Beautiful views from the main field at Empire Polo Club.

Opening weekend kicks-off with “Polo Under The Lights & Happy Hour” on Friday, January 6^th, 2012 at 6:00 PM.  Two teams will compete in a competitive polo match at Empire Polo Club.  General admission is free and everyone is welcome. The Friday night “Polo Under The Lights Games” will continue every week during the season.  A cash bar will be available on site during the Friday night games.

Opening Day of the 2012 polo season at Empire Polo Club is scheduled for Sunday, January 8^th, 2012.  Sunday Polo features two polo games at 12 and 2 PM.   A complimentary Champagne Divot Stomp sponsored by Wilson Creek will be held at halftime during the 2 PM game.   Opening Day is also Hat Day!  Help us celebrate this annual tradition by wearing a hat to the polo games that day.

General admission seating is FREE and includes bleacher seats and field-side tailgate spots on the east side of the field.  Tables are available for groups with a reservation.  Cabanas & VIP seats are available for an additional charge. Reservations for these areas are highly recommended. Food and beverage service is available on site during the matches. The polo games are held at Empire Polo Club located at 81-800 Ave. 51, Indio, CA  92201.

Click to enlarge for event details.

Season Highlights

Polo & Wine Festival, Sunday, January 29^th, 2012 –  Empire Polo Club is pleased to announce the 1^st Annual Polo & Wine Festival that will be held during Sunday Polo on January, 29^th.  General admission to the wine tasting is $30 at the gate or $25 with advance purchase of tickets online.   Attendees can taste wine hand crafted by approximately 12-15 Temecula Valley Wineries.  During the Festival there will be 2 featured polo games that will be open to the public and general admission to the polo games is free.   For more information visit www.EmpirePolo.com.  To buy Empire Polo & Wine Festival tickets online visit http://www.ticketfly.com/event/70279.

WCT Debii $$ Conant Memorial Women’s Tournament, Sunday, March 4^th, 2012.  The ladies will take the main Sunday Polo Field for both the 12 and 2 pm games.  Women’s Championship Tournaments (WCT) is an International league organized by Sunny Hale, the highest rated female polo player in the world.  Women from the western United States, Canada and other parts of the world will travel to Indio, CA to compete in this prestigious event.  The polo games are open to the public and general admission is FREE. For more information visit www.EmpirePolo.com.

Champions Cup 2011.

WCT Women’s Arena Tournament March 23^rd- 25^th,  2012 (Finals Time TBD)– Empire Polo Club is pleased to host the 1^st Annual WCT Women’s Arena Finals that will be played in the Empire Polo Stadium.  Women from all over the country will travel to the desert to participate in this national event.  Sunny Hale, the highest rated player in the world, will be in attendance at this event and she may also participate on one of the teams.   Check www.empirepolo.com for game times.

Empire Champions’ Cup Finals – Sunday, April 1^st, 2012 at 2:00 PM – Join us for the grand finale tournament & closing day of the polo season.   There will be more than $70,000 in cash & prizes awarded to the teams who are in the final round of the Champions’ 8-10 Goals Finals and the Lions’ Cup 4-Goal Finals.

2012 Season Schedule

Jan. 8^th – April 1^st, 2012

January 2012
Jan. 6th Friday Night Polo Under The Lights
Jan. 8th Sunday Polo, Opening Day & Hat Day
Jan. 13th Friday Night Polo Under The Lights
Jan. 15th Sunday Polo
Jan. 20th Friday Night Polo Under The Lights
Jan. 22nd Sunday Polo
Jan. 27th Friday Night Polo Under The Lights
Jan. 29th Sunday Polo – Polo & Wine Festival

February 2012
Feb. 3rd Friday Night Polo Under The Lights
Feb. 5th Sunday Polo
Feb. 10th Friday Night Polo Under The Lights
Feb. 12th Sunday Polo
Feb. 17th Friday Night Polo Under The Lights
Feb. 19th Sunday Polo – U.S. Gay Polo Tournament 12:00 & 8-10 Goal League at 2:00 PM
Feb. 24th Friday Night Polo Under The Lights
Feb. 26th Sunday Polo

March 2012
March 2nd Friday Night Polo Under The Lights
March 4th Sunday Polo – WCT Women’s Tournament
March 9th Friday Night Polo Under The Lights
March 11th Sunday Polo
March 16th Friday Night Polo Under The Lights
March 18th Sunday Polo
March 23rd Friday Night Polo Under The Lights
March 25th Sunday Polo
March 23-25th: WCT Women’s Arena / Finals Time TBD

April 2012
April 1st Sunday Polo / Closing Day, Lions’ Cup and Champions’ Cup Finals

Arena night polo in the Empire Stadium every other Friday night at Empire Polo Club.

What to wear?  This is one of the most asked questions by spectators.  We suggest “hats and flats” as heels sink in the grass and the sun is always shining here in the desert.  Polo is a casual affair at Empire Polo Club, so please wear whatever you feel comfortable in. You will see spectators wearing everything from shorts, jeans and flip-flops to sun-dresses, khakis and button down shirts.

Directions To Empire Polo Club
From I-10 take the Monroe St. exit and head south on Monroe St.  Turn right on Avenue 50.  The entrance for most Sunday Polo dates will be the Empire Polo Club middle gate on Avenue 50. Follow the parking signs.    Polo Under The Lights on Friday nights will be held on our Rose Garden Field or in the Empire Polo Stadium located on Monroe St. at Ave. 51.

Empire Polo Club
81-800 Ave. 51
Indio, CA 92201
Tel. 760-393-7298
www.EmpirePolo.com
www.Facebook.com/EmpirePolo

Why Watch Polo?
What better way to spend your Sunday afternoon? Imagine sitting field-side, overlooking a series of immaculate polo fields surrounded by the majestic mountains in the distance while watching one of the fastest team sports on earth. You can take a date, your spouse, your family or a group of friends and enjoy a day outdoors while watching the polo ponies thunder along the field.

Polo is never boring when you have eight players traveling at speeds up to 30 miles-per- hour while riding-off other players, hooking their opponent’s mallets and hitting the ball at full speed. It is a great way to spend your day and general admission is FREE. You can’t beat that!

 About Empire Polo Club
Established in 1987, Empire Polo Club is one of the largest polo clubs on the west coast with 9 polo fields and an indoor arena and polo school.

About The Polo Players
Empire Polo Club is a world-class, international polo club. Players from Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Malaysia, The Philippines, South Africa, France, Germany, England and other countries flock to the desert to play polo at Empire Polo Club. Player’s ages range from the young up-and-comers, who are in their early teens to seniors in their 60s.

Polo action at Empire Polo Club.

Watching polo players and ponies thunder down emerald fields is an exhilarating experience. Tailgaters and fans line the boards to take in fast-paced action as they enjoy a feast for the eyes, as well as for the palate. Mallet blankets and picnic baskets dot the sidelines and are filled to the brim with tasty appetizers, snacks and bottles of wine. Silver goblets sparkle in the sunshine as spectators enjoy an afternoon of Sunday Polo and fine wine.

Fondly nicknamed “The Sport of Kings,” polo draws a sophisticated group of players and spectators from around the globe. It’s no wonder that wine is a popular refreshment at polo games, and it wouldn’t be a proper polo match without a traditional champagne divot stomp at halftime.

With Temecula Valley’s wine country about an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, local wines produced by family-owned wineries are a favorite amongst the polo community at Empire Polo Club. Our halftime divot stomp features complimentary champagne and sparkling wine from Temecula-based Wilson Creek Winery. Divot stompers can sample Almond Champagne or Grand Cuvee Champagne, or try one of the winery’s sparkling wines, Peach Bellini or Orange Mimosa, as they tread in the divots.

Wilson Creek sponsors the Champagne Divot Stomp at Empire Polo Club.

Another historic tradition associated with the sport of polo is tailgating. Since many polo clubs are located in rural areas at private clubs, players often pack a picnic lunch or supper and head to the polo club for the day. Even at the public clubs, polo players spend the day at the club and often don’t want to take the time to leave the polo grounds for meals. This has made tailgating a big part of the polo experience.

Wine and tailgating at polo go hand-in-hand.

Wine goes hand-in-hand with a polo tailgate party and we have a few suggestions as to what to pack in your basket. Temecula Valley wines pair well with a variety of polo picnic menus. Try coupling a 2009
White Feather Chardonnay produced by Longshadow Ranch Winery, or Ponte Winery’s 2010 Vermentino, with slices of mild cheddar cheese, tangy olives and smoked salmon.

If you enjoy reds, the Monte De Oro 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect match to sharp cheddar or bleu cheese on slices of crispy French bread or crackers. If you’re grilling on the sidelines, a 2008 Falkner Cabernet or 2007 Driveway Red, a Bordeaux-style blend produced by Hart Winery, will bring out the flavor in steaks or gourmet hamburgers.

Grilled chicken pairs well with Wiens Family Cellars 2009 Viognier, a white wine with aromas of pear, apricot and honeysuckle with a nice, slightly sweet finish. You might also try a Baily 2009 Riesling, with aromas of apples and spice with your grilled chicken. It’s described by Baily Vineyard & Winery as “a wonderful picnic wine.”

With more than 30 wineries and 30 growers in the Temecula Valley, there are many options for your polo picnic wine pairings. A quick day trip to Temecula is a great way to get familiar with the local wines, or if you are able to join us at Empire Polo Club on January 29th, the Temecula Valley wineries are coming to the desert for the annual Empire Polo & Wine Festival. Tasters will have the opportunity to sample handcrafted wines from more than a dozen Temecula wineries.

For more information about the Empire Polo & Wine Festival,  visit www.EmpirePolo.com.

For more information about Temecula Valley wineries visit http://www.temeculawines.org/.

Temecula Valley Wine Country – Location
Exit I-15 at Rancho California Road in south Riverside County
Less than 65 miles from San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs; 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles

Temecula wineries have received top honors at more than a dozen major wine competitions—including more than 100 Gold, Double Gold and Best In Class awards in 2010 alone. As a result, the Temecula Valley has become widely known as Southern California’s premiere winemaking region.

The main Sunday Polo field at Empire Polo Club.

Baily Vineyard & Winery
Bel Vino
Briar Rose Winery
Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Churon Winery
Cougar Vineyards & Winery
Danza del Sol Winery
Doffo Vineyard & Winery
Falkner Winery
Foot Path Winery
Frangipani Winery
Hart Winery
Keyways Vineyard & Winery
Leonesse Cellars
Longshadow Ranch Winery
Lorimar Winery
Maurice Car’rie Vineyard & Winery
Miramonte Winery
Monte de Oro Winery
Mount Palomar Winery
Oak Mountain Winery
Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery
Ponte Family Estate Winery
Robert Renzoni Vineyards
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Thornton Winery
Van Roekel Winery
Villa di Calabro Winery & Olive Oil Co.
Vindemia Vineyards
Wiens Family Cellars
Wilson Creek Winery

Click to enlarge.

By Kylie Garrett

Considered an emblematic symbol of Chilean identity and culture, the traditional Huaso is a Chilean horseman who, for centuries, has carried on the rural traditions of the country’s heartland. Among those rural traditions, wine enjoys a tenured history right in the backyard of the Huaso’s prime agricultural territory in central Chile.

Just an hour and a half south of the bustling city life in Santiago, a trip to central Chile’s rural Colchagua Valley, the birthplace of the Chilean Huaso, reveals a still-thriving equine country that is, not surprisingly, also home to present-day Chile’s most prime real estate region for quality wine.

Perhaps nowhere moreso do the two Chilean traditions of wine and horses coexist more cohesively than at Chile’s Viña Casa Silva, a Colchagua Valley family-owned and operated winery where rows of century old vineyards are surrounded by a full-size polo pitch, professional rodeo stadium, horse-jumping academy and stables home to more than 150 horses.

At the helm, Viña Casa Silva Managing Director and fifth generation wine purveyor, Mario Pablo Silva continues his family’s legacy as an award-winning wine producer and an award-winning, active member of Chile’s polo community. A man of many hats, Mario Pablo just recently served a four-year tenure as President of the Chilean Polo Federation from 2008 to 2011, and is currently Vice President of Wines of Chile, the trade association that represents the interests of Chilean wine producers.

Maximiliano Silva

As President of the Chilean Polo Federation, Mario Pablo led his countrymen to victory over Brazil in the 2008 World Polo Championships in Mexico, earning Chile accolades as the reigning World Polo Champions. Proving that the grape doesn’t fall far from the vine, all of Mario Pablo’s five children share their father’s affinity for horses. Mario Pablo’s oldest son, sixth generation, Maximiliano (18), is following his father’s footsteps as a promising young polo star, currently one of the youngest polo players on Chile’s national polo team. Mario (13) and Clemente (9) both play for the Casa Silva team in the national polo league, and Mario Pablo’s two daughters Dominga and Agustina do horse-jumping at the Casa Silva Polo, Rodeo & Horseback Jumping Club. Behind the scenes, Mario Pablo’s wife, Andrea, can be spotted among the crowd cheering on her children, as well as her family of horses.

On the Silva’s 740-acre Viña Casa Silva estate, Mario Pablo and his family’s passions for wine and horses unite. Guests are welcome to ride horses along the vineyards of original vines from Bordeaux planted in 1912 and skilled equestrians can burst hurdles in the shade of the Andes at Viña Casa Silva’s Polo Academy. While sipping on a glass of Casa Silva wine from the century-old vines that paint the landscape, visitors are encouraged to visit the on-site restaurant overlooking the full-size polo field where professionals and many members of the Silva family frequently practice and compete.

Over at the Viña Casa Silva’s Huaso rodeo stadium, a stone’s throw from the polo pitch, the Silva family hosts regular community gatherings and rodeo demonstrations, an outdoor tradition where friends, family and neighbors can commiserate and relax. The winery even has its own team, “Corral Doña Dominga” that competes at the national level with outstanding results.

When he isn’t tending to his horses or riding alongside his five children, Mario Pablo spends much of his time tending to his other passion, wine. Mario Pablo lives by a winemaking credo focused on premium estate bottled wine reflective of not only the region, but the family’s commitment to the lifestyles and traditions of Chilean culture, like polo and rodeo.

Today, as the owner and managing director of Viña Casa Silva, Mario Pablo has established the family-owned and operated, horse-friendly winery as an important fixture in Chile’s new generation of premium wine producers and more specifically, as a leader in the development and understanding of Chile’s trademark wine, Carmenère. Widely distributed in the United States, Vina Casa Silva is a recognized world-class producer of authentic, hand-crafted Chilean wine.

More than just a winery, Viña Casa Silva is an experience that represents the spirit of Chile’s oldest traditions. Amid a countryside of vineyards kept warm by the day’s sunlight and cool by the evening’s coastal breeze, the Huaso still looks after the heartland for which he represents. A destination for wine lovers and horse lovers alike, Viña Casa Silva continues to honor the spirit of Chile, one bottle of wine at a time. For more information, visit, www.casasilva.cl.

With anticipation building for the 41st Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in January, fans of luxury automobiles are about to get a special sneak preview at the state’s biggest polo event in years.

Even more rare is the completely restored 1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Town Car, one of only four ever made, and the 1933 Pierce Silver Arrow, a radically designed, top-speed car of its time and one of five built.

Likewise, the 1928 Isotta Fraschini Tip 8A Roadster Cabriolet is a true work of art, with beautiful coachwork by Castagna of Milan, Italy, and was first shown at New York’s elite Hotel Commodore.

Along with the preview, more automotive eye candy is in store. Look for a display of exotic rides from the Arizona Lamborghini Club and Ferrari Club of America-Desert Region at the scenic polo fields.

For the main event, the Arizona Polo Club hosts a traditional match and half-time festivities with a stomping of the divots and demonstration by the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona. Other highlights include live entertainment from DJ Mr. P-Body, food from Chef Eddie Matney of Eddie’s House, and the Olive & Ivy Champagne Lounge. And Scottsdale’s latest hot-spot–Dollhouse–will be creating a high-energy space at the event for fans to enjoy, too.

Over the weekend, Saturday, October 1st & Sunday, October 2nd, over 2,700 attendees gathered at the GREY GOOSE® Chicago Beach Polo World Cup at North Avenue Beach! Sponsored by GREY GOOSE®, Don Miguel Gascón®, Amstel Light, Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago, Michigan Avenue, Fogo de Chao and Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar to name a few, guests received the VIP treatment with food, cocktails and a front row seat to the sport of kings! Everyone was “dressed to impress” in their best polo-inspired looks, incorporating everything from riding boots and hats to breeches and blazers! On Saturday, Alderman Michele Smith threw out the first ball and that afternoon, Cityblue Apparel & Denim and Factor Runway hosted a fashion show between the matches showcasing fall looks from L.A.M.B, Sass & Bide, C/Fan and more! Secretary of State Jessie White threw out the first ball on Sunday, while local and international players battled it out until dawn, followed by an award ceremony for all teams.

“Between Chicago’s great history of polo and the spectacular lakeshore, we knew the Windy City would be perfect for our second beach polo location,” says Bruce Orosz, CEO of The Polo Life. “It’s the sport of kings, and Chicago identifies with that, having such a vast polo community. The city buzzed about polo this year and we received such a warm, energetic response that we’ve already planned for next year, September 2012!”

VIPS included Candace Jordan, Philanthropist and Chicago Tribune contributor; Carmindy Bowyer, Make-up Artist from TLC’s What Not To Wear; CBS’ Walter Jacobson, Susan Carlson and Ron Vasser; John Murray, Chairman of the Chicago Sports Commission; Jerry Azumah, former Chicago Bears player; Mark Mitten, Former Chicago 2016 Chicago Olympic Committee Chief Marketing Officer; Reute Butler (whose family founded Oak Brook and introduced polo to the Midwest); Elizabeth Jarosz, The Apprentice (Season 2); Don Hannah, father of Actress Darryl Hannah; Jack Hartman, President of The RISE Group; Lori Healey, Principal of The John Buck Company; Dan Gibbons, Chief of Operations, Office of Richard M. Daley; Joseph Milito, President of The Old Town Merchants Association and more!

“We were thrilled with the response from the players, sponsors and spectators,” said Alex Webbe, Chairman of International Beach Polo Association. “With my family roots firmly planted in the Chicago area, I’m very excited to see the kind of response the event received, and am looking forward to our return again next year.”

Also, as tribute to the host city, The Polo Life will contribute partial proceeds of the two-day event to benefit the 100 Club of Chicago, which provides support and assistance to the families of fallen police officers and firefighters in Cook County and Illinois Education Foundation, which provides last-dollar community college scholarships to low-income, high-potential students. For more information, visit www.chicagobeachpolo.com!

Below is the information from the matches:
Chicago Beach Polo World Cup
1. Titan commercial
2. Lufthansa
3. Grey Goose
4. Gascon
5. Amstel Light/Comcast

MVP: Guillermo Usandizaga
BPP (Best Playing Pony): Trifecta – owned by Cliff Yandell, played by Brandon Phillips (Lufthansa)
Final Score: Titan Commercial 11, Lufthansa 3

North Beach Women’s Polo Cup
1. Lufthansa
2. Gascon
3. Grey Goose
4. Trump Residence

MVP: Whitney Vogt (Lufthansa)
BPP: Negrita – owned by Marcelo Cabeza, played by Tara Lordi (Gascon)
Final Score: Lufthansa 5, Gascon 4 OT (in an overtime shoot-out).

Nacho Figueras during the Polo Classic. Photo by Corbis.

Los Angeles welcomed the return of daytime glamour to the polo grounds with event co-hosts Rachel Zoe, Rodger Berman, Nacho Figueras, Delfina Blaquier and President of Veuve Clicquot U.S. Vanessa Kay.  A-list attendees and bold-faced names include Zoe Saldana, Camilla Belle, Sofia Vergara, Ali Larter, Jeremy Piven, Selma Blair, Adam Sandler, Jaime King, Lauren Conrad, Lo Bosworth, Sanaa Latham, Greg Kinnear and more.  Guests fêted the return of the chic daytime event, once again held in support of the preservation of Will Rogers State Historic Park.

Donned in classic 1920’s attire, celebrities and VIPs enjoyed a fantastic day in the sun, an exciting polo match and lots of Veuve Clicquot champagne.  Camilla Belle threw out the ceremonial toss-in to kick-off the game while other celebrities lined up to watch the match.  Guests in the VIP cabana enjoyed a glamorous 1920’s and 1930’s themed experience, a flapper dance and performance by Janet Klein and The Parlor Boys and cigarette girls offering vintage candies.

Nacho Figueras, Delfina Blaquier, Rachel Zoe, Roger Berman. Photo by Corbis.

More than 4,000 Angelenos turned out for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Los Angeles and watched Nacho Figueras’ team, Black Watch, beat the Veuve Clicquot team 7 to 5.  The two teams faced off during four chukkers in the fast-moving 70-minute match.  After an intense competition, team Black Watch – Nacho Figueras, Ben Soleimani, Hector Guerrero, Santiago von Wernich – defeated team Veuve Clicquot – Rico Mansur, Bash Kazi, Jose Donoso, Justin Klentner – by a score of 7-5.  Rachel Zoe awarded Nacho Figueras the Most Valuable Player.

Spectators watched the polo match from bleachers and picnic blankets overlooking the legendary polo grounds at Will Rogers State Historic Park – the last of the original 22 polo fields in the area – where Hollywood luminaries such as Will Rogers, Clark Gable, Walt Disney and Spencer Tracy played the sport themselves.  LA’s best food trucks, Coolhaus, Baby’s Badass Burgers, Dumpling Station, Let’s Be Frank, Crepe’n Around, Sweet E’s, The Hungry Nomad, Greenz on Wheelz, The South Philly Experience, India Jones Chow Truck and Fishlips, offered attendees savory bites while they sipped flutes of Veuve Clicquot.

The finals of the Third Beijing International Polo Open Tournament recommenced on 17th September 2011. This year, Beijing Polo Open Tournament has officially cooperated with World Polo Tour for the very first time, thus becoming the one and only top tier polo tournament in China which can register the international ranking points. It’s such a milestone for China polo going global. The event is organized at the foot of the twisted and splendid Great Wall Badaling Section, along with a marvellous assembly of famous polo players across the world. Over the years, PIAGET has consistently supported China’s polo by demonstrating this elegant sport in China. PIAGET is honoured to be the official timekeeper at China’s top tier polo tournament once again and will lead Chinese polo team to pursue the sensational victory.

PIAGET and Polo, a majestic sweep of history
Polo can probably be dated back to Chinese Han Dynasty. In 1950s, the British brought it from India to Europe, which was then spread from European palaces to the entire world. Its intricacy and fun fascinate the royal and noble families around the globe, and the polo becomes the most welcomed and favourite sportamong the upper class.

PIAGET and Polo, Unparalleled Dignity
In 1980s, thanks to the fourth generation heir, Mr. Yves G. Piaget’s passion about the polo, he was actively committed to the collaboration in polo sport for joint promotion of this magnificent game. Subsequently, PIAGET sponsored the World Cup Polo Tour for a closer link with polo sport and gained its fame and
prestige.

Until then, PIAGET has been officially connected with polo. In 1979, PIAGET was inspired by the strength and beauty of polo. As a result, a creative watch was forged in real gold surfaced with chain belt: PIAGET Polo collection.

Cases and bands are delicately crafted together on PIAGET Polo wristwatch, interlaced with gloss and matte.

Its unique design enables it to stand out among the finest watches. PIAGET’s pursuit of excellence is well defined while a brand new chic watch wearing trend is also well represented — stylish and elegant, as well as incredibly amazing. Thereafter, a whole new chapter of PIAGET has unfolded.

In US, PIAGET has not only sponsored USPA (United State Polo Association) PIAGET Silver Cup, the highest level of polo event in US, but also become the title sponsor and official timekeeper of the centuryold Santa Barbara Polo Club this year. Prince William and Princess Kate were also invited to attend the foundation’s polo activity where Prince William, Prince Harry, PIAGET brand ambassador and first-rate polo player, Nic Roldan, and Melissa Ganzi took up the opportunity to compete in the game. In addition, PIAGET is in great support of promoting polo throughout China. As Chinese elites are improving their life quality, polo as an elegant international sport, has started to get engaged in the social and entertainment life for leaders from all walks of life. With PIAGET’s enormous contributions, it is believed that polo sport will be well advocated with its charisma and eminence.

If you want to see Nacho play polo in Los Angeles, you can attend the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at Will Rogers State Park on October 9th.

The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic visit VCseason.com/lapolo for more info.

Polo is one of the oldest and fastest team sports in the world.

How many polo players are on a team?

There are four players per team in outdoor polo (also referred to as grass polo). There are three players per team in indoor polo (includes arena, snow and beach polo).

Can you use the same horse for an entire game?

No.  Polo ponies run the equivalent of one to two miles during a seven-and-a-half-minute chukker, so they must be rested frequently.  At the high-goal level, players ideally will have a fresh horse every period although many will “double” on their best ponies.  Most players agree that the polo “pony” represents70%-80% of a player’s game.

Why are the polo horses manes clipped and tails tied?

Free flowing manes and tails are a danger in polo because they can become entangled with players’ mallets or with the reins as the rider tries to control his horse.  Manes, therefore, are shaved and the ponies’ tails are wrapped or braided to prevent the hazard.

What breed of horse is most often used in Polo?

Thoroughbred horses are the most common breed used in polo. The characteristics of the thoroughbred, which make it so ideal for the game, are that it has more stamina, goes farther, faster, and has a better disposition for polo.

A polo pony waiting on the sidelines.

Why are they called “Polo Ponies”?

Originally, no horse higher than thirteen hands and two inches (fifty-four inches) was allowed to play in the game of polo.  Today there is no limitation.  The horses used in polo range in size from 14 to 16 + hands.  A majority of the polo horses are between 5 and 15 years of age.

How big is a polo field?

A regulation-sized polo field is 300 yards long by 160 yards wide.  You can fit 7.5 football fields into the square footage of a polo field.

How big is a polo arena?

A regulation-sized polo arena is 110 yards long by 50 yards wide.  The walls of a polo arena are at least 4 feet high.

What are the red boards that run the length of the field?

By definition, polo fields can be “boarded” or “unboarded,” the former preferred where spectators are in close proximity to the field to keep the ball in play and those chasing it from ending up in someone’s lap.  Standing no more than 11 inches high and made of wood, sideboards are generally painted red or green.

What material is a polo ball made from?

Outdoor polo balls are white in color and made of high-impact plastic.  They are about 3.25 “ in diameter and weight 4 ounces.  In the past they were made with wood or willow root.  Indoor polo balls are inflated leather balls that are approximately 4.5 “ in diameter.

Two players compete for the ball. Notice how flexible the mallets are.

What are polo mallets made of?

The shaft of a polo mallet is made of Manu cane and the head is constructed of a wood called Tipa (also known as Rosewood).  The handle of the mallet has a rubber grip and a webbed sling.  The canes come in different lengths and levels of flexibility.  The mallet heads are made in different weights to suit the player’s preference.

Why are there no left-handed players?

Lefties were officially banned from polo in the mid-1930s for safety reasons, but the restriction was relaxed after World War II when polo players of any persuasion were a scarce lot.  The USPA reinstated the lefty ban again in 1974 and it’s stuck: there are no more left-handed polo players.  To understand why, consider this:  you’re driving merrily down the road when all of a sudden, coming straight at you, is a crazed Englishman driving on the left side of the road.  The panic you’d feel in that situation is just what a right-handed polo player feels when he and a lefty approach the ball from opposite directions.

What is a polo handicap?

Similar to golf, each player is rated using a handicap system. Twice a year polo players are handicapped from minus 2 to 10 goals by the United States Polo Association.  The best players in the world are rated 10 goals.  A team handicap is the total sum of its players.  For example, an 8-goal team may have one 4-goal player, two 2-goal players and a 0-goal player.  The word “goal” is used interchangeably with the word “handicap.”  When someone says “he is a 4-goal player” that means his handicap is 4-goals.  The handicap of a player depicts his or her skill level and is not associated with how many goals they score in a game.

“Since the inception of the system in 1890, less than 50 players have ever been awarded a perfect handicap of 10-goals. At the present time, there are 11 active 10-goalers registered with the United States Polo Association.” – Source: www.us-polo.org.

How many players are on a polo team?

A polo team is made up of four players.  The players wear jerseys numbered 1-4.  Those are not only the numbers assigned to the players but reflect their corresponding positions as well.

This image shows the #1 player marking the #4 player.

What do the positions of each player 1-4 mean?

The Number 1 is a forward, and attacking offensive player similar to a wing in hockey or a forward in soccer, and, played correctly, one of the most disciplined positions in the game, because not only must the Number keep the team attack stretched out, he must remain out in front of the alignment even when the ball does not come forward (because inevitably, the moment a player turns around and goes back for the ball, it will be driven forward, catching him out of position). Not only is the Number 1 responsible for scoring goals, he is also expected to “ride-off: the opposing defensive player allowing a trailing teammate the opportunity to score-similar to a blocking back in football (he takes a beating blocking opposing players out of the way, but gets no credit for the goal he allows his teammate to score except by his own teammates).  The Number 1 should be an accurate hitter and concentrate on scoring opportunities.  At the same time, he must also bear defensive responsibilities for the opposing player (the opposing Number 4).

The Number 2 is also primarily an offensive player who is expected to be able to turn quickly and follow the lead of the Number 1 in order to be in position to pick up a drop pass or tack advantage of a missed or blocked shot.  He should be one of the top mounted players on the team as he will be expected to cover a great deal of ground in the course of the match.  He is one of the top two players on the team.  His defensive responsibility is the opposing Number 3.

The Number 3 is usually the strongest player on the team and the field general.  The Number 3 attacks the opposing offense and turns the ball upfield, usually with a pass ahead to his Number 1 or Number 2.  The Number 3 must be able to hit long distances with accuracy and also have great hand-eye coordination allowing for the deft control of the ball.  The Number 3 will also aid in defense, taking the opposing Number 2 or offering defensive support to his Number 4.

The Number 4 or “Back”, as he is often referred to, is the most defensive-minded player on the team.  His responsibility is to defend his team’s goal and he should be able to turn opposing shots at goal aside, or completely reverse the direction of the ball with a powerful backshot.  When opportunities arise, the Number 4 might also carry the ball forward, passing the Number 3 and/or Number 2 for a shot at goal himself, but his main responsibility remains defensive in nature, and his opposing player is the Number 1.

These roles are flexible, however, and in the course of a game players will interchange positions until they have the opportunity to return to their place on the field.

To learn more about the sport of polo or to locate a polo school near you, visit www.Polo101.com.

John Walsh

Just weeks after Fox dropped “America’s Most Wanted” after more than two decades, its creator-host, John Walsh, has a new home for the show on the Lifetime network.

The deal, announced jointly on Tuesday by Walsh and Lifetime, will return to the air Walsh’s weekly criminal roundup, which since 1988 has helped bring almost 1,200 fugitives to justice.

The series will return for its 25th season later this year.

“’America’s Most Wanted’ is a seminal program that provides a very valuable service to both viewers and law enforcement agencies,” said Lifetime president Nancy Dubuc. “For more than two decades John Walsh has been leading the fight against crime and it’s an honor to partner with him on bringing back this important show.”

“We’ve often been called the court of last resort,” Walsh said. “Now we are back in the game and ready to saddle up for another season to get justice for victims and put dangerous criminals behind bars.”

In May, Fox announced it was axing “AMW,” citing high production costs. At the time the network said it would present four quarterly specials in the coming season. The first of those specials will air in October, and Fox will follow it with the remaining three, Walsh said.

But Fox’s final weekly “AMW” was telecast in June.

“We kept the hotline and website up, and we’ve caught four guys,” Walsh said. “The viewers didn’t give up on us.”

Since then, Walsh had been in talks to find a new network. The deal with Lifetime was completed Tuesday afternoon, he said.

It was in 1981 that Walsh launched his crime-busting crusade in the aftermath of the abduction and murder of his 6-year-old son Adam. He became an outspoken advocate for tougher laws against sex offenders, more cooperation among law enforcement agencies, and citizen involvement in flushing out fugitives.

He was a former hotel executive with no TV experience, but his TV show premiered in April 1988 on the fledgling Fox network and, little more than a year later, it was the first-ever Fox program to rank first in viewership in its time slot. It remained a fixture on the network after that, and during the 2010-11 season, was seen by an audience averaging 5 million viewers.

In a happy coincidence, on Saturday, Walsh will get a special Emmy Award saluting his show. The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will give Walsh its Governors Award at the Creative Arts Emmys ceremony in Los Angeles. The honor goes to a person or organization that makes a substantial impact or demonstrates an extraordinary use of television.