What do YOU really think?

[madiz123]

Ok, I just was wondering what people really thought about the sport of Polo. The sport itself, the welfare, the social, or whether people know anything about it at all.

Whatever you think, say. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Just thought this could be interesting....

 

[MontyandZoom]

TBH my only experience is watching Pretty Woman and having an ex-polo mare. I am interested to hear what everyone else says though!

 

[miss_c]

The sport itself - LOVE IT. An amazing adrenalin rush, on responsive ponies that adore their job. Really miss playing and wish it wasn't so expensive!

The welfare - Have seen some Argentines handle their ponies roughly, but to them they are essentially machines there for the purpose of getting to the ball. Every club has a welfare committee to hopefully prevent cruelty. It is a risk sport and people play their ponies knowing this. I have seen a pony break its leg and have to be put down on the pitch, but it is a risk that the owners take. I played Mazzie knowing the risks, and took every possible precaution, but accidents happen, just as they do in eventing or racing.

The social - I'm not an overly social person, but the few parties I went to were extremely lively and everybody had a good time.

 

[Cash]

I think it's fab, so exciting both to watch and play...i keep my horse on a polo yard, first learnt to ride at a polo/hunting yard, work as a polo groom...
I think because i have generally been on the 'working' side of it, it is annoying when people assume it is just about flaunting how much money you have. There are some fantastically talented people, and i have met so many people who are great friends to me now

unfortunately, it is an expensive sport, and there are some people who completely conform to the stereotype of old rich men who pay Argentinians to be on their teams and make them look good.
RE welfare, from comparing it to eventing, our ponies are looked after well, but they are treated definitely as more working animals than top class athletes. Most, especially the Argentinians', are roughed off during the winter, and have probably never seen a vitamin supplement in their lives!

Many of the Argies are pretty rough with their horses, and i can't say i agree with that, but they do get results

Social aspect is great!

(Edited due to my horrible spelling

)

 

[charlie55]

My only experience is the film pretty women too

 

[Nailed]

I dont know.. its never interested me in the slightest.

Lou x

 

[alsxx]

As a sport I think its great, I had a meddle a few times as a youngster at PC but I wasn't very good

Its something I'd love to have another go at, but the cost puts me off. I cant really comment on the welfare or social aspect though.

 

[tasel]

Only experience of Polo was going to Cartier International ages ago (well, 6 yrs ago) when I still had a social life and no OH, horse & dogs. Lol... the good old days.

 

[frazzled]

I love it , try and go and watch whenever possible but in reality only 3/4 times a year. Played it a bit in PC back in the dark ages.
On welfare issues do not feel qualified to comment as do not know enough about behind the scenes but should imagine it is similar to most equestrian sports that there is both good and bad practise.

 

[Battyoldbint]

I hate it, i think its cruel on the ponys

 

[Boodle]

I think i'd be rubbish at it and i'm always amazed at the skill which is shown by both riders and horses.

Would love to do work experience at a Polo Yard to see how it all works.

 

[golddustsara]

Having tried it a few weeks ago I am hooked - well the bank balance only allows a lesson once a month but its such good fun. I find the ponies so sharp and skilled I have nearly come out the side door on a few occasions! As for the welfare, they seem to be treated to a high standard on the yard I ride at nr Winchester.

 

[tabithakat64]

I worked at a polo yard some years ago, great sport, met lots of nice people and have to say the ponies were all well looked after if not showered with affection (unless it was by me

).

 

[MrsMozart]

It never appealed really

.

I used to exercise some polo ponies, now that was fun

.

 

[miss_c]

[ QUOTE ]
i think its cruel on the ponys

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm afraid I must disagree with you... it's no more cruel than racing, grand prix dressage or eventing in my personal opinion.

The ponies LOVE their job, and many of them will chase the ball without having to be asked. I only had to get on Mazzie carrying a mallet and she would be a different horse. Any ponies that don't enjoy it tend to be retired from polo sharpish.

 

[Cash]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
i think its cruel on the ponys

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm afraid I must disagree with you... it's no more cruel than racing, grand prix dressage or eventing in my personal opinion.

The ponies LOVE their job, and many of them will chase the ball without having to be asked. I only had to get on Mazzie carrying a mallet and she would be a different horse. Any ponies that don't enjoy it tend to be retired from polo sharpish.

[/ QUOTE ]
Ditto this, my fingers were tired