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Our team at Blue Springs Polo School and Blue Springs Riding Centre have put together some of the most frequently asked polo and horse riding questions we receive. If you cannot find the answer to your question please do not hesitate to Contact Us.
I want to spend my gap year playing polo in New Zealand; does Blue Springs Polo School host gap year students often?
Yes, we host a lot of international players from beginners to experienced professional players. Some stay for a couple of days, others for a couple of months! The Polo School is designed for polo enthusiasts with polo field, stables, experienced polo ponies and quality on-site farmstay accommodation.
Is it true that in New Zealand you sometimes practice polo at the beach?
Yes! We are located just a short horse-truck drive from one of the best horse-friendly beaches in the South Island. In the summer we often enjoy taking our polo ponies down to the beach for a change of scenery and a chance to 'stick and ball' along the beach - it's a lot of fun for horse and rider!
If I spend my gap year at Blue Springs Polo School do I have to stay in the accommodation you offer?
No. Blue Springs Polo School is conveniently located a few minutes drive from the township of Rangiora. Rangiora offers a lot of accommodation options, from farmstays to private motel suites and boutique bed and breakfast accommodation. Christchurch city is also an easy daily commute and offers the best in hotels, motels and holiday apartments close to all the top Canterbury attractions and city night-life. We encourage our polo guests to experience the local accommodation offered outside of our polo school.
I am interested in doing my polo gap year in New Zealand but don't know when your polo season runs.
September is approximately the start of spring and the start of the gap season in New Zealand. Polo is played right through New Zealand's summer until roughly April, which corresponds with winter in a lot of other countries, which is why New Zealand is a popular choice for gap year polo.
We are based in Canterbury and really keen to learn how to play polo. Do you teach locals or only overseas players?
We have a lot of local polo enthusiasts that learn to play polo with us. We offer private or group lessons for anyone keen to learn how to play polo or to improve their current playing technique.
I want to learn to play polo but everyone tells me it's only for rich people, is this true?
No, this is not true as anyone can learn how to play polo. At starting level it is no more expensive than skiing lessons, taking up golf or learning to scuba dive.
Do I have to be a competent horse-rider before I can learn to play polo?
No. You can learn to ride and play polo at the same time. We find that a lot of beginner riders learn how to ride much quicker while they are actually playing practice polo as they relax and enjoy themself a lot more!
Is polo just for men or can women play?
Polo is a wonderful sport for men and women - there are no gender or age restrictions in the sport. We train and play polo with a lot of top female and male players.
I have seen some outstanding New Zealand bred polo ponies competing internationally and am interested in importing some ponies into my country. Can Blue Springs Polo School assist with this?
We offer quality NZ bred polo ponies for sale to suit beginners to experienced polo players. A lot of our ponies are sold overseas and we can assist in the exportation/importation of Blue Springs polo pony’s to international buyers.
Do you offer general riding lessons?
Riding lessons on experienced horses and ponies is offered at Blue Springs Riding Centre. The riding centre caters for people of all levels and abilities, including showjumpers, eventers and dressage riders. We have horses to match anyone, from beginners to experienced riders.
What happens at Blue Springs Polo School when it's raining?
Polo doesn't stop for a bit of rain! If it's too wet to play polo there is still plenty to learn. Polo theory lessons, video analysis and tutorial discussions are all part of polo training at Blue Springs.
What happens at Blue Springs Polo School or the Riding School when it's raining?
Polo and horse riding doesn't stop for a bit of rain! If it's too wet to play polo (or have a riding lesson) there is still plenty to learn. Polo and general riding theory lessons, video analysis and tutorial discussions are all part of polo and equestrian training at Blue Springs.
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