Polo might have started on the other side of the world, but here in Australia, it’s taken on a style all its own — fast, rugged, and steeped in bush tradition. From its origins on ancient Persian battlefields to the paddocks of rural New South Wales, polo has always been a sport that demands guts, horsemanship, and serious grit. It’s no wonder Aussies took to it like a stock horse to cattle.

Ancient Beginnings in a Far-Off Land

Long before polo found its way to Australian soil, it was played by Persian warriors as a form of military training over 2,000 years ago. Known then as a cavalry exercise, it quickly grew into a sport favoured by emperors and nobles across Asia. As it spread east, it took on many shapes — but always stayed fast, tactical, and horseback.

When the British Empire got hold of the game in India in the 19th century, they saw the thrill of it — and brought it back to England, giving polo its modern form. But it wasn’t long before the game galloped into Australia, where it truly found its stride among stockmen, bush riders, and country towns with a love of horses and open space.

Polo Lands in Australia

The first recorded polo match in Australia was held in 1874 in Goulburn, New South Wales. And like many great Aussie traditions, it wasn’t about prestige — it was about mateship, horses, and a good hard ride. The game quickly spread across rural Australia, where horsemanship was already part of daily life.

Aussie polo soon took on its own character: tough, fast-paced, and often played on the same horses used for mustering cattle during the week. Players weren’t just athletes — they were working riders, farmers, and station hands who knew how to handle a horse and weren’t afraid of a hard hit.

The Outback Edge

What sets Australian polo apart is its connection to the land. You’ll find clubs across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and beyond — from boutique fields in the Hunter Valley to dusty paddocks in the Outback.

The horses, often bred from stock horse and thoroughbred lines, are agile, reliable, and tough — just like the riders. Many of our best players come straight from the bush, where learning to ride starts early, and riding well is a way of life.

Homegrown Legends

Australia has produced some top-tier talent on the global stage, but it’s not all about elite tournaments. Across the country, weekend club matches still carry the same passion, with players of all levels getting in the saddle for the love of the game.

We also host world-class events like the Australian Open Polo Championship and Windsor Polo Club’s Autumn Carnival, where the sport’s old-school spirit meets modern flair — complete with boots, blazers, and the odd Akubra in the crowd.

More Than a Game

For Australians, polo is more than just a sport. It’s a celebration of horsemanship, community, and resilience. It connects country and city, heritage and high performance. And whether you’re chasing a goal on the field or watching from the sidelines with a cold drink, there’s no denying the sheer energy of it.

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In the Saddle, On Our Terms

From Persian battlefields to bush paddocks, polo has travelled far — but in Australia, it’s carved out its own identity. Harder, faster, and with a bit more dust in the air, Aussie polo stays true to its roots while forging ahead with its own brand of rugged elegance.

Here, we ride hard — and play harder.