Polocrosse is a fast-paced equestrian team sport that combines elements of polo and lacrosse, played on horseback with a racquet and a rubber ball. Invented in Australia in the 1930s, it has grown into an international sport with a particularly strong following in Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is known for its accessibility, with each player requiring only one horse and relatively modest equipment compared to polo.
How Polocrosse Is Played
A standard polocrosse match is contested between two teams of six players each, split into two sections of three who alternate during chukkas (playing periods). The three players on the field at any time are divided into set roles: the Number 1 (attack), Number 2 (midfield), and Number 3 (defence/goalkeeper).
The playing area is a grass field approximately 160 metres long and 55 metres wide, divided into zones. Players use a long-handled racquet with a loose, netted head to pick up, carry, and throw the sponge rubber ball. Only the Number 1 player is permitted to score by throwing the ball through the opposing team’s goalposts, which are set at each end of the field.
Matches typically consist of four to eight chukkas, each lasting six to eight minutes. The same horse must be used by the same rider throughout a chukka, but may be rested between chukkas. Given that the sport requires rapid changes of pace, sharp turns, and sustained athleticism, horse welfare and fitness are central concerns. Unlike polo, players are not permitted to switch horses between chukkas in the lower levels of competition, which means conditioning and managing horse fatigue is a key part of the sport.
Equipment and Horses
The racquet is the defining piece of polocrosse equipment — typically 1.1 metres in length, it features a loose netted head designed to allow the ball to be scooped from the ground and held securely during movement. Players use one hand for the racquet and the other for the reins.
Almost any horse breed or type can be used for polocrosse, and this accessibility is a major part of the sport’s appeal. Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Australian Stock Horses, and crossbreeds of all kinds compete successfully. The most important qualities are athleticism, manoeuvrability, a good temperament, and a willingness to work close to other horses. Horses are typically introduced to the sport gradually, becoming accustomed to the swinging racquet, the ball on the ground, and the noise and contact of match play.
Standard protective gear for horses includes boots on all four legs, and riders wear helmets and appropriate footwear. See also: horse training for guidance on preparing horses for contact sports, and the horse care section for managing fitness and recovery.
Polocrosse in the UK and Globally
In the UK, polocrosse is governed by the British Polocrosse Association (BPA), which organises regional leagues, national championships, and the selection of teams for international competition. The UK regularly competes in the Polocrosse World Cup, which brings together nations from four continents. The sport is particularly vibrant in South Africa and Australia, where large-scale tournaments and annual championships draw significant participation and spectator numbers.
The sport’s combination of riding skill, teamwork, and ball-sport tactics makes it uniquely engaging for both players and spectators. Junior participation is actively encouraged, and polocrosse clubs are a good entry point for young riders who want a team-sport experience with their horses. For more information on the international governing body, visit the World Polocrosse Association website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is polocrosse the same as polo?
No, though the two sports share some similarities. Polo uses a long mallet to hit a hard ball along the ground, requires multiple high-quality polo ponies per player, and is traditionally associated with significant cost and exclusive venues. Polocrosse uses a racquet to carry and throw a ball, requires only one horse per player, and is widely regarded as considerably more accessible and affordable. The pace and physicality are comparable, but the equipment, rules, and traditions are quite different.
How fit does a horse need to be for polocrosse?
Polocrosse places real demands on horses — sharp acceleration, hard turns, extended cantering, and close contact with other horses and riders within a single chukka. A horse competing regularly should have a baseline of fitness equivalent to a horse in light to medium competition work: capable of sustained canter over six to eight minutes without fatigue, with sound legs and good muscular development through the hindquarters and back. Building fitness should be gradual, starting with hacking and flatwork before introducing match play.
Can beginners play polocrosse?
Yes. Polocrosse clubs actively encourage beginners and many run introductory sessions where newcomers can try the sport on a quiet school horse before committing to their own horse. A competent rider who is secure at canter and comfortable in a busy environment will adapt to the basics of the game quickly. The racquet skills — catching, carrying, and throwing at speed — take more time to develop, but this is part of what makes the learning process rewarding.