Category: Equestrian

“Horses are large and powerful animals – they provide a natural opportunity to overcome fear and develop self-confidence. Working with horses offers the unique experience of developing a deeper understanding of yourself and how others perceive you, what motivates you, your adaptability and flexibility in changing situations, your innovativeness, level of commitment and initiative and ultimately your ability to understand and lead others. The best lessons learned from horses are those that allow us to adapt our behaviours to be more balanced and co-operative. Horses teach us to be conscious leaders!

To truly lead others you must first understand yourself and recognize your areas of strengths and areas for development.  What makes learning with horses so different is that learning takes place on the spot. The impact and learning are more powerful than the traditional methods of classroom training. Participants are taken out of their comfort zones and are so much more open to the process of self-discovery. Funnily enough, they are more willing to accept feedback from a horse than from another human being.” -Yolanda Sing is a professional coach, equine facilitator and author of the book ‘Power In The Paddock’.

The 1212 Polo and Turf Resort has created the Equestrian Scholars Club as a partnership with schools within the Abuja metropolis. This is to add to the club activities which schools offer students, but at a further discounted rate (over 30%) to encourage them to try something different. Riding, and a general relationship with horses, is proven to have multiple (developmental and corrective) benefits for children. For details on how to partner and join our program, kindly contact us for the package and guidelines.    

Unlike polo, players are allowed only to play one horse, except in the case of injury. There is no restriction on the horse's height, although polocrosse horses are generally smaller than 16hh. Horses of all breeds play polocrosse. Stallions are not permitted to play. A team consists of six players, divided into two sections of three who each play either 2, 3 or 4 chukkas of six to eight minutes, depending on the rules of the tournament, with the two sections from each team alternating on and off the field each chukka. A match comprises four, six or eight chukkas. The three players in each section play the position of a No. 1, attack, a No. 2, midfield (a combination of defence and offence), or a No. 3, defence.

With a dedicated horse racing field perfect for thoroughbred flat races, jockeys from Nigeria, and beyond particularly enjoy racing at 1212 and make great use of the stables, paddocks, and clubhouse as well as top-of-the-range riding equipment. Major races in Nigeria include the prestigious Ahmadu Bello Cup, which is run on a 12-furlong distance track, and the Northern Derby in which teams from the Northern States Turf Clubs Authority (NSTCA) come together to compete. The Northern Derby is run on a 10-furlong track with the venue of the race rotated between members. 1212 will be hosting several horseracing derbies during the course of every calendar year.

The riding school is structured for ease of learning horseback riding, at the most beautiful, serene, secure, and therapeutic environment that you can imagine. Our Riding School is designed for curious hobbyists and horse enthusiasts ranging from the age of four (4), above. In addition to riding skills, we have styled our lessons to teach riders compassion, discipline, humility, and empathy – all necessary qualities for growth and leadership. Benefits of Horse Riding, Activities, and the Equestrian Lifestyle

• Positive Character Traits
• Physical Health
• Psychological Health
• Problem-Solving
• Companionship
• Socialization
• Competition
• Transportation
• A Return to Nature
• Relaxation
• Lifestyle
• Career (Racing, Polo, Dressage, Showjumping)
• Love and the Human-Animal Bond
• Fun

 

The game is played by two opposing teams with the objective of scoring goals by using a long-handled wooden mallet to hit a small hard ball through the opposing team's goal. Each team has four mounted riders, and the game usually lasts one to two hours, divided into periods called chukkas (or "chukkers"). Come for the Game of Kings.

Horse riding is a rewarding activity for everyone, it presents the opportunity to disconnect from the world, ride on trails, and discover the beauty of freedom.