Polo not exclusive to the privileged

Press, 14 December 1983, Page 46

Polo not exclusive to the privileged

JANE DAVISON

Mention polo to the average New Zealand sportsman and chances are he would build a mental picture of aristocratic gentlemen charging around on pintsized ponies. But unlike the United States and England, where polo is considered a sport for the so-called privileged few, the sport is quite within the resources of most people who become interested. It is true that there are certain costs to be met —

shoeing fees, feed, transport — but many involved in polo in New Zealand already have a background of horse sports of some kind or another, be it pony clubs, showing, eventing or even racing.

Unlike overseas players, enthusiasts of the sport here can manage with only one or two ponies of their own, instead of the usual string of at least four animals. Others are borrowed for the day and returned after the day’s play has ended, or leased for the season.

It is not a prerequisite to own your own grazing or horse transport — relatively few are lucky enough to own floats capable of carrying more than three horses at once. One of the more common myths about polo, is whether the animals are true “ponies.” In New Zealand there is a tendency to use former racehorses, only some of which are actually pony size, under 14.2 hands. In Britain the practice is frowned upon, but here the only consideration is whether the horse is quick and nifty enough to survive the strains that a day’s polo impose.

Overseas, polo ponies are bred, bought and sold as a

living for farmers, but only an exclusive few, mainly from the central districts of Morrinsville and Cambridge, can afford to do so in this part of the world. Once the pony has been acquired, its education has to begin. If it has been to the races before it will know all about speed, but the nine or 10 stone it will have to carry will be a far cry from race-day weights. The pony will know all about speed as well, but on the polo ground it is required in bursts instead. Many ponies in New Zealand are taught to neck rein, where the animal moves away from the pressure the rider exerts on its neck with the rein. Such a method makes for quick, balanced turns without the pony being frightened by undue pressure on the bit in its mouth, and any pony worth its keep quickly learns to anticipate moves. Riders and ponies are.

well protected against any knocks that might come their way during a match, but relatively little damage is ever inflicted.

It is a sport with an international following. The earliest forms of polo began in China about the sixth century, but the British, who love it, introduced it to New Zealanders and Australians. The Argentinians are considered the major force on the international scene today, but the South Africans and Americans are not to be trifled with, either. The low grade handicapping system in use in this country enables players with wide ranging abilities to play together. The most highly rated players are all North Islanders, those with a goal handicap of seven, which, in theory at least, means they should score seven goals in a match. Most of the South Island clubs — Blenheim, Amuri, Ashley, Ashburton and Geraldine — have had their first matches of the new

season, and there is plenty to play for. The strongest South Island team possible, probably consisting of four players, will be named in the New Year to play in three Central Districts grounds, Kihikihi, Martonville and Cambridge, from February 8 to 16.

Closer to home, there is a three-day tournament to be played at Amuri in the middle of January;-a festival day at Hagley Park in February; a two-day competition at Geraldine and the South Island open at Ashburton from February 24-26. The Savile or national tournament will be played at Hastings from March 8 to 12; there is a tournament at Blenheim that week-end and the Amuri open tournament is to be held at the end of the month. To wrap up the season, the South Island final sponsored by London Woolbrokers, will be held at Ryans Road from March 6 to 8.

HORSE

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