Everyday my riding is improving. The seat becomes more comfortable, balance in half-seat becomes more stable, and my leg-on work is helping keep the horse at a consistent speed. I’m working much harder now and I’m glad my coach recognised that.
Today was my first day hitting a polo ball with a full length mallet, on a pony. What a feeling! Even at a walk–coming up to the ball and getting in position, then taking a half shot is invigorating; it’s hard to focus as I’m so excited to be finally doing it!
Even with horrific form I was able to make contact with the ball, most of the time. We didn’t do too much stick and ball work as I’ve already had to take time off because of my elbow. It’s essential not to learn bad habits, there’s a lot to think about.
It’s almost impossible to believe that only four weeks ago was the first time I’d ridden a horse, with the intent to compete, in almost a decade. Every day I train I can fell the tournaments getting closer. It’s hard not to get excited about joining a team.
The real challenge I am finding though, other than keeping the leg on, yielding, getting out the saddle, and twisting my shoulders, is timing. The mallet work highlighted that clearly.
On watching the videos we had of my session, I noticed that, when I go to take a shot, I can get in the half seat–but when I come up to the ball itself, my mallets in the wrong place and out of pure desperation I rush and end up falling back into the saddle, pulling on the reigns and signaling the horse to stop.
Out of all my issues in riding, it’s becoming super clear that it’s balance that I need to work on the most. That and flexibility.
