United States Polo Association®

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Carolyn Stimmel

Houston, TX

Carolyn was initially invited to participate in a Baker-Linfoot clinic at Eldorado Polo Club at 19 years old. The experience was a catalyst for a lifetime of involvement in polo. Initially, Carolyn worked for Paul Walton under Barlee Flander’s leadership and honed her skills. Today she is currently a certified Horsemanship Association Level 4 Master Instructor in Western Trail and Jumping, and certified through the American Quarter Horse Association Professional Horseman. Carolyn is on the USPA Junior Polo Committee and teaches lessons at the Houston Polo Club.

What has been one of your favorite teaching memories?
“A wonderful teaching memory for me recently came in the form of a text and picture. Upon relocating to another city I heard from a group of young ladies who were competing at an I/I tournament. I had previously worked with the team for more than two years. A VERY enthusiastic text and exuberant picture was sent to me showing the team at the tournament. It was not the score that was important in the text it was gratitude and happiness the young ladies exemplified. They were thanking me for being apart of their journey. This made me realize teaching goes way beyond a particular lesson in the arena. The Team continues to update me and make me apart of their success and losses. I realized from seeing the pictures and updates the young ladies play from their hearts whether winning, or sustaining a loss. They love the sport of polo. This brings me great joy to know they continue on and I had the honor to be a small step in their journey”