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UNIVERSITY
OF WARWICK
POLO CLUB
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Meet the Ponies
The ponies are by far and away the most crucial part of polo. If it weren't for the amazing ponies at Offchurch Bury Polo Club then as a club we wouldn't be able to indulge as much as we do and we certainly wouldn't be national champions in 4 different divisions.
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Scroll down to learn more about our 4 legged friends...
Peke
Peke is the beast of Offchurch; standing at 16hh he is the tallest of all the ponies at the club and this, along with his liver chestnut coat means he always stands out. As you can see from the photo, before he became a school pony he was part of our coach, Grant's, string of proffessional ponies.
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Pampa
Pampa is another one of the giants on the yard. He's bouncy and definitely one of the most photogenic ponies as he's always got his ears forward and his bright chestnut coat is always looking fabulous! Like Peke, Pampa is almost impossible to beat in a ride-off so good luck if you meet him on the pitch!
Pippa
Pippa is one of the more exclusive ponies, with only a few select people riding her but if you're one of the lucky few then be prepared for a fast paced chukka. Flat out, Pippa is one of our fastest ponies, however, she is usually compromised due to the fact she is a delicate soul and is quite often injured.
Pico
Pico is one of the most popular ponies on the yard and it really isn't difficult to see why! She is one of the fastest, handiest but also strongest of the ponies which means that on grass it can take you a good hundred yards before you actually come to a stop. Like a lot of the ponies at Offchurch, Pico has played high goal and frequently won best playing pony - she has the rug to prove it!
Granny
Granny is probably best known for her handiness which can take some of our less experienced members by surprise. It also means, however, that she is impeccable to check so you don't drift from the ball. As the name suggests, Granny isn't a young pony but this doesn't stop her from smashing an arena chukka!
Fizz
Fizz is the oldest of the ponies at Offchurch and this year will be her final one before she retires at the ripe old age of 30. But, just because she's old doesn't mean she can't handle herself, she will take out most other ponies in a ride-off with her 'under the neck technique'. She will definately be missed when she retires as she is always looking after our beginners and making sure they have a great first lesson!
Daicy
Daicy is also quite new to the yard but she's been welcomed into the Offchurch family with open arms and started off her season by being part of the winning Novice 1 division at summer nationals. You can always spot her on the field as she's the only none block coloured pony on the yard.
Bally
Bally boy is a favourite among the club, with many of our beginners falling head over heels for him. Not only is he popular with newbies to polo but he has also played high-goal tournaments with our coach, Grant. He is also best friends with Bruno and they spend all of their free time together in the field.
Blade
Blade, contrary to popular belief is actually a girl - despite her masculine name. She is an all-rounder and although she might not be a huge fan of indoor arenas, all she needs is a bit of reassurance and she is ready to go. She is very popular with our beginner riders as she is easy to handle but still quick and handy.
Bruno
Bruno, also known as the king of the ride-off is not only royalty himself; but has also made a cameo appearance with some reality tv royalty when he was on 'Made in Chelsea'. He didn't let fame get to his head though and is still perfectly happy to play with those who haven't been soaked in the limelight.
Blackie
Blackie is very popular on the yard but you'll have to make sure you've got enough leg muscle to survive the first 10 minutes. Due to her cold back you have to stand up when you first get on, although it does help you practise your half seat! Blackie will definitely give you a workout as she also insists on cantering everywhere so get ready to get your sweat on.
Widget
Widget is one of the newest arrivals to Offchurch but she has settled in well. Her dark bay coat and feisty attitude has made her a favourite among our novices - and with our coach Grant! Unfortunately she had an injury and had to be out for 4 months but now she's back and is ready to dominate on the pitch!
Kylie
Kylie, also know as Karlie, or Piglet to those who knows her well, is a little pocket rocket. Known for her infamous trot during which her little legs move faster than the speed of light. She's been playing polo for under 2 years but she's taken to it like a duck to water.
Lolita
Lolita is the mother of the yard, literally. Her foal, Marmite is likely to be introduced to the school in a year or two so he can join his mum with helping us all win nationals! She is a tall brunette who loves to be at home and speed walks back to her stable after a lesson!
Estrella
Estrella is one of only two greys at the yard which means she is easy to spot, although she is considerably less grey during the winter months. She is quick, can turn on a penny and is loved by a lot of our members. She is one of our coach, Tessa's, playing ponies which probably explains why she's so amazing!
Blue
Blue is the main man (stallion) of the yard. He is an all-rounder playing both fast paced intermediate chukkas, while also on his days off, looking after our beginners and showing them the ropes. He is also ones of the oldest ponies on the yard having fathered one of Grant's playing ponies.
Novella
Novella isn't new to the polo scene, she has played high goal in Argentina - the home of polo - so coming over to help our members win nationals is definately a well deserved break for her.
Maripossa
Maripossa is loved by a lot of the club members. She was part of the winning beginner team at the St Andrews Charity Tournament and has also helped lots of our other teams to victory. She is steady and fast which makes it easy to hit the ball with her and she will definitely look after you on the pitch.
Francis
As you can see from his photo, Francis is one of the more energetic ponies on the yard. He is ridiculously handy and stops dead with one pull on the reins. He has played high goal with our coach, Grant but has adapted very well to university polo life.
Kipper
Kipper is not new to Offchurch but is relatively new to the school. He is quick, handy and is mean in a ride-off. He has played high goal with our coach, Grant. He is also really fun to play on and will make any chukka you play very memorable!
Zorro
Zorro used to be one of Grant's playing ponies before he came into the school and is probably his favourite pony - although he doesn't say that in front of the others. He has taken to the school well though and is likely to dominate at winter nationals!
Rincanada
Rincanada is the newest edition to the Offchurch team and is perfect for our beginners who want to experience polo for the first time. Her dun coat makes her really easy to spot both on and off the pitch. She has the sweetest temperament and is really fitting in well to the family.
Fatty
Despite what her name might suggest, Fatty is actually in great shape and used to play in Grant's string of polo ponies. She is quick and safe which makes her perfect for beginners who want to try out a faster paced chukka than what they might be used to.
Rihanna
Rihanna is an excellent pony and was part of the novice 2 winning team at summer nationals. She is rarely seen with her ears forward but that doesn't mean that she doesn't have a soft side. She is quick and handy which makes her popular with our novices.