Jamaica / Polo

Introduced by the British Army towards the end of the 19th century, polo is very much alive in Jamaica. There are five clubs with around fifty players and the island is a regular host to overseas teams. Probably the best known club is the Chukka Cove Polo Club at Laughlands (west of Ocho Rios) which hosts both local and international matches. Games are played there year round normally on Saturdays, and lessons or “stick and ball” sessions can be arranged for visitors. The game is also played at the Chukka Blue Polo Club in Sandy Bay, Hanover, near Montego Bay. The island’s two main clubs, which host the majority of the international matches, are the Kingston Polo Club in the capital and the St Ann Polo Club at Drax Hall in St Ann, which is also the home of the Jamaica Polo Association. Private polo lessons/clinics are also available at the St Ann Polo Club & Equestrian Centre through Lesley-Ann Masteron Fong-Yee, one of the top female players in the world. See the Jamaica Polo Association's Schedule of Events for 2012.