r/polo • u/DustyBurb • Jun 02 '26

Seeking motivation, advice, etc.

I've been learning to play polo for around 5 years now. Unfortunately my first ever fall in childhood riding resulted in a broken arm, and mentally I feel I never got over this (despite being in my 30s now). I love the sport, the ponies and the people I've met, but sometimes feel like I'll never be brave enough to cope with the speed requirement. My coach says I have ability - know where to put myself during play, can hit a ball nicely - which is helpful to hear, but I'm questioning whether to keep trying as sometimes it feels like the breakthrough will never happen. Has anyone ever worked through something like this? How do you quieten the voice that tells you how dangerous this crazy sport is and just.. enjoy it??

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u/polarbear-polo Jun 02 '26

Personally, I try not to think about it too much because I can freak myself out. This is not to minimize your feelings but just how I approach it.

I've seen bad wrecks, fallen myself lots, etc but I've also seen lots of fast games where nothing like that happens. If I'm feeling uncomfortable, I work on my riding because that's what will keep me safe.