i6 



FIRST STEPS AT POLO. 



[Chap. I. 



2. To the left rear, or under the p07iy s tail. — The 

 ball must be in such a position that even when it is 

 struck at right angles, it will go clear of the pony's 

 hind legs. It will therefore have to be a foot or more 

 behind the rider's knee, and the pony's hind quarters 



Photo 5?/] 



Fig. 9. — Back-hander straight back. 



[M. H. Hayes. 



must be turned to the left by a strong pressure of 

 the drawn-back right leg (Figs. 10 and 1 1). 



3. To the off or right rear. — The ball must be 

 struck either level with or slightly in front of the rider's 

 knee, and the pony's head turned to the left, so as to 

 give room for the stick to come down. Or the ball 

 must be hit when at a distance of at least two feet 

 from the pony. This is much the most difficult 



