One wild ride-playing polo and lacrosse on horseback

WARWICK-Colonies Farm at 18 Blooms Corner Road in Warwick played host to the Warwick Valley Polocrosse Club's annual tournament Fourth of July weekend. Referred to as "the One-Horse Sport," polocrosse is a combination of polo and lacrosse played on horseback. It requires skills in horsemanship, stick handling and strategy by the three players on each team. The tournament in Warwick is the longest running one in the country. Shayne and Simon Haysom, owners of Colonies Farm, introduced polocrosse to the East Coast in the 1980's, bringing their knowledge and expertise from South Africa where they played for many years. Warwick Valley Polocrosse Club also sponsored a clinic prior to the tournament for anyone interested in learning the sport or improving their skills. The instructor was Prissy Rummel from Austin, Texas, one of the top polocrosse players in the country. Contestants in the tournament came from across the East Coast including North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Players for this tournament ranged in age from 13 to 60, often on the same team. First through fourth place team ribbons were awarded as well as individual player awards for best player and most improved players. Best player in the A division was Tess Oberdick from York, Pa. In the B division best player was awarded to Jessica Reed from Bucks County, Pa. Carrie Hallahan from Warwick, playing for the first time in the A division, won most improved player. In the B division, Blaise Sobiech from Westtown was awarded the most improved player award. Information for this story was provided by Ed Hallahan.