No Minimum Handicap
There's no minimum handicap and no requirement to already play polo. What we're assessing is temperament in the saddle, respect for the horse you're riding, and whether you're prepared to commit to a full season rather than a single match day.
The Criteria
- Open to all genders, a mixed amateur league
- Amateur players of any handicap level
- Responsible horsemanship
- Commitment to the League's welfare charter
- No prior polo experience required, riders from other disciplines are welcome
Every Team Is Built for Balance, Not Just Talent
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This a Professional League?
No, Champion Pride is a mixed amateur polo circuit, built specifically for peer-to-peer competition. Without professionals dictating the pace, players stay fully involved in every play and get to test their own horsemanship against like-minded competitors.
Do I Need an Existing HPA Handicap or Polo Club Membership to Apply?
Not necessarily. Qualification is based on commitment and horsemanship, not your existing handicap. Details of membership, fixtures and fees will be published when the 2028 season opens.
Is There a Patron Model, or Can I Buy My Way Onto a Team?
No. There's no patron model and no private team ownership. Every player enters through the same assessment and draft process, regardless of what they can spend.
Is This a Weekly Commitment or a Structured Tournament?
A structured, competitive league rather than casual weekend chukkas. Details of membership, fixtures and fees will be published when the 2028 season opens.
Are Hirelings Included, and How Do I Organise Them?
You can bring your own horses or use hirelings. Whichever you play, the welfare charter you commit to as a rider is what the League enforces. Details of membership, fixtures and fees will be published when the 2028 season opens.
Is It Safe to Play Without Professionals Managing the Pitch?
Safety and welfare are our highest priorities. All matches are officiated by HPA-licensed umpires who hold full authority on the pitch.
Do Hireling Horses Need to Go Through Champion Pride's Retraining Process?
No. The League doesn't own or retrain horses; most players compete on their own horses or on hirelings. What every rider commits to is the welfare charter: how you're expected to treat and manage the horse you're given, regardless of its background.
How Does the Application and Assessment Process Work?
Registrations are reviewed when the 2028 season opens. Qualification is based on commitment and horsemanship, not your existing handicap.