ELDORADO
Are we proud of our champion FMB teams?
YES, WE ARE. Santiago Toccalino
Lucas Escobar
Lucas Criado
Felipe Vercellino
Danny Juan & Rosendo Walker Monteverde AJ Walker
Henry Walker
Santiago Wulff
Felipe Marquez
Benjamin Avendano
2019 Belmond El Encanto Robert Skene Trophy Champion 2019 Farmers & Merchants Bank USPA America Cup Champion 2019 Silver Air USPA Pacific Coast Open Champion
FMB.com Member FDIC
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#LIVEAUTHENTICALLY @USPOLOASSN | USPOLOASSNGLOBAL.COM
Our distillery is 208 steps from the sea. We like the air and so does the whisky.
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CONTENTS
14 Sunday Polo 17 Season Sponsors 18 Try Polo! 22 Almanac ELDORADO
32 37 44 46
Life by Design: Ben Soleimani From the Field Spectator Sport Trendsetter: Sacha Lichine
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50 Running the Flag 54 Gallery 65 Polo Dreams 74 Winner’s Circle 2019
84 Tournament Schedule 86 Junior Polo 88 Memorial 90 Eldorado Map POLO
S R O T U B I R T N O C
KATE WEBER Kate Weber is a magazine associate, polo player, horse trainer, and the manager at Deer Creek Polo Club in Thermal, California. She likes to spend time at Eldorado with her friends, polo family and rescue pit bulls Honey and BooBoo.
SUKEY FORBES Sukey Forbes is an author, public speaker and avid polo player. She is the bestselling author of The Angel in My Pocket, A Story of Love, Loss, and Life After Death (2014) and As To Polo (2019). Her polo team, Mother Chukker polo, regularly competes at Eldorado.
SOFIA ABBIATI Sofia Abbiati is a recent graduate of Western University and has been around polo her entire life. She brings polo expertise, marketing and research experience to her new role as Social Media and Magazine Liaison.
PUBLISHER
PRODUCTION
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Megan Kozminski ART DIRECTOR Ryan Germain SALES ASSOCIATE Kate Weber PHOTOGRAPHY Kerri Kerley CONTRIBUTORS Sofia Abbiati, James a’Court, Graham Bray, Violeta Escapite, Sukey Forbes, Debbie Morrison, Lisa Muirhead, Andrea Salas, Travis Sarvas, Diane Thacker, Mike Ward, Kate Weber For advertising inquiries contact megan@mediaspur.com. © 2020 Eldorado Polo Club Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of the Publisher is strictly prohibited.
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Palm Springs Kennel Club Dog Show Indio Polo Season Begins Family Motor Coach Association Western Area Rally Sandstorm Lacrosse Festival Southwest Arts Festival in Indio
FEBRUARY Indio Health and Wellness Fair Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival
MARCH Indio Living History Festival
APRIL Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Stagecoach California’s Country Music Festival
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MAY Annual Desert Mental Health Arts Festival
SEPTEMBER Desert Theater Works Season Begins Mayor’s Cup Football Game
OCTOBER Taste of Indio State of the City
1.4 MILLION PEOPLE VISIT INDIO EVERY YEAR
NOVEMBER Indio California BBQ State Championship & Festival Dia de los Muertos Celebration Indio Powwow
DECEMBER Indio Tree Lighting Ceremony Indio International Tamale Festival Indio Arbor Day Celebration
For more information and a list of other events, please visit INDIO.ORG
WELCOME
ELDORADO POLO CLUB
The staff of Eldorado Polo Club (EPC) welcomes you to our 2019/2020 polo season. Since 1957, EPC has maintained a reputation as the desert’s premier polo destination. Significant field refurbishment has resulted in a premium playing surface for both horse and rider. The upgraded infrastructure of our facilities has resulted in a more pleasurable experience for players and spectators alike. The winter of 2019/2020 promises to be another exciting and competitive polo season. Starting with opening day on January 5th, Eldorado will host some of the most competitive polo in the Western U.S., including: the World Gym and USPA Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial tournaments in January; the USPA Carlton & Keleen Beal Cup and USPA Fish Creek Constitution Cup in February; and the legendary USPA Rossmore Cup Skins and USPA Pacific Coast Governor’s Cup tournaments in March. In addition to these competitive 4, 6, 8 and 12-Goal events, Eldorado will host 2-Goal, women’s, and junior league play during the season. Players who are new to the sport may train with professional instructor Kyle Fargey in our Polo & Riding Academy, where beginner through advanced students are welcome and no riding experience is required. Eldorado’s commitment to polo is managed by a great team of dedicated staff: Diane Thacker, Controller; Debbie Morrison, Assistant Polo Manager; James a’Court, Marketing and Events Director; Miguel Ramos, Field Foreman; Mia Bray, Polo Coordinator; Andrea Salas, Marketing and Events Assistant; as well as many other talented support staff. We also welcome many returning staff and friendly faces back to our onsite restaurant and bar: The Cantina. Polo players, spectators, locals and visiting guests make The Cantina at Eldorado their restaurant of choice throughout the season. Located on the east side of field 4, The Cantina offers us all the chance to gather and socialize over food, drinks and unparalleled views of Eldorado’s spectacular facilities. The Cantina is open Tuesday through Sunday from mid-October until late March. As we begin our 63rd season, EPC would like to recognize our successful ongoing affiliation with Goldenvoice, the promoters of the Coachella and Stagecoach concerts. Our relationship with them is important and greatly appreciated. We also extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, advertisers, spectators, players, and guests for your continued support and loyalty. We are always open to receiving your feedback as we strive to make Eldorado all that it can be, and we wish everyone the very best polo season.
50950 Madison Street, Indio, CA T. 760.342.2223 E. eldorado@eldoradopoloclub.com eldoradopoloclub.com Club Veterinarian: San Dieguito Equine Group, Mike Manno T.760.591.9952
STAFF Graham Bray, Polo Manager T. 760.774.2583 Diane Thacker, Controller T. 760.342.2223 James a’Court, Marketing and Events Director T. 760.831.9696 Debbie Morrison, Assistant Polo Manager T. 760.221.6276 Andrea Salas, Marketing & Events Assistant T. 760.342.2223 Mia Bray, Polo Coordinator T. 760.342.2223 Kyle Fargey, Polo Pro & Instructor Polo & Riding Academy T. 760.702.0244 Megan Kozminski, Instructor Polo & Riding Academy T. 403.926.7260 Miguel Ramos Field Foreman
Sincerely,
Violeta Escapite Office Administrator Tony Gregg Announcer Michael C. Ward President of the Board of Directors
Graham Bray Polo Manager
Kerri Kerley Photographer Bob Rambo Maintenance
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THE HEART OF POLO IN THE DESERT
SUNDAY POLO Field 1 – Eldorado Clubhouse | Sundays, January 5 – March 22, 2020 | Games at 12pm & 2pm | Admission: $10 per car
CLUBHOUSE RESTAURANT The best place to enjoy Sunday Polo, featuring table service, à la carte menu and full bar. Reservations recommended by calling (760) 831-POLO. Group bookings and special events welcome. $10 per person surcharge.
TAILGATING & GENERAL ADMISSION Enjoy the polo sidelines in casual comfort! Bring your friends, family, lawn chairs, pets (on leashes), a picnic, and set up your own perfect Sunday polo tailgating event. Take-away food and beverages are available in the Clubhouse Courtyard.
CANTINA PATIO POLO Saturdays & Sundays, December 28 – March 22, 2020 | Saturdays 12pm, Sundays 10am Get up close to all of the polo action while dining on the patio of The Cantina at Eldorado Polo Club. Matches feature play-by-play commentary as the thundering hooves roll by. Seating is first-come, first-serve, so be sure to arrive early! The Cantina is open Tuesday through Sunday and offers one of the most beautiful sunset views in the desert. Rub shoulders with the players at The Cantina at the weekly Sunday Polo After Party with live entertainment.
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Eldor ado Polo Club Season Sponsors
POLO
TRY POLO!
E L D O RAD O P O LO & R I D I N G ACADE M Y
FOR NOVICE AND FIRST-TIME PLAYERS No experience is required to enjoy a polo lesson. Our coaches will provide structured instruction on safe school ponies. You will be successfully riding and hitting the ball in your very first lesson!
Come try polo in a safe and fun environment. Just one warning: the sport of polo is very addictive – after only one game, you can become hooked for life!
FOR INTERMEDIATE AND EXPERIENCED PLAYERS
-Kyle Fargey, Polo Professional & Instructor
Practice makes perfect! Join us for specialized private or group lessons, or weekend clinics. Or learn more about rules and strategy in Coaching League.
A POLO EXPERIENCE Host your next corporate event or custom Polo Experience at the polo club. We welcome players of any skill level. Make a day of it: enjoy a lesson, take in a tournament game, and enjoy lunch in the Cantina or Clubhouse.
YOUR PONY IS WAITING Ponies, polo tack and equipment included. Lessons range from 1 to 1.5 hours in duration with prices starting at $85. School horses suit players of all levels, or you are welcome to bring your own seasoned polo horse.
KYLE FARGEY MEGAN KOZMINSKI kyle@eldoradopoloclub.com 403.926.7260 | eldoradopoloclub.com/polo-academy
Top Polo Ponies
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ALMANAC RESURRECTING A CLASSIC
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ldorado member Sukey Forbes recently re-released As To Polo, a classic book on polo that covers almost every facet of the sport. As To Polo was originally published in 1911 by Sukey’s great-great uncle William Cameron Forbes. Cameron was Governor General of the Philippines and founded the Manila Polo Club during his tenure. An experienced horseman who played alongside the likes of Rudyard Kipling and General George Patton, William wrote As To Polo as a primer for the game. The book was very popular for players of all levels until it went out of circulation in the 70s. “Of all the books I read when I began playing, I found As To Polo to be the most simplified and yet packed with helpful information. I decided it needed to be back in circulation, and I got down to work on updating the manuscript.” And with that, Sukey Forbes gave new life to an old classic.
EXCERPT FROM AS TO POLO With regard to selection of ponies: I like to see ponies that are well coupled and keep their feet well under them, and personally I sacrifice speed to handiness, although I know some players who sacrifice everything to speed. I never begin on a pony that is hard-mouthed. I do not advise beginners to try to teach themselves and the pony to play at the same time. They can do much better if they take a trained pony and concentrate their attention on themselves. I know experienced players who have ruined a pony or two every year through inability to handle them properly, usually on account of hard hands. With these players polo ponies habitually go wrong, as only an occasional horse is found that they can manage. Careful players with light hands can get along with almost any horse. Horsemanship: A horse may be greatly saved by resting her in play. A great many players, particularly beginners, feel that they have to gallop all the time, that they are not playing if they are not galloping and when the opportunity comes for a moment’s rest, when the horse can stand still or be galloping slowly, they are still galloping madly about and getting themselves out of position. To save a horse properly, it is necessary to know exactly how to play an opponent. If you place your pony in such a relation to that of your corresponding opponent that he cannot get at the ball without passing you, and you are vigilant about watching him, you can very often save your pony and hold her with very little exertion on the part of player and horse so as absolutely to cover your opponent. Thus, if a ball comes back you may be able to meet or if it passes you will be ready to turn and, by hooking or hard riding, prevent your corresponding opponent from getting the ball, and thus entirely cover your position. The polo player should make a rule never to gallop one unnecessary foot.
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ORANGE COUNTY POLO GOES MODERN
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est coast polo is swinging. There are clubs up and down the coast providing first class polo and introducing new players to the game. As people look for unique, local experiences, polo offers a one-of-a-kind solution for spectators and would-be players alike. With the emergence of large-scale arena polo events showcasing the action up close, audiences are particularly drawn to the spectacle and intensity of arena polo. Add in an Argentine asado or chic cocktail party and you have created a lifelong memory. At the Orange County Polo Club, the polo experience as we know it has been reimagined. With its sophisticated twist on full-service polo and event hospitality, guests are welcomed into a rarefied world that has traditionally been inaccessible. The classical western landscape, buildings reminiscent of old California, and horses peering out from their stalls will transport you to another time and place. Recently featured in Architectural Digest, the Clubhouse at OC Polo sets the tone of this extraordinary modern retreat. The
custom brass bar, a banquette that turns into a stage, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto the viewing deck, all come together to create the perfect backdrop. With its casual comfort and clear nods to the sport
of kings, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. OC Polo Club lessons, chukkers and private events are offered year-round. Visit www.ocpolo.com for more information.
POLO + MUSIC
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usic events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach Festival attract over 1 million visitors to the Coachella Valley each year. In response, the concept of polo clubs as music venues is gaining momentum around the country. In Florida, Grand Champions Polo Club kicked off their Spring season with a special concert performance by Thievery Corporation. This past August, Denver Polo Club welcomed record crowds to PoloFest, where high goal polo games were the prelude to music headliners such as Kygo and Chelsea Cutler. And in early September, the first annual Santa Barbara Country Music Festival was hosted at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, welcoming headliners Hunter Hayes and Honey County to the club’s pristine polo fields and Pacific Ocean locale. Polo + Music = a huge success for polo and music lovers alike.
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IN THE NEWS
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arketing and Events Director James a’Court and his lovely wife Ali welcomed their first born, Lucas William, on May 2nd, 2019. Antelope team member Jimmy Wright and Kristen Hiller were recently married in Half Moon Bay. Jimmy proposed on a romantic boat ride on July 4th in Lake Tahoe. Remy Du Celliee Muller and Tica Bengston were also engaged in Yosemite National Park in late October. Team Captain of the Klentner Ranch polo team, Jesse Bray,
and his long-time girlfriend Hayley Heatley were engaged on October 23rd. Jesse got down on one knee in the middle of a horse pasture, surrounded by his polo pony family. After several years playing professionally in Florida, Eldorado is thrilled to welcome Jesse Bray back to his home fields. And after a few seasons at Santa Barbara Polo Club, Mia Bray has taken a position at Eldorado, working alongside her dad Graham and Debbie Morrison as Games Coordinator for the 2019-2020 season.
PLAYER PROFILE Name: Nick Fernandez Age: 10 years old Hometown: Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico When and where did you start playing polo? I got my first foot mallet before I could walk. I started playing on a horse when I was 3 years old at Deer Creek Polo Club in Thermal, California. Who are your polo mentors? My mentors are: my mom and dad because they introduced me to the sport; our ranch manager Goyo Mariscal who taught me how to ride and take care of the horses every day; Carlitos Galindo who helped me with my swing; Memo Gracida who taught me about turning the ball; and Jose Donoso who taught me to have a light hand and about the game in general. What do you love most about the sport of polo? The adrenaline and the horses are what I love most about polo. Who is your favorite polo pony and why? My favorite polo pony’s name is Speedy. He is a chestnut gelding and he is the
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fastest out of all my horses and he moves really well. What are your goals for the future? To be a 10-goal player by the age of 15. Who would be on your polo dream team? My polo dream team right now would be myself, Adolfo Cambiaso, Jose Donoso and Pelon Sterling. My dream team in the future would be myself, Leon Donoso, Poroto Cambiaso and Paquito de Narvaez.
What do you like most about playing at Eldorado? I like the fields. They are really nice to play on. Also, I like going to eat at The Cantina after my polo games.
Nick Fernandez is the youngest player in the Pro Pool League at Eldorado. Look for Nick playing on the Sayulita Polo Team in 2020.
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PONY PROFILE Meet Argentina: a 12-year old bay mare played by Marcelo Abbiati and owned by Ron Mathison of Highwood Polo. Argentina, as you may expect, was born near Buenos Aires, Argentina. She was moved to Florida and played several seasons with the Villa del Lago team, until Matias Obregon decided to take her on for some re-training. Ron and Marcelo were fortunate to purchase Argentina from Matias a few seasons ago and now she is one of the stars of Highwood’s polo pony string, receiving Best Playing Pony honors in the 2019 Rossmore Skins Tournament final. What makes Argentina so special? Marcelo describes her as very smart and agile with tremendous stamina. “She knows the game extremely well and she can anticipate the next play very well. She doesn’t waste energy doing anything that you don’t ask her to do. She has a great temperament and is a pleasure to work with in the barn.” Look for Marcelo Abbiati playing Argentina in the 4th chukker of Highwood Polo games throughout the Eldorado season.
QUICK STUDY
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wo years ago, Aaram Safai started lessons in the Eldorado Polo & Riding Academy. His start up was slow, joining lessons once a month in the early season. Come February, Aaram asked instructor Kyle Fargey “How am I ever going to improve at polo?” To which Kyle replied, “You need to ride as much as you possibly can!” A resident of Riverside, Aaram moved to the desert and committed to improving his riding, horsemanship and polo skills. His training included everything from laps on the exercise track to horse care and tacking. Aaram even traveled to Canada for a portion of the summer, where he worked as a Polo Assistant at the Calgary Polo & Riding Academy. “The hardest part of my polo training has been learning to ride and understanding the correct use of aids—like my legs and hands, and my entire body! The greatest part has been making amazing new friendships along the way and that feeling of hitting the ball with loft at a gallop.” Aaram’s goal for the future? “I want to invest in a solid string of ponies and play on Eldorado field 1 with Kyle Fargey on my team.”
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WHAT’S IN A NAME?
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id you know that the name of Eldorado Polo Club dates to the 1950s, but the history of the word El Dorado dates back more than 400 years? El Dorado is a Spanish reference to a land or mythical place of riches and wealth. Legends tell of a South American ruler who coated himself in gold dust and then submerged his gilded body in a lake, while his loyal subjects tossed offerings of gold and jewels into the water. Spanish explorers referred to this ruler and his ‘Where can it be— land as El Dorado and many subsequent This land of Eldorado?’ adventurers went in search of this lost city of gold. ‘Over the Mountains In modern times, El Dorado is used as Of the Moon, a term for any place of abundance, wealth Down the Valley of the Shadow, or opportunity. It is the name of cities in Ride, boldly ride,’ Arkansas and Kansas, and the title of a famous poem by Edgar Allan Poe and a The shade replied,— much-loved movie starring John Wayne. ‘If you seek for Eldorado!’ As English usage of the Spanish word proliferated, the two words came to be -Excerpt from Eldorado by Edgar Allan Poe, 1849 often combined into one word: Eldorado.
A PLACE LIKE NO OTHER 30 years in the making, the Orange County Polo Club is a venue unlike any other, offering both stunning event spaces and a variety of polo experiences for you and your guests to enjoy. Although the ranch is located only thirty minutes from Newport Beach, you’ll immediately find yourself transported as you drive through the rolling hills and winding roads of Silverado Canyon. • • • • •
Year round turn-key polo for all levels Polo school and Interscholastic team Charming ranch style polo barns and locker room Member + guest events in the Clubhouse Plan your next private event with us!
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ocpolo.com
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Life by Design: BEN SOLEIMANI Ben Soleimani is as passionate about polo as he is about design. Hailing from four generations of rug purveyors and widely respected as a design innovator, Ben recently embarked on a new venture with Bensoleimani.com. The direct to consumer approach of his namesake brand appeals to discerning clientele looking for luxury home design pieces. Although launching his new company requires significant energy and attention, Ben’s enduring passion for polo brings him from Los Angeles to Eldorado every weekend of the winter season. Soleimani is an avid player, listing numerous tournament wins in England, Argentina and the United States amongst his accolades.
Photo by David Lominska
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Here Ben reflects on his passions, accomplishments and vision in an exclusive interview with Eldorado Polo.
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ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIS POLO CAREER “I played for the first time while I was living in England with the Hanbury family. When I returned to the United States, I took up polo once again with Stormi Hale. Shortly thereafter I met Miguel Torres, Sr. and I remember being amazed at how he played. The rest is history—within a week I owned my first string of polo ponies.” Soleimani quickly took to the sport and began competing alongside some of polo’s greatest players, and there was no hesitation when asked about his greatest polo accomplishment: his most memorable tournament, the Cartier Queen’s Cup, is a title coveted by players around the world. Playing alongside his favorite teammate, Adolfo Cambiaso, Soleimani admits that he learned more from him in three months than he had learned in the previous 20 years: “Every person on the team plays better when Cambiaso is out there with you.”
ON HIS EXPERIENCES IN ARGENTINA “Argentina is like going to camp. While you are there, you breathe polo, eat polo, everything is around polo. It is an amazing feeling. The level of polo available is unparalleled: playing a 30-goal practice every day is normal. I am the most relaxed and play my best when I am there. But I will say the very best thing that came out of Argentina was my family.”
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ON HIS NEW VENTURE BENSOLEIMANI.COM Soleimani turned his efforts towards a whole home approach with his new brand Bensoleimani.com. His expertise in textiles, textures and utilizing fabrics in unexpected ways paved the way for a successful launch. “Bensoleimani.com is a reflection of the whole home and my sense of style. My life motto is Less is More. All the pieces are very clean and practical. My vision is to provide original designs, exceptional service, and unprecedented pricing for the quality.”
ON FAMILY Outside of his dynamic design career and competitive polo pastime, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife Jimena and their young twins. And it will only be a matter of time before we see the Soleimani children in the Junior polo program: “The twins love horses, thankfully! Horses will be a big part of their life growing up.” A long-time member of Eldorado, Ben Soleimani was honored with the Ronai White Sponsor Dedication Award in 2019, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to the sport. Look forward to much more to come from Ben and the Bensoleimani.com polo team, who will compete in the 8- and 12-Goal leagues at Eldorado Polo Club in 2020.
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ON TRAVEL AND DESIGN INSPIRATION Soleimani has played around the globe, soaking in inspiration for his various design projects when not atop a horse. “Traveling makes you grow in every way and opens your eyes. Polo has taken me to places and allowed me to see things I would not have seen otherwise. All these experiences have refined my eye. Home for me is practical. It needs to be beautiful, but practical. We want to live. Everything as far as decoration is practical as well as beautiful.”
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FROM THE FIELD
Above: Advanced Junior players take in a weekend practice game in February.
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Above: Grant Palmer goes to goal for the Antelope Jr. team in the 8-Goal Coachella Valley final. Left: Highwood battles Bensoleimani.com in the Skins 12-Goal tournament.
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Above: Dan Walker of Farmers & Merchants Bank and Maco Llambias of Highwood in the 12-Goal Skins tournament. Left: Santi von Wernich takes the ball out of the air for the Bensoleimani.com team in the March 12-Goal league.
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S P O R T S P E C T A T O R
Polo is a high-speed and exciting display of horsepower and horsemanship. It is also a game of amazing strategy and intelligence, on behalf of both players and ponies. It is important that the rules of polo are comprehensive because they are designed to keep human and equine athletes safe. When it’s time to watch your next polo match, keep these facts and figures handy and you will come to understand and enjoy the sport on a whole new level.
A polo field is 300 yards long by 160 yards wide, roughly the size of nine American football fields.
Each polo team is made up of 4 players and teams change ends after every goal.
Polo ponies reach speeds of up to 35 mph and the polo ball can travel up to 100 mph during a game.
Each match is made up of four to six 7 1/2-minute chukkers, or periods of play.
All polo players carry a handicap between -2 and 10. Players with a handicap of 2 and above are usually professionals.
An imaginary line is established by the direction of the ball’s movement. The primary rule in polo is that play follows this line. The player who is closest to the ball with the narrowest angle to the line has the right-of-way.
There are 4 minutes between chukkers to allow players to change mounts.
Women, men, amateurs and professionals all compete side by side in polo.
If a game ends in a tie, the teams play suddendeath overtime.
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POLO GEAR CLIPPED MANE Ponies have clipped manes to eliminate interference with the player’s reins during the game.
POLO SADDLE Fitted and secured closely to the horse’s back and withers, saddles are relatively flat and have little padding under the leg, allowing for maximum movement.
POLO PONY Full-sized polo horses, referred to as “ponies,” are mostly thoroughbreds with speed, stamina and agility.
BRIDLE Leather strapping and a copper or metal bit that provides control in steering and stopping.
POLO WRAPS Support for the pony’s legs and protection for tendons from the ball.
BRAIDED TAIL Ponies tails are braided and secured for less obstruction to mallets during the game.
MALLET A flexible bamboo shaft with a hardwood head. Mallets come in different lengths to accommodate for the height of the pony.
POLO BALL Traditionally made of wood, the modern polo ball is made of hard plastic.
GAME DAY ETIQUETTE Half-time is 10 minutes long and spectators are invited onto the field to stomp divots. Dogs are welcome to polo games but must always be on leash. Spectators should not approach the horses in the end-zones or at the side of the field at any time. Action extends beyond the edge of the polo field, so spectators must avoid approaching the sidelines and pay attention to the play.
POLO
Trendsetter: Sacha Lichine In 2006, the idea of producing luxury dry rosé for the international market was groundbreaking. At that time, a dry rosé was an unknown quantity in America. While Provence had a dry rosé market in its corner of the world, marketing a pink wine as a delicate luxury sipper seemed an almost insurmountable task, and Sacha rose to the challenge. He hired world-renowned winemaker Patrick Léon, whose pedigree included working at Sacha’s family wineries in the 1970s, followed by over 20 years at Château Mouton Rothschild. Together Sacha and Patrick created a fine wine that would help usher in one of America’s most profound shifts in wine culture in decades: Whispering Angel rosé.
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Provence was France’s very first wine region—established over 2,600 years ago—and the birthplace of rosé. It took a lifetime of experience in the wine industry for Sacha Lichine to discover his place in the history books of rosé, but he is writing quite the chapter. Sacha grew up surrounded by wine on his family properties in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux. His father, Alexis Lichine, was a prominent figure in international wine: he was a wine entrepreneur and exporter, a writer, and contributed to the reclassification of wine appellations in Bordeaux. Sacha learned a very important lesson from his father that has driven his own innovation in the wine industry: “We don’t follow trends; we set them.” Sacha set out at an early age to carve his own path. His first company set up luxury wine tours to give Americans an intensive 3-week educational tour through France’s many appellations. This sense of being a bridge between the New and Old World continued in all of Sacha’s wine ventures, as an exporter and then a négociant focused on developing a selection of small domaines, vins de pays and Burgundian wines. At age 27, Sacha inherited his family property, Château Prieuré Lichine, in Margaux. He ran the Château until 1999, when he decided to take his family legacy of innovation and strike out to find a property that he could call his own. After eight years of searching, he was drawn to a rugged property in Provence. Château d’Esclans’s 100-year-old vines are nestled in the heart of Provence, 25 km from the waters of the Mediterranean. The land inspired an idea in Sacha, to find a niche in the international luxury wine market that was waiting to be filled. He set his sights on popularizing Provence’s greatest treasure: beautiful rosés.
Sacha proudly promotes his wine all over the world, from the Hamptons to Hollywood, the Four Seasons Resort Nevis in the West Indies to the fastest growing frontier wine market: Asia. Whispering Angel and its sister wine Rock Angel, as well as the old-vine single vineyard Les Clans and Garrus wines, are sold in more than 100 countries, and Château d’Esclans is the most popular rosé producer in the world.. Order a bottle of Whispering Angel at your next Eldorado polo match. Whispering Angel can be found in the Clubhouse and at The Cantina at Eldorado throughout the winter polo season.
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Running the Flag: CATLIN DIX Who is the awe-inspiring flagbearer that kicks off Sunday polo at Eldorado? Catlin Dix is a respected horse trainer and polo player who makes Eldorado Polo Club her home each winter season. For the duration of the year, she runs a Washington State cattle ranch that has been in her family for five generations. At home on the ranch, she trains horses out of a barn that her great grandfather built. Catlin received the Sunny Hale Horsemanship Award at Eldorado Polo Club last season. Past award winner Kate Weber interviews Catlin Dix to learn more about polo, her horses, and what it means to run the flag. Kate: You do a great job as flagbearer. Have you had lots of practice? Catlin: I was active in college rodeo and started as flagbearer then, so I have been doing it for about 13 years. I always try to make each run better than the last. Everyone loves to see the horse and flag go fast and I try to put on a good show each Sunday. It’s an honor to run the flag and I’m proud to do it at Eldorado. Kate: What makes a good flag horse and how do you decide which horse to use? Catlin: I’ve used about 10 different horses over the years. The two special horses that I often use at Eldorado are Bananas (the buckskin) and Hippie Chic (the paint). The most important thing is for a flag horse to be reliable and confident. It needs to handle the pressure of running hard and being chased by a flapping flag in front of a crowd of more than one thousand people. The pony must also be able to make a hard stop and stand still when necessary. I find that polo ponies make great flag horses because the pressure of the game and the skills that are required are similar. Kate: When did you start riding horses and playing polo? Catlin: Apparently when I was a small infant I wouldn’t stop crying. So, my mom put me on top of a horse in the lap of my uncle Pat and I immediately stopped crying! I was on a horse a lot as a child. From the age of 9 to 14 years old I competed in eventing, then I transitioned to polo because a lot of my cousins played. Eventually I played polo with my 4 cousins, 2 uncles and mother - between the 8 of us, we made up 2 family polo teams.
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Kate: Who has had the greatest influence on your horsemanship and polo career? Catlin: My mom always encouraged my riding and polo—she is the reason that I have this profession today. Along the way, I’ve had so many mentors and I try to surround myself with really good horse people in order to learn from them. I am always learning and I have been lucky enough to gain knowledge from my own family, as well as many professionals in polo, eventing, rodeo, reining, and colt starting. Kate: What do you love most about the sport? Catlin: I love the horsemanship required for polo. I love horses and horse training. And certainly, I love the camaraderie in polo and the opportunity to travel and meet new people. Kate: What was it like to win the Sunny Hale Horsemanship Award?
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Declo is a small city in southern Idaho, known for its semi-arid climate, rolling fields, stunning mountain views, and excellent air quality. It is also home to one of the country’s premier polo destinations: Cotterel Polo Farms at 6S Ranch. Our farm is situated on thousands of acres of stunning land and our team mission is simple: to host fun, competitive, allinclusive summer polo at a state-of-the art facility. We welcome polo enthusiasts of all levels to our amazing location in southern Idaho, which boasts three manicured playing fields, an exercise track, and modern, comfortable lodging for our players and their equine teammates. Our facilities were built with both players and ponies needs in mind. And when the polo games and tournaments are over, visitors enjoy great meals from the custom-built quincho as well as an array of activities from hiking and skeet shooting to kayaking and ATV rides. Organizing and managing polo can be stressful to the point of taking the fun out of the game, so let us do the hard work while you and your group relax and focus on making this summer your best polo season yet. We welcome half and whole teams, and the team sponsors make all the decisions on level of play, practice and game days. No matter your handicap or whatever level of polo you desire, we will create teams and games that optimize fun, and minimize stress!
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You won’t have to waste a moment traveling to or from the fields next summer. We offer on-site lodging for members of your team, and stabling for the ponies—all conveniently located within minutes of the polo field. When you and your group stay in our lodge, you have access to our large dining area and spacious recreation room. Our giant, airy lodge replicates the feeling of being surrounded by the Rocky Mountains under the open sky with large, pane-free windows, natural wood interior accents and modern yet rustic farm décor. Travel to Declo, Idaho and spend your summer at a turn-key polo club nestled in beautiful mountain surroundings. Imagine your horses galloping towards goal on our lush green fields in the invigorating mountain air. That’s what it’s like to play polo at Cotterel Polo Farms at 6S Ranch. To learn more, call us today to speak with a member of our team. We can answer any questions you have and book your organization’s next season.
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Contact us today to make plans for next season:
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GALLERY
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1. Chris Maloney and Jimmy Wright; 2. Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni; 3. Maco and Megan Llambias with family and friends; 4. USPA Umpires Fergus Gould and Kimo Huddleston; 5. Sunday Polo Divot Stomp; 6. Santi von Wernich; 7. Reg Whyte
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8 1. Patrick Uretz; 2. Emilia and Francisco Rodriguez Mera; 3. Ulysses and Uly Escapite; 4. Sukey Forbes; 5. Thermal polo team; 6. Kathleen Ahlgren and friends; 7. Catlin Dix; 8. Whispering Angel brand ambassadors
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1. Shannon Smull Mendez; 2. Dayelle Fargey and Birdie; 3. Topo Mendez and Felipe Sordelli; 4. Alex Green; 5. Iselin Cubbage and Vanessa Mannix; 6. Julie Block Fernandez; 7. Farmers & Merchants Bank polo team; 8. James a’Court and Leo; 9. Brock Rubin
8 5
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1. Lila Hanson; 2. Twin Palms polo team; 3. Jakey Kyle; 4. Peter Blake and Louisa Fikes; 5. Malia McCoy; 6. Violeta and Ulysses Escapite; 7. Jared and Catalina Sheldon; 8. Jenny and Francisco Benardoni
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1. Lyn Cobb, Fred Mannix, F.D. Walton, Krista and Ron Bonaguidi; 2. Marisa Wells, Kendall Plank, Hannah Heitzig and Cory Williams; 3. Andrea Salas, Anna and Bear Coscia; 4. Kate Weber, Rico Varge, Bill Devane, Megan Kozminski and Alex Jacoy; 5. Ulysses and Ezekiel Escapite; 6. Marcelo and Sofia Abbiati; 7. Piers Bossom, Ryan Kerley and Joe Coors; 8. Lauren Whitlock, Jennifer Sims and Lindsey Cox
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POLO TRAINING CENTER SANTA BARBARA
Polo Training Center Santa Barbara (PTCSB) is a charitable organization that encourages the growth of polo by operating and supporting programs for players of all levels. PTCSB will encourage the development of goodwill and sportsmanship as well as teaching the skills necessary to participate successfully in the game of polo.
DIAMOND $20,000 AND HIGHER Gary Magness Family Foundation Muse Family Foundation The Klentner Family SB Members, LLC.
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SILVER $1,000 A ND HIGHE R Chuck and Margarita Lande, Santi Wulff and Anita Avendano, Andrew and Amza Bossom, Paco de Narvaez and Rocio Gonzalez, Rick and Pam Brown, Tara Gray Jewelers, Chris and Laura Maloney, Lacerte Family, Paige Beard, Patrick and Ursula Nesbitt, Richard Bailey, Jef and Katie Graham, Dan and Elena DeMeyer, Leigh Brecheen
BRONZ E $100 A ND HI GHE R Uretz Family, Michelle Stuber, Jimmy Wright and Kristen Hiller, Manos Family, Nigel Gallimore, Dominque Mielle and Juan Carrillo, Chris and Mindy Denson, Brian Rubin, Ben Brecher, John Ewasik, Nico Pollero, Ryan Stoll, Morten and Lisa Wengler, Lance Kronberg, Ashley Fickel, Guy Genis, Bobby Diaz, Graham and Debbie Bray, David Lominska, Geoff Friedman, Elisabeth Smith, Jeff and Naima Scheraga, Glen Annie Golf Club, Toyota of Santa Barbara, Shannon McGraw
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Wishing all teams at Eldorado Polo Club the best of luck in 2020
WE HAVE YOUR BACK ON OR OFF THE FIELD
Contact:
David Moore
Senior Vice President 951.346.0811 dmoore@naicapital.com Cal DRE Lic. #00763044
GOOD LUCK TO ALL TEAMS AT ELDORADO POLO CLUB IN 2020
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POLO DREAMS
The top players in the Eldorado Junior Polo program are wise beyond their polo years and have big dreams for the future. Ranging in age from 12 to 17 years old, the experiences and aspirations of these players are simply inspiring.
QUINN KYLE Age: 13 | Rating: B How did you get involved in polo? My dad started playing polo and after watching him and his business partner take a couple of lessons, I decided I wanted to get involved. Favorite pony? My favorite pony is Italia because she is very fast and has good lateral movement. Favorite polo memory? My favorite memory is when I ran into a goal post and fell off during a lesson while I was trying to score a goal. Whenever I think about it, I start to laugh! Polo role model? My role model is our Bush League pro Ulysses Escapite because he has taught me so much about the game and I enjoy his playing style. Dream junior team? I enjoy playing with all the kids at Eldorado. I also admire Poroto Cambiaso’s playing style and would love to play with him someday. Dream tournament to win? I would like to win the Argentine Open with Adolfo Cambiaso, Facundo Pieres, and Polito Pieres. I would also like to win the Governor’s Cup at Eldorado with my dad Virgil.
“Always try your best in the game and never give up.”
LARS NEUMANN “I want to be rated 2 Goals by the time I graduate high school.”
Age: 16 | Rating: B.5 How did you get involved in polo? I started when I was 4. My dad Christian played for many years, so I grew up watching polo. Favorite pony? My favorite pony is Curley. He was a very hard horse to control at first but after working with him for the past few months he is getting better and better. He is always happy to be around me and is a great friend. Favorite polo memory? My favorite polo memory is playing polo in England with my godfather. I enjoyed that moment very much because I was around horses and the barn all day and could ride whenever I wanted. Polo role model? My polo role model is Tono Iturrate. I look up to him because he is humble, kind to his horses, rides with pride and plays very well. How do you want to improve as a player? By playing more advanced polo and practicing constantly. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I would like to be a medical doctor and play polo on the side. Dream tournament to win? I would like to win this year’s Governor’s Cup as it is my first year playing a higher level of polo.
POLO
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MICAELA SARACCO Age: 12 | Rating: B
“I want to win the Argentine Women’s Open.”
How did you get involved in polo? I started when I was 7, I got involved because my dad is a polo player. Favorite pony? Polola, because she is agile and easy to handle. Favorite polo memory? My favorite memory is when I played my first tournament because it was a lot of fun. Polo role model? My dad, he is amazing at what he does, and he isn’t just a player, he’s a horse trainer, blacksmith and a great salesman. Polo motto? Always have fun. Dream Junior team? A team of friends who are fun to play polo with. How do you want to improve as a player? I really want to improve my thinking in the game, and all I really need is practice and observation.
PIERS BOSSOM “Play polo with everything you’ve got, and don’t ever give up.”
Age: 13 | Rating: A How did you get involved in polo? My dad played in the army and my mom trained racehorses. Favorite pony? Greyhound. She is my favorite because I can get to every play on her and she gives me the most confidence. Favorite polo memory? When I played in the finals of the 8-Goal league in Santa Barbara and the team that I played for won and I was awarded MVP. Polo role model? Facundo Sola. He is an up-and-coming player and he plays his hardest every single game. Pre-game ritual? Drink coffee. Junior dream team? Myself, Ryan Kerley, Bayne Bossom, Ian Schnoebelen. Dream tournament to win? The Open, playing with the best team in the world.
JAZMIN TROTZ Age: 15 | Rating: B How did you get involved in polo? I’ve always been involved in polo because of my family and I started playing at the age of 10. Favorite pony? My favorite pony is Mambo. He has been part of my family since I was born. Favorite polo memory? My favorite polo memory is winning the Manipur tournament. The winning prize was to play another tournament in India. Polo role model? My polo role model is my dad Santi. He encourages me to keep going and never give up; he taught me everything I know. How do you want to improve as a player? I think that practice and dedication will help me improve. Dream tournament to win? My dream is to play the Argentine Women’s Open.
ELDORADO
“Always have fun and enjoy every moment of the game.”
The Foundation ThePolo PoloTraining Training Foundation proud Sponsor Sponsor of isisaaproud ofthe the EldoradoJunior Junior Polo Eldorado PoloProgram Program Lyn Jason Cobb & family support this advertisement in honor of the LynMack Jason & Jason familyMemorial support this advertisement inofhonor of the & Cobb Madelyn Tournament. A portion all entry Mack & from Madelyn Jason Memorial Tournament. A portion of fees the Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial Tournament areall entry feesdontated from theto Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial Tournament are the Polo Training Foundation and its youth programs.
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Contact: Jana Sue Conkwright janaelordi@gmail.com | 760-989-1369
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RYAN KERLEY Age: 16 | Rating: B.5 How did you get involved in polo? I’ve been playing polo for as long as I can remember. I got involved in the sport through my parents. I am a third-generation player through my dad’s side of the family. Favorite pony? It is almost impossible for me to choose one favorite pony, but I am going to choose the one that got me truly involved in the sport: a mare named Minuet. She is a great thoroughbred and a true kid’s horse. She got me to where I am today. We retired her almost two years ago. Favorite polo memory? Winning the NYTS tournament last year with my sister Hope and both of us getting an All-Star award. Polo role model? My polo role model is my dad. There are so many reasons why he is, but one reason is how much he cares about the horses. No one focuses more on horse care than he does. Polo motto? You only get out of polo what you put into it. Junior dream team? Myself, Poroto Cambiaso, Camilo Castagnola, and Piers Bossom. How do you want to improve as a player? I would love to keep improving as a horseman. I want to keep working on my current string and my future string of polo ponies.
“I would love to win the U.S. Open.”
RILEY JORDAN Age: 17 | Rating: A
“I hope to have a great job that allows me to play polo for the rest of my life.”
How did you get involved in polo? I played at Eldorado in the leadline division on my little pony. Both of my parents have played for over 30 years, so I was born into the sport. Favorite pony? Her name is Muskoka and she’s my favorite because she is the baby of my first horse, and she is turning out to be a very talented athlete. Polo role model? My polo role model would have to be both of my parents. They taught me everything I know. Pre-game ritual? My pre-game ritual is to listen to music and try to relax and get pumped up at the same time. I think the most important thing for me is being calm out on the field. Dream junior team? The dream team would be me, Bayne Bossom, Ian Schnoebelen, and Grant Palmer. How do you want to improve as a player? I can improve in every aspect of my game, so I think overall improvement to me is very important. I need to practice and get more games under my belt. Dream tournament to play? I’ve always wanted to play in the U.S. Open and hopefully I’ll be playing with my junior dream team if things go well for all of us!
POLO
Best of luck to all teams in 2020.
THE MOST MEMORABLE THE MOST PLACE FOR MEMORABLE SUMMER PLACE FOR SUMMER polo polo
www.se attle poloclub.com www.s eattlep o lo c lu b.c o m
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Home of the 2020 USPA PNW Governor’s Cup, U Sportsmanship Cup & the Seattle Polo Part Home of the 2020 USPA PNW Governor’s Cup, USPA Sportsmanship Cup & the Seattle Polo Party
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DINNER
Thursday Night Trivia Sunday Live Music Late Night until Last Call
OPEN Tuesday-Thursday 11am - 10pm OPEN Friday-Sunday 8am - 10pm CLOSED Mondays BREAKFAST 8AM - 11AM Friday - Sunday HAPPY HOUR Daily 3PM - 6PM
76 0.7 75 .3336 AT ELDORADO POLO CLUB
50950 Madison St • Indio, CA (Enter off Madison St, Between Ave 50 & 52) Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TheCantina760 for the latest on events and promos!
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BECAUSE THE SEASON IS TOO SHORT TO PLAY WITH BROKEN MALLETS CUSTOM MALLETS SALES | REPAIRS
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The Ronai White TheTheRonai White Sponsor Dedication Ronai White Sponsor SponsorDedication Dedication
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2011 theWhite commencement of themarked The Ronai Sponsor ofDedication the The Ronai Sponsor 2011 marked theWhite commencement Trophy. Dedication Trophy. of the The Ronai White Sponsor This award will be given annually
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M I D L A N D
P O L O
commitment, and This awardoutstanding willsportsmanship be given annually exhibited leadership, exemplary performance in the sportsmanship to commitment, one sponsor who has and sport of polo. exemplary performance in the exhibited outstanding leadership, sport of polo. commitment, sportsmanship and exemplary performance in the sport of polo.
C L U B
2020 SPRING & FALL
56 at the Midland Polo Club • Adult and Kids Polo School • Arena and Grass Coaching Leagues • No riding experience necessary For more info on polo matches or polo school call Megan at 414-651-8091 or email at megan@hiddenviewfarmpolo.com
8 GOAL PRO AM
MIDLAND POLO CLUB 5401 POLO CLUB ROAD MIDLAND, TX 79705 midlandpoloclub.com
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WINNER’S CIRCLE 2019 TOURNAMENT LEVELS
SPECIAL TO ELDORADO
To appreciate the variety of levels of tournament polo hosted at Eldorado, you need a basic understanding of the player handicap system. All players receive a handicap between -2 (beginner player) and 10 (the best in the world!). In a 4-Goal tournament, the sum of all players’ handicaps equals 4, in 8-Goal tournaments, the sum of the players’ handicaps equals 8, and so on.
The World Gym Tournament is sponsored by the Uretz Family and honors Mike Uretz’s career as CEO of World Gym International. The Jason Memorial Tournament honors Mack and Madelyn (Gilmore) Jason, who were part of the founding group of memberowners at Eldorado Polo Club. The Carlton & Keleen Beal Memorial Tournament is presented by Karlene Garber Beal in honor of the significant contributions made by her late father and mother to Eldorado and the sport of polo across the country. The Fish Creek Cup is presented by Fred and Li-Anne Mannix as a tribute to Fred’s Fish Creek polo operation and its decades of success and contributions to polo in California, Florida, Canada and abroad. The Fish Creek tournament is also played as part of the Junior polo tournament series, in addition to the Joe Barry and Artie Cameron Memorials, to commemorate the years of support offered by these generous members to junior players.
RECOGNITION AWARDS The MVP award is presented to the player who makes a significant contribution to their team and demonstrates excellent skill in the final game (relative to their handicap rating). Similarly, the Best Playing Pony award is presented to a pony who has an outstanding performance in the tournament final.
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USPA ROSSMORE SKINS CUP 12 Goal
WINNER Highwood: Ron Mathison, Francisco Rodriguez Mera, Marcos Llambias, Marcelo Abbiati
MVP Marcos Llambias
BEST PLAYING PONY Argentina, owned by Ron Mathison & played by Marcelo Abbiati POLO
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USPA PACIFIC COAST CIRCUIT GOVERNOR’S CUP 6 Goal
WINNER Bush League: Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Jose Rodriguez, Ulysses Escapite
MVP Jose Rodriguez
RUNNERS UP Centurions: Cheryl Schindel, Ignacio
BEST PLAYING PONY Ygritte, owned by Bush League
Saracco, Luis Saracco, Topo Mendez
& played by Jose Rodriguez
KETEL ONE OPENING DAY
KETEL ONE OPENING DAY
8 Goal
4 Goal
WINNER Lazy 3: Peter Blake, Louisa Musselman Fikes,
WINNER OceanAir/Thermal: David Carlson, Felipe
Audry Persano, Jared Sheldon
Sordelli, Ernesto Ezcurra, Reg Whyte
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CARLTON & KELEEN BEAL CUP
CARLTON & KELEEN BEAL CUP
WORLD GYM TOURNAMENT
12 Goal
4 Goal
4 Goal
WINNER Bensoleimani.com: Tomas Alberdi, Remy Du Celliee Muller, Ben Soleimani, Santiago Von Wernich
WINNER Thermal: Lamar Rutherford, Felipe Sordelli, Rodrigo Salinas, Reg Whyte
WINNER Ocean Air/Thermal: David Carlson, Felipe Sordelli, Ernesto Ezcurra, Reg Whyte
MVP Tomas Alberdi
MVP Felipe Sordelli
BEST PLAYING PONY Pepo, owned by Reg Whyte & played by Felipe Sordelli
BEST PLAYING PONY Felina,
BEST PLAYING PONY Lucas,
owned by Ignacio Saenz & played by Francisco Rodriguez Mera
owned & played by Rodrigo Salinas
POLO
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FEBRUARY LEAGUE
MACK & MADELYN JASON MEMORIAL
MARCH LEAGUE
12 Goal
8 Goal
6 Goal
WINNER Farmers & Merchants Bank: Dan Walker, Julian Mannix, Mariano Gutierrez, Alonso Andrade
WINNER Antelope: Grant Palmer, Geoff Palmer, Santiago Trotz, Jimmy Wright
WINNER Bush League: Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Jose Rodriguez, Ulysses Escapite
MVP Mariano Gutierrez
MVP Santiago Trotz
MVP Ulysses Escapite
BEST PLAYING PONY
BEST PLAYING PONY Black
SportsCenter, owned & played by Jared Sheldon
Jack, owned by Abby Riggs & Dayelle Fargey & played by Ulysses Escapite
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USPA FISH CREEK CONSTITUTION CUP
USPA FISH CREEK CONSTITUTION CUP
12 Goal
4 Goal
WINNER Antelope Jr: Grant Palmer, Jose Ignacio Martinez, Peter Blake, Felipe Vercellino
WINNER Centurions: Luis Saracco, Ignacio Saracco, Cheryl Schindel, Lesley Tims
MVP Jose Ignacio Martinez
MVP Ignacio Saracco
BEST PLAYING PONY Vienna,
BEST PLAYING PONY Maga,
ALL-STARS Jazmin Trotz, Athena
owned by Ben Soleimani & played by Santi Von Wernich
owned & played by Luis & Ignacio Saracco
Malin, Ian Schnoebelen, Ryan Kerley, Hope Kerley, Riley Jordan, Grant Palmer (missing), Bayne Bossom (missing)
NYTS
WINNER Antelope: Hope Kerley, Grant Palmer, Ryan Kerley, Jazmin Trotz
BEST PLAYING PONY December, owned by Andrew Bossom & played by Bayne Bossom
POLO
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USPA COACHELLA VALLEY OFFICER’S CUP
USPA COACHELLA VALLEY OFFICER’S CUP
8 Goal
4 Goal
PRO POOL
WINNER Bush League/Farmers & Merchants Bank: Virgil Kyle, Ulysses Escapite, Henry Walker, Dan Walker
WINNER Cotterel Farms: Jennifer Luttrell-Benardoni, Mike Kerley, Francisco Benardoni, Gabriel Saccullo
JANUARY Vancouver: Nicolas Maciel, Dean Medwin, Ronda Kanitz, Jay Garnett
MVP Henry Walker
MVP Francisco Benardoni
FEBRUARY Urban Dog: Gemma Contreras, Topo Mendez, Lee Robinson, Kim Garsed
BEST PLAYING PONY Martina,
BEST PLAYING PONY Alba
owned & played by Santiago Trotz
owned by Jimmy Wright & played by Ernie Ezcurra
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MARCH Zephyr: Gemma Contreras, Hannah Cope, Elizabeth Humphries, Lamar Rutherford, Rodrigo Salinas
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ANNUAL AWARDS RONAI WHITE SPONSORSHIP AWARD The Ronai White Sponsorship trophy, generously donated by the patrona of the Casa Blanca Polo team, recognizes a sponsor who exhibits outstanding leadership, commitment and sportsmanship.
WINNER Ben Soleimani
ROBERT SKENE MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD The Robert Skene Award celebrates the contributions made by the legendary 10-Goal player to the sport of polo in California and is presented to the player who shows the most improvement over the course of the season.
WINNER Shannon Smull Mendez
ALONZO ‘CHANGO’ GALINDO AWARD The Alonzo ‘Chango’ Galindo Award recognizes a person who makes a special contribution to the club, and who has a positive influence on club staff, members or supporters.
WINNER Santiago Trotz
SUNNY HALE HORSEMANSHIP AWARD The Sunny Hale Award is presented to a female player who contributes to the sport and exemplifies the positive and encouraging spirit of Sunny Hale both on and off the field.
WINNER Catlin Dix
POLO
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PACIFIC COAST CIRCUIT WOMEN’S CHALLENGE
PACIFIC COAST CIRCUIT WOMEN’S CHALLENGE
PACIFIC COAST CIRCUIT WOMEN’S CHALLENGE
A Flight
B Flight
C Flight
WINNER Alazanas Foxi: Kate Weber, Meghan Gracida, Malia McCoy, Jessica Bailey (missing)
WINNER K2 Polo Ponies: Elizabeth Cunningham, Kim Kelly, Dayelle Fargey, Kirsten Ludwig
WINNER Mary Kay Babes: Georgia Caeser, Megan Rioux Forker, Susan Guggenheim, Naima Scheraga
MVP Kate Weber
MVP Audry Persano
MVP Bonnie McGill
BEST PLAYING PONY Ebony,
BEST PLAYING PONY Miami,
owned & played by Dayelle Fargey
owned by Jennifer Luttrell-Benardoni & played by Hope Kerley
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TORRENCE’S FARM IMPLEMENTS
Authorized Dealer Coachella Valley
Ave. 54 & Harrison Street Thermal, CA 92274 (760) 398-4141 alex@torrences.net
POLO PONIES FOR RENT All levels: Beginner to 12-Goal Contact: George Dill (253) 732-3111
QUALITY POLO PONIES FOR RENT AND LEASE
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE DECEMBER 2019 14 Club Chukkers begin (Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday) 14-15 Linfoot Polo Clinic 27-29 USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Women’s Challenge
JANUARY 2020 4-12 USPA Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial (8 Goal) 4-12 World Gym Tournament (4 Goal) 5 Opening Day – Sunday Polo 18-26 USPA Coachella Valley Officer’s Cup (4 Goal & 8 Goal) Leagues starting in January that run throughout the Season: Women’s Chukker League (every Friday) Pro Pool League (Every Saturday & Sunday)
FEBRUARY 2020 J31-9 USPA Carlton & Keleen Beal Cup (4, 8 & 12 Goal) 2-24 Pro Pool (Every Saturday & Sunday) 14-23 USPA Fish Creek Constitution Cup (4, 8 & 12 Goal)
MARCH 2020 F28-8 F29-8 13-22 14-22 14-22 22
Eldorado March League (6 & 12 Goal) USPA 2 Goal Tournament USPA Rossmore Cup SKINS Tournament (12 Goal) USPA Pacific Coast Amateur Cup (2 Goal) USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Governor’s Cup (6 Goal) Closing Day Finals: Amateur Cup, Governor’s Cup, SKINS Tournament
SUNDAY POLO
January 5 - March 22, 2020 | Matches 12pm & 2pm Entry $10 per Car | Clubhouse Reservations $10 per person
Events at Eldorado
The Eldorado Polo Clubhouse and Lake are the perfect destination for weddings, parties, and corporate bookings. Facilities are available year-round and we accommodate groups of any size. Incorporate polo into your next family, business, or charity event for a unique and unforgettable guest experience. For more casual occasions we invite you to The Cantina at Eldorado, which offers a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for all ages. For more information on Special Events contact James a’Court at (760) 831-9696.
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JUNIOR POLO JOE BARRY MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
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ARTIE CAMERON MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
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FISH CREEK TOURNAMENT
POLO
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MEMORIAL FRANK YTURRIA
S
outh Texas rancher, oilman, conservationist, public servant, and philanthropist Dr. Francisco (“Frank”) Daniel Yturria passed away in 2018 after 95 amazing years of life. Frank Yturria was an avid horseman and polo player, and led a life rich with adventure, accomplishments, family and friends. Born in Austin, Texas, Frank grew up in a bilingual ranching family in Brownsville—the city he would call home for the rest of his life. His father undertook to make his oldest boy a vaquero and succeeded. As Frank wrote in his memoir, he always considered himself foremost “a South Texas cowboy.” In the early 40s, Frank joined Colonel Jim Eskew’s traveling Wild West Show, performing alongside the likes of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. Frank went on to earn a degree in veterinary medicine from Texas A&M, and trained in the infantry, artillery and cavalry. In 1947, he was appointed A&M’s Cadet Captain of Cavalry and earned a pilot’s license at about the same time. Frank met the love of his life—Mary Elizabeth Altman in 1946 and they were married shortly thereafter. On August 31, 1948, they welcomed their first child, Mary, and then on January 21, 1953, came her little sister Dorothy. Frank developed a passion for politics in the early 1950s, working hard to elect General Dwight D. Eisenhower to the presidency. In 1953, Frank, an Air Force Reservist, was assigned a
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two-year term to the Philippines, where he was awarded a master’s degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines. He was later appointed Chairman of the Inter-American Foundation by President George H.W. Bush. As Frank aged, he and Mary dedicated increased energy towards philanthropy and conservation: helping to restore historic sites, native species and threatened habitats; and repurposing their ranch as a wildlife refuge. For his efforts, Frank received the 2017 International Award for Excellence in Conservation by the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and the 2010 Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation. Frank was one of the founding members of the Eldorado Polo Club in 1957, and is fondly remembered by those who played with and against him as an exceptional gentleman and horseman. Good friend Tommy Lee Jones reminisced about his last encounter with Frank. It’s deeply personal, with a bit of humor, and the honest truth: “On the day of Frank’s funeral, the pallbearers were struggling a bit because the casket was big and heavy, and they were old men. It was a very sad occasion. As the old judges, old lawyers, and old cowboys wobbled in their labor I thought, sure as hell, Frank is going to kick the lid off that coffin, jump up and holler ‘Surprise!’ With Frank, you have to stay ready for that. We loved him and are simply standing by.”
MEMORIAL JOHN BALES CLARK
J
ohn Bales Clark passed away peacefully at his ranch in Old Snowmass, Colorado, with his family at his side. John was a long-time player and board member of the Eldorado Polo Club, and was instrumental in facilitating the sale of Lake Farms. He was introduced to the game by his dear friend and college roommate Harry Collins and the two played together for years in both California and Colorado. John was known to all as a gentleman both on and off the polo field. Friend and fellow player, Lynni Hutton, fondly remembers John “as always being the happiest guy on the team. He had a broad smile and a twinkle in his eye, whether he was dancing at The Cantina or talking about his lovely wife Susanne. He will be missed by many.” John was very well respected in both his personal and professional life. He practiced law for many years, holding State Bar licenses in New York, California and Colorado. He owned several Aspen area businesses, served terms as Chairman of the Snowmass Capitol Creek Caucus and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Colorado Rocky Mountain School. John was born in Great Bend, Kansas, and moved with his family to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1945. He attended Fort Collins High
School and excelled in both academics and athletics. In 1954, he followed his older brother Dwight to Stanford University. He played football and rugby, was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, and earned a degree in Engineering in 1958. He went on to receive an academic scholarship to Stanford Law School, where he served as an editor of the Stanford Law Review and earned his law degree in 1961. That same year, he joined the firm of Sullivan and Cromwell in New York City and began his successful and expansive international career as an attorney, mediator and arbitrator, specializing in disputes arising from construction projects. Named one of Southern California’s Super Lawyers, John was described as an “icon of construction litigation” and “a gentleman who wins cases.” He was most proud of his pro bono work in support of the California Mountain Lion Foundation, the Sierra Club and the EPA’s Clean Water Act. John married his high school sweetheart, Susanne Vordenberg, in 1964 and together they raised six children: James, Michael, Scott, John, Oliver, and Robyn. John was loved by many and admired for his intelligence, wit, humor and honesty. He will be greatly missed by his friends, family and the polo community.
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LEGEND A. Eldorado Club House E. Jackson Hole Horse Emporium B. Hitting Cage F. Pablo Medina Mallet Shop C. The Cantina G. Polo & Riding Academy D. Polo Office
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Cantina Parking
Parking International Field
Scoreboard
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Holden Field
AVENUE 51 EXERCISE TRACK
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NURSERY ROAD
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Nursery POLO ROAD Stabling Stick & Ball Field
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PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Per 1.5 oz.: 73 cal; 0g carbs; 0g protein; 0g fat KETEL ONE BOTANICAL. Made With Vodka Distilled With Real Botanicals And Infused With Natural Flavors. 30% Alc/Vol. Double Eagle Brands, B.V. Imported by Ketel One USA, Aliso Viejo, CA.