Final answer:
In polo, the mallet is the item that is held in the right hand and ranges in length from 49 to 54 inches to suit the player's height and horse size for effective reach and swing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When playing polo, the item that must be held in your right hand and ranges from 49 to 54 inches long is a) Mallet. Polo is played on horseback, and one of the core pieces of equipment for the game is the polo mallet or stick, which is used to hit the polo ball. It is designed to suit the player's height and the size of the horse, ensuring effective reach and swing while avoiding contact with the horse's head or legs.
Polo rules specifically state that the mallet must be held in the right hand; this is a rule enforced for safety reasons to standardize play and minimize the risk of accidents on the field. Regardless of a player's dominant hand, they are required to use their right hand to wield the mallet. The length of the mallet helps the player reach the ball while maneuvering the horse and maintains a safe distance to swing without putting themselves or their mount in danger.