Now in its seventh year Chesterton Polo in Hurlingham park Fulham, hosts the largest tournament in Europe. Over its three days, six cities from around the world compete to win the coveted trophy.
For those of you who are new to polo it has a history going back 2,000 years, with famous players such as Genghis Khan and William Churchill. It is a game played at speed on horseback, with the aim of trying to score goals against the opposite opponent. Today Polo is played in over 80 countries.
Sunday was the finals day with play-offs for 5th, 3rd and 1st positions.
Our own London 'Mint' team (in white above) were involved along with others such as Abu Dhabi who were last years winners. What became quickly apparent was the frenetic pace of the game and awesome sounds of horses galloping past crowds only inches away from the side of the pitch.
So close in fact that when a player scored they would ride around the outside of the pitch and high five the crowd.
Riders are gauged on their handicap with 10 being the highest with only a handful of players in the world reaching this level. The only handicap that I had was tackling the grass with heels.
We observed a half time ritual, where the crowd are encouraged to come onto the pitch to stomp in the divots with their pineapple and pina colada in hand.
There was also delicious food offerings for every possible taste.
We had a wonderful day at the Polo and will definitely be booking our tickets for next years event. It really is an experience to behold and well worth a booking if you get a chance.
Just make sure you heed the advice.
OMG I love the look of this, especially if the weather is nice and you can stick a pretty dress on, I'd probably prance about pretending I'm on Made in Chelsea ;)
ReplyDeleteIt is funny that you mention the only way is Chelsea most of the cast were there over the three days (Spencer, Kimberley,Ollie and Huge). An excuse to wear a pretty dress is always welcomed Lucy x
DeleteI've never been to Polo in the Park but it looks like lots of fun, especially the pink champagne bar!
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
Polo is always great fun and champagne is always welcome
Deletewith the sunshine Lucy x
Looks like such fun! We go to the Polo at Hurlingham in the Cotswolds every other year and it's such a great day out :)
ReplyDeleteRosie xx
The Cotswolds would be a wonderful place to watch the polo. Definitely adding this to the list Lucy x
DeleteI'm a big fan of polo, good to see that you got some stomping the divots in ;-)
ReplyDeleteSuze | LuxuryColumnist
It is great fun and if the weather is nice even better Lucy x
DeleteI bet this was so fun to attend and watch in person! Loving the Pimm's area too :)
ReplyDeleteStyle Sunrise☀
:)
x
It is a great summer past time Lucy x
DeleteOooh, you're so posh! What did you wear? Was it fabulous? x
ReplyDeleteNot sure it is a posh pastime but is a lovely day out. Wore a bright flowery dress that was floaty Lucy x
DeleteI love pims! I've never seen a polo game before, I'm not even sure how they work!
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
Pimms is lovely, especially in summer so refreshing. The game of polo we watched was reduced to four players. For an idea of what it is like think croquet on horseback Lucy x
DeleteI don't know a thing about polo, so all of this is new to me. I didn't know anything about the history either, so I am glad you added that tidbit.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great sport to watch a little bit dangerous with flying balls but great fun Lucy x
Deletehow exciting. never really had an opportunity to see something like this live but would totally love to one day! :D
ReplyDeleteAnimated Confessions
Definitely is good fun to watch, add it to the want list Lucy x
DeleteHaha, I'd have problems with heels and grass too! I had no idea that Genghis Khan played polo, the things you learn! xxx
ReplyDeleteLucy @ La Lingua Italy
Yes me heals and grass are not a good combination. We'll definitely not if you want to look demure and lady like Lucy x
DeleteI've never been to see a game of polo, it definitely looks like fun! I'm happy to go to anything involving horses. Lovely post and great photos :) x
ReplyDelete♥.•*¨ Amanda Says ¨*•.♥
The horses are like ballerinas they can turn on a six pence. Lucy x
DeleteI have always wanted to watch polo, it seems like such a fun activity! Love the sign at the end!
ReplyDeleteAsh | Liakada
There were quite a few balls that ended up in the audience. It is a great sport and really enjoyable to watch Lucy x
DeleteI love how fast-paced polo is, but the best thing about it is definitely the food, drink and entertainment! I love a good British institution and this is one of the things I really miss out in Doha (although people do play it here!). Looks like you had a wonderful day!
ReplyDeletePolly xx
The food and drink was brilliant and with the sun shinning perfect day out Lucy x
DeletePolo looks like great fun! Definitely a posh M&S picnic and lots of Pimms required!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely wonderful is the way to start a good polo match Lucy x
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