Last weekend in Spearfish, SD Belynn Johner hosted a USPA Polo Clinic Instructed by Brandon Alcott of Portland, Oregon. Johner recruited an impressive 33 people to participate in this three day event from ages 5 years and up. Half of the participants were between 5 and 18 years old and 6 of the teens who participated have already committed to starting an interscholastic team! Four players from Sioux Falls Polo Club traveled to take advantage of this training opportunity made possible by the USPA. Players ranged from introductory to 2 goals. One of the players in attendance was Lindsay Marrotte who was on the 2008 National Intercollegiate Champion UCONN team! Alcott has committed to returning to Spearfish this summer for a follow-up clinic and Johner is planning to take the group of youth players to Big Horn Polo Club to participate in their youth tournament on July 26-28.
Alcott and Johner developed a safe way for everyone to participate over the weekend by splitting the participants up and assigning them to appropriate classes. Friday morning Alcott worked with group of young players new to the sport but had riding experience with 4H, then in the afternoon he conducted a class appropriately named “Introducing Your Horse to Polo 101”. Saturday morning and afternoon he worked with the intermediate and advanced participants looking to “Up Your Rating”. After the afternoon session ended everyone was invited to a BBQ hosted by Polo Peak Polo Club. Sunday morning Alcott held a Pee Wee class and Sunday afternoon 12 teens and beginners with riding experience returned for a final “Rock & Roll” session.
This event was extremely successful thanks to Belynn Johner, Brandon Alcott and the USPA for making it possible. If you are interested in hosting a polo clinic at your club email ahersey@uspolo.org.