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Polo has been played in South Africa for more than a century, and nowadays there are no less than 38 clubs and more than 400 registered players, with this last figure is increasing each day. The SA Polo Association is in charge of going ahead with tournaments, organizing polo clynics for the young hopefuls, and investing in club infrastructure.
Here are some aspects related to the South African polo scene.
Kurland Estate: Located in Plettengberg Bay, this venue includes 700 hectares, four playing fields, well-equipped horse stables for 300 horses, and a veterinary clynic, plus a sand-surfaced, one kilometer-long track.
Poloafrica: Set in the beautiful Maluti Mountains, in Free State. Its two playing fields have a wonderfully scenic background and the surrounding valleys add to the spectacular setting.
The Frankshoek Mountain Lodge and Polo School: Surrounded by the Witteberg Mountains, the Lodge includes ten rooms, ideal for resting after an eventful polo’s day.
Blueberry Park Polo School: Located in Underberg, this is where the renowned Russell Watson goes ahead with his individual and group classes. Horses, trained by Watson, can be purchased here.
Oaklands Polo & Country Club: Together with the Harrismith Polo Club, a huge variety of options is offered here. The Director is another renowned figure, Francis Mandy. This place is also located in Drakensberg, half way between Johannesburg and Durban. This is a very complete teaching institution, with modern stables.
Val de Vie: Located only 40 minutes from Cape Town, in the Paarl-Franschoek valley, classes are given here in the place’s two international playing fields. It has a sand-surfaced track, a field for practising and stables for 64 horses. All aspects are under the direction of the much-experienced John Lister.
Walker’s Polo Lodge: This sports complex includes polo, fishing, hunting and mountain life options. It is 250 kilometres away from Durban, on the KwaZuluNatal coast. Its hosts are Tiny and Lynn Walker.
Jurassic Park Polo: South Africa’s captain, Selby Williamson, and the national team trainer, Gavin Chaplin, give classes here. Apart from people being able to practise, there is the possibility of computerized monitoring and analysis. Everything is latest generation.
Ottos Bluff Club: The former indoor, 10-handicap player Joe Henderson directs the place. Apart from polo lessons, people can go on outings to several parks, to the Drakensberg mountains and to the KwaZulu-Natal beaches.
And in what refers to watching international matches and the best polo, the recommended places are The Inanda Club and The Durban Shongweni Club.
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