CAIRE TOMLINSON

Claire Tomlinson went to Oxford University in 1963, studying agricultural economics at Somerville College. She soon earned a squash blue and was short-listed for the Olympic fencing team. Claire captained the Oxford Polo team beating Cambridge 7-0 in 1966 earning herself a half blue!

Claire became the only woman in the world to rise to five goals, spending more time on a horse than many professional players. She is more than simply the most influential lady player the world has ever known with her unswerving determination, exceptional understanding of the horse and sheer love of the game she has become a pioneering, world class coach, a champion for the young. In 1993 with Hugh Dawnay she instigated and set up a coaching system for the H.P.A. from scratch, which has had a profound effect on how players are taught. She is admired for her ability to instruct across the spectrum, working with leading professionals as effectively as novices. She is one of six official H.P.A. team coaches, and regularly coaches British squads at F.I.P. championships as well as holding sessions for the H.P.A. Junior Development Squad at Down Farm.

COACHING - POLO INSTRUCTION ALL YEAR ROUND 

Instruction is available for all standards from beginners to advanced. Lessons are structured to suit each individual’s or group’s personal requirements and can cover the following: Riding, Hitting the ball , Tactics , The rules of the game, Stable management.

Individual Lessons

- By arrangement courses can be organised for groups of up to 6 players for periods of 1 - 3 days.

- The Wooden Horse is available for club members to use at all times.

- Ponies also available for hire.

Facilities

Indoor riding school, Wooden Horse, Stick & Ball and Practice ground (Summer only).

Equipment

Pupils should have their own whip, sticks, boots and helmets. Sticks and whips can be borrowed by beginners for their first 3 lessons. Whips and sticks are available for sale from the club.