Polo in Riviera Nayarit | Its history and where to see it

by Jorge Araguez

Polo has a fascinating history that dates back several centuries. Its roots lie in ancient games and sports played in various cultures, but modern polo has its most recognized origins in Persia (now Iran), where it was known as “chogan.”

Chogan was a sport practiced by the Persian nobility since at least the 6th century BC. They used long sticks to hit a ball made of leather and wood. This tradition spread to other countries over the centuries, adopting different names and local variants.

The modern form of the polo we know today was developed in India in the late 19th century, where the British popularized it among British military officers stationed on the subcontinent. From there, the sport quickly spread throughout the world, becoming an international sport with federations and organized competitions.

In short, polo has a rich and diverse history that combines ancient traditions with modern influences, making it an exciting and highly regarded sport in many parts of the world.

A polo match is played between two teams, each consisting of four players. The objective is to score goals by hitting a plastic or wooden ball with a long stick towards the opposing team’s goal. The dimensions of the field vary, but it is typically large, with goal areas at each end.

Players must ride a horse and handle the ball with their sticks, trying to advance towards the opponent’s goal while defending their own. The game is divided into chukkers (or game times) that usually last about 7 minutes each. After each chukker, players change horses to ensure they are properly rested.

The team that scores the most goals at the end of the predetermined number of chukkas wins the match. Polo is a dynamic sport that combines equestrian skills, stick skills and team strategy in a fast and exciting environment.

This fantastic sport can be seen at the La Patrona Polo Field, which is located in Riviera Nayarit, an area known for its natural beauty on the Mexican Pacific coast. This field is recognized as a center of activity for polo in Mexico, attracting both local and international players due to its top-notch facilities and picturesque location.

Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are much more than one of the most beautiful bays in the world, you just have to check it out.