We have finally started our winter season with some rainy chukkas and an open day with Bristol University. We are fortunate enough to have a very new all-weather arena but it is outdoors. Fortunately spectators can hide inside the very cosy clubhouse and watch the play from behind glass. I’m a bit of a fair weather rider, so although I’ll participate a bit, I think that I might take up a new sideline as photographer for the website.

The horses are finally losing some of their summer weight and getting fit. The winter ponies are much more high-maintenance as they must be clipped (the long hair is shaved off) and therefore rugged constantly. With forty-five horses kept indoors full time for the season it keeps the grooms very busy and therefore warm. On the plus side, for arena the horses only have to wear front shoes and that does make the farrier’s job a little easier. We have the farrier in at least once a week and a vet in for general health checks every Monday as well. Even if it’s a case of simple vaccinations and a look at something new that has turned up in the yard.

I am currently writing this from Hungary where I have come to visit family. They are beginning to take up polo here in a big way. I came over on a brief visit during the summer to watch the 6 goal in a tournament near the beautiful lake Balaton. They certainly play in a different way to us, as we try to stick to the guidelines laid out by the HPA (the Hurlingham Polo Association). Our field is a regulation size and each match is umpired by two mounted umpires, and a third man in the crowd. Their Argentine umpire was mounted, but there the similarities ended. He had no helmet, was smoking throughout, and didn’t ever bother with the whistle. As a result it was quite a hair-raising game, with several near collisions once the players realised that it was a free for all. As I mentioned before in reference to the beach polo, the umpiring is key to a good game, and having two of them watching the game certainly helps.

The atmosphere was fantastic though and the despite the field being on a little bit of a hill and with one side cut off to make way for a wood, the viewing stands were great, and the spectators were very involved. The day finished off in true Argentine style with some beers and an Asado (barbeque) round the pool. The main polo is held here in a place called Etyek and I’m looking forward to watching more polo, especially to the events sponsored by Tonay, the people who make the lovely Hungarian sparkling wine.

This visit hasn’t involved any polo but it’s quite nice to stay in a city and have a break from horses and wearing wellies every day. So far I have been out to some fantastic restaurants, shopping in Vienna, a swim the the thermal baths in Szercheni,and I am just going out to enjoy brunch in the Corinthia hotel. Back to normality tomorrow when I land back in the UK but nice to know there is life away from horses.