Horseback Riding and Introduction to Polo

Imagine a ball hit so hard

that it comes at you at a speed of 110 miles per hour. So fast, you can hardly see it! Your job is to stay at a gallop, get your polo pony in line with the ball, and either pass it ahead to a teammate, or carry the ball down the field for an attempt at goal.

This wonderful day is designed to give us, the novices, a true appreciation for the skill and athleticism required to be a professional polo player. Nestled in the tranquil, rolling hills of Putnam County, Haviland Hollow Farm is New York’s premier equestrian and polo farm. In this idyllic setting, we will take a private tour of the grounds while learning terms like “pony goal” and “chukker”. After getting acquainted with the surroundings, it is time to saddle up and take a ride on our new, four-legged friends. First you will receive a lesson on horseback safety and riding techniques so you can relax and enjoy the experience. For an hour, we will walk, trot or perhaps even cantor through woods bordering the polo grounds.

The best part of the day has yet to come! After our ride, we will lay out our picnic blankets and watch a real polo game or scrimmage! You will be close enough to hear the thumping of the hooves and feel the energy from the exciting match. To top off the day, we will munch on an assortment of cheeses and breads while enjoying a glass or two of wine. (Please bring whatever picnic goodies you like, including beer or wine).

About Polo

Polo is a team sport played on horseback in which the objective is to score goals against an opposing team. Riders score by driving a small white plastic or wooden ball into the opposing team’s goal using a long-handled mallet. The traditional sport of polo is played at speed on a large grass field up to 300 yards in length, and each polo team consists of four riders and their mounts.

History of Polo

A game of unclear origins, polo was first played in Persia (Iran, Afghanistan) at dates given from the 6th century BC to the 1st century AD. Polo was at first a training game for cavalry units, usually the king’s guard or other elite troops. To the warlike tribesmen, who played it with as many as 100 to a side, it was a miniature battle. In time polo became an Iranian national sport played extensively by the nobility. Women as well as men played the game, as indicated by references to the queen and her ladies engaging King Khosrow II Parviz and his courtiers in the 6th century AD. Valuable for training cavalry, the game was played from Constantinople to Japan by the Middle Ages. Known in the East as the Game of Kings. The name polo is said to have been derived from the Tibetan word “pulu”, meaning ball.

Event Details

• Departure Time 9:00 AM (please arrive by 8:45 for check-in)
• Departure Location 73rd and Broadway in front of Apple Bank
• Wear Pants or jeans for riding; jacket or coat, comfortable shoes or boots; hat and gloves in spring or variable weather.
• Bring Your lunch, water and camera, picnic goodies (food, beer, wine, blanket)
• Return Approximately 5:00 PM

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