It will be the thunder of hooves and the swish of the racquet again at Kaiwhaiki's McNab Domain this weekend for the Kakatahi Polocrosse Club's annual carnival.
New club spokeswoman Sarah Wills said they are expecting to come back up to 16-20 teams from around the North Island compete, an increase on the 13 from last year for the two days of competition.
"These teams also include various import players from other countries including Australia, United Kingdom and South Africa."
The 2018 season is well underway with the Kakatahi club having attended carnivals at Ashurst, Otorohanga and Tokoroa.
The Junior and Intermediate players carnival was held at Otorahanga, with Jeffery Marshall, Georgia Walford and Tamati Butler – all original Kakatahi members – representing the Wanganui–Waimarino team, along with the now new club member Jess Leggit–Bowring and Australian imports Alex Grant and Izzy Baker–Creswell.
Mangamahu's Andy Collins, aka Coach Carter, prepared the Intermediate team and is looking forward to future seasons with them.
Among those travelling to McNab Domain is Katie Wills, of Mangamahu and Kakatahi club origin, returning to play for the weekend.
"She has been living and playing in Australia representing New South Wales Under 21's and now making the NSW Women's squad that is being selected to play at the Australian nationals in Perth this year," said Sarah Wills.
"All of that can't keep her away from wanting to return to play for her home club with family and friends."
Games commence around 9am tomorrow and continue throughout the weekend, with the finals being played from midday onwards on Sunday.
"These are a great watch and highly entertaining for spectators," said Wills.
Polocrosse is a fast paced, exciting game, requiring a high level of skill and agility from both horse and rider.
A combination of traditional polo and lacrosse, the game is played on a pitch, where each rider uses their racquet stick to collect a sponge rubber ball and look to throw it through the opposing team's goal posts.
Riders are allowed only one horse throughout the match except in the case of injury.
Wills said the carnival is a great opportunity for locals to come down and watch a unique sport which displays amazing horsemanship and sportsmanship all in one.
"Or even better, bring the kids down with their ponies to give them a go at lunchtime with all the subbies.
"Ranging in all abilities from lead to non–lead children, it is a great chance to have a go for everybody."
Entry is free with BYO food and drinks.
There will be a dinner available on Saturday night along with a cash bar for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with music and a dance floor.
The club has thanked its sponsors WVS, Liquorland, Andy and Brenda Collins, and the Mount Hamilton Trust.