Has anyone been on a Polo taster day?

milliepops

milliepops

Wears headscarf aggressively
Joined
26 July 2008
Messages
27,531
Visit site
And if so, where did you go and what was it like?

I'm probably not supposed to be doing this myself but trying to think of something for a hen do, that doesn't involve L plates and tacky stuff! :o :D

Anyway most of my friends are riders and the rest have sat on a horse and steered about successfully... so was thinking about having a go at polo. Looks fun and not insane money. But would be great to get some real feedback :) There are a few clubs within reasonable distance but I'd be happy to travel and do an overnighter somewhere.
 
OH and daughter did one at Onley Grounds. Loved it! They also have bar etc for afterwards. Cater for novice / non riders to.
I asked for a day at the horseback archery center for my birthday but OH pointed out that cantering around with no hands shooting a bow would not be the best idea atm.
 
I've started having lessons since October, it was meant to be just a one off thing as the opportunity to try it came up but it's great fun so I haven't stopped. I've only had group lessons, it works really well as we each go off and practice with the instructor going round and helping people individually and then we have a chukka to finish. Everyone I've encouraged to try it has had a ball, even the people who can barely trot as you're so focused on trying to hit the ball you don't worry about what the horse is doing or how you're riding. I've been to Offchurch Bury and Rugby, the people at both have been lovely, really down to earth and friendly. I think you'd have a great time on a hen do, it's fun, exciting and involves horses, what more could you want?
 
I haven't done one as a Polo taster day, but where I play polo offers Hen do/corporate event taster days. And I know everyone has a great time doing it. My club is Offchurch Bury Polo club, they have great fun ponies, and cater to beginners to polo every year, as teach Warwick and Nottingham University.
 
Ummm, i interpreted the title initially as a day tasting polo mints and other lollies (polo taster day). Must be because i am on a diet!!!
Have fun.
 
I haven't done one, but they do them at some of the venues where do polocrosse. I think it would be pretty cool and way better than drinking lurid cocktails through cock-shaped straws with an oiled-up stripper sliming all over you...

PaddyMonty said:
OH and daughter did one at Onley Grounds. Loved it! They also have bar etc for afterwards. Cater for novice / non riders to.
I asked for a day at the horseback archery center for my birthday but OH pointed out that cantering around with no hands shooting a bow would not be the best idea atm.
Click to expand...

They lead you in walk and trot, before they let you loose up the track in canter - and even then it's a roped "line" they're trained to canter up and stop at the top, on very sensible horses. You'd be fine ;)
 
JFTD said:
I haven't done one, but they do them at some of the venues where do polocrosse. I think it would be pretty cool and way better than drinking lurid cocktails through cock-shaped straws with an oiled-up stripper sliming all over you...
Click to expand...

:D :D :D I'm hoping there will be lurid cocktails later on but the "accessories" will not be required! :p
 
One arena club local to me do this, they also do a 'day' too, which involves all getting a small amount of instruction on foot with stick and ball, same on the wooden horse (which hopefully saves a pony from getting stick whacked on it), some ridden work to see who was fibbing about being able to ride, then a couple of chukkas. Topped off with a bbq lunch after.
Good fun even for those who haven't ridden before as they have various different temp/goal ponies :)
 
Sounds a lovely idea and I think most polo places are used to total novices.

Just try to avoid a repetiton of the gentle hack I arranged for a stag do which ended up with the groom flat out cold on the ground, the best man ridden over and another lucky stag decanted into a tree and air-ambulanced out. They did say they could ride :)
 
I've played at Rugby and they were fantastic, really welcoming and very tolerant of beginners. I really enjoyed it (despite not being a speed demon) - I let the rest of my friends tackle each other and focussed on trying to score the goals! Definitely a fun day out.
 
I did an arena polo taster session at Hickstead. We had ground tuition with the stick first then a quick lesson on going, stopping and steering the ponies then we were off. There were 5 of us in the group and we had a 2 on 3 mini chukka. There was food and drink available in the clubhouse and we all stayed to watch a polo match in the afternoon. A real fun day out.
 
Check out Groupon, milliepops, worth a try. I managed to get a 1/2 day polo experience for a friends birthday pressie for £20. -somewhere near Bawtry I believe but other venues were listed. She had a really good time.
 
JFTD said:
Cocktails are fun - lurid or otherwise - it's really the cock-straws and accessories I don't care for! I'm a cock-free zone, me!
Click to expand...

Cock-straws!! I’ve clearly led a sheltered life.

Sounds great fun, wish there was a polo club somewhere near me
 
chillipup said:
Check out Groupon, milliepops, worth a try. I managed to get a 1/2 day polo experience for a friends birthday pressie for £20. -somewhere near Bawtry I believe but other venues were listed. She had a really good time.
Click to expand...

ahh good idea, hadn't thought of that.

Thanks everyone, I'm thinking this could be a really fun thing to do :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top