Polo is enjoyed by all ages, primarily because the horse provides the strength and endurance.
Contrary to what a spectator might think, regarding hitting, the most important skill for a polo player is horsemanship.
The rules allow a wide range of speed and skill to coexist in the same game. This allows a new player to be participate in games with minimal impact, so long as the rules are understood. It also allows a rich patron, with limited skills and training, to finance a high-goal team of pros, and be on that team.
A frustration recognized by most beginners is the realization of how much work is needed to develope hitting skills and the amount of experience needed to understand 'the play'. If a weekend training schedule is followed it could take months before the skills necessary to safely participate in a game are developed.
Ask any polo player, it may be addictive, it may stress the relations of family and friends, you may never make it past one-goal, it may send you to the poor house, but polo is worth it.
Players are ranked by a handicap measured in a goal rating, -2 goals on the low end, 10 goals on the high end. Many factors are used in determining a rating a short list is provided below with no particular priority.
It is so rare to reach or exceed a 5-goal rating that the USPA honors those who have by publishing their names in the Yearbook. Only 240 players have reach a rating of 7-goals or better in the 100 year history of the USPA. Only 42 players have ever reached the rating of 10-goals in the USA.
Most players are content to pursue a rating of 2 or 3 goals. Four 2 goalers would make an 8-goal team, an 8-goal game can be a spectacular game for spectators and players alike. The US Open, which is the superbowl of polo is a 22-26 goal game. A 40 goal game is rarely assembled in the US, maybe 4 time in the last thirty years(?).