The mission of Virginia Polo, and the vision of its founders’, is to provide affordable polo to UVA students. To fulfill this mission dues are kept low, allowing many students to participate who could not otherwise afford to play polo. We can make this vision a reality financially thanks to supporters whose donations bridge the gap between low dues and actual cost of polo.
In exchange for the low dues, the students do their part to support the program by contributing “sweat equity.” This strategy is valuable in providing care for the horses but serves a more meaningful purpose than that. By being involved in their ponies’ care the students gain more than polo skills from the program, they build character and leadership abilities, learn time management and to be responsible for their mounts. Additionally, it creates a team environment for the many who work together towards a shared goal.
The beginning of the spring semester is a particularly critical time for “sweat equity”. After a month and a half of turnout and rest for the ponies, much is to be done in January to prepare the string for the competitive spring season.
Last week during their winter break students from the varsity and club teams came to the Virginia Polo Center to bring the herd back into the barn and paddocks. They worked as a team to round up the horses from the Minors’ large back fields (for many alumni the adventure of this pony round up is a favorite memory!), worm all the ponies, keep records, and divide them up in paddock assignments and stalls. After a few days for the ponies to settle into their new routine, the students will return to begin riding walk sets. At the beginning of each semester the process of building the ponies’ fitness is done slowly, beginning with walk sets and working up to individual stick and ball sessions.
Many students cherish this time in the club, as they return to the barn environment, reunite with their friends and favorite mounts, and simply enjoy the laid-back time spent on the horses riding peacefully in the arena.
Many thanks go out to the Minor Family and the Scott Family who provided restful turnout and grazing to the Virginia Polo herd this winter!
New club member Katy worming Hennessey.
Hannah, Grace, and Griffin in the process of worming the ponies.