Siobhan to captain Irish team at polo tournament
INTERNATIONAL EVENT IN ASHFORD THIS MONTH WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR INJURED JOCKEYS FUND
SIOBHAN Herbst will captain the Irish side as the worlds of polo and racing combine for the 2017 International Ladies Polo Tournament in aid of The Injured Jockeys Fund.
Taking place on the private grounds of Ballyhenry Estate outside Ashford on Saturday, August 19, and hosted by Polo Wicklow, the International Ladies Polo Tournament will draw guests from around the world as top players travel from USA, UK, Germany, France, Spain, South Africa, Australia, Argentina and Saudi Arabia to take part in the largest event on the Irish polo calendar.
At the launch,the 2017 Irish Ladies Polo Team were announced as Siobhan Herbst, Julie Kavanagh, April Kent and Caroline Keeling.
Wicklow-woman Siobhan is Ireland’s top rated female polo player and captain of the Irish team. She also runs Polo Wicklow in addition to competing around the world.
‘I have been around horses all my life but I only really started with polo aged 18,’ she said. ‘My father had been playing for nearly 50 years so I used to go to matches he was involved in when I was young.
‘I did a lot of eventing and equestrian events but polo is completely different. The riding is very different. Yesterday I was giving lessons to some top jockeys and It can be quite awkward to begin with. It’s similar to western riding but you aren’t sitting as far back. Basically, the horse becomes part of you and you become part of the horse.’
Each polo match is split into four Chukkas, with individual horses not allowed to play in more than two chukkas per match. The horses involved in polo also differ from those involved in equestrian events or racing.
‘Some of the horses might have failed on the track,’ said Siobhan.
‘Maybe they were too slow or too small. They get a second chance with us. We breed some of our own as well. You are looking for speed and agility. Essentially the horse is expected to go as fast as a race horse and quickly stop whenever required.’
Polo Wicklow was established in 1993 by Michael Herbst on his home farm. As the only All Year Round Polo Club in Ireland, it can guarantee polo every weekend, either in their full size arena or on international sized grass field.
The sport is also becoming increasingly popular in Ireland.
‘It’s growing in Ireland. It’s a very big deal in England. The Pony Club there might start training kids at four or five years of age. There are some clubs in Cork doing some great work and in Kildare as well,’ she said.
‘Globally, ladies polo is growing massively and lady players are travelling all around the world to compete as far as Malaysia, Thailand and of course Europe and the US.’
The international polo tournament is considered a great opportunity for people to pack up a picnic and enjoy a great local day out or to join the marquee lunch hospitality.
There will be something for everyone such as artisan food and drink vendors, divot stomping at half-time, a dedicated kids zone and younger guests can enter a novelty Best Teddy Bear Picnic competition. There will also be a ceremonial East-Wicklow Harriers Hound Parade and luxury car displays.
‘ This is the 18th year of the tournament and it has become the biggest event on the Irish polo calendar and we look forward to welcoming lots of new visitors this year,’ said Siobhan.
‘It is really exciting to see more and more lady players getting involved and this year we are putting together our strongest Irish Ladies Polo Team ever.’
The tournament has raised more than €150,000 for charities to date and this year’s nominated charity partner is The Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.
The day will feature three exciting matches: Ireland v’s The USA, Ireland v’s The Rest Of The World and an entertaining Charity Jockeys v’s Trainers Match.
The charity match will feature top trainers and well known jockeys from the racing world trying their hand at polo, as well as retrained former-racehorses showcasing the versatility of the thoroughbred. The Injured Jockeys Fund raises funds for the enhanced care, rehabilitation and welfare of jockeys, past and present.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.ladiespolo.ie.