The reindeer have gone but the ponies are back.

A traditional blacksmith's apprentice might be startled by the footwear in the stables of Tianjin's Metropolitan Polo Club this week. The horses' hooves have been fitted with special U-shaped plastic pads under their steel horseshoes, to create a cushioning effect and prevent snow-buildup as the ponies prepare for the club's second annual snow polo tournament.

Two snow-making machines have been at work for about a month, churning out clouds of fluffy white stuff that has been tamped down and groomed by a "snow cat" machine to a depth of 25 centimeters. After the playing surface was watered for two nights to create a layer of ice, another 5 cm of snow was added and groomed.

The Tianjin polo club is one of several around the world that turn to snow polo to give their sport year-round appeal.

This year's Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup has been in the making since May, when the club brought in horses from Australia and New Zealand to increase its stable population to 160, the number of horses needed for the winter tournament. Since November, the horses have worked out in a specially designed fitness and aerobic training program, and for the past two weeks the animals have been playing in practice chukkas (periods) to practice the quick moves polo requires on the snow.

While the club's equestrian and polo facilities are reserved for club members only, international tournaments provide an opportunity for the general public to watch what's been called "the sport of kings".

Beginning Thursday (Feb 2), 12 international teams (including a squad from Hong Kong) square off for three rounds of play, with playoff matches a week later. The three daily opening contests and the quarter-finals are three chukkas each, while semifinal and final matches will be six-chukkas battles. From the viewing stands, visitors can see some of the world's top players and coaches in action.

Since the solidity of the snow is critical for the safety of players and horses, four snow machines will be on site to maintain the quality of the playing surface. After the contests, the snow will be allowed to melt away, disappearing into a subsoil drainage system in plenty of time for field polo when spring arrives.

You may contact the writer at michaelpeters@chinadaily.com.cn.

China Daily

(China Daily 01/29/2012 page15)