Myopia Polo 2019

2019 myopia polo magazine

2019 myopia polo magazine since 1888 / myopiapolo.org

J BARRETT

S T A R T S

H E R E

Manchester Offered at $18,000,000 “Crow Island” ~ Secluded 5-acre peninsula with stunning ocean views from every vantage point. Restored and renovated Iconic style mansion has 5 bedrooms, 4+ baths. Carriage house and studio.

Holly Fabyan

Wenham Offered at $3,985,000 “The Ledges” ~ Designed by prominent architect Harrie T. Lindeberg. Exquisite English Country Manor Estate on 14+ acres.

Woods, manicured lawns, gardens. Lovingly renovated in recent years.

Emily McPherson

Essex Offered at $2,500,000 “Clamshell Landing” ~ 22-acre sanctuary on the Essex River. Expansive renovated farmhouse with 6 bedrooms, 5.5 baths.

Indoor squash court, workout facility, tennis court.

Deb Evans & Alle Cutler

Stunning ocean views from this private 6 bedroom, 6 bath stucco mansion (c 1895) on 2.5 landscaped acres. Deeded beach access. High ceilings. 7 fireplaces.

Gourmet Kitchen.

Mimi Pruett

Beverly Farms Offered at $2,100,000

Hamilton Offered at $2,499,000 Exquisite Hamilton home renovated by architect Laine M. Jones. 2+ acres.

5+ bedrooms, 7+ baths. Open concept, chef’s kitchen. 1st-floor fireplaced master suite has 2 baths. Outdoor kitchen.

Deb Evans & Ray Gosselin

Hamilton Offered at $1,765,000 “West Hill” ~ Elegant Colonial. Abuts Myopia Schooling field, access to horse trails.

Spectacular 1899 home with 4 fireplaces, solarium, portico, gourmet eat-in kitchen.

Finished 3rd floor.

Josephine Mehm Baker

Prides Crossing Offered at $3,900,000

Elegant estate on 14 acres abuts Audubon land. Ca. 1910 craftsmanship, many architectural updates plus crown moldings, wood floors, built-ins. Open family roomchef’s kitchen. 3-car garage.

Deb Vivian

Hamilton Offered at $1,545,000 Stunning waterfront, renovated and move-in ready! 3 acres. 4 bed/ 3 bath. Kitchen/family room w/fireplace. LR/DR/Sunroom/Deck.

Theater + playroom. Studio in heated barn/ garage. Fenced yard.

Josephine Mehm Baker

The North Shore’s Premier Real Estate Agency

Hamilton Offered at $1,200,000 Set on 3.5+ acres overlooking Myopia Hunt club/golf course, this Shingle-style home with stone turret, fabulous woodwork and arched fieldstone fireplaces is a showcase of true craftsmanship.

Holly Fabyan

www.jbarrettrealty.com

J Barrett & Company, LLC supports the principles of both the Fair Housing and the Equal Opportunity Acts.

Prides Crossing 978.922.2700 • Marblehead 781.631.9800 • Manchester-by-the-Sea 978.526.8555 Gloucester 978.282.1315 • Beverly 978.922.3683 • Ipswich 978.356.3444 • Peabody 781.246.4600

4 / captain’s letter 70 / the rules 72 / tribute: Rodney O’Connor

contents

2019 myopia polo magazine

64

10

30

40

features

agenda

style

myopia

50 / sundays at myopia

8 / 2019 Schedule

24 / Tailgating

36 / myopia polo club

Every weekend at Myopia Polo offers a spectacle of sport, tradition and culture. by brion o’connor 58 / USPA East Coast Women’s Open

Some of the top women players from across the U.S. came to Myopia for this major championship. by bill burke 64 / along for the ride!

A visual chronicle of the most thrilling moments of Myopia’s 2018 season. photographs by jacqueline miller

2 myopia polo 2019

10 / the players

A rundown of the Myopia Polo players. plus Polo 101.

18 / gear

Ready-to-eat essentials.

26 / Accessories

Stylish sunglasses and bags to coordinate your look.

A look at some of the gear you’ll see polo players, and their mounts, wearing in today’s match.

28 / Fashion

20 / Youth polo

These party-ready ensembles will up your game.

The National Youth Tournament Series.

22 / equine medicine

Riders, referees and enthusiasts alike keep a close eye on the welfare of Myopia’s polo ponies.

Top hats for this season’s key matches.

30 / Food & Drink

32 / scene

Myopia Polo personalities snapped out and about.

34 / instagram

Hasthtag it: #myopiapolo.

Member enthusiasm keeps the country’s oldest polo club thriving after 130 years.

40 / Equine history

The Wenham Museum chronicles equestrian history.

42 / u.s. polo association

The history of the United States Polo Association.

44 / myopia hunt club

Myopia Hunt is a blend of athleticism and tradition.

ON THE COVER Felipe Viana, a 6-goal professional from Uruguay, rides Corta during the W. Cameron Forbes Cup at Gibney Field, August 5, 2018.

Photograph by Shawn Tinkham

photographs, from left, jacqueline miller; andrew katsampes; glenn scott; courtesy of the wenham museum

ELEGANCE. HERITAGE. TRADITION. FIND YOUR WAY HOME TO HAMILTON - WENHAM

Your Local Neighborhood Real Estate Experts Katie & Todd McClain 978-509-8164 | katie.mcclain@evusa.com mcclaingroupbythesea.com 723 Hale Street, Beverly Farms

captain’s letter

Come enjoy our selection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, natural wines, craft beers, local ciders and gourmet food. From cheese platters to fine wine to gift baskets, we’ve got everything for a perfect picnic or elegant party!

Tuesday - Friday 11am–7pm Saturday 10am–6pm Sunday 12pm–5pm Free wine tastings every Friday 5–7pm and Saturday 4–6pm 45 Lafayette Street, Salem MA 978-498-4820 TheCheeseShopOfSalem.com

this summer marks the 131st season of polo on myopia’s gibney field—a remarkable tradition and one that we are pleased to share with you, our supporters and spectators, every Sunday from early June to late September.

This summer we have an active season of polo planned— including national tournaments such as the USPA Women’s East Coast Open, the National Chairman’s Cup, the Harvard Invitational, and the Harriman Cup. As we do every summer, we will host tournaments named in honor of some of our most historic Myopia equestrian families such as Ayer, Poor, Tuckerman and Little.

I am pleased to report that Kim Maguire who has supervised our operations for the past four summers is continuing as our manager responsible for overseeing all polo activity.

Myopia Polo would not be as vibrant and successful without the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers. I’d like to thank of our volunteer leadership which includes Nick Snow, Peter Poor and Dave Strouss— long-time Myopia polo players and tournament committee members as well as Denny Ryus, Terri Campbell and Cathy Taylor who oversee all of our marketing, our Treasurer, Stephen Willet, and committee members Jackie Miller, Traci Strouss and Yaz Grotnik.

We encourage you to follow Myopia Polo throughout the season. Updates on schedules, games and lessons are on our website, myopiapolo.org, or by calling 978-468POLO. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Best wishes,

Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld, captain/myopia polo

2019 Range Rover SV Autobiography Long Wheel Base

You’ve Arrived New England’s Exclusive SV Destination

Jaguar Land Rover Peabody 247 Newbury Street | Peabody, MA 01960 | WWW.JAGUARPEABODY.COM | WWW.ROVERPEABODY.COM

2019 myopia polo magazine editor

Bill Burke design director

Robert F. Parsons / Seven Elm sevenelm.com image specialist

Adam DeTour contributing artists

Jared Charney, Andrew Katsampes, Jacqueline Miller, Bob Packert, Lysa Pelletier, Glenn Scott, Shawn Tinkham contributing writers

Bill Burke, Brion O’Connor

myopia polo committee

Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld, Captain of Polo Kim Maguire, Polo Manager & Equine Welfare Committee Chairman David Strouss, USPA Delegate & Tournament Committee Representative Stephen L. Willett, Treasurer Peter Poor, Official Announcer & Tournament Committee Representative Cathy Taylor, Corporate Sponsorships Terri Campbell, Polo Committee & Equine Welfare Committee Nicholas B. Snow, Polo Committee Member Bill Coke, Polo Committee Member Kurt Miller, Polo Committee Member Michael D. Ryus, Marketing and Design Director website

myopiapolo.org facebook & twitter

Myopia Polo

President/Publisher

Sharron McCarthy group Advertising Sales Representative

Kimberly Lencki 603-413-5154, klencki@mcleancommunications.com Advertising Sales Representatives

Kelly Moores 800-736-1100 x. 356, kellym@yankeepub.com Creative Director

John Goodwin Production Manager

Jodie Hall Office Manager

Mista McDonnell Proofreader

Liisa Rajala subscriptions

For additional copies or subscription customer service, email kgagnon@mcleancommunications.com published by

McLean Communications, Custom Publishing A Division of Yankee Publishing, Inc., Dublin, NH 150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101 603-624-1442, mcleancommunications.com

POLO magazine is published for Myopia Polo by McLean Communications. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the magazine; McLean Communications is not responsible for errors or omissions. Š Copyright 2019, McLean Communications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of McLean Communications is prohibited.

PHOTOGRAPHY: PHOTOGRAPHY: BRIAN BRIAN VANDEN VANDEN BRINK BRINK PHOTOGRAPHY: BRIAN VANDEN BRINK

YEARS YEARS YEARS

40 40 40

CELEBRATING CELEBRATING CELEBRATING

9 69 6S WA S WA MM P SPCOT S COT T TR OA R OA DD S LAELM M EP M , SM , COT M A A0 1 07 0 D 9 6 SS A WA T091R79OA ( 7L(87 )M 952 9-230-11 339 157 30 5 SA E18 M)1,5 A

GG RO RO O(O M CO. /1C/3U C5STO U STO MM 7 8M 1CO. ) 5CO 9CO 2M - 3M G R O O M CO. CO M / C U STO M

Welcome to the 2019 Season Match time is 3 p.m. on Sundays on Gibney Field.

Gates open at 1:30 p.m. schedule subject to change

may 26 Opening Day jun 2 Joseph Poor/

Stan Bradford Cup

jun 9 CG Rice Cup jun 16 Neil Ayer Cup jun 23 Agassiz Club Cup 9 Goal jun 30 USPA Women’s

East Coast Handicap Finals

jul 6-7 USPA NYTS Qualifier jul 7 USPA Harrison Cup 4-8 Goal jul 14 USPA Harrison Cup

4-8 Goal Finals Myopia Polo Ball jul 21 USPA Chairman’s Cup

8-12 Goal National Tournament jul 7-21 Tuckerman Cup 0-4 Goal Club Tournament jul 28 USPA Chairman’s Cup

8-12 Goal Finals jul 20

aug 4 USPA Forbes Cup aug 11 USPA Forbes Cup Finals aug 18 USPA Governors Cup aug 3-24 Crossman Cup aug 25 USPA Governors Cup Finals aug 17-31 USPA Amateur Cup 0-2 Goal National Tournament sep 1 Labor Day Classic sep 8 Cohiba Cup sep 15

Rodney O’Connor Divot Cup

sep 22 Harvard Invitational sep 29 Harriman Cup

8 myopia polo 2019

photograph by andrew katsampes

Create depth and dimension with tone-on-tone color.

T H I R T Y

Y E A R S

O F

D E S I G N

A N D

I N N O V A T I O N

BURLINGTON | BOSTON | NATICK | MGBWHOME.COM

ag e n da

the players

Polo Patrons and Captains The people who make polo at Myopia possible.

erica L. ames

franz colloredomansfeld

Stephen Burr

Franz ColloredoMansfeld Captain Franz grew up riding

and hunting with Myopia. He has won the Myopia Hunter Trials numerous times. Over the past decade, he has enjoyed playing polo with his children.

He is the Captain of Myopia Polo and the sponsor of the Black Oak Polo team. Franz runs an international real estate investment firm based in Boston. A rated

Erica L. Ames Erica has been an avid horseback rider for most of her life, but discovered polo in 2013, when she took beginner polo lessons at Stage Hill Polo. Since then, she has become actively involved in Myopia Coaching League and is a huge supporter of all aspects of the sport. As Myopia’s director of corporate sponsorships, Erica is passionate about sharing the unique Myopia experience with new and returning patrons alike.

Stephen Burr Introduced to polo six summers ago, Stephen, 20, instantly fell in love with the

10 myopia polo 2019

terri campbell

barrett coke

sport. A longtime soccer player who captained a division one club team, he was taken with how similar polo and soccer can be—minus the horse. He currently attends Northeastern University.

terri campbell Terri is now a regular at Myopia, after playing in Newport for 10 years. The sponsor of the Folly Fields Polo Team, she has played in tournaments in Chile, Ireland and South Africa, and competes at Gulfstream Polo Club in Florida in the winter. When she’s not with the ponies, she is a portfolio manager in Boston. -1 goal

Barrett Coke A Myopia player since the age of 12, Barrett, 22, is passionate about the sport. Barrett was a three-time all-star National Youth Polo Player, and in 2015 he went on to win the National Youth Polo Championships in Denver, CO playing on the Northeast regional team. Barrett plays for the Coke family’s Chanticleer Farm Polo Team.

He loves competing alongside his father and brother. An avid

bill coke

2019 polo patrons

hamilton coke

John Adams, Erica Ames, Neil Ayer, William Ayer, Bryn Barror, Doralynne Bibby, Mary and Michael Blair, John Bos, Michael Bucci, Stephen Burr, Terri Campbell, Benjamin Collins, Susanna Colloredo-Mansfeld, Sandra Dunstan, MaryAnn Esdaile, Scott Fabyan and Marlene Pippins, Winnie Gray, Britt Hultgren, Myopia Hunt, Patricia Johnstone, Josh Lerner, Franz Colloredo Mansfeld, William Meaney, Kurt Miller, Allison O’Neil, Anthony Pearson, Michael Pippins, Donald Pitman, Scott and Amanda Roberts, Carlos Riva, Evan Rochman, MD, Stacey Scott, David Strouss, Thomas Sutro, Robert and Lois Whidden, Robert Wilkinson

sports enthusiast, Barrett plays soccer, squash, lacrosse and loves freestyle skiing. Barrett graduated from Brooks School in North Andover, MA. 1 goal

Bill Coke An intense and competitive athlete, Bill has played polo at Myopia for more than 20 years.

The sponsor of the Chanticleer Farm Polo Team, Bill is known for his powerful and spirited defensive play. He is thrilled to play with his sons, Hamilton and Barrett. A managing director with JP Morgan, Bill lives in Topsfield with his wife, Wendy, and sons Hamilton and Barrett. A rated

Hamilton Coke An engaged, and skilled player on his family’s Chanticleer Farm Polo Team, Hamilton is a Computer Engineering student at Santa Clara University Engineering School in Silicon Valley, CA. Hamilton is happiest when freestyle skiing, mountain biking, surfing, playing rugby, lacrosse and programming the next big app. A rated

Carlos Coles A resident of Wenham who has

All tournament photographs by andrew katsampes

captains of myopia polo, past and present Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld

2011 (co-captain)–present W. Albert Ellis 2009–2010, 2011 (co-captain) Lyle Graham 2001–2008 Michael S. Fawcett 1996–2000 Neil St. John Raymond 1986–1996 Robert A. Wilkinson 1981–1983 Donald V. Little 1968–1981, 1983–1986 Neil R. Ayer 1960–1967 Forrester A. Clark 1937–1940, 1946–1959 Fredrick H. Prince, Jr. 1924–1925 Fredrick Ayer 1921–1923, 1929–1936, 1941–1945 Neil W. Rice 1920 Henry P. McKean, Jr. 1919 Charles G. Rice 1918 James H. Proctor 1917 Q.A. Shaw McKean 1916, 1927–1928 Quincy A. Shaw II 1914 Dudley P. Rogers 1908–1912, 1915, 1926 F. Blackwood Fay 1902–1903, 1907, 1913 Rodolphe L. Agassiz 1893–1901, 1904–1906 R. M. Appleton 1891–1892

neil ayer Cup june 17, 2018 Longmeadow def. Stage Hill 8-4

Polo 101

carlos coles

johann colloredomansfeld

simon colloredomansfeld

francisco “pancho” eddy

annie colloredomansfeld

seppi colloredomansfeld

justin e. daniels

albert ellis

rules of the game and a few other basics.

glossary Approach Shot: A long shot taken to get the ball close to the opponent’s goal.

Back shot: When a player hits the ball backwards, can be played on both the nearside and the offside.

Boards: Wooden barriers placed alongside a polo field to keep the ball in the playing area.

Bump: When two riders come into contact with each other, with the objective of knocking or pushing the other rider off the line of the ball so they are unable to hit it.

Also called a ride-off.

Center line: Middle of field where the ball is thrown in after each goal.

Crossing: When one rider cuts across another player’s right of way.

Cut shot: When a player makes a stroke that is at an angle to the direction in which he or she is riding.

Divot Stomp: A halftime tradition in which spectators enter the field to stomp divots made by the horses back into the ground.

Drive: A player hitting the ball either forward or backward along the same parallel line the horse is taking.

Forehand: When a player hits the ball forward, can be played on both the nearside and the offside.

Free Hit: For certain rule violations, a player will be allowed a free and uncontested hit at the ball.

Goal: When the ball crosses between the two goal posts, resulting in a score.

Hook: A defensive tactic used when a player makes contact with an offensive player’s mallet before it hits the ball.

Knock In (a.k.a. Hit In): When the offensive team hits the ball »

cyril harrison cup July 8, 2017 Folly Fields def. Del Rancho/Black Oak 11-10

played polo for more than 36 years, Carlos learned the game from his father Charlie—a Myopia equestrian legend. A big hitter and very competitive player, he plays with speed and abandon. After spending a number of years playing for multiple sponsors at Gulfstream in Florida, Wellington, Vero Beach, and Ocala during the winter months, Carlos rededicated his efforts to the continued growth of Myopia Polo. His work with younger generations helps feed Myopia polo and the USPA with new sponsors. His 14-year-old daughter, Padan, is an aspiring equestrian. 1 goal (out) / 2 goals (arena)

Annie ColloredoMansfeld Annie is a graduate of the Groton School where she was a varsity cross-country runner and rower. She is an accomplished young rider and has competed in three phase events in Massachusetts and Vermont. The past few summers she has been playing with her family and has joined the junior program at Myopia. B Rated

Johann ColloredoMansfeld Johann is a graduate of Harvard University, where he was captain of the Harvard Polo

Team. Over the past five years, Johann has played in tournaments in China, Italy and France. In 2013 he was selected for the U19 National Championship Tournament Team for the Northeast. Johann plays for the Black Oak and Myopia Teams. 1 goal

Seppi ColloredoMansfeld Seppi grew up riding and playing polo with Myopia.

Seppi is a former three-year captain of the men’s Yale Polo Team. He has played in tournaments throughout the Northeast and in England on historic Guards Field at Windsor.

Seppi was also a rower and a member of the Yale Lightweight Crew Team. Seppi now lives in New York City and works in the real estate development business. 1 goal

Simon ColloredoMansfeld Simon is a graduate of the University of Virginia where played on the polo team in one of the country’s top rated college programs. In 2013 Simon was selected for the U19 National Tournament Team for the Northeast. A naturally talented horseman, Simon is a graduate of the junior polo program at Myopia and plays for Black Oak and Myopia. 1 goal

benji e. daniels A summer resident of Ipswich, Benji, 19, played youth polo in Wellington on the Pony Express Polo team under the watchful eye of Tomas Goti and Julian deLusaretta, who taught him well. Benji is calm, cool and collected on the field, where he has continuously improved his ability to take the man and hit a solid backhander. His ball control and smooth swing seem to improve with each tournament he plays.

1.5 goals

justin e. daniels A summer resident of Ipswich, Justin, 20, has been playing polo for more than nine years, and is an excellent rider with a hard-hitting sense of urgency on the field. Justin was selected to play on the first-ever USPA National Youth Tournament for the winning Florida team in 2013. 2 goals

landen e. daniels Landen, 16, is the youngest of six polo-playing brothers.

He has made quite a name for himself among the polo community in Wellington, Fla. An accomplished soccer player, Landen plays travel soccer when he is not on a horse.

Playing polo for nine years (two years without a mallet), Landen has developed a keen understanding of where to be

2019 myopia polo 11

ag e n da

whitney ellis

the players

scott fabyan

lyle graham

grace grotnik

jonathan graham

Augustus “Augie” Grotnik

Jacek “yaz” K. grotnik

on the polo field—both defending as well as making key offensive plays. His hitting is surprisingly accurate. Landen’s potential as a polo player is demonstrated every time he plays competitively in kids’ polo or in six goal competition matched against an opposing young player. A rated

Myopia before becoming a polo player. Albert served as polo captain from 2007-2011 and has been a longtime fixture on the Myopia fields.

He lives in Gloucester with his wife, Anne-Seymour, and their three daughters, Isabella, Caroline and Jane. 1 goal

Francisco “Pancho” Eddy

John is new to the sport of polo but brings a wealth of equestrian experience to the playing field. He resides in Gloucester with his son, Maverick, and is excited about whacking the ball around at Myopia this summer.

An Argentina native, Pancho spent summer holidays flyfishing in San Martin de los Andes, where he met Chuck Elmes of Blue Sky Polo Club, a meeting that lead to a job playing polo in the U.S. In addition to Myopia, where he plays with Rick Salter, Pancho has played in Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Florida.

He consistently finds success at Myopia and has captured every major tournament at the club over the past five years, thanks to his accurate passing and shots on goal. 4 goals

John Ellis

B rated

Whitney Ellis Whitney will be returning to the fields of Myopia this summer. He has come back to his roots here on the North Shore after stints in Ireland, getting his Master’s degree in English, and in New York, pursuing journalistic and literary endeavors. 2 goals

Albert Ellis

Scott Fabyan

An experienced horseman, Albert grew up hunting and three-day-event riding at

Scott is an avid outdoorsman, skier and licensed Captain with the US Coast Guard. He is

12 myopia polo 2019

in third season of polo, playing in both the Winter Arena and Myopia Coaching Leagues.

He owns Kinsman Farm in Ipswich and is a portfolio manager in Boston.

Jonathan Graham Having started polo in Myopia’s junior program, Jon has played on his father Lyle’s Wintercreek team, captained the Colorado State University team, and played professionally in Aspen and on the East Coast. One of the biggest hitters at Myopia, Jon is always a threat to score from the middle of the game. 2 goals

Lyle Graham A former Myopia captain, Lyle has been an active player for the last 35 years (28 seasons at Myopia) on the family’s Winter Creek team and played competitively at a 5-goal USPA handicap. Taking a sabbatical from horses and polo, Lyle focuses on family activities, farm projects, boating and motorcycling. He lives in Rowley with his wife, Donna, and sons, Jon and Ian.

Polo 101, cont. over the back line wide of goal.

The defending team then plays the ball from the point at which it went over the back line.

Line of the Ball: The path along which the ball travels after a hit, this line extends beyond the ball as well. line judge: Assists the umpires by signaling whether the ball went between or outside the goal posts.

Neck Shot/Tail Shot: The former is played under the horse’s neck; the latter, beneath and behind the tail.

Offside/Nearside: When seated on a horse, the offside refers to the player’s right side, and the nearside refers to his or her left side.

Tack Time: Stop in play called by umpire if a player’s tack is broken.

Tailgating: One of the most celebrated polo pastimes, complete with picnic baskets, gourmet snacks, and plenty of beverages.

Throw-in: When an umpire bowls the ball between teams to start play.

positions A polo match pits two teams of four against each other. The players on each team are numbered 1 through 4, with each number representing a general role as follows: 1. Goal Scorer. This player pushes forward aggressively and seeks openings into which teammates can hit. This player also marks the opposing team’s number 4, or Back.

2. Energizer. The Energizer is always involved in play while quarterbacking the offense and neutralizing the opponent’s top player.

3. Field Captain. The Field Captain typically is the best player on the team and directs the flow of the game.

4. Defender. The Defender plays at the back of the game to prevent the other team from scoring.

cyril harrison cup July 15, 2018 Del Rancho/Black Oak def. Folly fields 12-10

handicap descriptions.

patricia johnstone

bob mehm

olivia mehm

reed miller

kimberly maguire

max mehm

kurt miller

mike noll

Every player on the field carries a handicap from -2 to 10 goals based on his or her skill level and horsemanship, as determined by a national handicap committee.

A handicap of 10 represents the top of the game.

the rules Object of the Game. The objec-

tive of the game is simple: Score as many goals as possible and win by outscoring the opposing team.

Playing the Game. Because polo involves horses that weigh thousands of pounds, all moving at high speeds toward the same ball, the concept of “right of way” is the most important concept in the game of polo and is designed to keep the game safe for both horse and rider.

Right of Way and Riding Off.

The rider who is following the ball on its exact line, or who has the least angle to reach the ball and is taking it on the offside without committing a foul, has the right of way. A rider can be ridden off the ball. Riding off is also allowed even if the other player is not playing the ball. But riding off is not allowed if the rider comes in to the other rider at a dangerous angle. When one rider rides off another, he or she is not allowed to hit, strike, or push off with the hand, forearm, elbow, or head, but he or she is allowed to push off with the upper arm. A rider is not allowed to grab another player, their equipment, or their horse. A rider is not allowed to weave back and forth in front of another rider, thus forcing the other rider to change the speed at which he or she is riding.

Crossing. It is cause for a foul » should a rider cross another uspa chairman’s 8-12 goal july 27, 2018 Folly Fields def. Longmeadow 8-7

Augustus “Augie” Grotnik

and enjoys skiing, soccer, and tennis. B (OUT) / A (ARENA, WOMEN’S)

Augie started playing polo at the end of 2017 and has two seasons under his belt with the Stage Hill and Myopia Interscholastic Polo Team.

At 15-years-old, he has played polo on grass and in the arena in Arizona, Florida and locally in New England. Augie attends Ipswich High School and enjoys skiing and soccer.

/ A (OUT) / +2 (ARENA)

B (out) / B (arena)

grace ellen grotnik Grace is one of Myopia’s junior players. She started playing polo at 10 years old and entered her first tournament at 13. Currently 17 years old, she has played polo on grass, in the arena, and on snow. Grace was presented the Dr. Billy Linfoot Award and named the Most-Improved Club Player at Myopia in 2016.

She plays on the Myopia Interscholastic Varsity Team and was awarded the Sportsmanship Award in 2017 and All Star in 2018 at the USPA Preliminary Regionals and at the BTC NYTS in Arizona. She has won several medium goal women’s tournaments including the 14-Goal Women’s NE Arena Challenge, the 10-Goal Meadowbrook Women’s Cup, and the 2017 Polish Women’s Open. Grace attends Ipswich High School

Jacek “Yaz” K. Grotnik Yaz started playing polo after a Sunday visit to Gibney Field over 25 years ago and has since played across the US and internationally in various low and medium goal tournaments up the 14 goal level. He was captain of the Polish National Polo Team at the 8th Manipur International Tournament in India and represented the USA Men’s Team in their win of the 2015 Bukovina Polo Snow Masters.

In 2016, his team won the USPA Border Circuit Amateur Cup. He lives at Husaria Farm in Ipswich and is a patron of Myopia Polo and the Husaria Polo Team. Yaz is the Team Advisor to the Stage Hill and Myopia Interscholastic Polo Teams and a USPA Certified Umpire. A (Out) / +2 (Arena)

Patricia Johnstone Patricia has had a lifelong passion for horses which spurred a love for polo three years ago via Stage Hill Polo. Now she and her husband, Gary, owners of Stones Throw Farm in Ipswich, are enthusiastic supports of all aspects of the game. She is actively involved in the Myopia Coaching League, Winter Arena League

and a supporter of the Myopia Polo Interscholastic Team.

kimberly maguire Kimberly started her polo career in 1996 as Byfield Polo’s first youth player. After a short hiatus from polo to attend university, she has returned to Myopia for her fourth year.

Kimberly, manager of polo at Myopia, has achieved a USPA Level 1 Certified Polo Instructor and enjoys playing and coaching with the Myopia Coaching League. a rated

Bob Mehm Bob is a former 3-goal player and is in his 36th season of polo. He has played in major cups in Dubai, Thailand, Switzerland, the UK, Nepal, the Caribbean and at Myopia. He lives in Geneva, Switzerland, where he plays at the Vetey Polo Club, and looks forward to competing this summer and playing with his children, Max and Olivia. 1 goal

Max Mehm This year marks Max’s fourth season at Myopia. Max has played the Coach’s League on Harvard horses and competed in the NYTS tournament.

Max studies at the Fessenden School in Newton, where he competes in soccer, squash and rowing. B rated

2019 myopia polo 13

ag e n da

marcos onetto

the players

bryan parrott

peter poor

neil “jed” raymond, jr.

alyson poor

estanislao “estani” puch

thomas rizzo

Olivia Mehm

reed miller

Olivia has played several seasons at Myopia Polo as a junior player and will join the junior program after her warmup in June at her home club in Geneva. Olivia studied at Deerfield Academy, where she founded an interscholastic polo team. She competed on the cross-country, squash and tennis teams. B rated

Reed is a third generation Myopia Polo player. He grew up around the Myopia Polo fields, foot mallet in hand, watching his father, Kurt, play, as his grandfather played before him. He began playing the sport with Myopia’s Junior program and Stage Hill Polo.

Then three years ago, at age 13, Reed teamed up alongside his father, on their Longmeadow Team, and won his first tournament game. Reed then played for a second year on the USPA Interscholastic Team, Myopia/Stage Hill Rough Riders and was honored as an allstar at the NE Prelims at Yale.

He also continues a family tradition of traveling to South America to play polo. He is passionate about the sport and horses. He also enjoys watersports, golf and his studies in math and sciences. b rated

Kurt Miller A veteran player and horseman at Myopia Polo, Kurt brings steady play and formidable competition to the game. During the winter, he often plays in Chile, where many of his horses are from.

Kurt was inspired to follow in the footsteps of his father, who also played at Myopia Polo. This summer, Kurt looks forward to another year playing at Myopia Polo and joining forces with his son Reed, for a fifth season, on their Longmeadow Team.

Kurt’s wife, Jackie is actively involved in planning events for the club. They live with their children in Hamilton.

0 goals

14 myopia polo 2019

mike noll A lifelong competitive athlete, Mike’s passion for horses began at an early age. His family-owned thoroughbred racehorses in Pennsylvania and Florida. Mike is the founder

and CEO of Hamilton Capital Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm. B rated

marcos onetto Marcos has been playing here at Myopia for the past four seasons. Rated at 4 goals, Marcos is a speed demon on the field with a fast group of horses. 4 goals

Bryan Parrott Bryan Parrott, DVM, owner of Parrott Equine Associates, LLC, has been practicing equine veterinary medicine for 32 years. Bryan has been playing polo for 22 years. As cofounder of the Myopia Equine Welfare Committee, Bryan’s mission is the health and wellbeing of the horses. 1 goal

Alyson Poor Alyson’s career with animals started at age seven, when she began riding and playing polo at her father’s polo school in Hamilton. Alyson graduated with a degree in animal science from the University of Kentucky, where she also played on the polo team.

0 goals

Polo 101, cont. rider in the right of way if they come close enough to be dangerous, or cause a rider and horse to slow up. A rider in possession of the ball can’t be crossed.

Hooking Sticks. A rider is allowed to hook another rider’s stick, as long as he or she and the ball are on the same side of the opponent’s horse and the rider is about to hit the ball. A rider is allowed to hook another rider’s stick if he or she is directly behind an opponent, but the stick must be below the level of the opposing rider’s shoulder.

Stick Misuse. 1) A rider may not reach across or under an opposing rider’s horse to hit. 2) A player is not allowed to use a stick in an unsafe way or in a way that obstructs or hinders another rider or horse. 3) A rider is not allowed to hit the legs of an opposing player’s horse.

Ball Out of Play. A ball is out of play when: 1) It is hit over the boards or sidelines. 2) The ball is hit over the back line by the opposing team.

Stoppage of Play. An umpire will stop play if: 1) A rider is hurt or a horse is injured. 2) A rider loses his or her helmet, provided that no team will gain from a stoppage of play. 3) A horse’s equipment becomes damaged, presenting potential danger to other horses or riders. (Play is not stopped if a rider falls off his or her horse and is uninjured.)

Fouls and Penalties. Umpires decide the severity of fouls and which penalties are appropriate. Therefore, one particular foul does not have a specific penalty associated with it. Below are penalties listed in the order of their severity. Team captains are the only players who can discuss issues that arise during a game with an umpire.

w. cameron forbes Cup aug. 5, 2018 Longmeadow def. Pony Express 9-5

Penalties. 1) A goal awarded

to the team that has been fouled. Given for the most dangerous fouls. 2) A free hit given to the fouled team, taken from 30 yards from the front of the goal. Given for dangerous fouls.

3) A free hit given to the fouled team, taken from 40 yards from the front of the goal. Given for less dangerous fouls. 4) A free hit given to the fouled team, taken from 60 yards out. Given for moderate fouls. 5) A free hit for the fouled team, taken from where the foul occurred. This penalty is given for mild fouls.

6) Same as above, but the free hit is taken from the center of the field. 7) A 60-yard hit taken opposite from where the ball crossed over the back line; this is given for a defender hitting the ball over their back line.

the myopia polo teams Black Oak: The family team of the Colloredo-Mansfelds, Black Oak is anchored by Filipe Viana and a rotating roster of family members.

Blackburn Sunset: The Berube family team played competitively at Myopia last season.

Chanticleer: The Coke family team has competed successfully since the 1990s at Myopia and at Aiken.

Del Rancho: Dave Strouss’s team has successfully competed at every level of Myopia Polo, including winning the 12-goal championship.

Giddy Up: Relatively new to Myopia, Terri Campbell’s team is becoming a force to be reckoned with.

EFG: Bob Mehm’s team and employer, EFG has sponsored teams around the globe—and now, at Myopia. »

USPA Governor’s Cup 6 Goal aug. 19, 2018 Folly Fields def. Del Rancho/Black Oak 9-8

amanda roberts

rick salter

crocker snow, jr.

dave strouss

steve rudolph

C.B. scherer

nick snow

rob wilkinson

Peter Poor Peter Poor has played polo at Myopia for 57 years, and his two daughters also play. Peter runs Stage Hill Polo School in Newbury and is the Northeast Region Governor for the USPA. He has been a central figure at Myopia in many capacities and is the announcer of Sunday games. 0 goals

Estanislao “Estani” Puch With a handicap of 3 in Argentina and 2 in the U.S., Estanislao has played at Myopia for the last eight years. He divides his time between the U.S. and Argentina, where he runs El Rincon del Polo Club & School outside Buenos Aries in the winter months. 2 goals

Neil “Jed” St. John Raymond, Jr. Jed grew up playing polo with his dad, former Myopia captain Ted Raymond, for Maplecroft Farms, and has played in the U.S., Argentina and the UK. Jed is a graduate of Middlebury College and Harvard Graduate School of Design. A gifted athlete, he excelled in lacrosse, which he played professionally after graduation. 2 goals

thomas rizzo Tom has been playing polo for

six years and riding for eight.

He is looking forward to playing in the Myopia Coaching League again this year. He is an engineer by day and a pilot and sailor by weekend. b rated / myopia coaching league

Amanda roberts Myopia’s highest handicapped woman, Amanda is an avid athlete from Ipswich. A Merrimack College graduate, she plays for Stage Hill as well as at Myopia. Rated A.5

Steve Rudolph In his seventh season at Myopia Polo, Steve is a lifelong New Englander, residing in Newburyport with his wife, Sarah. When not playing polo, Steve is a strategy consultant to telecommunications and media companies in the U.S. and Latin America. B rated

Rick Salter Rick started playing polo at Myopia in 2001. He plays nearly year-round, as he owns a farm in Aiken, S.C., and plays in Florida during the winters and Argentina in the fall. Rated B.5

C.B. Scherer C.B. joined Team USPA in 2010 and now works in finance in Boston, but continues his passion for polo and teaching at Myopia. A third generation

polo player from Florida, C.B. played for the UVA squad and was a three time Men’s National Intercollegiate Champion. In 2012, he was a finalist at the East Coast Open on the Airstream Polo Team, a Harrison Cup winner and MVP, and winner of the Eduardo Moore 12-goal. 2 goals

Crocker Snow, Jr. Myopia’s senior polo veteran, Crocker started playing in college during the rebirth of polo at Myopia in the early 1960s and has played ever since, broken only by years living abroad. Crocker has played in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America.

Once rated at 4 goals, he now typically plays the back position and is co-coach of Harvard’s polo team. 1 goal

Nick Snow The highest-rated home-grown player at Myopia, Nick played with his father and older brothers as a teen and later captained Harvard’s polo team.

A big hitter and good horseman, Nick was named to Team USPA and represented the U.S. in the FIP World Championships in Argentina. 4 goals

Dave Strouss A regular at Myopia since 1994, Dave learned the game from his father, Bud. His team,

2019 myopia polo 15

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the players

Polo 101, cont.

Firehouse Subs: Richard Salter’s

federico wulff

William Grayken

Myopia Polo Interscholastic League

philip zocco

Del Rancho, has successfully competed at every level of Myopia Polo, including winning the 12-goal championship. Myopia’s delegate to the USPA, Dave lives in Ipswich with his wife, Tracy, and two daughters. rated a

Rob wilkinson Rob, a former captain of Myopia Polo, was an active player at Myopia for more than 25 years.

He has been an enthusiastic rider for many years and enjoys riding and fox hunting with the Myopia Hunt. Rob is president of New England Trust Services and lives in Topsfield with his wife, Darlyn.

James Grayken

be found running the tournaments played at Myopia. 3 goals

Philip Zocco Recipient of Myopia Polo’s 2015 most improved player and sponsor of Team Georgetown Door & Window, Philip returns for his 10th season at Myopia.

His natural athletic abilities, team sport presence and a love for horses have contributed to raising his level of play and overall passion for the sport of polo. A rated

Myopia Polo Interscholastic League

Federico Wulff

james grayken

Federico grew up playing Polo in Buenos Aires and is a knowledgeable tactician of the sport.

He has made Myopia Polo his summer home for the past several seasons and can usually be seen playing for the Longmeadow Polo Team. Federico works to improve the level of beginner and intermediate players of our Myopia Polo Coaching League.

Off the field, Federico is the tournament manager and can

James is 16-years-old and has been playing polo for just over four years. He started his polo career at a club just outside London. He now is an active participant of Myopia Polo, playing in the junior program and with the Stage Hill/Myopia Interscholastic Polo Team.

James is a competitive player who is eager to learn, and plans to play polo through college and for the rest of his life.

16 myopia polo 2019

Chloe Irvine

william grayken William’s polo career began approximately four years ago. At 12 years old, he is the youngest player on the Stage Hill/Myopia Interscholastic Polo Team.

Prior to polo he had been riding for almost three years. His family often went to see polo. As he watched, he fell in love with the fast-paced and exciting game.

He and his brother James were offered the opportunity to ride a polo pony and discovered how different they were from the horses they were used to riding. “Different in a good way.” Since then, he and his brother have taken regular polo lessons in addition to horse riding lessons. William hopes to play this magnificent game for the rest of his life.

chloe irvine Chloe started playing polo with Peter Poor at Stage Hill Polo and is now riding with the USPA Interscholastic Stage Hill/Myopia team, and the Myopia Coaching League. Chloe, currently a senior, is working towards being an equine vet. When Chloe is not playing polo she enjoys aerial silks and trapeze.

team has been a highly successful team at Myopia and in Aiken.

Homewood: The Riva family team, Homewood is led by brothers Nick and Christian Riva and has won numerous championships at Myopia.

Little Bow/Big Four: The Ellis family team, Big Four draws on the Ellises’ origins in Western Canada.

Big Four won the top championship—the 12-goal Chairman’s Cup—in 2010.

Longmeadow: Kurt Miller’s team, Longmeadow has had a long run at Myopia dating back to the 1980s.

Maplecroft: The Raymond family team, once led by Ted Raymond, a former Myopia Polo captain, is now under the leadership of Ted’s son, Jed. Pony Express: The Daniels family’s team, Pony Express competes at the highest levels of polo in Florida and at Myopia.

Seagulls: The Snow family’s team, now led by Crocker Snow, has perhaps the longest and most storied history at Myopia.

Stage Hill: The Poor family team, led by Peter Poor and now including Alyson and Amanda, is going on 55 years with Myopia.

Winter Creek: The Graham family’s team, led by former Myopia Polo captain Lyle Graham, has had a 28-year run at Myopia.

Myopia Coaching League members Erica Ames, Rich Burke, Kirstin Costa, David Dunstan, Scott Fayban, James Grayken, William Grayken, CC Jenkins, Patricia Johnstone, Alison Marlow, Francoisa Martinolle, Leslie Milne, Lisa Ott de Bruin, Matt Roque, Michele Steyck

junior players Chase Brown, Bronwin Chandler, James Grayken, William Grayken, Grace Grotnik, Chloe Irvine, CC Jenkins, Reed Miller, Matt Roque, Annie Veeder

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gear Stirrups Stirrups come in a variety of shapes and sizes and greatly enhance each rider’s ability to stay in the saddle and control the mount, which is essential during the match.

Polo Saddle Most akin to an English-style saddle, polo saddles are built to not be bulky or heavy and to allow for ease of movement for the rider. A polo saddle differs from most other horseback disciplines, like racing, jumping, or Western riding.

Bridle Also crucial for safe polo playing, the bridle is placed over the horse’s head and must be adjusted for the proper fit. It’s connected to the reins, which the rider uses to aid in directing his or her mount. A rubber Pelham is pictured, but the bits come in different styles and are dependent upon the horse.

The WellDressed Mount Here’s a look at some of the gear you’ll see polo players, and their mounts, wearing in today’s match. spectators lining the pitch

Ball Players score by driving a small white plastic or wooden ball into the opposing team’s goal.

Mallets Made in a variety of sizes and weights, modern mallets have long handles, a rubber-wrapped grip, a sling that’s wrapped around the player’s thumb, and a shaft made for maximum flexibility, or whippiness.

Boots Essential for proper riding, players’ boots come in an assortment of styles and are protective during ride-offs.

may turn out in their match-day best, but the players and ponies alike are adorned in a wardrobe steeped in tradition and designed for safety and effectiveness as much as it is for comfort. Playing the sport means being able to maneuver while mounted atop a 1,200 pound horse thundering down the field. The right kit can make all the difference. Here’s a look at some of the gear you’ll see polo players, and their mounts, wearing in today’s match.

H

W C ro

Helmet Polo helmets of decades past weren’t nearly as protective as they are today. New technology has brought them up to the safety and shock attenuation standards used in other sports, like football and hockey, but the traditional polo style remains.

18 myopia polo 2019

photographs by glenn scott

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youth polo

Myopia Junior Player William Grayken.

A Strong Future

National Youth Tournament Series returns to Myopia. / by Bill Burke “The primary goal is to create for the seventh time, Myopia more opportunities for youth players will host the National Youth Tournato play with their peers,” Snow says. ment Series (NYTS) regional qualify“Polo is a unique sport in that people ing matches—this year from July 4-6. of all ages and abilities are on the field The continued involvement is a sign at the same time. Giving kids the opthat Myopia is playing a key role in portunity to play with kids their own the growth of the sport. age is instrumental to their develop“Myopia’s NYTS qualifier is a stament and more fun, we feel.” ple event for the northeast circuit,” The second key component of says Amanda Snow, director of player NYTS is to get youth players seen as development for the United States competitive players at their home Polo Association (USPA), the sport’s clubs and give them goals to strive for. national governing body.

Engaging players at this level provides NYTS cultivates and promotes them with collegiate opportunities junior polo throughout the country and opens doors for international by providing the organizational travel, as well as fortifying local clubs. structure to support junior tournaThe program’s participation has ments. At Myopia, local professiongrown steadily at 10-15 perals like Federico Wulff along cent each year. A 43 percent with Team USPA members calendar female participation rate CB Scherer, Nick Snow and jul 4-6 prompted the creation of a Felipe Viana volunteer their USPA NYTS female division at the chamtime to coach teams at the Qualifier sep 4-8 pionship level, which debuted qualifier every year.

USPA NYTS Championships

20 myopia polo 2019

New Bridge Polo Club Aiken, South Carolina

last year over Labor Day Weekend in Denver. “It’s definitely growing,” Snow says. “And the Championship has grown, too. Now we have two levels, which is exciting.”

Players—boys and girls—attend the local qualifiers as individuals, and are placed on teams by the host club.

The NYTS program is built around targeting and identifying outstanding young players at each qualifier through the use of an All-Star Selection Committee. At the end of the weekend, Allstars are chosen based on horsemanship, sportsmanship, playing ability at their current handicap and how they play on a team. From there, those AllStars become eligible to advance to the National Championship.

“You can’t just score a bunch of goals and expect to be an All-Star,” Snow says. “This system allows the top players to be recognized as well-rounded players while encouraging them to lead their teammates at the qualifiers.”

All-stars named in the 2019 season will then be eligible to represent zones in the national championships.

Perhaps more importantly, they’ll have an opportunity to participate in a memorable and unique series.

“For me, personally, I am pleased with how the program introduces youth players to new people,” Snow says. “The relationships you make in this sport are everything, and I really enjoy watching these kids make new friends and share their passion. The families make a huge effort to make it fun. Here at Myopia the Grotniks host a party for visiting players, and it’s always an event I encourage new players to travel to. The entire Myopia polo community comes together and makes it a unique experience for the players and their families for the whole weekend—not just the on-field experience. It’s very special and fun and that’s the spirit of the NYTS program and why I love it so much.” photograph by jared charney

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equestrian medicine

pate in a training event every year, led by a certified professional, to Riders, referees and enthusiasts alike keep a close eye on the welfare deal with horse emergencies if they of Myopia’s polo ponies. / by Bill Burke should happen. The committee has a wide range of equipment on-hand it is sometimes said that the best in case of an emergency, including an some people use spurs and some use athletes on a polo field are the horses. equine ambulance, slide boards that whips—which we refer to as artificial There are few polo players who help move horses and a medical kit. aids—to help communicate with the would argue the spirit of that claim, “All of these things go toward horse,” Loheac, herself an aspiring so when it comes time to caring for securing the horse safely polo player, says. “But it’s their four-legged counterparts, the not abusive or aggressive Equine welfare and moving it respectmen and women of Myopia take a fully,” Maguire says. at all. It’s basically just a committee proactive approach to equine care.

The Equine Welfare reinforcement of natural chairman “We strive for excellence,” Equine Committee was formed to aids like your leg or your Kimberly Maguire Welfare Committee Chair Kim better serve the needs of hands or your feet.” advisory committee Dr. Bryan Parrott Maguire says. “And most of the time, the animals who take part The scrutiny paid to Cathy Taylor Nick Snow in the fast, exciting sport. people are excellent. They can’t play equine welfare at Myopia Myopia Equine Welfare members While the game can move at our club if they’re not. The horses has not gone unnoticed.

Terri Campbell C.J. Brown at a very fast pace and are our teammates, and they’re 85 Many of the guidelines Betty Muise can be quite physical at percent of the game. Their health is of started here have been times, riders, referees and others are the utmost importance.” adopted by the United States Polo keeping a constant close eye on the The Myopia Equine Welfare Association. Myopia’s rules on using animals’ welfare. If a horse isn’t feelCommittee—a group made up of artificial aids, core conditioning—ening right, it becomes apparent to the polo players, equestrians, veterisuring the horses are healthy and fit rider very quickly and a time out is narians, experts and longtime club to play—have been adopted by the taken for the player to switch mounts. members—ensures the safety and national organization. care of the horses remains a focus of Steps are then taken to treat whatever “Our main mission is to make sure everyone involved in the sport. situation may be arising. the horses are OK and that people “Here at Myopia we are very well “The responsibility of the rider is are aware of the things we do to make prepared to care for the horses,” to not put the horse into a dangersure the horses are healthy,” ComMaguire says. “If anything should ous situation,” Advisory Committee mittee member Betty Muise says. happen, we are prepared to take care member Nick Snow says. “The play“We work to make sure everyone is of it in the best possible way. We have ers really love their horses, there is no on the same page and that the horses the people and we have the training.” other way to say it, so we are just here are cared for.”

Toward that end, polo ponies are to echo pretty much everybody’s colThe committee and other memseen as teammates and are treated as lective feelings on equine welfare.” bers of the polo community particisuch. “They’re in a regular program to keep them fit and they’re all in good veterinary care. They are treated like high-performance athletes,” Dr. Suzanne Loheac, of Backstretch Veterinary, Inc., says.

For the uninitiated, the fast pace of the game and the physical nature of the sport can sometimes give the appearance of rough treatment. Play is closely monitored, however, and the horses are watched closely.

“I think when you do watch a match, you’ll see tight turns and how 22 myopia polo 2019

Photograph by Bob Packert

The Horse Healers

Rob Karosis Photography

res i d ent i a l co m m erc i a l i nter i o r d es i g n

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All food items available at Joppa Fine Foods. Mini white dish, $38, Les Fleurs. Vintage cutting board, $125, Les Fleurs.

Cheese knife, $18, Wish Basket. —lysa pelletier Where to buy it? See page 39.

24 myopia polo 2019

photograph by glenn scott

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accessories

1

4

3 2

6

5

7

8

The Perfect Combination

Stylish sunglass and bag options to coordinate your look on match day.

1. Kate Spade basket bag, $358, Irresistibles. 2. Target sunglasses, $13, Target. 3. Katie Q red bag, $52, Irresistibles. 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses, $59, Chic Consignment. 5. Givenchy bag, $699, Chic Consignment. 6. Moyna beaded “BEE” clutch, $240, Puttin’ on the Glitz. 7. Red sunglasses, $18.50, Irresistibles. 8. Green beaded clutch bag, $138, Sole Amour. —lysa pelletier Where to buy it? See page 39.

26 myopia polo 2019

photograph by glenn scott

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fashion

Top Hats

Pick a pretty topper for this season’s key matches.

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1. Louise Green hat, $242. 2. Grevi red floral hat, $290. 2. Eggcup designs bow hat, $352. All hats from Puttin’ on the Glitz.

—lysa pelletier

Where to buy it? See page 39.

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3

28 myopia polo 2019

photographs by glenn scott

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This all NEW $500K exhibition is dedicated solely to the passion and pursuits of equestrian culture. There is a lot to see and experience for the rider and non-rider with plenty of family fun for children and adults!

The Equestrian Histories exhibit is just 2 miles from Myopia Hunt Club at the Wenham Museum, 132 Main Street (RT1A) Wenham, Mass.

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Easy Entertaining

Start your match-day party off right with these delicious drinks and appetizers.

Bottles of champagne and beer, $6 to $15, Butcher Boy Market. All food items available at Joppa Fine Foods. Galvanized tray, $28, Les Fleurs. —lysa pelletier

Where to buy it? See page 39.

30 myopia polo 2019

photograph by glenn scott

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Having a Ball

Members of the Myopia Polo community gathered together to celebrate.

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the annual myopia polo ball july 28, 2018

1. Sian Joseph, David Strouss, Tracy Strouss, Caroline Strouss and Dennis Diaz. 2. William Grayken, Eileen Grayken, James Grayken, Bella Grayken, John Grayken and Lily Grayken. 3. Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld and Terri Campbell. 4. Augustus Grotnik, Eduardo Palacios, Grace Grotnik, Morgan Polacios and Taylor Polacios. 5. C.B. Scherer, Felipe Viana, Juan Viana, Simon Colloredo-Mansfeld, Fico Sterling, Seppi ColloredoMansfeld, Johann Colloredo-Mansfeld and Annie Colloredo-Mansfeld.

6. Fico Sterling, Felipe Viana, Juan Viana and Annie Colloredo-Mansfeld.

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5 6

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34 myopia polo 2019

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Myopia Through the Years

Member enthusiasm keeps the country’s oldest polo club thriving. / by Bill Burke

36 myopia polo 2019

he oldest continually active polo club in the country, Myopia can trace its roots back to the 1800s— when the sport was first introduced to the United States.

As polo traveled up the coast from New York in 1887, Randolph M. “Bud” Appleton, who played on the Harvard Polo Team, encouraged a few enthusiasts to knock a ball around at Gibney Field. The following summer, more than 200 people traveled by carriage to watch players scrimmage and to listen to a performance by the Salem Cadet Band. Although a witness to that event

declared that “the best playing was done by the band,” Myopia was emboldened by its popularity and issued a challenge to the Dedham Country and Polo Club, igniting an intense rivalry that was to last almost 50 years.

“There have been so many great things about Myopia,” former Captain of Polo Lyle Graham says about the venerable club. “You’re looking at a history which has this blend of British aristocracy, ordered military and the can-do attitude of Americans.

That’s compelling. That’s what Myopia was and is today.” »

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myop i a 1887-1930: polo grips north shore elite In 1890, when the United States Polo Association formed, Myopia joined as a charter member. Five years later, the young team from Hamilton competed in the Senior Championship, the equivalent of the National Open today, and managed to take the top prize. Ties to the Harvard Polo Team, which are strong to this day, grew in 1907, when the team started practicing at Gibney Field; it was there that Harvard defeated Yale during the country’s first formal college game.

Pictures from those early days show the sidelines crowded with carriages and spectators enjoying the proceedings under parasols. When automobiles first appeared on the scene, they were segregated to one corner, so as not to scare the horses.

1930-1958: the lean years Cars soon became an accepted fixture on the sidelines, but the Great Depression and World War II brought growth of the sport to a virtual standstill; polo was simply too expensive during those years. Loath to give up the game entirely, some players took to bicycle polo to keep costs down, but even that disappeared when news of Pearl Harbor was brought to a group of bicycle poloists on the Myopia club practice field in 1941.

1958-1990: the glamour years It took years after the war for polo to regain momentum in South Hamilton, but the youthful energy of players like Adam Winthrop, Crocker Snow and the late Don Little—the latter of whom organized impromptu matches during his time as a B-47 bomber pilot at the Strategic Air Command Base in Tucson, AZ—inspired veteran players like Tim Clark, C.G. Rice, and Neil Ayer to retake Gibney Field, which had been turned into a hay field. Polo became so popular that members, many of whom had demanding weekday jobs and could only play on Sundays, were inspired to build an outdoor arena so they could also play on Wednesday nights. The arena, built entirely by the players using timbers from a torndown dancehall in Peabody, became the site for several national tournaments.

Hollywood discovered Myopia in 1967. Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway shot polo scenes for The Thomas Crown Affair, which tells the story of a jaded Boston playboy who robs a bank for kicks (in addition to playing polo at Myopia). The money from the two-week experience enabled Myopia to build a 24-stall polo barn, still in use today.

A year later, the Myopia team was invited to play in Iran, the birthplace of polo, as part of that nation’s 2,500th

A polo team at Myopia in the club’s earlier days. Myopia has hosted royalty, screen stars, and other luminaries.

anniversary celebration, according to the book “Myopia: 1875-1975,” compiled and edited by Edward Weeks. As the book notes, “Each player chose three [Arabian stallions] from an original string of 30, and began to get accustomed to the [pebble] field…the steady diet of lamb kebab, vodka and Caspian Sea caviar, and the hot desert air.”

In the 1970s, an Iranian team visited Gibney Field, as did teams from New Zealand, Pakistan and Argentina.

The resurgence of polo on a national level, combined with the inspiration of Myopia captains like Ayer, Little and Michael Fawcett, attracted more players and more teams. The annual Forbes Cup, a New England championship game generally played against Fairfield, CT, gained a strong following during this time, as did the renowned East Coast Open, at the 20-goal level, which attracted 11 teams at its height, with top high-goal players and enthusiastic crowds.

1990-2019: a comfortable place Under the captainship of leaders like Neil Raymond, Rob Wilkinson, Lyle Graham, Albert Ellis and, currently, Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld, Myopia Polo has achieved a storied place on the polo scene. Further accolades have come to the club through a solidified relationship with Harvard Polo and the great honor bestowed upon Adam Snow, who achieved the USPA’s cherished 10-goal handicap—only the second Myopia-trained player to do so.

In 2013, the club sent many local players to intercollegiate, national and international tournaments. The club has also placed emphasis on horse welfare. Above all, Myopia remains dedicated to introducing young players to the honourable sport of polo.

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m yopia

equestrian history

Equestrians on Exhibit Myopia neighbor explores region’s influence. / by Bill Burke

the aged, sepia-toned image

The newly-opened, 1,300-squarefoot exhibit features floor-to-ceiling depicts a team of mounted polo imagery, interactive 3D displays and players, mallets tipped upward as immersive, interactive exhibits that they prepare to take the field during a explore and reveal the 6,000 year tournament in 1925. partnership between horses and A closer look, however, reveals humans. And polo—along with 3-day that the formidable quartet taking the event, dressage, jumping, fox hunt pitch in the California hills nearly 94 and steeplechase—will play a major years ago included former Hamilton role in the one-of-a-kind effort. In resident, polo enthusiast and Amerifact, a stop at the Wenham Musecan military icon George S. Patton. um—just minutes away from Gibney It’s a striking image, and part of a Field—is part of an ideal day of polo. new exhibit at the Wenham Museum “One of the fun things called Equestrian Histories— Wenham Museum about the exhibit folan evolving exhibit dediEquestrian Histories lowing the seasons, and cated to inspiring discovery Main St., Wenham specifically polo season, of the rich equestrian legacy 132 horses.wenhammuseum.org 978-468-2377 is as polo draws a lot that helps define the region, of traffic up to north of and also how it resonates Equestrian Histories Committee Boston, it goes right by internationally. the museum,” Gwinn “There’s so much chairman Winifred Perkin Gray equestrian history here in says. “The club is maybe members Augusta Ayer two miles from here. this area around Myopia Neil Ayer, Jr. Randy Ayer People can come to see and the Wenham Museum Barbara Watkoff Brown the exhibit and then see that has existed, but it’s also Donald Curiale Kim Cutler some great polo. The connected to the rest of the Alexandra Dane MaryAnn Esdaile museum opens on Sunworld,” says Peter Gwinn, Donald V. Little, Jr. Holly Little days at 10 a.m., so come director of external affairs Judith Little Jenny Perkin by late in the morning at the museum.

Holliday Pulsifer

40 myopia polo 2019

Holly Shepherd Eleanor Van Alen Alexandra Gray Wiberg

and you’ve got plenty of time before the games start at 2 p.m.”

A number of longtime Myopia members and players make up the committee helping to create the exhibit, and notable Myopia players are providing invaluable guidance and artifacts. The exhibit’s concept and leadership was provided by Myopia member Winifred “Winnie” Gray, CEO of the Perkin Fund and Chairman of the Wenham George S. Museum Equestrian Patton, second from left, picHistories Committee. tured along with teammates in a “Her inventive ideas, 1925 California commitment and expertournament. tise were instrumental in guiding the museum’s efforts to explore local histories and plan new modern visitor engagements for the museum,” Gwinn says.

The collection includes rare and never before seen images from The Thomas Crown Affair (which was filmed in part at Myopia in 1968), including pictures of Steve McQueen with Neil Ayer, storyboard illustrations of the shoot, and a collection of critical cups and trophies with historic significance.

It also includes select equestrian items from the remarkable Wenham Museum Patton Family Archives, a $1.9 million gift to the museum from the Patton Family. The archive includes important personal, family and military photos, papers and artifacts belonging to four generations of the family. The exhibit has many remarkable images and artifacts from the legendary general’s equestrian and polo playing history as well as his family’s love for horses in sport.

“Visitors will see one of America’s premiere military families in its private life enjoying riding,” Gwinn says. “General Patton was a cavalry man who did it all. He raced horses, he bred horses—he was an authentic sportsman on so many levels.”

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u.s. polo association Clockwise, from bottom left, H.L. Herbert, the first chairman of the USPA; Mary Duncan Sanford and Babs Tyrrell-Martin, Westchester Cup, 1939; Stuart Iglehart, Meadow Brook Club, 1939; Marjorie LeBoutillier, Bostwick Field, 1935; Pacific Coast Open, 1929.

The USPA

129 years of innovation, inclusion, and tradition. / by Bill Burke

with a history dating back thousands of years, Polo is considered the oldest team sport in known history.

The innovations of the past century, however, have molded it into the fastpaced, exciting game we recognize today. What was once a contest where eight or more players would gallop up and down the field for the better part of an afternoon has evolved into a focused, precise sport that highlights horsemanship, physical prowess and sharp, team play.

Much of the credit for that organizational transformation—at least in the U.S.—belongs to the United States Polo Association.

Over dinner one evening in New York City in 1890, H.L. Herbert, John Cowdin and Thomas Hitchcock formally create the Polo Association—now the United States 42 myopia polo 2019

Polo Association (USPA).

The group is made up of seven clubs and is headquartered in New York. 100 handicaps are assigned to members, including future President Teddy Roosevelt. Herbert is elected chairman—a post he would hold for the next 31 years.

The first U.S. Open Championship is played in 1904 and the legendary American team that would become known as the Big Four (Harry Payne Whitney, Devereux Milburn, and Larry and Monty Waterbury) defeats

England to win the Westchester Cup. Under the USPA’s guidance, the sport continues to see a growth in popularity throughout the U.S., necessitating expansion south and west. In the 1920s, crowds of more than 35,000 people gather to watch major tournaments, and players begin numbering their jerseys 1-4 to designate position and role. The Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame says that during this era, it was estimated that there was an annual need for more than 63,000 polo ponies.

Women begin to make their mark in the 1930s, as Cornell fields an intercollegiate women’s team, and a group of Army officer’s wives form the “Whippettes.” The Pacific Women’s Polo Association is formed in 1934. Women now make up 40 percent of the USPA’s membership.

The 1940s saw a slowdown in the growth of the sport, with record keeping suspended during World War II. The sport’s recovery takes hold over the next 20 years, as the popularity of Arena Polo grows and a surge in the top ranks sets the stage for growth in the decades to come.

As the millennium draws to a close, the USPA evolves from an all-volunteer organization to one employing a full administrative and executive staff. Broadcasting and streaming tournaments, using drones and instant replay have all become a normal part of this traditional sport.

Today, the USPA includes nearly 300 member clubs in 13 geographic circuits around the United States and oversees 40 national tournaments.

Stakes are High in New USPA Series Run the table, take home the top prize. The inaugural Gauntlet of Polo gave teams a chance to do just that— capturing not only bragging rights, but $1 million in prize money in a winner-take-all format. Pilot polo completed the challenge for the first time in the history of the sport this spring, winning three mandatory tournaments over the course of three months: the C.V. Whitney Cup, the USPA Gold Cup and finally, the USPA Open Polo Championship. To watch the Gauntlet tournaments, memorial matches, top plays and arena polo, visit uspolo.org/video or subscribe to the USPA Polo Network Youtube channel. Fans can follow the USPA on Twitter @PoloAssociation and on Facebook at facebook.com/USPoloAssociation/.

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myopia hunt club

Release the Hounds!

Myopia Hunt is a blend of athleticism and tradition. / by Brion O’Connor given myopia’s location alongside Route 1A in Hamilton, and the polo fields that hug both sides of the road, it’s commonplace for those motoring by to think of the club as a polo enclave. Or perhaps they’re aware of the club’s unique place in golf lore, and that Myopia not only hosted four of the first 14 U.S. Opens between 1895 and 1908, but is also consistently listed as one of the top 100 courses in the United States.

But in reality, the game with the longest tradition at this storied club is “the hunt.” Based on the ancient sport of fox hunting, the hunt features baying hounds, stately horses, and well-clad riders, all bounding through the fields and forests of the surrounding countryside.

“The hunt is what sets Myopia apart from other clubs in the area,” 44 myopia polo 2019

says Kim Cutler, former Joint Master of the Hunt and longtime member of the Hunt Committee. “It’s why the club is situated where it is today. They moved from Winchester in 1882 to find more suitable hunting territory, open fields, and stone walls.

“Our club logo is made up of a fox head and hunting horn, so I’d say that the hunt plays a very important part as far as public recognition of the club,” she says. “One of the unique aspects of the hunt is its ability to hold onto its long traditions.

Things that were done in 1882 still take place today—the Blessing of the Hounds, Hunt Ball, Hunter Paces, etcetera—and I think traditions are very important to the club as well.”

Cutler’s recollection is spot on.

Author Joseph E. Garland dedicates an entire chapter of his wonderfully

comprehensive chronicle “The North Shore” to Myopia, entitled “King of Clubs.” He writes that Frederick H. Prince, one of the four brothers who founded Myopia, discovered fox hunting by way of friends in Newport, R.I., and Long Island.

Garland wrote that two influential Myopia members—Boston Park Commission chairman Charles Darwin and William Appleton, of Appleton Farms in Ipswich—persuaded the club “to rent the open, rolling acres of the Dodge farm in Hamilton” from its owner, John Gibney, a Salem leather manufacturer in 1881.

(Gibney is the namesake of Myopia’s match day polo field.)

For the next decade, the club leased the property, and the hounds and horses made the move to Hamilton. Garland wrote that a Judge Grant from Nahant was “mildly amused that ‘the beautiful inland country about Wenham, Hamilton and Topsfield had become a race-course for photograph by shawn tinkham

Huntsman Phillip Headdon and hounds head out for some action.

the hunting element, many of whom do not hesitate to risk life and limb in their almost hysterical enjoyment of the transplanted ancient sport.’”

At first, local farmers weren’t enamored with the prospect of “this new invasion of redcoats” crossing their land, wrote Grant.

“But well-mannered tact, especially if it go hand-and-glove with liberal indemnity, will mollify the wounded pride even of a New England farmer,” the judge wrote. “By degrees the hardheaded countrymen, who sniffed at fox hunting as mere Anglomania, have become grudgingly, though grimly, enthralled by the pomp and excitement of the show.”

In 1891, Myopia permanently relocated from Winchester to the Hamilton, which coincided with the arrival of polo.

“But the hunt still reigned supreme,” wrote Garland. “Presiding over all this tallyho was a succession of masters of foxhounds, beginning with Frank Seabury, a ramrod rider who maneuvered his hunt across the farms of yeomanry with the command of a Washington and the tact of a Franklin.”

Though steeped in tradition from the club’s earliest days, along with the glorious “pink coats and canary colors” worn by veteran riders, the Myopia hunt continues to evolve.

“Evolution is the word, not revolution,” says Nicholas R. White, Joint Master of Foxhounds. “Over the years more has stayed the same than changed—that’s what is so wonderful.

I look at my job as master to preserve this tradition for future generations.

“There are many pressures on the fox hunting, as you can imagine,” says White. “The land has seen pressures of development, hence why we’re so active as a community in preserving open space with organizations like The Trustees of Reser-

vations and Essex County Trails Association. Many have less time to ride, the cost of keeping and/or buying a horse has increased.”

There are two new members in leadership positions, with Lisa Eaton named chairwoman of the club’s Equestrian Committee, and Wendy Wood joining White as Joint Masters of Foxhounds.

“Our goal is to provide a safe, friendly and fun environment for adults and children who want to experience this traditional sport and enjoy our beautiful countryside,” says Wood. “We take pride in our relationship with the community of Hamilton and Essex County.

‘We’re very involved in the local and state conservation and public land groups- providing assistance in maintaining the public trails and parkland, as well as encouraging private landowners to allow public passage from one area to another.”

Just as important, says Wood, is that the hunt is open to the general public. You don’t need to belong to Myopia to participate.

“We are always ready to greet a new member or follower,” she says.

“The history of our area is rich with fox-hunting tradition, and it’s very important to all of us to keep this wonderful history fresh and relevant. The more, the merrier.

“Our stable has been public for many years, and visiting riders from other hunts and other stables have always been welcomed,” Wood says.

“Each year, the hunt hosts several events which draw participants from outside our area. Our own homes and stables often house the overflow. I personally had seven overnight guests in my house when Myopia hosted the New England Hunter Trials last year.”

Another public benefit of the hunt, says Cutler, is “its never-end-

ing quest to keep land open for all— walkers, bikers and riders—to use.”

“I’m sure most people as they walk, bike or ride the trails around Hamilton and many others all the way up to the Merrimack River have no idea that the hunt clears and maintains many of them,” she says.

“One of the best examples is right in the middle of Hamilton—the Myopia Schooling Field.”

Unlike the original sport, the Myopia hunt “is a drag hunt, which means the scent is laid in certain places for the hounds to follow,” says Wood.

“No live quarry is ever pursued, and no animal—domestic or wild— is ever in any danger,” she says. “You can imagine how impossible it would be to chase down a fox with the roads and tracks that surround us. Our ultimate goal is the safety and well-being of the hounds and horses who are our partners in this. We pay close attention to weather conditions which make hunting inappropriate for the animals or the land.

“Above all, we are animal and nature lovers,” says Wood. “On non-hunting days, we walk out on foot with the foxhounds, and many people enjoy walking with us with their pet dogs along. The foxhounds are very well- trained, and will walk quietly by any dog, cat or squirrel they encounter.”

Asked what the highlights of the hunt are for her, Cutler replied: “the camaraderie, galloping through the countryside on your horse’s back, watching the hounds work, the traditions.

“The hounds are what are really special for me, since I was involved in breeding and raising most of the present pack. To see them come together and really hunt as a pack is such joy to watch.” For more information, visit myopiahunt.org.

2019 myopia polo 45

m yopia

history of polo

A polo timeline 600 B.C.: The earliest form of polo is played in the Persian Empire.

1862: The world’s oldest active polo club, the Calcutta Polo Club, is established.

1868: The oldest polo club outside of India, the Malta Polo Club, is founded.

1874: The Hurlingham Rules are codified, limiting the number of players on a team to five, and it institutes the offside rule.

1879: The first official polo match is held in Argentina.

1876: A group of players establish the first formal club in the U.S., the Westchester Polo Club, at Jerome Park race track in New York.

1887: Myopia Polo Club, the oldest active polo club in the U.S., is founded.

1888: Handicaps and player ratings are introduced to polo in the U.S. 1900: Polo is added as an Olympic sport, until 1936.

1910: India and England add handicaps and player ratings.

1915: The Indoor Polo Association is established.

Gay Boy with J.A. Crawford, above, and in the prime of his career in the 1920s, left.

1922: The Argentine Polo Association is established.

1926: The 1926 Open pits the Hurricanes against Argentina as more than 30,000 spectators look on.

1928: More than 100,000 people witness the Cup of the Americas at Meadowbrook.

1967: The USPA moves its headquarters from New York to Oak Brook, Illinois.

1982: The Federation of International Polo is established.

1986: The USPA moves its national headquarters to Lexington, Kentucky.

1990: The Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame is founded.

2005: The Women’s Championship Tournament is created.

2013: The National Youth Tournament Series is established.

2016: There are more than 275 polo clubs registered with the USPA, with more than 4,500 members. Myopia hosts the NYTS Championships.

46 myopia polo 2019

The Pull of the Ponies

“Two heads, four legs and one heart,” is often used to describe the connection between horse and rider on the pitch. there is an almost mythical allure to the sport of polo, and much of that draw can be attributed to what many consider to be the best athletes on the field: the horses.

Often afforded nearly as much of the spotlight as the riders, these four-legged athletes gallop at top speed, cut sharply and turn on a dime.

They are strong, beautiful and the best among them show a drive and willingness that help them stand out.

What is it about polo that captures people’s imagination?

“It’s the horses, for sure,” says Brenda Lynn, director of development at the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame in Lake Worth, Fla.

the famous faces of polo Winston Churchill: Churchill initially took up polo as a young officer in the British cavalry in the late 1890s. He suffered a shoulder injury while in India, but insisted on continuing to play. He strapped his arm to his chest and took to the field as often as possible. He played—an intense competitor— until 1927, when he retired from the sport at age 52.

Walt Disney: Walt became interested in polo in the 1930s, and put together a team that included his brother, Roy. He bought four polo ponies in 1934, and was described as being “an aggressive” player.

His love of the sport extended to his studio, which produced the animated “Mickey’s Polo Team” in 1936. His career was relatively short, ending after an on-field injury in the late 1930s.

Women in Polo From left, Women began making their mark on the game as it grew in popularity through the 1930s.

Frances Post, sister of Polo Hall of Famer, William “Billy” Post, was married to Dicky Santamarina, breeder of the famous “Santamarina Greys.” Women competed throughout the evolution of polo in the U.S., and have become one of the fastest growing divisions in the sport.

“When kids come in (to the museum,) they want to know all about the horses.”

There are a number of horses that have come to some renown due to their abilities on the polo pitch, many of which are recognized by the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame, but there’s one in particular that captured the imagination of Lynn: Gay Boy. A Texas cow pony sent east in the 1920s, rancher Will C. Gay gave what Hall of Fame administrators now call “a gift to the game of polo” in the horse, which was a half-thoroughbred gelding with a white blaze down his “wise and sensible head.”

Considered the greatest polo mount of his day, Gay Boy was known for his remarkable speed, and his unforgettable play in the 1927 International matches that pitted the U.S. against Great Britain. In those matches, Gay Boy ran in two chukkers in the first

match and three in the second, and was ridden by polo Hall of Famer Malcom Stevenson, who described the horse as “supreme among ponies.” His strength, stamina and willingness made his reputation, and he was also played by Hall of Famers Robert Strawbridge Jr. and Tommy Hitchcock Jr.—appropriate, because Lynn describes Gay Boy as “the Tommy Hitchcock of polo ponies.”

Sadly, his career was cut short by an unexpected and strange accident.

In 1928, Gay Boy was standing in a stall at Meadowbrook when an airplane crashed into the building, killing him.

“Just 20 minutes later he would’ve been out to play,” Lynn says of the timing of the Meadowbrook crash.

The accident made worldwide headlines. He was an inductee in the Hall of Fame’s “Horses to Remember” in 2006.

Tommy Lee Jones: A Harvard alum with a well-known love of the sport, Jones is an accomplished player who spends as much time as possible honing his skills.

The Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning actor fields two teams, breeds polo horses and engages family, friends and opponents on his polo fields.

George Patton: Arguably one of the United States’ finest military generals, Patton was an avid polo player. He served in the cavalry at Fort Sheriden until 1911, where he kept a stable of polo ponies. He was an accomplished equestrian, and approached the polo field with the same zest as he approached the battlefield.

Will Rogers: Humorist, social commentator, cowboy—and polo player. Rogers was an enthusiastic participant, and today the Will Rogers Polo Club bears his name.

Theodore Roosevelt: The 26th president of the United States was a renowned sportsman and outdoorsman who embraced “the strenuous life”—which included, among other pursuits, boxing, tennis, hiking and polo. He was even assigned a handicap in the early days of the U.S. Polo Association in the late 1890s.

Spencer Tracy: The rugged actor was an active polo player, involving his young son and his wife in the sport. He often took part in celebrity matches with the likes of Walt Disney and Will Rogers.

2019 myopia polo 47

Myopia Polo 2019 Sundays at Myopia

match day details / page 50

East Coast Women’s Open uspa spotlight / page 58

Along for the Ride! photo essay / page 64

photograph by

jacqueline miller

49

myopia polo 2019

sundays myopia at

Every weekend at Myopia Polo offers a spectacle of sport, tradition and culture.

by Brion O’Connor photographs by

Shawn Tinkham

R the details Arrive: The gates to the polo grounds open at 1:30 p.m. (ample tailgating time,) and matches start at 3 p.m.

Admission: The admission fee is $15 per-person. Children under 12 are admitted free. Tickets are available at the gate on the day of the event.

Parking: All parking is free.

Unless otherwise reserved, spectators can get field-side parking on a first-come, firstserve basis.

Refreshments: Spectators are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for tailgate parties prior to and during the matches.

52 myopia polo 2019

relationships matter, and few sports shine a spotlight on that importance quite like the spectacle of Sunday afternoon polo at Myopia.

First, there’s the bond between teammates, with four players and four ponies on each squad at any given time (though most players have multiple ponies that get swapped out between chukkers). There’s the connection between the teams and the fans, who gleefully help groom historic Gibney Field by replacing divots during half-time and post-game. There’s the relationship between the fans who line the field transforming this bucolic setting into an engaging, enchanting tailgate party most Sunday afternoons from late May through late September.

“The match, the horses, riders, the uniforms, the movements, the riding among each other, so close to each other, the coordination and determination are awe inspiring,” says Amy Camerlin of Manchester by the Sea. “It’s a thrilling game. It’s reminiscent of college days, the feeling of camaraderie and a shared passion for entertaining and to be entertained. That is a gift.”

Perhaps the most fascinating relationship, however, is the vitally interdependent partnership between the ponies and the players holding the reins.

“These horses can travel up to 35 miles

an hour, and the ball can go 95 miles an hour, from a good player off a horse going that fast,” Myopia Polo Manager Kim Maguire says. “These horses have to go as fast as they possibly can, as fast as a racehorse can, in these short bursts of speed, and then shut down their engines as fast as a quarter horse can and turn and bump and fight with other horses on the field.”

“They’re totally into the game,” Maguire, says, referring to the polo ponies. “If they didn’t want to play, they wouldn’t play. It’s too much of a physical sport for them to just be pushed into. The players who own the horses respect that. It’s a respect thing.

They’re teammates. And if they don’t trust and respect each other as teammates—horse and player—they’re not getting anywhere.”

Much like the sled dogs who compete in Alaska’s grueling Iditarod race, who live to run, the polo ponies at Myopia embrace the contests. Like many humans, they bring a competitive edge to the field. The bottom line: they want to play.

“These horses have every opportunity to throw one of these players off, at every turn, if they didn’t want to do this,” she says, laughing. “But they don’t. Horses are very trusting animals, unless you give them a reason not to be. They’re very forgiving. They’ll forgive getting hit by the ball, or another horse, as long as everyone is sensitive to that afterwards. They want to please you.”

Maguire emphasizes that no player wants their horses to be treated badly, or to get hurt.

“Polo gets a bad rap sometimes, because people from other disciplines look at it and say, ‘that’s a rough sport,’” she says. “And it is.

It’s a physical sport. But I’d love to see someone out there trying to make a horse do that.

It’s just impossible. Polo ponies just love it.”

Obviously, so do the fans. That speaks to another special relationship on full display on Sundays. According to Camerlin, Myopia Polo “gives a new meaning to the term ‘tailgating.’”

“At a Myopia Polo match, tailgating means setting tables and dressing them in beautiful French linens as if you were dressing a child in her Sunday bonnet and gown, vases burst-

s u ndays at myopia

ing with wild flowers in colors reminiscent of a mid-winter sunrise,” Camerlin says. “The tables are full of charcuterie boards, fresh fruits, chocolates and crunchy snacks to share with your neighbors or passersby.”

The neighborly vibe is apparent, since the games are a popular draw. Unlike the Boston Celtics or the Boston Bruins, where court-side and rink-side seats can cost more than $300 apiece, the price for admission at Myopia is only $15 per person (and children under 12 get in for free). Since “seating” is first come, first serve, dozens of polo fans take up their spots alongside the tree-lined Gibney Field starting at 1:30, when the gates first open.

“Arriving early is certainly important if you want one of the non-member spots to park and tailgate, as over the last few years many of these spots are reserved for patrons,” says Britt Hultgren of Stonewall Farm in Boxford, a member of the Myopia Hunt and Polo Patrons who grew up in Ipswich and was a frequent spectator. “I love the hour before the game starts, when everyone is visiting and socializing. The best part of polo

is getting to spend time with great friends while enjoying amazing games.”

One “great friend,” said Hultgren, will sadly be missing this season. Rodney O’Connor, who Hultgren described as “our polo mayor,” passed away earlier this year.

“Rodney used to walk around with his golf club, pushing down divots,” she says. “He welcomed everyone to polo, and sampled everyone’s tailgate spread during the match.

He was especially fond of good wine. It won’t be the same without him.”

O’Connor, and the consistently high level of play, epitomizes the club’s enduring polo tradition. The sport dates back more than a century, starting with an exhibition match in 1888. Club member Crocker Snow Jr., in Edward Week’s 1975 tome “Myopia: A Centennial Chronicle,” wrote that Myopia teams—including the Freebooters and the Gulls—competed against squads from Dedham and The Country Club, among others. In 1907, Harvard faced off against Yale at Myopia in the nation’s first collegiate polo match.

In the early years, wrote historian Joseph

Myopia Polo Manager Kim Maguire, above, watches over the play at Gibney Field during opening day on 2018, which saw teams compete on a sunny, cool day in the Joseph Poor/ Stan Bradford Cup.

2019 myopia polo 53

sundays at m yo p i a

Competitors, families and spectators alike make up the rich pageantry of Sunday polo at Myopia.

Top: C.B. Scherer, playing for Black Oak, takes a breather with Alissa Mariano and their dog, Goose; Federico Wulff, top right, riding Tatiana, drives for the ball while playing for Longmeadow; while below, Lily Hsia, Carlos Coles, Charles Rice-Kendall, Amanda Roberts, Mike Noll, Tom Rizzo, Steve Rudolph, Stephen Burr, (front) Lily Rice-Kendall, Estani Puch and Ryan Murphy celebrate the C.G. Rice Cup.

54 myopia polo 2019

E. Garland in his book “The North Shore,” polo was “crashing, bashing madness on horseback.” Garland attested that one Myopia veteran, James H. Proctor, “proudly displayed in his home mallet with his two front teeth embedded in it.” But the rough-andtumble game was an immediate sensation.

The sport, wrote Snow, suffered during the Great Depression, and many local ponies “were turned out to pasture where they grew fat and happy.” Several years later, Myopia polo roared back, with the club’s top team winning the inaugural Forbes Cup, signifying the New England Championship, and groundskeeper Ticky Dane painstakingly nurtured the manicured pitch at Gibney

Field. But when the United States entered World War II, Gibney “went uncut as it gradually turned from good turf to fallow hay,” wrote Snow.

After the war, Myopia polo got a jumpstart when Tim Clark, captain of the Forbes Cup winning team, heard about a disbanding Army cavalry unit, and “bought, sight unseen, a boxcar of 17 horses, picking a few for himself and hoping to pass the others to friends,” wrote Snow. Clark found a willing ally in Crocker Snow, a pilot during the war.

Snow’s son Crocker Jr., stepson Don Little, and Adam Winthrop sparked a polo revival at Myopia that culminated in the late 1950s.

The sport got another big bump in 1967,

when movie star Steve McQueen mounted up at Myopia during the filming of the bank-heist thriller, The Thomas Crown Affair.

While Hollywood’s presence was fleeting, its influence endured. Even more lasting is the legacy of the sport.

One of the great customs at Myopia is the passing of the sport down through generations, embodied by families such as Ayers, Rice, Snow, Little, Clark, Burrage and Graham.

That tradition continues, with the added attraction of more women and girls playing.

“The level of play at Myopia has always been high, because we’ve had a great junior program throughout the years,” says Maguire. “The older folks get their family involved, and it’s very much a family sport at our club. They have great horses, and they’ve been exposed to great players from around the world.

“So when you come, it’s a great game. It’s never disappointing. You can always count on guys and ladies getting out there and putting on a good athletic show.”

Spectator participation enhances that show. Without question, a favorite moment for many fans comes at halftime, when they take the field to help collect the clumps of sod displaced by the hooves of these powerful ponies. The routine is repeated after the game.

“That’s another thing that’s steeped in the tradition,” says Maguire. “And there are actually a couple of layers to those divots. It’s about safety for the horses. They can adjust to those things, but sometimes a big divot can throw them off balance. It’s more for the game, putting the field back together so the game flows really well.”

And when the game flows, all the elements of the Myopia Polo experience seem to come together.

“I love everything about the game,” Camerlin says. “The players, the socializing entertaining, snacking and catching up with friends. Of course, it’s always very exciting when the match gets very competitive, and you’re hanging on to the edge of your seat.”

Which makes perfect sense. After all, what relationship doesn’t benefit from a little excitement?

make the most of game day

An insider’s guide to the where, when and how of Sundays at Myopia.

A polo outing at Myopia is what you make of it. With matches starting in late spring, and continuing through late fall, weather conditions can vary dramatically. So the time-honored motto of the Boy Scouts— “Be prepared”—applies.

“On cloudy days, either early in the season or late season, it’s good to have an extra jacket or two in the car for when the wind picks up,” says Hamilton’s Terri Campbell, a Myopia member and polo player.

“Setting up a 10-by-10 tent is essential on hot days,” she says. “We often open the back end of the SUV to provide a little extra shade, especially for food set-up and a cooler space for the dogs.”

Bug spray, sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher, and plenty of fresh water (and other fluids) are highly recommended. There is no concession stand.

“I have a canopy for shade, and bring chairs, tables, luxury food and drinks that I share with my guests and anyone who drops in,” says Mary Blair of Peabody, a longtime polo patron. “We are side-by-side, and there’s a lot of socializing while the match is under way.

“There is nothing as better than sitting within 10 feet of the side boards on a great summer day and hearing the pounding of the horses hooves as they race by toward the goal,” she says. “It’s exhilarating.”

Where to Sit Gibney Field is enormous, with an infamous dip toward the clubhouse. If you’re sitting on the ground, you can actually lose sight of the players and the ponies. A comfortable chair is a big advantage to keep your eye on the action. Recommended accessories include binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens.

“I’ve collected pink metal folding chairs and several folding tables, and somehow it all fits in the car,” says polo fan Kirsten Alexander of Wenham. “I set the tables with linens, and use vintage tin plates, a silver champagne bucket, and a vintage picnic basket. Don’t forget paper towels.”

Spectators should pack out whatever they bring in. Trash bags are a must.

What to Wear One of the best aspects of polo is playing the part. “While Myopia is among the oldest polo clubs in the US and has a long history of traditions, there is flexibility in proper clothing for a polo match,” says Campbell.

The emphasis should be comfort. Start with polarized sunglasses, and the right clothing. “No one will be out of place with summer dresses for women and lightweight trousers with a linen jacket for men,” says Campbell. “However, polo shirts—also known as golf shirts, but polo was first— and khaki shorts are more common.”

Ladies, leave the spiked heels at home, since they sink into the soft turf. Wedges or flats are a much better choice, especially when it’s time to stomp divots. Conversely, wide-brimmed hats will protect your eyes from the mid-summer sun. Likewise, baseball caps work for women, men, and children, though it’s not unusual to see gentlemen sporting stylish straw fedoras.

“We dress fairly causally,” says patron Britt Hultgren of Boxford. “You don’t have to dress up like in the movie Pretty Woman.”

Safety First Respect the white lines drawn to keep you and your friends and family members at a safe distance. Don’t forget, we’re talking about a game with eight large, powerful ponies capable of making the ground shake.

“The first rule of thumb is more about safety than fun,” says Campbell. “Always keep an eye on where the play is so if the ball is hit in your direction, so you can move away quickly. Remember, this isn’t like hockey where there is a Plexiglas shield between players and spectators. And that ball will hurt if you get hit.”

Don’t Be Shy Players and their ponies are usually very approachable, giving fans a chance for a real “hands-on” experience.

“Visit the horse trailers on the side of the field,” says Blair. “You’ll be able to see the horses and equipment up close.”

Pet Owners Your four-legged friends are welcome, but with restrictions. Dogs are expected to be on a leash at all times. Have enough water for them on warm days.

Educate Yourself The more you know about the game, the more you’ll enjoy it.

“Myopia Polo provides an annual program that gives you a lot of information about the game, the history of Myopia, the schedule and more,” says Alexander. “It’s well worth reading.”

2019 myopia polo 55

tournament spotlight

The Wilmington Trust International Atlantic Cup The largest crowds in a decade cheered on the latest Atlantic Cup players during four days of polo at Myopia.

by Bill Burke

T photographs by

jacqueline miller

the oldest active polo field in the nation proved the perfect venue for the latest Atlantic Cup—a highly-anticipated and annual test that saw college players from Harvard, Yale, Oxford and Cambridge face-off over the course of four days in late September.

The tournament, which marked the first time the historic Atlantic Cup was played on American soil, saw the crimson take three games, including a bonus game against a

56 myopia polo 2019

foursome of Oxford alumni that ended in a 5-4 Harvard win.

In the end, however, it was Oxford who came out on top—the fourth year running that the sporting blue bested all-comers.

The annual meet-up began years ago with Oxford, Cambridge and Yale facing each other with mixed teams and mostly in arena settings. Over time it added Harvard into the mix and took the games outdoors. The most recent Atlantic Cup saw the teams play at three different venues. Seven four chukker games took place over four days during some unseasonably warm and yet unpredictable weather —which, as the large crowds lining the boards learned, can affect field conditions. Three matches were held in the Joe Poor outdoor arena, and the four final matches at Winthrop and Gibney Fields at Myopia.

“It was played in a round-robin format, which was fun and exciting and added a new twist to the day’s action,” says Chris Casey, wealth market leader at Wilmington Trust— Atlantic Cup tournament and Myopia Polo season sponsor. “Polo is such a beautiful, athletic and tough sport. We thoroughly enjoyed it and enjoyed bringing people who may not be regular polo aficionados and showing them such a beautiful game.”

The horse logistics proved challenging, with 16 Harvard horses and 10 Yale horses shouldering much of the work. Myopia Polo Captain Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld loaned several horses, and Harvard team veterinarian Bryan Parrot, Boston Polo’s Mark Tashjian and Estani Puch of El Rincon del Polo worked to help make the tournament a success.

When the dust cleared after the first few games of the tournament, Harvard and Oxford—winner of the previous three Atlantic Cup tournaments—were set to faceoff in the final. That Sunday kicked off with a consolation match in which Yale topped Cambridge by the slim margin of 5-4.

By the time the final between Harvard and Oxford was bowled-in, the boisterous, enthusiastic crowd of supporters had swelled to more than 1,000.

“The crowd was one of the biggest we’ve

s u ndays at myopia

seen in the last six years,” Casey says. “There were a lot of alumni from the different schools and a lot of energy. It was one of the best we’ve seen.”

The half saw a lively celebration of the day, featuring Myopia Hunt’s hounds, a polo pony parade and the Harvard marching band.

Commentary by former Oxford captain Issa Dasu Patel and United States Polo Association umpire Ronnie Hayes kept everyone informed, entertained, and the action moving.

The Oxford team, led by captain Charlie Hitchman, who also led last year’s squad, came out on top, 4-3. Casey presented the winning team with the Atlantic Cup. “The third week of September is something our clients and family and staff really look forward to,” Casey says. “We mark it on our calendars in anticipation every year.

And I think when you look at the tradition, excellence, competitive nature and teamwork

required in polo, it’s very closely aligned with the ethos of Wilmington Trust, where we look at wealth management as a competitive teamoriented endeavor. We’ve been doing it for more than 100 years with excellence, which is a great match with the legacy of Myopia Polo.”

It was a tight match watched by an enthusiastic army of spectators, some of whom joined-in the post-polo festivities throughout the North Shore and later that evening at a gala dinner at Myopia Hunt Club.

The Best Playing Pony went to Bonilla, a 14-year-old gray that found her way to Harvard via Long Island polo player Ignacio Gaffney, while Hitchman was named tournament MVP. “The tournament incorporated a great blend of the history and majesty of polo with a college football Saturday feel—and all on the storied grounds of Myopia’s polo fields,” Casey says. “It was a wonderful, exciting day.” wilmingtontrust.com

Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge and Yale took part in a well-attended and exciting Atlantic Cup tournament, which saw spectators enjoy top-notch polo as well as entertainment by the Harvard band and a parade of the Myopia hounds.

2019 myopia polo 57

USPA East Coast some of the top women players from across the u.s. traveled to myopia for the east coast women’s open championship.

by Bill Burke photographs by

jacqueline miller and shawn tinkham

58

Terri Campbell, this page, helped Avalon Farms’ Tiamo Hudspeth, opposite, bottom left, and Athena Malin, bottom right, face the Women’s International Polo Network’s Cindy Halle, top left, and Alyson Poor, top right.

Women’s Open

59

W Tiamo Hudspeth, right, works the ball down the field during the East Coast Women’s Open. The Women’s International Polo Network team outscored Avalon Farm 9-5 to win the Sunny Hale Memorial Trophy.

60 myopia polo 2019

with women’s polo emerging as the largest growing sector of the sport and several of Myopia’s own players among the most notable, it was fitting that a tournament highlighting some of the nation’s top players would be held at two of the oldest and historically venerated polo clubs in the country.

For 11 days last season, nine teams competed in the inaugural East Coast Open Women’s Championship—the preliminary matches at Westchester Polo Club in Newport, R.I., and the championships at Myopia just days later— and the East Coast Handicap Women’s Polo Championship. The June 22 to July 1 tournament included Avalon Farm, Heiades International, Island Cowgirl, Women’s International Polo Network, Melinda’s Prospect Farm, Tolerance Cider and Harvard, among others.

Myopia was well-represented in the Open Championships, which matched Avalon Farm against the Women’s International Polo Network (WIPN). The winners would hoist the Sunny Hale Memorial Trophy—named for Hall of Famer Sunny Hale. Hale, widely considered a passionate ambassador for the sport and one of the greatest female polo players, founded the Women’s Championship Tournament (WCT), and led the way by developing women’s handicaps and serving as a role model throughout her career. Hale passed away in February of 2017.

The significance of the event, the championship trophy’s naming honor and the tournament’s location were not lost on USPA members, nor the nearly 2,000 spectators who lined the pitch in Newport and at Myopia over the course of the late June matches.

“Women players represent the fastest growing segment of the USPA, becoming a very strong presence in the sport,” USPA Governor-at-Large and Myopia member Peter F. Poor said. “My daughters Amanda and Alyson will be participating, attributing their involvement in the sport to the late Sunny Hale.”

The tournament kicked off with Thursday, June 28 matches that saw WIPN down Heiades International 6-5. In the second game, Avalon Farm came out over Island Cowgirl 7-6. The results set up a finals matchup for Sunday, July 1 that pitted WIPN against Avalon Farm for the championship at Myopia.

The WIPN side was made up of Cindy Halle, Alyson Poor, Dawn Jones and Anna Winslow. Avalon Farm fielded Amanda Poor, Tiamo Hudspeth, Terri Campbell and Paige McCabe.

Riders for both teams raced out to what would become a graceful, speedy game on an unusually warm summer day. Typically a defensive-minded player, WIPN’s Cindy Halle took the No. 1 and paced the scoring throughout. Tiamo Hudspeth led the Avalon side in an evenly-matched back and forth that saw players on both sides exhibit impeccable timing to move the ball up the field quickly.

“I had never seen Tiamo play before and she was unbelievable,” Myopia Polo Manager Kim Maguire says. “To see her work the horse was incredible, and something you women can aspire to.”

The heat forced managers to shorten chukkers and give the horses ample time to cool down. As play resumed, Hudspeth and Paige McCabe worked particularly well together, showcasing highly-skilled polo to spectators who were lucky to catch a breathtaking example of skilled women’s polo. In

uspa east coast women’s open

East Coast Women’s Open Rosters *Myopia members

Avalon Farm (1-1) Amanda Roberts* (women’s outdoor handicap: 4) Tiamo Hudspeth (women’s outdoor handicap: 5) Terri Campbell* (women’s outdoor handicap: A) Paige McCabe (women’s outdoor handicap: 6)

Heiades International (0-1) Lesley Ann Masterton Fong-Yee (women’s outdoor handicap: 4) Elizabeth Girard “Lizzy” Parker (women’s outdoor handicap: 3T) Minnie Keating (arena handicap: 3) Isabelle (Izzy) Parsons (women’s outdoor handicap: 6)

Island Cowgirl (0-1) Courtney Asdourian (women’s outdoor handicap: 6) Heather Souto (women’s outdoor handicap: 4) Ula Green (women’s outdoor handicap: 2) Julia Steiner (women’s outdoor handicap: 5)

Women’s International Polo Network (2-0) Cindy Halle (women’s outdoor handicap: 4) Alyson Poor* (women’s outdoor handicap: 4) Dawn Jones (women’s outdoor handicap: 6) Anna Winslow (women’s outdoor handicap: 4)

2019 myopia polo 61

uspa east coast women’s open

Alyson Poor, above, helped the Women’s International Polo Network team to a 9-5 victory on Gibney Field.

Dawn Jones, top center, with Myopia Polo Captain Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld, was named MVP.

62 myopia polo 2019

the end a powerfully-balanced WIPN side— led by Halle’s outstanding play, Alyson Poor’s intensity, Anna Winslow’s gifted defensive skills and Jones’ MVP-caliber play—outpaced Avalon 9-5 to grab the Sunny Hale Memorial Trophy. WIPN’s Dawn Jones was named MVP, and Halle’s paint horse, Éclair, was named Best Playing Pony.

Sanctioned by the United States Polo As-

sociation, the tournaments are also Women’s Championship Tournament qualifiers for the Sunny Hale Legacy WCT Finals in Wellington, Florida. Notable high-goal players among the rosters included Dawn Jones, Courtney Asdourian, Isabelle Parsons, Paige McCabe, Cindy Halle, Alyson and Amanda Poor, Anna Winslow, Julia Steiner, Tiamo Hudspeth and Athena Malin.

growing the sport Women’s International Polo Network (WIPN) topped the field at last season’s inaugural East Coast Women’s Open championship at Myopia. A recently-formed, innovative group, the WIPN is a first-of-its-kind, independent international network of women polo players. It was created to enhance women’s polo around the world by building an online community that includes detailed player profiles and a comprehensive global calendar of women’s tournaments.

Start-up funding comes from individual players and polo supporters.

WIPN Goals • Facilitate play and build teams • Increase global exposure for women players • Build a healthy women’s polo community • Create opportunities for sponsorship and philanthropic outreach

2019 myopia polo 63

along for

a visual chronicle of the most thrilling moments of myopia’s high-flying 2018 season. / Photographs by Jacqueline Miller

64 myopia polo 2019

the ride!

alon g fo r t he r i d e

67

68

alo ng f o r the r ide

the r ules riding, rough or abusive play, improper use of the mallet and unsportsmanlike conduct.

Dangerous situations and injuries usually result in a violation of the rules, and it is the responsibility of the two mounted umpires and the referee on the sidelines to maintain order on the field.

DANGEROUS RIDING

A foul which occurs when a player executes an improper or dangerous ride-off, zig zags in front of another player traveling at speed, slides across the back legs of another player’s horse close enough so there is a risk one or both horses could trip, rides an opponent across the rightof way of an oncoming player at an unsafe distance, deliberately rides his horse into the swing of another player, or generally exhibits a disregard for the safety of other players or their horses.

IMPROPER USE OF THE MALLET

A foul occurs when a player executes an improper hook, such as high hook (above the shoulder), a cross hook (from the other side of the horse) or a slash hook (excessive force); or uses a mallet in a way that endangers his mount, an opponent, an opponent’s mount, an umpire or a spectator.

PENALTY

The rules of polo are simple and designed to keep the game flowing and to protect the horses from injury.

The result of a called foul or infraction of the rules. The umpire imposes a penalty to either compensate the other team for the loss of advantage or to sufficiently penalize the fouling team for a rule violation which did not cause a disadvantage to the opponent, such as unsportsmanlike conduct. Penalties range in severity from taking possession of the ball from a team and bowling it in to ejecting a player from the game.

APPEALING FOR A FOUL

FOUL

RIGHT-OF WAY

Trying to influence the call of an umpire, most often done by lifting the mallet up in the air. Appealing for a foul is itself a foul, though seldom called.

A foul is an infraction of the rules.

The most common types of fouls are right-of-way infractions, walking the ball, turning the ball, dangerous

The right-of-way is best thought of as a highway, with the line of the ball creating the center line. The player traveling in the direction of the ball, »

Law and Order

70 myopia polo 2019

photographs by andrew katsampes

A foul is an infraction of the rules. The most common types of fouls are right-of-way infractions, walking the ball, turning the ball, dangerous riding, rough or abusive play, improper use of the mallet and unsportsmanlike conduct.

with the ball on his offside and at the least angle to it, generally has the right-of-way over the other players.

When the player’s progress to the ball within that right-of-way is improperly impeded, a foul is called. Examples of right-of-way violations include entering the right-of-way at an unsafe distance or speed (comparable to cutting in from an onramp while driving too slowly), crossing over the line of the ball in front of someone on the right-of-way, stopping on the ball or one player meeting two.

ROUGH OR ABUSIVE PLAY

A foul which occurs when a player abuses his horse, another player or another player’s horse. This can include seizing or striking with the hand, elbow, head, mallet or whip.

SAFETY

A foul which occurs when a defending team hits the ball over its own

end line. When a safety occurs, the attacking team is awarded a Penalty 6, which is a defended penalty shot from 60 yards out and perpendicular to the end line at the spot the ball went over the end line.

TURNING THE BALL

Technically known in the USPA rules as a Quick Line Change, turning the ball is when a player slows down dramatically and changes the line in a very small space. When defended, this is a foul. Until recently, this rule was rarely enforced. In the last several years, all three major associations have begun enforcing the rule to create a more open and flowing game. To distinguish between running a turn, which is not a foul, and turning the ball, which is a foul when the player is defended, you must look at the distance between the player with the ball and the defender. When running a turn, the distance between the two

players does not close. When turning the ball, that distance closes quickly and is therefore considered unsafe.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

A foul which occurs when a player uses vulgar or abusive language; is disrespectful to another player, coach, umpire or spectator; argues with an umpire; delays the game by feigning injury or requesting an unnecessary tack time-out; or appeals for a foul, especially by windmilling his mallet.

WALKING THE BALL

Carrying the ball while slowed down to a walk. In outdoor polo, this is a foul for delay of game. When called, it results in a throw-in at the spot of the infraction.

In arena polo, the player must maintain “reasonable pace” when along the wall. There is no rule governing pace in the arena when not along the walls.

Compiled from USPolo.org.

2019 myopia polo 71

tr ibut e

Myopia Polo Loses Its ‘Mayor’

Rodney O’Connor, center, a longtime Myopia Polo supporter and patron, is surrounded by family and friends.

Club icon Rodney O’Connor passes away at 83. as players and their mounts prepared and spectators lined the pitch on this season’s opening day, a familiar, welcoming figure was missing from the sidelines at Gibney Field.

Rodney O’Connor, a longtime supporter and patron of Myopia Polo and a volunteer with the hunt, passed away in January. He was 83.

The general consensus around the fields—whether polo or hunt—is a consistent, heartfelt one: Myopia lost a gem.

“He loved the people,” Jayne, his wife of 50 years, says. “He would bring strangers over to our tent and make them feel at home. He’d tell them to have a seat and watch the polo. He’d explain the game to them—he was a real showman. One of the members described him an ambassador for the sport.”

Known informally among friends as ‘The Mayor of Myopia Polo,’ Rodney honed his sales and ‘big idea’ skills as a youth by shining shoes, selling newspapers and flowers and 72 myopia polo 2019

delivering fruits and vegetables by horse and carriage, and by briefly raising chickens in the basement—to the dismay of his mother.

“He’d take the carts back to Roxbury where they housed the horses,” Jayne says. “He was driving horses by the time he was 10, 11 years-old.”

Rodney developed a passion for hockey while skating with his brothers in Charlestown, which led to a successful career on the ice at Malden Catholic and then Boston College— where he graduated from in 1963.

Jayne O’Connor says the highlight of a hockey career full of memorable moments was when he and a group of friends traveled to the former Soviet Union to play in Moscow, Kiev, Minsk and what is now St. Petersburg.

After college, he was drawn to Stowe, Vermont, where he worked for a time, indulging his lifelong love of the outdoors.

“He was on ski patrol when I went up to Stowe one weekend,” Jayne says. “That’s when we met. After we

were married, we continued to ski a lot. We had a house up there and we’d go every weekend.”

Rodney, father to daughter, Kerry-Ann and son, John O’Connor, began a career in the investment business, starting his own company, Oconotrade. Throughout his life, he continued to pursue his love of being on the water, whether it meant sailing or sharing lobster and clams with friends, and spending fall afternoons tailgating at Boston College football games. He and Jayne traveled the world, visiting destinations ranging from Russia and South America to Spain and the Caribbean islands.

“He loved skiing, sailing and hockey, but he always loved the horses,” says Jayne.

It was a rare polo Sunday when Rodney wasn’t on-hand, acting as an unofficial emissary to spectators, touring the tailgate spreads and offering hospitality to passers-by. At the half, Rodney was a fixture on the field, replacing divots with his everpresent golf club.

A regular attendee and volunteer with Myopia Hunt, he’d help with crossings and with roading (“In the fall they’d ride three times a week and he always showed up,” Jayne says), never missing the Thanksgiving hunt—an event he looked forward to every year.

An always-reliable, ever-present friend of the North Shore’s equestrian community, he also served as ringmaster in the three-day eventing competition at Groton House Farm for many years.

As a welcome and much-loved figure around the club, he felt a connection to Myopia—and to the people who made it a rewarding, vibrant part of his life, Jayne says.

“He was always having fun with people. And he was always humble about all the volunteering he did. He wasn’t interested in showing off. He just loved people.”

Courtesy • Craftsmanship Integrity • Established in 1988 129 Belcher Street • Essex, MA 01929 978.768.0029 • www.oneilfinebuilders.com

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