History

In 1938 the sport developed from a combination of polo, lacrosse and netball. It is credited as being one of only three truly Australian sports - the other two being Aussie Rules and Campdrafting, although some believe that Two Up should be included in the shortlist!

Originally two riding instructors at Britain’s National School of Equitation created an exercise to supplement the work at the riding school. It was designed to make the young riders take better charge of their horses and on a visit to England in 1938, Sydney horse breeders Mr and Mrs Edward Hirst saw the activity.

On their return to Australia, and with the help of an experienced horseman and polo player, Mr Alf Pitty, the Hirsts created the game of Polocrosse in Australia.

It is an outdoor sport played on horseback – and can be played by teams comprising both male and female players. The sport took a leap forward when in 1976 the International Polocrosse Council was established by Max Walters AM, MBE. Today the sport is played worldwide, both north and south of the equator.

In the 21st century the most signficant milestone has been the staging of the inaugural Polocrosse World Cup in 2003 when eight nations gathered. Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and Zimbabwe took to the field at Australia's premier Polocrosse Field at Morgan Park in Queensland. Australia won the Cup after a tough trans-Tasman tussle with old sporting rival New Zealand.

These eight nations are expected to reconvene at Morgan Park 23:29 April 2007 for the sport's second World Cup. A further four or five nations have expressed interested in attending.

The early history of this spectacular game is superbly chronicled in 328 page hard cover publication by Sally Batton Boillotat, entitled: “Polocrosse Australian Made, Internationally Played (the book)”. You can also obtain a copy of videod highlights of the 2003 Polocrosse World Cup by contacting the World Cup Secretary Elaine Kelly by email worldcup@polocrosse.com.au