THOMASVILLE—On Saturday morning, Pebble Hill Plantation ushered in hundreds of guests and viewers eager to see the annual Polo match. Featuring live music by Blue Burden, children’s activities, and an art contest, the event entertained everyone in attendance. 

Leading up to the Polo Match, Pebble Hill hosted a youth equestrian art competition for area middle and high school students. Students who placed in the contest were invited to the special day, where they were then presented with a ribbon for their work. However, guests in attendance could also get in on the fun, by viewing all artworks, before placing a vote for the People’s Choice Award. 

Brookwood freshman Brennan White won first place in the High School Division and ‘Best of Show’ with her depiction of three polo players, while Thomas County Central junior Jacob Hutchings won the People’s Choice Award for his radiant depiction of a horse. First-place honors in the Middle School Division were given to Brookwood’s Jasmine Gonzales for her pencil rendering of Miss Pansy Ireland on her pony Flamette from the 1930s. 

“We were thrilled with the participation of the schools,” said Communications Coordinator Kim McCray. “All of the artwork was pre-judged, but having the public get to vote was exciting.” 

Following the celebration of the young artists, attendees were then treated to the parading of the Live Oak Hounds. After several tours around the field, guests were invited to come out and meet the pack. 

As the pack excitedly jumped around, rummaging through some guests’ treats, they playfully ran off with the main event beginning. 

The match featured two teams, Poe Some Sugar on Me, and Ain’t No Pansies, both comprised of women from across the globe. 

The teams competed in a series of chukkers, or periods of play, before giving the horses a break. 

During the breaks, guests got to enjoy trying their own version of polo on small wooden ponies and partook in a hat contest. 

However, after the halftime stomping of the divots, both teams came out tied and were ready for the final chukkers. 

Poe Some Sugar on Me ended up taking home the trophy in a 20-17 victory. The winning team had players from across the south, including Thomasville’s Mary Phipps. Alongside her was Ali Henderson of Aiken, South Carolina; Lauren Butterworth of Ocala, Fla.; and Nicole Lamport of Tallahassee. 

With the women being from different area codes, most had never competed alongside the others. 

According to McCray, some of the women worked with each other on Friday, before the competition on Saturday, but it was more to get their horses used to the area than a traditional team practice. 

“It just shows how good they are that most of them had never played together,” she said. 

Guests loved watching the women partake in a sport that most had not witnessed before. 

Individuals traveled from across the region to get a glimpse at “The Sport of Kings.” 

McCray said 182 vehicle tickets were sold, and 241 individuals toured the home of the late Miss Pansy, learning about the acclaimed female polo player. 

“We could not be happier. It did not rain and the sun came out, and it was just wonderful,” said McCray. “We had more people attend and we are just so excited it’s growing.” 

McCray hopes to continue growing the event next year by offering another polo clinic. The clinic was set to take place on Sunday, but due to the weather had to be canceled. 

The clinic was previously offered during last year’s event, where McCray said it was a huge hit. 

“We will try it again next year, because it was so popular and fun, and people were able to come and watch,” she said. 

Despite having to cancel Sunday’s festivities, McCray and the staff at Pebble Hill were so thankful for the community and the sponsors who made Saturday possible. All of the funds raised go directly toward the historic upkeep of Pebble Hill. 

“Even though Pebble Hill has the endowment from Mrs. Poe, it takes a lot to keep this place operating,” she explained. “There are over 100 buildings on this property and 3,000 acres.” 

With such a rich history, Pebble Hill looks forward to continuing the polo tradition again next year, saying they will share the 2026 event dates at a later time.