Out & About: Polo for the Hunt benefits young equestrians

The sport of kings played out at Polo for the Hunt on June 8 at Richard E. Raizman Memorial Polo Field in Cook.

Featuring four teams, the event was a benefit for the Ligonier Polo Association and the Rolling Rock Hunt.

The association is a community based nonprofit that aims to get kids on horseback and to acquaint them with “all the equestrian sports the Ligonier Valley has to offer, ” said President Mark Teroerde.

To that end, the organization provides young people 17 and younger with free instruction, ponies and equipment as they learn to play.

On a warm, sunny afternoon, a crowd gathered not only for the main event but also for themed tailgating, a parade of the Rolling Rock hounds, raffles and shopping at an equestrian-themed merchandise tent.

Squaring off for the competition were Mark Teroerde, Jim Perko, Jorge Vivanco and Kate Dougherty of Team Ligonier; Matt Keith, Felipe Villamil, Kaci Teroerde and Shelby May of Team Pittsburgh; Alex Burkland, Juan Villamil, Antonio Villamil and Valentina Villamil of Team Woodmere; and Ethan Seikel, Justin Powers, Jordan Helmick and Lauren Bilsky of Team Darlington.

Event committee members were Fraser Seifert, Scotty Nelson and Acacia Perko.

Seen: Fritz and Ulla Teroerde, Matthew and Pamela Wolff, Allan and Mary Ellen Wampler, Ray Speicher, Tyrrel Sharp, Jim and Dee Gano, Ian Burkland, Jonathan Levinson, Corey Bauer and Julianna Nunnenkamp, Tyler Park and Michaela Kluska, Ed and Becky Savolskis, John and Pam Hardiman, Bill Choby, Janice Chruscial, Mandy Chruscial, Donna Havrisko, Laurie Havrisko, Tom Long and Helene Conway-Long, Alan and Karen Kane, Hannah Noel, Kathy Noel, Ronna Greenburg, Peter Casella, Paul and Kelly Carlson, Sharon Richards and Doug Aiken.