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C D I
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Photo by Shelly Marshall Schmidt
POLO EQUIPMENT Players: Players are rated on a handicap system from -2 to 10; 10 being the best in the world. Players are not limited by gender or age. Polo Pony: Polo “ponies” are usually Thoroughbreds (14.2 to 16.2 hands) selected for their speed, agility, endurance and intelligence. Most players believe their polo pony accounts for up to 75% of their game.
B: 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. C: Roached Mane Manes are clipped to prevent them from getting tangled with the reins and out of the player’s face.
Polo Ball: The ball is 3” in diameter and made of hard, white plastic that dents after continuous hits.
D: Bridle Leather bridles are customized to fit each pony. The most common bits used in polo are the gag, snaffle and pelham.
A: Helmet Helmets are required equipment for protection against swinging mallets, flying balls and spills.
E: Draw Reins A second set of reins for better control extends from the girth, through the bridle to the rider’s hands.
F: Boots/Wraps: Used to protect the pony’s legs from the ball and mallet while providing additional support. G: Boots/Knee Pads Leather boots protect the rider and knee pads guard again injury in a “ride-off.” H: Shoes Give the pony better traction. I: Tied tail Tails are taped or tied to eliminate interference with the mallet. Pictured: Tommy Collingwood on his beautiful mare, Image. New Bridge | 2022 | 29
