The Rules of Polo - EXPLAINED!

Ninh explains - The Rules of Polo - an ancient game played on horseback between two teams of 4 players each.
Specific to US and International Polo Rules - watch this short beginner’s tutorial video guide on how Polo is played, Polo rules and guidelines, and how to play Polo.
Learn about goals, penalty, chukka, chukker, mallet, free hit, penalty goal and more..
COMMENT, LIKE, RATE & SUBSCRIBE!!!
Also discuss on Reddit!
Video: US Polo Association (I do not own any footage and claim fair use!)
Images: Google (Various)
Music: ‘Forgotten Waterfall’ by Capcom
Narrated, Directed and Produced by Ninh Ly
Ninh Ly Website - www.ninh.co.uk
Find me on Facebook - / ninh.ly.31
Follow me on Twitter - / ninhlyuk
Google+ - plus.google.co...
Instagram - / ninhlyuk
LinkedIn - / ninh-ly-0623218b

[@DJDelta0]

The divot stomping sounds fun lol

[@NinhLyUK]

It probably sounds more fun than it actually is. I always think of the scene from 'Pretty Woman' when I hear about divot stomping.

[@itsyeiboimike4431]

It is

[@EllieBergeron92]

If you see divot stomping as a great opportunity to socialize, you need to rethink your social life.

[@burninghammerstudios7033]

So this is the game all those shirts are named after 😂😂😂

[@NinhLyUK]

Believe it or not, yes it is! A polo shirt is the shirt that polo players wear during games - two button collar and made from a tough yet breathable fabric to endure the rigours of horse riding.

[@ioknaan]

Are the balls made of alligator skin?

[@Fruity_lexia]

@@ioknaan Maybe in South America, but most polo balls now are made from plastic.

[@nobingosinghrathoreno7335]

Brother playing polo is like Playing golf on an earthquake

[@Desertfox18]

@@Fruity_lexia Eh... Plastic? They should use wood or keep leather.

[@dylantaylor3139]

For anyone interested most big cities (at least in the US) have a polo club near them. It can be a pricey sport to get into (the club near my city is $3000 per year plus $1000 per month for a horse lease) but if you have the money it is a wonderful sport and a surprisingly welcoming community. You can also just watch for free, which is a really good day out with a family.

[@thetroller7875]

bro wtf i eat cheerios with tap water no way in hell am i gonna pay for that

[@NotKimiRaikkonen]

​@@thetroller7875 well clearly it's not aimed at you... 😂 It's an expensive sport.

[@equestrian1121]

Buenos Aires, Argentina holds the only polo stadium inside the city proper. It is the most important polo field in the world, and holds the most important tournament in the world. In Argentina, divot stomping is not a costume during the high goal season.

[@AbsoluteMiniacGena]

Thanks very much for this video. I saw Polo on TV a while ago and was mesmerised by it. I love the fast pace and wanted to learn more about it such as the changing ends and the chukkas or however it’s spelt, being just 7 minutes long. I’m grateful for this and will enjoy the game much more the next time I watch it. Shame it’s only a game for the toffs.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes, toffs and rich people. But you know what, it's a great game if you get into it. Glad you like my video, be sure to subscribe and check out my channel for more content like this :)

[@Aversiteespabilas]

I was looking for mounted sport ideas for my fantasy novel and next thing you know, I might be into polo! Thanks a lot for the info!

[@thsudy]

I don’t think I can afford equipment for even 1 player

[@NinhLyUK]

Most people can't.

[@linengmiao]

@@NinhLyUK Besides the horse itself. What makes it that expensive?

[@crimsonvipor]

@@linengmiao Mainly the horse. Ninh said in another comment that horses only last about 7 minutes. So players bring about 4 horses to a game. And one horse alone is mega-money to train. Which makes organising games with others requires you to have a lot of rich friends. Hence the exclusive nature of the game. Kinda makes me hate it tbh :/

[@aster6883]

@@crimsonvipor the equestrian sport is always expensive in any discipline, but if you can't afford it you can always loan or borrow horses. Equipment like boots, gloves and helmets would be needed to be bought on the player's own wallet- and normally when you buy a horse, it should already be trained and only a few things would be needed to work on. training a horse and investing money wouldn't even be involved with the sport because that's simple breaking in methods, I would suggest you already have experience with horses, (and I don't mean a single lesson, I mean spending time with the animal and caring for it) as many people assume we use the horses as objects- or, that the players use almost no skill apart from hand-eye coordination. There's no need to hate it! It's a very interesting sport and it does kinda suck that there's so much money involved, but it's only to ensure safety of the player and pony while having fun.

[@ryderallison1742]

@@linengmiao the biggest expense in any horse sport is the horse mainly in polo though because each rider need about 4 horses so they don’t over work them as well as a groom for the horse so your horse can be ready when you need to switch out

[@palarindam]

Wanted to get the basic rules of Polo. This one is very useful ! Keep it up !

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks bro! Check out my channel for more like this :)

[@lyairne]

I've played polo before it is super fun and extremely dangerous but still underrated

[@NinhLyUK]

Totally, I agree!

[@stewgotbars]

How is it dangerous.

[@NeonNomad747]

@@stewgotbars danger from falling off

[@sumitramanmath2011]

Yes it is very dangerous

[@KororaPenguin]

Fun fact: If the Old English word "eoh" ("horse") had survived into Modern English, polo would be an "ee sport".

[@AlphaOne82]

quick - informative - educational - well-done and thank you

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks, I appreciate the comment.

[@6williamson]

Played this back in high school, but I must admit I probably didn't know the rules as much as I should, so was nice to see.

[@fortheloveofhorses961]

Thanks for creating this video! I am actually thinking about starting polo in the summer which I think will be really fun. This video will sure help me to understand the basics of polo before I go to learn. Great job on the video👏👏

[@khumaninfo4149]

Thanks for encouraging Polo. The game was originated from Manipur( A Former Independent Kingdom in South Asia, but now includes in India as a State). ❤️❤️❤️

[@NinhLyUK]

Great, thanks very much!

[@stevenmuller89]

Sorry Bro, but I need to correct you. The origin of the game is in ancient Persia and it has a history of about 3000 years. Although Persian legends depict an even more ancient provenance, historians say polo dates back to the Sassanian dynasty when it was a cavalry training exercise. Also, you can find it on the intangible cultural heritage (UNESCO) list as a heritage of Iran (there it is mentioned as tschougaan or, chogaan, which is the Persian word for Polo). :)

[@AL-tl9mt]

@@stevenmuller89 But the modern sport is derived from the game played in manipur.

[@eternalgamer674]

Actually the game was invented in Central Asia, which includes the North of Pakistan.

[@khumaninfo4149]

@@eternalgamer674 Have a look at Genius World Record.

[@KeyhaneBishomar]

Its "Chogān" in persian. In some regions "Chockān". Thx for tutorial ,it used to be traditional sport of Persia (Iran, Afghanistan) intill 16th century, since then only played by kings, thats why its called "kings sport" because the nomads stoped playing it. I see many nations like to claim it but the origins go back to 900bc Persia ,mongols only played it arround 800 years, thats not even comparable to Iran. This sport been brought to India at arround 1st century ad. Its not only a sport for horseback traning, its also a traning for the riders eyes, trains the to be greatest at keeping track of small units/targets in maximum vibration. In ancient times those the greaters horseback archers were actually greatest chogān players.

[@NinhLyUK]

Cool, I didn't know that it was called Chogān in other areas. Nice info, thanks!

[@KeyhaneBishomar]

@@NinhLyUK well, in parsi its "Chogān" but i heard some other central asian countries call it "Chockan" in their tongues, but its very close to the same word.

[@chingkheionachi1187]

Yeah bro there is polo like sport in persian but the present polo was originated from Manipur state of North East India and it was show to world wide by colonial Britishers if you don't know about this please check on internet

[@hyperblaster47]

Hey Ninh, come to Argentina to see the best Polo in the world. Dolfina against Ellerstina a classic game.

[@NinhLyUK]

Cool, yeah I'd love to.

[@andleebiqbal3078]

Thank you so much sir for helping me to understand the game and its rules... it really helps me to understand my 8th standard students in a best way, because there is a lesson on the polo in their syllabus of English.....

[@NinhLyUK]

Excellent, glad you like this video and that it helps your kids.

[@johnleet9982]

Thank you for this quality upload.

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks John, much appreciated. Check out my channel for more like this :)

[@antoniotorlentino5949]

Omg I remembered I requested this but I never thought you’d actually make a vid on it. Props to you

[@NinhLyUK]

I remembered, but it's taking me a while to do these things. They're not 20 minute jobs these videos!

[@janjoson3843]

Yup!!! prior I have never seen Polo games,till I worked for my previous boss who happaned to be a Polo player in the Hamptons NY. From there I was exposed to a diverse groups of pple including the sport that I enjoy now. There also met many Argentine grooms, trainers as well as Players including "Black Watch."

[@sigmundjung936]

This Game Originated from Manipur, India. I remember when I was in Imphal doing my Higher Sec. Ed., Players from all over the world would come to play for Polo World Cup every year..

[@bruzote]

It sounds fun to be there. However, others claim Persia/Iran had the sport first. I won't get into it further, just mentioning the other perspectives on the historical question.

[@sigmundjung936]

@@bruzote It's not true. Western Horses are too huge for the game so they use a type of horse called Manipur Pony. It's just a normal horse with a different name but it's smaller than the Western horse which makes it perfect for the game. This is one proof that Polo originated from Manipur India plus players from every country would come to Manipur to participate in Polo WC. It's held in Imphal Manipur every year. Idk where did Persia Jumped in..

[@JeReL19]

Oh my goodness I was wondering if you had a polo rules explained vid and just discovered you yesterday.

[@NinhLyUK]

Well, glad I could oblige!

[@arnestare919]

Thank you for making a video on my suggestion, great video!

[@NinhLyUK]

Anytime bro. It takes me a while to get them done, but I did it. Cheers.

[@nataliecoles9518]

Helpful! Thanks

[@steelersnationproduction1485]

Am curious how to train these horses in this game

[@NinhLyUK]

Apparently it's very time consuming ... and very very expensive. Only the best bred polo ponies ever play in games and they cost megabucks to train and field. One horse only lasts 7 minutes, so you have to have at least 4 of them per player. Not cheap!

[@steelersnationproduction1485]

Ninh Ly geez

[@NinhLyUK]

I know, right?!

[@Ezox2408]

@@NinhLyUK actually on grass polo horses usually only last 3 1/2 minutes, so there are two horses per chukker, and usually teams bring up to 6 horses per player, so the horses have a good time to rest between plays. you dont need a completely new horse for every chukker, just a horse which isnt tired.

[@logank9177]

Great video!

[@danielkohner9282]

Thank you for posting!

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks, much appreciated. Check out my channel for more like this :)

[@KM-px8cs]

Thank you@!

[@DanielHarris579]

Great video as always.

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks Daniel.

[@ygxd8622]

Well polo was originated from Manipur, India 🇮🇳. Polo is know as Sagol Kangjei in Meitei language (Manipuri)

[@aoblak5110]

Always wondered what the rules were. Great video!!

[@ginasantos1219]

I really like this video and the way you explain everything.

[@artmemory5499]

This polo game is come in Europe from Manipur state of India.

[@bruzote]

I have some questions about getting injuries. 1 Getting hit by the ball. 1a Do horses get affected if the ball hits them? 1b Do players ever get seriously injured by the ball? 2 Getting hit by mallets 2a Do players ever hit their own horses by mistake? 2b Do players ever hit other players or horses to the point of causing significant injury? 3 Falls and Impacts 3a How commonly do people get seriously injured falling off the mount? Surely deaths have happened at some point in history, but is a serious injury likely to be seen during a single season of matches? 3b How often does a collision injure other players, referees, or mounts? Every game? Every season? Thanks so much!

[@dashiesbbgurl]

"it would be wise to find a suitable excuse. Polo for instance" "I'm not learning polo Alfred" 🤣🤣 love that part in the movie Batman begins.

[@abdullahsirika4069]

Fabulous!!!!

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks, glad you like this video. Check out my channel for more like this :)

[@demoiselleksp]

Nice! Thanks👍🏽🐎

[@NinhLyUK]

Cool, thanks - glad you like this video. Check out my channel for more content like this :)

[@Mustafa-dm5co]

Best channel ever

[@NikCan66]

Excellent

[@afaintmemory]

Amazing!!!!!

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks! Check out my channel for more like this :)

[@bruzote]

On grass, it looks pretty straightforward. But how do they play water polo? ;-D

[@DINO1974ful]

please do BICYCLE POLO, SEGWAY POLO and POLOCROSSE.

[@yeyo1999]

What only right handed players :(

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes, it's part of the rules that all players must be right handed. You can still swing the mallet on the left hand side, but you have to cross your right arm over your body to do so.

[@SailorBarsoom]

I'm sure it would be possible to form a "Left-Handed Polo League." It would just be a smaller league, but it would look much the same when watching.

[@AbsoluteMiniacGena]

I’m very surprised there aren’t a band of lefties crying ‘discrimination’

[@clipboss8052]

@@AbsoluteMiniacGena Oh trust me, there are tons of "lefties" crying "discrimination". And I ain't talking about the sport.

[@pamhaycock1855]

Actually that's false, I'm left handed and play polo with my right hand

[@Soldadodelasombra]

Is like football. BUT IN HORSES! thanks for the video

[@malikal99]

It is the national sport of Northern Pakistan 🇵🇰 Many Pakistanis claim that it originated in Northern Pakistan but I personally believe it originated somewhere in Iran and spread to northern Pakistan in its early days. The word ‘Chukker’ in Urdu translates to Round.

[@joysandy333]

Idk...how about rules of croquet explained? And isnt there a Mongolian sport just like polo but played with a dead goat instead?

[@conorhiggins47]

Buzkasi or something like that maybe

[@NinhLyUK]

Sorry, no - not Croquet.

[@joysandy333]

Ninh Ly 😁, well keep the vids comin anyway

[@siddharthbirdi]

I think it's an Afghan game called Buzkashi .

[@mdara9970]

Joy Sandy I think its Afghanistan or that aera

[@beenishhussain3839]

Nice

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks bro, appreciate it. Check out my channel for more!

[@1lobster]

This sport is awesome. It should be more main stream popular it should not be considered so bougie

[@bruzote]

I think you "should" define "should" before telling people how they "should" be valuing or judging games. :-D

[@BridgyQueen]

It s amazing. What are horses thinking? 😂

[@SebastianPerezG]

Did you miss the handicapt of each of players and the advantage that you can givte to the opponent ?

[@NinhLyUK]

I probably did, but it's impossible to explain everything about Polo in a 4 minute video. I gave what I thought was the salient points necessary for a complete beginner to understand and watch Polo.

[@colonelrobertsjr.7882]

Every time I watch Pretty Woman I think about the Opera and Polo lol

[@vivivivi319]

0:22 - 0:29 Pferd Schläger 0:30 - 0:47 Torschuss 1:02 - 1:18 Line of Ball 1:08 Faul 1:27 ride off 1:34 wegschlagen 1:38 Einharken Number 1 2:22 Number 2 2:29 Number 3 2:26 Number 4 2:44 2:49 Freistoß 3:16 aus 3:30 Halbzeit

[@NinhLyUK]

Vielen Dank

[@Tuckems]

Yay

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks bro.

[@loganconnor7122]

this is more difficult than what I thought

[@NinhLyUK]

A lot more! These guys get paid serious money.

[@loui9102]

🙏

[@petercipriano5659]

Do one for the sports of Real Tennis and Rackets

[@NinhLyUK]

They're really not popular enough to warrant videos. Unless I get a strong surge in demand, I don't see it. Thanks for suggesting it anyway!

[@coachredbone]

Why am I thinking about the movie "Pretty Woman" when I saw everyone replacing divots lol

[@NinhLyUK]

Funnily enough, when I see people replacing divots, I automatically think about that scene from Pretty Woman. What a great movie that was!

[@alexe3354]

Do the horses like playing polo

[@olivercrowley9367]

A variation with no horses would be lit, a bit easy but still cool

[@AL-tl9mt]

it exists but It's called hockey

[@MogensenEdits]

What’s the usual score of a polo game?

[@NinhLyUK]

Typically like 12-8 or something like that. This game ended 12-11

[@polumathes9729]

So it’s basically field hockey on horses?

[@livinglegend610]

Wait so even if you are left handed you still must you use your right hand?

[@baysalldays4882]

Yes, it’s for safety reasons !

[@NickKnight2342]

So I was playing choices and you need to know how to play polo so I ended up watching this

[@lilychatterjee8748]

Polo play my favorite

[@NinhLyUK]

Cool, thanks for stopping by.

[@nickydisastershulker923]

I love how there’s one white horse

[@adamconnolly5166]

What if your left handed

[@NinhLyUK]

You still have to use your right hand.

[@r.ssumedh7626]

Do all the riders have to ride the same horse or each one of them can choose their personal breed (like Arabs, Marwaris, Thoroughbreds)?

[@ProperLogicalDebate]

What is the minimum size of the ground?

[@peoplesrepublicofunitedear2337]

A true gentlemen's game

[@bruzote]

Define "gentleman". Do you think polo spectators, players, or the team owners are somehow morally superior in their conduct compared to those of other sports? I suspect they are somewhat equally behaved as the rest of the humans enjoying sports.

[@peoplesrepublicofunitedear2337]

@@bruzote those who aren't hooligans, but well behaved are gentlemen.

[@alexkoppany7229]

Do a bull jumping video

[@NinhLyUK]

I did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3ezeoiBq6dmi8U

[@U2BEMatchmaker]

It appears they are playing upon horseback.

[@chi-kinyip6122]

Do the rules of shinty

[@NinhLyUK]

Meh, if get more demand for it.

[@NutHouseProductionz]

How rough can I get with another player?

[@NinhLyUK]

Not a lot. Polo rules are designed for player and horse safety, so things like ice hockey style checking are not allowed. If that's what you were thinking?

[@Event.Horizon.]

im a player and the only time you could possibly be rough is during a ride off. you can elbow the player and push their horse to the side with yours. even if you wanted to players hardly make contact with each other. you can only physically move the player in that way but the rest of the rules are just made for the horses safety

[@nabhannbn]

USPA the clothing brand is firstly coming to mind when seeing this video

[@NinhLyUK]

Ralph Lauren.

[@nabhannbn]

@@NinhLyUK yaa, ralph lauren also

[@poisonpotato1]

Why the discrimination against left handers?

[@NinhLyUK]

I've no idea, it's just that way I guess.

[@i_am_diegoacosta127]

It's because the horses are trained to be mounted by a right-handed player.

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

This game will be awesome if a human with no horse or stick acted as a goalkeeper!

[@NinhLyUK]

I'm not sure they wouldn't be too happy at being trampled over by a horse!

[@nicosmind3]

How about a horse with no human and stick trained to goal-keep?? Or a different animal like an elephant that could hold its own against horses

[@augustaverbian]

That would be a soccer then

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

@@NinhLyUK ha ha ha ha! Sorry it took so long to respond!

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

@@nicosmind3 keel!

[@CreepySpino]

Noice

[@Keiran.Gorsky]

What happens if a horse kicks another horse or something?

[@NinhLyUK]

If a horse is injured, they are replaced. Each player has about 3 or 4 horses just for one game!

[@Keiran.Gorsky]

Ninh Ly Are there fouls on horses? Like what if a horse blocks the right of way without the rider instructing it to?

[@burgerman101]

Playing this on motorcycles would be more fun.

[@jameslatief1]

So, croquet on horses. Got it.

[@poisonpotato1]

Disappointed that left handers are at a disadvantage

[@NinhLyUK]

Meh, they get used to it.

[@lukaxiol4350]

lefties have an advantage riding because they have the reigns in their dominant hands also if you start playing with with the correct hand and body posture it doesnt feel unnatural at all

[@Ettibridget]

What if a polo player is left-handed?

[@Fummy007]

He has an advantage because he can stear the horse with his dominant hand. (maybe)

[@PsyJoeTV]

wtf.... i think i might like polo now....

[@kylemendoza8860]

How this game is for the rich? I know a lot people that have horse and not a lot of money. It seems they could get together and play polo.

[@NinhLyUK]

Do they have 1 horse per period of play? Because that's what they do - one horse for each chukka.

[@kylemendoza8860]

@@NinhLyUK Don't know. Some have about three or four horses. Is that enough?

[@BrazilianDaftPunkFan]

0:09 "polo ponies" Bronies: *yes*

[@sumitramanmath2011]

Please try to explain in hindi

[@vance-ne6tu]

Can you please remove background music???

[@sarahgrimm3011]

What if there is a game similar to polo but with elephants?

[@NinhLyUK]

I believe there is. I think it's played predominantly in India.

[@sarahgrimm3011]

I can imagine how long it takes to play a game of elephant polo.

[@sarahgrimm3011]

Also, it's a thought I had just recently while coming up with sports for my fictional book series

[@NinhLyUK]

@@sarahgrimm3011 I think it'd be kinda fun?! ;)

[@i_am_diegoacosta127]

It exists!!! I think that it's played in Thailand (Adolfo Cambiaso once told that he played it).

[@qiaopescao]

2:09 as if the only reason i havent played polo is bc idk the rules

[@NinhLyUK]

And now you do.

[@pacilanmichaelangelop5761]

Owwww it's like football but with horses and sticks

[@AustinJASMR]

"Players are only allowed to use their right hand." That one left handed player: -_-

[@NinhLyUK]

yes

[@reverze_ebo8921]

Not rich enough to watch this video

[@NatandGeorge]

Water Polo -- let's not -- it's very cruel for the horses

[@NinhLyUK]

Sports that involve animals are always going to seem cruel to some people.

[@elevengiant]

polo, It seemed very expensive at that time. Water polo, I cant stay afloat for that long. If only I tried when they were easily available back then...

[@NinhLyUK]

It is very expensive to play Polo. Horses aren't cheap and you need four of them per player. It's usually played by the rich.

[@elevengiant]

Students get discounts, but students are poor. In hindsight I could have done it or least learn horse riding first. I did contact the student club. However I didnt have a car and it seemed expensive. I didnt follow up. I dont like polo that much but I did want to ride. Hobbies have to be pursued, desires have to be fulfilled.

[@moseschilekwa1266]

These guys need hard hats for safety ..the way they are swinging the mallets!?

[@NinhLyUK]

I believe that's why they wear them, yes. Doesn't protect the face though.

[@baysalldays4882]

@@NinhLyUK There are polo brims you can add onto your helmet for extra safety for the face.

[@orangegaming9562]

Left handed people must hate polo

[@patrickpena172]

Where the hell is Ralph Lauren?

[@kingsleyc5677]

😆❤️

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks.

[@smallbusbigbus8417]

so its rocket league but on horses

[@NinhLyUK]

I don't know what rocket league is, so i'll have to take your word on that one.

[@fite-4-ever876]

sooooo it's soccer on horses

[@NinhLyUK]

Pretty much, yeah.

[@SailorBarsoom]

Field hockey on horses. You're not kicking the ball (and neither is your horse), you're whacking it with a stick. Whacking the ball I mean, not whacking the horse. The horse wouldn't like that.

[@ricardosoto5770]

Field hockey on horses.....

[@kingoflikes2752]

first 500 viewers

[@NinhLyUK]

Yeah, not bad.

[@Sachinkumar-ou5vu]

It's. Old. Indian game gyese

[@NinhLyUK]

I'll take your word for it.