Outdoor Polo is the traditional form of polo. Played on horseback, on a large playing field, players advance a ball down the field with the intention of putting it in the opposing team's goal.

Outdoor polo, or polo, which comes from the Tibetan word "pulu", meaning ball, has been played for thousands of years. Two teams of four players ride ponies around a huge grass field. Players swing mallets to direct a ball through large goalposts located at both ends of the field. Matches are divided into periods called chukkas, which last for 7 minutes. The team with the most goals at the end of the match is the winner.

Score goals by hitting a ball through a large goalpost.

Matches are played on 300-yard by 200-yard fields between two teams of four players. Goalposts, placed at each end of the field, are 8 yards wide. Matches are divided into 4, 6 or 8 chukkas, with 6 chukkas being most common. Chukkas are usually 7 minutes in length. Play begins with the two teams lined up, facing the umpire. The umpire then bowls the ball between the teams, which begins the match. In between chukkas players switch to fresh ponies. Play is continuous and is only stopped for penalties, broken tack or injury to a pony or player. All players must play right-handed, as left-handed play is deemed dangerous. After each score or chukka, teams switch sides. The team with the most goals at the end of the match is the winner.

Polo was first played in ancient Persia somewhere between the 6th century BC and the 1st century AD. It began as a form of cavalry training, later evolving into a proper sport. Because of polo's value as a calvary training exercise, it spread throughout the Middle East and Asia. The modern game derives from a form played in India. The British saw the incredible popularity of the sport and introduced it to Europe in the 1860's. The slower-paced British game was introduced to the United States in the early 20th century, where it was significantly sped up. Today polo is one of the world's most popular sports, and is played in most every country.

Ball
Gloves
Helmet
Kneepads
Mallet
Pony
Spurs
Whip

Polo can be a dangerous sport due to the speed of play and the use of ponies. Most injuries are usually caused by falling off a pony or by accidental contact with another player's mallet.

Polo players must be, above all, accomplished riders. This experience is best attained outside the realm of polo. Players must also have excellent vision and hand-eye coordination, which can be sharpened through practice.

Chukka - period of play, usually lasting 7 minutes

Tack - equipment used in horseback riding, including the saddle and bridle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polo