NEWS

Pie Town Polo Club in Pie Town, New Mexico, recently hosted a summer camp for young players from Being the Change Polo Club in Phoenix, Arizona. Being the Change is a non-profit whose mission is to support a youth equestrian program which provides unique achievement opportunities for a large cross-section of inner city youth. The club’s goal is to teach young players how to work towards individual and common goals by providing opportunities for significant responsibilities, as well as create a large population of ready-to-work high school graduates with proven ability to learn, act responsibly and have a desire to achieve.

While focused on polo and riding skills, the camp also taught leadership skills and responsibility, each camper taking the “captain” role throughout the week while fellow participants gave constructive feedback on their performance. The campers also participated in a community service day helping with clean-up at an area residence in need. Participants were responsible for feeding and horse care along with helping younger, less experienced riders with preparing horses.

Instructors for the camp came with a wealth of knowledge which they used to help the campers improve their skills. Chuck Rogers worked with students on hitting while certified riding instructor Meghan Lewis concentrated on equitation. Being the Change coach Dan Coleman and guest clinician Robin Sanchez covered all of the bases from Body Condition Scoring and horse care, to game strategy and team dynamics.

To round out the entire New Mexico experience, the club hosted Country Western dance lessons, a trail ride on the Continental Divide and a nick-naming ceremony where campers were given colorful names such as Costanza, Spunky Brewster and Sir Bossalot.