What first drew you to a leadership role in polo?

My love for horses started early. My sister and I were fortunate enough to have riding lessons and borrow ponies growing up, which has had a lasting impact on me as I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the connection between humans and horses can be.

It led me into a decade-long career in equestrian sport governance, first at British Equestrian (the federation that oversees a range of equestrian sports including the Olympic sports of dressage, eventing and showjumping) and then leading the operations at Riding for the Disabled Association.

When the opportunity in polo came along, it felt like the perfect next step. Polo is an exhilarating sport with strong roots, but it’s one that hasn’t yet been modernised or professionalised in the same way as others. I saw enormous potential to drive growth and inclusivity in a sport that’s ready for evolution. For someone passionate about horses, leadership and making a difference, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

You took over as CEO of Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) in 2022. Since then, you’ve driven a series of transformational initiatives. What has been your most defining moment so far?

It might not be the most visible achievement but, for me, it has been building the team around me. That includes not only our incredible office staff but also the 69 volunteers who give their time and expertise across our committees, as well as the close working relationships we’ve developed with the HPA Board. Sport doesn’t move forward without its people and polo is lucky to have such a passionate, committed community behind it.

The HPA is celebrating its 150th anniversary. How does leading an organisation with such deep historical roots inspire your approach to modernising the sport?

I have a deep respect for polo’s rich history, from its ancient origins in Persia and China to its ties with the British military. However, I don’t feel this prevents us from modernising the sport; those who created the first “Hurlingham rules” in 1874 were modernising the sport then, and we are simply building on that.

To be a thriving and healthy sport, we need to make sure it meets our modern needs. We’re proud to be a world leader in equine welfare and we’re committed to connecting with the public and involving more people in the unique sport. A few ways we are doing this is through rolling out exciting initiatives, including increased accessibility to the sport through trialling a “pay and play” model, improved coaching and training opportunities, digital transformation, on-demand streaming, groom apprenticeships and more.

Polo is one of the rare sports where men and women can compete on truly equal terms. How does this influence the culture of the sport?

Coming from other areas of equestrian sport, inclusive environments are the norm. Polo is one of the few sports where men and women compete alongside each other and families often play together or on opposing teams. That kind of atmosphere naturally shapes a culture where athletes are valued for their talent and dedication, regardless of their age or gender.

Only 27 per cent of executive positions in sport are held by women. What have been some of the challenges of being a woman in this role?

While I don’t feel I’ve faced any specific challenges in this role, I do sometimes wonder if people underestimate me. On a few occasions in the past three years I have thought, ‘You wouldn’t say that to a male CEO,’ but I’ve been fortunate that the environment, on the whole, has been so supportive. Ultimately, I am measured on the contribution I’m making to the sport.

That said, there’s still more we can do. At the moment, we only have two women on our board, and I’m passionate about creating more opportunities for women in polo.

The UK currently holds three of the top four female players in the world. How is the HPA helping to elevate women in polo both on and off the field?

Great Britain has always been a driving force in polo. Our top female players – Hazel Jackson, Milly Hine and Nina Clarkin – are the tip of the iceberg in terms of the brilliant talents developing in the UK.

The HPA has played a key role in growing the women’s game, introducing a dedicated women’s handicap system in 2015 to open more playing opportunities for women. In addition, more than 25 per cent of our Performance Pathway athletes are female and, with female mentors in place and updated rules creating more high-goal playing chances, we’re seeing the impact.

What advice would you give to young girls looking to get into polo?

Give it a go! There are fantastic polo schools up and down the country where you can learn to play in a friendly, supportive environment. Many young players get started through the Pony Club or Supa (the Schools and Universities Polo Association), which is a great introduction to the sport. While many people play polo for fun, it’s also a valid career option for those who want to be a coach, umpire, club manager, groom and more. 

How do you manage your work-life balance?

With the help of three supportive men – my husband, my dog and my horse! They all keep me sane and make sure I have some downtime from what can be an all-consuming schedule, especially during the peak polo season.

What’s next for the HPA and Anna Hall?

After three years, I still feel I’ve only just got my feet under the table; it’s very much onwards and upwards. I want those who have never seen polo to come and watch and I want more people to give polo a try. Ultimately, I want to share the thrill and skill of both the equine and human athletes of this incredible sport.

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