In her first season (2009), she was selected to play for British Schools in a number of matches, including the International Polo Festival at Cirencester Park and the Pony Club Polo England Team in America. The highlight of her season was being selected to play for Young Britain in a test match series in India in December 2009, as the only girl on the team.

 

“It was both a fantastic opportunity and experience, and winning the series was an added bonus.”

 

 

Ciara has just finished her A levels and is planning on taking a polo gap year before going on to university.

 

“I came into the sport very late, so I see this as an excellent opportunity to improve my game and catch up with my peers, who have years of experience under their belts! I will be spending the summer playing in England, before heading to New Zealand for 5 months over the winter where I have secured a working pupil place with a professional 3 goal player.”

 

So far this season, Ciara has represented Young Britain again in a planned match against Italy earlier this month.  

“Polo is an incredibly male dominated sport, with very few women playing professionally, and none at the top levels of the game. However, post-university I would love to play professionally and go on to play for England Ladies. The highest handicapped British woman is Nina Clarkin, who plays off 4 goals, so if I ended up as good as her I would be very happy!

“All my current success I owe to my incredibly patient coach Glynn Henderson, who has taught me everything I know. Without him I would be nowhere!”

An interview with Ciara will be featured in the Sept/Oct issue of Equestrian Lifestyle Magazine.


Chilli, 7, 15.3hh, TB mare former racehorse

I''m told you shouldn''t have favourites, but she is mine! She is the softest, kindest mare on the ground, but an absolute machine to play. She spends all day trying to sidle up for a cuddle but on the field likes to flatten people in the ride offs. She''s incredibly pretty and a shameless attention seeker. As my first polo pony, she has taught me the ropes (she is still much better than me!) She is incredibly genuine and honest and more of a family member than a horse!