TRADITION REIGNS The Oak Brook Polo Club

The 2023 Oak Brook Polo Club starts its 101st season on June 25. For those interested in Polo, perhaps for the first time, here are some basics to help understand and appreciate the game.

The Game

Six Chukkers (periods), seven minutes and thirty seconds each. The field is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide. On the end line at each end are goal posts, 24 feet apart. Points are scored by hitting the ball between the posts. Each time a goal is scored the teams change direction of play. It’s like hockey on horseback. It is legal to “hook” the hitter’s mallet. The game is very physical and can be dangerous. In between chukkers there is a four minute break for players to change ponies and get a drink. After three chukkers there is a ten-minute “half time.” With time-outs for penalties and the like, a typical match lasts one and- a-half hours.

Players

There are four players on the field for each team, wearing a jersey numbered l through 4. The roles of each player are: l. The Forward: Always out in front waiting for a pass.

2. The Hustler: Quick and aggressive with fast ponies.

3. The Pivot: The quarterback.

4. The Back: Defender. There are no goalies. Needs to be very physical and have a good backshot.

Helmets are required, and some have face masks. Players wear padded knee guards with long boots. Some may choose to wear elbow pads.

Mallet

It’s a solid bamboo cane with a hard wood head. The mallet ranges from 50-54 inches in length and you hit the ball with the side of the mallet, not the end. All players must hold the mallet in the right h and; lefthanded play is not allowed

The Ball

Today’s polo b all is solid plastic,weighing 1/4-lb., and is a little larger than a baseball. Historically polo balls were made out of wood.

The Horse

They are called ponies. Most are former race horses, high -speed Thoroughbreds with exceptional abilities. The tail is braided to stay out of the way of the mallet. The mane is clipped off so the player can see the ball, and to prevent the reins from being tangled in the mane. The idea is for each player to have six ponies - one for each chukker.

Horse Equipment

The saddle is English. A girth, over-girth and breastplate help hold the saddle in place. Two sets of reins are used. A martingale, a part of the harness, keeps the pony from th rowing it’s head and blocking the player’s view. The lower legs are wrapped for support and protection.

The Shots

Players actually stand up in the stirrups when hitting the ball. The shots are made from the “off” side, which is the right side of the horse. The left side is called the “near” side. With reins in the left hand and a mallet in the right hand, the player is only holding on with his legs.

Handicap

Players are rated on a scale of minus - 2 to l 0 . Beginners start at minus 2. In handicap matches, each team adds up the ratings of its players to arrive at a team rating. The difference of the two teams’ ratings is awarded as points to the lesser skilled team as the beginning score of the game.

Foul

When you hear the umpire blow the whistle it ‘s just like basketballsomebody foul ed. The other team gets a free hit. The most common foul is crossing the line. Forty percent of all the points in a game are scored from the foul line.

Rules

Polo is governed by the United States Polo Association. The rules are so complex it takes over 80 pages in the USPA Rule Book just to explain them.

IN A NUT SHELL: Don’t hit your horse or anyone else’s with your mallet. You can’t play left-handed. No dangerous riding. Abusive play and foul language are not allowed. If a player comes off his or her horse or off the field, the clock can continue to run; if a horse falls down, stop the clock. The team with the most points at the end of six chukkers wins. If the game ends a tie they play sudden death overtime.

The Butler family, starting with Paul Butler 101 years ago, has long been involved with the sport of Polo. From Paul to son Michael and daughter Jorie, they learned the game and managed the Oak Brook Polo Club. Michael, in particular, was known for hosting matches with well-known celebrities, including King Charles III of England.

Sadly, last November, Michael Butler passed away at the age of 96. He was a strong supporter of not only Polo but his sister Jorie’s “Friends of Conservation” movement in Africa. To honor Michael, Jorie’s daughter, Reute Butler, has organized a benefit luncheon on June 25 in Oak Brook, the day of the first match.

Visit friendsofconservation.org to learn more.