Get In-Person Coaching from the
GavSays Polo Academy Team
Through Group Clinics and Individual Coaching Packages in South Africa
(Or by Hiring the Team to come to You)
Quick Links: Individual Packages | Group Clinics | We Come to You | Digital Coaching
 DATES NOW AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUAL PACKAGES AND GROUP CLINICSÂ
Now Booking
Next group clinic: 10–18 October 2026
Ottawa Polo Club, KwaZulu-Natal · 9 days / 8 nights · Small group of 4–6 players
Individual & two-person coaching: Flexible dates through April–October 2027, subject to availability.
Planning further ahead? All our 2027 dates are out below.
View Group Clinic Dates | Explore Individual & Two-Person Coaching
What You Can Get:
- Coaching from and time spent with Gavin Chaplin and Rob Hampson
- Swing Coaching (wooden horse, stick & ball, and specific drills)
- Swing Analysis (filmed and reviewed)
- Riding Coaching
- Chukkas & Game Coaching
- Chukka Analysis (chukkas filmed and reviewed)
- Rules & Strategy Coaching
- Take-Home: All Recorded Video Analysis, Plus Guidelines on What to Continue Practicing On
By far the best polo learning experience I have ever had🤩
“Dear Gav and Rob, thank you for organizing such an amazing clinic, that was by far the best polo learning experience I have ever had🤩. Thank you all for an awesome week and your constant support which was very important to me❤️.⚡️”
- Anna Kryszczyszyn, Poland
I wish this clinic was available when I first started playing
"I think this clinic is essential if you want to not only improve your ability to play polo but also attain a deep understand of the game, such as where the next two plays will be and how you should position yourself - Gav is exceptional at improving your swing - slight changes in body and weight position result in significant improvements. I wish this clinic was available when I first started playing polo - I would be a much better player today"
- Mike Yermakov, USA
A must do for all polo lovers
“This clinic is a must do for all polo lovers, there is something for everyone. Not only did I have the most amazingly fun week, I also was able to leave knowing I had the groundwork in place to continue to improve. The detailed perusal of the game videos, the wooden horse, stick and ball and chukkas made for a well rounded experience.​ Warning: physical fitness and an obsession with polo a must.”
- Peta Gay Railton, Australia
Option 1 - Individual & Two-Person Coaching in South Africa
Flexible dates. A personalised programme. More individual coaching time.
Leave with noticeable improvements, confidence and a clear strategy of what to practice back home.
Available Coaching Dates
2027: Dates available from April through to October 2027.
Book on your own or with another player, with your dates, length of stay and coaching focus tailored to your requirements.
These packages place greater emphasis on individual swing technique, riding, drills and video analysis. Chukkas depend on local club schedules; tournament participation may be possible but is subject to availability and additional costs.
All dates are subject to coaching and horse availability.
 Why This Package:
- Exclusive Individual Coaching
- Focused 1-on-1 Time with Gav & Rob
- Customized schedule to work on what's most-important to your improvement and not "the group"
- Swing Technique & Riding in the Week: During the week there will be daily Swing, Hitting, and Riding sessions, backed up with Video Analysis and Strategic Coaching - Customized to what you need to work on and develop.
- Weekend Chukkas or Tournament: Chukkas will then be played on the weekends with the Richmond Polo Club members, or through entry into a tournament (see below).
- Tournaments: Entry into weekend tournaments also possible, but depending on tournament fixtures and availability (this will be at an additional cost due to tournament fees, horse transport, etc.).
- Beginner to High-Level Riding lessons (with Leigh Hampson when available)
- Walk away with noticeable improvement and a clear path of what to work on and what to practice going forward.
- Superb additional holiday activities nearby for days off or before/after your Clinic.
If you want to improve your ball hitting, your riding and your polo in the fastest time possible, this individual package is the best way to do it.
 A Typical Day Might Look Like:
8.00am - Breakfast
9:00am - Review of Coaching Focus & Lessons + Visual Skills Session
9:30am - Wooden Horse Session
10:30am - Riding Lesson / or Stick and Ball Lesson
12:00pm - R&R
1:00pm - Lunch
2-3pm - Video Analysis (of Swing Technique, Chukkas, and Riding) & Strategic Coaching
3:30-5pm - Stick and Ball Coaching & Drills / Or Chukkas
7.00pm - Dinner
Important Points to Take Note Of:
- Currently we can only facilitate 1 player at a time due to horse availability
- Chukkas are only available on the weekends because of availability of players
- Mid-week Chukka's may become available on the odd occasion if there are enough members around
- Family Members may join at an additional cost
- There are multiple options for accommodation
- Depending on the length of stay, there will be days off to rest horses (and for you ;)
Full coaching days:
One player: $1,200 USD per day
Two players: $900 USD per person per day
Arrival/departure days and rest days are priced separately. Request a personalized quote for your preferred dates and length of stay.
Available Coaching Dates
2027: Dates available from April through October 2027.
Potential Extras: For Before/After or During Days Off
(NOT Included)
KwaZulu-Natal provides a wide range of holiday options to tie in to your Coaching visit. These can be done before or after your Polo Holiday or during days off.
Here are some potential Ideas:
- Safari & Wildlife - Close by:
- Gwahumbe Game Reserve & Spa
- Insingizi Bush Lodge and Spa,
- Tala Game Reserve and African Raptor Centre
- Safari & Wildlife - 2-4 hour drive away:Â
- Nambiti Game Reserve (We love Umzolozolo lodge)
- Hluhluwe - iMfolozi Game Reserve
- Pinda Game Reserve
- Babanango Game Reserve
- Karkloof Canopy Tours (Ziplining in trees)
- The Midlands meander and Nelson Mandela capture site
- Seaside Holidays, Resorts & Surfing - A wide range all along the Kwa-Zulu-Natal Coast
- The Wild Coast (wild/tribal coastline with limited holiday resorts)
- The Drakensberg (hiking and mountain wilderness)
- Hunting
- Sky-Diving
- World-Famous Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu War Battle Sites
A game changer for my polo
“This was by far one of the best experiences of my life and a game changer for my polo. Honestly I have never had someone invest the time to teach me polo, everything was reaction and no strategy that was really easy to digest. The filming, the reviews, the players all made it an amazing experience and I think my polo will change dramatically!”
- Chelsea Newman, USA
 5000% better than anything else I’ve ever experienced
"Gav’s tuition and unique ability to impart his amazing knowledge and insight was absolutely fantastic and 5,000% better than anything else I’ve ever experienced in 25+ years playing polo in the UK and around the world - he is truly a national treasure!"
- Neil Cox, UK
I had so much fun and learned tons
“I am so grateful for all the work Gav, Rob and everyone else who worked so hard to put this awesome clinic together for us. I had so much fun and learned tons. I’m getting right to work, and jumping on the ponies now before it gets dark.”
- SueJin Hwang, California USA
Option 2 -Â Group Clinics
Location and Dates to be Confirmed
4–6 players · 9 days / 8 nights · Personal coaching within a small group.
Spend nine days working on your polo with Gav and Rob through riding and swing coaching, stick & ball, educational chukkas, video analysis, and tactical coaching.
With a small group, there is time to identify what is holding each player back, work on those areas, and help you leave with a clear plan for what to practise at home.
One full rest/recovery day is included, with the coaching schedule kept flexible around weather, field conditions and the needs of the group.
What's in This Package:
- Group Coaching Sessions: All of the coaching included in the Individual packages but done in a group setting.Â
- Walk away with noticeable improvement and a clear path of what to work on and practice going forward.
- Superb additional holiday activities nearby for days off or before/after your clinic
All Included: Eight nights’ accommodation, meals, horses for the scheduled polo programme, coaching and video analysis, polo facilities, scheduled airport transfers, and basic alcoholic drinks and refreshments at the polo ground.
Upcoming Dates:
10–18 October 2026
Ottawa Polo Club (Umdloti), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
$4,950Â USD per player for the complete nine-day package
Equivalent to $550 per day, averaged across the stay.
* This is a discounted rate due to the short notice of the Clinic.
Included: Eight nights’ accommodation, meals, horses for the scheduled polo program, coaching and video analysis, polo facilities, scheduled airport transfers, and basic alcoholic drinks and refreshments at the polo ground.
Enquire About the October Clinic2027 Dates:
Richmond Polo Club or Ottawa Polo Club, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
1–11 May 2027— 🔴 FULLY BOOKED- 29 May–6 June 2027
- 12–20 June 2027
- 10–18 July 2027
- 7–15 August 2027
- 21–29 August 2027
- 11–19 September 2027
- 9–17 October 2027
Refreshments & alcohol purchased at the accommodation, flights, travel insurance and optional excursions are not included. Safari stays and additional private coaching can be arranged before or after your clinic at an additional cost.
Price: $4,950 USD per player for the complete nine-day package
Equivalent to $550 per day, averaged across the stay.
Included: Eight nights’ accommodation, meals, horses for the scheduled polo program, coaching and video analysis, polo facilities, scheduled airport transfers, and basic alcoholic drinks and refreshments at the polo ground.
 It's A Great Investment In Your Game
"From the moment we got started, all doubts were put to rest. The team at GAVS ran an incredibly well-organized and focused program. The instruction was personalized, the feedback was direct yet constructive, and the atmosphere was both professional and encouraging. To anyone considering attending but still sitting on the fence: don’t hesitate. Whether you’re looking to sharpen fundamentals, gain strategic insight, or simply spend time immersed in high-quality polo, this clinic delivers. It’s a great investment in your game and in your growth as a player”
- Usman Dantata, Nigeria
Nothing short of game-changing
“I can’t say enough good things about this clinic. It’s not hyperbole to state that GavSays has completely transformed my game. The insights and strategies shared during the clinic were nothing short of game-changing, giving me a new lens through which to view and play polo. If you’re debating whether to attend, let me tell you this: go to South Africa. It’s worth every penny, every mile, and every moment of your time. A close second would be their online academy of videos, which are excellent in their own right. Honestly, everything else I’ve seen or experienced pales in comparison to what GavSays offers.”
- Kevin Heaney, USA
Exceeded my expectations and I would encourage anyone on the fence about attending to pull the trigger now
“I would without a doubt recommend this clinic to any polo player looking to improve, no matter their level. The instruction is clear and personalized with many opportunities to revisit aspects over the course of the week. The coaching from Rob in real time during chukkas, whether he was on my team or not, was incredibly valuable. Reviewing the videos after chukkas showed us how we could be improving our strategy. This clinic exceeded my expectations and I would encourage anyone on the fence about attending to pull the trigger now as they will not regret it.”
- Liz Calvey, USA
Option 3 - Hire Gav/Rob to Come To You
Limited AvailabilityÂ
 Why This Package:
- Exclusive coaching in your area, and on your own horses
- Focused 1-on-1 or group coaching time with Gav and Rob.
- Customized schedule to work on what's most-important to you and/or to the groups improvement
- Your Horses: When it comes to working on your polo it is always helpful if you get to utilize your own playing pony's.
- Tournaments:Â If you have entered into a tournament and are prepping, Gav can assist in your preparation and assist you and your team on how to work effectively together.
- Walk away with noticeable improvement and a clear path of what to work on and practice going forward.
If you want to improve your ball hitting, your riding and your polo - in your own environment, this package is for you.
Things to Take Note Of:
- Gav and Rob's travel, meals and accommodation will need to be covered.
- Availability is limited.
Pricing:Â $1,000 USD/per day for just one of them, or $1,500 USD/per day for Gav and Rob
Plus all travel, food and accommodation expenses covered.
Can not overstate enough how exceptional this experience truly is
“Simply one of the best physical settings and instruction-approaches to allow for players of any level to leave better than when they arrived. The obvious passion of Gav as a player translates easily into exceptional instruction on any and every aspect of the sport. The modesty, talent and patience of Rob just adds an additional layer of awesome insight and support. As one who has played in many corners of the world with the support of extraordinary (i.e., far better!) players than myself, I can not overstate enough how exceptional this experience, instruction and play truly is. Great people, beautiful space, serious polo and genuine passion for the sport all in one. Love it!
- Matt Piepenberg, France
 Every moment with Gavin and the team was beneficial
“My experience with the GPA clinic was transformative to say the least. I was impressed by the professionalism and attention and care that everyone put into the clinic. Being able to review the videos of chukkers and zero in on specific things to work on with Gavin was very helpful. I truly benefitted from Gavin's clear and in-depth explanations and also from the extra support and feedback I received from Rob. I found every conversation with Gavin to be beneficial. From passing conversations on farriers, demonstrations on finesse with the reins with Gavin to bit guidance from Rob - every moment with Gavin and the team was beneficial. As a further testament to the value of the clinic - I can't wait to come back!”
- Alex wang, USA
 The attention to detail both on and off the field are unmatched.
"Before coming to the clinic, I had some doubts about whether I would see real improvement in my polo skills within such a short time. The coaching was personalised, the training approach was incredibly effective, and the hospitality made me feel completely at home. The coaching was incredibly precise, they quickly identified small adjustments I needed to make, which immediately corrected issues that were causing miss-hits. Additionally, confidence in my knowledge of the rules on the field as well. The way it was broken down and explained through video clips, and applied during practice has already made a noticeable difference in my game. I feel more confident, more in control, and excited to keep building on what I’ve learned. For anyone considering attending but still on the fence, I can’t recommend this experience enough. The quality of instruction, the welcoming environment, and the attention to detail—both on and off the field—are unmatched. Whether you're looking to refine your skills or take your polo to the next level, this is the place to do it.
  - Isla Railton, Australia
Option 4 - Digital 1-on-1 Coaching
Swing Analysis | Game Analysis | Riding Advice | Horse Training | 1-on-1 time with Gav | Whatever you need...
Done through our Online Coaching Software on the website.
How it works:
- Purchase Your Session
- Submit Your Swing, Riding, Horse Training/Issues, or Game Videos
(or if you just want 1-on-1 mindset and discussion time with Gav, skip to step 3) - Schedule Your Session
- Have Your Session With Gav
(analysis of videos and coaching/discussion with you) - Access Your Session Recording at Anytime
Price:Â $149 / hour for a single session
Group packages available. Plus discounts for Academy Members (up 47% off).
Can’t wait to put into practice all that I have learned
“Absolutely wrecked after such a fantastic week of learning new things! Thank you Gavin and Rob for running such an amazing clinic I am delighted to have been a part of it and can't wait to put into practice all that I have learned on the polo field this season!​”
- Elaine Foley, Ireland
 A Complete Game Changer
"I’ve been watching the videos online for years but nothing can substitute the amazing eye Gav has for spotting the tiny changes needed that will improve your polo when you’re there in person with him, & the on field coaching from Rob was great too. The video analysis after chukkas is invaluable & a complete game changer. Anyone having doubts about attending one of the clinics just get yourself booked in. You won’t regret it!"
- Rob Hoe, UK
 Changed My Game For The Better.
"Your clinic changed my tactical game for the better! The video breakdowns helped so much. Thank you, Gav!”
- Liz Owen, USA