Our Programmes - ATOMS Polo Academy

Introduction to Polo, Balance and Command

Atoms operates under three criteria; fun, safety and quality of tuition. Our club is HPA (Hurlingham Polo Association – UK) affiliated and along with our accredited instructors, we ensure an exciting introduction to the sport. All initial coaching takes place in the outdoor and all-weather arenas at the club until you are able to progress onto grass. We offer several lesson options thereby providing the right type of coaching that suits every level and ability – from a complete beginner to a professional player.

There are 4 program levels from novice to the polo test to receive a full HPA handicap.

Here at SPC we have a holistic approach to learning, and we are keen that little “Atoms” when they join us also have fun. Post lesson games and entertaining activities are also included as part of our program to ensure that your time with us is not only educational but exciting and memorable.

Level 1 Riding Lesson (Canter Confidently)

For students with some riding experience and advanced riders they will initially be assessed by our instructors who will place them in an appropriate group by age and riding ability. They will begin with the basics of learning to ride for polo, whilst also learning the rudiments of the game progressing on through the programme outlined below.

Apart from polo riding the 12 week Introductory beginner course will also include the following

Week 1: Polo equipment and safety

Week 2: Getting to know the horse

Week 3: Polo equipment & tacking up the pony

Week 4: Measuring stirrups, tightening the girth, how to mount and dismount safely and how to hold the reins

Week 5 & 6: Horse commands

Week 7: Hitting the ball on the ground & penalty shots

Week 8: Ground polo 2 vs 2

Week 9: Wooden Horse (Hitting Cage)

Week 10: Polo stick and riding safety

Week 11: Polo in the arena (novice - walking or trotting in small arena whilst hitting the ball)

Week 12: Practical Test

Merit badges will be awarded in each section, once its successfully completed.

Level 2 Stop and Turn Confidently, Acceleration and Deceleration on Pony, Foot Mallet, Stick Work in Arena and Cage Lesson

After completion of the 12 week Level 1 introductory course, the beginner group will then take the next step up the ladder to Level 2. Those with some prior riding experience would also join the program at this level once they pass the requisite assessment by our instructors. Here players learn to walk, trot and canter whilst holding the mallet. To progress to Level 3, players need to be able to Canter whilst holding a mallet and at the same time being able to hit the ball. The rules of the game are also introduced at this level.

Level 3Rules and Tactics, Change Lead, Stick Work, Formation Riding, Cushion Polo and Arena Polo

By Level 3, players are accomplished at cantering whilst carrying a mallet, and have started to come to grips with the rules of the game. In Level 3 players progress to arena stick & ball and mini chukkers, as well as learning game tactics. At the end of the Level 3 program, players will take a provisional polo test. The best players will then progress on to the Atoms Elite program.

Atoms EliteField Lesson (25%) and Atoms Chukkas

Players who have accomplished Atoms Elite status are ready for instructional chukkers on the polo field; they understand the rules, are au fait with tactics and are ready to put their newly acquired skills to the test alongside the best playing members in the club. Atoms Elite members are also eligible to take the full polo test to acquire a handicap.

Programmes Offered

Ewheels Polo

Glide!! A challenging and fun combination of polo on an electric unicycle! eWheels lessons are open for ages 5 – 18. So don’t miss the chance to whizz around the polo field on this fun device, once you have mastered your balance and put your newly acquired polo skills to the test.

Atoms Gymkhana & Interscholastic Tournament

All students are also eligible to participate in the end of season Gymkhana where they are timed on the following; polo tack & equipment, basic rules of polo, putting on the bandages and tying up the tail (Argentine style), tacking up a polo pony and taking penalties from a fixed spot on foot and on horseback and playing an E-wheels game.

Players are also selected to create teams to enter the interscholastic tournament at the end of the Season.

There will be 2 leagues
Pewee league: Ages 5 – 8 yrs old
Main Interscholastic league: Ages 8 - 18 yrs old

The School team will be mentored by a playing SPC member.

Novice Chukkers

For experienced riders, who have gotten the hang of polo riding and tactics a more advanced chukkers allows you to learn more about positioning and strategy as well as playing at a faster pace all in preparation for the next step, the polo test to gain a handicap and club polo on the full sized grass pitch. Two instructors are on hand to offer instructional tuition throughout.

Instructional Chukkers

As beginner groups progress, under the watchful eye of our coaches, we run slow-controlled instructional chukkers to help you learn to play competitive polo. Level 1 Instructional chukkers are conducted in the arena. Level 2 Instructional chukkers are played on a 1/4 size grass pitch, which allows all to experience the excitement of playing the game whilst developing their polo skills in a fun and safe environment.

Private Lessons

For intermediate and advanced students, who are looking to fine tune their skills. These are one on one lessons between the student and the instructor, moving at the pace of the individual student, chosen at times that are convenient for the student and instructor.

Shared / Group Lessons

Group lessons are based on a maximum of 5 persons sharing an instructor, groups are divided according to their age and ability.

Arena Polo

Under a different set of rules, arena polo is played on a different surface and off the arena wall. At our covered arena, arena polo is more assessable as the game is less dependent on weather or the conditions of the polo field. While horses don’t go at high speed over long distances, being able to master acceleration, strength and maneuverability is key and a progressive way for polo players to develop their riding and polo skills.

Unmounted Fun & Games

Obstacle courses, scavenger hunt, water fights and arena football are some of the unmounted fun and games enjoyed at ATOMS.

While polo brings out the drive and competitiveness in each of us, learning can be fun through the right mix of games and activities within an environment that creates camaraderie and friendship.

Introduction to Polo, Balance and Command

for the novicePolo Riding Lessons

Level 1 Riding Lesson (Canter Confidently)

Level 2 Stop and Turn Confidently, Acceleration and Deceleration on Pony, Foot Mallet, Stick Work in Arena and Cage Lesson

Level 3Rules and Tactics, Change Lead, Stick Work, Formation Riding, Cushion Polo and Arena Polo

Atoms EliteField Lesson (25%) and Atoms Chukkas