Outside The Boards™
The OTB™ Podcast is your passport to the captivating world of polo, where we aim to redefine preconceived notions and deliver an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at this remarkable sport. Our mission is to introduce you to the fascinating individuals, remarkable locales, and captivating stories that comprise the heart of polo, while shattering common stereotypes along the way.
Tackling pressing issues currently shaping the sport, we foster constructive dialogue and exchange of ideas, insights, solutions, and exemplary case studies. Our ultimate aim? To propel polo to new heights on the global stage.
Join us for candid conversations with polo's industry luminaries, dedicated enthusiasts, and the extraordinary individuals who infuse this sport with their passion and energy, making it an absolute joy to be a part of. The OTB™ Podcast: Your portal to a polo experience like no other.
Outside The Boards™
Cindy Halle: Championing the Next Generation of Polo
Step into the hidden world of collegiate and high school polo with trailblazer Cindy Hale, whose four-decade journey from college player to pioneering coach and official offers a fascinating glimpse into one of polo's most impactful yet least understood sectors.
What began as a chance encounter with polo ponies in Southern California led Cindy to UC Davis, where she helped capture four National Women's Intercollegiate Championship titles during the earliest days of women's participation in the sport. Her path eventually brought her to Maryland, where she transformed the Garrison Forest School polo program and mentored countless young players who went on to collegiate success.
The conversation illuminates the unique format of Interscholastic and Intercollegiate (II) polo, played exclusively in arenas with a revolutionary "split string" system where horses play for both competing teams. This levels the playing field and teaches players crucial adaptability skills that translate far beyond polo. With 15 men's teams, 24 women's teams, and dozens of high school programs now competing nationally, the II system has become a vital pipeline developing not just players but future leaders in the sport.
Perhaps most compelling is how II polo democratizes access to a historically exclusive sport. Students manage entire equine operations - feeding horses, maintaining facilities, fundraising, and organizing competitions - while developing deep bonds with teammates they may play alongside for years. The teamwork, responsibility, and horsemanship skills learned through these programs shape character and create lifelong polo advocates.
As Cindy reflects on her memorable moments both playing and coaching, she reveals why II polo matters: it's not just about creating professional players but teaching life lessons through sport and preserving the special bond between horse and rider that makes polo extraordinary. Whether you're a polo enthusiast or simply curious about how collegiate sports build character, this episode offers rich insights into a unique athletic experience that transforms students into leaders.
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About Lineup Polo
Lineup Polo was built to revolutionize how polo is managed and experienced. With a mission to support the polo community and expand the sport’s reach, the platform digitizes processes and centralizes communication. Lineup Polo is committed to the game's future.
Available as a free app and web portal, Lineup Polo allows clubs to manage tournaments, automate leagues, payments, and memberships, building a new digital ecosystem for polo.
About Outside The Boards™
Founded after witnessing their first polo match in 2012, Outside The Boards™ seeks to share the sport’s beauty, intensity, and lifestyle while addressing industry fragmentation. Through best practices, insights, trends, and consulting, OTB™ helps stakeholders and brands unlock polo’s marketing potential and navigate the sport with clarity...
