Princess Jess
Well-Known Member
So for those who asked I thought I'd do a brief update on my first week (well 4 days!) at the polo yard.
For those who don't know I'm spending the summer working at a polo yard helped exercise the horses etc. and help out at matches. So I arrived on Tuesday to the rare sight of blue sky and sunshine
which is always a good start! The first day I was shown how to tack up the polo ponies (I have never seen so many different buckles and strips of leather in my life!) But luckily after my third horse I had pretty much mastered their basic tack although I have yet to practise full match wear...
I watched the main groom and owner exercise some of the horses before hoping on and having a little go myself. I have to say their style of riding is surprisingly simple and I could probably get use to just plopping along with the reins in one hand - very relaxed! Only thing that takes a bit of getting use to is the lack of knee rolls on the saddle which was doing very weird things to my heel position, so thats one thing to watch! On the second day I had advanced on to exercising the horses 'proper', so lots of canter work for me!
I have to say I was feeling a little stiff the next morning so looks like its down to the gym for me!
Unfortunately after the two days of sunshine the weather resumed normal service - also known as wet and windy
But the bad weather did mean I got to practise my bandaging skills (ok I admit my first attempts were a little dodgy, but I was assured they were actually quite good for a first time!) Next we moved on to tail plaiting which was easy-peasy! 
This morning we braved the howling wind and rain to give the horses a quick exercise in the field, but thanks to the awful weather all the polo matches this week were cancelled so fingers crossed the weather picks up for next week!
For anyone thinking of doing similar I'd definately recommend it, I've already learnt loads and am absolutely LOVING it! Also a quick thank you to the advice I recieved on the other thread, you were right (most!) of the horses are absolute sweethearts and very easy to do, especially considering that we've been poulticing half the yards feet and making them work in the cold and wet!
For those who don't know I'm spending the summer working at a polo yard helped exercise the horses etc. and help out at matches. So I arrived on Tuesday to the rare sight of blue sky and sunshine
which is always a good start! The first day I was shown how to tack up the polo ponies (I have never seen so many different buckles and strips of leather in my life!) But luckily after my third horse I had pretty much mastered their basic tack although I have yet to practise full match wear...I watched the main groom and owner exercise some of the horses before hoping on and having a little go myself. I have to say their style of riding is surprisingly simple and I could probably get use to just plopping along with the reins in one hand - very relaxed! Only thing that takes a bit of getting use to is the lack of knee rolls on the saddle which was doing very weird things to my heel position, so thats one thing to watch! On the second day I had advanced on to exercising the horses 'proper', so lots of canter work for me!
I have to say I was feeling a little stiff the next morning so looks like its down to the gym for me!Unfortunately after the two days of sunshine the weather resumed normal service - also known as wet and windy
But the bad weather did mean I got to practise my bandaging skills (ok I admit my first attempts were a little dodgy, but I was assured they were actually quite good for a first time!) Next we moved on to tail plaiting which was easy-peasy! This morning we braved the howling wind and rain to give the horses a quick exercise in the field, but thanks to the awful weather all the polo matches this week were cancelled so fingers crossed the weather picks up for next week!
For anyone thinking of doing similar I'd definately recommend it, I've already learnt loads and am absolutely LOVING it!
Also a quick thank you to the advice I recieved on the other thread, you were right (most!) of the horses are absolute sweethearts and very easy to do, especially considering that we've been poulticing half the yards feet and making them work in the cold and wet!