The British summer once again sets the stage for one of the most prestigious spectacles in world polo—the UK High Goal Season. Running from May through August, the 2026 calendar brings together the sport’s finest players, world-class ponies, and iconic venues, creating an unrivalled atmosphere both on and off the field.The high goal season traditionally opens in May, as teams assemble across England’s leading clubs to begin their campaigns. Early tournaments such as the Trippetts Challenge and Prince of Wales’s Trophy signal the start of the 22-goal season, where skill, speed, and strategy define every chukka. From there, the intensity builds toward the sport’s most celebrated competitions. Among them, the Cartier Queen’s Cup—held at Guards Polo Club, which remains one of the highlights of the global polo calendar, attracting elite international talent and some of the strongest team line-ups of the year.June and July mark the height of the season, with a succession of fiercely contested tournaments played across the English countryside. The Warwickshire Cup and other leading competitions test consistency and depth, as teams refine their form ahead of the ultimate prize. The pinnacle of the British high goal season arrives in July with the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup.Hosted at Cowdray Park, this historic tournament is widely regarded as the crown jewel of UK polo. The 2026 final, set for mid-July, promises a showcase of power, precision, and world-class horsemanship at the very highest level and this year the Ladies British Open final will be showcased on the same day as the Gold Cup final on 19th July 2026, be sure to book your tickets to witness this unrivalled day of high goal polo.The season concludes in August with the Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup, bringing a fitting close to a summer defined by elite competition and timeless tradition. Beyond the action itself, the UK high goal season is as much about atmosphere as it is about sport—where heritage, style, and social occasion meet. From the elegance of Guards Polo Club to the rolling landscapes of Cowdray Park Polo Club in West Sussex, each tournament offers a unique visual narrative, making it one of the most compelling environments for polo photography in the world.
Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA)
Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) The Hurlingham Polo Association is the central authority for polo in the United Kingdom and one of the most influential organisations in the sport worldwide. Founded in the 19th century and formalised in 1925, the HPA is responsible for: Setting and maintaining the rules of polo in the UK Administering player handicaps Overseeing tournaments and club affiliations Ensuring discipline and governance across the sport The HPA’s rulebook has historically shaped the global game, forming part of the foundation for modern international polo regulations.
