The Singapore Polo Club is one of the oldest sporting and social clubs in Singapore. Founded in 1886 by the officers of the King’s Own Regiment, the 1st Battalion, the Club has a distinguished heritage and remains rich in its traditions of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
The Singapore Polo Club was formed in 1899, following earlier unsuccessful attempts to start such a club in Singapore. Play began at the Singapore Sporting Club but moved to Balestier in 1914 when the Polo Club set up its own premises there. It moved to its current location at Thomson in the 1940s. Many improvements have been made to the Club over the years which have helped to attract more members.
However, during The Second World War, the ground was used as a gun emplacement area by The Japanese Defence Forces and was rented as a squatter’s camp by the Salvation Army and Japanese Defence Forces. After the war, Lord Mountbatten became the patron of the ground and re-established the Polo Club. He used his British and Royal influence to renovate the Grounds and establish it as a supreme playing area with a newly renovated pitch. A new type of grass called Desso GrassMaster was installed in 2000 to improve to surface’s quality.
The grass, which is natural grass with enhanced artificial roots, is ideal for Polo, Gaelic Football and Hurling, as well as the other sports played there. The ground also has a wide selection of suites and other activities. There is a Bar & Restaurant, Riding Area, Gym, Spa, Jacuzzi, Swimming pool as well as two tennis courts and the pitch.
The main focus of the Club is of course polo and more generally equestrian sports, but other sports activities and facilities are also well represented. Members can either keep their own polo ponies at the club stables, or alternatively lease ponies from the Club’s own string.
Beginners or those wishing to hone their skills may sign up for polo lessons with the Club’s resident pros. For those interested primarily in horse riding can participate in any of the Club’s varied Riding Section programmes and activities including basic riding, competitive dressage as well as show jumping at various levels, either in one to one or group lessons with the qualified riding instructors.
In all aspects of their activities, Singapore Polo Club is committed to core values of:
Sportsmanship
Polo and Equestrian Performance
Excellence
People
Satisfaction
Integrity
No other club offers the one of a kind opportunity for individuals from ages 6 years or more the capacity to take an interest in this timeless mix of adjust and speed – horse riding. The Club has 45 school horses and the horses are selected in accordance with riders’ ability with a great emphasis placed on riders’ safety. For the more serious riders, they have 25 livery stables for members to keep their own horses. Private and semi-private lessons are also available subject to availability.
A covered riding arena ensures that the Club can offer riding tuition and host competitions in all weather conditions. The arena also boasts a mezzanine viewing gallery offering premium views for spectators of both indoor equestrian events and polo on the field. In addition, the Club has 5 outdoor arenas and a sand track around the polo field to exercise horses and nearby hacking trails. Non-members can ride up to 3 months, after that you must become a member to continue lessons.
Also, the prestigious Club not only holds Polo Tournaments and games but the following sports are all facilitated there:
Aikido
Archery
Soccer
Fencing
Pilates
Polo
Squash
Swimming
Tennis
Riding Competition Calendar 2017:
The Singapore Polo Club will host the following tournaments throughout 2017:
APRIL
13-23 Bronze League (4 goal)
MAY
06-07 Novice Tournament
13-14 SEA Games Exhibition I (6 goal)
27-28 Club Tournament
JUNE
05 Charity Exhibition (6 goal)
17-18 SEA Games Exhibition II (8 goal)
JULY
11-16 Singapore Open (10 goal)
29-30 Club Tournament
AUGUST
14-23 Field Closed
19-31 29th Southeast Asian Games (5-8 goal)
SEPTEMBER
02-03 Novice Tournament
16-17 Club Tournament
26-01(Oct) Women’s International (4 goal)
OCTOBER
26(Sep)-01 Women’s International (4 goal)
12-15 Battle of the sexes (2 goal)
28-29 Gold Cup (16 goal)
NOVEMBER
07 Melbourne Cup
11-12 Club & Novice Tournament
25 -26 Grooms Cup & Club Tournament
DECEMBER
04 Polo Season Ends
