Kilgraston polo team picks up the pace

Kilgraston polo team picks up the pace

Each week, a group of Kilgraston girls make their way to Kinross, collecting sticks and saddling-up their charges.

Polo is a fast-moving sport, rapidly growing in popularity and, throughout the year, the pupils take lessons at the Thom Bell Centre, just twenty minutes from the School.

“It’s been really exciting to learn new skills,” say Flora Allen, already a talented equestrian, but keen to expand her ability, “although in show jumping you are often competing as part of a team, it is usually on an individual basis, so, with polo, it’s great to be taking part with your friends, all at the same time.”

While Flora was an experienced rider, together with Mia from Germany who has previously played polo, the other three girls had never had a go at the game. “Funnily enough,” says Flora, “we’d all played hockey before and that proved very beneficial!”

Girls use Thom’s horses - riding the same ones each week so that they become familiar with the animal - learning about neck-reining, chukkas and how to ride people off with your shoulder. “First of all we started on the wooden horse,” said Flora, “learning to hold reins correctly, so soft mouths aren’t damaged and also our stick-swing. Obviously, it’s absolutely vital that you don’t hit the polo pony.”

Having conquered the wooden model, girls moved onto actual ponies and started walking and using a small, soft, football to improve their aim: “Very quickly, we moved through the paces, cantering up and down the arena. It’s great fun!”

Girls have improved quickly, now forming a team - competing at Cirencester Park Polo Club in June - with more tournaments over the summer: “I just can’t wait,” says Flora.

Equestrian is an important part of life here at Kilgraston, find out more this here.