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Polo is a competitive team sport with 4 members per team. Each player is given a handicap from -2 to 10 based on their ability. The game is played at varying handicap levels (aggregate of the team members) from -8 - 40 goals. First played in UK in 1868.
Popularity
This sports popularity is ever increasing. It currently has over 2800 members a 50% increase from 5 years ago and 100% increase from ten years ago. The number of clubs has increased from 20 in 1980 to 62 in 2006.
Location
Played outdoors and indoors, throughout England although the majority of clubs are in the south and south west. It is also played throughout the continents with its prevalence being in South America.
Age
Polo is played by a vast range of age groups from 7 - 80.
Ability
Riding ability is obviously an advantage as well as a certain degree of fitness depending on what levels you want to play at.
Description
A very exciting and exhilirating team sport that requires good hand-eye ordination, tactical awareness, the ability to play as a team member, all whilst riding a horse at speeds up to 30mph on a field 300 yards long and 200 yards with seven other people on it. Played on horses team members aim to score goals by striking a ball through a goal. Matches are made up of chukkas (71/2 minutes long) of which there may be four chukkas in low goal and up to 6 in high goal (8 in South America).
Dedication
The outdoor season runs from end of April to middle of September. The arena (indoor) season then runs from October to the end of March. Professional players tend to travel to the Southern Hemisphere in the winter to continue their outdoor season in other countries. The level of dedication required depends on the standard that you play at; the higher the level the more time is required to practise and this not only applies to individuals but to the individuals' horses too.
Potential
The most prestigous tournament to win in England is the British Open (Gold Cup), followed by the Queen's Cup, the Warwickshire Cup and The Prince of Wales' Trophy.
Closely
Related Activities
A wide range of equestrian related activities as well as equestrian trades
Further
Reading
Hurlingham Magazine Polo Times www.hpa-polo.co.uk
Cost
Membership of the HPA is from ?175 - ?35. Then there are club membership costs, and the cost of the horses, their equipment and keep as well as the individual players costs for equipment.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
|
Sight
|
Hearing
|
Speech |
Learning |
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