Newport Kids Take Show on the Road  

                 December 1, 2007,  Newport, RI:  … On a chilly December morning, coach Matthew Fonseca and manager Dori Burner loaded up their interscholastic squad of teens, tack & mounts and traveled for three hours with six horses to the farm of Hillary and CB Blythe to play against the UMASS-Amhearst interscholastic team.   

Shown: Back row from left: Newporters Assistant Coach Heather Rasulis, Maggie Ferrata, Bridgette Bolestridge, Coach Matthew Fonseca, Megan Grabia, Minnie Keating and Katie Ferrata.  Middle: teammate Jen Hilton.  Front row: UMass interscholastic polo team of Stone Pony Farm. 

Rasulis trekked in from CT in time to join the others for a warm reception by the UMASS team who came outside to meet the trailer and help tack & groom!  After the match, the hosts laid out a satisfying pizza party to boot.  A couple dozen supportive parents were on hand to cheer on the kids and take pride in their accomplishments.    The more experienced UMass team came out on top after four chukkers of play, and good sportsmanship was displayed in healthy doses all around.

Newport's next challenge will be against UConn.  Newport Youth Polo is an interscholastic polo training collaborative sponsored by the Newport Polo Club and several of its members, offering lessons to teen boys and girls at the Newport Polo Club's facilities in Portsmouth year-round.   The team will play a few away matches and tournaments this winter and spring, and has plans to host a home match or two before summer.  For more information, click Lessons or call our Polo Office at 401-847-7090.