Puzzled!

Roseanne · #1 23rd Aug 2009, 09:16 AM

Quick question - what on earth is that thing I've seen used on a horse to keep it moving when lungeing! It looks like a hammer on a long stick, and was attached, I think, to the front of the saddle!

I didn't watch too long as I was worried about it hitting the horse's leg, which it was!

I've never seen this used before, so I'm possibly being an over-sensitive ignoramous here, but I am intrigued - anyone explain please?

Roseanne X

NuttySpaniel · #2 23rd Aug 2009, 09:19 AM

Not sure, I only know roller and pessoa, side reins ect. Could be a carrot on a stick

Roseanne · #3 23rd Aug 2009, 09:27 AM

Definitely not any of the usual, all of which I've used myself, and most definitely not a carrot on a stick! LOL!

Anyone else help?

Roseanne

Roseanne · #4 23rd Aug 2009, 10:37 PM

Have just realised that the "mallet" I described is possibly a polo stick, or whatever they are called - I wouldn't know, as I've never played it, and never been to a match, but maybe it isn't, and is some sort of old-school method of training!

Come on some of you - I need some input here, unless none of you have a clue what it is, or why it's used either?

Maybe it will remain one of those mysteries. Who knows!

Quote: Have a little courage every day, and feel proud.

Roseanne

LadyJennivieve · #5 27th Aug 2009, 04:59 AM

Maybe they were desensitizing the horse to the polo stick. I'm sure horses get hit with them in a game all the time.

Roseanne · #6 29th Aug 2009, 01:23 PM

Thank you - I think you must be right, although the horse was actually a tiny welsh pony, but what you explained makes sense as I've learned that the child who owns him wants to play polo. Again, I wasn't aware that there are children's polo matches, but that's my ignorance of the game I suppose.

Incidentally, I did see, a few years ago now at my first very large yard, a woman exercising four polo ponies at once in one of the arenas, and was pretty impressed at how well-behaved they all were. She was a polo player and obviously an expert and it was fascinating to watch her work them all together!

Maybe I will go to a match now - the venues (?) where they are played, are not far away from where I live, so maybe I'm missing out on some excitement?

Roseanne

Trewsers · #7 29th Aug 2009, 01:33 PM

Sounds interesting! FAncy being capable enough to exercise four ponies all at once!!! Cripes, puts moi to shame, I can only just about manage one........
Thats one of the things I miss about not being ona yard anymore, I used to love watching people riding, and I did learn quite a few tricks off fellow liveries.

Doeylicious · #8 29th Aug 2009, 08:43 PM

Roseanne, where is the polo round here? I would really like to watch a match too, never seen it really and quite interested to see what happens.

PM if you prefer

Roseanne · #9 30th Aug 2009, 05:59 PM

Hi Doeylicious - there's the one in Windsor Berkshire, but also one very close in Horton. When I was looking for a yard a few years ago, I came across this one but decided it wasn't for me, or for my mare, as it was both polo and livery and I heard on the grapevine that it wasn't too good, and actually talked to my vet about it, who said "No Way" or words to that effect, as a livery yard that is.

There is someone on my yard who I think was involved (and may still be) with polo ponies, so I'll ask her if she can give me a bit more information, and get back to you.

As said previously, the woman whom I used to watch exercising her ponies from the ground, four at a time was pretty impressive, and like police horses, the perfect discipline they displayed was awsome. The mounted police by the way, booked the same yard to exercise their horses, although on board, not from the ground, obviously, and I was mesmorised watching the beautiful creatures go through their paces, in perfect formation, not to mention observing the strong bonds their police riders had with them, to create such partnerships!

The lead horse was a huge, calm, and majestic bay, with a medalion around his neck, and standing next to him and the others before they went into the arena was just tear-inducing! I'm about 5ft 3" and was absolutely dwarfed!

Now I've gone off track as usual, but can't help meself! Horses always make me catch my breath in this way, so no apologies there, tho I expect some will think me slightly OTT!

Anyway .... will get back on the polo venues.

Roseanne

Quote: "Show a little courage every day and make yourself proud"

Roseanne · #10 4th Sep 2009, 11:57 AM

Doeylicious - had word about polo venues and yes, the best ones are in Windsor, as I thought. It doesn't take long to get to Windsor via the motorway, and we lived there for nine years before moving to Surrey, so I know it very well.

There are three, and best to log on to sites for details. Apparently if you do want to go to a match, they faze out soon, as the season isn't that long, so best to make it quick. I'm not sure if I have time to fit in a visit this time, but I'm going to try, as I'm curious to see why polo is so popular (not interested in the social-climbing aspect to be honest, as I'm sure you not either - I have enough distaste for the snobbish attitudes and cliques of some ordinary yards as it is!)

Roseanne