Monday, 12 September 2022
Held on the 28 and 29 August, the UK Polocrosse Nationals took place at their recurring venue: Admington Polo Ground, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Mark Davies, with four pitches all beautifully mown, sanded and line marked. An all player and pony/horse parade started off the weekend, giving participants a chance to show off their stunning turn-out skills.
Attended by 170 players, the days proved to be exciting for all, with everyone attending given the chance to get involved. The competition hosted all categories of ages and ability, with lead rein ponies ridden by four to six-year-olds alongside the top-level competitions, with players reaching over the age of 70 years. The family event featured grandparents, parents and their children taking part too- that’s three generations coming together and joining in one sport.
A huge community spirit could be felt and seen between the 10 clubs who attended, helping each other out when extra horses were needed. With clubs from across the country, the competition also welcomed two international players who have been with them throughout the season. This demonstrates the unity felt across all Polocrosse teams, with players and spectators driven to support everyone involved.
“It was a fantastic event to attend on behalf of British Equestrian, the standard of the finals was remarkably high, and it was amazing to see how much hard work is put in by the UKPA committee to facilitate their Nationals.” Commented Adam Hughes, Strategic Lead and Relationships. “The family atmosphere was evident from the children taking part in the lead rein activities to their parents playing in the A-Grade Finals, to grandparents competing and spectating over the weekend.”
For the first time ever, a live stream was available for Pitch 1 throughout competition day and can be watched on demand here: UKPA Nationals - 2022
Many prizes were handed out across the weekend, with team Kent Target winning the A grade game, followed by Highlanders in second place. Overall junior and senior horsemanship prizes were also handed out, won by Isabella Stone and Millie Wilson Fitzgerald respectively. Best overall horse was awarded to Lola, ridden by Rosie Webb, with Fanta winning the best condition horse, owned by Alice Kish. All results can be seen in the document below, with a variety of awards, there was a chance for everyone to gain a prize.
Following the prize giving on Sunday evening, there was a bungee run, bouncy castle and ‘It’s a Wipeout’ for the children to enjoy with an after-party for the adults to celebrate the event and their achievements across the weekend!
The Polocrosse Nationals highlights the vast range of opportunities within equestrian sport, from grassroots participation to elite level, with polocrosse being a game for those with a love for horses at any age to get involved and have a go. Working as a unit which consists of both people and horses is a test of communication and teamwork, but most of all it is a wonderful way to have fun doing something you love, with the people you love.