It is intriguing to me how few people, both locals and seasonal visitors, who are aware that the Palm Springs Valley is home to two of the largest polo clubs in the United States! We are second only to Florida in numbers of fields and players and the economic boost the polo world brings to the Valley every season.
The two Polo Clubs, Eldorado and Empire are contiguous to each other and between them have approximately 22 active polo fields! That's alot of land because each polo field is about the size of 9 football fields..or 300 yards by 150 yards for each field. Imagine having that wonderful, open venue in our beautiful Valley!
Eldorado Polo Club schedule and contact info..
Empire Polo Club schedule and contact info..
Trailers full of horses have started arriving to both clubs. Horses are conditioned rigorously and in a timely manner so that they "peak" at the time of their owner's tournament schedule. Games commence for monthly league play the first weekend of January and continue through Mid April.
People have a crazy notion of polo..that all players are rich and snooty and that "regular" folks aren't welcomed at the Sunday matches..which are open to the public and a beautiful and unusual way to spend your Sunday afternoon. Nothing is further from the truth. Polo players come in all shapes, sizes, sexes, income levels and ages.
To be a traveling professional is hugely expensive and very hard work. The horses must be fed, cleaned, galloped, trained, fussed over every single day..all day. Most pros have one or two grooms that help to manage the horses and prepare them for their rigorous game play. Remember that grooms and their families and players and their families require housing, shop at our local stores, stay in our local hotels...hence the economic boost the sport brings to the East Valley.
The Sponsors of the game, ARE wealthy individuals. They literally "sponsor" the professionals..meaning they pay them to play for them and compete on their teams. Without them there would BE no polo (or horse jumping either for that matter)..remember the economy. I must say..the sponsors I played for and engage with now are usually lovely people that are so grateful to have the money and time to compete. Most of them work during the week and compete on weekends..it is a consuming sport and lifestyle and often the entire family is involved.
As for watching a game? Come on out! Everyone is welcome. Entry fees are nominal and the announcers help you to understand what is happening on the field. Polo is a truly unique event that our Valley has to offer..take advantage of it if you visit the Palm Springs Valley this season!
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