NEWS

Set to get underway later this month, The Polo School at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) in Wellington, Florida, will be offering a low-goal recreational coaching league for polo enthusiasts and fans during the week at the venue. In an effort to create greater opportunities for individuals interested in playing polo or getting started in the sport, the league will now host the next step in game progression, combining chukkers and allowing for students to experience team play. The league will aim to cater to amateur players who are looking for a safe, and fun way to play in a group setting. Games will begin in March and continue through April.

"We've been very eager to create a concept that would allow the fans and enthusiasts of polo to get involved at a grass roots level. It's important in regard to the growth and engagement surrounding the sport that people who are interested in learning the basics of the game have the opportunity to do so in a safe and friendly environment," said Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of the Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP). "The success of The Polo School at IPC this season has far exceeded our expectations and the feedback we've received has been tremendously positive. We're looking forward to initiating this low-goal league for students of the school to gain actual game experience and get them further involved in the sport. We believe there is an exciting future for the Polo School at IPC and our organization will continue to craft efforts and concepts of expansion for the school and its students in the coming seasons."

Teams will consist of three amateurs and one professional player. Professionals will not be allowed to score or take any penalty shots at the sixty-yard line or closer. Each team entered in league competition will play each other once with a final match for the two teams with the best records in round-robin play, as well as a subsidiary final. Awards for Best Playing Pony, Most Valuable Player, Best Tournament Performance, and Best Tournament Goal will be awarded at the end of each tournament. Following both final matches of each tournament there will be an Asado field-side for players to celebrate. Students and players taking lessons at other clubs in the area are welcome to join the league and can enter by contacting Gates Gridley at jgridley@equestriansport.com.

"It's been very rewarding to see the growth of The Polo School at IPC in just a few short months since we started giving lessons. This league will offer players the next step in their progression as they continue to learn the game and become more comfortable with a faster pace of play," said Gridley. "Polo is an incredible industry in Wellington and we're very excited to launch a platform that will allow more people to get involved at a playing level and have the ability to learn the game."

All games will be umpired by USPA-certified umpires and officials. Participating players will be able to learn the rules of the game, as well as play in a safe, controlled environment.

Don't have your own polo ponies? No problem! The Polo School at IPC will supply horses for games and matches throughout league play. IPC has also already began holding competitive individual test matches at the 6- to 12-goal level. These matches will continue to be held for those looking to improve their game, based on demand.

For more information on the league and pricing, or to sign up for a team contact Gates Gridley at jgridley@equestriansport.com or at (203) 232-6935. To learn more about The Polo School at IPC, please visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.

All photos ©Alex Pacheco/International Polo Club