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Contents

POLO TIMES

Publisher Margie Brett margie@polotimes.co.uk Editor Yolanda Carslaw yolanda@polotimes.co.uk Deputy Editor James Mullan jamesmullan@polotimes.co.uk Art Editor James Wildman james@polotimes.co.uk Advertising Tom House tom@polotimes.co.uk Subscriptions Georgie May georgie@polotimes.co.uk Accounts Debbie Mason accounts@polotimes.co.uk Contributors Hernan Alvarez, Carlos Beer, Arthur Douglas-Nugent, Mark Emerson, Alice Gipps, John Horswell, Lorna Jowett, Cristina Kroll, Leah Ludlow, Ciara McKibbon, Sophie Montagne, Jamie Peel, Clare Sheikh, Herbert Spencer, Martha Terry, Carlie Trotter Front cover Adolfo Cambiaso, with Juan Martin Nero to the right, in the Argentine Open final, December 2009. By Sergio Llamera Designed and typeset by Wildman Design www.wildmandesign.co.uk Printed by Stones – Banbury, Oxfordshire Mailers Jordan & Co – Witney, Oxfordshire Subscription per annum UK £55 Europe & Ireland £65 Rest of the World £75 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk or subscribe online at www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times East End Farm, North Leigh Oxfordshire OX29 6PX Tel: 01993 886 885 Fax: 01993 882 660 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk © Polo Times Limited 2010 and Database Right 2010 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Editor. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited.

ISSN 1461-4685

22 & 70 All eyes on Palermo News 6 10

All the latest news HPA news and Obituary: Maj Ronnie Scott

Comment 13 14 17 18 20

Herbert Spencer’s global view Interview: Javier Novillo Astrada John Horswell’s players’ forum Your views: letters to the editor Umpire’s corner

Reports 22 28 31 32 34

14 Javier Novillo Astrada

Argentine Open, Palermo Cámara de Diputados Young England on tour in India Action from Lahore, Pakistan Pato Open / At home and abroad

Features 38 42

Breeding: Mariano Aguerre Fitness and injury special

The knowledge 46 49 54 52 55 56 62 64 66 67 68

NEW COLUMN! Playing around: FHM Your game with Jamie Peel Pony power: Lolo Castagnola and Britannia Duty vet with Mark Emerson Feeding with Lorna Jowett: fat or thin?

South Africa travel special: five pages of reviews and interviews Property: from 2009 to 2010 Products: nine of the best polo boots Review: eating out – Nina Clarkin’s Soushi Review: reading – Ginger Baker’s Hellraiser What’s on in February and club contacts

38 Breeding – Mariano Aguerre

Out and about 70 76 82

Social snaps: including readers’ snowy ponies Classifieds A week in the life of: Chris Hyde

56 South Africa special www.polotimes.co.uk January/February 2010 3

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News

from the Editor

If this is a snapshot of polo 10 years into the 21st century, what was going on exactly a decade ago?

To find out I dug out Vol 5 Issue 1 of Polo Times.

Our opening issue of the millennium – which happens also to be our inaugural colour edition – featured John Horswell’s first coaching column, the story of a Chapa II victory in the 20th century’s last Argentine Open and a report from the first high-goal game of the 21st – an international on 1 January on North Island, New Zealand, between the hosts and the Rest of the World (featuring Brits Jamie Le Hardy and Will Lucas). Later that year Herbert Spencer reported on the first English highgoal match of the century (played not at a club but at a private ground), polo restarted at Rugby after a 60-year break, Geebung (featuring Adolfo Cambiaso and Bautista Heguy) won the British Gold Cup and Arthur Douglas-Nugent took over from Martin Trotter as chief umpire.

Looking back to a decade before the millennium, in 1990, Cambiaso was 15 and a year away from taking the sport by storm, Kerry Packer had laid the Stedham grounds at Cowdray and SUPA was on the brink of being set up. Polo Times had yet to start life – in fact, this was the year our founder Margie Brett started to work for Buff Crisp at the HPA, when the assocation owned just one typewriter, membership was 1,100 and the number of clubs 26.

What will we see in 2020? Snow polo in Antarctica? A schools team lifting the Gold Cup? Cambiaso’s son (also Adolfo) winning the Argentine Open aged 15? Or maybe – in a logical sequence to the explosion in private grounds – we’ll see more “private polo” of the kind we’ve heard about in Palm Beach: word has reached us that two 26-goal sides in Florida – bankrolled by South African patron Erich Koch – are frustrating local club bosses by staging private competitions rather than joining USPA tournaments.

Predictions on a postcard please – or failing that, to letters@polotimes.co.uk. Enjoy the issue – and happy new year!

Yolanda Carslaw

6 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

A TOP-FLIGHT HIGH-GOAL gelding with outstanding bloodlines is soon to make history by becoming the first polo pony to be “carbon copied” by the cloning process. Califa, a 13-year-old bay played by Mariano Aguerre, out of Luna and by Sobornado, has been cloned by a US specialist, and his “progeny” will be born in Texas in April.

The project got underway when Sunny Hale, president of the American Polo Horse Association, identified Califa as an ideal horse to “duplicate” when cloning specialists ViaGen approached her enquiring about polo. As a friend of Aguerre, she at once thought of Califa, who belongs to White Birch Farms (the polo organisation of patron Peter Brant) and is in the care of Aguerre.

The plan swung into action last April during the US Open, when ViaGen’s Candace Dobson met Hale in Florida to tell her about the technology. Califa sprang to mind at once and Hale called Aguerre, who agreed to go ahead. The horse, who in 2009 played both the US and Argentine Opens with Aguerre, happened to be in Wellington at the time.

“Soon after the US Open final we took Califa’s tissue biopsy, cultured the cells in our lab, and went ahead as normal, inserting the cloned embryo to gestate naturally in a recipient mare,” said Dobson.

The process costs just over $165,000 and the foal is always the same gender as the original.

Dobson adds: “It’s like an identical twin spirited in time. From a gelding, you get a colt that’s fully intact.

The foals are not weaker, and they have a normal lifespan.” And Aguerre, whom Hale describes as

www.americanpolohorse.com

What surprises there have been in polo over the decade! In this issue alone we break the news of polo’s first cloned champion (price tag $165,000/ £102,000 since you ask, and $90,000/£56,000 for subsequent duplicates); we reveal the game’s newest destination – Easter Island – and we report on the official entry into the Guinness Book of Records for SUPA’s university arena championships. Did any wise readers forecast such developments 10 years ago after seeing in the new millennium?

First polo pony clone to foal this spring

Califa had a tissue biopsy taken shortly after last year’s US Open final

“fanatical” about breeding, is expecting not just one but three colts.

“The initial plan is to take them to Argentina,” he told Polo Times. “It could turn out to be good value in the long run, using them as stallions and selling their semen for embryos and so on.” Aguerre said the price for semen from a “Califa II” would depend on the intended dam, and that the colts would be able to start earning their keep as stallions from ages two or three.

There has been significant American interest in ViaGen since US magazine Polo Players’ Edition broke the story last year, but Argentine breeders also have easy access to full information, because the firm’s website is also in Spanish.

ViaGen has cloned more 55 horses since 2006, including top European and American competition horses in disciplines from show jumping to cutting.

The first cloned horse was born in Italy in 2002. ◗ For more, turn to pages 19 and 58

New official partner for England THE ENGLAND POLO squad has an official new official travel partner in the form of The Mileage Company.

The firm has taken over from previous sponsor Virgin, whose support of English teams travelling overseas ended shortly after the side’s successful trip to Florida for the Westchester Cup last spring.

HPA chief exec David Woodd and The The Mileage Company, which Mileage Company’s Andrew Swaffield operates the global BA Miles rewards for British Airways and the UK-based Airmiles travel rewards away match trips such as their programme, will provide the team forthcoming test in New Zealand with a number of benefits, including (13 February). discounted British Airways flights for At present, the England squad the players and management. The (rolling over from last year) includes partnership begins with immediate Luke and Mark Tomlinson, James effect, meaning The Mileage Beim, Malcolm Borwick, Nacho Company will be involved in the Gonzalez, Henry Brett, Tom Morley team’s travel arrangements for Satnam Dhillon and Chris Hyde. The

2010 squad will be named in the next few months and all members selected to play in internationals will now have The Mileage Company logo emblazoned on their shirt sleeves for home fixtures and on their chests for away internationals.

As well as the main England squad, the new partnership will also support Young England in their competitive activities abroad, with the aim of developing future stars for the full England side in years to come. Young England also travel to New Zealand this month, where the side will play in four matches against up-and-coming Kiwi talents.

The Mileage Company’s managing director is keen player Andrew Swaffield, a regular at Knepp Castle and Hickstead.

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Students ready for Guinness World Record UNIVERSITY POLO IS DUE to enter the official record books after this month’s SUPA University Arena Championships (18-21 February) at the indoor Hand Equestrian facility near Bristol.

The centre, normally a show jumping venue, will be transformed to host the world’s largest polo tournament, an accolade that is to be formally recognised by adjudicators from the Guinness Book of Records, who will be on hand to record the achievement and present a certificate to SUPA on the Sunday.

Coverage in Polo Times last year broke the story that no tournament was bigger More than 30 universities will be represented, with some 375 players commendable help of Lycetts, who chairman Mike Hobday. “Umpires set to compete in more than 200 have made this an affordable option.” ensure play is safe yet flowing and match chukkas and Participants are coming from all almost 40 hours of Some 375 players will fun, and SUPA corners of the UK and Ireland – from Universities is the competitive action. compete in almost 40 Aberdeen to Exeter and Dublin to only association “Our aim is to hours of competition Potters Bar. Friday will be the busiest to cover all give young players day, with a chukka every 10 minutes players with of all abilities and from 10am to 9pm. personal accident insurance as part backgrounds the chance to play polo of their membership. For this we in a safe and cost-managed ◗ Visit the lively Polo Times stand on must recognise the generous and Saturday and Sunday at the event organisation,” said universities polo AMERICAN POLO LOOKS to be riding out the economic storm in its main 20- and 26-goal seasons at Palm Beach this year. Few places were harder hit by the recession last year than the US, where entries in the 26-goal plummeted from 14 teams in 2007 to eight in 2009. This year, nine teams are up for Florida’s three 26-goal titles, which run from February to April, and seven 10-goalers will be taking part.

George Rawlings’s Crab Orchard side, which features Adolfo Cambiaso, returns to the fray after a year out, keen to add to their US Open in 2007 and 2008. Bob Jornayvaz and Melissa Ganzi bring new sides Valiente and Grand Champions respectively, while Peter Brant’s White Birch and Lyndon Lea’s Zacara are not returning. Ganzi’s side features Lolo

News in brief ◗ ENGLAND’S CARTIER International opponents for the Coronation Cup this summer will be New Zealand. The New Zealand Polo Association has accepted a formal invitation from the HPA to form a team for the 25 July showpiece, in what will be New Zealand’s fifth appearance.

England won their last meeting in 2006. ◗ THE USPA HAS withdrawn its US team for the International Arena Test Match at AEPC Hickstead later this month, amid an alleged disagreement about financial remuneration for the travelling American players during the height of their arena season. However, original England captain Chris Hyde has come to the aid of the flummoxed organisers by resorting to his Scottish family roots and setting up a Scotland team to stand in.

Spectators can now expect to see a 23-goal combination of Howard Smith, Jamie Le Hardy and Chris Hyde (all of whom have Scottish family connections) take on the hosts on Saturday 27 February, with England to be represented by Jonny Good, Eden Ormerod and new captain Nacho Gonzales in the fight for the Bryan Morrison Trophy.

Castagnola, competing in the US 26-goal for the first time since 2000, when he won the US Open with Cambiaso on Tim Gannon’s Outback side, just as he did a year earlier in 1999.

Victor Vargas returns with Lechuza Caracas, which is sure to be hoping to lay the ghosts of the 21 ponies they lost at last year’s US Open to rest with success this spring.

The 26-goal season at International Polo Club Palm Beach begins on 11 February with the CV Whitney Cup (final on 28 February), followed by the USPA Piaget Gold Cup (final 21 March). Florida’s climax, the US Open, follows directly after the Piaget Gold Cup, with the final on 18 April. ◗ Follow the results online at www.polotimes.co.uk

◗ COWDRAY PARK’S Test Match will sit in a new slot on the 2010 calendar, brought forward from its traditional berth in September to a new date in May. This moves it from being England’s third and final home Test Match of the summer to its first. According to Cowdray Park’s spokesman Liz Higgins, the move has been engineered at the request of the event’s title sponsors, St Regis Hotels.

South Africa has been mooted as possible opponents at Cowdray, said the HPA, who also confirmed that St Regis wanted the earlier date – Saturday 22 May – to attract more guests.

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News News in brief ◗ LADY LLOYD WEBBER has taken up the reins as president of the Pony Club, succeeding Princess Anne. Madeleine Lloyd Webber, wife of composer Andrew and a keen rider herself, has a long affinity with the institution, having won at an eventing championships in 1981. She and her husband founded Watership Down Polo Club in Berkshire and the couple’s children play polo, too. ◗ EMMA TOMLINSON tied the knot on 2 January with Nick Wood, with the marriage at Gloucestershire village Shipton Moyne followed by serious celebrations at Down Farm, home of the Beaufort Polo Club, afterwards. Emma, a two-goal player and founder of Beaufort Embryo Transfer, and Nick headed to the Seychelles then embarked on an exciting six-week world tour. ◗ 2010 MARKS 100 years of polo at Cowdray Park, and the centenary celebrations will centre around a ball on 26 June, during the first weekend of Gold Cup action. The club hopes to welcome more than 700 guests to the festivities, and is also publishing a commemorative book for the occasion.

Photographs by James Mullan and Herbert Spencer

◗ FIFIELD POLO CLUB has parted company with its leaseholder of two years John Horswell, who leaves to concentrate full-time on his ponies and a joint venture with player Ollie Brown at Belmont Polo Club in Mill Hill, north London.

“I regained control of Fifield in October, as the club wasn’t being run as I had hoped,” explains owner Tony Bennett.

“I have now signed a deal with Julia Luke to take over Fifield from February and get us back on track.”

Julia, formerly based at Ham, has appointed Tony chairman for 2010 and confirmed Jack Kidd and brothers Lucas and Nico Talamoni as the club’s resident professionals for the coming summer. ◗ ENGLAND’S LADIES ARE keeping busy this new year, lending their support to two fledgling female tournaments in Jamaica and New Zealand.

As Polo Times went to press, a two-goal England team had made a good start in the inaugural ICWI Tri-Nation Ladies’ Tournament in Jamaica with victory over the hosts at Kingston Polo Club in the event’s opening match, 5-3. The side featured regular internationals Rosie Ross and Lucy Taylor, alongside Sophie Kyriazi and Diana Jack.

“The new girls played really well,” said Lucy afterwards, “and the Jamaicans lent us some great horses.” A full report of the event, which travels around the island, will appear in the March issue of PT. Another ladies’ fixture makes its debut this month near Auckland, with Nina Clarkin due to play among a probable six teams at the Women’s Open. Organised by jet-set polo-fixer Karen Kranenburg, the five-day event begins on 17 February.

Polo cuts out the corners A UK HIGH-GOAL TEAM has become the first major polo set-up in Britain to install a new breed of horsewalker – the oval variety. In the past decade horsewalkers have become the must-have gadget for equestrian yards large and small, but only recently has a more sophisticated take on the round variety been available in the UK. Enterprising UK firm Horse Weigh, whose main business is professional horse-weighing technology, were the first to introduce the German-made oval horsewalkers to the British polo set.

“I first saw them in the Middle East, then at Equitana, an exhibition in Germany, about four years ago,” says William Bedell from Horse Weigh. “It does what the horse does in its natural environment – if you saw a horse going in circles in the field you'd call the vet!”

Horse Weigh took on the exclusive distribution for the UK from the German manufacturer Kraft, and has installed about 20 so far, since selling its first in the UK in 2006. They can be ordered in bespoke sizes ranging from three to 40 horses – the largest measures 100x25m – and can be covered. The two largest oval Kraft horsewalkers to be installed are at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna and at an equine rehabilitation centre in Ireland.

William points out: “The middle can be used for turnout or storage; some of our

This oval horsewalker, installed by Horse Weigh, measures 40x10m and can take up to 24 horses. Evidence suggests the oval shape provides major advantages

clients even have stables installed there.

Oval walkers also use less space than their counterparts.”

The premise of the oval shape is that it is unnatural and potentially detrimental for a horse to exercise continually in a small circle. This was confirmed when two respected independent UK vets conducted a revealing six-month study at Bristol University in 2006 on the benefits of oval vs round – research commissioned by Kraft and the Welsh Assembly, as the company is based in Wales.

FEI and Badminton Horse Trials vet Paul Farrington and physiologist Dr David Marlin, formerly of the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, used three fit, sound

Thoroughbreds aged three to 12 in their study, recording their movements on circles and in straight lines. Their research indicated the turning exercise loads horses’ bones in a different way to straight lines, and that this may have implications for horses with pre-existing musculoskeletal injuries.

“The advantage of the oval walker,” they found, “is that it combines straight line and turning exercise that mimics the exercise a horse will do when ridden or free at pasture. So there appear to be significant advantages to using a walker of oval design as opposed to round.” ◗ What are your views on round vs oval?

Tell us at letters@polotimes.co.uk

New rules ‘good for horses’ says England captain LUKE TOMLINSON HAS DECLARED that the new rules in Argentina (see news, Nov/Dec issue) have made life better for polo ponies – despite the fact the game is now faster. In an interview with Polo Times deputy editor James Mullan on his return from playing the high-goal there, the England captain also said the games have been a better spectacle, easier to umpire and have returned the backhand to its former glory – but that lower levels of the game have not adapted as successfully.

“I had misgivings about the rules at first,” admits Luke, who was sixth-highest goal-scorer in the Argentine Open. “I felt it was a step back towards when I first played in Argentina. Over 10 years, umpires have increasingly let players turn on the ball in defence and I thought it had become a good skill. But the new interpretations, which made this a foul again, were a success.

“Players have been able to sustain their horses at a steady rhythm because the polo is generally easier to anticipate, and games are less disjointed by stop-start plays and fouls,” Tomlinson said. “More open games also mean all four players are required to play a more equal role, so each player and his mount is required to do 25 per cent of the work. Under the old interpretations, often the best player would take it upon himself to do 60 per cent of the work.

“In my view, however, at lower levels the changes haven’t been so successful. If anything, it has made it more dangerous, as many amateur players and lower-handicapped pros are

8 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Play under the new rules is faster-running but less stop-start

incapable of successfully hooking a backhand and simply end up charging down the line of the defender.”

...AND CAMBIASO WAS ABLE TO ADAPT Alan Kent, watching the final keenly at the catedrál de polo, told Polo Times: “Man-for-man, Ellerstina are the better side by two or three goals – except for that man Cambiaso. Whatever rule changes you make, he’s good enough to master the game whichever way it is played. He’s worth 13 goals in my opinion and always saves his best polo for when it counts. It was an excellent, open final and, as usual, extra time always creates tremendous excitement.

Argentine one-goal spectator Eduardo Bérèterbide agreed: “In the seventh, eighth and last chukkas the game really came to life and we saw just how powerful Adolfito Cambiaso is. He was incredible. It was an amazing game in terms of the competitive edge and the passion both teams had to win. They are absolutely the best two teams on the planet and so now you have to say that La Dolfina is the best side once again.”

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FIP regroups after crisis A MAJOR REORGANISATION of the Federation of International Polo (FIP) was well underway this month following the resignation of its president, Patrick Guerrand-Hermès of France, and the interim appointment of James Ashton of Australia, writes Herbert Spencer.

“The year 2010 promises to be a pivotal one for the FIP as we strive together to create a stronger and more efficient federation,” Ashton, a former president of the Australian Polo Council, said in a New Year message to members.

“My own new year’s resolution as your interim president,” he said, “is to make governance more transparent and accountable; to consult with and seek approval from our member associations in the decision-making process; and to develop innovative new ways to help the worldwide growth of our great sport.”

Ashton’s approach appeared to be a far Interim president James Ashton cry from that of Guerrand-Hermès, whose Ashton be appointed to replace Guerrandstyle of leadership led to the withdrawal from the FIP last October of the Hurlingham Hermès and lead a reorganisation of FIP. “There is much work to be done now,” Polo Association (HPA), US Polo Association Ashton said in his New Year message. “This (USPA) and Argentine Polo Association (AAP). These bodies represent well over half should be a period of reflection and study. It is a time to redefine the mission of the FIP, of the world’s polo players, and this to address the concerns of precipitated the worst It appears all members small and large, crisis in the 27-year and to clarify our relations history of the federation. certain Ashton with international bodies.”

The crisis reached its By the end of January, climax as delegates from will be formally the HPA, USPA and AAP the FIP’s 50-odd national elected were back in the FIP and associations gathered in Ashton had appointed a new Buenos Aires for the federation’s annual Executive Committee. The interim president General Assembly, scheduled for 23 and Executive Committee were busy November. The day before the meeting, reconstituting the Council of Administration Guerrand-Hermès met privately with HPA and appointing new standing committees to chairman Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, study all aspects of the reorganisation.

AAP president Luis Lalor and Steve The General Assembly is now due to Orthwein representing USPA chairman Tom Biddle. The three leaders made it clear their reconvene at the end of March in Florida and it appears certain that Ashton will be associations would remain out of the FIP formally elected to fill out the unexpired unless the president stepped down. term of Guerrand-Hermès to 2012.

Guerrand-Hermès bowed to pressure “After all the turmoil of the past six from the three and other key FIP officials months,” commented the HPA’s Nicholas and submitted his letter of resignation.

Colquhoun-Denvers, “the FIP is sure to General Assembly delegates met as emerge a stronger and more effective scheduled, but with the three largest global body to represent polo and help its associations still officially absent, the worldwide growth.” meeting was adjourned. Delegates agreed THERE WAS A TIME when cold weather was seen as an obstacle to polo. Not any more. Once again, this winter players have been embracing the evergrowing interest in snow polo the world over.

Piaget Polo on the Snow in Aspen took place shortly before Christmas, as teams fought it out for the 10th annual World Snow Polo Championship in the Colorado resort. Since then, the Kitzbühel Snow Arena World Cup on 14-17 January in Austria kicked off the European snow polo season, featuring Britain’s Jack Kidd playing for Audi. Meanwhile, the Polo Masters Tour 2010 took place simultaneously in Val d’Isere on 14-17 January, which was closely followed up by the second round in Megève on 21-24 January. The Berenberg Snow Polo Tournament in Klosters, Switzerland, was also held on 21-24 January and, as usual, afforded supporters the beautiful spectacle of polo played under floodlights in the evening.

Then, due to get underway shortly after Polo Times went to press was the biggest of the lot – the St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow (28-31 January).

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News

Latest from the HPA New club affiliations

Developments at FIP

The following have been granted full affiliation to the HPA: Bunclody Polo Club; Vale of York Polo Club; Vaux Park Polo Club; Vaux Park Arena Polo Club; Wicklow Polo Club.

James Ashton is standing in as president of the FIP following Patrick Hermès’ resignation. The rescheduled FIP General Assembly is due to be held in March/April, and is likely to be in Florida.

Handicap committee

International restrictions

The following will make up the handicap committee for 2010, with the date each is due to retire in brackets: R Vere Nicoll (chairman); A M E Barlow (2012); O Hughes (2012); O Ellis (2012); The Hon T Phillimore (2012); A Hine (2011); N Clarkin (2011); M Brown (2010); A G Fanshawe (2010); R Graham.

In order to help the best players to improve and compete with those in Argentina, the HPA, New Zealand Polo Association and Australian Polo Council have agreed to give their players playing in each other’s countries more opportunities by dropping their overseas restrictions.

Hence from now on, the small number of HPA members from Australia and New Zealand who have been registered with their national associations for three years or more shall no longer be regarded as “Overseas Sponsored Players” by the HPA. Reciprocal arrangements will apply in New Zealand and Australia. Players from South Africa already enjoy non-OSP status in the UK through a trade agreement with the EU. However, all non-EU players wishing to play here will still have to obtain a work permit. ◗ To contact the HPA, tel: 01367 242828

Grants news The HPA has awarded £2,000 to Suffolk Polo Club for new boards. The Combined Services Players’ Association has been awarded £16,000.

England in Thailand The following 14-goal team represented England in an international match against Thailand at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club on Sunday 18 January: Edmund Parsons (2), Max Charlton (4), Andrew Hine (5) and Ollie Cudmore (3)

...and in New Zealand The following will represent England against New Zealand at Kihikihi Polo Club on North Island on Saturday 13 February: James Beim (7), Mark Tomlinson (7), Malcolm Borwick (6) and Luke Tomlinson (7). Tom Morley (6) is reserve and they will be coached by Alan Kent. A Young England team will play four games in New Zealand from 4-12 February. Teams will be selected from: Lanto Sheridan (3), Ollie Cudmore (3), Matt Cudmore (2), Harry White (1), Ed Winterton (1), Ollie Powell (1) and Toby Pitts (0).

Standing committees chairmen for 2010 are: Chairman’s C’tee – NJA Colquhoun-Denvers Handicap C’tee – R Vere Nicoll Development C’tee – S Tomlinson Umpire and Rules C’tee – The Lord Phillimore International C’tee – JM Tinsley Finance and Grants C’tee – J Haigh, MBE Disciplinary C’tee – Brig JA Wright, CBE Polo Welfare C’tee – D Morley Arena Polo C’tee – MBJ Amoore

HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters

Subscriptions Club affiliation and membership fees remain the same for 2010, and subscriptions to the HPA will be as follows: High-goal clubs – £2,200 plus VAT Intermediate-goal clubs – £825 plus VAT Low-goal clubs – £275 plus VAT Overseas – £125 plus VAT Full associate player membership – £110 (£200 for OSR) Temporary associate player membership – £55 (£90) Junior associate player membership – £40 (£70) Non-playing associate (chukka) membership – £85 (£115) Adult arena player membership – £60 for outdoor-registered; £110 for new arena only University-only arena player – Nil for outdoor-registered; £40 for new arena only Arena players 18 & under on 1 Jan 2010 – Nil for outdoor-registered; £40 for new arena only Arena players 13 & under on 1 Jan 2010 – Nil for outdoor-registered; £15 for new arena only

Tournament restrictions With the exception of high-goal and Victor Ludorum tournaments, the restrictions for other club tournaments will be officially lifted and replaced by “Player Handicap Guidelines” as below, which clubs can adopt as hard and fast rules if they so wish: Tournament level

Player handicap range

Max aggregate by any two players

0-goal polo 2-goal polo 4-goal polo 6-goal 8-goal 12-goal 15-goal

-2 to 3 -2 to 3 -2 to 4 -2 to 5 -1 to 6 -1 to 7 0 to 10

Three Four Six Eight n/a n/a n/a

Obituary

Major Ronald W Scott

1929-2009

Herbert Spencer remembers an expert horseman and managerial stalwart at Cirencester Park MAJOR RONNIE SCOTT PLAYED army polo and reached a three-goal handicap on Malta, but his greatest contribution to the sport was as a polo manager. He spent 25 years in that post at Cirencester Park, believed to be a record of service in the UK. Ronald W Scott was born 29 June 1929 in Manchester. After earning a BSc at Manchester University, he chose an army career, attending the Mons Officer Cadet School from where he was commissioned into the Royal Horse Artillery (RHA).

From 1953 he served two tours with the King’s Troop RHA, first as Section Commander and then Troop Captain. Between his postings to the Troop, Ronnie served as ADC to the GOC on Malta. Later, as a major, he 10 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

commanded the famous Broken Wheel Battery in 39 Regiment RHA. During his army career Ronnie became an expert horseman, playing polo in England, on Malta and on Cyprus as well as engaging in other horse sports. He jumped at the Royal Tournament; competed at Badminton, placing seventh on his King’s Troop charger Scamperdale; and took the field with several UK hunts.

Ronnie retired from the army in 1972 to become polo manager at Cirencester Park and Lord Vestey’s Master of the Horse during the winters, competing with the Vesteys in hunter trials and team chases.

During his quarter-century as polo manager at Cirencester Park, Ronnie became famous for his efficiency in

running the game and other activities at one of England’s biggest clubs.

During his tenure the Warwickshire Cup became one of the country’s most important 22-goal titles. He developed polo at all levels and, in 1994, organised the Gloucestershire club’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

Away from polo, Ronnie was a keen yachtsman, sailing in the Baltic.

Soon after his retirement as Cirencester Park’s polo manager in 1997, Ronnie developed Parkinson’s Disease, but continued to be a strong supporter of the club, regularly attending events there.

Ronnie Scott died on 11 November 2009, aged 80. He is survived by his wife Diana, son Simon and stepsons Mark and Jeremy.

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A mock-up of how the action might look with the Ahu Tahai statues as a backdrop

Is this polo’s most exotic location yet?

Benkö, editor of the Chilean magazine PREPARATIONS ARE underway for a historic polo match this year on Easter Revista Polo Chile.

Island in the south-eastern Pacific Already players and patrons from Ocean, to be run alongside an Uruguay and Brazil have registered their endurance riding event. Organisers of interest in the match, on 20 November. the event Cristián Benkö, a Chilean At US$4,785 (just under £3,000) for an polo enthusiast, and endurance expert all-inclusive four-day luxury package, Luis Enrique including a spot The horses are of Opazo have on one of the negotiated Criollo origin – and teams and a day’s permission to 50km endurance the first on the use the island’s ride around the island were brought island, though “ancestral fields”, with a

by British merchants hardly budget, PT backdrop of thought it was ancient statues, and will welcome two surprisingly reasonable. Those willing to three-a-side teams in November. fork out will also gain full bragging Easter Island sits 2,180 miles (and rights and some sensational photos. For a four-hour flight) from the Chilean family and friends, and other intrepid coast, making it one of the world’s non-playing spectators, the trip costs most isolated inhabited islands. It is a S$1,785 (£1,100).

World Heritage Site, widely famous for Organisers hope the launch will be its 887 monumental statues, known as the start of polo “proper” on the island, “moai”, and is home to less than and their long-term aim is to teach the 5,000 people. Its underlying geology is islanders and their horses the game. one of extinct volcanoes. ◗ For more email All in all, it may not seem an info@endurancex.com; for player obvious choice for polo. However, there enquiries email cbenko@ revistapolo.cl; and for hotel enquiries are 4,000 horses on the island, mainly email reserve@hotelhangaroa.cl of Criollo origin – though the first horses there were introduced by British wool merchants – and about the right size for polo. Organisers plan to send a team of trainers, grooms and vets to the island to get them ready.

And the players? “This is for people who want a new adventure – the place is utterly amazing,” says www.polotimes.co.uk January/February 2010 11

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Global view Comment With Herbert Spencer, who has been following polo around the world for 40 years

It’s high time polo took pains to be more image-conscious upset Obama, left the Secret Service with egg on its face, and were subject to a Federal grand jury investigation and hearings before the Homeland Security committee of the US Congress.

All the major American TV channels covered the story and there were countless reports and comment pieces in the international mainstream media; the

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transgression will finally come into effect in 2010-2011.

The adverse publicity arising from the Salahis’ involvement with polo could have been avoided had the USPA cracked down on them when they staged their first “America’s Polo Cup” in 2007, falsely claiming that both the President of the United States and the

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The Washingon Post assigned no fewer than 16 reporters and researchers to investigate the Salahis – including the publicity-seeking couple’s dubious polo endeavours

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President Obama greets Michaele Salahi, as her husband Tareq looks on. The pair are behind ‘America’s Polo Cup’

Washingon Post assigned no fewer than 16 reporters and researchers to investigate the Salahis – including their polo activities.

Could polo have avoided all this unflattering publicity? The cliché “closing the barn door after the horse has bolted” comes to mind.

The USPA, lacking any professional PR support, reacted to the Florida pony deaths by hiring a high-powered “crisis management” firm to try to explain away its lack of substance control for ponies, with the association announcing a study group to draft new regulations for equine welfare.

Substance control, drug testing of mounts and penalties for

Prince of Wales were “patrons” of Tareq Salahi’s unauthorised “USA v England” event. Salahi, self-styled “captain of USA Polo Team”, then managed to talk the embassies of Italy, Australia and India and such corporate sponsors as Land Rover and Cartier into supporting his annual “internationals”, but polo insiders saw trouble brewing from the start.

Only after the White House scandal did diplomats, sponsors and the USPA move to disassociate themselves from Salahi’s dubious polo endeavours. The USPA ruled that neither Salahi nor his America’s Polo Cup “club” would be accepted as association members in 2010. Yet Salahi’s website is still touting a “USA v India” match in June and a “USA v Australia Rematch” in Melbourne in February.

Surely it is time for the polo world to take a more professional and proactive approach to PR, anticipating possible trouble and taking whatever action is necessary to protect the image of the sport. F ◗ Do you agree with Herbert? Is it time

polo’s regulators took better care of its image, or are they doing a good job ? Tell us by writing to letters@polotimes.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk January/February 2010 13

Photograph by Samantha Appleton

rojecting a positive image of polo in the mainstream media is difficult even at the best of times. As far as polo PR is concerned, the year 2009 is likely to go down in history as the game’s “annus horribilis”. In just eight months, from April to November, polo got more worldwide coverage in the mass media than in the past eight years – and it was all bad publicity, bringing the sport into disrepute in one way or another.

First, in April 21 polo ponies died just before a match in the US Open Championship in Florida. The tragedy became a major international story. An army of TV cameras, photographers and agency and newspaper reporters descended on the town of Wellington.

The fact that the deaths were due to a botched batch of a compounded substance rather than mistreatment was not the issue. The bad publicity came when the public learned that the US Polo Association (USPA) had nothing in its regulations about substance control or drug testing for ponies. This brought sharp criticism from America’s biggest animal protection group, The Humane Society of the United States.

Then, in October, the three largest national polo associations, representing more than half of the world’s players, resigned from the Federation of International Polo (FIP) in an acrimonious dispute with the federation’s autocratic president. Luckily the mass media gave this a miss, but specialist publications and websites made much of the crisis.

Finally, in November, the publicityseeking couple who organise the unsanctioned and over-hyped “America’s Polo Cup” gate-crashed President Obama’s first state dinner at the White House, creating a Washington security scandal that resounded throughout the world. The exploits of Tareq and Michaele Salahi

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Comment Interview

Javier Novillo Astrada The 33-year-old England coach, back in the saddle for La Aguada in the Argentine Triple Crown, tells James Mullan how polo has helped him battle a brain tumour

What happened, polo-wise, after you found out you were ill last year?

My wish as soon as I was diagnosed in early April was that I would be back playing again in time for the Argentine high-goal and the Triple Crown. I began again at the end of August, two months after my last serious dose of treatment at the end of June.

It meant missing the English season, which was a great disappointment, but it is the first time I’ve missed a major high-goal season anywhere since I started professional polo. It was a particular shame having so enjoyed helping coach the England team at the Westchester Cup at the end of February, as I’d wanted to help them in the summer as well.

Photograph by James Mullan

How did it feel to be back on the field with La Aguada?

It felt great; like a reward for all the prayers and good wishes people have given me from right across the polo community, particularly from my brothers, my wife, my extended family, the team at La Aguada and my close friends.

I’ve had so much support. When I was first diagnosed and I told my brothers that my aim was to be playing again in time for the Triple Crown, they never once looked for a replacement for me.

So, I knew what I had to do. And that gave me all the motivation I needed.

How has polo helped you through your illness?

I still have more treatment to come, but I think being active and continuing to do what you love – in my case playing polo – provides assistance in helping heal illness. So I think playing polo is helping me get well. I wouldn’t have played if I didn’t think that I was 100 per cent.

And we haven’t played badly either! We could have made the final of the Open if it wasn’t for

14 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Cambiaso being on absolutely unbeatable form.

So we can be happy with how we performed.

What have you made of the rule changes at this season’s Triple Crown?

I think they have been good for spectators and there have generally been more enjoyable games to watch than in recent years. That has to be good.

The rain at Palermo has been a shame as it made the grounds quite heavy to play. But the new rules themselves have not made the polo too

Photographed at the family’s huge La Aguada polo development near Open Door, nine-goaler Javier Novillo Astrada hopes to be back in England in May

Being back on the field has felt like a reward for all the prayers and good wishes people have given me from right across the polo community different as far as we have been concerned. It is an improvement, with more good games as a result.

Have you kept an eye on the English players in Argentina recently?

I’ve seen a bit of Luke and Mark Tomlinson, and Luke particularly has had a great winter – being part of one of the surprise successes of the season, Alegria.

I’ve known Luke for many years – I won the Royal Windsor with him and Henry Brett in 1996, when Luke was a two-goaler. So I’m happy he has come so far and is doing so well.

What are your plans this year?

All being well, I plan to go to the UK for the summer and I should come over as normal at the beginning of May. I’ll be playing with my brother Eduardo, Lyndon Lea and Ollie Cudmore for Lyndon’s Zacara team.

It hasn’t really been discussed yet, but I also hope to return to coaching the England side.

Assuming I can fit it in around my wife and family and that I can juggle another ball by taking on more responsibilities, I’d love to help again. Whatever England might need me for, I’m ready! F

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Players’ forum Comment With John Horswell, the outspoken sultan of swing

Take it from me – silence is golden aving been someone who has always said too much in, on and around polo fields the world over, the above headline may seem rather flippant and surprising to those who know me well. However, in my defence, I should say that the only time I was sent off playing high-goal was for dumb insolence, not backchat. In truth of course, this probably was more to do with the kindness (or weakness) of umpires over the years, as I recognise that I did often push things to the limit.

I was always talking – whether to the umpires, my team-mates or even my opponents. And, if I am honest, at times it certainly got in the way of playing the game and so probably cost us matches on some occasions. In today’s zero-tolerance age, I would have been lucky to last a chukka, even on one of my better days!

Hence, these days, in my capacity as a coach, my advice to my players is obviously that only the captain – and he alone – should enter into a dialogue with the umpires. However, players need to be encouraged to make a complaint if they truly feel they have a reasonable grievance.

Umpires who do a substandard job should be sanctioned, and this needs to be seen more widely at the lower levels, in my view. Without decent self-regulation and the use of technology, umpires are rarely held to account for their decisions and it seems to be time for the already existing complaints procedures perhaps to be tightened up and enforced a little more.

At the moment, few teams will make a reasonable complaint because they feel it will go nowhere, could be counter-productive or may be seen to be sour grapes. I only make this point in order that umpires should be kept on the edge of their seats and removed from an unwarranted comfort zone, as this is what ensures they will strive to do as good a job as possible.

asking for clarification when you feel there is doubt can also help. However, try to keep it on a casual and nonconfrontational basis because, at the end of the day, the umpires have many more weapons than you do if things resort to a fire-fight.

Above all, as a captain on the ground, always ensure that your team-mates do not become involved or start their own dialogue. This has only one ending and is very seldom a happy one at that!

H

Shhh! Sometimes, volume control would be nice – or a mute button

AT PEACE IN PALERMO Eurosport very boldly put full coverage of the Argentine Open on British television in December. The coverage came from ESPN, who as ever produced excellent angles and statistics that made the game easy to follow and very enjoyable viewing.

However, being used to sitting in the stands at Palermo and watching the

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In today’s zero-tolerance age on backchat, I’d have been lucky to last a chukka, even on my better days!

CLEVER COMPLAINING Nevertheless, a team should carefully choose how and when to make their complaints. My advice to players is often to talk to the umpires before a game and to ask them how they want them to play.

There may be some new rules or interpretations that are worth knowing about, and at the very least it shows willing in trying to cooperate with them to produce a good game.

On the field, there may be a time you feel that as a team you are being ignored and that the decision-making momentum has swung too far towards the opposition. A word with the umpire on a non-specific basis to remind him of your existence may be productive, and

matches without a commentator, I quickly realised a solution to the TV commentary that was threatening my enjoyment of the magnificent spectacle.

I turned the volume right down and watched in reverential silence.

The only alternative for me was to turn it off. As someone with a lot more experience and wisdom than me once said: “In commentating, silence is often your best weapon.”

If you do not have anything to say or, worse still, do not have a clue what to say, let the pictures do the talking.

Gather your thoughts and then say something worthwhile. I have to say I really enjoyed the coverage once I had found the mute button. F

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Comment Your views

Letter of the month My memorable game with Juan Carlos

Letters letters@polotimes.co.uk A genius who made a lasting impression I saw Juan Carlos Harriott play many times at Palermo during the 1970s.

Also I had the privilege to play against him twice, once in a 14goal tournament at Windsor and once in a practice at the Indios Club in Argentina.

Watching him left a lasting impression on me. His anticipation was unbelievable, especially because he so clearly applied it to make his team outmanoeuvre their opponents, rather than shine individually himself.

At number three he was a classic pivot, so that observant spectators could see that he was controlling both defence and attack, from which his team normally achieved the majority of possession.

His tactics definitely embraced the speed of ball over the velocity of pony, although he did have fast ponies. He did make individual runs to score, but only seldom, when it appeared none of his team was available for a pass.

I remember Juan Carlos scoring after galloping nearly the length of the field, hitting on the

I very much enjoyed your article on Juan Carlos Harriott and his team’s run of victories in the Argentine Open. You invited comments from readers who had watched some of these victories.

I cannot comment as a spectator but I do have a brief experience of playing with Juan Carlos.

I played at the number one position for the Windsor Park team when the Duke of Edinburgh invited Juan Carlos to play for his team at Guards Polo Club.

My overriding memory of playing with this genius of the game is of his passes to his number one: up and past my offside three to four feet wide heading towards the enemy goal every time and from wherever he was on the field! All I had to do was to position myself between him and goal and make an offside forward shot, and find the flags.

You were told to play offside behind the opposing back and start turning as soon as you saw any of your team forming up to hit a backhander. If you waited to see the backhander hit – perhaps to see where it might be going – you were too late to pick up the pass. You would be taken out by the back, usually a much more experienced player, who would then take his own backhander.

You knew where the backhanders were going from any part of the field by playing the “Diamond Rule”. Here your team hits towards the centre in the enemy half and towards the boards in your own half. But Juan Carlos knew where you were, and never failed to make the perfect pass.

Polo in those days seemed so simple and was certainly fun and exciting for players and spectators. There was no question of tapping and turning on the ball and trying to claim a foul by hitting the ball at the opposing player.

A tapper-and-turner is impossible to play with because you never know what he is going to do, and it gives the opposition time to re-position to their advantage. Tapping and turning is only done by the best player on the ground at whatever level of handicap, who wants to keep possession of the ball and does not trust his team-mates to pick up a pass. It is a sort of “ego trip” which gives no consideration to members of his team or spectators.

Juan Carlos kept things simple and effective, as demonstrated by the string of victories of his team in the Argentine Open. As he says in the article, his brother and the Heguy brothers were all Indians and there was no chief; they played as equals with well drilled tactics. He was able always to think two shots ahead, which gave his team a valuable tactical advantage.

It is interesting how the state of the game today can draw lessons from the game as played 50 years ago. It was a pleasure and privilege to play with Juan Carlos, and I have many happy memories of that summer on Smith’s Lawn all those years ago.

Mervyn Fox-Pitt Fife

The writer of the letter of the month wins a bottle of La Chamiza Argentine red wine

Our interview with 20-time Open winner Juan Carlos Harriott, as published in the November/December issue of Polo Times

18 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

nearside. He was chased the whole way by an opponent trying to hook him, hence he could not change sides to take a forehand.

There was something magic about Juan Carlos’s smooth pony control and the harmony between him and all his steeds. He struck the ball with an economic and relaxed style in all required directions.

The crowd frequently applauded his accurate passes, long and short, forehand and backhand. He never turned the ball and instead was very effective with backhands.

Each successive year it was obvious how much his brother Alfredo and the Heguy brothers, Horatio and Alberto, gained from playing so much with Juan Carlos, because of their equal involvement, and it seemed inevitable that all three would reach a 10-goal handicap.

I do not remember seeing Juan Carlos appeal for a foul, although many were awarded in his favour,

PTJan/Feb 2010 p18-19 letters YC JM PJ MB

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deteriorated, with too many penalties stopping the flow.

Incessant appealing and complaints are ugly, giving a nasty taste to supporters, compared to the atmosphere produced by Juan Carlos and his contemporaries.

I believe the Coronel Suarez team that won the Open so often and played as Argentina's national team against the Americans so successfully, if given today’s best ponies, would have beaten all present-day teams.

After an easy win against the US at Palermo I remember the same comment being made by Argentines observers. “We turned; they stopped to turn.” You had to have the quickest change of

Open by name, more open by nature The introduction of the “no turn rule” brought about some welcome changes to the polo in Argentina at this year’s Open, which I watched at Palermo and on television.

Its biggest impact has been to return the game to how it was intended – played as a team sport. The requirement for teamwork has increased immensely and was now far more evident in the games I saw.

Players made runs anticipating backhands and, as such, the polo was much faster and more open than usual. It was hard to believe the game at this level could be played at any faster a pace, but the results were really refreshing.

My favourite team has always been Ellerstina but, in all the games I watched them play, they lacked some glue. It was surprising to see a 40-goal team struggle to hit their form. However, they picked up their game for the final and, as far as I could tell, stuck to their game plan admirably.

Annnoyingly, the rain delays meant I had to fly home before the final and watch it on DVD, but it seemed from what I could tell on the television that La Dolfina kept their cool better when it counted, proving they are still the best. They were the deserving winners in the end.

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and I never noticed him disputing referees’ decisions. Furthermore everybody spoke about his sportsmanship being a wonderful example to others.

Comparing Harriott with today’s stars the only similar player appears to be Miguel Novillo Astrada. Gonzalito and Facundo Pieres, like their father Gonzalo, play great team polo and give glorious passes, but at times appear to be competing for honours as individual players.

The remainder seem to be obsessed with turning the ball and, although there are close, thrilling finishes, the overall spectacle has

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Comment Umpire’s corner With Arthur Douglas-Nugent, deputy chief umpire for the HPA

Opening up the UK game – and a Pandora’s Box of ideas ball is hit or thrown in); (d) All penalties to be one hit; (e) Ponies may only be changed in the pony lines; (f) The umpire to drop the ball for penalties – in other words, no positioning by a player; (g) Umpires to blow fewer fouls but each penalty that is

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PEPE’S RADICAL REFORMS Now that Pandora's Box has been opened other ideas are flooding in, many of which are open to serious consideration. In general it is felt that the player in possession is too well protected, which encourages him to keep possession rather than pass with a forehand or backhand shot.

In one recent article in Argentine magazine Polo Mundial, Pepe Heguy has come up with some good ideas. These can be summarised as: (a) Stricter umpiring on the “one-tap” rule; (b) Penalising the player who is blocking; (c) No contact before “play” is called (we are going one further and allowing no contact until the

20 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

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players to tire. In rugby, as in polo, there are many grey areas but players accept that playing to the referee's interpretation is an important skill.

Perhaps we should plant the same thought into the minds of our players.

The AAP has instructed umpires to penalise a player turning the ball in front of an opponent even if that player has checked or pulled away. We will do likewise

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he debate on how to improve polo for players and spectators initiated by Javier Tanoira has gathered pace and now everyone is wading in. Fear not: the HPA has taken all the suggestions and arguments on board and is in ongoing discussion with the Argentine Polo Association (AAP).

The main focus this year will be on turning the ball and blocking the right of way of a player in possession. HPA rules on crossing are to be brought into line with the AAP’s, to state specifically: “No player shall cross a player following the line of the ball except at a distance that no risk of a collision or danger to either player is involved”.

It is on the basis of this rule that the AAP has instructed its umpire team to penalise a player turning the ball in front of an opponent even if that player has checked or pulled away to avoid a collision.

We will do likewise.

Similarly we will instruct our umpires to be much stricter on the rule that states: “A player may not position himself or his pony so as to block or obstruct the legitimate progress of a player trying to move forward with the ball”. In this way the game will be opened up, as has been shown in the Argentine.

awarded should be more severe; (h) No dialogue between players and umpires.

LE RUGBY PROTECTS ITS OWN It is perhaps some comfort that we are not the only ones navel-gazing: the same sorts of problems have beset rugby in that the game is degenerating into mauls and kicking with a dearth of open play.

I have in front of me five suggestions on how to improve rugby, including one that recommends a reduction in the number of substitutes to allow the

Staying with rugby I was interested to read the headline “French to restrict the Foreign Legion”. The French are worried about the number of foreign players, mostly English, who are playing in their clubs – rather like polo’s overseas influx. From next season 50 per cent of each squad will have to have come through the French system before the age of 21. The ruling is likely to be challenged in the European courts but this will probably do no more than induce the shrug of a Gallic shoulder. F

Play goes on until the whistle blows…

This month’s puzzle A Penalty 4 (60 yards) is awarded. As the striker approaches the ball his stick gets caught in his pony's tail. He overruns the ball but turns quickly and hits a backhand shot through the goal. What should the umpire do? Would it be different if a Penalty 2 had been given, to be taken from the 30-yard spot?

Last month’s solution A player's helmet falls off during play. What should the umpires do?

If a player loses his helmet the umpires should stop play when the ball is neutral unless the player is in danger of injury. The rule aims to prevent a player discarding his helmet to stop play when his goal is under threat – slightly less drastic than throwing oneself off a pony, a practice at which some were once rather skilled.

Email your comments and questions for Arthur to whistleblower@polotimes.co.uk

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La Dolfina reaffirmed their position as the dream-team of the noughties, seeing off Triple Crown hopefuls and arch-rivals Ellerstina at Palermo in a riveting extra chukka, says James Mullan ore rain. More delays. Another tight final. Another extra chukka. There was a familiar feel at Palermo this December but, just like watching the latest Richard Curtis romantic comedy starring a foppish Hugh Grant, the experience of déjà vu itself rarely leaves you feeling disappointed. It’s what you came for. And, sure enough, the world’s top players once again produced a passionate exhibition of horsemanship and scored some terrific goals as the final adopted its customary procession towards extra-time, when Mariano Aguerre landed the decisive strike for La Dolfina to break Ellerstina hearts, and win the title 17-16.

However, despite the knowledge that the first Triple Crown contest in history between two 40-goal sides made it – on paper – the greatest quality polo final of all time, there was also a lingering feeling of impatience amongst spectators in the early exchanges. You sensed the communal anticipation that the game would once again be settled in a sudden-death chukka, so much so that at times one couldn’t help wondering why they bothered playing the first six or seven chukkas at all.

It meant that, though the action en route to the grand finale was of a predictably high and enjoyable quality, at times it also took on a prosaic significance. It was as though the players themselves knew exactly where the X

M

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Lucas Monteverde takes the ball forward on the nearside for La Dolfina, as the black shirts wait to pounce

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Report Argentine Open

Adolfo Cambiaso tells Carlos Beer about Dolfina’s decade Since you founded the La Dolfina highgoal side, you’ve reached nine Open finals and won five. How do you feel?

I am enormously proud. It means we did things right, didn't we? Even after what ended up being a painful season last year at Hurlingham and Palermo, we have now shown that La Dolfina has a history which is long enough and strong enough to give us the prestige to come back stronger. That deserves recognition and respect.

that. Then, when I fell just as Facundo Pieres was starting an attack, many people doubted how genuine it was. Well, those are people who know nothing about polo. I’d have to be a magician to fall deliberately and have the horse roll like that.

What happened in the extra chukka this year?

I missed early in the chukka because I was already thinking about celebrating before making the final touch. There’s no excuse for

I want to win as much as possible. I play to win. So obviously it would be nice to equal a player with such a big name in the sport as Gonzalo. Then, if I can overtake him, that would be even better.

24 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

This was your eighth Open title at Palermo. You are now just one behind Gonzalo Pieres Snr. Is your next ambition to equal and overtake his tally?

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Palermo in brief ◗ The final was watched by an estimated 17,000 spectators at Palermo, and about a million saw it live on television, via ESPN and, for the first time, Eurosport.

◗ Famous faces at the final included towering tennis world number five Juan Martín Del Potro, while fellow Argentine professional David Nalbandian was spotted with Boris Becker at the rescheduled final group game between La Dolfina and La Aguada. Also enjoying the action was Argentine football midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron and his family.

◗ A series of rain delays for the second year in a row meant the final was played a week later than planned, disappointing many travelling fans who missed the chance to see Ellerstina and La Dolfina go head to head because of flights home booked in the intervening week.

Gonzalito Pieres on flying form. Opposite: La Dolfina hoist the cup aloft (l-r: Lolo Castagnola, Mariano Aguerre, Lucas Monteverde and Adolfo Cambiaso). The final was the first in the Open’s history between two 40-goal teams (right). Aguerre (below right) scored the winner – before announcing his departure from La Dolfina

X contest was heading – even when Ellerstina opened

up a three-goal lead in the third chukka, rather like La Aguada did over La Dolfina in the sides’ last group game, the players appeared to view the gap in the scores with suspicion.

They all knew La Dolfina would bring it back, as did the crowd. Hence, the teams almost seemed to be going through the motions early on, trading goals with an odd mix of passion and resigned indifference on their way to the real business of extra time.

When the predicted ninth chukka eventually arrived, it did not disappoint – producing perhaps

“When Cambiaso missed, I thought we were in with a chance. But in extra-time it basically comes down to luck” – Juan Martin Nero the most dramatic 77 seconds of polo in the Open’s long and prestigious history.

Adolfo Cambiaso, who had been far from anonymous throughout the final as it was, elevated the drama of his personal contribution further still in the decisive chukka. First, by somehow missing one of the easiest chances of his life, then by taking a crunching and acrobatic tumble over the head of his falling pony and, finally, by leading the play that set up the chance for Aguerre to clinch it.

His missed chance had every spectator up on his feet. The world number one remarkably fired wide of an open goal from right in front after breaking free

direct from the throw-in at the start of the chukka.

There was no clear pressure from a defender and hardly a soul in the ground could believe it, least of all his opponents.

“When Cambiaso missed, I thought we were in with a good chance,” said Ellerstina’s back Juan Martín Nero. “So of course we tried and did everything we could but, once you go through to the extra chukka, you have to say it basically just comes down to luck.”

Indeed, that is the unfortunate irony of the Argentine Open in recent years. It’s the world’s best polo, unquestionably, but so well matched are its two best teams – Ellerstina and La Dolfina – that every year’s result appears destined to be cast cruelly into the hands of fate.

Nero was less philosophical, however, about the apparently fateful misfortune of Cambiaso’s dramatic fall. “Facundo was attacking and creating a chance for us to win when Cambiaso fell, forcing the umpires to stop the game and restart with a throw in,” said Nero. “But, anyway, that’s all I want to say about that – we’ll have to wait another year.”

If nothing else, the aftermath of Cambiaso’s fall made for riveting viewing. He barrel rolled perhaps half a dozen times and yelped out in agony with the sort of theatrical aplomb that football fans would expect from a striker taking a tumble in the penalty box with the world cup at stake.

La Dolfina’s talisman recovered to ensure emphatically that it would not be Ellerstina’s day, breaking away with the ball once again and firing his shot against an Ellerstina pony’s leg, whereupon his departing captain Mariano Aguerre followed up X

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Report Argentine Open

Photographs by Sergio Llamera, Tony Ramirez and James Mullan

An utterly focused Adolfo Cambiaso, pursued by Juan Martin Nero. This win was the world number one’s eighth at Palermo – he first took the title in 1994, with Ellerstina

116th Argentine Open; 14 November to 13 December 2009; Palermo, Buenos Aires Result: La Dolfina beat Ellerstina 17-16 Sponsors: Movistar, La Martina, Rolex, Mastercard, Mercedez-Benz, Stella Artois, HSBC, Chandon, ESPN Handicap level: Open (31-40 goals) Number of team entries: Eight Chukka scores (La Dolfina): 2-2; 3-5; 7-7; 10-10; 11-12; 13-13; 15-14; 16-16; 17-16 Most valuable player: Pablo MacDonough Best playing pony: Dolfina Cuartetera, owned and played by Adolfo Cambiaso Best mounted player of the final and of the tournament: Adolfo Cambiaso Best player in the face of adversity: Javier Novillo Astrada Final teams: La Dolfina (40): Adolfo Cambiaso 10; Lucas Monteverde 10; Mariano Aguerre 10; Bartolome Castagnola 10 Ellerstina (40): Facundo Pieres 10; Gonzalito Pieres 10; Pablo MacDonough 10; Juan Martin Nero 10

26 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

X in the right place at the right time to score his first

Open final sudden-death winner with a difficult near-side finish.

“Cambiaso is a player of 13 or 14 goals handicap,” said Argentine spectator Eduardo Bérèterbide after the match, a polo-playing lawyer based in Paris. “His miss and accident showed I suppose that he is human after all – except that, well, to survive such a nasty fall and come back

pony amid chaotic scenes from the crowd at the post-match presentations. He covered every inch of the ground on her for the majority of the eighth chukka as though he was riding a superbike.

For Aguerre, the chance to score the winning goal was an exhilarating feeling he will cherish.

“Adolfito [Cambiaso], Lolo [Castagnola] and Lucas [Monteverde] scored the golden goals that gave us victory in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively,” said

“When I fell as Facundo attacked, some doubted it was real.

Those people know nothing about polo” – Adolfo Cambiaso stronger is something more akin to a superhuman.

He is from a different planet.”

Of course, his brilliant performance owed much to the strength of his string and in his final few chukkas Cambiaso looked as well mounted as I have ever seen him. He dominated every play, not just as he does at times in England, but in the company of eight of the world’s top 11 players all competing at breakneck speed. And he still stood out.

Fittingly, it was his remarkably quick mare Dolfina Cuartetera that was named best playing

Aguerre, “so it was great finally to experience the personal thrill of scoring the all-important goal.”

In the bars and walkways behind the stands after the game much of the vociferous discussion surrounded whether La Dolfina should have even had the chance to go on and score a sudden-death winner at all. Some argued that La Dolfina’s virtually unmissable on-the-spot penalty just yards from the goal that tied the game and took the sides into the extra chukka was never actually a foul. It came with just a minute of regulation time at the

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Lolo Castagnola and Adolfo Cambiaso celebrate with delighted La Dolfina supporters before the presentations

Early rounds ◗ ELLERSTINA WERE AT one stage in danger of missing the final altogether. Having lost 14-13 to the Heguys’ Indios Chapaleufú II side, they not only needed to beat their last group opponents Pilará to be sure of their spot, but to score 13 goals or more en route to victory. Or, in the event of a low-scoring contest, they had to win by two goals. The pugnacious Piagetsponsored Pilará team proved a popular side with the Palermo faithful and, down 8-6 in the fourth chukka and with the crowd braying for an upset, things didn’t look good for Ellerstina.

At that stage they had surrendered a 6-2 lead and conceded six unanswered goals. It was a major test, but they dug deep and recovered to win 15-13, with Juan Martín Nero the outstanding performer.

◗ This victory denied Indios Chapaleufú II a

Who won in the noughties?

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Indios Chapaleufú II bt La Dolfina Indios Chapaleufú I bt La Dolfina La Dolfina bt Indios Chapaleufú II La Aguada bt La Dolfina Indios Chapaleufú II bt Chapa I La Dolfina bt Ellerstina La Dolfina bt La Aguada La Dolfina bt Ellerstina Ellerstina bt La Dolfina La Dolfina bt Ellerstina

end of the eighth chukka still to play, when Ellerstina led 16-15.

“In my view it’s time polo at the top levels introduced technology to refer the important decisions, rather like in rugby,” said veteran British player Alan Kent, coach of the England side in New Zealand later this month. “When you think of what goes into the Open, in terms of the investment of horses, time, energy and passion, it’s a hell of a responsibility for the two umpires out in the middle to bear on their own.”

Another talking point was the eventful day of La Dolfina’s back, Lolo Castagnola. In the second chukka he suffered the anguish of losing his mount to an innocuous-looking fall by the boards.

Nina – a pony bought from JP Clarkin in 2007 and named after his English polo-playing wife Nina Clarkin – suffered what appeared to be a serious break of the cannon bone and was immediately taken away by the vet.

However, once Castagnola had recomposed himself with words of encouragement from his team-mates in the break between chukkas, the trauma of what had happened appeared to motivate him to one of his most convincing final performances yet. His fearless determination was there for all to see, even when it meant collecting a deserved yellow card in the seventh chukka.

The performance of Pablo MacDonough also stood out. His 2009 European season wasn’t as

successful as that of the Pieres brothers but, when it counted, he showed his strength and was absolutely outstanding. Facundo Pieres, on the other hand, looked slightly out of sorts and failed to score from open play in the entire final.

La Dolfina did well to frustrate him, though the contrasting styles of the two teams at times made for a clumsy contest, with periods in the game – particularly early on – predominantly characterised by slow and messy plays, persistently punctuated by lots of whistle.

Ellerstina largely looked to move the ball quickly and charge straight up the ground to goal, while La Dolfina only did so when there was a clear break on. Otherwise, they would slow the play down, Cambiaso would loop back and collect the ball and then coordinate their attacks in a role rather like that of a point guard in basketball.

It made for an intriguing contest and, in extra time, ensured the kind of adrenaline-fuelled, nerveshredding finale that you will never get from a Richard Curtis rom-com. As the polo-playing model Nacho Figueras – who supported Ellerstina – succinctly remarked at the final whistle: “In polo there can be no guarantees of a happy ending for your favourite characters.”

Sure enough, the likeable young talents of Ellerstina were left depressed and deflated at the end of one of the most passionate contests of recent memory. For them, the chance of a historic Triple Crown was at stake. For La Dolfina, the motivation was revenge – the opportunity to win back the game’s biggest prize and, in so doing, prove the continued merit of their 40-goal status.

Cambiaso and co were anxious to demonstrate that they hadn’t been superceded as Argentina’s number one side, and they did so (just) in the latest chapter of what looks set to be an ongoing saga that will run and run. Let’s hope so. F

place in the final. They’d have made it, were it not for a narrow defeat to Pilará in their opening game. They finished with two wins and a loss, as did Ellerstina, and all their games were decided by a single goal.

◗ Alegría once again acquitted themselves best by far of the two qualifying sides.

Rated at 31 goals, the foursome – featuring metronomic penalty-taking England captain Luke Tomlinson – never lost by as much as their handicap disadvantage and it was no surprise to see the rejuvenated Fred Mannix Jr climb in handicap from six to seven post-tournament.

◗ Elsewhere, La Aguada marked the recovery of Javier Novillo Astrada with bursts of the kind of wonderful, creative team polo that characterised their Triple Crown victory in 2003, at one stage threatening to dump La Dolfina out of the tournament and replace them in the final. It wasn’t to be, but their 1813 defeat to the eventual champions on top form was their only loss of the campaign.

◗ Despite consistently competitive performances, Alegría and Chapa Uno were the only teams not to record a single victory in the tournament. Qualifiers El Paraiso, to everyone’s surprise, snatched an unlikely win over Chapa Uno in drizzly conditions on the final weekend of group matches, triumphing in a thrilling encounter in an extra chukka on Palermo’s number two ground. It was a great team performance from a side that had looked out of its depth against La Aguada and La Dolfina in the group’s earlier games.

◗ Despite the familiar look and feel of the final, the other sides around regular finalists Ellerstina and La Dolfina appear to be better mounted and more competitive with each passing year. The gap between the top sides is diminishing, not growing, as more and more players and teams look capable of handling the pace and quality of the action at the pinnacle of the game. The unpredictable nature of this year’s results will no doubt have been a source of great interest and encouragement to players, organisers, spectators and sponsors alike.

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Report Cámara de Diputados

Young, quick and talented Carlos Beer reports from Buenos Aires on the surprise victory of four young Argentines, who marked their graduation from up-and-coming pros to winners at Palermo in December with exciting play at top tempo eather-wise, it has been an unusual few months since I last contributed to Polo Times. The UK has been subjected to severe widespread snow since the new year, and in Argentina we were badly affected by persistent rains throughout the spring polo season in November and December.

The Argentine Open suffered many delays, but even worse affected was the Cámara de Diputados Cup. The heavy rain unsettled schedules and teams, giving rise to an unexpected winner in the shape of Pilará, one of the lowesthandicapped teams in the tournament.

However, spectators should be getting used to upsets in the Cámara, after La Cañada defied the odds to reach a The delighted winners of the Cámara de Diputados Cup 2009, 25-goal side Pilará (l-r: Diego Cavanagh, Cristian Laprida, thrilling final at Palermo in 2008. That Joaquín Pittaluga and Tomás García del Río). All four have subsequently had their handicaps raised by the AAP young side narrowly lost the decider to La It was a surprise, but few doubted they deserved broke his collarbone in a fall during the first Baronesa, then promptly had their handicaps it after they beat highest-rated side Miramar in the chukka of the side’s first Cámara practice game raised. This year, Piaget-sponsored Pilará went semi-finals. Hence, it was then no great shock that on a wet field and was replaced. one better with a similarly youthful and exciting the AAP announced handicap hikes all round for Ruki Baillieu and Matias MacDonough were side and, sure enough, they have all been 2010. Cristián Laprida (who also won with La drafted in to complete the new-look line-up, but recognised for their apparent over-achievement Baronesa in 2008) climbed to eight, and Joaquín further bad luck followed when MacDonough in the handicap changes for 2010.

Pittaluga, Tomás García del Río and Diego Cavanagh suffered the agony of a 10cm tear in his The Cámara has always been a breeding went to seven. F hamstring and had to withdraw. ground for up-and-coming talent but is He and Ruki were eventually replaced by ◗ To see the full team lists and results, visit the Nacho Figueras and Brazilian eight-goaler tournaments section of www.polotimes.co.uk Ricardo Mansur, but the disruption to Cámara de Diputados Cup, 16 November to 13 preparations clearly had an effect, as they December 2009, Pilar and Palermo, Argentina crashed out to lower-rated opposition in the Handicap level: 24-31 goals shape of eventual winners Pilará and subsidiary Result: Piaget Pilará beat Chapaleufú, 14-10 finalists La Virgencita Loro Piana.

Number of team entries: 15 Pilará beat them by five in a decisive increasingly now also the game’s best shop Chukka scores (Pilará): 0-3; 3-4; 5-6; 7-7; 11-9; statement of intent at the start of the window for players to display their skills to 12-10; 14-10 tournament. The young 25-goal team’s speed bigger sides, influential spectators and sponsors Best playing pony: Pucará Reluciente, owned by was the crucial factor throughout their and the officials that regulate the game.

Francisco Lasconbes and played by Tomás campaign, beating higher-rated and far more This year, it showcased 15 sides rated García del Río experienced sides with a quick tempo that never between 24 and 31 goals. English interests were Final teams: let their opposition settle. It made for absorbing concentrated on a side near the top of the Pilará (25): Diego Cavanagh 6; Cristián Laprida viewing, too – in particular when they came spectrum, a 29-goal La Irenita La Quinta side 7; Joaquín Pittaluga 6; Tomás García del Río 6 back from a losing position in the final on featuring James Beim and Mark Tomlinson. The Chapalefú (27): Sugar Erskine 7; Gastón Laulhé Palermo’s number one ground to leapfrog England duo had planned to play alongside 7; Mariano Uranga 6; Gerardo Collardin 7 Chapaleufú to the 2009 trophy, 14-10. fellow international Malcolm Borwick, but he

W

Photograph by Sergio Llamera

England’s players had their hopes of success quashed by two nasty injuries

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30 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

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SUPA tour of India Report

Splendour and success for emerging English talent Rugby School’s polo captain Ciara McKibbin tells the story of polo, palaces and a packed schedule on SUPA Britain’s triumphant 10-day tour of India was delighted to be selected as part of the SUPA Britain squad to tour India this winter, where we faced local opposition in three matches in late November and early December. SUPA had welcomed Young India to the UK in summer 2008, where the hosts had been beaten by a strong touring side, so the 2009 team – Robin Spicer, Harold Hodges, Barney Wilson, Alex Mains and I – were anxious to ensure a British victory overseas in the return series.

We didn’t have to wait long to get into the action as, after arriving in Delhi the day before, the first of our two official Test Match fixtures was scheduled against the Indians on day two at the Jaipur polo ground. We’d had the chance to see how the ground played on our first day, after Col Bhawani Singh arranged for us to be whisked direct from the airport to watch the final of the 10-goal Cavalry Gold Cup. Playing in that final was young two-goal player, Gaurav Sehgal, a member of the side that inspired Young India to victory over SUPA Britain in the UK in 2008. He would be lining up against us again, alongside promising young female player Devyabi Rao, so we knew we had our work cut out. However, the Indians mounted us very generously and we did well to sneak a narrow victory, 61/2-5.

The game was followed by a spicy barbecue with our hosts and their families at the Sehgal Stud. The following day we returned our taste buds to more familiar territory with afternoon tea and McVitie’s biscuits at the British Embassy, kindly hosted by Arabella Stagg. We then departed on the first of the epic road trips that we were quickly to become used to, travelling to Ajmer in Rajasthan via a palace tour in Jaipur where we were shown around by the poloplaying Maharaj, Narendra Singh.

In Ajmer we stayed at Mayo College, often referred to as “the Eton of the East”, and enjoyed a day of tours around the area before moving to spend the night at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, in the private wing of the home of the Maharajah of Jodhpur. Although we had been

Photograph supplied by Robin Spicer

I

SUPA Britain’s successful tourists (l-r: Harold Hodges, Ciara McKibbin, Robin Spicer, Alex Mains and Barney Wilson)

well accommodated at previous locations, none of us could quite believe our luck at having such a great place to stay. It was part of a Taj Palace Hotel and I think it is fair to say none of the team had ever stayed anywhere quite like it!

After another day of visits to local attractions and an evening meal hosted by Kunwrani Gayatri Singh, the team woke up to its final test, the second official Test Match. Fortunately, we held our nerve and won the match 9-8, and the

We were interviewed for the local news channel after our second Test Match victory and were surprised to see ourselves appear in the newspapers On Friday 5 December we played the first of our two matches on the ground in Jodhpur, mixing up the sides with players from Mayo College for an exhibition match. Robin and I formed part of a side called the UK Knights, losing out 3-1 to two Mayo boys playing with Alex and Barney as the Mayo Bravos.

Sadly, Harold missed all the action that day, being forced to spend it confined to his hotel room with a bucket after becoming the first (and thankfully last) person to fall victim to “Delhi belly”. That evening, our fellow player Vishwaraj Singh and his team-mates took us out to sample the local Indian nightlife, which proved to be great fun and a chance to get to know each other better!

series. We were then interviewed for the local news channel and were surprised over the next few days to see ourselves mentioned in a number of articles in the newspapers.

After the unexpected honour of enjoying dinner on the palace lawn with the Maharajah, the following day we were up early to return to Mayo College for an Indian wedding and then a welcome rest before a nine-hour drive back to Delhi airport and a cold English December. All in all, it was a fantastic tour and thanks must go to our sponsors La Martina, as well as a huge thank you to tour organisers Maharaj Raghav Raj Singh and Mr and Mrs Charles Betz, as well as our patient coach Lavinia Black. Let’s hope it can become a regular fixture! F www.polotimes.co.uk January/February 2010 31

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Report Pakistan

Fierce, fast fighting on the Eastern front Teams flocked to Lahore at Christmas and New Year, with local stars battling for glory, says Clare Sheikh, whose team narrowly missed two finals he festive season has seen some electrifying polo in Lahore. As the weather cools to a balmy 23 degrees, temperatures on the polo grounds have risen steadily during December. Tournaments reached six and eight-goal levels at the end of 2009, with the Silk Bank Polo Cup seeing a robust entry of 18 teams.

T

Freshwater Polo got off to a strong start, scoring a crushing 7-0 victory in two chukkas over fellow six-goal team ZICoil/ASC. This was followed by a further two-chukka win over Artex with the score at 5-2. Both games featured some sensational goals from Pakistan's highest ranked player, Hissam Hyder (5), to the delight of the local crowd as well as from three-goaler Ahmed Ali Tiwana, who

Umpires and teams dismount for the inauguration of the new number one ground at Lahore Polo Club

Upcoming youngster Hamza Mawaz, who played such a flamboyant role in the early season matches, was sadly absent from the draw. He could be seen hobbling about disconsolately following a fall in Argentina which left him with a distinctly cumbersome broken foot and six months out of the game.

The opening skirmishes were vigorously contested and included a spectacular tumble when Mohammed Usman's horse executed an extremely elegant cartwheel at full gallop, shooting his rider across the pitch like a human cannon ball. Despite their gymnastic performance, horse and rider were unhurt but took a rest and left their Gomila Intersole team to a narrow victory over Pakistan Rangers.

32 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Amir and Haris Sufi returned to the fray, fresh from their recent pilgrimage to Mecca displayed real bravado by whacking in some of his goals from an eye-watering distance.

Freshwater met their nemesis in the second round where a tough 3-3 draw against Zong cost them a place in the final by one goal despite some strong support from 0goaler, Ayyaz Sheikh.

On the other side of the draw, local patrons Amir and Haris Sufi returned to the fray, fresh from their recent pilgrimage to

Mecca, and their HSBC team cruised to the final against Zong with strong support from veteran three-goal player, Atif Tiwana, and youthful one goaler, Hashim Kamal Agha.

This combination proved irresistible in a tense Boxing Day final, culminating in a 6-5 victory for HSBC. The New Year eight-goal tournament, the Major General Bilal Omer Khan Memorial Cup, drew an equally strong field and much debate went into shaping the two pools to ensure the right balance of competition. In Pool A, Freshwater and HSBC both got off to a strong start. Freshwater banished Pakistan Rangers 7-11/2, despite an early and elegant own goal from Hissam Hyder, and then went on to administer a thrashing to Shaukat Malik's Security 2000 team closing the match at 111/2-2 .

Meanwhile HSBC, flushed with victory from the previous week and with a slightly new line up featuring three-goaler Saquib Khakwani, vanquished Malir Garrison and Arsenal. The semi-final between Freshwater (six goals) and HSBC (eight goals) was closely contested and argumentative, with the lead changing hands many times and moments when it seemed the umpires might send off the leading players.

High points included a superb backhand goal from an improbable angle by Hissam Hyder and an epic gallop down the field by Sufi Amir, his heroic goal wildly applauded by the crowd.

On the other side of the draw, Guard Rice made good progress, defeating Powersoft and Ilaan London until a rendezvous with Diamond Paints proved to be their nemesis leaving them trailing at 9-4.

The final, between Diamond Paints and HSBC, was equally exciting with the score 9-9 in the final chukka. In the last moments, Diamond Paints clinched the victory with a fortunate penalty. The match featured some outstanding goals from the Diamond Paints patron, Mir Shoaib Ahmad. F

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Reports At home and abroad Argentina

Youth and age prove lethal mix Hernan Alvarez reports on Pato from Palermo, where a team from Buenos Aires province featuring the 10-goal world number one alongside a veteran of 36 Opens scooped the game’s top prize eavy rain and schedule clashes delayed the traditional Argentine Pato Open final by a mammoth three and a half weeks in December. Originally planned for Sunday 6 December, the day after the original date for the 116th Argentine Open polo final, the 68th pato final was finally played mid-week, on the penultimate day of the decade, 30 December.

El Relincho-El Mangrullo-Cardon defeated defending champions El SiasgoFord Camiones in a thrilling showdown on the number two ground at the famous Buenos Aires’s Campo Argentino de Polo to take home the game’s most prestigious trophy.

Pato’s world number one Nicolas Taberna led the way for the winners, scoring eight of their goals en route to a tight 14-13 victory. However, despite the close scoreline, El Relincho-El Mangrullo-Cardon never surrendered the lead from as early as the beginning of the second chukka, with Taberna affording his side full control of the game.

Taberna appeared alongside the energetic defensive paring of brothers Juan Ignacio and Andres Lanfranco, as well as 60-year-old Pato Open veteran Osvaldo Inchauspe. Inchauspe has vast experience in the competition, having made his debut in 1973 and now played in 36 Opens, of which he has won 14. Taberna is

H

now hot on his team-mate’s heels however, having won the title seven times since 1998. And, at 32, he still has plenty of years left in the game.

The El Relincho-El Mangrullo-Cardon team is based at a small town in Buenos Aires province called Rawson, situated 100 miles west of the city and with a pato tradition dating back to 1944. The players can’t make a living from pato alone and so many play polo as well to supplement their income. Taberna, who was named MVP in the final, has played in the UK since 2001 and plays off a two-goal HPA handicap.

68th Argentine Pato Open; Palermo, Buenos Aires Dates: 27 November to 30 December 2009 Handicap level: Open Result: El Relincho-El Mangrullo-Cardon beat El Siasgo-Ford Camiones, 14-13 Most valuable player: Nicolas Taberna Final teams: El Relincho-El Mangrullo (32): Nicolas Taberna 10; Juan Ignacio Lanfranco 9; Andres Lanfranco 7; Osvaldo Inchauspe 6 El Siasgo (33): Facundo Taberna 9; Eduardo D’Araquistain 9; Sergio Pedretti 8; Ignacio Simone 7

Ham

South Africa

Summer sun, something’s begun

Good things come

CHILLY MEMBERS AND ORGANISERS at Ham Polo Club are keen to put the snowy and icy conditions of a particularly brutal English winter behind them this February, as they look ahead to a busy schedule this summer. Tournaments ranging from -2 through to 12 goal have been scheduled alongside a packed social calendar including many charity events such as Childline’s Polo at Sunset, the Jaeger–LeCoultre Charity Day and the club’s summer ball. Polo Times also understands there are also plans for friendly international matches at the club and tours to play overseas for teams made up of the club’s members.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming new friends and new members to the club this season,” said chairman Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers. “There are many new ideas in prospect for 2010 but the club still sticks to its abiding policy of playing polo for fun!”

The club’s proximity to the capital also makes it a popular venue for Londoners looking to stable their ponies. This season, yard manager Julia Luke has left Manor Farm to run her livery business out of Fifield – giving Ham the opportunity to take on new professional players with livery for more than 40 ponies now available.

ALMOST 3,000 PEOPLE gathered at Clifford Elphick’s five-star Kurland Hotel in Plettenberg Bay early this January to witness South Africa finally claim their first scalp in the nine-year history of the Kurland International, beating Australia, 12-10.

The regular end-of-year polo destination, between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth on South Africa’s Top scorer Sbu Duma southern tip, welcomed celebrities such as back row rugby international Schalk Burger and business tycoon Leo Baxter, who enjoyed £100-a-head champagne VIP entertainment and a gourmet lunch on the sidelines. The well-lubricated “high-rollers” combined with hundreds of fans on packed grassy banks all round the ground and a sold-out pavilion to create a crescendo of noisy support that echoed around the foothills of the Tsitsikamma mountains. Together they cheered South Africa home in the late-afternoon sunshine to their long-awaited inaugural Kurland International victory.

The spirited South African performance was all the more significant and pleasurable for the watching supporters

Ham Polo Club: set for a busy year in 2010

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What is pato?

PATO WAS DECLARED Argentina’s national game in 1953 by the then-president, Juan Perón, and combines elements from polo and basketball. Derivations of pato are played in some European countries, especially France, under the name “horseball”.

The modern-day game pits two teams of four against each other as they fight for possession of a leather ball designed with six conveniently sized handles. Players tackle each other by standing in their stirrups and tugging at the ball held by their opponents, who can pass the ball around but whose arms must be outstretched “presenting” the ball as they ride.

Teams score by throwing the ball through a vertically positioned ring 2.4 metres off the ground, and usually play for six eight-minute periods.

Photographs supplied by the Argentine Pato Association

Pato world number one Nicolas Taberna, who plays polo in England, reaches for the ball en route to victory at Palermo

Royal County of Berkshire

to those who wait because of the composition of the Springbok team. Not only was it a very young side, providing plenty of promise for the future, but it also featured South Africa’s first black international player, 24-year-old Sbu Duma.

Two-goal Duma made an impressive debut, scoring five goals as they pegged back a talented Australia side.

He was also the side’s oldest player and was therefore forced to take on the responsibility of leading the younger players in the side alongside the country’s 22-year-old captain, Tom de Bruin.

The South Africans’ youngest player Chris MacKenzie is just 17, but looked every inch the full international, no doubt aided by the presence of his father on the sidelines, seasoned international Buster MacKenzie, who this year was fulfilling the role of the team’s manager.

“It’s a wonderful achievement for the South African team,” said tournament director Clive Peddle. “A home win on our Pavilion field has been long overdue, especially as polo in South Africa is so healthy at the moment. We have been through challenging times economically but, encouragingly, we seem to be past it now.”

Teams South Africa (18): Sbu Duma 2; Chris MacKenzie 4; Nachi du Plessis 7; Tom de Bruin 5 Australia (18): Jack Archibald 2; Robert Archibald 6; Ruki Baillieu 7; William Gilmore 3

Post-snow, it’s all go IN AN ENCOURAGING signal of the continued growth of the arena game, there were more new memberships for the arena season at Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club taken up than ever before. Less encouraging, of course, has been the British weather, which recently halted a lot of arena polo and pony training all over the UK. However, Berkshire’s all-weather arena managed to host considerable action, even in the unpredictable conditions.

New member Ahmed Hafeezuddin-Mir recorded his first win at the club, as his NASR Polo Team scooped the season’s opening 7-10 goal club tournament on 22 November. Other early winners this season included Simon Annabel Holley presents the 12-15 goal prize to Tchogan’s Holley, whose Ocho Rios side won the 8-12 Sebastian Dawnay, Heiko Voelker and Tim Bown goal Metropolitan Trophy, and Jason Purvis, patron of the winning Hedley Polo Team at the 2-5 goal club tournament, also in late November.

However, Heiko Voelker’s Tchogan team were the big early winners this winter, beating Ocho Rios to win the invitational 12-15 goal tournament, 19-15.

Snow delayed the start of the HPA National Club Championships until the end of January and early February but, with the Westbury Arena Gold Cup on the horizon shortly afterwards, there is still a lot of competitive polo to be played in the arena this winter at RCBPC, which is sure to keep the club’s ground staff as busy as ever.

Invitational 12-15 goal finalists Tchogan (15): Heiko Voelker 2; Seb Dawnay 7; Tim Bown 6 Ocho Rios (14): Jose Rojas 1; Max Charlton 4; Chris Hyde 9

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Reports At home and abroad USA

Thailand

All eyes on Florida as talent, testing and training take off

Visiting Germans defeated by one of their own

X RECORD-BREAKING unseasonable cold

weather ushered in the 2010 season at the International Polo Club in Wellington this year, writes Alex Webbe. Defending champions Patagones tasted victory again in the traditional season-opener at the club, the Iglehart Cup, beating EFG Bank in the final to the first trophy of the new year and the first of the 20-goal season. EFG’s Jim Whisenand, Andres Weisz, Pancho Bensadon and Luis Escobar made steady progress to the final, but narrowly came unstuck 8-7 to a powerful Patagones line-up comprising Gonzalo Action from the Iglehart Cup, where Patagones defended their title Avendano, Julio Gracida, Carlos Gracida and Carlos Avendano at the all-important stage. concerning “walking” with the ball have prompted an A further three teams joined the ranks from the explosion of backhanders and faster play throughout Iglehart to contend the Joe Barry Memorial Cup, which the opening tournaments. began on the same day as Patagones’s victory. EFG In their October meetings in Aiken, South Carolina, Bank was replaced by Lucchese, and the five other last year, the USPA unanimously approved a by-law Iglehart teams remaining were joined by Lechuza change for 2010 that will require individual members of Caracas, Mt. Brilliant and Faraway Polo. the USPA to submit their horses for random blood Lechuza featured 15-year-old four-goaler Santiago and/or urine testing. This is in response to the mass Torres, the focus of the soon-to-be released documentary The Polo Kid (keep your eyes peeled for a pony deaths at last year’s US Open and the upshot will ultimately include possible disciplinary action against review in the March issue of Polo Times). Preview any member convicted of a civil animal abuse violation.

Lechuza featured Santiago However, the USPA Equine Drug & Medication Torres, the focus of the Testing Programme policies are still being determined, and the complete drug and medication rule system, documentary The Polo Kid including adjudication, hearings and penalties, will take copies of the film have been made available to the polo time to implement. A pilot programme is underway.

On a more positive note, the first three-day training press, so all eyes were on him. In the event his team session for the 24 inductees into the newly launched was thumped 15-8 in their opening game by The Team USA programme takes place this month. The Hawks, with Canadian Julian Mannix proving there are players, aged 19 to 25, were picked from more than 70 talented kids on more than one team. At the time of applications from all over the country and will have their going to press, it remains to be seen which of the travel expenses covered to bring them to Wellington, strong line-ups will lift the Joe Barry crown at the end Florida, for the event. The programme aims to identify of January. talented young home players and to provide them with Cold weather or not, the players have been raving opportunities to learn from some of the game’s best about the condition of the fields at IPCPB, under the pros, competing and working alongside them. direction of Ray Mooney. Meanwhile new USPA rules

EXPATRIATE GERMAN Harald Link played host to a 10-goal team sent by the German Polo Association this December at his Thai Polo and Equestrian Club. Under the watchful eye of new general manager Roddy Matthews, Link joined forces with a trio of experienced Malaysian international players to form a South East Asia side to fight it out with the tourists for the coveted B.Grimm 131st Anniversary Cup. Germany featured patron Stephan Louis and the three Winter brothers, all of whom at well over six feet tall, looked particularly physically imposing lined up against the diminutive South East Asians. It made for a gripping contest and the large gathering of spectators and sponsors dining in style at the Chukka Bar on the sidelines were treated to a memorable battle.

Ultimately, despite Germany’s gallant effort, the local crowd got the result they wanted as South East Asia ran out to a 6-4 victory, with Link ironically becoming top scorer for the hosts – and putting the nail in the coffin to scupper his homeland’s chances of a win.

Germany offered plenty of hard, fast riding but it was SEA’s superior passing game and clinical finishing that earned them the trophy.

Regular visitor and respected American polo coach Rege Ludwig would have been pleased with their flair, as well as their application against tough opposition. As it was, after the Ambassador of Russia presented the trophy, the South East Asian entourage celebrated their victory by launching a hot air balloon as the sun set on a great day for the hosts at the Thai Polo Club, and especially for its co-director Link.

Teams: South East Asia (10): Harald Link 0; Shaik Reismann 2; Edham Shaharudin 4; Husaini Yunus 4 Germany (10): Christopher Winter 3; Oliver Winter 2; Thomas Winter 5; Stephan Louis 0

Vale of York

Snow no match for hardy Santas THE DREAM OF A WHITE Christmas for most people in Yorkshire was beginning to wear thin when the snow had still not subsided by mid-January. However, while the majority of the sporting world was forced to grind to a halt during the unusually abrasive conditions, two teams from the Vale of York Polo Club went head to head in full festive fancy dress on Cleethorpes Beach on New Year’s Day. “The snow fell on 19 December and stayed with us for almost four weeks,” said Vale of York chairman and polo manager, Paul Piddington. “So, in the middle of all

36 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

this, it was good to be able to warm a few spirits with a fun festive contest that helped work off the Christmas turkey!”

To the amusement and, no doubt, Cleethorpes kids got more than they bargained for when they heard it bemusement of the locals and visiting would be a white Christmas and that Santa Claus was coming to town beachgoers, the sides lined up dressed as snowmen and Santa Claus. The snowmen appeared camouflaging them well against the snowy backdrop.

However, valiant efforts from the Santas earned to have two clear advantages over their opponents – them a deserved draw and they clinched the contest their all-white uniforms were generally less on penalties before the snowmen, led by a feisty Adam uncomfortable than the rather awkward and Vincent, sought their revenge with a snowball fight. cumbersome Santa outfits, whilst simultaneously

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Dominican Republic

Swinging among the palms Kampsen, a veteran of three Miami Beach Polo THERE WAS PLENTY of excitement for members World Cups, the sponsor’s own side could only of the fledgling polo community on the Caribbean manage third place in the final rankings after three island of the Dominican Republic in December. days of action, leaving Team Sotogrande and Team Hometown hero Bobby Jimenez led his side to Lifestyle Companies to fight it out in the final on victory in the first annual Cap Cana Beach Polo Sunday 13 December.

World Cup on Juanillo Beach (pictured), and the Dominican Jimenez scored the first of Team tournament’s sponsor, luxury resort Cap Cana, Sotogrande’s goals on route to announced that construction was The tournament a 2-1 victory, with Costa Rica’s to begin in 2010 on a full-size included players of Luis Escobar completing the polo ground at the hotel, which scoring for the side to lift the sits on the coast at the eastern more than eight tip of the island. different nationalities country’s first beach polo trophy. However, there was The west of the country consolation for Team Lifestyle Companies – despite borders Haiti, which in January was devastated by their disappointment in the final, team captain the horrific earthquake. The Dominican Republic, Martin van Scherpenzeel of Holland was named which shares the same island and was the first to most valuable player, while the best playing pony offer aid, is the Caribbean’s largest tourist prize went to Lion King, a mount played by the destination. Polo is sure to provide another string to side’s Canadian talsiman, Todd Offen. its bow, already popular in particular as a place for golfing holidays and for baseball tours from the United States. On the evidence of the beach polo – Finalists the game has great potential already.

Sotogrande (13): The tournament featured players of more than Bobby Jimenez 3; Alfredo Vargas 3; Luis Escobar 8 eight different nationalities, who formed the six Lifestyle Companies (12): three-man sides that battled for the inaugural Cap Martin van Scherpenzeel 2; Luis Alfonso Paniagua / Pablo Cana trophy. Despite featuring America’s Kris Cabrera 3; Todd Offen 7

Argentina Brits abroad forge ahead

ENGLAND’S LUCY Taylor, Nina Clarkin and George Gemmell finished a respectable third alongside Nina’s husband John Paul in the 10-14 goal Copa Primavera (Spring Cup) at the Novillo Astradas’ La Aguada estancia near Open Door this December.

USA Whites lose on white stuff

AUDI (MELISSA GANZI, Kris Kampsen and Juan Bollini, in red) made a successful return to the Piaget Polo on the Snow tournament in Aspen, Colorado, this December, beating Piaget (Marc Ganzi, Nacho Figueras and Nick Roldan) in the final, 5-3.

Australia

Polo shines bright to record numbers in NSW and Victoria MORE THAN 3,000 supporters gathered in Centennial Park late last year, in the shadow of Sydney's Aussie Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground, to soak up the 30-degree heat at Paspaley Polo in the City. The event showcased some of the country’s top polo talent – human and equine – in a glamorous and thoroughly enjoyable spectacle, writes Henrietta Hawke.

The polo was intermingled with events such as a goal-scoring competition on an RM Williams wooden horse, and "dash for a drink". The latter involved elegantly clad women sprinting and scrambling for a bottle of champagne, while the men played a devious game of tripping each other up and riding each other off in a race for a case of beer.

With the teams locked at 5-5 in the final, Team Mumm beat Ernst and Young to win the head-sized silver trophy by the narrowest of margins.

Next on the agenda for Australian polo fans was Victoria’s Stella Artois Portsea Polo showpiece at Point Nepean, just over 60 miles and two hours’ driving along the coast from Melbourne. More than 5,000 spectators watched Greg Keyte lead Team Land Rover clinch a one-goal victory over a Glen Gilmorecaptained Stella Artois side, before the Australian captain packed his bags and swapped the heat for the wintry scenes of St Moritz.

Polo in the City finalists Champagne Mumm (14): Ric McCarthy 4; Ed Goold 4; Andrew Blake-Thomas 4; Ed Matties 2 Ernst and Young (14): Sam Hopkinson 6; Robert Ballard 4; Adam Meally 3; Shane Fagan 1 www.polotimes.co.uk January/February 2010 37

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Feature Breeding

Mariano Aguerre with Machitos Kentucky and Machitos Mechera at Centauros Polo Club, Pilar

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As a clone of one of Mariano Aguerre’s best mounts, Califa, is to become the first polo pony ‘double’, the outgoing La Dolfina captain and acclaimed breeder tells Cristina Kroll why he embraces innovation and technology ollowers and fans of Mariano Aguerre, who fired the winning goal for La Dolfina at Palermo in December, know him not only for his skill on the field but for his sensational ponies and the highly successful breeding operation behind them. For 15 years now, on the expansive green fields of Buenos Aires province, Aguerre has been steadily building his stud, Los Machitos. And although the 10-goaler has hundreds of ponies, he has each animal’s name and family history engraved on his memory.

This year, along with victory in the Open, Aguerre has another success to celebrate. Califa, the handsome and distinctive bay who carried him to three 26-goal victories in the US in 2005 and has been one of his greatest mounts, has become the first polo pony to go through the cloning process. Three of gelding’s “doubles” are due to be foaled in America in April, the process having been carried out by cloning specialists ViaGen, with the support of the American Polo Horse Association (APHA) (see also page 4).

Visiting Aguerre at his seasonal Pilar base, Centauros Polo and Country Club, a few days before the Argentine Open final – his last with La Dolfina – I met Califa and his stablemates, who make up Aguerre’s 20-strong top string, one of the most admired in high-goal.

It’s safe to say that, among horses, Aguerre feels like a fish in water. When he started in the breeding business, in 1994, it was not because of its potential profitability, but as a way to provide himself with quality mounts. “At first, there wasn’t even a business plan, since I began in this activity to satisfy

F

my own needs,” he recalls. “However, at that moment there was not much breeding in Argentina and demand was rising, so it turned out to be an excellent opportunity.”

With a stock of 20 horses he set up Los Machitos. He now owns 600, and this year 100 foals will be born. His breed has its roots in the US. Peter Brant, a racehorse breeder and patron of White Birch, for whom Aguerre plays on the American circuit, allowed him to import to Argentina some of the team’s retired mares. Aguerre, who made his name on home ground playing for Ellerstina, Indios Chapaleufu I and finally La Dolfina, also imported mares from England and Australia. Some of these became important stud mares for Los Machitos, while the main stallions were Durazno, Michael and Machitos Chelo.

One of those imported from White Birch was Cumbia, one of Aguerre’s dearest stud mares. “This turned out to be one of the best bloodlines in polo,” he says. Her decorated descendants include Machitos Jazz, who won prizes after the 2007 Argentine Open and the 2005 Hurlingham Open, and Machitos Rastafá, best mare at the 2001 Jockey Club Open.

Luna, the revered mare bred by [the late] Héctor Barrantes and played by Gonzalo Pieres, became another important dam for the Machitos string, and was the mother of Califa, who is by the acclaimed stallion Sobornado. Califa’s playing performance and “royal” breeding led to his being hand-picked for the cloning process in America.

Aguerre explains: “In the APHA was looking to select one polo pony to be the first in history to be cloned, and for this process they selected Califa.” X

Sunny Hale: Why the APHA is following cloning keenly AMERICAN PLAYER Sunny Hale, one of only two female players in history to reach five goals, is president of the American Polo Horse Association (APHA), which was set up in 2006 and has 700 horses registered – and rising.

The APHA named Califa its horse of the year in 2009 and it is down to Sunny that the gelding has been cloned: she was the one to earmark him as the ideal horse to “duplicate”.

“I think cloning is an amazing opportunity for polo people who are open to it. ViaGen was looking to be introduced to polo, and I thought Califa would be the right horse to be the first.

Polo is so performance-based and Califa has an outstanding record and a highly successful family.

“I called Mariano and said ViaGen wanted to talk to him. He’s heavily into breeding, and for him to produce a stallion with Califa’s genetics is an incredible opportunity. You can sell offspring and semen, use him for your own breeding and so on. If you have the money [ViaGen charges $165,000] and are interested in breeding it’s exciting – and as a top horse can sell for more than $100,000 you could also do well.”

Hale adds she can think of plenty of other polo candidates for cloning. “If you have the money to roll the dice there’s a whole laundry list of horses!”

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Feature Breeding

Califa: intense, calm, explosive

Reporters interview Mariano Aguerre after the Argentine Open. Aguerre has 600 horses in all. He breeds 100 horses a year, and 90 per cent of those born in 2010 will have been bred by embryo transfer. Below right: the gelding Califa

X Entertainingly now, Aguerre once said in an

interview with US magazine Polo Players’ Edition that Califa was “one of a kind”.

About 30 per cent of the Los Machitos horses are currently playing, at various levels. “The 20 most solid ones played the Argentine Open, and another 44 are in the learning stages,” says Aguerre. As well as supplying various local

married to Tatiana Pieres; the couple have three children under eight, who are growing up enjoying the polo lifestyle – and are able to celebrate whether regular rivals La Dolfina or Ellerstina win the Open).

“Gonzalo taught me to preserve the lines of the best dams and try to repatriate the best blood so that Argentina wouldn’t lose its potential as a

Photographs by Cristina Kroll, James Mullan and americanpolohorse.com

“Gonzalo [Pieres] taught me to repatriate the best blood so Argentina would keep its potential for polo breeding” players, Aguerre exports 15 to 20 ponies a year, and last November he organised the third auction of the Machitos stud.

Breeding is clearly a passion for Aguerre. “It is something that enables you to dream for the future, since nowadays, with embryo transplants, you can get up to six foals a year from one dam,” he points out.

About half of his overall stock is bred conventionally and half by embryo transfer. But as time passes, embryo breeding is gaining ground. “Of the 100 foals that will be born for Los Machitos in 2010,” says Aguerre, “close to 90 per cent will be bred by embryo transfer.”

Aguerre recognises that many people have in some way influenced his career as a breeder.

“Certainly Héctor Barrantes was a huge influence. I admire him as a breeder and my operations are based on his principles. He was a visionary in this field and with respect to building a strong string,” says Aguerre.

“Barrantes’ blood is the basis of the Polo Argentino breed.”

Also playing a key part has been former 10goaler and respected breeder Gonzalo Pieres, who is also Aguerre’s father-in-law (Aguerre is

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polo pony breeding country,” says Aguerre.

It is because of this raft of breeders that Argentina has been able to consolidate as a polo pony producer par excellence.

“The Polo Argentino breed has evolved more than any other animal breed in the last 10 years,” declares Aguerre. “This has to do with the fact that polo is such a growing sport.” Aside from the increasing global passion for polo, Aguerre also emphasises the role of organisations such as the Argentine Association of Polo Pony Breeders (AACCB), which champions and registers the Polo Argentino breed.

In spite of his many accomplishments – including being crowned best rider of the Argentine Open three times – Aguerre says he still has goals to reach on both professional and personal levels. “I’d like to achieve a renowned name for the Los Machitos stud within the Polo Argentino breed, backed up with awards.”

Modestly, he also stresses he has made wrong turns – and learnt from them. “Regrets? I have thousands, like anyone else,” he insists. “But it is all part of the learning process to become a better breeder.” F ◗ See also our news story on page 6

CALIFA (BELOW), WHOSE three clones are due to be born in April in Texas, was bred by Mariano Aguerre’s father-in-law, former 10-goaler Gonzalo Pieres.

The gelding is out of Luna, a famous polo mare bred by Hector Barrantes whose bloodlines are much in evidence across high-goal. Aguerre bought Califa when he was five, and he became one of his best horses. Califa, who has played in all the top tournaments in the US and Argentina, is now owned by White Birch, the polo organisation of patron Peter Brant, and kept and played

by Aguerre.

In 2009, the horse played both the US and Argentine Opens as one of Aguerre’s top string, though he doesn’t shuttle between countries every year.

This, in addition to a best playing pony award in the semi-finals of 2009 USPA Piaget Gold Cup, earned him the title horse of the year from the American Polo Horse Association (APHA). He was also named horse of the year in 2005, by influential US magazine Polo Players’ Edition (an award voted on by high-goal players), after partnering Aguerre to three high-goal victories in the US. In 2005 Aguerre told PPE: “Califa is handy when he needs to be, fast when he needs to be and gives me time when I need it. He proved to have unbelievable stamina. He is very powerful and brings the best out in me. He is one of a kind.”

Sunny Hale, president of the APHA, told Polo Times: “Over the years I’ve watched Califa and played against him; he’s phenomenally calm but extremely intense; explosive but quiet. He always steps up to the plate and gives everything he’s got. He also goes in a light-mouthed bridle. Califa is a truly unique and special horse.”

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Cortijo La Clarita is situated in 15 acres of stunning private farmland on the edge of a National Park, approximately 2 km from Sotogrande Port. There are sports and leisure facilities for everyone - with golf and polo being the most renowned - all year round. The cortijo is ideal for a complete polo team and their horses but can just as easily accommodate non-riding families who are looking for a private, secluded piece of Anadalusian countryside close to all the latest facilities of Marbella and San Roque. The main house, swimming pool, casita and grooms accommodation can be rented separately or can include the stabling, corrals, paddocks, exercise track, sand school and horsewalker for up to 40 horses.The permanent housekeeper and gardener live on the property and provide excellent security, maintenance and housekeeping services. Our local manager can provide a concierge service for all needs including polo lessons and tournaments at both Ayala and Santa Maria Polo Clubs plus skiing or sailing!

Contact Clare Mathias Tel: 01483 281 755 Mob: 07909 991003

PERSONAL ESCORT

RECTOR

by MR PROSPECTOR – DANCE NUMBER.

This Chilean bred stallion won BPP in the Chilean Open, played by G Donoso. In UK Rector played the Queens Cup, Gold Cup and the Coronation Cup. Full brother to Africana, winner of BPP in the Prince of Wales Cup. First crop playing well.

Sire of many top New Zealand bred polo ponies, notably SPOOK played by Pablo Macdonough for Broncos.

– by MR LONG (TB).

MR COFFEE - by KUNDAKI. This Argentine bred stallion played in the USA with E Panelo and then in the UK for G Donoso, winning BPP in the Warwickshire Cup and playing many seasons in the Queens Cup and Gold Cup. He was a top horse when Gabriel led Chile to victory in the Coronation Cup. His first crop is now being broken in.

CLARK – by NIGHT OPERA (TB AUS) - out of CLARET. SIRE - 'Night Opera' Brown/black Australian TB DAM - 'Claret' - 'Monty' - 'Pinky' 'Claret' - Champion pony at Ellerston 2005. Played in the Argentine Open 2005 with Gonzalito Pieres. Champion Pony at Cowdray Gold Cup 2006. Full sister to 'Burgundy' and 'Champagne'.

Half sister to 'Dinghy' and 'Shiraz'. All playing for Ellerston UK.

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Feature Fitness and injury special

From aches and strains to horrendous pains, every polo player will take a knock at some point. Martha Terry catches up with the latest research and asks players how they prevent and recover from injury

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hen a footballer grazes his knee, he is carried off on a stretcher. When a polo player gets thwacked with a stick, he keeps going.

Emma Tomlinson played three months last year with a ruptured cruciate ligament. But can players afford to ignore pain, or turn a blind eye to learning how to prevent it? Research specific to polo injuries is thin on the ground. In 1999 Costa-Paz et al evaluated injuries to 34 riders during an Argentine high-goal season. A McTimoney Chiropractic student, Steph Targett, has just completed a thesis on polo players’ injuries and conditions – surveying 69 volunteers (many of whom she contacted through Polo Times).

Costa-Paz found that although polo has a relatively low injury rate compared with other sports – at around eight per 1,000 player hours – these injuries are frequently severe. Costa-Paz concluded that 65 per cent are traumatic – that is, sustained from a fall, a kick or a polo stick.

This can be gory stuff – but there is little anyone can do about it except to hope that a medical team experienced in trauma is first on the scene.

Peter Crawford, a polo-playing associate physiotherapist for Back In Shape Physiotherapy, has witnessed some sickening crunches. “The worst I’ve seen was an open femoral fracture – the big bone in the leg was poking out of the skin,” he says.

“They treated it by putting on an external metal frame – a basic technique used by the Russians in World War I to treat shot wounds.”

Three years ago Luke Tomlinson was rolled on by two horses and escaped with a fractured pelvic wing. He was back playing after one month thanks to a combination of treatments – from homeopathic to hyperbaric.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves sitting in a chamber breathing 100 per cent oxygen while under increased atmospheric pressure. This encourages damaged cells to repair quickly. “It was strange and time-consuming,” he says. “The

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sessions last two hours and I often did two a day – but I did catch up on paperwork!”

Tomlinson also had physiotherapy, laser, ultrasound and took homeopathic remedies Symphytum and Arnica.

Where are the black-spots?

While the breaks sound dramatic, it’s the chronic injuries – the tennis elbows, back pains and groin strains – that nag away and snuff out players’ enjoyment, improvement and, for professionals, employment. While Costa-Paz found that fractures, strains and concussions were the most common injuries, Targett’s research revealed right-arm shoulder and elbow, back and neck muscles as the injury black-spots.

Crawford cites back spasms as prevalent – a third of his patients suffer back pain. “Probably 95 per cent of people who play polo aren’t fit enough,” he says. “They work 10 hours a day

The main advice from professionals is to act quickly on any injury the moment it surfaces.

Ignoring injuries forces other muscles to compensate and the problem will escalate.

“Tennis elbow is a classic example of repetitive strain,” says Crawford. “Tiny microtears in the muscle and tendon tissue develop over weeks, months, even years.

Discomfort turns to pain, then a movement disorder. By then you aren’t just fighting the tears, but the compensatory problems you have also developed.”

Tennis elbow is common because the weight of the polo stick, combined with the use of the body weight, are absorbed by the fragile wrist.

The shoulder and neck may also compensate.

The shoulder has a very dynamic motion and is frequently injured. It can be more complex than tennis elbow because it has several degrees of movement through flexion and extension. The injuries are common both

“Probably 95 per cent of players aren’t fit enough.

They work 10 hours a day then expect to go out on a Saturday morning and perform” – Peter Crawford then expect to go out on a Saturday morning and perform. They don’t have enough core control which, combined with the dynamic aspect of polo, means their backs can’t cope.”

Back spasms occur when the muscles between the vertebrae lock up and the joint compresses, rendering the back immobile.

Crawford recommends getting on your hands and knees and rotating onto your heels to stretch the muscles either side of the vertebrae, and to see a professional forthwith.

Steph Targett found that physiotherapy was the most recommended form of treatment.

Chiropractic, osteopathy and surgery were also popular, followed by shiatsu massage, ultrasound, strapping for support, McTimoney chiropractic and swimming.

traumatically, for example dislocation by falling on an outstretched arm, and non-traumatically, as in tears to muscle tissue.

Beginner Sophie Wilkinson fell awkwardly on her left arm and tore the muscles in her shoulder. Her physiotherapist banned her from riding for four weeks and strapped the shoulder to take the pressure off the affected muscles.

“I did everything the physio prescribed as I felt I was just getting the hang of polo,” says Sophie. “Six months on it feels strong – although I’m lucky it’s my left arm.”

And it’s not all about the upper body.

Sudden changes of movement (between the horse and you, or the horse and ground) can provoke groin strains (torn adductor muscles).

Depending on the grade of tear, these can take

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Feature Fitness and injury special X

Recent recoveries Emma Tomlinson Last year was fairly painful for Emma. She ruptured her left knee cruciate ligament in April, jumping off a bucking horse with a broken rein. She continued to play until July when a fall behind the goalposts left her with a shattered collarbone.

“I had this operated on,” says Emma, who believes the best treatment for broken collarbones is to fix it with a plate. “Since I was unable to ride, I used this chance to have my cruciate operated on. Between these two surgeries I had keyhole surgery to tidy up cartilage damage from an old wrist fracture.”

Surgeons suggest three months off after collarbone surgery but Emma reckons: “At a push you could play after four weeks for your left arm, six for your right. Surgeons recommend six to nine months off before returning to full activity after cruciate ligament repair but I am not sure it takes that long!”

from two weeks to three months to heal, but there are taping techniques that offload damaged muscle tissue to allow players to get back onto the polo field.

Luke Tomlinson says he tries to “stay fit, get good sleep and not to ride bad horses”. He also does a good warm-up before playing. But there is nothing he could have done to prevent his fracture. However, in many cases there are ways of reducing your time on the sidelines.

Do more for the core The buzzwords for physiotherapists are “core strength”. Having good core control means the main muscle in the stomach – the transverse abdominis, which holds the stomach, pelvis and back together – is firing correctly. Polo makes the ultimate demands on this busy muscle, with the giant lever of the upper body swinging around the lower body held into the saddle.

“When you’re travelling at 40mph, swinging a stick and someone hooks your stick,” says Crawford, “imagine the forces of deceleration going through your shoulder, amplified through your spine. You have to be able to control that movement.”

He maintains that most people do not know how to fire the muscle and should visit a physio just to get it activated and then apply it to general fitness.

Hermione Owen, who has ridden all her life, has suffered from back spasms for years. She has developed tricks to alleviate the symptoms while she

Photographs by Paul Hulbert and Nigel Pearce

Malcolm Borwick Malcolm broke his left collarbone late last year with an oblique fracture, and opted to be treated conservatively as he “did not fancy the general anaesthetic”.

“The top half of the bone split away upwards,” explains Malcolm. “The treatment was very undramatic. I had to wear a figure-of-eight bandage for six weeks and try to rest.”

His Argentinean specialist prescribed “time and patience” as the best nonoperative cure. And Malcolm’s advice to avoid this injury?

“Don’t play a Cámara practice on a wet field in October!”

44 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Even the best are bound to tumble, as Adolfo Cambiaso shows here at Cowdray

waits for her physio appointment. “If I feel my back going, I tie frozen peas around my hips to stop the muscles getting too inflamed,” she says. “I massage the area by rolling a tennis ball between my back and a wall, and then I do gentle Pilates, which keeps the spine moving. But the best prevention would be to work on my general fitness.”

For tennis elbow, a good preventative is to maintain muscle length – either by stretching or doing weights.

“With all joints, there is a specific length which ties in with an optimum length on the other side and these lengths must marry,” says Crawford. “But any form of exercise is good for all joints and muscles – by the age of 30 our joints are already conditioned to certain movements and don’t rotate as much as they should.”

Another tip is to go back to basics with your stroke. Get a professional player to analyse your technique to maximise how your bones and muscles interact to produce power.

So, more Pilates, more time in the gym and more time spent warming-up will help your body no end.

And as for dodging the big blows?

“You can’t think too much about avoiding injuries,” says Luke Tomlinson. “Just try to play calmly and within the limits of each horse.” F ◗ Have you any tips on recovering from injury or

preventing it happening in the first place? Tell us by writing to letters@polotimes.co.uk

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The knowledge Playing around NEW COLUMN – With our intrepid improver Carlie Trotter (–2). This month: FHM

Cheerful battles on the cheap arely a month after the last outdoor match at FHM I entered the fray at the annual Polo Splice (0-2-goal) arena tournament. The club has just celebrated a decade of play, and more raised handicaps than ever, so it was an ideal place to refresh my indoor game.

As I brushed a teddy bear-like New Zealand mare named Quill, member Jo Crawford told me: “Many of us have played at more elite clubs, but here you can turn up without ponies, muck in and have fun – it’s farm polo.”

I warmed up with a lesson from founder Francis Matthews (1). A former schoolteacher, Francis works closely with the HPA and Claire Tomlinson, and his crystal-clear instruction seems to have largely stamped out fouling here. “I play in order to teach,” he declared.

As one half of the white team, I plunged into battle against the black-shirted duo of Ken Fallon (0) and Bob Ahern (0). Roy Law, commentating, joked when playing two-ontwo: “You can’t hide, even from yourself.” After solid defence by the Blacks, and a tragic tack whistle when my teammate Jo Crawford was inches from scoring, we surrendered 3-2.

Experience then won out to see Reds through to the final over La Julia Estancia.

While psyching up for the third-place playoff we heard over the tannoy: “All that is left to do is beat the hell out of each other!”

The impressive natural hit of Simon Marchant – playing his fourth ever chukka –

B

Two-on-two arena chukkas at FHM in West Sussex, where winter pony hire costs just £25

for La Julia kept us on our toes, as well as Roy Law, who was nearly taken out by one overthe-wall shot. After Jo and I suffered a series of teeth-clenching misses we let defence slip

‘People come to FHM to enjoy polo as a game, not a pro-driven sport’ to go one-all. My pony Quill was ahead on the turns however, and at the eleventh hour we rescued a win and a bottle of wine each.

The Blacks vs Reds final proved exciting, not least for the rodeo-ing antics and stirrup-less skills of some. An on-form Fallon was kept at bay by a fearless Dimitri “Ivan-the-Terrible”

Chebotarev recently back from playing in Dubai. Bob Ahern made the goal of the day with a backhand the length of the arena. Reds equalised, but Fallon retaliated in time for the Blacks to swoop the 2009 Polo Splice shield.

Much of the pony power had been snapped up late in the summer season when players elsewhere were downsizing, and Fallon‘s new mount Dancer emerged best playing pony.

Over mince pies and mulled wine in The Sportsman Pub, otherwise known as “the clubhouse”, it became clear that people join FHM to enjoy polo as a game, not a pro-driven sport. Great pluses this winter include low chukka fees, monthly tournaments, Ascot Park away matches and a club jolly to Chantilly. F

Photographs by Carlie Trotter and Ravi Bhatia

Soundbites from the sidelines Francis Matthews

Bob Ahern

Roy Law

founder and manager

founding member

commentator

“Last summer was busy: we don’t charge team entry fees and several players were looking for cheaper ways to play. Joining a club was once like wearing a school tie, but people move around now. I encourage people to play all positions, and no one gets shouted at to ‘leave it’. I discourage them from buying ponies too early, when the learning curve is still steep.”

“I have a 24-hour job so I dip in and out. Here I know there are horses for me; elsewhere you can turn up for chukkas and no one’s there, they only turn out for tournaments.

The indoor arena means that you’re guaranteed a game even when the wind and rain are whipping up. It’s very sociable, and playing against Ascot Park wakes up our competitive spirit.”

“FHM is a 12-month opportunity to play affordable polo based on sound riding in a noncliquey environment. ‘Rusties’ and refreshers come as well as beginners, and County Polo adds a new dimension.

Sure, the club would benefit from a larger arena but there are away matches and the roof and floodlights make us independent of the weather.”

The Sportsman Pub and Dining www.thesportsmanpub.com Telephone: 01444 233 460 Close to FHM and 1.5 miles from Hickstead. Cuckfield Road, Goddards Green, West Sussex . BN6 9LQ

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FHM vital statistics Playing members 46 Non-playing 20 Facilities Covered 50x27m arena lends itself best to two-on-two; tea hut, loos, pub one minute walk away. Full-size boarded pitch, practice ground and wooden clubhouse in summer.

Club philosophy Affordable polo for players who want to become playmakers in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Running the show HPA instructor Francis Matthews (1), the one-manband behind FHM Polo, set up the club in 1999 to create an alternative to high-end clubs. As a co-creator of ‘County Polo’, a three-on-three Sunday league, he offers an instructional stop-gap for players not ready or able to pay professional fees. Alistair MacVicar MRCVS is club welfare officer, Francis’s wife Patti is in charge of player nourishment and members manage an active social scene in Sussex and London.

Location At Goddards Green, West Sussex, at West End Farm, where owners John and Jackie Marsh keep Quarter Horses. Ten minutes from the M23 and eight minutes from Burgess Hill station (55min from London Bridge and Victoria). Nearby clubs: AEPC 10min, Knepp Castle 20min; Sussex Polo 30min.

Crowd The likes of pilots, surgeons and students discover or dip into the game. A hub for players trying to break the zero-goal barrier. Clinics have included teaching by Malcolm Borwick (6). FHM has been the feeder club for several devotees, such as AEPC founder John Bunn.

Ponies Full winter livery at West End Farm is £120 p/w including feed and exercise, indoor and outdoor arena use. DIY available. Summer grass livery from £25 p/w. Winter pony hire £25 a chukka; summer £35.

Lessons £30-£50 an hour one-to-one; £40 an hour for groups Full membership £150 winter, £350 summer Contact www.fhmpolo.20fr.com; 07778 436468

London-based members Ravi Bhatia and Eric Urbain. Play goes on in the indoor arena regardless of the weather, followed by a trip to ‘the clubhouse’ – the Sportsman Pub

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Your game The knowledge Vital riding and playing tips from Jamie Peel, three-goal pro and 2008 Gold Cup winner

Where’s a man to go to earn a winter crust?

Ask Jamie

Photograph by Brett O’Callaghan

England’s Tom Morley and Nina Clarkin fight it out on opposite sides in the final of the 2009 New Zealand Open

or young pros, making a summer pay can be hard enough, so getting organised for the winter is even more challenging. The problem for British pros is that wherever they go they will earn less than they do in the UK. Locations such as Dubai, Thailand and America are usually the best earners. There are not that many opportunities but if you can find a way in, it can be very profitable and provide you with the funds to pay for the wintering of your own ponies and start-up costs for the new season.

New Zealand has always been very popular with young pros who want to invest in horses. In New Zealand there are many thoroughbreds that have not made the grade for racing but can be retrained for polo. They are cheap to buy and with hard work through the winters you can produce polo ponies at far less cost than you can do at home. If you are working for someone at the same time you can

F

get your costs covered and get some well earned beer money!

It is similar in Australia, where there are some top organisations to work for. You can earn more in Oz and there are opportunities to play in a higher standard of polo.

Young pros must always be pushing themselves to improve and get to the next level. Argentina is undoubtedly the number one location to improve but it is also the hardest place to get organised. Unless you are there with a sponsor then earning is next to impossible so really you are investing your own money and time in your career.

There are many places for young pros to choose from and it is up to them to decide what they want to achieve from their time abroad before picking the destination. But if you can balance your winter with bringing in money as well as gaining valuable experience, this will help you to move on up. F

New Zealand is always popular with young pros who want to invest in horses

Jamie asks...asks…

Mark Tomlinson Jamie MARK, THE SIX-GOAL player, replies: pasto largoEngland = long grass “First, remember that the best players, horses and polo are in Argentina during October, November and December. There is nowhere at this time of year that even comes close to what you can see and experience there.

“It takes time to create an organisation of your own: even a millionaire couldn’t do it overnight. When buying horses you certainly don’t want to rush as this will increase the chance of mistakes.

“When starting in Argentina I think young pros

Dear Jamie

What a great column, with some good, sensible advice. We have a pony of yours, Serena, which your father has kindly loaned to us for my son Toby. We have had her for six months and Toby is getting on well with her. He plays most weekends and she has adapted well to playing in the arena. She is very sweet and seems happy; she is also a great ride-off machine, and not much gets past her!

Toby does have some issues turning Serena sometimes, and she is not always as agile as he’d like. Can you suggest any schooling exercises that might help with this? Thank you very much for allowing us to use her: she is a great addition to Tobys' string.

Bob Edmondson

Dear Bob I am by no means an expert when it comes to horses but what I have learnt is that if you are struggling with something, go back to basics.

Start working at a walk and build up from there, trying not to rush her.

When turning, the horse will always follow its nose, so make sure you have the nose pointing in the direction you want to go. Use your reins and legs to help the pony. Work her in a tight area so as to test her. It might also help to experiment with using different bits.

Do you have a question for Jamie Peel about any aspect of the game, from riding and schooling to hitting and tactics? Or do you want Jamieto ask another player a particular question? Write to jamesmullan@polotimes.co.uk

How can a young English pro get organised in winter in Argentina?

should put the development of their own string to one side and concentrate on ‘hooking up’ with a top player who is in the Open. This might involve starting at the bottom, serving mate or cleaning boots, but the benefits of being with a nine- or 10-goaler are huge. Just to listen and watch can be an inspiration to any young player.

“Ideally one can find a position as a ‘piloto’, which involves playing the second or third/younger string of a top player. This usually ensures a decent standard of horse in a good level of polo. Try to avoid being

stuck on a ‘countryside’ estancia, where young horse chukkas will not really help you develop as a player: Pilar or elsewhere on the Buenos Aires circuit is the place to be.

“If unluckily you aren’t given good horses and polo to play, the mere fact that you have formed an allegiance with a top player can only help your career.

And working for a top player doesn’t mean you can’t work on your own organisation. Once this base in Argentina has been established then one can gradually develop one’s own string without any rush.”

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The knowledge Pony power

Britannia Alice Gipps meets Open winner Lolo Castagnola to find out how a shy, polite mare of Henry Brett’s came from Australia, via England, to emerge as one of his key mounts – and a champion dam

Vital statistics

Photographs by Alice Gipps and James Mullan

Name: Britannia Height: 15.2hh Colour: Dark Bay Age: 16 years old Sex: Mare Origin: Bred in Australia by Kerry Packer Sire: Long Boat Dam: Princess

How did you find Britannia?

I came across her whilst on a visit to look at some of Henry Brett’s best mares for possible embryos. She was one of four that caught my eye, along with Jordan, Impreza and X-Ray. Britannia had been in Argentina a few years already, as Gonzalo Pieres was also using her to take embryos from – so I knew she was well regarded as an excellent mare to breed from. She’s very quiet and polite, and Henry has had about six embryos from her already.

Who owns her now?

Henry still owns her 100 per cent but, until she retires, she lives with me in Argentina, where she is going to be very important to my breeding operation.

He played Britannia in the British 22-goal for several seasons in the UK but she had been retired by the time I actually got my hands on her. However, when my vet checked her over, we realised that in fact there was no reason why she couldn’t play. She was completely sound so I started to use her again.

At what level of polo have you played her in Argentina?

She’s a very good mare, so I had no hesitancy about using her in the 40-goal, but I’m careful with her because of her age – 16 – and I use her sparingly. She has a fantastic mouth and turns beautifully – it’s just her power that she lacks now compared with younger horses. If it wasn’t for her age, I’d say Britannia would be in the top three ponies in my string. As it is, she still ranks as about seventh or eighth, so she’s an excellent mare.

Does that mean you used her in the Open?

As I said, she’s still extremely useful in short bursts so I kept her on the sidelines as a spare. I usually tended to play her early, such as for a couple of minutes in the second chukka, and then I knew I could rely on her to be fresh late in the games when I needed her again. She played for me in the last chukka a number of times.

Will she play again next year?

I’m confident that she still has another year in her, so I plan to play her as a spare again next season.

After that, I will go back to taking embryos in her retirement – hopefully up to about five a year. That will be very exciting as her progeny are already proven at the highest level. Britannia’s daughter Mayflower plays high-goal in the UK with Facundo Pieres and Britannia’s half-sister, Dinghy, plays the Open with Facundo. Both Britannia and Dinghy are sired by Long Boat, a former racehorse belonging to Kerry Packer - his progeny are all give nautical names such as Britannia!

Which stallions would be a good match for Britannia and why?

She’s not a complicated mare so any of my stallions are likely to work well and the stallions I use are all champions in their own right. She would potentially be a good fit with Chalo Compinche, who has played two chukkas at the last four finals at Palermo. His youngsters have turned out brilliantly and, most importantly, they have always been quiet and easy.

Anyone could ride them. F

Experts in polo nutrition Tel: +44 (0)1371 850247 www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk 50 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

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The knowledge Duty vet Mark Emerson MRCVS is a two-goal, fifth-generation polo player and an ambulatory equine vet

In the deep midwinter…

Rain scald and mud fever are a seasonal scourge, especially for polo ponies at grass.

As no proven 'magic formula' exists for either, how can they be managed and treated? his winter rain scald and mud fever should perhaps be renamed snow scald and slush fever. The conditions are actually the same skin infection affecting different parts of the horse’s body. Mud fever is the name given when the lower limbs are affected and rain scald when the skin over the horse’s back and flanks is affected. Unfortunately both conditions are relatively common in polo ponies kept outside during winter.

T

What causes the conditions?

The principal culprit is a species of bacteria called Dermatophilus congolensis that has a predilection for moist skin, particularly skin that has been partially debilitated by the rigours of winter. The bacteria survive for most of the year as spores in the soil and infect horses when paddocks turn muddy and the horses become exposed to the mud.

There is evidence to suggest that some fields are particularly badly contaminated with bacterial spores, and consequently these fields tend to produce more cases.

Once infected, the skin is further compromised and secondary infections with Staphylococcus bacteria may occur.

Photographs by Mark Emerson

Identifying the symptoms Sodden coats trap the bacteria and maintain an ideal environment for the bacteria to establish themselves. Horses that are malnourished and cold may be more prone to infection, although there is definitely an allergy-like component to the infection which appears to make some horses more susceptible.

With rain scald, overlying hair is often matted, and when removed exposes inflamed skin which is interspersed with scabs and weeping sores. The symptoms are similar in mud fever, but instead the skin around the pastern and fetlock is affected. Mud

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Above: Prolonged exposure to wet snow is only likely to exacerbate this case of mud fever.

Mud fever is more common in horses with white markings on their lower limbs fever is more common in horses with white markings on their lower limbs – the skin under the white hair lacks pigment and is generally more predisposed to inflammatory conditions.

Movement may cause the underside of infected pasterns to crack, allowing secondary bacteria to invade the resultant deep fissures. Severe mud fever is often painful and may cause lameness.

Principles of treatment Over the years as a polo player and as a vet I have come across many different ways to treat mud fever and rain scald. Despite anecdotal evidence, many of the treatments involve the use of products that have no proven clinical efficacy and from a physiological perspective may even do more harm than good.

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Clockwise from top left: Mild cases of mud fever, such as this one, may improve by bringing the horse in out of the wet. A severe case of rain scald with matted hair overlying very sore and inflamed skin. A steroid anti-inflammatory cream with antibiotic applied to an area affected by mud fever

After washing and clipping the infected area, scabs should be loosened, then binned as they may contain spores that could re-infect horses if swept around Whatever the treatment, affected horses should be removed from muddy fields and provided with shelter. This may be sufficient to allow mild cases to resolve. More severe cases ought to be actively treated, the objectives being to kill the offending bacteria and reduce the inflammation, while at the same time changing the microenvironment of the skin that has allowed the bacteria to thrive.

A sensible treatment protocol is to start by clipping any overlying long hair followed by washing the infected area

with a dilute disinfectant, such as Hibiscrub™. A warm solution will open up pores and allow the disinfectant to penetrate the skin.

At this stage, scabs should be loosened, but should also be binned as they may contain spores that could re-infect horses if swept around the yard. The infected area should then be rinsed thoroughly and dried in a manner that will not irritate the skin further (patted with kitchen towel or even dried with a hair dryer).

Creams and ointments can then be applied, but to have any benefit they must

ideally contain antibiotics and/or an antiinflammatory component. Paraffin-based products merely trap bacteria and moisture.

Many veterinary practices make up their own non-proprietary combination creams by mixing an antibiotic with a steroid antiinflammatory. Severe cases may benefit from injectable or oral antibiotics.

Due to the allergy-like component of the condition, severely or recurrently infected individuals may benefit from a course of oral anti-inflammatory steroids or a long acting steroid injection. Ideally horses should be kept indoors until the condition has fully resolved. F â—— Mark Emerson works as an ambulatory

equine vet based near Ascot in Berkshire and has many polo clients across the south of England. Tel: 07973 800358 or email: mark@emersonequine.com

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Feeding The knowledge Lorna Jowett, specialist equine nutritionist, gives expert advice on all things edible

How can I tell if my horse is in good shape after his winter at grass? y en español...

The shaded areas show exactly where to look when checking your horse’s shape after winter

GOOD QUESTION! So many people, in all disciplines, not just polo, get obsessed with the belly indicating the fatness of a horse. We are too quick to stand back and look at the belly and declare: “It’s fat, cut down its food!”

What you see is a pot belly as a result of grazing on winter grass, hay or haylage.

Muscle has been lost from the neck, back and rump (top line) and consequently, all that stands out is the belly. Often, this is made more prominent by conformation – for example, a deep girth and wide-sprung ribcage enhance a “fat” appearance.

When the top line muscle is built back up and you stand back la panza and assess the horse, the belly mucha gente will be less obvious and more una caja torácica la línea muscular superior in proportion. tener en cuenta Always take into consideration muy flaco conformation: restricting food and en descanso forage will not shrink a ribcage! la cincha These pictures illustrate where the fat and muscle is stored in a horse. When Body Condition Scoring a horse these are the areas to look at as illustrated in the diagrams – fat and muscle.

Objectively assess each area to give a true reflection of your horse’s body condition. They are then rated on a scale of 0-5 (UK) or 0-9 (US). Personally, I prefer the US scoring system, with 0 being very, very thin and 9 obese. Ideally a fit polo pony should be a condition score of 4-5, a wintered pony 6-7.

Finally, again, please don’t get so hung up on the belly as a fat indicator! F

Tip of the month Order some nice soft leafy hay/haylage to give the ponies when they come back into work. If it’s nice and digestible, it will help “the belly” to go!

Cuando tus caballos vuelvan al trabajo después del invierno, dáles fardo de hoja suave o haylage. Si es de buena calidad y fácil de digerir, ayudará a que “la panza” desaparezca!

Lingo Lesson = = = = = = = =

belly many people a wide ribcage top line muscle to take into account very thin at rest girth

BUENA PREGUNTA! En todas las disciplinas, no solo en el polo, mucha gente se fija solamente en la barriga de los caballos como indicador de gordura. Rápidamente solemos dar un paso atrás, mirar la panza y decir: “Está muy gordo, bajale la ración!”

Lo que ves es una barriga como resultado de pasar el invierno comiendo pasto verde, fardo seco o haylage con mínimo ejercicio.

Los músculos del cuello, lomo y cuartos se habrán perdido y por lo tanto la panza sobresaldrá del resto. A menudo esto se acentúa por un tema de conformación; por ejemplo, un ancho de cincha largo y una caja torácica amplia aumentarán la apariencia de gordura.

Cuando la línea muscular superior se vuelva a desarrollar y vuelvas a mirar al caballo en detalle, la panza va a ser menos obvia y estará mas en proporción con el resto del cuerpo. Tené en cuenta la conformación del caballo ya que restringir la ración y el forage no van a hacer que se achique la caja torácica!

Las dos fotos muestran donde se deposita la grasa y la posición de los músculos!

Las áreas a tener en cuenta cuando lleves a cabo la Puntuación sobre Condición Corporal son grasa y músculo. Observá objetivamente cada área para obtener un reflejo fiel de la condición del cuerpo de cada caballo. En una escala de 0-5 (GB) o 0-9 (USA), yo prefiero el sistema Norte Americano siendo 0 el puntaje para un caballo muy, muy flaco y 9 para uno obeso. Lo ideal es que un caballo de polo en buen estado este entre 4 y 5, mientras que un caballo en descanso durante el invierno debería estar entre 6 y 7.

Por favor, no uses la panza como único indicador de gordura! F

Condition-score this polo pony (left) and win money-off vouchers!

TELL US WHAT YOU think this polo pony scores under the US body condition-scoring system (from 0 to 9). Everyone who submits a written answer will receive a condition-scoring chart, including useful images, from Baileys Horse Feeds.

Everyone who submits the correct answer will receive moneyoff vouchers for Baileys feed. Send your answers, with your name and address, to georgie@polotimes.co.uk

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The knowledge South Africa travel special

They speak English, it’s cheap – and there’s no jet-lag Each year, South Africa becomes better set up for holiday polo, with increasing facilities and a growing raft of enthusiasts. We sent reporters to two friendly farms with lodgings on site to discover why British guests are flocking there

Left: Oaklands’ gorgeous guest facilities and, below, an overview of the club

56 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

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Play on, rain or shine Oaklands, by Sophie Montagne IT WAS OCTOBER and British polo had scaled down, so I turned to South Africa to see where I could brush up my rather basic skills. Jamie Bruce’s offer to spend a week at his Oaklands Polo and Country Club in Kwazulu-Natal was too good to miss, so I off headed, sunwards.

It was a warm 25 degrees as I passed paddocks en route to the property, which lies three hours from Johannesburg, half-way to Durban, outside the village of Van Reenen. To my left, a winding river valley, dramatic cliffs and a striking and distinctive pair of peaks formed a beautiful frame to the polo fields – think Cowdray’s River Ground, but with altitude.

I pulled up at the freshly painted reception and was greeted by two giraffe-sized great danes, majestically patrolling the veranda. Jamie welcomed me like an old friend, introducing me to his wife Caroline and sister-in-laws Annie and Kathy who all help run the hotel with a lively dose of South African charm.

Born in South Africa, Jamie served in the British Army for 26 years before moving back to his homeland and buying the property in 1996. A polo fanatic, he heard about arena polo in 2004 and decided to build his own arena in the

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bar, she told me the two-week England tour to Oaklands is her ideal holiday from a highpressured job in the City.

The club offers courses to players of all levels – I went for the beginners’ option – and local coaches Terence and Sipho Spilsbury provide training and pony hire from their 50-strong string. For novices it is reassuring to practise in the confines of an arena before being let loose on the grass. But for experts there’s the scope to stick and ball in the morning, play chukkas in the afternoon and matches by prior arrangement.

Thanks to the favourable climate it is possible to play all year round, both on the grass pitch and in the arena.

“Not many places have both the arena and field options, and it’s really good value,” says Bown (arena hcp 6; grass hcp 3). “The time zone is also a big bonus – if you have a business you can come over for a long weekend.”

The advantage of South Africa, especially for families, is that the coaches and staff are all English-speaking. Oaklands is very much a familyrun business, and I found the atmosphere incredibly friendly, with no hint of stuffiness.

Children are well catered for with a playground, swimming pool, trampoline, tennis, TV room and separate mealtimes, and there is also the option of self-catering apartments for families.

At the freshly painted reception I was greeted by two giraffesized great danes, majestically patrolling the veranda grounds. By 2007 he had cleared the river, drained some marshland and carried out minor excavation work to create a grass ground that complements the rest of the club’s modern facilities.

Although the majority of visitors are families, beginners and low-goal patrons from the UK, polo professionals also visit – Seb Dawnay and Tim Bown have been to Oaklands four times. During my stay, they were there for the annual Arena International between England and South Africa – and stayed on afterwards for more play.

Chatting to Dawnay’s patron Sara Hale in the

My room was newly refurbished, stylish and comfortable with its own terrace overlooking the paddocks to the cliffs beyond. The restaurant served huge, hearty breakfasts with Oaklands’ own-recipe, to-die-for toasted muesli (also for sale in the shop). The highlight of the evening menu, for me, was wildebeest carpaccio.

When in Africa it would be a shame not to see game in between games. The Spioenkop Reserve is 15 minutes’ drive from the hotel, but to see all the Big Five you’d want to spend a night at the Nambithi reserve, an hour away at Ladysmith.

The Drakensburg Mountains are within easy reach and Oaklands is in the heart of the Boer War battlefields. There are 13 sites nearby and I passed a few of these on an overnight outride (trail ride) through the spectacular Lost Valley at nearby Highlands Farm Estate. Landowner Cas Human was my guide as we rode ex-polo ponies into the steep valley and camped for the night.

With an encyclopaedic knowledge of South Africa, Cass was wonderful company in spectacular surroundings.

For a great value polo holiday, at any time of year, with the sun, but without the jet-lag, Oaklands has to be hard to beat. ◗ A five-day polo course at Oaklands Polo and Country Club costs £1,126 per person, including tuition and seven nights’ accommodation.

Contact: www.oaklands.co.za Tel: +27 58 671 0067, email: info@oaklands.co.za

Escape to the hills Franshoek, by Leah Ludlow At the foothills of the Free State’s craggy Maluti mountains, a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, a friendly, picturesque polo school, ideal for improvers who want to “get away”, nestles contentedly in a picturesque valley.

If the images on Franshoek Polo School’s website – of a gingerbread cottage, prettily furnished rooms, free-roaming ponies and dramatic scenery – aren’t alluring enough, the prospect of learning with a familiar face from Ascot Park, charismatic former Springbok captain Rod Gutridge, clinched the deal for me.

I headed there with a small group – earning us a decent discount – in November, a month into Franshoek’s main tourist season, which runs from October until June. The club – which 15 years ago became one of South Africa’s first to offer tuition to holidaymakers – is also a hub for local players.

Our arrival was more dramatic than anticipated: the vehicle sent to collect us battled storms for the duration of our drive, and at one point we needed help crossing a gushing ford. X

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The knowledge South Africa travel special Polo Times talks to the founders of new polo set-ups in South Africa

Peter Stuart Maremmana – polo, vineyards, fishing, mountain biking, near Cape Town How did you start in polo in South Africa?

We’re from Zimbabwe, and in 2000 we bought a farm there and started to play polo. We had two seasons before we lost our farm and made a fairly drastic decision to go to Argentina and look for career prospects. My wife’s family was from Coronel Suárez, and at the time a project was underway to create a “lifestyle development” of homes around the club there. We liked the concept, but going from Zim to Argentina would have been out of the frying pan and into the fire. Instead we bought a farm south-east of Cape Town, and in September 2002 trucked down our four children, belongings, eight polo ponies and a dog – an adventure in itself.

What happened next?

We asked the locals if they’d support our plans for a lifestyle development and they agreed. We had planning approval by November 2003, and started on the infrastructure – building dams, laying the polo field, planting vineyards. We launched phase one in 2006, selling out of plots within 18 months. Our investors are mostly Cape Townians who know a little about polo or like the idea of living on a farm. We also have two English and four German investors. Their homes are under construction are we’re well on the way with phase two – we have six plots left [average price £55,000], of the original 50 and a 50-acre farm [£375,000] where the investor can build a private polo field.

What is behind the name, Maremmana?

We wanted to name it after a breed of horse, and we felt this one, from the Maremma in Italy, had a nice ring.

What polo is going on there so far?

Polo here is just getting going, and we played our first “real” chukkas in mid-January – 50 people turned up as well as the 10 who played. All our children play (my wife Sue comments from sidelines!) and our oldest is playing in New Zealand: he is likely to be involved in the polo side here. We also plan to bring in a polo manager (I can’t take charge full-time as I run a flower export business). We’re building up our horses: one mare from Zimbabwe was in foal on the journey, and we’ve been using her colt for breeding. We now have 15 horses and capacity for 40-50. People can do other riding, and be involved in a wine club, go mountain biking and fish for trout here.

We are keen not to be élitism or intimidating, and want to appeal to all sorts of people.

For more, visit www.maremmana.co.za

58 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

X Happily, we were greeted at Franshoek with

drinks and a fire by Gutridge, our host and coach for the week. The school sits on a 3,600-acre farm that belongs to polo enthusiast Christian Findlay. As a gentle introduction to the saddle – and probably to see how we rode – Rod treated us that evening to a hack through beautiful orchards, letting us admire the mountain scenery and pick cherries from the trees as we went.

“This is not polo jail,” he declared the next day.

“You can do as much or as little as you like here, but you can expect to have a good time and go back feeling competent.” A testament to his direct style, he added: “But when you step over those boards, your head should be on polo.”

Gutridge started in polo hitting acorns riding bareback on his father’s farm in Zimbabwe, going

As a gentle introduction to the saddle Rod treated us to a hack through beautiful orchards, letting us pick cherries from the trees on to play high-goal with Memo Gracida for Maple Leafs. He spends six months a year in the UK umpiring and teaching, and six at Franshoek.

Mornings start with a wooden horse session, a lesson or stick and balling, with chukkas in the afternoon on a ground surrounded by mature eucalyptus and oak trees. The itinerary is as flexible as you want, and the level of guests generally dictates the pace of chukkas (a fact not lost on me when, less experienced than my friends, I promptly tumbled in my first chukka).

Tracey, Christian’s partner, explained: “Our guests are mainly from the UK, usually groups or couples and minus-one to two goals, but we can cater for whatever level you’re at.”

The staff, recruited locally, are attentive and keen to help, changing ponies as often as you want to build confidence or help you progress.

Franshoek coach Rod Gutridge (left) and owner Christian Findlay. The stables next to Rod’s cottage (top) will soon be a two-bedroom guest cottage

Some are involved in the Valley Education Fund, which supports underprivileged young people.

Members of my group had their own high points. “The passion for polo is evident here,” said Daisy Ward of Rod’s enthusiasm to get the most out of everyone. Jo Patmore pointed out that the instructors take the time to assess capabilities and build confidence, while Katie Bateman said: “The horses are so well trained, there is great hospitality and the scenery is spectacular.”

There is a hot tub and swimming pool, and much to do nearby – necessarily, mostly of a rural nature. You can visit ancient caves, fish at the lake, hack, bike or hike, or visit game reserves.

Serious explorers would need to hire a car, as the farm is down a long unmade track.

The rooms are warm, clean and rustic, and the old stables next to Rod’s cottage, right by the polo fields, are being converted into a twobedroom guest cottage in time for autumn 2010.

Franshoek has everything you could want from a polo holiday, from tailored tuition to fantastic accommodation and plenty to do on the side. And – especially relevant for a rotten Spanish-speaker like me – as Rod pointed out, “When you come here, at least you know everyone speaks English!” ◗ www.poloschool.co.za; + 27 51 933 3938; tracey@poloschool.co.za; . Package prices: £210 (R2550) a day. Includes tuition, daily chukkas, room and meals. X

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The knowledge South Africa travel special X

Polo Times talks to the founders of new polo set-ups in South Africa

Alicia Wright and Shaun Brokensha Polo in Plett – lessons, chukkas and tournaments of up to 15 goals using the great facilities at Kurland Alicia, how did you come to establish Polo in Plett?

I grew up surrounded by polo in England [Alicia’s father is Tidworth’s John Wright] and after I finished working for Sumaya nearly four years ago I came to South Africa part-time to work with my mother, who lives here. I met Shaun, who grew up in Natal and played in England then for Sugar Erskine and Memo Gracida in Florida. In October 2008 we started our business, and this season we’ve really got going.

What set up do you have there?

We lease a farm adjoining Kurland, at Plettenberg Bay, 90 minutes’ drive from George Airport, which is a 60/90 minutes by air from Cape Town/ Johannesburg; or five hours by car from Cape Town along the Garden Route. Our farm adjoins Kurland; we have our own stick and ball field but we can use all parts of the estate including the five polo grounds, thanks to the owners Clifford Elphick and Leo Baxter. All the 12-odd grounds around Plett are private; there are no clubs, as such. We have 26 horses and keep 25 liveries, including five belonging to an English player who’s a regular. Shaun does the tuition, and we can also draw on local coaches such as Buster MacKenzie.

Where do people stay?

Up to four guests can self-cater in a wing of our house, though I once brought in a chef for a week. For a week all-in, including polo, it costs around R20,000 (£1,640). There are also b&bs nearby, and the five-star hotel at Kurland.

Photographs by Mark Ward/MWInsight Ltd

Who are your guests?

So far, from the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Poland, Italy, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. Some come from Kurland – if you book polo through the hotel it may be with us. We also take clients “on tour”: we are going to Val de Vie and Cape Hunt soon with an English and Italian patron.

When is the best time to visit?

All year apart from winter, which is July and August. For stronger players, the best times are January and February or Easter, when they can play tournaments – we can cater for 8-15-goal level, which makes a good warm-up for the UK season. Beginners get more out of it outside the tournament season.

For more, visit www.plettpolo.com

60 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

L-r: Poloafrica coach Tshidiso Meshake takes a swing; play on ground one; coach Japie Tsotetsi. As well as being proven teachers, both excel in competitive play

Where local skills shine Englishwoman Catherine Cairns (above) explains why she’s giving black South Africans a leg-up into polo via an enterprising development programme

‘

POLO HERE HASN’T moved with the times as other sports have,” declares Catherine.

“There are hardly any black South African players, of whom none would be able to play without sponsorship. Part of Poloafrica’s mission is to change the perception and reality of the sport, to allow it to grow. Everyone on Uitgedacht farm is proud of our growing reputation as the home of black polo in South Africa.

“We have three objectives. First, to encourage previously disadvantaged people of talent to do well in polo and to become true ‘professionals’ by developing horse management skills, schooling ponies and coaching players. The latter requires confidence and authority – a considerable social challenge for black South Africans given the closed nature of the sport here.

“Times are, however, changing. Already Poloafrica has experienced black coaches, Tshidiso Meshake and Japie Tsotetsi, both of whom have proven track records in coaching foreign guests.

Tshidiso, Japie and the team are guided by Matthew Pohl, one of the country’s top polo pros who is a visiting coach and club member.

“Poloafrica’s second objective is to make polo more accessible to non-whites. Wealthy black South Africans need to see black players win to challenge the assumption the sport is only white.

To achieve this Poloafrica sponsors black players to hone their skills and play tournaments. Harold Awuah Darko, a leading Ghanaian player and supporter of Poloafrica, formed a team with three South African black players and they won the Africa Cup at Inanda in 2008.

“This was the first time a black team had ever reached a tournament final here, much less won.

Sbu Duma won MVP and went on to play with Harold in the Accra Open in Ghana, where he

Wealthy black South Africans need to see black players win to challenge the assumption that the sport is only white won MVP and one of his ponies, Coravich, from Poloafrica, won Golden Pony. Last August, the Free State Invitation side played in the curtainraiser at the BMW International Test Series at Inanda – the first time an all-black side has played at such a fixture.

“Poloafrica’s third objective is to use polo and ponies to encourage children from underprivileged backgrounds to work hard at school. We provide practical and financial support for school attendance and teach children about

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Polo Times talks to the founders of new polo set-ups in South Africa

Theony MacRae Horseback Africa – polo centre within a family-friendly game reserve, ideal for beginners, improvers and wildlife-watchers Why did you first set up a riding and safari lodge?

My husband, Dr Colin MacRae, grew up on a Johannesburg gold mine where his father was the accountant. He became a palaeontologist, wrote an acclaimed book on South African fossils and became assistant director of the Geological Survey. Then, 20 years ago, he was gifted a "throwaway" horse and – though he had no experience – decided to try and win its trust. He found he had an affinity with horses so he left his job and we set up our business, Horseback Africa.

and a sense of responsibility. Four girls and four boys are in the programme for 2010.

“The two older boys, who have enjoyed polo in their holidays and weekends for two years, won the junior section at Free State Champs, and the older boy, Thapelo Motijoa, won the B section at Sparta. The four girls had previously dropped out of school, and because of Poloafrica registered again. One, Mamaseko Sithole, won MVP at a Franshoek tournament. F

‘

horsemanship and polo, working with the Valley Education Fund run by Franshoek Farm (the VEF takes care of the school side with funding from Poloafrica, and the children come to Uitgedacht Farm for polo). This year the programme has sponsorship from the SA Polo Association.

“The children play only if they do well at school and show discipline and enthusiasm for the ponies and the sport. The point is not to create future players (although that is happening) but to foster academic upliftment

Leah Ludlow asks Catherine Cairns how she transformed Uitgedacht Farm in the Free State into a thriving polo centre How did you get involved in polo in South Africa?

When I was in Johannesburg on business a friend persuaded me to try riding his polo ponies, which sparked my interest in polo.

I stayed at Franshoek [a neighbour of Uitgedacht Farm] eight years ago and fell in love with the extraordinary beauty of the area, and the fact that polo is a way of life for the local farming community. I hunted a lot in the UK and polo in the Eastern Free State reminded me of the charm of rural packs. I love the way of life, and the love of the game. This isn’t “posh polo”!

How did you set up the club?

I bought the farm in 2002. The minute I first drove up the tree-lined farm road I knew it was what I wanted! The farmhouse had been derelict for 25 years and I renovated it, added buildings, restored the infrastructure, built the arena and planted the first polo field – a fullsize, boarded field. We have a second field under construction, as well as an irrigation system, a clubhouse and more guest cottages.

I want two of the best fields in the country!

What do you offer now at Poloafrica?

We are a thriving club – farmers play

chukkas and tournaments, we run the Poloafrica development programme and we cater for visiting players of up to two goals.

We offer tuition, such as wooden horse and stick and ball exercises, as well as pony schooling and “polo riding” lessons, then chukkas. We can instruct on horse care and tack too. Our arena helps with schooling young horses and building the confidence of newer riders. We have over 70 horses, comprising a small breeding herd, green youngsters and seasoned polo ponies. Most of our ponies we make from the track.

How did you move into polo?

Our children, who grew up riding, got us into polo three years ago. When the bug bites, everybody gets infected! We’ve run the lodge and private game reserve for 16 years and cater mostly for airline crews, who come for riding safaris as well as "walking with lions" – awesome and safe! Last year we started offering polo holidays, mainly for Britons and Europeans. We have locals for weekly chukkas and socials and we’re registering our club. Our children Brandon and Megan, who have played in England and Argentina and also play locally here at East Rand Polo Club, work here, while Craig and Owen are in England grooming.

Our coach is former seven-goaler Gavin Chaplin, and we have 35 horses trained for polo and safaris. We have a full-sized field, stick-and-ball fields and a wooden horse. You may see game – giraffe, zebra or antelope – from the fields, as they aren’t fenced from the reserve.

What have been the challenges/delights of your polo project?

The greatest challenge is to keep the fields playable when the animals think it belongs to them to romp in! It has been a delight to meet other enthusiastic players. Do what you like and like what you do ?– that is our motto!

For more, visit www.horsebackafrica.co.za

What are the charges?

All inclusive, for accommodation, chukkas and tuition and a minimum of four horses per day, is R2,800 (approximately £225) per person per day.

What tips do you have for anyone setting up a club abroad?

Be careful how you spend your money! It is like property development anywhere: you need to manage contractors with caution, add 50 per cent cost contingency to estimates and double your timescales. In general just be wary and do careful research.

For more visit www.poloafrica.com

The MacRae family (l-r): Owen (19), Megan (25), Brandon (27, with Weimeraner), Craig (21, with Jack Russell), Theony and Colin

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The knowledge Property

Which prime polo pads changed hands in 2009?

Yolanda Carslaw asks two leading polo-savvy agents what they sold last year, what has just come to the market and how they see things shaping up in 2010 hile 2009 proved a long year for some sellers of polo properties, others had theirs snapped up swiftly and others have shifted after a drop in price or arrangements.

Patron Tony Pidgley had to wait more than a year to find a buyer for Barton Lodge near Windsor, which first went on sale at £18m. “Pidge” had transformed the 106-acre property into an immaculate polo set-up over 10 years, and after a price drop and a carve-up, a happy ending ensued late in 2009. Hampshire patron Simon Arber, whose family play too, has bought the polo facilities, including stabling for 80, two acclaimed grounds and an arena. Pidgley still lives next door, having held on to the stick-and-ball ground and his house.

“It was a question of waiting for the right buyer and dividing it into lots,” says Robert Fanshawe, head of equestrian sales for Knight Frank, which handled the sale. “It was a good buy for Simon Arber and a good sale for Tony Pidgley.” Indeed Arber, who has put Sophie Heaton-Ellis in charge of the equestrian side, confirmed he was delighted. He is negotiating with a major high-goal side to make

W

“It was a good sale for Tony Pidgley and a good buy for Simon Arber” – Robert Fanshawe Barton Lodge their base in 2010, and will continue to host private games and SUPA polo.

Another property that needed the right buyer and a price drop was the magnificent Blackdown Park near Midhurst, the home until their separation of Charles and Lucy Fraser (née Pearson). After a reported reduction from £9m to £7.5m, joint-agents Strutt & Parker and Knight Frank sold the 136-acre property, with its 17th-century nine-bedroom house and formal gardens, to Salkeld patron Nick Clarke.

In the autumn Knight Frank sold Inglesham, the popular club near Lechlade, to a local farming family within weeks for close to the asking price (of £2.5m). “The property's diverse nature is what

Former Geebung patron, Australian Rick Stowe, has been forced to take £2m off the asking price for Ascot Cottage (above)

attracted the buyer,” says Fanshawe. As PT went to press negotiations were under way to rent out the polo facilities and keep the game going.

In January patron Rick Stowe put Ascot Cottage, a 12-bedroom mansion near Windsor with a stick-andball field, stabling and 15 acres, on the market with Knight Frank at £6m, down from £8m when it was marketed in 2007. Other previously unsold Knight Frank properties include estancia La Taba ($2m, down from $3.5m) in Argentina and Parklands Farm (£1.4m) near Chobham, which has polo facilities and permission to build a house. Also yet to attract the right offer is Gadbridge Farm in Berkshire, which American owner Louis Bacon put on the market last autumn at £4m. Jack Kidd developed Gadbridge for polo before selling it to the hedge-fund magnate, who also has private grounds on Long Island.

For 2010, Fanshawe forecasts an increase in demand for good polo properties at which to base international teams, particularly in the south-east.

“At the moment it's chiefly medium- and high-goal patrons looking, and mainly overseas money,” says Fanshawe. “There’s a particular dearth of small farms around Cowdray.”

The premier polo sale in 2009 for Savills, along with its subsidiary Prime Purchase, was Charlton

For further information with regard to equestrian property sales contracts, please contact Mark Charter at Blake Lapthorn directly: on 023 8085 7116; via email, at mark.charter@bllaw.co.uk; or write to Mark Charter, Partner, Real Estate, Blake Lapthorn, New Kings Court, Tollgate, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, SO53 3LG

62 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Down, an idyllic Gloucestershire set-up that sold off the open market. The majestic house, on 160 acres, came with cottages and grooms' flats, a pool, tennis court, two stone stable yards, stone barns, a stickand-ball ground and an arena. However, Savills is still looking for the right buyer for the Morrison family's Bartlett Lodge, Berkshire (£5.75m), and for Saddlewood Manor (£5.25m, cut from £6m), near the Beaufort and with its own polo ground.

James Walker from the country house department at Savills says: “Cracking properties like Saddlewood that are already set up for polo usually sell well, and we have comfortably more buyers than stock. There's a lot of British money coming out of London and a good overseas client base.”

Walker warns potential sellers to get in quickly in 2010. “Historically spring is the best selling time, when the leaves are out and everything looks fresh,” he says. “Bonuses are spent in the second quarter, which helps too. But this year we advise getting in by early March to achieve a sale before the election.

Then the market is likely to go off the boil for a month. From autumn there may be a slight increase in stock, because people who held on to see the election result may go ahead and sell, while others may be forced to do so financially.” F

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The knowledge Gear

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64 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

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Premium zip-up From Roxtons (01285 659033; www. roxtonspolo.co.uk) Premium leather with front zip. Smart and simple finish. Also comes in a pull-on version. In European sizes 37-45 The damage: £650, or £290 for pull-on version

SATS zip-up (SATS 01285 841542; www.satsfaction.com) Great quality Argentine leather with front zip.

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In European sizes 36-46 and various calf widths The damage: £245, made to measure £345 La Martina rubber insert From Guards Store (01784 437962; www.lamartina.com) As worn by Mark Tomlinson at Cartier International 2009.

Rubber insert provides extra support and protection. In European sizes 36-46 at Guards, or made to measure from La Martina Argentina The damage: £840 www.polotimes.co.uk January/February 2010 65

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The knowledge Eating out

Ciren’s new sensation A restaurant with cracking polo credentials is introducing Cotswold taste buds to the likes of nigiri, wasabi and inside-out maki. Georgie May checks out Soushi, which Nina Clarkin and two enterprising friends opened in November irencester has long been crying out for something different in terms of places to eat, so when Soushi came to town it was a welcome surprise.

A joint venture between top female player Nina Clarkin and her friends Christina Smail and Rosie Knock, the Japanese restaurant is the first of its kind in the market town in Gloucestershire – indeed it claims to be the first in the county.

Soushi is in a prime spot near the high street in one of Cirencester’s latest new developments – the Old Post Office, just off Castle Street. Arriving on a Friday night in mid-January, my companion and I were welcomed by manager George Fox, poloplaying boyfriend of Nina’s sister Tamara Vestey, and shown to our table in the petite but airy dining area.

They have made the most of the little space, with an all-glass exterior giving an illusion of greater size and a glass window into the kitchen so diners can see the chefs at work.

Décor is conventionally modern and pleasingly stylish, with - most importantly – comfy seating, including a couple of booths with benches.

Expecting - from occasional visits to London sushi bars - to be crouched at a conveyor belt and forced to delve into the unknown, we were pleased to relax at our own table while attentive staff explained what we might eat.

We began with sweet shrimp nigiri (hand-formed balls of rice with seafood topping), a smoked salmon roll and some “California” inside-out maki (crab and avocado within rice and nori – a sort of seaweed wrapping), along with a helping of ginger to cleanse the palate. Comfortably polishing off the lot, we

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almost wolfed in a single mouthful the little pile of wasabi – the green spicy Japanese horseradish paste that makes your eyes water. Just in time we decided to taste it first and quickly discovered it wasn’t avocado. George Fox told us we weren’t the first: “Christopher Fear, Cirencester Park’s photographer, did the same when he was here, putting the whole thing in his mouth without a second thought.”

Next up were a “Special Maki”, and a “Moriawase” platter, both particularly recommended by the manager. The Special Maki – tempura prawn and asparagus in rice and nori – was sensational.

The Moriawase featured a collection of unfamiliar pieces of sushi – a little unnerving for us novices.

the wall, which somewhat spoilt any family feel the restaurant might have hoped to convey.

We shared two puddings from the specials board hanging near the bar, which we hadn’t spotted earlier. The sticky toffee pudding was a winner, a touch of ginger rendering it exquisite, while the warm chocolate brownie with ice cream and raspberry coulis melted in the mouth.

Japanese chef Shinichi Okawa has done Soushi proud, and if everyone’s food is as tasty as ours was it should be a big hit. Already the restaurant offers take-away boxes (£7 for a large one) and lunchtime specials, and George Fox hopes in time to run cooking courses at the

Just in time we decided to taste the little green pile rather than wolfing it, and quickly discovered it wasn’t avocado My companion found herself pleasantly surprised to relish in particular the eel nigiri, having sampled eel in New Zealand and vowed never to eat it again.

The fish was super-fresh and the tastes were sharp and memorable – superior to any sushi either of us had tasted before.

We also arrived as sake beginners and were keen to learn the ropes. The warm rice wine, which arrived in a small vase, slipped down beautifully, a pleasant temperature and a smooth partner to what we ate.

Giving Soushi full marks so far, I was disappointed to be let down by my visit to the loo – only one lavatory for the whole restaurant and the temperature was sub-zero. I didn’t hang around, but could not miss the saucy karma sutra picture on

Royal Agricultural College’s food school. With Cirencester Park a mere walk away, and Beaufort, Edgeworth and Longdole within an easy drive, Soushi has what it takes to become a hub for the polo crowd, too. F

PT RATING: ★★★★★ ◗ Our three-course meal for two, including a

bottle of white (Cépage Colombard Vin de Pays Côtes de Gascogne 2008) and a vase of Hakushika Ginjo Nama Sake, cost £53. ◗ Soushi (The Old Post Office, 12 Castle Street,

Cirencester GL7 1QA; 01285 641414; www.soushi.co.uk is open Mon-Tues 12-3pm (lunch only), Wed-Sat 12-3pm and 6pmmidnight and closed Sun.

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Reading The knowledge

A player on the brink Tom House relishes a tale of polo and passion that takes in Ham, Eldorado and Lagos, as well as Prince Charles, Arthur Douglas Nugent and Bryan Morrison ellraiser contains all the rockand-roll chestnuts one would expect – from sex and drugs busts to death – as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century regales us with tales of his madcap enterprises. Ginger Baker became a household name as the drummer with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce in Cream before introducing a whole new audience to world music from his beloved Africa, where he also kindled his longterm love affair with polo.

From his early days in Lewisham, Ginger seemed destined for a future in the saddle – that of a bicycle – until a careless taxi killed his dreams of the Tour de France. After he swapped the rhythm and fury of the racetrack for that of the drums, his talent led him to underpin stadium-fillers Cream, Blind Faith, Air Force and Hawkwind. His thirst for adventure and the drums took him to Africa, where in Nigeria he discovered what became his third long-running passion (after drumming and heroin): polo.

Ginger describes in his inimitable style how he falls in love with the sport (after several Bacardis) at Lagos Polo Club, where he learned the game with Colin Edwards and Arthur Douglas-Nugent. The backdrop to this is his heavy involvement with Fela Kuti, a musician

H

and political activist who fell very much foul of the government. Ginger was on both sides of the fence and yet neither, part of the establishment and one of the revolutionaries.

And on more than one occasion his ties at the polo club saved his bacon.

By 1975 Ginger had returned to the UK and proceeded to terrorise Ham Polo Club, run as it was by Billy Walsh. Always opinionated and never afraid of confrontation (there are plenty of these), he opposes “Barbarous” popular Argentine underfeeding practices, falls out with everyone, enjoys a “friendly” rivalry with other rock legends Bryan Morrison and Kenney

Ginger Baker’s autobiography, Hellraiser, is packed with entertaining anecdotes of his escapades

A liaison with a flamehaired vet reduces Ginger to keeping Molatov cocktails handy to keep the local Mafioso at bay

up Eldorado Polo Club, he loses a small fortune on bringing ponies from Argentina, returns to the smack, and eventually runs off to Italy to wed a friend of his daughter. This comes to a head and Ginger reasons it best to leave Tuscany shortly after a liaison with a flame- haired vet reduces him to sleeping with Molatov cocktails on the bedside table and olive trees blockading the driveway to keep the local Mafioso at bay.

Hellraiser is a rock and rollercoaster. Time and again one is left exasperated by the protagonist’s business and personal decisions that take him to the brink of ruin. It is an entertaining and frank memoir, in many ways an inspiring read, illuminating one of the original wild men of rock and roll.

However, with a little more Ginger Baker on the drums in London in 2008, and at Cowdray Park probing we might have learned riding Pepe. He moved to Cowdray after falling out with Billy Walsh at Ham and played with the likes of Eduardo Moore and Alan Kent more about his relationship with Clapton, just how he manages to fall from grace so often and also “Getting down Jones, and takes to the “insanity” of hunting, to business” with Germaine Greer. Nevertheless, joining the field impromptu in jeans and an whenever tragedy befalls our hero, it is not long anorak. However, problems financial and female before he is back on his feet and pursuing continue to plague our hero, in his relentlessly another adventure with enigmatic verve. understated and sardonic style he concedes: “Now that I was living with Sarah, problems PT RATING: ★★★★ with (my wife) Liz began to mount up.”

Encouragement from Major Ronald Ferguson and Prince Charles helps him regain his ◗ Hellraiser by Ginger Baker enthusiasm for the game. He gambles on setting (John Blake 2009, 292 pages, £18.99 in hardback)

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The knowledge Dates for the diary

What’s on in January/February Principal fixtures at home and abroad UK Highlights

Overseas

Main events RCBPC – HPA National Club Championships (8-12 goal): 30 January – 7 February RCBPC – The Westbury Arena Gold Cup (12-15 goal): 9-20 February AEPC – International Arena Test Match for the Bryan Morrison Trophy: England vs Scotland (Open): 27 February

USA Palm Beach Polo Club, Florida – Ylvisaker Cup (20 goal): 21 January – 14 February Palm Beach Polo Club, Florida – C V Whitney Cup (26 goal): 11-28 February Palm Beach Polo Club, Florida – Herbie Pennell (20 goal): 17-28 February Palm Beach Polo Club, Florida – Gold Cup (26 goal): 25 February – 21 March

Other events Longdole – Combined Schools Tournament (Open): 7 February Hand Equestrian Centre, Bristol – Akuma National University Arena Championships (Open): 18-21 February Fifield – Twelve Goal Challenge (8-12 goal): 20-21 February Druids Lodge – The Corramore Trophy (10-12 goal): 28 February Epsom – Commonwealth Cup (7-9 goal): 27-28 February Vale of York – ABI Beach Challenge (Open): 21 February AEPC – Bryan Morrison International Trophy (Open): 27 February Longdole – National Girls’ School Tournament (Open): 28 February

New Zealand Wanstead, New Zealand – Young New Zealand vs Young England (Open): 4, 6, 10 and 13 February Kihikihi, New Zealand – New Zealand vs England (Open): 13 February Aukland, New Zealand – New Zealand Open (18 goal): 16-21 February South Africa Val de Vie – Cape Town Cup (0 and 10 goal): 19-21 February Val de Vie Polo – Cape Town BMW Polo International (14 goal): 27 February Ireland Polo Wicklow – Spain (Barcelona) vs Ireland (Open): 5-7 February

Picture of the month Sent by Eduardo Bérèterbide and taken

by Jorge MacDonough Eduardo writes: “I want to share with you this very nice picture of my cousin´s son.

I think it is beautiful, sweet and calm; and shows the raising of a potentially excellent polo player. He is called Tomás Bérèterbide, and his parents are Lucila and Sebastián Bérèterbide, the vets who manage the embryo centre at La Irenita, the MacDonough family farm where the picture was taken.”

Do you have a brilliant photo you would like to submit as a potential picture of the month? Please email it with a 30-word caption to georgie@polotimes.co.uk

Thailand Thai Polo and Equestrian Centre – Australia vs South East Asia (12 goals): 13 February Italy Cortina, Snow Polo (16-20 goal): 21-27 February Barbados Barbados Polo Club, Waterhall (Apes Hill), Lion Castle and Clifton grounds – Jamaica vs Barbados (12-14 goal): 18-21 February

Other dates for the diary Tattersalls, Newmarket – February sale (breeding stock, fillies/horses in training and yearlings): 4-5 February Brightwells, Ascot – Bloodstock Sales (point to pointers, horses in and out of training and untried stock): 23 February Goffs, Ireland – February sale: 9-10 February

Polo on TV TV highlights on Horse & Country TV (Sky 280) 9 February, 7pm: Beach polo from Sandbanks 11 February, 7pm: The Queen’s Cup final 16 February, 7pm: The British Open Gold Cup 17 February, 7pm: Coronation Cup 2009 25 February, 7pm: Polo in the Park 2009

Selected handicap changes from the most recent Argentine revisions Going up to nine

Going down to nine

Stirling, David (Uruguay) Ulloa, Hilario

Merlos, Agustin

Up to eight

Araya, Diego Fernandez Llorente, Tommy Gracida, Guillermo

Down to seven

James, Lucas Laprida, Cristian Novillo Astrada, Alejandro

Down to six

Up to seven

Gaztambide, Santiago Guerrero, Hector

Mannix, Fred (Canada)

Up to four

Down to five

Mancini, Oscar

Beresford,Charles (GB/Ireland)

Up to three

Nationality is Argentine unless otherwise specified

Charlton, Max (GB) Cudmore, Oliver (GB)

Mid-season UK arena handicap changes The following changes were agreed at the HPA meeting on 5 January. They were effective from 15 January Moving to seven

Moving to four

Tucker, Harry: 2 to 4

Southwell, Tarquin: 6 to 7

Charlton, Max: 4 to (4) Cudmore, Matthew: 3 to 4 Cudmore, Ollie: 3 to 4 Hanbury, Charlie: 3 to 4 Muriel, Danny: 4 to (4)

Moving to three

Moving to six Pemble, Ryan: 6 to (6) Smith, Howard: 6 to (6) Webb, Peter: 6 to (6)

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Hodges, Harold: 2 to 3 Hanbury, George: 1 to 3

Moving to two Bickford, Michael: 1 to 2

Mains, Alexander: 0 to 2 Morris-Lowe, Edward: 2 to (2) O’Flaherty, Guillermo: 1 to 2 Richardson, Jack: 2 to (2) Stephenson, James: 1 to 2

Moving to one Al Habtoor, Tariq: 1 to (1) Cutts, Ross: 0 to 1 Hine, Richard: 0 to 1 Severn, Jack: 0 to 1

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Club

contacts (UK and Ireland)

Bonus picture of the month

Sent by Maggie Routledge and taken by Tom Bennett

Maggie writes: “This is Supressa and her six-month foal in the snow at home in Surrey. She came from Terry Hanlon and Max [Maggie’s four-goal son] played her for a few years. The foal is by Crafty Politician.”

For comprehensive tournament listings and results, visit www.polotimes.co.uk

Fixtures

(February and March)

February International Werribee Park, Australia Park Polo

6 February

15 Goal RCBPC The Arena Gold Cup

9-20 February

12 Goal RCBPC HPA National Arena Club Champs 30 Jan-7 Feb Fifield Twelve Goal Challenge 20-21 February Druids Lodge The Corramore Trophy 28 February

10 Goal Fifield 10 Goal Challenge RCBPC Olin Trophy Epsom Commonwealth Cup

6-7 February 2-7 February 27-28 February 13-14 February 6-7 February 19-21 February

RCBPC Chairman's Trophy 9-14 February Druids Lodge Forest Edge Rosebowl 6-7 February Ascot Tessa Memorial Challenge 20-21 February Tidworth Tournament TBC 6-7 February Vaux Park 0 - 6 Goal Challenge 13-14 February Vaux Park Sponsors Tournament 27-28 February

6-7 March

Ascot Westcroft Park Plate

6-7 March

Fifield End of Season Trophy Druids Lodge The Renshaw Trophy Vaux Park End of Season Open

20-21 March 13-14 March 13-14 March

Epsom St. Patrick’s Cup Epsom 4 Goal Tournament Epsom Mayflower Cup Fifield 4 Goal Challenge Maywood 4 Goal Tournament Fifield One Day Challenges

6-7 March 13-14 March 20-21 March 6 March 27-28 March 13-14 March

2 Goal

4 Goal 13-14 February 13-14 February 20-21 February 13-14 February 2-7 February

2 Goal Fifield Fifield Ladies FHM Falcon Equine Feeds Tournament Maywood 2 Goal Cup Tidworth Kingsettle Challenge

Druids Lodge The Bodensee Trophy

8 Goal

4 Goal

6 Goal

Fifield Valentine’s Cup Epsom St. Valentine’s Cup Epsom St. David’s Cup Ascot The Valentines Challenge RCBPC Ladies Tournament

March 10 Goal

6 Goal

8 Goal Druids Lodge The Valentine Trophy Vaux Park Sponsors Tournament RCBPC The Katie Tunn Farewell

Clevedon Akuma Uni Championships 18-21 February Longdole National Senior Intermediate 7 February Longdole Combined Schools 7 February Longdole Club Tournament 13-14 February Longdole Natonal Girls School 28 February Vale of York ABI Beach Challenge 21 February Wicklow Spain (Barcelona) v Ireland 5-7 February

27-28 February 27 February 13-14 February 20-21 February

Open AEPC Champagne Jacquart Challenge 6-7 February AEPC Falcon Equine Feeds Shield 20-21 February AEPC The Bryan Morrison International 27 February

FHM End of Season Tournament Fifield End of Season Trophy

27 March 20-21 March

Open AEPC Arundel Equine Hospital Polo AEPC The Champagne Jacquart Druids Lodge Schools Tournament Longdole SUPA – Junior & Senior Longdole SUPA – National Senior Longdole Club Tournament Tidworth Inter Regimental Trophy Vale of York ABI Beach Challenge Vale of York Beach Party Match Vaux Park Open Match Wicklow France (Deauville) v Ireland

6-7 March 13 March 16 March 7 March 14 March 20-21 March 6-7 March 21-21 March 28 March 20-21 March 5-7 March

AEPC, Hickstead – 01273 834315 All Ireland – +353 (1) 6896732 Apsley End – 01462 712444 Ascot Park – 01276 858545 Ash Farm – 01932 872521 Asthall Farm – 01367 860207 Beaufort – 01666 880510 Belmont, Mill Hill – 01344 829955 Beverley – 01964 544455 Binfield Heath – 01491 411969 Borders Reivers – 01890 840777 Brannockstown – +353 45483708 Brightling – 01435 810017 Bunclody – +353 876605917 Burningfold – 01483 200722 Cambridge & Newmarket – 07769 976781 Carlton House – 01986 892231 Cheshire – 01270 611100 Chester Racecourse – 01244 304602 Cirencester Park – 01285 653225 Cowdray Park – 01730 813257 Coworth Park – 01344 875155 Curraghmore – +353 51387102 Dedham Vale – 01473 280900 Donaghadee – 02891 882521 Druids Lodge – 01722 782597 Dundee & Perth – 07831 365194 Edgeworth – 07879 825660 Edinburgh – 0131 449 6696 Epsom – 01372 748200 FHM – 07778 436468 Fifield – 01628 620061 Foxhill – 0115 9651790 Frolic Farm – 01223 812922 Guards – 01784 434212 Haggis Farm – 01223 460353 Ham – 020 8334 0000 Herbertstown – +353 872552331 Hertfordshire – 01707 256023 Hurtwood Park – 01483 272828 Kinross – 07831 365194 Kirtlington – 01869 650138 Knepp Castle – 01403 741007 Lacey Green – 07947 725305 Ladyswood – 01666 840880 Limerick – +353 872373903 Little Bentley – 01206 250435 Longdole – 01452 864544 Maywood – 01962 885500 Moyne – +353 851313224 New Forest – 02380 811818 Offchurch Bury – 07785 223383 Orchard – 01258 471000 Park Lane – 01491 411969 Ranksboro – 01572 720046 RMAS – 01276 412276 Royal County of Berkshire – 01344 890060 RLS – 01926 812409 Rugby – 01788 817724 Rutland – 01572 724568 Silver Leys – 01279 652652 St Albans – 07710 262435 Stewarton – 01560 483411 Suffolk Polo – 07990 576974 Sussex Polo – 01342 714920 Taunton – 01823 480460 Tidworth – 01980 846705 Toulston – 01422 372529 Vale of York – 07788 426968 Vaux Park – 01460 242684 West Wycombe – 01865 858475 White Rose – 01430 875750 Wicklow – +353 (0) 404 67164 ◗ To contact the HPA, tel: 01367 242828 ◗ To contact SUPA, tel: 01344 625124

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Out and about Polo Times in Argentina – December 2009

Colour and cheer at Palermo and beyond Polo Times’s return to Buenos Aires for the final 10 days of the 2009 Argentine Open was well choreographed. Anticipating another rain delay, James Mullan took in the final round of group games on the first weekend in December and the delayed final on his last day in Argentina a week later. Our arrival soon ushered out the inclement weather, and afforded the polo-going public the chance to dust off their favourite summer threads for some lively activity on the sidelines.

In the intervening week before the final, Polo Times travelled high and low around the city, seeking out new polo projects, hotels for polo fans, various estancias and resorts, and watching the action at several levels of the game.

We visited the Novillo Astradas at La Aguada, poked our noses in at the Heguy base, Los Indios, and had an enjoyable couple of nights at a huge new sports development between Cañuelas and the airport, Estancia Villa María.

Keep your eyes on Polo Times for more on all these places in the coming year, as well as interviews with the influential players, breeders and tournament organisers making their living from polo in Argentina.

Packed grandstands gave a stirring rendition of the Argentine anthem

◗ Read a full report of the Argentine Open on page 22

Annabel Style and James Mullan let their hair down after the final

A children’s entertainer greeted polo-goers arriving for the final

Photographs by James Mullan

Hardy travelling Brits from Guards Polo Club brave more wet conditions on the final weekend of group games at Palermo

A joyful Adolfo Cambiaso was mobbed during the celebrations after the final. He had a particularly eventful day, as you can discover on p22-27

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A brass band filled the Catedrál de Polo with welcoming music ahead of the final

Nacho Figueras, the face of Estancia Villa María

Nick and Annie Colquhoun-Denvers

New Zealand’s John Paul Clarkin and Miguel Novillo Astrada share notes at La Aguada

Eduardo Heguy arrives for the final

William Melville-Smith and Hannah Firman

Horse lists on big screens kept spectators up-to-date

Marcos Heguy at Palermo with a pal

Revellers unwind in the Chandon bar behind the stands

Christopher and Bridget Hanbury

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Out and about Subscriber photo special – Britain’s furry friends frolic in the coldest winter since 1963

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

With most of the UK snowed under for the country’s first two weeks back at work after Christmas, Polo Times decided that – despite the disruption – the unusually cold weather should be a reason to celebrate rather than despair.

So, with a lot of catching up to do to get this issue of the magazine to press, we turned to our subscribers for inspiration, hoping they could lift our icy spirits. Setting them a challenge in our weekly email newsletter and on the news pages of the Polo Times website, we asked them to send in their best polo pony pictures from the cold conditions.

And we were delighted with the response. You answered our call with enthusiasm, sending in more than 30 photographs of your beloved mounts playing, running around and rolling. We think it’s made for a beautiful page, though it has to be said it will be a lot easier to look at in June!

For those subscribers in warmer climates overseas, count yourselves lucky.

There’ll be no let up in the March issue either but, with all the snow polo finally behind us by April, we can then soon look forward to the weather in Blighty beginning its long and lugubrious journey towards summer. Hurrah!

With a name like Pingu, Jack Kidd’s pony was born to play in the cold

Photographs provided by Polo Times subscribers!

Catherine Isted’s Phantom investigates some snow-covered branches

Haggis Farm and Cambridge University player Luci Surridge bought 10-year-old Beya from Argentina several years ago. The mare shows here that she is now firmly tuned into the British festive spirit

AEPC’s polo manager Sarah Wiseman didn’t have to worry about her Hickstead-based pony Canica, who looks perfectly balanced while keeping herself well exercised

72 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Aurora Eastwood’s first polo pony Pulga, now 26, gets a faceful. The horse played in the FIP World Champs in Chile in 1992 with Feliz Anzorreguy

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The Muddle family’s hairy ponies were happy rugless and with regular hay drops

Tartan suits Ed Jonkler’s intriguingly named Tractor Sito

Aurora Eastwood’s Gordita rolls with it

Fresh powder at Cambridge University Vet School provides a playground for Alison Schwabe’s retired polo pony Avanti, 28

Nikki Keene’s grey blends with her field

Katerina Stankova’s Mema says “hola”!

Pinina, Sarah Wiseman’s playful mare

Jackie Dean’s pony Rocco has a good old roll around, to the horror of his frosty stablemates

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Out and about Festive FHM social snaps in Sussex

Ten years of swift and thrifty polo and still going strong Members at FHM Polo Club in Sussex ended 2009 on a high, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the club and another busy and successful year with an end-of-season ball at the local Hickstead Hotel and the Christmas party at the nearby Sportsman Pub, fondly referred to by polo manager Francis Matthews as “the virtual clubhouse”.

The ball welcomed guests and members from the grass and arena seasons, who dined and danced long into the night after watching Jen Revell’s Fieldhouse Farm team win the coveted FHM Rose Bowl, the last grass tournament of the season in early October.

Log fires, beers, and an excellent seasonal menu ensured members got into the festive spirit at the final FHM bash of the year, the Christmas party. The club offers year-round polo at one of the UK’s most competitive rates. And, as you can see here, its members are pretty good value too. Roll on 2010.

Katie Jenkins, Damien Cashinella, Suzie Coats and Ana Escobedo

◗ Discover more about FHM’s polo programme in our new section on page 46

Ken Grant and Sarah Rountree

Photographs by Katie Jenkins, Eric Urbain and Francis Matthews

Sarah Jane Aitkenhead and boyfriend Gary Simmonds

Patricia Garsany and FHM owner and manager Francis Matthews

Festivities underway at the Christmas lunch at The Sportsman

Sarah Boland with a fellow equine vet 74 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Ben Simm and Philip Connell

Damien dances with girlfriend Jo

Club members at the Christmas polo tournament

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PTJan/Feb 2010 p76-77 Classifieds

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Club information

Rob Cudmore England Coach, 2 HPA Instructors • International Equitrack Polo Arena • Fantastic clubhouse with licensed bar & excellent viewing of the arena • Polo Pony Hire, School Ponies • Chukkas and Matches - call the office for Info • Individual Coaching, Group Lessons, Social & Corporate Events For information on membership, polo lessons and general enquiries please call: Tel: (office) 01452 864 544 Mobile: 07974 532 841 email: rob@longdolepolo.com Longdole Polo Club, Birdlip, Gloucestershire, GL4 8LH

FHM POLO CLUB

- The Sussex home for County Polo

Celebrating our tenth year www.fhmpolo.co.uk Do you think Polo is just for the rich and famous? Think again…

Come and learn to play in a professional, safe, fun and friendly environment - for less than you thought possible!

You don’t need a fat bank account, you don’t need a fancy car, and you don’t need to have your own string of polo ponies!!

• • • •

FHM Polo Club is conveniently situated 1 hour from London Fully HPA affiliated, winter and summer - the only year round polo school in Sussex Fully qualified HPA Club Instructor A range of ponies to hire for lessons, chukkas and tournaments

Best value available - ANYWHERE! Compare these prices for yourself Membership

• Instructional membership - £200 (+HPA subscription) • Full membership - £350 (+HPA subscription) • No membership required for beginner lessons.

Lessons – Including Pony Hire

• £50 for one hour one to one • £40 for one hour in a group - (maximum 6)

Pony Rental

• Instructional chukka • Club/Tournament chukka

- £25 - £35 (Price includes the use of a stick if you need one)

We have a full tournament schedule, plus regular trips to neighbouring clubs throughout both the winter and summer seasons.

We can also run one or two hour taster sessions for parties and groups e.g. Birthday and Hen/Stag parties.

For more details contact Francis Matthews on Francis@fhmpolo.co.uk or 07778 436468 76 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

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Classifieds HORSE CARE

ACCESSORIES

Pro Polo • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Tradition Plus technology UK Manufacture (Northampton) Full grain leather Full leather lining and interlining for strength and protection Leather Goodyear welted sole Leather long heel (solid heel) Outside leg 9 iron protection strip Robust brass zip Pintucked front and back strip Full length padded tongue Standard leg height Poron 4000® footbed Standard and wide fit Size: 5-12 Price: Around £365

INSURANCE

Sanders & Sanders Ltd Spencer Road, Rushden Northamptonshire NN10 6AE England Tel:01933 353066 Stockist: Sussex Saddlery, 01403 865961 mail@sanders-uk.com

www.regent-footwear.co.uk

EMPLOYMENT

Advertising equine employment to thousands of local and international job seekers. www.equusconnect.com.au GIFTS

PHOTOGRAPHY

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Classifieds GROUND MAINTENANCE

HOTELS

DESTINATIONS

SECURITY

RETIRED POLICE OFFICER OFFERS: PRIVATE CHAUFFEURING IN YOUR OWN CAR You celebrate this festive season I'll take the strain !!

Cost efficient alternative to car hire.

RESIDENTIAL / STABLE YARD & PERSONAL PROTECTION Royalty Protection background & Horse owner myself.

Totally discreet, flexible & references of the highest order available.

24 hour service. Highest standards of service (Small number of trusted colleagues available if a team approach is required)

My aim is simply to help make your day go well.

Telephone Michael on 07971 028325 or e-mail

michaeloldham@orange.net PROPERTY

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Classifieds TRANSPORT

WINTERBORNE HORSEBOX C O

Builders of Bespoke Horseboxes since 1976

Try before you buy Call for a demo on your own arena We now have a maintenance only service • arena levelling • paddock maintenance

Valley Fabrications, Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, DT11 0NT

Tel: (01258) 880490 / 881295 (eves)

POlO BOX Perfect plate for a new 2010 lorry Held on rentention cert. Available now

FIND OUT WHEN WE ARE IN YOUR AREA

Type 1 for sand rubber woodchip Turf Float cloph waxed and all synthetic surfaces with or without tyres

Type 2 for Alruba (long thin rubber) only

Grass harrow adjustable settings

New Quad safe

01427 728 700 07775 607 339 www.arenamate.co.uk Also in Ireland

EQUIPMENT

£1750 Tel: 01749 860775 STABLES AND ARENAS

www.willowpolo.co.uk Tizzie Craggs • • • •

Tack repairs Bespoke leather work Saddle re-flocking Stick repairs

Tel: 01986 893 161 Mob: 07774 272 476 Email: tcraggs.t21@btinternet.com

www.polotimes.co.uk January/February 2010 79

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Classifieds PONIES 15.2HH GREY MARE, 14 YEARS OLD Easy hitting

platform. Strong in ride offs, fast, responsive, stops, turns well, loves to do her job, sweet natured, adapts to any ability. Currently getting fit to play arena. Too many horses not enough time forces sale. £3500. Telephone 07850 664235 (Yorkshire) 15.2HH ARGENTINE THOROUGHBRED BAY MARE 8 YEARS OLD

Fantastic pony for sale, would suit absolutely anyone from -2-0 goals, second season in England, played up to 8 goal, no vices, fit and playing, £5500. Call Chris 07762 069420 (Oxfordshire) 15HH 9 YEAR OLD ARGENTINE DARK BAY POLO PONY FOR SALE All

rounder and lightly jumped. Played outdoor to 6 goal and arena polo.

Would suit pony club/young player, up and coming pro or lady. Good to box, shoe, load, lead, stick and ball etc. £5500 ono. Contact Harry Tucker on 07816 257532 ARGENTINE THOROUGHBRED 15.1HH

11 year old dapple grey gelding. Superb pony that has played medium goal with Tom Hunt and low goal with lady patron and 3 goal pro. Very easy, fast and level.

Excellent in and out the stable and heavy traffic bomb proof. No vices. Completely sound. Good to shoe, box ,clip, stick and ball etc. Only for sale as doesn't quite suit lady patron wishing to do lower level of polo. £7500. Telephone 01749 860775 or 07788 420340 STUNNING CHILEAN THOROUGHBRED 15.1HH

Stunning Chilean Thoroughbred mare, bay, 15.1hh. 12 years old. Easy in every way, honest and quick. Previously owned by Charles Beresford, played low goal outdoor and arena with me. Sad sell due to lack of time - £3950 (ono - including saddle and rugs). Good home essential. Can be seen and tried at Vaux Park.

Telephone: 07980 270089 (Somerset) IDEAL PONY CLUB POLO PONY 14.3hh bay Argentine polo pony, 11 years old. Plays pony club/schools and club polo, hunts/x-country and show jumps. Fast, safe, quick to turn/strong in ride offs. Easy to box/shoe/clip/traffic. Fit and ready to go. £3500. AGAR 01258 880850 (Dorset)

HANDSOME 15.2HH BLACK GELDING 13 years

10 STABLE AMERICAN BARN AVAILABLE TO RENT

old. Experienced pony with fantastic hitting platform and strong in ride-offs. Could easily carry a man. Excellent in traffic, box, shoe and up-to-date with vaccinations etc. Sad sale £3500 ono. Call 01747 831022 or 07818 455054

Tack room, facilities for hay/straw, 20 acres of level well drained grazing split into 4/5 acre paddocks. West Oxfordshire, near Woodstock.

Call Pat Hunt on 01993 891231 or 07815 740678

HAVING A SABBATICAL: COULD YOU LOAN PONIES? 2/3 goal professional is spending one

YARD FOR UP TO 6 HORSES TO RENT NEAR ASCOT/WINDSOR FOR 2010 SEASON All the

season with me and we need two more playing ponies on loan for next season. Excellent home awaits, they will be kept fit and schooled/brought on. All bills covered including horse insurance.

They could be cared for from January if you wish. Please contact Liz on 07803 208004 if you could help.

GENUINE POLO PONY 15.3hh Argentine chestnut mare, 13years. Plays pony club/schools/club polo and hunts. Fast, safe, quick to turn/strong in ride offs. Easy to box/shoe/clip/traffic. Bought direct from Argentina in 2003. Fit & ready to go. £3500.

AGAR 01258 880850 (Dorset) REDUCING NUMBERS FRO WINTER Four year old pretty TB mare, ex-racehorse, stick and balling, playing chukkas, ready to play, £3750. Three year old TB filly by Groom Dancer, stick and balling and playing chukkas, £3000. Both have exceptional temperaments and a lot of ability, suit Pony Club player looking for first youngster or pro looking for project. Call 07989712104

facilities you could wish for: Barn with internal stable and automatic drinkers, sand corrals, horse walker, ménage 40m x 20m, 400m drained exercise track, stick and ball field, turn out paddock, feed room with drying facility for rugs, tack room with commercial washer and drier.

Telephone 07710 328 832 or email monty@spangroup.com EXCLUSIVE - SMALL PRIVATE POLO BARN Four full livery stables available in private 50 acre countryside setting. Located five minutes from M3 junc. 5, 15 minutes M4 junc. 11. Facilities: stick and ball field, all-weather arena, horsewalker, excellent turnout, private tackroom, groom, lorry parking, driver available (with four horse lorry if needed). Private tuition available from resident 5 goal English professional Oliver Hipwood. Enquiries: 01256 767086 or 07768 171069 or email maitlandkate@hotmail.com AVAILABLE FOR 2010 POLO SEASON. Stabling, turnout and corals at a well established polo facility. Use of exercise track, stick and ball field, access to all weather arena and horse walker.

Within half an hour to main polo clubs such as Guards, Berkshire and Ascot Park. Cowdray 45 minutes. Near to junction 11 M25. Good competitive rates.

Contact Charlotte 07799 812739.

TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY IVECO 75 TECTOR HORSE BOX NON HGV 7.5KG Y REG Super polo wagon, partitioned for 6, brand

new conversion and paint, sliding windows & roof vents, superb granolithic rubber flooring throughout, galvanized partitions, internal lights, wagon immaculate. £15,500. Telephone 07836 551227 10 HORSE BOX, CONVERTED 3 YEARS AGO DAF 240, water on board, lockable storage boxes,

galvanised partitions. Tack racks. CCTV. HGV, T Reg, Mint. Tested May 2010. £14,000 ono.

Telephone 07899 977412.

EQUIPMENT POLO TACK FOR SALE Quality polo saddle (half

suede) with stirrup irons/leathers and girth. Gag bridle, martingale and spares, saddle blanket, bandages. All in excellent condition. Bargain £300 - can email photos, can be seen in Cirencester. Email bolzy22@hotmail.com SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes.

Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number.

Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm.

Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217 LIVERY

PONIES FOR SALE , FIT AND READY TO TRY IN ARENA 15.2hh TB mare 5 years old £5500;

LIVERY WITHIN REACH OF CIRENCESTER/INGLESHAM/BEAUFORT Livery for

15hh TB mare 4 years old £5000; 16hh 7 years old gelding (windsucks) £3950; 6 year old Argentine mare 15hh £7500. Easy, nice mannered ponies to suit most players. Call 07800 517869

up to seven ponies currently available. Inclusive of ménage, grazing, lorry parking and groom accommodation. Can provide groom if required.

Call Marcus on 07748 112467 for further details

LOVELY 15.1HH 12 YEAR OLD BAY MARE FANTASTIC STARTER PONY Bay mare for sale,

WELL-KNOWN HIGH GOAL POLO FIELD AND YARD FOR 12 TO 40 HORSES TO RENT NEAR ASCOT/WINDSOR Another full size chukka

played Pony Club polo, played 4 goal with 0 goal player all summer, fantastic starter pony. Sadly for sale as out grown. Open to vet. £4000.

Telephone 07789 003876.

ground, stick and ball area, all-weather track, accommodation for up to six grooms. Possibility to use edge of 100 acre field for training. Also ideal for medium goal. Telephone 07767 884389

80 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

PROPERTY WANTED PROPERTY TO LET Three bed property, minimum 10 acres, stabling, indoor and/or outdoor school. Glos, N.Wilts, Oxfordshire.

Telephone 07796 757977 or email foxy1706@hotmail.co.uk TWO BEDROOM PROPERTY TO LET NEAR ASCOT AND VIRTUALLY NEXT TO RCBPC Immaculately

decorated and beautifully presented throughout, this newly built property is available furnished or unfurnished. Located within a private estate with its own garden. £1500 pcm. Tel 07710 328 832.

Yard available by separate negotiation. See www.findaproperty.com/displayprop.aspx?edid=0 0&salerent=1&pid=4311747.

SITUATIONS F/T PRO/GROOM BASED IN THE WEST COUNTRY REQUIRED Low goal patron requires pro to play

arena and outdoor polo. Must have lorry licence and own horses. Excellent facilities and package awaits the right person. Telephone Helen on 07867 552130 or email helen@g-w.net EXPERIENCED POLO GROOM REQUIRED FOR SUMMER 2010 POLO SEASON Polo groom, 2010

season for 0 Goal player with seven ponies based close to Cirencester Park. Must drive horsebox.

Accommodation 15 minutes from yard. Very attractive wage. Call 07767 477207 SUMMER POLO GROOM REQUIRED Polo groom required for family yard near Cirencester and Edgeworth. Attractive terms, must be non-HGV driver. Telephone 07866 761727 or email deborahanncooper@googlemail.com GROOM REQUIRED Groom/playing groom required for family yard, close to Beaufort. Attractive terms. Must be non-HGV driver. Telephone 07768 866499 or email diane@farleaze.com

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GROOM Mature person able to drive non HGV, livein deal with all aspects of polo life for 15 year old and four ponies in Leics. Starting April until beginning of September. Telephone 07768 821243 FANTASTIC SOLE CHARGE OPPORTUNITY for responsible live-in groom to work unsupervised.

Private yard east of Taunton, polo and hunting, nice horses, good facilities and accommodation. Polo experience and lorry driver preferred. Start end of January. Telephone 01823 481110 (answerphone).

POLO MANAGER REQUIRED For Ravensbourne, West Sussex. Duties will include all horse care, groom management, coordination of playing programme including professionals, salary by negotiation. Applications by email only to ravensbournepolo@yahoo.co.uk BEAUFORT POLO CLUB – ASSISTANT POLO MANAGER The Beaufort Polo Club has 27

tournaments at all levels from 2 goal to 20 goal as well as numerous practice chukkas and Club Matches. We are seeking an Assistant Polo Manager for the 2010 season to work alongside the Polo Manager to ensure the smooth running of all chukkas, matches and tournaments. They will also assist in administrative duties and be expected to keep accurate records. The successful applicant will be well presented with good organisational skills, and must be able to work under pressure. They will be positive, well motivated and able to deliver a friendly and professional service to all playing members of the club and visiting teams. A reasonable level of IT knowledge would be an advantage. The role could

Page 3

equally suit a player or non-player, and the package can be offered to reflect this.

Please email applications to oliverhughes@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk WONDERFUL POLO YARD AND FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN BERKSHIRE Would be a perfect base

for a professional player who also wanted to coach and organise chukkas. Facilities include full size arena, 20 acres, 20 boxes, stick and ball ground, a cottage and full size polo ground. This is a unique opportunity for the right person. Reply to PO Box 20, Polo Times, East End Farm, North Leigh, Oxon, OX29 6PX. Or email georgie@polotimes.co.uk.

MISCELLANEOUS POLO OIL PAINTING BY ELIZABETH JONES Prints available, commissions welcomed, contact Liz on 07826 124669 or email liz@rainbowgalleries.co.uk, www.rainbowgalleries.co.uk NUMBER PLATE PO10 MUM FOR SALE Great number plates for sale PO10 MUM - Offers over £7500. We also have GA10PED & SC10RES Offers over £5000 each. Contact clarkplates@gmail.com to make an offer.

ULTIMATE POLO REG NO'S Unique opportunity to purchase a polo car / truck registration. PO10 PLY and PO10 HPA. Both fully transferable and yours for a lifetime once purchased. Contact Mark on 07836 551381 or email mkautomatrix@hotmail.com

Please mention Polo Times when you contact an advertiser

Advertisers in Jan/Feb 2010 Contact details as follows:

Franshoek Polo School +27 519 333 938; www.poloschool.co.za

Polo in Plett +27 83 268 4587; poloinplett@gmail.com

African Horse Safari Association 01578 760222; www.aardvarksafaris.co.uk

Galaxico Internationale +92 523 555 791; www.galaxicopolo.com

Polo Permits 01798 869496; www.polopermits.co.uk

All England Polo Club, Hickstead 01273 834315; www.hickstead.co.uk

Ham Polo Club 020 8334 0000; www.hampoloclub.com

Poloreg.com www.poloreg.com

Apes Hill +1 246 432 4500; www.apeshillclub.com

Hanslips 01189 713210; www.hanslips.com

Ranksboro’ Polo 01572 720046; www.ranksboropolo.co.uk

Haras Canada Rica +54 114 322 4966; www.haraslarica.com

Regent Footwear 01933 353066; www.regent-footwear.co.uk

Heli Air Wellesbourne 01789 470476; www.heliair.com

Rolex www.rolex.com

Arena Mate 01427 728700; www.arenamate.co.uk Ashdown Stables and Arenas 01446 772800; www.ashdown-group.com Bailey’s Horse Feeds 01371 850247; www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk Belmont Polo Club 07770 256010; www.belmontpoloclub.com Blake Lapthorn 023 8090 8090; www.bllaw.co.uk Brett Polo 01344 885911; www.brettpolo.com

Horseback Africa +27 127 359 909; www.horsebackafrica.com Horse Weigh 01547 520 169; www.horseweigh.com Images of Polo 01273 834159; www.imagesofpolo.com

Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club 01344 890061; www.rcbpoloclub.com Santa Helena, Brazil 01491 682221; www.polosantahelena.com.br SATS (South American Trade Services) 01285 841542; www.satsfaction.com Sebastian Ucha +54 114 780 1816; www.sebastianucha.com

Bunkabin 0845 456 7899; www.bunkabin.co.uk

Jeremy Curling Fencing 01483 894888; www.jcfc.co.uk

Camino Real +54 114 394 4168; www.caminorealcountryclub.com

John Blake Publishing 020 7381 0666; www.johnblakepublishing.co.uk

CH Grounds Maintenance 01494 758208; www.chgrounds.com

Kate’s Art 07887 678421; www.katesart.com

Stables on Site 01932 873315; www.stablesonsite.co.uk

Cleftwood 01525 240434; www.cleftgate.co.uk

Kestrel Ltd 01256 880488; www.kestrelcontractors.co.uk

T & S Harker 01325 332649; www.tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk

Detail 07775 770672; www.detailstudio.co.uk

La Clarita, Sotogrande 01483 281755

Druids Lodge Polo Club 01722 782597; www.druidspolo.co.uk

La Mariposa +54 911 518 01759; www.lamariposa.com.ar

Tailor Made Hotels +54 114 774 9520; www.tailormadehotels.com

EGF 01865 301897; www.egf-polo.co.uk

Laundry Machine Ltd 0121 486 3566; www.laundry-machine.com

Equine Logistics Company 01264 810782; www.equine-logistics-company.com

Longdole Polo Club 01452 864544

Shahira Industries +92 524 597 606; www.shahiraind.com

The Home Office Company 0333 800 5050; www.thehomeofficecompany.co.uk The Leap Overseas Ltd 01672 519922; www.theleap.co.uk The Sport Horse Embryo Centre 07768 508831; charles@trippetts.com

Equus Connect www.equusconnect.com.au

Lycetts 01672 512512; www.lycetts.co.uk

Estancia Don Manuel +54 9 11 4998 9800; www.estanciadonmanuel.com

Maremmana +27 726 747 239; www.maremmana.co.za

Estancia El Rocio +54 11 4815 3101; www.estanciaelrocio.com

Melvill & Moon 07775 231430; www.melvillandmoon.com

The Winterborne Horsebox Co. 01258 880490

Event Novice 07884 181017

Michael Oldham 07971 028325

Val de Vie +27 218 636 170; www.valdevie.co.za

Event Stabling 01344 777519; www.eventstabling.co.uk

Oaklands Polo and Country Club +27 586 710 067; www.oaklands.co.za

Waterhall Polo (Apes Hill) +1 246 432 9550; www.apeshillclub.com

FHM Polo Club 07778 436468; www.fhmpolo.20fr.com

P010 BOX, 01749 860775

West of England Stabling 01837 810209; www.westofenglandstabling.co.uk

Financial 01242 820738; www.financialprivateclients.ltd.uk/polo

Piaget www.piagetpolo.com

Willow Polo 07774 272476; tcraggs.121@btinternet.com

Polo Africa +27 834 346 372; www.poloafrica.com

Wildman Design 01993 842582; www.wildmandesign.co.uk

Five Star Bedding 07973 848365; www.fivestarbedding.co.uk

Pampeano 0871 200 1272; www.pampeano.co.uk

The Sportsman Pub 01444 233460; www.thesportsmanpub.com

www.polotimes.co.uk January/February 2010 81

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The last word

A Week

in the life of. .

Photograph by Tony Ramirez

MY PONIES HAD SOME unexpected coldweather conditioning ahead of the St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow this January when the cold snap struck the UK just after New Year and snow settled for almost two weeks.

My grooms and I were kept busy trying to find every possible way to keep the 17 ponies I am responsible for fit and under the saddle every day, particularly the five travelling with me to Switzerland, where I’m playing for Saudi patron Amr Zedan in the Brioni team.

MONDAY 4 JANUARY I arrived at the yard at 8.30am to start exercising ponies along with my two one-goal Argentine grooms. They look after my arena ponies, while the St Moritz horses are owned by Ocho Rios polo team and are under the charge of another groom. We joined up with him to play some two-on-two chukkas for an hour, paying special attention to giving a thorough workout to Ginny, Kenny, Mystique, Hanson and Gazza, the New Zealand and Australian-bred ponies I am playing in St Moritz.

I make sure they are exercised every day so they remain in super condition, but it’s also important for me to keep in shape, which means three days a week in the gym. Today, as usual, I go straight from the yard to the gym and then head home for lunch. The kids – Jack, 12. Finley, 9, and twins Max and Josh, 5 – aren’t back at school yet, so the afternoons in the holidays usually revolve around them.

However, with the snow due to come in, I want to get as much in with the ponies as possible and so spend most of the afternoon at the Berkshire [RCBPC].

82 January/February 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk

Chris Hyde

The former St Moritz winner tells Georgie May about snow, quad biking and squash ahead of his return to the Swiss extravaganza at the end of January I FOLLOW A SIMILAR schedule on Tuesday, racing up to the yard early to get in some stick and balling with the grooms, giving each pony 20 or 30 minutes of hard exercise, before heading to my regular squash session. I play every Tuesday and Thursday as it’s a great way to keep fit and is more interesting than the gym.

The snow starts blowing our way in the afternoon so, post-squash, I end up sitting and dreading how the next few days are going to pan out if the country comes to a predicted halt before spending another quiet evening at home with my wife Maggie and the children.

A VERY WHITE WINKFIELD [near Ascot] greets me as I open the curtains at 6.30am on Wednesday. This certainly means no school for the boys, and the chances of me even getting to

the Berkshire to ride look extremely thin, but I get there.

The arena and exercise track are firmly buried (for the next two weeks, as it turned out), so I start ringing round to find somewhere else to exercise the ponies. Jamie Le Hardy’s aunt, Rosie Lord, runs the nearby Berkshire Riding School and kindly offers their indoor arena for us to use.

For the rest of Wednesday, though, I get together the kids and anyone else game for a laugh and we go out in the snow for a bit of fun on the quad bikes at the Berkshire.

Eventually, polo manager Michael Amoore played Scrooge and put a stop to us tearing around on the club’s grounds.

MY BRIONI TEAMMATES for St Moritz – Amr Zedan, David Stirling and Gaston Laulhe – are not yet in England but their ponies are based down at Coworth Park, which was also shut due to the snow. Their ponies need exercise as much as mine so on Thursday I arrange for them to join in the trips to the riding school for some indoor exercise with my ponies.

Although the five ponies I am playing are usually used for the outdoor season, they are strong, stocky and experienced. This makes them perfect for the snow tournaments, and they have been taking to the arena extremely well, as I expected.

After exercising all our ponies indoors for the first time, Jonny Good gets in touch with an offer of some quad bike action at his farm that I really can’t refuse. So, after an enjoyable afternoon with him, warm drinks by the fire are called for in order to bring my body back towards room temperature!

ON FRIDAY MORNING I set off with all my ponies and grooms to Epsom Polo Club for some practice chukkas in the indoor arena.

As well as St Moritz, I also have the Westbury Arena Gold Cup and the International Arena Test Match in February, so it’s doubly important that I keep the ponies and myself playing some competitive polo.

When I get back home from Epsom, after all the running around it’s great to chill out and spend time with the family. Jack and Finley are keen riders and this afternoon they are busying themselves with the horses at the yard. Under normal circumstances, when the kids are at school, Maggie and I would usually find something to do together, such as a trip to John Lewis – especially with the sales underway!

WEEKENDS AT RCBPC are usually jampacked, with a constant stream of chukkas, matches and fun low-goal challenges at this time of year. However, the snow makes this one a write-off, leaving us forced to spend it, with much regret, yawning and waiting for the weather to clear.

Fortunately, at least the ponies seemed to have dealt with the snow quite well, and its certainly been a good warm-up, so to speak, for the bitter cold and snow that is unavoidable in the Swiss Alps. F

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Polo Times January/February 2010