Emily Dameron

Polo has been in my family for four generations. I play arena polo for the varsity team at my school, Garrison Forest, and play over the summer with my dad on the field.

In polo everything can go wrong in a blink of an eye, but when you’re standing in the saddle and running downfield with a mallet in your hand, it feels as though nothing can stop you. The exhilarating feeling of taking the ball downfield while riding off your man, then passing it off to a teammate, who can then make a shot on goal, is the most incredible adrenaline rush and is rewarding when a goal is earned.

In your left hand you have your source of transportation [a double-reined set], and in your right is your tool [mallet]. The amount of responsibility, control and freedom that polo entails is overwhelming yet comes with a price. The amount of work that this sport requires is the real test of dedication. Polo requires more equipment than any other equestrian sport, which makes grooming no easy job. Maintaining all the necessities of tack and wrapping each leg calls for time and patience in preparing the horse for each chukker.

Polo ponies are put through strength and endurance training to promote their stamina. Once you know your horse is trained, you can then go to practice and prepare strategies and team plays, which can then be used in games. Your ability to bond with your horse, which is chosen for you to play, determines how the chukker will be played out. When your sweat and hard work come together in a good performance you know that the time, the bruises and sore muscles have paid off, and everyone gets a carrot at the end.

Fiona Seager

Some say that polo is a lifestyle. While the popular notion of polo may be a romantic one, inspiring images of cocktails, sundresses and luxury cars, I see the sport as more of a healthy, athletic interaction between horse and rider.

Horses are indeed what the game revolves around. In order to play competitively, each player needs at least seven horses, ready to roar at the beginning of each match. Thus, what goes on behind the scenes for the average polo player is a lot of time and resources spent preparing his or her horses. Getting to know what makes each horse tick is of great importance. The goal is a string of beautiful ponies that can take one flying over the grass and right up to the ball or opposing player in order to make an attack. Without the incredible speed, power and agility of the horse and the ability of the rider to direct it, polo would not be the unique and exciting sport that inspires so much passion. As a young woman, there are three things that polo has taught me that I find are invaluable life lessons learned. One is how to be aware of my surroundings.

Knowing where the ball is at every moment makes the difference to whether I’m in the game or I’m not. This helps me to anticipate what is going to happen. Since it takes a few seconds to turn 1,000 pounds of galloping horseflesh around, if I know where the ball will be two plays in the future, I can put myself there in my own time and wait for it to come to me. I have also learned how to keep my balance, regardless of how rough the horse or the play gets. This requires keeping my body flexible and my mind calm. Lastly, I know how to pick myself up after a fall or make a mistake, knowing that it’s part of playing the game.

Jennifer Williams

When it comes to horses, polo is all I know. Any sport involving horses interests me, but my heart is with a team of polo players either in the arena or on the field. One of my favorite ways to play is when the game serves as a backdrop for a fundraising event for a charity. I enjoy combining my passion for the sport with my spirit for volunteerism.

There is nothing more exhilarating than flying down the field on horseback and hitting the ball through the posts and scoring a goal—a split second of what feels like unprecedented glory. As a finance professional, polo allows me an outlet and personal reward. My relationship with my horses is by far the most meaningful aspect of polo for me. Without them, I am no one.

Nancy Schlichting

For me, polo means family. I can’t remember a time when polo wasn’t a part of my life. My earliest memories are of my summers spent traveling from place to place where my father was playing polo. When we were little, my brother and sisters would hot-walk the ponies in between chukkers. And we would help exercise them every morning with my dad at the front shouting commands: “Trot,” then “Canter,” then “Stop! Change directions!” Then came the final round at a brisk gallop where my one sister and I would pretend to lose control and race past everyone.

When I got older, my brother (who was the oldest) also played with my dad, and my sisters and I became proficient grooms. Later, when I wanted to play, my father was surprised but pleased, and he became my biggest supporter. He’d encourage me to “get into the play,” “Anticipate!” and “Don’t let them get ahead of you!” I miss him.

Now, I have two daughters who cheer me on, and I wish my dad could see them. I know he is there too because I see him in them. For me, polo means family.

Wendy Kirschnik

Horses are my life. I grew up in Vermont on a small farm where my mom and dad raised me on horses. My mom’s passion for horses quickly became mine, and she taught me not only to ride but also to care for and love the horse. I learned to foxhunt and event, I dabbled in dressage, and then I became very competitive in show hunters and equitation. But it wasn’t until my father took up the game of polo, and in turn taught me to play, that I really found the epitome of horses and competition. Polo combines all the things I love best: skill, speed, teamwork and, of course, horses. The thrill of racing flat out on your favorite horse, bumping an opponent, and striking the ball just right keeps the adrenaline pumping wildly through your veins, a feeling I can never get enough of. There is nothing like riding a good polo pony. They are fast, quick, intelligent and fearless. You feel the power of a jumper, the speed of a racehorse, and the agility of a cutting horse all in one amazing equine athlete.

I find polo to be a necessity in my life. The challenge of improving my game and skills as a polo player helps my career as a rider/trainer of show hunters as well. I work for Cismont Manor Farm and the Wheeler family in Keswick, Virginia, where they produce top champions in the show hunter ring all across the United States. Show hunters require considerable finesse and precision, and to play polo well requires the same skills, only at speed. I can’t imagine a more exciting sport than the game of polo. I hope to play for as long as I am able.