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 true place to belong.
More than just a riding school, Minninnooka is a vibrant equestrian community where like-minded people come together to share their passion for horses and polo. 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.
Our experienced instructors provide personalized lessons and guidance across a range of disciplines, including polo and classical riding. With a focus on excellence and enjoyment, we aim to help every rider progress towards their goals while embracing the elegance and tradition of equestrian culture.
At Minninnooka, it’s not just about riding — it’s about being part of something bigger: a lifestyle, a family, and a community.
Our history
The name Minninnooka carries deep family history. It originates from the station granted to Thomas Readhead, who received it with his ticket of leave after serving 14 years as a convict — 7 years in Portsmouth and 7 years in Western Australia. For generations, the family station thrived as a sheep and cattle property, until it was eventually sold to cover death taxes after my grandfather passed away. Although the land was lost, the name lived on through my father, and today I am incredibly proud to carry it forward here in the UK.
Horses and polo have always been at the heart of our family. My grandmother was the first lady in Western Australia to play polo, beginning a legacy that has run deep through the generations. Alongside polo, our family rode, jumped, showed, and worked stock horses — using them every day to run the farm. My father, a 5-goal polo player, inspired me to follow in his footsteps, and that passion eventually led me to the UK.
It was here I met my husband, Daniel, himself a professional polo player. Daniel grew up immersed in the sport, working with his family as grooms and spending his teenage years with leading polo families, including the MacDonaghs and even the Sultan of Brunei.
Together, we have dedicated our lives in the UK to promoting polo, retraining and producing horses, and helping people truly experience life with horses. For us, Minninnooka is more than a name — it is a tradition, a community, and a way of life. Now, with our two boys also showing great enthusiasm, we are proud to share this journey with them and with our clients, keeping the spirit of Minninnooka alive for the next generation.
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!
Extras and Experiences
At Minninnooka, we believe in offering riders the chance to explore every aspect of horsemanship and sport. Alongside our Polo Experience Days, we provide a full range of equestrian activities designed to challenge, inspire, and develop riders of all levels.
Take your riding further with instructional challenges that test precision, control, and technique. Refine your skills in the discipline of dressage, where balance, accuracy, and harmony with the horse are the focus. For those who love a thrill, our jumping sessions build confidence, agility, and partnership over fences. And if you prefer a more relaxed pace, enjoy scenic hacks that strengthen your seat and broaden your riding experience.
We can also create the perfect package for your group — whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues — giving you a full equestrian day tailored to your goals. To complete the experience, you can add authentic Argentine catering from Clara’s Cocina, bringing the spirit and flavour of polo’s homeland to your event.
Minninnooka is more than just a riding school: it’s a hub for complete rider development and unforgettable group experiences.
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.
