Who We Are
Richard Blake Thomas
Owner, Managing Director, Head Coach & Horse Breeder
Richard is professional polo player, who has experienced the sport at all levels. Most recently he won the Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup as well as the polo times Most Valuable Player in the final, and a week later, the polo times Best Playing Pony on his mare Gypsy in the Playnation high goal challenge at Hickstead playing for Centtrip Wales!
Fully affiliated with the HPA, Richard is the Head Coach at Westcroft and oversees our additional coaches and instructors. With a passion for polo coaching, he teaches beginners from age 5 to club members and advanced players. Very much at the heart of the club, Richard plays weekly club chukkas and challenges and represents the Westcroft Team in home tournaments.
Richard’s passion for polo extends to the breeding and hiring of polo ponies for the medium and high goal polo world. Breeding, pony production and horse hire is very much at the forefront of Westcroft Park Polo Club.
Tel:01276 858545
Email: info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
William
Polo Manager
At the tender age of 26, Will has played polo for 19 years in the UK, Argentina, South Africa, China, Canada and throughout Europe. Full of boundless energy, fun, talent and enthusiasm Will supports Richard in managing the horses, yard and grooms and loves to play.
Tel: 01276 858545
Email: info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Sophie
Events, Marketing & Sponsorship Manager
Private and public events and corporate days are at the forefront of the polo activity at Westcroft. We host a variety of leading corporate polo days run by Sophie, Westcroft’s in house event manager, who has over 20 years events experience including two Jubilees for H.M The Queen, two Royal weddings for our polo loving princes, Olympia Horse Show and an Ashes tour downunder! With a passion for events, YOUR event is in excellent hands.
Tel: 01276 858545
Email: events@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Antonino
Polo Instructor
Of Argentine origin, Antonino is a 5 goaler professional player and HPA instructor who teaches beginners to seasoned professionals. Antonino is based at Westcroft (although he occasionally jets off to Argentina to compete) and he is famous for imparting his professional skills in his teaching.
Tel: 01276 858545
Email: info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Caroline
Polo Instructor
With 21 years of HPA instructor experience, Caroline is also a registered Pony Club Polo instructor. Specialising in teaching our junior and beginner players, Caroline is great fun, ever popular with a string focus on development.
Tel: 01276 858545
Email: info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Alex
Head Groom
Having worked in the high goal in the U.S and medium goal in Australia as well as for Aravalli Team in the UK, Alex’s passions are the horses and “the best turn out on the field”. With her ‘can do’ attitude and love of horses the yard is ship shape!
Courtney
Groom
Self-confessed “horse mad” and always smiley and ready to assist, Courtney joins us from an eventing and showjumping background which gave her the opportunity of producing and breaking in her own horses to BE100 and BE90 levels. There’s never a bag of carrots too far away from her and the ponies!
Aaron
Apprentice Groom
Currently studying his Level 3 Equine Groom course at Merrist Wood, Aaron has been associated with the club for 3 years helping out on our Fun Days. Aaron has nearly completed his first year of equine management, including horse welfare and behaviour, riding and excercising and stable and yard management. With his charming manner, Arron is always keen to learn and assist and he’s going to make a great player!
Fabian & Charlie
Pilots
Our Argentine equestrian evangelists, breaking in and training our strings of young horses as part of our breeding and production program. Alongside Richard, they ensure the horse’s well-being and make sure the horses are schooled to perfection.,
Nina
Accounts Manager
Relatively new to the polo world but with great expertise, Nina heads up our accounts team, with over 15 years of managing accounts for companies worldwide. For all accounts enquiries please contact Nina directly:
Tel: 01276 858545
Email: accounts@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk