Adapting the rules of regular polo, snow polo introduces a new dimension to the original sport and is perceived as a glamorous spectacle across the world.
The earliest rules of polo originate from England, where they were first established by the Hurlingham Polo Club in 1876.
By 1985 the popularity of the sport had sparked attention across the world and in the ski resort of St. Moritz, Switzerland snow polo was created.
Played on a snow-packed arena on glistening ice, the beautiful sport attracts large groups of spectators and has a wealthy following.
The glamour and excitement that is only polo has been a major drawing card of this sport for many years.
As such the Snow Polo World Cup often includes hospitality matters of open and closing galas, wine dinners throughout and exclusive entertainment privileges.
Played on a flat area of compacted snow or a frozen lake, Snow Polo provides the same speed and physicality as traditional field polo but is considered much quicker due to the smaller playing area.
The ball is larger yet lighter, making it less predictable than a standard polo ball and of course the colour is bright red to better accommodate the winter conditions.
Special horseshoes also help battle the weather with special cogs to create traction and a rubber lining around the inside prevents slow clumping.
Teams are comprised of three players, as in typical arena polo and play consists of four 7 minute chukkers (periods).
To view highlights of Snow Polo view the link below.
The field
The official international dimensions of a polo field marked out with lines and distance markers (30, 40 and 60 yards to the goal) are 182 metres wide by 274 metres long.
However, match organisers are increasingly allowing play on smaller fields so that it is easier for spectators to watch because the drawback is slower, with shorter passes.
Teams
Each team consists of three players, although a number 4 players can also be interpreted into the game.
Number 3 is the captain, who organises the match.
Number 4, also known as “back”, is responsible for defence, while the other two players are attackers.
Direction of play
The game has one curious tradition, which always confuses newcomers to polo: whenever a goal is scored, the direction of play switches.
The rule helps to prevent excessive damage to the turf at the weaker team’s goal mouth due to one-way play.
Equipment and tack
Each player carries a mallet which is around 1.5 metres long.
All players must wear a helmet, preferably with face guard and leather knee guards are also required.
The legs of the ponies themselves are protected from blows and flying balls by soft bandages.
Their tails are tied to prevent entanglement with the mallet.
