February 6, 2018 | Garrett Spahn '18 (CLAS)

The Polo Express

Take a peek at the combined UConn Men's and Women's Polo team competing against a team from the University of Kentucky at the Horsebarn Hill Arena on Feb. 3.

Julianna Gallo '20 (CAHNR), an animal science major, at the UConn Polo Match versus Kentucky on Feb. 3, 2018. (Garrett Spahn '18 (CLAS)/UConn Photo)

Julianna Gallo '20 (CAHNR), an animal science major and member of the combined UConn Men's and Women's Polo team , competes against a team from the University of Kentucky at the Horsebarn Hill Arena on Saturday. (Garrett Spahn '18 (CLAS)/UConn Photo)

Last Saturday, a combined UConn Men’s and Women’s Polo team competed against a team from the University of Kentucky at the Horsebarn Hill Arena.

Polo has been a club sport for men at UConn since 1969 and for women since 1976. Each team has won its respective National Intercollegiate Polo Championship several times, the men in 1972, 1973, and 1974, and the women in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. The women’s team also made the Final Four in 2015.

Prior to 2001, the teams competed in an outdoor arena. The long dreamed-of indoor arena was opened in 2001. The 120 by 220 feet Horsebarn Hill Arena includes a heated lounge, dressing rooms, and an office. Recent upgrades include a heated seating area, new footing in the ring, and LED lighting.

The polo club is funded through the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources Animal Science Department. The team currently has many polo ponies, all of which have been donated to the team.