Occasionally we invite guest posts from interesting people we meet along the way, in the case of this post we asked prominent businessman & founder of Business Scene Warren Cass to share his thoughts as a beginner.
I am delighted to contribute to The Polo Experience and wanted to share my perspective as someone over 40, over weight and new to the sport (Actually riding full stop)!
First of all my congratulations to everyone involved with Cirencester Polo Academy (And indeed the club) for creating such a welcoming environment. For those that haven’t been the academy is set in over 3000 acres of beautiful parkland in the heart of the Cotswolds. They are well equipped for polo with 9 pitches but even if all you want to do is go for a hack it is simply stunning.
Compared to many I suppose I left it quite late to learn polo and indeed ride, and no this isn’t part of some mid-life crisis….. honest! I first approached the academy with a simple desire to learn how to ride. Actually to learn how to ride in secret! You see for the last 5 years my daughter has been persistently nagging me to learn so we could go out on hacks together, you know, quality father/daughter time. So behind her back I have been learning in order to surprise her.
When I approached Martin with this he couldn’t have been more supportive but tempted me to try polo also. At the time of writing this I am 2 months in and just about to surprise my daughter with the big reveal.
I have loved every moment so far of this new experience & gained a massive appreciation for the game of polo. Even at the beginner level it is so much fun to get out on a pony and hit a ball. I believe my riding has improved faster than it would have with just riding lessons because of the balance required to ride one handed and swing a stick at the same time. That said I am still getting to simply spend time in the saddle just out on a hack improving my riding.
It has been a wonderful new adventure & has become a new passion. I have met an interesting & fun new network of contacts associated with the club.
I would encourage anyone reading this even remotely tempted to come and give it a try. Whether you are an experienced rider curious about polo or an absolute beginner looking for an adventure, Martin and his team at Cirencester Polo Academy will look after you at the pace you are comfortable with.
You will be in very safe hands & I hope to see you around the club!
In the meantime, here is my journey in video and how my daughter reacted.
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