Franshoek Farm and Polo School

Franshoek Polo School has been an established teaching school for more than 15 years. Through years of honing, owner Christian Findlay and his team have established a recipe for the perfect polo holiday. Coach Rod Gutridge gives his very personal attention to each and every guest, assessing their needs and tailoring the polo lessons to suit each individual. The relaxed country atmosphere allows for beginner players and those moving up in handicap to all enjoy the friendly, yet competitive afternoon chukkas. With many young local players in the community (ranging from -2 to 2 goal) we can always drum up some good competition and take care to balance the sides so everyone gets just what they need in terms of polo tuition. Mini-tournaments can be arranged against neighboring local clubs upon request.

Whether you are an individual or a team, we create a program for your polo holiday which will be sure to suit your needs.

Coach Rodney Gutridge has been playing polo for most of his life. From the early days of hitting acorns while riding bareback on his father’s farm in Zimbabwe, to playing with 10-goal Memo Gracida on the famous Maple Leafs team. Rod has played all over the world and was previously the captain of the South African Springboks.

He divides his year by spending six months coaching at Ascot Park and umpiring high goal polo in England, and spending six months with us at Franshoek. He is an HPA certified coach and umpire.

At Franshoek our ponies live a very free existence. They are not stabled and roam in a herd on the farm moving as they please. This being a more natural way for them to live, we have very few ‘problem’ horses. Most all have very gentle natures and can be ridden by all levels of players from beginners to high goal.

Our herd is a combination of thoroughbreds retired from the racetrack, retrained to play polo and young “home” breds. Our breeding program is an added thrill as we find viewing our young foals mixing in with the polo ponies, and watching them grow an absolute pleasure.

In light of the of the acres of grazing (over 2000), fresh spring water, 6 dams and complete freedom for the ponies, Franshoek has been described by many as “horsey heaven.”

Yoga is a great way to increase the flexibility of your tendons, ligaments and muscles, improve your breathing, center your body and prevent injury. We believe it partners well with any aerobic sport, polo being no exception. We will guide you through daily yoga warm-ups before polo practice and offer 1h 30min morning classes for those who are interested.

At Franshoek, we tailor the polo to your specific needs. Group bookings are encouraged and discounted. Please contact Tracey for more information.

Daily Package includes:

Accommodation
3 Fresh, farm-style meals
30 min polo yoga warm-up
Wooden horse tuition (optional)
1-1 ½ hour lesson on polo field
Strategic play, rules and umpiring discussions
4 afternoon instructional chukkas

R2600.00 per player per day

Extras (at no extra charge!) may include: filmed tuition sessions, watching and discussing
high goal polo DVDs, umpiring lessons, 1h 30min yoga classes, mountain outrides.