Long Island farm teaches polo

LONG ISLAND, NY (FOX 5 NEWS) - It's known as the sport of kings and is described as hockey on horseback. Polo came to Long Island from Europe in the late 1800s. Over a century later, there's a push to make it as popular as it once was. 

"What other sport are you on 1000-pound animal running 35mph, bumping into other people. There's really nothing like it," said Jared Sheldon.  

Jared Sheldon said the sport is a passport to the world. The pro polo player just got back from a tournament in Australia. He's on Long Island for the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship on Saturday. 

It's an exciting sport to watch, but what does it take to play? 

With knee pads and a helmet, I was ready for a lesson. They paired me up with Nugget. I was told he'd take it easy on me. 

"We got a goal on each side, there are three players on each team, the umpire throws the ball in. You go to your goal. The team with the most goals wins," said Sheldon. 

Jared said my talent or lack of it - earned me a spot on the bench! 

Bob Ceparano, owner of Country Farms said polo isn't just for the rich and famous and its numbers are growing.  

"We have 5,000 members in the U.S. Polo Association in the country. I'd say the influx is probably 60/40 of women to men right now," said Ceparano. 

Women and men compete on an equal playing field, players can only use their right hand and there are four chukkas which is like a period in hockey.