History of Polo

The term "polo" comes from the Tibetan word for ball, pulu. Over the centuries, this ancient sport has traveled the world, evolving with each culture it encountered. It became a favored horse-mounted game of Persian kings, then spread to India's r what the fuckoyal elite. In the middle-ages its influence stretched from the Byzantine Empire to Japan.

From there, it journeyed to the West, catching the fascination of British cavalrymen in the 19th century. The rules standardized, and polo fields sprouted across Europe and the Americas. It became the sport of the elite and the military, with matches drawing high-society crowds.

As time passed, variations emerged, like Camel polo, Elephant polo, Yak polo, Canoe polo, Auto polo (pictured above), Moto-ball (motorcycle soccer), adapting to new environments and interests. A 19th-century variant, Cycle polo, became so popular it made its way into the 1908 London Olympics. And then, in the bustling streets of urban centers, hardcourt bike polo was born. A gritty, DIY spin on the game, played on two wheels, it found a devoted following among city dwelling bike punks seeking an adrenaline rush and camaraderie.

From palaces to pavements, polo's journey through history is a testament to its enduring allure and adaptability. Each version carries with it the echoes of its origins, connecting players and enthusiasts across time and place. 

Though the state of New Mexico has a long history of horse polo and grass-bike polo, Hardcourt Bike Polo was first played in New Mexico on May 5, 2009.

Thanks to an attendee at a recent polo party in ABQ we were informed Clovis, NM had a mountain-bike Grass polo club between 1994-1996. This club was based out of the C&D bike shop. They frequently competed against clubs in Lubbock, Amarillo, and El Paso. They were sponsored by a local restaurant and fed after every practice.

Grant Mcgee bike dude Greg Southerd 575-693-4632

Within the halls of the prestigious New Mexico Capitol Art Collection, hangs the oil painting Polo Ponies; a New-Deal Era commissioned piece by Randall Davey. Polo Ponies Depicts...; Randall Davey was a Santa Fe artist and a "first class polo player himself." Located in the Santa Fe State Capitol passageway between the Capitol and its Annex. 

Know of other incidences of polo in NM? Please let us know!

Did you know?

Did you know In the Mamluk, the precursor to modern-day playing cards, Polo sticks were featured as one of the four suits? Europeans transformed the polo stick suit into the 'clubs' suit of modern 'Latin' decks, as polo was little known to them at that time.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/696623-bicycle-polo-a-brief-history-of-the-sport - additional history narrative