Wham is always interested in different events and to highlight new opportunities for women, so when we heard of a group of girls playing polo at the Arena Polo we had to go find out what this was all about.
I don’t know much about polo except that it’s played on a horse and looks dangerous to me who’s very scared of horses. But in the name of empowerment, information and also because I was quite intrigued, I headed off to the Arena Polo arena at Montekristo Estates to find out more about this sport and these brave women who play it.
I met up with Steve Vassallo the coach/trainer, the last time I spoke to him was when he was an antique dealer and I hadn’t seen for ages. I wanted to find out more about this sport and what it is all about and who can play it.
So Steve I know nothing about Arena Polo; all I know is what I saw today, but I did notice that the balls look different and more like a three year old’s mini football than the usual polo ball that say Prince Charles and Camilla would use..…can you tell us a bit more about the difference between Arena Polo and the other polo?
Yes the balls are different, we in Arena Polo use leather balls designed to travel shorter distances, which also makes it easier to hit and bounce the ball of the boards. Rightly so Arena Polo is the equivilent to 5 a side football. In grass Polo they use a smaller ball which is made of hard plastic that will travel longer distances as the pitch is much larger. Arena Polo was introduced about 10 years ago, the reason being was to attract beginners that didn’t have to spend, exorbitant crazy prices to play.
I remember reading somewhere that polo is the most dangerous sport after motor car racing because its fast, horses are charging, mallets flying around and of course the fast ball in regular polo. Am I right to say that in this version of polo – Arena polo the ball removes one of the dangers and the game is slightly slower and not so dangerous?
There is always an element of danger, as you are dealing with horses that are traveling at a relatively high speed. The leather ball does remove one of the dangers, but I have been playing Polo for 33 years, and did have my fair share of injuries, but I can assure you that if one follows the rules and listens to the coaches the danger will be immensely diminished.
What would you say to encourage anyone thinking of starting this sport?
It’s really good fun, very exciting and extremely addictive.
I must say it was still very exhilarating to watch and I really enjoyed the skill required by the players since they have to control the horse, watch out for their opponent and also try to hit the ball all whist riding at considerable speed….
Can anyone learn to play arena polo from scratch starting with learning how to ride with the aim to play Arena Polo or would you say one needs to definitely know how to ride and be a good rider before considering Arena Polo?
Yes, one can start from scratch, in fact it could work in your favour. I am saying this because Polo is played in what we call the half seat, and riders coming from other disciplines don’t use the half seat and find that it’s quite a hassle to switch. Whereas total beginners get to ride the’ Polo Way’ immediately.
If so do you give riding lessons to people who never rode a horse before? Or do you just give Arena Polo lessons to already established riders?
I give Polo lessons to anyone who wants to play even if the person has never been on a horse. In fact a few players who play where total beginners a year ago and are now very good players.
If someone already knows how to ride and is brave and wild like these ladies and wants to also learn to play arena polo – can they just come for polo lessons or if they already know how to play – do they need to own their own horse – or can they just come learn to play find the horse ready and leave after?
Whether they can ride or not one needs to come for a couple of polo lessons before. No I provide horse and one does not need a horse. I always make sure that a player is comfortable on a horse before they start playing, so one needs a lesson. I have trained polo horses for all level of players.
Many would say that polo is a rich man’s sport but from what I’ve been told snow skiing is way more expensive – so how much does it cost to come play polo or to have riding lessons please?
One of the main reasons why Arena Polo was created was to keep the cost down. Riding lessons are €35 and for those that don’t have their own chukkas are €15 each.
Can people just come to watch or possibly someone would like to have a taster session? Who do they contact for further information or to learn more about the sport?
Yes anyone is welcome to watch, we have a viewing area overlooking the arena which is very pleasant. You can contact me on 79537550, also one can visit our website.
Of course men also play Arena Polo and its great to see sports that are not segregated by gender were men and women play side by side in the same teams something that is not common in many sports but today the women outnumbered the men and it was great to see them so confident, powerful and empowered.
Polo is probably the only contact sport where both genders can play together or against each other. Polo is played with a handicap system where each player contributes according to your personal handicap towards the team. The difference is given in goals.
I later caught up with the lovely ladies after the Polo to hear from them what they think about the sport:
Tania told me “Polo may be the only sport that one can compete in as an equal regarding gender because technique and talent is what matters not physical strength. Polo can also give one the opportunity to be part of a sport that encourages team work and friendships”.
Serena told me “I only started riding just over 2 years ago and playing polo the last few months, it makes no difference if you’re a man or a woman and when you’re focusing on hitting the ball at a gallop you totally forget about the horse underneath you! Polo is a thrilling sport, very sociable and we have great fun both on and off the pitch”.
Laura who started playing polo for just under two years and who didn’t have a riding background before starting to play says “Polo is one of the only sports where both men and women compete together at a high level. The key to a good swing is in the technique and not force and therefore hitting the ball hard does not give an advantage. Women also tend to be great communicators and very supportive which makes the game really fun!“
“If anybody is looking for a way to de-stress after a long day of work or school or a fun way of working out without actually hitting the gym I would highly suggest playing polo. My smile is never bigger than when I’m playing polo and the great community that comes with it is an added bonus” says Nikki.
If you’re interested in starting to learn to ride and to play Arena Polo you can contact Steve Vassallo directly on 79537550.
