Stoppages
When the umpire stops play for a lost helmet, broken tack, a fall, an injured player or pony, or a damaged ball, how much time is allowed, and how play restarts, as each rulebook sets them. Where a rulebook says nothing, the cell names the clause we checked.
19 of 20 rows differ
| Fact | HPA UK | AAP Argentina | USPA USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost helmet | Same in HPA, AAP, and USPA Play stops at a neutral moment so the player can get it back | ||
| Broken tack that stops play Differs | At once: broken bit, broken rein (both if double), broken girth, trailing bandages | Broken snaffle, broken reins (both pairs if double), broken or loose girth, a bandage coming off If the bandage has come right off the leg, the umpire may let play go on. | At once: broken girth, trailing martingale, broken single rein, broken or loose bit, broken curb chain, loose bandages or boots |
| Other damaged tack Differs | Stopped at a neutral moment if the umpire sees a risk | Broken curb chain, stirrup leather or martingale: play goes on unless dangerous | Stopped at a neutral moment if it may be a risk; at once if it could interfere or endanger |
| Fixing broken tack Differs | On the field if quick; otherwise the player leaves and play restarts once they are off | Not specified AAP 2026 r.20bchecked | On the field if quick, or leave; up to 5 minutes at 6 goals and under if announced If another horse broke the tack, play waits 5 minutes or until the player returns, whichever comes first. |
| Dismounted player Differs | May not dismount without good reason; on foot, may not hit the ball or interfere | May not hit the ball or take part in play | May not hit the ball or interfere with the game |
| When play stops for an injured player Differs | At once if the player or pony is in danger; otherwise at a neutral moment | At a neutral moment, unless the player is in the way or in danger | The umpire stops play |
| Player falls off Differs | At once if the player or pony is in danger; otherwise at a neutral moment | Play is not stopped unless the umpire thinks the player is hurt | When the ball is neutral; at once if the player may be hurt |
| Time allowed for an injured player Differs | Up to 10 minutes, including bringing on a substitute For a serious injury, on medical advice, the umpires may allow more. | 30 minutes A player who needs medical care leaves in the ambulance, and a substitute must come on within the 30 minutes. | 10 minutes; the umpires may allow more No second time-out for the same injury. |
| No substitute in time Differs | Not specified HPA 2026 r.22checked | Play restarts, even three against four | The team plays on short; its handicap does not change |
| Player knocked unconscious Differs | Not specified HPA 2026 r.22checked | Not specified AAP 2026 r.22dchecked | May not play again that day |
| Injured player coming back Differs | In place of the substitute, at the start of any chukka | From the middle of the field, when the umpire allows | At the end of a period, when changes are free |
| Injured or distressed pony Differs | Play stops at once, when the player reports it or the umpires see it If the pony is visibly hurt, the umpires call 'all may change' and it is led off or taken off by horse ambulance. | At a neutral moment, unless the pony is in the way or in danger | At once when the player reports it; at once or at a neutral moment on a time-out request If the pony is visibly hurt, the umpires call 'all may change'. |
| Can the excused pony come back? Differs | A tired pony may be marked so that it cannot play again in the match | Not specified AAP 2026 r.23checked | No; bringing it back forfeits the game |
| Time to change an injured or tired pony Differs | Not specified HPA 2026 r.23achecked | Not specified AAP 2026 r.23checked | 5 minutes |
| Teammates changing ponies during the stop Differs | Not allowed when a tired pony is changed | Not allowed when a player asked for the stop A player who changes is sent back on the previous pony, and play restarts without waiting. | Not until play resumes; the opponents get a penalty if one does |
| Pony falls Differs | Stopped at once if its shoulder touches the ground; the player changes and the pony is checked If judged fit, the pony may come back. | At a neutral moment, unless the pony is in the way or in danger | Stopped at once if its body touches the ground; trotted and checked before the player remounts |
| Lost or twisted shoe Differs | The player may be allowed to change at the next break; play restarts when they are back | Not specified AAP 2026 r.23checked | Not specified USPA 2026 r.21f(4)checked |
| Buried ball Differs | Whistle and throw-in, if the players cannot move it | The umpire may stop and throw in; play goes on if a player moves it first | The umpire stops play if it is unplayable, at their sole judgement |
| Broken ball Differs | Play stops; new ball, then a fair play dropped ball or a throw-in A goal counts if a player hit the larger part through before the whistle. | In a neutral play, a throw-in; during a penalty, it is retaken; with clear possession, a fair play may be given | The largest piece stays in play unless the umpire stops; a first hit of a foul shot or knock-in is retaken For a small chip or crack the umpire waits until neither team is favoured. |
| How play restarts after a stoppage Differs | Throw-in where the ball was, at least 20 yd from the boards and 10 yd from the back line; or a fair play dropped ball | Throw-in, at least 20 m from the boards or side line; or a fair play | Throw-in towards the nearer side; or a possession play if the team with the ball was badly disadvantaged |
≈ marks a figure we converted; the rulebook gives only the other unit.