Your First Polo Lesson with Wrightway Polo in Petaluma: A Warm Welcome to the Sport of Kings

For those of us who live and breathe the equestrian lifestyle, exploring a new riding discipline is always exciting. I’ve spent years in the saddle riding hunters and jumpers—but recently, I stepped outside my comfort zone and tried something completely new: polo.

Wrightway Polo, nestled in scenic Petaluma, California, offers an ideal introduction to the sport. Run by Erik and Liz Wright, the program is designed to help beginners feel confident, welcome, and empowered to swing a mallet—no matter their riding background. Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or have never sat on a horse, Wrightway Polo is a fantastic place to begin your polo journey.

What It’s Like to Learn Polo for the First Time

Starting a fast-paced team sport like polo might sound intimidating, but the moment you arrive at Wrightway Polo, you’re put at ease. The horses are seasoned, the instruction is thorough, and the entire atmosphere is supportive. Here’s how the experience unfolds:

●      Meet Your Mount: Wrightway’s polo ponies are top-notch—responsive, calm, and used to helping new riders. I was lucky enough to ride Monica, who made it easy to focus on learning rather than worrying about control.

●      Understand the Essentials: Before we ever picked up speed, Erik and Liz walked me through how to sit correctly, hold the mallet, and control the horse with one hand. It’s a totally different feel from traditional English riding.

●      Hit the Ball: There’s something incredibly satisfying about swinging the mallet and connecting with the ball while riding. It takes coordination, but the learning curve is part of the fun.

●      Practice Game Play: The session ends with a practice chukker—a casual scrimmage where you get to put all your new skills to use in a mini match.

Why Wrightway Polo is a Must for New Players

What truly sets this program apart is the Wrights themselves. Erik and Liz bring a passion for polo and a deep commitment to their students. They’ve created a community that feels less like a formal riding school and more like joining a group of friends who happen to love the game.

Everything is provided—ponies, helmets, mallets—so you can just show up and start learning. No prior polo experience is necessary, and you’ll leave the field feeling accomplished and excited for your next ride.

Looking for a Horse Property Near Petaluma?

Polo is just one of many riding disciplines that thrive in Northern California’s equestrian-friendly communities. If you're looking for your dream horse property—whether it's for polo ponies, show jumpers, or weekend trail rides—I’d love to help you find the right fit.

Explore homes in top equestrian neighborhoods like Petaluma, Danville, and Pleasanton with an agent who understands the unique needs of horse owners. Let’s connect.

Ready to Ride?

 If you’ve ever thought about trying polo, Wrightway Polo makes it approachable and fun. It’s a great way to challenge yourself, connect with horses in a new way, and meet fellow riders in the process. Book a lesson, swing a mallet, and experience what makes this sport so addicting.