Polo matches are some of the most fun events to attend. The fast-paced action of the match is balanced nicely with the leisurely atmosphere of the casual yet elegant spectator areas. We work with a lot of polo events, from last month’s Miami Peach Polo, to the upcoming London Mint Partners Polo in the Park in June, But for first-timers, it can be a bit of an unknown, so here is an overview of what to expect if you’re heading out to a match soon.
How to Enjoy a Polo Match:
Refreshments:
Polo clubs allow spectators to bring food and drinks. So pack a picnic lunch of items that will travel well for an afternoon sporting event.
Tailgating is very popular at a polo match, and the styles vary widely with the participants.
Attire
Polo is an outdoor sport, so dress according to the weather. You really can’t be over or under dressed. Spectators at a polo match wear everything from jeans to high fashion.
If the polo match you’re attending is a major tournament, charity benefit match or special event, you may want to dress up.
If you want to go divot stomping at halftime, and you should, it’s a good idea to wear shoes for health reasons and a hat for sun protection. Other than that, be comfortable. And of course, wear your Solemates on your high heels!
Half-time
Divot stomping is a long standing tradition at half-time. Spectators wander all over the field stomping down the torn up turf. It’s fun and you can meet great people just wandering the field. Even at high goal tournaments the players often walk divots to keep limber at the half, and often they take breaks or change ponies close to the stands.
Many times you can say hello to the best polo athletes in the world. Just remember not too be too distracting, these are athletes who need to get back to work.
Viewing
A polo match is fast and the playing field is large. Your best bet is to watch the main group of players clustered loosely around the ball. Keeping your eye on the ball is difficult at far ends of the field, if you have binoculars bring them.
Watch a Video of Greenwich Polo Club’s White Birch polo team playing in a tournament against the Mercedes-Benz polo team.
Learn
Learn the basics of the equestrian sport of polo. If you aren’t with a friend who knows a little about polo, ask the people around you what’s happening. Many spectators love to help a new observer. If you’ve already made some studies of the game, you should be able to see the rules in action and recognize great play.
Seating
Most polo clubs are open for public viewing on weekends. You can enjoy a polo match played by some of the greatest athletes in the world right from the sidelines! Just bring a blanket or beach chair.
Polo is played in more than 60 countries and enjoyed by more than 50 million people each year.
So get off the Internet and get in the middle of world-class competition between some of the greatest names in athletic sport.
While we won’t be making it out to Louisville this year, we’re delighted that our Solemates will be making a strong showing! If you are heading out, but you don’t own your own pony, please make sure to pack some Solemates or find them at a Louisville Retailer (http://bit.ly/I6CyHp).
Solemates and the Kentucky Derby – a match made in heaven!? (well, at least Churchill Downs!). We are thrilled to announce that Solemates will be once again be in attendance at this year’s festivities. Solemates will be given to all of the horse owners (wives), the jockeys’ wives, and the trainers’ wives, as part of the Kentucky Derby Official Horseman’s Bags (the ultra welcome kit for the #youknowyouvemadeitwhen crowd).
