04/29/2025
For the Love of Polo with George Dill Farms:
It's fun to catch up with past Interscholastic Dill Farm Clients, to hear what they are up to.
We are so excited to share Kylie Dalton's Interview this month!
Kylie met George Dill at the 2023 USPA DII National Championship at Central Coast Polo, when UConn played on Dill Farms string against UC Davis in the first round of the tournament.
Kylie shared with me, " Dill ponies were some of the most memorable ponies of the tournament. They were healthy, athletic and got the job done."
Kylie Dalton began coaching the UConn Polo teams after graduating in 2023. As Kylie shared, "I love being able to continue working with a program that allowed me to grow as a player and form many intricate relationships in the polo world. Getting to see the growth and success of our club as well as training new players has been my biggest inspiration to continue.
I was in high school when my friend who was on the UConn interscholastic team at the time did a presentation recruiting new members. On top of my love for horses I am incredibly team sport oriented. So I knew this was for me. I took on lessons in high school for my remaining two years and immediately tried out for the women's intercollegiate team my freshman year. I was a member of the team for all four years."
Prior to learning polo, Kylie started riding from a very young age. "My love for riding began at a birthday party when I was 6 years old being led around on a horse. From then on I knew I wanted to make it my life passion. I started competing hunter jumpers when I was around 12. "
What do you enjoy about being a UC equestrian?
One of my favorite things about the UConn Equine programs is that they truly make you feel like you're part of a family. I have made countless friends, memories, and had plenty of opportunities to work hand in hand with the horses on campus. Also being part of UConn polo there are so many opportunities to work with equine studies at our university. From foals to older horses in rehab there are so many unique programs and classes! Our barn and arena is located on campus and it made it incredibly convenient to make the barn my second home."
I asked Kylie what her first polo horse at UConn taught her? " At a younger age, riding my first polo horse at UConn was incredibly frightening. And I really think that taught me that as physical as polo is, it really comes down to a players mentality of the game. To grow you have to be confident in yourself and do things that may be out of your comfort zone."
Kylie is appreciative of all the connections she has made with other clubs. "I have strong connections with players and clubs, so I will play at local clubs. Some of my most popular places to go are Yale Polo, Gardnertown Polo, Farmington and Newport Polo Club. I have groomed for many players and clubs, but I’ve also had the opportunity to work and play around at Hawaii Polo Club. That was definitely my most memorable experience."
Here's what Kylie loves about both Arena and Grass Polo, " I love the intricacy of arena polo and how physical of a game it is. As such a fast paced sport it will keep you on your toes and really puts teamwork to the test. Being rewarded with the sound of the ball against the goal, hitting arena balls and the echoes of hooves in the arena is truly something amazing."
The feeling of playing grass polo is incomparable. The most enjoyable part is getting to open up your horse and play at such a fast level. It is incredibly different from the arena and I think that's one of the best things. You’re playing the same sport but it's practically like playing two different types of games."
When asked what draws her to Polo over other horse disciplines? Kylie replied, "Polo is incredibly competitive, and a team oriented sport. Polo ponies themselves are such incredible athletes. I find the sport to be much more thrilling than other equine disciplines."
Kylie's advice to others who might be interested in playing polo," Don’t be afraid to take the leap. The biggest obstacle is taking that first step, whether that's reaching out to a player/club or sitting on a horse for the first time. I have found 99% of my students or community members say they loved joining the sport and making the change from other disciplines. "
What do you enjoy most about polo and why?
"I enjoy the adrenaline and thrilling feeling you get when playing polo. But also having to control a 1000lbs animal with such precision and intensity; not a lot of people can say they have the skills to do that."
Kylie's other interests ,"On top of being an outdoor person, my current favorite hobby to do in my free time is photography and videography. I am trying to expand and grow my freelance business to offer my media services to a polo club or the USPA."
What's next for you, with regards to Polo that you feel comfortable sharing?
"I plan to return to coach the Women's intercollegiate and Interscholastic teams at UConn next year. I have made many connections at local and nationwide polo clubs during my time at UConn. I would like to pursue a career with media as well as management or training in the future. "
Anyone looking for a great addition to their media, management, or trading team? Give a shout out to Kylie! We look forward to seeing where polo take you!
Story by : Kathryn James
Photography:
