Polo

First played in Barbados in the 1800s by officers of the British Military Forces stationed at the Garrison Savannah, polo quickly established a reputation for its festive spirit and the unbridled enjoyment of its players as the army invited members of the plantocracy to join in their games.

The founding of the Barbados Polo Club in 1884 followed by a progressive move to new headquarters in Holder's Hill, St. James in 1965 formed a basis for the fast rate of development of the sport in Barbados since then. The Barbados Polo Club has over thirty regular players and hosts a variety of international teams annually.

The introduction of high-handicap tournaments (which attract high profile professional players) along with increased corporate sponsorship and social responsibility, and the international media attention that accompanies such, have helped to propel polo in Barbados. Local stables have approximately 300 playing ponies, thoroughbreds - which tend to have more power and speed, but consume more, as well as Argentinean mounts - smaller, tougher and offering better handling.

Today the introduction of Buttals Polo Club in St. George has formed a complement of five clubs and grounds on the island. Apes Hill Polo and Golf Club (formerly known as Waterhall), masterminded by local veteran polo player and businessman Sir Charles Williams is set to become the Caribbean's most advanced polo club. Apes Hill, Lion Castle, Clifton, and the flagship Barbados Polo Club have been working together with tournaments played at all four locations including a fine variety of handicap levels. A small entrance fee is charged but the matches are always exciting and well worth the admission.

The Barbados Polo season runs from January to mid May. Fixtures are available on our Events page once they become available however inclement weather may affect the match schedule. For more information and to confirm dates and times contact the various clubs as follows:

Apes Hill Polo Club Waterhall, St. James

+1 246 271 3010

info@apeshillpolobarbados.com
Barbados Polo Club Holders, St. James

+1 246 826 POLO (7956)

barbadospoloclub@gmail.com
Buttals Polo Club St. George  +1 246 826 POLO (7956)  -
Clifton Polo Club St. Thomas

+1 246 826 POLO (7956)

bbayley@insurecgi.com
Lion Castle Polo Estate St. Thomas +1 (246) 230 9104 kent@lioncastlepoloestate.com


Visitors are made very welcome on the polo scene and visiting clubs keep coming back for more as facilities expand, players improve and crowd numbers expand. In fact, they can hardly be called visitors anymore, such is the strong camaraderie that has developed over the years. Spectators anticipate entertaining rivalry against local teams whether it be regular low or high goal tournaments or the very entertaining Battle of the Sexes. Polo matches always make for a full afternoon of activity - starting with a laid back high tea, continuing on to amiable dinner, drinks and dancing after the game. You can take fold out chairs and coolers and relax around the perimeter of the field but refreshments are on sale and seating is provided at all venues.