Empire Polo Club
Junior Polo Program
Sunday, November 20th

Birthday girl Sofia.

It was the  party of the year, at least for Sofia Bonillo and all her guests. She turned six years old and wanted to have a polo party to introduce her friends and their parents to polo. Sofia is a youth player at the newly established  Empire Polo Club’s Youth Program under the direction of Connie Atkinson and Roxy Keyfauver. All the stops were pulled out to make this a special day for Sofia.  Empire’s children players put on demonstration game consisting of  two teams of four players, even though the game was held in the arena.

Empire’s Red team:

Sofia Bonilla
Rhyo Keyfauver
Eleanore Smith
Luke Doty

Empire’s Yellow Team:

Ella Bonillo
Cameron Smith
Kiara Jackson
Mile Doty

Every one of these children with the exception of  a couple have only been riding for a few months. It was a hot and furious game as the players trotted, while others picked up speed and cantered down the arena,  fighting for the ball and scoring. All these children have come a long way in their riding and playing skills in such a short time and showed it much to the delight of those in attendance.

After the game, the players lead their horses back into the arena to give those who wanted to try polo an opportunity to ride a polo horse and get instructions on how to hit the ball from the children themselves. The players placed their helmets on the individual guests and lead them around explaining the preliminaries of hitting the ball and riding a polo horse. The guests enjoyed themselves immensely, and for many, it was the first time ever being on a horse. The children instructors were also fantastic, taking great pride in their student’s achievements.  What a great party day.! One that will be remembered by all for a long time to come. Thank you Empire Polo Club.

For further information about the Empire’s youth program please call Future Polo Players of Coachella Valley,  Connie Atkinson, 760-899-5102.