Cowdray Park in West Sussex (known worldwide as the home of British polo) is located only a few miles from W L West & Sons Ltd and there’s a strong relationship between the two enterprises. We source our Douglas Fir from Cowdray Park Estate to produce our top-quality polo pitch boards. They’re not only used across the country, but they are also used at Cowdray Park itself. There are many benefits when using timber vs. plastic for polo pitch boards, to find out more, take a read.
Our polo pitch boards withstand the test of time and are customisable due to the materials they are produced from, and how they are finished.
The origins of polo
Polo is believed to have originated in Persia over 2,000 years ago. However, the game as we know it today began in India in the 1800s. British soldiers who were stationed there saw the game being played locally and adapted it, often using it as training for cavalry riders.
The basics of polo
The object of Polo is for a team to score more points (goals) than the opposition to win the game. Each team of four players attempts to move the ball into the opposition’s half of the pitch with the aim of hitting it between the goal posts to score. Matches are divided into chukkas and there are 4-6 chukkas in a match. Each chukka lasts 7 minutes, with an interval of 3 minutes between them.
Every polo player is given a handicap from -2 to 10 goals depending on their ability. The lowest handicap is -2 and 10 is the highest. A team’s handicap rating is calculated by adding together the four players’ handicaps. Teams play those with similar handicaps in low goal, medium goal or high goal matches.
You will find two mounted umpires on the pitch and a third person in the stands who acts as the arbitrator if the umpires cannot agree. There is a goal judge behind each goal and they will wave a flag when a goal is scored. Polo is probably the only game in which the teams change ends when a goal is scored, thus equalling out any ground or weather advantage.
The polo pitch
October marks the start of the annual period to re-build polo pitches, before the new playing season begins in April. Polo pitch boards are crucial to the game of polo for multiple reasons. Though both the ball and the players are allowed to step outside the field, the boards delineate the field boundaries and keep the ball in play.
Full-size polo pitches are 300 yards long by 160 yards wide (275m x 146m) – more than twice the length of a football pitch! Boards are situated along each side of the pitch to help keep the ball in play. Goalposts, open at the top, are 8 yards apart.
Our polo boards usually come in sets of 156 (to fit a full-size pitch). They are 3.6m x 245mm x 45mm, planed all around and usually treated to ensure extra longevity. We also offer half-sets to fit into practice pitches.
Plastic vs. Timber polo pitch boards
There are two options for polo boards – plastic or timber. At W L West & Sons Ltd we firmly believe that timber is the best and most environmentally responsible option available. Plastic boards can go brittle in the winter, they come in a limited range of colours and although some are made from recycled plastic, they are not always recyclable at the end of their lifetime.
We craft our high quality polo pitch boards from home grown Douglas Fir.
How W L West & Sons Ltd timber polo pitch boards are a cut above the rest
Homegrown Douglas Fir polo pitch boards
By being crafted from homegrown Douglas Fir, it means our polo pitch boards are incredibly dense and durable when exposed to the elements, much like Oak. In addition, each board is partially dried to allow treatment of the timber to work efficiently and increase its stability further. As a result, your investment will provide you with savings in the long run as our polo pitch boards can stand the test of time.
Our Douglas Fir also comes from the Cowdray Estate in Sussex, just 2 miles away from our timber yards. Their woodlands are certified under international sustainable management standards in accordance with the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS). Therefore, their Douglas Fir carries the FSC® mark of responsible forestry. So, you can be rest assured you are investing sustainably with a reduced carbon footprint.
Outstanding finish on our polo pitch boards
All our boards are round-topped and/or chamfered. This is primarily to avoid any sharp angles or corners (minimising injury to the ponies), allowing maximum safety for everyone involved in the sport. Further, we ensure all boards are planed to a smooth finish; minimising chafing and allowing an extra benefit of customisation. By planing the timber, the polo pitch boards are able to be painted to match their team colours for the ultimate professional finish. In contrast, plastic pitch boards are only available in a limited selection of colours, lacking the pristine aesthetic loved by many.
Here at W L West & Sons Ltd, we also include the addition of arris rails. An arris rail is angled at the bottom of the polo pitch boards, ensuring that the ball does not drop dead. Instead, it will be directed away from the board, allowing for continuous game play.
Installation is quick and painless
All our pitch boards feature tongue and groove ends as standard. This is essential as it allows the polo pitch boards to benefit from easy fixing, as well as increased stability on the pitch, unlike budget counterparts.
We believe in complete preparation of the polo pitch boards for quick installation. We achieve this by drilling recessed securing holes to anchor the board to the ground, ensuring the steel pins are safely hidden. Pins can also be supplied if required, simply request upon enquiring.
A sustainable choice
While recycled plastic pitch boards can also benefit from tongue and groove ends, a single piece of plastic can only be recycled a handful of times. Thereafter, the recycled plastic becomes unusable. Therefore, it is eventually forced to break down into microplastics, meaning recycled plastic is not as sustainable as initially thought.
Polo pitch boards available to order in West Sussex and the surrounding areas
Are you looking for high quality, sustainable timber polo pitch boards that stand the test of time and are fully customisable? Contact us today and our friendly sales team will happily discuss your requirements, providing you with a free, no obligation quote.
WL West & Sons Ltd is a timber merchant and sawmill business with 150 years of experience. We provide a wide range of air-dried oak and kiln-dried oak timber products and supplies. We also build and install custom projects for our customers.
Our wood products, building materials and certified wood are manufactured and sold with the endorsement of forest certification and the Forest Stewardship Council FSC
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