A BUSY FEW MONTHS FOR POWER OF POLO!
It’s been a busy and exciting few months for Power of Polo, and we think we’ve got lots to celebrate so here goes…!
In early September, Power of Polo was invited to take part in a panel discussion at the Blenheim International Horse Trials. Our CEO Katy Hayward joined representatives from Riding for the Disabled and the Pony Club to talk about the impact of horses in society and this fascinating conversation has led to some powerful new relationships between our charities. On a similar vein, our Youth Advisor Jhemar Jonas was asked to be a part of the panel at the presentation of the British Equestrian Federation’s ‘The Power of Horses’ report soon after, a ground-breaking piece of research into the positive impact horses have on society. There is so much crossover in what we’re all trying to do – harness the power of horses for positive social impact – and it’s exciting for us to be a part of this vital conversation.
The highlight of our Autumn was our involvement in a partnership programme between the Armed Forces Equine Charity, Alabaré and Power of Polo at Tedworth Park Polo Club. This transformative programme involved a group of military veterans who had experienced homelessness taking part in powerful week of equine-human interaction. The most moving moment of the week came on Armistice Day when the participants honoured their fallen comrades alongside their horses, all of whom stood like statues throughout.
The veterans — many of whom had never ridden before — developed confidence, teamwork, and emotional resilience through developing partnerships with their horses, polo coaching, as well as mindfulness and wellbeing activities led by AFEC. The week concluded with a mini tournament showcasing their progress. “The experience has been extremely special for me and everyone taking part. I would never have believed I’d have been able to do this and spending time with a horse has helped me so much,” said participant Steve.
Another very proud moment came when our incredible long-term volunteer and now Youth Advisor, Michael Kaddu, was nominated for a prestigious London Youth Award for his work with Power of Polo. He was one of three finalists in the Volunteer of the Year category and, although he didn’t win, the recognition of being shortlisted for an award like this is real testament to what an incredible young man he is. It also provided a fun night out for the team in London supporting Michael!
Charity Trustees are hugely important to the success of any charity and, as volunteers, it’s important to celebrate the work they do. National Trustees Week gave us a chance to recognise and thank our trustees for the everything they do but it was a double celebration for us as we also announced that the wonderful Karl Ude-Martinez has joined our Board of Trustees! You can read the full story here.
And finally…
Congratulations to PoP team member Lucy Wilson for gaining her Level 3 Qualification in Equine Assisted Services. She led a wonderful session during the Tedworth Camp and we are excited to see what she can bring to our programmes in the future.
Read a great news article about us in Hurlingham Polo Magazine here
And come and see us at the London International Horse Show Live Zone on Friday 19th December!
