From the Polo Classic


On behalf of the Twin Cities Polo Club and volunteers of the Polo Classic we welcome you to the 22st annual Polo Classic. This unique event raises funds for the specific purpose of supporting the University of Minnesota's Leatherdale Equine Center.

As with the previous Polo Classics, this year’s event allows fun-loving generous people to picnic with the ponies. The game of Polo showcases elegance of Sport. The polo ponies will show off the courageous nature and outstanding agility of the thoroughbred.

The players are inspiring athletes in their own right, successfully balancing horsemanship, gamesmanship and ball control while galloping at racetrack speeds. The setting provides for an incredible afternoon of hospitality and entertainment.

The Polo Classic is truly “Summers Best Sunday!” We hope you enjoy the great polo and family activities while giving to the charity of the University of Minnesota's Leatherdale Equine Center.

Thank you for your generosity and involvement.


Craig Robbins                   Cindy Piper
Polo Classic Co-Chair           Polo Classic Co-Chair

University of Minnesota's Leatherdale Equine Center.

About the New Equine Center Facility

Frequently asked Questions

Q: What is the University of Minnesota Equine Center (UMEC)?

It is an overarching program for teaching, research, clinical care and community outreach for advancing the health, wellbeing and performance of horses.
In Teaching : Undergraduate equine education as an equine option in the Animal Science program is offered through the University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with an equine track is offered through the College of Veterinary Medicine. Fully 80% of veterinarians practicing in Minnesota are graduates of the U’s veterinary college.
In Research : The focus of UMEC research is on equine genetic diseases, muscle diseases, arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders, infectious and metabolic diseases and nutrition.
In Clinical Care : UMEC clinical care comprises all aspects of equine health and has been greatly strengthened by the completion of the new Leatherdale Equine Center facility that contains The Piper Clinic for sports medicine and reproduction.
In Continuing Education and Community Outreach: The UMEC and the University of Minnesota Extension Service offer horse owners ongoing education programs. Continuing education programs for veterinarians are provided as well.

Q: Why was the new Leatherdale Equine Center constructed?

A: Home to nearly 500 state and local horse clubs, Minnesota has more than 155,000 horses--the ninth largest horse population in the United States. The number of horses treated at the Veterinary College in Minnesota has also grown exponentially, and there was a strong need to build new facilities for the state’s burgeoning horse population.  The University of Minnesota answered this need by constructing the Leatherdale Equine Center on the St. Paul Campus in 2007.

Q: What is the Leatherdale Equine Center?

 A: The Leatherdale Center is a new 60,000 sq ft facility that supports the growing University of Minnesota equine program. It houses the Piper Performance Clinic, the indoor Barenscher Arena, and the Nutrena Conference Hall.
This new building was designed specifically for horses and includes: 33 box stalls; a 100 ft. by 200 ft. indoor arena and a lunge arena; conference room; custom-designed clinical space for lameness evaluation and diagnosis; a wing for reproductive medicine programs and a rehabilitation therapy area with an aquatreadmill. A wide range of new technology, including digital x-rays and a high-speed treadmill are available to horses at the Center. The facility also features a specially designed loading and exercise area. And advanced services include a powerful MRI.
The Leatherdale Equine Center is the metropolitan site for the We Can Ride program that offers therapeutic riding and driving to children and adults living with disabilities.
The Nutrena Conference Hall overlooking the Barenscher Arena is open to equine organization to hold meetings, clinics and demonstrations.
The Center now also conveniently houses the University of Minnesota Mounted Patrol horses.

Volunteer
If you would like to help the at the Event and Cause Please Contact us today!
thepoloclassic@yahoo.com