Roping to Polo?

I’m a 6 roper, who feels that Polo has a lot of the same principles as roping. Horsemanship, and great hand eye coordination are key in both of these disciplines.

While attending college in NM, I became more involved in the rodeo scene. It wasn’t until I finished college and moved to the Palm Beach area that I was introduced to the world of polo. I only attended matches, but did have the thought of playing someday.

Life as we all know takes its course, and I became busy with work, now a family, and a farm, etc and I put down the rope, and never picked up the mallet. I have not been on a horse for some time now, but feel that this is not something you forget so easily. After a long and argues search on the net, I finally have found a club somewhat close to my area.

Keeping this short… I’ve set an appointment to visit this club, and would like to know what I should expect, and questions I should ask?

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Permalink Reply by Travis Anderson on April 27, 2009 at 8:42am: Just relax and have fun. There was an article just a few days ago where Tommy Lee Jones was interviewed, and he like you, was a roper before he became a polo player. When you started roping, they didn't put you on green horses so that you would both learn nothing. They put you on a good old reliable gelding that would get you out of the box, trail correctly, and not duck out of the dally until you asked him to. That is why and how you made it to 6 speed with at least enough fingers to hold a polo mallet.

Expect the same treatment from a good polo instructor. It is not always the high goal players who are the best teachers. Find an instructor who teaches beginners, and has a good reputation for doing just that, and only that. If you are still in Florida, I would recommend that you look up Martin Astrada, who actually is a very good pro that has played at the highest levels of US polo, AND a very good instructor who will teach you solid fundamentals. You can also get referrals for whatever area you are in from the Polo Training Foundation which can be reached thru the United States Polo Association.

Get back in the saddle for a few days before you go take a lesson, because you will need your balance and even though our 'minds don't forget" how to ride, our "muscles" do.

Also, if your "instructor" tries to sell you a horse or two in the first month, get a new instructor.

Good Luck.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by John Grefphenreed on April 28, 2009 at 1:42pm: Travis,

thank you for all the information. I didn't think about the instructor trying to sale me a few horses. There are really no other clubs in my area. It took me weeks to find the one I'm planning to visit in Oklahoma. The folks in my area that do play, only play for a fund raising event once a year, and they weren't trying to take the time to either teach or get to know me. Honeslty, it made me question if this is something I really want to do...

Also, as far as the fields, I never would have thought that it would cost so much. I have the tractor, but the other items, man. Not to mention, truck 34K-35K, which I already have, trailer anywhere from 50-80K. I think I may want to take your advise on the other post and stick with a club. I just wish that I can get others in my area involved.

OH, and Tommy Lee Jones, is another reason for my wanting to get into the sport.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Travis Anderson on April 28, 2009 at 10:36pm: Who are you planning to visit in Oklahoma. I Think I know everyone who plays here. Most of them have played at my place.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by John Grefphenreed on May 31, 2009 at 12:10pm: Sorry for the delay.. I've been rather busy w/ rodeo seaon here, and working a regular 9-5. I can't remember the guys name, but the club is "Cross Timbers" http://www.crosstimberspolo.com/Home_Page.html; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Travis Anderson on May 31, 2009 at 12:55pm: I figured as much. Enjoy the horse sale. Look up Joey Casey on this site and talk with him about taking some lessons. Even his grooms will give you a better start than where you are headed. He should be back in tulsa in July or August, and it will be worth the wait.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by John Grefphenreed on June 1, 2009 at 9:23pm: Hum, so is the guy not a pro? Is he not a good trainer, what? But I will look up Joey Casey.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Travis Anderson on June 11, 2009 at 4:27am: I would suggest you ask him for a list of everyone he has worked for and played for, with phone numbers, and call them for recommendations. Anyway, I have nothing more to say on the subject.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by John Grefphenreed on June 11, 2009 at 10:04am: I would if he'd called me back. I'm just going to give up on the whole thing, and go back to roping. I mean this sucks. The closet person to me, is unreliable, and possibly a fraud. He called me at my office, and told me he was on the road, and that he was playing several matches, etc. He said that he would be calling me that Sunday, and that was 3 weeks ago. I just don't have the time for this. He did however tell me that he plays with a few people I know in Wichita, I might call them up and see what they have to say. I haven't spoken to them in years though, since high school. Well bud, I'll be keeping up with you on here, and maybe I can come out to Tulsa and watch you play. But I'm going to give up on the stick, and STICK to the rope.

OH, P.S. I know what you mean about the hourse sale... That was one of the first things we talked about when I called him about lessons the first time. I'm glad I found ya before I shelled out some serious cash. Something tells me you know more, but I get your drift.; ▶ Reply to This