Ginn
Well-Known Member
After playing polo in Edinburgh it was suggested that I start having lessons with the novice team rather than the beginners as, although my ball skills and coordination are shockingly poor (and that imo is unlikely to improve much knowing me!) they felt my riding was far beyond beginner and therefore that I'd progress better in a more advanced group. Does that make any sense?
So, despite not having a lesson or playing since BED at the end of november, I went and had my first training session with the novice team this afternoon - Oh my god they are good and I felt rather out of depth as although I was hitting the ball 9/10 it didn't always go where planned and as soon as we started playing chukkas I really struggled as it was far more tacticle (sp) and my poor little brain got really confuzzled BUT everyone was really supportive and made me feel so welcome, especially as they'd all been playing together for atleast a year, and I definately felt an improvement, the biggest being on letting go of the poor horses head and steering purely off my seat which definately clicked - infact I was told to gather up my reins a fraction and to ride "less like a dressage rider through my seat"
! Lol!
So a good session although I am now knackered and very achy - my muscles hurt sooo much!!
Oooh! AND I get to play in the national arena qualifiers in a fortnight!! Wohoo!
Any tips from polo peeps for improving my ball skills at home (we have a couple of foot sticks) I'd be very grateful as that is definately my weak area!!
So, despite not having a lesson or playing since BED at the end of november, I went and had my first training session with the novice team this afternoon - Oh my god they are good and I felt rather out of depth as although I was hitting the ball 9/10 it didn't always go where planned and as soon as we started playing chukkas I really struggled as it was far more tacticle (sp) and my poor little brain got really confuzzled BUT everyone was really supportive and made me feel so welcome, especially as they'd all been playing together for atleast a year, and I definately felt an improvement, the biggest being on letting go of the poor horses head and steering purely off my seat which definately clicked - infact I was told to gather up my reins a fraction and to ride "less like a dressage rider through my seat"
So a good session although I am now knackered and very achy - my muscles hurt sooo much!!
Any tips from polo peeps for improving my ball skills at home (we have a couple of foot sticks) I'd be very grateful as that is definately my weak area!!