From the show ring to the polo field

Grace Burgert, a sophomore at Memorial High School, has ridden horses for years and, a few years ago, discovered the sport of polo. (Photo: Jill Hunter)

When most people think of polo, they think of big hats, champagne or some version of a Hamptons-esque movie scene. When I think of polo, however, I think of a community devoted to horses, sportsmanship and a competitive spirit. Unbeknownst to most, Houston has a thriving polo community. With the highest number of playing members in the country and home to five interscholastic polo teams, The Houston Polo Club is where I discovered my love for the incredible sport.

I have ridden horses forever, but I had never stuck to a certain barn for too long until I rode at Miracle Farm. I competed throughout Texas for four years on American Saddlebreds. I loved the sport and immersed myself in the horse world as I learned to ride in the high-stepping, showy “saddleseat” style. In 2013, however, my stepdad, Kelly Plato, discovered the high-speed, intense world of polo. I initially had zero interest and refused to even give the sport a try. Eventually, however, I agreed to go to “Polo School.”

At one point, the play of the game started to feel natural, and I fell in love with it. The experience was further elevated by the community surrounding it. My family and I have made countless friends and realized the down-to-earth nature that those truly compelled by a love for polo all have. Most days, you can find my family hanging out on a polo field 30 minutes outside of Houston, enjoying an asado (Argentine barbecue), covered in horse hair and mud, and laughing with our friends as we talk about our sport.

I have now played polo for five seasons in Texas, Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida and, most recently, Argentina. In addition to presenting me with incredible opportunities, polo has taught me about responsibility and passion working in tandem. I hope to one day play in college, and to get there, I recognize that I have to practice, train and play as often as I can, which means sometimes giving up other normal teenager things. For me, however, anything and everything is worth it for my passion, polo.

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