The Big Horn Polo Club: Free Sunday Polo, Founded 1898
One of America's oldest polo clubs, 15 minutes from Sheridan. Free Sunday matches June through August.
Dalton Goodyear · Spring 2026 · 8 min read
Polo came to Sheridan County in the 1890s with British and Scottish ranchers who brought their horses, their ambition, and their Sunday afternoons. It never left.
Nine miles south of downtown Sheridan, past the town of Big Horn and the Bradford Brinton Memorial, there's a polo field that's been in continuous operation since 1898. No grandstands. No VIP sections. No admission charge. Just fast horses, open sky, and the Bighorn Mountains rising behind the west goal.
The Big Horn Polo Club is the oldest continuously operating polo club west of the Mississippi. On summer Sundays, it opens its gates to anyone who wants to watch — and half of Sheridan County shows up.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Big Horn, WY — 9 miles south of Sheridan |
| Season | Sundays, June through August |
| Match Start | 1:00 PM |
| Admission | Free — no tickets required |
| What to Bring | Blanket, chairs, sunscreen, cooler |
| Also Nearby | Bradford Brinton Memorial (1 mile) |
The Tradition
The story of polo in the Bighorn foothills begins with the Moncreiffe brothers — Malcolm and William — Scottish aristocrats who settled near Big Horn in the 1880s and brought the sport with them. By 1898, matches were regular fixtures.
Today's club fields teams from across the mountain West. Each match consists of four to six chukkers, each seven and a half minutes long. Players switch horses between chukkers — a fresh mount for every period.
The Divot Stomp
At halftime, everyone walks onto the field and stomps the divots left by the horses' hooves. It's both functional (prevents ankle-twisting) and social (best chance to explore the field and chat with people). Wear shoes you can get dirty.
What to Expect
Arrive early. Gates open well before 1:00 PM. Claim a spot along the sideline — the east side offers the best views of the mountains.
Bring your own seating. Lawn chairs, blankets, picnic setups. No bleachers or assigned seats.
Coolers are welcome. Pack a lunch, snacks, drinks. Some Sundays feature food vendors, but don't count on it.
Dress casually. This is Wyoming, not the Hamptons. Boots, jeans, and sunscreen.
Combine Your Trip
Morning: Bradford Brinton Memorial & Museum
Quarter-mile from the polo field. A 1920s ranch house turned museum with Western art. Open 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM in summer.
Afternoon: Big Horn Polo Club
1:00 PM match time. Arrive 30 minutes early. Plan for 2–3 hours including halftime divot stomp.
Evening: Black Tooth Brewing Company
Back in downtown Sheridan, 15 minutes north. Local craft brewery with taproom and outdoor patio. Open until 8 PM Sundays.
Where to Stay
Polo is a Sunday afternoon — but Sheridan County is a whole weekend. Stay downtown and drive to Big Horn in 15 minutes.
Downtown Sheridan Apartment
Sheridan, Wyoming · ★ 4.9
Sheridan Loft — Walk to Everything
Sheridan, Wyoming · ★ 5
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Sunday polo matches at the Big Horn Polo Club are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. No tickets or reservations required.
The Big Horn Polo Club is approximately 9 miles south of downtown Sheridan, about a 15-minute drive along Highway 335 through the town of Big Horn.
The polo season typically runs from early June through late August, with matches held on Sunday afternoons starting at 1:00 PM. Check the club's schedule for specific dates, as some weekends may feature tournament play.
Plan Your Sheridan Weekend
Sunday polo. Saturday exploring. A vacation rental that feels like it belongs here.