Polo Academy

The Silicon Valley Polo Collective Polo Academy is the next step after your first introduction to the sport—designed to take you from beginner to confident player in a structured, supportive, and fun environment.

Whether you’ve never ridden before or are looking to refine your skills, our academy programs at Menlo and South Bay provide the foundation to develop your riding, technique, and understanding of the game.

What Is the Polo Academy?

The Polo Academy is a multi-week training program that teaches the core fundamentals of polo through hands-on instruction and progressive learning.

Each session builds on the last, allowing you to develop confidence in the saddle, improve your swing, and begin playing real chukkers by the end of the program.

Programs typically run as:

• 6–8 week structured sessions

• Weekly lessons at a consistent day and time

• Small group formats with professional coaching

What You’ll Learn

Throughout the academy, you’ll gain a well-rounded foundation in:

Riding & Horsemanship
Develop balance, control, and confidence on a polo pony.

Mallet Skills & Swing Technique
Learn proper grip, form, and timing to strike the ball effectively.

Game Rules & Strategy
Understand positioning, right-of-way, and how the game flows.

Team Play & Practice Chukkers
Apply your skills in real-game scenarios and beginner scrimmages.

What’s Included

Everything you need to get started is provided:

• Trained and suitable polo ponies

• All tack and equipment (mallets, saddles, safety gear)

• Professional instruction each session

• Guided progression from basics to gameplay

What to Bring

• Boots with a heel

• Riding helmet (or borrow one)

• Comfortable riding attire

• Protective eyewear

Program Structure

Menlo Polo Club

• Typically held Sundays

• 6-week program

• Focus on structured progression and gameplay integration

South Bay Polo Club

• Typically held Saturdays

• 8 week program

• Strong emphasis on development and community-based learning

Each session runs approximately 90 minutes and builds week-to-week.

Who It’s For

The Polo Academy is ideal for:

• Players who have completed an Intro to Polo

• Beginners ready to commit to learning the game

• Riders looking to transition into polo

• Returning players wanting to rebuild confidence

No prior riding experience is required—our instructors guide you every step of the way.

Beyond the Academy

By the end of the program, players are often ready to:

• Join club chukkers

• Participate in beginner-level games

• Continue into advanced training or competitive play

South Bay also offers an Advanced Polo Academy for those looking to further develop skills and strategy in a group setting.

A Community Experience

Beyond learning the sport, the Polo Academy introduces you to the social side of polo—where players build friendships, confidence, and a shared passion for the game.

It’s not just a lesson program, it’s your entry into the polo community.

2026 Polo Academy Schedule & Pricing

Our Polo Academy programs are offered at both Menlo and South Bay, with seasonal sessions designed to build skills progressively in a structured, supportive environment.

South Bay Polo Club offers three 8-week academy programs for the 2026 season:

Price per Academy: $1,750

Spring Academy
Saturdays at 9:30 AM
May 9 – June 27

Summer Academy
Saturdays & select Sundays at 9:30 AM
July 12 – August 30

Fall Academy
Saturdays at 10:15 AM
September 19 – October 24
Includes two practice chukkers with club members

Menlo Polo Club offers two 6-week academy programs for the 2026 season:

Price per Academy: $1,750

Spring Academy
Saturdays & Sundays at 10:30 AM
May 31 – July 11

Summer Academy
Sundays at 10:30 AM
July 19 – August 23

Academy Graduate Tournament
Saturday, August 29
Tournament for Academy graduates held on the Menlo field (additional cost)

Ready to Start Your Polo Journey?

We’d love to have you join us. Send us a message for more details or to reserve your spot.