SAINT MORITZ:
St. Moritz is a famous resort town located in the canton of
Graubünden in Switzerland. It is located in the Engadin valley, at an altitude
of about 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) above sea level, in the southeastern part of
Switzerland, near the border with Italy.
It is known for its
luxury hotels, shopping, and winter sports. St. Moritz has a long history as a
winter sports destination, dating back to the late 19th century. It was the
site of the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, and it has also hosted numerous other
international sporting events, including the FIS Alpine World Ski
Championships, the Bobsleigh World Championships, and the Snow Polo World Cup.
In addition to its sporting events, St. Moritz is also known for its high-end
shopping and dining, as well as its luxury hotels and resorts. It is a popular
tourist destination for people from around the world who are interested in
skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, as well as those who are looking
for a luxurious vacation experience.
WHAT IS SNOW POLO:
Snow polo is a variation of the traditional horseback sport
of polo that is played on a field covered in compacted snow and ice.
WHEN WAS SNOW POLO FIRST CREATED:
Snow polo was first played on the frozen lake of St. Moritz,
Switzerland in 1985. The first snow polo tournament was organized by Reto
Gaudenzi and a group of local players who wanted to play polo in the winter
months, when the regular grass polo fields were covered in snow. The tournament
has been held every year since then and has become a popular winter sporting
event in St. Moritz.
THE RULES OF SNOW POLO:
Snow polo is played on a field that is about the same size
as a grass polo field, but the surface is made of compacted snow and ice
instead of grass. The game is played with a ball made of synthetic material
that is specifically designed to be used on snow and ice. The rules of snow
polo are similar to those of grass polo, but there are a few differences. For
example, the ball is often not as bouncy on snow and ice as it is on grass, so
the game is generally played at a slower pace. Additionally, the horses used in
snow polo are often shod with special shoes or boots to help them maintain
their footing on the slippery surface. Other than these differences, the basic
rules of snow polo are the same as those of grass polo, including the number of
players on each team (four), the number of chukkas (periods) in a game (usually
six or seven), and the scoring system (goals are scored by hitting the ball
through the opposing team's goal posts).
HORSESHOES TO PLAY ON SNOW:
Horses used for snow polo are often shod with special shoes or boots to help them maintain their footing on the slippery snow and ice surface. These shoes or boots have special studs to help the horses grip the ground. The specific type of shoe or boot used may vary depending on the conditions of the playing field and the preferences of the horse's owner or polo player. It is important to use the appropriate type of shoe or boot to ensure the safety and well-being of the horse and the rider.
WHEN TO WATCH SNOW POLO IN ST. MORITZ:
The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz is held annually in St. Moritz, Switzerland. It is usually played in the winter months when the lake is frozen. The next even will played on the 26th to 29th of January 2023.
