VAL DE VIE POLO CLUB
THE VAL DE VIE POLO CLUB
Surrounded by the majestic mountain ranges of the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley, Val de Vie Estate is one of the most spectacular polo venues in the world. The beauty of an Estate with a focus on polo, is that the sport calls for considerable space in which to play – wide open, green zones that provide ample breathing space.
THE SPORT OF KINGS
Our passion for the ‘Sport of Kings’ has transformed Val de Vie Estate into an unrivalled polo destination. It is a fast, exciting game for competing teams and the highly trained ponies, but polo season on the Estate has also become the perfect occasion for residents to dine al fresco on the sidelines. The tradition of tailgating – when cars are parked boot outwards towards the field – provides the perfect opportunity for picnics with family and friends in the fresh air and sunshine.
Club Chukkas
Tuesday: 16:00 Champions Field or Berg River Field Educational Chukkas
Wednesday: 16:00 Champions Field Club Chukkas
Saturday: 10:00 Champions Field Club Chukkas
Sunday: 10:00 Pavilion Field Club Chukkas
Tournaments as per the fixture list
Wednesday: 16:00 Champions Field
Friday: 15:00 Pavilion Field
Saturday: 15:00 Pavilion Field
OUR PROUD SPONSORS
COME CHUKKA WITH US
The Val de Vie Polo Club season runs from October – April and during this time weekly chukkas and tournaments are typically played on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings at either the Pavilion Polo Field, Champion’s Polo Field or the Multi-Purpose Sports Field. The blackboard positioned at the main gate, and the weekly newsletters contain the latest information regarding dates, times and locations.
Entrance is free of charge, and no tickets are needed. Just turn up and enjoy the fun, speed and thrill of the game.
THE RULES
- There are four players per team.
- All players must hold the mallet in their right hand (for safety reasons), a rule instated in 1974 by the US Polo Association.
- The ball is hit with the head of the mallet and not the narrow ends.
- The periods in a fame are called chukkas, every match consists of four to six chukkas.
- A goal is scored when the ball crosses the line, regardless of its height, or if it was hit by a mallet, pony’s hoof or off another player.
THE PONIES
- Polo ponies are fast, agile champions, with a heart for winning. The ideal pony is small around 14 – 16 ‘hands’, and must be able to turn and stop quickly, but gallop even faster.
- Polo ponies are usually thoroughbreds taken from the racing world and then trained in the art of polo.
- Their manes are trimmed or ‘roached’ and their tails are tied up to prevent them from getting tangled in the mallets during the game.
- Polo is a fast game, and the ponies need to be rested in-between chukkas. This also explains why one player needs a string of ponies for each game (ranging from four to eight ponies).
JOIN THE CLUB
Polo coach, Kevin Rixon offers a professional yet friendly environment in which to learn, improve and master the art of polo. Using innovative coaching techniques and well-schooled ponies, even non-riders can enjoy the excitement, camaraderie and exhilaration of polo, from their very first lesson. Lessons and instructional chukkas are available during the week, with practice sessions and matches taking place on weekends.
Polo Lessons
Polo lessons are structured around the student, from introductory lessons for the novice to intensive sessions for the more experienced player.
The Roku Educational Chukkas
The Roku Educational Chukkas provide the opportunity to improve playing skills and try umpiring.
To become a member of the Val de Vie Polo Club, or to arrange a lesson with Kevin Rixon, please contact:
polo@valdevie.co.za
+ 27 (0) 82 780 3950
