Polo anyone? Hickory Hall Polo Club brings unique sport to area, to host upcoming charity match for Hendricks Regional Health
By Lindsay Doty
When Danville resident Maggie Hine mentions her sport of choice, questions often follow.
“Many people think that I mean water polo! So I normally clarify by saying ‘Yes, the horse kind,’” says Hine.
The 20-year old Hoosier took up the unique equine sport during her freshman year at Westmont College in Santa Barbara and was smitten.
“My favorite part of polo is being part of a team. Many equine activities tend to be more individualized in nature, but polo includes all the fun of horseback riding along with,” said Hine, a Plainfield High School graduate.
But back home in Hendricks County for the summer, Hine knew polo wasn’t exactly a common sport for Hoosiers. That’s when she discovered (and joined) Hickory Hall Polo Club in nearby Whitestown.
“I feel incredibly grateful to have a polo club close to home. Until I found Hickory Hall, I wasn’t able to play over the summer.,” she said. “Now, I have the opportunity to play polo at a beautiful facility with awesome people right at home in Indiana.”
Owner Greg Chandler founded the club nearly 30 years ago, following in his father’s polo footsteps.
The organization gives Hoosier players and spectators a chance to experience the unique equine sport.
The club hosts weekend matches, including Polo at Sunset on Fridays that support local charities.
While polo can conjure up images of navy sport coats and a stuffy crowd, Hickory Hall offers a casual family-friendly vibe.
“People do assume that polo is very fancy and expensive, but that isn’t always the case,” said Hines. “Hickory Hall makes it very accessible to come to watch polo, and people are always surprised to hear that there is a polo club near them.”
On July 31st, the Polo at Sunset will host the 2nd annual fundraiser for the Hendricks Regional Health Foundation. The hospital foundation charity was selected after a successful inaugural event in 2019.
“The event serves as a critical fundraiser to benefit our Patient Assistance Fund. This program offers financial relief to Hendricks Regional Health patients and helps them pay for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and medicine,” said Director of HRH Foundation and Community Relations Adam Scott.
“After being in quarantine, a lot of people are eager to socialize and relax with loved ones. This event offers a fun environment that is also ideal for social distancing,” he said.
Spectators are encouraged to bring their own picnic or tailgate and adhere to state social distancing guidelines with no more than six people to a standard size tailgate box. Face masks are welcome. There is no visiting the barn or player staging area.
What: 2nd annual Polo at Sunset benefiting the HRH Foundation
Where: Hickory Hall Polo Club, 7551 E 100 N, Whitestown.
When: July 31
Gates open at 5 p.m.
Match starts at 6 p.m.
Sideline tailgating, airplane fly over with candy drop, silent auction, wine pull, and stick horse races.
Cost: $20 per carload can be purchased in advance or at the gate.
For tickets and info, head to https://givergy.us/polo/?controller=home
