Nacho Figueras appeared in the New York Times recently, once again using his draw as a Ralph Lauren model to publicize the sport of polo. This isn’t the type of article you’d usually expect to see on PoloGringo, I know, so I’ll keep it short. But I wanted to write briefly about this latest article [...]
Category: "General"
Polo Tip #13: Polo Bandages, Pro Choice, Boots?
Recently, there were some great questions posted in the PoloBARN message board on the subject of polo wraps. The first comment I will make is that you are always well advised to check in with your veterinarian as to the best strategy for your horses. I say this because there are various options depending on [...]
Polo Player Equipment
Below is a list of equipment needed to play polo and some links pointing to trustworthy sites that sell each article. If I’ve left anything off, please comment and let me know! The below list is player equipment only, I’ll deal with horses and tack in a future post. Polo Helmet Polo helmets consist of [...]
Polo.tv – free videos of high-goal polo
I imagine that most of the PoloGringo readers are already familiar with the website Polo.tv but in case you’re not, this is a fantastic free resource. Basically, Polo.tv is a collection of video clips from the various high-goal polo tournaments around the world. They have video of the Argentine Open, the US Open, the Coronation Cup, the Outback 40-goal, and many others. There is even some snow polo and test matches thrown in there.
Polo Tip #6: How Thick Is The Line Of The Ball?
Picture the most recent path of the ball or the line as the width of a center line of a road. About six inches wide just for a visual. Now walk your horse alongside of this line and stop by the ball. Now this line, the most recent path of the ball continues either all the way across or up and down the field. Now if you are not hitting too close or two far away from your horse, you will be taking up a lane about 3 to four feet. Assuming you are on your off-side, from the line to your left stirrup is about 3 to four feet. So this lane, not line, lane, is what the right of way is all about. It accommodates your swing and your horse.
Polo Tip #5: Proper Mallet Length
Choose the mallet size that allows you the best opportunity to make all of your shots on both sides of the horse, without placing yourself at any more risk than our wonderful sport already provides.
Building a Wooden Practice Horse
Here are some plans to build your own hitting cage and wooden horse.
Polo Tip #4: Proper Stirrup Length
the current style has evolved to shorter stirrups, in the show world as well. This allows the player a little more stability at speed and the ability to raise up into your leg to achieve and maintain the proper hitting position.
Polo Tips by Tom Goodspeed, Now in Downloadable PDF!
I’ve compiled all of Tom Goodspeed’s excellent Polo Tips articles into one downloadable and print-ready PDF file. Enjoy!
Tommy Hitchcock’s advice to his Westchester Cup teammates in 1930
Tommy Hitchcock Jr. carried a 10-goal handicap from 1922-1940. He was one of the greatest U.S. Polo players of all time. This is his advice to his Westchester Cup teammates in 1930.