Question 1

How does the game work?

Accepted Answer

The Teams: Each team has 4 members each with a distinct position, as shown by the number on their shirt. No 1 is essentially a goal striker. No 2 also a forward but plays harder especially on defence. No 3 is the pivotal player between offence and defence who tries to turn all plays to offence. He is usually the highest rated player on the team. No 4 or back is the most defensive player whose primary responsibility is to protect the goal area.

The game: The game is normally divided into four to six chukkas (depending on grade) with each lasting 7 minutes with a 3 minute interval in between, to allow the players to change horses. Chukka comes from the Indian word for a circle or round. Teams change scoring ends after a goal is scored. All players must hold the mallet in their right hand, but are able to hit the ball from both sides of the horse (stick side and near side).

Handicaps: All players are rated from -2 to 10 (the higher the better). The team handicap is the sum of its players’ handicaps.

Basic rules: Everything in polo revolves around the Right of Way rule/line of the ball and contesting that safely the ball creates an invisible “line aka right of way.”

The player closest to that line and moving in the same direction has the right of way -like having lanes on a road. Cutting across the line is dangerous and can result in a foul

Other players can challenge the line, but only safely—by riding off alongside
Hooking is one of the most common defensive moves in polo. It’s when a player uses their mallet to block or deflect their opponent’s swing

Question 2

What time do the games start?

Accepted Answer

Keep an eye out on our website for the draws. The start times for Saturday are generally published on Wednesday and the start time for Sunday isn't published until Saturday night after all the results are in. Follow us on social media for all updates if games are cancelled due to weather.

Question 3

A-Z of Polo - Terminology

Accepted Answer

Line of the ball
The invisible line the ball travels on. It decides who has "right of way" – super important to avoid crashes

Hook
A defensive move where a player blocks another's swing using their mallet. Legal and very satisfying

Ride-off
When two players make contact and push each other to gain a better position

Mallet
The long stick players use to hit the ball

Goal
When the ball crosses the goal line between the posts. After each goal, teams switch ends to keep things even for conditions

Stick and Ball
Polo speak for practice. You’ll often hear “they’re out stick and balling”

Divot Stomp
A halftime tradition where spectators walk onto the field and stomp down clumps of turf kicked up by the horses

Question 4

About our equine athletes

Accepted Answer

A player must not use the same horse for two consecutive chukkas

Most players use a fresh horse for each chukka and sometimes even switch mid-chukka

Polo horses are commonly called “polo ponies” but they’re actually full-sized, just on the smaller side. Most are polo-bred for speed and agility, though many are now off the track thoroughbreds

The average size of a polo pony is typically between 14.3 and 15.3 hands high (HH)

Ask any player, and they'll tell you: the horse makes up roughly 80% of their performance

Question 5

Is entry free?

Accepted Answer

Entry to Windsor Polo Club tournament are FREE for all spectators - so bring your family and friends along to enjoy the weekend.

Question 6

Where do I park?

Accepted Answer

Take a look at our venue map below. Spectators are allowed to park in areas 3 & 4.

To help things run smoothly: large semi-trailer trucks will be entering and exiting the grounds making their way to the truck parking area. To help us keep everything moving safely:

Avoid parking along the roadways (without sufficient room) or behind the clubhouse.
Please leave enough room for two trucks to pass easily on internal roads and turning areas.

Question 7

What do I wear to the polo?

Accepted Answer

Think country casual. Linen, boots, sun hats and sun dresses - keep it polished but relaxed. We encourage guests to dress the part and enjoy the club atmosphere. Flick through the photos below for inspiration!

Question 8

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

We love seeing your four-legged friends at the polo! Dogs are welcome on a leash - just be sure they steer clear of ponies and players. And if your pup leaves a little something behind, please help keep the grounds beautiful by picking up after them.

First time watching polo at Windsor Polo Club?

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