Michael Montgomery, a civil engineer and founder of Heartland Engineering, balances his professional life with a unique passion for polo, a fast-paced equestrian sport. Introduced to the game by a friend, Montgomery initially found polo surprising due to its aristocratic reputation but quickly embraced its blend of athleticism, horsemanship, and teamwork. He now plays regularly with the Little Egypt Polo Club near Cape Girardeau, enjoying the camaraderie and thrill alongside fellow players, many of whom are retired rodeo professionals.

Despite being left-handed, Montgomery adapted to polo’s rule requiring right-handed play to ensure safety, mastering the skill over time. One of his proudest moments came early in his polo journey when he scored a goal against a professional player during a New Orleans tournament, marking a significant personal achievement in the sport he once viewed with skepticism.