Sussex Polo

Paul Addison

2007 was a truly wonderful year with this award being its highlight. I feel that there was a certain irony in collecting it, as only six months earlier I had collected my first polo trophy, for ’Crash of the Year’ on the very same stage! I remain convinced that whoever counted the votes must have possessed the same mathematical skills as the Floridian muppets that put Bush in power. Well, at least I am only a danger to myself!

I have to be careful when recalling my introduction to polo as I do not wish to appear to be a selfish pig. Clearly I am not a pig and of course this is a family hobby! My daughter has ridden from age two, and has, since that tender age maintained a childhood fascination with horses. Personally I couldn’t see it. I found horses as appealing as licking frogs.

In 2006 my wife felt that we should visit Sussex Polo to watch the kids at Pony Club. With some predetermined ideas about polo I had expected to meet lots of Rupert’s and a few princes, as lets be honest, I believed the sport justified a reputation for being up its own bottom. The reality could not have been further from this supposed truth! On this first Friday evening I watched dozens of kids from all kinds of normal backgrounds having a wail of time. Jealousy took over and, even though my daughter was at that stage uninterested in polo, I felt it was appropriate ( so as not to waste a good Friday night) to take her place. Feeling rather daft I approached Sallie Anne (SPC Boss Lady) to see if I could ever have a go and amazingly she said absolutely anyone could.

So off I popped for my first lesson with Harry Tucker, the club professional. For someone so young he has the ‘gift’ with his teaching that inspires and convinces you that you really can and will play polo. I was hooked and at the end of that first day had exchanged a bulge in my wallet for a new bulge of excitement elsewhere!

It felt as if no sooner had I started than the season had drawn to an end. Fortunately I had found Arena Polo to see me through the winter. I had more lessons from an array of other coaches and then booked an Argentina Polo School. That trip became my “I get this” moment. Despite the pleasures of a family holiday in a culture I greatly envied, the sweet moment of understanding the pleasure of living around horses appeared. The penny had dropped. I saw the part of their character that makes the game so unique and so beautiful. Yes, there may be eight over-excited men/women on the pitch but to truly understand the contribution to the game that the horses make, you really have to try it yourself. They make the game and I can honestly say that some horses actually play it for you. Anyway, we retuned with saddles and our first two ponies, unknowingly there were actually three as one was pregnant and as the Argentines say “too forr de price of one, how lucky”! Argentina can give you in two weeks what a season in England can give you and I do feel lucky to have had the experience. If you want to fastrack this is the only way.

So back I came to SPC in 2007 with a new season, new horses, new boots, and some misplaced confidence. his was when I started to fall, and with rhythmic regularity and little grace but to the sounds of my wife’s applause- slightly worrying, that. At first I felt I had come down with narcolepsy but soon realised that my riding skills were still severely deficient. This is where Nick Clague steps in, a young blonde guy bursting with good looks, personality and talent – makes you sick!

Shortly afterwards, I made him a commitment to be the team Pro all season. He has become a great friend to our family and we are very fond of him. He, and others, gave so much time to me on the field, and in the pub, where they tirelessly told me about tactics, rules and gave me tips. I learn like I drink, in great quantities but then can’t remember a bloody thing the next day so it takes the patience of a saint to teach me.

For reasons of space I cannot pick out the many other people that have helped me. I must mention Mario and all our Argentine friends that create such a unique character at this club and all the staff at SPC whom I know work so hard to make it all happen.

I have many highlights from last year’s season. Winning the Champagne Jacquart tournament, having my handicap moved up but this award takes the biscuit. Thank you to all who voted for me. o those who didn’t, you may be proved to be more sensible than those that did. To the founders of SPC, thank you for providing this club.

If my ramblings inspire you a little bit, I suggest you come and watch. On a sunny day there is little better to do than to bring a picnic, some cold beer or wine and then sit back and enjoy. It will only be a matter of time before you will want to give it a go. The biggest danger in life is not taking the adventure. Leave those predetermined ideas at home and live a little. If I can do it anyone can!