Emita Polo
Craftsmanship, Community & Customisation
An Interview for ENPOLO with the Founder of Emita Polo
In the fast-paced, tradition-rich world of polo, quality equipment and reliable service can make all the difference. Few understand this better than the founder of Emita Polo, a brand that has quickly carved out a name for itself through craftsmanship, passion, and a deep connection to the sport. We sat down with Emita Polo to explore the journey behind the brand, what makes their mallets unique, and what’s next for this exciting new chapter in polo gear.
ENPOLO:
How did Emita Polo get started, and what inspired the idea?
Emma:
Emita Polo officially launched in February 2024, but the journey really started years ago. I had the opportunity to take over a business called Polo Splice in the UK, and it felt like the perfect fit. I’ve been part of the polo community since i was 12 when i first sat on a horse with a mallet, which then resulted in playing professionally all over the world and even representing England in several ladies matches. After retiring from playing about 5 years ago due to spinal issue, i knew i wanted to stay connected to the sport in a meaningful way. I’ve always had a passion for business, so when the chance came to merge that with my love for polo, it honestly felt like a no-brainer. Emita Polo is my way of giving back to the community that shaped so much of who i am.
ENPOLO:
What makes your polo mallets unique compared to others on the market? - How do you ensure consistent quality across all your products?
Emma: What sets our mallets apart is the combination of craftsmanship, customisation, and personal service. They’re all made in house right here in England using the finest quality canes and heads, crafted by two incredibly skilled makers with over 45 years of experience between them. Each mallet is completely customisable to the clients preferences, nothing is off the shelf. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, we tailor everything to your exact needs. We also offer a mallet configurator on our website, where clients can choose stiffness, sizing, the weight of the head, colours, add their initials or even include their logo. It’s a super fun and personal way to make your mallet truly your own.
On top of that, we run a super efficient mallet repair service, with a turnaround time of under a week for both repairs and new mallets. We’re always happy to chat with clients to make sure they get exactly what they’re looking for, it’s that personal connection and attention to detail that we really pride ourselves on.
ENPOLO:
How do you ensure consistent quality across all your products?
Emma: Quality is everything to us, and we’re really hands on when it comes to making sure every product meets our standards. We work closely with trusted suppliers and some of the top brands in the industry, people we know will consistently deliver the best of the best. Whenever we’re thinking of launching something new, we always test samples first. And honestly, if i don't personally love it, we just won’t sell it. I think that’s really important. If i wouldn’t use it myself, it doesn’t belong in our range. It’s that simple.
ENPOLO:
What is your personal favorite mallet and why?
Emma: My personal favourite - hands down - would be a size 53 always. With a medium stiffness, well balanced throughout the cane, a 185g head, and a small handle that feels really comfortable in my hand, like i have full control of the mallet and its part of me. I’d go for royal blue tips and tape, plus the Emita Polo logo on it, of course!
ENPOLO:
What were the key moments or breakthroughs that helped Emita grow?
Emma: There have been a few key moments that really helped Emita Polo grow. One of the big early steps was setting up a proper POS system, it made managing inventory so much easier and gave customers a smoother, more professional checkout experience. Another big milestone was launching our new website. We really focused on making it simple and intuitive, so clients can easily find what they need, customise their products, and place orders quickly. We also prioritise face delivery, because we know how important it is for players to get their gear on time, especially during the season.I’ve always had a passion for photography, so putting energy into strong, consistent marketing has been another huge step forward. We’ve kept up regular content across social media, which i believe has helped build a stronger connection with our community. We’ve also expanded what we offer, a larger range and more options of products, more horse and yard equipment and for the grooms too! We have also introduced both a mallet and helmet configurator so players can design and make their gear personal to them. On top of that, our door to door van service to polo yards and clubs has been a real game changer in terms of convenience and customer care. Since taking over Polo Splice, I’ve made a conscious effort to keep the core of the business the same, same staff, same location, because the heart of it all is the sport itself, and the amazing community around it. For us, it’s not just about products, it’s about building lasting relationships and making every part of the experience as easy, personal, and enjoyable as possible.
ENPOLO:
How important is player feedback in your product development?
Emma: Player feedback is absolutely essential to us. At the end of the day, they’re the ones using the gear day in and day out, so the players and grooms opinions really shape everything we do. We want to work closely with them, understand what’s working, what’s not, and keep up with whats trending in the sport. Whether its exploring new customisation options, a different material of a product, a new product that we haven’t discovered, improving our services, we’re always listening. It’s not just about making and supplying products, we’re building for a community, and that only works if we’re genuinely in tune with what players and grooms want and need.
ENPOLO:
Are you planning to expand your product line beyond mallets?
Emma: We already have! While custom mallets and repairs are a big part of what we do, we also offer a full range of equipment for players, horses, and yards. From boots to bandages, helmets to saddlery - we aim to be a one-stop shop for everything polo. We’ve got a physical store right in the heart of Midhurst, just by Cowdray, plus an easy to use website where we offer next day shipping across the UK and fast international delivery too. On top of that, our door to door van service means we can bring products directly to clubs and yards, making it all as convenient as possible. There’s not much we don’t or can’t do, but we’re always looking for ways to improve, evolve, and offer even more to the polo community. If there’ something our clients need, we want to be the ones they come to.
ENPOLO:
What does the Emita team look like behind the scenes?
Emma: Behind the scenes, we’re like a family. We’re a small, tight knit team, everyone has their own role, but we’re always ready to jump in and help each other out. We work hard and keep things fast paced, but there’s always room for a laugh and a bit of banter along the way! Having good energy and a shared work ethic is really important to us. We all care about what we’re doing, and if a problem comes up, we don’t pass it off, we tackle it together and find a solution. It’s that team spirit that keeps everything running smoothly and makes the work really enjoyable.
ENPOLO:
What role does sustainability play in your production?
Emma: Sustainability is something we’re really mindful of in everything we do. We use recycled packaging, repurpose used boxed for void filling, and have introduced more automation to reduce our paper usage wherever possible! Even small changes, like switching to recycled paper - add up over time. We also try to keep as much of our work in house as we can, which helps cut down on unnecessary shipping and outsourcing. It’s all about being conscious of our impact and making improvements where we can. We know there’s always more to be done, and we’re constantly looking for ways to be smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable in how we work.
ENPOLO:
How do you balance tradition with innovation in product design?
Emma: Polo is a deeply traditional sport, and we really respect that. Especially when it comes to something like mallets, there’s a craftsmanship and history behind them that we always want to preserve. That foundation is at the heart of everything we do. At the same time, we’re not afraid to innovate. Materials, designs, and technology are always evolving, and we’re constantly looking for ways to make our products better, more durable, and more tailored to the needs of players and grooms. The key is to build on tradition, not replace it. Whether its tweaking designs for better performance or offering new customisation options, we make sure any change still honour the roots of the sport.
ENPOLO:
What markets or regions are you looking to grow in next?
Emma: Our goal is to keep growing across all areas of the polo world, in the UK and Internationally. Whether it’s working with professional teams, beginners, schools, or university clubs - we want to be there, offering the same level of quality and service to every rider, no matter their level. It’s not just about expanding into new regions, but about deepening our presence in the polo community as a whole. We want Emita Polo to be known not only for great products, but for being approachable, reliable, and genuinely passionate about supporting the sport at every level.
ENPOLO:
Whats your ultimate goal for the Emita Polo brand?
Emma: Our ultimate goal is to become the go-to name in polo, not just for high quality gear and quick, reliable service, but for the energy and connection we bring to the sport. We want people to feel that Emita Polo isn’t just a brand, it’s like a community. Everything we do is about keeping things personal, staying current with the best products, and working closely with our customers to make sure they feel supported, we want the players and grooms to feel like they are part of something. At the end of the day, we want our passion and work ethic to be recognised, not just in what we sell, but in the experience we create.
That’s what Emita Polo is all about.
ENPOLO:
Thank you Emma Boers