Club Spotlights

By Emily Hurst

Every week blogger Emily Hurst will be visiting polo clubs across the country, and bringing you their stories.

 

  • Welcome to Okanagan Polo Club!

    Okanagan Polo Club was established in 1986 in Kelowna, B.C. by John Price. The club’s location has moved a few times over the years but their current facilities are considered some of the best in the region featuring two polo fields, a 1 mile exercise track and stabling for up to 100 horses. Polo is played at Okanagan Polo Club from May 15th to September 15th annually, weather permitting.

    The club is currently home to 20 playing members who come from anywhere between West Kelowna and Vernon, B.C weekly to join in the fun. The highest rated player in the club plays off of a 1 goal handicap. While they don’t have a polo school associated with the club, they welcome anyone with an interest in polo to contact them and be prepared for a good time! No previous riding or horse experience required.

    The highlight of every Okanagan Polo Club season occurs on the August Long Weekend. The tournament runs for 3 days and usually features 12-15 teams including visiting teams from Western Canada and the North Western United States. Past year’s tournaments have included teams from Victoria, Calgary, Grand Prairie, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Spokane and Seattle. In the words of Polo Canada delegate Marty Wales;

    “3 days of play, 12-15 teams, 200+ horses, all the fun!”

    Okanagan Players also travel around the Western Canada region and the Northwestern United States, specifically to Washington State.

    Every player has their favourite polo tip, and most polo clubs have a tip that makes it rounds through the club and resonates with all the players. At Okanagan polo club they’ve got two tips;

    “The ball is your friend”

    “Man, Line Ball”

    But it’s not only the players who are the stars of the show on the field; every polo club has a horse that is well known and deserves a little recognition, regardless of whether it’s because of their physical appearance or a particular talent they may have. At Okanagan Polo Club, that horse is Romeo, ridden by Jessica Wales and Brad Buie. Romeo is a popular horse because of his physical appearance being one of the few paints playing in the community. And who doesn’t love a good paint!

    Looking forward to the upcoming 2022 summer season, Okanagan is looking forward to full scale tournaments and seeing friends they’ve missed the last two years due to the pandemic. They’ve also got a number of pros from Mexico joining us this year to raise the level of play at the club.

    For more info on the Okanagan Polo Club including information on their upcoming August Long Weekend Tournament (open to the public) and how to join/learn to play visit their website or their Facebook Page.

    https://www.okanaganpoloclub.com

  • Welcome to Ottawa Polo Club!

    Established in 1986 and founded by Cherry and Cameron Stobie; today Ottawa Polo Club leases two polo fields. The Manotick Field is located at 1600 Bankfield Road and is located just 25 minutes from Downtown Ottawa. The Burritt’s Rapids Field is located in Kemptville beside the UNESCO World Heritage listed Rideau Canal.

    Ottawa Polo Club runs throughout the summer grass polo season from May to September. They have an active membership of 13, of which 50% are women. Their highest rated player plays off of a four goal handicap.

    Learning to play and player skill development are both key goals of the Ottawa Polo Club. They offer in season training opportunities for current members as well as two members hosting polo lessons on their own facilities for those looking to give the sport a try.

    “The mission of the Ottawa Polo Club is to give members a fun, competitive polo experience that inspires players of all abilities to safely progress on the continuum of polo skill development.”

    But players aren’t the only stars of the polo field in Ottawa. The ponies are also stars. In 2021 Ottawa Polo Club introduced its Pony of the Month recognition program. Club Members vote based on the pony’s performance. Each horse who is selected as a pony of the month consistently and safely gives it’s all when asked. 2021 Pony of the Month winners are as follows;

    June 2021: Chase (ridden by Emma Hill and owned by Ward Yaternick)

    July 2021: Rain (owned by Mel Gagnon)

    August 2021: Pepe (owned by Robert Campbell)

    Another exciting thing that happened at Ottawa Polo Club in 2021, was their hosting of a Polo Canada Invitational Tournament for the first time. They’re looking forward to hosting another this coming summer on August 20, 2022.

    As for the best advice heard around the club; it’s simple; “Have Fun!”

    For more info on the Ottawa Polo Club and to stay up to date on all their news follow them on Facebook or visit their website.

    www.ottawapoloclub.com

    (1) Ottawa Polo Club | Facebook