There are several ways you can get started with Polocrosse here in Minnesota! To help you take the next step, below are some actions you can take to help you get involved in this exciting sport:
– Check the MN Polocrosse calendar on the home page and plan on visiting us at our next scheduled event!
– Join us for a Sunday afternoon practice!
– Come watch a tournament!
– Check out our ‘How to Watch Polocrosse’ instruction sheet
– Check out the Polocrosse Instructional videos on our site!
– Visit our FAQ page for more information on the sport.
– Contact our club President Kristi Johnson or one of our board members
WHAT SORT OF HORSE DO YOU NEED?
You can play polocrosse on any sort of horse (so long as it is not blind in either eye, is not a stallion and is not unfit), but you will find some more suitable than others even though they come in a great variety of shapes and sizes. Horses which have cattle Penned or pony club or 4H experience generally make good polocrosse horses. Many top polocrosse horses are Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horse crosses, which have great athletic ability, agility, stamina and courage. Of course it is easier to learn on an experienced horse but there is no reason why you can’t both learn together. Many of our elite players have commenced their sporting careers on older, experienced horses that are accustomed to the rucks and line outs and tend to follow the ball.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?
No. If you are old enough (or young enough) to ride a horse, you can play polocrosse. Polocrosse utilizes a handicaps system so that teams can be more evenly matched. Players abilities are assessed and rated on a scale from 0 to 10, 0 indicates a beginning or novice player, while the player rated at 10 goals denotes the highest handicap possible. The rating is an estimate of a players worth to their team, it is an overall rating of a player’s horsemanship, team play, knowledge of the game, strategy and sportsmanship. In matches played by handicapped players (as opposed to open competition where handicaps are not considered), the handicaps of all three players on a side or all 6 players on a team are added up. If the total handicap of a team is more than the team against which they are playing, the difference is added to the scoreboard. For example, if team blue has a total handicap of 6 goals and team red has a handicap of 4 goals, ‘blue’ would start with a 2 goal advantage.
WHAT GEAR WILL I NEED?
- Helmet: Like most horse sports, you will need an equestrian helmet with a 3 point harness.
- Saddle: The most suitable type of saddle is an Australian Stock Saddle, but you can use any saddle as long as it doesn’t have a horn. For safety reasons, all saddles must be equipped with a breast plate, girth and over girth.
- Bridle: Any bridle can be used, but no bits with protrusion are permitted (snaffle with out the full cheek pieces) and reins must be joined.
- Protective Boots/Bandages and Bell boots: Must be on all 4 legs of the horse.
- Rackets & Balls: There are a number of different style rackets available. Check our resources page for details.
If you are interested in finding out more information about our club and how to get started, please contact our club President, Kristi Johnson at [email protected] or member Kristy Gusick at [email protected] for help. We love new people! Beginners, new-comers and visitors are always welcome so come join us in this fun-filled, family friendly, fast paced, team sport!