In the interests of promoting Polocrosse in Donegal a new club is being set up. A meeting to organise the club, decide on training venues, dates etc is being held in Letterkenny on Friday 28 May. Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the game is very welcome to attend. The club will be open to both adults and children, as the social and family orientated nature of the sport is one of its best features. The club will be affiliated to the ‘Irish Polocrosse Association’.
As the name suggests Polocrosse is a combination of lacrosse and polo, and has been described as hurling on horseback! Polocrosse is a game for everyone; regardless of age, riding ability and regardless of whether you’re highly competitive or simply want to have fun messing about on your horse. It is a very fun, very relaxed equestrian sport and the only requirements are a love of the horse and an ability to enjoy yourself.
Polocrosse is appealing as a sport for all the family and attracts a wide range of abilities. As riders become more competitive it becomes more important for the horses to be fast and agile but when starting out any type of horse or pony will be suitable (see Fenway and Kaiser, classic examples of novice polocrosse horses below!). Ball and racquet skills improve with practice, as do your riding skills and the ability of the horse. This sport provides many horses with a second life, as those with a less than ideal jumping technique or insufficient ability on the racetrack can excel on the Polocrosse field. Riders also benefit from the experience as the nature of the game develops their independent seat and a greater appreciation of the use of legs and body to direct their horse, rather than relying on the hands to do all the braking and steering.
Further information and confirmation of the meeting’s time and venue from Rachel on 086 161 7087 or rachelcarton2@eircom.net.
Pictured below: Letterkenny Riding Club members having a go at Polocrosse at Millers Hill, September 2009.
Letterkenny Riding Club 