George Smith started his career in the Household Cavalry back in 1959 and even at that early stage it was clear that he knew how to work horses. In 1966 he joined Major Ronald Ferguson as his Stable Manager and Master of Horse, and for the next 25 years until Major Ferguson’s retirement he was responsible for all aspects of stable management and the welfare, training and schooling of ponies.

There followed a spell at the Ansty Polo Club where he built up membership to 150 and arranged numerous tournaments, including the annual Leonora Charity Match in which HRH the Prince of Wales took part, raising considerable funds for charity. 

 In 1997, George moved on to become Polo Manager at the newly formed Hurtwood Park Polo Country Club in Surrey and over the next 10 years, the Club grew to be a serious rival to other established clubs in the area. Again, HRH the Prince of Wales attended the Club at its annual Kuoni World Travel Charity Day, this time with Prince Harry and 10,000 other spectators. The Club was also the first to hold a 40-goal tournament in England and its after-match parties became legendary!

Having retired in 2007, George found it hard to be away from the sport that had been such a pivotal part of his life for 40 years or more. He lives near the New Forest Polo Club, so when the opportunity to join the Club as Polo Manager was offered to him on a part-time basis for the season (April – September), he needed little encouragement to return to the fold! He is looking forward to bringing his considerable expertise and extensive contact base throughout the sport to bear in raising the profile of the Club, advancing the standard of polo, bringing in new blood and increasing sponsorship collaboration. He also recognises that the Club has a very special atmosphere that he wants to nurture and build on.

The Club is planning to hold 4 cash-prize tournaments in 2008 in the hope of bringing in more players, to inject more enthusiasm into the game and to put the Club firmly on the polo map. There are no plans to increase the number of tournaments, but rather to encourage greater numbers of entrants. This will inevitably take time and plans are already in hand to promote the Club and what it has to offer, not just locally, but further afield to attract higher-goal teams to play. The major event each season is the Blue Jackets Tournament, contested over 3 days in August, this year on 14th, 16th and 17th.

The secret to success, as far as George is concerned, is to provide well organised competitive polo together with the kind of atmosphere that brings everyone together after a game for a drink and a chat, not just the players but social members as well. This is something he has achieved more than once in the past and he sees no reason why it cannot happen again. Certainly there is no doubting his enthusiasm and determination to take the Club forward.

This is a Club with a great tradition and a proud heritage, located in a beautiful part of the country and well worth a visit to enjoy the sport and be part of its unique atmosphere.