Intercollegiate / Interscholastic Program

"We strive to produce a well-rounded player, with not only a focus on creating players on the field with an emphasis on horsemanship and sportsmanship, but a strong emphasis in the classroom as well. In the end, I/I returns a valuable member back to your club and to the polo playing community.”

AMY FRASER
DIRECTOR OF I/I PROGRAMS

We are extremely excited to welcome you into the world of Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) polo. The I/I program focuses on creating passionate and dedicated polo players both on and off the field. Players in I/I are exposed to a variety of programs that can range from earning a varsity letter, international tournament play, to equine education and many more.

I/I Polo is played in the arena under the USPA Official Arena Rules with such modifications as outlined in the USPA I/I Tournament Conditions. One modification is that I/I games are played using a “split string.” The intent and purpose of mandating split horse strings in I/I Polo is to create a fair opportunity for both teams to play the same horses under the same conditions while reducing the expense by not transporting horses for games. One team will play a string of horses in the first chukker and the other team will play those same horses in the third chukker. Many teams have their own horses to provide for games and tournaments, however, some teams are able to participate in the I/I Program by borrowing horses from other I/I Schools/Clubs.

Tournaments

The USPA runs over 30 I/I Tournaments each season and currently spends approximately $15,000.00 on each of those tournaments. The USPA will arrange for a suitable host site, USPA certified umpires, a USPA tournament manager, horses to mount all teams, tournament awards, and other equipment for running matches at all USPA I/I Tournaments. Tournament All-Stars, Sportsmanship Recipients, Horsemanship Recipients, Best Playing Ponies and Best Playing Strings are recognized at all USPA I/I Tournaments.

For more information on the Intercollegiate/Interscholastic program check out our 2024-2025 I/I Information Packet.

For more information on the rules and policies for the Intercollegiate/Interscholastic program check out the 2025 I/I Tournament Conditions.