File:Modern polo (1902) (14595873917).jpg

Identifier: modernpolo00mill (find matches)
Title: Modern polo
Year: 1902 (1900s)
Authors: Miller, Edward Darley, 1865-1930 Hayes, M. Horace (Matthew Horace), 1842-1904
Subjects: Horses
Publisher: London : Hurst and Blackett, limited
Contributing Library: Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine
Digitizing Sponsor: Tufts University

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certain direction, asfor instance at a particular tussock of grass, tree,mark on. the ground, or other suitable object.Also, it is important for him to learn how thewrist should be turned when hitting a back-hander. An experienced friend can help him notonly in these points, but can also prevent himfrom acquiring bad methods of play, which, whenonce learnt, are very difficult to rectify. Practice on a wooden horse.—By far the bestmethod for a novice to learn to hit the ball, evenbefore he ventures to handle a stick on a pony, isfor him to practise on a wooden horse (Fig. i), whichcan be roughly made by any carpenter. No saddleis required, and side bars as foot rests can take the HOW TO BECOME A POLO PLAYER. 9 place of stirrups. The height of the seat should beabout two inches less than the height, at the withers,of the pony which is to be ridden. For instance,for a 14.2 pony, the seat of the wooden horse shouldbe about 14 hands high. A few hours practice under a competent instructor
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Fig. I.—Wooden Horse. and with a couple of boys to bowl balls, will greatlyhelp the beginner in learning how to make eachstroke correctly, and has the further advantage ofsaving a living mount from injury ; because a manin his first attempts almost always hits his ponys offfore leg more or less severely with stick or ball, or lo FIRST STEPS AT POLO. (Chap. I. with both. Every description of stroke, forward orback, stationary or in movement, on either side ofthe pony, can be successfully practised with thiscontrivance. I would extend the recommendationof its use to any player (even a first-class one) whowanted to get his eye in, or to bring the musclesof his right arm into proper trim. Practice on itis particularly useful ; because a man can hit the ballas often in twenty minutes on a wooden horse ashe would do in a couple of hours if he had to ridea pony after the ball. The best plan is to haveseveral dozens of old polo balls lying about theground; to get a couple of boys to bowl an

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