Giddy Up
Polo lessons for kids aren ’ t just about the game . By Annie Sherman
Riding around the outdoor arena in Portsmouth , Hanalei Streuli deftly maneuvers her horse , Ella , around the five other polo players during her latest group lesson . She rotates in and out of the play , lines up a shot and listens to her coach ’ s feedback .
This lesson isn ’ t like other sports practices , however , because learning how to play polo is about so much more than the match itself . Caring for the horse , grooming and preparing it for play , and cleaning up after it are part of the tutorial . The students at Newport Polo become immersed in this the moment they arrive at the arena , and they carry that experience with them throughout their lives .
“ Our program teaches these young kids everything about horses . We cover anatomy , health and wellness , and how to prepare the horse to protect it from injury ,” says coach and long-time player Minnie Keating , adding that they also work in time for extra practice . “ That helps build a great work ethic and sense of responsibility .”
These junior high and high school students participate on junior varsity and varsity teams in interscholastic arena polo team practices , scrimmages and games . Played in a smaller area , arena polo has three to a team , versus Newport Polo ’ s popular summertime exhibition matches with four players a side on grass fields at Glen
Farm . JV and varsity teams play two to three times weekly for an hour . The co-ed teams , which happen to be all girls this season , foster mentorships between the more experienced and the younger players , offering advice on proper horse grooming techniques and riding skills . Working with the horses becomes an incidental teambuilding exercise that complements synchronicity and technique .
“ It is a highly collaborative process ,” general manager Agnes Keating says . “ They have to have a level of maturity and ability to work with others . They gain confidence and a sense of achievement to perform on par with adults .”
With this approach , even those with no prior riding experience become skilled equestrians . Streuli , an athletic twelve-year-old from Newport , had never shown an interest in horses , let alone ridden one , when she started group lessons last year . Now she is excelling , and helps the professional grooms prepare horses during international competitions for additional practice and exposure .
“ I like polo because it has taught me responsibility and independence ,” Streuli says . “ It means a lot to me , because it is one of my favorite hobbies and I have had an amazing time getting to ride .” nptpolo . com
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