Horses

Rugby on horseback: Polocrosse

May 13, 2008 / 13 Comments
Today I’m sharing a little more of the sporting activity that goes on beyond the city limits… the things we do to keep ourselves entertained, to show off our* skills, to be social, and (for some of us) to be the best…
(*clearly, I use the terms “our” and “us” very very loosely!)
…
I give you: Polocrosse!

Now this game is not to be confused with Polo (as in Jilly Cooper’s sexy, posh, upperclass, romp-in-the-proverbial-hay version of the game – gosh I love reading her fat racy novels!) but is the Aussie rugby-on-horseback, get-seriously-up-close-and-personal-with-each-other-on-the-field kind of sport. Which I guess was based on polo originally, but without the toffs. If you want the technical info, check here for the rules.
…

This post is a sideline guide only. Well it’s not even a guide – I can only bring you some images of the on-field action – the dust, thundering hooves, flying balls and flailing raquets, and men and women of all ages, shapes and attitude hanging sideways off their steeds to

GET THAT BALL…

Talk about competitive… and with that rugby reference in mind, a wee bit…

…physical!!

The polocrosse ground, it has to be said, is NO PLACE for the faint-hearted.

But it’s fast and it’s hellishing good fun (according to my uncle and my dad, both of whom were devotees until age and wrecked knees caught up with them. Actually, after last weekend’s action at the local fields, I suspect my uncle is contemplating a comeback. He always does. And I wish he would too. Coz I never got any photos of him showing us how it’s done!)
…
For the record, I have never played.
I have far too many excuses to list here.
You’ll just have to trust me …
I’m way better on the sidelines..

But I do like the hair do’s.

And I love the little tackers.

(This could, in fact, be cuter than puppies?)

And I also like the heart-racing speed.

I like the “chucking the ball in from the sideline” rugby-style lineout move.

If you know anything about me, you know I like a good game of rugby. Hey, I met my ever-lovin’ hubby after a game at Ballymore. Talk about romantic!

But back to the polocrosse…

It really does looks like fun.

Until someone loses an eye.

This might look like equine ballet, but that is jousting my friends. Up close and personal!

I’m actually thinking about writing a racy novel about it all…

After all, there is plenty of
– scoring
– riding
– sweat
–horses
– and sleepovers under the stars…
… hmmm!
…
What do you think?
Dare me?

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13 Comments

  • A Novel Woman
    May 13, 2008 at 1:16 am Reply

    If you write the novel, I’ll be first in line to have it signed.

    My son (20) plays rubgy and it’s the one sport I have difficulty watching. I’ve watched him play hockey at an elite level, soccer, lacrosse,but rugby….It’s BRUTAL, though he assures me it’s a gentleman’s game. They look like thugs to this mama. I used to cover the inside of my SUV with garbage bags and blankets when the game was over. The boys would swagger over, encased in mud from head to toe, with these crazy-ass grins. They don’t like the game, they LOVE the game.

    Write the book.

  • Bush Babe (of Granite Glen)
    May 13, 2008 at 9:26 am Reply

    Y’all are so bad!!!

    Pam – I love watching rugby especially when someone I love is NOT playing it. My brother was a hooker (position, not profession!) and would disappear into scrums and then reappear 5 mins later all “raked” and dirty. He loved it too. Testosterone is a crazy thing. I love the speed and action of it all – perhaps I have a dash of sadist in me?

    Deb and Alice – I guess I’ll have something to give away on my blog if no-one actually buys the great polocrosse novel!!!

    🙂
    BB

  • Jayne
    May 13, 2008 at 12:45 pm Reply

    Just found your blog and I’m really enjoying it 🙂
    Write the book, the sport looks exciting and should be featured more on mainstream sports tv!

  • baby~amore'
    May 13, 2008 at 5:33 pm Reply

    wow – you make it look so exciting !
    Great photos BB -you have an extreme talent go ahead write us a novel.

  • Andrea
    May 14, 2008 at 7:45 am Reply

    Oh that looks like so much fun, to watch!! I would be too scared to even try it!! Those horses are amazing!! And I love that little pony!! Too cute!! Awesome pictures,
    and I would so read your novel!!

  • Bush Babe (of Granite Glen)
    May 14, 2008 at 8:26 am Reply

    You know you are all encouraging me to spend even more time on this laptop… SSB will have a fit! Hmmm, might have to do some midnight sessions to get this thing started… better go have a nap to store some sleep hours!!!

    PS Thanks for compliments. I don’t mean to ignore them, but not sure what to do with them. You are all very sweet.
    🙂

  • debby
    May 14, 2008 at 8:37 am Reply

    Oh, wait…you were writing a polocrosse book? You were talking about riding, and sweating, and panting, and…sorry. I got confused.

  • Bush Babe (of Granite Glen)
    May 14, 2008 at 11:03 pm Reply

    Debby – you are not confused. A little cross-referencing required though. Ever delved into Jilly Cooper? It won’t broaden your mind so much as tickle it to bits. You’ll understand my correlation better if you research!
    Heh heh.
    BB

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