The umpire blows the whistle, ordering the teams to make their way to the center mark. Everyone suddenly scuffles to get into position. The ‘number ones’ in front stop and look back to check that the rest of the team is ready.  Its time.  He has switched on. In position now, he starts to move forward. You can feel the concentration as he watches the umpire lift his arm to throw the ball into play and within an instant he has spun round and is galloping at full pace down the field…

He makes a nippy left turn in an attempt to escape the dangers of the opponent who is trying to interfere with his trip to the goal scoring area. He spots a small gap, it’s now or never. A speedy recovery from the spin and he’s back in top gear.  As he finally manoeuvres his way to the goal scoring area, he is bombarded with the defence of the opposing ‘number 3’.  After a few little tricks his rider successfully throws the ball between the posts. He trots back to the line out, knowing he has done well as he receives a pat on the neck. That was only goal number 1.

Ever wondered what it takes for a horse to be able to play polocrosse? If you have ever had the luxury of being able to watch some foals playing in a field or even found yourself watching a cute YouTube video while you procrastinate studying for that math’s exam, you’ll understand why polocrosse is a sport most horses can play. Sliding stops, spins and roll-backs are no foreign concept to the young horse. As with anything, some will be more naturally talented than others and in South Africa one finds the Thoroughbred the most commonly used breed due to their natural athletic abilities. Some of our players imported Australian stock horses whose progeny are also proving to be masters of the game. There are no restrictions on height but horses 16hh and under are preferred among players. Mares in foal and horses with eyesight problems are not allowed to play for safety reasons. Polocrosse horses should also not kick or shy away from the racquet for obvious reasons.

Polocrosse requires the work of calm, nimble, fast horses that are capable of accelerating from a standstill to a full gallop, changing directions in a heartbeat, and ‘stopping on a dime’.

Safety and Equipment

The rules of play are obviously too specific to be described here but they are designed above all else with the safety of both the horse and rider in mind. The first thing you’ll notice when you walk onto a polocrosse field is that unlike any other discipline, all players are wearing the same white helmet. This is because these helmets are the only ones that comply with the specific safety standards set for faceguards. Stock saddles are most commonly used for polocrosse but are by no means required. General Purpose saddles (also called an easy-out in polocrosse) is also accepted, however, I haven’t quite figured out yet whether this is because they’re easier to fall out of or climb out of. Either way, players don’t generally like them. All saddles must be fitted with a girth, surcingle and breastplate and no bits with protruding cheek pieces are allowed. In fact, nothing with protruding pieces is allowed which includes buckles on riding boots. At the start of every game the umpires will check that all players’ tack complies with the safety regulations before allowing the game to commence. Whips must also be shown to the umpire before the start of a game.
Horses are required to have bandages or boots on all four legs with coronet/bell boots on all hooves.

How can you get started?

Polocrosse loves new players so don’t hesitate to visit the PASA website to find your nearest club. There you will find contact details for the club secretaries and they will be able to point you in the right direction.
PASA website

For more information, contact robynlk64@gmail.com OR madrap83@gmail.com