Two Aiken-based polo players finalists for national award

Two Aiken-based polo players have been named as finalists for the Equus & Co. Award honoring a standout member of the sport's

Team USPA development program.

Jorge Estrada and Nick Snow are two of five finalists for the award, which will be announced on Feb. 19.

Estrada, 23, participated in the 2011 Team USPA Aiken Clinic during this past spring and fall. In 2011, Estrada was also a winner in the Bradford Binton Cup, USPA Orlando Garrido Memorial Sportsmanship Cup and was named MVP of the Archie MacCarty Memorial.

Snow, 26, Snow was a winner in the USPA Regional Presidents Cup, USPA National President's Cup and also a participant on the U.S. national team at the recent Federation of International Polo World Championships in Argentina. Snow was a winner and MVP of the 2011 Mayland Cup as well. In addition to his polo achievements, Snow was also awarded Best Playing Pony in the 2011 USPA Regional President's Cup, USPA Chairman's Cup, Cyril Harrison Memorial and Mayland Cup.

Finalists from outside of Aiken are Ty MacCarty, 20, Sheridan, Wyo.; Meghan Shader, 22, Lexington, Ky.; and Jesse Weaver,24, Houston, Texas.

Finalists for the award were selected out of the 32 members of Team USPA for their leadership and communication skills, sportsmanship on the field and participation in key Team USPA programs over the past year. Each will submit an essay on how winning the award and receiving the $10,000 prize - provided by Equus & Co. - would significantly impact his or her own polo career.

The Team USPA program was established by the U.S. Polo Association to grow and sustain the sport by identifying talented young American players and providing opportunities to grow their abilities. The team has been intricately involved in programs and events that solicit, train and develop young American players.