Polo Players' Edition is the official publication of the U.S. Polo Association. Dedicated to the sport of polo, it features player profiles, game strategy, horse care, playing tips, polo club news and tournament results.
Issue link: https://polo.epubxp.com/i/31965
HOOKED First taste of polo captures pony kids’ interest THIS YEAR, JOSIE AND LOWRY VIDIC of the Willow Creek Polo Club in Elizabeth, Colorado have added a new chapter to the club’s long history in the Denver polo market—junior development. Long known for its beautiful polo fields and first class operation, Willow Creek is launching a junior equestrian program focused on children of all ages, and promoting the life- long sport of polo. The club kicked off the program in August with a PTF-sponsored pony club clinic featuring nationally-known polo instructor, Wilbur O’Ferrall. “It was great to see the enthusiasm from the pony club kids who came out to Willow Creek Polo Club to see what polo was all about,” said O’Ferrall. “Many of the parents stayed, took lots of pictures and even joined in the practice, and played in the foot mallet game and coaching scrimmage.” It was a local polo community effort to stage the clinic, with a special thanks going to Dr. Jason Bruemmer from Colorado State University and the CSU Polo Club for use of horses; local players Marshal and Anne Younglund for tack donations to the Willow Creek Polo School; Gene Burk for use of horses; Audrey Bangert for assistance with hauling horses and helping with clinic demonstrations; and Pam Camelio for photographing the clinic and assisting with event set up. Wilbur O’Ferrall provided an informative, fun and exciting clinic for these beginning junior polo players. For some, this was their first exposure to the sport and formal polo training. The clinic included discussion of rules, safety, and strategy. Participants also spent time in the hitting cage, learned to tack a polo pony, and played in mini chukkers. The clinic wrapped up with more discussion of what had taken place that weekend, and one lucky participant won a huge plush polo pony to take home. Everyone agreed that polo was going to become a part of their lives in the future, which is the goal of the PTF and Willow Creek Polo Club. Willow Creek looks forward to having Wilbur back for more clinics in 2011. THUNDERING HOOVES, Heavy breaths of the horses, echoing in the wind Shiny coats of these magnificent creatures that glisten SUNDAY POLO By Jeannette Maertens in the sunlight Strong, bold players upon their backs The thrill ... the action Roaring of the crowd Men and women dressed in their Sunday best Polished suits Varieties of gorgeous hats to go with their stunning sundresses Champagne flowing like water Chatter amongst the polo players as their strategy brings them closer to a win Mallets swinging Tempers flying The horses giving it their all Such a lavish sport all over the world This amazing world we call polo POLO PLAYERS EDITION 21
