HPA PERFORMANCE PATHWAY
The Performance Pathway is for HPA members aged 14-21 who are dedicated to pursuing a professional career in polo, whether as a player, coach, umpire, polo manager, or anything else. Selection to the Performance Pathway is not only based on talent on the field, instead focusing on the player’s approach, dedication, and professionalism. Selection days for the Pathway take place once a year in the Autumn, ready to welcome the new cohort in the following season.
| Player Name | 2026 Handicap (Women’s in brackets) |
| Bartolome ‘Lolo’ Fontanarrosa | 2 |
| Kamran Ali | 1 |
| Hugh Bate | 1 |
| Wilfred Bate | 1 |
| George Copcutt | 1 |
| Hari Dhillon | 1 |
| Archie Heseltine | 1 |
| Nicholas Hiller | 1 |
| Juana Lavinia | 1 (5) |
| Matias Maldonado | 1 |
| Mack McCaffrey | 1 |
| Harry Oliver | 1 |
| Hector Rogberg | 1 |
| Bruno Bradshaw | 0 |
| Sholto Casey | 0 |
| Orson Clarke | 0 |
| Wilfred Copcutt | 0 |
| Fred Davies | 0 |
| Harry Earnshaw | 0 |
| Isabel Fall | 0 (3) |
| Fede Gomez Colantonio | 0 |
| Ava Greenland | 0 (2) |
| Charlie Hodges | 0 |
| Zachary Ogilvie Thompson | 0 |
| Alejandro Otamendi | 0 |
| Marcos Pejkovic | 0 |
| Noelle Quintin | 0 (NR) |
| Leo Stuart | 0 |
| Arthur Wade | 0 |
| Jacob Watson | 0 |
| Freddy Williams | 0 |
| Harry Wood | 0 |
| Killian Ainsley | -1 |
| Freddie Brockett | -1 |
| Elizabeth Clarkin | -1 (NR) |
| Lillia Hart | -1 (NR) |
| Hector McPherson | -1 |
| Lex Neads | -1 |
| Florentina Pejkovic | -1 (NR) |
| Scarlett Picksley | -1 (NR) |
| Scarlet Richardson | -1 (NR) |
| Holly Robinson | -1 (2) |
| Angus Smail | -1 |
| James Wheatley | -1 |
Pathway structure
The HPA Performance Pathway is built on six key pillars, with an holistic approach aimed at creating well-rounded players who will excel in any area of polo they choose. The year-round Pathway schedule include both on- and off-field sessions, covering a wide range of areas and including coursework and participation in several off-horse sessions, including attendance at matches and workshops.
Polo coaching
Focusing on improving the technical and tactical skills of the player, in addition to matchcraft, positional play, team dynamics, and game strategy, with on-field communication and leadership training and matches to implement learning.
Professional Development
Covering everything from employment law, finances, self-promotion, and media training, to enable the player to move confidently into the professional space. It includes business accounting and financial planning, finding and managing sponsorship, appealing to brands, and building a social media profile.
Equine management
Advanced horse care and stable management, horse training, and riding techniques, focusing on best practise for ensuring the optimum equine welfare standards and maximising horse performance, with expert advice on equine nutrition and fitness in addition to injury prevention and management.
Health & fitness
A holistic training programme focused on strength, conditioning, and fitness, plus mental wellness for optimal player health, with help from professional trainers and a sports psychologist to develop resilience and improve stress management.
Mentor program
Working with experts across the polo industry to support the player with their overall professional development, including life skills in polo, building and maintaining personal relationships in polo, and understanding the core values; particularly relevant for players who are not already connected in the sport.
Parental Support
A key element of the programme, providing guidance and structure for the parents of future professional players, including providing vital emotional support, maintaining a positive and encouraging home and yard environment, and setting positive examples.
2026 Programme
WEBINARS
On various topics including fitness, finance, welfare, and mental health, plus a dedicated webinar for parents of young players
MOUNTED WORKSHOP
Performance Pathway training day with HPA coaches and Pathway mentors
MATCH DAYS
Real time match analysis and the potential opportunity to experience a high goal game behind the scenes pre- and post-match
COLTS CUP & STAGSHEAD TROPHY
Selected teams from the Pathway to play in these two development matches
ASSESSMENT & COACHING DAYS
Assessment opportunity for players hoping to join the Pathway and mounted coaching day for current Pathway players
WEBINAR & AWARDS
Professional development with Performance Pathway mentors, parental support for players, and end-of-season Pathway awards
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