Learn to
play polo
Through our step-up program at the Sarasota Polo School, students 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 be tailored to your needs and fit your schedule. Our lessons are offered almost every day of the week, pending availability and interest.
Polo lessons are roughly 45-60 minutes long and include the rental of a polo pony, the use of real polo mallets and balls, as well as all of the tack necessary for your equine partner. You are welcome to bring your own polo equipment (helmet, boots, etc.), or you may borrow from the rental equipment at the Sarasota Polo School! We simply ask that each student arrive in long pants and closed-toed shoes for your safety, as well as bring an eagerness to learn this fabulous sport!
All first time students will be required to complete a waiver. Digital forms can be downloaded below. Completed forms can be submitted to Info@SarasotaPolo.com. Physical forms can also be signed on-site prior to the first lesson.
Meet the Instructors
Ashlie Osburg
Ashlie Osburg has been the Director of the Sarasota Polo School since 2021. In just a few years, she has grown the business from a handful of students to dozens of regular and eager students— many of whom had never ridden at all before meeting her! Each week, students of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn polo and in the process learn horsemanship, leadership, responsibility, and teamwork. Ashlie doesn’t just offer lessons like other riding schools — she organizes “lunch and learns” with professional polo players, multi-day clinics for swing analysis and polo strategy to hone techniques. Prior to becoming the Director of the Sarasota Polo School, she was a horse trainer and groom at multiple polo farms in Tennessee, Texas, and Florida. Ashlie goes above and beyond to develop her students by encouraging them to strive for goals beyond what they would ever dream to set for themselves. Without her steadfast work and love of the sport, the community of people who enjoy polo would merely be on the sidelines watching polo during the regular polo season from December to April. With Ashlie’s student players, she has built a community of like-minded students and friends. Ashlie is making a difference in the lives of the people who come to Sarasota Polo School and creating a cadre of future polo players. Ashlie is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Studies. She and her husband, Neil Osburg, a professional polo player, live in Myakka City along with their 1-year-old daughter, 3 dogs, a cat, and of course, many horses.
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.
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.
Meet the Instructors
Meet The Ponies of the Sarasota Polo School
Regina George “Gena”
Mare or Gelding: Mare
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age: 17
Color: Bay
Height: 15.3HH
Mallet Size: 52
Favorite Treat: Stud Muffins
Years in Polo School: 6
Career Before Polo School: “Gena” was played by professional Joe Wayne Barry.
Testimonial: “Gena is a chestnut mare in a bay mare body. She definitely has an attitude, but she’s without a doubt one of the barn favorites. She does everything from beginner polo lessons to Ranch League. She is super smooth and steady, and knows her job on the polo field better than most professionals.”
Felicity
Mare or Gelding: Mare
Breed: Appendix (Thoroughbred x Quarter Horse)
Age: 18
Color: Grey
Height: 15.3HH
Mallet Size: 53
Favorite Treat: Organic Carrots
Years in Polo School: 3
Career Before Polo School: Felicity was played by a polo patron out of Houston, Texas.
Testimonial: “Felicity is one of the Sarasota Polo School’s true “babysitter” horse. She has all the moves for an advanced player, yet the versatility to babysit her beginner students. She can safely pack children of all ages and levels, and she excels with first-time riders because of her quiet demeanor and forgiving personality. Horses like Felicity are a dime a dozen, and we are so blessed to start most of our students on her.”
Lutz
Mare or Gelding: Mare
Breed: American Thoroughbred
Age: 17
Color: Chestnut
Height: 15.3HH
Mallet Size: 53
Favorite Treat: Anything!
Years in Polo School: 5 Years
Career Before Polo School: Lutz was owned and played by a woman sponsor in California & Texas.
Testimonial: Another one of Sarasota Polo School’s “babysitter’s”, Lutz knows her job and loves a rider that trusts her skills and leaves her to do her job! She’s an independent woman but will take care of her students. Don’t let her skills fool you – most of the time you will catch her snoozing! But she is able to play for all levels of players. She’s a unique, quirky girl but once you’ve earned her trust, she will give you her all. Everyone loves Lutz!!
Penguin
Mare or Gelding: Mare
Breed: Argentine Thoroughbred
Age: 16
Color: Bay
Height: 15HH
Mallet Size: 51
Favorite Treat: Stud Muffins
Years in Polo School: 2 Years
Career Before Polo School: Bred by Luis Escobar and imported from Argentina in 2011, Penguin has played up to 14-16 Goal Polo.
Testimonial: There’s only one Penguin, and she’s pure magic. Known as the Sarasota Polo School’s unicorn, Penguin has a gift that’s hard to find — the perfect blend of patience, heart, and quiet confidence that makes her every beginner’s dream horse. With her steady stride and kind spirit, she helps new players find balance, swing, and most importantly, courage. Countless riders have taken their first steps toward high-level polo on her back, carried forward by her calm strength and generous heart.
Meet The Ponies of the Sarasota Polo School
Reserve A Polo Demonstration
Want to learn more about the sport of polo from a polo professional? We are happy to arrange for a private professional polo demonstration before the start of the feature match you are planning to attend. The professional will come by you and your guests and educate you on the sport of polo, while on horseback! You can get up close and personal and learn key parts about the sport before the match even starts. This is a great add-on for group events.
Hitting Horses
Want to try polo without actually getting on a real horse? Check out our wooden hitting horses at halftime of any of the public polo matches for a chance to see what it’s like to hit a polo ball through the goal posts! Our staff will help you aboard our trusty wooden steeds, provide you with a real polo mallet to use, and set you up for success!