Yarde Down Polo Club
The UK's first Pub Polo Club
Steve Cotten
Club Founder
Steve is the landlord of the Politmore Arms at Yarde Down, a famously authentic, off-grid pub on the edge of Exmoor National Park. He is a charismatic and eccentric character who is always up for a challenge.
Despite being registered blind, he took up riding about three years ago. After talking to a polo instructor in the pub one evening, he went for some lessons at Taunton Vale Polo Club and decided to set up a pub polo team.
2024 was the club's first season. Many people came along to try polo, taking lessons at Taunton Vale. The culmination of our season was a match with Taunton Vale Polo Club players. We fielded two teams of our members and only lost 3-2 on handicap points. Read the story of the club and an account of the match in this Beer Tiz magazine article.
If you would like to join us this season, please contact Steve.
This year, Steve aims to set up a Pub Polo Tournament to benefit the Riding for the Disabled Association. If your local pub can rustle up some riders, please sign up for some lessons and give us a match. Please talk to Steve to discuss this opportunity.
Charity Pub Polo Tournament
Club chukkas & matches
We have had a blast learning polo, playing chukkas and watching matches. Afterwards, we retire to the clubhouse for a drink. Food is available most match days. For details of Taunton Vale fixtures, please visit their website.
Benefits of Our Club
Exciting sport
Take your riding to a new level and experience the thrill of polo.
Polo is addictive, so be prepared to surprise yourself with a new passion for riding.
Trained ponies
Well-trained ponies are brought to Taunton for lessons and matches.
You don't need to have your own polo pony to take part.
Social gatherings
Yarde Down Polo Club meetings are held at the Poltimore Arms.
After Sunday lessons at Taunton, there is a match or chukkas to watch, and refreshments are available in the pavilion.
Accessible to all
You don't need to have any experience of riding or polo to start getting involved.
Taunton Vale doesn't charge an entrance fee. Come along to watch a lesson or match.
Taunton Vale Polo Club has provided the facilities, ponies and training to support our club. This year it is establishing a new polo academy. During the season, training sessions are available on most Wednesdays and Sundays. These sessions are open to everyone, even if you have never ridden before. Just book a space and bring a riding hat. Lessons are held at the club grounds at Orchard Portman, Taunton TA3 5DQ.
The instructors teach all the skills you’ll need to progress to playing chukkas and tournaments. Including polo riding techniques, developing and perfecting different polo shots, tactics and rules.
Polo ponies are provided.
Price: £65 per session, payable directly to Taunton Vale Polo Academy.
Learn to play
at Taunton Vale Polo Academy
Contact Us
Telephone: 07391 036898
E-mail: steve@yardedownpoloclub.com
Address: Poltimore Arms, Yarde Down, South Molton, EX6 3HA, Devon, United Kingdom