By Audrey Anderson
Hometown Weekly Newspaper
The Norfolk Hunt Club’s annual Polo in the Country event was held at their storied Steeplechase Field in Medfield. Polo has been played on this field for 130 years. In addition, according to the club’s web site, “The Norfolk Hunt Club is one of the oldest registered Fox Hunts in the United States. Norfolk began as a drag hunt in Dedham, Massachusetts in 1895 and moved to Dover, Massachusetts in 1903.”
On Sunday, September 15, several hundred spectators lined the field, some securing tables under the main tent, others bringing in their own festively decorated tents, and some sitting on portable chairs or blankets.
The event opened at 11 am with food available from RibPublic BBQ and dessert from the C & C Ice Cream truck. Kids enjoyed getting their faces painted during the afternoon. During halftime, children jumped over and through obstacles with their own decorated stick horses and watched the club’s hounds parade around the field.
After the presentation of the colors, Medfield resident Jen Paxton sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem to open the game. The Norfolk Polo Club played against the Dedham Polo Club in a 3-on-3, 6 chuker match. Each chuker (or playing period) lasted 7.5 minutes. The players on both clubs have played polo in the United States, Europe, and South America. It was exciting to watch the horses race up and down the field, their riders chasing the high-impact plastic ball and trying to hit it into the goal with their mallets.
Mark Tashjian, owner of the Middlesex Polo Club, gave play-by-play commentary during the match, explaining the rules of the game and unfamiliar elements as needed. As an experience polo player and teacher, his commentary was helpful in understanding the action.
Polo in the Country is a fabulous, unique event for both adults, children, and their dogs to attend. Attendees can celebrate simply or compete in decorating a tailgating tent. On Sunday, the event was augmented by summer-like heat and full sun, adding to the pleasant day in the field.
See more information about the Norfolk Hunt Club’s history and events at norfolkhuntclub.com.
