Brief History
The first recorded game took place in 600 BC, and the Moguls were largely responsible for taking the game from Persia to the east. In the 1850s British tea planters discovered the game in Manipur on the Burmese border with India and in 1869 Edward "Chicken" Hartopp, 10th Hussars, organised the first game on Hounslow Heath. Today, upwards of 77 countries play polo and there are over 40 clubs and 2000 players in the U.K.

Facilities and Equipment Required
A player's ability depends to a large extent upon his pony, which is required to be fast but also able to stop and turn quickly.  For low-level tournament polo, a player needs a minimum of 2 ponies which can play 2 chukkas each, but for the top level of polo, 6 to 8 ponies are required.  The player will need sticks, books, kneepads and a helmet, which is compulsory.  At some clubs, ponies and sticks can be hired.

Benefits of Participating
A team game, it requires fitness and a good eye for the ball.  However, because players are handicapped according to their ability, there is room for all to play a full part.  Based around clubs, it is friendly but competitive, and an addictive game which players only give up because they die or go broke.

Variations of the Sport
Arena polo is played 3 aside during the winter with a larger ball in an arena 300 feet by 150 feet.  It provides an increased opportunity for both players and young horses to learn and improve.  Polo can also be played on snow, and from elephants or bicycles.  It has even been played from armoured cars in the desert.