Equipment
and the
Throw-in

EQUIPMENT The player's gear consists of helmet, long boots and knee guards. The bamboo mallet is about 51 inches long. The wooden head is put on at a 77.5 degree angle so that it will lie flat on the ground when hitting the ball. The wooden ball, 10 inches in circumference, is struck by the side of the mallet. The indoor inflated ball is leather covered; circumferences 14.5 inches.

The player uses and English type saddle. There is an overgirth in addition to the regular girth to keep the saddle from slipping. Side reins, which are sometimes used, extended from the girth through the bridle rings to the rider's hands to give better control. Leg bandages are used to protect the lower legs of the pony, and tail is wrapped to keep it from tangling in mallet strokes. The left side of the pony is called the near side, the right side is called the off side.

THROW-IN The game begins with a throw-in at midfield at the beginning of each chukka and after each goal. Teams line up facing the umpire who tosses the ball between them.