County polo

With most clubs in the UK, players need to become members, and invest in at least two ponies to be able to play standard club chukkas. It is usual to play four back to back chukkas using each pony for two chukkas alternately, so that they each play, then rest and then play again. For many people, this requires a very large financial investment, which can be too costly for some. County Polo creates more affordable parameters for newcomers to the sport. Players are only required to use one pony, which may be hired, or owned. This form of polo is usually played with three players per side as opposed to the standard four player polo and therefore allows each player to get more involved and develop. The County Polo chukkas are usually overseen by a qualified mounted Hurlingham Polo Association HPA instructor / umpire, who will coach and explain throughout the chukka. With this format, including shorter chukkas, with breaks in between, the ponies are not getting over tired, so there is no need for such a large string. Players may well continue to play polo at this level for many years, or players with more ambition could benefit from the tuition if they move onto more competitive polo. County Polo is best complemented with regular stick and ball sessions, and regular wooden horse practice. County Polo has had a resurgence in recent years[citation needed], although the original County Polo Association was formed in 1898* to look after the interests of the country clubs and to run the County Cup Tournaments, the three London polo clubs Hurlingham, Ranelagh and Roehampton and from all associations within the Empire where polo was being played.