What to Expect

Meet your horse at the stables on Oʻahu’s North Shore and get ready to try something few visitors ever do: learn to play polo on a real working polo pony. These responsive, well-trained horses know the game, allowing first-timers to focus on finding their balance and learning the swing.

Begin on the ground with your instructor, practicing how to hold and swing a polo mallet before climbing into the saddle. Once comfortable riding, introduce the ball and feel the challenge change completely as you coordinate the horse’s movement, your balance, and the timing of each strike.

Start at a walk, swinging for the ball as hoofbeats carry you across the beachside arena. As confidence builds, capable riders may progress to a light trot, adding speed and giving you a genuine taste of the precision and teamwork behind polo.

Throughout the lesson, your instructor adjusts the pace to your ability while the North Shore coastline, ocean breeze, and sound of horses moving across the sand give this traditional sport a distinctly Hawaiian setting. Finish with a relaxed cool-down and a little time with your horse before leaving with more than a horseback ride—you’ll have actually taken your first swings at polo.

Included

• Personalized instruction from experienced polo trainers
• Use of trained polo ponies
• All necessary polo gear and safety equipment
• One-hour riding and polo fundamentals session
• Beachside training arena with ocean views

Requirements

• Riders must check in 30 minutes prior to lesson time
• Minimum age: 8 years old
• Weight limit: 240 lbs — guests may be weighed on-site to ensure safety standards
• Long pants and closed-toe shoes are highly recommended (not required)
• No prior riding experience necessary