Cowboy Polo is a popular sport in the Western United States. It is played in a smaller arena than regular Polo. Its rules are similar to that of traditional polo, except for minor changes; instead of four riders in a team, there are five, and all of them must try to score by hitting the rubber ball using the mallet. Western saddles and hats are part of the attire.
THE ALLURE OF COWBOY POLO
According to the Cowboy Polo Association, it’s a sport for the whole family. All that is needed is a horse that reins well, protective gear, and a rider that loves the fun of competing with fellow teammates. There is no age limit, and participants range from as young as possible, to players in their 70s. The game is played in rodeo-style arenas with two five-player teams. Each player is armed with a mallet and the aim is to knock the ball through the other team’s goal. To participate, all that is needed is a horse, a mallet, the ability to ride, and a love for adventure. As in any sport, Cowboy Polo is more enjoyable with good audience participation. In recent years, the demand for Cowboy Polo shirts has rocketed, so much so that Ralph Lauren now retails T-shirts with a Cowboy Polo Bear in archetypal cowboy gear, highlighting the easygoing, rodeo quality of the sport.
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The Cowboy Polo Association welcomes all, whether interested in learning the game as participants, or spectators.
TRADITIONS OF COWBOY POLO
There are some traditions in Cowboy Polo. For example, in New Mexico on the Day of the Cowboy, a friendly match is played among teams and if anyone falls off the horse during the game, the player buys beer for the team.
“Two horses race side by side as their riders battle for control of the ball in a game of cowboy polo.” (Source: Creative Commons)
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The mallets that are used in the game are long fiberglass shafts with hard rubber heads. Most players ride the American Quarter Horse since they have great agility to make quick turns and stop immediately.
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Cowboy Polo was popular during the 1970s. “However, we’ve seen our numbers dwindle over the years,” says Tim McMillen, who’s served as club captain and state Association president.
