Polo Clinic, April 7-8, 2008

 

Hawaii Preparatory Academy riding program students, instructors, and other local horse enthusiasts recently participated in a two-day polo clinic at HPA conducted by Wilbur C. O'Ferrall, field director with the Polo Training Foundation. Franz "Dick" Solmssen, who heads the HPA horse program, instructors Judy Folk and Joan Maute, and volunteers Paula Beamer and Tom Peterson, organized the event.

 

O'Ferrall, who also helps organize the Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Polo Programs for the United States Polo Association, reviewed the basic rules and the polo swing on foot using shorter “foot mallets” and the inflated arena-type ball.

Beginner to advanced riders mounted HPA or privately-owned horses to compete in field practice games at a walk-trot speed for the novices and accelerated to a slow canter for the more experienced. Despite a few tired arms, all riders gained a better understanding of the game.

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