After finishing second in the $10 million Dubai World Cup, the 2014 American Horse of the Year, California Chrome, is getting ready to travel to England. He’ll be at Royal Ascot, which runs from June 16-20, and will compete in the most important race, the Prince of Wales's Stakes, on Wednesday, June 17.
Royal Ascot is Britain’s most celebrated race meeting, attracting many of the world’s elite racehorses to compete for millions of dollars in prize money. The five-day event is known for its lucrative spectacle, where fashion, style, socializing, and fine dining are at their pinnacle.
In the meantime, we’ve enjoyed the Kentucky Derby, and we’re getting ready for the opening of polo season here in San Diego on May 31st. I would like to share some information about this very old sport and the etiquette norms we should follow while attending polo matches. You might be invited, and you need to own it!
HISTORY
The term “polo” originates from the Tibetan word “pulu,” which means ball. Polo is an ancient team sport that is played on horseback: players score points by using long mallets to drive a ball into the opponent’s goal. Polo most likely began in Persia and spread to other parts of Southern and Central Asia. The game was very popular during China’s Tang Dynasty, as we can see from its depiction in paintings and statues from that period.
POLO AND ETIQUETTE
Attire – polo matches are often seen as highly-anticipated spectacles and fashion statements. At the same time, it depends very much on what level of game you are watching. In the US, most polo matches are pretty casual, family events. However, for finals and championship games, men should wear jackets or suits, and women should wear summery, fresh, classy-looking dresses. Bright colors and floral printed dresses are favored. And of course the oh-so-popular big beautiful hats!
Because polo clubs have a lot of grass and unpaved areas, stilettos won't be your best choice, especially if you plan to participate in the Divot Stomping.
Minding your manners
- Spectators shouldn't sit on top of the fences, because this is an elegant and classy event.
- The big difference between polo and other sports is that spectators do not cheer loudly for their favorite player; it could distract or frighten the ponies. Soft applause is acceptable.
- Parents must supervise their children at all times, because it can be very dangerous if they run onto the turf.
Ponies – We do address the horses as ponies, and each player can have more than one. The polo pony is professionally trained and carefully selected for speed, stamina, and agility. At the same time, one of the most important characteristics is the pony's temperament; he must remain responsive under pressure and easily controlled.
Divot Stomping - During this traditional half-time activity for attendees, spectators spill on to the playing field (called the “pitch”) to stomp down any of the turf which has been kicked up during the game by the ponies’ hooves. It is a very large field, so if you don’t join the Divot Stomp, it might be a good idea to carry binoculars to get a better view of the fun.
Seating Arrangements - Polo matches usually have a couple of seating arrangements: bleacher seating and member's enclosure. Spectators in bleacher seating bring their own picnic lunches, while club members enjoy a lavish sit-down lunch, afternoon tea, and endless champagne.
I hope this will get you ready for an amazing time at your next (or your first) polo match, and don't forget to have fun!
Maryanne Parker is the founder of Manor of Manners www.manorofmanners.com company for Business, Social and Youth Etiquette in San Diego, CA
for further contact: imanorofmanners@yahoo.com
Polo Etiquette
Royal Ascot is Britain’s most celebrated race meeting, attracting many of the world’s elite racehorses to compete for millions of dollars in prize money. The five-day event is known for its lucrative spectacle, where fashion, style, socializing, and fine dining are at their pinnacle.
In the meantime, we’ve enjoyed the Kentucky Derby, and we’re getting ready for the opening of polo season here in San Diego on May 31st. I would like to share some information about this very old sport and the etiquette norms we should follow while attending polo matches. You might be invited, and you need to own it!
HISTORY
The term “polo” originates from the Tibetan word “pulu,” which means ball. Polo is an ancient team sport that is played on horseback: players score points by using long mallets to drive a ball into the opponent’s goal. Polo most likely began in Persia and spread to other parts of Southern and Central Asia. The game was very popular during China’s Tang Dynasty, as we can see from its depiction in paintings and statues from that period.
POLO AND ETIQUETTE
Attire – polo matches are often seen as highly-anticipated spectacles and fashion statements. At the same time, it depends very much on what level of game you are watching. In the US, most polo matches are pretty casual, family events. However, for finals and championship games, men should wear jackets or suits, and women should wear summery, fresh, classy-looking dresses. Bright colors and floral printed dresses are favored. And of course the oh-so-popular big beautiful hats!
Because polo clubs have a lot of grass and unpaved areas, stilettos won't be your best choice, especially if you plan to participate in the Divot Stomping.
Minding your manners
- Spectators shouldn't sit on top of the fences, because this is an elegant and classy event.
- The big difference between polo and other sports is that spectators do not cheer loudly for their favorite player; it could distract or frighten the ponies. Soft applause is acceptable.
- Parents must supervise their children at all times, because it can be very dangerous if they run onto the turf.
Ponies – We do address the horses as ponies, and each player can have more than one. The polo pony is professionally trained and carefully selected for speed, stamina, and agility. At the same time, one of the most important characteristics is the pony's temperament; he must remain responsive under pressure and easily controlled.
Divot Stomping - During this traditional half-time activity for attendees, spectators spill on to the playing field (called the “pitch”) to stomp down any of the turf which has been kicked up during the game by the ponies’ hooves. It is a very large field, so if you don’t join the Divot Stomp, it might be a good idea to carry binoculars to get a better view of the fun.
Seating Arrangements - Polo matches usually have a couple of seating arrangements: bleacher seating and member's enclosure. Spectators in bleacher seating bring their own picnic lunches, while club members enjoy a lavish sit-down lunch, afternoon tea, and endless champagne.
I hope this will get you ready for an amazing time at your next (or your first) polo match, and don't forget to have fun!
Maryanne Parker is the founder of Manor of Manners www.manorofmanners.com company for Business, Social and Youth Etiquette in San Diego, CA
for further contact: imanorofmanners@yahoo.com
Polo Etiquette