A quote from the USPA (US polo Association):

"By playing in a confined arena, players feel more secure and with the ball rebounding off the arena walls, a player has more opportunities to hit the ball. Horses, while moving with quick bursts of speed, are more under control. Players are taught proper team play, how to hit a pass to teammates, and to learn to anticipate opponent's plays and strategies. "

I couldn't have put it better myself!