Enroll on the Scottsdale Polo Academy

THE TIME TO LEARN POLO IN SCOTTSDALE IS NOW!

Polo in Scottsdale

THE TIME TO LEARN POLO IN SCOTTSDALE IS NOW!

Polo in Scottsdale

SCOTTSDALE POLO ACADEMY

Want to learn how to play polo?

Scottsdale Polo Academy Program Overview

Our group of professional polo instructors is here to guide you from the fundamentals of polo to more advanced tactics and strategies, both in the arena and on the polo field. Whether you have questions about polo equipment—such as mallets, helmets, boots—or need guidance on horse selection and purchase evaluations, our experienced instructors are here to support and advise you every step of the way.

Polo is an ancient and complex team sport and learning it can feel overwhelming at first. For this reason, Scottsdale Polo Academy (SPA) has carefully designed a structured program that helps students understand and enjoy the game in a clear and approachable way. We begin with basic polo terminology, ground demonstrations, and mounted and unmounted drills, gradually incorporating these elements into horseback riding. By breaking the game down into manageable steps, we make learning polo safer, more effective, and more enjoyable.

Scottsdale Polo Academy offers both private and group lessons. With professional instructors and well-trained school horses, students learn game strategy, riding skills, rules, and proper polo technique. Through a combination of lessons, instruction, drills, and practice games, students' progress in a fun, supportive, and safe environment. Upon successful completion of the program, students “graduate” to a faster level of play on the full-size polo field, known as our Fun Polo League.

Because every student’s skill level is different, SPA customizes lessons to ensure each player gets the most out of every session. No prior riding experience is required. We can teach you the basics of horseback riding or help riders from other equestrian disciplines transition smoothly into polo.

Our Program Is Ideal For:

New riders with no previous horse experience — we love you!

Polo players with some experience who want to build confidence, improve skills, and learn the game the proper way from seasoned polo professionals.

Experienced riders from other disciplines—English or Western—who are looking for a more exciting and dynamic equestrian sport (hunters, jumpers, dressage riders, ropers, reiners, and more).

Contact Information

To request additional information, please contact us at:

📧 info@scottsdalepolo.com

📞 Call/Text: 480-201-4530

Important Notes

Please arrive on time for all lessons. Polo is a group activity, and tardiness affects all participants.

All students must read and complete the Participation Release Form & Waiver prior to their lesson.

meet our instructors

Diego Florez, DVM

Diego Fernando Florez is a small animal veterinarian and accomplished polo player with a 1-goal outdoor handicap and a 2-goal indoor handicap. Raised in Pereira, Colombia, Diego has been immersed in the sport of polo since 2008.

Over the years, he has competed and shared his passion for the game across the globe, playing in Mexico, Argentina, Switzerland, Colombia, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, and at numerous polo clubs throughout the United States. Through his travels, Diego has dedicated himself not only to competition, but also to introducing new players to polo and fostering an international community of polo enthusiasts and horse lovers.

Diego Florez competes locally, regionally, and internationally under the Los Caballeros Polo Team. His greatest motivation is to help people fall in love with polo and its horses, sharing his passion and enthusiasm with every player who steps onto the field.

EMILIO URREA KIRBY

Emilio Urrea Kirby

Emilio Urrea Kirby carries a 3-goal handicap is a third-generation polo player from Colombia.

His after-school activity growing up was “get home and ride,” he said. He would join his schoolmates and other local children to play polo and also participated in international kids' tournaments that led to him playing in India on a reciprocal trip. “The kids from India, were staying at a friend’s farm, and they invited us to play polo in their country,” he said.

Emilio’s grandfather and father played polo “My father was my main teacher,” he said. “I remember growing up with horses and later teaching kids and beginners how to play polo, focusing on the rules and how to play - as well as having fun.”

Emilio enjoyed the polo lifestyle as a player until back surgery was required at a point where “my stirrup [leathers] were different sizes.”

- he takes the opportunity to help. “I come from a teaching background, and you can’t always say what you are thinking when you are umpiring,” he said.

But as a former player he can apply his experience to the game. “When I was playing, I always believed that the game should be fair, but I also got frustrated sometimes. So, I understand the polo frustration and that is also very important. I can relate to the guys playing,” he said is is currently a certified USPA Umpire.

Emilio is here to assist you in achieving your polo goals. With years of experience, Emilio excels at identifying and enhancing your strengths and weaknesses, taking players from beginner to advanced levels. Schedule your lessons with Emilio at the ranch or in town. You have to join Scottsdale Polo Academy and its amazing members and horses. I've been so lucky to call this club home away from home and can't wait for the upcoming season!

info@scottsdalepolo.com