Okanagan Polo Club

Although polo has existed in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley since the turn of the century, the Okanagan Polo Club as it’s known today, wasn’t formed until 1986 when John Price, a former member of the Toronto Polo Club, moved to the area and rounded up a group of local equestrians who were eager to give the sport a shot. This formed the early foundation of the club’s membership.

Initially matches were held at the Kelowna Riding Club before a new field was created just down the road on Benvoulin. In 2003, housing developments forced the club to relocate again, moving it to its present home on Bulman Road on the north side of Kelowna. This move was made possible by Dr. Duncan Innes, a member who wanted to see the club continue, and purchased the 60 acres of land along with some investment partners.

Okanagan Polo Club

FACILITIES

The first season at the new location wasn’t pretty, as members were forced to play on a dirt field while the grass polo field was being seeded. Players were known to come off with raccoon eyes when they removed their goggles, and some had black teeth for days! A true testament to their commitment to the sport since the beginning.

Today, the facilities are considered some of the best in Western Canada. Half of the Okanagan Polo Club property is dedicated to pasture, with horse boarding for more than 100 horses—complete with an exercise track. The field is managed by club members who hire staff for watering, mowing, and dayto-day upkeep. A former hitting cage was converted into the aptly named “Broken Mallet Clubhouse”, which provides welcome shade and shelter for after-game socializing.

THE SEASON

The season runs from mid-April until midSeptember, with games twice a week and stick and ball on Thursdays. Because of its warmer climate, the Okanagan Polo Club’s season starts earlier than others, therefore players from neighbouring regions are invented to come and partake in the early season activities.

In July, the club hosts an annual tournament considered to be one of the highlights on the Western Canadian polo calendar. Consisting of three flights of polo (a 4-goal, 2-goal and 0-goal flight) and often a kids’ game, 12 to 16 teams and 200-plus horses are involved in the tournament, with players and their families coming from all over Western Canada and the U.S. to participate.

The after-party is known to last into the wee hours of the morning. Many a tale has been told at these festivities, but occasionally some good does come of it. For instance, the idea for the “East Meets West” Junior Challenge was drummed up sometime well after dark at this event. This grew to become one of the most popular Polo Canada initiatives, giving an opportunity for kids from Eastern Canada to meet and play with kids from Western Canada. In 2018, the Okanagan Polo

In July, the club hosts an annual tournament considered to be one of the highlights on the Western Canadian polo calendar.

2 1

3

4

5

6

1 Joel Chailler with his son Exton, on “Smoke” 2 Jessica Wales, Alex Wales, George Wales, Brooke Wales, Marty Wales and Brad Buie 3 Dan Chailler, Dean Medwid, Joel Chailler, Dianne Chailler 4 September Polo 2020 5 Joel Chailler on “Liza” 6 Action at Okanagan

Okanagan Polo Club

Club hosted the visiting juniors from the East and gave them a true Western polo experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.

THE PONIES

Every year, several families at the club hire international professional polo players, often from Argentina or Mexico, to come up for the season to help make green horses for the members. In addition to these horses, some pretty amazing ponies have come from the members themselves. “Dawn”, a horse made by Dan Chailler and ridden by Diane Chailler, was a force to be reckoned with. “Bobbi”, a horse ridden by Jessica Wales and made by Alex Wales, could go from a gallop to a stop, turn, and be off again in seconds. “Jiraffa”, a horse made by Jessica Wales, was one of Marty Wales’ best horses, and has now been claimed by his wife and daughter.

Thoroughbreds are the most common breed at the club. The Bennett family has been breeding thoroughbred racehorses in B.C. for nearly 100 years, and over that time, many of them have found their way to the polo field. The club has also produced its share of “steady eddies”, which have been passed around from family to family and taught many a beginner to play polo. Often seen trucking young kids up and down the polo field, ponies like “Larry”, “Jessie”, “Doc” and “Reina” have played instrumental roles in bringing new players to the club.

FAMILY POLO

For over twenty years, the Okanagan Polo Club has been family oriented. Families including the Chaillers, Wales, Bennetts, Flangans and Hardwicks have been involved since the club’s inception and continue to keep club activities going strong. Its members have travelled the world together, playing polo and producing the club’s next generation of polo players. Every weekend, members young and old come together to enjoy the games, followed by a feast of food and socializing that lasts until dark. As the club grows and develops, this foundation of family and fun continues to be at its heart.

1

2

Every weekend, members young and old come together to enjoy the games, followed by a feast of food and socializing that lasts until dark.

4

3 5 6

1 Dan Chailler and Apache 2 Tractor for school 3 Lynn Wales and daughter Brooke on “Jirafa” 4 Jessica Wales as umpire 5 Marty Wales and Neve Nelson 6 The next generation