Tuesday March 19, 2024
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Polocrosse

What is Polocrosse?

As the name implies, it is a combination of polo and lacrosse. It is played outside, on a field, on horseback. Each rider uses a stick to which is attached a racquet head with a loose, thread net, in which the ball is carried.

The ball is made of sponge rubber and is approximately 4″ across. The objective is to score goals by throwing the ball between your opponent’s goal posts.

Polocrosse provides The Pony Club with a team competition requiring courage, determination and all-round riding ability on the part of the rider and careful and systematic training of the pony.

It encourages a higher standard of riding throughout The Pony Club and to stimulate among the future generation a greater interest in riding as a sport and as a recreation.  It is suitable for ordinary children on ordinary ponies and encourages a strong and unselfish team spirit.

Who can play?

The basic requisite for the successful Polocrosse player is a love of horses and the ability to ride easily and comfortably. Ball and riding skills are improved by regular practice and a competitive edge becomes important in tournament play.

Polocrosse is appealing as a sport for all the family and attracts a wide range of ability levels. In England the Pony Club has seen the tremendous potential of the game and there are now a large number of teams across the country. Club level Polocrosse is generally very sociable – for riders and non-riders too!

If you already have a horse or a pony you are halfway there. All you need in addition are a few safety items such as bandages and bell boots, and a polocrosse stick and ball for yourself – you’re ready to play!

What about my pony/horse?

Players are allowed only to play one horse, except in the case of injury. Primary Juniors must play on ponies 14.2hh or under. There are no other restrictions, you can play on any horse. The better you become the more important it becomes for the horse to be agile.

What equipment will I need?

Requirements for the rider are a recognised safety helmet and a racquet. For the pony/horse you will need leg wraps and coronet boots. To get started you will little more extra equipment than this.

How many are on a team?

A team consists of 6 players, divided into two sections of three who play alternate chukkas of a maximum of 8 minutes each. Six or eight chukkas compromise a full match. The three players in each section play the position of a No. 1 “attack”, a No. 2 “centre”, or a No. 3 “defence”.

What does the field look like?

The field is 60 yards (55m) x 160 yards (146.5m), with three separate areas. The goal scoring areas, on each end, are 30 yards long. Only the No.1 of the attacking team and the No. 3 of the defending team can play in these areas. The middle area is 100 yards long. The line separating the goal scoring and centre areas is called the penalty line. Goal posts are 8 feet apart. To score, the ball must be thrown from outside an 11-yard semi-circle in front of the goal.

How is the game played?

Players can pick up the ball from the ground, catch it in their racquet, and ride with it. They will throw it to other players until the No.1 has possession in the goal scoring area. A player cannot carry the ball over the penalty line, but must bounce it so that they do not have possession of it while actually crossing the line. However, it can be thrown to a player over the line.

For more information or to have a go then please contact Laura Scott on 07767 833688 or laura.scott03@btinternet.com