Course
Riding into the Shot


Why is Riding into the Shot a Rule

Riding into the shot is a rule designed to protect the safety of players and mounts. It refers to a player riding into the swing of another player that is already in motion. For example, if the mallet head of the player swinging at the ball has already begun it’s downward phase, a player riding into that shot/swing would be penalised.     

How is the Rule of Riding into the Shot Applied

Riding into the shot is called equally for both offensive and defensive players, the determining factor is whether the mallet head is in motion towards the ball before initial contact is made between the player riding into the shot or attempting to make a ride off. 

Procedure of the Riding into the Shot Rule

The penalty for breaking the riding into the shot rule very much depends on the severity of the foul. If a horse is endangered then there’s a possibility of a yellow card being awarded for dangerous riding. The more potential danger to the mount or player, the more severe the penalty. 
The game, after riding into the shot is called, is always restarted with a penalty hit being awarded to the team that was fouled. 

Riding into the Shot at Different Levels of Polo

There are two separate rules for riding into the shot. At the eight goal or above level there is an ultimate rule which allows players to ride into the swing or into a player once the swing has begun, provided they ride shoulder to shoulder. In the USPA rules, that are used at levels below eight goal, riding into the shot is not allowed in any circumstances. 

The most common error that Fergus noted for a riding into the shot violation being called, is players riding into the shot from behind. In this instance, a player may be dribbling the ball and then attempts to play a shot but finds their swing impeded because an opposition player, attempting to make the hook, is positioned underneath that player's swing. The best way to mitigate this, according to Fergus, is to ensure that you’re hooking on the nearside to allow the opposition player space to make a fullswing. Fergus also suggested riding shoulder to shoulder where possible. 
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