Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame
2026 Hall of Fame Induction Gala Huge Success
The honorees:
- Peter M Brant
- Billy Stevens
- Elisabeth “Pansy” Ireland Poe
- Melissa Ganzi
- Clint Nangle
- Legendary horses Citroen and Longpocket.
The 37th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner was one of the most highly attended social events of the winter polo season in Florida and was held Friday, February 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of Polo. This year’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was attended by more than 550 people. Professional polo players, celebrities, sponsors, and individuals from all over the polo world attended to show their support for those being honored this year.
2026 Hall of Fame Inductees:
Peter M Brant
Peter M Brant established the powerhouse White Birch organization, setting a new standard of excellence in American high-goal polo for more than thirty-five years beginning in 1979. His leadership and vision elevated the competitive landscape and encouraged other teams to develop and maintain fully professional operations that shaped the modern era. White Birch captured thirty-one tournaments rated at twenty-six goals or higher, including twelve USPA Gold Cup titles, five World Cup crowns, seven International Opens, five C.V. Whitney Cups, and five Monty Waterbury victories. Their dominance culminated in winning the 2005 U.S. Open. As a player, Brant achieved a seven-goal handicap, ranking among the highest-rated amateurs in modern polo history.
Brant gave a moving speech about his career, his love for horses, and his love for the game of polo. A competitor that single handedly shaped the future of polo, He rightfully joins his predecessors in the hall of fame.
Billy Stevens Family Accepts Hall of Fame Award
Unable to attend, Billy Steven’s two sons Charlie and Jim Stevens, as well as his wife Ruth Stevens accepted the award in his stead.
A towering figure in American arena polo, Billy Stevens sustained an exceptional 8-goal arena handicap for thirteen years, a testament to his skill and competitive spirit. Over a remarkable six-decade career concluding with his retirement in 2004, he earned admiration for his consistency, resilience, and exemplary sportsmanship. Stevens compiled an extraordinary record across 6-goal to 20-goal levels, highlighted by consecutive U.S. Open Arena titles in 1980 and 1981, the 14-goal Continental Cup in 1975 and 1976, the 20-goal North American Cup in 1976, and the National 12-goal Arena championship in 1959. His enduring influence and distinguished achievements leave a lasting legacy throughout the country and beyond for generations of players and fans alike.
Elisabeth “Pansy” Ireland Poe
Accepting the Posthumous Hall of Fame award for Elisabeth “Pansy” Ireland Poe was her Great Niece Nancy Ireland Stahl.
Elisabeth “Pansy” Ireland Poe was a trailblazing pioneer who, in 1925, unofficially became the first woman to obtain a handicap rating from the USPA. Standing only five feet tall, Pansy competed fearlessly on both grass and arena fields, consistently proving herself a formidable opponent to her male counterparts. Determined to play at the highest level, she boldly registered with the USPA under the initials P.E. Ireland and was granted a handicap. When officials later discovered she was a woman, she was ejected from the association. Undeterred, Pansy continued to compete and went on to help pioneer the United States Women’s Polo Association, shaping opportunities for future generations of female players.
Pebble hill Plantation, the historical home of Pansy, is Located in Thomasville, Georgia and still honors Pansy’s Legacy to this day.
2026 Iglehart Award Inductees:
Melissa Ganzi
Since beginning polo in 2000, she has advanced its growth through her stewardship of Grand Champions and Aspen Valley Polo Clubs and her steadfast support of junior, women’s, international, and inclusive initiatives. A generous philanthropist, Melissa has championed the Polo Training Foundation, the Museum of Polo, Work to Ride and numerous other charitable endeavors. As an accomplished competitor, she has succeeded at all goal levels, earning victories in multiple high-goal tournaments. Her leadership includes service on the USPA Governor and her continued work as President of the Polo Training Foundation and Museum of Polo, promoting the sport’s lasting advancement.
Melissa created a video for her induction which honored all those who have contributed to her life in polo. She noted the influence the other inductees such as Peter Brant and Joe Casey had on her career, as well as recognized her staff for always supporting her ideas and working hard to make them come true.
Clint Nangle
The Posthumous Iglehart was awarded to Clint Nangle. His Daughter Dana Scott and grandson Sam Scott accepted in his honor.
Clint Nangle will always be remembered as a caring, dignified, and deeply respected champion of the sport. A natural-born left-hander, he began playing polo at Myopia in 1962 and became known for his positivity, integrity, and unwavering commitment to improving the game. He served more than twenty years as a USPA Governor, including a decade as the first elected Governor of the Florida/Caribbean Circuit, guiding the region through strong and sustained growth. He also contributed significantly to improving administration and competitive structure. Nangle founded and chaired the USPA Equine Welfare Committee, advancing essential standards for horse care, safety, and responsible stewardship across the sport.
Joe Casey Sr. 2025 Iglehart Award Winner
The 2025 Iglehart Inductee was honored this year due to an inability to attend last year’s induction ceremony.
Joe Casey Sr. helped set the standard for large-scale professional polo management. In the 1960s, while working in Tulsa for John T. Oxley, he oversaw the horses for a high-goal team, managed the breeding operation, and played on Oxley’s teams, demonstrating both exceptional skill and keen horsemanship. Casey was also among the first Americans to travel to Argentina in search of top-quality horses, a practice that soon became essential to high-goal polo in the United States. Known for generously sharing his knowledge, he guided numerous young players. On the field, Casey’s achievements include winning the 1970 British Gold Cup with Boca Raton, the 1966 12-goal with Tulsa, and the 1981 Bronze Trophy and Inter-Circuit titles, also with Tulsa.
Mike Carney spoke on behalf of Joe Casey himself and reflected deeply on the career that Joe had with his connection to the sport.
Horses to Remember:
Longpocket
Billy Mulcahy’s raw-boned and wiry Australian thoroughbred carried numerous high-goalers throughout his career, including Memo Gracida, Esteban Panelo, Piki Alberdi, Juni Crotto, and Mike Azzaro. Sturdy and rock-steady with a big chest carrying a huge heart, Longpocket will long be remembered for his always dependable play, highlighted by performing for three out of seven hard-fought chukkers in the epic 80-goal match in California in 1990.
Accepting the award for Longpocket was Wendy Hollander and her son George Mulcahy.
Citroen
Citroen was an outstanding athlete winning the top honors in Argentina where he was bred, before coming to the United States. The stunning chestnut gelding was then purchased by Robert Lehman who paid top price at auction. Citroen continued his outstanding play and winning major awards, including being judged best polo pony in the 1930 and 1931 National Polo Pony Society Show, a rare feat for a gelding in a very competitive field of remarkable ponies. Citroen was played by Hall of Famer Eric Pedley en route to victory in the 1930 Westchester Cup.
Accepting for Citroen was Robert “Robin” Lehman and Daughter Morgan Lehman who accepted the award on behalf of Grandfather Robert Lehman, owner of Citroen.
The 2026 Hall of Fame Gala was the most attended Museum of Polo event in recent history. We thank all our Sponsors, Inductees, and Guests who attended and showed their support. Make sure to watch the induction ceremony and relieve the evening. It can be found here the website in our video library or on the museum of polo’s YouTube channel “Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame”.