First-timers
Never ridden, or never held a mallet. You'll learn on matched horses, at your pace, with a coach beside you the whole way.
Three kinds of riders, one standard of teaching
Riders new to polo
Comfortable on a horse from another discipline and ready to learn the swing, the rules and how the game moves.
Players wanting a tune-up
Low-goal and advanced players sharpening swing mechanics, angles and decision-making before or during the season.
The fundamentals most players never get taught
- Confidence on several different horses, not just one
- Riding to the top of your ability, technically and dynamically
- The principles of classic polo
- Correct mallet grip
- Correct swing mechanics
- Timing your swing with your horse's stride
- Classic angles, played on defense and on offense
- How those angles change from low-goal to high-goal play
- How to play with a pro, and what a pro expects of you
- How to play with different styles of pros, and pick the style that fits your polo goals
- How to choose horses and the right level of play
Concept, then practice, then the real game
1
Chalk talk
One or two clear ideas, drawn out before you ride, so you know what you're looking for.
2
Coached chukkars
You test the idea right away. We stop, reset and replay situations so you see why spacing and angles change the outcome.
3
Match observation
Watch a live game and spot what you just learned, at full speed.
The goal isn't to bury you in rules. It's a few repeatable principles that make you anticipate instead of react, keep your shape instead of chasing, and see how defense creates the next attack. Every rider gets hands-on correction, starting with the basics.
See the field. Anticipate the pressure. Create the next play.
Defense begins every attack
Even with the ball, someone is anticipating pressure and protecting space for when possession changes.
Play the diamond
Keep shape and support so four players create options, instead of four players chasing one ball.
Backs and angles
Use open and tail backs on purpose to relieve pressure, change the point of attack and keep the play alive.
Open out, play in
Use width to escape pressure in your defensive half. Bring the play inward toward goal in the attacking half.
Set plays are possession
Know your first option, second option and safety before the ball moves.
Go further
Live play chukkars with Daniel Fernández
$400 eachAny rider can swap one coaching session for two live chukkars, with the horse and Daniel's pro fee included. Riders booking several days get first preference, so the chukkars build on concepts from their sessions. Additional chukkars are $400 each for bootcamp riders ($250 horse rental plus $150 pro fee) or $450 without a bootcamp ($300 horse rental plus $150 pro fee). Former 5-goal professional Daniel Fernández plays in every chukkar.*
*Green fees are set by each field or club and paid by the rider, for both you and Daniel. We confirm them before your chukkars are scheduled.
Horse and pro selection guidance
IncludedHonest advice on which horses suit you, which style of pro fits your polo goals, and what level of play to aim for next.
Private dates and extended season
By requestBook a private group, or ask about dates outside December to February.
Featured weeks this season
Dec 7–13December, week 2
Dec 14–20December, week 3
Jan 4–10January, week 1
Other weeks from December 1 to February 28 are available: contact us for more information. Played on various fields in Indio and Thermal. Groups are kept to four riders, with 3 to 5 spots open each week.
The longer you ride, the less each day costs
Every price is built from a $250 coaching session, with two sessions a day. Longer bootcamps earn a bigger discount, and weeklong camps swap one session for two live chukkars.
| Format | What's included | Price | Per day | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single lesson | 1 coached session | $250 | — | $250 (full) |
| One day | 2 coached sessions | $500 | $500 | $500 (full) |
| 3-day bootcamp | 6 coached sessions | $1,425$1,500 · save 5% | $475 | $500 |
| 5-day weeklong | 9 coached sessions + 2 live chukkars* | $2,250$3,050 value | $450 | $675 |
| 7-day weeklong | 13 coached sessions + 2 live chukkars* | $2,975$4,050 value | $425 | $893 |
Horses and tack are included in every coaching session. Additional live chukkars are $400 each for bootcamp riders, $450 otherwise. The deposit is due when you reserve, and the balance is due on the first day of your bootcamp.
*Green fees are set by each field or club and paid by the rider, for both you and Daniel. We confirm them before your chukkars are scheduled.
Daniel Fernández
Daniel has competed at the highest levels of polo in the United States as a 5-goal professional. He brings remarkable insight into the game, and his own perspective on how polo is really played, to every rider he coaches, from first-timers to experienced players.
With support from Rebecca Clark
Rebecca handles logistics and adds coaching as needed. Her background is structured team sport: collegiate and competitive soccer, then selection to RCD Espanyol's women's program in Barcelona. She has trained extensively with Daniel, has played women's tournaments in Santa Barbara, Indio, Aiken, Florida and Argentina, and has hosted polo clinics with Daniel since 2017. She works in English and Spanish.
Before you book
Do I need riding experience?
No. Bootcamps start from the ground up for first-timers, and advanced players can book a tune-up instead.
Do I bring my own horse?
No. Horses and tack are included. You'll ride several matched horses during your bootcamp, which is how you build real confidence.
What should I wear and bring?
Long pants, boots with a heel and sun protection. Players usually bring their own helmet and mallets. If you don't have them, they can be arranged, and a small deposit may be required to cover any damage.
How long is a bootcamp, and what's the daily schedule?
Bootcamps run a minimum of three days, and weeklong camps run 5 to 7 days. Sessions usually fall between 8 and 11am and between 3 and 5pm, depending on field and polo schedules. Each session runs one to two hours inside those windows. Exact times can't be guaranteed, so keep those days open.
What does it cost?
Coaching is $250 a session per rider, with two sessions a day. Bootcamps start at $1,425 for three days, and weeklong camps start at $2,250. Any rider can swap one session for two live chukkars with Daniel Fernández, an $800 value covering the horse and his pro fee. Additional chukkars are $400 each for bootcamp riders ($250 horse rental plus $150 pro fee) or $450 without a bootcamp.*
*Green fees are set by each field or club and paid by the rider, for both you and Daniel. We confirm them before your chukkars are scheduled. See all pricing.
How do I hold my spot, and what if the weather cancels?
Your deposit is due when you reserve: the full amount for a single lesson or one day, $500 for a 3-day bootcamp, and 30% for a 5- or 7-day weeklong. The balance is due on the first day of your bootcamp. Payment is by Zelle, and the details come with your confirmation. If weather cancels, you can reschedule twice. After two reschedules, the deposit is non-refundable.
Is it safe for a beginner?
Groups are kept to four riders so the coach can watch every rider, and horses are matched to your level. Every rider signs the waiver required by the facility where we ride, and each facility carries its own insurance.
Where exactly do we ride?
On various fields in Indio and Thermal, California. You'll get the field and meeting point for your week in your confirmation.
Can I book a private group or other dates?
Yes. Private bookings and dates outside the December to February season are available on request.
