Newsletter 1, March 2003

"Amateur Sport for Professional Players"

Thanks

I would like to start my first newsletter by thanking Dawn Goodfellow, Dennis Otter, Keith Mason and Lindsey Maclean for all their hard work and commitment to ensuring the continued success of our club (in one capacity or another). They have decided to stand down from their positions this year, if only to laugh at the rest of us attempting to do the jobs they know only too well!

I'm sure many of you got to say your own personal goodbyes to Keith at his leaving do but here is one last farewell from us all (although I hear he hasn't actually left yet! I personally think he isn't leaving and just wanted a party!). We wish you all the best and keep in touch!

Hello

I am sure you all know us already but just so you know who is who and how to reach us…

Alex Johnson - Club Chairman
Penny Beaumont and Lizzie Wright-Roberts - joint Team Manager
Myself Rachel Johnson - Club Captain (and newsletter writer)
Jane Walker - New Treasurer, who we all welcome to the club.

Editor's Column

The one thing we all have in common is Polocrosse. We have all been playing for different lengths of time at different levels but I think I speak for all of us, when I say it's the passion for the game that makes us stick at it and it is the passion and the amount of determination that determines how successful we can be.

I appreciate that many of you play for the enjoyment and the social life but at the end of the day, when you are out on that field nobody wants to lose! It is the dedication and preparation off the field, as well as your performance on the day that makes you a winner.

A winner does not have to mean you always win the game! It can be accomplishing something you have been practicing for days, weeks or even years because that's how long it takes. There are very few people that are born naturals and even they have to practice, you are never too good to stop learning (ask any of the top A-grade players)!

We should also remember it's not just about 'us' the players, ('it takes two to tango') and your pony doesn't magically turn into 'Miss Muffet' on the field. Ponies have to practice too and need looking after, so they can continue to play weekend after weekend, to a level you expect of them.

The intention of my newsletters over this summer is to make you think and behave like a 'professional player' (you're not going to get paid like one though!). By this I mean taking it seriously (it can still be fun) but by putting 100% in you can walk away knowing you tried your hardest! The best way I can think to do this is to get the advice, opinions, knowledge and stories of those who have been there, done that and probably got the T-shirt and lets face it we all want a T-shirt with 'England' written on it.

Every issue will have two articles written by an A-grade player from our club, another UK club or a foreign player to get a variety ideas and perspectives, on a range of issues. I already have loads of ideas and willing writers but if there is anything you want to know, set me the challenge of finding someone to answer your question(s).

Hope you enjoy reading them.

This month's articles have been provided by Martin and Keith.

Thanks Boys,
Rachel x

A breakdown of the Strengths and Weakness of Pennine's Grades
By Keith Mason

A Grade STRENGTHS

- Stick work
- Riding ability
- Good horses
- Team spirit and good young players.

A Grade WEAKNESSES

- Inexperience mainly due to age
- Converting possession into goals
- Ability to analyse game and change tactics to suit the style of the competition
- Saving our horses where possible

B Grade STRENGTHS

- Determination
- Team spirit
- Stick work
- Young players
- Good horses

B Grade WEAKNESSES

- Controlling aggression
- Converting possession into goals
- Sticking to game plan
- Saving horses where possible
- Being able to pick themselves up after a bad chukka

C Grade STRENGTHS

- Team spirit
- Ability to enjoy themselves
- Young players

C Grade WEAKNESSES

- Horses
- Stick work
- Robbing
- Converting possession into goals
- No game plan

Juniors' STRENGTHS

- Horses
- Stick work
- Team work
- Enjoyment of the game
- Support from parents

Juniors' WEAKNESSES

- N/A we will have to wait and see when they come under pressure!

Primary Juniors' STRENGTHS

- Determination
- Energy and enjoyment for the game
- Support from parents
- Strong riders for Primary Juniors level

Primary Juniors' WEAKNESSES

- Not many - in a few years I'm sure they will follow in our Juniors' footsteps

Care of your Pony BEFORE, DURING and AFTER a Tournament
By Martin Brooks

Care Of Your Horse's Teeth

§ Have your horse's teeth checked every 6 months.
§ Have them checked by a reputable Equine Dentist or Vet. There are becoming more and more people qualified equine dentists that have qualified/trained either in the U.S.A., Australia or in the U.K. So ask where they have trained, how much training they've had and what qualifications they have. A good equine dentist or vet will spend at least 30 minutes working on a single horse. There is a lot more do than "just taking the sharp edges off".
§ A horse's teeth can affect how it eats, therefore its condition and how well it keeps weight on. If they are inefficient when eating you could be wasting hundreds of pounds a year on feed, as well as the horse not being able to perform to its full potential.
§ Teeth can also affect the way a horse responds to you, both when you're riding him or just when you're around him. Imagine if you had tooth ache or a pain in your mouth, you'd be pretty bad tempered as well.
§ A horse needs to be able to move its jaw sideways, backwards and forwards and up and down (just like us.) So any restriction in these movements (due to problems such as hooks, ramps, uneven incisors or molar tables, ridging, etc.) can result in unwanted problems such as opening his mouth, leaning on the bit, preferring to turn one way more than the other or throwing his head up. Again this all affects the horse's performance.

Care Of A Horse Before A Tournament

§ Fitness is one of the most important things about playing Polocrosse. Get your horse fit well before you intend to play the first tournament of the year. Asking a horse to turn, twist, accelerate, stop, etc when he is not fit enough could result in serious damage being done. The amount of fitness work that needs doing is also related to the breed and build of the horse. For example a 'quarter horse' type will need to be built up slower as they have more muscle.
§ Fitness work should include trotting, cantering, galloping, bursts (e.g. canter for 15 strides, gallop for 5 strides) and hill work. If your horse has problems with weak tendons, do a lot of steady trot work on the roads a few times a week to build up strength in that area. If you are unsure how any problems your horse may have affects the work you can do, ask your vet. One of the most important things is when your horse is semi-fit ensure he sweats every time he works (this reduces the risk of 'tying up' as well as giving you a pointer as to how fit he is.)
§ Talk to your vet or feed merchant regarding feed for your horse. Tell them what you do, what type of horse you have and how often you ride it. It may be that they know of a better feed for your horse that you've never tried. Make sure your horse is in good condition (not carrying too little OR too much weight, shiny coat) before going to a tournament, as it will always lose a bit of weight over the weekend.
§ Make sure your horse is well shod before coming to a tournament. Losing a shoe may cause your horse to go lame as well as being expensive to replace. (Note: this year games will not be stopped to replace lost shoes and over-reach boots, so get them sorted out before you get there.)

Care Of A Horse During A Tournament

§ Try and pick a nice place to put up your horse's pen, perhaps near a hedge or under a tree to provide shade.
§ Always make sure they have clean water.
§ If your horse sweats give him electrolytes in his water or feed (Tip: If he doesn't like electrolytes, mix some in a bucket with water and a small amount of molasses.) If you don't feed electrolytes all of the time, start giving them a few days before a tournament. (Note: If your horse hardly ever sweats you don't need to give him electrolytes as he may 'overdose' on them, which can cause problems.)
§ Walk out or ride your horses when you first get to a tournament, as they may be stiff from travelling. They also need walking out again in the mornings before you play, as again they may be stiff from playing and being stood in a pen all night. This is also the time to check if your horse has any cuts, swellings or if he is lame (it's no good telling someone your horse is lame 5 minutes before you are due to play, if you find out early enough there may be something that can be done.)
§ In between chukkas take off your saddle (usually only in higher grades), give him a quick wipe down and walk your horse around. This just gives your horse as big a rest as possible so that he can play better for longer.
§ Walk your horse off well (at least 10 minutes) after every game you've played, until his breathing has recovered as this will reduce the risk of the horse 'tying up' or getting colic.
It may also be a good idea to bandage your horse over night and use something like 'ice tight' or any other cooling type product. This may reduce any swellings or strains your horse may have before they become a bigger problem.
§ Another idea may be to feed them a bran mash when they've finished playing rather than their normal feed. This helps to remove any build up in your horse's body over the weekend, again reducing the risk of colic or other similar problems.

Care Of A Horse After A Tournament

§ After the weekend keep a close eye on your horse for any cuts, swellings or lameness so that it can be treated as quickly as possible.
§ Regarding working your horse there are 2 different opinions here:

1. Give your horse the next day off so that it can rest and recover. In this case don't feed your horse its 'normal' working feed.
2. Keep your horse in work every day, with an easier day the day after a tournament (take him out for a steady trot). Doing this allows you to see if there are any problems straight away (e.g. stiffness of lameness) and reduces the risk of your horse tying up.

REMEMBER, YOU choose to play Polocrosse, NOT your horse!
It is a very stressful game for a horse to play, so look after him, if you don't have a horse you can't play!! If you are in doubt about anything regarding the health of your horse, talk to your vet immediately.

TRICK TEASER OF THE MONTH

Basic one for starters! (Hopefully they will get harder throughout the season)

Bounce the ball 10 times on the shaft of your racquet (that's the wooden bit)
finish by catching the ball in a downward direction.
GOOD LUCK!

EXERCISE OF THE MONTH

Make your horse stand whilst you get on!

- Shorten your inside rein, so your horse is turned towards you
(if your pony moves it will be in circles)
- If this happens do a one rein stop
(pulling on the rein closest to you)
- This is a form of punishment, after a few days your pony will stand whilst
you mount up.

I asked a few of the selectors from the Northern region, what they look for when selecting teams. I thought it might be interesting to understand how teams are picked, especially for England squads. Throughout the season I will try and get some more perspectives from other selectors, even those not in our region, so you can get a really good picture of what they think makes good players.

Guy Robertson - Junior Squad

§ Players must display good stick skills
e.g. accurate passes, pick-ups and bounces…
§ Players must demonstrate good horsemanship skills
e.g. correct aids, well balanced and light hands…
§ Players must show intelligent tactical play
e.g. not getting caught out of position…
§ Players must be willing to learn
e.g. players who seek feedback and accept constructive criticism

Keith Mason - previous Pennine coach and England selector

§ Riding - a player that can ride different horses and get a good tune out of them would be a big plus in my eyes! Most people think this only related to out going tours, I don't!! What happens if his/her good horse goes lame and they are one of the strongest players in your squad? He/she could get onto any pool horse and still perform well.
§ Stick work - I judge stick work on confidence! A player must go for the ball at all times, after all it is the ball that wins the game. They must look confident carrying the ball, be able to distribute the ball comfortably and when their teammates call for a pass.
§ Conduct - A player must conduct themselves well on and off the field. When you play for your country you are an ambassador, whether you are playing away or at home.
§ Team Player - A player that talks to their team, picks them up when they are down and keeps them going strong when they are up. When I select it is important to select a team that works well together and not just brilliant individuals.
§ Consistency - I will always select a player that performs consistently at a high level. I put this down to being able to handle pressure. There is no bigger game than an international one - HUGE PRESSURE!!!
§ Being able to read a game - To be able to read the game is another strong point, by this I mean changing defence to attack quickly without having to think about it and vice-versa.

For SALE and WANTED

Sorry I didn't get around to asking if anyone wanted me to write anything here but please let me know for the next one! The next issue will hopefully be in June.

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