I gave Winston a whirl around the barrels and in the pole bending in the KLAP-RSPC Gymkhana Games yesterday morning. As a young horse, it is all part of the learning process of becoming a good polo pony.
It was thrilling for Winston, as he lined up against other horses. Instinctively, Winston shot off at the start of the Pole Bending race, as we were lined up against two other horses. I had to relax and ask him to chill, as I didn’t want him to get too competitive. Fortunately, he has a good brain. Winston relaxed and focused on the zig-zags through the poles, without going crazy.
I skipped the Flag race as I didn’t want him going head-to-head with other horses again. I did take him into the Barrel Race, as it was a solo race, against the clock, and not against other horses on course.
Winston’s turn around the first barrel was very wide as he was looking at the spectators and not concentrating on the barrel. It got better and better. Our second run was good enough for equal third place, behind defending champion Jennifer Too, and SEA Games double gold medallist Rashid Hasnan.
Training around barrels is a great way to get the polo ponies to drop their hind ends and turn. If you are looking at it from an equestrian perspective, it is the ultimate activation of the inside hind leg in a turn.
It was a great morning of fun for everyone and the horses. I am sure Winston will be a better horse from this experience.
For the KL Academy of Polo students, I am sure everyone had fun, and will have been challenged by the competition. It brings out the best in riders, and helps everyone progress. We have shared a photo album and videos on Facebook.
KL Academy of Polo intends to alternate between the more formal dressage and jumping training shows, and less formal events, like gymkhanas, and will aim to finish with an Amazing Race at the end of this year.
Next up: Next’s week’s Pony Club Camp should be a lot of fun too. It is fully subscribed – we can’t take more kids. The next camp will be in the last week of October. What a revival it is for the Pony Club!
