High showjumpers set themselves a brand new objective final week as they tried their palms at polo.
Within the run-up to Royal Windsor Horse Present (15-18 Could), Joe Stockdale and Jack Whitaker picked up sticks to participate in a aggressive chukka.
Guards Polo Membership instructors Ebe Sievwright and Jack Hyde coached the showjumpers, each ambassadors for the present, which once more this yr will function a world exhibition polo match between Guards and the Azerbaijan crew.
“The duo participated in an unique enviornment polo session, experiencing first-hand the tempo, precision, and teamwork that make the game so electrifying,” a spokesperson for Royal Windsor mentioned, including that the exhibition match will likely be a “thrilling contest” for spectators.
“Because the smaller dimensions of the sector format of polo demand quick play and sharp technique, the match gives a spectacular showcase of the game – set in opposition to the spectacular backdrop of Windsor Citadel.”
Image by Royal Windsor Horse Present/Peter Nixon
Joe’s crew gained the chukka three targets to at least one, after which the riders quaffed a glass of the present’s official champagne, Pol Roger, at nation lodge Coworth Park.
“Enviornment polo is so totally different to showjumping, however the velocity and depth of it’s unbelievable – I didn’t anticipate to get pleasure from it this a lot!” mentioned Joe.
Jack agreed that it’s a quick and technical sport.
“When you get going, you actually really feel the adrenaline,” he mentioned. “We had a good time – it’s positively one thing I’d like to strive once more.”
The polo exhibition match takes place on the Saturday of the present (17 Could).
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Credit score: RWHS
Credit score: Future
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H&H information editor
Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Enthusiastic about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all points of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, by which she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping exhibits by way of to worldwide championships.