Rules of Interaction Between Players on the Polo Field

Barclay Grayson

· Polo

A respected presence in the Portland, Oregon real estate development industry, Barclay Grayson manages BPM Real Estate Group and oversees a diverse portfolio that spans senior housing, multi-family, retail, and self-storage holdings. Barclay Grayson is active in the Portland community and has attended Willamette Valley’s Polo Noir, which brings out horse lovers to watch a unique sport that has been part of the American fabric since the 1870s.

Safety comes first in a sport where contact would be extremely dangerous both to steed and rider. This involves a line of the ball concept, in which an imaginary line extends in the direction where the controlled ball is traveling. This establishes the right of way and cannot be crossed by the opposing riders if there is even a remote chance of a collision or of causing the player on offense to slow up.

One interaction that is allowed is riding off, which involves pushing the opposing rider and his horse out of the way, using the player’s horse. This must be accomplished at a safe angle and if crossing occurs, even inadvertently, that is a foul.

Another allowed move involves hooking sticks, as long as this occurs on the same side as the ball, or directly behind the opponent with the ball. Again, this is strictly regulated. The stick must be maintained below the opponent's shoulder level and hooking cannot occur in front of the horse’s legs, where there is a risk of tripping.