Thursday, 14 July 2011

Polo........................................................ fast and furious on horseback

I tried to make my way to Chester on Saturday afternoon but the traffic was backed up for miles.
I have reached the age of no patience so turned back and meandered through the county lanes enjoying the weather and the Cheshire countryside.

As I passed the Cheshire Polo Club I saw there were matches being played and as I had never seen  Polo live before I turned around and entered the grounds.
There are four pitches and the one being used was at the far end of the field.
I got out of the car unsure where to go and a lovely girl leading four horses called over and told me where to drive and park... and I could watch the action for free.



A quick explanation on the basic rules.
Polo is a team sport played on horseback in which the objective is to score goals against an opposing team. Players score by driving a small white plastic or wooden ball into the opposing team's goal using a long-handled mallet. The traditional sport of polo is played at speed on a large grass field up to 300 yards in length, and each polo team consists of four riders and their mounts. Players change horses between chukkas (game periods) due to the intensity and speed of the games. All rules are designed to protect the safety of the horse and player - including a rule that players cannot play left-handed.
Polo is played professionally in only 16 countries and is not an Olympic sport.

 

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8 comments:

  1. Bob Bushell14 July 2011 at 22:45

    Out of my mind, I don't play and don't really know how it is, accept teams who with a stick and sometimes hit the ball. Good photos Andrew.

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  2. TexWisGirl14 July 2011 at 22:49

    i know it is because their tails are wrapped and their legs too, but the polo 'ponies' look so long-legged. :)

    my favorite part was about 1:20 into the video where you shot 2 horses almost tip-toing around. whatever you do, don't edit that part. it was lovely! thanks for sharing this, and for your sweet guide to tell you where to park/watch. :)

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  3. Adam Tilt14 July 2011 at 23:36

    One of those sports that's so British it hurts. I've never seen it played myself either but it looks quite enjoyable.

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  4. grammie g14 July 2011 at 23:45

    HI Andrew...well are you having a interesting time of it....
    I hope you are making a list for your next holiday of all that can go wrong with an alternate plan to back it up!!LOL
    Sorry..this is not going well,but you got to watch a live polo match ..and it was free!!
    These horses are beautiful...I love how dainty they step ..also looks dangerous!!
    Hope things are looking up..♥ Grace

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  5. Reena15 July 2011 at 03:25

    I've never seen a polo match ... the horses are so beautiful and quick!

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  6. Anonymous15 July 2011 at 16:03

    Andrew

    Thanks for returning the visit. you're a professional photographer, I'm in my early good shots.

    beautiful pictures of Polo
    Here we raise the Cabal, who generally buy goods from abroad. good specimens.

    the horse is king of the sport. must be very docile, short of appeal. or short legs.

    very nice your blog, greetings from south america.

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  7. Fotokarusellen15 July 2011 at 17:53

    I have seen this game on TV once. Did not understand anything. After this informative post, I will take part in the game next time.
    Wonderful post, thank you for sharing.
    A nice weekend to you.

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  8. Unknown15 July 2011 at 20:19

    Great sequence!! The young Royals left here to play in California. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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