At its most simplistic, polo is nothing more than two teams, a stopwatch and a ball. And yet this game has captured the imagination of horsemen and generals, kings and cowboys for more than 2,000 years.

Polo is played on a level grass playing field roughly the size of nine football fields. A polo match is comprised of six chukkers, or periods, each of which lasts seven minutes. There is a four-minute rest period between each chukker, as well as a 10-minute half-time. It is a fast-paced and demanding game for both horse and rider. As a result, each player rides a new horse for each chukker, thus necessitating at least 24 ponies to equip a team.

A polo team has four players, each with a numbered jersey corresponding to his position. The number one player is usually the lead offensive player, focused on scoring. The number four player is usually the most defensive player, focused on defending the goal. Players two and three are the stronger positions on the team, responsible for turning the play, passing the ball and planning and implementing both offensive and defensive strategy.

Polo players are assigned a handicap to rate their relative value to a team. This handicap, assigned by a United States Polo Association committee that observes each player in action on an annual basis, is based upon the player’s experience, understanding of the game, horses and horsemanship and physical ability. Handicaps range from C, B, A (-2 through 0) to a high of 10 goals, which is a handicap carried by only the world’s most exceptional players. Most players in the United States carry a handicap of one goal or less, and few will ever advance beyond three-goal status.

The concept of the line of the ball is crucial to the game. When the ball is put in motion, players imagine a vertical line drawn through the ball. Play follows the natural course of the ball on either side of this line. Opposing players may attempt to wrest the ball from the player who is following the line of the ball and is in a position to play it, but they may not traverse his course to do so. Fouls in polo are levied upon riders for crossing the line of the ball, dangerous riding and any other maneuvers contrary to the rules, with penalty shots awarded to the opposition according to the severity of the infraction.

For many people, the horses (traditionally called “ponies”) are the true stars of the game. They are in fact superbly conditioned thoroughbreds, many of whom have raced at tracks throughout the country. The horses not only have the speed (up to 35 miles per hour) and stamina of the thoroughbred race horse, but also the agility of the quarter horse to stop and turn, and the courage to “bump” opposing team horses in this full contact equine sport. In a way, the game is made for the horses. They accelerate fast; they stop; they turn on a dime; they are the essence of equine athleticism!

We hope you can join a Milwaukee tradition that has existed for over fifty years. Bring your family, friends and customers, stroll the beautiful park-like surroundings of the polo grounds and enjoy an action-packed competition!