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Chukkas, Challenges Tournaments

Experience real polo in a relaxed, supportive and competitive environment at Minninnooka. Our chukkas and challenges are designed to help players build confidence, improve match play and enjoy the sport with safe horses and friendly competition.

Whether you are progressing from lessons into your first chukkas or already playing regularly, we aim to create enjoyable, well-organised polo for riders of different ages and abilities.

What are Chukkas?

A chukka is a period of play in a polo game — similar to a quarter in basketball or a half in football.

In polo, a full match is divided into short sections called chukkas, usually lasting around 7 minutes each. Between chukkas, players change horses to keep the horses fresh and performing at their best.

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We arrange chukkas to help players develop their riding, positioning, teamwork and match confidence in a real game environment.

Playing chukkas is one of the best ways to improve polo skills while gaining valuable experience on the field.

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Our focus is always on safe, enjoyable and confidence-building polo.

What are Instructional Challenges?

Our instructional challenges are fun and supportive learning matches designed to help players experience the excitement of real polo in a relaxed and encouraging environment.

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Players are placed into teams, with a coach assigned to each team to offer guidance, support and tactical advice throughout the games. Teams then play against each other, allowing riders to develop confidence, teamwork and match understanding while experiencing what a real game of polo feels like.

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Instructional challenges are a fantastic way to progress from lessons and practice into match play while continuing to learn in a structured and enjoyable setting.

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What to Expect

  • Team-based polo games

  • A coach assigned to each team

  • Guidance during play

  • Learning rules, positioning and teamwork

  • Friendly and supportive atmosphere

  • Safe horses matched to rider ability

All players take part in 3 chukkas per Challenge.

Who can Play?

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Our chukkas and challenges are suitable for:

  • Riders progressing from lessons

  • Junior and Pony Club riders

  • Adult beginners ready for game play

  • Returning players

Players should be able to:

  • Ride confidently at canter

  • Control their horse safely

  • Understand basic polo rules and positioning

If you are unsure whether you are ready, we are happy to advise and guide you through the next stage.

What you need to know?

What to Wear

  • Long riding boots with a heel

  • Comfortable riding clothes (black & white shirt needed for chukkas)

  • Helmet

  • Knee pads recommended

  • Eye protection or face guard

Equipment

  • Mallet

  • Whip

Before Booking for first time.

Please send:

  • Riding experience

  • Polo experience

  • Height and weight

  • Confidence level

This helps us match suitable horses and organise balanced play.

Our Chukkas

External Tournaments

At Mininnooka, riders have the opportunity to progress beyond lessons and training into a range of accessible and competitive polo tournaments throughout the year. We actively support children and developing players in gaining valuable match experience, building confidence, teamwork, and game understanding through external competitions and structured team play.

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Our riders regularly take part in:

  • SUPA Schools & University Polo

  • Pony Club Friendlies & Training Matches

  • Pony Club Championships

  • HPA Junior & Development Polo

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These competitions provide fantastic opportunities for riders to develop match skills, tactical awareness, communication, and confidence in a supportive and encouraging environment.

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Through structured coaching, instructional play, and ongoing coaching analysis, we help prepare riders for competition while ensuring progression remains enjoyable, achievable, and development-focused at every stage.

Our Horses

Our horses are carefully selected for their temperament, experience and suitability for different riders.

We are proud to offer a range of safe, well-trained horses suited to:

  • First-time riders

  • Nervous riders

  • Juniors

  • More experienced riders wanting to progress

The care, wellbeing and happiness of our horses are always our highest priority.

 

chukkas & riding in surrey
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