Polo in the Park

“Argentina have got this!” The drunken man yelled.

“No brother,” shouted his equally drunk friend. “The Saudis all the way!”

“SAUDI! SAUDI! SAUDI!”

Have you ever heard 50 low baritone voices boom a country’s name in complete unison? Maybe you have if you’ve been to a football game. I haven't before. It’s both terrifying and exhilarating. 

The heavy footed gallops charged across the field in great speed and the crowd whooped and cheered. Before I knew what was going on, the match had already started and I was swept into a flurry of equestrian mania.

Mallets swung about recklessly, horses colliding into each other, balls flying into the crowds. A polo match is not for the faint of heart. 

As quickly as it had begun, the match was already over. At least the first of four matches was done. The intensity of the game is hard to describe, but you know you’re watching something electrifying, when your heart is in your mouth and you have no idea why. 

Welcome to Polo. 

Even better, welcome to Polo in London. That’s right, get your countryside fix right here, in the capital.

Chestertons Polo in the Park has been hosting this event annually since 2009, so it’s still fairly young. 

But polo was first played in Hurlingham Park, where this event takes place, in 1874. The London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham are almost like guardians of the sport. This was my first venture to Hurlingham and not only my first Polo in the Park, but my first polo match ever. 

I had no idea what I was in for…

So what to expect when attending such an event?

Well firstly, everybody dresses up. Ladies, put on fancy dresses and hats. Gentleman, we want to see waistcoats and ties. It is a great day out with friends or partners, and it’s fun to get all gussied up! Women tended to wear heels but I opted for smart flats and to be honest, I was grateful. The terrain is bumpy and if you plan to drink (which most people do), I can imagine it gets trickier to make your way through.

If you arrive when doors open then treat yourself before the matches begin, to some retail therapy or grab some lunch to line your stomachs. Bars is the name of the game at Polo in the Park. Whether you fancy a tropical cocktail, a glass of bubbly, or perhaps you’d prefer a British summer classic like G&T or a jug of Pimms - you get the idea, you’re not going to be thirsty!

But the main reason you’ve come, will not disappoint. The matches are fast and drama-filled. You flinch and duck for cover every time the players crash into the barriers, scrambling for the ball.

And of course there is the time honoured tradition of walking onto the field at certain intervals. It is at that point you see how much of the grass has been lifted off by hooves. Everyone looks for torn up grass and using your feet, you gently kick the turf back onto itself.

If you’ve ever watched Pretty Woman, you remember the scene where Julia Roberts is wearing that gorgeous brown polka dot dress and is filling in the holes with her cute MaryJanes. Can you see where I got my outfit inspiration from? The film nerd never leaves me.

Pretty Woman, 1990. Photo taken from Pinterest.

You’re spoiled with fixtures and everybody gets into the spirit of excitement with this event. When the matches are over, stick around, as there is live music and maybe a little dancing to close out the day. I had such a fantastic time and the experience is one that won’t leave me. So next year, why not join me for some equestrian sporting? Head down to the historic Hurlingham, grab a drink and get absorbed into this fact-paced, action-packed world we call polo. 

Polo in the Park left me so intrigued that I had to learn more. Click here to read my interview with polo player and enthusiast, Melody (aka melodyrrainbow) about this dynamic sport.