String
Last updated: August 2026
In the Rulebook
Where “String” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.
USPA — United States Polo Association
“Unless announced as a "split string" event, no mount may be played by more than one team. Unlike many other penalties which the Umpire(s) may elect not to exact, the penalty for violation of this rule, which is forfeiture, must be exacted if a Referee, an Umpire, or a member of the Host Tournament Committee is notified of or otherwise becomes aware of the violation prior to 24 hours after the violation took place. g.”
Excerpts quoted from the official rulebooks of the Hurlingham Polo Association, the United States Polo Association and the Federation of International Polo. Rules change between seasons — always check the linked source for the current wording.
More Horse Terms
View allBroodmare
A female horse used for breeding. Elite broodmares from proven polo lines are highly valued.
Pony
The traditional term for a polo horse, regardless of actual height. Modern polo ponies are typically Thoroughbred crosses.
Padrillo
A stallion used for breeding polo ponies. Elite padrillos can sire hundreds of polo ponies in their lifetime.
Cuarteron
A polo pony with one quarter Thoroughbred and three quarters Criollo bloodlines, valued for stamina and agility.
Breaking
The initial training of a young horse to accept a rider and basic commands. Polo ponies begin breaking at age 3-4.
Foal Crop
The group of foals born in a single breeding season. Polo farms evaluate foal crops at 2-3 years old.
Pedigree
The recorded ancestry of a polo pony, documenting lineage through multiple generations of proven polo horses.
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