Polo is known as the sport of kings, yet its image as an activity for the upper classes is changing in the 21st century. People have been playing polo on horseback for more than 2,000 years and it has long been associated with royal players.

Generally considered the oldest equine sport in the world, the rules are simple: two teams of four players each, on horseback, use long-handled mallets to hit a wooden ball down a grass pitch. The aim is to score a goal by hitting the ball between two posts, just like other sports played with a ball.

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Polo's history

It is believed that polo was first played in Persia (modern-day Iran), although historians don't know the exact date - it was said to have been between 600 BC and 100 AD. The most commonly-held belief is that it was a training exercise for Persian cavalry units in the King's Guard and other elite troops in the early years.

It was also practiced by warrior tribesmen, but not in the form that we know today. Historians believe there were up to 100 players in each team when played by the nomadic tribes. It was much more chaotic and dangerous than today's four-a-side game!

Over time, it became the national sport of the Persian nobility - hence its nickname as the "sport of kings" was born. The game spread to Arabia, China, Tibet and Japan. In China, in the late 9th century, after a relative of Emperor Abaoji died during a match, the sovereign sentenced all the surviving players to death!

Polo was first played in India in the 13th century. The first European polo club in India, the Cachar Club, opened in Silchar in 1859, followed by the Calcutta Polo Club in the 1860s. The 10th Hussars were stationed in India and after watching a match in 1866, they formed their own polo team, made up of officers.

Informal matches between British cavalry units became commonplace in India. The game spread to the UK as a result and in 1869, a match was held between the 9th Lancers and the 10th Hussars in England. The sport grew rapidly during the late 19th century and matches at Hurlingham and Richmond Park attracted around 10,000 spectators.

Polo remained popular among the military, spread around universities and became popular with the British nobility and royalty. The sport was revolutionised in around 1909, when American polo players introduced a new, fast-moving, long-hitting style, compared with the relatively staid British version.

The English and American versions were eventually combined and the rules were standardised into the game that we know today. Although it remains a male-dominated sport, women's matches became more common in the late 20th century.

Polo ponies

Polo ponies are well trained and looked after, as choosing the correct pony accounts for 80-90% of the player's success, according to the experts. Training usually begins at the age of three years and continues for between six months and two years.

After the ponies reach maturity at around five years old, they are at their peak, in terms of fitness and athleticism, up to the age of around nine or ten. As long as they don't have any accidents, they can keep going for much longer than this and polo ponies aged up to 18 are not unheard of.

Originally, there were size restrictions and only true ponies were used, but these ceased after World War I and now, ponies or horses of any size can be used. In the past, only thoroughbreds were used, but today, horses of mixed breeds are common.

When being ridden in a match, the horses' front legs are bandaged from the ankle up to the knee to reduce the risk of accidents. Their mane is clipped and their tail braided to avoid any contact with the mallet's swing.

Famous players

It's not called the sport of kings for nothing and members of the British royal family have often played polo over the years. Prince Charles is a particularly big polo fan and has been seen many times racing around the field on horseback, although his matches are often for charity.

It was no surprise that Prince Charles played polo, since his father, Prince Philip, had a passion for polo in his youth. He retired in 1971, when he was 50, after a lifetime of playing. In fact, polo was described as one of his great passions. He missed it so much after retiring that he immediately took up another equine pastime - carriage driving.

Following in the family tradition, Princes William and Harry also play polo. In July 2019, the two brothers could be found playing together in a charity polo match, the King Power Royal Charity Polo Day, at Billingbear Polo Club.

According to press reports, they hadn't been able to play as much polo since their respective weddings, but reuniting for the charity match put on a show of unity, amid rumours of a rift. It was reported that they both had a great love of polo and were committed to playing together to raise vital funds for charity.

Sport for the masses?

Although polo has traditionally been seen as a royal pursuit, the International Polo Club reports it is becoming more popular in general. Revenue from spectators has increased by 185% in the past three years, according to the latest figures. This has led to the belief that it's becoming more of a sport for the masses, rather than the elite.

One new development in recent years has been "taster days" (popular with corporate events), when anyone can attend a polo club and beginners can see what they think. Some polo clubs are actively working towards developing a new type of club that's friendly and affordable. While it's accepted that polo isn't a cheap sport in terms of equipment, clubs are aiming to make it better value for money to attract new members.

They are reducing membership fees and leasing a polo pony, either per match or for a whole season, for members who can't afford to buy their own. Complete beginners are being welcomed and the aim is that the place won't feel intimidating for newcomers. Even the dress codes are being relaxed at some clubs, with members permitted to wear casual jeans.

Not yet known is whether this will change people's perception of polo to become a sport for all - the changes are coming in gradually.

For people who play polo as a competitive sport, rather than for leisure purposes, it is played for the love of the game, rather than the money, as the costs are high and wages relatively low, in comparison with some other sports.

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