Polo match benefits teams, animal therapy

Get ready for fast-flying hooves, sticks and divots at Menlo Circus Club in Atherton on Sunday, May 20, when Stanford and Cornell alumni polo players compete in the Inaugural Jordan Cup.

Named after David Starr Jordan, who went to Cornell and became the first president of Stanford, the benefit match will help support the universities' current teams as well as a local animal therapy program.

Stanford's student-run club team was founded in 1923. Polo originated at Cornell in 1919, and has evolved to men's and women's varsity, junior varsity and first-year teams that compete domestically and abroad.

Stanford's polo ponies live at Webb Ranch, just down the road from Jasper Ridge Farm, which offers animal interaction for children and adults, including veterans, facing physical and emotional challenges.

The benefit will begin at 11 a.m. with a meet-and-greet with Jasper Ridge Farm animals, a silent auction, photo booth, divot stomp, and best hat contest. The match will start at noon.

Go to jordancup.org to buy tickets: $25 for general admission, $10 for children and students, and $75 for a table spot and catered lunch.