A Passion for Polo
Polo is the king of sports and the sport of kings, but it is much more than just a sport, it is a lifestyle sprung from a passion. Polo is the oldest team-sport in the world, with records in ancient Persia dating back 2,500 years.
It is clear that a lot has happened since the initial game played in villages in the mountains where a goat’s head (or sometimes even the enemy’s head) was used as the ball and it is no longer a brutal way of training for war, but rather a magnificent athletic endeavour and a thrilling way of enjoying ourselves on and with our four-legged friends.
Polo is a very passionate sport, as anyone who has given it a try will attest to. There is just something very special about the bond with the horse, the synergy between the mallet, the rider and the 500 kg animal becoming one. It is a magical feeling.
Even when just starting, you feel it. Just about anyone can learn to play polo, all you need is the willpower to do it and Polo Valley will take care of the rest. I myself started at 27 and had never learnt how to ride a horse before. From the first lesson, you get the sensation of what the game means, the thrill of hitting the ball just right and playing polo. As I improve my riding and understanding of the rules, it just gets more fun.
Nothing is quite like the sensation of cantering down a polo field with the soft breeze on your face, the pounding of your heart, the heavy breathing of the horse and everything just comes together in a perfect symphony. Time seems to slow down, your senses are sharpened, the adrenaline is pumping, you see the ball, you aim towards it, set your mallet up high, chest forward, legs tight, connect with the horse, swing the mallet in pendulum and “clack” the wonderful sound of hitting the ball in the sweet spot. That is the joy of playing polo and where the passion starts.
Polo Valley was created from that exact passion. The whole team have all been dedicated to polo as a big part of their lives, and love to share their passion and knowledge with as many people as possible. They make you feel as though you’ve been friends for years! So come and join the club! You will be welcomed with open arms.
A guest post from Diana Jensen of PoloPeoplePlaces.
To experience our love for the polo life, call our dedicated team on 020 8246 5301 or visit our website.
