July 18-21 students from The University of Virginia’s Starr Hill Pathways program enjoyed half-days at the polo barn, many getting their first interactions with horses.
What is the Starr Hill Pathways program and who does it benefit?
Starr Hill Pathways is a program designed and implemented by a team out of the UVA Equity Center. The Equity Center's Mission is to redress the racial and economic inequities in this university community. To stay aligned with our mission, Starr Hill Pathways, although any rising 7th grader residing in the city or county can apply, we will prioritize BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) youth and students of low and middle incomes.
Students who chose the Virginia Polo “pathway” came to the Virginia Polo Center for two mornings in a row. We began by teaching the 11-14 year olds about safe handling of horses and progressed on to having them lead and groom the horses. Throughout the grooming process UVA polo players and staff instructed the SHP participants in the basic parts of the horse and their functions. Participants learned the terminology for tack and how to properly tack up a horse. Throughout the sessions we watched as the participants became more confident in their handling of the horses and at home in the barn.
The second day we reviewed what we taught the preceeding morning and then demonstrated stick and balling. Next the kids got to try swinging a polo mallet themselves, first running happily through the indoor arena armed with foot mallets and arena balls, and next, bravely mounting up on the wooden horse. Once climbing aboard the students tried the far more challenging position of hitting the ball from the saddle with a full length mallet.
The grand finale for the week was a polo match between visiting Work to Ride players and summer Virginia Polo players Friday. For this headline event all Starr Hill Pathways students, a total of 150 youths, their counselors, and program staff attended. The arena rail was lined from end to end with enthusiastic and excited spectators. As Starr Hill Pathways program director Lucy Montalvo said, this was the first polo match for almost everyone in the crowd. The crowd roared for the Work to Ride players and participants were thrilled to see UVA players who had instructed them throughout the week take to the arena. Coach Lou Lopez announced the game and between chukkers Development Coordinator Jenny Germroth gave intel on how the ponies are cared for, how the game is played, and information on horses to help educate the spectators. After the match Pathway students were invited to meet the players.
This was a great opportunity for the Virginia Polo Club to share the joy of horses and polo with a new group of youths. The UVA students and VA Polo staff greatly enjoyed the week, seeing the students gain confidence, and the joy it brought them. While students ate their lunches in the Beh House we discussed with them the many jobs related to horses and farms, helping them understand not only recreation could be gained from horses, but positions also exist for those who are interested in jobs such as farriers, vet techs, veterinarians, farm managers, and the list goes on. Whether any participants pursue these avenues or not, their minds were broadened by being exposed to a new world of horses and polo, and perhaps some dreams of interacting with horses were fulfilled along the way.
Tried and true ponies Pantera, Belle, and Raga also enjoyed the extra grooming and handling. Raga was a fan favorite, and star of many photos with the students to remember the time they spent with him. Not only were the ponies popular, the kids also greatly enjoyed the dogs.
To learn more about Starr Hill Pathways, go to their website, www.starrhillpathways.com. Dan Colhoun is to thank for initiating the inclusion of Virginia Polo as a “pathway” for the program participants.
