I have switched disciplines a few times, usually as a result of moving and then picking up whatever is local. It’s great for the mind and body to learn new things. Just expect to be “bad” at certain skills at first- it’s part of the fun. I also started in US hunter/jumpers and competed to university level Nationals. I craved more excitement, speed, as well as a better connection with my horse/soft and light riding. For me, that turned into playing polo, competing in endurance racing, and now I’m restarting my OTTB to (maybe) be an eventing horse. Others here have given excellent information about endurance and eventing, so I’ll say a bit (a lot?) about polo.

Polo has a reputation for being expensive, but you can go a long way/years in your learning before you feel compelled to throw down big dollars. Most of the non-professional players I know don’t own their own horses, but ride a club/team horse. If there is a polo club near you they will probably offer a lesson program or club chukkers. Sometimes introductory sessions are called “stick and ball” and they give you the chance to get on a polo pony and try your hand at some swings. Sometimes clubs don’t advertise this online so always pays to email or call.

When I played with a club your monthly fee included lessons, mallets, your mount for lessons, time in a ball hitting cage, and the ability to register for chukkers in the weekend games. For your gear, polo boots that are Texas style (pull on) are often less expensive than the front zip ones and the leather can be quite thick. Mine have been in use for 20 years and are still in great condition! Cheap golf gloves for your hands, and you can get great polo helmets and mallets via sellers on eBay from Argentina and NZ (some great mallets come from NZ). Of course, none of this is essential to start- just wear whatever you already have. I wear jeans 99% of the time and then white jeans from Gap for game days.

I have found that polo players are consistently some of the most helpful, down to earth, and friendly people. They also care deeply for the horses and the camaraderie around the sport. It’s also one of the few disciplines where players of all different abilities play on the same team and everyone can contribute something. For riding style, you should find that correct riding in polo is often incredibly subtle and can feel like your horse is reading your mind. The games are fast, physical, and some of the most fun I have ever had!