Arena polo is often called “hockey on horses,” but that rough description of the sport actually dates back to 600 B.C. when it was played by nobility and military men. Now, it’s a co-ed sport, and your family can watch when Franklin Polo Academy (FPA) hosts matches at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm’s Tractor Supply Co. Arena (239 Franklin Road, Franklin). Kicking off this month with the USA vs South Africa on Friday, June 3 at 6 p.m., all proceeds benefit Franklin Parks. There’s also a match between Tennessee and Kentucky on Saturday, June 25 at 6 p.m. Still known as the “sport of kings,” some spectators make polo matches fashionable affairs, but FPA Director James Armstrong says, “This isn’t like the movie Pretty Woman with glasses of champagne,” noting that casual, relaxed family-friendly attire is the norm in these parts. Kids are sure to have fun participating in the half-time divot stomp ritual as well. (During a match, horse hooves dig up divots of earth making the field rough and bumpy for horses; the divot stomp lets kids and spectators onto the field to mash the divots back into place during half time).
Admission to a match is $10 adults, free ages 10 and younger. For $250, rent a VIP cabana for the June 25th match (these are sold out for the June 3 match) that includes premier parking, eight cabana seats and catering. FPA also offers polo instruction for ages 10 and older in one-and-a-half hour clinics for $75 that include an intro to the sport, hitting on the wooden horse, foot mallets and riding a polo pony. For more info, call 615-800-2268 or visit franklinpolo.com.
