P O LO
ACRO SS AM E R I C A
My First Polo Lesson A LIFELONG HUNTER JUMPER RIDER, EQ’S DEPUTY EDITOR DECIDES TO GIVE POLO A TRY.
BY JILL MEDINGER PHOTOS GEORGE KAMPER
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’ve always felt comfortable in the jumper ring, where athleticism and strategy are key, and the dress code and judges are less important than in the hunters. Polo’s speed and excitement always looked like a lot of fun, but I was intimidated by the high society that seemed to surround the sport. I decided to give polo a shot, and after just one novice lesson, I found my presumptions mistaken and my apprehensions unfounded.
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A few hours’ drive east of New York City, the Hamptons are home to wineries, seaside hotels, and the 120acre Southampton Polo Club.
I had always been curious about polo, but I felt intimidated as I tried on a pair of polo boots.
My instructor, Michael Matz, Jr., gave me a glove and helped me find my grip on the mallet.
Step one was to sit on a wooden horse and practice swinging the mallet, which felt unnatural at first.
9 Once I was aboard a cantering horse, the rhythm seemed more natural, but actually hitting the ball turned out to be surprisingly difficult.
86 | E Q U E S T R I A N Q UA RT E RLY | FAL L | 2013
10 I missed the ball what felt like a million times, but eventually I got a few good hits. Michael followed, hitting those that I had missed.
11 Other riders watched from the shade. Though I felt proud, I’m sure they were not impressed.
12 It was so much fun, the hour passed quickly, and before I knew it, I was back on the ground.