In polo the running rein is used almost universally. It is used with great effect by many and has a place in the game, but although it’s virtues could be sung by many a player I am sure they would all agree that if it is used incorrectly it is a scourge for the horse.

Christian demonstrates how to execute a nearside shot without crossing over the line of the ball, a common foul.

Christian demonstrates stops, checks, and both right and left turns throughout the chukker. He emphasizes keeping a relaxed grip on the horse, keeping the horse balanced and on the proper lead, and using soft contact with the horses mouth via the reins.

Riding with your toes sticking out is not a big deal. Some people are naturally inclined to be straighter then others. The real sin is gripping with the lower leg.

Christian talks about acclimating the green horse to other horses on the field, and the swinging mallets that come with them. He talks about introducing the ride-off and using the trot to help balance the horse by changing diagonals rather than being forced to balance the horse by changing leads at the canter.

In this, the sixth video in the Schooling a Green Horse for Polo series, Hanalei plays in her first chukker! In a very few weeks from her first introduction to a saddle, Hanalei has made great progress.
Notice that Christian takes care to keep the intensity and stress low and allows Hanalei to enjoy running with [...]

Whatever the case the horse has begun to shy from the ball and it might just be that you’re introduction to the ball was a bad one.

In this 5th installment of the Schooling a Green Horse for Polo series, Christian works with Hanalei on her stops. This is perhaps the 10 to 14th time she has been ridden.

The stop plays into most of the things we do in polo, and in training the young horse it is the prelude to roll backs. A good stop need not be a fight and when done well gives all confidence.

This is the fourth video in the Schooling a Green Horse for Polo series. Christian talks about talks about “playing” with problem areas to get the horse to more easily accept tack and commands, preparing the horse for the roll-back maneuver and continuing to practice halting.