lies in wait Soundbites from the sidelines
Brig John Wright Polo manager “We’re lucky in that we’re a low-goal club where prices aren’t high with wonderful grounds. I learnt to play here and our members increase all the time, they’re not the richest but polo is a life-changing game and you give up a lot of stuff to play. Services polo is never going to be high-goal but I’ve convinced all three services to double subsidies for match chukkas.We organise endless combinations to fit your budget.”
John Szymanski Member
“I’d never ridden and was scared of horses before I watched the Rundle Cup here. I was working in technology PR in the recession; I quit, posted an ad on the New Zealand Polo Association website asking for a grooming job so I could learn to ride and had the best eight months of my life with Ross Ainsley (5) then with the Archibalds in Australia. I aim to make 1-goal by 30 and I’m looking for a polo club PR job.”
Pru Mesquita Spectator
“I enjoy coming here because it’s a lovely place, the people are nice, and it’s not a big deal if you don’t win.We brought a picnic today to watch my son Jack, who joined Tidworth after Pony Club, though he plays at Druids with school. My family has always played so I’ve grown up on the sidelines at Kirtlington. The polo is probably better elsewhere but it’s great for people who work more and only play odd weekends.”
Tidworth vital statistics
Playing members 160 Non-playing members 56
Facilities Two full-size boarded grounds at Tedworth Park plus two at Perham Down two miles away, comfortable clubhouse with bar, grandstand, stick-and-ball area, wooden horse, 80 x 40m arena under construction.
Location Flanked by elm trees and a Palladian mansion in Tedworth Park on the Wiltshire/Hampshire border, off the A303 10 miles north-east of Salisbury, 10 minutes from Gateley train station (1 hour 15 from London Waterloo).
Philosophy To keep polo alive in the Services, and guide novices through the life-changing experience that is discovering polo.
Running the show Former Pony Club polo chairman Brig John Wright is the heart of the club as manager of a busy coaching and tournament schedule. John’s plans for this year include upping Tidworth’s social side. Assistant polo manager Jessica Andrews, who winters in New Zealand, has been known to ride for 22 chukkas a weekend in her roles as eternally patient instructor and 1-goal pro. Players enjoy the expertise of head coach Martin ffrench-Blake (4), while secretary Muriel Osborne provides all the info and fatty treats one could need. Yard manager Jax Taylor ensures the pony lines run like clockwork.
CrowdWeekenders from all walks of life flock to join a large military contingent. Yuppies are starting to return post-recession, with visiting teams also on the increase. The club has up- and-coming talent among 40 junior members, while supporting pros include James Lucas (4) and Hiro Suzuki (2).
Seasonal highlight The sidelines will be packed out on 10 July for the annual army versus navy Rundle Cup.
Livery On-site livery including grazing, exercise and delivery to ground costs £125 a week.
Full membership £500 for over-25s without ponies, £850 for pony owners. Military membership starts at £100, and course attendees get three months’ free membership.
Contact
tidpolo@tiscali.co.uk ; 01980 846705
www.polotimes.co.uk July 2010 67
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