Polo … Alive and Well in Barbados!
Polo, which dates as far back as 1884, is fast becoming a favourite sport in Barbados. Interestingly, activities which involve horses are growing in popularity here. There's horse racing and the upcoming Gold Cup, dressage/show-jumping and yes, Polo. Generally, there are tournaments held annually in four locations, namely, Holders (Barbados Polo Club), Apes Hill, Clifton, Buttals and Lion Castle.
Our local players are well known internationally, and come up against teams from Mexico, the USA (the Villages Polo Club), England (Cheshire and Hurtwood Polo Clubs), Jamaica (the All Jamaican Polo Association), Toronto, Washington, D. C., Australia, and Rome.
The year 2002 saw the introduction of the 'Battle of the Sexes' which, as the name suggests, is a 'Ladies against Gents' tournament. This event has grown in popularity over the years. Other Local
Tournaments include the Kearns Trophy, Colin Deane Memorial Trophy, Tony Archer Memorial Trophy, Moran/Melville Trophy, Douglas Manning Memorial Trophy, Mickey Hutchinson Memorial Trophy and the Trevor Davis Memorial Trophy, to name a few.
The Polo season usually starts with 4-goal tournament matches- which stir up great excitement among fans and players alike. These are followed by 12 goal and 14 goal tournaments which involve two professionals on each team.
The Polo calendar is packed between January and May 31st so there is plenty of time to attend some of the matches, or you could arrange for lessons while on the island.
Don't be fooled; an afternoon at a Polo match in Barbados is not just about Polo. There are a variety of things to keep you occupied and entertained..... drinks from a well stocked bar, afternoon tea, scrumptious dinner, lively dancing and warm island hospitality.
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