Pictures: Polo in Cary

Story and photos by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC – It was another crazy weather weekend in Cary, with rain in the morning on Saturday, sunshine in the afternoon and hail around midnight. But Sunday was balmy for a polo match.

Like Hockey, With Horses

I’d never been to a polo match. Fortunately, the event was MC’d by Maybe Ortiz, a lovely lady from Atlanta. Ms. Ortiz explained the game, and the play, and lent a welcoming charm to the match.

I learned that polo doesn’t have innings or quarters or periods – it has chukkers. Like hockey, there’s a goal, but no goalie. The play can quickly change direction with a back-shot. Sometimes, the horses get all jammed up and push each other around, like rugby.

At halftime, spectators take to the field and stomp down the divets, or clods of turf that have been torn up by the hooves of the horses.

Polo in Cary

The match took place at Wake Med Soccer Park, on Field 3 behind the big stadium. Triangle Area Polo faced Atlanta Regional Polo Center, with an exhibition match by student-players as young as ten.

It was an enjoyable afternoon, the event was free, and with a little support, I think polo could become popular in Cary.

Catch a match next time it comes around.