"Naturally, we started with a pint in the club's bar. Yes, possibly not a wise thing in this heat but it sure helped us along!
As a few of use had never played polo before we did some training in the
barn with small polo mallets so we could learn the motion.
Once we had a basic idea how to swing the mallet (one must never hit the
horse!) we were then each assigned our mounts. All mounted and ready to
go, we proceeded to the huge polo field where we all were shown some
basic 'warming up' excersises. It is sure handy if one has good balance!
I was completely overwhelmed by how well trained the horses in this club
where! So very soft in the mouth and very responsive to the weight
distribution of the rider. Therefore it was very easy to 'connect' with
the horse, although I am speaking for myself here really but I hope we
all felt this. Because both horse and rider have the same goal in mind
(the horse is trained for this sport and so knows what it has to do) it
allows for a great connection, making rider and horse one. This in turn
allows one's concentration to focused on handling the polo mallet and
the gameplay. I repeat again: I was very taken by the willingness of the
horse to connect with a rider it did not know and actually in my case,
visa versa. There was a great sense of purpose, of 'getting a job done'.
Very different to 'just' hacking out.
Therefore, from a riding point of view, to just being able to experience
this 'connection' is worth giving polo a try. I don't know if all clubs
have such well trained horses but I do sure hope so.
It was also fascinating that the horses would be very hesitant joining a
'crowd' (which does happen with a bunch of over eager and excitet polo
beginners!) and yet would need hardly any encouraging as soon as they
see the ball roll in front of them in the open field. I dare say it was
similar to a dog wanting to chase the ball ... really quite something
else!"
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