Look carefully at the first photo. Those are a few of the most important horses in my life, from the porch bannister, to Trixie, our childhood pony, to Old John, whom tyros drew on the ranch, to lovely Raisin, my first polo love.

The third picture features me on “Don,” aka Prince Bohemond, a son of Cannonade, who won the 1974 Kentucky Derby, the first year after Secretariat. And notice that he’s grazing, not running, and I’m having a high old time, tapping the ball. The most difficult part of polo is getting enough practice, and you can accomplish that if you do it this way.

Now, look at the second photo, of a practice pony that I keep in my library. What about those cold, windy winter nights when you want to practice. Here’s how.

If you’re resourceful, and determined, you’ll be able to practice all you want and build real skill, so that when you’re on a cantering horse, on a field, you’ll be prepared, play well, and really enjoy it.