Mark Tomlinson, polo maestro, shows how it's done!

  • 9m 39secs
  • Views:1706
  • Rating:Video Rating - 5 stars
  • Posted: 18/07/2009
About this video

Watching a master at work in any equestrian sport is mesmerising! Polo star Mark Tomlinson works the fairly green New Zealand pony Reddy, at home at the Beaufort Polo Club. He practises the type of manoeuvres a high goal pony would be expected to perform during a match and talks us through what he's doing. Whether dressage, jumping or polo, common denominators seem to include engagement, self carriage, obedience, strength and suppleness. Mark's aids come from the leg, not the hand, and his balance is also important. He makes 'slide stops' and 'pirouette turns' look effortless, holding four reins and a whip in one hand!

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Comments

cu.at.x 11 Sep 2009 I have never tried polo myself, but this video makes me want to! I always thought it was harsh on the horse but apparently it doesn't have to be. Very nice riding, and nice horse!
bellaofarabia 28 Jul 2009 Probably the most sympathetic polo rider I have seen ......... standing martingales and gags or pelhams seem obligatory though at all levels - is that right? In dressage they tend to work through to the more precise bits later on in advanced training for both horse and rider. Not a direct comment to you Mark just an observation generally. Really interesting thanks for sharing your knowledge.
HorseyMAD 24 Jul 2009 Great video! Really interesting!
Mark Tomlinson 23 Jul 2009 Interesting to see the 'yank-them-in-the mouth-as-hard-as-you-can' idea. I think Polo does have that image slightly and I am glad Loula can see it is not all about that. Obviously some people do resort to this method but these tend to be the less experienced players, which at the end of the day happens all through the different equestrian disciplines. I am sure there are plenty of unsympathetic dressage riders, race jockeys or eventers that revert to too much hand and it is obvious when this is the case as the horse starts to lift its head and the discomfort can clearly be seen. Thank you all though for so many encouraging comments on the Polo videos!!
ChrisW 22 Jul 2009 Great video. Mark is a sympathetic rider. Good sound level. Don't think the music is necessary though! Video stands on its own.

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