Like many businesses, organizations and clubs, the Michigan State University Polo Club has been affected financially by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While intercollegiate polo play is still allowed in the 2020-21 school year, MSU students are not permitted to participate because fall semester classes shifted from in-person to online.
Because two-thirds of the polo club would not be returning to East Lansing for classes, the club wouldn’t collect yearly dues — which is their sole source of income — and simply lease space at their Mason stables to local members in order to maintain the horses care and provide them with light exercise.
In order to cover expenses, the club had to get creative to fundraise. And thus, their Pony Pals monthly pen pal program was born.
The club hopes that the monthly letters serve as a bright spot for young people who may be learning remotely and could use a pick-me-up.
If you are interested in signing your child up for the MSU Pony Pals program, visit the polo club’s Facebook or Instagram page to learn more. The cost is $20 for the spring semester, and pony pal members will receive a letter each month from January through April.