SADDLE up! The 2011 British Beach Polo Championships have arrived.

Polo ponies trotted along the beach yesterday as organisers launched Poole’s ultimate summer extravaganza, now in its fourth year.

Top polo player Jack Kidd, Miss GB Amy Carrier and stars from hit TV series Made in Chelsea all picked up their mallets and had a go on the beach, ahead of the competition on July 8 and 9.

The champagne flowed at the launch party at Branksome Beach restaurant. In just five weeks’ time, the England Beach Polo and Australian Beach Polo teams will face one another on the sandy beaches at Sandbanks.

Aussie captain Glen Gilmore flew over especially for the bash.

Organiser Johnny Wheeler said: “We’re delighted to have Glen with us, it’s fantastic.

“He and Jack are good mates, but they probably won’t be in a few weeks when they’re challenging each other.”

Spectators will be spoilt for choice as the creme-de-la-creme of national and international players fight it out for the championship title over both days.

Jack, who’s bringing his favourite steed Dorado, told the Daily Echo: “Polo is booming all around the world, and beach polo especially.

“This event is really special. Outdoor polo is played on a massive field so you can hardly see the action. These matches will be really ‘in your face’ and much better to watch.” Spectators will also be able to watch Great Britain’s best Beach Volleyball athletes Tom Lord and Robin Miedzybrodzki take on Cyprus’s number one team.

Tom, from Sussex, said: “They’re often our rivals on the world tour, so it should be a good show. We train at Sandbanks and Boscombe all the time, they’re the best beaches.”

The glamorous after-parties are just as eagerly awaited. This year, revellers can watch the Hoosiers and dance the nights away courtesy of legendary London nightclub Amika.