Polocrosse

What is Polocrosse?

Polocrosse is a combination of polo and lacrosse. It is a team sport played on horseback and players use racquets with a square or round head and loose net to pick up, carry, throw, catch and bounce a soft sponge ball. Two sections of three players play against each other with the aim to score the most goals.

A chukka in polocrosse lasts six minutes and after each one there is a break of at least six minutes so the rider and horse can recover. This means each player only needs one horse to play a match of polocrosse. While the players and horses are resting two other sections of players will normally be on the pitch playing.

Most Pony Club players start playing on their existing horses and ponies and it is amazing how quickly both the members and horses pick up the game and skills involved in just a few training sessions. At the top level, it is a fast paced and very exciting sport to both watch and play, with both players and horses showing some amazing moves. At all levels it is a lot of fun and teaches Pony Club members a number of very useful skills, improves their balance and confidence and it can also give a great understanding on why having a well trained and responsive horses is important.

Explanation of Rule Changes 2026

The Pony Club Polocrosse Strategy 2026-2030

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We have a clear, focused strategy to grow and develop Polocrosse in the Pony Club to 2030.

You can read or download our strategy here:

How Do I Get Involved?

Polocrosse is played in Branches and Centres all over the UK and also there are open training sessions and tournaments held throughout the UK for Members of all Branches and Centres to come along to. You can see our upcoming training sessions and tournament here or on our Facebook Page, Pony Club Polocrosse

If polocrosse is not yet played in your Branch or Centre and you would like to start playing it then get in touch with us on polocrosse@pcuk.org and we can help you arrange some training days with an experienced coach or help you find a local training session.

To get involved with Polocrosse and give it a go please talk to your Branch or Centre to find out if they will arrange a Taster Session where you can find out more. The session can then carry out the ‘Intro to Polocrosse’ Badge whilst teaching.

How Do I Progress Further?

Our Polocrosse coaches will provide the equipment needed for training days but if you do require Polocrosse equipment then please get in touch with us on polocrosse@pcuk.org and we can help you find some.

Check out the Resource Hub for basic training resources.

For detailed rules about the game see the UKPA Rulebook.

Polocrosse Area Coordinators

Please find below a list of Polocrosse Area coordinators. The Area coordinators can help you organise introductory polocrosse sessions for Branches and Centres that are keen to take up the sport. They can put you in touch with accredited coaches who can come and run training sessions and bring all the necessary equipment with them.

Area coordinators also try to organise open Polocrosse training days and competitions for all Members to attend.  So if you are keen to try the sport then please get in touch with your Area coordinator and they should be able to help you.

If there is not currently a nominated Area coordinator for your area or you can’t get in touch with them, then please get in touch via polocrosse@pcuk.org or by telephone on 02476 698300.

The 2026 Calendar

DateEvent NameEvent TypeVenueOrganiser
April 18th/19thThe Arena ChallengeCompetition – all ages / levelsDallas Burston Polo Club, WarwickshireThe Pony Club Polocrosse Committee
May 2nd/3rdArea 5 Training and Championships QualifierChampionships Qualifier / Training WeekendCheshire Polo Club, TarporleyCelyn Polocrosse Club / Area 5 PC Polocrosse
May 2nd/3rdArea 6 Training and Championship QualifierChampionships Qualifier / Training WeekendEdwinstone, NottinghamshireYorkshire Warriors Polocrosse Club / Area 6 PC Polocrosse
May 16th/17thArea 2 Training and Championship QualifierChampionships Qualifier / Training WeekendPreston Tower, Chathill, Northumberland, NE67 5DHArea 2 Polocrosse
June 12th/13thArea 8 Training Weekend and Championships QualifierChampionships Qualifier / Training WeekendMaylandsea, EssexArea 8 Polocrosse
June 13thArea 15 / 16 Training and Championships QualifierChampionships Qualifier / Training WeekendCrokers Farm, IpplepenArea 16 Polocrosse
June 27th/28thArea 7 Training Weekend and Championships QualifierChampionships Qualifier / Training WeekendDorrington, ShropshireSouth Shropshire Pony Club
June 27th/28thArea 17 Championships QualifierTournament and Championships QualifierAnnahilt, HillsboroughTyrella Polocrosse Club / Area 17 Polocrosse
July 25th/26thThe Four Nations+ Branch / Centre CompetitionFour Nations Competition for selected players.
All ages / levels for Branch / Centre Competition (Championships Qualifer)
The Meadows Priors Norton, GloucestershireCotswold Polocrosse Club / Pony Club Polocrosse Committee
August 15th/16thThe Pony Club Polocrosse ChampionshipsCompetition – all ages / all levelsOffchurch Bury, WarwickshireThe Pony Club Polocrosse Committee

 

 

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Key Competitions & Events

Polocrosse Championships

The Polocrosse Championships are a national competition for Pony Club Branches and Centres. Held annually at The Pony Club Championships, they feature a range of classes for members of all ages. The Polocrosse Championships are open to any Pony Club Branch or Centre within the UK. If you’re interested in competing, speak to your club and get a team together! If your club doesn’t have enough players to make a team, you can also enter a mixed Branch/Centre team.

Four Nations

The Four Nations is an invitational camp and tournament which sees teams from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland competing across Mini, Junior and Senior sections to determine the overall champion. The action is fast-paced and features some of the best young Polocrosse players from all across the UK!

Arena Challenge

Held in the Super Arena at Dallas Burston Polo Club, the Arena Challenge always proves a great way to start the polocrosse season.

Classes are run for:

  • Minis – Members 12 and under, ponies under 138cm
  • Juniors – Members 15 and under, horses of any height
  • Seniors – Members of any age, horses over 138cm
Autumn Challenge 

The Autumn Challenge is our end of season event and sees the opportunity for Pony Club members and their friends and family to come together to take part in a tournament.

The event is usually held in September and has moved venue throughout the country since the Autumn Challenge started in 2019.

Polocrosse Four Nations 2026

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We are pleased and excited to be able to bring the Four Nations Tournament back in 2026. This showcase for young polocrosse talent will see selected teams representing England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland competing across Mini, Junior and Senior sections to determine the overall champion nation.
The tournament will be held at Priors Norton on 25th and 26th July 2026. The format will be as follows:
  • One Senior Section – Members any age, any size of horse (minimum 138cms)
  • One Junior Section – Members 15 years and under, any size of horse (minimum 138cms)
  • One Mini Section – Members 12 years and under and ponies to be 138cms and under, in line with Minis rules
Congratulations to our selected members:

Polocrosse Championships

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The Polocrosse Championships are a national competition for Pony Club Branches and Centres. Held annually at The Pony Club Championships, they feature a range of classes for members of all ages. The Polocrosse Championships are open to any Pony Club Branch or Centre within the UK. If you’re interested in competing, speak to your club and get a team together! If your club doesn’t have enough players to make a team, you can also enter a mixed Branch/Centre team.

To be eligible to compete at the Polocrosse Championships, players need to attend a Qualifier Event, dates are available in the 2026 Calendar above.

Arena Challenge 2026

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Held in the Super Arena at Dallas Burston Polo Club, the Arena Challenge always proves a great way to start the polocrosse season. The 2026 event took place on the 18th and 19th of April, in a fun and friendly atmosphere with great prizes!

Well done to the winning teams:

  • Mini – Walpole & District (Mia Freegard, Otillie King, Daisy King)
  • Novice Junior – Area 11 (Abbie Saltern, Chloe Saltern, Georgia Whiting)
  • Open Junior – South Shropshire (Maggie Clark, Lily Leeke, Grace Hockley)
  • Open Senior – Flint & Denbigh (Daisy Stone, Isabella Stone, Katie Davies)

Contacts

 

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Laura Armstrong

Sports Manager
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Iain Heaton

Polocrosse Chairman (Volunteer)