The 2025 season for polo in the Louisville area is shaping up to be an exciting one! We’re thrilled to return to the historic Oxmoor Farm for our 9th season. I’d like to thank the Bulli family and everyone associated with the farm for being such gracious hosts. Several marquee events are planned, along with our regular club games and practices. Notable events this year include the Virgil Christian Tribute Tournament to bene t Maryhurst in July, and the Makers House Polo Club Tournament in September.
While many Louisville-area players compete at the highest level, polo is a sport that can be enjoyed by anyone. We always welcome new players and spectators to come out and have fun with a horse, a stick, and a ball. Whether you're a ending a beginner’s clinic or competing against some of the best players in the sport, the Louisville Polo Club o ers something for everyone.
We’re also pleased to announce that Luis Ansola will return as our club professional for the 2025 season. His vast experience and passion for the sport make him an invaluable part of the program. Please feel free to introduce yourself to Luis — but be warned, his enthusiasm is contagious!
Club practices are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Oxmoor Farm from June through September. Games and tournaments are scheduled most weekends. Check our website or social media for the latest updates.
I’m especially excited to be writing this le er once again. Now in its second year since returning, our annual program is back and be er than ever. We hope you enjoy it! In closing, I’d like to thank all our families, friends, sponsors, advertisers, and everyone who works behind the scenes each day. You’re the ones who truly make polo fun!
See you on the eld!
Brent Boland
Dressed for the Bal l.
Highland Cleaners Is Proud to Suppor t Louisville Polo Club.
LOUISVILLE POLO
Polo in the Louisville area began in the early 1920s.
The Louisville Country Club (L.C.C.) elded the rst Louisville team, founded by Gilbert Colgate, Jr.
In 1923, the Colgate Company purchased the Indiana Penitentiary for its plant site, prompting young Colgate to move from New York to learn the family business. While living at the Country Club, Gilbert persuaded Sevier Bonnie, Frank Hogue, F.W. “Nick” Carter, Baylor Hickman, Byron Hilliard, Bill Perkins, Lowry Watkins, and Lawrence Jones, Jr. to join the new team.
The 138th Field Artillery team was formed when cavalry o cer George I. Smith organized a team made up of reserve o cers of the 138th Field Artillery units. Among the members of the 138th, which at the time was a horse-drawn artillery regiment, were Ed Hardy, Alex Heyburn, Col. C.J. Cronan, Jr., Col. George M. Chescheir, and Captain Smith (who was on the rst Meadowbrook team to defeat the British).
In 1924, the team played in the riding hall on Liberty between 6th and 7th Streets. Then, they moved to a eld on Sidney Smith’s place across from Bauer’s Restaurant, later relocating to Bowman Field. By the time of the 1929 crash, the team was at Seneca Park.
This military-related polo emerged when, in 1900, the U.S. Army recognized the value of the game in the training of cavalry o cers. Around the same time, polo was introduced into horsemanship instruction at West Point. The phasing out of the horse cavalry and the fact that the Army would no longer pay for the maintenance of a pony (especially one owned by an o cer) led to the temporary demise of polo in various parts of the country. During the 1920s, when the Louisville team traveled out of town, their ponies were shipped in ca le cars, and the players followed on passenger trains.
However, during the heyday of shipping rail, scrub ponies from Texas, and quality ponies from the celebrated Meadowbrook came to an abrupt end when Louisville polo felt the crunch of the Depression.
LOUISVILLE POLO
Polo resurfaced in Louisville in the 1950s. The action then took place in Seneca Park, and arrangements were made for playing an arena polo at the Oldham County Fairgrounds. The grass in eld was graded, and boards were erected around the ring. Play later moved to the grass eld at Hermitage Farms o Shiloh Lane. Messrs. Warner Jones, Dinwiddie Lampton, Jr., Lowry Watkins, Byron Hilliard, Robert Nash, Harry Castleman, Harry Byron, and Buddy Weir formed the nucleus of the club.
In 1957, a syndicate of the above-mentioned names provided the initial nancing for the Harmony Landing Arena. Mr. Patrick Calhoun stepped in to provide major funding for the arena, and Virgil Christian was brought in as Club Pro. Once again, polo faded slightly, and in 1964, tragedy struck when the stable at Harmony burned along with all the horses in it. In 1972, the presently active club saw a resurgence. Dinwiddie Lampton III, Harry Byron, Mason Lampton, Angus MacLean, and Dinwiddie Lampton Jr. formed the nucleus of the roster, appealing to cohorts who swelled the ranks to 35 members that year. Club Pro Jim Krohn spearheaded the action at the Harmony Landing Arena and the Hardscu e Farm elds of Dinwiddie Lampton Jr.
During the late 1970s and into the 1980s, Club Pro Tommy Akers served for around 20 years, overseeing the development of many great members. Nana Lampton continued her family’s tradition for many years as one of the greatest patrons of the club. Long-time member and founder of the current Boland polo-playing family, Jim Boland, began playing in 1972. There are now three generations of Boland family polo members. George Rawlings began playing in the late 1980s, and his Crab Orchard Team went on to win many national tournaments, including the US Open three times (polo’s national championship). Irvin Abel’s Goshen Polo Team went on to win the West Coast Open and other prestigious tournaments around the country. Renowned horse trainer, cowboy poet, and former polo pro Nick Rennekamp has been a xture of Louisville polo for decades. On any given practice day, some of the greatest players in the game could be seen showing up to a Louisville polo practice to try out Nick’s famous horses.
Kay & Tommy Bullitt
By 2016, the club moved exclusively to the elds at the historic Bulli family’s Oxmoor Farm. Louisville Polo is now one of the most vibrant clubs in the Mid-States Circuit. Luis Ansola currently serves as Club Pro and oversees the highly successful Margarita League, where each year many new players are introduced to the sport of polo.
THE HISTORY OF OXMOOR FARM
Nestled 8 miles outside downtown Louisville, Oxmoor is a historical gem giving us a glimpse into Kentucky’s past. The Bulli family resided here for 5 generations. Bulli county was named in honor of the original owner Alexander Sco Bulli who helped dra the state’s rst constitution and served as the rst Lt. Governor. This house, from its original section built in 1791 to the rst addition in 1829 and the two additions in the early 1900s, is a literal testament to the state’s history from colonial times through the 20th century. The grand library is the largest private library in the state of Kentucky with 10,000 volumes. The beautiful gardens that were designed in 1911 and the tree-lined avenue, as well as the outbuildings, add to Oxmoor’s historical uniqueness.
In 1991 almost 80 acres of the original Oxmoor Farm was put on a preservation easement with Kentucky Heritage Council forever protecting the historic landscape and structures. In 2017 Oxmoor Farm Foundation was established as a 501c3 organization with a mission to preserve, protect, and promote the history of Oxmoor. In 2024 the Oxmoor Bourbon Company was formed reviving a private stock label that originated in 1920, but the family has a long history with the bourbon industry. Since 1791, Oxmoor Farm has been the family seat of legal scholars who de ned and defended Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Their e orts have shaped our laws and traditions across three centuries. It was here at Oxmoor that Bourbon’s identity was shaped and its history began.
Join us on a historic bourbon tour and tasting experience at Oxmoor Farm. Register for the tour at www.oxmoorbourbon.com
photo by J.L. Jordan Photography
LOUISVILLE POLO CLUB MEMBERS
LUIS ANSOLA
WILL BOLAND
GUILLERMO FENOGLIO ROMAN FRANCO
TROY CONNOR
STUART BOLAND
JIMMY BOLAND
BRENT BOLAND
SALVADOR ALTAMIRANO
LOUISVILLE POLO CLUB MEMBERS
NICK RENNECAMP
IRWINA SEMANA LUCAS TARDITTO
MIKE FRANK
DAN LANHAM CHAD MIDDENDORF
FORD MIFFENDORF
ROB MOONEY
ROBBIE MOONEY
ROSENDO USANDIZAGA
JUAN VALERDI
JORGE VASQUEZ
LOUISVILLE POLO CLUB MEMBERS
FRANKIE
TO THE MAN THAT MAKES IT ALL HAPPEN. THANKS FOR MAKING OUR GRASS GREEN!
CAIT WALKER
JIM WALKER SAM WALKER
JEFF WATTS-ROY JACKSON WOODWARD JARED ZENNI
THE WILLIAM HINKEBEIN FAMILY APPRECIATES THE SPORT, ACTIVITY AND FUN OF THE LOUISVILLE POLO CLUB… FOR THE PLAYERS AND THE FANS.
OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY SUPPORTS THE CLUB AND THE BOLAND FAMILY FOR THEIR CONTINUAL ANNUAL FUNDRAISING FOR MARYHURST.
IN POLO NEWS
KENTUCKY CUP VICTORY IN THE BLUEGRASS STATE
In an exciting showdown at this year’s Kentucky Cup, WM Polo emerged victorious over Hillcro Farm with a narrow 11–10 win. A er three of the six chukkers ended in a tie, the match remained neck-and-neck until the nal moments, when WM Polo pulled ahead with two decisive penalty conversions.
A huge congratulations to Jackson Woodward, who was named Most Valuable Player (MVP), for his outstanding performance on the eld.
BY: KEVIN COSGRIFF
PHOTOGRAPHY
PO LO 101
It takes two heads, six legs, and two arms to play polo on a eld that is 10 acres in size — the area of 10 football elds. It is a fast, uid game where the player holds a mallet in one hand, striking a 3/4-inch ball seven feet away from his shoulder and directing a horse in motion with the other hand. Imagine, for a moment, you're swinging a golf club at a tennis ball while driving a golf cart. The analogy is imperfect because a horse is faster and more di cult to control than a golf cart.
In polo, eight players on eight horses combine stunt riding, a juggling act, and a keen sense of anticipation to win by scoring the most goals. Two underlying concepts govern this game. The rst is that polo is a team sport, with each player lling a speci c role and supporting the team e ort on both o ense and defense. The second is the "line of the ball."
This is the imaginary line the ball creates as it travels from point A to B. The line remains set until the ball is struck by a player, changes direction, and a new line is formed. A player may cross the line only when it does not create a hazardous situation, such as a collision with another rider.
Three umpires — two on horseback and one on the side of the eld — oversee the game and enforce the rules. Infractions generally involve hazardous riding and dangerous use of the mallet, some of which are associated with the four basic mallet strokes.
When two players ride to the ball, both hoping to hit it, they must ride on either side of the line so both will have access to the ball. They can only hit the ball to their right side, called "the o side," remaining on opposite sides of the line, thus minimizing the risk of collision.
There are general rules covering everything from the size of the ball to the colors of the team shirts, and eld rules set regulations for actual playing situations. When a foul occurs, a free hit is awarded to the fouled team from as close as 30 yards toward an undefended goal to as far as mid eld or the point of infraction. This depends on the severity of the foul and the danger it presents.
Scoring is accomplished by hi ing the ball through the goalposts. The teams then change direction a er each goal to compensate for eld and wind conditions. The eld is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide, which is roughly ten football elds.
POLO EQUIPMENT
HELMET
A hard surfaced, lined, and strapped. The helmet provides protection from balls traveling at speeds up to 100 mph and swinging mallets.
MALLET
Made of cane or bamboo with a hardwood head beveled for ground-level swings. The exible sha allows a full arc around the pony’s body. The length varies by player’s swing and pony size.
POLO BALL
Sized at 3 1/2" in diameter and weighing about 4 oz, the ball is hand-carved from willow or bamboo root.
SADDLE & BLANKET
Leather construction di ers from both jumping saddles and western saddles. The blanket puts minimal weight on the pony.
BRIDLE & BREAST PLATE
This series of strappings and supports gives the player more precise steering control of the pony.
RIDING BOOTS & KNEE GUARD
Provide both comfort and protection for the rider.
BRAIDED TAIL
Allows less interference with the swinging mallet in the execution of back and tail shots.
BANDAGES
Protective wrapping for the pony's legs against contact with polo balls or mallets.
POLO STROKES RIDING
OFF
A basic defensive maneuver is where the player urges his pony to shove an opponent’s mount away from the ball, thus permi ing the player or a teammate to take a clear shot. Similarly, a player will ride o an opponent who is about to stroke the ball.
FOREHAND
The forehand is the stroke that players use most o en because it produces the most powerful drive.
BACKHAND
The near side backhand is another basic stroke that is also important because players are not permi ed to switch hands with the mallet and they must play right-handed.
POLO RULES
THROW IN
Play begins with a throw-in at the opening of each chukker and a er each goal. Teams line up facing the umpire who tosses the ball between them.
DANGEROUS HORSEMANSHIP
A penalty that is called when a player causes a dangerous situation by crossing the hind legs of his opponent's pony, which may cause the pony to fall.
CROSSING THE LINE
A penalty that is called when the le line represents the path of the ball. The right line shows the route taken by the player in the blue shirt, who has 'crossed' the imaginary line of the ball in front of his opponent to hit it on the near side, creating a dangerous situation.
POLO MATCH CHUKKER
A standard polo game consists of six chukkers, each lasting seven minutes, with a warning bell at six and a half. Players use a di erent pony for each chukker, and if the score is tied, an overtime chukker is played.
DURATION
A game usually lasts about an hour and a half, with the clock stopping every time a referee whistle is heard.
PLAYERS
There are four players on a polo team. The #1 is the most forward, o ensive player. He should be the most accurate at shooting at the goal and quick to jump on a loose ball. The #2 is the quick, dexterous workhorse who pushes the play both on o ense and defense.The #3 is the quarterback of the team. He is the play maker and usually the longest hi er, passing to his o ense. The #4 is the most defensive player, skilled at hi ing backhanders and riding o opponents.
POLO SHOTS
OFF THE TAIL
The o side tail shot is also used to clear the ball and requires reaching back to stroke the ball when it is behind the pony. Like the neck shot, the ball is stroked with more of a ick of the wrist than the use of the entire arm.
NEAR SIDE NECK
The object of the near side neck shot is to clear the ball for a harder stroke, set up plays for teammates, and a empt a goal shot from a di cult angle.
THE ART OF DIVOT STOMPING
A well-kept polo eld requires constant care and a ention to stay in top condition. During hal ime, spectators are invited onto the eld to take part in a time-honored tradition known as divot stomping. This ritual involves gently pressing down the clumps of turf—called divots—that are kicked up by the horses during play. More than just practical, it’s a fun and social moment, giving guests the chance to stretch their legs, mingle, and become part of the matchday experience.
THREE GENERATIONS OF SKELTON COMPANY REALTORS AND LOUISVILLE POLO
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE FIELD
2024 SIDELINES
ABOUT VIRGIL CHRISTIAN
C. Virgil Christian: July 6, 1911 – September 27, 2007.
He was the son of William Bates Christian, a ranch foreman who had a Wild West show, and Mabel Williams Christian, who was from Kentucky. He was born in Oklahoma in 1911 and played polo during the golden era with the likes of Will Rogers, Spencer Tracy, Walt Disney, and Robert Stack. Virgil was honored by the Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame for his exceptional lifelong contributions to the sport of polo.
Virgil Christian was adamant when he stated that he owed his success to his friends.
“Polo was good to me”.
He was humble when he said that none would argue that he was good for polo and truly gave a lifetime to the sport, which he started playing as a young man in the early twenties, inspired by his polo-playing father.
He was a polo “pioneer” who tirelessly traveled the U.S. and started many polo clubs from Connecticut to California to Florida.
Virgil was the rst recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award, established in 2001, which recognizes exceptional lifetime contributions to the sport of polo either on a regional or national level.
He believed that the most fun he had was with the youngsters he started, inspiring and teaching them, which he considered his greatest accomplishment.
VIRGIL CHRISTIAN TRIBUTE POLO MATCH
In 2001, Virgil Christian was inducted into the United States Polo Hall of Fame as the recipient of the Iglehart Award.
That same year, in celebration of this honor, Nana Lampton and Jim Boland spearheaded a picnic to acknowledge Virgil and his prestigious award. Virgil's birthday in July was the perfect time to gather friends around this Louisville polo legend and watch some great polo. The event at Hardscu e Farm became a summertime hit! The crowds grew each year and ultimately evolved into a fundraiser for Maryhurst, a charity near and dear to the hearts of the Boland family. Presently held at the beautiful Oxmoor Farm, "the Virgil," as it is a ectionately called, is the best of the best—just like our friend Virgil Christian.
OUR POLO FAMILY AND MARYHURST
The mission of Maryhurst is to create safety and stability for children, ultimately helping them overcome trauma and build pathways to independence and brighter futures. Maryhurst makes a di erence in the lives of more than 800 kids and families every single year!
The Virgil Christian Tribute Polo Match at Oxmoor Farm, with your participation, has been a valuable source of community support that enables their vital programs, such as counseling and foster care services.
Our family and Maryhurst thank you for stepping up and supporting this event.
THE COWBOY CUP
Tommy was born an Okie on July 29, 1942, and raised under the sun and grit of Bakers eld, California. A natural wanderer with a cowboy’s heart, he eventually made his way east to Kentucky, where he spent many years managing the Louisville Polo Club with grit, charm, and no shortage of unforge able stories.
Tommy passed away in 2016, but his legacy still rides strong. Each year, we honor him with the Cowboy Cup — an all-inclusive, bring-your-best-bronc, ride-or-die celebration of the sport and spirit he loved. Tommy wasn’t just a skilled horseman; he was a local legend, the kind of man who made everyone feel welcome and had a story for every occasion, most of them true, all of them entertaining.
We miss you, Tommy. And we’ll keep riding in your name.
IN HONOR OF TOMMY AKERS
Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. is a 12-year-old, farm-to-bottle distillery offering a one-of-a-kind, full-proof single-barrel tasting experience straight from the barrel. As the first Kentucky distillery where guests can thief their own uncut Bourbon, it’s truly a hidden gem worth uncovering.
UNFILTERED E XPER IENCE UNCUT &
EX A CTIN G S
LEARN TO PLAY POLO!
Louisville Polo is always looking for new players. Few of us will become high-goal participants, but there is a place for everyone to enjoy our sport. Most players agree that they were hooked from the rst time they hit that li le white ball!
We are fortunate this year to have the coaching expertise of Luis Ansola. His goal is to a ract and develop new players, as well as tune up those already playing the game. His emphasis for new players includes the following:
• Basic equitation and care/conditioning of polo ponies
• Rules of the game, positions, penalties, strategy, and safety
• Required equipment and the best place to purchase it
Newcomers can take their rst swing at a ball on “Splinter,” our trusty wooden horse (so far, he hasn’t bucked anyone o ). When ready to move on to the real thing, new students can practice hi ing the ball on an experienced polo pony. From there, it's a small step to playing in a slow chukker, where Coach Luis Ansola will stop the game from time to time to explain the plays and infractions.
For those interested in furthering their skills, private or group lessons are available at an added expense. Club members are happy to lend equipment to prospective players, and the cost of the clinics is modest. All you need is a pair of jeans and a riding helmet (if you have one). Websites are an excellent source of information about polo.
Try www.uspolo.org, www.polonews.com, and www.polomania.com. Louisville Polo always welcomes help with pu ing on events, parties, charity games, and with the assembly and distribution of our annual program.
Call or text our club pro Luis Ansola at 859.509.1287 for more information.
BAILEY AHRENS
CO-OWNER & DESIGNER
AMANDA STUBBLEFIELD
CO-OWNER & DESIGNER
WHEN DAD PARKS THE CAR ON THE 9TH GREEN.
John O’Callaghan 502.718.8727
Since 2015, Louisville families have received quality care, service, integrity, and compassion. Even before then, founder John O’Callaghan was dedicated to supporting seniors—including his own loved ones. Trust a locally owned and operated home care agency specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
SHOP POLO SWAG
(1.) Navy Logo Tee: A so , everyday essential that reps the club in both adult and youth sizes. (2.) Stainless Steel Bo le & Mug: Double-wall insulated for all-day hydration at the eld or barn. (3.) Canvas Tote Bag: Sturdy, sideline-ready, and perfect for towels, sunscreen, or daily carry. (4.) Louisville Polo Athletic Hat: Low-pro le, sweat-wicking, and structured—built to move with you. (5.) Louisville Polo Trucker Hat: Mesh-back comfort meets timeless polo pride. (6.) Heritiage Vintage Hat: Cream and forest canvas cap with vintage LPC logo. (7.) Classic Pocket Tee: Lightweight and relaxed—ideal a er practice or on the sidelines. (8.) Club Sweatshirt: A cozy crewneck with the Lousville Polo mark—your weekend go-to. (9.) Navy T-Shirt: A Polo Club classic—e ortless, timeless, and made for everyday wear. 2 3
APPAREL
& GIFTS
Dr. Colleen Walker
St. Matthews
3945 Nanz Avenue
Dr. William Haney
St. Matthews 125 Fairfax Avenue
Dr. Diane Rennirt Middletown 400 Blankenbaker Pkwy Suite 201 OUR DOCTORS
WORK HARD | PLAY HARDER
One of my favorites is SECOND STRIDE. On or off the playing field, horses represent a passion that give us their kindness, companionship and strength, and it is our responsibility to support them. Louisville's biggest day of online giving is on Thursday, September 18, 2025 (mark your calendar) for Give for Good Louisville! SECOND STRIDE believes that whether a horse retires due to lack of aptitude for racing, an injury, or it is just time to stop racing, there is a future for that horse. SECOND STRIDE offers a safe pathway to a second career.
As the SECOND STRIDE 2023 Volunteer of the Year, please join me in supporting the 2025 SECOND STRIDE goal. Every dollar donated goes to the care and training for retired Thoroughbred racehorses.
Second Stride is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for retired oroughbred racehorses (founded June 1, 2005).
Madison, age 32, Argentine polo pony living happily at my barn. 2002 Tournament wins: Virgil Christian Tribute & Brownsboro Cup – Pro Guillermo Usandizaga.
inquiries regarding advertisements for 2026, please contact 502.664.9914
