Modern Polo

This vintage book contains a complete guide to polo, with information on its rules, picking horses, breeding, equipment, history, and much more. Written in plain, simple language and profusely illustrated, this timeless handbook will be of considerable utility to modern readers with an interest in the game. Contents include: "First Steps at Polo", "Theory and Practice of Polo", "Polo Appliances", "Choosing a Polo Pony", "Training the Polo Pony", "Polo Pony Gear", "Polo Pony Management", "Various Breeds Polo Ponies", "Polo in India", "A Retrospect", "Poly Pony Breeding", "Polo in the Army", "Polo Abroad", et cetera. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on horses used for sport and utility.

This work--the first of its kind in more than sixty years--covers polo in Argentina, from its beginnings in the 1870s to the summer of 2013. The history of the early pioneers is constructed with data not previously published, gathered from contemporary sources. International competitions are covered and include the Olympic Games, the Cup of the Americas and the World Championships. Particular attention is given to the major clubs, the Argentine and Hurlingham Open Championships, and the National Handicap Tournament. Several of the elite players merit individual or family mini-biographies. Myths in Argentine polo are also debunked, based upon careful analysis of contemporary sources. Travels abroad by Argentine teams are fully described as are the foreign teams that competed in Argentina. The work is enhanced by the author's personal observation of significant events and friendship with many of the participants.

Beautiful horses, well-dressed players and ancient cultures--welcome to polo. Polo is one of the only sports in the world that relies more on the power of an animal than that of a human. Polo has evolved with the world's cultures, creating new variations as it has spread. But, at the heart of polo, is a shared love of horses and a respect for tradition, two requirements that have helped it earn its famous nickname--"the sport of kings."

Tracing the evolution of polo from its origins in Central Asia to its current manifestation as a professional sport that attracts wealthy sponsors and patrons, this sociological study examines how polo has changed according to the economic and cultural differences of the nations and continents where it is played. One hundred historic and modern photographs are included.

This book, with contributions from many of the world’s leading polo journalists, profiles more than 30 of the most influential polo players from history. The players covered were selected for inclusion based on their overall impact on the game rather than their prowess on the field, although many covered are considered all-time greats. Each chapter covers an individual player, including early pioneers, those who played during the “golden era” (the years between World War I and World War II), superstars, game-changers, and great contemporaries. The book includes numerous photographs and a foreword by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales.

The definitive guide to the 'Sport of Kings'.