640 Tuttle Ave, Hamden, CT 06518
Cheryl and I took the pick up truck and parked along the sides of the polo field to watch the event. Both sides are lined up with spectators and, at this polo ground, you simply view from your vehicles. Many folks place lawn chairs near their cars. In our case we just set our chairs in the back of the pick up and watched the match. An umbrella is necessary to block the sun. There is little shade and it gets quite hot here during the summer. The match last around 2 hours or so. Sunscreen, umbrellas, water and snacks will go a long way.
We paid $5.00/ea. to watch. I took photo’s using a Nikon D7100 and a 80-400, F5.6, lens to get close on the action. During this particular visit it was “hat day”. All the women and, I believe, one gentleman competed for “best hat”. It’s very much for fun and nothing anyone took seriously.
This club is very down to earth. It’s void of any high brow or snobbery that you may associate with a polo match. There is no need to dress up and most of the spectators are in shorts, jeans, and summer dresses. Having said that I must say that the crowd is very well behaved and you can be comfortable taking your family here.
The horses are beautiful and certainly look well taken care of. There are set times during the event that the horses take a break and are fed and watered.
The colorful uniforms and well conditioned horses have a beautiful visual presence as they sprint from end to end. On a nice summers day you’ll feel relaxed and serene. If any of this sounds interesting to you take a ride over to the Giant Valley Polo Club and give it a try. It’s a very pleasant experience. One that may keep you coming back for more. Remember to bring your camera. Preferably one with a telephoto lens.
Time
All Sunday Matches begin at 3 PM unless otherwise noted, and the gates open at 1 PM.
Practice chukkers begin every Thursday at 5:30 PM.
Matches are open to the public. Donations are accepted at the gate.
Dress
Casual dress to your Sunday best.
Tailgating
Bring a casual picnic or an elegant tailgate, either is equally fitting at Giant Valley. They sometimes have a food truck on premises. It’s a good idea to bring your own food/water just in case.
Parking
Parking is free. Unless otherwise reserved, spectators may park on a first-come first-serve basis.
Pets
Dogs are allowed but they must be leashed.
2015
Sunday Matches Begin at 3 PM & Gates Open at 1 PM for Tailgating
**Practice Chukkers begin every Thursday at 5:30 PM **
| Sunday | May 31 | Opening Day Match |
| Sunday | June 7 | Match Game |
| Sunday | June 14 | Hilert Outen Memorial “Bubbles Cup” |
| Sunday | June 21 | Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue Benefit |
| Sunday | June 28 | Once in a Blue Moon Match (Leigh Eckstrom Butterworth Memorial Match) |
| Sunday | July 5 | Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Tom & Liz Eckstrom Memorial Match) |
| Sunday | July 12 | Finals of the Big Feather’s Open |
| Sunday | July 19 | Match Game |
| Sunday | July 26 | Arvel Bryan Memorial Match |
| Sunday | August 2 | Match Game |
| Sunday | August 9 | Albert Marenholz Memorial Match |
| Sunday | August 16 | Match Game |
| Sunday | August 23 | Finals of the WTF Invitational |
| Sunday | August 30 | Labor Day Dog Bowl |
| Sunday | September 6 | Match Game |
| Sunday | September 13 | Collegiate Polo Fundraiser |
| Sunday | September 20 | Zenas Colt Memorial |
| Sunday | September 27 | Oat Bowl |
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