there are three more in which to make amends and maybe still win the match….!”
The Supporter: Ollie (husband and father)
“The thing I love most about Polo is seeing Jo going about her passion. We have all been able to get very close to it, which was not possible with Eventing or even hacking. Jo comes alive when she’s riding, and has also relished the challenge of competition and, more importantly, the joys of team sport. Eventing can be a lonely discipline, where as polo enjoys this great sense of sportsmanship and team spirit. The technical side has also represented a signifi cant challenge. There’s a sense of starting at your beginnings. Jo’s previous medals and experience were relevant, but the sport of polo is unique, in terms of riding technique, ball skills and tactics. A real challenge, and so rewarding when you see her striking the ball at full canter in Chukkas.
I also love the camaraderie of the sport, and particularly that of the club. Players transmit it, and there’s a real sense of team play, and above all, a spirit of fun. The effortless expertise of the pros and grooms going about their business is also fascinating to watch.
The game of polo combines some of the best aspects of other contact sports - the skill and positional sense of football, the power and physicality of rugby - with the tactics and strategy of F1 and racing. There’s also that amazing sense of grace and beauty that is unique to the combination of man and horse. Our outing to Guards on International Day, facilitated by the club, was an unforgettable experience. Watching the top players like Facundo and Cambiaso in action was something to behold.
The Club is informal and welcoming, yet standards are very high; there is a sense of polish and fi nesse amongst the staff, and the food is of very high quality. Kids are welcomed, and are part of the club and its identity. The setting is idyllic and relaxing. Sitting on the veranda with a drink, good company, whilst watching the Chukkas, is perfect after a stressful week at work.”
The Little Fans: Lucinda & Leo
“I love going to the polo with my family because of the warm atmosphere and the wonderful horses. The Hunt Kendall staff are all very friendly and their cheese and ham toasties
Photography: The Stuart Family
are the best! My Mummy bought a polo pony in August 2009 called Juana and she is the best horse anyone could hope for. From the very fi rst time I laid eyes on her, I knew she was perfect for our family.
I enjoy watching mummy play polo because I see that she loves every minute of the game and it really touches my heart to see she has such a passion. I also love to visit Juana in her stall and feed her polo mints. Leo loves the tractors best of all.
At the end of the season, there is a fancy dress match and Mummy and Juana went as Cruella de Ville from 101 Dalmatians! It was great helping Mummy stick black spots onto Juana to make her look like a Dalmatian puppy.
I hope that this season will be as good as the last one!”
LITTLE FAN: LUCINDA
An hour later, dripping with sweat, with a weak right arm and aching
thighs, I returned wearing the biggest
smile on my face...
LITTLE FAN: LEO
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