Friday Night Chukkars With the Maryland Polo Club

Not all horse events are about riding — some are about sitting back and enjoying the view. That’s exactly what Candace Wade enjoyed one Friday evening in June.

Photo by Candace Wade

Field side tailgate – sipping a cocktail — polo ponies thunder by in all out pursuit of the ball. Friday evening in Monkton, MD cheering the Maryland Polo Club Friday Night Club Match on a soft June 16 evening. Heaven.

My insides raced wishing I had the guts to join them. I sipped my Gin Daisy and took another bite of Hot Colby from local cheese purveyor Daily Crisis Farm (“neighborhood hot spot” owned by the Vaughn family).

The MPC field is located behind Ladew Topiary Garden. A must see when visiting Hunt Valley. Adding to the “local,” welcome feel of the club match, the teams wore corporate sponsor’s jerseys from Pinkard Properties, a commercial real estate company owned by Katherine Pinkard, a member of the club.

Photo by Candace Wade

Holly Pearce with the MPC filled in the particulars of the match. “The two teams were comprised of members that play polo at Maryland Polo Club. Every Friday night and Sunday afternoon is reserved for club matches where members are evenly designated to opposing teams in hopes of a balanced match. The club matches are not rated. Club chukkars are for all levels. Men and women competed on the same team on June 16.

“MPC offers ‘women only’ matches scheduled throughout the season. These are great for women to compete against their peers as men do tend to be stronger on the field and generally more men have higher handicaps than women.

Photo by Candace Wade

“Rated matches can be viewed on specified weekends and during the week. Handicaps are required. Eligibility to be on a team depends on the rider’s handicap with players that form their own team. These rated matches are listed in the club magazine. Men and women can play together on a team. Only handicap matters in a sanctioned United States Polo Association match.”

The excitement ended with a score of 3 to 3. We lifted our tailgate for the short drive to the Inverness Brewery – popular with the post-match set. Friday eve polo in Monkton. Can’t top this.

Photo by Candace Wade