2021 MYOPIA POLO MAGAZINE
2021 MYOPIA POLO MAGAZINE since 1888 / myopiapolo.org
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3 / CAPTAIN’S LETTER 16 / THE RULES 63 / SPOTLIGHT: COLLOREDO-MANSFELDS
CONTENTS
2021 myopia polo magazine
40
6
34
56
STYLE
AGENDA
HISTORY
FEATURES
24 / FOOD & DRINK
6 / 2021 SCHEDULE
32 / MYOPIA POLO CLUB
42 / THE SILENT SEASON
34 / TROPHY SPOTLIGHT
50 / THE 2020 USPA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN’S CUP
A great polo Sunday starts with an outstanding tailgate. 26 / FASHION
The right hat makes for a perfect Sunday afternoon look. 28 / ACCESSORIES
Fashionable and fabulous face coverings. 30 / SCENE
Photos from the 2019 Myopia Polo Ball. 31 / INSTAGRAM
Hashtag it: #myopiapolo
8 / THE PLAYERS
A rundown of the Myopia Polo players. Plus Polo 101. 15 / GEAR
A look at some of the gear you’ll see polo players, and their mounts, wearing. 18 / MEET AMY TRYTEK
Meet Myopia’s new manager of polo operations. 20 / YOUTH POLO
The National Youth Tournament Series returns. 22 / EQUINE MEDICINE
ON THE COVER: Past Myopia Polo Captain Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld Photograph by Jacqueline Miller
The Equine Welfare Committee keeps a close eye on Myopia’s polo ponies.
Member enthusiasm keeps the country’s oldest polo club thriving after 133 years. A glimpse at the prestigious Chairman’s Cup trophy. 35 / U.S. POLO ASSOCIATION
The history of the United States Polo Association. 36 / DOG DAYS
The traditions and history of Myopia Hunt.
Traditions unavoidably altered, Myopia Polo endures. by Brion O’Connor
A closely fought, backand-forth contest between Del Rancho/Black Oak and Folly Fields. by Bill Burke 56 / ALONG FOR THE RIDE!
A visual chronicle of the most thrilling moments of Myopia’s 2020 season. Feature photographs by Jacqueline Miller
2021 myopia polo 1
CAPTAIN’S LETTER Dear Myopia Polo Members, Friends and Supporters: I am very excited about the upcoming 133rd season of polo at Myopia! I would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge both Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld for the 10 years he devoted to Myopia Polo as captain, and Kim Maguire for her six seasons as manager. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new manager of polo operations, Amy Trytek. Having survived the “silent season” of no-spectator polo in 2020 and foregoing our educational coaching program due to COVID-19, I’m pleased to announce that Myopia plans on resuming our full program. Polo professional Estani Puch and longtime coach and instructor Jennifer Williams will oversee our coaching program. Special thanks also to Cathy Taylor, Terri Campbell and Denny Ryus who oversee our marketing and corporate sponsorships, and to my wife Tracy for heading our major social events. I hope to continue the tradition of high quality and enjoyable polo at Myopia this summer with our United States Polo Association national and sanctioned tournaments every Sunday in July and August. Myopia Polo is dedicated to the development of new and younger players to the sport, and to that end we host the regional National Youth Tournament Series. The fastest growing segment in polo today is women’s polo and we will again co-host the Women’s East Coast Open. There will be polo every Sunday from June through September including exciting tournament polo in July and August and always competitive club games in June and September. I hope you will continue to enjoy tailgating or attending the special events at the Myopia Polo Pavilion. Please visit our website, myopiapolo.org, or call 978-468POLO for the latest information on schedules, games and polo lessons. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
David Strouss with the No. 1 ranked, 10-goal Argentine professional, Adolfo Cambiaso. (Courtesy photo)
Best Regards,
Dave Strouss, captain/myopia polo
photograph at top by kendal j. bush
2021 myopia polo 3
North Shore’s Exceptional Country Properties
2021 MYOPIA POLO MAGAZINE EDITOR
Bill Burke CONTRIBUTING ARTIST
Jacqueline Miller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bill Burke, Brion O’Connor
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MYOPIA POLO COMMITTEE
David Strouss, Captain of Polo, USPA Delegate & Tournament Committee Representative Amy Trytek, Polo Manager David Strouss, 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
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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. © Copyright 2021, McLean Communications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of McLean Communications is prohibited.
Welcome to the 2021 Myopia Polo Season Match time is 3 p.m. on Sundays on Gibney Field. Gates open at 1:30 p.m. SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
MAY 30
Opening Day – TBD
JUNE 6
Joseph Poor & Stan Bradford Cup Neil Ayer Cup JUNE 20 C.G. Rice Cup JUNE 27 Agassiz Club Cup 0-2 Goal JUNE 13
JULY 3-31 Tuckerman Cup 4 Goal JULY 4
USPA Cyril Harrison Cup 4-8 Goal USPA Cyril Harrison Cup Finals JULY 18 USPA National Chairman’s Cup 8-12 Goal (Donald V. Little Cup) JULY 24 Myopia Polo Ball JULY 25 USPA National Chairman’s Cup Finals JULY 11
AUG. 1-28
USPA Corssman Cup 0-2 Goal USPA National Youth Tournament Series USPA Women’s East Coast Open AUG. 8 USPA W. Cameron Forbes Cup 6 Goal AUG. 15 USPA W. Cameron Forbes Cup Finals AUG. 22 USPA Governor’s Cup 6 Goal AUG. 29 USPA Governor’s Cup Finals AUG. 1
SEPT. 5
Rodney O’Connor Divot Cup Cohiba Cup SEPT. 19 Harvard Invitational Cup SEPT. 12
OCT. 3
Last Chukker Cup
6 myopia polo 2021
photograph by jacqueline miller
AG E N DA DAVE STROUSS
STEPHEN BURR
the players BARRETT COKE
HAMILTON COKE
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.
ERICA L. AMES
TERRI CAMPBELL
BILL COKE
CARLOS COLES
DEL RANCHO: Dave Strouss’s team has
competed at every level of Myopia Polo, including winning the 12-goal championship. GIDDY UP: Relatively new to Myopia, Terri Campbell’s team is a force to be reckoned with. EFG: Bob Mehm’s team and employer, EFG has sponsored teams around the globe — and now, at Myopia.
DAVE STROUSS
STEPHEN BURR
CAPTAIN Dave has played polo
Introduced to polo eight summers ago, Stephen, 22, instantly fell in love with the 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.
east regional team. Barrett plays for the Coke family’s Chanticleer Farm team. He loves competing alongside his father and brother. An avid sports enthusiast, Barrett plays soccer, squash, lacrosse and loves freestyle skiing. Barrett graduated from Brooks School in North Andover, Mass. 1 GOAL
TERRI CAMPBELL
BILL COKE
most of his life and has been a member of Myopia Polo for the past 27 years. He is now captain of Myopia Polo and serves as the Club’s delegate to the United States Polo Association. He is the sponsor of the Del Rancho Polo team, which has successfully competed in tournament play at Myopia, including winning the 2020 national Chairman’s Cup with co-sponsor Black Oak. Dave lives on his farm in Ipswich with his wife, Tracy, and is a partner at a law firm in Boston. RATED A
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 at Myopia and enjoys traveling to other clubs throughout the U.S. to play. She is a huge supporter of all aspects of the sport and is passionate about sharing the unique Myopia experience with new and returning patrons alike.
8 myopia polo 2021
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, 24, 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, Colo., playing on the North-
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 J.P. Morgan, Bill lives in Topsfield with his wife, Wendy, and his sons. 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, Calif. Hamilton is happiest when freestyle
FIREHOUSE SUBS: Richard Salter’s 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 12goal 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 28year run at Myopia.
CAPTAINS OF MYOPIA POLO, PAST AND PRESENT
ANNIE COLLOREDOMANSFELD
JOHANN COLLOREDOMANSFELD
SIMON COLLOREDOMANSFELD
ALBERT ELLIS
FRANZ COLLOREDOMANSFELD
SEPPI COLLOREDOMANSFELD
JUSTIN E. DANIELS
WHITNEY ELLIS
David Strouss PRESENT Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld
2011 (CO-CAPTAIN)–2020 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
MYOPIA COACHING LEAGUE MEMBERS Erica Ames Kirstin Costa David Dunstan Scott Fayban CC Jenkins Patricia Johnstone Alison Marlow Francoisa Martinolle Chelsea Messenger Leslie Milne Lisa Ott de Bruin Estani Puch, Jr. Michele Steyck
JUNIOR PLAYERS Augie Grotnik James Grayken William Grayken Bella Grayken Estani James Puch Ava Croce Addie Politi Thomas Grieser Chloe Irvine Dominic Irvine Maddie Lichten Shane Metternick Max Mehm Emma Croke Landen Daniels
skiing, mountain biking, surfing, playing rugby, lacrosse and programming the next big app. A RATED
CARLOS COLES A resident of Wenham who has played polo for more than 38 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 16-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
FRANZ COLLOREDOMANSFELD 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 sponsor of the Black Oak Polo team. Franz runs an international real estate investment firm based in Boston. A 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 he 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, 21, 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
2021 myopia polo 9
AG E N DA SCOTT FABYAN
JONATHAN GRAHAM
LYLE GRAHAM
the players GRACE GROTNIK
WILLIAM GRAYKEN
JAMES GRAYKEN
JACEK “YAZ” K. GROTNIK
AUGUSTUS “AUGIE” GROTNIK
JUSTIN E. DANIELS
ALBERT ELLIS
JONATHAN GRAHAM
A summer resident of Ipswich, Justin, 22, has been playing polo for more than 11 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.
An experienced horseman, Albert grew up hunting and three-day-event riding at 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
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
WHITNEY ELLIS
LYLE GRAHAM
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
A former Myopia Captain, Lyle has been an active player for the last 37 years (29 seasons at Myopia) on the family’s Winter Creek team and played competitively at a five-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.
2 GOALS
LANDEN E. DANIELS Landen, 18, 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 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
10 myopia polo 2021
SCOTT FABYAN Scott is an avid outdoorsman, skier and licensed captain with the U.S. Coast Guard. He is in his fifth 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.
JAMES GRAYKEN James is 18 years old and has been playing polo for just over six years. He started his polo career at a club just outside London. He now is an
Polo 101 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-ofway. 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 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.
PATRICIA JOHNSTONE
MAX MEHM
ROBERT MEHM
SHANE METTERNICK
MARTIN LUGINBÜHL
OLIVIA MEHM
CHELSEA MESSINGER
KURT MILLER
Polo 101, cont. 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 one through four, 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 No. 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. HANDICAP DESCRIPTIONS.
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. »
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.
WILLIAM GRAYKEN William’s polo career began approximately six years ago. At 13 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.
AUGUSTUS “AUGIE” GROTNIK Augie started playing polo at the end of 2017 and has four seasons under his belt with
the Stage Hill and Myopia Interscholastic Polo Team. At 17 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. 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 19 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 Southern Methodist University and enjoys skiing, soccer and tennis. B (OUT) / A (ARENA, WOMEN’S) / A (OUT) / +2 (ARENA)
JACEK “YAZ” K. GROTNIK Yaz started playing polo after a Sunday visit to Gibney Field over 26 years ago and has since played across the U.S. and internationally in various low- and mediumgoal tournaments up to 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 the sport four years ago via Stage Hill Polo. Now she and her husband, Gary, owners of Stones Throw Farm in Ipswich, are enthusiastic supporters of all aspects of the game. She is actively involved in the Myopia Coaching League, Winter Arena League and a supporter
2021 myopia polo 11
AG E N DA REED MILLER
MIKE NOLL
MARCOS ONETTO
the players ADDIE POLITI
BRYAN PARROTT
ALYSON POOR
PETER POOR
ESTANISLAO “ESTANI” PUCH
Polo 101, cont. 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-ofway” 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
of the Myopia Polo Interscholastic Team.
MARTIN LUGINBÜHL Martin began playing polo as a child when his father founded the first Swiss polo club – Polo Club de Veytay – in 1988. He has competed in various countries and had the opportunity to represent Switzerland internationally. Martin has two tenures as president of the Swiss Polo Association. He is a marketing and communications professional currently completing a mid-career Masters in Public Administration at Harvard. He is looking forward to playing at Myopia!
MAX MEHM Max began polo at age 8 at the Veytay Polo Club in Geneva Switzerland. In high school, he played for the Myopia interscholastic team. As a junior player, he played in Myopia and Harvard summer polo programs. He has played polo several times in Argentina. Max is a rising senior at Denison University B RATED
12 myopia polo 2021
OLIVIA MEHM Olivia began polo at age 11 at the Veytay Polo Club in Geneva Switzerland. In high school, she founded and captained the interscholastic team at Deerfield Academy. As a junior player she played in Myopia and Harvard summer polo programs. Along with her father and brother, she has played polo in Dubai and Argentina. B RATED
ROBERT MEHM Robert was introduced to polo by his father at Myopia in 1979. Along with his brother Ted, they formed the West Hill Polo Team. Robert has played polo in more than 30 countries from Brazil to Brunei, India to Indonesia. He is also a two-time Nepal World Elephant Polo Champion. A former 3 goaler, Robert now has a 2 goal arena, and a 1 goal outdoor handicap. 1 GOAL
CHELSEA MESSINGER Chelsea grew up riding and began playing arena polo in college as a member of the Yale women’s team, through which she played in intercollegiate tournaments in
China. After graduating, she lived in Malaysia for a year and began playing grass polo at the Royal Selangor Club in KL. She is now an MD-Ph.D. student at Harvard entering her third grass season at Myopia. Most recently, her team won the 2020 4G Myopia/Stage Hill Sportsmanship Arena Cup. GRASS/ARENA HCP: -1/0 (M), 1/3 (W).
SHANE METTERNICK Shane, a senior at HamiltonWenham Regional High School, started his polo career three years ago. He’ll be attending Southern Methodist University to play intercollegiate polo. When he’s not in the saddle, he enjoys playing baseball for his high school team. 0 GOAL (ARENA) -1 GOAL (OUTDOORS)
KURT MILLER A veteran player and horseman at Myopia, 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
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 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.
NEIL “JED” RAYMOND, JR.
AMANDA ROBERTS
STEVE RUDOLPH
RICK SALTER
THOMAS RIZZO
BRYNN ROBERTS
AURELIA RUS
C.B. SCHERER
Polo 101, cont. STICK MISUSE. A rider may not reach across or under an opposing rider’s horse to hit. 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. 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 it is hit over the boards or sidelines, or the ball is hit over the back line by the opposing team. STOPPAGE OF PLAY. An umpire will stop play if a rider is hurt or a horse is injured; a rider loses his or her helmet, provided that no team will gain from a stoppage of play; and 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. 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.
also played at Myopia. This summer, Kurt looks forward to another year playing at Myopia and joining forces with his son, Reed, for a seventh 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
MIKE NOLL
REED MILLER
MARCOS ONETTO
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 five 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 all-star 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 engineering. 1 GOAL
A lifelong competitive athlete, Mike’s passion for horses began at an early age. His family has 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 has been playing here at Myopia for the past six seasons. Rated at four 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 34 years. Bryan has been playing polo for 24 years. As cofounder of the Myopia Equine Welfare Committee, Bryan’s mission is the health and wellbeing of the horses. 1 GOAL
ADDIE POLITI Addie started playing polo a year ago after being introduced to the sport by a friend. She’s a rising senior at Manchester Essex Regional High School who has played all levels of polo. Her most memorable experience so far
was an 8-goal practice. Addie is looking forward to playing more polo this summer and improving her game. -1 RATING
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
PETER POOR Peter Poor has played polo at Myopia for 59 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 three in Argentina and two in the U.S., Estanislao has played at Myopia for the last nine years. He divides his time between the U.S. and Argentina, where he runs El Rincon del Polo Club & School outside Buenos Aires in the winter months. 2 GOALS
2021 myopia polo 13
AG E N DA CROCKER SNOW, JR.
NICK SNOW
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 U.K. 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 eight years and riding for 10. 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
BRYNN ROBERTS Brynn started polo in the fall of 2017. She learned to play from her step-mother, Amanda Poor-Roberts. She quickly advanced and now plays regularly with the Stage Hill Polo Club and Myopia Polo Club. She is a senior in high school, looking forward to attending college in New England in the fall.
STEVE RUDOLPH In his ninth 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 telecommu-
14 myopia polo 2021
the players ROB WILKINSON
2021 POLO PATRONS
FEDERICO WULFF
nications and media companies in the U.S. and Latin America. B RATED
AURELIA RUS Aurelia has been a playing member at Myopia since 2019. She first learned to play polo while attending Cornell University, and picked it up again with Stage Hill Polo in 2015 after relocating to Boston. Aurelia lives in Medford with her husband and dog. RATED -1
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 four goals, he now typically plays the back position and is co-coach of Harvard’s polo team. 1 GOAL
PHILIP ZOCCO
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
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.
FEDERICO WULFF 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 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 12th 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
John Adams Erica Ames Neil Ayer William Ayer Bryn Barror Doralynne Bibby Mary and Michael Blair John Bos Michael Bucci Stephen Burr Taryn Burr Terri Campbell Clark Family Benjamin Collins Franz ColloredoMansfeld Susanna ColloredoMansfeld Sandra Dunstan MaryAnn Esdaile Scott Fabyan and Marlene Pippins Winnie Gray Yaz and Holly Grotnick Britt Hultgren Myopia Hunt Patricia Johnstone Josh Lerner William Meaney Kurt Miller Allison O’Neil Anthony Pearson Michael Pippins Donald Pitman Deidre Quirk Carlos Riva Scott and Amanda Roberts Evan Rochman, MD Armins Ruis Aramis Rusis Stacey Scott CB Scherer David Strouss Tracy Strouss Thomas Sutro Robert and Lois Whidden Robert Wilkinson
AG E N DA
gear
The Well-Dressed 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 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.
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.
Boots: Essential for proper riding, players’ boots come in an assortment of styles and are protective during ride-offs. 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.
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.
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.
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 rubberwrapped grip, a sling that’s wrapped around the player’s thumb, and a shaft made for maximum flexibility, or whippiness.
photographs by glenn scott
2021 myopia polo 15
AG E N DA
the rules could trip, rides an opponent across the right-of-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 MALLET
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.
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
APPEALING FOR A FOUL
FOUL
DANGEROUS RIDING
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.
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-ofway infractions, walking the ball, turning the ball, dangerous riding, rough or abusive play, improper use of the mallet and unsportsmanlike conduct.
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
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, with the ball on his offside
Law and Order
The rules of polo are simple and designed to keep the game flowing and to protect the horses from injury.
16 myopia polo 2021
RIGHT-OF-WAY
photograph by jacqueline miller
and at the least angle to it, generally has the right-ofway over the other players. When the player’s progress to the ball within that rightof-way is improperly impeded, a foul is called. Examples of right-of-way violations include entering the rightof-way at an unsafe distance or speed (comparable to cutting in from an on-ramp 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
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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
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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AG E N DA
myopia management
MEET MYOPIA’S NEW MANAGER OF POLO OPERATIONS,
Amy Trytek When she was growing up just outside of Chicago, Amy Trytek was drawn to polo by its speed, the thundering hooves of the horses, and the athleticism of the mounts and the riders. It’s something that stayed with her, driving a love for the sport, and leading her to Myopia as the club’s new manager of polo operations. Trytek comes to Myopia from Hinsdale, Illinois, by way of Florida’s Gulf Coast, where she spent nearly 14 years in various roles at the Sarasota Polo Club — most recently as its director of operations. But her love of the game all started at Oakbrook Polo Club. “Myopia is an historic club, rich in traditions,” Trytek says. “Oakbrook is similar to Myopia in that sense. I think this is a great opportunity to go back to my roots and experience polo in a different way.” Growing up, her family raced and bred thoroughbred horses. She played tennis competitively and then professionally. Then, 15 years ago, she began to play polo. “Any time you’re on a horse is an amazing experience,” she says. “Working with these incredible athletes makes for a huge adrenaline rush. I played so many sports, and polo allowed me to incorporate my love of horseback-riding and playing a sport. It’s incredible.” During her time at Sarasota Polo Club, she served in nearly every role available — grooming, flagging, scoring and putting together chukkers before becoming events and marketing manager, which allowed her to learn the inner workings of “what made those incredible Sundays so exciting.” 18 myopia polo 2021
“It was such a pleasure to bring happiness to others,” she says. “I loved every minute of it.” During her time as director of operations, she created a successful women’s tournament with four levels of play, from two-goal up to 16-goal — the first time in the club’s 28 years the women’s 16-goal final would be showcased as the Sunday game. While it was a difficult decision to move on, she was drawn to Myopia by its long history and reputation for great polo and community. “It’s an incredible opportunity to be a part of a club with great history and rich traditions,” she says. “I couldn’t be happier. I’m looking forward to continuing those rich traditions, and maybe bringing in some new ones, building great relationships with the members and bringing a fresh, new perspective.”
When she’s not riding or facilitating polo, Trytek spends her time outside, hiking, fishing, shooting, paddleboarding, gardening or birding. She’s an avid photographer, volunteers in support of disabled veterans and attends to her new business, Buddhaful Dog, which provides pathways to canine health and wellness. As she embarks on her inaugural season here at Myopia, Trytek has a clear vision of what a successful summer of polo will look like. “You want to have a safe season,” she says. “You want the field to be in great shape for as long as you can — the better condition the field is in, the better polo you have — to ensure great sportsmanship and to make sure everyone has fun and has a good time. That’s the bottom line: good fields, good games and good sportsmanship.” photographs by eric nalpas photography
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AG E N DA
Highlighting the best young players while emphasizing well-rounded skills HOW ARE NYTS TEAMS CHOSEN? 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, All-Stars are chosen based on: • Horsemanship • Sportsmanship • Playing ability at their current handicap • How they play on a team From there, those All-Stars become eligible to be selected to advance to the National Championship.
20 myopia polo 2021
youth polo
Summer NYTS Returns Following a year that saw the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the highly anticipated season-long event that puts the sport’s youngest players in the spotlight is returning to Myopia. On Aug. 1, the NYTS qualifiers will bring a collection of young, talented players to South Hamilton, all of whom will be working together to reach the finals — this year to be held in Chicago. “It’s an event everybody looks forward to each year,” says United States Polo Association Director of Player Development Amanda Snow. “Myopia has a strong interscholastic and youth program with the emphasis on the next generation. This (NYTS) provides them the best opportunity to get together and
showcase their talent.” NYTS cultivates and promotes junior polo throughout the United States by providing the organizational structure to support junior tournaments. At Myopia, local professionals like Federico Wulff along with Team USPA members CB Scherer, Nick Snow and Felipe Viana volunteer their time to coach teams at the qualifier every year. “The primary goal is to create more opportunities for youth players to play with their peers,” Snow says. “Polo is a unique sport in that people of all ages and abilities are on the field at the same time. Giving kids the opportunity to play with kids their own age is instrumental to their development and more fun, we feel.” The second key component of
NYTS is to get youth players seen as competitive players at their home clubs and give them goals to strive for. Engaging players at this level provides them with collegiate opportunities and opens doors for international travel, as well as fortifying clubs at the local level. “It’s going to be exciting to be able to have it at all,” Snow says. “The kids are going to be excited for it. I wish we could’ve made it happen last year, but it just wasn’t feasible.” The championships were eventually held in January of this year on ground one at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Florida. The Florida Region team, which included Myopia player Landon Daniels, took the top spot by defeating the Eastern Region 10.5 goals to 4. National Youth Tournament Series qualifiers will be held at Myopia Polo Club on Sunday, Aug. 1. photographs by jacqueline miller
Pictured, from far left: Myopia Interscholastic Open Team members Addie Politi, Landen Daniels, Rehan Kumble, Estani J. Puch, Ava Croce, Dominic Irvine, Shane Metternick, James Grayken, Augie Grotnik.
equestrian medicine
Photograph by Jacqueline Miller
AG E N DA
The Horse Healers
Standards set by Myopia’s Equine Welfare Committee have been adopted by the USPA, leading to improved excellence in equine care. / by Bill Burke
It’s often said that the best athletes on a polo field are the spirited, hard-working ponies. Their strength, endurance and heart ensure generations of passionate players fall under the spell of the sport. So when it comes to caring for the four-legged athletes thundering up and down Gibney Field, the men and women of Myopia take a proactive approach to equine care. The Myopia Equine Welfare Committee — a group made up of polo players, equestrians, veterinarians, experts and longtime club members — ensures the safety and care of the horses 22 myopia polo 2021
remains a focus of everyone involved in the sport. “Our mission is to provide the highest level of oversight to the care of our horses in the community, and the polo horses in the polo community, in particular,” says Dr. Bryan Parrott, owner of Parrott Equine Associates and one of the founding members of the Myopia Welfare Committee. “We wanted to develop and raise the standards for the welfare of these wonderful animals.” The committee was first founded several years ago when it became apparent that improvements were
needed. The group came together, organized, codified standards and put them into action. These innovations did not go unnoticed on a national level. The United States Polo Association (USPA) adopted most of the committee’s standards for the care and maintenance of horses — both on and off the field. Among them: Myopia’s rules on using artificial aids, core conditioning — ensuring the horses are healthy and fit to play — have been adopted by the national organization. “Having that happen was so rewarding,” Parrott says. “It was cause for celebration. It wasn’t just me — I was there to help steamroll it — but there was such a passion from the committee as a whole. We really worked well together.”
provide law enforcement support should Dr. Parrott provided some of the it become necessary to see to the welfare equipment, and funds were raised to help of the animals. acquire other necessities, including an “When people come to our field and equine ambulance. Each year the commitplay at Myopia, they have to agree to a tee works with the Massachusetts Society contract that they will have the for the Prevention of Cruelty EQUINE horses in good physical condition to Animals (MSPCA) and leads WELFARE and that they can not be abused,” training sessions to update, COMMITTEE Parrott says. “If they are here to improve and otherwise enhance CHAIRMAN play, they have to accept our rules the club’s standards. Kimberly Maguire and bylaws. If they can’t live by “If it wasn’t for Myopia’s ADVISORY COMMITTEE Dr. Bryan Parrott that, they can’t play. All the profeswillingness to look at this and Cathy Taylor Nick Snow sionals do that now.” make changes, for the good of MYOPIA EQUINE WELFARE MEMBERS And while the recent pandemic our community and for the good Terri Campbell C.J. Brown influenced how polo at Myopia was of the world, it wouldn’t have Betty Muise played for a season, it played no been adopted by the USPA,” role in how the horses were cared for. Parrott says. “It has brought such a level “It had no affect on the job we do,” Parof improvement in horsemanship to our rott says. “The guidelines never changed community.” and the horses received excellent care. By It also put some teeth into the comdoing this, our standards at Myopia have mittee’s ability to enforce those standards. The MSPCA supports the club’s increased tenfold. It’s wonderful that anyone who comes here has to abide by these guidelines and has sent the organization’s standards. Myopia is a class-A place.” enforcement arm to committee meetThe Equine Welfare Committee is ings to bolster its efforts. The MSPCA has financially self-sustaining. To donate, conempowered the Myopia Equine Welfare tact the committee chair at kmaguire00@ Committee to manage its approach, and gmail.com. it will work in concert with the Club to
“First and foremost, the horses are the most important ingredient in the sport of polo. Our love and passion of horses necessitates we enjoy the sport without causing them harm. Our mission is to prevent poor horsemanship and cruelty to these animals, and we’re doing an excellent job at that. “People should know that if they have any concerns, they can reach out to anyone on the Equine Welfare Committee or the polo manager and voice their concern. It will be taken seriously and it will be investigated.” — Dr. Bryan Parrott, co-founder of the Myopia Polo Equine Welfare Committee
Photograph by Fawn Deviney
2021 myopia polo 23
A great polo Sunday starts with an outstanding tailgate. 2
1 European Wonders Collection — $120 Taste history, terroir, time and tradition with this selection — a collection of cheeses from France, Spain, England, Italy and Switzerland. Where to buy it? The Cheese Shop of Salem, thecheeseshopofsalem.com, 45 Lafayette St., Salem, MA (978) 498-4820 2 A Taste of Iberia — $65
1
Order this set for a 375mL of Portuguese wine, Marcona almonds, olives from Andalucia, Boquerones from Cantabria and chocolatecovered orange slices from Valencia. Where to buy it? Grand Trunk Wine & Cheese, grandtrunkwine.com, 53 Pleasant St., Newburyport, MA (978) 499-444
3
3 A Taste of France — $65 Presented in a wooden crate, this selection includes a 375mL bottle of French wine, a chocolate bar from Paris, olives and Tapenade from Provence and sardines from Brittany. 4 Large Gift Box — $200 Sharing your tailgate with a larger group? Create a spread with 3-4 cheeses, meats, crackers, jam, spreads, olives and 2-3 bottles of wine. Both available at Grand Trunk Wine & Cheese.
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M YOPIA
scene
Having a Ball
Members of the Myopia Polo community gathered to celebrate in 2019. We’ll see you all again at this year’s Polo Ball on Saturday, July 17.
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THE ANNUAL MYOPIA POLO BALL
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JULY 20, 2019 1
1. Caroline Strouss, David Strouss, Tracy Strouss, Jason Gray and Samantha Gray. 2. Joseph Post, Annie Colloredo-Mansfield, Johan Colloredo-Mansfeld and Reed Miller. 3. Neil Ayer and Linda Lyons. 4. Kim Maguire and Tracy Strouss. 5. Cristian Piedrabuena, Joseph Post, Victoria Martins with baby, Lara, and Manuel Mazzochi. 6. Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld, John Grayken, Eilene Grayken and Crocker Snow. 7. Terri Campbell, Jackie Miller, Michael Noll and Kurt Miller. 8. Anne Colloredo-Mansfeld, Suzanna Colloredo-Mansfeld and Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld.
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photographs by kendra dott for sharon’s studio
MYOPIA
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2021 myopia polo 31
Myopia
through the years MEMBER ENTHUSIASM KEEPS THE COUNTRY’S OLDEST POLO CLUB THRIVING The 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.
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“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.” While enthusiastic spectators arrive on Sundays in SUVs instead of horse-drawn carriages, not much else has changed at Gibney Field, where players have been swinging mallets since 1887.
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 it defeated Yale during the country’s first formal college game. Pictures from those early days showed the sidelines crowded with carriages and 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
Photo courtesy of the nonprofit Wenham Museum, Equestrian Histories. Donate at wenhamuseum.org,
At left: Crocker Snow discusses the finer points of polo with actor Steve McQueen. The polo scenes in the 1967 film, ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ starring McQueen and Faye Dunaway (below), were filmed on-site at Myopia Polo Club.
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, Arizona — 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 torn-down 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 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 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 well as 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, Connecticut, 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.
1990-2014: a comfortable place Under the captainship of leaders like Neil Raymond, Rob Wilkinson, Lyle Graham, Albert Ellis and Franz ColloredoMansfeld, 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. It continues to introduce young players to the sport, hosting a number of National Youth Tournament Series qualifiers in recent years. Above all, Myopia remains dedicated to introducing players to the honorable sport of polo. 2021 myopia polo 33
HISTORY
achievement
THE CHAIRMAN’S CUP A look at the prize awarded at the annual tournament. The names of every prominent polo club in the United States are inscribed across nearly every available space on both the inside and outside of this prestigious cup. It reflects the long and respected history of this competitive and well-loved tournament. Look closely at the surface and one name reveals itself again and again: Myopia Polo Club. The United States Polo Association awards a limited number of tournaments annually, and through the efforts of Peter Poore, in particular, the Chairman’s Cup — and the trophy
Additional credits Credit Name
— live comfortably at Myopia. It is the club’s premiere tournament and has become the focal point of the season.
34 myopia polo 2021 2020
photograph by credit name
HISTORY
u.s. polo association
“It was deemed for the best interest of the game ... to form an Association, with a constitution and rules to govern all polo clubs which should be elected to membership.”
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
— H.L. Herbert, First USPA Chairman
Clockwise, from top left, H.L. Herbert, the first chairman of the USPA; Marjorie LeBoutillier, Bostwick Field, 1935; Pacific Coast Open, 1929.
The USPA
133 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 fast-paced, 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 Polo Association (USPA).
The group is made up of seven clubs and is headquartered in New York. One hundred 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
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 took 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. The fashion world adopts the polo image, high-goal polo is recognized as one of the fastest-moving and exciting spectator sports in the world, and the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club opens in 1979 — becoming the foremost center for international high-goal polo. In the 1980s, USPA membership reaches an all-time high. 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. 2021 myopia polo 35
M YOPIA
myopia hunt club
Dog Days The Traditions and History of Myopia Hunt / by Brion O’Connor To take a walk in the shoes of Phillip Headdon is to go strolling back through time at Myopia Hunt & Polo Club. Every morning, Headdon, the club’s huntsman, rises and looks across to the Myopia kennels that date back more than a century, housing hundreds if not thousands of hounds over the previous 14 decades. When Headdon wakes up, so do the hounds, following a pattern that has changed little at the Club since the 1880s. “I choose to work seven days a week,” says Headdon. “I start half past 4 or 5 o’clock every morning, including Sundays. So they know exactly what time I’m coming out. That’s the beginning of their day. “Everything is routine in the kennels,” he says. “It has to be kept a 36 myopia polo 2021
routine, because if you fall out of that routine and you’re late getting in there, they start getting anxious. And that will lead to fights if you’re not careful.” According to Nicholas White, the joint master of the Myopia Hunt, the Club’s hunt was first registered in 1882, making it one of the oldest hunts in the country. “Our first hounds were purchased for three pounds a couple — 11 bitches and nine dogs — from Lord Willoughby de Broke, Master of the South Warwickshire in England,” says White. “They travelled by ship and arrived in great shape, on May Day of 1882.” The Myopia Hunt is awash in both history and, perhaps even more importantly, time-honored traditions. (White adds: “We also hosted Edward Prince of
Wales to hunt with us in 1924.”) Headdon, a native of the United Kingdom who still speaks with a distinctive accent, learned his craft at his father’s side. He is now approaching his 40th year as a huntsman. “I started hunting with my father, who was a huntsman at the Curre & Llangibby Foxhounds near Chepstow South Wales,” he says. “I whipped in at 10 years old to my father, and moved with him to the North Norfolk Harriers.” Headdon progressed to second whip and stud groom at age 14, then moved on to become first whip at Linlithgow & Stirlingshire, Scotland, and then first whip at Eggesford Foxhounds in Devon. “You have to learn how to do the horses first, and then, if you’re good enough, move on to the hounds,” he says. “It’s a lot of work.” The Myopia hounds — 37 (or 18.5 couples) at press time — inhabit the club’s kennels, a large structure of photograph at top by Jacqueline Miller
“The hounds are just lovable creatures. They just love people. The worst they’re going to do is lick you to death. They just love to please. That’s their life. If they please you and they know you’re happy, then they’re happy.” – Myopia Huntsman Phillip Headdon
granite rock, red brick and wood, with dog hounds (males) housed on one side, and females on the other. Most are cross-bred hounds, with nine American hounds mixed in. They all have names, usually after towns from Headdon’s native England, like Cirencester and Ludlow. Unlike Headdon’s own dog, a “Heinz 57” rescue named Jet, these spirited hounds aren’t family pets (though most make wonderful pets once they’re “retired”). They’re a workphotographs by Kendal J. Bush
ing breed, intentionally bred to hunt. And they’re all exuberant. “They like to sing, which means they are happy hounds, mouths wide open and sterns in the air,” said Headdon, noting that true hunt aficionados never refer to a hound’s “tail.” Hamilton residents who live in the neighborhoods surrounding Myopia know exactly when Headdon’s day starts, thanks to the gleeful howls of his pack. Occasionally, the pack will bay at night, alerted by a curious critter with the temerity to wander past the kennels. “Sometimes, it’s my fox coming in late at night, and I’m always telling her you’ve got to go quiet the hounds down,” says Headdon with a laugh, referring to his wife. “But all joking aside, mainly we get the odd coyote who will come across there at night. “We’re getting into the better weather, and (the coyotes) are going to start moving around more,” he says. “Luckily I’ve got my dog, Jet, and he practically lives with the hounds. He’s indoors at night, but he goes out with me in the morning to the kennels, and his first job is to chase foxes and coyotes away.”
A DAY IN THE LIFE A “normal” day for Headdon usually begins at 5 a.m., when the “dog hounds” (the males) are put out on the adjoining grass yards. The lodge room is swept, bedding is fluffed and any soiled shavings are removed. The yard is then mucked, and the water trough filled. Once the feed room, office, veterinarian room and extra lodge room are cleaned, Headdon repeats the process with the female side of the kennel. After he checks on his horses, Headdon and the Club’s “whipper in,” Carly Fleming, will walk the hounds for 45 minutes to an hour. Then Headdon will get the food for the day (typically chicken carcasses donated by Henry’s Supermarket in Beverly, says White). This is when the hounds are fed — males first, females second. Late afternoon requires a second cleaning of the kennels, and then the hounds settle in for the evening. The training of the hounds, says White, “is constant.” Fleming will lend encouragement and discipline, but Headdon is unquestionably in charge. “Every interaction that Phil has with his hounds reinforces the bond 2021 myopia polo 37
M YOPIA between these working hounds and their huntsman. He is the ultimate alpha male,” he says. “They look up to Phil, and he needs to make sure they will answer his commands when out in the hunt field. “It is no mean feat to keep these hounds from chasing deer, coyotes, cats, random dogs,” says White. “Think how hard it is to keep a pack of hounds running off for any sort of random distraction. Not his hounds — they obey and listen.” Headdon established that dominance the moment he arrived at Myopia, seven years ago. “When you go to another hunt, you have to go to the kennel your first morning, by yourself. You go to the dog hound yard, and you try to find the biggest, meanest dog hound who thinks he’s the boss,” says Headdon. “And then you stare him down. You cannot look away or blink. You have to wait for them to do it. Once you’ve done it to them, that’s it. You’ve established the fact that you are the alpha.” Even with Headdon as the alpha, there is undeniably a hierarchy within the pack. Puppies, which aren’t given any tasks for their first year, learn that early.
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myopia hunt club “When you go into the (sleeping quarters), all the old hounds are curled up in the back by the wall,” says Headdon. “The puppies have to sit on the front. Or if the hounds don’t really like the puppy, it has to sleep on the floor. They won’t allow it to the back of the bed. “Then, if you watch them as they get older — two seasons, three seasons, four seasons — they gradually moved to the back of the bed,” he says. Headdon’s success in training the hounds allows him to walk his pack throughout the village of Hamilton several times a week, sometimes up and down Route 1A. The pack’s routine changes throughout the year, based on the seasons and hunt schedule. Even the day-to-day schedule can change, depending on whether a hunt or a parade is on the calendar. Beginning in April, they begin exercising with horses to acclimate them to their hunting partners. As creatures of habit, the hounds are keenly aware of their routine, and quickly pick up on any changes. Hunt and parade days require a number of the hounds to be selected specifically for the event, and every minor wrinkle in the morning schedule — such as
“My favorite aspect of the job, believe it or not, is working the kennels, because I’m in there on my own with them. That’s my time to sit back and look at them and see what’s going on. That’s when you create the bond between you and the hounds.” - Myopia Huntsman Phillip Headdon
skipping meals — results in the entire pack getting animated, says Headdon. They are bred to hunt, and not a single hound wants to be left behind. “They are the happiest at dinner time,” says Headdon with a chuckle, “and second, hunting with the horses.” The pack that Headdon selects for a hunt may be distinctly different from the group he chooses for summer parades at Sunday polo matches. For the parades, Headdon, on horseback, will lead the pack on several laps around Gibney Field, before dismounting and calling for spectators to come and pet the hounds. “The hounds are just lovable creatures. They just love people. The worst they’re going to do is lick you to death,” says Headdon. “They just love to please. That’s their life. If they please you and they know you’re happy, then they’re happy.” That same enthusiasm is evident during a hunt, though that event is far more strenuous. During a normal hunt, the horses and hounds can cover anywhere from five to more than 10 miles, when their fitness and training are on full display. “It’s very rewarding to be a part of a hunt, as it’s the culmination of hard work and dedication,” says White. “It’s the coming together of all three components that make up a hunt — horsemanship, training of hounds and setting a route through our countryphotograph by Kendal J. Bush
AG E N DA
side. We hunt through approximately 225 different properties.” For hunts, Fleming will head out on horseback onto the course determined by Headdon and lay down the scent for the hounds to follow. The Myopia hounds are a “drag” pack, as opposed to a “live quarry” pack, which Headdon has worked previously. A live quarry pack, as the name suggests, pursues a live fox. That usually entails much more effort, since they have to “draw” or canvas the woods looking for their quarry. “They have to fan out and find their fox,” says Headdon. “The fox might’ve been through 12 to 20 hours before, so you’re about 12 hours behind him, unless you’re lucky enough to drop on him straightaway. So (live-quarry hounds) have a lot of work, and they burn out a lot quicker.” Conversely, Myopia’s drag pack “don’t have to draw the woods,” he says. “So normally, I just drop them straight on the line, and they’re off.” As a result, the useful life of a Myopia hound can be two or three years longer
rubrik
than a live-quarry hound. One Myopia female, named Kindle, is “coming up on her ninth season,” says Headdon. The hounds typically run, or hunt, as a disciplined pack. However, mishaps can happen, and even the most experienced participants can find themselves in precarious situations. “At a joint meet three seasons ago, we had just laid hounds on the line, and the hounds went roaring off in full cry, putting my horse George through a hedgerow,” says Headdon, with typical understatement. “We had a difference of opinion about going between the young trees. He won, and I was flipped backwards out of the saddle. “George continued on with the hounds, leaving me to do the huntsman’s walk of shame to catch up on foot in front of all our visitors,” he says, smiling at the memory. But the hunt also emphasizes what sets the Myopia hounds apart. “A proper pack of hounds, which we are blessed to have at Myopia, is a real gift,” says White. “They are not pets, but working hounds with an elegance
that sets them apart. They have a job unlike pets, which gives them both a purpose and elevates their status.” The unrelenting commitment of Headdon, Fleming and the hunt masters has produced a pack that is clearly a great source of pride for the Club. “Myopia has the largest and most envied pack of hounds of the packs in New England,” says White. “Phil won the pack class by a mile in 2019 at the last New England Hound Show. He is a consummate professional.” Surprisingly, it’s not the pageantry of the parades or the sheer excitement of the hunt that Headdon finds most rewarding. Instead, it is the simple pleasure of spending quiet time with his beloved pack. “My favorite aspect of the job, believe it or not, is working the kennels, because I’m in there on my own with them,” he says. “That’s my time to sit back and look at them and see what’s going on. That’s when you create the bond between you and the hounds.” For more information about Myopia Hunt, visit myopiahunt.org. 2021 myopia polo 39
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MYOPIA POLO MAGAZINE 2021 Silent Season
TRADITIONS ALTERED / PAGE 42
photograph by
jacqueline miller
USPA National Chairman’s Cup TOURNAMENT SPOTLIGHT / PAGE 50
Along for the Ride! PHOTO ESSAY / PAGE 56
41
SILENT SEASON
42
Traditions unavoidably altered, Myopia Polo endures by Brion O’Connor PHOTOGRAPHS BY JACQUELINE MILLER
43
There are benevolent ghosts that float along the soft breezes that whisper through the stately evergreens and across the great expanse of Myopia Hunt & Polo Club’s historic Gibney Field. That’s not surprising, given that the sport of polo in Hamilton dates back more than a century, starting with an exhibition match in 1888.
T PHOTOGRAPHS BY
JACQUELINE MILLER
Throughout town, you’ll find sepia-toned images of General George Patton, who settled in Hamilton in 1928, playing the game. But Patton, while the most famous of Myopia’s historically significant figures, is only one member of an enormous cast of characters that collectively define the club. Take, for instance, James H. Proctor. Historian Joseph E. Garland, in his book “The North Shore,” wrote that polo in the early years, was “crashing, bashing madness on horseback.” For proof, Garland revealed that Proctor “proudly displayed in his home a mallet with his two front teeth embedded in it.” As Patton and Proctor illustrate, the rough-and-tumble game was an immediate sensation, hugely popular among players and spectators alike.
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Last summer, however, the sidelines along the edges of Gibney Field sadly looked more like a ghost town, abandoned due to a sweeping pandemic that brought many athletic events from coast to coast to a sudden halt. The polo matches — including the high-level tournaments that Myopia is best known for — were played, but the atmosphere was irrevocably changed. The crowds, considered by many polo players an essential part of the sport, were nowhere to be found. The result, for Myopia players, was a silent season. “Tradition defines polo,” says David Strouss of Ipswich, a member of Myopia Polo for more than a quarter century, and currently the Club’s captain of polo. “Gibney Field is arguably the oldest playing field in polo in the United States today, and Myopia is one of the oldest clubs. Crowds have always been part of the tradition here, and without them, there was a true emptiness.” Even in a sports-mad country like the United States, it’s still difficult to imagine any athletic event that can match the excitement and sheer pageantry of a polo match. From the first matches played at Gibney Field, crowds have made the trek to Hamilton to watch the ponies run. According to a Boston Globe article, the 1888 match was a social success, as “200 people came from Nahant, Swampscott and along the North Shore, in private carriages ... and the Salem brass band discoursed music on the lawn from 5 to 6 p.m.” With polo fairly new at the club, several members were less than impressed with the quality of competition. Longtime Myopia member Crocker Snow Jr., in Edward Week’s 1975 tome “Myopia: A Centennial Chronicle,” wrote that club wit Jack Wheelwright quipped he “saw several contests that afternoon, but thought the best playing was done by the band.” Shortly after the turn of the previous century, however, Myopia was hosting worldclass polo. Snow 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
S I LENT S E ASON
the nation’s first collegiate polo match. The Club, and the game, did suffer setbacks during the Great Depression, when local ponies “were turned out to pasture where they grew fat and happy,” and World War II, when Gibney Field “went uncut as it gradually turned from good turf to fallow hay,” wrote Snow. In between those two monumental events, Myopia polo enjoyed a renaissance, with the club’s top team winning the inaugural Forbes Cup, signifying the New England Championship. And fun-loving spectators always gathered when the ponies were running. “The crowd is an essential part of the polo experience,” says Jennifer Williams of Hamilton, a member of Myopia Polo Club for three years and coach for Myopia Interscholastic Polo. “I enjoy talking to spectators who have never seen the sport and answering their questions, telling them my favorite parts of the sport, and letting them know that virtually anyone can play polo. “In particular, I love seeing children having fun on the vast fields and playing with their friends.” Eighty years after Wheelwright’s humorous critique of the 1888 match, Hollywood director Norman Jewison came calling,
tabbing Myopia for his famed polo scenes for the 1968 classic, “The Thomas Crown Affair.” The moments featuring dreamboat Steve McQueen actually playing the game may have been some of the finest in the movie. But it was Faye Dunaway, stunning in her widebrimmed hat, sitting atop her exceedingly rare burgundy convertible Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Spyder, movie camera in hand, recording images of the action, who threatened to steal their scenes together. That kind of casual opulence has, in many ways, come to represent Sundays at Gibney Field. Today, Myopia offers world-class polo that rivals the game’s top-flight festive feel. Granted, the matches don’t draw enormous numbers like the Kentucky Derby, but the spectators who do attend the Sunday games don’t take a backseat to anyone in the tailgating department. “If you are going to go, go big,” says photographer Don Toothaker, who typically brings his photography students to the grounds every summer. “Do it up in grand style. Be part of the culture for the day. Drive your car in, pack some chairs and a table, bring lots of food and beverages, and commit yourself to having a great day.
“Crowds energize the game, and make it so much more intense. I missed them greatly last summer.” James Grayken
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“It’s always fun to meet the spectators after the game when trophies are handed out. It isn’t the same without the crowd there. We all love the sport so much that we genuinely want to see others enjoying it too — even if they enjoy it on the sidelines and the social time afterward.” Terri Campbell
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“Each time I go to Myopia, I see more and learn more about the sport, as well as the atmosphere and culture that surrounds it,” says Toothaker. “The atmosphere is charged with the excitement of a fast-paced sport as well as a fantastic family social event.” Dr. Bryan Parrott, a veterinarian, polo player and seasonal Myopia polo member, says the matches and the crowds reflect the timelessness of the game and often speak to a bygone era. “The Myopia polo matches are a reflection of the Great Gatsby years,” says Parrott, adding that he’s attended hundreds of matches over the past two decades. “The games are beautiful to watch.” In the 50-plus years since “The Thomas Crown Affair,” Myopia crowds have raised spectating and celebrating to art forms, seamlessly blending a lighthearted, high-society vibe with spectacular competition. It’s not unusual to find rows of vehicles lining the field, separated by teeming onlookers sporting their Sunday best attire and impressive table settings with fancy linens, fine china, crystal glassware and the occasional candelabra, featuring sumptuous spreads of food and libations. “Tradition is a huge part of the sport, not just for players but for the crowd too,” says Terri Campbell of Hamilton, a member of
Myopia Polo since 2013. “Doesn’t everyone remember Julia Roberts stomping divots in ‘Pretty Woman?’ The effort and style that goes into a proper tailgate is a big part of the tradition. “It’s great when we have a big crowd for a game,” says Campbell. “One of the most fun things about polo is the social aspect of the sport. Everyone can be involved and enjoy this great sport, even from the sidelines.” Unless, of course, you’re dealing with a potentially deadly virus. For every player, it was jarring when the pandemic brought those Sunday festivities to an abrupt end. Even though the matches were played outside, recommended social distancing measures prevented the type of gatherings that characterize Sunday matches at Myopia. “I absolutely love playing in front of crowds,” says 18-year-old James Grayken of London, England, who has played at Myopia for the past two years. “Crowds energize the game, and make it so much more intense. I missed them greatly last summer.” Grayken was not alone. While every player was grateful for the chance to saddle up and compete, they all acknowledged that not having spectators had an impact. “Polo is always fun to play, with or without a crowd, but it is more fun with a crowd,” says Campbell. “Because we still held competitive
S I LENT S E ASON
tournaments, everyone still was excited to get on the field, but it’s a disappointment not to be able to share a big win.” That said, the players universally agreed that polo is such an intense game that, during the action itself, the absence of the crowd was hardly noticeable. “It was strange to play without crowds last summer. However, polo is polo,” says Grayken. “You’re either 100% in the game, or you’re out of the game. It requires so much concentration that you often don’t notice the crowds. You could be playing in front of three or 3,000 people, and the intensity of the game would stay the same.” Likewise, Strouss says: “To me there’s not much difference once the game started. It’s all business.” “We’re playing to win. And it’s super, super competitive,” he says. “Once you’re playing, you’ve got tunnel vision. I’ve got a job out there, just like every player. The level of polo was pretty comparable to seasons past, the only difference being there wasn’t a crowd. It wasn’t like the match was played at an easier pace, or it was a little more cordial out there.” Still, the crowd, says Strouss, is “very important overall to the sport and its success. I do think the presence of the crowd adds to the pressure to play well.” That pressure inspires the participants to raise their level of play, which is one of the many reasons that the matches at Myopia are considered among the best anywhere. “The honest truth is, when you’re playing in front of crowds, you tend to want to play
your best,” says Strouss, adding with a laugh, “It’s like any sport. When you have people watching, you don’t want to make a fool of yourself.” Even the ponies take notice. “The horses pick up on (the crowd). They’re energized,” says Strouss. “It’s not like they’re out of control or anything, but I can feel the energy in the horse. They are looking all around, their ears are up, there’s just a lot more activity. I think horses always feel what’s in the players legs. And in a big game, the player radiates nervous excitement to the horse as well.” Strouss’s comments reinforce that the ponies, as well as the players, are athletes, and every athlete reacts to external stimulus. Williams says “horses are very curious about the crowd. I have two that thrive on cheering, and I swear they go faster when people scream for them.” That’s a common refrain among Myopia Polo members. “The horses can definitely feel the energy of the crowd before a game,” says Campbell. “They get visibly excited and often prance to the field. “Not all horses can be a polo pony, and the ones that you see playing on Sunday definitely like the game,” she says. “You can’t force a horse to play if they don’t want to.” There’s also a practical, and crucial, role that the crowd plays during a polo match. The half-time tradition of spectators “replacing the divots” keeps the field in optimal playing condition.
While the action continued throughout polo season, there were times when the only witnesses along the sidelines were grooms, a family member and a beloved pet.
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SILEN T SE ASO N
“Playing without a crowd does give me a much renewed appreciation for the fans ... The fans who attend polo at Myopia love the setting, watching a great sport only a few feet away and tailgating with friends and family. The silent season was also a true loss for the polo crowd.” 48 myopia polo 2021
“I love seeing people out on the field having fun,” says Williams. “As a player, I cannot emphasize enough how much it helps when spectators put the field back together at half time. This is a critical part of the game event, for players and spectators. “I always thank people for helping with the field,” she says. “Just walking on it helps. Ladies’ wedge heels are the best for field maintenance.” As immaculate as the fields are at the start of each match, the hooves of eight galloping ponies can do serious damage to the turf during the first three 7.5-minute chukkas. By participating in packing down dozens and dozens of divots, crowd members allow players to concentrate on the match itself. “Not having spectators replace divots at half time has a real impact on the game in the second half,” says Strouss. “As a player trying to catch my breath, check horses out and meet with teammates, I really don’t notice the activities on the field at half time.” Campbell agreed, saying “half time is the time when each team meets to plan for the next half of the game. The players usually don’t go on the field during divots because
they’re either trying to figure out how to keep their first half lead, or trying to figure out how to get the lead and win the game.” Post-game rituals, including the trophy presentations, also felt a bit more subdued without fans participating. Polo has an intimacy rarely seen at the highest levels of sports, where fans and players (and ponies) can actually mingle after the final horn is sounded. Just imagine, being able to wander down to the field at Fenway Park to hob-nob with your favorite Red Sox players following a game. “It’s always fun to meet the spectators after the game when trophies are handed out,” says Campbell. “It isn’t the same without the crowd there. We all love the sport so much that we genuinely want to see others enjoying it too — even if they enjoy it on the sidelines and the social time afterward.” If there was a silver lining to the loss of the spectators, it was that the players were reminded of what an integral part of the game the crowd is. “Playing without a crowd does give me a much renewed appreciation for the fans,” says Strouss. “Fans would often visit the trail-
MAKE THE MOST OF GAME DAY ers and horses before a game and during half time, admiring the horses and taking pictures. “The fans who attend polo at Myopia love the setting, watching a great sport only a few feet away and tailgating with friends and family,” he says. “The silent season was also a true loss for the polo crowd.” Williams, who runs Blue Pegasus Polo Academy, pointed out that spectating can lead to actually taking up the game, which helps nurture the sport. “The crowd is where the sport can draw new players, bringing them over the sideboards and into the saddle,” she says. “There are easy ways to get into polo if you have the time and the will.” For many, the return of crowds to Myopia will be a welcomed harbinger of a return to normalcy for society in general. “Since the major games and events are often on Sundays, for me, it is my ‘church,’” says Williams. “This is where I gather to fill my soul and congregate with fellow outdoor loving, thrill-seeking, social individuals. “My favorite type of event to play in is a charity match, which tends to attract large crowds,” she says. “Using the sport and its tradition to raise funds for great causes is a wonderful way to bring a variety of different people together for a common cause.” For now, though, the players will be grateful to simply have the spectators back on the sidelines. “I hope that everyone gets through this COVID period safely and healthy and that widespread vaccinations occur well before summer,” says Campbell. “Polo is important to me, and I’m looking forward to getting back to normal soon, but mostly I want all of us to get through this pandemic as quickly as possible. “Since so many sports were faced with limited crowds, or virtual-only crowds, I think all sportsmen and sportswomen are thrilled to have crowds back soon,” she says. “We love our sport and want to share it. It’s exciting to see when others get to experience the thrill of the ‘Sport of Kings’ too.”
An insider’s guide to the where, when and how of Sundays at Myopia. Make the Most of Game Day 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 setup 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 better than sitting within 10 feet of the sideboards 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.” What to Wear One of the best aspects of polo is playing the part. “While Myopia is among the oldest polo clubs in the U.S. 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.’” 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. 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, 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 sells 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 buying.”
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TOURNAMENT SPOTLIGHT
THE 2021 USPA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN’S CUP
FINAL: DEL RANCHO/BLACK OAK 12, FOLLY FIELDS 11
DEL RANCHO/ BLACK OAK
VS. FOLLY FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHS BY
JACQUELINE MILLER
THE 2021 USPA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN’S CUP
In a closely fought, back-and-forth contest, Del Rancho/ Black Oak managed to avenge an earlier tournament overtime loss to a strong Folly Fields side and come from behind to take the 2021 Chairman’s Cup on a bright August day at Gibney Field. by Bill Burke
“You had to play almost perfect polo to beat them.” — David Strouss
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The 8-12 goal tournament would see Del Rancho/Black Oak, Folly Fields, Longmeadow and Galaxy Polo battle for the Chairman’s Cup at Myopia, starting on July 19, with the finals held on Monday, Aug. 3. “For the players here — and I think we all feel the same — of all the tournaments, this is the one for our competitive spirit that is a great one to play in, and if you’re fortunate, to win,” says Myopia Polo Captain and Del Rancho/Black Oak’s David Strouss. It all kicked off on the first weekend in mid-July with Longmeadow beating Galaxy Polo, 8-7, and Folly Fields edging out Del Rancho/Black Oak 9-8. Folly Fields then beat Longmeadow 11-8, and Del Rancho/Black Oak topped Galaxy Polo 10-6. With Del Rancho/ Black Oak and Folly Fields then taking the following matches, the stage was set for an August 3 re-match on Gibney Field. Folly Fields struck first in the opening chukker, with back-to-back goals from Adam Snow and Marcos Onetto — the team’s pair of experienced and skilled four-goalers. “Adam Snow and Marcos Onetto are two very strong players,” Strouss says. “Adam, of course, was the last U.S. 10-goal polo player in the country, and he still plays professionally.” Nachi Viana answered, scoring three for Del Rancho/Black Oak and maintaining offensive pressure throughout. Folly Fields then evened things when Adam Snow converted two penalty 4s, before Viana knotted things up again. With the game tied at 4, both teams battled closely before heading into the half with Folly Fields up 6-5.
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THE PATH TO GIBNEY FIELD
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THE 2021 USPA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN’S CUP
David Strouss and Johann ColloredoMansfeld pushed up front for Del Rancho/ Black Oak, while Mazzocchi and Viana rotated in the back, allowing the team to start the second half on the offense. Viana came out strong, putting two between the posts before Onetto shut down the pressure with his third goal of the game. Strouss said Del Rancho/Black Oak worked to break up Folly Field’s rhythm in the second half by sending Viana and Mazzochi to Snow and Onetto on the hit-ins. Viana, riding his mare Pichicata, scored again, putting Del Rancho/Black Oak up 8-7, and into the lead for the first time. The teams each scored in the fifth chukker — Manuel Mazzocchi and Onetto — and Johann Colloredo-Mansfeld tallied another. Snow edged Folly Fields closer, scoring to bring the team within one. Viana responded, however, pouncing on a 40-yard penalty 3. In the end, Folly Fields’ efforts to push Del Rancho/Black Oak to a second consecutive overtime fell just short. Del Rancho/Black Oak claimed the Chairman’s Cup, 12-11. “You had to play almost perfect polo to
beat them,” Strouss says. “Marcus is a phenomenal player, and Adam is still one of the top skill players.” Scoring eight goals, Viana was named Most Valuable Player. Viana credited horses his brother, Team USPA alum Felipe Viana, gave him for the tournament, citing their speed as a deciding factor. “We had Nachi, who is one of the best up-and-coming polo players in the United States,” Strouss says of the Del Rancho/ Black Oak side. “He was three goals last year, and he goes up to four goals as of June 1 this year.” Best Playing Pony went to 15-yearold Pichicata, a Uruguayan mare. Viana describes Pichicata as “powerful,” with a light mouth and an amazing start. The mare was bred on a cattle ranch in San Jorge, Uruguay, by Viana’s father. “It was all very even right up to the end,” Strouss says of the 2021 Chairman’s Cup. “All four teams were very evenly matched. It took everything.”
Opposite, Johann Colloredo-Mansfeld rides alongside Folly Fields’ Stephen Burr, Myopia’s Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld presents the Most Valuable Player to Ignacio “Nachi” Viana, below left, after topping a talented Folly Fields team that included Marcus Onetto, below right.
THE CHAIRMAN’S CUP Considered the premier tournament of the season at Myopia, the Chairman’s Cup is a national USPA 8-to 12-goal outdoor tournament. Longmeadow, Del Rancho/Black Oak, Galaxy Polo and Folly Fields competed in the 2020 tournament, which kicked off on July 19 and was ultimately decided in a close game on Aug. 3. Most Valuable Player went to Del Rancho/ Black Oak’s Ignacio “Nachi” Viana, who scored eight goals, and Best Playing Pony went to Pichicata, a Urugyan mare.
Del Rancho/ Black Oak
Folly Fields
Longmeadow
Galaxy Polo
3-1
3-1
1-2
0-3
Ignacio “Nachi” Viana Manuel Mazzocchi Johann ColloredoMansfeld David Strouss
Terri Campbell Stephen Burr Marcos Onetto Adam Snow
Ruben Coscia Reed Miller Kurt Miller Federico Wulff Ariandra Dogani
Robi Bilbao James Grayken William Grayken Santino Magrini Jennifer Williams Pedro Falabella
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ALONG FOR
a visual chronicle of the most thrilling moments of Myopia’s high-flying 2020 season. / Photographs by Jacqueline Miller
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THE RIDE!
ALON G FO R T HE R I D E
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60
ALO NG F O R TH E R ID E
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JACQUELINE MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY JacquelineMillerPhoto.com •••
Equestrian Sports / Horse & Rider Portraits / Wildlife Prints
SPOT LIG HT The family’s Black Oak team is represented by Simon, Johann, Franz and Seppi Colloredo-Mansfeld in 2012.
It Runs in the Family
Franz, Anne, Seppi, Johann, Simon and Annie Colloredo-Mansfeld have all become an integral part of polo, the hunt and life at Myopia. As far back as he can remember, Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld has known Myopia. His is a connection to the sport, the land and the spirit of the Club that goes back generations. Growing up in a Hamilton home where parents and greatgrandparents were club members, Colloredo-Mansfeld began hunting with Myopia at 7 years old. After a life of riding through the fields, hills and countryside of South Hamilton and beyond, he served as captain of polo for 10 years, stepping back after the 2020 season. And while the program thrived during those years, he’s quick to praise others when examining his time leading Myopia Polo. “I was co-captain for the 2011 season with my friend Albert Ellis, and then captain for the next nine seasons,” he says. “I had the good fortune to work with some terrific managers
— notably Cissie Snow, Nick Snow and Kim Maguire. These managers taught me much, and contributed enormously to the success and growth of the program.” He cites the history and traditions that continue to thrive at Myopia, including hunting, golf, tennis and polo. But the foundation has always been about family. “Another special aspect of Myopia Polo is that we have, since the very beginning — so well over 130 years — had families participating in the sport,” he says. “Families working together to care for their horses and play the sport together.” Among those families — his own. In addition to Franz and Anne Colloredo-Mansfeld, four of their children have honed their polo skills on Gibney Field. Seppi, 30, played and was captain of the polo team at Yale;
Johann, 27, also played in college and competitively all over the world; Simon, 25, played on some terrific teams with young American professional players like Will Tankard, Nick Snow, Felipe Viana and C.B. Scherer during his high school and college years. “We have all had the privilege and enjoyment of playing with these outstanding players, but Simon perhaps more than any of us, given his passion for the sport and commitment to the horse care, has probably had the most opportunities,” ColloredoMansfeld says. As the Colloredo-Mansfeld sons’ schooling and careers necessitated time away from Gibney Field — and it seemed that there would be fewer family members playing polo at Myopia in the summer — Annie, now 21, took up the reins. “She became passionate about the sport as she was finishing high school,” Colloredo-Mansfeld says. “She is a great athlete, a wonderful rider and had patiently groomed for her brothers at Myopia tournaments over many, many seasons, so seeing her competing on her own in the tournaments has been fun for Anne and me.” Though he hunted, evented and rode for almost all of his life, he came to polo through his children. “I saw how much fun they were having, so I figured I better get with the program,” he says. He describes the first few years as “rocky,” but credits the patient mentoring of Crocker and Cissie Snow and Lyle and Jon Graham — and wonderful, experienced grooms Karen Davies and Jose Franco — with helping him along and getting him hooked. 2021 myopia polo 63
Above: An annual family tradition — Franz, Annie, Johann and Simon (photo by Seppi) Colloredo-Mansfeld spend Thanksgiving morning hunting. The ColloredoMansfeld connection to the polo field has been an important one for Myopia. In the summer of 2019, Franz, pictured lower right with his wife, Anne, was awarded the Harriman Cup by Yale and UVA — an honor recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to polo and other equestrian sports.
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As always, it was a family affair. “The kids have become very good players, competing at Myopia, in college and in Europe,” Colloredo-Mansfeld says. “They have all surpassed me in their skills and knowledge of the sport, but happily we can all still play together. That’s what I have enjoyed most over the past decade. It’s been a wonderful shared passion and experience not only playing with the kids, but being involved in this incredible activity with the kids, Anne and my mother.” When the polo season ends, the leaves begin to turn and the North Shore air has a chill in it, preparations for an annual tradition begin. With plans to spend as much as four hours in the saddle on a late November
morning — jumping and riding through rough terrain — it’s a custom the family looks forward to each year. “One of my favorite traditions — and a perfect day if the weather cooperates — is hunting on Thanksgiving,” Colloredo-Mansfeld says. “I did this with my own parents in the ‘70s, and now 50 years later I get to do this with my kids. During the fall I work with our wonderful trainer and barn manager, Samatha Stevens, to keep the horses sound and fit through the three-month hunting season so that we can mount all five of us on Thanksgiving morning. The best part of Thanksgiving for me is enjoying our amazing countryside and this ancient tradition with my family. That’s a great day!”
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