Polo has been quietly played in Alabama for decades
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When people think of sports played in Alabama, polo rarely comes to mind.
While the sport is often associated with high-profile events or international competitions, polo is also played locally on Alabama’s Eastern Shore, where it continues to draw players and spectators alike.
For many first-time spectators, polo can seem fast and unfamiliar at first. Horses move quickly across the field, players rotate in and out and the game unfolds over a large playing area. Once the basics are understood, the sport becomes much easier to follow.
How the game of polo works
Polo is a team sport played entirely on horseback, with each match built around speed, strategy and coordination between players and horses.
The game, at a glance:
- Teams: 4 players per team
- Field size: Approximately 300 yards long
- Chukkers: Matches are divided into periods called chukkers
- Match length: Most outdoor matches consist of 6 chukkers
- Chukker duration: 7 minutes each
- Halftime: Occurs after the third chukker, often when spectators walk the field to help smooth divots
- Horses: Players rotate through multiple horses during a match due to the physical demands of the sport
The objective is to move the ball down the field using a mallet and score by hitting it through the opposing team’s goal, while following right-of-way rules designed to protect both riders and horses.
Where polo is played in Alabama
In Alabama, polo is played at Point Clear Polo Club, located in Silverhill just outside Fairhope.
The club hosts matches and tournaments throughout the season, welcoming players from across the Southeast and remaining open to spectators. Games are played on open grass fields in Baldwin County, giving visitors the chance to experience the sport up close.
According to the United States Polo Association, Point Clear Polo Club joined the Southeastern Circuit in 1970 and has remained active for decades. The club’s outdoor playing seasons typically run from April through June and again from September through November. A polo school is also offered, providing an entry point for those interested in learning the sport.
While matches are seasonal, polo in Alabama typically takes place during the spring and fall months. Those interested in attending a match can follow Point Clear Polo Club on social media for updates on upcoming games, special events and the start of the next playing season.
The role of polo grooms
In addition to the players on the field, polo relies on the work of grooms who handle the daily care and preparation of the horses.
Their responsibilities typically include feeding, exercising, grooming, saddling and caring for horses before and after matches. Grooms may work with multiple horses throughout a match day, helping ensure the animals are properly conditioned and ready to play.
This behind-the-scenes work supports the pace and structure of the sport and is a standard part of polo operations at clubs across the country.
While polo may not be widely associated with Alabama, it remains an active part of the state’s sports landscape, supported by organized matches, dedicated facilities and the coordination required both on and off the field.
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