Although the general impression of polo is a very glamorous one in fact it is a very addictive sport for any man or woman who is both keen and competitive. Even if you have never sat on a horse it is possible to quickly progress to a sufficient level of pony control and ability to hit the ball in order to get an immense level of satisfaction. Polo is a team game with four players on each side and the game is divided into sections called "chukkas" with each chukka lasting seven minutes. The player's performances are assessed annually by representatives from every polo club and the given handicaps range from -2 to 10, 10 being the best in the world. Although these handicaps are expressed as goal's (e.g. a 4-goal player), this does not refer the number of goals scored at any time. The polo tournaments are then organised around the handicap system in order to make each side as fair as possible. The majority of teams are made up of amateurs and professionals. Polo is played outside on an open ground six times the size of a football pitch throughout the summer season (April - September) and in an enclosed arena from October - April, the winter season. There are many options to play polo abroad especially during the English winter season enabling polo to be played almost 365 days of the year. Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa and Spain are just some of the fabulous destinations where polo is played and can include the whole family. If you are completely new to the sport then lessons are the best place to start. This way specifically trained ponies will be provided for you at a place with the appropriate facilities so all you have to do is turn up. It couldn't be easier and by clicking onto the Lessons link we can determine your individual needs and link you up with the best people.