Today was a monumental day for Texas and me. My trusty 5-year-old bay Appaloosa, who has always been my partner in Western riding, stepped into a new arena—literally and figuratively. We decided to see if he had the potential to be a polo horse, and let me tell you, he amazed me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Texas has always been a horse with character. His steady demeanor and natural athleticism make him a joy to work with, but today was different. It was a test of adaptability, speed, and agility. Polo is a fast-paced sport that requires a unique combination of traits: quick reactions, stamina, and the ability to work seamlessly with the rider. It’s not something every horse can take to naturally. But Texas? He showed us he’s not just any horse.
From the moment we began the warm-up, I could feel his curiosity. The new patterns of movement seemed to intrigue him. While he’s used to the steady pace and precise maneuvers of Western riding, today he got a taste of something far more dynamic. And he loved it.
We started slow, focusing on getting him comfortable with the changes in pace and direction. At first, he seemed puzzled, tilting his head as if to say, “What’s this new game?” But within minutes, his natural intelligence kicked in. He began to understand the rhythm of the movements, and he started to follow my cues with enthusiasm. His responsiveness was incredible. Every turn, stop, and sudden burst of speed came effortlessly.
One of the biggest challenges in polo is getting the horse to work as part of the team—both with the rider and, eventually, with other horses on the field. Texas’s calm temperament shone through here. He wasn’t fazed by the new setting or the idea of working in closer quarters. Instead, he seemed to thrive on the energy, ears forward and eager.
By the end of our session, Texas was moving like he’d been born for this. His quick acceleration, sharp turns, and willingness to adapt were all there. And as I dismounted and gave him a well-deserved pat, I realized this wasn’t just a trial. It was the beginning of a new chapter.
Transforming Texas from a Western horse to a polo horse won’t happen overnight. It’ll take time, patience, and a lot of training. He will have training sessions five to six days a week, and we are considering moving him to the stable where my polo trainer can work with him directly. But today proved one thing beyond a doubt: he has the potential. More than that, he has the heart. And in polo, as in life, heart makes all the difference.
I’m excited for this journey ahead. Texas has always been special, but seeing him rise to this new challenge has deepened our bond even more. I can’t wait to see where this road takes us. Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll find ourselves in a proper match, Texas galloping under the bright sun, proving that a Western horse can indeed become a star on the polo field.