NEWS

It was a fantastic week of Team USPA Summer Training in Sheridan, Wyoming. Many exciting events took place including an extremely interesting lecture by one of the top polo veterinarians, Dr. Paul Wollenman. Local players, horse professionals, Team USPA players and even young beginner players were lucky enough to benefit from Dr. Wollenman’s wealth of knowledge on common injuries in polo ponies, as well as successful treatments to extend a polo pony’s career. Dr. Wollenman discussed the anatomy of the leg, explaining the location and function of the tendons in the lower leg of a horse. The group was lucky enough to be able to dissect a horse’s leg, see the actual tendons discussed and learn how each one functions in the leg in conjunction with the other tendons, ligaments, tissue and bones. It was no doubt a fascinating lecture that will be remembered by everyone. Many thanks to Dr. Wollenman for his generosity in hosting the event and sharing his incredible wealth of knowledge to the group.

Team USPA also hosted an Advanced Young Player Outreach clinic last week where Team USPA players led some of the local young talent through drills, swing analytics and chukkers. Executive Director of Polo Development, Kris Bowman and Carlos Galindo watched each of the player's swings, and gave them advice to improve the power and accuracy of their hits. Team USPA players Kylie Sheehan, Jake Stimmel and Audry Persano led the players through drills that emphasized team plays and passing that can be used in games. The next day, Jeff Blake, Shane Rice, Carlos Galindo and the Team USPA players who are in Sheridan training for the summer, played with the young players in a fast paced practice that pushed the players to focus on playing their position effectively. After, the young players watched a taped video of the practice, as well as, a video of their swings. Each young player walked away with a great experience and useful tips to improve in the future.

To finish off the week, four Team USPA players had the opportunity to play in the Flying H Polo Club 14-goal Tournament. It was undoubtedly a fantastic experience for everyone and the improvement in players from their first game to their last was impressive.

Many thanks to the polo community in Big Horn and Sheridan, Wyoming for making these opportunities possible for our young players. Team USPA is looking forward to a fantastic final two weeks of training in Wyoming.