As a veterinarian whose majority of clients are in the polo and eventing worlds, I get the chance to see the similarities and differences between the two sports. In both, athleticism and fitness of the horse are of utmost importance, however there are few similarities in how the two disciplines train and prepare their horses. I have come to the conclusion that there are some “best practices” to be gleaned from each sport, which could be duly applied to the other, and that could further soundness, horsemanship, and welfare goals.
Training ideas regularly employed by eventers that could improve the athleticism and responsiveness of polo ponies are lateral work and striding. Common routines would be moving horses in leg yields and moving shoulders separately from hind end in corners. Of course one of the biggest benefits from lateral work is increased straightness. Working on striding can be accomplished by placing two poles on the ground about 60’ apart and practicing cantering 4,5, or 6 strides between them. This ability to collect and extend is as important in polo as it is in eventing but is often overlooked.
Polo ponies greatly benefit from the routine of going in “sets.” It is an easy way to accomplish the incredibly important building block of fitness through long-slow-distance work. They get the additional benefits of truly swinging through their backs with no rider on them, and psychologically, exercising in groups is socially rewarding for horses. Another valuable tool good polo riders develop in their horses is self-carriage. By always riding on a loose rein and allowing the horse to carry itself in its natural frame, polo ponies learn to maintain their own rhythm, and develop strong musculature and mental confidence.
Training ideas regularly employed by eventers that could improve the athleticism and responsiveness of polo ponies are lateral work and striding. Common routines would be moving horses in leg yields and moving shoulders separately from hind end in corners. Of course one of the biggest benefits from lateral work is increased straightness. Working on striding can be accomplished by placing two poles on the ground about 60’ apart and practicing cantering 4,5, or 6 strides between them. This ability to collect and extend is as important in polo as it is in eventing but is often overlooked.
Polo ponies greatly benefit from the routine of going in “sets.” It is an easy way to accomplish the incredibly important building block of fitness through long-slow-distance work. They get the additional benefits of truly swinging through their backs with no rider on them, and psychologically, exercising in groups is socially rewarding for horses. Another valuable tool good polo riders develop in their horses is self-carriage. By always riding on a loose rein and allowing the horse to carry itself in its natural frame, polo ponies learn to maintain their own rhythm, and develop strong musculature and mental confidence.
