How many years of riding should one have before venturing in to polo?

Question

How many years of riding should one have before venturing in to polo?

Answer 1

Its not the years you ride, its how well you ride. If you can hang on, then you can stay on and go, but you would have to know how to play the sport! if you can do that, then you can polo.

Answer 2

Having a basic knowledge of horseback riding really helps when playing polo, take it from me, I played in college.  Too much riding experience is often considered a detriment, our coach used to complain that we 'rode more than we played'  That being said, you will get more from your horses while playing if you know what you are doing and don't try to simply muscle them around, polo ponies are sensitive and a little bit skitzy and the bits used are harsh, it takes a light touch to steer and you have to be confident in your ability when racing after a long drive or during the line up, the jockeying for position is aggressive and if you shirk, you're going to loose the line and the ball.  Truth be told, I wish I could play polo again, it's a lot of fun and one h**l of a game.

Answer 3

Its not necessarily years as much as experience.

As long as you can walk, trot, canter, with and without stirrups correctly and you are able to steer and keep control of your horse at high speeds I'd say go for it.  Find a local polo instructor to help you.