Welcome to Polo.

Polo Basics & New Rider Guide

Welcome to polo at California Polo Club! Polo is an exciting, fast-paced sport — and like any equestrian discipline, it comes with important expectations around safety, attire, and conduct.

This guide is designed to make those expectations clear and accessible, especially for new riders.

Please review this page carefully before your lessons, practices, or first chukkers.

Required Clothing Guidelines

You do not need full polo whites or expensive gear to start — but you do need to wear appropriate, safe riding attire.

• Pants must be form-fitting

  • Acceptable options:

    • Riding breeches or tights

    • Polo pants/whites

    • Jeans - should not be loose fitting or wide leg

  • Not allowed: sweatpants, leggings with loose fabric, flared pants, or baggy clothing. Loose fabric can catch on tack or interfere with leg aids.

• Footwear

  • Closed-toe boots are required

  • Riding boots or paddock boots preferred

  • Boots must have a defined heel

  • No sneakers or open-toe shoes

• Hair & accessories

  • Long hair must be tied back; it cannot be worn down

  • Avoid dangling jewelry, scarves, or anything that could get caught

If you’re unsure whether something is appropriate, just ask — we’re happy to help before you get mounted.

Required Safety Gear

Polo involves speed, horses, mallets, and other riders. Proper safety equipment is mandatory — no exceptions.

• Helmet

  • Must be NOCSAE-approved

  • Must be properly fitted and in good condition

• Face protection

  • A compatible faceguard and/or approved eye protection is required

• Additional protective gear

  • Knee guards are strongly recommended

  • Mouth guards are encouraged, especially for chukkers

If you arrive without appropriate safety gear, you may not be permitted to ride. New players may borrow a NOCSAE helmet for the club for the first few lessons.

Why NOCSAE matters: NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) sets safety standards specifically designed to reduce head injury risk in equestrian sports, including polo. A NOCSAE-approved helmet is tested for impact protection, is designed for mounted sports, and will have a NOCSAE certification sticker or label inside. Faceguards and eye protection should be designed to work with your helmet, not retrofitted or improvised.

United States Polo Association (USPA) Membership

USPA membership is a critical part of participating in organized polo in the U.S. It provides:

• Insurance coverage

• Standardized rules and safety oversight

• Support for clubs like CPC

USPA Membership Expectations at CPC

• Membership strongly recommended

  • Riders who have taken approximately 10 or more lessons

  • Riders who plan to continue regularly

• Membership required

  • Anyone approved to play chukkers

  • Anyone participating in organized games or tournaments

Final Note: Safety, Respect & Shared Responsibility

Polo is a team sport — and safety depends on everyone doing their part. Wearing proper gear, following club guidelines, and maintaining current membership helps protect: You, your horse, your fellow riders and the club as a whole.

Please also review the CPC Code of Conduct & Safety Policy, which works hand-in-hand with this guide.

If you have questions at any point, ask. We would much rather answer early than correct later.

Welcome to polo — we’re glad you’re here.