NEWS

Story courtesy of ©CLICKPOLOUSA.

Larry Aschebrook is one of the new players polo has gained in the last few years. From Chicago, Illinois, an area with a long history in the sport and where a lot of activity has grown recently, Larry Aschebrook is the Club President of Las Brisas Farm and Polo Club in Elgin, Illinois; his goal is to grow the club as fast as possible.

Las Brisas Farm and Polo Club was created as a private club, to provide local pros with a place to come and practice together. Aschebrook said, “it’s a place for their families to truly enjoy polo, as well as, a place for my family to learn about the sport. This club allows me to improve as a polo player by being surrounded by so many terrific professionals.”

Having been around horses his entire life, Aschebrook started playing polo almost 10 years ago in 2012 when his wife gifted him lessons. “I grew up on a horse farm, so riding was never the issue,” Aschebrook told CLICKPOLOUSA. “I had not been on a horse for several years, but polo got me back into riding.”

Now, as an active USPA Member Club as of April 2020, “Las Brisas Farm and Polo Club will remain a private club for invited guests and also to support polo in the greater Chicago area,” said Aschebrook.

Since picking up the sport, Aschebrook has observed a noticeable increase in the sport’s popularity. “Polo in the United States is continuing to grow, and, since I have been involved with polo in Chicago, I’ve noticed it has grown significantly larger here,” Aschebrook stated. “I have also been able to participate internationally in France, England and Switzerland.”

One of the main reasons why polo has grown substantially in the last few years is due to the amazing work of local polo schools. "American polo can grow much more, and I believe one of the best ways of doing so is through polo schools. It is the best way to get people into the sport and show them that anyone can play. Usually, people get hooked when they try it. I believe that the more schools we have, the better it will be for the sport."

Matias Obregon, a professional 4-goal player, who spends most of the year in Chicago, commented, "in the winter, I play in Florida, but, during the summer season, I am in Chicago where I own a polo school called GO POLO. We offer lessons, horse rentals, sales and we also provide a four-chukker league." In regards to the growth of polo, Obregon said, low-goal polo is growing. However, I think medium-goal polo can improve so that the difference between low and high-goal polo is not large, giving new team owners the opportunity to grow at a deliberate pace."

All photos courtesy of ©CLICKPOLOUSA.