The ball is made of light wood, usually willow, with no covering but white paint. It is 3 1/ 4 inches in diameter and weighs 5 1/2 ounces.
The polo sticks or mallets are made of bamboo canes, or poly resins, which provide flexibility, and the mallet heads of willow or maple. The mallets come in lengths of 49 to 53 inches and selection is made according to theheight of the pony being played.
The ball is struck with the side of the mallet, not with the end.
All players must wear a protective helmet with a chin strap and preferably a face guard. Knees are protected with leather knee guards.
The ponies are provided with protective bandages or wraps on all four legs.
Tails are braided, taped or tied to minimize interference in making the various shots. Several mounts are required for each player in a game, each horse usually being played only one period.
