The school
From your first mallet to your first match
Polo is learnt one step at a time. The Arena Polo Club school takes those who already ride from their first stroke on the ground to their first matches in the arena, with instructors qualified under the rules of FISE – Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri (the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation) and horses used to teaching.
Activities take place at FISE-affiliated clubs and riding centres that work with the club, with the required insurance cover.
The step-by-step programme
- Taster day. The wooden horse, the mallet, the main strokes; then in the saddle at a walk, on an experienced horse.
- Seat and control. Balance, changes of direction and halts with one hand only, as in polo.
- The mallet on horseback. Strokes at walk and trot, then at canter, with protective gear and an instructor alongside.
- Playing in the arena. The line of the ball, the ride-off, the hook, teamwork in threes.
- First matches. Practice matches between pupils and, with the required registration, the first amateur tournaments.
For those who already ride
The full programme, from the taster day to the first matches, with small groups and suitable horses.
For field polo players
Clinics devoted to arena play: boards, tight spaces, pace, the larger ball, three-player tactics.
For young people
An introduction to horses and polo under FISE rules for young riders, with parental consent and two responsible adults present at all times.
For companies and groups
Tailor-made taster days, on the ground and in the saddle, to discover polo safely.
Safety and equipment
- Helmet with face guard or grille, boots and knee pads compulsory in the saddle; provided by the clubs for taster days, where applicable.
- Medical certificate and FISE registration according to the activity.
- Horses chosen by the instructor to suit each pupil’s level.
- Small groups and an instructor always present.
Sign up for a taster day or a clinic
Dates, venues and costs of activities will be sent to those who sign up and published on the Events page once confirmed.