With matches starting at 3 p.m., how do you spend the hours beforehand? Amanda: The hours before the game are spent at home getting some good rest and then at the barn preparing the horses. David: On game day, I still have the same feeling of excitement mixed with nervousness as I did 25 years ago. I try to keep the same routine, whether taking the trash out, cutting the polo field or other chores. Shortly before the game the team will huddle, discuss strategy, and coordinate horses to ensure that everyone isn’t playing their weaker horses at the same time. Reed: Before games I try to not do any physical strenuous activities to save my strength for the game. Before the game, I eat very little—just enough to hold me over through the game—because I have a big dinner the night before. Terri: Even though the Sunday game doesn’t start until 3 p.m., game-day preparation starts early. The horses will be washed and their manes trimmed. Horseshoes will be checked. Each horse will have a warm-up ride before they go on the field in order to stretch. And it’s important for players to stretch beforehand, too. Kurt: I go over the horses and ‘line-up’ with the groom in the morning, who takes the horses to field. I set up a cooler for our tailgating, make sure I have an early lunch and rest for about an hour before I leave for the field. During the match, I hydrate before each chukker. I don’t do a lot of exercise beforehand, as I find it detrimental, but I do a small amount of stretching at the field. Is there a way to describe what the actual game feels like? Amanda: It is unreal. There is no easy way to describe it. But I will say, you just have to try it. It is absolutely exhilarating. David: Exhilarating may best describe playing in a Sunday tournament match. I often joke with people who ask why I’m still playing at this age. This sport is so powerfully addictive. I put everything mentally and physically into important games, and often pay the price afterwards.
MAKE THE MOST OF GAME DAY
An insider’s guide to the where, when and how of Sundays at Myopia. A polo outing at Myopia is what you make of it. With matches starting in late spring and continuing through late fall, weather conditions can vary dramatically. So the time-honored motto of the Boy Scouts— “Be prepared”—applies. “On cloudy days, either early in the season or late season, it’s good to have an extra jacket or two in the car for when the wind picks up,” says Hamilton’s Terri Campbell, a Myopia member and polo player. “Setting up a 10-by-10 tent is essential on hot days,” she says. “We often open the back end of the SUV to provide a little extra shade, especially for food set-up and a cooler space for the dogs.” Bug spray, sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher, and plenty of fresh water (and other fluids) are highly recommended. There is no concession stand. “I have a canopy for shade and bring chairs, tables, luxury food and drinks that I share with my guests and anyone who drops in,” says Mary Blair of Peabody, a longtime polo patron. “We are side-by-side, and there’s a lot of socializing while the match is under way. “There is nothing better than sitting within 10 feet of the sideboards on a great summer day and hearing the pounding of the horses hooves as they race by toward the goal,” she says. “It’s exhilarating.” Where to Sit Gibney Field is enormous, with an infamous dip toward the clubhouse. If you’re sitting on the ground, you can actually lose sight of the players and the ponies. A comfortable chair is a big advantage to keep your eye on the action. Recommended accessories include binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens. “I’ve collected pink metal folding chairs and several folding tables, and somehow it all fits in the car,” says polo fan Kirsten Alexander of Wenham. “I set the tables with linens and use vintage tin plates, a silver champagne bucket and a vintage picnic basket. Don’t forget paper towels.” Spectators should pack out whatever they bring in. Trash bags are a must. What to Wear One of the best aspects of polo is playing the part. “While Myopia is among the oldest polo clubs in the U.S. and has a long history of traditions, there is flexibility in proper clothing for a polo match,” says Campbell.
The emphasis should be comfort. Start with polarized sunglasses and the right clothing. “No one will be out of place with summer dresses for women and lightweight trousers with a linen jacket for men,” says Campbell. “However, polo shirts—also known as golf shirts, but polo was first— and khaki shorts are more common.” Ladies, leave the spiked heels at home, since they sink into the soft turf. Wedges or flats are a much better choice, especially when it’s time to stomp divots. Conversely, wide-brimmed hats will protect your eyes from the mid-summer sun. Likewise, baseball caps work for women, men, and children, though it’s not unusual to see gentlemen sporting stylish straw fedoras. “We dress fairly casually,” says patron Britt Hultgren of Boxford. “You don’t have to dress up like in the movie Pretty Woman.” Safety First Respect the white lines drawn to keep you and your friends and family members at a safe distance. Don’t forget, we’re talking about a game with eight large, powerful ponies capable of making the ground shake. “The first rule of thumb is more about safety than fun,” says Campbell. “Always keep an eye on where the play is so if the ball is hit in your direction, you can move away quickly. Remember, this isn’t like hockey where there is a Plexiglas shield between players and spectators. And that ball will hurt if you get hit.” Don’t Be Shy Players and their ponies are usually very approachable, giving fans a chance for a real “hands-on” experience. “Visit the horse trailers on the side of the field,” says Blair. “You’ll be able to see the horses and equipment up close.” Pet Owners Your four-legged friends are welcome, but with restrictions. Dogs are expected to be on a leash at all times. Have enough water for them on warm days. Educate Yourself The more you know about the game, the more you’ll enjoy it. “Myopia Polo provides an annual program that gives you a lot of information about the game, the history of Myopia, the schedule and more,” says Alexander. “It’s well worth reading.”
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