| sporting event |
Pebble Hill honors polo pioneer with
Pebble Hill Polo Classic
by Jill Holloway | photography submitted
Elisabeth “ Pansy ” Ireland Poe is a name synonymous with Pebble Hill Plantation . What many may not know , is that Poe is also known for her natural talent and athletic ability .
Poe was the first woman in the United States to earn a handicap rating with the
United States Polo Association ( USPA ), more than 50 years before women were allowed membership in the organization .
As a young woman , Elisabeth Ireland registered with the USPA just using her first initial and last name . She played on men ’ s teams and was a wellknown powerful player , earning a handicap rating of “ 1 ,” before it was discovered that she was a woman . Upon the discovery , she was stripped of her USPA membership and rating .
To honor Poe ’ s polo history , Pebble Hill recently held their inaugural Polo Classic , featuring women polo teams throughout the Southeast .
The Live Oak Hounds were part of the opening ceremonies of the event .
10 Summer 2023 | Thomasville Scene