Polo is a game where equipment is crucial – without our Polo Gear, we couldn’t play! But what’s the purpose of all this stuff? We’ve put together a guide to explain it (along with some of our favourite brands and stores for polo equipment). Argentina has some great gear available, so it can be worth doing a little shopping while you’re here….
Polo Gear for the horse…
Saddle (Montura)
We use English-style saddles (similar to those used by showjumpers), which have flat flaps and reinforced trees (internal frames). This is because, unlike Western saddles, this shallow-seated style of saddle allows players to move around easily, pivoting to play different shots while keeping the legs secure. A good polo saddle will also position you so your centre of gravity aligns with your horse.
Polo saddles have a double girth (cincha) (the girth being the strap that holds the saddle on under the horse’s barrel), with an overgirth that straps over the top of the saddle. Again, this is because of the way a rider moves during play – often leaning way over to one side or the other – all of which makes the saddle more prone to slipping. Under the saddle, we use traditional Argentine cotton/wool saddle rugs (matra), which provide a bit of padding for the horse and absorb sweat.
Bridle (Cabezada)
Polo bridles can look pretty complicated – in addition to the bits, crown and cheek pieces, there’s a noseband, double set of reins, breastplate, standing martingale (to stop the horse from throwing his head in the air and smacking the rider in the face), and sometimes draw reins for extra control. That’s a lot of leather!
Just like in any horse sport, it’s important to choose a bit that suits the horse – some have a sensitive mouth and only need a gentle bit, while others require stronger brakes!
Bandages (Vendas)
With polo balls flying in all directions, it’s important to support the horses’ legs and provide protection from knocks. We bandage all four legs with polo wraps, which are made of soft fleece. There’s a bit of an art to bandaging a polo horse’s legs – if it’s done incorrectly it can do more harm than good.
The secret is to keep the pressure even, otherwise the tendons can be damaged. Our expert groom Mauro can give you a lesson while you’re at El Venado if you like ☺
Polo Gear for the rider…
Boots (Botas)
Compare a pair of polo boots to any other type of riding or fashion boot, and you’ll quickly see there’s a difference in sturdiness and quality. Quality boots are made from thick leather, which provides plenty of protection and ankle support. With polo boots, you tend to get what you pay for (although prices in Argentina are generally very reasonable compared to the States and UK).
Given the importance of fit, many players opt for a custom made pair of polo boots. These don’t have to cost the earth (and at El Venado, we’re happy to help arrange a pair to be made to suit your feet and budget!). But if you want to treat yourself to the best in the world, look no further than Casa Fagliano, based in Hurlingham Argentina. The waitlist for a pair of custom boots is up to six months but it’s worth it!
Kneepads (Rodilleras)
Anyone who has seen a ride-off will understand the value of a good pair of knee pads for a polo player… during a game, your knees are very exposed and it’s certainly not worth smashing them! Polo kneepads are usually heavily padded and made of good-quality leather that stands the test of time.
Helmet (Casco)
Given the risky nature of polo, a helmet is a non-negotiable (and at El Venado, no one plays chukkas without one – even our pros). On the professional scene, safety standards around helmets have tightened in recent years, and while the rules may vary between countries, we think it’s better to be safe than sorry. To make sure your helmet provides the protection you need, check whether it meets the NOCSAE Polo helmet safety standard, which has been developed specifically for our sport. A few brands that are leading the way are ARMIS, Instinct & Edition – but at the end of the day, it’s about what fits you and your budget best.
The rules around face and eye protection also vary depending on where you’re playing – in some countries, you need to have a face guard attached to your helmet, while in others, a pair of goggles is OK (we recommend BlueEye eyewear, as they’ve been specifically designed for polo). Some players opt for a mouth guard to protect their teeth too.
Mallet (Taco)
Obviously one of the most important items for any polo player: the mallet! Mallets are made from tapered cane, with a rubber grip at the top and a ‘cigar’ of wood at the base. The lengths vary according to the height of the horse you’re riding (and you’ll usually, have a few mallets of different lengths).
Players are generally very particular about the style of mallet they prefer – many different weights and thicknesses are available. At El Venado, we purchase all our mallets (in fact all our gear!) from Logi Polo House in Buenos Aires, who Federico has worked with for many years.
Oh, and don’t forget the polo ball (Bocha)!
Gloves (Guantes)
It might seem to be a small detail, but good polo gloves can be a gamechanger (literally) especially if things get sweaty! Some brands we like are Ona, which are available with extra knuckle protection, and Franklin, which is a more affordable alternative. Some players prefer to just wear one glove in their mallet hand, or you can opt for a pair for better grip all round.
Whip (Fusta)
A whip can come in very handy on the polo field – we use fairly long whips (about 40 inches) that are strong and flexible, and have a ‘popper’ at the end (if you’ve ever seen a dressage whip, it’s similar to that). There’s also a loop at the handle end to prevent awkward whip-dropping moments mid-chukka.
Polo Shirt (Camiseta de Polo)
Long before Ralph Lauren co-opted polo as a brand, players have been wearing brightly coloured collared shirts to make their teammates easier to spot.
Polo shirts are also helpful for spectators, as it helps you identify the role of each player (via the number on his or her back). In tournaments, we wear our team colours with white jeans… but at home, we’re a lot more casual, it’s bombachas all the way! For polo clothes, La Martina is a handy one-stop shop.
Anything we’ve forgotten?
The world of polo gear is fun and addictive – we’d love to hear about your favourite brands or the equipment you can’t live without. Drop us a line or comment – and if you’d like guidance on stocking up while you’re in Argentina, just let us know. We’re happy to help!
