Newport Polo: America's Oldest Polo Club
- This Cafe Life
- Sep 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 18
Newport and polo have been intertwined for nearly 150 years. It’s not just a sport here — it’s a tradition, a social gathering, and a piece of living history.
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A Brief History
1876: Polo was first played in the U.S. at Glen Farm in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, when James Gordon Bennett Jr. introduced the game to America.
The farm became the country’s 1st polo grounds, establishing Newport as the cradle of American polo.
Over the decades, polo in Newport became a favorite pastime of both society families and the military officers stationed nearby.
Today, Newport Polo carries on the legacy at the same Glen Farm grounds, hosting the Newport International Polo Series, where U.S. teams compete against visiting teams from around the world.
How to Enjoy Polo Today
Season: Matches run June through September, with international matches, U.S. vs. regional games, and charity events. Newport Polo Website & Calendar
Venue: Glen Farm in Portsmouth, a historic countryside estate just 15 minutes from downtown Newport.
Tailgating: One of the best parts of polo in Newport is the casual, festive tailgate scene. Fans arrive early to set up elaborate spreads — everything from coolers of Narragansett beer and lobster rolls to champagne towers and gourmet picnics.
The Divot Stomp: At halftime, spectators are invited onto the field to replace divots (clumps of grass kicked up by horses) — traditionally done with champagne in hand.
Dress Code: Anything goes. In the Pavilion, you’ll see sundresses, blazers, and wide-brimmed hats. Along the tailgates, jeans, polos, and sweaters are just as common.
Family Friendly: Kids are welcome; the wide-open fields give them room to play between chukkers.
Polo Basics: Understanding the Game
Polo may look like fast-moving chaos at first, but once you understand the basics — indoor vs. outdoor play, positions, numbers, and rules — it becomes thrilling to follow.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Polo
Outdoor Polo (Field Polo):
Played on a massive grass field — 300 yards long by 160 yards wide (roughly nine football fields).
Teams have 4 players each.
Matches (called chukkers) are 7 minutes long, usually 4–6 per match.
Horses (ponies) are switched between chukkers — a player may ride 6–8 different ponies in one afternoon.
Newport Polo is outdoor, on the historic Glen Farm fields in Portsmouth.
Indoor Polo (Arena Polo):
Played in an enclosed arena (100 yards x 50 yards, about the size of a hockey rink).
Teams have 3 players each.
The ball is larger and softer (often inflatable) to suit the smaller playing surface.
Faster scoring, more physical, often used for winter or off-season polo in the U.S.
Rarely played in Newport; the outdoor game is the tradition here.
Fun Note: The family who own Newport Polo have an indoor ring in Dighton, Mass to continue winter play and offer lessons.
Player Numbers & Positions
In polo, each player’s jersey number (1–4) indicates their role — making it easy for spectators to follow:
#1 – Offensive Forward
The most attacking player, aiming to score goals.
Stays forward, receives passes, and applies pressure.
#2 – Attacking Midfielder
Blends offense and defense.
Quick and aggressive, often the hardest-working role.
#3 – Playmaker / Captain
Usually the most experienced player.
Controls strategy, distributes passes, and directs the team.
Think of #3 as the quarterback of polo.
#4 – Defensive Back
Anchors the defense, protects the goal, and clears the ball.
Similar to a sweeper in soccer or libero in volleyball.
Watching their numbers makes the game easier to follow — #1 & #2 attack, #3 orchestrates, #4 defends.
Basic Rules of Play
Teams: 4 players (outdoor) or 3 (indoor).
Objective: Score by hitting the ball between the opponent’s goalposts.
Ball: Hard plastic ball outdoors (about baseball-sized); larger soft ball indoors.
Line of the Ball: The most important rule — once a ball is struck, an invisible “line” is drawn. Other players can’t dangerously cross that line, protecting horses and riders.
Right of Way: The player closest to the ball with the correct angle has priority.
Chukkers: 7-minute periods (usually 6 outdoors).
Switching Ends: Teams switch goals after every score to balance wind/sun.
Penalty Shots: Awarded for fouls; taken from different distances depending on severity.
Why This Matters for Spectators
Knowing these basics makes matches at Newport Polo far more exciting:
The Polo Player Circuit
Polo isn’t just a summer pastime — it’s a year-round, international sport. Players, horses, and even entire teams follow the seasons, moving between hemispheres to play in the best conditions.
Summer in Newport (June–September): Glen Farm in Portsmouth hosts the Newport International Polo Series. This is the U.S. summer season for many East Coast players.
Winter in the South: When New England cools down, many players (and their horses) migrate to Florida, especially Wellington (near Palm Beach), the epicenter of American winter polo. Others travel to Argentina, the world’s top polo nation, for training and competition.
Global Circuit: Some pros rotate between England, Argentina, the U.S., and Dubai, chasing prime polo weather year-round. Horses are often shipped internationally, with top ponies valued as highly as racehorses.
For spectators, this means that when you watch polo in Newport, you may be seeing the same players and ponies that compete in prestigious international tournaments. The Newport matches often feature visiting teams from around the world — part of the island’s charm and global connection.
What sets Newport Polo apart is its blend of sophistication and casual charm. You can sip champagne from the grandstand or share fried clams on a blanket at the sidelines, all while watching one of the world’s oldest equestrian sports unfold against a New England backdrop.
Making plans for Polo?
Check out our Newport Dining Guide to help plan your weekend adventure.
Planning a New England Getaway?
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