POLO
impressive polo fields are located at Lion Castle, Clifton and Buttals, although most of the matches at the current time are shared amongst Holder’s, Apes Hill, Clifton and Lion Castle. Polo development took off at the end of the Nineties when several successful local businessmen took up the sport and threw their energy, enthusiasm and resources into developing and raising it to another level. The better facilities and more tournaments spiralled polo to another level and a number of leading sponsors like Diamonds International and Colombian Emeralds International played a large part in marketing the sport to a bigger audience and raising its profile. For their part the members increased their stock of polo ponies and built up an impressive fixture list against overseas teams. The Barbados Open first appeared in 2004 and featured many overseas players, while the Battle of the Sexes captured the imagination of the
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spectators as the ladies against the men aroused plenty of passion and excitement. Both these tournaments have stood the test of time and although some tournaments and facilities have contracted in recent times due to economic pressures, these two tournaments are still very popular. The polo scene is one of genial social interaction off the field and fast, pounding and pulsating sporting action on the field. Both horses and riders are highly skilled and the spectacle offers plenty of entertainment in relaxed and idyllic rural settings. Admission is modest and while the local players play regularly against each other in club matches, the main focus of the season is the International Season, which runs from January to May and features a number of visiting teams and established tournaments. Don’t miss the opportunity to savour the occasion. Everyone is welcome.
the main focus of the season is the International Season, which runs from January to May and features a number of visiting teams and established tournaments.