Mastering the Mid-Season: Essential Tips for Polo Players

The "Invisible" Damage on Your Pony String

Let's start with what matters most: the horses. Without them, none of us are playing this beautiful, brutal game. The biggest trap at mid-season isn't the dramatic fall. It's the gradual breakdown you don't see coming until it's too late. I've had ponies that looked perfectly sound one day, and the next, they're filling with fluid in the tendons.

It's those "bananas" in the superficial digital flexor tendon, the thickening in the metacarpal region—all from the sudden stops, the tight turns, and the hard ground we play on week after week. You know what I'm talking about. That moment when your pony hesitates on a turn. That subtle shift in weight you feel through the reins. That's the shadow of navicular syndrome starting to appear.

My take? You can't power through soft tissue injuries. Period. If your pony's legs are heating up or they feel off, don't be a hero—give them the rest they need. I swear by cold therapy, regular ultrasounds, and keeping my farrier on speed dial. Prevention isn't just better than cure—it's the difference between having a string in September and sitting in the stands.

Marco tending to their pony Lupe as his wife Carolyne plays. Team work!

Your Balance Is Failing Your Horse (And You Don't Even Know It)

Here's something I see constantly from club players, and honestly, even from some pros when they're tired: their balance tips. When you're exhausted, you start leaning. You start putting too much weight in your right stirrup. Suddenly, you're not just dragging your horse over the ball; you're causing your horse discomfort too.

I've said it a hundred times on my Instagram (@la_polo4), and I'll say it again: look after the horse underneath you, and they'll look after the shot. Want to get rid of the mid-season slump? When you're hitting the nearside forehand, drop that right shoulder over the line of the ball and lock it in. Keep your weight in your irons, not on the horse's back. Let your core and legs do the work, not your stirrups.

When you get this right, your swing straightens out, your follow-through controls itself, and your horse moves freely underneath you. I've won games just by staying balanced when everyone else was falling apart.

The Mental Slide (And Why You're Suddenly Missing Easy Shots)

The start of the season was about learning patterns. The middle is about executing them under pressure. And pressure makes us stupid. The biggest mental pitfall I see? Fixating on the ball. Tunnel vision. You lock onto that white sphere and forget there's a 500kg opponent on a collision course with you.

I play by a simple rule: beat the man first, then play the ball. I've built my entire approach around this. When I check on approach, matching pace with the opponent, I'm not just being aggressive—I'm being smart. I trap them on the left or right, force them into a position where they can't do anything, and then transition into attack. The ball is always secondary.

You take the man out of the play, and suddenly your teammates have all the time in the world to create space.

"Always try when possible to beat the man first then play the ball."

That's not just a quote—it's how I've put goals on the board at the 4-goal level.

Your Mid-Season Slump Checklist

Here's what I do at the halfway point, and what I recommend to every player I coach:

1. Evaluate Every Pony Daily: Check their legs, tendons, and attitude. Is that horse turning willingly? Is he hot in the pasterns? Don't ignore the signs.

   
   

2. Ride With Intent: Every practice, every chukka, every warm-up. Focus on your balance. Support your horse. The scoreboard will take care of itself.

   
   

3. Play the Man, Not the Ball: The opposition is your target. Beat them, and the ball follows. Every time.

   
   

The Importance of Recovery and Rest

As the season progresses, it's crucial to prioritise recovery. Both you and your horse need time to rest and recharge. This is especially true during the mid-season slump when fatigue can set in.

Make sure to schedule regular breaks. These breaks can be short, but they are essential. They help prevent burnout and keep your performance sharp.

Hydration and Nutrition: Don't forget about hydration and nutrition. Fuel your body with the right foods and drink plenty of water. Your performance on the field depends on it.

Staying Motivated Through the Mid-Season

Staying motivated during the mid-season can be challenging. The excitement of the early season may have faded, and the grind of practice can feel overwhelming.

Set New Goals: One way to stay motivated is to set new goals. These can be small, achievable targets that keep you focused. Whether it's improving a specific skill or winning a certain number of games, having goals can reignite your passion.

Connect with Your Team: Another way to boost motivation is to connect with your teammates. Share your experiences, challenges, and victories. Supporting each other can create a positive environment that fosters growth.

Conclusion: Finish Strong

The second half of the season is won or lost in the preparation you do right now. Don't be the player who fades in the final chukkas. Be the one who gets stronger when everyone else is getting weaker.

Stay sharp, stay balanced, and look after those ponies. I'll see you on the field. Keep Poloing on!