Polo Mallets Swinging in San Juan Capistrano

Don Patch, who last fall organized and coached the Beach Cities Polo Club at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in Huntington Beach, has moved his polo school to Sycamore Trails in San Juan Capistrano.

The shift is tied to a revival of the Sycamore Polo Club, which had dwindled off in recent months, with just a handful of players. Spurred by the relocation of Patch’s operation, the club plans to offer lessons and Sunday afternoon games.

“This is a great place for polo,” said Patch, who noted that San Juan Capistrano is a growing center of equestrian activity and home to a number of large stables. With an enclosed, lighted riding arena at the Sycamore facility, Patch will be able to teach days and evenings, rain or shine.

Learn-to-play polo packages begin at $150 for five lessons (including horse, tack and equipment). For more information, call (714) 839-0593 or (714) 661-1755.

“The displacement of many horses due to housing development in the city of Huntington Beach has created a demand for approximately 150 new stalls,” she says.

To help meet that need, the equestrian center recently completed construction of a 24-stall barn and training area. Sixty new paddocks will be ready on May 1. Reservations are being accepted.

Riding clinic: Kenny Nordstrom will give a hunter-jumper clinic April 30-May 1 at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center.

There will be sessions for beginner and advanced hunters and for jumpers.

The two-day cost for riders is $140. There is a $5 spectator fee.

Information: (714) 848-6565.

Winner’s circle: The Grandstander, owned by Stoneridge Riding Club in Laguna Beach, was junior/amateur-owner jumper champion at this month’s Beach Cities Horse Show at Coto de Caza. Other hunter champions included:

Green conformation--Beat the Drums, Evelene Hansen/Starlight Farms.

Green & regular working hunter--Mindreader, El Dorado 29.

Amateur-owner (age 18-30)--Second Thoughts, Scott Petrie.

Amateur-owner (31 & over)--Make My Mark, Far West Farms.

Junior (14 & under)--Bremen, Colt Enterprises.

Junior (15-17)--Strike Up The Band, Tanya Russin.

Children’s (13 & under)--Norma Jean, Raeber Limited.

Children’s (14-17)--Mardi Gras, Jennifer Vautrinot.

Adult amateur (18-30)--Preston, Julie Clark.

Adult amateur (31 & over)--Merci, Coby & Bill Thompson.