Polocrosse to be exhibited at the 2010 World Equestrian Games
in Lexington, KY on October 3 - 6, 2010
Fourteen Polocrosse players of all ages and skill levels and their horses representing the sport of Polocrosse through the American Polocrosse Association and United States Pony Club will demonstrate the fast paced and exciting sport of Polocrosse for 1.5 hours each day over four consecutive days inside the Equine Village in the North Arena inside the Kentucky Horse Park at the Games.
The demonstrations will be held: Sunday Oct. 3 - 10:00am-11:30am
Monday Oct. 4 - 4:30pm-6:00pm
Tuesday Oct. 5 - 2:00pm-3:30pm
Wednesday Oct 6 - 12:30pm-2:00pm
The exhibition will be a historic moment and opportunity for the growth of American Polocrosse as well as the sport worldwide as these players introduce the game and share the stage with the world's greatest equestrians and athletes all gathered for a variety of sports disciplines and skills at the Games. There have been over 350,000 tickets sold for the Games so far.
The players include Hank Watson, Melanie Watson, Marlee Bigsby, Glen Bigsby V, Angela Campbell, Audra Campbell, Samantha Stewart, Olivia Uechtritz, Sara Cifelli, Caroline Gardiner, and USA Polocrosse World Cup Squad members Ryan Murphy, Erin Smoyer, Kerstie Allen and Dori Johnson, with Alexandria Whitley, Paige Vallee, and Evan Vallee as reserves. Paul Johnson will coordinate the demonstrations and announce. Also, many family members and friends of the players have volunteered to help make the demonstrations a success. A table will be available with information about Polocrosse at each demonstration and for a short time following the demonstrations in the "Meet and Greet Tent".
The Equine Village can be accessed with a $25 daily general admission pass (children 12 and under get in free with a paying adult). A great article, "A guide to the Games", can be found at www.kentucky.com/2010/09/19/1428950/a-guide-to-the-games.html and provides a general summary about what you will find at the Games, prices, TV coverage infomation and other horse related events around Lexington that will run simultaneously with the Games.
For more information about Polocrosse at the World Equestrian Games, e-mail
About Polocrosse
Polocrosse is a combination of polo and lacrosse. Played on horseback, each rider uses a racquet similar to that used in lacrosse in which a sponge ball about the size of a softball is carried. Unlike polo, each player is permitted only one horse in the match. The team consists of six players, divided into two sections of three who play alternate "chukkas' of six to eight minutes each for 6 to 8 chukkas. The three players in each section consist of a No.1 (attack), No.2 (center) and No.3 (defense). The No.1 is the only player who can score a goal in their area, however the ball, once thrown in at the start by the umpire, can be picked up and passed around by all players. The object of the game is to score as many goals as possible by throwing the ball between goal posts at either end of the field. The field is 160yds. long and 60yds. wide, with goal posts 8ft. apart at each end. It is a fast and exciting game, with high priority given to the safety of both the horse and its rider due to accredited umpires controlling the game. The sport is played across the United States and around the world, with its roots originating from Australia.
About the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurance in the United States. The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc. and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.
