Polo Sport of Kings 

Polo, often thought of as an elite sport, could also be thought of as an usual way to encourage teamwork and commitment to a hard-core team of ‘‘at risk’’ Flaxmere youth.

However, the suburb may soon boast having its own team. An initiative by Leg-Up Trust co-ordinator Ros Rowe, Flaxmere youth aid constable James Mason and Richard Kettle from the Birchleigh Polo Club, teaching these kids polo is about building a bridge to make the game accessible to those not normally given the opportunity.

For the group of eight 12 to 14-year-olds, handpicked by James, it’s a chance to develop empathy as they build a relationship with their horses and ‘‘keep themselves out of trouble’’.

‘‘It’s not like the typical club scene — it’s a lifestyle where they have to look after the horses,’’ says James. He points to one boy whom he calls a classic bully, full of bravado with a big attitude — but now he’s on a horse, he’s changed. ‘‘Some of these kids are fearless — confrontational lads that have been on the edge—some will give anything and anyone a go.’’

He says teamwork is a constructive way to offer them something different. After ‘‘overstating their riding ability’’, the boys got a crash course in riding from Ros. The change in attitude over two months has been amazing, says Richard. The boys have a natural interest in horses andset their own rules. Calling themselves the Manurau Polo team, they’ll ride under the Birchleigh Polo Club banner.

Manurau is the Maori name given to Richard’s great great grandfather, Gustav von Tempsky, a prominent military figure in the New Zealand Maori Wars. Held in high esteem for his inspirational leadership, he was known as Manurau, the bird that flits everywhere — the silent one who turned up unexpectedly.

The boys really look forward to coming and are now learning to ‘‘stick and ball’’ on the field. ‘‘It’s not just fun,’’ says Richard. ‘‘They have to learn all the steps — grooming, putting tack on, looking after their horses.’’ It’s all done with real enthusiasm and encouragement and the ‘‘biggest problem is getting them to leave as they just want to carry on’’.

‘‘I look forward to the day when they can put on their team shirts and play.’’ The club is ‘‘100 per cent’’ behind the team and ‘‘help the boys whenever they can’’, says Richard. Chris and Angela Barons, from Napier, have donated four of the ponies the boys ride and Hamish Jamieson, owner of the Hawke’s Bay Travel Centre, has helped with horse feed and farrier fees.

If you would like to help please contact the Birchleigh Polo Club on 021 757 334.