You might not think polo is for everyone but if you like horse-riding and sports then read on. Polo is typically regarded as an exclusive sport practised on horseback and has a certain elitist reputation. Reputedly played by the rich and the royal, polo is a sport played on horseback in which teams hit a ball into the opposing team's goal using a long-handled mallet. Originating in Persia in the 5th century BC, polo became popular when the British enjoyed a similar game in India. In 1875 the sport was practised in Argentina with a formal polo match with the skills of the gauchos and their talents. In 1876 the sport was popularized in the USA.
Nowadays, the sport is open to anyone willing to give it a go. Practice makes perfect and once you are confident enough to be able to ride and maneuver the ball and mallet without crippling your opponent, then you will be allowed to play at the Geneva Polo Club in Veigy, France, just at the border near City Green Sports center.
Geneva Polo Club was founded in 2008 and knowitall.ch met with Pablo Mendoza to give a grand tour of the clubrooms and fields. Pablo explained, “Not everyone who is a member of the club actually plays polo but comes to enjoy watching the practices and games. It is not only a sports club but an important meeting point for like-minded people of the Geneva area. Most are professionals with a day job and come here to let off some steam and meet with friends for a drink.” Practices take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 17h30 followed by a barbecue on Tuesdays, grilled to perfection by Argentinean Pablo, and appreciated by all.
Practice matches are held on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Official matches are held on Saturday afternoons (check website). You can choose to become a member and pay the annual fee or pay per practice or match as a guest. You don’t need to know someone already as all are welcome. There are about 35 active members of the Geneva Polo Club at the moment and the age group is between 25-65, so it is very open to all.
Pablo stressed, “Our members need to feel part of the social vibe of the club as it is not only a sports club but a social one and our clubrooms are beautifully designed to invite members to make it their second home!” The walls are lined with fur (printed), the furniture is leather and fur, lots of wood and luxurious elements of decoration make their space very rich-looking but comfortable. Given that the clubrooms are right above the stables, with views onto the adjacent farm, set in a small village that has welcomed GPC with open arms, there is the ambiance of the country oozing from all corners.
As Pablo drove to the main playing field, the neighboring children waved and shouted “bonjour” as we passed, and Pablo gave them a wave back with a charming smile. The GPC has truly become part of the village.
Not only does the Club have about 45 French, Swiss, and Argentinean horses in the stables, but it also owns 12 ponies that are used for the Poney Club GPC for children from age 5. The horses can also be rented independently for promenades or used for the riding school. The horses are sent on vacation to the South of France for a well-deserved break between November and March as the GPC events are held between April and October.
Another polo club in the Geneva area that needs to be mentioned is the Polo Club de Veytey in Mies, which is a traditional Genevan club opened in 1988. The two clubs sometime meet for matches.
The rules of polo are quite straightforward but just to be clear GPC have this link to the rules with illustrations. If you are interested in reading the list of terms used in playing polo then click on this link.
Apart from horses, the club also offers their facilities for outside events such as corporate parties, weddings, and conferences year-round. Pablo emphasized that GPC can organize a match as part of the entertainment and set up the barbecue and tents with all the trimmings. All you need to do is ask for a quote. The advantages are the beautiful location, bountiful parking, entertainment like no other, and lots of space. Have a look at GPC’s website to see photos of other events that have taken place recently. If you are interested in renting their space during the colder months when the horses are not available, this is possible too.
Come this Saturday to the Geneva Season Finale Polo and Field Party. See invitation below or click on it to go to their website. Everyone is invited. Polo match, BBQ, DJ music and dancing!
For more information or to visit the facilities for a future event or to join the club please contact Pablo at the
Geneva Polo Club
Chemin de Pont de Crévy
74140 Veigy
France
0033 965 26 23 07 office
