Passions: Heloise Wilson-Smith

Heloise Wilson-Smith holds a women’s handicap of 6 goals and can be seen playing across the country as well as representing England overseas in tournaments such as the recent FIP Women’s European Championships. Heloise started playing polo at 13-years-old and after a brief pause in her polo while she had her sons, Oscar and Lucas, Heloise’s successes have included being part of the victorious England Ladies Teams who defeated the USA in 2017 and won the 5th Manipur Statehood Women’s Polo in India

What is your biggest passion and why?

Family, friends and polo. Family first always, friends are your chosen family and polo is always a passion for life for any player.

What is your all-time best polo memory?

The first time I represented England against USA in 2017 with Nina Clarkin, Tamara Fox and Izzy McGregor, it was very special. Playing alongside these iconic players made for a treasured and unforgettable memory.

Who were/are your favourite teammates?

Aah that’s an impossible question to answer, I have a long list of players. I could sing praises for each and every single one, they know who they are I do that about them in life already. I would hate to leave anyone out by naming just a few, but I’ve been very fortunate to play with incredible players both professional and non-professional that I thoroughly enjoyed playing with past and present. A lot of them are also close friends.

Hardest opponent?

I think for ladies it has to be Nina, Hazel and Lia. They are all very sharp to seize any windows of opportunity to attack and are very effective in defence.

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

X-country skiing, swimming, snowboarding, sailing. I enjoy all sports really.

Favourite film and why?

The Butterfly Effect. Can I add Gladiator in as a classic?

Favourite song/album?

Dog Years by Maggie Rodgers.

Favourite food/dish?

Tuna Sashimi.

Favourite hobby outside of polo?

Outside of polo, I highly rate downtime with family, snuggled up on the sofa together with a movie. I am very happy and content like that. However, we are going to start paddle boarding together now we have just bought one for our boys to share, so I’m looking forward to starting that relatively relaxed family hobby. Before they get older and want to do faster paced hobbies.

Most prized possession?

My horses without a doubt.

Favourite celebrity and why?

Jim Carry. He is hilarious in a number of films in the goofiest of ways and very much reminds me of my brother being just like Jim growing up, he always had me in stitches.

Best holiday destination & activity?

Safari in the Mara, Kenya (where my husband Sean was born and grew up). It is simply life changing when you see it for the very first time you are forever changed in that moment. There are no words to describe the powerful overwhelming beauty of nature at its most splendid.

Best pony and why?

Ah very difficult to pick just one, I’ve had a number of very special horses over the years and currently have a number of excellent horses. But if I had to choose it would have to be all-rounder…Locura. He is not only awesome fun to play but has the sweetest personality. He’s a tiny, very sensitive gelding off the field. But on the field, he’s fearless, fast and fabulous. I would keep him at home if I could, he’s more like a dog than a horse.

Are you passionately superstitious?

Just magpies! If I see just one on its own I have to greet it with a salute and say this ridiculous line. Those who know, know. It’s ridiculous but an inbuilt reflex now.

Describe yourself in three words…

Emma Boers is here for supper so I asked her and she said quickly… Friendly, sharp and honest. I’ll take them.

One thing which would surprise us about you?

I can play the didgeridoo.