Meet Our Team
Heather
CLUB MANAGER, USPA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR
I was raised in Huntington Beach, California, where I fell in love with horses through the hunter/jumper world. Although my parents weren’t horse people themselves, they supported my passion wholeheartedly. For my 12th birthday, they made me a deal: they would match me dollar for dollar toward buying a horse. By the time I was 14, I had purchased my first horse, and by 16, I had acquired my second. From the start, I was always riding any horse I could, working to gain experience and help cover my horse-related expenses.
At 15, I began working for OC Polo (formerly Playa Grande Polo). I dove into every opportunity—riding sets, grooming, cleaning tack, and caring for horses. I was eager to learn and never passed up a chance to hop into a lesson, especially if a student didn’t make it for theirs. While I initially started playing polo as another equestrian discipline to explore, I quickly discovered a deep love for the sport.
What I’ve always loved most about polo is the horses. I'm also incredibly grateful to share the sport with my dad—we often ride and play together.
As a USPA Certified Instructor and Club Manager, I’m passionate about welcoming new riders into the world of polo. My goal is to develop well-rounded horsemen and women, not just polo players. I offer a variety of experiences to help students build confidence, improve their horsemanship, and deepen their bond with their horses, including horse camping, cattle sorting, beach rides, and more. For me, it's about creating a connection that goes beyond the polo field.
Sarah
BARN MANAGER, INSTRUCTOR
My journey with horses began early—really early. I competed in my first leadline class when I was 18 months old. While most of the kids cried as they got on their ponies, I cried when it was time to get off. From that moment on, I was hooked. I got my first pony, Princess, at age three and quickly dove into the world of gymkhanas through the California Gymkhana Association. I eventually graduated to more advanced horses and competed at the State Finals with my pony Dudley in 2000.
My heart horse, Buckshot, was by my side for 20 years. Together, we competed in gymkhanas and California High School Rodeo events. I earned my varsity letter in rodeo during my senior year—some of my proudest memories are on horseback. I went on to study Animal Science at UC Davis, with a focus on livestock production and equine health. I feel incredibly fortunate to have built a career that lets me stay close to my passion while continuing to grow and learn.
I joined OC Polo in the Spring of 2021. It was my first time riding in an English saddle and on a Thoroughbred. From the moment I rode Rafiki and met the team, I was captivated. Polo instantly became a new passion—fast, challenging, and unlike anything I had experienced before.
What keeps me coming back is the energy of the game: the athleticism of both horse and rider, the communication and trust it builds, and the deep sense of teamwork in the arena. I love watching players grow more confident and seeing the pure joy horses have when they’re playing. For me, polo is more than a sport—it’s a celebration of partnership, precision, and play.
Jennifer
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, INSTRUCTOR
Horses have always been a part of my life. My older sister started riding when we were young, so I grew up in the barn, riding her hand-me-down horses and competing in horse shows through my childhood and into high school.
Polo, however, wasn’t part of my original plan. While attending Garrison Forest School in Maryland, I was happily committed to the show team—until my mom insisted I try polo. I agreed to one lesson, reluctantly. But that first ride changed everything. I fell in love with the sport and never looked back.
What keeps me passionate about polo is simple: the horses. Coming from a background with sensitive and high-strung show horses, I’m continually in awe of the strength, heart, and willingness of polo ponies. There’s nothing quite like playing a horse who loves the game as much as you do. They give everything they have—and that connection is unmatched.
After over 20 years in the corporate world, shifting my days to be centered around horses has been the most rewarding change. I now get to blend my professional background in marketing with my lifelong love of riding, helping introduce others to this incredible sport and community.
Fawn
EVENT COORDINATOR, INSTRUCTOR
After spending a decade traveling and working in the event and hospitality industry, I found my way back to where it all began—horses. From 2006 to 2016, I lived and worked at 15 different resorts across nine countries, gaining invaluable experience in creating memorable guest experiences. But when I moved back home to California, I knew I wanted to ride again.
That’s when my childhood friend, Heather Perkins, encouraged me to try polo. I took one lesson—and I was all in. The energy, the teamwork, and most of all, the horses reignited my passion. I’ve been playing ever since.
What I love most about polo is the connection—with the horses and with the people. There’s something incredibly special about playing alongside friends and being part of a community like OC Polo. It’s more than a club—it’s a family. The memories we’ve made together are ones I’ll always treasure.
In my role as Events Manager, I get to combine my professional background with my love for this place. Whether it's a wedding, a corporate gathering, a social event, or a polo tournament, I love welcoming guests into this hidden gem. Seeing them experience the beauty and energy of the club for the first time is something that never gets old.