D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
May
2009
Polo
Page: 2"It is a beautiful setting, set back off the road, and every summer weekend they have polo tournaments," Golston says. "It is on an actual working cattle ranch, and the place has elk and wild turkeys on it. There is a restaurant, a bunkhouse, and even a bar."
It is here where Golston will be spending her summer, providing polo and horseback-riding clinics for "young people of all ages." Although the ranch is private, everyone is encouraged to contact her for details about the classes, some of which will be free of charge. She will even provide a horse to non-horse owners.
Golston will also be sharpening her own skills, both as a player and an umpire. She will work to renew her umpire certification, traveling to Florida again late this year for more training.
"I've been invited to play at many beautiful ranches — in California, Arizona, Wyoming and Kentucky, and whenever I am around other polo players, I feel like I am part of an extended family. There is something that is very addictive about polo, once you get the bug. . ." She trails off momentarily.
Golston will continue to work with more and more people who want to learn about polo. She's adding a lighter version of the sport she's come up with for women who don't want to "do battle," which she calls "trot polo."
"You don't see anyone quitting polo," she says brightly. "It is totally mind-consuming — an escape."
Practice matches held three times a week at Rancho Santa Maria are free. For directions to the facility or to learn more about the sport or about taking lessons, Yvonne Golston would love to hear from you. Call her at (505) 920-3046.
Senior writer Jeff Berg also scores in this issue's story on the BLM Wilderness Patrol.