Learn to
play polo
Our step-up Sarasota Polo School allows students to begin with polo lessons in our enclosed arena, progress to arena chukkers and, when ready, move out onto the grass for Sunshine League chukkers – being coached the whole way by polo professionals and/or experienced polo instructors in a safe, encouraging environment. We have excellent polo instructors that partner with us.
Regardless of what your level of experience in polo is, polo lessons can be arranged to tailor to your needs and fit in your schedule. Our lessons are offered every day of the week, pending availability and interest. We are very flexible and willing to work with all of our participants, so we can be accommodating to your schedule.
Polo lessons are roughly 45-60 minutes long and include the rental of a polo pony, mallets, and balls, as well as all of the tack necessary. You are welcome to bring your own polo equipment (helmet, boots, etc.), or you may borrow from our Sarasota Polo School! We simply ask that each student comes in pants and closed-toed shoes, and a brings an eagerness to learn a fabulous sport!
Playing Memberships
We are devoted to growing our base of playing members to include passionate polo players. The Sarasota Polo Club is proud to be home to more than 75 playing members. To accommodate the many skill levels of our playing members, we offer polo programs of all levels – from beginner all the way up to 14-Goal.
Our playing members and their families enjoy a packed calendar of polo programs along with fun-filled family social events and activities throughout the polo season including: Sunday Polo, Sunset Polo Happy Hour, Sarasota Polo School, Arena Polo, Interscholastic Polo, Sunshine League, Ranch League, Club Tournaments, USPA Tournaments, as well as member-only events, activities and parties.
Interscholastic Arena Polo
The Interscholastic Polo Program is a competitive polo league in which students under the age of 18 play against other polo teams both in their region and across the country. Players must meet their school’s academic standards in order to participate.
Interscholastic polo is played in the arena under USPA Arena rules and Interscholastic/Intercollegiate Tournament Conditions. As in all I/I polo, the Interscholastic League is played using a “split string,” where each team plays all of the horses provided for the match. Interscholastic players are welcomed into a wonderful network of polo professionals, volunteers, and other players their age.
Meet the Instructors
Scott Lancaster
Scott Lancaster has been teaching polo for more than 30 years. He is a USPA Honorary Certified Polo Instructor, and has started many polo players over the years – including intercollegiate champions, U.S. Open patrons, and more. He has worked with men, women, and children ranging in ages from 8 to 75.
Ashlie Osburg
Ashlie Osburg, 30, is an Illinois native and 12-year veteran of the sport of polo and is the owner, trainer, and director of the Sarasota Polo School lesson ponies. As the wife of polo professional Neil Osburg, Ashlie has a unique viewpoint and real world experience when it comes to both training polo ponies and educating people on the “Sport of Kings.” Ashlie’s string of talented mounts can cater to any level of polo player – from the first-time rider to the player interested in tournament-level polo. Her ponies can really do it all! As a dedicated instructor of the Sarasota Polo School, Ashlie utilizes her degrees in both Equine Science and Business Management to ensure the best experience for both her horses and riders.
Neil Osburg
Neil Osburg is a 2-Goal polo professional originally from Clearwater Beach, Florida. After traveling and playing professionally all across the United States, Neil is now a full-time Floridian living with his wife, Ashlie, on their farm in Myakka City. In addition to playing polo professionally, Neil also trains horses for top polo operations and players year-round.
Stuart Campbell
Stuart Campbell is a 4-Goal polo professional originally from South Africa, and is now based in the Sarasota Polo Club. Stuart started out show jumping, but has been playing and coaching polo in Sarasota for the last 25 years. Stuart has helped many players start from scratch, and has brought them on to play in competitive tournaments.
Meet the Instructors
Interested in Playing Polo?
The Sarasota Polo Club offers a unique and fun program enabling people of all ages and abilities to learn to play the sport of polo, or even just learn to ride horses!
