| Thundering
hooves, the thwack of mallet on ball and the sight of a string
of ponies awaiting their turn can only mean polo and that being
the case then the location can only be Cowdray Park or Smith’s
Lawn, Windsor Great Park. Arrival in a Mercedes Viano S Class,
Lexus or Mercedes saloon is a fitting compliment to the event
and the provision of a picnic hamper filled with all your favourite
things is the ‘piece de resistance’
The polo ground at Cowdray is part of the 16,500 acre Cowdray
Estate which has been in the family since the early 1900s. Smith’s
Lawn is just a little older. It is first mentioned around 1748
and these days it is the home of the Guards Polo Club which was
formed in 1955. The setting is idyllic and the club has become
a legend in the sport. Driving down the private roads and through
the ancient trees it is hard to believe that the motorway system
is just a stones throw away. Most matches start mid afternoon
so there is plenty of time to explore the park and enjoy a leisurely
picnic.
Polo was introduced to Britain around 1860 by British Officers
returning from India. During the latter part of the century it
was taken up enthusiastically in the Argentine and the United
States. Although called ponies, the mounts are in fact full size
horses bred for their agility and courage. The mallet varies depending
on the height of the horse and the preference of the rider but
the ‘cigar’ or head of the mallet is 9.5inches. Surprisingly,
it is the sides of the mallet head which are used to strike the
ball.
Not surprising is the pleasure of spending an exciting day out
in good company and being driven by an experienced liveried chauffeur
in a luxury Mercedes or Lexus
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