The basics

Each polo team generally has four riders but in winter, when games are usually held indoors in arenas or outside on snowfields, three riders can form a team.

Players swing wooden mallets to hit the ball and score in the opposing team's goal.

A match comprises at least four periods called "chukkas", with each period normally lasting seven minutes.

A player changes horses several times in a match, replacing tired mounts with fresh ones.

At half-time, it's customary for spectators to get on the field and stamp down the grass mounds that have been kicked up by the horses.