Polo SchoolFounded in 1928, the Houston Polo Club is an established institution recognized for excellence in the sport of polo and equestrian pursuits. In fact, the 82 year old club is the Houston’s oldest sports franchise. Like Houston’s other athletic pursuits, the Houston Polo Club continues to produce top athletes in their sport. Much of the credit is owed to polo instructors Barlee Flanders and Mark Prinsloo and their successful polo school. The Club offers private polo lessons through the year taught by the talented polo instructors Barlee Flanders and Mark Prinsloo. These pros help to develop the skill set of the club’s intermediate players as well as teach the sport to beginners. In both the Spring and Fall, the Houston Polo Club offers a polo school. During the eight week program, individuals who have never played polo learn everything necessary to participate in a match. Even students who have never ridden are able to participate in the program with a little prep work in riding lessons. The school also often serves as a refresher course for anyone looking to brush up on their skills. The course touches on important elements of the game including; swing technique, proper riding, and game strategy. 
The instructional course includes:
It is never too late to begin riding or playing polo! The Polo School has hosted new players of all ages and skill levels. The trained instructors will work with each player to develop their skill set. There are polo school programs for both Juniors and Adults. Classes are held on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The Spring Session run from April to June and the Fall Session is held September through November. Students enrolling only need a helmet and riding boots to participate. The Houston Polo Club provides instructors, horses, tack and mallets. For information on fees and times, please contact the Riding Director, Merrily Quincoces at 832-567-3202 or by using our contact us page. Getting Started
It is easy to get started playing polo at the Houston Polo Club! The Student requirements:
The Houston Polo Club will provide everything else needed for polo school including horses, tack and mallets. Those new to the sport are encouraged to visit the United States Polo Association (USPA) website for more information about the sport. Meet the InstructorsMark Prinsloo A native of South Africa, Mark has been playing polo much of his life and has been teaching for the last 20 years. Growing up in a family of polo players and horse trainers, he played polo competitively in South Africa from an early age. As a 4 Goal professional Mark played worldwide which eventually brought him to the US to play. Mark is also an accomplished horse trainer. He has been training horse for over twenty years. Two of the horses he trained have won Best Playing Pony in the US Open. Now a 3 Goal pro, Mark has worked with Barlee since 1999 to grow the sport of polo in Houston. Barlee Flanders Barlee transitioned from horse trainer to polo player while working in Jackson, Wyoming. At the Jackson Hole Polo Club she learned the foundation of her polo career. Polo then took her to Palm Springs and eventually to Houston where she began the Polo School in 1990. Among her many accomplishments as a rider and polo player, Barlee has played for the US Polo Team in Australia. She also has played in California, Florida, Argentina and England with some of the world’s best polo players including Memo Gracida and Tommy Wayman. For information on fees and times, please contact the Riding Director, Merrily Quincoces at 832-567-3202 or by using our contact us page. |