Indoor Polo arena arrives

Victoria’s first indoor polo arena Red Gum Run Arena (RGRA) at Freshwater Creek will launch August 4 and showcase a selection of some of the world’s best polo riders.

Owner Inge Burke said the indoor space would ensure riders can have fun year-round with riders from Argentina, New Zealand and the UK coming to the opening event.

“This is Victoria’s first indoor polo arena. Often riding events are cancelled due to inclement weather but rain, hail or shine in the arena, it’s always fine,” she said.

“We’re not just going to be offering polo lessons and polo matches, the space can be used for show jumping, dressage, carriage racing, barrel racing; the arena is available to all riding disciples.”

For over 25 years, Inge has been involved with polo and is looking forward to introducing the Surf Coast, Geelong region and surrounds to a sport she’s so passionate about.

“Anyone can come and have lessons seven days a week. We can teach polo to anybody, if you can’t ride we can teach you. We run every Wednesday and Thursday, Saturday and Sunday,” she said.

“We’ve got two horse rings and a pleather of horses suitable from beginner to advanced riders.”

With students from Geelong Grammar currently taking lessons Inge said she hopes to expand her clientele to more schools and universities.

“Polo is the best game in the world, it’s adrenaline, team work, it’s competitive and strategy all in one. All on top of the most beautiful animal in the world (equal to my dogs),” she said.

“It’s a real buzz, after you’ve played a game you’re on a high. It’s a thinker’s game, a great polo player once said it’s chess on horseback.”

Inge said the private invite-only August 4 launch will host members of the polo community, media and celebrities and will showcase the benefits of the arena.

“It will be a terrific night, we’ve got international polo players to put on a match, it will be a real spectacle to watch. We’ve got a show jumping competition, horsemanship displays doing some trick riding with great hospitality,” she said.

“We’re also giving members of the public the opportunity to come along by giving away three double passes.”