How to Train for Equestrian Polo
Equestrian polo is an exciting, fast-paced sport that demands speed, timing and precision of both horse and rider. Training for polo is like any other sport—commitment and athleticism are key if you want to stay on top of the game.
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Instructions
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Find a Polo School and Visit
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Locate a polo school. If you have friends who ride, ask if they know someone who plays polo. You can also look in the yellow pages under "Stables, Horse and Riding Instruction." Contact local stables and riding instructors. Large, metropolitan areas may have their own polo groups. If none of these options work, contact the United States Polo Association at (800) 232-8772. They will help you find an instruction barn.
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Interview prospective instructors to determine rates, what is needed, what is provided and what you will be learning. Know up front what the rate is for lessons. Some instructors charge by the hour; others charge per lesson no matter how long you are in the arena. Find out what you need to bring with you and what will be provided (i.e., should you bring your own mallet, or does the school have gear for students?). In most cases, you can use one of the riding school's helmets during the first few lessons but will soon need to purchase your own. When taking riding instruction, usually lesson horses are available, but ask to be sure.
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Set up a time to visit the stable and meet the instructor. Observe a lesson, if possible, so you can see the instructor's teaching style. If all goes well, make an appointment for your first lesson. Chemistry between rider and instructor is key. If you don't understand what your instructor is trying to get across, or if you cannot live with her teaching style, you won't be able to learn very much.
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Know what your goals are and verbalize them to your instructor. Make a plan and map out exactly where you want to go.
Take Lessons
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Arrive for your lesson at least 30 minutes early, so you have ample time to groom and tack up your horse. Get to know the stable staff and other riders. These are people you will be spending quite a bit of time with, and they can be your greatest allies.
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Pay attention to what your instructor says during your lesson. It is extremely helpful for beginner and novice riders to be a part of group lessons after an initial private lesson evaluation. Riders learn more quickly when they can watch each other. Always get plenty of sleep and drink lots of fluids before, during and after training. Equestrian sports are the same as any other: physically taxing. Contrary to popular belief, the horse does not do all the work. Riding is a partnership between horse and rider.
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Visit the barn as often as you can. Watch other riders take lessons and school their horses. If there are active polo matches held, be sure to observe and be a part of the action. You will be cheering on your team as well as learning valuable lessons. If you have opportunities to ride different horses, go for it. The more horses you ride, the more you will grow as a rider.
Other Activities
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When you are not riding, there are several activities you can do to keep fit. Exercise, nutrition and rest are always important, but become even more crucial when you are training.
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Ride a bicycle. This is a great pastime that will benefit you as a rider, because both sports use the legs and seat for balance. Strong legs are very useful as they are the base of your support. Polo riders spend a lot of time in two point. Two point means that the rider is not in full contact with the seat of the saddle. Riders in two point use their stirrups and legs to balance as they ride.
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Eat healthy. It goes without saying that there are no top riding competitors who are overweight. Stay well hydrated, take vitamin supplements and receive regular check-ups with your primary-care physician.
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Stretch and do yoga. Pilates also is great for toning a rider's body. Whatever you can do to keep your muscles strong and supple will help you ride your horse.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear an approved safety helmet when riding. Equestrian activities are very dangerous.
