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Photo by Michael Green
P OLO E QUIPMENT
F Roached Mane: Manes are clipped or “roached” to prevent them from getting tangled with the reins and kept out of the player’s face. G Bridle: Leather bridles are customized to fit each pony. The most common bits used in polo are the gag, snaffle and pelham. H Shoes: The proper horseshoes give the pony better traction. I Boots/Wraps: These are used to protect the pony’s legs from the ball and mallet while also providing additional support. J Boots/Knee Pads: Leather boots protect the rider, and knee pads guard against injury in a ‘ride-off.’ K Draw Reins: This second set of reins used for better control extends from the girth through the bridle to the rider’s hands. L Tied Tail: The tail is tied to eliminate interference with the mallet. n
In the game of polo it’s all about safety first, for both the rider and the horse.
A Players: Players are not limited by gender nor age and are rated on a handicap system from -2 to 10, 10 being the best in the world. B Polo Pony: Polo “ponies” are usually thoroughbreds (14.2 to 16.2 hands) selected for their speed, agility, endurance and intelligence. Polo ponies can account for up to 75% of a player’s game. C Polo Ball: The ball is 3” in diameter and made of hard, white plastic that dents after continuous hits. D Helmet: Helmets are required equipment for protection against swinging mallets, flying balls and spills. E Mallet: Mallet lengths range from 49” to 54” to best fit a player’s swing and size of pony. They are constructed of bamboo cane with a tipa wood head.
44 | Polo Life Magazine ® | 2021 | Tinicum Park Polo Club
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