When the teams took the field on Feb. 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club, it was not to win a game.
Instead, the polo players were providing entertainment to help support Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.
The seventh annual Ponies for Pups event was once again the rescue shelter's biggest fundraiser. Besides the polo, those who attended bought raffle tickets and bid on silent auction items. Plenty of shelter dogs were on hand.
Anyone who would like more information on Nate's Honor Animal Rescue can go to nateshonoranimalrescue.com.
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Atticus, a 14-month-old Great Dane brought to the event by owner Arlene Wright of Orlando, sits along the edge of the polo field wondering what it would be like to play polo.
Event Co-Chair Jessica Ortiz, plays with her dog JJ. an 11-month-old she adopted from Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.
Event Co-Chair Jaymie Klauber brought her dogs Robbie and Levi, who she adopted from Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.
Laura Miller holds 8-week-old puppy Sharon while Cher Grossman holds tan Ava and black Carrie, who were born with Sharon. All three chihuahua puppies are available at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.
Bradenton's LaVonne Bower gets a kiss from Oz, who lost one of his back legs and was ready to be put down when he was saved by Nate's Honor Animal Rescue. Bower adopted Oz.
Gracy, an 8-week-old chihuahua is available at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.
Lakewood Ranch High School student Emma Freeman, a member of the National Honor Society, donated her time serving hot dogs.
After the dogs received most of the attention early, everyone turned their attention to an exciting polo match.
Ponies for Pups offered a silent auction to benefit Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.
Bob Morrison of Heritage Harbor holds Diesel, a 15-year-old Yorkie.
Maverick, a Siberian Husky, finds a cool place to rest during the Ponies for Pups event at the Sarasota Polo Club.
Peter Lipscomb, a Nate's Honor Animal Rescue volunteer, pets Natalie Salmore's champion English Setter, Sunshine.
Lori Ruth, associate publisher of the East County Observer, takes time from handing out dog biscuits in her event sponsor's role, to visit with one of the stars of the day.
Alex Greenberg, a 10-year-old from Lakewood Ranch, holds Luke, who would like to get on the polo field.
