Polo Basics

Summary: This book, written by Santiago Schweitzer and Barbara Schütz, provides a comprehensive introduction into the sport of polo, from the very basics to the detailed technical components of the polo swing. A glance at the table of contents indicates the range of topics. First the authors provide an overview of the history, listing important facts and aspects of polo and thus providing relevant knowledge. Chapters on all aspects of the perfect polo swing follow. Step by step, techniques and aspects of swinging are clearly explained and described. The book will support both the very beginner in learning and the experienced player in improving and refining his swing. Of course the polo ponies themselves, their characteristics and the riding of these horses is not forgotten. Pictures and illustrations will be helpful to visualize the written text. Useful tips from the professional player encourage the reader to give it a try and will help to make the book a vivid one which can be made use of as a training guide. For this reason, it has been printed in a practical size that will fit into any sports bag. About the authors: Santiago Schweitzer is an Argentinean professional polo player. He has been playing polo since he was eleven years old and played off a handicap of +3 at the age of seventeen. Although his degree in law is behind him, his active sporting career continues. Santiago takes part in tournaments and plays in Uruguay, Ecuador, Kenya, the USA, Mexico and elsewhere. At present, he carries a +6 handicap, which means he ranks among the top ten per cent of players in the Argentinean professional league. Alongside taking part in tournaments, Santiago spends time breeding and training polo ponies as well as training and coaching polo players. He is manager of the polo academy “Polo Match”, which is directly situated in the neighborhood of the polo clubs “La Aguada” and “La Picaza”. He runs the school and the farm together with his brother Fernando Schweitzer (handicap of +4) and his family. In this book, Santiago Schweitzer shows his method of teaching and learning, introducing his experience as a trainer and professional player by giving essential and helpful advice. Barbara Schütz, Germany’s first and only Publicly Certified Expert for Polo Horses, is a graduate in Agricultural Sciences and a specialist for horses. Since September 2009 she has been writing articles for the polo magazine PACE. She brings all her expert knowledge into this book and assumes the editorial part as well.