2026 was the second year for Intro to Polo Camps at Virginia Polo and it was a special one! Six players loved the camps so much last year they returned, this time with siblings eager to join in. Players ages 7-17 joined us for these 5 day camps. Some families were from within 2 hours of Charlottesville, but many traveled from much further to give their young riders the opportunity to try polo.
Coach Abbie Grant crafted a well planned path for these already strong riders to go from early make contact with the ball on the first day to playing chukkers in front of an audience on day five. The kids exuded enthusiasm for the sport, eager to discuss strategy, learn the rules and fouls, and so happy to be immersed in polo and barn life for the week.
On her way to the goal in chukkers
This was a truly talented group of young riders. It is always a delight to see the big, powerful polo ponies of Virginia Polo quietly carrying around these small riders as they learn the basics. Many of the kids were used to riding much smaller ponies, but quickly fell in love with our polo ponies and enjoying their handiness, forward thinking, and bigger canters.
UVA player Abigail Ruppert teaching a camper
During the camps Abbie’s instruction is supported by UVA student players who worked at the barn over the summer. These players give back to the program by helping us build the next generation of polo players, passing on skills and riding tips to the young players.
As a measure of the camp’s success, five participants will join the interscholastic program, Virginia Juniors, this fall.
Along with growing youth polo and attracting more polo players to the Virginia Polo program at UVA, the camps are an outstanding way to connect ponies retiring from the intercollegiate polo program to young players who can benefit from the ponies’ skills at a less taxing level to the horse. Longtime Virginia Polo club pony Raga matched with his young rider so well the family took him home to live out a dream retirement on their farm. What a happy retirement for Raga and for his new aspiring player to get to enjoy him!
Raga heading to his happy new home with Owen, pictured here with Assistant Coach & Barn Manager Abbie Grant
