Here are a few tips to prepare you for before, during and after a storm if you’re in the Caribbean:

Before

1. Store shutters and materials for boarding up windows and doors.
2. Trim tree branches. Ensure to call Barbados Light & Power to have them remove any limbs that are too close to power lines.
3. Clear gutters and drains of debris.
4. Store important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account in a waterproof, portable container.
5. Learn where the closest shelter to you is located.
6. Turn refrigerator to the coldest setting in case the power goes off. To conserve the fridge temperature, pack a cooler with the items you will use the most in order to regulate how often you go in and out of the fridge.
7. Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
8. Store outdoor furniture in case of high winds.
9. Bring animals inside.
10. Stock up on batteries for all devices.
11. Buy a small generator.

Click the following link for a full list of supplies you should consider stocking up with for the hurricane season: Hurricane  Supplies: Be Prepared

During

1. Stay indoors.
2. Keep listening to the radio to keep updated on the hurricane’s activity.
3. If there is a lull in storm activity, DO NOT go outside. There is generally a temporary time of calm as the eye of a hurricane, which is usually followed by high winds coming from the opposite direction.

After

1. Continue listening to the radio for updates on damages caused, any roads blocked etc.
2. Avoid the urge to go sight seeing until you’re given the all-clear from the officials.
3. Avoid using your vehicle unless necessary. Be aware of flooded roads and washed out bridges.
4. Keep away from loose or damaged power lines and report them immediately. Call 626-1800.
5. Inspect your home for any damages and take pictures for building and contents insurance purposes.
6. Avoid drinking or cooking with water from the tap until there is clearance that it is not contaminated.
7. Use landlines and cell phones for emergency calls only.
8. Use flashlights and NOT candles in the dark.

Here’s a list of hurricane supplies we put together for you:

• Dry, canned and non-perishable food (Enough for at least a three day supply)
• Water: One gallon of water per person for drinking and sanitation (Enough for at least three days)
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper . When diluted (nine parts water to one part bleach), this can be used as a disinfectant or in an emergency. You can also treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, colour safe or bleaches with added cleaners
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights
• Battery-powered radio (preferably a weather radio)
• Extra batteries for all battery operated gadgets
• First aid kit with latex gloves, sterile dressings, soap/cleaning agent, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, adhesive bandages in small, medium and large sizes, eye wash, thermometer, aspirin/pain reliever, anti-diarrhea tablets, antacids, laxatives, small scissors, tweezers & petroleum jelly
• Small fire extinguisher
• Whistles for each person
• At least a seven-day supply of prescription medications
• Equipped tool box or a multipurpose tool with pliers and a screwdriver
• Cell phones and chargers
• Contact information for family
• A sleeping bag for each person
• Cash
• Silver foil emergency blanket
• Map of your neighbourhood
• Matches
• Garbage bags
• Feminine supplies and person hygiene items
• Plastic cups, plates and paper towels in case there is no water to wash up dishes
• Baby supplies
• Pet supplies
• Wet wipes
• A camera (to document storm damage)
• Insect repellent
• Rain gear
• Tools and supplies for securing your home
• Plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Dust masks
• An extra set of house keys
• An extra set of car keys
• An emergency ladder to evacuate the second floor
• Activities for children
• Charcoal and matches, if you have a portable grill, but only use it outside

St. Nicholas Abbey is located in the parish of St. Peter and is one of only three genuine Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere that was built in 1658. We would advise you set aside at least 2 hours in order to take in everything St. Nicholas Abbey has to offer during their tours.

The tour includes the main house, where you can admire the architecture and historical furnishings, as well as the steam mill and rum distillery which are now in full operation (but only run on select days) and are used to produce St. Nicholas Abbey Rum. You may purchase rum and other sugar products at the gift shop. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with tropical flora while the natural gullies are home to Mahogany and Silk Cotton trees.

St. Nicholas Abbey is open Sunday to Friday from 10:00 AM  to 3.30 PM | Admission is BBD $35 for Adults  and BBD $20 for Children.

To find out more about St. Nicholas Abbey click here.

Earthworks Pottery

Situated in the central parish of St. Thomas is this unique pottery attraction . Earthworks pottery uses red clay to create their magnificent ceramic pieces that are hand-finished and hand-decorated with underglaze colours. They create a fully functional line of tableware as well as customised work such as house-name or number displays, and floor tiles. Their products are lead-free and food safe. Everything is dishwasher and microwave safe.

While visiting Earthworks Pottery you can see the 14 potters and painters at work creating the beautiful fun and functional pieces with vibrant colours. In addition, you will find the Batik Studio where you can see batiks being handmade. You can also visit On The Wall Gallery with pieces done by a talented Bajan Artist and relax at the Art House Café where you can sit on the open verandah overlooking the valley, and enjoy the sandwiches, salads, pastas and tropical drinks available.

Earthworks Pottery will pack any piece you wish to purchase for travel or they can arrange for it to be shipped to you at home!

Earthworks Pottery is open on Weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Admission is FREE!

For more information on Earthworks Pottery click here.

Mallalieu Motor Collection

For those enthusiastic car fanatics this one is definitely for you! Located at Pavilion Court, Hastings on the South coast of Barbados, is the island’s only “old car” collection. This automobile collection represents a history of motoring and motorsports on the island since 1957. The walls of the garage are covered with photographs including the islands’ first bus, police car, taxi and cars with interesting pieces of information pinned up alongside. The vehicles are all in good running order and are kept polished and tuned by an employee who is devoted to their daily care, beginning daily at 6:00 AM.

Some of the automobiles on display at the Mallalieu Motor Collection are a 1955 Rover 75, Allard P1, 1947 Bentley Drophead Coupe, a unique car built to order for Prince Bernhard of Nertherlands, Citroen Big 15, Triumph TR4, 1963 Volvo 122S, Chevrolet Master 6 (Canadian built) and many more.

Mallalieu Motor Collection is open Weekdays from 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM | Admission is BBD $20.

To find out more about The Mallaieu Motor Collection or get directions, call 426 4640.

For those of you who may want to learn more about the history of our island you should check out our museums…

Barbados Museum and Historical Society

Within the Museum’s 19th century buildings you can learn about the people of Barbados. From the earliest inhabitants, to folk life, there is something for everyone here. You can see artefacts on natural history, African artefacts, Barbadian Social history, decorative arts, and military history.

At the Museum’s Shilstone Memorial Library you can discover your family history and connections by looking at archival documents, genealogical records and much more.

The Barbados Museum is opened Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Sundays 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM |Admission for locals is FREE with your Barbados I.D card | All others admission is BBD $15 for Adults and BBD $7 for Children.

For more information on the Barbados and Historical Society click here.

George Washington House

Barbados is the only country outside of the USA where the 1st president of the United States ever resided. The house and outlying buildings have been restored by the Barbados National Trust to represent its 18th Century architecture, creating a heritage site on the historic Garrison that celebrates the visit and the role Barbados played in the settlement of America. This Barbados attraction is located by the Garrison Savannah on the South coast of the island.

George Washington House is open Weekdays from  9:00 AM to 4:30 PM | Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Admission is BBD $20.

For more information on George Washington House click here.

The Parliament Museum

Established in 1939 the Parliament of Barbados is the third oldest in the Commonwealth. The exhibition is located in the West Wing of the Parliament Building in the capital Bridgetown and tells the story of great achievements using interactive audio and video and pictures throughout.

The Parliament Museum is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM | Admission is BBD $10.

For more information on The Parliament Museum click here.

Cricket Legends of Barbados Museum

Situated at the Herbert House in Fontabelle, St. Michael, just a stones throw away from the Kensington Oval, is a museum completely dedicated to the game of cricket.

A wealth of information becomes available to all persons who are interested in the history and legends of the game of cricket through the presentation of various displays and themed rooms. There is a portrait room, the walls of which are filled with photos of various cricketing giants from through the years. Each picture comes complete with a short biography and the main cricket stats associated with the picture’s subject. Some of the photos included in this room are of The Giants, Sir Everton Weekes, Joel Garner, Sir Conrad Hunte and Desmond Haynes.

Cricket Legends of Barbados Museum is open Weekdays from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM | Saturdays 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM | Admission is BBD $20.

For more information on the Cricket Legends Of Barbados Museum click here.

Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum

The Nidhe Israel (Scattered of Israel) Synagogue is the earliest constructed synagogue which is still in use in the Western hemisphere. This museum was founded in 1654 and is located just a few minutes walk from Broad Street in Bridgetown.

A Mikvah (which means a ritual bath) was restored in 2010 and is confirmed as the oldest full immersion Mikvah fed by a natural spring in the Western hemisphere. The Mikyah was created prior to the building of the original synagogue. The tour of the museum and synagogue provides an enlightening and interesting experience of life in historical Barbados.

The Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum is open Weekdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM | Admission is BBD $25.

For more information about Nidhe Isreal Synagogue & Museum click here.

Mount Gay Visitor Centre

The Mount Gay Visitor Centre is the place to discover the mysteries and secrets behind Barbados’ finest and most celebrated spirit: 300-year-old Mount Gay Rum.

With three tours to choose from including a Signature Rum Tour, an interactive Cocktail Tour and a Bajan Buffet Lunch Tour, guests will experience the history of Mount Gay Rum. Guests will also be taken on a journey of our rich heritage and the time proven craftsmanship of the world’s oldest rum. Here you will see the distillation, aging and blending techniques for perfecting the rum.

For information on prices and times of the different tours click here.

Plan a weekend a getaway in Barbados at Rockley Golf & Country Club on the South coast of the island.

Staycation rates

• Studio apartments — USD $80 per night
• One bedroom apartments — USD $90 per night
• Two bedroom apartments — USD $120 per night

Special!!

Ask about our all inclusive rates, which includes:

• A buffet lunch at Birdies Restaurant AND
• One round of golf per day!

Contact us to book your weekend getaway!

A little bit about your staycation at Rockley Golf & Country Club

Rockley Golf & Country Club offers 70 acres of tropical park land beautifully landscaped with lush gardens and highlighted by a 9 hole (18 tee) par 35 golf course. This development comprises of a number of clusters or neighbourhoods, most of which have their own communal pool and access to all of the amenities this South coast golf club has to offer.

Amenities on site

• Professionally staffed pro shop
• Bar and restaurant
• 5 flood lit tennis courts
• Spa
• Barber
• Hair dressing salon
• Taxi rank
• You can book tee times, rent golf clubs, pull trolleys, club carts and tennis equipment, as well as purchase apparel from the pro shop and there is also a golf and tennis pro available for lessons.
• The restaurant which is situated within the same building as the pro shop offers breakfast lunch and dinner with daily specials.

Here are our picks for the best beach bars in Barbados:

The Tiki Bar – NEW

Located on Accra Beach on the South coast of the island is The Tiki Bar. During the day you can rent a chair and umbrella and collect “Tiki Cash” which is redeemable at the bar for food and drinks. While you are there you can try one of their many Tiki cocktails, as they have one for every letter of the alphabet. If you have children, the calm water in front of The Tiki Bar is prefect for them to swim and play.

Tiki cash is when you rent a chair and umbrella, you receive vouchers worth the amount of the rental (BBD $30) and then you can refund them at the bar and restaurant. Menu prices range from BBD $15 to BBD $40.

Carib Restaurant & Beach Bar

Carib Restaurant & Beach Bar is situated on the beautiful Worthing Beach otherwise known as Sandy Beach. This restaurant and beach bar boast views of the sandy white beach, and the aqua blue seas from either the lower or upper deck. When the tide is low and the reef is exposed, it looks like a lovely lagoon. Carib is great for families with young children, as the beach is broad and at low tide the water is very shallow. The menu is wonderful, the service pleasant and the entertainment lively.

Happy Hour: Monday to Saturday 5 PM to 7 PM; Sunday and any Barbados recognised holidays from 4 PM to 6 PM. Menu prices range from BBD $12  to $15 for Starters and BBD $16 to $50 for Mains. Beach chairs can be rented for about BBD $8 and umbrellas for BBD $10.

Copacabana Beach Bar

Copacabana Beach Bar & Grill is known for their Piña Coladas and Daiquiris. This beach bar is located on the outskirts of Bridgetown on Brownes Beach in Carlisle Bay. The beach is quite large, and goes on for what seems like miles. The sand is white, and the water perfectly calm. Beach chairs can be rented for BBD $10.

It’s perfect for swimming and you can even snorkel and see some of the ship wrecks in the bay. You can also rent chairs, umbrellas and kayaks. There is convenient parking, changing facilities and lockers, so hanging out at the Copacabana Beach Bar & Grill is hassle free. Copacabana offers barbeque chicken, fish, hotdogs, hamburgers, good ole Bajan food and a wide assortment of drinks. Menu prices range from BBD $10 to $35.

Sharkey’s Bar at The Boatyard

Located at The Boatyard also in Carlisle Bay, is this fun colourful bar. The bar is open from 9 am every day with happy hour being more than once! (11 AM to 12 OPM, 2 PM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 7 PM). You can pay for a day pass (BBD $40 ) that is redeemable at the bar/ restaurant and you will have access to beach chairs, umbrellas, ocean trampoline, rope swing, dive platform, washrooms and changing facilities. When visiting be sure to ask for the bar special — “Shark Bite”.

A Shark Bite is a tropical drink made of Blue Curacao, Grenadine, Spiced Rum, Light Rum and Sweet and Sour Mix. Menu prices for food range from BBD $15 for Starters to BBD $15 to $50 for Mains.

Weisers On The Bay

This Barbados beach bar is situated on the Spring Garden Highway on Brandon’s Beach. It’s a very laid back setting. You can relax and enjoy watching the sail boats and cruise liners moving in and out of the Harbour. This Barbados beach bar is also situated on a long stretch of perfectly white sandy beach. Weisers On The Bay has good food, charming staff and a vibrant atmosphere which is ever present in the orange and green colours that adorn this building. When you visit be sure to try their signature drink, the “Weisers Love Bird”.

A Weisers Love Bird is a drink made from Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Blue Curacao, and Pineapple juice. Menu prices range from BBD $10 to $40.

Ju-Ju’s Beach Bar

Ju-Ju’s is a small, laid-back beach bar right on one of the best West coast beaches. The beach is prefect for swimming or you can snorkel over the reef that is close to the shore. Sea turtles are often seen in this area. If you see the catamarans close by you know you are in luck, as the boat staff usually attract their attention by throwing out some “feed”! You can rent beach chairs to lounge and work on the tan, or if you prefer more exciting activities there is an array of water sports available. Ju -Ju’s is known for the best grilled fish and homemade fries in Barbados!

This charming Barbados beach bar is well tucked away and there are no signs hinting to its whereabouts. Located between Fairmont Royal Pavilion and the Lone Star, look for the lime house and sign for Dive Barbados (the Seventh Day Adventist Church is opposite) for a narrow passage with steps leading down to the beach. Food starts at BBD $20 and you can rent chairs and umbrellas from BBD $15 each.

Mullins Restaurant & Beach Bar

Mullins Restaurant & Beach Bar is located on Mullins Bay in St. Peter. There is a large bar and dining area under cover, with additional seating out on the wooden deck. Excellent beach and swimming area, with a good range of water sports. Beach chairs and umbrellas for hire. While at Mullins you may even run into a celebratory!

For Mullin Restaurant & Beach Bar menu click here.

Here are some of our favourite options! Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture some amazing scenic images at these locations.

Harrison’s Cave

Harrison’s Cave is a massive underground stream cave system, with huge caverns and breathtaking formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The caves expand over approximately 2.3 kilometres with the largest cavern measuring 15 metres/50 feet high.

Harrison’s Cave is located in the central highlands of the island, in the parish of St. Thomas. There are different types of tours available, from sitting on a tram with a tour guide, to a walk through tour or going through some of the cave’s natural passages as only the early explorers did to see breathtaking crystallized formations.

For more information on Harrison’s Cave click here.

Animal Flower Cave

Another cave that is fun to visit is the Animal Flower Cave, located on the most Northerly point of Barbados. Here, visitors can see sea anemones in the pools of the cave. Some of these pools are even deep enough for swimming. There are also openings in the walls of the cave that look out to sea, offering spectacular views!

After the caves, visitors can stop by the Pirates Tavern Bar and Restaurant, or relax and take in the view of the Atlantic Ocean crashing onto the cliffs below. There are also several small craft stalls as well as jewellery and clothes stall where purchases can be made.

Visitors in March may be lucky enough to see some whales that swim by our shores.

Barbados has some exquisite gardens to visit with all types of tropical flowers, and our next attraction is a favourite among some of the staff of IGR:

Orchid World

As you can guess from the name, this garden is all about orchids! They are home to over 30,000 exquisite orchids as well as many other tropical plants like the bougainvillea, heliconia, palms, ferns, cacti and succulents to name just a few.

Orchid World is open daily from 9 AM. Admission is BBD $25 for Adults and BBD $10 for Children under 12.

For more information on Orchid World click here.

Hunte’s Gardens

Another wonderful garden to tour is Hunte’s Gardens, located in the parish of St. Joseph. Visitors can walk along the pathways through a naturally formed gully featuring an array of tropical flowers, trees and foliage. Throughout the gardens are statues, antiques and other beautiful decorative pieces that add to this amazing experience.

All gardeners, horticulture or plant enthusiasts will truly enjoy their visit to Hunte’s Gardens for it is truly a beautiful place in Barbados, appealing to all who wish to be mesmerized by nature’s beauty.

Hunte’s Gardens is open daily 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is BBD $30.

For more information on Hunte’s Gardens click here.

Andromeda Gardens

This six acre garden is nestled on a cliff in St. Joseph overlooking the East coast. There are several varieties of orchids, palms, ferns, heliconia, hibiscus, bougainvillea, begonias and cacti. The garden is complemented by a lovely stream which bisects the land and forms enchanting pools and waterfalls.

Andromeda Gardens is open daily 9 AM to 4.30 PM. Admission is BBD $25 for Adults and BBD $12.50 for Children 6 to 12 years.

Barbados has several gullies with tropical plants and trees and there are two in particular which offer tours:

Welchman Hall Gully

Located in the centre of the island is the enchanted tropical forest of Welchman Hall Gully. The gully is not far from, and still geologically connected to Harrison’s Cave. Actually, Welchman Hall Gully was formed by the collapsed roofs of caves. The gully is ¾ mile long and filled with exotic tropical plants and trees. Walking through the path you may also see a troop of green monkeys swinging through the trees!

Fun Fact: The grapefruit is originally from Barbados and is rumoured to have started in Welchman Hall Gully.

Welchman Hall Gully is open daily from 9 Am to 4 PM. Admission is BBD $24 for Adults and BBD $12 for Children 5 to 12.

For more information on Welchman Hall Gully click here.

Aerial Trek

Adventurous? Then don’t miss out on this exciting tour! Image gliding through the tree tops of Jack-in-the-box Gully. It truly feels like flying (via a zip line of course). The tour has eight platforms each manned by the guides who also provide information on the different areas of the eco-system.

Guest will also enjoy beautiful views of our island and will be provided with great information on the geological formations, which will become apparent during the tour.

For rates and more information on the Aerial Trek tours click here.

There are many ways to see our little island in the sun. Hire a car and use a map, arrange a tour with a taxi or take the bus. However, there are hidden beauties around Barbados that one cannot get to or view by car, taxi or bus. Below are some of the special exciting tours you can book:

Segway of Barbados

This is definitely a different way to see our island. The Segway tour is in the rural North Eastern part of the island and is 1 hour and 30 minutes long. Visitors will travel across open fields, rugged cliff tops while taking in the breathtaking views of our island’s coastlines and pounding Atlantic surf.

There are several stops along the way to allow for photo ops’, even some cows and black belly sheep may join the tour! One of those stops is a well known beach called Little Bay, where magnificent blow holes and soaking pools can be seen.

For more information on Segway of Barbados click here.

Island Safari

Hop in the back of one of Island Safari’s Land Rover jeeps and see the island like never before. This 4×4 tour travels to some of the most beautiful and picturesque places on the island, inaccessible to the average commuter.

The drivers of the jeeps keep everyone well informed along the way, telling you about the culture, history and folklore of Barbados. The Land Rover jeeps will venture on and off the beaten track; through gullies, along the coastal line and show the many hidden secrets on our magnificent island – which the first settlers would have encountered. It will truly be a day of adventure and exploration.

Island Safari also has some other tours that you maybe interested in.

• Land & Sea Safari Tours
• Beach Safari Tours
• Rum Shop Safari Tours

For more information on Island Safari Tours and rates click here.

Barbados celebrates the Oistins Fish Festival every year during the Easter weekend. This festival is held to honour persons that have contributed to and/or worked in the fishing industry of Barbados.

The Oistins Fish Festival has a street fair that starts on Easter Saturday and ends on the evening of Easter Monday. At this street fair you will find vendors selling local arts & crafts, children’s toys and an array of tasty food. There are also competitions such as fish boning, climbing of the grease pole, and the fishermen racing their boats. This event is great for locals and visitors alike to go and watch. There is also cultural entertainment such as steel-pan and tuk-band.

Kite flying is also quite popular at this time of year. It is traditional for Barbadians to make their own kites using coloured tissue paper or old plastic bags, twigs or pieces of wood and strips of old cloth for the tail otherwise know as the “bull”. The “bull” is what creates the loud buzzing noise while the kite is flying. In recent years the Government implemented restricted areas where kites cannot be flown, mostly due to the fact that they are in the path of airplanes or near to high voltage power lines.

There is kite competition that is held at the Garrison Savannah on Easter Monday to showcase Barbadian’s kite making ability. Kites of all descriptions can be seen from the smallest to the largest and the unusual.

Another tradition at this time of year is hot cross buns. These are spiced sweet buns made with currants or raisins marked with a cross on the top. These are usually eaten on Good Friday at breakfast time. The cross on the bun is to represents the cross of the crucifixion of Christ and the shape of the bun represents the rock that was removed from the front of the tomb when he was resurrected on Easter Sunday.

There is even a rhyme about hot cross buns.

Hot cross buns, Hot cross buns,
One a penny, two a penny,
Hot cross buns.

Happy Easter from the Island Gold Realty Team!

Barbados is now home to five international standard fields, Barbados Polo Club (Holders Field) in St. James, Lion Castle in St. Thomas & Apes Hill Polo Club in St. James. The other two are Clifton in St. Thomas & Buttals in St. George.

The polo season in Barbados runs from January to May each year. Several international teams come to the island to participate in matches. The most frequent participants are from the UK, USA, Canada, Jamaica, India & Brazil. A popular match is The Ladies Tour, better known as “Battle of the Sexes”, which casts the men against the women. Visitors and locals eagerly anticipate this event and it is always fun to watch.

In 2010, Barbados welcomed the handsome Prince Harry who took part in the inaugural Sentebale Polo Cup at the Apes Hill Polo Club. Sentebale is Prince Harry’s charity  which helps orphans and vulnerable children in the land-locked kingdom of Lesotho.

Polo has become a popular social event in Barbados. Spectators can enjoy watching the game while sipping a cup of tea, or they can have glass of wine from the bar. There is always a lively “lime” after the match so no one ever rushes home!

Polo has been cast with an image of tradition and formality when it comes to dress code. While polo itself is very traditional, the truth is it is a very casual family event. Spectators wear mixed attire, from blue jeans and flip flops to colourful hats and sundresses, kaki’s and button down shirts.

For polo matches this season just visit this website.

Here are some interesting facts about the game

• Polo is played on a grass field, 300 yards (900 feet) in length by 160 yards (480 feet).
• There two teams made up of four players on each team.
• There are four to six chukkas (rounds) for each game each lasting 7 minutes and 30 seconds.
• The object of the game is to score as many goals in a match. After each goal the teams changes direction. The theory is that the practice of changing after every goal scored originated in the days when many polo fields ran east-west (they’re usually situated north-south now) and neither team wanted to play for extended periods of time with the sun and/or wind in their faces.
• Did you know that there are no left-handed players in polo? This is for the safety of the players.

Terms Used At Polo

Chukka: The origins of this term, meaning the “basic period of play,” are obscure, although it is thought to have come from India. There are between 4 and 6 chukkas of play (dependant on the level of polo being played) – each lasting 7 minutes, 30 seconds. A bell or horn sounds at 7 minutes to warn the players. A second bell then sounds 30 seconds later to end play. The last chukka ends at 7 minutes with no extra time.

Foul: An infraction of the rules. Most fouls govern the safe riding and the concept of the line of the ball.

Goal: A score which is tallied any time the ball travels between the goal posts, whether hit in by attacker, defender, or pony.

Handicap: The comparative rating of polo players. Handicaps are expressed in goals
(to describe a player’s value to the team, not the number of goals he is expected to score) and range from the beginners’ -2 to 10 goals (the best). Players’ handicaps are added together to derive a team handicap that, in turn, is used to equalize competition. The difference in goals between two teams is awarded to the lower rated team before play begins.

Polo Ball: Approximately 3-1/2 inches in diameter and 4 ounces in weight, the ball is made of hard plastic. At one time it was made of wood or willow root.

Hook: One of the two defensive manoeuvres (the other is the ride-off) allowed in the rules. The mallet is used to block or interfere with another player’s swing at the ball, although it must be used in an approved manner. Unsafe hooking or hitting into a pony is a foul.

Ride-Off: Similar in concept to a body-check in hockey, a ride-off is used to break an opposing player’s concentration, move him off the line of the ball, or spoil his shot. A ride-off is hard and dramatic, but executed properly, does not endanger the horses.

Hit-In: A hit-in takes place when the ball goes over the back line, wide of the goal mouth. The defending team hits the ball back into play from the back line. This gives the defending team a free hit and can often change the momentum of play.

Referee: The Referee, usually on foot at midfield, does not call fouls but is the final word in the case of a dispute between the two mounted umpires. The Referee is sometimes known as the “third man.”

Umpires: These are the on-field officials. Mounted on horses, the umpires wear black and white, vertically striped shirts to identify them. Most polo umpires are active players. The umpires are responsible for” enforcing the rules,” and “keeping proper control over players and teams” in a sport in which tempers often run hot.

Line of the Ball: The imaginary line created by the ball in its sometimes capricious travels. The line of the ball may not be crossed or infringed except in special circumstances. This is the pivotal concept on which many fouls and infractions are based – the interpretation of the line of the ball is usually what the umpires are discussing after they have blown a foul whistle.

Safety 60: A free hit. When the ball rolls over the back line wide of the goal mouth as a result of being touched by a defending man, the attacking team is allowed to hit a safety from 60 yards out to a defended goal. The clock is stopped and the ball is placed on the 60-yard line approximately in line with the spot where the ball crossed the back line.

Near-Side: The left side of the horse

Off-Side: The right side of the horse. By the rules, there are no left-handed polo players. You play with your right hand or you don’t play.

Out of Bounds: When the ball is hit over the side-lines, it is out of bounds. The clock continues to run. Teams line up at that spot and the ball is thrown in by the umpires. Deliberately hitting the ball out in the closing seconds of a match can be an excellent strategic play.

Throw-in: The game is started with a throw-in, whereby the ball is literally thrown in between the lined up teams by the umpire.

Mallet: The instrument used to move the ball. Although fibreglass has been used in its construction, the shaft is most often still made of bamboo. A hardwood head is used and the ball hit with the side of the head.

Player positions

Number 1: The most offensive player. This is similar to the forward position in hockey or soccer. This player should be an accurate hitter, but need not necessarily hit a
long ball.

Number 2: Primarily an offensive player but also responsible for defence, interchanging with the number 3 player. The number 2 player is often the second-highest rated player on the team.

Number 3: The quarterback and play maker. The “3″ is usually the highest rated and most experienced player. This player must be able to hit a long ball accurately but be
capable of close-in stick work and ball control.

Number 4: The back. This is a defensive position. However, a good back must be able to not only hit a good backshot, but to turn the play from defensive to offensive in a
flash. The number 4 player is the last line of defence.

Types of Shots

Back Shot: Hitting the ball in a direction opposite to that in which the player is travelling.

Neck Shot: A ball hit under the neck of a pony.

Tail Shot: Hitting a ball behind the pony.

Penalties: Infractions of the rules (fouls) result in penalties being awarded by the umpires to the offended team. The seriousness of the foul determines the degree of the penalty. Designated from 1 through 8, penalties usually involve a shot on goal from a predetermined spot with the clock stopped. The most common awarded are the 2, 3, 4, and 5. In a penalty 5, the ball is hit by the fouled team from midfield; in a 4, from the 60-yard line; in a 3, from the 40-yard line, and in a 2, from the 30-yard line.

Barbados’ North coast beaches are relatively secluded, and so it’s a good idea to take a picnic along when visiting these beaches. Some of the best North coast beaches are Cove Bay, River Bay, Little Bay and Pico Tenerife.

 Property nearby…

Type: Land for sale
Asking price: $117,500 USD 

Type: House for sale
Asking price: $400,000 USD  

This race day is held every year on the first Saturday in March and starts at 12 noon, and includes nine races in total. Every year a large crowd made up of  locals and visitors to the island gather at the Garrison Savannah for this big day at the races. The only admission for the day is if you are going in the stands.

These prices start at BDS$50, other than that you can go on the infield or around the track where it is FREE! Race day is on March 2nd this year, so come early and get a spot to watch the race. There are plenty of stalls selling food and drinks if you do not want the hassle of taking a cooler.

The featured race of the day, The Sandy Lane Gold Cup is a 12 horse race, with entries from around the Caribbean, Canada and USA. The race is 1,800 metres long and runs at 5pm. Before the race, there is the Gold Cup Parade with dancers, The Royal Barbados Police Band and Tuk Band.

Participating horses are:

Dancin David
Aristodemus
Daga
Apostle
Discreetwon
Erados
Show Me The Money
Zoom
Meteorite
Just Call Me Roger
Giovedi
Kendal Moon
Graeme Hill
Little Man Arran
Modimo

For a list of the different races on this day please see below:

Race 1 — SANDY LANE GOLD CUP

3-YEAR-OLDS & OLDER (WFA) — 1,800 M

Race 2 — SANDY LANE SPA SPRINT
3-YEAR-OLDS & OLDER (WFA) — 1,100 M

Race 3  — THE TANGLEWOOD STAKES & TROPHY
W.I. BRED 4-YEAR-OLDS & OLDER (WFA) — 2,000 M

Race 4 — THE BAJAN BLUE RESTAURANT TROPHY (CONDITION RACE)
W.I BRED 3-YEAR-OLDS (CR)
$1000.00 NOMINATION FEE DUE AT THE TIME OF ENTRY — 1,570M

Race 5 — THE COUNTRY CLUB TROPHY HANDICAP
4-YEAR-OLD & OLDER 75 to 95 (H/C) — 1,570M

Race 6 — THE L’ACAJOU RESTAURANT TROPHY HANDICAP
5-YEAR-OLD & OLDER RATED 47 – 70
(Also open to horses 5-year-old & older rated 46 and below) — 1,100 M

Race 7 — THE TREEHOUSE CLUB TROPHY (CONDITION RACE)
3-YEAR-OLDS: Also open to 4-year-olds rated 45 – 65
(PREFERENCE TO IMPORTED; THEN W.I. BRED 3-Y-O’S)
ALSO OPENED TO 4-YEAR-OLDS RATED 45 to 65 — 1,570M

Race 8 — THE VILLA AT SANDY LANE TROPHY (CONDITION RACE)
WEST INDIAN BRED 3-YEAR-OLD — 1,100 M

Race 9 — THE GREEN MONKEY TROPHY HANDICAP
(4-YEAR-OLD & OLDER MAIDENS) — 1,800 M

Photo credit: Simon Williams