USPA Certified Umpire

Domingo began his polo career in 1977 and has achieved ratings as high as 8 goals in the arena and 5 on grass. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, he brings over 38 years of experience in polo and equitation, making him a leading arena player and esteemed horseman. Domingo has competed globally and is highly respected in the polo community. His expertise spans all aspects of the game, including horse breeding, grooming, training, and high-goal polo. He has served as Director of Polo at the California Polo Club and as a USPA Delegate for 25 years. Notably, he was named USPA Sportsman of the Year in 1997 and won the USPA Arena Open Championship in 2011. He also participated in the World’s Longest Polo Game in Las Vegas in 2010. Currently, he is rated 4 goals in the arena and 1 on grass.

USPA Certified Instructor

Raised on a ranch in Mexico, Ismael was immersed in the equestrian world from a young age, following in his father’s footsteps as a horse trainer. His deep connection with horses led him to start his polo career at California Polo Club in Los Angeles. Initially joining as a groom, Ismael’s exceptional horsemanship and riding skills soon garnered recognition, propelling him into the realm of competitive polo. As an accomplished polo player, he has demonstrated a remarkable blend of expertise and passion for the sport. In his role as a polo instructor, Ismael is known for his ability to effectively adapt his teaching methods to accommodate a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. His patience, communication skills, and dedication to the sport make him a valued mentor and educator in the polo community.

USPA Certified Instructor

Kirsten, daughter of esteemed polo coach Rege Ludwig, began her polo journey at age seven with the Junior Polo Program at Eldorado Polo Club in California. She played varsity polo at the University of Virginia and, after graduating, turned professional. Kirsten served as the assistant tournament director for the FIP Regional Play-offs and World Cup in 2003 and 2004. In 2010, she helped organize and participated in the World’s Longest Polo Game for Wounded Warriors. Rated 2 goals in the arena, she has competed internationally in countries like Jamaica, Argentina, Germany, and England. Kirsten has trained horses since age 15, some of which now compete in high goal polo worldwide. She has also been training with her father for over 25 years. In 2011, she earned a Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of Virginia and is now an assistant professor of Biomedical Sciences at the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine.

California native Kim Garsed began her equestrian journey at the age of 9, exploring several disciplines and competing in Hunter-Jumper, Three-Day Eventing, and Endurance Riding. Her passion for polo ignited after a single lesson in 2001, leading her to dedicate herself fully to the sport. Since then, Kim has made significant strides in the polo arena, competing across the United States and extending her prowess to Canada, Mexico, and Argentina. Her diverse background in various equestrian disciplines has enriched her polo career, allowing her to approach the game with a unique blend of skills and insights. Kim’s dedication to the sport is evident in her impressive competitive record and her ongoing contributions to polo. Her journey from a young rider to a seasoned polo player underscores her commitment and passion for the sport, establishing her as a respected figure in the polo community.

Jessica began her polo career in 1986 at the Circle JB Polo Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley under the tutelage of Joel Baker – one of the top players and horseman of the sport. Under the tutelage of Mr. Baker, she learned horse training and player /game strategy to play high-goal polo. Jessica is considered to be one of the top women polo players in the country. She has a keen understanding of what a good polo horse is and makes most of her polo horses herself. She was an instructor at the California Polo Club in Los Angeles and now plays primarily at Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA where she is an instructor for the California Polo Club.

Alejandro is rated 2 goal on the grass and 4 in the arena. He started playing in Argentina at 12 and reached 5 goals at age 22. He has played several tournaments in Argentina from 12 to 24 goals, and has played and won several tournaments — most importantly the Copa Canada, a subsidiary tournament of the Copa Republica Argentina 0 to 40 goals in 1994. He has also played and won several tournaments in Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Indio, San Diego and Will Rogers (including winning Will Rogers Memorial twice, in 2013 and 2016). Alejandro loves the game but most importantly he loves horses.

Alejandro came to California in 2004, and has played and coached since then at CPC.

Born in El Paso Texas, 4th generation of the Gracida Family and started polo at the age of 12. He's here to teach and support you! Draw on his sensational experience - Winner of the Avendano Memorial Cup in West Palm Beach Florida in 2008, Winner of the Rogers International Polo Tournament with USA Team in Cancun Mexico 2013, Winner of the Governors Cup Border Circuit in 2015, Winner of the Basalt Handicap Polo Tournament in Aspen Co 2017, Winner of the Polo Con Sentido Polo Tournament in Cd Juarez 2017, Winner of the Polo Real Polo Tournament in El Paso Tx in 2018 & 2019, Winner of the Rancho Los Amigos Cup in El Paso Texas 2018 & 2019, Winner of the USPA Constitution Cup in New Mexico 2019.