Chesterton Polo in the Park is held over three days at Hurlingham Park in Fulham. Each day six small teams from different world cities compete, galloping around the field chasing a big white ball. They play a revised game of polo which makes the games faster with lots of action.
These ponies are something to behold. Fast and compact, they can turn on a dime. Many spectators sit in the grandstands but most chose to pull up right next to the railing. This is what we did and we felt like we were right in the middle of the action.
You can feel the pounding of their hoofs straight up from your feet to the top of your scalp. I couldn't take my eyes or my camera off of them.
If you can bear to step away from the action of the game, there is a shopping village and plenty of places to get a bite to eat. There are also several bars set up for a Pimm's or a pink wine.
Between games I had my Pretty Woman moment when we went out onto the field to stomp the divots. All that action meant the field was pretty torn up. Treading he divots is all a part of the fun.
The rider hangs right off the side of the pony while galloping at full speed to be the first one to whack the ball.
This was one of the most traditional English summer activities I've experienced. It was a lovely day in the sun. I would highly recommend a day at Polo in the Park. Put it on your calendar for next summer.
Have you ever been to a polo game?
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