Polo

Polo is considered to be the fastest game in the world, with the exception of ice hockey, and can reach speeds of up to 30 mph. In addition, the sudden changes in direction needed to follow the game can lead to a serious danger of collision, so a strict set of rules are used to ensure the safety of both horses and players. The game is divided into "chukkas", each lasting seven and a half minutes. Riders often has a different pony for each chukka, but players can often “split” chukka their horses especially if they have only three horses for 4 chukkas as this process help to share the load between the team of horses. A game of polo will have between four and six chukkas depending on the level of polo being played.

Although the horses used for polo will measure 14.3-15.3hh, they are referred to as ponies and conformation is very important to help cope with the nature of the game.

• A wide chest and hindquarters will help the pony when being ridden-off by other players.
• A generous shoulder with plenty of depth is needed to allow for the stresses of "riding off'; where a player will position his pony alongside another to push him out of the way to gain possession of the ball.
• A short-backed pony with well-sprung ribs can usually turn and stop more quickly.
• Depth through the heart, chest and lungs indicate stamina and staying power.
• There should be plenty of space between the stifle and point of hip, coupled with a well let down hock to allow maximum impulsion from behind.
• The pasterns are generally straighter than is acceptable for other disciplines as long sloping pasterns will put too much strain on the tendons, which are subjected to great wear and tear in polo.

Polo is a demanding exercise both physically and mentally for both horse and rider. If the horse’s conformation is not 100% correct, then from a chiropractic point of view, more stresses will be put into the joints and back.

The quality of movement required for a polo pony is of utmost importance. The horse’s gait must remain smooth and un-jolted at all times as the horse is the players platform from which to hit the ball. It is essential that the horse does not throw it’s head, throw it’s quarters or lose rhythm, especially whilst you are setting up to take a 60 yard penalty shot at goal, which could be the win or lose factor of the game.

From a chiropractic point of view, the speed and physical nature of the game makes the polo pony a good candidate for regular chiropractic treatment throughout the playing season to ensure his peak performance. Common injuries that develop are shoulder problems related to riding off against another pony, and pelvic problems due to the quick stops and tight cornering, as well as vertebral mobility issues in the thoracic and lumbar spines.