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Vikings Polocrosse: Opening the doors to an exciting sport

Monday, 09 June 2025

We’re proud to celebrate clubs like Vikings Polocrosse, who are passionate about creating opportunities and bringing new people into their thrilling sport.

From the start, Vikings set out to make polocrosse more approachable by offering regular training, supportive coaching and access to horses so that anyone can get involved, without needing to commit to competitions straight away.

Their partnership with Dart Polo Academy near Gainsborough provides top-class facilities and trained horses, helping to create a welcoming environment for all. Outreach through social media, local riding clubs, equestrian colleges and free taster sessions has already introduced around 40 people to the sport, with more joining the club each month.

With exciting plans ahead and a strong support network, Vikings Polocrosse is helping to grow the sport and make equestrian activity more accessible across the UK.

Meet Liv Morton (Vikings Club captain)

Liv Morton riding Trixie at Celyn early season tournament 2025.

How did you first get involved with horses and the sport of polocrosse?
I’ve loved horses for as long as I can remember. My mum always had one, so I grew up around them. At about age three or four, I joined a pony day and was instantly hooked. I finally got my own pony at age 9 after a family loss reminded us about the importance of making the most of life.

I discovered polocrosse during COVID, when Pony Club activities paused. A local coach, Gary Pedley, ran a taster session at our yard. From the first time I picked up a racquet, my Welsh pony Tommy and I were hooked.

What is it about horses and the bond you have with them that’s so special?
Horses give me space to switch off — it’s calming and grounding, especially during stressful times like exams.

Every bond is unique. With Colin, my young ex-racer, it’s been all about building mutual trust and learning together, it teaches me to be more patient and aware. While with Trixie, a rescue, it's been a longer journey, but now that we’ve gained her trust and loyalty, she gives me everything!

What is it that’s so amazing about the sport of polocrosse?
Polocrosse is fast, thrilling, and a totally unique sport, where you and your horse work as a true team within a team. The adrenaline of chasing a ball at full gallop is unbeatable.

But it’s also about the people and the incredible community. Tournaments feel like summer camping holidays with your horse and friends, there’s nothing better than waking up to horses munching grass outside your tent.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about getting started in polocrosse?

Just give it a go! It’s a lot more accessible than you might think. At Vikings Polocrosse Club, for example, we train often and have free taster sessions for newcomers.

You don’t need an expensive or specialist horse to get started, most horses take to it really well, but many clubs will also offer experienced horses for beginners to learn with. It’s all about having fun, learning and getting stuck in.

Tell me about your favourite polocrosse horse.

That’s definitely Trixie. She’s about 14.3hh (hands high), but she’s brave as a lion and up for anything, as long as she can do it fast! She’s got so many little quirks that always make me smile. On the field, she can turn on a sixpence and accelerate so quickly. But she’s also happy hacking out, jumping and we’ve even managed a dressage test.

The best thing about her is our connection and mutual trust. She’s one in a million.

What’s been your equestrian highlight so far?

In 2023, I had the amazing opportunity to train in South Africa with Bruce McClarty, who’s coached the national team there. I got to ride incredible horses, learn so much about the game, and experience a totally different culture. I also made some fantastic friends who I still keep in touch with now and I really hope to visit again in the future.

Tell me about your horsey ambitions for the future.

Looking ahead, I’d love to get Colin fully trained up and ready to play at top-level polocrosse. Long-term, my dream is to play in the World Cup and take part in an international tour, it would be an unforgettable experience.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

 “Don’t deep it.” There’s a lot of pressure, especially on young riders, to achieve quickly and prove themselves all the time. It’s easy to overthink everything and forget to just enjoy the moment. That advice has helped me stay grounded and keep loving the sport for what it is.

What’s the one item you always keep in your pocket or bag?

High-factor lip salve with sunscreen, always. The number of times I’ve had sunburnt lips at tournaments is unbelievable, and it’s so painful!

What’s your favourite film or tv series?

My favourite series is definitely Game of Thrones, it’s gory, hilarious in parts, and packed with drama. For films, it has to be Mamma Mia, my friends and I know it word-for-word and have singalongs every time we’re together!

Meet Guy Robertson (Vikings Club committe member)

Guy Robertson in 2022 with horse Blaze.

How did you first get involved with horses and the sport of polocrosse?

I started playing polocrosse with Pennine Polocrosse Club in 1996. My mum had seen an advert in a tack shop for a new club that were starting, so we went along to have a go. 

What is it about horses and the bond you have with them that’s so special?

Horses have always been a big part of my life and now my career. There’s nothing like riding a good horse that’s really connected mentally and physically. Winston Churchill said, “No hour of life is lost when it’s spent in the saddle,” and I think that sums it up. 

What is it that you love about the sport of polocrosse?

Friendship, travel, being part of a team. Being a team sport, it allows you to share the highs and lows that it brings with friends and teammates. I still talk with people about tours and games we played over 20 years ago! 

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about getting started in polocrosse?

Find your local club and reach out to find out how you get started. Being a relatively small sport, everyone is always so welcoming and happy to bring in new players. 

Tell me about your favourite polocrosse horse.

Cindy Lee. She genuinely loved the game and she understood her role completely. She was a three-times ‘horse of the year’ and won best playing horse in tests vs South Africa and Australia to name just a few of her accolades. 

What’s been your equestrian highlight so far?

Reaching the World Cup final in 2007 in Warwick Australia stands out in my memories, and touring the USA in 2005 with the UK men’s team was also very special with a great team.

Tell me about your horsey ambitions for the future.

Now my focus is on my daughter and training horses for her to play and supporting her in horsey dreams. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Focus on the process not the result. Only worry about the things you can control! 

What’s the one item you always keep in your pocket or bag?

Tape and a pocketknife (safely of course!).

What’s your favourite film or tv series?

At the moment I’m watching Clarkson’s farm!

 

Find out more about polocrosse and how you can get involved: ukpolocrosse.co.uk