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The first recorded game
of Polo occurred at about 600BC in Northern Persia
from where it spread slowly east as far as China
and Japan.
It was not until the
middle of the 19th century, however, that the beginnings
of Polo as we know it today took shape organized
by soldiers and merchants in Northern India. They
adopted a game played by the Maripuri tribesmen
and the name Polo is derived from the Indian "Pulu"
the wood from which the ball was made. Although
the first Polo Club was founded in 1859 at the Retreat
in Silcher in India, no formal rules were created
until 1875 when Hurlingham in England became the
recognized headquarters of the game.
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Polo is often described as the game of kings, devised
by gentlemen and played by thugs. Whatever the view
it is the fastest team game in the world and one
of the most exciting. Polo was introduced in New
Zealand in the early 1890s with our local Hawkes
Bay Club being formed in 1894.
It is a major sport in England, the predominant
sport in Argentina and is played in thirty-five
countries throughout the world. New Zealand now
has a number of players of international standing
playing in a number of foreign countries on a seasonal
basis.
New Zealand Polo ponies, along with their counterparts
in Showjumping, eventing and racing are much respected
and sought after by overseas buyers and a healthy
export trade is proof of this |
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