Although the first records of the sport are from Persia 2,500 years ago, there is little information on woman polo players until the modern rebirth of the sport in the 1800s.

It has been suggested, however, that like many woman throughout history there were some horsewomen who dressed themselves as men in order to play polo. Fortunately, there is no record of the situation in reverse!

Today the sport is healthily diluted with a significant number of women who are out there holding their own against the men. Watching a mixed team playing, it is apparent to even the untrained eye that the fairer sex have a different game plan altogether.

In such a fast and high-pressure, adrenalin-fuelled environment, raw instinct can be observed at its best as the gentlemen return to their neanderthal roots and the ladies follow quietly behind, sorting out the mess with little to prove - an uncanny reflection of society perhaps!

The only exception to this rule is when a full complement of ladies compete against each other, or - worse still - compete against an all-male team. 

Women by nature are possibly a little more calculating and intelligent, which certainly compensates for the lack of physical strength.

As for the “sexy” aspect of the game, the new wave of female players is adding further glamour to the sport. And it has been said that jodphurs were originally designed for women’s benefit, not men’s!

In the commercial world, polo has been recognised as one of the more powerful mediums in the media industry to convey a corporate message.  While polo itself is renowned for the media attention it attracts, a host of attractive, sporty career woman astride glistening steeds has all of the ingredients to produce an award-winning campaign.

Big cosmetic brands and manufacturers of sporting underwear and attire have already realised the value of such an aspirational concept and have capitalised on the unique imagery that only polo is able to produce.

Female celebrity players, (such as “Heart to Heart” actress Stephanie Powers and super model Jodie Kidd) have not only brought extra glamour to the sport but have been instrumental in creating awareness of polo’s global accessibility. All these things pave a great way forward in an industry that relies heavily on private funding and patronage.

Here in Dubai the opening of the Polo Academy has allowed all genders from all walks of life to participate in a sport that, until recently, has been completely inaccessible.

From housewives to high-flying executives, the aspiring women players of Dubai have certainly raised the bar when it comes to commitment and ability. It really is a case of “watch this space”. Gentlemen, be warned - jodphurs will be the least of your worries!

Classes and prices

The one-off Polo experiences on offer at the Academy include Anyone for Chukkas - an intensive hour and a half of solid activity learning the outlines of polo, including riding and stick and ball skills. For two to ten people at a time, it finishes with a mock game.

It’s a great activity for a bunch of friends or family looking for something completely out of the ordinary for entertainment as well as fitness, a little competition and loads of fun. No previous riding or polo experience neccessary. All equipment supplied.

For the more serious beginners there is a package of five, one-hour group lessons at a discounted rate.  By the end of the five weeks students are ready to play mock games under instruction and can choose which direction to take with their tuition.