Before: The three ‘wannabee’ polo players landed in a chilly Durban, shortly after the letdown of the BA airbus, after enjoying the view of the majestic snow capped Drakensberg mountains, with no idea of what to expect in the Zulu Kingdom. Learn polo riding and playing in South Africa? This was indeed a novel concept. Lancelot was a swordsman in London’s corporate jungle, with a reputation for performing swift decapitations, his sister Robyn was trained to give hoods their just desserts, and fair Claire kept people in good shape. The first outride through rolling sugar cane fields and shady forest, soon turned into near disaster, when the perky ponies turned gentle canter into chase, after some skeltering reed buck. Shongweni, the big bay, landed upside down, after encountering a cunningly disguised antbear hole. Battered, bruised but unbowed, the team prepared, with some trepidation, for the next days first lesson with Noodsberg Polo School. The sight of such open unfenced space, encompassing 3 polo pitches, golf course, cricket and rugby fields, some 30 acres, as opposed to the limited arenas our heroes were used to, evinced nervous comment, after the events of the previous day. The teams experience with polo, by their own admission, was rudimentary, and Lance had been quick to point out that his longest previous ride, had been confined to a wooden horse. Ex Springbok captain, and SA schoolboy coach Steve, was quick to calm the racing pulses with a discussion, including horse assessment, rules, strategy and basic riding technique. Each pupil was then introduced to their mount for the day from the choice of the 8 selected veteran ponies. 7 Days to produce chukka capable players from scratch, seemed a pretty tall order! The chilly temperatures rapidly eased to warm, as our team learned, first at a walk, mallet technique, pony aids, and ball contact. Nobody ever promised it would be easy, and so it proved. The unexpected side effect of outstanding team spirit, soon flowed from the hard grind of 4 hours per day, in and out of the saddle, interspersed with polo talk, covering all aspects of the sport of Kings. On the rare occasions slight flagging was hinted, Lance was reminded of the demands made months earlier - “we want lots of riding and stick and balling!” Muscles were sore, legs chafed, and hands blistered by the work load, but the team, much to their credit, never ducked the challenge. All work and no play was never on the cards, and the restful, tree filled Overstone Garden Cottages, proved a fitting haven for tired and sore bodies. After piping hot baths in these healthy waters, and with some generous libations from well known South African vineyards over delicious farm fare, compliments were the order of the day. Other interesting diversions in the form of traditional renditions by Zulu singers, drummers and dancers, escarpment walking trails and picnic lunches, filled in the small gaps between polo lessons, and Pietermaritzburg proved a handy and rewarding town for the odd shopping expeditions, with a good source of polo necessities to boot. Apres polo was not a late affair, and comfortable beds were rapidly succumbed to for the first 5 days. The weekend breakaway to Montello Lodge, brought welcome relief to tired bodies, and a handsome trophy in the form of a large Wildebeest, to the headhunter. Three days of coaching with Joe Henderson at Otto’s Bluff, was designed to put this impossible cherry on the top, for the faking it trio, and the final day dawned with the chosen judges sidelined to deliver the verdict. The opposition comprised up and coming talented senior schoolboys, with a couple of veterans to keep order, when the ball was bowled in. Although forewarned on this occasion, the judge’s astonishment at the transformation was palpable. Having observed the hapless condition of the candidates on their arrival, to now see them competing over 4 chukkas with players up to 2 goals in handicap, was a revelation. The butterflies had emerged from the chrysali! Mission accomplished in no uncertain terms! Graduation diplomas were presented and celebrations waxed loud and lengthy. After recovery, fond farewells and promises to meet again soon, the party muse commented succinctly – a wicked time was had by all!
After: (in action)
South African country polo is famous for hospitality, hard riding and camaraderie. Country tournaments comprise 3 days of fun and games, usually 18 chukkas, ranging from 0 to 18 goal level in 4 team sections, played on a round robin basis. All clubs have a comfortable clubhouse on site, where the apres polo action takes place, and catering is all encompassing, from delicate to farm style wholesome, with parties taking place to a backdrop of music, laughter, and, for those eligible, romance!
Beginners and low goalers can benefit from the Noodsberg Polo School, only 1 hour from Durban, with former Springbok team captain Stephen Erskine imparting his years of experience, and then move on to Ottos Bluff Club, with former 10 goal indoor international Joe Henderson at the helm, to round off the exercise. The rates for these packages start from 590 Pounds for a week at Noodsberg, including full board, lessons and horses – crazy isn’t it?
Add to this, excursions to the famous game parks, Drakensberg mountains and pristine warm water beaches, amongst many other options, budget rates with 5* value, and the prospect is mouth watering. Everyone welcome!
The three ‘wannabee’ polo players landed in a chilly Durban, shortly after the letdown of the BA airbus, after enjoying the view of the majestic snow capped Drakensberg mountains, with no idea of what to expect in the Zulu Kingdom. Learn polo riding and playing in South Africa? This was indeed a novel concept. Lancelot was a swordsman in London’s corporate jungle, with a reputation for performing swift decapitations, his sister Robyn was trained to give hoods their just desserts, and fair Claire kept people in good shape.
South African country polo is famous for hospitality, hard riding and camaraderie. Country tournaments comprise 3 days of fun and games, usually 18 chukkas, ranging from 0 to 18 goal level in 4 team sections, played on a round robin basis. All clubs 
have a comfortable clubhouse on site, where the apres polo action takes place, and catering is all encompassing, from delicate to farm style wholesome, with parties taking place to a backdrop of music, laughter, and, for those eligible, romance!
