Racehorse to polo pony!

Fools Motto

Fools Motto

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For the last 6-7 months, this horse (some may have seen a brief picture of her last spring) has been 'in training' for polo. I've had the really lovely task (no sarcasm) of schooling her, getting her really quick off the leg, adjusting to slight weight changes - for direction, getting flying changes sorted (can't claim all the credit for that though!). She has been going really sweetly and softly, - almost convinced she could do dressage too!
She has done some chukkas, (again, no credit for that either) and will go on to play further chukkas this summer with 'the man who knows how', before handing the reins over to the 'boy who owns her'.
I'm so pleased with her progress, she has the right attitude and certainly has the ability.
Now aged 5, after racing at 2, then suffering, what could easily have been 2 life changing, and possibly life ending injuries at late 2 and 3 yr old respectively this is 'Cobweb' today after I had done schooling and 20 min canter;
Hot head TB eat your heart out!!! lol
2012-05-16125321.jpg

And 'donkey' impression!!
2012-05-16125254.jpg



oh and before anyone jumps on the wagon regarding the running reins, it is a 'polo' thing, I personally just hold them, they don't ''do'' anything to force her into a shape. No doubt she'll have to get used to life being a bit tougher though! AND the noseband is too big, hence why it looks ill fitting. I've told the owner many times.... sigh!
 
TB's make great polo ponies - here in NZ the TB mares off the track get snapped up fast for polo, especially the ones around 15 - 15.2hh

They soon learn the game and get really quick off the mark.
 
Tnavas said:
TB's make great polo ponies - here in NZ the TB mares off the track get snapped up fast for polo, especially the ones around 15 - 15.2hh

They soon learn the game and get really quick off the mark.
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If I were being critical, she is ideally too big for polo, standing at 16hh-16.1hh (think she has grown recently!). Luckily she doesn't ride big though, so that helps!
 
She's lovely, very pretty :)
I'm going to be spending the summer working at a racing and polo yard where they retrain the race horses that didn't make the grade as polo horses. I'll be helping to exercise the horses and they've also said I can go along to matches to help out, I've never worked with polo ponies before though...any tips? :eek:
 
Princess Jess said:
She's lovely, very pretty :)
I'm going to be spending the summer working at a racing and polo yard where they retrain the race horses that didn't make the grade as polo horses. I'll be helping to exercise the horses and they've also said I can go along to matches to help out, I've never worked with polo ponies before though...any tips? :eek:
Click to expand...

Polo ponies are quick, they respond to your weight/balance... I've been caught out a few times! They prefer you to ride with both reins in your left hand, right hand down by your thigh. They often seem tiny, weedy and narrow, but they are very tough. Don't be too alarmed by 'big blokes' riding them! Most share saddles, one fits all and such, and they seem to use a lot of leather work - lots to clean!
What amazes me personally is that they seem so chilled, yet hot headed on the pitch. You can tie them all up in a line, crammed together, and I've yet to see a pony get kicked or any pull back. I think we namby pamby ours!!!
Have fun, it is fun but be prepared for some sights! :eek:
 
Haha that sounds great, thanks...im really looking forward to it :)
Hopefully I won't fall off first time! Riding with only one hand may take some getting used to though...
 
I bought a 3yo which I trained up to be a playing pony (when I bought her I had also tried out 2 racehorses in training to be polo ponies). My tips would be the following I guess:

Firstly, race horses are trained to canter off on the right leg. Polo ponies need to be a
able to change leg every time they change direction. It takes a LOT of time for some racehorses to kick this habit - so doing lots and lots of figures of eight at a canter will help (always on a loose rein) with lots of leg changes.

Probably worth me emphasising the loose rein bit - as polo ponies need to learn to go with minimal aids - you should only use pressure to change what the horse is already doing!

Wish I had to the time to do it again - so jealous of you!!
 
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