How to Behave at a Polo Match

Few sporting occasions combine speed, horsemanship and elegance quite like polo. Riders thunder down a pitch the length of several football grounds, ponies turn on a sixpence, and spectators enjoy a picnic on the grass between bursts of play. It is a sport with deep traditions, yet a day at the polo is one of the most relaxed outings of the British summer.

Newcomers sometimes worry that polo is reserved for insiders. It is not. Clubs such as Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park and Cowdray Park in West Sussex welcome thousands of spectators each season. A few simple customs will help you feel entirely at home.

Understanding the Game

A little knowledge of the rules makes the afternoon far more enjoyable. Two teams of four riders try to strike a ball through the opposing goalposts using long mallets. Play is divided into periods called chukkas, each lasting around seven minutes, and most matches run to four or six of them.

Players change ponies between chukkas, so you will see grooms leading fresh horses to and from the pony lines throughout the afternoon. Teams also switch ends after every goal. In Britain the sport is governed by the Hurlingham Polo Association, whose handicap system aims to keep matches evenly balanced.

Following the Play

Watch the umpires on horseback and the referee seated at the side of the pitch. When a whistle blows, a foul has usually been called, often for crossing the line of the ball, which is the central safety rule of the game. Applause is welcome after a goal or a particularly fine piece of riding.

What to Wear

Polo dress is smart but practical. You will be standing and walking on grass, often for several hours, so think garden party rather than ballroom. Summer dresses, linen trousers, blazers and light jackets all suit the occasion beautifully.

Footwear matters more than anything else. Stiletto heels sink straight into the turf, so choose wedges, block heels, smart flats or loafers. A hat or sunglasses is sensible on a bright day, and a light layer or umbrella is wise in the unpredictable British weather. Check the club's guidance before you go, because some enclosures and members' areas set their own dress codes.

Treading In the Divots

The most charming polo tradition takes place at half time. Spectators are invited on to the pitch to tread in the divots, pressing back the clods of turf kicked up by the ponies' hooves. It helps keep the playing surface safe and level for the second half.

Join in cheerfully, but stay alert. Watch where you step, keep glasses and drinks off the pitch, and return to the sidelines promptly when the umpires signal that play is about to resume.

Respecting the Ponies

Polo ponies are the stars of the day, and they deserve space and calm. Never approach the pony lines without permission, and never feed or pat a horse you do not know. Keep children close and dogs on short leads well away from the horses.

Near the Pitch

Stand well back from the boards that mark the edge of the pitch. A ball struck at full speed can travel at great pace, and ponies can veer towards the sideline in an instant. Follow any instructions from stewards without argument.

Manners in the Stands and on the Lawn

Polo is a sociable sport, and conversation flows freely between chukkas. Keep voices at a pleasant level during play, and avoid blocking the view of those seated behind you with parasols or tall hats.

If you bring a picnic, pack up thoroughly and take all your rubbish home or use the bins provided. Drink in moderation, especially on a warm day. Clubs are working grounds as well as social venues, and leaving them tidy is the simplest courtesy of all.

A Day Well Spent

Good manners at the polo come down to three things: respect for the players, care for the ponies and consideration for your fellow spectators. Arrive in good time, dress for the grass, tread in the divots with enthusiasm and cheer generously for both teams.

Do that, and you will understand why polo has charmed British summers for generations. Duchess Magazine wishes you sunny skies and a thrilling final chukka.