Joe Rizzo

Lifetime Contribution to the Sport of Polo

Peter Rizzo, Joe Rizzo, Tony Coppola

Joe Rizzo helped keep the sport of polo active in New York at a time when it nearly disappeared after World War II. For nearly fifty years, his Huntington and West Hills Polo Clubs, provided a venue for new players to learn the basics of polo.

His horsemanship and enthusiasm earned him welcome a place on the polo fields and the respect of players.

Joe became a valued friend, coach and mentor to a wide range of polo players. Literally hundreds of men and women were handed their first polo mallet by Joe Rizzo.

Joe worked throughout his life welcoming newcomers to the sport of polo. He showed many a novice that if you really wanted to play polo, you could do it without spending excessive amounts of money.

Joe was also admired as a trainer of polo ponies. He was respected for his love, understanding and handling of horses, and for teaching others his philosophy. Joe eagerly shared his knowledge with all.

Joe was honored for his "Lifetime Contribution to the Sport of Polo" by the Polo Museum and Hall of Fame with the Iglehart Award in 2003.

Joe Rizzo passed away on Wednesday March 24th, 2004.