Polo Hall of Fame Welcomes Its 2026 Inductees

Mr. Brant and Ms. Ganzi.

The Museum of Polo has revealed its newest inductees, a distinguished group of individuals and equine athletes who have left an indelible mark on the sport. This year’s class, to be honored in February 2026, blends iconic patrons, pioneering players, and legendary horses.

Leading the list are two prominent figures in the modern polo world: Melissa Ganzi, a dynamic entrepreneur and patron, and Peter Brant, the visionary behind the dominant White Birch dynasty. They are joined by arena polo star Billy Stevens, early 20th-century pioneer Elisabeth “Pansy” Ireland Poe, equine welfare advocate Clint Nangle, and two celebrated horses, Citroen and Longpocket.

The 37th annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner, a premier social event of the winter season, is set for Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Museum of Polo in Lake Worth, Florida. For the first time, the gala will also host the Polo Training Foundation’s annual scholastic and collegiate awards.

Meet the Inductees:

Peter Brant: The mastermind who built the White Birch organization into a U.S. high-goal powerhouse for a quarter-century, starting in 1979. His teams amassed an incredible 31 tournament victories at the 26-goal level and above, including a record 12 USPA Gold Cup titles. A former 7-goal amateur player himself, Brant also co-founded the Greenwich Polo Club and helped revive the sport in Saratoga and Bridgehampton.

Melissa Ganzi: An innovative force as a club owner, patron, and philanthropist. She owns Grand Champions Polo Club, Santa Rita Polo Farm, and Aspen Valley Polo Club, and co-founded the elite World Polo League. Ganzi has passionately championed opportunities for women in polo and established the SunnyShip scholarship in honor of the late great Sunny Hale. She is also the current president of the Museum of Polo and longtime chair of the Polo Training Foundation. As a player, she made history as the first woman to win the Monty Waterbury Cup.

Billy Stevens: A Midwest arena polo legend who maintained an 8-goal handicap for 13 years during a competitive career spanning six decades. His trophy case includes the U.S. Open Arena Championship (1980, 1981) and the 20-goal North American Cup (1976).

Elisabeth “Pansy” Ireland Poe: A true pioneer who, in 1925, unofficially became the first woman to receive a USPA handicap rating—though the association revoked it upon discovering her gender. Undeterred, she continued to play and helped found the United States Women’s Polo Association. She was also an accomplished equestrian in hunting, jumping, and thoroughbred breeding.

Clint Nangle (Posthumous Iglehart Award): Remembered as a kind and dignified champion for the sport. He served over 20 years as a USPA Governor, founding the Equine Welfare Committee and fostering massive growth in the Florida/Caribbean circuit as its first elected governor.

Joe Casey Sr. (2025 Iglehart Award): A trailblazing professional manager in the 1960s who handled high-goal teams, breeding operations, and was among the first to source polo horses from Argentina for American patrons. He won the British Gold Cup in 1970.

The Legendary Horses:

Citroen (Pre-Hartman Era): An Argentine gelding purchased by Robert Lehman, famed for being judged best polo pony at the National Polo Pony Society Show in 1930 and 1931, and played in the victorious 1930 Westchester Cup.

Longpocket (Post-Hartman Era): Billy Mulcahy's sturdy Australian thoroughbred, played by numerous 10-goalers like Memo Gracida. Known for his stamina, he played three chukkers in a renowned 80-goal match in 1990.

This black-tie dinner is the museum’s most critical annual fundraiser. Individual tickets are $350, with tables of ten available for $3,500. Reservations can be made by emailing info@polomuseum.org. Join the celebration to honor the new faces of polo eternity.