Polocrosse to become a more permanent island fixture

Tuesday 08 May 2018

A "hugely successful" weekend taster session of a new equestrian sport has inspired local riders to try and make the sport a more permanent fixture in Guernsey.

Andrew Walker from the South Show Equestrian team was one of those involved in organising the weekend's activities and bringing over the UK Polocrosse secretary, Laura Scott, for the training.

11 riders of all different experience levels and ages turned up to the event, which is usually played in teams of three, which Mr Walker said was a great turn out for the first time.

He organised the event alongside the Chairperson of the Guernsey Riding & Hunt Club, Kate Ferris. "The South Show and Andrew and his family bought the game of Polocrosse to Guernsey and we had so much fun," she said.

"A complete variety of riders and equines and we learnt and played as equals. The team spirit was awesome, including the supporters, we will definitely be playing this sport again, I just can't wait." 

Initially, Mr Walker's plan was to have the weekend as a one off, but due to the enthusiasm from all of the attendants, they have decided to see if it will work as a more permeant fixture on the island.

Mr Walker has now joined a sub-committee of the Ride & Hunt club with Ms Ferris to focus on Polocrosse - they aim to establish some teams, practice on a somewhat regular basis and maybe compete off island as well. Polocrosse does have a small established scene in Jersey, and there is also a national association in the UK and a number of clubs around Normandy, Mr Walker said.

"It is early days at the moment but we were all on such a high after the weekend we said we just had to do it again. The plan is definitely going to be to try and get even more people involved and put some proper teams together," he said.

"With our location, being on an island aside, we are quite close to lots of different venues, whether they be in France, Jersey or the UK. The positive energy that we had as we trained was just awesome, and I must say I was really impressed with all of the local riders' ability to learn so quickly, it was so successful and hopefully we can make it another string to Guernsey's bow of different sports.

"Different age groups, different skill levels came together and after an hour they looked like they had been playing for years. A special thanks to Ms. Laura Scott, our UK coach who was magnificent. We look forward to welcoming her to the Island again."

To read more about what was taking place at the event or Polocrosse itself, click here - if you are interested in getting involved you can email Mr Walker at southshowequestria@gmail.com.

Pictured top: Leo-Jaie Walker and Katie Dodd.