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club. Harley Stimmel instituted the Midland Interscholastic Polo Team about ten years ago and continues to serve as their head coach. This team is made up of seven area high school students (including the Stimmels’ youngest son, Russell) who have committed traveling and competing against teams spanning a region from Houston to Indiana. A tribute to their hard work and good coaching, they made it all the way to the national polo competition in Charlottesville, Virginia this past March.

Carolyn Stimmel is also instrumental in the creation of the MPC’s Polo School, where players with little or no experience are given at least two initial private lessons followed by group lessons covering tack, swing, and basic rules of the game. This newest project has proven to be a large undertaking, and members are very excited about the potential growth. “The polo school is huge right now,” Carolyn says, “and I couldn’t do it without Louisa’s help. She’s such a blessing.”

Clearly, MPC is thriving today. The magnetism of the game to families that love horses, love competitive play, and love being together has brought new families to the club – the Eben, Watson, Reddell, and Hagist families are just a few that could speak to the special bond that the game provides.

That vitality has also attracted pros from all over the world. Currently, there are three pros at the club offering expertise to students and players. Hugo Nunez, Ernesto Natividad, and Miguel Silvestre came to Midland from Mexico and Argentina anxious to make a living playing a game that they love. Nunez and Natividad both have children playing on Coach Stimmel’s team, a sign that they have also passed down that passion to the next generation. If you’re interested in becoming part of the Midland Polo Club, go to www.midlandpolo.com to see pictures of teams, register for lessons, or check out the fall schedule of weekend games. Remember that admission is free, so bring the whole family to enjoy this game of kings… and cowboys!  WCM