By Audrey Anderson
Hometown Weekly Reporter
There was a celebratory atmosphere as a crowd of adults and children gathered at the Norfolk Hunt Club Steeplechase Course in Medfield for the 20th Annual Polo in the Country event.The Norfolk Hunt Club holds this yearly event to raise funds for preserving recreational space in Dover, Sherborn, Medfield, and the surrounding towns.
The day started with pony rides, face painting, food from RibPublic BBQ, and treats from C&C Ice Cream. The Norfolk Hunt Club sold clothing and some horse gear near the polo field. On the sidelines, spectators chose from standing room, tailgate areas, and VIP table options for viewing the match. Dress for the occasion was varied, with many in casual outfits, but several groups sported fancy dresses, hats, and blazers. One group of adults and children were dressed in colorful, neon 80s clothing, with a mulleted wig, cassette tape earrings, and an MTV t-shirt as accessories.
The competing teams were Norfolk Polo and Dedham Polo. Each team had three riders who hailed from the U.S., Europe, and South America, and there were also officials on the field. A polo match is divided into six or more chuckers, or periods of play. Polo in the Country's match had six chuckers of 7.5 minutes each, with a halftime in the middle.
The first half of the match proceeded with riders competing for control of the ball and trying to score goals. After each chucker, the riders rode their horses off the field and exchanged them for fresh horses. Between the second and third chuckers, the crowd was invited to come onto the field to stomp the divets created by the horses' hooves and the polo mallets. The children appeared to enjoy this activity!
Halftime opened with red-jacketed riders leading a parade of hounds around the field. This parade was a classic demonstration of the club's hounds and riders that participate in their regular drag (without a fox) fox hunts. After the parade, the children lined up on the field, proudly holding their individually decorated stick horses. Each child had a turn jumping through a course of foam noodle fences and obstacles on their trusty steeds.
The match resumed with three final chuckers. The ball was run up and down the field in several exciting passes. Dedham Polo prevailed and was declared the victor.
At the end of the match, the players rode by the sidelines to high-five the spectators. Candy was tossed to children on the field, and the riders gathered for champagne. It was, all in all, a busy, delightful, sunny day, with entertainment for all ages. Watch for this event next year, and join in the fun!
