The Beaufort Polo School

The Beaufort Polo School is the foremost centre for development of polo in the Cotswolds, offering a fun and relaxed environment for players of ages 6yrs+ and all abilities to improve their game, from polo experiences to bespoke courses.

The Club boasts fantastic facilities for both spectators and players, including a brand new Equus Design & Build Outdoor Arena, a recently resurfaced indoor school with heated viewing gallery, TopRide Equestrian surface exercise track, stunning grounds with 6 boarded polo fields and welcoming Clubhouse for much needed refreshments.

Whether you are an experienced player or just want to give polo a go, our team of HPA Qualified Coaches and well-trained polo ponies will help you realise your polo dreams!

History of the Beaufort Polo School

The Beaufort Polo School was originally established by Claire Tomlinson. Claire holds the record for the highest handicapped female player in history at 5 goals and campaigned to abolish the rule that prevented women from playing in the British high goal, becoming the first to compete on equal terms with men at the top tier. With Hugh Dawnay she instigated and set up a coaching system for the HPA from scratch, which has had a lasting impact on how players are taught today. Notable pupils of hers include the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex, the England Polo Team which features her two sons Mark and Luke Tomlinson and has regularly coached British squads at FIP Championships. Her daughter Emma has been consistently one of the highest handicapped female players of her generation, with her own host of female firsts; notably winning the 8 Goal Holden White and Gerald Balding tournaments with an all-women team. Claire has brought the game to a wider audience in other ways, for example, teaching a bicycle courier from Manchester for the Channel 4 program Faking It in 2004. 

After a brief hiatus, the Beaufort Polo School is up and running once again, this time in the hands of Claire’s two sons, Mark and Luke. Together they have won some of the most prestigious trophies in the UK, with both having Captained England to victory on multiple occasions. Alongside HPA Qualified Coach Mhairi Gould and Polo Manager Gary Aitchison, they will use their extensive experience and expertise to maintain Beaufort Polo Club’s position as the foremost centre for development of polo in the Cotswolds.