Sports

Bonnie Brae Polo Games are Classic Event [VIDEO]

Annual fundraiser for Bonnie Brae in Bernards Township offers fox hounds, classic cars — and of course, a polo match.

The hosted its 13th annual Polo Classic last Saturday at Fieldveiw Farm in Pittstown, on an afternoon that showed that New Jersey can throw a blue-blooded event in Somerset's own backyard.

The Polo Classic is a yearly fundraiser for the residental school and treatment center in the Liberty Corner section of Bernards Township. It serves adolescent boys who come from troubled or unstable backgrounds.

The polo match featured the Stone Roads Farm team in red against The Far Hills Polo Club in blue, with non-professional players. The event featured traditional entertainment, including a parade of classic cars, music provided by the Champion Pipe and Drums, the Essex Fox hounds and the Tewksbury Foot Bassets in addition to the polo match itself.

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Awards also were offered to spectators including, prettiest adult hat, most creative hats and prettiest child’s hat. 

The polo match was played on a field that is 300 by 150 yards with two teams each comprised of four players who fulfill a different role in the match.

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Play is continuous and is composed of six 7-minute periods called “chukkers.” There is a four-minute interval between chukkers during which players may change horses. The object is to hit the ball through the goal posts located at each end of the playing field no matter how high. Two mounted umpires serve to officiate the game. Players are permitted to “bump” other players with their horse in order to disrupt their shot.

The Bonnie Brae School is located on Valley Road in Bernards Township. The school has been in operation since 1916. Bonnie Brae hosts numerous events throughout the year including the educational center's annual also held at the beginning of each June.

Tim Gaziano

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