Polocrosse Clinics

Clinics are a great way to help spread the polocrosse addiction. Watching it is great, but actually getting the racket in your hand, catching and throwing, and getting your horse used to it all is irreplaceable as an introduction. Many upper level players often are willing and available to come teach clinics to riders who are interested in trying it out, and can bring a collection of rackets and balls for people to borrow. If you are interested in getting a clinician in your area comment on this post and we will try to set you up with one.

Victoria teaching how to catch and throw.

Sara helping a horse get used to the racket.

Back in June, three former Pony Clubbers – Victoria Prince, Sara Cifelli, and Patti Cifelli – gave a polocrosse clinic to the pony clubbers at Somerset Hills PC’s summer camp at the USET facility. There were 17 riders there from approximately age 8 – 14. There were plenty of rackets and balls so that everyone was able to learn how to catch and throw on the ground, as well as some of the basic rules of the game. They practiced unmounted lineups, giving wood, and shooting on goal.

They even had a poster about the sport!

The USET barn in Gladstone, NJ

Following the unmounted session the campers got to try it out on horses. They divided into two groups by riding level so that the ring would not be too crowded. The horses were introduced slowly to the racket and the ball, and while some were a little more worried about it than others to start with, every single horse and pony was comfortable with the ball around them by the end of the session. Everyone showed great potential and some were even doing cantering pickups by the end of the day! It was a lot of fun for everyone, and hopefully we will see some new players at rallies next year. 

Great pickup!