Ingrid Benson: “We are well-backed by the South African Association”
Another of the players in the CaRRoL BoYeS Ladies Cup, Ingrid Benson, is thrilled by the growth of ladies polo in her country, and also with the way her federation backs them
Practically everything is prepared at the impressive Val de Vie Polo Club in what refers to the forthcoming CaRRoL BoYeS Ladies Cup, the first important ladies tournament to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, which kicks off on Friday, February 12th.
Ingrid Benson will be part of the Britesmile team’s lineup, and she tells us about her expectations and also gives us an idea about the South African polo scene.
-When did you start playing polo? How long ago?
-I started playing polo about 15 years ago, encouraged by my whole family. My father and both my brothers also play polo.
-Where do you usually train or play?
-I play for our home club: the Karkloof Polo Club (in the Natal Midlands, South Africa).
-What are your expectations concerning the 2010 CaRRoL BoYeS Ladies Cup?
-I know that Jo and John Lister have put in a huge amount of work and effort into organizing this event, and we’re all so looking forward to the tournament. My expectations are to see the magnificent Val de Vie polo establishment, to catch up with old friends (I haven’t seen Jo and John Lister for many years and have known them since before I started playing polo!). And of course, to have some really good fun playing polo over the weekend.
-What are your views on the South African and international women’s polo scenes?
-I am delighted to see that the South African Ladies Polo is going from strength to strength. With lots of support from the South African Polo Association and clubs such as our own home club, Karkloof, Ladies Polo is on the increase and is now contributing to the growth of the sport, which is wonderful to see.
-Who is your favourite polo player? And female player?
-My favourite polo player is John Paul Clarkin from New Zealand. My favourite female player is my great friend Emma Calder (also from New Zealand).
-Which other tournaments will you be competing in this season?
-I’m hoping to compete in many of our local tournaments this year – Natal Championships, Karkloof Classic, South African Championships, and neighbouring club tournaments such as Mooi River, Lion’s River, Bergville and Otto’s Bluff.
The CaRRoL BoYeS Ladies Cup kicks off on Friday, February 12th and comes to an end on Sunday 14th, on St. Valentin's day. LivingPolo.com will be closely following the event and keeping you updated, and is proud to be one of the its official sponsors. Our online magazine will also be present during the awards ceremony, presenting a blanket for the tournament’s best pony.
