What are the origins of Polo?

Finding the precise origins of any sport is not easy and in the case of Polo, one of the most fascinating and spectacular to see equestrian events, many theories abound concerning the historical and geographical roots.
The most frequent version, perhaps because it is surrounded by the mystique of the East, is tied to a Tibetan legend, where from ancient scrolls and effigies, the story told is of a race unknown then to the rest of the world, countries recognised as Tibet and Afghanistan, where a more rudimentary version of Polo is still played.  In fact, “Pulu“ in Tibetan means ball and travellers have told of how the local shepherds of the highlands in this desolate terrain used to ride with a stick slung across their arms to crush small rodents, probably musk mice, which risked reducing the already scarce pastures. In the absence of the rodents, balls of plants or goat hide were used and the past time became also source for heartfelt family feuds.  
Another source of the origins of the Princes’ sport come from Persia, around 500 B.C. based on the story that King Darius I of Persia gave Alexander the Great a polo stick and ball as a gift when the Greek threatened to attack the Persian Empire. With teams of 50 players each it is not difficult to imagine that matches turned into true battles. Travelling through time to the 17th century we come across certain data on the origins of modern polo. From the uncountable paintings, engravings and finds of polo accessories again it is Persia the place of birth for the sport, from where it was exported to the far corners of the British empire.