THE POLO EXPERIENCE

Working with our partners at The Royal Berkshire Polo Club located at junction 6 off the M4, the school gives you the unique opportunity to come to the stunning and prestigious Polo Club and not only watch polo but actually learn all about the sport and have a go yourself. Whether you have ridden a horse before or not you can now try out this exhilarating and elite sport. The ponies are suitable for novices as they have been selected for their quiet nature and they are schooled to respond only to the rider’s commands. Think of them as the guide dogs of the equine world, they have a job to do and they just get on with it, leaving you to concentrate on your swing, the ball, that goal and of course how good you look!

The Club is one of the most exclusive in the UK; Prince Charles was the 3rd ever member. Clients have access to all the facilities for the entire day and evening if they wish. It is one of the few high goal clubs which means that the polo you will be watching is some of the best in the world.

Suggested Itinerary (Timings can be flexible to suit your requirements)

9.30am Meet at the Royal Berkshire Polo Club in the clubhouse for registration, continental pastries, chilled fresh fruit juices, coffee and a selection of teas.

10:15am Introduction to the World of Polo from Mark Hayden-Kellard; director of the Berkshire Polo School, professional former England player and fully qualified H.P.A. coach and meet all instructors.

10.30am Polo Tuition - The group is divided up into smaller groups and concentrate on the 4 main basics of the game:

Rules and tactics - Instruction on the rules, tactics and general information about the sport.

Hitting techniques on wooden horse - Mounted on a wooden platform/horse, instructors teach the basic polo swing and hitting.

Polo riding & stick & ball on horseback - The ponies are trained to respond only on command; they will not do anything until prompted by their ‘rider’. During this session participants sit on horseback and instructors teach the commands necessary to control your polo pony and you continue your polo swing and hitting practice.

Mounted demonstration - Professional players demonstrate on horseback the theory and answer questions.

12:30pm Clients polo chukka tournament - The group is split up in to teams and actually put their new skills into practice, the game can be as fast/slow as is practical and interestingly, we find that novice riders and the more experienced all tend to play at the same level. The skill is in team playing and ball skills not riding!

Lunch - A sumptuous south American BBQ. Then sit back relax and watch a professional organised POLO Match

High tea with prize giving - prizes for the winning team; the most improved player, the most stylish player & the most uncomfortable on a horse etc.

Clothing Requirements
• Gloves (not too thick)
• Boots or shoes with a thick heel i.e. Timberland style, deck shoes etc..
• Riding gear if you have any, jeans, chinos, tracksuit bottoms, T-Shirts, Polo Shirts, Sweatshirts or similar.
Polo Mallets and Hats are provided but you are welcome to bring your own riding hats if you have them.