Excitement in every turn... the earth throbbing as the thunderous hoofs of the polo pony pounds to its core... and the instantaneous and effective action of horse and rider, yields ‘The King of Games’ -- Polo.

The Kitt Shepley House 23 Division Street Newport, RI 02840 877.362.8664 Kitt1932@aol.com www.kittshepleyhouse.com

Newport is known as the birthplace of polo in America. A 129-year old custom demonstrates the exhilaration and entertainment of speed and agility as the horses show off their intelligence along with enormous momentum while galloping the field during the royal sport.

But let me step back a few years. Polo is said to have its beginning in China and Persia some 2000 years ago. Could the sport have been in existence around 600BC? Some say the Moguls took the game from Persia to the east by the 16th century while others say the first polo club was in the 1850’s by British Tea planters. But as we see it of late, many other clubs followed. The oldest in the world is said to be the Calcutta Club founded in 1862.

However, in 1872 England the first polo club was Monmouthshire. James Gordon Bennett Junior, an American publisher and balloonist was fascinated by the sport and brought it to New York in 1876. Within a short span of ten years, many clubs were located along the east coast of Long Island, New York and Newport. The next fifty years proved to show an enormous affection by the elite for the game and its popularity burst into life in the midst of the Golden Age.

The founding of America’s first polo club in 1876, The Westchester Polo Club consisted of the very wealthy and powerful who vacationed in our seaside city. Then, the dedicated fans tailgated from horse drawn carriages while today they do so with sport utility vehicles, jeeps, or from the trunk of their car.

Today Polo in its fourteenth season as Newport International Polo Series at Glen Farm is one of the most popular summertime attractions in our coastal community.

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At present, more than 77 countries play the team game of polo as an International sport with players traveling the continents throughout the four seasons.

So, how is the game played? Glad you asked. The ponies must be intelligent and have enormous endurance to carry weight with great speed. Thoroughbreds and 3/4 Thoroughbreds are trained in responsiveness and agility while catering to the riders every indulgence. The best ponies become so skillful in various shots, they can foresee the rider’s wishes before he commands.

On the field, view majestic horses with felt boots of many colors protecting their legs, tails tied or braided, and manes clipped so as not to interfere with the arc of the mallet. Polo saddles are held with girths and breastplates and bridles are outfitted with martingales.

The ball used in polo is a willow root ball 3/4” in diameter. The balls are replaced quite often as each solid hit creates a dent. There are four basic polo shots from each side of the pony; the fore hander, the back hander, the neck shot, and the tail shot. Near shots are executed from the left side of the mount, and off shots from the right side thus creating eight different combinations. Players also shoot from under the mounts neck and across his tail. The most common shot is the off-side fore hander.

The game is divided into six periods, or chuckers lasting up to seven minutes thirty seconds. Horses are rested after each period. During game time the ponies are galloping at rapid speed and need a well deserved break before being used again in the second half of the game.

Halftime, a fifteen minute intermission is complimented by allowing spectators to replace the divets caused by the shots, aka, dancing of the divets. On the Polo field dogs’ frolic and children play Frisbee prior to the ponies entering the field once again.

As they race on the sodden earth from goal to goal in lightning speed, moving as one continuous action the horses show considerable agility and horsepower. One wonders how they move so quickly and turn on a dime, only to race to the other side in hopes of scoring a goal.

So, what’s the point? Players choreograph elegant showmanship of their horse and the sport while competing against the opposing team to score the most goals and win the game, therefore receiving the Best Playing Pony Blanket during the trophy presentation. Meet the players and Trophy winners at the Twisted Pony after the game.

Hence don’t miss the enthusiasm and thrill every Saturday from June through September at 5pm/4pm on the polo grounds of historic Glen Farm 715 East Main Road Middletown, RI. For more information, log on to www.newportpoloclub.com

About the author, Linda S. Manning: Linda S. Manning is the definition of a take charge person, continually seeking new avenues to expand her creative talents. In addition to a quarter of a century as a real estate broker, former elementary teacher and current Bed and Breakfast owner in Newport, Linda is also a licensed Captain, PADI Dive certified, artist and has written travel articles and short stories about life in Newport and beyond. A former runner up for Miss Rhode Island World, she was born in Providence has resided in Newport for 8 years with her husband Paul.

Photos by Linda S. Manning

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