If we talk about women’s polo, one of the undisputed global icons is Hazel Jackson, the 34-year-old British player. Born in New Forest, a town an hour and a half south of London, she is rated 10 goals in Argentina, the United States, and England.
She’s a champion of all the major women’s polo tournaments. Her achievements include the Women’s US Open, the Women’s Gold Cup, and the Argentine Women’s Open. Notably, she won the last two last year with the UAE organization.
As one of the top female polo players in the world, she doesn’t settle for competing only in women’s tournaments. Her competitive spirit drives her to match up against men in high-goal tournaments around the world. This year, just like last year, she will play in the men’s high-goal season in England, participating in tournaments like the Queen’s Cup and the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup. Last year, she represented Black Bears alongside Gonzalito and Facundo Pieres. This year, she’ll wear the green jersey of the reigning champions, Dubai Polo Team, where she’ll play alongside Camilo “Jeta” Castagnola, Antonio Heguy, and Rashid Albwardy.
Hazel spoke with Pololine and shared the following:
– How are you preparing for the England season?
“Honestly, I’m really excited for the season to begin. I’ve been riding a lot and trying horses. We had practice yesterday and have another one tomorrow. I’m preparing as much as I can, because practices in Dubai are very fast-paced. Jeta (Castagnola) hasn’t arrived yet, but Lolo (Castagnola) is already here, and I’ve been riding a lot with him, he’s a great guide. I’m doing the best I can, stick-and-balling a lot and riding a lot; we’re starting slow but I hope it’s going to be a great season.”
– At what point in your career do you feel you are right now?
“Honestly, I feel like I’m at the peak of my career. I’m 34, and I finally have a strong base in both Argentina and England. It’s taken nearly my whole life to reach this point. I’m so grateful to UAE for always supporting me and helping with flights for my horses and with my career overall. I know I’m very responsible and dedicated, and if opportunities like this (playing high-goal) keep coming, I will take them and continue playing polo as long as I can. I’m living a dream right now and, like I said, I’m at the top of my game. I think for any professional woman, playing the most prestigious tournament in the world, surrounded by the best players in the world, is a dream and a huge goal—and I’m lucky to be living it.”
– How do you feel about returning to play in the men’s high-goal, especially considering you’ll be the only professional woman this time?
“As you can imagine, I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to play with Dubai, and I’m very excited for the season to start. I’m also thrilled to be back in the men’s high-goal—it’s always been a dream, and I’m continuing to live it. I trust that I’ll be faster and stronger this time, since it’s my second year at this level. Last year with Black Bears was my first, and I learned a ton. I’m learning a lot during practice and also improving my reaction speed, which is crucial. Playing at this level—especially alongside Jeta Castagnola and Tony Heguy—is the dream. I hope this inspires all the girls out there, to show them that opportunities like this can come, because it’s incredible to be the only professional woman playing in the men’s high-goal.”
– Last year, you played with the Pieres brothers, Gonzalo and Facundo. This year, you’ll play for Dubai, alongside one of the best players in the world right now, Jeta Castagnola. How did the idea to join this team come about?
“They called me last Christmas. We had a meeting, and they told me they wanted me to join them for the upcoming UK season. As you can imagine, I was incredibly grateful. Just days earlier, I had played the Gold Cup with Barto and Jeta (Castagnola) in Bardon. We reached the final, though unfortunately we lost—but it was a great experience. Playing with both of them together is anyone’s dream. When Lolo (Castagnola) asked me, I didn’t even hesitate—I took the opportunity immediately. I arrived in England literally a week ago, and Dubai’s organization is just incredible. You don’t need to ask for anything—everything’s already arranged. The moment I landed, I had a house and a car—it’s a dream come true. I just hope I can repay the trust they’ve put in me by playing my best and showing my skills.”
– Women’s polo has grown exponentially in recent years. As someone who has been a key part of that growth, how do you see this evolution?
“The growth of women’s polo is truly amazing—especially in Argentina. Incredible players are emerging. I love playing women’s polo in both England and Argentina. Unfortunately, in the U.S., it’s still not as competitive as in those other two countries. In Argentina, there are more and more high-level tournaments. In the UK, we now have a 22-goal circuit that’s incredible, with top-level organizations. Polo just keeps growing, and that’s fantastic. It’s not only about more teams—it’s also that matches are now being played over more chukkers, which helps raise the level. Although there are some, I wish there were more clinics and support for young girls just starting out. I’d love to help however I can to keep this growth going.”