Think champagne, think Cartier, think royalty, think Edinburgh University Polo Club. We don’t have any of these things but it does the soul good to dream. When I arrived at Edinburgh it didn’t even occur to me that I would be able to affordably play polo never mind enjoy it. Although polo will always remain the sport of kings, you don’t need to have a title or a trust fund to play it.

My first lesson was a definite failure, I hadn’t been around horses, let alone ridden any, in over a year and my ball skills up until then had lain firmly on the ground with a hockey stick in my hand. Although the first few lessons can be daunting and you can feel as though you’re not getting anywhere fast there is something fantastic about having a go anyway and over the course of a few lessons your riding does improve and hitting the ball starts to feel more natural.

For the accomplished horseman who can jump any course or succeed in any dressage test I would urge you to have a go and see what polo is about. It is fast, furious, skilful and aggressive, but is infused with a camaraderie and horsemanship which I have yet to see in not only other equine disciplines but any team sport. India Hall, one of our club Presidents commented, “I had been playing polo at club level back home before I came to Edinburgh, but after joining the university team it was easy to settle in as everyone is up for a good laugh.” For those with little to no horse experience, the club is extremely friendly and helpful for new riders.

Next year our new committee will be trying to get sponsorship for the club in order to help support new players at all levels. In addition to this, the university has a package deal for beginner players insuring they get the best deals on lessons during their first term of polo ending in a tournament at the end of winter term. The polo coach is a HPA qualified coach with the experience to help even the most nervous beginners. In addition to the atmosphere at the yard, the club is also committed to getting new players competing in matches and tournaments with other universities and teams.

Of course, socials are another benefit of joining an University club. After a long day of polo there is nothing better than good food, drink and banter to round things off. The highlight of the year for the club is usually the annual tournament in October which, last year, saw teams from Dublin and St Andrews compete in Edinburgh. In addition to this, Edinburgh has competed successfully at the St Andrews Charity Tournament, the SUPA University Arena Nationals which was won by Edinburgh last year and in June. Edinburgh will be entering the SUPA Summer Nationals again this year. Christian Roberts, told The Student, “What more could you want? Polo, summer sun, a big party at the end!”