The relationship between a human and a horse is rewarding and unique. Horses are real and present beings. They live in the here and now. They constantly build and maintain positive relationships with each other and their environment. This is what makes them such incredible therapy animals.

Therapy sessions at that ranch involve the Blue Star Ranch (BSR) Team of therapy horse(s), Licensed Mental Health Specialist who is also certified in this therapy, and Certified Equine Specialist. This team works one-on-one with the veteran. The focus is on-the-ground, there is no horseback riding involved. It is solution-oriented. And, our services are free to veterans and their families. We must heal the whole family.

Horses sense emotions in humans and react accordingly. This is the atmosphere needed to bring emotional problems to the surface for examination.

On Oct. 7, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., the California Polo Club will be presenting “Polo Expo For Veterans,” a fun event that will allow attendees to see a real working relationship between horse and rider, while supporting Blue Star Ranch. Polo is both the oldest and fastest team sport in the world. Traces of its earliest form date back to 2000 B.C., and the sport was formally documented in 500 B.C. as a training exercise of the Persian Calvary. Today, polo is played in 16 countries.

The regulation height of a “polo pony” was originally capped at 14.2 hands, (each hand = 4”) so 14.2 is 14 X 4” plus 2”. Got that? Today polo ponies can be any height, but the average is 15.1 hands. Polo ponies are mostly thoroughbreds by breeding, but are sometimes crossed with stock breeds such as the Quarter Horse or Cariollo Breeds.

Defining characteristics of a polo pony are speed, stamina, athleticism, intelligence and a love of the game that equals their riders. This game is so physically strenuous for the horses that riders have to change to a fresh mount every 7 ½ minutes of game time.

We would like to invite you one and all to this exciting event. And there is even a ½ time show being put on by the Blue Shadow Riders Competition Drill Team Champions. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity either. Diner is included (no rubber chicken). Tickets are available for all pocketbooks.
If you would like to see more polo photos, and the polo facility go to www.californiapoloclub.com.

If you would like to order tickets go to www.BlueStarRanch.org and click on events button at top of page. See calendar section of magazine for details.

Honorees at this year’s event include;

2018 Blue Star Ranch “Gold Star Veteran Honoree SPC Rudy A. Acosta”
2018 Blue Star Ranch “Platinum Sponsor California Polo Club”
2018 Blue Star Ranch “Gold Sponsors Bob & Judy Clark”
2018 Blue Star Ranch “Volunteer of the Year Award Richard Carrillo”

Your enjoyment of this event will go a long way to helping our veterans in need.

The California Polo Club is located at 11035 Osborne St, Sylmar, 91342.

To learn more about Blue Star Ranch visit their website: www.BlueStarRanch.org.

And pass the word to any veteran you know in need with PTSD, depression, or other issues. Questions: just call Nancy at 661-312-6184.