January/February • 2021 • GASPARILLA MAGAZINE 55
There are four players per team,
with two teams against each other in
a game. Each player, marked with a
number between one and four, has
a specifi c strategy to follow throughout
the game. If the players work
together successfully, the plan will
bring them victory.
The players are lined up in
opposition to play accordingly.
Player one, the offense-oriented
player, keeps an eye on player
four, the rookie who plays as the
primary defense position. The
position of player two takes
a strong individual to play as
offense and make points while
covering player three. As the
leader, player three’s position
requires strong hits and
practical defense skills to
carry the ball to players one
and two.
Equipment involves boots
to cover the calves and
fl exible mallets to carry the
wooden ball to the goal.
The ball often gets compressed with each
shot, making it easier to play with a slightly used ball. When
you hear the distinctive crack of the ball against the mallet, you know the match
has begun.
After sitting down with an equestrian, it was evident that taking interest in the sport comes
with prerequisites. Not only does the sport itself require strategy and practice, but it also
requires a great deal of organization. For equestrians to travel and compete, they must
preplan accordingly.
A game often requires players to bring
many horses to play a match. Because
horses can be switched every three
minutes, a game can have more than 50
horses involved. For each athlete, to travel
and prepare multiple horses can be an
involved process.
Despite its addicting quality, the game
of polo can be a dangerous sport. With
Despite it’s addicting
quality, the game of polo
can be a dangerous sport.
the balance required to ride a horse and lead a team to victory, the athletes must remain
aware of impending injuries. From head to toe, each portion of the body has a chance to get
injured. The rules of the game are designed to keep the players safe and the horses from
being severely injured.
Like most sports, a safety risk may not stop athletes from doing what they love. The local
community can experience the excitement fi rst-hand in Lakewood Ranch at the Sarasota
Polo Club.