Budding horse riders have the option to take part in a number of different riding sports, ranging from the skilful and beautiful dressage, brave show jumping and the daring cross country. One other popular sport is Polo, which is enjoyed by riders up and down the country. Polo consists of four players, each designated a certain position and role within the team. The game takes place on a pitch and each rider is given a polo mallet to hold, which they use to try and hit the ball into the appropriate goal.
In order to take part in Polo, it is important that the horse rider wears the right safety gear so as to protect themselves from the risks involved in the game. Flying balls, swinging mallets and of course, falling off your horse are all common occurrences in Polo. The most important piece of safety equipment that must be worn is undoubtedly a helmet. A Polo helmet is designed specifically for the game and has different advanced safety features to a standard riding helmet. It is not uncommon for Polo helmets to have a metal faceguard that protects the riders face from stray balls or mallets.
Specialist riding boots also need to be worn; usually coming up to just under the knee, with a flat sole and small hell, Polo boots are designed to prevent the player's foot from slipping through the stirrups and losing control of the horse. It is essential to be in control of the horse due to Polo being played at such a fast speed and losing control could have very dangerous costs.
As well as there being plenty of equipment for the rider, there is also a lot of polo equipment on the market for a horse. As well as a saddle and bridle, horses may need to wear special skid boots which can provide shock absorbency for when the horse is racing up and down the polo pitch. The rider may also need to use a particular bit in the horse's bridle in order to provide accurate control when it comes to instructing the horse to turn quickly in a certain direction.
As well as providing safety equipment for the horse, it is also of great importance to make sure the horse's joints are healthy, especially when taking part in a high speed and high-pressure game like Polo. Supplements such as NAF Superflex are approved and designed by vets using pharmaceutical grade ingredients. These supplements help to keep horses joints flexible and healthy as well as helping in preventing pain and injury. As NAF Superlex and other similar products are in liquid form, they can simply be combined with the horse's food.
In order to take part in Polo, it is important that the horse rider wears the right safety gear so as to protect themselves from the risks involved in the game. Flying balls, swinging mallets and of course, falling off your horse are all common occurrences in Polo. The most important piece of safety equipment that must be worn is undoubtedly a helmet. A Polo helmet is designed specifically for the game and has different advanced safety features to a standard riding helmet. It is not uncommon for Polo helmets to have a metal faceguard that protects the riders face from stray balls or mallets.
Specialist riding boots also need to be worn; usually coming up to just under the knee, with a flat sole and small hell, Polo boots are designed to prevent the player's foot from slipping through the stirrups and losing control of the horse. It is essential to be in control of the horse due to Polo being played at such a fast speed and losing control could have very dangerous costs.
As well as there being plenty of equipment for the rider, there is also a lot of polo equipment on the market for a horse. As well as a saddle and bridle, horses may need to wear special skid boots which can provide shock absorbency for when the horse is racing up and down the polo pitch. The rider may also need to use a particular bit in the horse's bridle in order to provide accurate control when it comes to instructing the horse to turn quickly in a certain direction.
As well as providing safety equipment for the horse, it is also of great importance to make sure the horse's joints are healthy, especially when taking part in a high speed and high-pressure game like Polo. Supplements such as NAF Superflex are approved and designed by vets using pharmaceutical grade ingredients. These supplements help to keep horses joints flexible and healthy as well as helping in preventing pain and injury. As NAF Superlex and other similar products are in liquid form, they can simply be combined with the horse's food.
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For more information on preparing yourself and your horse for the Polo season, you can visit the Tally Ho Farm website.
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