Malta Polo Club

https://tvmnews.mt/sport/il-malta-polo-club-besperjenza-pozittiva-fi-spanja/

Il-Malta Polo Club b'esperjenza pożittiva fi Spanja - TVMnews.mt Il-Malta Polo Club (MPC) riċentement ħa sehem f’tournament internazzjonali prestiġjuż li sar fl-Ayala Polo Fields f’Sotogrande, Spanja, grazzi għall-appoġġ kontinwu ta’ EquestriMalta.

🇲🇹 Malta Polo Club takes on Sotogrande

Thanks to EquestriMalta, 12 Malta Polo Club players travelled to Spain to compete in a tournament at the renowned Ayala Polo Fields in Sotogrande, hosted by Irdike Polo Club. 🐎🌍

A great opportunity to test our players on international ground and continue building Malta’s presence in the sport.

📸 Take a look at some moments from the trip. More updates on how the teams performed coming soon. 👀

Link in the comments 🔗

‼️ Malta Polo Club Files Judicial Protest Over “Existential Threat” to World’s Second Oldest Club ‼️

The Malta Polo Club (MPC), established in 1868, has formally filed a Judicial Protest in the First Hall of the Civil Court against Marsa Race Track Limited (concessionaire) and various government authorities. The legal action comes in response to repeated failures by the concessionaire to meet its obligations, threatening the survival of a sport that has been part of Maltese heritage for over 150 years.

Failure to Meet Deadlines:
Central to the protest is the concessionaire’s failure to adhere to the agreed-upon project timelines. Under the terms of the redevelopment, the Main Race Track resurfacing and the Polo Pitch were scheduled for completion by October 2025. Regarding the Polo Pitch, as of February 2026, little to no work has been done, with the developer having fallen significantly behind on holistic project objectives. On the contrary, our only playable pitch has been used as a dumping site, resulting in a whole polo season of our beloved horses standing idle.

Key Demands of the Malta Polo Club:
The Judicial Protest highlights several critical areas where the developer and authorities have failed to provide necessary guarantees:
International Technical Standards: The Club insists that the new polo pitch must be built to international specifications as recommended by world-renowned experts, Battro Polo Fields. This includes a high-specification grass surface, which the developer has recently failed to guarantee.

Essential Infrastructure: There is a total lack of concrete planning regarding the irrigation system, water supply to reservoirs, and the design of the flood lighting system.
Club House Handover: The developer has failed to provide a firm date for the handing over of the Club House, which is crucial for the Club’s daily operations.
Lack of Formal Agreement: Despite years of attempts, the Club has been unable to reach a finalised agreement with Marsa Race Track Limited to formalise their relationship during and after the project's completion.

Protecting a National Legacy:
The Malta Polo Club is the second oldest of its kind in the world and has hosted historical figures such as Winston Churchill and HM King Charles III, and Maltese Presidents and Prime Ministers thereafter. Beyond its heritage, the Club is a non-profit organisation that raises significant funds for the Malta Community Chest Fund.

The MPC is calling on the Government of Malta and the Prime Minister to intervene and ensure that Marsa Race Track Limited honours its commitments. Should the developer fail to deliver, the Club demands that the concession be revoked in accordance with the established legal terms.

🎄Wishing you a season filled with good cheer, great company, and just a touch of polo magic.

From all of us at Malta Polo Club, Merry Christmas, and thank you for being part of our journey this year. Here's to more moments on and off the field in 2026. 🐴✨

🧠💬 There’s something about polo that’s hard to put into words. It’s more than a sport: it’s the bond, the pace, the trust between rider and pony. That silent understanding in the middle of the game? That’s the part that stays with you.

🐴❤️ Curious about the sport? Come see what makes polo so addictive.

PLAYER INSIGHTS: GREG GERA 🐎

“Last season really showed how far we’ve come as a club: tighter teamwork, better horses, and a level of play that keeps getting sharper. Stepping into this new season, I’m more motivated than ever. The goal isn’t just to win, it’s to raise the bar for what polo in Malta can be. Can’t wait to get back on the field and push even harder.”

There’s a renewed energy in the air, and Greg Gera is charging into the new season with purpose. 🏇�More than just competition; it’s about pride, progress, and passion for the game.�
This is what homegrown talent looks like when it sets its sights higher. 🇲🇹🔥

In polo, a handicap isn’t about limiting players; it’s about measuring skill. Every player is rated between -2 and 10 goals, with 10 being the mark of elite performance.

But here’s the twist: these “goals” don’t mean how many goals a player scores. They reflect their overall impact on the game, from riding and ball control to team play and strategy.

🔢 Here's a quick breakdown:

-2 to 0: Beginners learning the ropes
1–3: Confident players building experience
4-6: Professionals, skilled and competitive
7-10: The Goats! Professionals at the top of their game.

Fun Fact: There are fewer than a dozen 10 goalers all around the world! 🌎

🤝 Teamwork counts too. Matches are often played with team handicap totals in mind, keeping games competitive, no matter who's on the field.

It’s one of the few sports where balancing the score before the whistle makes every match a fairer fight.⚖️

🎽 Tack Talk: Polo Edition

Every piece of tack matters. 🐎 From comfort and control to performance and safety, here’s a closer look at what equips a polo pony before play:

🔹 Helmet – Rider safety first
🔹 Saddle – Designed for balance and agility
🔹 Bridle & Draw Reins – For responsive steering
🔹 Breast Plate – Keeps the saddle secure during sharp turns
🔹 Knee Pads & Polo Boots – Rider protection in fast-paced play
🔹 Bandages – Support and protection for the pony’s legs
🔹 Clipped Mane & Braided Tail – For safety and visibility on the field
🔹 Mallet & Polo Ball – The essentials of the game

Each element plays a crucial role in keeping both rider and pony sharp, safe, and game-ready.

They may not wear the jerseys, but they carry the team. 💪🐴

Before the match, there’s grooming, feeding, tacking, and a whole lot of love. Pony prep is the heart of every game: the calm before the charge and the care behind the play.

It’s where trust is built, routines are perfected, and ponies get game-ready.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes moments this season 🧼✨

Flashback to the King of Spain Cup, Malta vs Italy in a high-stakes clash 🇲🇹🇮🇹

Led by legendary Argentine umpire Mariano “Nano” Iturrioz, every chukka delivered pace, pressure, and pure polo.

Here’s to the kind of matches that stay with you. 🔥