This past Sunday, I was provided a remarkable opportunity to visit the beautiful Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. Suzie Rather with Farmers & Merchants Bank graciously invited me to attend “Polo in Paradise.”

This was an extraordinary day, as the first polo match was team Farmers & Merchants Bank, featuring the CEO and Chairman of the Board Daniel Walker verses team Farmers & Merchants Bank, featuring President Henry Walker.

With 87 acres of manicured fields including three playing fields, stick and ball field, an arena, an exercise pen, stables for 360 horses, and two clubhouses, the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club offers a little something for everyone.

As I watched the beautiful horses compete on the field, I listened closely as a gentleman explained various aspects of the match. I quickly learned that all players must be right handed; horses begin to play when they are five or six years old, and the mallet used to hit the ball has a bamboo shaft, but the head is made from solid wood.

I also learned that a player can use four or five horses per match and that a player can change horses at anytime during the match. What is important to note, however, is that due to the demand of the match, tremendous care muse be provided to each horse.

This was a very exciting Out and About. I appreciated the generous opportunity to attend the match and it was fun to root for both Farmers & Merchants teams!

by Donna Duperron

Donna is the President & CEO of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. Do you have questions about or concerns for business in Torrance? Donna would like to know. Feel free to contact her at any time.

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