RIDER PROFILES

Polo’s got a glamorous image, but a lot of hard work goes into making it to the top as high goal player, 32 year old Oli Hipwood, can testify. Polo’s effectively ‘in his blood’ as his father Howard was also a leading professional and he was indoctrinated since birth, playing first alongside fellow player and friend, Roddy Williams. Otherwise he confesses that he might have ended up playing rugby or tennis, or even working behind the deli counter at Tesco’s!

For those not in the know, beginners play off a ‘-2’ and the world’s best players, who are generally from Argentina, are rated ’10 goals’. Oli plays off a 5 goal handicap and getting to that level requires total commitment, his day involving exercising the ponies, and there are 28 of those, plus fixing fences, organising matches and squeezing a bit of polo inbetween!   At the moment, he’s also concentrating on establishing a good programme to bring on the polo ponies of the future. This hectic lifestyle has unfortunately led him regularly putting his jumpers in the tumble dryer, shrinking them – and then having to pass them on to his grooms

He generally advises those who want to make it to behave like a professional, always respect your elders and particularly your horses – and to clean your boots – as that way, everything lasts longer! Oli works extremely closely with Baileys’ Polo Nutritionist Lorna Jowett, who, having worked in the industry for a decade, knows exactly what the professionals need from their string. He relies on the feeding programmes she advises and acknowledges the difference in his horses’ performance and durability throughout the season. This horse power has helped him be part of the winning teams in the Queen’s Cup (1993) and the Gold Cup (1995), the 2 most prestigious matches of the year.

Oli is available for private tuition only and has a selection of horses available for sale suitable for most levels of player.