The Best Polo Safety Equipment for Beginners

So, you’re looking to step into the world of polo? Welcome! It’s the best sport out there (we’re not biased at all).

One of the most important things to consider when starting out in Polo, is the safety measures you need to take to ensure both you, and your horse, don’t get hurt. Polo is a fast paced sport, with sticks, balls, and lots of quick movements - so you don’t want to be caught out without the right polo safety equipment.

Here at Emita Polo, every piece of equipment we offer is designed with safety, quality and current standards in mind so you can play with confidence.

Essential Polo Safety Equipment

You need to protect yourself from your head right down to your feet. So, make sure you get everything you need before stepping out in that field.

Helmets

Safety starts with your head. A certified polo helmet is non-negotiable for beginners. Recommended options at Emita Polo:

Instinct Custom Polo Helmet – Meeting all safety requirements, the Instinct Polo Helmet offers premium protection. You can customise it too, because being safety conscious doesn’t have to be boring. Check out our customiser here.

Casablanca Helmet - Another great option that meets all safety requirements. Again, customise to suit your style here.

Charles Owen Young Rider Helmet - the best and safest option for younger players. The company has stopped making helmets so what we have is what we’ve got! Be sure to get your hands on this asap!

Polo Helmet Face Guard – Adds an extra layer of protection around your face during play.

Look for helmets that meet established polo safety certifications like HPA or NOCSAE (more on that later), ensuring they’re up to the task of absorbing impacts from falls or stray mallets. All our helmets here at Emita Polo meet safety standards.

Gloves

Protect your hands during play, and get the grip you need with a good pair of polo gloves. Keeping a secure hold on both reins, as well as your polo stick, is crucial! - 

Shop our range of gloves.

Knee pads

Knee injuries are common in polo due to sudden stops, quick turns and close contact with mallets or the ball. Quality ones, such as our Argentine Knee Pads, absorb impact and protect your joints without restricting movement.

Elbow guards 

You really don’t want a nasty strike to the elbow with a polo stick (ouch!!). Protect yourself with elbow guards, which are lightweight and tough. These Krono Elbow Guards, for example, are a great choice without getting in the way of your swing.

Goggles

Avoid dust and debris getting in your eyes during the game with a pair of goggles. At Emita Polo, you can find premium goggles designed for riding conditions that combine UV protection, clarity and secure fit, helping you keep your focus sharp and eyes safe! Shop goggles and eyewear here.

Polo Safety Equipment for Horses

Your four-legged friend is just as important to protect as you are. Horses can run super fast in polo, and without the right gear they’re vulnerable to irritants, impacts and strain - something that’s essential to avoid for the health of the horses.

Goggles for Horses

Protect your horses eyes, too! These eVysor Protective Horse Goggles are designed to offer 360° protection for your horse’s eyes, shielding against UV rays, wind, dust and debris while riding. The elastic straps make them easy to fit over the bridle, and they’re built to stay secure even in high-energy activities.

Tail Tape and Tail Guards for Polo Horses

Protect your horses tail from getting caught up in swinging sticks or other equipment with tail tape. Plus, tail guards protect the sensitive tail area, especially during transport or when horses are stabled. They help prevent rubbing, injury and hair breakage. Shop horse protection here.

Tendon Boots

Protecting a horse’s lower legs is soooo important! We can’t stress enough how essential it is to keep your horse safe and healthy during the game. Tendon boots shield the delicate tendons and ligaments from knocks and brushing, which is common at high speed or when horses are in tight formations. Shop tendon boots here.

Skid boots

Skid boots focus on protecting the hind legs, especially the fetlocks, when horses make sharp stops or quick turns. These are especially useful in training or for young horses still learning to manoeuvre confidently. Shop skid boots here.

Polo Safety Rules and Regulations

There are important safety rules and regulations in polo that affect what equipment you can use in sanctioned games. Here are just a few things to look out for…

HPA polo helmet standards

In the UK, many clubs follow helmet standards set by the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA). HPA-approved helmets are tested for impact resistance and secure fit, reducing injury risk during falls or collisions.

Here at Emita Polo, our Instinct, Casablanca and Charles Owen helmets are HPA accredited.

NOCSAE certification

Another key benchmark is the NOCSAE* certification which is a widely recognised standard for protective helmets. NOCSAE-approved polo helmets meet strict testing requirements, ensuring coverage against severe impacts.

Our Instinct and Casablanca Helmets are NOCSAE accredited.

Pony Club Safety Requirements

If you’re coming into polo through the Pony Club, safety is taken very seriously (in a good way). A properly fitted, approved helmet is a must, and gloves and basic protective gear like knee pads or elbow guards are strongly encouraged. The rules are designed to keep young and developing riders safe while they learn, and they also line up nicely with wider polo standards. All Emita Polo equipment meets current safety requirements, so it’s ideal for Pony Club riders! Find out more about Pony Club Safety Requirements here.

To find out more about our range of equipment and polo safety, email us at sales@emitapolo.com

*National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment - https://nocsae.org/