The easiest way to get into playing polo is by visiting a polo club.
Discovering Polo at a Club
Going to a polo club is the easiest way to discover the sport. This is because clubs are equipped with the necessary resources for beginners.
The Importance of the Right Horse
According to the reference, polo clubs have the horses that will perfectly suit your first moves on the polo field. The choice of the horse is critical to start playing polo. Polo is a sport where you need to be in confidence all the time with your horse. Clubs provide mounts specifically trained for the sport and suitable for different skill levels, which helps build this essential confidence from the outset.
Taking Your First Steps
Once at a polo club, here are typical steps to get started:
- Visit a Local Club: Find a polo club near you. Many clubs offer introductory sessions or opportunities to watch practices or matches.
- Take Lessons: Most clubs offer lessons tailored for beginners. These lessons often start with riding skills specific to polo and basic mallet techniques, often done off-horse initially or on slow horses.
- Learn the Basics: You'll learn about the rules of the game, basic strategy, and safety protocols.
- Develop Riding Skills: Strong riding ability is fundamental to polo. Lessons will help you become comfortable and confident riding different horses while using a mallet.
- Acquire Equipment: While clubs often provide equipment for initial lessons (mallet, helmet), you may eventually need your own gear.
Why Start at a Club?
- Access to Suitable Horses: As highlighted, clubs provide horses (often called 'polo ponies', though they are full-sized horses) specifically trained for the game.
- Expert Coaching: You'll learn from experienced players or certified instructors.
- Structured Learning Environment: Lessons are designed to teach skills progressively and safely.
- Community: Clubs offer a social environment where you can meet other players and enthusiasts.
Starting at a polo club provides the necessary foundation, access to appropriate horses, and expert guidance to learn the sport safely and effectively.
