SKANEATELES, ONONDAGA COUNTY -- John Walsh calls polo 'ice hockey on horseback.'  He's a regular player, along with his 13-year-old son.  So is Skaneateles industrial designer Marty Cregg, who says it's one sport that you can play - competitively - after age 30.

It's a simple game: four horses and riders face off against another four.  They travel at speeds up to 35 miles an hour, maneuvering a ball with long mallets, under and around their mounts.  Passing the baseball-sized white ball while being jostled and pushed by the opposing team, requires strategy and luck as it takes bounces on the turf.  The ball can go up to 100 miles per hour.

"You get to think about the game," says Walsh, who uses it as a de-stresser from his television show "America's Most Wanted".  With the speed and activity on the field he says that "you cannot think about anything else".  Also, the game keeps you in shape.  "I'll ride 6 to 8 horses in a match," says Cregg. "it's quite fun."

A good way to see polo in action is at Sunday, July 27th's Polo for Opera at the Skaneateles Polo Field. The benefit for Syracuse Opera is family-themed ($10 general admission, $5 for children) and includes food, an auction, a Volvo raffle, and pony rides for children. Walsh and Cregg will be captaining opposing teams.

For more information, including on a Friday night gala that's part of the weekend, call Syracuse Opera at 475-5915  or check www.syracuseopera.com