NationStates Jolt Archive

Have any of you played it?

Could you post a link to basic stuff for a n00b? And tell me something important about it?

(no, there is not a club near me. Good idea though.)

It's very expensive. And don't call them horses, they're ponies.

I assume you have experience riding? If not, I would highly suggest becoming very comfortable and balanced on a horse before embarking on learning the sport, as the sudden stops, starts, and galloping is sure to deseat an unexperienced rider. Also, an inexperienced rider can ruin a good polo pony, and polo ponies are very, very expensive, sensitive animals. I would suggest learning to ride in an English saddle, as it is what is most commonly used, and rides very differently than a Western saddle.

I did a quick Google search and sifted through the information, and thought that the following guides represented some of the better information about polo, and should serve as a nice beginning place for you:

http://www.polo.co.uk/polo_guide.htm
http://www.polo.co.uk/pologuide/polo_guide_equipment.htm (an extension of the first link, but this one gives you access to the links on the lefthand side of the page, which cover more than the first link provides, and declutters the page of the other less useful links.)
http://www.mauipolo.com/polo_terms.htm

Those links should give you a beginning foundation, and certainly give you an idea of specific terms and subjects you may wish to Google.

I hope that helped some.

It's very expensive. And don't call them horses, they're ponies.

What is the expensive part? The would-be players have got the horses, known as ponies. So it's the tiny matter of gear...

....
I hope that helped some.
It does. Do you have firsthand experience?

What is the expensive part? The would-be players have got the horses, known as ponies. So it's the tiny matter of gear...

Usually, if you are playing a four chukker (quater) game you will need more than one pony. You really just can't go out and play on any old horse either. They need to be experienced &c. especially if you are just starting.

Ideally, you should have four ponies.

You can probably get the tack and kit for around $1500.

I am not personally a polo player. Wasn't really my crowd.

It's very expensive. And don't call them horses, they're ponies.


Actually, despite their name, I believe polo ponies are actually polo horses. They are typically in the mid 14-15 hand range, and are often Thoroughbreds. "Polo Pony" is just a special nomenclature for them, just as the track horses who lead out the race horses before a race are referred to as "post parade ponies," even if they may be taller than the racehorse they are in charge of leading.

Polo ponies have simply always been referred to as ponies, even though most of them are not of a breed of pony at all. So, even though calling them "horses" may be out of fashion when they are on the field (although riding in an arena, I am sure they would simply be referred to as horses), the poster wouldn't be too incorrect in calling them horses.

Actually, despite their name, I believe polo ponies are actually polo horses. They are typically in the mid 14-15 hand range, and are often Thoroughbreds. "Polo Pony" is just a special nomenclature for them, just as the track horses who lead out the race horses before a race are referred to as "post parade ponies," even if they may be taller than the racehorse they are in charge of leading.

Polo ponies have simply always been referred to as ponies, even though most of them are not of a breed of pony at all. So, even though calling them "horses" may be out of fashion when they are on the field (although riding in an arena, I am sure they would simply be referred to as horses), the poster wouldn't be too incorrect in calling them horses.

I believe you are correct. Everyone calls them ponies though.

The idea is to get the local horse crowd together and somehow get a league going. Preferably with tv and trophies. Around here, lots of people have horses, but use them only for that 1 hr sunday ride. And the kids are bored, because they want FUN. I think polo is the closest you can safely get to the origin of modern horsemanship; warfare. Can't really have them cutting each other to pieces or clubbing each other intentionally. Would be nice for tv ratings though.

The idea is to get the local horse crowd together and somehow get a league going. Preferably with tv and trophies. Around here, lots of people have horses, but use them only for that 1 hr sunday ride. And the kids are bored, because they want FUN. I think polo is the closest you can safely get to the origin of modern horsemanship; warfare. Can't really have them cutting each other to pieces or clubbing each other intentionally. Would be nice for tv ratings though.

Did I mention that it is also very dangerous?

Do you fox hunt where you are?

What is the expensive part? The would-be players have got the horses, known as ponies. So it's the tiny matter of gear...

I have been out of the horse game for a bit, so I looked this up on a polo club site to verify. From http://www.sportpolo.com/Sport/Expenses.htm

* Helmet $300
* Boots $500
* Polo mallets $500
* Knee guards $250
* Polo pony $15,000
* Saddle $750 - $3000
* Bridles $250 each
* Polo wraps $100
* Stabling $1200 monthly
* Shoeing $150 monthly
* Veterinary $1000 yearly
* Club fees $7500 yearly
* USPA dues $250

My commentary:

I believe that the helmet price is exaggerated, as you can pick up riding helmets anywhere from $60-100 USD. The boots, I believe you can probably pick up for $200 for decent ones, $100 if you want to go cheap. The polo pony price is absolutely correct, but you mentioned that the horses would be provided to you, removing your horse, stabling, shoeing, veterinary, saddle, bridles, etc. concerns. (The stabling, btw, I believe is also overexaggerated as many barns allow you to board anywhere from $175-300 per month. The hay bales are often $4-6 a bale, although that price might be a bit outdated (it changes each year and season, and depending on whether the food is alfalpha or grass hay, etc.) Club fees can be ridiculous, which is why many polo players get sponsors which pay them to ride and play for a certain stables.

You will want a good pair of britches to wear, with leather knee rolls and probably a leather grip seating, which will put you out nearly $200. You will also want a nice pair of leather riding gloves to prevent wearing blisters between your fingers.

You will also want riding lessons, if you haven't ridden before. For standard learn-to-ride lessons, you are looking anywhere from $20-80 USD per hour. Proper lessons get very, very expensive.

The entire horse lifestyle is do-able, but it is not cheap, especially when you consider how rare it is to make money in the horse industry. For most, their equestrian hobby doesn't replace much of the money spent (again, this is why you sometimes see sponsors for higher-level riders), but it is well worth it if you really love it!

The idea is to get the local horse crowd together and somehow get a league going. Preferably with tv and trophies. Around here, lots of people have horses, but use them only for that 1 hr sunday ride. And the kids are bored, because they want FUN. I think polo is the closest you can safely get to the origin of modern horsemanship; warfare. Can't really have them cutting each other to pieces or clubbing each other intentionally. Would be nice for tv ratings though.

Have you considered competitive (or fun) trail riding, or 4-H style games? Gymkhana?

Barrel racing, Relay races, etc...

I would definitely check out these pages:
http://wy.essortment.com/gymkhanagame_rigr.htm
http://games.ponyclub.org/gamesplay.html (look at the left side on this one)

I second the dangerous comment. Polo is not something you typically want occasional sunday riding children playing, as it is a very rough sport. Also, horses which aren't trained to be polo ponies stand a good chance of getting hurt. Just things to consider.

Have you considered competitive (or fun) trail riding, or 4-H style games? Gymkhana?

Barrel racing, Relay races, etc...

I would definitely check out these pages:
http://wy.essortment.com/gymkhanagame_rigr.htm
http://games.ponyclub.org/gamesplay.html (look at the left side on this one)

I second the dangerous comment. Polo is not something you typically want occasional sunday riding children playing, as it is a very rough sport. Also, horses which aren't trained to be polo ponies stand a good chance of getting hurt. Just things to consider.

I would recommend drag hunting. Low pressure, safe, easy, fun.

I would recommend drag hunting. Low pressure, safe, easy, fun.
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That would be lots of fun! :-)

Only, it would necessitate the poster having a good set of scent dogs. :-/

Did I mention that it is also very dangerous?

Do you fox hunt where you are?
Nope, no fox hunt. What is dangerous about it? If kids can ride trails, gallop, jump, full stop from gallop....there can't be much more danger in riding with sticks?:confused:

'

That would be lots of fun! :-)

Only, it would necessitate the poster having a good set of scent dogs. :-/

That's why I asked if they fox hunted near him. You have to exercise the hounds anyway.

I would recommend drag hunting. Low pressure, safe, easy, fun.
...colourful.

That's why I asked if they fox hunted near him. You have to exercise the hounds anyway.

Drag hunting...can't I use a chihuahua...and lure them in for the kill? How could a drag queen resist a chihuahua? No way.