Amazing Polo Trip

Local polo players, James Reid and Matthew Geddes, along with four other boys from Canterbury Schools and a support crew of parents have recently returned from their trip to NSW, Australia, where they attended a polo camp and played against young up-and-coming polo players. The logistics of transporting supporters, players and their polo gear four hours north and inland of Sydney took a bit of coordinating. The early morning start on day one meant a long day of travel and horse selection, which included riding a series of mounts that would be suitable for each player for the camp and games. Matthew commented, “The trip to Scone Polo Club’s Polo School was an awesome experience. We were very lucky to be coached by members of the current Australian Polo Team and Australian legends like Glen Gilmore and Ross Ainsley. They taught us heaps about tactical play and spent lots of time helping us with our riding, as well as teaching us how to better school our ponies. “There were thirty nine kids on the camp, and everyone was friendly but also competitive when it came to the afternoon games! “The visiting players were lent ponies to ride for the week, and we had to get to know the ponies pretty quickly and adjust to how they like to be ridden,” Matthew concluded. Both boys agree it was a challenge playing the Australian kids, as they were on their own ponies, and it was harder for them on borrowed ponies. But they learnt heaps, and it was incredible having so many polo legends on the sideline yelling advice on where to be and what to do! James also played in the final of the A group, which was fiercely contested and high scoring by both teams, but the NSW team came out on top winning, 7-4 At the end of the week, six of the Scone Polo School players were chosen to come on an exchange to Christchurch in December. “We are looking forward to hosting them and catching up again,” commented James. Matthew and James both received a prize for the Most Improved in their groups, which they are very proud of. The group was also lucky enough to visit Ellerston, which is like Disneyland for Polo, with incredible fields and facilities. “It was cool to see such amazing polo facilities in the middle of nowhere,” James added. Matthew is looking forward to putting everything that he learnt on this trip into practice for the upcoming season, and he hopes he gets the chance to go to Scone Polo School again. James is looking forward to playing on his new mounts this season and having the opportunity to represent his Club, Port Hills, at tournaments and take up any other opportunities polo might present at club and school level. “Polo is a big commitment, there is a lot of dedication that goes on to get your horse’s fit, shod and fed well to play at their peak performance. Practising (Chukkas) during the week is important, along with lessons for both players and horses,” James concluded. “Dean and Brent Geddes did a great job of coaching and managing our players, and we would like to thank them and our families, as well as South Island SUPA School Polo for supporting us and creating this opportunity,” commented James’ mum, Andrea Reid.

Matthew with his dad Brent.

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