21 JULY 2017: HORSE PLAY FROM POLO FIELDS TO FENCES

TWO EQUESTRIAN LEGENDS MEET TO SWAP SKILLS, THANKS TO JEEP® GRAND CHEROKEE.


The setting: Cowdary Park, West Sussex. In the saddle: three-time Olympic Eventing medallist William Fox-Pitt and renowned American polo player, Nic Roldan. On the agenda: a cross-discipline masterclass in world-class horsemanship.

This rare encounter first saw Fox-Pitt schooling the American Polo champion on his jumping finesse. “Even though both sports are on horseback, I really had to focus on the show jumping”, said Roldan. “You have to make sure you have timed your rhythm and number of strides ahead of the jump – I didn’t want to knock the jump or make the horse, Rio, look bad in front of William.”

Then it was the Olympian’s turn to step outside his comfort zone, and take up the mallet for a spot of Polo under the expert guidance of Roldan. “I’ve not played polo for years”, said Fox-Pitt, “and it was surprising how different I felt on the polo pony, as the horses are completely different models.” The day ended with a friendly Chukka. Fox-Pitt finding his game greatly improved by the guidance he’d received – he even scored a few goals.

While it’s unlikely they’ll be swapping jobs for more than a day, both athletes agree on one thing – the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which they both drive. This luxury 4x4 is the most-awarded SUV ever , and for good reason. Perfectly balanced for luxurious comfort and serious practicality. And for our equestrian stars, plenty of room in the boot for mallets, boots, saddles, tackle and more. Not to mention a 3500g towing capability – for the horsebox too.


FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE GRAND CHEROKEE