Q: Do I need to have prior riding experience to learn to play polo?

A: No prior riding experience is necessary. Our polo pros can teach anyone to play, whether you've ridden before or not. Knowing how to ride will make learning the game a bit easier at first but many of our experienced players learned to ride and play at the same time at Willow Run!

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Q: Do I need my own horse to play polo?

A: No! Willow Run has many talented and experienced horses that players can use for lessons, practice chukkers, and games. We take great care in understanding your ability level, prior riding experience, and temperament in order to match you with a horse that is appropriate for you and that will help expedite your learning journey.

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Q: I'm taking my first lesson soon. What do I need to bring?

A: You'll need to wear a pair of hard soled shoes with a heel (no sneakers please), a pair of jeans or long pants, and gloves if your hands are sensitive. You will need a good fitting, ASTM-certified helmet as well, but for the first 1-2 lessons, we have some helmets for use by our new guests. We will have mallets for you to use as well.

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Q: How early should I show up for my lesson or practice chukker?

A: Please arrive at the barn at least 15 minutes before the beginning of the lesson so we can get you mounted on the horse and out on the field on time. Please arrive earlier if this is your first time at our barn and you have not yet signed our waiver. For practice chukkers, please arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time in order to get dressed, mounted, and warmed up.

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Q: How long will it take me until I can play practice chukkers?

A: There is no timeline for how quickly a person can move up from lessons to playing practice chukkers. Many times, players will spend at least one season taking lessons, practicing swings, and learning game strategy before they are sufficiently knowledgeable to play in a practice game safely. However, this is entirely dependent on how often they take lessons, how well they know how to ride before learning to play polo, and frankly, personal talent for the game, and players may move to practice chukkers within the same season. The Willow Run polo pros will advise when you're ready to move to the next level of play.

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Q: How do I book lessons, practice chukkers, and sign up for games?

A: You can book and pay for lessons, stick and ball sessions, and trail rides through our Services page. For all other services, please contact Nico Eurnekian at +1 540 . 219 . 7927, or nico@willowrunpoloclub.com.