For anyone curious about what goes on behind the speed and spectacle of polo, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum is offering an inside look at the sport at its next lecture.

Stephen Littlechild, a Toronto Polo Club player, instructor, coach and umpire with more than two decades of experience, will speak about the history, strategy and horsemanship behind the game on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 7:30 p.m.

Littlechild’s presentation will explore the sport’s fast-paced action, including the role of thoroughbred horses known as polo ponies, as well as some of the terminology and techniques used by players, including mallets, bumps, hooks and chuckers.

The lecture also will look at how polo is changing, including its worldwide reach, the growth of women’s polo and the rising popularity of youth polo. Littlechild will focus particularly on the sport in Canada.

A graduate of the United States Polo Association’s Certified Polo Instructor program, Littlechild is an interscholastic coach and active umpire. Through his Chukker Hill Polo School in Richmond Hill, Ont., he works with beginner and intermediate players, teaching horsemanship, biomechanics and strategy.

He also will offer practical advice for people interested in taking up the sport during a question-and-answer session.

“Whether you’re a longtime polo fan, an aspiring player or simply curious about the sport behind the speed and spectacle, this is your chance to get inside the game,” Littlechild said.

The lecture comes ahead of Niagara Polo on Sept. 12, the museum’s largest fundraiser. The annual event takes place on the historic Commons in NOTL, where polo has been played for more than a century.

Tickets for Niagara Polo are still available, with proceeds directed toward museum operations. Early-bird prices are in effect until Friday, Aug. 21.

The lecture takes place at the NOTL Museum, located at 43 Castlereagh St.