Carlton House Farm, Mettingham, Bungay, Suffolk. NR35 1TF T: 01986 892231, F: 01986 895635, M: 07795 451276 E-mail: enquiries@cheqc.co.uk
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Polo For those of you who know little about the game of polo the following paragraphs will give you a good insight as to what the game is all about: Polo requires 2 teams of players mounted on horseback to play the game. When playing outdoors on a grass pitch each team has 4 players, whereas arena polo is restricted to 3 players per team. The field is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide or 150yards wide if there are side boards – these are generally just 12ins high. Arena polo is played in a 100m x 50m large arena such as the arena at Carlton House Polo Club. There are lightweight goal posts 8 yards apart at either end of the field. The object of the game is to score the most goals by hitting the ball through the goal. A game is divided into periods called chukkas. Each chukka is 7 minutes long with30 seconds injury time added on. There are usually 4 chukkas in each match, but there can be 6 to 8 depending on what the hosting club chooses. Games are often played with a handicap in which the sum of the individual players’ respective handicaps are compared. The game begins with the 2 teams of 4 (or 3 in arena polo) lined up, each team in line forming 2 rows with the players in order 1,2,3,4 facing the umpire in the centre of the playing field. There are 2 mounted umpires (1 in arena polo) on the field and a referee standing on the sidelines. At the beginning of a game the umpire bowls the ball hard between the 2 teams. Teams change goal ends of the field/arena after each score or chukka to minimise any wind advantage that may exist. Switching sides also allows each team equal opportunity to start off with the ball on their right side, as all players must hit right handed. Polo is a fast and competitive sport, it is also a sport of great skill and ability. It is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors and meet new people. Anyone can give it a go and enjoy it. The sport of Kings has become the sport for everyone. We at Carlton House Polo Club will be offering a number of options for those interested in polo, whether as a spectator sport or becoming part of the playing team, we have something for everyone. Our school polo ponies can cater for beginners (for those who have never sat on a horse but would like to give polo a try) to those who are already competent riders but would like to try polo or indeed have played before and want to improve their game. Arena Hire The 100m x 50m all weather arena with Martin Collins Ecotrack surface is suitable for arena polo. The arena is available for hire on a full day, half day or hourly basis. The grass covered earth banks around two sides make public viewing easy, safe and practical. Creature Comforts A purpose built rest room with wheelchair access to toilets, washing facilities, a shower and a "brew-up" area for making hot and cold drinks is located adjacent to the main stable block. Parking There are over 2300 square metres of parking on clean concrete adjacent to all the yard's facilites. Parking for horseboxes or trailers for extended periods can be arranged. Carlton House Polo club launched on the weekend of 28th/29th April 2007 with a charity arena polo tournament in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. The second Macmillan polomatch was on 26/27 April 2008 See photos from this weekend For a full set of polo playing rules please see our useful links page. Membership Membership at Carlton House Polo Club includes use of our new 100m x 50m all weather arena allowing you to play polo all year round and use of the Club facilities. Polo Fees Adult - 1 Pony Membership - £350 per year Student/Pony Club Member (over 21) - £200 per year Pony Club Member (under 21) - £125 per year Associate Playing Membership (for those that do not own their own ponies) - £200 per year plus chukka fees for hire of pony. Chukka fee with pony hire - £45 per chukka Club memberships are limited. Lessons Individual and group lessons are available with our Argentinean Professional, £35 Group lessons (3 or more people), £55 Private lesson (2 people) for one hour. Livery Polo livery is available all year round. Please contact Carlton House Polo Club for your individual requirements and a price list.