The Association of Polo Schools & Pony Hirers (APSPH) Opening Meeting – 22nd September 2015
By Victoria Elsbury-Legg
Started on 9th May 2013, the APSPH was fully launched in 2014 with the aim to set a ‘gold standard’ across the polo industry and to ensure all Polo Schools and Pony Hirers hold a Riding Establishment Licence (these are a legal requirement under the Animals Act, ‘Any person who wishes to hire a horse, donkey or mule for reward or payment of any kind must hold an REL certificate’, and are issued by the Local District Council Licensing Department. They will be issued following an inspection by a member of the RCVS who has checked specifically on the welfare of the animals being used and the health and safety of the staff).
The APSPH website has been set up to offer information to all those looking to do their Riding Establishment License for the first time and also offers guidelines on Child Protection and Welfare, Licensing, Membership and Insurance. It also allows those wanting to hire ponies ‘informed choices’ when they are choosing establishments from which to hire. Working alongside the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), the British Horse Society (BHS), the International Federation of Equestrian Sports (FEI) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) the associations focus is also on ‘promoting the highest standards in welfare of polo ponies which are used for teaching or hiring’. To this end they have sponsored a number of Best Playing Pony Awards at SUPA events during the season, which have been presented to the best ‘hired’ pony.
Five key Directors are behind the initiative: Tae Ormerod (Druids Lodge Polo), Sophie Heath (Greenpoint Polo), Thom Bell (Kinross Polo), Suzie Meadows (Cool Hooves Polo) and Lucy Wilson (Independent polo facilitator and journalist). No monetary reward or favours are given for their work.
On Tuesday 22nd September the APSPH is holding its first official Open Meeting for all members and prospective members from 11am – 1pm. Alongside the Directors of the association, David Morley (HPA Welfare Committee and Polo Permits) and Piers Plunket from Lycetts Insurance will be in attendance to answer any questions.
In the last 18 months, twenty-five members have joined the APSPH, which has the backing of the HPA who explained, “The HPA wholeheartedly support The Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers as a vital step in encouraging the growth of polo in the UK and delivering a consistent and safe environment”
For more information about the APSPH and which establishments are members, visit their website: www.apsph-polo.org.uk
Follow them on Twitter: @the_asaph #WorkingTogether #GoldStandard