The cost of land in Los Angeles makes owning a grass field prohibitive. The California Polo Club has five instructors for its thriving polo school and offers polo all year long.
Come Indoors Interest in less-expensive arena polo growing By Abi Abel
Arena polo is finally (and deservedly) no longer looked at as merely a stepping stone for outdoor grass polo. Many clubs are looking to their arenas to attract players and the success is rivaling that of some of the top grass clubs. All this means great things for polo clubs and polo players across America. Arena polo hits on all cylinders by providing opportunities for players to enjoy higher levels of polo more often and more affordably than on the grass. It also offers accessible polo at a lower cost for beginners with the added safety of the enclosed arena. Plus, it packs an extra punch by bringing unparalleled excitement to spectators that can safely 32 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N
cheer on the action only a few feet from the thundering hooves and quick-precision mallets. Considering the often-daunting financial obligations grass polo can carry—including the cost of transportation, number of horses needed, grooms, club fees and pro fees—it is not difficult to see how the proposition of paying an arena entry fee and leasing or buying and boarding a few horses while still enjoying opportunities to play higher-level polo with higher-rated players is fast growing in popularity. For clubs, arenas require a third of the space a grass field needs and the cost to maintain an arena is significantly less than a grass field. Further, good
