Middleburg Life

June 2007

By; Betsy Manierre

NEW POLO INITIATIVE IS AIMING TO RECRUIT PLAYERS AT YOUNGER AGES

It's a snap to learn something new when you're still a kid - a foreign language, a different sport - so it's easy to see why the current groundswell of interest in the ancient game of polo includes a lot of enthusiastic junior riders.

Young folks pick the game up fast, and here in the Middleburg area, they have lots of opportunities to try their hand at it.

Virginia International Polo Club managers Maureen Brennan and German Noguera are committed to the development of a comprehensive juniors' curriculum at the new club, at the Brennan's farm, Llangollen.

"Kid's learning curves are so steep," said Brennan.  "We like to expose them to polo on lots of levels, so that they can enjoy the game from Day One."

With this in mind, she and Noguera, a professional player from Chile, are forming a VIPolo program for kids that includes a polo school, offering both private and group lessons on seasoned ponies, a week-long summer day camp, a series of junior tournaments, clinics by internationally known players like Adam Snow and Sunny Hale, and plans to help organize a local interscholastic program for grades 7 through 12 during the academic year.

"Polo benefits children in countless ways," explains Noguera, who has taught juniors and managed polo schools for more than 25 years.

"They learn responsibility and trust, working with their horses and with their teammates," he said.  "The game gives kids confidence, it builds their character and teaches them a little humility at the same time."

Learning to play well requires a dedication and mental focus that is richly rewarded by a sense of accomplishment and the strong camaraderie among players that is a hallmark of the sport.  Polo can interest the entire family; young players often draw their parents, and adult players, their children, into the game.

Girls are now represented on the field in ever-increasing numbers, and the sport holds a special allure for boys, who may find other equine endeavors, such as showing, less appealing.

This year VIPolo's day camp will run from June 12 to 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.  Campers 10 years and older may sign up for a 3-day camp for $300, all inclusive, or for the full six days for $500.

They will learn the basics of the game on the grass field and in the arena, principles of stable management, horse care and tacking up their mount.  They all have a chance to ride trails at Llangollen, near Upperville, to "stick and ball" and to play chukkers.

Campers will bring their own riding boots, helmet and box lunch every day; other equipment is available to borrow or for purchase at the club.

For more information, or to enroll, call German Noguera at (540) 592-7474, or visit the club's Web site at www.vipoloclub.com.

One can learn polo at any age in life, but it's wonderful to have the opportunity to start young, observes Brennan, an accomplished, life-long rider who didn't take up a mallet until she was in her 30's.

"My dad began to play at 60!" she exclaimed.  "It's been so enjoyable for both of us - but look at all those years of fun we've missed!"