NEWS

Student representatives from 12 different intercollegiate polo programs attended the three-day intensive workshop of College Polo 101 in Aiken, South Carolina, October 7-9, led by Intercollegiate/Interscholastic staff Amy Fraser and Emily Dewey. Students represented colleges and universities from across the United States and Canada where the focus was on networking, membership retention, fundraising, equine welfare and safety. Intercollegiate polo programs represented were, Brown University, Virginia Tech, Washington & Lee University, the University of Texas, Texas Tech University, Texas Christian University, Colorado State University, Emory University, the University of Louisville, Oregon State University, Oklahoma State University and Guelph University.

To kick off the weekend, the students were given a tour of Banks Mills Feed including a talk on nutrition for polo ponies by Bank Mills Feed owner Charlie Herrick. Fundraising “dos and don'ts,” followed up by individual team fundraising plans and maximizing profits was a big take home from the trip. The focus of day two was on membership retention, networking, alumni involvement and included a talk on equine care and management for the polo pony by Team USPA member Kylie Sheehan. The final day continued with Body Condition Scoring and a Skills and Drills session. The college students then went to the Aiken Polo Club to cheer on the future intercollegiate stars during the first annual Aiken USPA Middle School tournament. The players used this venue as an opportunity to start recruiting!