Animal Wednesday: Polo in Newport

Last weekend we were supposed to go to a concert, but at the last minute we decided to avoid the big crowds and join a friend to watch our very first polo match.

It was delightful!! The atmosphere was so relaxing and the horses and players were spectacular. Here are the two rival teams above.

There are 6 periods to a polo match called "chuckers." After each chucker the players change horses because playing 2 chuckers in a row is not allowed as it is too hard on the horses. They all bring their own steeds. Some bring three and play them every other chucker, and some bring 6 and use each horse only once. Imagine the loot it takes to do this! They are so good to these horses.

I was told that these animals go through rigorous training learning to turn on a dime and to not be intimidated by the slashing and swinging of the poles.

Look at what great shape they're all in!

The players are getting ready. Look at this handsome fella. The player ain't bad either!

matching socks!

Many countries come here to play. What's interesting is that they obviously can't bring their own horses, so they have to find the time to spend with the horses they'll be using so they can get used to them before a match. That's a huge disadvantage, but as I said, these horses are trained to play the game and all commands are universal.

I hope to be going back this month to see The Netherlands play!!

One of the referees. Looks like he's meditating before the game!

I forgot to mention that these matches are coed!! There's one girl there that was awesome. I ended up rooting for her team which meant I was against the home team. Oops!! And my team won ;)

 

Here she is heading for another goal!!

This was one of the fastest horses on the team. They saved the big guns for the finale!

Outa my way!!!!!!!!!!!

And here's my team making the winning goal!!

I took this photo for Teri who is into painting hats lately. Click here to see what she did!

These ladies sat next to us. We were all enjoying our wine and munchies as we were treated to a great day of polo.

Thanks for coming along ;)

xoxo