The Medieval "Polo System": Aristocratic Hunt, Not Sport

The polo system (Old French polo, from Latin pullus "young animal") was a formalized hunting practice in medieval France and England, distinct from the equestrian game of polo.

How It Worked

• Live quarry (foxes, hares, deer) released from cover.
• Pursued by greyhounds (sight hounds).
• From 13th century: Greyhounds' owner had to catch the animal alive before killing.
• Foxes → killed immediately. Hares/deer → carried home captive.

Evolution

Originally aristocratic pastime (also hunted deer). By 19th century, fox pelts became fashionable for women's hats → foxhunting emerged as the dominant form, with specialized hounds, horses, and ritual. The "polo system" term faded, replaced by "foxhunting" or "venery."

Key Distinction

Not the stick-and-ball game (introduced to West from Persia/India via British tea planters in 19th c.). The medieval "polo" was a coursing ritual with strict rules of capture.