Full Description
Ever since British soldiers returning from India in the mid-nineteenth century introduced their homeland to a fast-paced ball game on horseback, polo has remained the quintessential British sport. Although its origins lie in Asia, British pioneers are credited with both modernizing the game and spurring its spread worldwide. This volume chronicles the history of polo in the British Isles from its beginnings in the 1860s through the summer of 2011. It recounts the development of polo clubs, including the rise and fall of once mighty citadels of the game; describes the major competitions and many of the lesser tournaments in England and Ireland; and gives particular attention to international contests. Biographical sketches of top players, from early innovators to current superstars, and reflections on current issues affecting the game, including the rise of commercialism and the decrease of civility and sportsmanship, complete this vivid panorama of British polo.
Contents
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Nicholas J.A. Colquhoun- Denvers
Preface
Part I. Pioneering Soldiers, 1860-1914
1. The Beginning of Polo in Britain
2. The Expansion of Provincial Polo
3. Testing the Waters: The Early Internationals
4. Initial Tournaments: The Hurlingham Champion Cup, the Inter-Regimental Tournament and the County Cup
5. The Great Clubs and Polo Clubs Near London
6. Polo in Ireland
7. Spreading the Gospel Round the World
8. The Climb to the Summit: The Westchester Cup
Interlude I: 1914-1918
Part II. Gifted Amateurs, 1919-1939
9. A Time for Recovery
10. The Olympic Games
11. Struggles for the Internationals
12. The Lean Years of the Depression
13. British Polo Sculptors and Painters
Interlude II: 1939-1945
Between pages 156 and 157 are 8 color plates containing 20 photographs
Part III. Gentlemen and Players, 1947-1985
14. Lord Cowdray Saves the Day for England
15. The Royal Family Lends a Hand
16. Colonials and Foreigners Change the Landscape
17. Renewal of the Coronation Cup
18. The Game Grows Unabated
19. Polo Tours Overseas
Part IV. Patrons and Professionals, 1986-2011
20. The Growth of the Professional Player
21. Women in Polo
22. An Uneasy Alliance: HPA and FIP
23. Literature of British Polo
24. Polo in Britain in the Twenty- First Century
25. Some Current Issues in British Polo
Appendix 1: Letter to The Field, 20 March 1869
Appendix 2: Polo Player Recipients of the Victoria Cross
Appendix 3: Results of Major Championships
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
