Bounded by seven nations and located in the physical center of the European continent, Poland is a geographic crossroads between northwestern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Eurasian plains. As a result of its geographical positioning and its long history of subjugation under a multitude of foreign forces, Poland has a complex and rich culture that is represented in its arts, festivals, sights, and sports. Although there are many reasons to visit this country including the National Gallery of Art and the National Philharmonic Orchestra in the country’s capital city of Warsaw, or the Baroque and Renaissance style churches and architecture on display across the country, Poland also has a rich history in the sport of polo that is embodied in the professional clubs scattered across the area.
Warsaw
After suffering a long history of war and occupation, Poland’s capital city was reclaimed by its people in 1945 and restored to its original form. Today, the conglomeration of influences impressed on the city across history can be observed in the architecture, while the people’s enduring spirit is apparent in the vibrant cultural atmosphere and social life.
Although Warsaw is notoriously a historical icon of Poland, complete with a World Heritage Site in the Old Town, its modern structure is mostly new developments. That being said, Warsaw is an excellent city to explore to learn more about Poland. From the breathtaking Baroque churches left behind from the Counter-Reformation period, to the perfectly reconstructed Royal Castle in Zamkowy Square, visitors need only walk the city to see Warsaw’s resilience and how it continues to live up to the city motto; “it defies the storms”. A lesser known part of the city’s story can be found a short distance from the heart of the city at the Warsaw Polo Club.
The Warsaw Polo Club is a picturesque professional polo club. Complete with a grass field, polo arena, and polo club lounge. The facility takes full advantage of the moderate climate of Poland to host multiple tournaments throughout the year and keep their facility in peak condition year round. In addition to the many tournaments the club hosts for both high and low goal players, the club was also the host for the Central European Championship of polo under the Federation of International Polo. Although the Warsaw Polo Club is not the only professional club in the area, it is unique from other locations for being the first and only club to breed Argentine polo ponies in Poland. This addition to the club, beginning in 2015, has been a huge draw to the polo community in Poland and continues to shape the future of the club. Another polo facility that is helping to grow the popularity of the sport across Poland is the Silesia Polo Club, located in Zakrzów.
Zakrzów
Located in the south-western area of Poland, Zakrzów is a small village in the administrative district of Gmina Polska Cerekiew. Although this destination is not a common first visit for those traveling to Poland, this small town is well worth the trip for any urban explorer interested in learning more about the history and culture of the country, while also enjoying a relaxing stay away from the more overcrowded sites of Poland.
Similar to Warsaw, Zakrzów also has a difficult history that it has overcome due to wartime occupations. Because of this influence, much of Zakrzów’s attraction is in its museums, monuments, and small town culture. Some of the more popular sites of Zakrzów include the St. Anne’s Basilica, the stunning and tranquil views of the Sanctuary of St. Jack, and the many restaurants who serve traditional Polish delicacies. But, among the many hidden gems in the village, the Silesia Polo Club is a must see.
Since its founding in 2016, the Silesia Polo Club continues to spread awareness about the sport of polo and develop its facilities to better serve its growing member base. Offering both general horseback riding lessons and polo instruction, the Silesia Polo Club is a great place for both beginner riders and seasoned equestrians who are looking to begin or enhance their polo careers. Unique to other polo clubs across Poland, the Silesia Polo Club places an emphasis on winter polo and offers many arena polo and snow polo matches in addition to their busy summer schedule of high and low goal field polo matches. By tackling the challenge of offering polo year round, the Silesia Polo Club has set themselves apart from other, more developed programs in Poland and contributes a constant effort to maintaining the popularity and love of the sport across every season and to every skill level.
Written in collaboration with Lily Brennan