About Us

The Shenzhen Polo Academy is helping to grow modern polo in China through a vision to make the sport more accessible and enjoyable.We offer structured programmes for all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to aspiring competitors, with a strong focus on learning, safety, and good horsemanship.At the heart of Shenzhen Polo Academy is a belief that polo should be open, inclusive, and grounded in a genuine connection between horse and rider. By building a supportive community, we aim to introduce more people to the sport and nurture the next generation of polo players and equestrians in China.

Our mission is simple: to honour China's rich 2,000-year polo heritage by reawakening a sport that is inclusive, community-driven, and has the horse at its soul.

Polo teaches you balance, both in the saddle and in the soul.

What We Do

We believe polo should be accessible to anyone who wants to give it a try. At Shenzhen Polo Academy, lessons include the use of our trained school horses and all necessary equipment, allowing you to ease into the sport at a pace that suits you.

Lessons

Whether you’ve never ridden a horse before or want to try out a different equestrian discipline, we make it easy to learn polo in a fun and safe setting for all ages.

Matches

From club chukkers to youth tournaments and fixtures against other Chinese polo clubs, Shenzhen Polo Academy offers a regular match calendar for players at every level.

Events

Shenzhen Polo Academy hosts a wide range of events, from private corporate experiences and bespoke celebrations. We also organise our own events, including polo trips and socials.

Development

We are committed to developing the next generation of horsemen and horsewomen, whether for leisure, sport or professional pathways, Emphasising on horsemanship, sportsmanship and community.

Learn & Play Polo

Our Shenzhen facility launches in March 2026. Those who register in advance will enjoy an exclusive early-bird privilege on selected trial packages, designed especially for newcomers to polo, no prior riding experience required.Explore our packages below:

Membership

For those wishing to continue their polo journey beyond the trial, our membership programme offers a natural next step. Members enjoy preferred rates of up to 25%, along with exclusive invitations to matches, discounted trips and more.

Polo Is Your Passport To The World

Our Facility

Our first academy, located in Shenzhen, is a collaboration between Shenzhen Polo Academy and La Fantastique Horse Academy. The facility features an indoor polo arena, stables, reception and lesson areas, changing facilities, a wooden horse swinging cage, and comprehensive equine amenities.The academy is home to eight well-trained polo ponies. Having undergone years of training and a structured learning framework for polo, these ponies have been hand selected by Shenzhen Polo Academy and are suitable for all ages and abilities.

19 Haiwan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen

Start Your Polo Journey Today

FAQs

Polo is a fast-paced equestrian sport played on horseback, where teams aim to score goals by striking a small ball into the opposing team’s goal using a mallet. It’s unique in that you have two sets of teammates: your fellow players and your horse!

At Shenzhen Polo Academy, we focus on Arena Polo, a variation played in a smaller, enclosed space with three players per team. Arena Polo uses a larger, softer ball and highlights precision, teamwork, and quick decision-making. It’s ideal for beginners, as the controlled environment makes learning more accessible and allows play year-round.

As with any sport, there are risks, but safety is our top priority. All riders wear appropriate protective equipment, and our polo ponies are carefully selected for their calm temperament and suitability for beginners. Our coaches follow strict safety guidelines, and the welfare of both horse and rider always comes first.

Polo ponies are well-trained, responsive, and athletic, but they are also known for being sensible and kind. Our school ponies are chosen specifically for their steady nature and experience with new riders, helping students build confidence as they learn.

Polo is often seen as expensive, but we work hard to make it more accessible. Our arena-based facility removes many of the traditional costs, and we provide the horses, equipment, and protective gear. This means you can enjoy the sport without a large upfront investment.

The learning journey varies from rider to rider and depends on how often they train. Generally, after around 10 lessons, students can begin taking part in slower, instructional chukkers (practice games). From there, they progress at their own pace towards faster-paced chukkers and full polo matches.

Lessons are available in both English and Mandarin, ensuring clear communication and a comfortable learning environment for all riders.

Yes, our horses enjoy polo! Polo ponies are intelligent and athletic animals that often thrive in the interactive and fast-paced nature of the sport. At our school, we are proactive in adopting the latest practices to support their physical and emotional well-being, ensuring they are happy, healthy, and content.

Contact Us

Polo Coach | Job Description

Shenzhen Polo Academy is seeking an experienced and motivated Polo Coach to join our team in establishing the first dedicated polo school in Shenzhen, one of China’s most modern and dynamic cities. Lessons and polo activities will primarily take place in a 20×40 meter arena (with the exception of tournaments, chukkers, and special events). As such, proven experience and confidence in arena polo operations are essential for this role.The successful candidate will play a central role in the planning and teaching of polo lessons, horse training, stable management, and supporting the daily running of the club. This role requires competency in teaching, horsemanship, leadership, and stable management.The ideal candidate will have experience in both player development and horse training and in particular able to create fun, engaging lessons for complete beginners to intermediate players.Beyond the chance to help establish Shenzhen's first polo school, this role offers the excitement of living and working in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, with long-term career development opportunities as the scene & sport develops on a national scale.Candidates who can deliver engaging lessons that put students at ease, encourage laughter and enjoyment, and uphold the highest safety standards will be given priority.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching

  • Deliver polo lessons to riders of all levels, from beginners to intermediate players. Most students (70%) will be complete beginners for both riding and polo. The instructor will be supported with a translator to help facilitate lessons.

  • Conduct theory lessons covering rules, tactics, and horsemanship.

  • Support lesson planning and progression pathways to ensure a positive learning experience

  • Teaching polo for junior and youth development programs.

Horse Schooling

  • Regular training and schooling of existing school polo ponies.

Stable Management

  • Oversee, support, and coordinate the grooms’ routines and responsibilities.

  • Submit monthly reports on horse health, training progress, and operational matters.

  • Ensure horses are fit, well-maintained, and suitable for lessons.

  • Recognise signs of illness or injury and report immediately to the assigned veterinary contact.

  • Work with administration to maintain regular communication with farriers, veterinarians, and other equine-related stakeholders.

  • Allocate horses for daily lessons, schooling, turnout, etc.

Core Requirements

  • Minimum handicap of 0 goals on grass (recognised by HPA, USPA, or AAP preferrable).

  • Proven experience in polo instruction and horse schooling, with credible references.

  • Experience teaching in a polo school (HPA/USPA/AAP-accredited preferred but not required).

  • Excellent horsemanship skills & stable management experience, with an emphasis on welfare and soundness.

  • First aid and safeguarding certifications (or willingness to complete upon hiring).

  • Strong communication skills in English.

Preferred (But Not Required) Qualifications

  • Polo Instructor certification (HPA/USPA/AAP equivalent).

  • Any relevant equestrian qualifications (e.g. BHS accreditation).

Compensation

  • Monthly salary ranges from 18,500 to 25,000 RMB (approximately 2,660 to 3,590 USD) depending on experience and qualifications.

  • A fully furnished private apartment will be provided as accommodation.

  • Premium health insurance with dental benefits.

  • Annual overseas travel allowance (flexible round-trip flight).

  • 15 days of paid annual leave (plus 13-15 paid statutory holidays). After the first working year, annual leave increases to 20 days.

Additional Information

  • This is a full-time role based in Shenzhen, a dynamic city offering an affordable cost of living, a welcoming international community, and world-class infrastructure. We’re committed to ensuring you feel at home here and will support you in settling in, getting to know the city, and enjoying the vibrant lifestyle the city has to offer.

  • Standard working days range from Tuesday to Sunday (6 days a week). After the second working year and subject to growth, working days will be 5.5 days a week. The third year onwards will be 5 days a week.

  • All candidates working with youth will be required to complete safeguarding training and hold the necessary clearances.

  • Shenzhen Polo Academy will support the candidate in procuring a working visa for employment in Shenzhen.

Qualified applicants are invited to email their résumé (or career summary), including at least one (preferably two) contact references and their available start date. Videos showcasing training, horse schooling, polo lessons, and/or polo playing experience are encouraged. All applications will be treated with strict confidence.

We look forward to hearing from you! Please email your application:[email protected]

888Polo is committed to fair and lawful employment practices.
We follow the requirements of PRC labor and employment laws and do not discriminate in recruitment or employment based on ethnicity, race, gender, religion, disability, or rural/urban residency (hukou), in accordance with applicable regulations.
We also comply with national rules protecting women's rights in employment and do not inquire about or use marital status, pregnancy, or childbirth plans as hiring criteria. All hiring decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and business needs.