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Learn to Play Polo in Surrey: The Minninnooka Polo Pathway

Sep 11
4 min read

If you would like to learn to play polo in Surrey, Minninnooka gives you a clear route from your very first polo taster lesson through to lessons, instructional chukkas, squad training, matches and competition.

You do not need to own a pony, come from a polo family or already understand the game. Our beginner polo lessons in Surrey introduce each skill gradually, while the Minninnooka Polo Pathway gives every rider a meaningful next step.

Based in Chobham, Minninnooka Polo & Riding School supports children and adults who want to try polo, improve their riding or progress towards playing competitive matches.


Start with a Polo Taster Lesson in Surrey

A polo taster lesson is the best starting point for someone completely new to the sport. Riders meet the ponies, learn essential safety and discover the basic riding position and polo swings in a welcoming environment.

There is no expectation that you will understand everything immediately. Your first session is about enjoying polo, gaining confidence and allowing your coach to recommend the right next lesson.

You can start even if:

  • You have never played polo before

  • You do not own a horse

  • You are not from a polo family

  • You have limited riding experience

  • You are returning to riding after a break

Our polo ponies, equipment and coaching are provided, making it easy to try polo without a major commitment.


Surrey polo lessons, pathway, chukkas, squad

Develop Through Regular Polo Lessons in Surrey

After a taster, regular polo lessons in Surrey help riders develop consistent skills and confidence. Polo is not only about hitting a ball; it combines horsemanship, riding, stick work, game understanding and personal development.

Lessons may cover:

  • Grooming, tacking up and pony care

  • Balance, position and independent riding

  • Stopping, turning and controlling pace

  • Forehand, backhand and nearside polo swings

  • Ball control and accuracy

  • Rules, tactics and Polo IQ

  • Communication, teamwork and responsibility

Children and adults progress at different speeds. Minninnooka coaches help each rider choose a suitable lesson group and identify the skills needed for their next stage.


Progress from Polo Lessons to Instructional Chukkas

Once a rider has developed sufficient control and confidence, the next step is instructional polo chukkas.

Lessons teach individual skills. Chukkas teach riders how to use those skills while playing with other people. Riders begin to understand positioning, line of the ball, right of way, teamwork and decision-making during a game.

Instructional chukkas provide a supported bridge into match polo. Coaching and guidance help developing players learn safely without the pressure of being expected to know everything already.


Join the Minninnooka Junior Polo Squad

The Minninnooka junior polo squad is designed for riders ready to make a more consistent commitment to their development.

Squad training brings together polo coaching, riding progression, horsemanship, yard skills, tactical understanding, teamwork and personal responsibility.

Squad riders learn to become increasingly independent around the yard. This includes preparing a pony, understanding tack, caring for equipment and finishing the pony correctly after riding.

Selection is not based on playing ability alone. Attitude, effort, consistency, responsibility and sportsmanship are all important parts of the Minninnooka Polo Pathway.


Gain Match Experience Through Polo Challenges

Internal challenges and suitable matches allow riders to put their training into practice in a supportive environment.

This stage helps developing polo players learn to communicate with teammates, manage nerves, make decisions at game speed and understand their role within a team. Players are guided towards opportunities that suit their current riding ability, polo experience and confidence.


Learn to play polo - Progress to Polo Matches, Teams and Competition

Riders who want to progress further can work towards training competitions, external matches, Minninnooka teams and tournament polo.

Competition provides an exciting goal, but it is not the only definition of success. One rider may want to enjoy friendly club chukkas confidently, while another may want to represent a team and play tournament polo. Our structured polo training pathway supports both.


The full Minninnooka journey is:

Polo taster lesson → Regular polo lessons → Instructional chukkas → Squad training → Challenges and matches → Competition


Weekly Polo Lesson Timetable in Chobham, Surrey

Our current regular polo lesson timetable includes weekday, evening and weekend options:

Day

Regular polo lessons and squad sessions

Monday

No regular scheduled sessions

Tuesday

Group polo lessons at 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm

Wednesday

Group polo lessons at 10:00 am, 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm

Thursday

Group polo lessons at 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm

Friday

Group polo lessons at 10:00 am, 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm

Saturday

Squad training from 8:00–11:00 am, including Foundation and Developing sessions; group polo lesson at 11:00 am

Sunday

Squad training from 8:00–11:00 am; group polo lessons at 9:00 am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am

Instructional chukkas, challenges, camps, matches and polo competitions are scheduled separately and shared with eligible riders. Lesson times and availability can change, so please check the live booking timetable before booking.


Book a Beginner Polo Lesson in Surrey

Whether you are looking for children’s polo lessons, adult beginner polo lessons or a structured route into competitive polo, Minninnooka can help you find the right starting point.

  • Completely new to polo? Book a taster lesson.

  • Completed a taster? Join a suitable regular lesson.

  • Already attending lessons? Ask what you need to achieve before instructional chukkas.

  • Playing chukkas confidently? Discuss squad, match and competition opportunities with your coach.

Every polo player starts with a first lesson. The Minninnooka Polo Pathway makes sure you know what comes next.


To book a polo taster lesson in Chobham or discuss your next stage, contact:

Minninnooka Polo & Riding School

Chobham, Surrey

07557 343355

 
 
 

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