Enjoying really Jolly good polo revolution

Yet it is an Argentinean influence that has heralded a ‘Jolly’ polo revolution at Sue Westwood’s farm in Bramham Park.

Westwood’s background is steeped in horses – from eventing to hunting – and latterly a stint working for the Haigh family, who own the polo ground at Toulston.

Polo is now taking centre stage at Westwood’s farm in Bramham Park where the arrival of Argentinian professional polo player Matias Jolly has led to ‘Well Hill Farm Polo’.

Jolly was playing at nearby Toulston in 2014 and was looking for a base to house his 10 polo ponies for an English adventure.

At just two miles east, Westwood’s Well Hill Farm was identified as the perfect venue – with Westwood and husband Ian happy to oblige.

Two years on, the Well Hill Farm Polo revolution is in full swing and Westwood hopes the new sporting adventure has only just begun. Explaining the exciting but rather unusual developments, Westwood told The Yorkshire Post: “In the late summer of 2014, Ian and I were approached by Matias Jolly with the idea of him using our farm as his base for 10 polo ponies. He was playing at Toulston Polo Club, which is just two miles away, and wanted somewhere nearby. Mati arrived from Argentina the following May, collected his ponies, who had wintered in England and proceeded to play in tournaments and help anyone who wanted to learn the exciting game of polo.

“We have regular instructional chukkas on a Friday night quite often followed by an asado – an Argentinian BBQ – and music.

“Matias is always ready to help anyone who needs help to learn or improve their game of polo.”

Polo may fall behind the likes of eventing and show-jumping in terms of equestrian exposure but there are four affiliated polo clubs in Yorkshire.

Westwood explained: “Polo is a fast-expanding sport accessible to all levels of riding. You can have just one pony and still enjoy being part of a team. Ideally, two ponies are better as you can then play in a match. A game of polo is made up a four periods of play each lasting seven minutes. You can’t play the same pony in more than two alternate chukkas so, therefore, you need two!

“As regards showpiece tournaments, each club will have at least one major tournament in their calendar.

“For example, Toulston has their main fund-raising event in the middle of June where up to 600 people come for a fabulous lunch and watch amazing polo in a beautiful setting. Teams are invited to play from Rutland and Cheshire as well as the clubs in Yorkshire. There are matches at Toulston every weekend from May through until early September and anyone can come and watch.”

Anyone is also invited to be part of the new adventure at Westwood’s Well Hill Farm, where Westwood’s 20-year-old son Will is already benefiting from the professional Argentinian’s expertise.

The farm also operates hunting and general liveries but Westwood said of the fast-growing polo bug: “William started to learn the game last year and is now a member at Toulston, playing most weekends. Earlier this year, I bought two ex-racehorses with the aim of training them for polo.

“After some time getting them used to cantering quietly and carrying a mallet, they have started playing in the Friday night sessions with an experienced player which is very exciting. In the future ,we are aiming to supply polo ponies for sale or hire for lessons. We are also branching out into polo and Prosecco parties which are proving to be very popular – especially with the ladies.”