I N T E R C O L L E G I AT E / I N T E R S C H O L A S T I C
More than sport Polo helps student overcome grief and fears By Stesha Payne
Stesha and daughter Kayci at regionals. Stesha says the polo community has welcomed them both with open arms.
Just over two short years ago, I found myself at the Michigan State University Polo Club’s tryouts at the recommendation of a friend. Riding was nothing new to me—although I was most comfortable riding western—but the word polo was a foreign taste in my mouth. I can remember being overwhelmed by the experience as I anxiously awaited my turn while I second-guessed my involvement in such a unique equine sport. My college career was already off to a late start. Although most people were oblivious to my differences, I was self-conscious about my decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science after a few years’ hiatus from formal education. Less than a year after graduating high school, I gave birth to my daughter. Just over a year after that, my fiancé committed suicide in our home. I continued to work for a while following that tragedy, until one day I was stuck in traffic on my morning commute. I knew that wasn’t where I needed, or wanted, to be, and when I finally arrived at work that day I put in my resignment notice. Once I got home, I applied to Michigan State University. My close friend Elly [Schwingel], who was on the varsity team of the Michigan State University polo club, convinced me to try out, and I was entirely skeptical considering I knew nothing about the sport. Realistically, I came from a 4-H foundation and polo seemed like such an unattainable sport; both physically and financially. To my surprise, the club was designed to allow members of all riding skill levels and financial abilities the opportunity to learn about polo and the horses involved. Despite having no prior polo experience, I made the varsity team and suddenly became submerged in the sport and some of the life it can offer. Personally, polo has been a bit of a lifesaver for me. It came right at a pivotal time in my life when I needed something to look forward to each day. Starting your college career can be daunting and mentally tiring, and the barn became a place of release and peace for me. Each practice presented something new I could work towards, and eventually I found myself working towards a healthier me outside of the barn too. The mental burdens that
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come with grief and a traumatic loss tried to keep me in bed many days, but the horses needed to be worked and I found my way to practice each time. My time spent in the barn led to stronger relationships with my teammates and coaches. When Elly found out that she was selected to compete in England for the USPA intercollegiate U.S.A. team, I knew I had to find a way to go and support her in the same way she had always supported me. So I faced my fears of flying and got on a plane for the very first time for eight long hours to England. The connections I made with the team, and becoming the unofficial cheerleader, are ones that will last me longer than the flight over there felt. Having the opportunity to absorb how their horsemanship and
Stesha says she now drives anywhere to find polo to watch, groom or play chukkers.
