Dear Equestrian Enthusiasts,
During a year of incredible crisis and challenge, the Horse Park Polo Club faces yet another challenge. The Humphries Polo Arena, at The Horse Park at Woodside, has served local amateur and pick-up polo players since it was first built in 1985; hosting 35 years of club chukkers, 24 Founder’s Cup Tournaments, and teaching countless of us how to play this amazing sport! It has now been 20 years since the arena was last refurbished, and it has once again reached a point where we must make much-needed repairs.
The sand footing has broken down over time and now absorbs water instead of shedding winter rain. The base layer below the sand has become uneven over time, creating low spots which become long-lasting puddles in the winter. And the wooden walls of the arena need vital repairs to keep the ball in play. The estimated cost of re-leveling the base layer, repairing the walls, and replacing the sand is $60,000. As an amateur non-profit club, we do not have the funds for this much-needed overhaul of the arena. So, we must turn to friends and supporters for help, by asking you to make a tax-deductible donation to our Arena Renovation Fund.
The Horse Park Polo Club is the training ground for new players, men and women, young and old, for both the Menlo and South Bay Polo clubs. It is also the home arena for the Stanford Intercollegiate Team and the winter home of the South Bay Interscholastic Team (middle- and high-school students). Many of today’s players started by playing arena polo, at this very arena. We want to continue this tradition for another 35 years!
We understand this is an unusual year of high need, but we hope as equestrian enthusiasts and supporters of equestrian sports, you will consider donating to the Arena Renovation Campaign. The Horse Park at Woodside is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, so your contribution will be tax-deductible. Donors of $5,000 or more will be honored on a permanent plaque at the Arena, to be dedicated as soon as work is completed.
