Minninnooka

Friendship • Horses • Lifestyle

Minninnooka is more than polo

We’re a community built on friendship, horses, and a love for the outdoors. Whether you’re here to play polo, ride, learn, or simply enjoy the social side, Minninnooka offers a place to belong. From professional coaching and well-schooled horses to shared experiences with friends, we bring together passion, lifestyle, and spirit — both on and off the field.

Join Now

Our Polo & Riding School

Polo, horses, and teaching are at the heart of what we do—we live and breathe it every day and take great pride in sharing our passion. Working with horses and enjoying the sport of polo is a fantastic way to de-stress, disconnect from daily life, and improve your fitness and well-being. Our friendly and supportive team is dedicated to ensuring your experience is both safe and enjoyable.

Children can join our comprehensive learning program, where they’ll gain knowledge about horse care and animal welfare while building confidence, teamwork, coordination, and a competitive spirit through this dynamic sport.

Ready to give it a try?
It’s as simple as sending a text or WhatsApp message to 07557 343355.

Check out our Instagram page @minninnookapolo to see what we’re up to and get inspired!

Academy

We provide a welcoming, safe environment where anyone can learn and enjoy polo. Our goal is to understand each rider’s aspirations and tailor engaging coaching to help them succeed. Children follow a clear syllabus covering horsemanship, tactics, riding, and swing mechanics, progressing from lessons and chukkas to SUPA and Pony Club tournaments. For all ages, we offer lessons, training, hacking, chukkas, tournaments, and a vibrant social calendar.

Pony Club

As a Pony Club Centre, Minninnooka offers children the chance to explore polo, dressage, and showjumping. With expert coaching, well-trained horses, and a supportive environment, young riders build confidence, teamwork, and technical ability. Whether focusing on one discipline or seeking a well-rounded equestrian education, our programs help children achieve their goals and discover their passion.

Horses

Horses are at the heart of polo, and at Minninnooka they’re at the heart of everything we do. Founded by Kirstie and Daniel—whose passion for horses spans Australia, Argentina, Brunei, and India—we care for around 50 horses year-round, providing the highest standard of care and training.

We offer livery, retraining, chukka rentals, children’s ponies, and horses to build confidence or elevate your polo.

Community

At Minninnooka, community goes beyond the polo field. Social events are central—relaxed barn time, match days, and outings to dressage or showjumping. We also host clinics, talks, and sessions with horsemanship experts, creating chances to learn, connect, and share. Whether you love polo, horses, or the lifestyle around them, Minninnooka is a place to belong, grow, and have fun.

Meet Our Team

Kirstie Otamendi

Head Polo Coach – Minninnooka
Ladies 5 Goal Player | Mixed 1 Goal Player

Kirstie is Minninnooka’s Head Polo Coach and a highly experienced competitive rider with a strong background in riding, competing, and producing horses. A 5-goal ladies’ player and 1-goal mixed player, she brings both technical skill and high-level playing experience to her coaching. Kirstie specialises in matching riders with the right horses to advance their skills and confidence, ensuring every session is tailored for maximum development. With her wealth of knowledge and professional approach, she helps players of all levels refine their game and reach their full potential.

Daniel Otamendi

Professional Polo Player

Int. Handicap 4 | UK Handicap 3

Daniel Otamendi is a highly respected professional polo player with an international handicap of 4 and a UK handicap of 3. Known for his professionalism, dedication, and grit, he is always a team player with a deep understanding of the game. Daniel combines technical skill with strategic insight, enabling him to share his knowledge and passion with others. An outstanding horseman, he is equally devoted to producing top-quality polo ponies and retraining ex-racehorses (RoR), reflecting his commitment to both the sport and horse welfare.

Josh Leiva

HPA Coach & Professional Polo Player

Handicap 1

Josh Leiva is an approachable, calm, and fun coach whose goal is simple: to help every player improve and enjoy the game. A professional polo player with a handicap of 1, Josh brings creativity to his coaching, often drawing on his background in football coaching and lifelong passion for sport to find new ways to teach polo. With an intuitive eye for the game and a lead-by-example attitude, he combines technical skill with patience and clear communication, making him a valued coach for players at all levels.

Emma Leiva

Polo Manager

Emma brings over 35 years of equestrian and polo experience to Minninnooka, with a career that spans high-goal polo management and her role as Assistant Polo Manager at Guards Polo Club. Her extensive knowledge of horse care, training, and polo operations gives her a unique ability to support players, manage programs, and maintain the highest standards across the club. Known for her attention to detail and hardworking attitude, Emma is an invaluable mentor to younger players and a driving force in organising events and enhancing the overall Minninnooka experience.

Charlotte Klien

BHS APC Coach

Charlotte is a fun, supportive, and experienced coach who works with both children and adults. With over 20 years’ experience in further education and a strong background in alternative provision, she now works as a specialist teacher, bringing patience, understanding, and creativity to every session. Her approach makes learning enjoyable while helping riders build confidence, develop skills, and strengthen their partnership with their horse.

Charly Press

BHS Level 3 Coach

Charly is an experienced, fun, and approachable coach who specialises in building strong partnerships between rider and horse. With a BHS Level 3 qualification and years of hands-on teaching, Charly focuses on creating confidence and connection in every ride. Her coaching style is supportive and encouraging, helping riders of all levels progress towards their goals while enjoying the journey.