The Polo Charity Trust

The Polo Charity Trust is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit organisation established in 1992. It was founded by the late Viscount Cowdray, who, alongside Prince Philip, played a key role in the post-war revival of polo in Britain. Viscount Cowdray also served as Chairman of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) from 1952 to 1967. The Trust continues to be closely connected to the HPA, with the Chairman of the HPA serving as an ex officio trustee of the charity.

Purpose and Objectives

The Polo Charity Trust is dedicated to supporting the welfare and future employment of professional and former professional polo players, as well as assistance towards the care of polo ponies. Its main objectives include:

• Providing assistance for the relief of poverty, sickness, disability, or injury among professional or former professional polo players and others involved in professional polo activities.
• Offering education and training to enable alternative employment or self-employment opportunities for these individuals.
• Extending care and support to polo ponies in need, particularly those requiring relief from abuse, sickness, or injury[1][4].

Governance

The Trust is governed by a board of trustees. The current Chairperson is General Sir Reddy Watt. Other trustees include David Jamison, John Tinsley, Roderick Vere Nicoll, and Elspeth Talbot Rice KC, with Will Lucas, Chairman of the Hurlingham Polo Association, serving as an ex officio trustee. The Trust maintains up-to-date charity reporting in accordance with regulatory requirements[2][4].

Activities and Impact

The Polo Charity Trust provides crucial support within the polo community, focusing primarily on the welfare of individuals whose livelihoods have been shaped by professional polo. By facilitating education and training, it helps players transition into new careers after their polo careers end. Additionally, the Trust contributes to the welfare of polo ponies, ensuring care in cases of abuse, sickness, or injury, thereby promoting ethical treatment and wellbeing for the animals integral to the sport[1][4].

Recognition

Registered with the Charity Commission in the UK under charity number 1015923, The Polo Charity Trust is recognised as a key entity in supporting the polo community’s welfare and sustainability efforts since its inception[1][5].

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1015923/charity-overview [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1015923/trustees [3] https://hpa-polo.co.uk/download/Blue-Book-Entry-Polo-Charity-2021.pdf [4] https://hpa-polo.co.uk/download/2024-POLO-CHARITY-TRUST.pdf [5] https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-polo-charity-trust-106210