2024 Santa Barbara Polo Magazine

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S ULTIMATE SHOPPING DESTINATION

A. Lange & Söhne · Alexander McQueen · Alexander Wang · Audemars Piguet · Balenciaga · Berluti · Bottega Veneta · Buccellati

Burberry · Bvlgari · Cartier · Celine · Chanel · Chloé · Christian Louboutin · David Yurman · Dior · Dolce&Gabbana · Fendi Ferragamo · Givenchy · Gucci · Harry Winston · Hermès · Isabel Marant · Jil Sander · Lanvin · Loewe · Louis Vuitton · Maison Margiela

Marni · Max Mara · Missoni · Moncler · Moynat · Oscar de la Renta · Prada · Roger Vivier · Saint Laurent · Stella McCartney

The Webster · Thom Browne · Tiffany & Co. · Vacheron Constantin · Valentino · Van Cleef & Arpels · Versace · Zimmermann partial listing

Valet Parking · Personal Shopper Program · Gift Cards · Concierge Services

Cover: Pelon Stirling and Jesse Bray battle for the ball in the 2023 USPA Silver Cup (Image by David Lominska)

Meet Tom, one of our esteemed advisors, pictured here with his loyal companion, Ringo. Their bond epitomizes the trust and loyalty that defines our approach at Whittier Trust. Just as Tom relies on Ringo, our clients rely on us to safeguard their futures and guide them towards a legacy that reflects their values and aspirations.

MAGAZINE

PRODUCTION

PRESIDENT & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Megan Kozminski

ART DIRECTOR

Travis Sarvas www.sarvasdesigncompany.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Emily Hurst

PHOTOGRAPHY

David Lominska www.polographics.com

Kerri Kerley www.kkerley.smugmug.com

Michelle Lauren www.michellelauren.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Mia Bray, Maria Cabrera, Maren Cukor, Monica Finley, Hayley Heatley Bray, Melanja Jones, Ray Cano Jr. Lisa Muirhead/Poise Publications, David Sigman

Santa Barbara Polo Magazine is the annual publication of Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. For advertising enquiries, email megan@mediaspur.com.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of the Publisher is strictly prohibited.

© 2024 Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club 3300 Via Real, Carpinteria, CA 93013

www.sbpolo.com | (805) 684-6683

TRUSTEES

Trustee President Chuck Lande

Glen Holden Jr., Pat Nesbitt, Geoff Palmer, Pat Ringer, Wesley Ru, Michael Sheller, Daniel Walker, Henry Walker

TRUSTEES OF DISTINCTION

Ambassador Glen Holden, Dr. Norman Ringer, Kenneth Walker

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Henry Walker

Vice President Rhys Williams

Secretary David Sigman

Daniel Walker, John Muse, Justin Klentner, Michele Neely Saltoun, Kevin Nimmons

STAFF

General Manager David Sigman

Polo Manager Melanja Jones

Polo Academy Director Jeff Scheraga

Facility Manager Sergio Jaramillo

Controller Ray Cano Jr.

Tennis Director Stephanie Stone

Sponsorship & Event Manager Maria Cabrera

Clubhouse Operations Manager Monica Finley

Polo Clubhouse Manager Martin Navaro

Barn Manager Judith Baker

Assistant Polo Manager Mia Bray

Ticketing & Social Member Manager Jessika Pappas

Photographer Michelle Lauren

AP & Accounting Kristina Martinez

Tennis Ambassador Bart Hillock

Head Tennis Pro Lance Kronberg

Tennis Pro Sara Scott

Tennis Supervisor Byron Wu

Swim Instructor Rochelle King

Executive Chef Sabrina Malone

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

To the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club community,

The Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club are proud to welcome you to another exhilarating season of spring, summer, and fall Polo in Paradise. The season will open with the “warm up” coaching league in April before ramping up to our fully subscribed 12-goal tournament series in May and June. In July and August, competition will intensify with our three nationally coveted high goal tournaments (16-goal) complemented by the ultra-competitive 8-goal Rincon League. The fun continues in the fall with our competitive USPA 8-goal tournaments followed by the Last Chance 1-goal tournament to close out the season in October. The commitment of our polo patrons, members, and professional players during this time of year is unparalleled in the United States as Santa Barbara hosts its 113th year as one of the greatest summer polo venues in the country. Our returning corporate sponsors and social members know that we host the best Sunday event in Santa Barbara.

Accompanying polo, our Tennis Club offers a premium experience with some of the best courts in Santa Barbara, in addition to a newly remodeled tennis clubhouse. Our club has always enjoyed the synergy between tennis and polo due to the shared passion of competition. We continue to host new programs and mixers for our tennis members, and look forward to their presence among our polo families at our pools and outdoor fitness center, enjoying the amazing Santa Barbara weather. For our youth, we anticipate another successful summer tennis camp.

Be sure to dine with us! We are excited for our members and guests to step into the world of culinary elegance and casual tastes at our Polo Grill. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Chef Sabrina’s imaginative creations. From succulent grilled meats to vibrant seasonal salads, each dish is a celebration of premium ingredients and culinary finesse. Whether you’re a longtime patron or a first-time visitor, Chef Sabrina’s menu promises something extraordinary for every palate.

Our Polo Grill will be open to all spectators for Friday Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm, Saturday lunch from 11am to 2pm, and our Sunday Polo BBQ beginning at noon. From craft cocktails to local beer and wine, our bars will continue to meet your libation needs.

Our committed staff, Board of Directors, and members are excited to welcome you to Polo in Paradise. For tournament schedules and ticket reservations, please visit our website at www.sbprc.com. See you soon!

Sincerely,

HENRY WALKER President, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

2024 Board of Directors

RHYS WILLIAMS Vice President

KEVIN NIMMONS Board Member

DANIEL WALKER Board Member

JOHN MUSE Board Member

MICHELE NEELY SALTOUN Board Member

JUSTIN KLENTNER Board Member

DAVID SIGMAN General Manager

SEASON SPONSORS

CLUB PARTNERS

FROM THE POLO MANAGER

When we use the phrase Polo in Paradise, 95% of the time we visualize a beautiful photo of Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club’s emerald fields with the turquoise Pacific Ocean in the background. Our ocean breezes and easy beach access are beloved trademarks of SBPRC.

But there is more to Polo in Paradise than a pretty picture and a 2-minute drive to excellent surfing.

Paradise is being on amazing fields with your family and friends, watching two generations (or more) enjoy the game of polo together, and then celebrating after the match in our historic clubhouse.

Paradise is seeing the best horses, which 100 years of breeding can produce, go head-to-head racing to goal. Or better yet, getting the opportunity to play one of those horses.

Paradise is hanging out in the sun at the tie-lines after the match, talking with your friends who all started in the Polo Academy together, complimenting those who played well and talking smack with those who are overconfident.

Paradise is seeing local parents, many of whom had never heard of polo until their kids begged them for lessons, alongside elite highgoal players, all equally excited about a youth tournament.

At SBPRC, some of our best views do not have a sliver of ocean in them. I know firsthand several polo players who think the best view is the one from their tack room, having a casual asado with friends and family, looking at their horses and talking about great plays and plays that could have been better in the last game, and dreaming up strategies for the next match.

Whether you are here for the polo, the party, or even the sandy beaches, we are here to help you define your personal ideal of Polo in Paradise

Sincerely,

MELANJA JONES Polo Manager

$6,950,000 | 4 BED | 5 BATH | NEWLY RENOVATED | PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS | POOL & SPA

INSIDE THE LINES Remarkable Reina

A grandstand packed with fans, the national anthem, and a stunning white flag horse named Reina make Sunday polo ceremonies at Santa Barbara unforgettable.

Reina was bred and trained to play polo by a gaucho in Argentina. After moving to the U.S., Reina played everything from 16-goal to junior polo with future pros like Marquitos Alberdi. Eventually making her way to California, it was at Eldorado Polo Club that Jenny Alter first laid eyes on the special mare: “I was drawn to her immediately. She was the most beautiful horse I had ever seen.”

When Jenny stepped back from polo, Reina was leased to other players who all agreed on one thing: Reina was a very special pony. A natural athlete, she was incredibly light and handy on the field. But an injury and her increasing age eventually forced Jenny’s decision to reimagine Reina’s career path: from polo pony to trick pony.

Jenny is renowned for training polo ponies to do tricks using liberty

horsemanship principles. She always uses positive reinforcement and never uses force in her training. Her methods lead to a solid foundation that lasts: once the trick is acquired, Jenny can go out to a pasture and the horse will repeat that trick for years to follow. The rear up that has made Reina famous was first taught from the ground to the cue of Jenny lifting her hands. During Sunday polo, Jenny is riding Reina, so the cue changes. When she points her toe at Reina’s shoulder, she rears.

With dedicated practice, a trick can be taught in just two weeks—but performing in front of a crowd while carrying a huge flag is a different story! Jenny remarks that it takes an exceptional horse not to act up, get nervous, or over-anticipate the flag run and trick performance.

Beyond her starring role at Sunday polo, Reina is known for her work as an equine model in a Ralph Lauren ad campaign. She is hoping to land more high-end modeling jobs soon, but until then, you can catch her live performance at Sunday polo throughout the season.

One of the most sought-after awards of the high-goal polo season is the Robert Skene Most Valuable Player award. In 2023, the award went to Mariano “Peke“ Gonzalez, the 25-year-old phenom who swept the season as captain of the nearly undefeated Brookshire polo team of Scott Wood, Pacquito de Narvaez, and Tomas Panelo.

Polo is in Peke’s blood. His grandfather, Daniel Gonzalez, was a fixture in Santa Barbara and brought dozens of players and teams to California. Long-time teammate and friend Glen Holden reflects on Daniel’s legacy: “Daniel Gonzalez won every high-goal tournament in California and played in the state for over 28 years. He is one of the best-liked, popular, and most helpful players on the West Coast.“

At the height of his career, Daniel achieved a 10-goal handicap, was a seven-time Argentine Open champion, and won several major tournaments in England, France, and the U.S. He was recognized for his lifetime contribution to the sport in 2019, when he was inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame.

Family Legacy

Daniel’s passion for polo continues to stand the test of time. Always one to share advice and guidance, his success on the field and as a muchadmired teammate and coach is now carried forward in the careers of his grandsons Peke Gonzalez and Pacquito de Narvaez. Last season, Daniel visited Santa Barbara to proudly witness Peke and Pacquito play together for Brookshire and win the prestigious USPA Silver Cup.

Peke reflects on the momentous occasion: “It’s always nice to have family watching and helping on the sidelines. And to have Daniel, besides being our grandfather, he won seven Argentine Opens and I don’t know how many Gold Cups in England…it’s amazing to have him helping and trying to improve our game. Having all the family there, and being able to win three big tournaments with my cousin Pacquito in Santa Barbara was really very special.“

California Homebreds

Polo players and ponies are international travelers, racking up thousands of miles on planes, trains, and automobiles. But rather than traveling abroad and importing horses from polo hotspots like Argentina, a growing group of California players are investing in homebreds, reaping the rewards of breeding and raising polo ponies in their own backyards.

One of the most famous California homebreds is Chocolate. Ken Berry bred Chocolate out of one of his best mares, Empress, by a stallion owned by Joel Baker named Morning Star. Berry played Chocolate for three seasons before Santi Trotz convinced him that the gelding had a future in high goal. Chocolate’s full potential came to fruition in partnership with Adolfo Cambiaso, earning him the Lady Susan Townley Cup for the Best Playing Pony in the 2013 Argentine Open.

Two of the biggest names in California Polo, Justin Klentner and Jesse Bray, have also started their own breeding operations. Some of Klentner’s earliest homebreds were out of Chocolate’s sire, Morning Star, mixed with American Thoroughbred dams. Since then, he has chosen top Argentine stallions such as Sapo Caset’s Popular and Chelo. Bray has only bred to one stallion, Ceasar, because he admires the horse’s calm and intelligent demeanour. Cybele Jordan, who has polo stallions Sargeant Pepper and Sargeant Mesquite standing stud in the Coachella Valley, seconds Bray’s inclination when it comes to the importance of temperament: “Athleticism and conformation are key, but it is also very important to consider disposition when breeding and training sport horses.”

Every polo player has one pony that they wish they could play forever, and Klentner uses breeding to try and realize this dream: “The only way to come close to replicating that best-ever horse is to keep the special mares and produce really good horses that can’t be bought. The super special horses from Argentina never come to us. We get everything the next level down, so this is the only way we will get even close to the same quality.“ Jesse Bray echoes Klentner’s sentiments: “Having the homebred system and my dad as a great trainer gives me the ability to have top quality horses without having to buy them.“

Both Bray and Klentner are now starting to see the results of their breeding programs as their homebreds graduate to the polo field. Klentner has homebreds in various stages of training around the United States, from Indio to Aiken, and Bray continues to add more homebreds to his string each season. The constant source of horses is a significant advantage: two summers ago, Bray had only one homebred in his string, and this summer in Santa Barbara, he will have eight.

Another Californian player, Tom Barrack, decided to try breeding to create larger polo horses that would be very strong defensively. He did this by crossing his favorite polo mare with Jaguar van Paemel, a Belgian Warmblood jumper stallion standing in California. Owner Geri Bidwell was thrilled to cross the successful jumper with a polo pony: “Jaguar is nimble and quick. Tom particularly liked how he covered ground, and knew that his athleticism would suit polo.“

Players are increasingly reaping the rewards of homebreds in California, and it is helping to put breeders, players, and horses on the map. Klentner concludes, “There is a bigger risk because you don’t know how they will turn out. But at the end of the day, you will have known them since they were born. If there are hidden quirks, you will already know and understand them. And this is a benefit in the end.“

LUXURIOUS POLO FIELD CONDO WITH STUNNING OCEAN VIEWS

AT $1,950,000 Beautiful and bright condo nestled in the Polo Fields offers one of the most breathtaking vistas of the sprawling green polo grounds, the shimmering expanse of the ocean, enchanting Santa Barbara Channel Islands and majestic mountains. Situated on the top floor, this corner unit is in a prime location, and seamlessly combines convenience, privacy, and sophistication.

Designed for Paradise

PARADISE GARDEN—SANTA BARBARA POLO & RACQUET CLUB

For over 25 years, PlantHaven International has been the world’s leading agency for independent plant breeders around the globe, and we are based right here, in sunny Santa Barbara, CA.

You can find PlantHaven varieties throughout the grounds at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and at your local Home Depot so you can create your own personal garden paradise.

www.planthaven.com

Dahlia ELECTROTM Pink

Photinia HIDEAWAY HEDGE™ Harvest Moon

Salvia BODACIOUS® Jammin Jazz

Colocasia ROYAL HAWAIIAN® Waikiki

Salvia VIBE® Ignition Purple + Fuchsia

AN INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN BOYD

By Emily Hurst

Over the past 25 years, Brian Boyd has played in countless tournaments at a long list of clubs across the United States and beyond. He is known as a gentleman of the sport, as well as a horse fanatic. The only thing that makes Boyd happier than polo is sitting down with old friends and new to chat about all things polo, including the special vibe that has kept him coming back to Santa Barbara Polo Club for decades.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET STARTED IN POLO?

I was introduced to the sport at the University of Texas. My friend, Matthew Smith, recruited me to fill in on the polo team because they were short of players. I loved horses and roping so it was a good fit. Matthew’s father, Charles Smith, was a Hall of Fame player and the son of former 10-goal player Cecil Smith.

I was a bit challenged learning to play because I’m left-handed. I remember Charles Smith telling me that I would have to start brushing my teeth and eating right-handed to get my brain turned around. They had a good laugh about that. He was also left-handed and made it to a 7 goal handicap so I knew it wasn’t impossible for me.

YOUR TEAM IS CALLED LA KARINA, WHERE DOES THAT NAME COME FROM?

It’s named after my wife. Her name is Karin but she grew up in Latin America with Spanish as her first language; all her close friends and siblings call her Karina. I love my wife and want her to come to all my games so I named the team after her. She’s also the reason for our pink jersey: she told us she loved us in pink!

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN YOU ARE BUYING A HORSE?

I have been told by the top players that the great horses should be able to be played by anyone at any level, meaning that a horse playing in the Argentine Open should be quiet enough that I can get on it even though I’m a sponsor. It should be like a luxury racecar: if I can drive it, you can drive it. But horses like this are difficult to find.

We are pretty focused on Argentine genetics. We’re looking for Argentine Thoroughbreds that are bred to play. I like to buy the finished product so I can enjoy them right away and I am willing to pay a premium for that.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SANTA BARBARA POLO CLUB?

There’s a great vibe in Santa Barbara. The weather and the people, the historic clubhouse, and the beautiful fields. It’s the perfect climate for humans and horses. It’s hard to check all the boxes on those things. A lot of clubs will have one or two but not all. There are also great grandstands—when you pack in a Sunday crowd it brings this energy. The horses feel it, the players feel it. The people are happy and it’s a nice place to be.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU PLAYED POLO IN SANTA BARBARA?

I first played here in 2003. I had a team with my good friends Kelly Beal and Dr. Amin. That’s when I really fell in love with the place. I have maintained a lot of my friendships from then to this day. It’s so hospitable, and the team owners are just wonderful.

Work got in the way for a while, but then I came back a few years later with Santi Wulff. I brought Santi here for the first time, and today he’s a club mainstay. I encouraged him to make Santa Barbara a base. The community really embraced him here; it has become his family’s second home.

In 2015, I returned with another dear friend of mine, John Muse, for the 12 Goal. We had such a blast that season. John got totally hooked on Santa Barbara and ended up being President of the Club for years.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU BACK TO THE WEST COAST?

I love the West Coast. It’s fun and the polo is great. Our kids also love it. My son, Patrick, lives in Santa Barbara and works in real estate. My daughter Madeline is a singer and songwriter, who has always enjoyed coming to Santa Barbara polo. My stepdaughter, Ailsa, is married to Carlos Gracida (a professional player), and he is based out here. We just bought a farm in the Santa Ynez Valley across the street from La Herradura. I’m really starting to think about Santa Barbara Polo Club and La Herradura as my new home base in the States for polo. I have always loved it here and the people at the club always treat me like I’m at home.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER SEASON?

Of course I am excited to see all my old friends. But I am also looking forward to playing the high goal with a really fun team. I am so excited to play the Pacific Coast Open. When I told my wife I wanted to play the PCO, she said “Well, you’re not getting any younger.“ It’s really a bucket list thing, and when Melanja told me they were moving it to the 16-goal level, I was so excited.

It’s hard to explain, but the vibe is just so great at this club. Pulling in those gates and unloading the horses, grabbing a cheeseburger and a beer after you win or lose; it’s all the little things. I’m looking forward to all of it this season. 

2009 17.2 hh BWP Grey Stallion by Cicero Z x Sandro

STUD FEE: Fresh Cooled $5000 w/LFG, 2500 Fresh w/No LFG & Frozen $1500 per dose BWP | xx : 35.17% - ISJ 1.50m | Approved for: Z

Just Gran Geste van Ten Bos Z

VAN

Otis Blue

ACWB 2014 GELDING

JAGUAR VAN PAEMEL X NUMERO UNO

JAGUAR

PAEMEL X TENOR MANCIAIS

Jade Z

J'Adore van Paemal Z

L ike , like

Sissi

1992 - Hann | xx : 39.46%

Rendez-Vous van Pa

1994 - BWP | xx : 23.05%

Sandro Z (Sandro 10

1974 - Holst | xx : 62.5%

Archipelia

1986 - Hann | xx : 12.51%

Picca Bella de Tilo

JAGUAR VAN PAEMEL X LANCASTER V2

JAGUAR VAN PAEMEL X EDJAZ VT MERELSNEST

JAGUAR VAN PAEMEL X DARCO

Women for the Win

In 2023, one of the best female players in the world, Hope Arellano, won 12-goal Season MVP honors in Santa Barbara. Mia Cambiaso, the ubertalented daughter of the legendary Adolfo Cambiaso, also ruled our fields last season, clinching the end of season award for the Best String.

The accomplishments of Arellano and Cambiaso mark the first time in the history of the club that women have received these two distinguished awards. Selecting award recipients is a democratic process whereby every 12-Goal league player and game official is granted one vote in each category. Voters must nominate a player on a team other than their own, and they, of course, cannot vote for themselves. Polo Manager Melanja Jones loved to see Arellano and Cambiaso recognized by their peers: “It was heartwarming to see so many players, many of whom have years of professional experience, give full credit and respect to these ladies, and vote for them as Season MVP and Best String.“

Sponsor Sarah Siegel-Magness plays alongside Cambiaso in Argentina and wanted to create the opportunity to play with her in Santa Barbara. In hiring Cambiaso, she also hoped to inspire others to hire women players: “Women professionals are often overlooked when it comes to teams. So, the idea was to set an example for others. Brian Boyd followed it soon after by hiring Hope Arellano. It was incredible to see both women thrive in a heavily male-dominated environment.“

Sponsor Brian Boyd was thrilled with Hope Arellano and all of his teammates. Over the course of the 12-goal season, his team won one tournament and qualified for the finals of two others, and Brian discovered that Hope was more than just a talented player, she was an absolute fan favorite! “Last year’s 12-goal team was great fun. Hope played especially well. She is an amazing person both on and off the field. The crowds loved her too – whenever she took off down the field with the ball, people would go nuts! She earned that MVP honor,“ confirms Boyd.

Santa Barbara native Cory Williams is another one of polo’s best young female players. Williams has long harbored dreams of playing in Wellington, Florida, at the U.S. Open Women’s Championship and in 2024, that dream became a reality. Williams’ journey to the Open began last year, when she had the opportunity to play with Clara Seppe and Milly Hine of the Buena Vibra women’s team. Months later, the call came from Hine asking Williams to join the 2024 Women’s

Open team: “I’ll never forget that phone call. It was unreal to get the invitation to play with Buena Vibra.“ Although the team lost in a qualifying final in Welllington, they knew this wasn't the end for them.

With renewed determination, Buena Vibra set off to the Championship tournament to become the only undefeated team – no small feat at such a high level: “Competition was fierce, and every game was a hard-fought battle. I believe our success came from our hard work, our good vibes, and our constant positivity. We had great team chemistry,“ reports Williams.

Sarah Siegel-Magness also battled her way into the Women’s Open final. Alongside teammates Mia Cambiaso, Cata Lavinia, and Meghan Gracida, Siegel-Magness’ 90210 polo team beat three strong teams to qualify. Siegel-Magness and Williams were slated to compete against one another for the trophy, but unfortunately illness removed Siegel-Magness from the game.

It is remarkable that two of the eight women to qualify for the 2024 U.S. Open final were from the Santa Barbara polo club. Years of hard work paid off for both Siegel-Magness and Williams to deliver them to the most prestigious women’s tournament in the country and showcase the strength of West Coast polo. 

Women's U.S. Open Images courtesy of Tatiana Frayssinet

Wine Country

By Emily Hurst

Santa Barbara County is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in California, with vines dating to the 1700s. Offering wines similar in quality and variety to Napa Valley and Sonoma, but with fewer crowds, Santa Barbara County was aptly named 2021 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

The Santa Ynez and inland San Rafael Mountain ranges create cool microclimates well suited to the production of various wines, particularly Rhône-style, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Here we meet a few of the region’s top wineries and get the story behind their award-winning wines.

Image courtesy of George Rose Photography

Margerum

Musttry!

Margerum’s Estate Grenache

“It keeps getting better and better. It’s gorgeous, almost like velvet, with beautiful fruits and an amazing complex structure. Extremely age-worthy, it’s one I come back to repeatedly.”

- Lisa Delanty, Tasting Room, Events and Wine Club Manager

Founder Doug Margerum has a favorite phrase; “Wine is good living.” His philosophy is that there should always be a food component to wine because, for him, that’s what brings people together.

A long history of travel and a career in the culinary world has defined Doug’s focus as a vintner. From a young age, Doug traveled extensively in Europe and was inspired by the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Getting his start as a restaurant owner of the Wine Cask in Santa Barbara, he has over forty years of experience in the industry.

The Margerum Estate Vineyard in Los Olivos grows 10 different grape varieties. Its flagship M5 Rhône blend is still one of its top sellers, alongside the Riviera Sybarite—the official Sauvignon Blanc of the 2024 Santa Barbara Polo Club season. Its Riviera Rosé (named for the French Riviera) comes in five different formats, from cans to bottles—perfect options for tailgating at polo.

At the Margerum tasting room, unique wine pairings range from charcuterie to sushi to oysters.

A five-course sushi bento box is prepared in partnership with B.B. Sushi at their Los Olivos tasting room and features sushi rolls, eel, sashimi, and Korean pork paired with Margerum and Barden Wines. The oysters and sparkling wine pairing features a dozen Kumamoto Oysters alongside Barden Blanc de Blanc.

Polo and Folded Hills have a long history. Former 6-goal player Andy Busch and his wife Kim relocated from St. Louis when he was captain of the U.S. men’s team, and they immediately fell in love with the area. They purchased a 600-acre family estate in Gaviota in 2004, land that 100 years earlier had been home to thriving vineyards.

Over the past 20 years, Folded Hills has evolved into a sustainable family farmstead complete with vineyard, winery, animal menagerie, private lake, and polo ranch. Long since retired from polo, Andy puts all of his energy into the ranch but still loves to watch polo, especially when his son Will is competing.

The Folded Hills' entire operation adheres to organic and sustainable principles throughout production. They incorporate biodynamic principles, such as considering the lunar cycles in vine development, and hand-pick the grapes at their peak.

The family-oriented vineyard has a tradition of naming its wines to honor their lineage: Lilly Rosé, the first estate-produced wine and a crowd favorite at Sunday Polo, is named after Andy's great-grandmother, Lilly Anheuser. In addition, August White is named for Andy’s father and grandfather, and the Grant Grenache is named for Ulysses S. Grant, the original owner of the family homestead in St. Louis.

A private tour is a must for those looking for the complete Folded Hills experience. This includes insider access to the vineyard, a tour of the private side of the ranch, and a tasting at the lake. The most exciting part of the private tour is a chance to meet and spend time with the ranch menagerie. The cast of characters includes a camel named George, a zebra named Zazu, and some Clydesdales from the Budweiser line.

Folded Hills Musttry!

August White 2021

The personal favorite of Kylie Enholm, Folded Hills Director of Operations, is the August White, an award-winning white blend of Grenache Blanc and Viognier.

Fess Parker

Musttry!

Ashley’s Pinot Noir (named after Fess’s daughter)

“Our single vineyard Pinots are really special and are some of my personal favorites. Our Ashley’s Pinot Noir comes from a vineyard that we developed in the Sta. Rita Hills in the 90s and it is one of our most popular wines.”

- Greer Shull, Director of Marketing (and Fess’s granddaughter)

The Fess Parker story begins in Hollywood. A hardworking country gentleman, Parker gained notoriety as an actor before transitioning his career into real estate development in the 1970s. Real estate, and a passion for wine, eventually landed Parker a 700+ acre ranch along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. More than 3 decades later, Fess Parker remains a multi-generational family-owned winery.

Twice listed as a “Top 100 Winery” by Wine and Spirits magazine, Fess Parker is an authentic family operation that focuses on sustainability and innovation. In 2020, their Estate Vineyard, Rodney’s, was SIP Certified (Sustainability in Practice), ensuring that each glass of wine is good for people and the planet.

The Fess Parker family recently remodeled both their estate tasting room and their boutique hotel, the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, to offer an immersive wine country experience to guests. They also have a new Santa Barbara Funk Zone tasting room that brings the winery’s offerings to the urban environment.

The Fess Parker family portfolio encompasses numerous labels, each with its own focus. The Epiphany label features Rhône grape varieties and has a dedicated tasting room in Los Olivos.

Established in 2015, Fesstivity focuses on sparkling wines with a tasting room aptly named The Bubble Shop.

Images courtesy of Fess Parker

According to Torrey English, General Manager of La Lieff Wines, three components are required to sell wine: a good story, a good purpose, and great wine. La Lieff has all three. Their mission is to produce outstanding wines and create a community that supports and uplifts women.

La Lieff is female-owned and operated. Founder Gretchen Lieff, formerly of Lieff Wines, set out to feminize the brand following her divorce. Changing the winery’s name to La Lieff, Gretchen also designed a new logo in the image of Gaia, the Greek representation of Mother Nature. She has focused on creating an environment that gives back to women and wildlife in Santa Barbara.

La Lieff grapes are sourced from Alamo Creek Ranch Vineyard, which has been in the Lieff Family for 15 years. Sustainable principles are prioritized at the vineyard, using methods such as drip irrigation to conserve water and cover crops to bring nutrients back into the soil after harvest.

“We have such an incredible variety of wines. There’s something for everyone,” explains Torrey.

“Our reds are wonderful and bold because they have Grenache in them. Our Valkerie red is a Grenache-Syrah blend, which is amazing because of the volcanic terroir at the vineyard. Our Gigi Rosé is one of our flagship wines, done in the Provence style, making it drier while also being well balanced and refreshing.”

La Lieff

Musttry!

La Lieff’s Rosé tasting flight

Showcasing four different wines, including their sparkling, the Rosé tasting flight is offered alongside a mixed flight and a red flight at their Funk Zone Tasting Room.

Images courtesy of La Lieff Wines

Monica and Josh with Client Service Associate Chloe Behm

FEBRUARY 21 & 23, 2025 NOVEMBER 8 & 10, 2024

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Paul Signac, Herblay – The Riverbank (op. 204), 1889. Oil on canvas. SBMA, Gift of Lord and Lady Ridley-Tree.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti, The Merciless Lady, 1865. Watercolor and bodycolor on paper. SBMA, Bequest of Leslie L. Ridley-Tree.

C elebrating a l ega C y of g iving

For over 25 years, Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree generously supported the Santa Barbara Museum of Art in its mission “to integrate art into the lives of people.“ They understood that acquiring art and building on the Museum’s strong holdings was essential. Through outright donations or underwriting, they brought 58 artworks into the Museum’s collection, most of which came as a recent bequest from Leslie Ridley-Tree.

A Legacy of Giving: The Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree Collection, on view July 7 to November 3, focuses on the Ridley-Tree’s gifts of primarily 19th-century British and French paintings. The exhibition will include artworks by such luminaries as Eugène Boudin, Gustave Caillebotte, Mary Cassatt, Gustave Courbet, Henri Fantin-Latour, Childe Hassam, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Camille Pissarro, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Paul Signac, and Alfred Sisley.

The Museum also presents In the Making: Contemporary Art at SBMA (July 21, 2024 – March 9, 2025) and Made by Hand/Born Digital (through August 25).

n ew D ire C tor a ma D a C ruz

sbma net / exhibitions

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is pleased to announce the appointment of Amada Cruz as the Eichholz Foundation Director effective October 30, 2023. Cruz comes to Santa Barbara from the Seattle Art Museum where she served as the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO since 2019. Born in Havana, Cuba, Cruz received a bachelor’s degree in art history and political science at New York University. Over her 30-year career, Cruz has held posts as the Director of the Phoenix Art Museum; Executive Director at San Antonio-based Artpace; Director of the Center for Curatorial Studies Museum at Bard College; and Acting Chief Curator and Manilow Curator of Exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. Cruz has also worked as a grant maker and was the founding Program Director, responsible for all programming activities, for United States Artists in Los Angeles, where she formed longstanding relationships with artists around the country.

“I am thrilled to be leading such a beloved and important institution and look forward to getting to know the various communities that make up my new home.”

Amada Cruz, Eichholz Foundation Director at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Open May – October Friday: 3pm – 6pm, Sunday: 2pm – 6pm

The Polo Boutique offers a wide range of gifts, hats, polo fascinators, men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, and kids wear. Visit us online at sbpolo.com

Style Guide

1. Enjoy the breeze in this Kaylee Mini Dress by Kivari available at Wildflower Women’s Boutique.

2. Channel your inner Pretty Woman with this polka dot Harper Midi Dress by Kivari available at Wildflower Women’s Boutique.

3. Timeless elegance meets cowgirl chic in the handmade leather Priscilla boot by Lucchese.

4. The Palermo Soho Tote by Stick & Ball is the ultimate in luxury and function.

5. The modern equestrian Stick & Ball Caballos Besando necklace adds a beautiful touch to any Sunday Polo ensemble.

6. No Sunday is complete without the perfect pair of sunnies, like the 70s inspired Rhine sunglasses by SALT.

7. Stomp divots like a pro in the Orito Wedge by Pedro Garcia, available at DIANI Boutique.

8. The Anna Hat by Van Palma is flirty, French and feminine, available at DIANI Boutique.

Santa Barbara Youth Sailing Foundation

Fishing at the Channel Islands

Santa Barbara Yacht Club

Nonprofit Organizations

Easter Sunday at the Sunken Gardens

Whale Watching Outdoor Lifestyle

Concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl

Santa Barbara Polo Season

And so much more...

by

Good luck to all teams at SANTA BARBARA POLO CLUB in 2024

From the Antelope Polo Team and Grant Palmer

Photo

David Lominska

SOCIAL GALLERY

Top row (L to R): Bob Fell; Sheryl Sick & Paige Beard; Will & Andy Busch; Margarita Lande & Wynne Ahern

2nd row (L to R): Cassie & Wendy Walker; Erin & Henry Walker; Emily Lafitte, Gina Tolleson & Carter Thicke; Harrison, Robin & Alex Fell

3rd row (L to R): Kiernan & Paula O'Callaghan, Susan Bradley, Leisa & Marc Cosentino, Mark Bradley; Phyllis Noble & Dan Stuart; Nolan Nicholson

Bottom row (L to R): Mary Stark & guests; Francisco & Georgette Escobar with Wendy & Matt Walker

Top row (L to R): Marc. & Leisa Cosentino; Jared Smith & Jessika Pappas; Dr. & Mrs. Richard Caleel; Megan Kozminski, Craig Hemme, Marissa Mills & guests

2nd row (L to R): Matt Walker, Chuck Lande & Kevin Mokarow; Henry Walker; Dr. Madison Richardson; Ben & Gimena Soleimani & family

3rd row (L to R): Chris Denson, Tony DeNunzio, Beverly Clark & Mindy Denson; Leigh Brecheen, Cassie Walker & guests

Bottom row (L to R): Teddy, Victoria & Wesley Ru; Kris & Jennifer Zacharias; Nico & Katy Peix; Charlie Walker & guest

Top row (L to R): Jason Crowder, Patrick Uretz & Hank Uretz; Halie Bissell & Lucas Escobar; Monica & Brooke Williams

2nd row (L to R): Jeep Holden, Nancy Shack & guest; Techi, Quino & Iñaki Laprida; Anita Avendaño Wulff & Emelia Wulff; John Muse & David Sigman

3rd row (L to R): Luke Klentner, Frank Smith, Marco Leone & guests; Ann Young; Andy Busch

Bottom row (L to R): Teddy & Victoria Ru; Scott Wood & Glen Holden; Paul & Gilbert Delagnes

Top row (L to R): Arshia Rios & guests; Deb Richards & Monica Williams; Danielle Travis & Melissa Van Horn

2nd row (L to R): Ron & Beverly Singer; Wendy & Michael Massa; Eileen & Sy Zahedi with Juan Curbelo; Avi Reichental & Jenna Jobst

3rd row (L to R): Paco de Narvaez, Gallego Ferrario, Pacquito de Narvaez, Jesse Bray & Pipe Vercellino; Pat & Ursula Nesbitt; Hilario Figueras & Grant Palmer

Bottom row (L to R): Helen Bry & guest with Deb & John Hillis; Jason, Jacquelyne & Winona Alexander; Amza, Bayne & Andrew Bossom; Mike, Patrick & Wiley Uretz

Top row (L to R): Pipe Vercellino, Christina Tebbe, Will Busch, Piers Bossom, Grant Palmer, Lucas Escobar & Mac Sharpe; Curtis Skene & guest; Amanda & Justin Klentner

2nd row (L to R): Deb Richards & Monica Williams; Danny Walker & David Sigman; Ambassador Hila Netaneli, April Sutton, Michelle Nichols, Dana Hansen & Natalie Bibas

3rd row (L to R): Inda & Maco Llambias; Kevin Mokarow & Rob Stenzel; Paco & Pacquito de Narvaez; Tomas Panelo & Margarita Lande

Bottom row (L to R): Justin & Luke Klentner; Kim Matar & guests; Courtney & Doreen Ladin

Top row (L to R): Topo, Anna & Manolo Mendez; Julio Arellano & Remy Muller; Luke Klentner & guest

2nd row (L to R): Mark O’Brien; Brian Boyd; Leigh Brecheen & Melanja Jones; Richard Minerds, Jenna Jobst, Lorraine Mullen-Kress & guest

3rd row (L to R): Chuck Lande & Sergio Jaramillo; Grant Palmer & polo fans; Claudia Uretz & Megan Judge

Bottom row (L to R): Santi Trotz, Lucas Escobar, Grant Palmer & Nico Escobar; Mia Bray, Hayley Heatley Bray, Hope Kerley, Hope Arellano & Emelia Wulff; Vivi Klentner, Jackson Offen, Rob Stenzel & Ella Offen; Bridgette Lacerte & Roberto Veras

Congratulations to Santa Barbara Polo Club on 113 Years of Polo, Family & Friendship

Best of Luck to all Teams in 2024

Ambassador Glen Holden & Family

POLO TRAINING CENTER SANTA BARBARA

TOP HONORS

BEST PLAYING PONIES

20 Goal Series

Cinco

OWNED AND PLAYED BY PEKE GONZALEZ

BEST PLAYING PONY: Farmers & Merchants Bank USPA Silver Cup

Open Convertida

OWNED BY BEN SOLEIMANI AND PLAYED BY IÑAKI LAPRIDA

BEST PLAYING PONY: Lucchese Robert Skene Trophy

LAC Cosmico

OWNED AND PLAYED BY LUCAS CRIADO

BEST PLAYING PONY: USPA Whittier Trust America Cup

OWNED AND PLAYED BY PEKE GONZALEZ BEST PLAYING PONY:

In 2023, Peke Gonzalez’s 12-year-old gelding Sapucai won his very first Best Playing Pony award. An Argentine-bred former pato pony out of Raspadita by Vasco Mambo, Sapucai was awarded his first blanket in the coveted Pacific Coast Open: “He deserved a blanket, and to win it in the final of the PCO was really special,” Peke admits.

Sapucai was hand-picked for Peke off the pato field in Argentina. Pato, the country’s national sport, is often described as a cross between polo and basketball. It is an aggressive and rigorous game, and pato ponies must demonstrate similar qualities to polo ponies, including agility, speed, and confidence.

Peke has played Sapucai every season since purchasing him in 2018. Following a few seasons in Argentina, where he played the Camara de Diputados and the Municipalidad tournaments, Sapucai came to the United States. Under Peke, he played the Gauntlet of Polo with Iconica, as well as a long list of other memorable tournaments, including the U.S. Open and C.V. Whitney.

According to Peke, Sapucai’s best quality is his attitude; “He’s aggressive owing to his history in pato, but he’s also sharp on turns and can run. When you ask, he does it well and with a good attitude. A complete horse who gives his all every chukker.” Sapucai displays his enthusiasm at the start of each game with a playful buck: his way of telling everyone that he is ready to play!

Sapucai

12 Goal Series

Open McGuire

OWNED AND PLAYED BY SANTINO MAGRINI

BEST PLAYING PONY: LUCID Motors Pope Challenge

Fantasia

OWNED BY FRANCISCO ESCOBAR AND PLAYED BY LUCAS ESCOBAR

BEST PLAYING PONY: Harry East Memorial

Caramelo

OWNED BY PACO DE NARVAEZ AND PLAYED BY PACQUITO DE NARVAEZ

BEST PLAYING PONY: Western Badge and Trophy

Los Machitos Hilux

OWNED BY KEVIN MOKAROW AND PLAYED BY ROB STENZEL

BEST PLAYING PONY: Jackson Hole Horse Emporium Vic Graber Cup

Dolfina Legendaria

OWNED BY VALIENTE POLO / J5 EQUESTRIAN AND PLAYED BY ROBERTO ZEDDA

BEST PLAYING PONY: Whittier Trust Lisle Nixon Memorial

LAC Pava

OWNED AND PLAYED BY LUCAS CRIADO

BEST PLAYING PONY: USPA Folded Hills Intra-Circuit

Astilla

OWNED AND PLAYED BY LUCAS CRIADO

BEST PLAYING PONY: Dean Mullins Cup

Pucara Inocente

OWNED AND PLAYED BY FACUNDO OBREGON

BEST PLAYING PONY: Polo Training Center Santa Barbara Cup

8 Goal Series

DICA Libra

OWNED AND PLAYED BY MACO LLAMBIAS

BEST PLAYING PONY: USPA Wickenden Cup

Cachafaz

OWNED BY KLENTNER RANCH AND PLAYED BY JAKE KLENTNER

BEST PLAYING PONY: USPA President’s Cup

Rincon League

Maria

OWNED AND PLAYED BY AGUSTIN MOLINAS

BEST PLAYING PONY: James Colt Classic

Dificil

OWNED AND PLAYED BY AGUSTIN MOLINAS

BEST PLAYING PONY: USPA Folded Hills General George Patton Jr. Carpinteria Cup

Open Cachefaz

OWNED BY KLENTNER RANCH AND PLAYED BY JAKE KLENTNER

BEST PLAYING PONY: USPA Folded Hills Summerland Officer’s Cup

Perruana

OWNED BY PACO DE NARVAEZ AND PLAYED BY KEKO MAGRINI

BEST PLAYING PONY: Malibu Cup

Fall Tournaments

Julia

OWNED AND PLAYED BY HATTIE WARD

BEST PLAYING PONY: Mixed Magic Invitational

Tiva

OWNED AND PLAYED BY MATT SHWARTZ

BEST PLAYING PONY: Last Chance Tournament

Kandinsky

OWNED AND PLAYED BY MAGGIE PAPKA

BEST PLAYING PONY: Women's 12 Goal Invitational

Virginia

OWNED BY CCPC AND PLAYED BY CLAUDIA URETZ

BEST PLAYING PONY: Second Chance Tournament

TOURNAMENT WINNERS 2023

Lucchese Robert Skene Trophy

Winners: BenSoleimani.com

Iñaki Laprida, Ben Soleimani, Rodrigo de Andrade, Keko Magrini

MVP: Rodrigo de Andrade

Winners: Brookshire Tomas Panelo, Pacquito de Narvaez, Peke

Gonzalez, Scott Wood

MVP: Peke Gonzalez

20 Goal Series

USPA Whittier Trust America Cup

NetJets Pacific Coast Open

Winners: Brookshire

Torito Ruiz, Tomas Panelo, Peke Gonzalez, Scott

Wood

MVP: Tomas Panelo

Winners: Brookshire

Peke Gonzalez, Pacquito de Narvaez, Scott

Wood, Tomas Panelo

MVP: Tomas Panelo

12 Goal Series

Harry East Memorial

LUCID Motors Pope Challenge

Winners: Antelope

MVP: Agustin Bottaro

Winners: La Karina

Hope Arellano, Carlitos Gracida, Brian Boyd, Jared Zenni

MVP: Hope Arellano

Santiago Trotz, Lucas Escobar, Agustin Bottaro, Grant Palmer

12 Goal Series

Jackson Hole Horse Emporium Vic Graber Cup

Western Badge and Trophy

Winners: Antelope

Santiago Trotz, Lucas Escobar, Agustin Bottaro, Grant Palmer

MVP: Agustin Bottaro

Winners: Dundas II

Roberto Zedda, Cody Ellis, Pacquito de Narvaez, Cable Magness

MVP: Cody Ellis

12 Goal Series

Whittier Trust Lisle Nixon Memorial

Dean Mullins Cup

Winners: Dundas II

Roberto Zedda, Cody Ellis, Pacquito de Narvaez, Cable Magness

MVP: Cody Ellis

Winners: Farmers & Merchants Bank Matthew Walker, Lucas Criado, Juan Guerrero, Danny Walker, Piers Bossom (alt.)

MVP: Lucas Criado

12 Goal Series

USPA Folded Hills Intra-Circuit

Polo Training Center Santa Barbara Cup

Winners: Farmers & Merchants Bank

Matthew Walker, Lucas Criado, Juan Guerrero, Danny Walker, Finn Secunda (alt.)

MVP: Lucas Criado

Winners: Mokarow Farms

Cory Williams (alt.), Kevin Mokarow, Facundo

Obregon, Bauti Peluso, Rob Stenzel

MVP: Rob Stenzel

8 Goal Series

USPA President’s Cup

USPA Wickenden Cup

Winners: BFBST Law

Bayne Bossom, Maco Llambias, Leigh Brecheen, Piers Bossom

MVP: Maco Llambias

Winners: Klentner Ranch

Patrick Uretz, Justin Klentner, Luke Klentner, Jake Klentner

MVP: Luke Klentner

Rincon League

James Colt Classic

Winners: Lucchese

Agustin Molinas, Jimmy Wright, Bauti Alessandrini, John Muse

MVP: Jimmy Wright

USPA Folded Hills Summerland Officer’s Cup

USPA Folded Hills General George Patton Jr. Carpinteria Cup

Winners: Lucchese

Agustin Molinas, Jimmy Wright, Bauti Alessandrini, John Muse

MVP: Jimmy Wright

Winners: Lucchese

Agustin Molinas, Jimmy Wright, Bauti Alessandrini, John Muse

MVP: Agustin Molinas

Malibu Cup

Winners: Sol De Agosto

Keko Magrini, Pacquito de Narvaez, Juan de Narvaez, Antonio de Narvaez

MVP: Antonio de Narvaez

Fall Tournaments

Mixed Magic Invitational

Winners: LUCID

Maco Llambias, Micaela Saracco, Brooke Bidwell, Leigh Brecheen

MVP: Leigh Brecheen

Women’s 12 Goal Invitational

Last Chance Tournament

Winners: Rowley Ranch

Matt Schwartz, Cort Rowley, Cory Williams, Mia Bray

MVP: Mia Bray

Winners: Rancho Del Sol Dayelle Fargey, Maggie Papka, Tennyson Hamir, Julie Reeske

MVP: Dayelle Fargey

Second Chance Tournament

Winners: World Gym

Cameron Smith, Tony Uretz, Claudia Uretz, Melanja Jones

MVP: Melanja Jones

Annual Awards

Peke Gonzalez

Hope Arellano

Robert Skene MVP Award

12 Goal MVP Award

Rincon MVP Award

Patrick Uretz

Spring Pro Pool High Point Award

Lily Hahn

Fall Pro Pool High Point Award

Jenny Alter & Paige Marshall

Rincon Sportsmanship Award

Ivan Weiss

Billy Linfoot Most Improved Award

Patricio Mondet

Big Ghee Best Groom Award

Diego Cruz

Clint Nangle Equine Welfare Award

Paige Marshall Grooms Race Award

Peke Gonzalez Team: Gerardo Ugarte Jr, Cayetano Mauricio

O’Hanlon USPA Best Groom Award

Jose Luis “Vicente“ Morales

Mia Cambiaso

Agustin Molinas

12 Goal Best String Award

Rincon Best String Award Club Pony of the Year Award

Reina OWNED BY JENNY ALTER

Polo Stallions Standing Stud at Rancho

Remuda

Sergeant Pepper is a third-generation polo stallion, 15.2 hands tall. He is out of Annie, a Bob Anderson bred thoroughbred polo horse, by Sergeant Tabasco. Tabasco was out of an American thoroughbred mare, a stakes winner and excellent polo horse, sired by The Sergeant - Andy Smith’s black New Zealand bred polo horse. Sergeant Pepper’s offspring are all well built with calm dispositions and athletic ability.

Also now standing stud at Rancho Remuda: Sergeant Mesquite, out of Marcella, by Sergeant Pepper. Marcella’s first baby, Silver lining, by Sergeant Tabasco, is playing high goal under Magoo Laprida. Mesquite has everything his sire has, conformation and temperament, only better. Discounted introductory stud fee this year, live foal guarantee.

TENNIS ANYONE?

From league play and clinics to peewee tennis and golden year mixers, the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club strives to provide a welcoming environment for all tennis members, new and old.

The club welcomes members and guests for competitive leagues, training, lessons, clinics, social gatherings and, as always, a friendly atmosphere. Eight championship tennis courts provide ample space for players of all ages. Highlights of 2024 will include the always popular summer camps, Cardio Tennis, and tennis mixers!

TENNIS CAMPS

We offer a fun and memorable experience learning tennis with our excellent teaching staff. Each day we develop athletic skills and tennis technique with drills, games, and match play, followed by a lunch break and more tennis. We finish the day with a dip in the pool. This year participants may order a catered lunch or bring their own. On Thursdays there is a Pizza Party and water balloon fight that all children thoroughly enjoy! Not only will your child learn the sport of a lifetime, they will also make memories and friends to last a lifetime.

SWIM AND FITNESS

Thoroughbred Sport Horses, Boarding, Training, Breeding & Sales

Cybéle J. Jordan | 760.217.0890

83260 61st Avenue, Thermal, CA RanchoRemuda.com

THE MOLLY QUIGLEY HIGH GOAL BEST STRING AWARD

The Molly Quigley High Goal Best String Award will be presented annually in honor of Molly's dedication and service to the polo community.

Remembering Molly

MOLLY QUIGLEY HAFFNER

Molly joined the Staff at the Santa Barbara Polo Club in July of 2016. Her dedication, loyalty, vision, passion, and warm heart continued to shine in everything she touched. Not only her team, but the entire club staff and vendors and members all gravitated toward her special touch. She fed and took care of thousands of members and nonmembers alike throughout the years, each receiving a sliver of her beautiful light. She quickly became an integral part of both the club and its horse community, calling both Santa Barbara and the club home. Her extended family became those she supported throughout the years, the Walker family, the Landes, Paco de Narvaez, and Katie Graham, to name a few. She was a true professional, known for creating classic private polo parties, backyard BBQs, and a fun “throw down.” She knew how to have fun and make others feel included and supported with her vibrantly large, warm heart. Looking back, she planned some of our most memorable events. Molly’s favorite hour at the club was when the days became calm as the stunning sun set over field 1.

We will miss her kind heart, her love of life, her passion for what was important to her, putting others before self, and her beautiful smile.

Survived by her husband Diego, who loved her completely, and she him; her proud mom and dad who will be forever changed at her passing; her brothers, Patrick and Dylan, who loved her to the moon and back, her grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins, who loved her endlessly; and also the family she chose.

Loved by so many, a day won’t go by that we won't wake up wishing she were here to love on, laugh with, and wrap our arms around.

“Molly had a generous heart. She had a strong desire to please her friends as well as the clients at the club. No request was ever too much. Even in her early twenties, she catered delicious polo club parties at our house for 80 people. No problem! Many people will remember her dog-sitting our Jack Russell Terrier, Napoleon. She was an animal lover too. We miss you, Molly.”

Katie Graham

“What we most remember about Molly is her beautiful smile and radiant heart. She was so warm and welcoming. She just wanted to make everyone happy and feel special. She would get the kids Shirley Temples and always dance with Ame. Ame has so many fond memories of working as Molly’s assistant. Molly really wanted to make everyone feel good and comfortable and important and she would do anything to make that happen.”

The Llambias family

“Molly was the heart and soul of the Santa Barbara Polo Club. She always had a smile on her face. Molly made me smile and laugh too. Her effort for the Santa Barbara Polo Club was at least 110 percent! Molly dearly loved this club and this love made her food and all of her glorious parties a lot of fun. Those of us who knew Molly loved her. Molly was our Secretariat in human form. But most of all Molly was a person I could call my friend. I miss my friend with her smiles and laughter. May she always rest in peace and happiness.”

Linda Walker

Polo ABCs

The anthem is performed before the feature match at Sunday polo. The ball is made of hard white plastic and can reach up to 110 mph. A chukker is a period of play in polo that lasts 7 minutes and 30 seconds. The divot stomp is a halftime tradition that invites spectators onto the field to repair divots made during play. Player equipment includes leather boots and kneepads, white pants, a team jersey, a mallet, and a helmet. A polo field is the largest in organized sports and is equivalent to the size of nine football fields. Players must move the ball through the goalposts at any height; if a flag is raised at the end of the field – a goal was scored! A defensive play that uses a mallet to interfere with an opponent’s swing is called a hook . Any infraction of the game rules is a foul, resulting in umpires awarding a penalty shot. Players must wear a team jersey with a number indicating their position: 1, 2, 3, or 4. When the ball travels over the end line outside the goal mouth, play is resumed by a change of possession and a knock-in. The most important rule in polo, the “line of the ball,“ is a right of way established by the path of the traveling ball. Mallets range in size from 49 to 54 inches, depending on a pony’s height. The near-side refers to the left side of the horse while the off-side refers to the right. Polo ponies can reach speeds of up to 35 mph, and players use multiple mounts per game. The Queen was a long-time supporter of polo and both of her grandsons, Prince William and Prince Harry, have played in Santa Barbara. A ride-off is a defensive play that allows players to use their ponies to push an opponent off the line of the ball, like a shoulder check in hockey. The rules of polo are designed to protect the safety of all ponies and players. Tournament winners’ names are etched on prestigious silver trophies. Umpires are game officials responsible for enforcing the rules of play. Club sponsors and partners are VIPs. Winning is what all players strive for. X is for crossing the line: one of the most severe fouls a player can make. Yellow cards are given to players who demonstrate unsportsmanlike conduct, resulting in a penalty. Polo handicaps range from -1 to 10 with zero being the most common handicap held by players around the world.

12 Goal Series

Tournament games on Fridays and Sundays

Lucid Motors Pope Challenge

May 3–5

Jackson Hole Horse Emporium

Vic Graber Cup

May 10–19

16 Goal Series

Lisle Nixon Memorial May 24–June 2

Folded Hills USPA Intra-Circuit

June 7–23

Tournament games on Fridays and Sundays

Ferguson Robert Skene Trophy

July 12–21

Whittier Trust USPA Silver Cup

July 26–August 11

USPA America Cup

August 11

NetJets Pacific Coast Open August 16–September 1

USPA 8 Goal Series

Tournament games on Saturdays and Sundays

Farmers & Merchants Bank

USPA Centennial Cup

September 7–15

Other Leagues

Early Bird Chukkers

April 13–21

Spring Pro Pool

April 25–June 16

Fall Pro Pool League

September 4–29

Farmers & Merchants Bank USPA Wickenden Cup

September 21–29

Rincon League 6-8 Goal

July 11–August 31

Rincon League games are played on opposite days from the 16 Goal

Special Tournaments

Spring Chance Low Goal

June 20–23

Mixed Magic Invitational

September 13–15

12 Goal Ladies Invitational

September 27–September 29

Pro Pool All Star Challenge

October 5–6

Last Chance Tournament

October 11–13

PTC Youth Tournaments

May 18 & August 31

Arena Tournaments throughout 2024

The Polo Academy invites everyone age six and above to learn to play polo. USPA Certified Polo Instructor Jeff Scheraga heads the Polo Academy and welcomes new players to learn about polo and be part of the club through lessons, clinics, coaching league, and arena league for adults and youth. No previous riding experience is required! The Polo Academy has safe, reliable polo ponies that teach students to ride and play all at once.

For more information on how Santa Barbara Polo Club can make your polo dreams come true, contact:

Jeff Scheraga, Polo Academy Director

Cell: (805) 755-8234

Email: jeff@sbpolo.com

VISITOR INFO

Grandstand Seating Map

The club offers Grandstand seating for spectators in the polo Clubhouse. The south side of the Clubhouse is for guests and the north side is for members only. For information on tickets for Sunday polo, visit sbpolo.com.

The Polo Grill

BITES TO SHARE

House Kettle Chips

Bowl of house made potato chips served with dill pickle ranch dipping sauce

$9

Chips, Salsa Roja & Guacamole

Freshly made salsa roja and citrus guacamole served with house made tortilla chips

$14

Buena Onda Empanadas

Choice of (2): Mushroom, Beef or Chicken Empanadas served with spring greens & Chimichurri sauce

$14

Chicken Potstickers

(5) Crispy Chicken Potstickers served with edamame & Asian dipping sauce

$15

Grilled Shrimp Cocktail

(5) Herb marinated large grilled shrimp served chimichurri aioli & Tequila lime cocktail sauce

$18

Mediterranean Mezze Plate

Roasted red pepper hummus, tzatziki dip, marinated feta, olives, vegetables, served with lavash & pita

$18

Ahi Poke

Asian Ahi poke served inside sushi rice, cucumber & seaweed salad, with eel sauce & sriracha aioli

$22

Cheese & Charcuterie

Assorted Artisan cheeses & prosciutto, bresaola, Genoa salami, dried fruit, Whole grain mustard, lavash & crostini's

$24

SWEET TREATS

McConnells Ice Cream

Choice of Turkish coffee, Salted Carmel or Chocolate

$14

House Baked Cookie Trio

Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle & Peanut Butter

$14

SALADS

Spicy Garden Salad

Chopped romaine, jalapeños, tomatoes, jack cheese, crispy onions, cucumber & chipotle ranch dressing

$12

Classic Caesar

Crisp romaine, parmesan cheese, & Caesar dressing

Add Chicken (+5) ~ Tri Tip (+7) ~ Grilled Shrimp (+8)

$14

Asian Chicken Salad

Yakisoba noodles, grilled chicken, Napa slaw, Asian dressing, sriracha aioli & toasted sesame seeds

$16

SANDWICHES & WRAPS

Caprese Sandwich (v)

Heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, sun dried tomato pesto aioli, balsamic reduction, served on ciabatta

$14

BBQ Chicken Salad Wrap

BBQ chicken salad with red onions, cilantro served with lettuce, tomatoes, pepper jack cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla

$15

Turkey Grinder Sandwich

Smoked turkey, Swiss cheese, tomato, red onions, pepperoncini’s, shredded iceberg lettuce tossed in a creamy parmesan dressing

$16

Tunacado Sandwich

Focaccia, zesty tuna salad with capers, Fresh dill, sliced avocado & chili crunch

$17

Muffuletta Sandwich

Genoa salami, Bresaola & Capicola with smoked mozzarella, dressed with house made tapenade, served on ciabatta

$18

Vian Sora, Dilmun, 2022 Oil and mixed media on canvas, Santa Barbara Museum of Art purchase with funds provided by the General Art Acquisition Fund, © Vian Sora, 2022

SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF ART