NEWS

Women’s polo has seen remarkable growth in recent years, now representing 50% of registered players in the United States. This increase in participation reflects a broader movement toward inclusion and competitive excellence that has shaped the global polo landscape. In 2022, Buenos Aires hosted the inaugural Federation of International Polo (FIP) Women’s Polo World Championship, marking a historic milestone in the sport's history. Additionally, since 2017, the Women’s Argentine Open has set the benchmark as the most prestigious women’s tournament globally, spotlighting the incredible talent of female players on an international stage.

The U.S. has long been a pioneer in women’s polo, with the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship serving as a foundational event for the sport. Established in the 1930s, the tournament has a rich history, starting in California and progressing through decades. Officially sanctioned by the USPA in 1990, the tournament has highlighted exceptional talent, setting the standard for women's polo and solidifying its crucial role in the sport’s growth.

Today, women’s polo continues to expand its reach and influence, from club-level play to high-goal tournaments, with leagues and competitions providing players opportunities to develop and compete at the highest levels. The progress made in the U.S. reflects a commitment to growing the sport inclusively and professionally, creating pathways for players to excel and for the sport to thrive globally. With the continued support of major tournaments like the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship, women’s polo is poised to reach even greater heights.

Dawn Jones is a key advocate for women's polo, a rapidly growing sector of the sport that continues to break new ground both in the U.S. and globally. Women’s polo goes beyond the matches; it embodies a movement toward greater inclusivity and empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

The last few years have seen a remarkable evolution in women’s polo, emphasizing a focus on skill development, competitive tournaments and opportunities for women to play at higher levels. Initiatives such as dedicated leagues and associations have significantly contributed to this growth, enabling more young players to hone their talents and gain exposure.

The dynamic progress of women's polo is evident through platforms like the USPA Polo Network, AAP Live and others, which allow players to refine their skills through video analysis and global connectivity. Organized tournaments, such as the Women of Wellington (WOW) league are also instrumental in fostering mentorship and raising the overall standard of the sport. However, the challenges in scheduling and financial accessibility highlight the need for continued support and a more unified global calendar to facilitate greater opportunities.

The role of media in amplifying women's polo cannot be overstated. The partnership between ESPN and Global Polo in producing "Breakaway: Women in Polo" brings crucial visibility to the sport, showcasing the achievements and stories of women players and inspiring the next generation to take up the reins. Such programs serve to entertain and create a broader fan base, attract sponsors and showcase the spirit, athleticism and dedication that define women’s polo today. These media engagements provide a comprehensive look into the journey of women’s polo, the strides it has made and the opportunities that lie ahead for growth and recognition in the sport.

Dawn, how would you describe the current state of women's polo both in the U.S. and globally? What significant strides have been made in recent years?
“Women’s polo and women in polo are becoming further solidified through organized tournaments with top association and grassroots membership growth. Whether through clubs, private clinics or educational institutions, the contrast in a higher percentage of female versus male participation continues to be significant. I’m seeing more younger players developing advanced playing skills, reading the whole game in a more sophisticated way through playing opportunities; and watching endless supplies of game videos of their favorite players from the sport in general through private videography, or platforms offered by AAP Live, USPA Polo Network, Polo Line, Chukker TV and others.

In recent years, I’ve been impressed with the level of improvements in playing skill sets and riding capabilities at every level. I have been particularly intrigued with the influx of women’s leagues similar to leagues established by Melissa Ganzi, Alina Carta and Cecilia Cochran, alongside the WOW league established by Kylie Sheehan*, Maureen Brennan and Haley Bryan. Especially at the medium-goal level, where an 8-goal player can share the field with a 2-goaler, a 4-goaler and a 1-goal player. The lower goal handicap players learn to be better. It’s an excellent on-ramp to the high-goal tournaments for experience and safety.

I observed this in the WOW league in Florida this last year. This league served as a prime example of the value of higher goal players like Hope Arellano* at 10 goals and Hazel Jackson, also at 10 goals, supporting and educating their teammates to continue to grow. This year’s 15-goal French Women’s Open is another excellent example of Milly Hine at 8-goals versus Lia Salvo at 8-goals to push their lower goal handicap teammates to improve their games for the team’s benefit. All these higher-goal women players are helping women’s polo grow.

I have also appreciated opportunities offered to capable women players who have improved through hard work and in the environments listed above to serve as substitutes for sponsors like Jeff Hildebrand, Curtis Pilot and Ronnie Duke at the 22, 16 and 12-goal mixed handicap. Thankfully, there were women pioneers who achieved success and opened the doors to higher-goal mixed competitions in the past like Claire Tomlinson, Marianela Castagnola, Sunny Hale, Nina Clarkin and Lia Salvo in what has been considered rare instances, but I’m delighted to see more co-ed playing opportunities presented with higher-goal women players like Mia Cambiaso and Candi Fernandez Araujo, whom recently played in an AAP 20-goal tournament with 31 teams participating.

This next year, there may be an opportunity for a high-goal handicap woman to join three high-goal handicap men to play 34- to 36-goal polo to feature all the players in an event that could generate more public interest. I highly recommend women players strive to play as much co-ed polo as possible too.”

What have been the biggest challenges and opportunities you've observed as the sport has evolved?
“I’m grateful for having been part of an ongoing group effort to support and promote women’s polo globally. I think there are still scheduling challenges that could be improved and continue to encourage a global calendar to be considered by all to create a seamless annual schedule from one region of the world to another, to avoid conflicting schedules. Once established, women players could build teams and organize horses well in advance of each tournament. Plus, current women professionals could develop steady working opportunities and up-and-coming women professionals could count on potential playing opportunities to demonstrate their skills for future engagement.

In terms of observed opportunities, thankfully, several associations have committed to maintain the hosting of higher handicap tournaments in the U.S., England, Argentina, France and many other countries. Those associations have also offered incentives to clubs willing to host women’s tournaments at every level to encourage participation and membership growth.”

Where do you see women’s polo heading in the coming years? Do you foresee more international tournaments and increased competition at the highest level?
“To have more competition at the highest level, time and effort will be required. More clubs hosting women’s tournaments can help promote more participation, which could potentially lead to more players being able to play high goal. The process to get there will take time like anything else of value. Also, if one is not yet a top player, then having some financial means to participate at the higher levels is a reality. To be able to be competitive at the higher level, one must have the best horses possible to compete. Even if your budget is limited, whether it’s your personal funds or a financial grant, I recommend making the effort to play high-goal tournaments to gain the experience to become a better player.”

Do you believe women's polo is becoming more professionalized?
“Women’s polo is becoming more professionalized through the example of organizations like La Dolfina (Brava), Ellerstina and UAE Polo, particularly during the early days of the Women’s Argentine Open. Thankfully, these organizations have led the way on approaching the Open to support their teams with the best horses, grooms, trainers and coaching. They and other organizations have established a template for others to draw from. Not everyone can duplicate precisely these models, but they have set some basic standards that can be met. In addition, the most skilled women players have established themselves as professionals. They work daily to maintain their skills and continue to strive to be better, ultimately benefitting the sport in general.”

What role do you think media and brands have played in promoting and supporting the growth of women's polo? How have they contributed to increasing visibility and support for the sport?
“Media and branding are essential to promote and feature the sport and women in the sport. Polo brand promotion, streaming games, player profiles, social media postings and published material about women in polo peak interest and educates the public, ultimately supporting women’s polo. It’s important to capitalize on the recent wave of public attention toward women’s team sports and generational athletes like Catlin Clark. Media is our best hope of generating interest in women’s polo.”

Recently, the “Breakaway: Women in Polo” program was launched on ESPN and Global Polo. How important are such initiatives in nurturing young talent and expanding opportunities for women in the sport?
“Their collaboration is an invaluable resource to reach a broader audience to educate the public about women in polo. It serves as an inspiration for viewers who are just being introduced to the sport and for already existing players who wish to be better. The full narrative shares the against-all-odds story with video interviews that capture the spirit of the players, their athleticism, desire to compete, respect for their opponents and emotional results. There is no better level of production professionalism and cinematic qualities to feature women in polo. It has the potential to create a new fan base, possible corporate sponsors and create enthusiasm to support young and up-and-coming talent.”

Are there any challenges that women’s polo still faces today? What further support or changes would you like to see from the polo community and sponsors?
“I’m concerned about how best to cultivate young talent. Several very promising young women players have notable abilities but lack the financial means to grow further or invest in better horses. Some financial support programs do exist but need additional assistance to meet the needs of these players to reach their full potential. I’m not familiar with the process to determine who is most deserving of assistance, but I believe the investment would result in a tenfold return to sustain the sport further with additional membership at the club levels and inspire sponsors to engage these gifted individuals domestically and internationally.”

*Hope Arellano is an Active Member of Team USPA and Kylie Sheehan is Team USPA alumna. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.