June 23-27 nine enthusiastic young riders enjoyed a week of camp at the Virginia Polo Center learning the basics of polo. Over the five days of Intro to Polo Camp these strong young riders proved their skills riding new horses, adapting their riding styles to polo, and holding their first mallets. The group was a great mix of boys and girls eager to learn how to play polo. The kids were all brave on the Virginia Polo ponies, each finding one they loved, and the ponies helped them build polo skills by staying steady and quiet through first stick and ball sessions and through their first chukkers.
Assistant Coach and Barn Manager Abbie Grant instructed the group in techniques, how to hold the reins, tacking, and much more. The grand finale of the week was the Friday chukkers when parents rallied along the rail of the indoor arena to see their kids play in their first chukkers. This group was impressive! Everyone had strong riding skills, was game to try new ponies and new challenges, and really took to hitting the ball and engaging with strategy questions during whiteboard sessions with Abbie.
Along with igniting a passion for polo in this talented group of youngsters, we are also gaining members for our interscholastic team!
We received high praise from the campers and parents alike and all of us enjoyed the experience of working with eager students- we are looking forward to the next session July 21-25!
Fast friends Peter and Owen on Terri and Raga
Thank you SO MUCH to our horse donors who’ve donated such wonderful horses that will not only carry college students into fast polo, but also slow down and calmly allow kids to learn on them.
Annabelle and Machiata
Dynamic duo Wil and Baby
Bess and her favorite pony Canela
Cricket ready for her first chukker in UVA blue & orange!
Abbie Grant instructs the kids as the get started in a preliminary chukker.
