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| PCL tournament photo by Christian Schaack |
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| Tournament photo by Christian Schaack |
The Game
Polo is a team sport played on
horseback. Each team consists of 4 players who try and score goals against the opposing
team by hitting a wooden or plastic ball with a long-handled mallet. One game
or match lasts approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours and is subsequently divided into periods
called chukkers. The game is played on a 300 yard long by 160 yard wide field,
and after a goal is scored the team switches ends of the field.
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| Tournament photo by Christian Schaack |
When teams are formed they are categorized
by the level of skill of the individual players. This is known as a handicap,
and the sum of the four player’s handicaps becomes the team handicap. Handicaps
can range from -2 to 10 and are determined by a formal professional committee
or national federation.
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| Team photo by Val Wagner |
Equipment for the players consists of balls,
helmets, knee guards, mallets, protective ware like gloves, face-masks, eye wear,
elbow pads, or mouth guards. Whereas equipment for the horses consists of leg
wraps, which protect the legs from injury as well as provide support, bridles,
saddles, saddle pads, and other pieces as preferred by the rider.
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| Protective gear and riding equipment photo by Christian Schaack |
The Horse
The “Polo Pony”, a term used for polo horses,
and rider, are a team and together should be in the best condition in order to
perform in the most efficient manner. The horses must be full sized, agile, in
good health and stature, and proficiently trained in the game of polo.
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| Polo horses photo by Christian Schaack |
During the game the horses are required
to endure a lot of sprinting, turns, abrupt stops, and more which is very
taxing on their physique. This is why players change horses throughout the game
and sometimes during the same chukker.
The horses must be properly groomed prior to participating in a game. Manes and tails must be kept out of the way so that they do not get caught in the player’s mallets or reins.
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| Properly groomed horse photo by Christian Schaack |
Founded in 2004, Alexander Ludorf, Vice
President of the board, explained that the PCL was established for three main
reasons. The first was to create an organization where people could play
professional polo. The second was to create an inviting atmosphere where
friends could gather and network. The third was to show Luxembourg what Polo is
all about.
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| Evening events photo by Henri Schwartz & Jean-Paul Frisch |
Although the club is relatively young, the
PCL has been successful in attracting new members and sponsors. The club
welcomes beginners, kids, and professionals, and has horses available for use
for those who do not yet own their own. The club now has grown to incorporate approximately
150 members, two polo fields, 40+ polo horses, a polo trainer and regular courses.
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| Tournament event viewing area photo by Val Wagner |
Alexander
educated us on the four steps
required for those interested in joining. Initially the person must
engage in a
test course which consists of three one hour lessons which allows the
club to gage the person’s level of experience. The second step is to
proceed to
becoming a Stick and Ball” member where individuals can join in the
club’s
training sessions. The third step is to become a “Playing member”. The
final
step is becoming eligible for participation in tournaments which
requires a
minimum handicap level of -2.
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| Championship cups photo by Henri Schwartz & Jean-Paul Frisch |
The PCL teams are mixed with women and
men of varying ages. The horses must be at least three years old, which is the
earliest they can start training, and can go until 18. Players are required to
have a minimum of two horses for each match and must change horses for each
chukker. The club has a trainer that evaluates the player’s level of skill and
suggests when they are ready to go before the federation in order to advance to
the next handicap.
In the past, Polo has had the reputation
of being an event reserved for the elite, but according to Alexander this is a stereotype
that the PCL is trying to overcome. The 4th Polo International Tournament
was a vibrant, entertaining, and action packed four day event. General admission
was free to the public although the option to purchase VIP packages was
available.
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| Tesla showcasing photo by Henri Schwartz & Jean-Paul Frisch |
Many people came due to their curiosity or
love of the sport, while others were attracted by the showcased vehicles
courtesy of Honda, Range Rover, Tesla, and more. A barbeque, drink bar, mobile coffee
cart, and other refreshments were available on site. Entertainment included a
fashion show, wine tasting, parade, charity auction and dinner, garden party,
hot air balloon tour for winner of the kid’s cup, party bus for the players,
and more. A beach area and picnic tables were set up for the viewers to comfortably
enjoy watching the match. Attendees could also enjoy browsing the art stands or
getting their picture taken.
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| Fashion shoot red carpet photo by Henri Schwartz & Jean-Paul Frisch |
Petopia Luxembourg is a newly designed
web platform that serves as a one-stop-shop for pet owners in the Luxembourg
region. One of the services we provide is to feature upcoming animal related events,
and after learning about and promoting the PCL International Tournament, the
team decided to attend due to our curiosity of the sport and love for animals. We
had a lovely and educational experience. We are appreciative of the hospitality
of the club, especially Alexander for taking the time to be interviewed prior
to playing in his match, and look forward to learning more and attending future
events.
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| Alexander Ludorf (right) and friend (left) photo by Henri Schwartz & Jean-Paul Frisch |
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