The Barbados Polo season seems to be undergoing continual change these days. The sport with over a hundred years of history on our island has traditionally been held at Holder's Hill, but three new fields have recently opened and promise a new direction for the sport. Also lending a refreshing burst of energy and new life is the women's team, who recently captured the public eye with a win over the men's team in the Diamond's International Polo Challenge held in March. What will the next year hold?

The new lands have been developed in answer to the rising popularity of polo here. The fields of Clifton and Waterhall and Lion Castle will surely give rise to the increasingly regularity of polo matches and attract even more international competitors with the lure of new match venues! Events held in Barbados have drawn teams from Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile and England in the past.

The Barbados Open is an important date on the polo calendar and interest in this event continues to grow. Smaller traditional competitions are continuing to fill key spots in the Bajan polo season as well. One new series recently added to the season was the Colombian Emeralds Barbados Open. This polo bout matched six teams led by Barbadian polo celebrities. 

Such a long history of polo on the island has led to close ties formed between locals and visiting teams. International clubs popular among Barbadians include the Cheshire Club from England and the Villages from Florida. Over their long association with players from native clubs and visits made by both sides, the teams have become fast friends. The sportsmanship and camaraderie freely exhibited by all sides have cemented these ties over the years, but on the field the competition is as vigorous as with any other team!

You won't want to miss a polo season in Barbados. Wholesome family entertainments, the larger matches also offer a glimpse of the long-standing sporting customs of our island. The preliminary activity will begin with the introductions of the teams to a local statesman, then national anthems will be played, prayers made, and the whole ceremony is concluded with a parade of a military or police band. 

New fields and a bursting events calendar promise that this season will be one of our best. Come enjoy our polo!