(I'm a little rusty so bare with me)

Two weeks ago you had arrived to Schoffer Farms, welcomed by a gated entrance and lush fields. Your horses got assigned a stall in the teams barn, and a field... you got your room assignment and a tack box. Today you face the harsh reality of practice and Natalia is in charge of walking you through what to do but also will pick apart your strengths and weaknesses. You're expected to work out at least 3 days a week and preferably more if your able to. The one goal is to win. Individual practice, team practice, and mock match are all in the training schedule. You will have individual practice 6 days a week and are short sessions to build on strengths and weaknesses, Team practice is 4 days a week, you will work with your team to communicate on the field and play different positions, Mock matches are on Friday nights. Once a week, you will ride a different horse in the event you would need a backup. We want to build great riders who want to win and who want to be the best Young polo team in America.

So far, just by observing who came in a few weeks ago, I'm not so sure I'm that impressed. But, I know my father would only let the best in based on riding videos, accomplishments, and attitude. Today was the first practice, we wanted to allow both horse and rider to settle from their long travels as we await more to join us. We have plenty of time before competition but we need to get to work right away. Dad had put me in charge for the first practice so he could observe and take notes to come up with a plan. I was out in the barn putting my polo boots on and getting my gear ready. It's been a while since I've been on the field, but I get to just ride around and pretty much referee. I grabbed a lead rope and went out into the field to grab Eira. My sweet little bay mare came up and I walked her into the barn. Once she was tied, I began grooming her, then I grabbed my tack. The last thing I needed was a mallet, so I grabbed one from our mallet wall and sent a text to the group. I am not their babysitter but because its the first practice I guess I will be nice.

I sent the message out and walked Eira to the field and mounted her to begin our warm up. I was a good polo player...some would even say great or amazing but after our accident, I can't bring myself to play as competitively. So teaching is where I found I can be happy, it involves horses and polo but without the pressure or as much intensity.