Polocrosse Training

MRS is the home of the Cheshire Polocrosse Centre, offering riders without their own horses the chance to have a go at this exciting sport. If you are able to canter then you can try it out whatever your age!

Polocrosse originated in Australia in the 1930s and now is enjoyed in many countries throughout the world. Polocrosse is a combination of polo and lacrosse and is essentially lacrosse played on horseback. There are 6 players in each team (with 3 being on the pitch at a time) each player has a different position and responsibilities within the team. The No 1 is always the goal scorer, the No 2 commands the middle of the pitch and the No 3 is effectively the goalkeeper.

The aim is for either team to try and keep possession of the ball by throwing it to each other until the No 1 is in a position to score. The opposing team can tackle for possession by knocking the ball out of the player’s racquet.

Beginners will first learn how to pick the ball up off the floor and safe and accurate throwing and catching as the horse is always controlled with the reins in one hand and the racquet in the other.

Once the basics have been established riders can take part in tournaments and enjoy this fast paced and exciting sport.

At Mobberley we hold several training sessions throughout the week for different abilities, the only pre-requisite is that riders need to be able to walk, trot and canter safely. We also hold tournaments during the summer months for the more experienced players.

We would like to say a huge well done to our Pony Club players who represented us at the Pony Club Polocrosse Championships this year. After missing out last year this time we were able to enter a section of minis and seniors. With only two riding schools against many branches we were really proud of how well our ponies and riders played.

Minis
The minis came out fighting in their first game with Becky and Buzz catching many a ball in the line out with Emily and Bob firing in the goals to win the first match. In the second game Phoebe and Pudsey played well in defence against a well established team to be narrowly beaten.
Day 2 saw another win for the minis in the morning and in the play offs in the afternoon they did us proud by coming 4th.

Minis
Emily Godding - Bob
Rebecca Bartock – Buzz
Pheobe Blakeley-Crewe – Pudsey

Seniors
The senior team were in a pool against very experienced teams but they didn’t let it phase them. All 3 horses and riders learned more in 2 days of fast play chukkas than they had in the past year. Kay and Sporran stepped up to the mark in the final game playing as a number 1 and scoring the seniors’ first goal. Hanja and Hovis were strong throughout the whole weekend in defence with Ellie and Prince providing entertainment for umpire Tom Simkin and the crowd for swallowing a fly during play!

Seniors
Ellie Forrest – Prince
Kay Hoyle – Sporran
Hanja Dickinson – Hovis

Awards
With a 100% tack and turnout sheet the minis came 1st in class 4 “Tack and turnout” making all of the hard work bathing, tack cleaning and plaiting worthwhile.
The seniors came 6th in class 2 with the minis coming in 4th in their class.
Amy, Becca and Sarah would like to say a huge well done to the players ponies and parents as all their hard work paid off when we won the Loriners Pony Club Polocrosse award and bursary for the most improved club!
Everyone enjoyed a fun weekend of polocrosse at Cholmondley Castle and we are looking forward to next season.

Sessions are well underway now for our ever increasing number of players. Adults and children are both welcome and often enjoy the social/ team aspect of playing.

We have our regular Saturday and Sunday sessions and also extras during the holidays and often on bank holidays.

Please check the noticeboard and our Facebook page for updates on future training sessions and courses.

Groups are also welcome by arrangement so if there are a number of you wanting to have a go please contact us and we will try to help.

Anyone wishing to order polocrosse clothing items (poloshirts and sweatshirts) can pick up an order form from reception.

New orders going in shortly.