Inductee to the Polo Hall of Fame

H.L. (Henry Lloyd) Herbert
Elected March 3, 2000

A founding father of American polo, H.L. Herbert was instrumental in establishing and nurturing the sport in the United States. He devised the handicap system in 1888, becoming the country's first and sole handicapper. In 1890 he guided the organization and development of the USPA and was named its first Chairman - a post he held from 1890 to 1921. During his record 31 years of tireless and dedicated service, he was credited with drafting the first set of American field and general rules of play, adapting them from the English Hurlingham rules.

Though not rated highly on his own handicap system, H.L. served as umpire and referee at many turn-of-the-century matches. He, along with James Gordon Bennett and August Belmont, financed the original New York Polo Grounds. H.L.'s unselfish devotion to the best interests of the sport has earned him the admiration and gratitude of many generations of polo players.

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