Rain and slippery grass canceled the Cascade Polo Club’s Chukkers for Charity event Sunday, but several riders were at Camp Fraley Ranch on Gosney Road southeast of Bend just in case the weather cleared up.

On Saturday, the weather was nice enough for an all-women group of beginners to participate in their first game.

“These early matches are a way to get our horses some exercise and get them fit in preparation for the rest of the season,” said club president Dan Harrison. “With the bad weather we had through May we’re a little behind in starting our season this year.”

Hopeful participants brought horses from as far away as Seattle for the weekend tournament.

“The next event will be July 13 and 14 and will probably be much faster because the pros will be here,” Harrison said.

James Sheeran, who was visiting from Ireland, calls polo “the best game ever invented.” He was planning on serving as umpire for Sunday’s rained-out game, but competes when he’s back in Ireland, and has been doing so for about 25 years.

“This is the most fun game out there because it’s a combination of technical ball sport and horsemanship,” Sheeran said. “A polo handicap is the best passport a person can have in life because it’s such a small community that everyone accepts you.”

Admission for spectators at the polo matches is $10 per adult or $40 per car load. Kids younger than 12 get in free.

“We really want people to come out here, make a tailgating event out of it and bring a picnic lunch and drinks,” said club member Erika Montgomery. “We just really want to give back to the community.”

Montgomery moved to Bend last summer from Lake Tahoe because she said this area is one of the few places where she can both participate in polo events and snowboard. She said the Cascade Polo Club has welcomed her to the group.

“Dan supplies the horses, the equipment and some of the best coaching around,” she said. “This club is different because it’s not like a rich man’s club. Anyone can come out and do it.”