Polo times October17

Volume 22 • Issue 9 • October 2017 • £6.50

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JOHN TINSLEY INTERVIEW A reflection on a lifetime in polo NEW HELMET REGULATIONS Your must-have guide for 2018 ACTION IN AZERBAIJAN The 5th CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup PLUS: HPA Select, Sotogrande Finale & Victor Ludorum PT October 2017Front.indd 1

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Contents

Contacts Publisher

What’s inside…

October 2017

Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

PR Manager & Editorial Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk Editorial & Subscriptions Sarah Flight office@polotimes.co.uk

40

24

Military Polo 50

Advertising Sales

Women’s Polo

Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk

53 53

Advertising & Subscription Sales

56 60

Principal Design

63 67 68

30

Tony Ruddy

News Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Cover Story: HPA Select All Aspects of Youth Polo

Knowledge

James Morgan

Financial Controller

A Round-Up of Women’s Polo 5 minutes with… Beanie Bradley

Youth Polo

Rebecca Hastie sales@hinemarketing.co.uk

Additional Design

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

6 12 14

70 All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update

Comment

72 74 76

Accounts & Administration Assistant

15

Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk

Features

78 80

17 20 22

Sidelines

Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

24

Your Views & Social Media

Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series Nutrition Focus: Box Rest Equipment Focus: Fussy Ex-Racehorse Conundrum Vet Insight: The Importance of Equine Dentistry Fitness For Polo: Winter Activities Biological Therapy: Lipogems Canine Launches Polodoc: Ankle injuries Protecting Essential Muscles Equipment Focus: Drop Nosebands Learn to Play: The Introductory Lesson

Property Focus: Steeple View Big Picture Hannah Kimber – A Jeweller for Polo Cover Story: John Tinsley – A Reflection on a Lifetime in Polo Cover Story: Helmets – 2018 Rule Change

82 83

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to know!

Sidelines: Social Pages

Polo Directory:

Contributors: Stephen Biddlecombe, Dr. Victor

28

Chua, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Lorna Edgar, Sophie Eley, Sam Gairdner, Dr. Andreas Krüger, Simon Ledger, Martín Perez, Ainsley Polo, Lipogems & ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com

Reports

Final Bell:

33 38 40

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Victor Ludorum Round-Up Cover Story: Sotogrande Gold Cups Cover Story: The 5th CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup

93

What’s On in October?

Passions: Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers

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Cover photograph: Action from the 5th CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup in Azerbaijan. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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P O LO’S O R I G I N A L SUPP O RT ER S , A N D M A S T E R S I N O U R F I E L D S I N C E 174 9 .

See all the leading events we’re sponsoring this season.

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from the Publisher

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The players who will be representing England in the FIP World Championships in Sydney have been announced. Satnam Dhillon (7), Henry Porter (2), Peter Webb (5) and Josh Cork (2) will make up the 14 goal team, with Ed Banner-Eve (2) in reserve.

The tournament begins on Tuesday 17 October at Sydney Polo Club, with the Finals on Sunday 29 October.

Photograph courtesy of the San Diego Union Tribune

Polo America Beach Polo Cup

Action from the 2017 Polo America Beach Polo Cup

On a sweltering afternoon, on Saturday 2 September, hundreds of spectators descended onto the beaches in front of the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego for the annual Polo America Beach Polo Cup. The Final saw Melissa Ganzi’s Westime team take on her daughter Riley’s team Porsche San Diego, showcasing the rise in popularity of women’s polo in the USA.

San Jorge Open Final On Wednesday 6 September the exciting Final of The 50th San Jorge Open was played in front of a packed Palermo stadium. Tournament favourites Valiente/La Dolfina took to the field against La Natividad, which saw Bartolito Castagnola play against his godfather, world number one, Adolfo Cambiaso.

The first chukka began quite evenly, but as the game progressed, Valiente/La Dolfina showed their superiority through a series of mature plays, ultimately controlling the field. After a nail-biting match, the final score rested on 16-8 in favour of the Adolfo Cambiaso wins The San Jorge Open with indomitable Cambiaso/Jornayvaz partnership for Valiente/La Dolfina.

Valiente/La Dolfina This was the first time the new rules, recently introduced by the AAP were put to the test ahead of the Triple Crown later this year.

The Most Valuable Player Award was presented to Cambiaso, whilst the Best Playing Pony rug was presented to Dolfina Polémica, played by Cambiaso and owned by La Dolfina.

The San Jorge Open Final Teams: Valiente/La Dolfina (28): Bob Jornayvaz (1), Diego Cavanagh (7), David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (10) & Adolfo Cambiaso (10) La Natividad (28): Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8), Santiago Cernadas (6), Bartolito Castagnola (6) & Lolo Castagnola (8)

Heineken Urban Polo 2018 The 2018 Heineken Urban Polo will be a series of events across New Zealand, showcasing a fusion of sport and music across the heart of this country’s vibrant cities. Each day will include two adrenaline-filled games of Urban Polo showcasing some of the world’s greatest talents on a smaller than average field, bringing the action closer to the spectators.

The Urban Polo days will fall as follows: • Auckland – Saturday 24 February 2018 Music and polo will combine during • Christchurch – Saturday 3 March 2018 The Heineken Urban Polo series in • Hamilton – Saturday 17 March New Zealand • Wellington – Saturday 24 March 2018 A selection of international players have been announced, with the likes of Sam Hopkinson (NZ), Robert Archibald (Aus), Sam Stott (Aus), Tom Morley (GB), Ross Ainsley (Aus), Nick Pepper (GB), Morgan Ruig (Aus) and Wirihanan Kururangi (NZ), the 17-year-old local first-timer, taking to the field. Team line-ups will be confirmed nearer the time.

For more information about the event and to buy tickets, please visit www.urbanpolo.co.nz

Photograph courtesy of Heineken Urban Polo

Nick Hine, Publisher

FIP England Team Announced

Photograph by Matías Callejo

As this October issue of Polo Times goes to print, the UK 2017 season has all-but concluded and Autumn has most definitely arrived, yet the lashings of rain and chill in the air here at home are nothing compared to the recent series of Category 5 hurricanes that have devastated huge tracts of land and homes in the Caribbean and the eastern coast of America. No one and nowhere has been safe from the ferocity that has been unleashed, so our thoughts are with all those that have been affected.

At home, whilst the HPA’s tenacity and assertive dialogue with the Home Office allowed for a temporary delay in the government’s stance on its intended tightening of the immigration rules in polo, this should only be seen as a ‘stay of execution’. So there is no doubt, currently, the Home Secretary’s position on visas in polo remains largely unchanged – her intended changes will be implemented and soon. This leaves grave concerns for overseas players – and crucially the grooms – being permitted to work in the UK in 2018.

Having studied the situation closely, this should also concern all British players too, as in my view, whether one plays low, medium or high goal polo, the intended new immigration rules will adversely affect British polo – both home and abroad – irreversibly.

Bluntly, if overseas grooms and pilotos are not allowed to come to the UK in 2018 and beyond, there will be a vacuum in supply, leading to a spike in demand with a powerful reach affecting all clubs.

Whilst still addressing changes for 2018, the new helmet rule, (which comes into effect on 1 January 2018), is explained in detail in this issue. In essence, the new rule brings polo in line with most other equine disciplines and in doing so, it ensures our increased safety when on a polo pony.

Whilst the 2017 season has been a fun and successful one with a healthy number of teams playing at all levels, in both mixed and women’s polo, youth and adults, it has ended with great sadness with the recent passing of John Tylor and Willie Hancock, within a day of one another on 9 and 10 September. John died whilst out shooting with friends in Scotland and Willie passed away after a short illness.

Polo’s real characters in every sense, both will be greatly missed and their obituaries will be published in the November issue of Polo Times.

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News Quintessentially Foundation and Elephant Family

Photograph by 30jardas.com.br

All Pro Polo League

Action from the APPL’s debut in Brazil

The Asociación Argentina de Polo (AAP) is set to host their first tournament with 100 percent APPL rules, the matches will be played in Pilar on 10, 17 and 21 October. The APPL has moved on from their recent success in Sotogrande, to Brazil where the league hosted their most recent demonstration to share their concept and vision for the future of polo. Co-Founder Justo del Carril flew to Helvetia Polo Club to share Javier Tanoira’s vision. The weekend kicked off with an introductory presentation at the Club, where del Carril answered questions and reiterated that the league was about creating an entertaining, dynamic spectacle. Two 18 goal games were then played on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September. “It was a fantastic experience, enjoyed by everyone on and off the field,” shared Sylvio Coutinho, President of Helvetia Polo Club. “I hope that we can host more APPL exhibitions.

Ideally, we would organise a tournament during the Brazilian high season, which starts in April and continues until the end of July.”

APPL Brazil Teams: Sao Martinho: Chico Junqueira, Fernando Pelosini, Sylvio Coutinho & Cachico Bastos Helvetia: Roberto Souza Aranha, Pedro Zacharias, José Klabin & José Meireles Flamboyant: Gui Ribeiro, Carlinhos Mansur, Cachico Bastos & Eduardo Parisi Casa Verde: Robertinho Aranha, Xande Junqueira, Xandy Mello & Gaston Otamendi

The numbers of Asian Elephants in the wild has dropped by 90 percent in the past 100 years

This November, Henry Brett and Alan O’Sullivan will be once again pushing themselves to the limit. Inspired by one of the world’s most charismatic adventurers, the late, great Mark Shand, Quintessentially Foundation and Elephant Family are partnering to present their second, epic adventure. After the incredible success of the 2015 event, they are back for round two and need your support more than ever.

Between 29 October – 6 November, a fleet of 50 Gujarati Chagdas will parade 500km across Rajasthan to reach 101 brightly painted elephant sculptures, all in aid of their endangered wild cousins. This is by no means a straightforward exercise and will be a test of agility, wit and character. The event hopes to raise £1 million for Elephant Family, the UK’s biggest funder for the endangered Asian elephant. Due to massive habitat loss, their numbers have plummeted by 90 percent in the past 100 years, earning them an unwanted place on the IUCN red list.

Elephant Family is making a real difference to the fate of the endangered Asian elephant by working where they are most needed and forming trusted partnerships. Every penny counts and your support through a donation, little or large, will go a long way to saving one the world’s most magnificent and threatened creatures. If you are interested in donating, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlanOSullivan

UK IMMIGRATION SERVICES Level 1 OISC registered immigration consultants specialising in work related immigration for polo

www.polopermits.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1798 869496 Email: info@polopermits.co.uk Polopermits Ltd - Authorised by the OISC. Ref. No. F201400827

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Tom Morley plays with Ainsley Polo saddle and tack (and pony) - photo by www.imagesofpolo.com

Ainsley Polo saddles Perfect hitting position and unsurpassed grip for all shots See it at Tally Ho Farm and www.performance-polo.com

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• Manege Construction • Pony Lines & Wash-Down Areas • Lunge Rings & Exercise Tracks • Equestrian & Stock Fencing • Roads & Tracks • Hard Standings & Concrete Slabs • Special Projects for more information please contact: tel: 01483 894 888 • mob: 07836 356714 • fax: 01483 892 497 email: jeremy@jcfc.co.uk web: www.jcfc.o.uk

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News Lipogems Equine Success Story

Photograph coutesy of Help for Heroes

The X-Ray shows the onset of osteoarthritis

Help for Heroes Therapy

The post treatment X-Ray showing less inflammation of the joint

Harley, a 12-year-old medium goal polo pony was treated on 30 April 2016 for early osteoarthritis in both front fetlocks and suspensory ligament branch desmitis with Lipogems. Harley was not only sound following treatment, but there was less inflammation in both front fetlock joints on clinical observation. This pony went on to play 45 games in the 2016 summer polo season before taking a winter break and then playing a full medium goal polo season in 2017. For more information on treatments for saving your champion and for a list of accredited equine vets visit www.lipogemsequine.com

Shane Kennedy’s Alaskan Malamutes are providing therapy for wounded veterans

A Help for Heroes film shows how sled dogs are helping injured veterans recover thanks to a free programme, Sled Dogs as Therapy UK, set up by Shane Kennedy. The video is the fourth in a series and shows Army Veteran Elaine Corner, who Polo Times interviewed in the July 2017 issue about how polo has helped her recover, speaking to Shane Kennedy about his programme. In the same way horses and polo can aid the recovery of injured veterans, Shane explains how his Alaskan Malamutes can help provide therapy to the wounded, “By the end of the session with the dogs, they’ve come completely out of their shell. They’re smiling and they have actually allowed their defences to drop a little bit. It wasn’t me that did that, it was the dogs.”

Polo Legends John Tylor and Willie Hancock have passed away John Tylor passed away on Saturday 9 September whilst shooting in Scotland with close friends. A lifelong polo aficionado and former 3 goal player, John won the Royal Windsor, Junior County Cup, Holden White and County Cup throughout his polo career. He was Chairman of both Kirtlington Park Polo Club for a number of years and the HPA between 1991 and 1995. He was awarded the HPA Lifetime Achievement Award by his peers in 2014 for his outstanding work and commitment to the sport. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

On Sunday 10 September, Willie Hancock passed away peacefully after a short illness. Willie’s polo life spanned across several decades and counties, from which his son and daughter, Marcus and Abi – and grandson Seb – have all followed in his footsteps, with careers in polo.

The full obituaries will be featured in a forthcoming issue of Polo Times.

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We have everything for polo

Look on our website:

www.satsfaction.com Phone us on: 01285 841 542 Email us on: sats@lineone.net South American Trade Services, Sandpool House, Sandpool Lane, Tarlton, Cirencester, Glos GL7 6PB

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HPA News

HPA News The latest news both home and abroad from the HPA

2018 Helmet Regulations From 01 January 2018, helmets must be type approved to the standard PAS015:2011 with CE mark (type approval must be performed by a UK headquartered Noted Body for Personal Protective Equipment), SNELL E2001, VG1 01.040 2014-12, or UTAC/CRITT 04/2015.

Casablanca will be introducing a new helmet called the “NEU” which meets PAS015:2011 with a target launch date of 1st November. La Martina are also bringing out a new helmet (no name released) and testing procedures are to be conducted at the end of September. Falcon have decided not to certify their helmet.

Please note, there is a new standard, BSEN1384:2017 which has just been published. Our policy is to follow the BHA helmet standards.

The HPA list of approved helmets 29.08.17: Manufacturer Model Standard Charles Owen Palermo Polo PAS015:2011 and VG1 01.040-2014 Charles Owen Polo Edition PAS015:2011 and VG1 01.040-2014 Charles Owen Young Rider Polo PAS015:2011 and VG1 01.040-2014 Armis Armis PAS015:2011 and VG1 01.040-2014 GPA Speed Air/Polo X2 UTAC/CRITT 04/2015 Instinct Polo TBC PAS015:2011 Coaching If you would like to attain an HPA Coaching qualification over the winter period please contact the HPA by emailing coaching@hpa-polo.co.uk. More details about the Individual Assessment – Pathway 2 can be found on the HPA website.

Equine Passports Now it is the end of season please ensure your equine passports are up to date and registered under the correct owner. All polo ponies with non HPA Passports should be registered with the HPA so that they are covered by the HPA insurance and will be stamped as such on the condition that the change of ownership is updated with the original PIO. For more information please go to http://www.hpa-polo. co.uk/ponies/passports/ FIP Team The team for the 14 goal XI FIP World Championships has been announced. The tournament will take place at Sydney Polo Club, Australia between 17 – 29 October.

The XI FIP World Championships Team (14): Satnam Dhillon (5), Henry Porter (2), Peter Webb (5) & Josh Cork (2) – Reserve Ed Banner-Eve (2)

Dates For HPA Meetings The dates for the next HPA meetings can be found below: International Ctte 20 Sept, 10.30 Cavalry and Guards Club, London Chairmans 02 Oct, 10.30 Cavalry and Guards Club, London Welfare 16 Oct, 5.30 Beaumont Estate, Windsor Finance and Grants 25 Oct, 10.30 Cavalry and Guards Club, London Polo Charity 25 Oct, 2.30 Cavalry and Guards Club, London Stewards 7 Nov, 2.30 Cavalry and Guards Club, London Council 11 Dec, 2.30 Cavalry and Guards Club, London

End of Season Handicap Changes The recommendations for the end of season handicap changes have now been published, some are listed below, but a full list can be viewed on our website (www.hpa-polo.co.uk). Please be aware that they are subject to endorsement by the Stewards in October and will become effective as of 1 January 2018.

First Name

Surname

Current H’Cap

New H’cap:

First Name

Surname

Current H’Cap

New H’cap:

First Name

Surname

Current H’Cap

New H’cap:

Eduardo

Heguy

8

7

Caspar

West

2

1

Marquis of

Milford Haven

(0)

0

Tomas

Pieres

(7)

7

Hugues

Carmignac

(1)

0

Kirstie

Otamendi

(0)

0

Andrea

Vianini

(5)

NR

Bautista

Funes Trabucco

(1)

2

Riccardo

Paganelli

(0)

0

Charles

Beresford

(4)

4

Francisco

Stuven Ortelli

(1)

1

Ryan

Robertson

(0)

1

Antonini

Menard

(4)

4

Diego Agustin

Vila

(1)

1

Tomas

Rossi Van Gansen

(0)

0

Carlos Maria

Ulloa

(4)

5

Nicholas

Walter

(1)

1

Cordelia

Satchell

(0)

0

Andrew

Hine

4

3

Sheldon

Williamson

(1)

1

Hans Georg

Schiebel

(0)

0

Antonio

Manzorro

4

3

Martin

Brown

1

0

David

Sievwright

(0)

0

Alastair

Paterson

4

3

John

Bunn

1

0

Kiryon

Skippen

(0)

0

Will

Beresford

(3)

3

Ben

Hickman

1

0

Milo

Sweet

(0)

0

Casimir

Gross

(3)

NR

Oliver

Jones

1

2

Johnnie

Weatherby

(0)

0

Eugenio

Imaz

(3)

3

Ben

Linstead

1

0

Hal

Anderton

0

1

Sebastian

Alexander

3

2

Miles

Marlow-Thomas

1

0

Eric

Appen

0

1

Sergio

Baselli

3

2

Stephen

McCraith

1

2

Nicholas

Bell

0

1

Derreck

Bratley

(3

4

Harry

Medina

1

0

James

Crossley

0

1

Cristian

Chaves

3

NR

Harry

Revell

1

2

Leonard

Cunningham

0

1

Marcus

Collie

3

2

Robert

Tearle

1

0

Segundo

Darritchon

0

1

Antony

Fanshawe

3

2

Rosendo

Torreguitar

1

2

Paul

Girdham

0

-1

Ariel

Bombin

(2)

2

Danvers

Baillieu

(0)

0

Cruz

Heguy

0

1

Matias

Fiol Polanco

(2)

2

Ramon

Britos

(0)

1

Charlie

Hitchman

0

1

Jean-Paul

Luksic

(2)

1

Andrew

Burgess

(0)

0

Harry

Hutchings

0

1

Juan

Maidana

(2)

2

Santiago

Di Paola

(0)

1

William Albany

Mulholland

0

1

Henry

Jones

2

3

Antonio

Heguy

(0)

NR

Edward

Nicholson

0

1

Tomas

Marin-Moreno

2

3

Silvestre

Heguy

(0)

NR

Tamiur

Noon

0

1

Jamie

McCarthy

2

1

Ivan

Lopez-Hernandez

(0)

0

Manuel

Novillo Astrada

0

1

Matthew

Pitts

2

3

John

Mason

(0)

0

Harry

Pittard

0

1

*More handicaps can be viewed on the HPA website

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FIP News

FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world

Argentina The new administration of the AAP have made a bold start to the Argentine season with their first tournament at the San Jorge Open, where they will be trialling some new rules to see if they can be used for the Triple Crown. Most of the rules are based on the Xavier Tanoira treatise which many of you will

Photography by Killercamp Photo Studio

SEA Games This past month, Malaysia played host to the South East Asian Games, which were held between 19 and 31 August in Kuala Lumpur.

Known as the SEA Games, and supervised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), these games were first established in 1959.

For the second time, thanks to the dedicated work by Dato Mohamed Moiz, the Chairman of the Royal Malaysian Polo Association and Peter Abisheganaden, the RMPA’s Executive Secretary, they managed to encourage the Malaysian IOC to include the sport of polo in this year’s Games. Teams from Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand played at the Equestrian Park, Putrajaya in Kuala Lumpur, with the RMPA team running out the winners on penalties over the Thailand team by one goal.

Playing in the RMPA team was Malaysian Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and for the Brunei team Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah and Princess Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah. For Thailand, the triple Gold Cup winning Srivaddhanaprabha family headed the team. Congratulations go to the FIP Tournament Director John Fisher and his team for all their hard work.

RMPA won the SEA Games polo division in Malaysia.

have seen, and include six-minute chukkas, replacing the throw-ins after a ball is hit out over the sidelines with a hit from the spot, 20 second hit penalties, dispensing with crossing fouls that are not dangerous, double yellow flags penalising a player with two minutes off the field and no blocking of a player trying to take the man with the ball. These major changes will be keenly watched by the rest of the international polo community to see how the changes affect the game.

Australia The FIP’s XI World Polo Championship in Australia is taking shape at the Sydney Polo Club and thanks must go to the dedicated team at SPC as well as the NSW

Government and Destination NSW, and the sponsors Gulfstream, USPA Global Inc, Pommery Champagne, Ocean Alliance and Mortgage Choice for their ongoing support. With eight teams competing for this prestigious trophy, donated by HH the Maharajah of Jaipur in 1987, from FIP’s five Zones as well as the host team and the past winner, Chile, it should be a great spring tournament. Matches will be live streamed by PoloLine and a wonderful variety of events have been planned for the tournament such as jousting, fashion shows, art exhibitions, show jumping, dressage, rodeo and car displays as well as children’s boat races and petting zoos. Australia certainly knows how to put on a sporting event!

Crowds turned out to watch the polo at the SEA Games in Malaysia

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Your Views

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@thenorwegianpoloclub Moose on the polo pitch at 11pm! Only in Norway #polonorway #northernpolo #moose #midnightsun

@cirenpolo Spots and stripes #umpirepony #madeforthejob #blackandwhite #spottypony

@Ajaysinghcelebrity fitnesstrainer Indian polo team training hard for the world polo championship @Justine Harrison Equine Behaviourist – FLYING POLO PONIES. No, your eyes are not deceiving you! This is a whole plane load of polo ponies flying to a competition in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

International Horse Transporters Lazcar International

Correction We would like to apologise to Izzy McGregor for wrongly attributing a number of goals at The Thai Polo Club Ladies International for The Diamond Jubilee Trophy at Guards Polo Club on Saturday 29 July to Nina Clarkin.

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Quick Question With the latest helmet rule changes from the HPA and in honour of this hot topic, who is attributed with inventing the polo helmet?

And for a bonus point, in what year did the use of a helmet become compulsory in India?

A: Turn to page 94 to check your answer.

Polo Times, October 2017

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www.andrewsbowen.co.uk “The team from Andrews Bowen were quick, highly professional and come with a wealth of knowledge” Karl Martinez

OUR CONTINUED RESEARCH AND DEVLOPMENT ALLOWS US TO PRODUCE TOP PERFORMANCE SURFACES FOR ALL DISCIPLINES

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Property Focus Sales & Rental

Steeple View Equestrian excellence in Berkshire This beautifully presented five-bedroom property stands in stunning gardens and is located in a very quiet private rural end road. With the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club and Fifield Polo Club within a 10 minute drive, and Guards Polo Club a mere 15 minutes drive, it is the perfect, readymade, polo aficionado’s palace.

Steeple View is presented in exceptional order and benefits from equestrian facilities second to none. There is also full planning permission for a 60 metre x 20 metre ménage and turn-out sand pen.

The house itself is set behind gates with an in-out gravel drive sweeping in front of the property, flanked by flowerbeds and lawn.

The property benefits from fantastic equestrian facilities, which are accessed through the main gate. There are eight stables (including a mare and foal box), a tack room, grooms’ room, rug room, www.polotimes.co.uk

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horse solarium/wash box, hay barn and utility room. The resurfaced 40 metre x 20 metre ménage has four floodlights and is in exceptional condition. These excellent equestrian facilities are complemented with post and rail paddocks set in around five and a half acres. There is extensive parking at the property, along with covered parking for a lorry and two carports. The garage has a sizeable storeroom with an additional room on the first floor with Velux windows, making it suitable for conversion to full residential grooms’ accommodation with the necessary consents.

Within the area, schooling is exceptional with Winkfield St. Marys, Whitegrove, Warfield Church Primary and private schooling such as St Georges, St Mary’s, Hallgrove, LVS Ascot, Papplewick, Heathfield St. Marys and the Marist, to name but a few.

Location information Ascot 4.6 miles, Bracknell 2.2 miles, Windsor 7.9 miles, Reading 12.9 miles, Heathrow Airport 19.2 miles, Central London 33 miles (all distances are approximate)

Gibbins Lane, Warfield, Berkshire, RG42 Guide Price of £1,750,000 Knight Frank, 59 High St, Ascot, SL5 7HP

Polo Times, October 2017

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Property Focus

Property market remains strong The October issue welcomes three lovely properties from around the country, from both the retail and rental market. This confirms feedback from agents and vendors of properties featured in the property section in previous months that their adverts have generated considerable interest and enquiries. This is very encouraging and we are looking forward to growing the section in the coming months.

I am pleased to report that as we approach the Winter, agents have reported that the market has continued to remain robust. It seems that despite uncertainties in the wider property marketplace, demand remains high for top quality equestrian, country and town properties all over the country which is certainly fantastic news.

It does appear that as with the classic car, wine and art market, house hunters are prepared to pay a premium for a quality and sound investment.

Should you wish to showcase your property in this section, be it equestrian, country or townhouse, please do get in touch for a discrete, and of course confidential, conversation. Alternatively, please speak to your agent who can organise coverage in the magazine on your behalf.

Tel: 01452 730 770/07969 456 214 Email: richard@polotimes.co.uk

Warwickshire | Stoneythorpe A completely refurbished former manor house set in wonderful parkland adjoining the Dallas Burston Polo Club. Ideal for polo playing enthusiasts.

Southam: 2 miles | M40: (J12, Gaydon) 6 miles Leamington Spa: 8 miles | Warwick: 9 miles Stratford upon Avon: 15 miles Hall | 6 Reception rooms | Kitchen | Master bedroom suite | 6 Further bedrooms (2 ensuite) 3 Bathrooms | Cinema room | Detached barn Former stable block | New stable block with 3 stables and tack room | Separate 1 bedroom flat Extensive gardens and grounds | Walled garden with glass house | Parkland Set in about 50 acres Luke Morgan Country Department | 020 7318 5095 William Harries Banbury Office | 01295 273 592

/struttandparker

@struttandparker

struttandparker.com

60 Offices across England and Scotland, including prime Central London.

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Berkshire A beautifully presented equestrian jewel in Berkshire’s crown

Knight Frank, Ascot neil.maclean@knightfrank.com +44 1344 588068

Ascot 5 miles, Bracknell 2 miles, Windsor 7 miles, Reading 12 miles, Central London 33 miles 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 receptions rooms, extensive outbuildings. Equestrian facilities with ménage, tack room, stabling, rug room, horse solarium/wash box, hay barn and grooms’ accommodation. Garden, outbuildings and swimming pool. About 5.5 acres.

KnightFrank.co.uk/ASC160121

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the

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picture

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Mongolian Adventure XXXXXXXXX Endless skylines, mountainous passes and somewhat untamed ponies – this is XXXXXXXXXXXXX the reality of the world’s longest and toughest horse race, The Mongol Derby. year, 40 professional, semi-professional and downright enthusiastic ZThis XXXXXXXXXXXX amateur riders scrapped their everyday lives in the developed world to endure the elements of the Mongolian plains. The polo fraternity was well represented as high goal groom, Lucy Taylor and Australian player James Lester battled through the wilderness to the end, and wow, what a beautiful journey it was.

Z Photograph by Julian Herbert

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Feature

Hannah Kimber Jewellery

There’s Something About Hannah Award-winning, new and exciting and with ambitions to become the Personal Jeweller of the Polo world.

PT: Why did you decide to go it alone?

HK: I have been lucky enough to have made an impact with some of my designs, most notably the Arabesque Collection which has been recognised around the world. I’ve worked for some great people but feel I can only produce the very best if I do it my way. This ‘dream’ became a reality because of a chance meeting in a Cheltenham pub with my now business partner. We shared a bottle of wine and he helped me to find the courage to take the plunge.

PT: Have you any funny anecdotes from your time as a jeweller?

HK: Only one comes to mind. A client was struggling once to find what she wanted so I was introduced to her to create something bespoke. After a few minutes she turned to my boss of the time and said “where the bloody hell have you been hiding this one”.

You may not yet have heard of Cheltenham Jewellery Designer Hannah Kimber, but many tip her to be one of the big names of the future. Hannah, 30, recently set up her own studio and is already stirring things up with her stunning bespoke designs.

Polo Times gets to know Hannah better.

PT: How did you get into the fine jewellery business?

HK: I was offered a Saturday job in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and instantly adored being around such beautiful things. This was my introduction to what is my living, breathing passion.

I then did a couple of apprenticeships, the first working at the bench and learning basic bench skills, and then moved on to learn how to do hand wax carving for the everpopular fitted wedding ring industry. I also have a degree in jewellery design.

My apprenticeships taught me that beautiful jewellery needs time and patience.

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PT: How would you describe your approach to design?

HK: I like to think of myself as the personal jeweller to my clients. I design wearable pieces with a wow factor and always hope to go that little bit further. It can be a dainty piece but there will be a delicate hidden detail, or a larger more striking piece that really stands out – either way, the quality will be the same. Quality, craftsmanship and attention to even the tiniest details are so important to me.

When I design a bespoke piece, it is very much a reflection of the wearer, so I take time to get to know the individual and I go from there. It is a lovely experience to help someone design a piece of jewellery that they will wear for life or hand down to relatives in the future, and there is no greater feeling than seeing someone wearing and enjoying your designs.

Personal service is critical too. I’ll travel anywhere in the world to take a brief from a client.

PT: So why polo?

HK: Having worked in the fine jewellery industry for so long I found that with a luxury industry comes a luxury sport, and polo seems to the perfect fit for me. I have also had the privilege of designing and making an engagement ring for Will Mawby, of Moor Farm Polo, as his fiancée Amy had been frequently commenting on my designs on Instagram. Will and I got talking and we created her stunning aquamarine and diamond ring.

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Hannah Kimber Jewellery

Feature

Will Mawby and fiancée Amy Steventon

PT: What’s your message to anyone reading this that might be thinking of buying fine jewellery?

HK: Don’t be scared of having jewellery specially designed for you. It is a wonderfully personal experience where you can bring to life the most special piece for a loved one or for yourself. Be it a re – modelling of inherited pieces into something more relevant to your personal style, or designing a completely new piece. There is definite magic that comes with bespoke!

Hannah is a multi-award winning jewellery designer, with sixteen years experience in the fine jewellery industry.

Hannah not only has a natural flair and ability for design, but also a nurtured ability to gauge exactly what her client is after from their bespoke commission, which she develops as she goes on the journey with them.

Hannah designs fine bespoke jewellery.

Visit www.hannahkimber.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Feature

John Tinsley Interview

John Tinsley A reflection on a lifetime in polo

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Photography by Polo Times

f there was a person alive that we’d turn to when wanting to know anything about polo in the last 40 years, John Tinsley would be the man. He has chaired nearly every committee the HPA has, from the Handicap Committee in 1995, Development Committee in 1997, to the International Committee from 2001 to 2015, as well as the HPA itself between 2001 and 2004. He has been a constant through polo’s thick and thin – from the aftermath of the Falklands War to the Foot and Mouth outbreak that closed Guards Polo Club for the 2001 season. If his stellar professional career wasn’t enough, he has trumped the majority of internationally inclined players, by taking to the field in a whopping 32 countries.

This year, John was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Polo Awards, an award both voted for and presented by his peers. His passion and determination have made him one of the sport’s greatest devotees, travelling across the globe to support the British team as they attempt world domination, all out of his own pocket.

We spoke to John about his journey through the echelons of the polo fraternity, from his days playing polo to a plethora of committees and countries visited in the name of polo.

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John Tinsley Interview

Feature

Photograph by Polo Times

We had a small breeding programme at the time and he was a great help throughout the process. I was the patron and when he came to me, I certainly was as good as him but when it came to the time he left, he was hugely better than me!

That was pretty much the end of the serious stuff. I stopped riding in 2012 because I had a fall; I got a detached retina in one of my eyes. It was quite scary; you know you get up off the ground and you’re blind in one eye. Anyway the people in hospital did a good job of it, sorting it all out, but that was it for me on horseback. On a positive note, since then I have had more time to focus on business.

John attended the 2011 International Snow Polo Challenge in China

Was there anyone particular who got you to go along?

I think as much as anyone it would have been Colin Seavill who got me to go along.

He was the father of Charles, Hector and Andrew Seavill.

I was lent ponies to start with, but it wasn’t long before I got some of my own. We are talking about 1971 – 1972, that sort of time. Then, I got into it a bit more seriously.

Steven Kay, from New Zealand came over and worked for us. He was 21 at the time and he is well into his 50s now. He was exactly the same age as Cody Forsyth who came over a year later. Steven worked for me for about five or six years. I had quite a lot of horses and he looked after them, schooled them and made new horses. Following him there were about two or three years when Tim Bown looked after my horses. I was still playing mainly at Rutland, but in the meantime had also been a member at Cirencester. I was playing up to medium goal and I was quite happy playing anything between 0 goal and 12 goal. Through most of that time I was a 2 goal player, had a couple of years on 3 but I was certainly never good enough to be 3 goals. 3 goals then was nothing like as good as a 3 goal player is today. Then I had the good fortune to have another New Zealand guy come and work for me, Baden Broughton, who was great.

Did you have lessons or did you just start?

Yes I did, but not at that stage, I just sort of set off. I had been playing for quite some time when I went for my first proper lessons, which like many were with Hugh Dawnay in Ireland. I went off to one of his courses and really enjoyed it.

Why always Kiwi guys?

No particular reason. I suppose because I went over there a lot and perhaps laziness on my behalf, in that they speak English and I speak English, nothing more complicated than that. Baden was a great, great guy and he made some very good horses for me.

Did you ride as a child?

I was born and brought up in Lincolnshire and spent my time hunting. I started in the Pony Club and hunted all my life, and have hunted with the Qourn and the Belvoir since then. Riding is in my blood and I first got on a horse as a very young child. I started playing polo much too late in my life however, probably in my late twenties.

So in your late twenties you thought about getting into polo. How did that come about?

Well I had friends playing and decided to try it myself. Unsurprisingly, I absolutely loved it! I began my polo ‘career’ at Rutland Polo Club, just on the edge of Leicestershire. It had been open for a year when I started and after many successful years I actually became President.

www.polotimes.co.uk

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What sort of business have you been involved in?

I started business as a farmer. I had the luck to purchase a farm in the 1970s and over the last 35 years I have built it up to a pretty substantial holding around the house.

For the first ten years of my working like, I would have called myself a farmer, but since then I have branched out into all sorts of other businesses. Farming was pretty straightforward – the normal Lincolnshire things: potatoes, peas, cereals. The other business that I’ve been involved with is with my next-door neighbour, Fitz Howard.

We have been in business together since I was 21-years-old. Together we have run an extraordinary amount of businesses and we have had a great deal of luck – just enough of them have been more success than failure!

One of our businesses was engineering in Glasgow, where I worked for eight years.

That was a public company that we sold and invested the money into a property business in sand, gravel and landfill, so waste and other pretty unglamorous stuff!

How did you come into your roles within polo?

Oh Gosh, I should think it would probably be now about twenty years ago that Tony Gilks, who had been a Steward of the HPA from Rutland Polo Club, said he wanted to retire and he suggested that I took over. So I stood as an HPA Steward 20 years ago and stayed in the role until 2015. I was Chairman of the International Committee from 2001 to 2015 and I was Chairman of the HPA for four years from 2001 to 2004. I am still on the International Committee, but I am only really there to maintain some connections.

Richard Britten-Long is Chairman now and it’s a fairly poisoned chalice really. Well you’ve got to run the International and it’s only too easy for me to say that when I ran it, we had 8,000-10,000 people there, but we never had the competition there is now.

It’s difficult to tell, when you have conditions like we did at this year’s International, how many tickets sold etc and those that didn’t come. But, I really felt that the turnout was low and it was extremely sad.

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Feature

John Tinsley Interview

I think the International at Beaufort was handled very well. No one has been more supportive of them than me. There was a great lobby to start with that it should be alternated between the Beaufort and Cirencester, a fact that one forgets now, and I made myself very unpopular standing on the side of the Beaufort. They do a good job and always have done, and the system they have there works jolly well. I think Caspar West is very good at getting the job done.

What’s your favourite aspect of polo?

My highlight has been the playing in 32 different countries. I have played in 28 of those 32 countries with my great Scottish friend James Mann Clark. He is my greatest friend in polo and I would have never met him if it hadn’t been for the sport. He was

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

You’ve obviously seen a lot of changes over time. Are there any in particular that jump out at you?

Well the biggest single change that I’ve seen, with no question at all, is the improvement in horses – it amazes me. It is one of the reasons that a 3 goal player today is infinitely better than a 3 goal player back in my day.

The grounds as well have been immeasurably improved. Twenty years ago, you just had to get on with what you had, the ground was just the way it was – there wasn’t much talk about improving it. I think the catalyst for getting that changed was really Kerry Packer, in that he explained what could be done with good grounds that were perforated effectively, all the way through, even to the lower levels.

John Tinsley and his wife Judi

one of the early creators of FIP. In the days when England couldn’t join FIP, because of the Falklands War, James joined Scotland to it! He never should have been allowed to do it! He also actually created elephant polo. He is the self appointed President of WEPA, the World Elephant Polo Association. Through polo I have made the greatest friends that I have been fortunate to know, but as an aside, I have also met some of the worst people in the world! Very few people seem to be anything other than one side of the fence or the other! No one is in the middle!

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Is there anywhere in particular that you thought was absolutely spectacular?

Well I had the pleasure to play in Jamaica and for 20 years I took a team out to play.

I know Jamaica very well and have a lot of friends there – it’s just fantastic.

The biggest crowd I’ve ever seen at a polo match however was about 10 years ago in Nigeria. There must have been 20,000 spectators, all cheering, “We are the whities!” I had asked Pete Webb to be Captain. We won the game but it was quite close and there was what they called a ‘pitch-invasion’, but what I called a riot! It was extraordinary.

Outside of polo, do you have any other passions?

My life has been a series of passions. I have had the joy and the pleasure of having a wonderful grouse moor in Scotland, which is one of my greatest loves. I bought it about 30 years ago and it wasn’t an established shoot in those days. I have built it up since.

I actually broke the all time record of grouse in the day and grouse in the season. That has been fantastic. Fishing, salmon fishing particularly has been one of my very great passions for thirty years, which I absolutely love. I went with John Tylor and a number of friends to the South of Argentina and went Sea Trout fishing – I didn’t expect to enjoy it but I absolutely loved it. We had the most wonderful boys’ holiday! I had obviously been to all the polo bits in Argentina but I had never been right down south – nobody had told me how fabulous it was. The wildlife, the birds, the guanaco, which are a funny tiny little camel, it was just fantastic.

I loved it.

How did it feel to be honoured by your peers with the Lifetime Achievement Award?

It was exceedingly flattering and I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout the years. I am actually in the middle of writing my autobiography, which I have done as a series of memoirs, and chapter-by-chapter I’m doing the different activities I’ve been involved with. I haven’t started the polo chapter yet. I don’t think I’d have much to say that would interest people these days! The politics of the HPA have always been quite tricky, but I found it very rewarding. I very much enjoyed my time as Chairman. In my first year as Chairman, when Mark Vestey and I went out to Melbourne for the World Championships, we plotted what was to be my role within the HPA and for polo in the future, on a sunny day in Australia. And what a nice way to do it!

John Tinsley treading the turf at Guards Polo Club

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Feature

2018 HPA helmet rule

Helmets 2018 Rule Change

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Q: What is the new rule?

A: After many years of lobbying by safetyconscious members, the HPA has adopted a new set of rules requiring HPA members playing polo to wear a helmet manufactured to safety standards. As a policy, the HPA will now adopt the same standards as the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). From 1 January 2018, helmets will need to be type approved to one or more of the following: PAS015:2011, SNELL E2001, VG1 01.040 2014-12, UTAC/ CRITT 04/2015.

Q: Why the new rule?

A: For many years, a number of people in the HPA have thought that safety equipment was a matter for individual decision, but the HPA has decided to change the policy because most other equestrian sports (eg. racing and eventing) now require helmets produced to rigorous safety standards. The HPA safety panel has consulted widely, with the BHA, the Irish Turf Club, helmet manufacturers and with high and low goal players. The safety rules have been brought up to date. Unbelievably, for the first time, in 2017, boots and kneepads were made compulsory during play!

Photograph by Armis

rom 1 January 2018, the long anticipated new helmet rules from the HPA will apply. Dr Victor Chua, a surgeon and low-goal player from Cambridge, is a member of the HPA Safety Panel and the HPA Disciplinary Committee.

He spoke to Polo Times to explain some frequently asked questions.

The Armis Polo helmet

Q: Will I have to get a new helmet?

A: It depends on whether your existing helmet meets one of the standards. The HPA website has an up-to-date list of polo helmets which meet the requirements. Helmets currently meeting the type approval requirements can be found in the table below: Manufacturer

Model

Type Approval Standard

QC Mark

Charles Owen

Palermo Polo

PAS015:2011 and VG1 01.040-2014

BSI Kitemark

Charles Owen

Young Rider Polo

PAS015:2011 and VG1 01.040-2014

BSI Kitemark

Charles Owen

Polo Edition

PAS015:2011 and VG1 01.040-2014

BSI Kitemark

Armis

Armis Polo

PAS015:2011, ASTM (pending) certified with MIPS and VG1 01.040-2014

BSI Kitemark

GPA

Speed Air, Polo 2X

UTAC/CRITT 04/2015

SEI

Instinct Polo

Instinct

PAS015:2011

BSI Kitemark

Q: I haven’t been given enough notice!

A: The HPA announced the rule in March 2016, so players will have had two seasons’ notice before the new rule comes into force on 1 January 2018.

Photograph by GPA Sports

The GPA Speed Air 2x Helmet

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Q: What’s new in helmet technology?

A: The Armis Polo helmet has a system called MIPS, which allows the inner lining of the helmet to slip slightly when the player has a glancing impact. This has been demonstrated to significantly reduce G-forces on glancing impact.

The Instinct Polo helmet has two innovations – the shock-absorbing material is an aluminium honeycomb that appears to absorb impacts more than expanded polystyrene, which is used in most other helmets. The helmet also has an optional titanium faceguard, which attaches to the main helmet body, instead of the peak, which should afford additional protection. www.polotimes.co.uk

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2018 HPA helmet rule

Feature

Q: What is the difference between type approval and QC? What about the Kitemark? What about CE marks?

A: A CE mark means that the helmet meets the EU requirements for ‘Personal Protective Equipment’. This mark is required for retail sale of helmets in the EU. A CE mark is obtained by ‘type approval’, which means that helmets are submitted to an EU registered testing organisation. The manufacturer self-certifies that the helmets for sale are of the same type and standard as those tested.

A QC mark goes further, and typically requires regular testing and a factory audit.

The BSI Kitemark is a type of QC Mark, but there are other QC marks promoted by other testing laboratories, eg. SEI, IC, Snell.

Regular independent testing will give the user the greatest confidence that the helmet purchased is of satisfactory quality.

After consultation with manufacturers, the HPA decided that helmets only need to be ‘type approved’, as the cost of the QC mark was judged too onerous for non-EU manufacturers. Players, of course, can make their own judgement.

Photograph by Charles Owen

Q: I’m a die-hard Casablanca or La Martina fan, what do I do?

A: We’ve been assured by both the manufacturers that they will launch a compliant helmet soon. The Casablanca helmet will be called the NEU and will be type approved to PAS015:2011. This helmet will be launching on 1 November.

The La Martina helmet is set to be tested towards the end of September. At this time, we await confirmation from the respective manufacturers if these helmets will have a QC (Quality Control) Mark.

The Charles Owen Edition

Q: Who needs to wear these helmets?

What about umpires? What about grooms?

A: The relevant section of the HPA Rules 2017 is 2.3 (page 24). Players will need to wear ‘type approved’ helmets. Everyone (including umpires and grooms) must wear “protective headgear with the chinstrap or harness correctly fastened when riding at a polo ground” but this headgear need not be type approved.

Polo Times note: Employers have duties under health and safety law to assess risks in the workplace. This extends to workplace hazards and risk assessments. Therefore, where umpires and grooms are employed, their employers, (most probably their club, player or team patron) have legal obligations to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.

This type of helmet will no longer be permitted under the 2018 HPA Rule Change

Q: What about chukkas? What about riding out?

A: Chukkas count as play. Riding out or stick and balling is not play and is not covered by the current rules.

Photograph by Instinct Polo

• compleThe Instinct complete kit te system www.polotimes.co.uk

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Q: Does this apply to non-HPA events?

A: Yes, the rule applies to all polo played at HPA-affiliated clubs, whether or not it is an HPA tournament.

Q: What about the new helmet standard, BSEN1384:2017?

A: This is a new standard, which is set to replace the standards VG1 and UTAC/ CRITT. We expect manufacturers to certify new helmet models to this standard. We will be adding this standard to our list when the BHA does so in due course. We expect that helmets approved to the 2018 standards will be permitted for the reasonable life of the helmets, i.e. at least three to four years.

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Tally Ho Farm EUROPE’S LARGEST POLO SUPPLIER

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Made in United Kingdom Adjustable harness at nape to stop helmet movement Low profile Lightweight Classic styling with a contemporary twist BSI Kitemark for PAS015:2011 and VG1-01.0402014/12

order online: tallyhofarm.co.uk or telephone: 01344 885373 or visit us at: Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4RZ

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Victor Ludorum Round-Up

Reports

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Armis Snake Bite dominated the Final of The County Cup

Victor Ludorum Round-Up Limitless Silvertown clinch the 8 Goal Series

A

utumn is well and truly upon us, which can mean only one thing, the Victor Ludorum Series is coming to an end, with the last tournaments deciding the fate of the top teams across the country. Park Place have already been announced as the victors in the 18 Goal series and after a closely fought battle with Strategic Help for Heroes and Armis Snake Bite throughout the season, Olivia Clowes and Jake Rigby’s Limitless Silvertown clinched the 8 Goal series with a sun-blessed victory at Beaufort Polo Club for the Wichenford Bowl. With an 8 Goal miss for Armis Snake Bite, the 15 Goal Series was the next in their sights and what a match they played to secure it. Thomson Local has stormed through the season, gaining a 100-point advantage on their closest rivals thus making the 6 Goal Series officially theirs. The 12 Goal is all that remains to play for as the leaves begin to fall, but who will come out on top?

15 Goal Victor Ludorum Cirencester Park Polo Club – County Cup Final – Saturday 19 August Number of teams: 2 Winners: Armis Snake Bite Points: 35

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Armis Snake Bite were, for want of a better term, venomous in their attack on the Noon Giraffes, taking control from the first chukka onwards to finish no less than 9-1 ahead and lift the enormous County Cup. Steeped in history, the stunning silver trophy is adorned with the names of past greats all the way back to 1951. Despite

a disappointingly low number of team entries (in fact just the two Finalists), the 2017 Final will surely go down in history though as one of the most convincing wins.

The combination of Flannels England team regulars, James Beim and James Harper, who have been playing the high goal together this season for El Remanso, were a well-oiled machine. James Beim’s brother Tom stepped in to take the place of David Ashby who was watching closely from the sidelines nursing a fractured collar bone. This only added to the team familiarity and with the Armis Snake Bite boys appearing to read each other’s minds, Noon Giraffe were always one step behind and were on the back foot from the start. Armis Snake Bite’s Max Kirchhoff was awarded the Most Valuable Player award.

The County Cup Final Teams: Armis Snake Bite (15): Max Kirchhoff (0), Tom Beim (3), James Harper (6) & James Beim (6) Noon Giraffe (15): Chris Fagan (0), Satnam Dhillon (5), John Paul Clarkin (7) & Martin ffrench-Blake (3) Polo Times, October 2017

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Victor Ludorum Round-Up

Beaufort Polo Club – Arthur Lucas Cup Final – Sunday 3 September Number of teams: 2 Winners: Armis Snake Bite Points: 35

Photograph by Gordon Lindsey

The challenging weather on Sunday 3 September did not deter the players of teams Confido and Armis Snake Bite from making an aggressive start to the play for the Arthur Lucas Cup. The first goal for Confido was scored within the first 20 seconds of the first chukka. Armis Snake Bite was quick to return the favour and the scores went on, with each team taking a turn in the lead and building scores. With a close score in the fourth chukka, 4-3 in Armis Snake Bite’s favour, there were hushed tones and breaths held in anticipation of a level score and the potential extra chukka to settle the tie. Since Armis Snake Bite and Confido had met earlier on that week to battle for the Metropolitan Cup, the teams were up for a keen battle for the title; one not wanting to be beaten again, the other wanting the double whammy of trophies. Thus, Armis Snake Bite played a defensive final chukka stopping Confido raising their goal count.

Armis Snake Bite win The Arthur Lucas Cup

Armis Snake Bite maintained their one goal lead and took the victory for the Arthur Lucas Cup. With this victory, Armis Snake Bite convincingly won the 15 Goal Series adding yet another piece of silverware to their already bulging cabinet.

The Arthur Lucas Cup Final Teams: Armis Snake Bite (15): Max Kirchhoff (0), James Harper (6), James Beim (6) & Tom Beim (3 – substituting for David Ashby) Confido (15): Creighton Boyd (0), Shaun Brokensha (3), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Luke Tomlinson (6)

12 Goal Victor Ludorum Cirencester Park Polo Club – Cheltenham Cup Final – Sunday 10 September Number of teams: 2 Winners: Foxcote Points: 35

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Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Given the recent heavy rainfall creating difficult ground conditions, The Cheltenham Cup Final got off to a slow start with no goals scored in the first chukka, as players from both teams played cautiously. The game didn’t continue as such though and from the second chukka onwards, both teams were playing evenly, desperate for a win.

Foxcote were the first to be awarded a penalty and with Jacinto Crotto on the ball, they were quick off the mark, 1-0. Tayto managed to grab the ball from the line-out and take it up the pitch, but it wasn’t long before Tom Beim increased Foxcote’s lead to 2-0 by running three-quarters of the way up the field to score another. Tayto were on the comeback and Stephen Hutchinson skilfully passed around Crotto to score with a great neck shot, 2-1. Just before half-time, Tayto were still in control and Mikey Henderson scored another quick goal just before the second bell to leave the teams level, 2- 2.

Straight from the third chukka throwin, Ollie Cudmore snuck away for Foxcote, running to goal and putting another on the board for Foxcote, 3-2. But, Tayto weren’t far behind, with Matias Amaya converting a 60-yard penalty to make the score level again, 3-3.

Cudmore continued his impressive form and sent a huge open backhand straight through

Foxcote beat Tayto to win The Cheltenham Cup Final

the posts, 4-3. With Tayto almost treading on Foxcote’s heels once again, Beim made another quick exit from the line-out to run halfway up the field to score, to make it 5-3 with one minute to go in the third chukka. Yet again, Tayto were fighting back and Amaya scored with seconds to go, 5-4.

Max Hutchinson continued Tayto’s resurgence at the beginning of the fourth chukka, finding a clear path and sending another one between the posts, 5-5. Despite Crotto’s usually reliable penalties, the conditions did not make it easy and he sent the ball just wide, but Beim was there to pop it through the posts, 6-5. Henderson was not one

to let a win slip away without a true battle, as he managed to level it up again, 6-6, as the rain poured down and gale force winds blew. With 30 seconds to go, it was almost set to be a fifth chukka, but Foxcote struck back and Crotto, with Tayto hot on his toes, catapulted the ball through the posts with a great neck shot to secure another Foxcote victory, 7-6.

Mikey Henderson was awarded Most Valuable Player for his valiant efforts.

The Cheltenham Cup Final Teams: Tayto (12): Stephen Hutchinson (0), Max Hutchinson (3), Michael Henderson (4) & Matias Amaya (5) Foxcote (12): Darko Horvat (-1), Tom Beim (3), Ollie Cudmore (5) & Jacinto Crotto (5) www.polotimes.co.uk

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Victor Ludorum Round-Up

Reports

Guards Polo Club – Duke of Wellington Final – Sunday 20 August Number of teams: 10 Winners: Emlor C Points: 90

8 Goal Victor Ludorum Beaufort Polo Club – The Cotswold Airport Wichenford Bowl Final – Sunday 27 August Numbers of teams: 6 Winners: Limitless Silvertown Points: 90 Sunday 27 August welcomed blazing sunshine and buzzing crowds to support the Wichenford Bowl Final, proudly sponsored

by Cotswold Airport. Despite the enjoyable events of the evening before at the fabulous Beaufort Ball, the supportive turnout was fantastic and the Final was an impassioned game, full of rousing shouts at team members in the bid for the most tactful plays

Photograph by Tony Ramirez/©www.imagesofpolo

Emma McCarthy’s Emlor C captured the Duke of Wellington Trophy at Guards Polo Club after a tough battle against Beaufort Black Hound. They may have won this Final with a score of 6-5, but they had to fight for each and every goal.

Emlor C’s Jack Richardson led from the front, easy to spot in the thick of the action in his bright blue helmet, and his determination was rewarded with The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award. He received this prize from Janine Ramsay and Lord Christopher Wellesley, a son of the 8th Duke of Wellington, after whom this tournament is named. They also presented Richardson, and his groom Carlos Soto, with the Polo Times Best Playing Pony prize for Nobu, a nine-year-old, English Thoroughbred mare, whom Jack had played in the first and fourth chukkas.

Not only were the spectators treated to a fast-paced Final on The Queen’s Ground, but

Emlor C beat Beaufort Black Hound to win The Duke of Wellington Trophy

this match was a great advert for British polo.

Tommy Severn and Luke Wiles played superbly for Beaufort Black Hound, while Henry Fisher did a great job of defending for Emlor C. Emma McCarthy also contributed to her team’s success, delivering another strong performance.

For more information on Nobu the

Polo Times Best Playing Pony, please turn to our Pony Power pages.

The Duke of Wellington Final Teams: Emlor C (12): Emma McCarthy (0), José Araya (2), Jack Richardson (6) & Henry Fisher (4) Beaufort Black Hound (12): Luke Wiles (1), Tommy Severn (2), Jack Berner (3) & Mark Tomlinson (6)

and cheers from onlookers to induce further competition.

The Final brought Limitless Silvertown and Strategic Help for Heroes together to not only attempt to win the Wichenford Bowl, but also to strive for the 8 Goal Victor Ludorum series win. In an impressive match, Limitless Silvertown won both, with an impressive final score of 7-2. Strategic Help for Heroes were the initial team to pull ahead, scoring their first goal in the first 30 seconds of the game. Determination then fired within the Limitless Silvertown ranks, as the players teamed together to gain a three-goal advantage in the second chukka.

Appearing to return the favour Strategic Help for Heroes scored again,

but in combination with the crowd’s support, this simply spurred Limitless Silvertown to reinforce their tactics, keeping Strategic Help for Heroes at a two-goal distance whilst increasing their advantage, to dissuade any doubts that they were the winners. The Rigby/Clowes collaboration came to fruition with the Cotswold Airport Wichenford Bowl win, gaining the team the 8 Goal Series gold.

The Cotswold Airport Wichenford Bowl Final Teams: Limitless Silvertown (8): Olivia Clowes (-1), Jake Rigby (0), Mikey Henderson (4) & Matias Amaya (5) Strategic Help for Heroes (8): Peter O’Rorke (-1), Archie Smyth Osbourne (2), Henry Fisher (4) & Matt Evetts (3)

Photograph by Gordon Lindsey

Limitless Silvertown and Strategic Help for Heroes fought for The Cotswold Airport Wichenford Bowl

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Reports

Victor Ludorum Round-Up

6 Goal Victor Ludorum Kirtlington Park Polo Club – Budgett Everett Trophy Final – Monday 14 August Number of teams: 6 Winners: Maiz Dulce Points: 60

Photograph by Alan Lawrence

The 2017 Budgett Everett Trophy at Kirtlington Park Polo Club was well contested and saw some very competitive games, despite starting the competition with some unfavourable weather conditions. It ended on a high under a bright summer sun on the No. 1 ground.

The Final saw the two best teams on current form and both teams, hot on the heels of the Victor Ludorum series title, were eager to take the trophy and points home.

This was truly a game of two halves, with Thomson Local 5-2 up at the half-time break and looking good to continue their previous impressive form.

Maiz Dulce were, however, not beaten yet and after what must have been an impressive half-time team talk, they came out and started the fight back. Thomson Local had no reply to Maiz Dulce’s eight

Maiz Dulce won The Budgett Everett Trophy at Kirtlington Park Polo Club

consecutive goals over the next two chukkas and clinched the trophy 10-5.

Maiz Dulce’s Derreck Bratley was awarded the Most Valuable Player award.

The Budgett Everett Trophy Final Teams: Maiz Dulce (6): Millie Cooper (-2), Matt Pitts (2), Jack Berner (3) & Derreck Bratley (3) Thomson Local (6): Benji Bradshaw (-1), Phil Seller (2), John Martin (2) & Tom Beim (3)

HPC, The London Club – Roehampton Cup Final – Sunday 27 August Number of teams: 8 Winners: Jet Set Points: 100

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Photograph by Robert Piper Photography

The Roehampton Final day at HPC, The London Club was set in balmy weather; the sponsors, London Square, had a crowd of guests in the clubhouse and the sides of the grounds were lined with jolly picnickers. Hot off the high goal it was Tom Brodie who was first to score for Jet Set, then quickly slotting another goal at the opposite end. Maiz Dulce earned themselves a penalty and chukka one finished 2-1 to Jet Set. In the second chukka the pressure was relentless from Jet Set who kept the ball in the opposition’s half for almost all seven minutes. Commendable defence from Derreck Bratley though held them at bay until Tom Brodie eventually found the goal. One last run to goal from Jet Set went wide just as the bell for half-time rang out.

In the third chukka play saw three converted penalties to Maiz Dulce and two to Jet Set. With the score at 5-4 Juan Cruz Araya Martelli sent a nearside backhand screaming through the posts ending the third chukka 6-4 to Jet Set. Another goal by Araya opened the fourth chukka extending his team’s lead to 7-4. Derreck Bratley then converted a 60 yard penalty and found the mark with a field goal from 70 yards out.

Jet Set won The 2017 Roehampton Cup at HPC, The London Club

There was just one goal in it and Maiz Dulce fought hard but plenty of strong backhands from Temur Nadeem held them at bay.

Jet Set were the 2017 Roehampton Cup champions and the trophy was presented to a delighted Katherine Smithwick. The Hugs & Co. Best Playing Pony award was awarded to Hooker played by Tom Brodie.

The Roehampton Cup Final Teams: Jet Set (6): Katherine Smithwick (-2), Temur Nadeem (2), Tom Brodie (3) & Juan Cruz Araya Martelli (3) Maiz Dulce (6): Millie Cooper (-2), Matt Pitts (2), Jack Berner (3) & Derreck Bratley (3)

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Cirencester Park Club – Kingscote Cup Final – Saturday 9 September Number of teams: 12 Winners: Senzaltro Points: 90 In the pouring rain and extremely trying conditions, Senzaltro held their cool and came out victorious, beating Tayto 4-3 to take the Kingscote Cup 6 Goal. Reaching the Final was a feat in itself, with 12 of the country’s best 6 goal teams battling hard throughout the league stages.

The heavens opened above Ivy Lodge just on cue for the 3pm start of The Kingscote Cup Final, but with thunder to boot, the show went on and those who braved the weather were not disappointed.

The first chukka saw many attempts to score but only one goal was clocked up on the board; a penalty from Jimbo Fewster which put Senzaltro 1-0 in the lead. Grant Collett did send another on target, but it crossed the line just after the final bell ending the first chukka, so was disallowed.

The conditions took their toll in the third chukka and no one could put another

The Kingscote Cup Final Teams: Senzaltro (6): Jules Van Vegchel (-2), Jimbo Fewster (1), Grant Collett (3) & Mikey Henderson (4) Tayto (6): Stephen Hutchinson (0), Rupert Lewis (2), Oliver Jones (1) & Max Hutchinson (3)

Senzaltro won The Kingscote Cup Final against Tayto.

Locations – 25 de Mayo & Pilar

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goal on the board. Tayto were strong in defence and Stephen Hutchinson came close to scoring, but his shot deflected off a pony. Max Hutchinson did manage to make it 1-1 in the third though and took the goalpost with him. Henderson then stole the ball from the line out only to lose it to a divot halfway to goal, but Collett was behind and punched a massive shot straight between the posts to make it 2-1. Rupert Lewis continued his penalty-taking form from throughout the tournament to convert a penalty 3 to level it again to 2-2.

The level pegging continued to 3-3 with just a minute to go in the last chukka, with all to play for. From the line out Henderson sent a shot up to Fewster who was waiting within reach of the goal. Fewster then sent it through the posts on the bell of the hooter, to put them on top, just in the nick of time, 4-3 to Senzaltro. Tayto’s Max Hutchinson was awarded the Most Valuable Player award.

Reports

Photograph courtesy of Cirencester Park Polo Club

Victor Ludorum Round-Up

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46th International Polo Tournament

Sotogrande Gold Cups T High, Medium and Low Goal Champions

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

he Sotogrande season sees a multitude of talent across the low, medium and high goal levels, with top names competing for the Bronze, Silver and Gold Cups. The Bronze and Silver Cups were played for earlier in the Sotogrande season, with the Gold Cups marking the end of Santa María Polo Club’s 46th International Polo Tournament.

High Goal

Santa María Polo Club Gold Cup Sunday 27 August, saw the spectators gather once again at Santa María Polo Club for the highlight of the Sotogrande season, the Santa María Polo Club Gold Cup Final. This year saw Ayala face La Indiana, and Ayala got off to a strong start, continuing their consistent teamwork displayed throughout the season. Ayala began the high goal 46th International Polo Tournament with an early win in the Royal Bliss Bronze Cup, but their luck didn’t continue into the Silver Cup. Ayala seemed eager to regain their earlier form and took the lead from the first whistle.

Ayala, winners of the 2017 Santa María Polo Club Gold Cup It was this early 3-0 lead which marked the beginning of the end Ayala secured an early lead which La Indiana struggled to overcome for La Indiana and despite the best efforts of La Indiana to gain the advantage and get back into the game, their efforts were not enough and Ayala ended the match with a decisive score of 13-8. Facundo Pieres was named Most Valuable Player and Cube, also owned by Pieres was awarded the Best Playing Pony prize. The Best Playing Pony Polo Argentino was awarded to Open Galática, owned by Ellerstina and played by Facundo Pieres.

King Juan Carlos was present with his daughter HRM Infanta Elena, and later presented the prizes to the victorious Ayala. It was a notable day for Ayala patron Iñigo Zobel, as it was 10 years since his last win in Sotogrande, and Iñigo commented, “It’s a very important victory, especially for me as I withdraw from the high goal competition and I’m very happy to win the Gold Cup. Today the team had great teamwork, I think it was the key throughout the season where we had a very outstanding performance winning two of the three trophies, the Bronze and Gold Cup.”

Maserati Silver Cup: Lechuza Caracas defeated Dos Lunas A&G Banca Privada, 10-8 38

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Royal Bliss Bronze Cup: Ayala defeated Brunei, 11-8 www.polotimes.co.uk

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46th International Polo Tournament

Reports

Medium Goal

Aerolíneas Argentinas Gold Cup

Rocho Torreguitar in action for Equus in the Final

On Saturday 26 August, the Aerolíneas Argentinas Gold Cup Final saw Royal Salute, featuring British professional Malcolm Borwick, take on Aerolíneas Argentinas Silver Cup winners Equus. This was set to be a tough match and defeating Equus was set to be no mean feat for Royal Salute considering Equus’ form over the tournament. Both teams performed well and displayed some fantastic polo, and the scores remained tied until the sixth chukka and final chukka, when Alejandro Muzzio, later named Most Valuable Player, scored three consecutive goals to secure Equus the win and the Gold Cup title, with a final score of 13-11. Alejandro Muzzio was named Most Valuable Player and his mare, Negrita, was awarded the Best Playing Pony accolade.

Young, up-and-coming talent Tommy Beresford commented, “Equus is a team that is always very competitive. I was lucky to play with them in 2013 where we also won the Silver and Gold Cup. This year we set up a very competitive and effective system with Ale (Muzzio) and Rocho (Torreguitar). We had a very tough Semi Final and today we had another really hard game that we achieved to guide it in our favour in the sixth chukka after battling all the game”.

Aerolíneas Argentinas Silver Cup: Equus defeated Brunei, 14-6 Equus, winners of the 2017 Aerolíneas Argentinas Gold Cup

Aerolíneas Argentinas Bronze Cup: Sainte Mesme defeated Twenty/20, 12-10

Low Goal

Isolas 1892 Gold Cup La Clarita have been Sotogrande season stalwarts, returning each year trying to secure the top spot. In 2016 the team managed to secure Silver Cup success, although this year their Silver Cup score sheet wasn’t as successful. However, La Clarita managed to secure the elusive Isolas 1892 Gold Cup on Saturday 26 August, the same day as the medium goal Final, with a narrow 9-8 win over Sapphire to secure the trophy. In the post-match presentations, Brit Freddie Horne scooped up both the Most Valuable Player award and the Best Playing Pony prize for his pony, Camina.

La Clarita, winners of the 2017 Isolas 1892 Gold Cup La Clarita and Sapphire went head-to-head in the Gold Cup Finals

Isolas 1832 Silver Cup: La Mongosta defeated Ghablian Guards, 13½-13

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Isolas 1832 Bronze Cup: FCT Sotovila defeated Jolly Rogers,12-9

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Reports

5th CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup, Azerbaijan

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

CBC Sport celebrate their win in the 5th CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup

Triumph for Home Team

CBC Sport dominate in 5th CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup Final

T

he CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup, Azerbaijan is unlike any other polo tournament in the world, a unique hybrid of arena, snow and outdoor polo, it is always full of thrills and spills, keeping the packed grandstands on the edge of their seats.

Bahruz Nabijev of the Equestrian Federation of Azerbaijan Republic (ARAF), organises this international arena polo tournament together with Reto Gaudenzi of World Polo and his team. Reto Gaudenzi, creator of the glamorous St. Moritz Snow Polo World Cup event, along with his World Polo team are no strangers to putting together unique and exciting polo events, and Baku is no exception. The team even managed to bring with them a touch of St. Moritz sparkle, with the ‘Baku Moritz Polo Night’ held on Saturday 9 September.

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The finalists, Team Azersun and Team CBC Sport, had both won their initial matches of the tournament on Friday 8 September and met for the first time the following day, with local Azeri team, CBC Sport, victorious with a score of 7½-4. On Sunday 10 September the grandstands were packed with local and international supporters, all keen to cheer on their favourite team and witness the action first hand as CBC Sport and Azersun went head-to-head in the Final. With both teams in it to win it, the competition was fierce, but in the end it was local team CBC Sport who once again triumphed over Azersun with a convincing 11½-5 win.

In the Subsidiary Final, Team Improtex Motors took advantage of mistakes made

by Team Pasha Private Banking, ending the match with a score of 6½-3. For all the social snaps from the event, please turn to our Sidelines pages.

“Due to the fact that the Azerbaijan State and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, have paid great attention to the development of sports in our country, we are now in a great position for this tournament.

The victory of the Azeri team at the Arena Polo Championship in 2015 was the first continental championship in Azerbaijan’s sport history. I would like to express my deep gratitude to all sponsors and organisational staff, who supported the tournament and worked with great energy and competence in order to present the competition at the highest level.”

General Elcin Guliyev, President of ARAF

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5th CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup, Azerbaijan

Reports

Action from the Final between CNC Sport and Azersun

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Jan-Erik Franck

Where: Elite Horse & Polo Club, Baku CBC Sport defeated Azersun, 11½-5 5th CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup Azerbaijan Teams (including reserves): Improtex Motors (11): Melissa Ganzi (1), Juan Bollini (7) & Tito Gaudenzi (3) CBC Sport (10): Elchin Jamalli (4), Rashad Hasanov (2), Ali Rzayev (1), Amil Namazov (1) & Tarlan Gurbanaliyev (2) Pasha Private Banking (12): Rommy Gianni (2), Chris Hyde (9) & Giles Greenwood (1) Azersun (13): Zhanna Bandurko (1), Raya Sidorenko (1), Martin de Estrada (4) & Santiago de Estrada (7) www.polotimes.co.uk

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Marcello Garrahan

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Greenwich Polo Club The East Coast Open came to an end on Sunday 10 September at Greenwich Polo Club after an intense Final between GSA and Audi. The undefeated GSA built upon their three goal handicap advantage to maintain a healthy lead for the first half, with the scoreboard reading 6-1 at half-time. In the second half, GSA’s lead continued, but Audi made a strong comeback with a series of goals bringing them to within just one goal of GSA by the final whistle. However, it was not enough and GSA ran out the winners 10-9. GSA’s Matías Magrini was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Audi’s Mariano Aguerre’s pony, Machitos Tere, was presented with the Best Playing Pony prize.

Photograph by © Marcelo Bianchi

Photograph courtesy of the All Ireland Polo Club

All Ireland Polo Club

Club Focus

GSA, winners of the 2017 East Coast Open

Before the Final, Postage Stamp Farm defeated Hublot 13-9 to secure the Subsidiary Cup, and Postage Stamp Farm’s Miguel Novillo Astrada was named Most Valuable Player.

East Coast Open Final Teams: GSA (17): Henry Porter (1), Santino Magrini (3), Toro Ruiz (5) & Matías Magrini (8) Audi (20): Chris Brant (A), Fran Rodríguez Mera (4), Mariano Aguerre (9) & Mariano González (7)

Ireland beat the USA at The Lotus Child Charity Day

On Friday 8 September, the All Ireland Polo Club (AIPC) hosted a charity day in aid of The Lotus Child Charity. The Club invited a team from the US Polo Association, who kindly supported the event, sanctioning a team to play against the AIPC team, in front of 350 guests over a luncheon, followed by an auction. The day was a great success raising substantial funds for this incredibly worthy charity. After a closely fought match in the first two chukkas, Ireland put in three goals in quick succession in the third chukka.

The score ultimately finished 5-1 in Ireland’s favour. The All Ireland Polo Club intends to host this as an annual event and is grateful for all of the sponsors and benefactors who supported the event.

East Coast Open Subsidiary Final Teams: Postage Stamp Farm (20): Annabelle Gundlach (A), Brandon Phillips (5), Miguel Novillo Astrada (9) & Kris Kampsen (6) Hublot (20): Bush Kazi (A), Marcos García del Río (5), Tomás García del Río (8) & Tommy Biddle (5)

Aspen Valley Polo Club Aspen Valley Polo Club ended its most successful season yet on the last weekend in August.

In the season finale, on Sunday 27 August, the Carbondale Classic, Travieso won its second tournament of the summer 11-8 against Casablanca. Travieso came storming out of the blocks scoring three goals in quick succession, so Casablanca were forced to play catch-up for the entire game. Travieso took advantage of Casablanca’s broken plays leading 4-2 after two chukkas and 7-4 at half-time. By the end of the fourth chukka, Casablanca had nowhere to go and Travieso ran out the winners. Carlitos Gracida was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award for the match, whilst Lucas Lalor was award the Most Valuable Player for the season.

The Carbondale Classic Final Teams: Travieso: Mike Azzaro, Teo Calle, Tony Calle & Carlitos Gracida Casablanca: Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, Stewart Armstrong & Juancito Bollini

Cirencester Park Polo Club

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Cirencester Park Polo Club hosted the Inter Hunt Polo Day for the fourth year running on Sunday 20 August. Three teams took part in the tournament. The Cotswold Hunt, South Tyrone from Ireland and a local team, Vale of the White Horse. It was a beautiful day as the rain held off, with a large crowd who picnicked and watched the action unfold.

First, Cotswold and VWH played, with VWH winning comfortably. This was followed by a parade of the VWH hounds, which made for a spectacular picture.

Then the match between VWH and South Tyrone got under way, which was fiercely fought with the South Tyrone coming out on top. Finally, the field saw the last match between Cotswold and South Tyrone. South Tyrone were victorious and raised the magnificent trophy that was presented by Suzanna Harvey of Cotswold Airport. Should anyone wish to consider entering a hunt team for next season please contact Mahesh Parmar on 07779 090008.

The South Tyrone Hunt won the Inter Hunt Trophy at Cirencester Park Polo Club

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Druids Lodge Polo Club

Edgeworth Polo Club Photograph by Lilly Kosek

Over the weekend 9 – 10 September, five teams battled it out in the Club’s Second to Last Chance 0 goal tournament at Edgeworth Polo Club. After intense matches, with plenty of action and a tumble from Rosanna Turk, the overall winners were Cheshire Corcho (Ben Barnes, Rosanna Turk, Olly Parrott & Ollie Jones).

The matches were played around the festivities celebrating Polo Manager, Jono Smail’s marriage to Rachel (neé Newman) – congratulations!

Action at Edgeworth

RCBPC

Deauville Polo Club Photograph by Polo Times

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club are also turning their attention to the up and coming 2017/18 arena season. The Club’s winter season kicks off on Saturday 4 November with chukkas, with tournaments commencing the following week. Throughout the season, RCBPC will be hosting some exciting events, from the HPA National Club Championships to the Arena Gold Cup. For more dates, please visit their website.

The summer season hasn’t yet finished, and already the clubs are turning their attention to the winter season ahead. Druids Lodge have now announced their arena dates for the 2017/18 winter season which can be found on their website.

The Arena Gold Cup is a highlight of the RCBPC’s arena season

Rugby Polo Club Rugby Polo Club has announced the tournament schedule for the 2017 winter season, officially starting on 1 October.

Winter chukkas will run on Wednesdays and Fridays at 6.30pm as well as on weekends with no tournaments. Polo training, the T-Bone Challenge matches and the Amateur Challenge Matches will be on Monday evenings at 6.30pm.

For more information about this winter’s fixtures, please visit their website.

The much-anticipated Final of The Deauville Gold Cup took place on Sunday 27 August.

The tournament had welcomed eight teams to compete for the coveted prize, with the Final played in front of a record audience.

This year’s Final included three players set to play in The Argentine Open later on this year. It was a closely fought match, with both Cibao La Pampa and Barrière battling it out for the top prize, but ultimately Cibao La Pampa ended victorious 8-7. Cibao La Pampa’s Jorge Pepa won the Most Valuable Player Award, whilst Francisco Elizalde’s British mare, Midday, won the Best Playing Pony Award.

The Deauville Gold Cup Finals Teams: Cibao La Pampa: Juan Pepa, Pato Cieza, Francisco Elizalde & Jorge Pepa Barrière: Martin Joaquin, Juan Chavanne, Martin Aguerre Jr & Tommy Rinderknecht

Over the weekend 26 – 27 August, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club hosted its biggest tournament of the season, The 2017 Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open Final in which the seasoned Farmers & Merchants Bank defeated young guns Klentner Ranch 11-10. It was an exceedingly close match from the word go, with both teams quickly giving away multiple penalties. As the match progressed, the experienced Farmers & Merchant Bank made use of all of their knowledge to narrowly take advantage. The Best Playing Pony Award was presented to 12-year-old Canadian Thoroughbred mare, Disney, owned and played by Klentner Ranch’s Jesse Bray, whilst the Most Valuable Player Award went to Lucas Criado.

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Photograph by United States Polo Association

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

Farmers & Merchant Bank won The 2017 Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open Final

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19/09/2017 11:23

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Gardenvale won The Gel-Eze Midsummer 12 Goal Tournament at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Photography by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Cowdray Park Polo Club

PSI 8 Goal Trophy winners, Gardenvale

On Saturday 26 August, Gardenvale and CPG came together to battle it out for the Final of The Gel-Eze Midsummer 12 Goal tournament at Cowdray Park Polo Club. Within seconds of the first chukka starting, James Beim scored a swift goal for Gardenvale, which was immediately answered by CPG’s George Meyrick. It was extremely close play between the strong teams, but as the teams entered the final chukka, the expert duo of James Beim and James Harper ran away with the score. But, CPG weren’t finished yet as Roddy Williams scored a final goal to narrow the scoreboard, however it was too little too late and Gardenvale ran out the winners 9-5. James Harper’s pony Caruba won the Best Playing Pony Award, whilst he also picked up the Most Valuable Player Award.

On Sunday 10 September, Cowdray hosted both The Park House Cup and PSI 8 Goal Trophy. The Park House Cup was first presented 53 years ago and remains a popular fixture with six teams entered in the 2017 tournament. Facing each other in the Final were Lila Pearson’s Cowdray Vikings and Wilf Fine’s Sea Breeze. Ed Hitchman put Cowdray Vikings’ name on the scoreboard first with a 30 yard penalty, but by half-time Sea Breeze led 3-1. Throughout the third and fourth chukka, Cowdray Vikings closed up the gap, and as the clock ticked down the scores were tantalisingly close at 4-3. A penalty in favour of Cowdray Vikings offered the team a chance to equalise, but the ball went wide and Sea Breeze took the win. The PSI 8 Goal Trophy saw Bamboleo/Madams Farm and Gardenvale reach the Final. Gardenvale began with three strong goals from Beim,

Park House, winners of The Park House Cup

Araya and Fewster, and two further goals from Beim and Araya meant that Gardenvale led 5-1 at half-time. Heavy rain continued throughout the second half, and more goals ensued from Gardenvale, despite a few goals from Bamboleo/Madams Farm it was not enough and they lost out 7-3.

The Gel-Eze Midsummer Cup Final Teams: Gardenvale (12): Jamie Grayson (1), Shane Finemore (-1), James Harper (6) & James Beim (6) CPG (12): Sally Turner (-1), Henry Brett (4), Roddy Williams (3) & George Meyrick (6) The Park House Cup Final Teams: Cowdray Vikings (4): Lila Pearson (-1), Quentin Wedmore (S), Boyd Allen (1) & Ed Hitchman (4) Sea Breeze (4): Wilf Fine (-1), Will Harper (0), Marcus Cork (1) & Nick Pepper (4) PSI 8 Goal Trophy Final Teams: Bamboleo/Madams Farm (8): Christian Staubach (0), John Kent (2), Nick Britten-Long (2) & Henry Brett (4) Gardenvale (8): Shane Finemore (-1), Jimbo Fewster (1), Jose Ramon Araya (2) & James Beim (6)

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Guards Polo Club Northwood holding aloft the Flemish Farm Trophy

Conosco, winners of The Cottington Cup

Emlor C, winners of The Duke of Wellington Trophy

The Cottington Cup Teams: Great Twelve Oaks (4): Livi Alderman (0), Charlie Wooldridge (1), Leon Allen (2) & Joaquin Bossignon (1) Jacaranda (3): Robert de By (-1), Henri de By (-1), Hamza Mawaz (3) & Gaston Bardengo (2) The Duke of Wellington Final Teams: Emlor C (12): Emma McCarthy (0), Jose Ramon Araya (2), Jack Richardson (6) & Henry Fisher (4) Beaufort Black Hound (12): Luke Wiles (1), Tommy Severn (2), Jack Berner (3) & Mark Tomlinson (6)

Mad Dogs, winners of The President’s Trophy

Park Place celebrate their win in the Land Rover Duke of Cornwall Trophy

Conosco secured the top spot in The Cottington Cup on Sunday 20 August with a 5-4 win over Penham-Bespoke. Conosco’s Charlie Townsend picked up the Images of Polo Best Playing Pony prize for his mare, Flood. Meanwhile in The Duke of Wellington Trophy Final, played on the same day, Emlor C defeated Beaufort Black Hound 6-5. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award went to Jack Richardson’s Nobu, a 9-year-old English Thoroughbred mare. Jack Richardson also took home The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award. In the Subsidiary Final, El Rosario lost out to Bridge House of Twyford 6-5.

Andrey Borodin added the Land Rover Duke of Cornwall Trophy to his burgeoning polo trophy collection after his Park Place team won on Sunday 27 August in the 16 goal Final.

In a tough match on The Queen’s Ground, they narrowly beat Khaled Badr-El-Din’s Golden Falcons 8-7½ after four, thrilling chukkas. This was a hard-fought match with both teams producing some great, and at times inspired, play in bright, hot sunshine.

Northwood polo team added yet another trophy to their now overflowing 2017 trophy cabinet on Sunday 3 September as they secured a 5-3 win over Tex8n Polo in the Flemish Farm Trophy Final. In the Subsidiary Final, Conosco defeated Bulldogs 8-5. On Saturday 9 September, Alan Fall’s Mad Dogs secured the 10 goal President’s Trophy with a 5-4 win over White Crane. In the Subsidiary Final, Bridge House of Twyford defeated Harum Scarum 7-4.

The Flemish Farm Trophy Final Teams: Northwood (6): Ned Hine (0), Hugo Taylor (1), Ralph Richardson (2) & Nicolas Roberts (3) Tex8n Polo (6): Mindi Byrne (-1), TBC (1), Fabio Lavinia (3) & Nicolas San Roman (3) The President’s Trophy Final Teams: Mad Dogs (10): Alan Fall (0), Thomas Brodie (3), Ralph Richardson (2) & Will Emerson (5) White Crane (9): Jasmine Calvert-Ansari(-1), Phil Seller (2), Andrew Blake-Thomas (3) & Matt Perry (5) The Land Rover Duke of Cornwall Final Teams: Park Place (16): Andrey Borodin (0), Toli Ulloa (4), Juan Britos (6) & Chris Mackenzie (6) Golden Falcons (19): Khaled Badr-El Din (1), James Harper (6), James Beim (6) & Pepe Araya (6)

Polo Club Midden-Nederland

The Polo & Country Fair Teams: Land Rover (3): Jan/Laurens van Deynze (0), Daniel Elosegui (2), Manuel Diaz de Vivar (2) & Dominique Buck (-1) Van der Gang Watches (2): Bob Rademakers (0), Pascal Zantman/Jos Houben (1), Hector Monserrat (3) & Bob Lebbink (-2) Rabobank (3): Brenda de Boer (0), Armand van Eeken (0), Maarten Hulsman (0) & Juan Medina (3) House of Eléonore (3): Rainier Beyleveldt (0), Junior Beyleveldt (1), Maurice van Druten (2) & Henk van Druten (0) 46

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Photograph courtesy of Polo Club Midden-Nederland

The fourth Polo & Country Fair was played in Holland with four teams taking part. Players from Holland, Belgium and Argentina played in perfect weather conditions with sun and many spectators.

The Land Rover team was put together at the last minute and turned out to be the most successful in a hard-fought Final, with only half a point difference on the scoreboard. During the Country Fair, visitors had the chance to take part in some additional entertainment with a wooden horse, rides for children, bird displays and luxury cars and watches on display. The Polo Club Midden-Nederland is a fairly new Club in the green countryside of Holland and are now moving into their fifth year. The Club tournaments vary from -2 to 4 goal and all are welcome to take part.

Action from the Polo & Country Fair

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19/09/2017 11:23

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Photography courtesy of White Waltham Polo Club

White Waltham Polo Club

The Cedar Polo Tournament was won by Grand Cru

Grand Cru won The Tai Tai 2 Goal Tournament

The Final of The Cedar Polo Tournament took place on Sunday 27 August and saw Carpe Diem take on Grand Cru, a match that started out very evenly. In the third chukka, Carlito Gonzalez scored two clear goals pushing forward with a strong advantage and ultimately winning 5½-3. Grand Cru picked up the stunning prizes whilst spectators were treated to a BBQ in the sunshine.

Team Tonic were the winners of the Club’s -2-2 goal Mountgerald Cup against Telemark. It was an exceedingly close game, with the score staying at 5-5 until the dying seconds, when Ed Whitechurch converted a penalty to win 6-5. Catherine Isted claimed the Most Valuable Player Award, whilst Ed Whitechurch’s pony Morita was presented with the Best Playing Pony Award.

The Club also held a Special Event on the Saturday afternoon, giving those who have only played a handful of chukkas the chance to compete for a coveted trophy on a full-size polo field. The JP Morgan Team took on the Flying Financiers with the score falling in JP Morgan’s favour at the final bell, 6-4.

On Saturday 9 September, The Tai Tai 2 Goal Polo Tournament Final saw Grand Cru and Mountgerald play an extremely close match, which finished on 5-5 at the final whistle. This meant that the Grand Cru Polo Team and Mountgerald Polo Team moved onto a penalty shoot out, which Grand Cru won after a spectacular penalty shot by Bilal Shaykh.

In the second Final of the weekend, on Sunday 10 September, MADEVA Polo Team and Pro-Fit Polo Team played for the Carlito’s Polo Pony Trophy. Pro-Fit swiftly moved ahead by three goals in the second chukka, clearly making spectators believe this may be an easy win, however Carlito Gonzalez’s team pulled together to move ahead with the score at 5-5½ at the end of the third chukka.

JP Morgan and the Flying Financiers take to the field at White Waltham Polo Club

MADEVA’s Nicola Davidson scored a great goal in the last two minutes and then Nicola Hodges flew straight out of the line out and scored another goal to bring the final score to 6-6½ and a win for her own Pro-Fit Polo Team.

The Mountgerald Cup Final Teams: Team Tonic (-1): Emily Puddifer (-2), Catherine Isted (-1), Ed Whitechurch (0) & Carlito Gonzalez (2) Telemark (2): Tele Kyricaou (-1), Bilal Shaykh (0), Nicola Davidson (0) & Mariano Darritchon (3) The Special Event Teams: JP Morgan: Rebecca Cunningham-Day, Scarlett McCoy, Emily Puddifer & Alejandro Bombin Flying Financiers: David Overy-Owen, Milly Over-Owen, Dominic Overy-Owen & Sebastian Alexandra The Tai Tai 2 Goal Final Teams: Grand Cru (2): Alexandra Skeggs (0), Nicola Bonito-Oliva (0), Bilal Shaykh (0) & Carlito Gonzalez (2) Mountgerald (1): Nicola Hodges (-1), Sarah Grant (0), Nicola Davidson (0) & Alejandro Bombin (2) The Carlitos Polo Pony Final Teams: Pro-Fit (1): Nicola Hodges (-1), Nicola Bonito-Oliva (0), Mike Dodson (0) & Alejandro Bombin (2) MADEVA (2): Bilal Shaykh (0), Sarah Grant (0), Nicola Davidson (0) & Carlito Gonzalez (2)

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19/09/2017 11:23

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Longdole St Tropez Polo Club The Open du Soleil came to a head at St Tropez Polo Club over the weekend of the 29 August in an evening of pomp and glamour. The 18 goal ADS Cup kicked off proceedings, with high goal stalwarts Polito Pieres, Joaquín Pittaluga and Jaime García Huidobro taking to the field. After a strong match, ALFI Investments claimed the victory 8½-8 against EFG Aravali. Polito Pieres was named the Most Valuable Player, whilst his pony Rusita won the Best Playing Pony Prize. In the 10 goal Argentine Foods Cup, Amanara came up against Los Nocheros, snatching victory away from Sebastian Schneberger’s side to win 7-5. Pato Bolanterio was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award whilst his pony Embarcado won the Best Playing Pony Prize.

On Saturday 2 September, four teams played over two days in Longdole’s end of season 4 goal tournament, the John Lucas Trophy. For the first time this season the four games were subject to absolutely no rain or wind, just blue skies and sunshine.

In the Final, the Longdole team played against the tough Los Chinos team.

But, Longdole were on fire with Will Lucas and Ryan Robertson scoring a goal each in every chukka except the third when Kiki Severn had her moment of glory. It was a hard-fought match, with Los Chinos keeping the score equal until the second chukka. With the final score falling 8-6, Lucas’ team won the stunning John Lucas Trophy. James Beim’s pony Dozzy, played by Tom Beim won the Best Playing Pony Award. The Subsidiary Final was played between Stuart Lodge’s team Lodge Services and Chris Walker’s team Walker Construction. Another marvellous match in the sun, with plenty of speed and skill shown by all players but in the end it was Lodge Services who won 10-4.

Stroud Farm Services and RJ Polo supplied some great prizes, from vouchers, belts, caps as well as additional vouchers for spa and massaging treatments from Crystal Springs in Cirencester and equine sports masseuse Helen Jones.

The ADS Cup Final Teams: ALFI Investments (17): Scott Wood (0), Hugo Taylor (1), Joaquín Pittaluga (7) & Polito Pieres (9) EFG Aravali (18): Karan Thapar (0), Nacho Kennedy (4), Bautista Ortiz de Urbina (7) & Jaime García Huidobro (7) Photography by Zahra Lucas

The Argentine Foods Cup Teams: Los Nocheros (10): Sebastian Schneberger (1), Gonzalo Bernal (3), Hugo Taylor (1) & Valentin Novillo Astrada (5) Amanara (10): Nicky Sen (-1), Pato Bolanterio (3), Marcos Harriott (2) & Pablo Jauretche (6) John Lucas Subsidiary Final teams

Longdole won the John Lucas Trophy

HPC, The London Club Photography by Robert Piper Photography

Will Healy, spoke to Polo Times about the reintroduction of the Club’s Polo Pony Show, “I remember as a boy my grandfather Billy Walsh used to hold an annual polo pony show at Ham Polo Club. I even took part in it myself.

Somehow over the years the event fizzled out and by the time I returned to manage the polo at the Club in 2011 it had disappeared into the obscurity of time. I was talking about this to someone earlier in the summer and we decided it might be a good idea to try and resurrect the show and this year we held the first edition in what must be at least 30 years. On a warm and balmy morning we had 16 entries spread over two classes; Heavy Weight and Lightweight Polo Ponies. They were marked for turnout, conformation, the exhibitor’s ride and the judge’s ride. We were very lucky to have Pepe Araya, a former 8 goal player, to come and judge for us. We eventually ended up with a winner of each class; La Perla (Lightweight) belonging to

Jet Set (L-R: Tom Brodie, Katherine Smithwick, Temur Nadeem, Juan Cruz Araya-Martelli) won the 2017 Roehampton Cup Final

Garrie Renucci and Da Vinci (Heavyweight) belonging to Benjie Davis. The two then went head-to-head with Da Vinci ultimately clinching Show Champion and La Perla Reserve Champion. All the grooms put a lot of effort into turning the ponies out and the results were impressive. The show was such a success that we intend to open it up next year to outsiders.”

Photograph by Gabor Szantai

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2017 saw the reintroduction of the Club’s Polo Pony Show

Action from the Roehampton Cup Final

In other news, after some epic encounters in the group stages of The Roehampton Cup Final, the HPC team Jet Set, led

by Katharine Smithwick, made it to the Final of this year’s tournament, to take on Maiz Dulce. Both teams had put in hard graft to make it through the previous two weeks and into the Final. The Jet Set team featured a last minute substitution in the form of Temur Nadeem. Jet Set established the pace with an unanswered first chukka.

Heading into the second half, Maiz Dulce performed a fantastic comeback levelling the scores, but Jet Set saved their best chukka of the tournament for the last, with an excellent shift from HPC’s Juan Cruz Araya Martelli who slotted the deciding goals to take the 2017 Roehampton Cup. www.polotimes.co.uk

19/09/2017 11:23

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

After some challenging weather on the previous day, the Finals of The Polo Park Zürich Luxury Trophy were held under a blue and sunny sky, as Champagne Jacquart came up against Nespresso to begin the day in the Subsidiary Final. Jacquart were leading by half-time, but Nespresso came back fighting after the break, scoring the winning goal in the dying seconds, thus ending the match 6-6½.

In the Final on Field 1, Polo Park Zürich’s owner Sébastien Le Page took on his wife Morgan in a thrilling match.

Sébastien’s team Hato showed great teamwork, with excellent plays by the Most Valuable Player, Martín Podesta. Despite Morgan’s team, Kensington, closing the gap in the last chukka, Hato came out the winners 6-5.

The tournament welcomed a plethora of spectators to the picturesque Club and the ‘Gourmet Promenade’, that took place on the field later on in the day, heightened the good mood even further. Families and friends, as well as players, enjoyed the atmosphere until later on in the evening.

Photography courtesy of Polo Park Zürich

Polo Park Zürich

The Polo Park Zürich Luxury Trophy Final Teams: Hato (8): Sébastien Le Page (0), Facundo Kelly (2), Harru Muddle (2) & Martin Podesta (4) Kensington (8): Morgan van Overbroek (-1), Joaquin Copello (2), Patrick Maleitzke (3) & Patricio Gaynor (4)

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Military

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

AGC Polo Tournament battling hard, but unfortunately to no avail, as the Army Medical Services team secured their first ever tournament victory.

Photography by Peter Meade Photography

AGC players gathered at Tidworth Polo Club for the AGC Polo Tournament

The 10th Adjutant Generals Corps Polo Tournament took place at Tidworth Polo Club on Monday 28 August. With a 25 percent rise in team entries to the tournament, 14 Military teams took part in the last APOLOA day of the 2017 season. There were two RAF teams and one Royal Navy team in the mix against 11 Army Teams. Teams were ranked into four divisions, according to handicap. Division One and Division Three consisted of three teams and the remaining two Divisions of two teams. Play got underway in the morning and with two grounds running at

the same time it was a very busy scene at Tidworth. 500 spectators enjoyed picnics and a glorious day out in the picturesque Hampshire setting.

Division One was closely fought for, with the KRH leaving it until the very last minute to secure their victory and subsequently the trophy. In Division Two it was a fine victory for the RLC who, led by Lucy Anderson, fought for a well-deserved result. In Division Three, the Welsh Guards held the RAF and the second RLC team to gain ultimate victory. In Division Four, it was a close run tournament, with the Help for Heroes Phoenix team

The Kings Royal Hussars won the AGC Polo Tournament Division One competition

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The Adjutant Generals Corps Polo Tournament Teams: Division One: KRH (-3): Capt Peter Gornall (-2), Lt Scott Pryor (-2), Ocdt William Cecil RWxY (0) & Lt Paddy Selfe (1) RAF A (-4): Flt Lt Sara Darby (-2), Sqn Ldr Vicky Woodhead (0), Ocdt John Perry (0) & Sgt Mark Sizzey (-2) Army Reserves (-3): Col Simon Goldstein (-1), Maj John Morgan (-1), Capt Dan von Barloewen (-1) & Ocdt George Cadogan (0) Division Two RLC Blue (-6): 2Lt Henry Christiansen (-2), Lt Nick Lowe (-2), Capt James Wilson (-1) & Lt Col Lucy Anderson (-1) Royal Navy (-5): Jack Carlisle (-2), Harry Rourke (-1), Bob Santrian (-1) & Dean Bassett (-1) Royal Artillery Red (-6): Maj Sam Hewitt (-2), Capt Luke Wadman (-2), Maj Rob Skeggs (-1) & Col Dickie Winchester (-1) AGC Red (-6): Lt Fiona Rew (-2), Lt Nikki Fullwood (-2), Maj Marianne van Straaten (-1) & Maj Janet Johnston (-1) Division Three The Welsh Guards (-8): C/Sgt Phil Derren (-2), Lt Col Henry Llewelyn-Usher (-2), Capt Alex Major (-2) & Capt James Marsden (-2) RAF B (-7): Fg Off Winnie Draper (-2), Flt Lt John Sweet (-2), Fg Off Georgie Harwood (-2) & Flt Lt Ellie Hoogewerf (-1) RLC Yellow (-7):: Maj Nigel Prescott (-1), Capt Nicky Hemsworth (-2), 2Lt Xander Smail-Woodford (-2) & Cpl Paul Bennion (-2) Welsh Guards (-8): Capt James Marsden (-2), Lt Col Henry Llewelyn-Usher (-2), Capt Alex Major (-2) & CSgt Phil Derren (-2) Division Four Army Medical Services (-8): Pte Mollie Darwin (-2), Maj Olivia Allenby-Dilley (-2), Capt Patricia O’Morchoe (-2) & Capt Emily Summers (-2) Royal Artillery Blue (-8): Gnr Luke Craggs (-2), Gnr Andy Woods (-2), Gnr Dale Gordon (-2) & 2Lt James Billingham (-2) AGC Blue (-8): Maj Adrienne Winchester/ Lt Sam Daly (-2), Pte Penny Coldwell/ Sgt Lorraine Reid (-2), Pte Siana Hartwell/ Sgt Becky Potts (-2) & LCpl Cole Gonga/ Maj Marcelle Wright (-2) H4H Team Phoenix (-8): Elaine Corner (-2), Vicky Adams/Lucinda Barker (-2), Rebecca Halliwell-Coutts/Andrew Jelinek (-2) & Angela Mason-Matthews/Fran Townend (-2) www.polotimes.co.uk

19/09/2017 11:24

Located north of Zürich, Polo Park and Country C ub Zürich offers polo from Tuesday to Sunday, vÀ č«À Ì "VÌ LiÀ° 1« Ì £ä Ì ÕÀ > i Ìà «iÀ Ãi>à ] vÀ ä Ì £ä } > ð Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and your organisation Ì « >Þ Ì i LiÃÌ « vÕ Ã âi v i `à -Ü ÌâiÀ > `° Polo Park & Country Club Zürich - info@polopark.ch Join us on Facebook : Polo Park Zürich www.polopark.ch

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19/09/2017 11:24

International

Women’s Polo

Westcroft Park Women’s Championships Photograph by Barrie Downie

Photograph by Michael Chevis

Chukka Khans, winners of the Westcroft Park Women’s Championships

The first ever Ladies Day at Westcroft Park Polo Club on Saturday 19 August, met with popular public demand. Host to The Westcroft Park Women’s Championships, the sun shone, and 120 guests enjoyed the event, which saw the Clubhouse transformed into a jungle, with a fashion show and live music.

The winners of the day were Hannah Matthew’s team the Chukka Khans who beat Letseng Diamonds by two goals in an exciting match, which saw the scores swap leader in the last three minutes.

The Polo Times Best Playing Pony went to Georgia Sweeney’s Falcon. Prize-giving was followed by an auction for Macmillan Cancer Support, with just short of £4,000 raised. The Club’s next Ladies Day, this time with a Winter Theme, will be on 25 – 26 February 2018 Ladies Winter Championships. For all the social snaps from the event, please turn to our Sidelines pages and to read more about the Best Playing Pony, Falcon, please turn to our Pony Power pages.

5 minutes with…

Beanie Bradley

Handicap: -2 mixed How did your polo career start?

Pony Club, I was 9-years-old and was beginning to lose interest in riding, as my Welsh section A pony Betty kept throwing me off in jumping lessons. As I loved all ball games I tried polo, I loved it, we used to be the fastest Jorrocks to get back to the line out. Not coming from a polo family I begged my folks for lessons at Apes Hill while we were on holiday, I was 10-yearsold I had my first proper lessons with Nico Roberts – it all started from there.

What are your greatest achievements to date?

This year managing and brining my ponies back into work by myself. Balancing school and matches, getting over injuries – theirs and mine – and show jumping competitions with polo training. Competition day is the easy part. I’ve learnt so much about myself. Looking at my string of happy, fit, competitive ponies in the barn and thinking wow, I’ve come along way since having just one pony. There have been many achievements which include winning the Pony Club Championships Surtees and Handley Cross for the third year running, representing West Sussex, being placed ninth overall in the National County Championships jumping 90cm and 1m classes, placed at the British Show Jumping Championships, awarded Most Promising Player at the Ladies SUPA Championships, playing in the Stagshead Trophy, captained Sussex Hockey U13 Championship squad.

Anthem playing, so to play for my country in the Olympics would definitely be it. If I could Captain England well that would be something.

To play in the high goal, to be known for my contribution to sport and promote the sport of polo. Most of all to be recognized for my equestrian skills; ‘Dream it, believe it, achieve it’.

Which lady players do you admire? Why? All the players that are mothers! All the older ladies I’ve met who discovered polo later in life, maybe who have never competed in any equestrian sport and are now giving it a go and loving the game. Even the ladies that have taken on a retired polo pony and still enjoy hacking and some club stick and ball, I admire them all. The professionals, in particular Nina Clarkin for being the world number 1, and Hazel Jackson who is fiercely competitive and a lovely person. She’s worked so hard for what she’s achieved and her successes. Always giving her time to be supportive and sharing her knowledge. Her game is getting better and better. The legend Claire Tomlinson’s career and all that she has achieved in her coaching.

I have been lucky to meet her when I was playing in Jorrocks, I said “I want to get to your handicap one day”.

Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo?

Both, although perhaps the ladies game is more free flowing. I played in my first ladies tournament in the New Forest. There was no dominating factor as we were all equal, it was tough and exciting, tactically testing, I really enjoyed it. It’s great that both sexes can compete together, especially in youth polo. I’ve loved the HPA Junior Development training, Once the knee/elbow pads and helmet go on, I’m just a polo player in the line out next to another polo player.

Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport?

I read the Polo Times article about limiting the blocking when a player is not on the ball or on the line of the ball, I think that could improve the passing. The Victrix Ludorum series hass been a great success, but I think having a lower goal run alongside the 12-18 goal would give so many women the opportunity to enter teams who don’t play at the higher level. Victrix would grow in popularity, bringing more support at tournaments and more sponsorship.

If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why?

That’s easy, me, Nina Clarkin, Hazel Jackson and Claire Tomlinson It would be a great opportunity to see my name in print next to my heroes. Stick Sarah Wiseman in place of Claire and that’s another Dream Team.

What’s your favourite tournament/club?

The Pony Club Championships and Finals Day at Cowdray will always be special. But I would love to play in the Ladies International tournaments. The Gold Cup Finals at Cowdray this year fell on my birthday so that’s always a special time, plus I love the tension of Semi Finals Day. I have been lucky to play at some great clubs this year, Santa María, Guards, HPC, RCBPC, and Cowdray. Hurtwood and Knepp Castle are my home clubs and are really friendly.

“I couldn’t have done it without. . .”?

My amazing ponies of course and my parents Lacinda and Peter, their love of sport and their never ending support. The Cowdray Hunt Pony Club, the Fonseca family and every kind polo person ‘you know who you are’ instructor/coach, polo manager, groom, umpire, player that has helped me along the way, shared advice, given me opportunities to practice and ponies to ride and spotted the passion in me, thank you – #HazelJackson

Is your women’s polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

Polo Times, October 2017

What are your greatest ambitions?

To be an Olympian. I’ve always dreamt of standing on the podium with our National

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Women’s Polo

International

Charity & Polo at Wicklow

Photography by Kim Mullahey

Trainers and Jockeys

The worlds of racing and polo combined, as Polo Wicklow celebrated 18 years of the International Ladies Polo Tournament. With the addition of a -RFNH\V Ys Trainers match it created a tremendous atmosphere as the different talents and horses intertwined in the grounds of Ballyhenry, Ashford.

Thoroughbreds from the racing world, now retrained and playing polo took to the ďŹ eld along with jockeys and trainers who were very recently introduced to the game.

The ďŹ rst match of the day was Ireland vs The Rest of the World for the Savills Cup. This was a great opener and a very close encounter, the Rest of the World pulled off the win to claim the Savills Cup. The ROW team was Eileen Flint USA, Malonie Deasy (Saudi Arabia), Emily Beere and Jennifer Healey. Derville Meade captained the Irish team and in a later match also represented

Savills Cup BPP with Jennifer Healy

the jockeys, Ailbhe Fell, Aisling Lewis, Elaine Monahan and Sinead Devine completed the team. The ďŹ nal score saw ROW win 6-3. The Best Playing Pony award went to Jennifer Healy’s Bob. Next-up were the Godolphin Jockeys v Trainers. With winning in their DNA they lengthened their stirrups and went for it. Spectators would be forgiven for not knowing that these were total novice polo players. Goals were hard to come by, but the gauntlet had been thrown down, Bryan Cooper scored two goals for the jockeys and for the ‘day of the ladies’ Kate Harrington scored for the Trainers. Incredible play from jockey Davy Russel, who without any prior instructions threw himself into the game, a professional near side back hand from the mallet of trainer Tony Martin back to his No1 who picked up the ball and with a clean

Kildare Village Cup BPP with Siobhan Herbst and Adam Whealan

hit scored. Two lengthened chukkas meant all jockeys and trainers participated, with the goals combined it resulted in a win for the Trainers 2 goals to 3. Best playing Pony was awarded to Alejo Aite Tagle’s Murmuration who had raced 9 times under trainer Jim Bolger.

In the Kildare Village Cup, Audi Ireland took on Bentley USA. The American ladies, who have been playing in the Polo Wicklow International Ladies Tournament for the past 17 years, were desperately needing a win to even out the results. The USA team was captained by Liz Brayboy (2), with Louise Donovan (3), Livi Alderman (2) and Cindy Halle (4). Ireland was led onto the ďŹ eld by their captain Siobhan Herbst (4), Caroline Keeling (1), April Kent (4) and Julie Kavanagh(4), four of Ireland’s strongest female players. Ireland had to give away half a goal to the USA on handicap.

Whilst these players have often played together and against each other, this annual event puts them on the same team as a one off. Tactics and trust were vital, with coach Gonzalo Lopez Varga on the side, he had them well instructed on what to do. The team play showed and with every pass up to Keeling, she took off down the ďŹ eld to score 4 of the 8 goals for Ireland. The scoreline crept up for Ireland but the competitive USA team were not going to make it easy for them. With a team talk from their coach Eileen Flint, they came in the 3rd chukka with full force, putting 3 goals through the post and rufing the feathers of the Irish ladies. The fourth chukka was a nail biter, with no chance to relax as the USA attacked; Brayboy broke loose and headed down the ďŹ eld bringing the score to 4½ goals to USA and 6 for Ireland. With Ireland starting to feel the pressure they pulled it together and ďŹ red two more goal home for Ireland and ďŹ nal score 4 WR %HVW SOD\LQJ SRQ\ ZHQW WR 6LREKDQ +HUEVW̓V 7DTXDULWD The supportive spectators lined the ďŹ eld for the traditional ‘happy slappy’ as all the players cantered by touching hands with them. The sun shone, the dual commentary from the USA coach, now an Irish citizen Eileen Flint and Micky Herbst had kept the spectators in stitches. A showcase event for Ireland’s different horse sports coming together in a unique way. Overall the event raised â‚Ź3,500 for the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.

Women in Polo On Saturday 19 August, Women in Polo (WIP) had a great event at Tidworth Polo Club for the 12 Goal WIP Ladies. Legal ProďŹ le (Saskia Swift, Robyn Evans, Jess Andrews and Elspeth Talbot-Rice) took the cup after a fast and furious match, with Elspeth Talbot-Rice named as Most Valuable Player.

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19/09/2017 11:24

International

Women’s Polo

Livi Alderman’s Nieve was presented with the beautiful Best Playing Pony headcollar

Action from the Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy

Monterosso Make History with Cowdray Vikings and Coombe Place in joint third place on 120 points. Eight teams entered the 18 goal competition. The Final was a tight match, with the scores very close throughout, however in the end it was Monterosso’s Emma Boers who slotted in the final goal to secure 4-3 win. Lord Patrick Beresford, the Club’s first Polo Manager in 1955, presented the trophy, The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award to Emma Boers and the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug to Emma Wood’s stallion, Javad.

Monterosso, winners of Guards’ inaugural women’s polo tournament

UAE Hesketh Ladies, winners of the Guards Ladies Charity Day

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Monterosso Polo Team made history on Saturday 2 September, winning Guards Polo Club’s first ever women’s tournament, the Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy. The addition of this tournament to the Club’s already overflowing calendar is another indication of the increasing popularity of women’s polo.

The tournament was also the final part of the inaugural Victrix Ludorum series, for which the overall winner was Apes Hill/ Huntingdon House on 230 points, followed

by Monterosso Polo Team on 200 points,

Between the Final and Subsidiary Final, won

by White Crane, the Club hosted a lunch to raise funds for Breast Cancer Haven. This is the fifth year the Club has supported the charity, and the day was rounded off with the Guards Ladies’ Charity Shield. This match saw UAE Hesketh Ladies take the top spot with a final score of 3½-1 over Guards Ladies. Kristin Grube received the Lucy Choi London Most Valuable Player award, whilst Livi Alderman received a beautiful floral headcollar for her striking grey pony, Nieve.

To read more about he Best Playing Pony, please turn to our Pony Power pages or for social images of the day, please turn to our Sidelines pages.

Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy Final Teams (ladies’ handicaps): Monterosso Polo Team (18): Siri Evjemo-Nysveen (1), Emma Boers (5), Emma Wood (5) & Tamara Fox (7) Hascombe Stud (18): Arabella Morris (1), Milly Hine (3), Sarah Hughes (4) & Nina Clarkin (10) Guards Ladies’ Charity Shield Teams (mixed handicaps): UAE Hesketh Ladies (-4): Kimberley Roche (-2), Lauren Dickson (-2), Kristin Grube (-2) & Sarah Wiseman (2) Guards Ladies (-3): Ines Grund (-1), Jayne Rumsey (-1), Nicola Anderson (-1) & Livi Alderman (0)

Ladies Open in Argentina Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The AAP have announced there will be a Female Argentine Open this year

Women’s polo has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and the Argentine Polo Association (AAP) has announced that on 21 November the Argentine Open will introduce a female category. The tournament will not have a handicap limit, and it will be played on Saturday 2 December.

In order to continue the growth of women’s polo, the AAP has created a Subcommittee of Female Polo, which is made up of Verónica Guerrero (President), Mumy Bellande, Clelia Crespo, Lía Salvo, Verónica Magnasco and Milo Fernández Araujo. It will be played on 21, 24 and 28 November with the Final on 2 December, with players of a minimum of 4 goals allowed to play with a minimum team handicap of 16 goals. Verónica Guerrero, President of the Subcommittee, commented, “We are committed to promoting female polo, strengthening its values, and making it grow as a whole. We are very excited about the challenges ahead. Our aim is to improve the level of polo, motivate new players to join, encourage and support them, and create partnerships with businesses. There is much to be done, and we can’t wait to get started.”

Is your women’s polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

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Youth

HPA Select

HPA Select HPA Select Comment – David Woodd

“The HPA Junior Select matches played in different age brackets are a great opportunity to see how the most promising of the young are able to adapt when put together in a scratch team. Almost invariably the stars of the future will be featured, with both Jimbo Fewster and Hugo Taylor having played as recently as 2016.”

Colts Cup Photography by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Four teams battled it out to win The Colts Cup

On 15 – 16 August, four HPA select teams made up of 14 to 16-year-olds, played the first rounds of the Colts Cup at Flemish Farm, Guards Polo Club. The matches for the day were: HPA Select Red vs HPA Select Black then HPA Select Blue vs HPA Select White.

Two very competitive games resulted in HPA Select Black going forward to play HPA Select White in the Final. The Subsidiary Final was later on in the day, with the HPA Select Red team taking on the HPA Select Blue team.

The Finals were played on 17 August on Ambersham 1 at Cowdray Park Polo Club, in glorious conditions. After a tough match, HPA Select White ran out the winners over HPA Select Black.

The Subsidiary Final was also a great game to watch. All the players had deserved their selection but ultimately HPA Select Blue ran out the winners. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Johnny Beck Brown, not for a specific pony but for his overall string after a great day’s play.

The Colts Cup Teams: HPA Select Red: Freddie Jodrell, Ed Walker, Connor Kay & Tamara Gibbons HPA Select Black: Charlie Townsend, Alfie Hyde, Tom Jodrell & Marcus Speed HPA Select Blue: George Deverall, Louis Heard, Freddie Pritchard & Eric Appen HPA Select White: Johnny Beck Brown, Zac Beim, Jasmine Stanhope-White & George Hobbs

HPA Select White took on HPA Select Black in The Colts Cup Final

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HPA Select

Youth

Stagshead Trophy

Photography by Robert Piper Photography

On Sunday 20 August, two HPA Select Teams, of 12 and 13-year-olds gathered at HPC, The London Club and were obviously very excited to have been invited!

It was a wonderful game to watch in lovely weather. The ground played extremely well and the youngsters had a great match, watched by a large number of members and spectators. The HPA Select Blue team were under pressure from the very beginning and could have scored several goals in the first chukka, but due to excellent defence by the HPA Select Red team, they were unable to actually finish off the plays. Then, at the end of the first chukka, the HPA Select Red team had a runaway down the ground and scored. This seemed to get their confidence up and although each chukka was very competitive and fast flowing, when it got to the HPA Select Red team’s end they scored, whereas the HPA Select Blue team were unable to convert. The final score of 6-0 to the HPA Select Red team, totally belied the skills and evenness overall of the match. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Beanie Bradley’s pony Innis.

HPA Select Red won The Stagshead Trophy at HPC, The London Club

The Stagshead Trophy Teams: HPA Select Red: Olly Davies, Fred Thame, Wilbur Millard & Harry Pitt HPA Select Blue: Beanie Bradley, Ollie Heard, Josh Hyde & Toby Bradshaw

Play was very close between HPA Select Red and HPA Select Blue

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Youth

HPA Select

Whitbread Trophy

On Wednesday 23 August, Young Scotland took on Young England at Rutland Polo Club for the annual Whitbread Trophy. Despite low handicaps, the teams put on a really good match and the ground played extremely well. Until the last chukka, the outcome was in doubt as each team scored to keep level with the other. Finally, the Young Scottish team, mostly due to pony power, ran in two goals in the last chukka to win 4-2.

The Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Freddie Younger’s Thoroughbred mare Amber and it was lovely to see Marcus Speed play the first chukka in grand style on a pony he has made himself.

Photograph by Jo Davies

The Whitbread Trophy Teams: Young Scotland: Willa Gravel, Archie Fuller, Freddie Younger & Fiona Campbell Young England: Lilly Packe-Drury-Lowe, Alex Telfer, Algie Stanley & Marcus Speed

Young Scotland took on Young England at Rutland Polo Club

Alan Budgett

Photograph courtesy of the HPA

The annual Alan Budgett match, between an HPA Select Under-21 team and a similar team from Kirtlington Park Polo Club, took place on Sunday 27 August at Kirtlington. It was a very good and close fought match, although the Kirtlington team had trouble scoring in the first two chukkas, but caught up in the third. However, the HPA Select team had a strong final chukka and went on to win 5-3. Coincidentally, the HPA Select team included two players who had play in their year’s Pony Club Gannon Final.

Alan Budgett’s widow presented the Alan Budgett Cup to the winning team. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug was presented to Charlie Peagram for his pony, Duquesa.

HPA Select took on KPPC in The Alan Budgett Trophy

The Alan Budgett Teams: HPA Select: Charlie Tighe, Charlie Hitchman, William Penfold & Harry Hickmet KPPC: Magnus Gilje, Thor Gilje, Charlie Peagram & Hector Worsley

For more information about the winners of the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rugs, please turn to our Pony Power pages

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Volume 22 • Issue 7 • August 2017 •

£6.50 www.polotimes.c o.uk

iPad

BRITS VS KINGS The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup UNDER 21S PLAY ING 22 British High Goal Hot Shots 10TH ANNIVER SARY Links Homes Britis h Beach Polo Cham pionships

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Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Transformers: The Last Knight Photograph courtesy of Paramount Pictures Corporation

Oxford University Polo Club had the pleasure of being involved in Michael Bay’s latest Transformers film; The Last Knight. The film has been called ‘badass’ by Variety and hailed as ‘the best Transformers yet’ by The Telegraph, and features OUPC members in a faux OxfordCambridge polo match at Blenheim Palace, alongside actress Laura Haddock, who plays an Oxford professor and polo player. OUPC member Aurelia Vandamme remembers the filming fondly, calling it a ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience’ and remarking on Michael Bay’s creativity, personal involvement with the players, and perfectionism.

Haddock’s stunt-double tumbled off her horse over and over again to achieve the perfect shot. Some of the falls were less intentional as a few of the actors had significant riding experience, allowing OUPC to help them along. The players were frequently filmed galloping back and forth across the pitch either by cameras placed in front of them or in cars driving alongside, and were privileged to witness real film acting as Haddock even had some lines in the shoot. One of the scenes filmed unfortunately didn’t make the final cut, but featured a victorious OUPC carrying their trophy alongside an abundance of luxury cars ranging from Maseratis to Aston Martins. The most unusual aspects of the filming included members shouting out standard match phrases while standing in a circle, such as, “I’m open, give me a tail!” to make sure the necessary audio was captured for the film, as well as the presence

Director Michael Bay in action filming Transformers: The Last Knight

of a ‘Horse Manager’ who noted down the names of the players’ horses to make sure the real stars were given appropriate credit.

Transformers: The Last Knight will be released in the UK on the 16 October on digital download, and the 30 October on Blu-Ray and DVD.

Cheltenham College Polo Day

Photography by Andy Banks

The teams from Cheltenham College were presented with the trophy by Jason Blackburn, Head of Donations at WellChild

The Cheltenham College and Marlborough College teams line up for the throw-in

Three Cheltenham College pupils, Gus Roberts, Denis Antonov and Ed Walker organised a charity polo day on Saturday 9 September in support of the WellChild Trust.

Despite the challenging weather, teams from Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Cheltenham College, Marlborough College and the boys themselves, representing Cheltenham College’s Christowe House, played a great day’s polo with the Cheltenham College team ultimately winning the tournament. Ecycle of Stroud provided equipment for a great game of bicycle polo, after the main event, with much laughter all round. The Most Valuable Player Award was presented to Monte Swain-Grainger from Cheltenham College and the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Ed Walker’s pony, Dubious.

After a great day had by all, the teams raised in excess of £105 for WellChild.

The Cheltenham College Polo Day Teams: Cheltenham College Christowe: Gus Roberts, Denis Antonov & Ed Walker Cheltenham College 2: Charlie Tuck, Monte Swain-Grainger & Ben Kinsman Cheltenham Ladies’ College: Helena Shilson, Heidi Gilje & Tamara Gibbons Marlborough College: Jemima Walker, Lizzie Hankinson & Milo Sweet

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For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages

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All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

Five months of qualifying tournaments across the USA concluded on Sunday 3 September, in the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) Championship Final. Twenty four youth polo players from all over the USA travelled to Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California, for one intensive weekend of polo and the chance to have their name engraved on the Cecil Smith Cup. Established in 2013, NYTS is the first national outdoor tournament series for youth competitors, providing opportunities for young under-19 players to compete against their peers. After two close Semi Final matches on Friday 1 September, defending champions Zone 3 (Florida Circuit) in blue and Zone 4 (Eastern and North Eastern Circuit) in green, secured their positions in the Final.

Zone 3 controlled the game from the very first throw-in, swiftly making up the 1½ goal that deficit Zone 4 gained due to handicap.

A goal from Liam Lott after an exceptional play downfield with a bouncing ball from end to end, sustained Zone 4’s narrow lead 2½-2 at the end of the chukka. An unstoppable Zone 3 shut out their opponents in the second chukka, every member contributing a goal to the total tally by the end of the first half. Nico Escobar commenced Zone 4’s scoring streak with an undefended penalty conversion, which only fuelled Zone 3’s fire, unleashing a series of excellently executed team plays. On two occasions, passes from teammates found Zone 3 players undefended and both Justin Daniels and Lucas Escobar calmly played the ball to goal. Zone 4 just couldn’t keep up. A penalty flew high and wide as Lucas Escobar sunk yet another between the posts to widen Zone 3’s lead to a commanding 6-2½ at half-time.

A determined Zone 4 rode onto the field for the third chukka, scoring within the first minute. They continued their comeback, capitalising on two penalty conversions, to bring them within a half goal 6-5½. By the end of the third, Zone 3’s exemplary team play once again took centre stage. Mackenzie Weisz finished the chukka with a neck-shot goal off a long midfield pass from Nico Escobar to move into the fourth and final chukka with a three and a half goal lead 8-5½. Zone 4 suffered a costly mistake a minute into the fourth

Photograph by ©Elizabeth Hedley

National Youth Tournament Series Championship

Zone 3 won The 2017 National Youth Tournament Series in California

when horse trouble caused an override of a knock-in that resulted in a throw-in perpendicular to the end line. Zone 3 took advantage with Nico Escobar scoring immediately out of the line-up. He then went on to single-handedly score all goals in the last chukka. Wells would manage one more goal for Zone 4 before the end of the match, but a closing goal from Nico Escobar cemented Zone 3’s repeat victory 11-6½.

The Matthew Cohen Most Valuable Player Award was presented to Lucas Escobar whilst the Best Playing Pony Award was presented to Napa, played by Zone 3’s Mackenzie Weisz and owned by Leigh Breechan.

Zonkey Polo Tournament Photograph courtesy of Longdole Polo Club

Children of all ages played in the annual Zonkey Polo Junior Tournament

On Friday 1 September, Longdole Polo Club held the annual Zonkey Polo Junior Tournament. Three Divisions were held from the 10 to 14-year-old beginners, 12 to 14-year-old Division two teams and

the Division 14 to 16-year-olds. The older group played a roundrobin tournament on the Hanbury ground. The teams played some impressive games containing some really competitive speed and flow.

The Bull Dogs won both games, becoming the winners of the day with The Chamfrons in second place and Longdole in third.

On the second ground the Division Two B section took place, which consisted of four teams from The Dragon School. This was the first tournament the children had attended and was a great first experience for the budding young players. The Dragon Blood Team stormed ahead to win their Division with Dragon White, Dragon Sun and Dragon Navy following closely behind.

Division 2 A consisted of the more experienced 12 to14-yearolds. The teams were Thomson Local, The Staffordshire Notts, Geleze Babies and La Brava Polo. The winners were Staffordshire Notts, second place went to Geleze Babies, third to La Brava and fourth to Thomson Local.

It was a really fun day and all the children were very excited to receive such wonderful prizes donated by Tabitha Woodd from Zonkey Polo Clothing. From woolly hats to quality jumpers, a few parents were even heard asking to have the prizes for themselves.

Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Duquesa Height: 15.2hh Age: Seven-years-old Colour: Dark bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Charlie Peagram Tournament: HPA Select Alan Budgett Trophy Where is she from/breeding? She is originally from Argentina. Her mother is Zota and her father is Morocho, who is out of Loyca Ranita and Tango Milonga.

Photograph courtesy of the HPA

How long have you had her? Just over a year.

Tell us about her background? She was bred and made by Juan Cruz Araya and brought over with him last year.

What are her strengths? She is very quick in the turn, has explosive acceleration when asked and is fully committed in the ride-off.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not that I know of.

Does she have any special quirks? She has learnt how to pick blackberries.

How has she gone this season? She didn’t winter very well, so had a slightly later start, but after that she became an absolute pleasure to play and was always first on the truck.

What are your plans for her in the future? I hope to be playing her for many years to come, as she is still young and then eventually perhaps breed from her.

Describe her in three words? Handy, calm, explosive.

Apollo Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Height: 15.2hh Age: Six-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Johnny Beck Brown Tournament: HPA Select Colts Cup Where is he from/breeding? He is homebred. He is by Dancing Spree (Nijinsky x Blitey by Riva Ridge. Outstanding American racemare) out of Bella, who was by Aragon (Mummy’s Pet) dam by Balidar. Both parents were from Tudor Minstrel lines. Bella was one of my father’s best ponies and my grandma, who is very knowledgeable, picked the sire!

How long have you had him? Since he was born.

Tell us about his background? Apollo was home bred out of an ex-polo pony my dad used to play. Once he was broken in, I mainly did schooling work and then eased him into some low goal tournaments where I play at Kirtlington. Last year was his first full season and he is now one of my best ponies.

What are his strengths? He is very goodnatured and friendly. Playing, he is very level, easy to control with good acceleration and top speed.

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How has he gone this season? Very well!

We’ve had an amazing season right from the start. I always think I am going to score goals on him.

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, but last year in the Rocksavage Final, we were 6-2 down going into the last chukka. I rode Apollo in the last chukka and he was fantastic. I managed to score three goals and Charlie Tighe scored in the last few seconds. Momentum was with us and we managed to win!

What are your plans for him in the future? Keep him and hopefully he can help me get to 1 goal or maybe more!

Does he have any special quirks? No – he is perfect.

Describe him in three words? Agile, fast, fun.

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Knowledge

Pony Power

Innes Photograph by Robert Piper Photography

Height: 14.3hh Age: 15-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Beanie Bradley Tournament: Stagshead Trophy at HPC, The London Club Where is she from/breeding? She is an Argentine polo pony bred at Ayala Polo Club in Cádiz.

How long have you had her? 16 months.

Tell us about her background? She has played in the medium goal in Sotogrande and came to UK in 2011.

What are her strengths? As soon as she steps over the boards the power is on! She’s competitive and keen to work, and always gives her best. Explosive when accelerating, her speed and ability to turn is incredible.

Her stopping is amazing and she doesn’t tire quickly. She’s extremely bold and powerful for such a small horse. She gives me so much confidence because of her toughness when defending and speed to react. She is so handy and has lots more to teach me. She’s safe on her own hacking, calm and quiet at home, with a beautiful nature. She really has it all.

How has she gone this season? Superbly well. She has just got faster and fitter. Always sound, I bought her in June last year, but kept her in light work over the winter, working on her flat work and strength. We had a very successful season, I sometimes double chukka her, and the speed and stamina is still there right up to the whistle. I enjoyed playing her in Pony Club Championships, winning the Surtees Division, but she definitely prefers to play quicker polo. She is fitter now and very happy in herself. I’m very excited for next season.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? She helped me to be voted the Most Promising Player in the SUPA Ladies Championships and Most Valuable Player at Epsom Polo Club this season.

What are your plans for her in the future?

Continue to learn and enjoy our partnership.

My dream is to play her in the Youth Olympics!

To treat her like the diva she is, with winter spa days at the aqua treadmill and to play in the British Ladies Championships. Aside from polo, I will be working on her dressage to compete in Schools and Pony Club Competitions. She carries herself well and has really nice paces. I’m excited for the future as we are both going to get even stronger, faster and tougher together.

Does she have any special quirks? When she is uncertain of a situation her bottom lip drops and quivers. She loves her stable and enjoys hedgerow treats.

Describe her in three words? BAE: Before Anyone Else.

Amber Height: 15.2hh Age: 15-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Owned by Mrs Gillian Younger and played by Freddie Younger Tournament: The HPA Select Whitbread Trophy Where is she from? She is a British Thoroughbred.

Photograph courtesy of the HPA

How long have you had her? We bought her in May this year.

Tell us about her background? She is a British thoroughbred mare called Jacquetta (GB), but her stable name is Amber. She is

by The West (USA) out of Anouska (GB). Her previous owners had her for five years and played medium and low goal polo.

What are her strengths? She is very fast and agile, which is great for the level of polo I’m playing.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not with me.

Does she have any special quirks? Not really, she is very easy.

What are your plans for her in the future? Carry on playing her in low goal tournaments.

Describe her in three words? Clever, fast, majestic.

How has she gone this season? Just fantastic! She has grown on me through the season.

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Javad Height: 14.3hh Age: 11-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Stallion Owned and played by: Owned by Jim Gilmore and Emma Tomlinson, and played

by Emma Tomlinson Tournament: The Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy at Guards Polo Club Where is he from/breeding?

He was bred by Jim Gilmore at Ellerston, Australia and came over to the UK as a four-year-old. He is by the prolific sire Norman Pentaquad, out of an Ellerston mare, Java. His sire Norman Pentaquad has produced many high goal ponies in Australia and Argentina.

How long have you had him?

Since he was four-years-old (2010).

Tell us about his background?

Javad was bred and broken by Jim Gilmore in Australia and came over to the UK to be used as a breeding stallion. He is an export status stallion, meaning his semen can be sent anywhere in Europe, but this also restricts him to be based at Beaufort Embryo Transfer. However, he is too good not to play

so I sneak him out to play matches as much as I can. He is one of my favourites and I feel very lucky to have him as part of my playing string.

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards?

Not yet!

What are his strengths?

Speed, agility and balance. He has a great temperament and is loved by everyone who works with him. He has Tilly (who looks after him) wrapped around his little finger, so always has the best equipment and the most attention!

What are your plans for him in the future?

Continue to play him as much as possible, within his very busy breeding commitments.

How has he gone this season?

He’s been going from strength to strength and is now playing the best he has ever done.

Describe him in three words? Athletic, clever, awesome.

Does he have any special quirks? He is food obsessed – he always has to be fed first!

Nobu Height: 15.1hh Age: Nine-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Jack Richardson Tournament: The Duke of Wellington at Guards Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She is a Thoroughbred

How long have you had her? I have had her since she was three-years-old, so six years.

Tell us about her background? She came from Tim Easterby who trains racehorses in Yorkshire. She raced a few times, but was no good so I bought her as a three-year-old and we made her at home with us.

What are her strengths? She has amazing acceleration, great to both sides and a big heart.

How has she gone this season? This has been her best season for me, she’s been amazing. www.polotimes.co.uk

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Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes. She won the BPP in the Final of the Coworth Park Challenge 15 Goal at Guards Polo Club this year and also the Duke of Wellington last year, so we’re on a roll!

What are your plans for her in the future? To play her even more than I already

do and hopefully in the high goal next season.

Does she have any special quirks? She is quite a nervous horse and very alert!

Describe her in three words? Energetic, athletic, speedy.

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Knowledge

Pony Power

Falcon Height: 16.1hh Age: 21-years-old Colour: Strawberry roan Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Georgia Sweeney Tournament: National Ladies Tournament at Westcroft Park Polo Club Where is he from/breeding? We bought him from Louisa Donovan who was selling him for Colin Church (a Guards member).

Colin bought him over from Argentina in 2005.

How long have you had him? We bought him in 2011, so six years.

Tell us about his background? As we bought him as an older horse, we aren’t sure about his beginnings in Argentina, but we have played him up to 10 goal outside and 12 goal in the arena. He also adapts really well when teaching people how to play with both Royal Holloway University students and clients coming through Ash Farm, which makes him like gold dust. He has also been played by Chris Hyde, the arena 10 goaler.

What are his strengths? Being a true gentleman is his best quality, but he has many strengths for such a large horse. He’s a great hitting platform and unbeatable in a ride-off.

How has he gone this season? True to form: consistent and strong.

ageing, but we will retire him at some point, but not in the near future.

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? He won the Best Playing Pony award with my sister, Charlotte, a number of times and also won the award at this tournament about four years ago.

Does he have any special quirks? His party trick is when you whistle on set, he stops dead, which isn’t always ideal when others out there know about it. He’s also got feet the size of dinner plates…

What are your plans for him in the future? He hasn’t shown any signs of

Describe him in three words? Consistent, powerful, agile (considering his size).

Chance to win £2,500 with your former racehorse (raced in GB and registered with RoR)

H E B R O 1 5 . 2 H P O L O S TA L L I O N S TA N D I N G I N C A M B R I D G E / L O D E N AT U R A L C O V E R I N G A N D S T R AW S AVA I L A B L E Played: Argentine & Hurlingham Open Javier Novillo Astrada (2007 & 2008) USA Open with Las Monjitas (2008) Hurlingham & Tortugas Open (2009 to 2012) Retired from High goal in 2013 for breeding Now playing medium & low goal in UK

Former racehorses excel in polo.

Visit ror.org.uk WR ĆQG RXW PRUH T: 01488 648998 66

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Registered Charity No. 1084787

Breeding: Sire is Blue Blood by Rivadeo (TB) Dam is Matuza Brace (Polo Argentino) |0CVWTG Very easy and reliable with amazing stamina (QT FGVCKNU CPF KPHQ RNGCUG EQPVCEV ,QPVKFUYGNNRTGVQTKWU"IOCKN EQO 1T HONCXKPKC"JQVOCKN EQO

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Nutrition Focus

Knowledge

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Box Rest At the end of the season there are often those few injured ones that remain in the yard whilst recovering from an injury. The nutrition for these horses is as important as those in work.

Very often ponies on box rest are fed a small amount of cubes or mix, to keep them quiet at feed time and are offered restricted hay due to concerns that they may put on too much condition. Management in this way is not ideal for the health or psychology of the individual, increasing the risks of colic and gastric ulcers or vices such as cribbing, box-walking and weaving.

What do we feed those ponies on box rest?

Maintaining a balance of good nutrition is imperative during convalesce, as with human athletes, repair and healing of damaged tissue will be supported and therefore encourage a more successful recovery, when a balance of proteins, vitamins and minerals are received.

Amino acids, for example, are the building blocks of protein and are essential for soft tissue construction. Some amino acids have to be supplied by the diet as the horse cannot synthesise them himself and are termed ‘essential’, these are particularly vital for soft tissue repair. Forages do not generally contain the quality protein required to supply plenty of essential amino acids, although alfalfa is a good source of the amino acid, lysine, a balance of vitamins and minerals will also be needed.

I would encourage feeding a balancer, to provide all those essential nutrients without providing calories and without the energy!

Once ponies have adapted to box rest, and should they lose any condition we could look at using oils as a calorie source or slowly introduce a conditioning cube, or for those more highly strung individuals you could use a high oil, high fibre mix to keep the starch (ideally 8 -10 percent starch) levels down but the calorie intake high.

Traditionally, many people would have fed bran to ensure gut motility is not hindered whist the horse is confined. However, with bran not being the best option to assist with gut motility I would be inclined to suggest adding a beet pulp such as Fibre Beet or Speedibeet. Adding a soaked feed stuff will increase the water content of the diet and being a very digestible feed, the risks of impaction colics should be reduced. www.polotimes.co.uk

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Allowing hay or haylage to be fed to appetite will be of huge benefit to the digestive tract and help to cure boredom, it will also be the best calorie source whilst ponies on box rest are inactive, as it is slow releasing energy. Should you have a ‘greedy’ individual I would suggest using two small holed haylage nets, one inside the other to make forage last longer, or perhaps a very small holed trickle feeding net. Using hay rather than haylage will reduce the calorie intake, as will soaking the hay for up to six hours (soaking time depending on ambient temperature).

During the initial stages of box rest when the horse is adjusting to its new confined life style, feeding a pre or probiotic will really help to settle the hind gut bacteria for those stressy individuals who have lost their appetite, have loose droppings, are susceptible to colic or are on medication such as antibiotics. Feeding a prebiotic thoughout the box rest period would be of great benefit.

As long as the diet is balanced your box rest horse should lose little, if any, top line, thus indicating that adequate amounts of quality protein are received in the diet.

By following these suggestions, the box rest experience should be stress free,

A relaxed mare during the early days of box rest

whilst maintaining good general health and condition, good injury recovery and a relaxed individual.

Contact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

A great way to reduce boredom and slow down the eating rate for good doers is to hang nets from the rafters, rather than against the wall

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Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a reader’s question on bitting

Fussy Ex-racehorse Conundrum Q: It has been suggested to me by a fellow Club member that my exracehorse, who is pretty fussy in the mouth, may go well in a Gavin Chaplin bit. What are the benefits?

D. Bryant-Mason A: The Gavin Chaplin Spinner Pelham is designed to make the horse or pony more relaxed in his mouth and encourage him to go forward into the bridle, rather than ducking behind the bit or ‘fussing’ in the mouth. The Gavin Chaplin has a port creating space for the tongue, relieving some pressure. While it is a relatively strong bit that creates direct pressure on the bars of the mouth, this bit does allow for an immediate release of pressure when the rein aids are relaxed, thus rewarding a correct response quickly mid-game, when a player with ‘good hands’ uses it.

The Pelham as usual has attachments for two reins, one near the mouthpiece and one at the end of the shank. These reins have similar action to the curb and bradoon reins in the double bridle. The Gavin Chaplin Spinner Pelham has a spinner that is formed of two circular rings which adjoin to the bit itself, and sit on top of the horse or pony’s tongue. The point of the spinner mouthpiece is that this additional metalwork moves with the tongue to prevent the horse from putting his tongue over the bit, or rolling his tongue up behind the bit. By utilising a spinner,

The Gavin Chaplin Spinner Pelham encourages mouthing, salivation and acceptance of the bit which would be beneficial to a ‘fussy’ ex-racehorse

players can stay soft with their hands, and if the horse or pony tries to pull its tongue up and back, it simply meets a barrier, and it can’t ‘flip it’ over the bit. This works in a similar way to a bit with a high port.

Using a spinner mouthpiece can be ideal for the process of schooling green horses and ponies that may evade the bit when beginning their playing career. It also can be

highly beneficial for equines that demonstrate stress or anxiety on the polo field.

Together with the blue sweet iron mouthpiece, which oxidises in the horse’s mouth to create a warm, sweet taste, the Gavin Chaplin Spinner Pelham encourages mouthing, salivation and acceptance of the bit. It is named after famed polo trainer and top swing coach, Gavin Chaplin.

Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using a ‘design your own bit’ service. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron - the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages the horse to salivate. Visit www. worldwidetack.com. Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.

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Knowledge

Vet Insight

Sophie Eley BSc (hons), Equine Dental Science, BEVA/BVDA Qualified, Full BAEDT Member I embarked on my career as an Equine Dental Technician in 2008. In 2011, I graduated from university with a BSc (hons) in Equine Dental Science. I then trained as an apprentice to gain the practical skills required to apply for and sit the BEVA/BVDA practical exam. In 2015, I was delighted to pass this exam and become a full member of the British Association Of Equine Dental Technicians

The Importance Of Equine Dentistry Why do horses require regular routine dental check-ups and treatment?

Horses can suffer from mouth ulcerations if left untreated

Horses rely on their teeth to masticate and digest food. Their natural diet consists of coarse forage. They spend an average of 18-20 hours eating per day and because their teeth continually erupt, they lose 2-3mm of tooth each year due to wear (attrition).

This occurs as grass contains gritty particles (silicate), which wears the teeth as the horse chews. A horse’s chewing cycle consists of three stages: 1.

Opening Stroke (A-B) 2.

Closing Stroke (B-C) 3.

Power Stroke (C-D) These three stages break down fibre into smaller particles for optimum digestion within the large intestine. Ensuring your horse has good dental health is key for them being able to digest their feed properly. The digestive cycle is complex and would depend on the ability of how well the horse can chew on 70

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how well they can digest and gain optimum benefit from their feed. Horses don’t have any digestive enzymes in their saliva, which makes it even more vital that food is presented to the gut sufficiently broken down. If they are unable to digest their feed it could lead to numerous problems such as colic, weight loss and nutrient deficiencies.

Also, with their diet being different from their natural feed, due to us adding hard feed to improve their performance and to help with weight and nutrition, their chewing cycle can differ and cause deviations to the normal eruption rate and often cause abnormal wear patterns (malocclusions).

Ensuring your horse has a routine dental check-up and treatment at least once a year will allow you to prevent dental disease and any malocclusions. Horses might show obvious signs of dental pain, or they may show no signs at all until it is possibly too late to help. Once a dental problem occurs, it rarely corrects itself and usually progresses, which could then cause further problems to other teeth and soft tissue in the mouth.

Some signs that could indicate dental problems are: • Loss of feed from mouth whilst eating (quidding) • Weight loss • Foul odour from nose or mouth • Nasal discharge • Facial swellings around the mouth and jaw • Choke Good dentition in horses is also very important for their performance when ridden. Due to the way they chew their food they create sharp edges on the outside (buccal) edges of the upper cheek teeth and the inside (lingual) edges of the lower cheek teeth. Dental malocclusions can restrict natural movement within the jaw and therefore discomfort whilst ridden.

Nasal discharge

Possible indications of ridden discomfort are: • Head tilting or tossing • Poor performance, such as failing to turn or stop • Avoiding riding in a contact • Abnormal behaviour such as bucking or rearing When ridden, the bit sits in front of the first premolar (06) and dependent on the horse’s conformation and bit type, can also make contact. When applying pressure to the bit it pulls the soft tissue back towards the premolars, which could cause trauma/ pinching to the corners of the lips. The noseband of the bridle can also have an impact on ulceration to the cheeks because it increases the pressure against the sharp edges of the upper cheek teeth. Sometimes, this can result in extensive ulceration, as shown in the picture opposite.

Your horse should start having regular dental check-ups at around two years of age. This is because you want to ensure that all the teeth are erupting as they should and to also check for wolf teeth and any other abnormalities. Wolf teeth are a type of vestigial tooth that is now useless to the www.polotimes.co.uk

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Vet Insight

Fractured teeth can occur when not treated appropriately

horse, but it is situated in front of the first premolar, which can cause biting issues. At a young age horses should be checked at a six-monthly interval to monitor the eruption and shedding of baby (deciduous) teeth.

The eruption rate is a lot faster in a younger horse so you would expect them to get sharp edges a lot quicker, and if there are any malocclusions they can progress more

rapidly than in an older horse. As a horse ages, other issues can arise. These include the loss of occlusal enamel which results in the loss of ability to grind and masticate feed effectively, natural diastemata (gaps between teeth) forming due to the tapered portion of the tooth now being in wear, this can lead to periodontal disease and possible loss of teeth should it not be identified and managed correctly. Dental caries also becomes more prevalent in older horses and again, it is important that it is identified and managed correctly in an attempt to prevent premature loss of teeth. Towards the end of the dental life of a horse, teeth may become loose which can inhibit the horses eating. It is important to highlight that each horse is an individual and advice should be taken from your practitioner to how often each horse needs examining.

During a dental examination, your practitioner should examine the oral cavity thoroughly using a good light source, full mouth speculum (gag) and a mirror or scope where appropriate. Once all pathology has been identified, treatment of the mouth can begin. This will involve the removal of sharp enamel points and reduction of overgrowths and rebalancing of malocclusions. It is

Knowledge

important to note that malocclusions cannot always be corrected in one treatment and therefore subsequent visits may be necessary, which should be advised by your practitioner. Finally, the first cheek teeth should be profiled to prevent pinching and trauma of the soft tissue that may come in to contact as mentioned previously. A welltrained, competent and qualified practitioner, in the majority of circumstances, will carry out all of the above work on a well-behaved, un-sedated patient. Sedation may be required for some patients, but certainly not essential in all cases.

On a final note, taking all of the above into consideration, it is of upmost importance that whoever is carrying out dentistry on your horses is properly trained and qualified.

Any full member of the British Association Of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT) has successfully passed the rigorous BEVA/ BVDA dental exam and is subsequently required to attend regular CPD and have their work assessed at three-yearly intervals. It is also a condition of the BAEDT membership to provide proof of insurance prior to renewal. For any further information, and to find a member in your area, please visit www.baedt.com

RICHMONDS HORSE TRANSPORT LTD NEW MARSH FARM, HORSLEY ROAD, COBHAM, SURREY, KT11 3JX, UK • OUR HORSE BOX FLEET HAS THE CAPACITY TO MOVE OVER A 100 POLO PONIES THROUGHOUT EUROPE • WORLDWIDE SCHEDULED AND CHARTER AIR FREIGHT SERVICE TEL: +44 (0) 1932 864007 FAX: +44 (0) 1932 576483 EMAIL: martin@richmondsltd.com WWW.RICHMONDSLTD.COM

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©www.imagesofpolo.com

Knowledge

Fitness Focus

Prof. Martín Perez is an Argentine-born physical coach for polo players, who works with professionals and patrons throughout the polo community from high to low goal. In 2014, he founded the company Fitness for Polo, with the aim of bringing the advantages of polo specific training to a wider audience

Fitness For Polo

Winter Activities We talk to leading physical coach for polo players and founder of Fitness for Polo, Martín Perez about how to stay in tip top shape over the coming winter With the summer season coming to an end many players will be enjoying a welldeserved break, following in their ponies’ footsteps to see out the winter by donning a winter coat, eating lots (for purely insulator purposes of course) and generally chilling out. After a long season of playing and riding consistently, this winter break can be as beneficial to us as players as it can be for our ponies, and rest plays a hugely important part of the recovery strategy.

As for the ponies, it can be a tough reality check come April when after months of hibernation we are dragged from our sofas to get back to work, so my biggest piece of advice to those players taking a break of the winter is to keep yourselves and your bodies ticking over. Trust me that ‘future you’ will thank you for it come the season.

Here are some of my top tips for a healthy and beneficial off season and how to make the most of the time off:

Rest A rest period is important and you should try to add in some recovery techniques such as massage, physiotherapy or even just some good old foam rolling. This can help you to straighten out any kinks or muscular imbalances that you have gained throughout the season and will help you recover faster and better. Use this period to allow your body to recover from the strains of a tough few months.

Check Over You should not leave any niggles or injuries dormant over the winter. This is the time to visit that chiropractor, physio or doctor to sort out that little tweak in your back or wrist or wherever. Use this time to address any injuries sustained through the summer and make sure that you are at 100 percent and feeling good.

Hunting is a winter alternative to arena polo to keep you in the saddle and your ponies fit in the off season

Nutrition It is important at this stage to address your diet. If you will not be playing polo, or doing as much exercise as you were over the summer, then you may want to adjust your diet to reflect this in order to avoid unwanted weight gain. Make sure you are eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, giving your body the best chance at recovery with all the nutrients it needs.

Activities Riding: Maintaining some riding fitness can be a real bonus over the winter. If it is possible at all it can be helpful to keep your riding muscles ticking over, even if it is just light hacking. This can be a good time to work young horses, keep older horses going through the winter or even take up some other equestrian activities such as hunting or dressage.

Foam rolling can help ease sore muscles and prevent stiffness after a tough season

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Flexibility: Activities such as Yoga and Pilates are hugely beneficial to polo players as they promote flexibility and core strength. The winter can be a great time to take up these activities. Enroll in a class or do some at home from a YouTube video and you will reap the rewards come spring time. The best thing is they can be performed inside away from the elements! www.polotimes.co.uk

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Fitness Focus

Knowledge

Sport: Many of us have suffered from that ďŹ rst stick-and-ball session of the spring where we just cannot hit the ball or ďŹ nd ourselves lost on the ďŹ eld in ďŹ rst chukkas.

Keeping up with some sports over the winter is a great way to not only keep ďŹ tness levels up, but also to keep that eye in and work on your coordination. Any sport is great but things like tennis, squash or golf can be helpful as they promote hand-eye coordination. You can even mix in a little polo twist to your activities if you’re missing the game as I like to do with Tennis Polo!

The main thing is to enjoy your time off, rest, recover and to come back even stronger next year and all these tips will help you to become a healthier player when the season starts next year. There are lots of helpful guides and tips at ďŹ tnessforpolo.com to help you keep strong over the winter.

Keeping your exibility going or using the off season to help build your exibility will help you when the next season comes around

Playing tennis with hand mallets is a great way to keep your eye in over the winter

C SAVING CHAMPIONS

A

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SAVING YOUR BEST FRIEND

We can treat ligament, tendon and soft tissue injuries in horses from all equine disciplines and back grounds. The treatment only takes an hour and has a 95% success rate with faster recovery times.

9G ECP VTGCV FGIGPGTCVKXG LQKPV FKUGCUG CTVJTKVKU KP VJG JKR UVKĆƒ G GNDQY shoulder, carpus and tarsu as well as traumatic injuries to ligaments and joint fractures.

6Q Ć‚ PF CP #EETGFKVGF 8GV KP [QWT CTGC YYY NKRQIGOUGSWKPG EQO ".KRQIGOU'SWKPG YYY NKRQIGOUECPKPG EQO "NKRQIGOUECPKPG UCXKPIEJCORKQPU ' NWE[AYKNUQP"NKRQIGOUGSWKPG EQO %WVVKPI 'FIG 4GIGPGTCVKXG 5EKGPEG Dr Tim Watson BVM&S, PhD, MRCVS Waterlane Equine Vets, tim.watson@mail.com Mob: 07557 857 793

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Mr Murray Shotter BVSc MRCVS Shotter and Byers Equine Surgery, murray.shotter@shotterandbyers.co.uk Tel: 01306 627 706

Mr Bruce Middleton MA Vet MB MRCVS Blackdown Equine Clinic, bruce.vet@hotmail.com Mob: 07766 993 085

M: 07919 252 529 Ali Cliff BVM&S (Dist) CertAVP MRCVS Crown Vets Referrals (Canine) referrals@crownvetsreferrals.co.uk Tel: 01463 237000

Dr. Jessica A. Kidd BA, DVM, CertES(Orth), Dipl ECVS, MRCVS Valley Equine Hospital kiddvet@gmail.com /QD |

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Biological Therapy

Photography by Lucy Wilson

Knowledge

Lipogems Canine can now save your furry four-legged best friend

Lipogems Canine Launches Pioneering procedure for polo pooches Pioneering biological therapy that has been directly translated from the human medical world, taking the technology now used for routinely treating knees, hips and shoulders, has been brought to the UK by Lipogems Canine for the treatment of dogs.

World-renowned veterinary surgeon Dr. Offer Zeira, Director of San Michele Veterinary Hospital, Milan, DVM PhD Field of Study Veterinary Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery, has been treating dogs in Continental Europe. Lipogems Canine launched in the UK earlier this year, with the first referral centre opening in conjunction with lead Lipogems Canine vet Alistair Cliff, BVM&S (Dist) CertAVP MRCVS from Crown Vet Referrals and Lipogems Canine Training Centre, heading up the team.

The procedure is exactly the same as the technique used for horses, but the range of conditions treated has been expanded greatly by Dr. Zeira and Alistair Cliff, with the assistance of lead Lipogems Equine Vet, Dr. Tim Watson. A chain of referral centres will shortly be opening across the UK. To watch recovery videos from the canine success stories head to the Lipogems Canine Website. Dr. Zeira will also be publishing a paper with a selection of the results from over 300 canine cases he has treated.

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Dr. Offer Zeira explains why he uses Lipogems Canine “Whoever treats with regenerative medicine uses stem cells and whoever deals with stem cells should use Lipogems. This is the shortest answer, yet the most complete and truthful. It is my answer whenever colleagues ask me – why Lipogems? The longer answer is that Lipogems is a concept, a method and a device, all in one.

The concept – instead of using pure stem cells that should be cultivated and expanded and therefore are expensive, we use a true mini habitat containing a scaffold, stem cell precursors, numerous anti-inflammatory factors, trophic mediators and other items.

The method – we use mild mechanical forces in a completely closed system, with no enzymes, additives and other manipulations, avoiding complex regulatory issues.

The device – single-use medical device for the processing of lipoaspirated adipose tissue. It is a very friendly and straightforward device.

Alistair Cliff and Dr. Offer Zeira at Crown Vet Referrals in May 2017

“I am happy to say that in my hospital, 70-80 percent of all cases treated with stem cells, have changed from bone marrow cultivated material to Lipogems, which we can use immediately on our patients.

In the case of dog’s muscles, tendons and articular diseases, 100 percent of the cases are treated by Lipogems. The results are amazing; dogs that suffered severe lameness managed to walk with nearly no lameness within five – six days. Also, the effect’s duration of this treatment is unique, it lasts for 10-12 months after a single treatment, sometimes even longer.”

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Biological Therapy

Knowledge

The Procedure Explained Step 1 – Lipoaspirate is collected Under general anaesthetic your vet will collect some fat tissue from around the flank of your dog using a liposuction technique. This sounds dramatic, but it is minimally invasive and you will only notice the clipped area, as the vet will only make a tiny incision with the needle to do the procedure.

Step 2 – Lipoaspirate is processed Once the required amount of fat tissue is collected, it is processed using the Lipogems device. This is where the tissue is micro-fragmented and the required lipoaspirate is then collected in syringes through a special filter ready to be used.

Step 3 – Lipogems Canine treatment The vet will then prepare the area that needs to be treated by clipping and sterilising the skin around the joint that will be injected. The processed lipoaspirate is then injected into the area required. This all happens straightaway in the same surgery as the collection.

40 minute procedure

People, horses and dogs can all be treated

Diseases treated: • Vascular (Legg-Calve-Perthes disease) • Immune Mediated Arthritis (OA) • Traumatic injury (Cruciate ligament and meniscus rupture, joint fractures) • Hereditary/developmental (UAP, FCP, OCD, IOHC – incomp. ossif. of humeral condyle) • Degenerative Joint Disease Joints treated: Hip, stifle, elbow, shoulder, carpus and tarsus www.polotimes.co.uk

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Polo Times, October 2017

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Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc

Dr.med. Andreas Krüger is a Swiss board orthopaedic and trauma surgeon in Zurich, who specialises in knee and shoulder surgery. Andi is a second generation of tournament doctors for equine sports, known as Polodoc since 2013 and is a member at Legacy Polo Club in Switzerland

Ankle Injuries Ankle injuries are typical for athletes and ‘weekend warrior’s’ lesions after turning the ankle. Sometimes, simply walking on an uneven surface can cause a painful, debilitating sprain.

The second reason can be excessive axial load. More than one million people visit emergency rooms each year because of ankle injuries. The most common of which are sprains and fractures, which involve ligaments and bones in the ankle, but tears or strains of a tendon can also occur.

Ankle injuries are defined by the kind of tissue (bone, ligament, or tendon) that is damaged. The ankle is where three bones meet – the tibia and fibula of your lower leg, with the talus of the foot. These bones are held together at the ankle joint by ligaments, which are strong elastic bands of connective tissue which keep the bones in place while allowing normal ankle motion. Tendons attach muscles to the bones to do the work of making the ankle and foot move and help keep the joints stable.

Type of injuries A fracture describes a break in one or more of the bones. A sprain is the term that describes damage to ligaments when they are stretched beyond their normal range of motion. A ligament sprain can range from

Protecting Essential Muscles

many microscopic tears in the fibres that comprise the ligament, to a complete tear or rupture. A strain refers to damage to muscles and tendons as a result of being pulled or stretched too far.

Muscle and tendon strains are more common in the legs and lower back. In the ankle, there are two tendons that are often strained. These are the peroneal tendons, and they stabilize and protect the ankle.

They can become inflamed as a result of overuse or trauma. Acute tendon tears result from a sudden trauma or force. The inflammation of a tendon is called tendinitis.

Microscopic tendon tears which accumulate over time, because of being repeatedly over stretched and don’t heal properly can lead to a condition called tendinosis. Tendons can also rupture, whilst subluxation refers to a tendon that slips out of place.

What causes ankle injuries?

An ankle injury occurs when the ankle joint is twisted too far out of its normal position.

Most ankle injuries occur either during sports activities or while walking on an uneven surface, which forces the foot and ankle into an unnatural position. The unnatural position of the ankle in high-heeled shoes or walking in unstable, loose-fitting shoes or sandals is also a factor that may contribute

to ankle injuries. In addition to wearing faulty footwear, an ankle injury can happen as a result of: • Tripping or falling • Landing awkwardly after a jump • Walking or running on uneven surfaces • A sudden impact such as a car crash • Twisting or rotating the ankle • Rolling the ankle Are there different signs for different ankle injuries?

The symptoms of a sprain and a fracture are very similar. In fact, fractures can sometimes be mistaken for sprains. That’s why it’s important to have an ankle injury evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. The signs include: • Pain, often sudden and severe • Swelling • Bruising • Inability to walk or bear weight on the injured joint With a sprain, the ankle may also be stiff.

With a fracture the area will be tender to the touch and the ankle may also look deformed or out of place.

If the sprain is mild, the swelling and pain may be slight. But with a severe sprain, there is normally a lot of swelling and the pain is typically intense.

What should someone do after an ankle injury?

You can apply First Aid for an ankle injury by remembering R.I.C.E: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Rest It’s important to rest the ankle to prevent further damage and keep weight off of it.

Ice Using ice will help slow or reduce the swelling and provide a numbing sensation that will ease the pain. Proper icing includes icing within 48 hours of an injury. Never leave ice on for longer than 15 minutes to 20 minutes at a time to prevent frostbite. Wait 40 minutes to 45 minutes before applying ice again to allow tissues to return to normal temperature and sensation, and repeat as

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needed. You can apply an ice compress using a plastic freezer bag filled with ice cubes and water to mould to your ankle or use a frozen bag of vegetables like corn or peas, but remember to use a layer of towel between your skin and the plastic bag.

Compression Wrapping the injured ankle with an elastic bandage or off-the-shelf compression wrap will help keep it immobile and supported. Be sure not to wrap the ankle too tightly. If your toes turn blue, get cold or lose sensation, the wrap is too tight.

Elevate Elevating the injured ankle to at least the level of your heart will reduce swelling and pain.

It is important not to put any weight on the ankle until after it’s been evaluated by a doctor, which should be done as soon as possible. Fractures and sprains that are ignored or aren’t treated properly can lead to long-term chronic problems with the ankle, such as repeated injury, ankle weakness and arthritis.

www.polotimes.co.uk

19/09/2017 11:26

Medical Insight: Polodoc Tendinitis and acute tears of the peroneal tendon result in both pain and swelling. In addition, the ankle area will feel warm to the touch with tendinitis. With an acute tear, there will be a weakness or instability of the foot and ankle.

Tendinosis may take years to develop and symptoms include: • Sporadic pain on the outside of the ankle • Weakness or instability in the ankle • An increase in the height of the foot’s arch With subluxation you will notice ankle instability or weakness. You also may notice sporadic pain behind the outside anklebone and a ‘snapping’ feeling around the anklebone.

How does the doctor diagnose an ankle injury?

The first thing a doctor will do is ask questions about how the injury occurred.

Then the doctor will examine the ankle, noting the amount of swelling and bruising.

The physical examination of the ankle may be painful because the ankle has to be moved to evaluate the pain and swelling in order to make a proper diagnosis.

The doctor may order an ankle X-Ray to determine whether there are any broken bones. In addition X-Rays of the leg and foot may be requested to determine whether there may be other related injuries. If the doctor suspects a stress fracture, then other imaging scans such as an MRI will be needed, which will show more detail about the injury. If there is a fracture, there may be the need for a stress test, which is a special X-Ray taken with pressure applied to the joint. This will help the doctor determine whether surgery is needed.

For most ankle injuries, pain is controlled by using an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. The specific treatment of the injury depends on the type of injury.

In some cases, it may be necessary to surgically implant a metal plate for support

Treatment of fractures Fractures can be treated either surgically or non-surgically. The doctor may treat the break without surgery by immobilising the ankle if only one bone is broken, if the bones are not out of place and the ankle is www.polotimes.co.uk

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Treatment of fractures can take around six weeks to heal

stable. Typically the doctor will do this by putting on a brace that works as a splint or by putting on a cast. If the ankle is unstable, the fracture will be treated surgically. Often, the ankle is made stable by using a metal plate and screws to hold the bones in place.

Following the surgery, the ankle is protected with a splint until the swelling goes down and then with a cast.

It usually takes at least six weeks for the bones to heal. Your doctor will probably ask you to keep weight off the ankle during that time so the bones can heal in the proper alignment. Ligaments and tendons can take longer to heal after a fracture is fully mended. It can take as long as two years to completely recover full pain-free motion and strength after an ankle fracture, although most people are able to resume their normal daily routine within three to four months.

After the doctor has determined it is safe for you to start moving your ankle, you may need physical therapy to provide gait training, balance, strengthening, and mobility exercises. The therapist will develop a home programme that you can use to regain your previous normal function. It can take several months to return to a normal walking pattern without limping.

Treatment of sprains The treatment of sprains depends on the severity of the injury. They are graded as mild, moderate, or severe. Surgery is not usually a treatment option unless the damage is extensive, involves more than the ligaments, or when other treatment options fail.

Mild sprains, called grade 1, are treated with the RICE approach for several days until the pain and swelling improve. With a mild sprain, you won’t need a splint or a cast. Your doctor will tell you to put weight on the ankle fairly soon – within one to three days – as long as you can tolerate it and will prescribe a range of motion, stretching, and

Knowledge

strengthening exercises.

If your sprain is classified as moderate, or grade 2, the doctor will use the RICE approach, but will allow more time for healing to occur. A device such as a boot or a splint may be used to immobilize the ankle. You will be given exercises to do first to improve range of motion and then to stretch and strengthen the ankle. Physical therapy may also be prescribed to help you regain full use.

Grade 3 or a severe sprain involves a complete tear or rupture of a ligament and takes considerably longer to heal. It’s treated with immobilisation of the joint followed by a longer period of physical therapy for range of motion, stretching, and strength building.

Occasionally, especially if the sprain does not heal in a reasonable time, surgery will be considered for reconstructing the torn ligaments.

On average, the initial treatment of a sprain includes resting and protecting the ankle until swelling goes down, for about one week. That’s followed by a period of one to two weeks of exercise to restore range of motion, strength, and flexibility. It can take several more weeks to several months to gradually return to your normal activities while you continue to exercise.

Treatment of tendon injuries Options for treating tendon injuries are similar to options for treating sprains.

They include: • Immobilisation using a cast or splint • Oral or injected anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain • Physical therapy for range of motion, strength, and balance • A brace to provide support during activities • Surgery to repair the tendon (or tendons) and sometimes to repair the supporting structures of the foot

How to reduce your risk of an ankle injury generally and whilst playing polo: • Avoid exercising or playing when you are tired or in pain • During tournaments keep muscles strong by eating a well-balanced diet • Try to avoid falling • Don’t wear shoes that have heels worn down on one side.

• Maintain the proper conditioning • Warm up and stretch before and after exercising or playing • Run on flat surfaces

For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com Polo Times, October 2017

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Knowledge

Equipment Focus

Ainsley Polo is the creation of two brothers, Kel and Ross Ainsley. There isn’t a significant polo tournament anywhere in the world that hasn’t had an Ainsley Pony take part in it. Their natural talent as horsemen and sportsman, along with their adaptability in the management and production of their horses and their deep understanding of the game has led to their success and won them worldwide respect in the polo industry.

They live, breath and sleep polo, not only providing world class polo ponies at every level, but also offering polo holidays, lessons and unrivalled polo equipment worldwide. If its polo related these are the people to talk to

Photography by Ainsley Polo

Drop nosebands that are too long over the nose or sit too low interfere with the breathing (nostril flare) and often one side or the other sits on top of the bit, effecting pressure and the effectiveness of the bit

Drop Nosebands As part of an ongoing series of articles, Ainsley Polo will focus upon different pieces of polo equipment. In this first instalment in the series, Ainsley Polo take a look at how to properly fit a drop noseband Polo is one of the most extreme disciplines you can ask a horse to do. It is expected to stop, turn move left and right and ride off all in a split second. It is obvious how important a good line of communication is between you and your horse. Your tack is your line of communication and if it blurs your messages or inhibits response in any way, the efficiency of your engine will be reduced.

An unbelievable amount of preparation goes into getting any polo player on the field to play a game. They search high and low to find the best horses, they spend hours practicing shots and set plays, formulating tactics and making sure they have mallets, boots and gloves which fit them well. But rarely is there much time or consideration given to their tack.

Any article of tack, from the brow band to the bandages, if poorly made or not fitted correctly has the ability to inhibit the horse.

The drop noseband is the one piece of tack which is most commonly poorly fitted or made. The theory is that it will stop the horse opening its mouth excessively. The reality is that they often sit over the nostrils, preventing the nostril flare and inhibiting breath intake and exhalation at the most vital times of physical exertion. In theory, the drop noseband should not interfere with the bit at 78

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rest or when being used. In reality they often pull the bit down on the lower jaw or up in the mouth, or even both. How can we expect to communicate effectively when the free movement of the bit is obstructed? How can we expect our horse to give their all when they are struggling to catch their breath?

An alternative to the drop noseband is a crossover drop noseband, or grackle, or figure of eight noseband as they are also known. These are being used a lot more and their popularity will continue to grow as they

www.ainsleypolo.com

“The polo horse is like the engine of a race car in Formula 1, it is the most important thing. Once you know how to play polo I’d say 70 percent of success depends on the horse.”

Adolfo Cambiaso

give the best nasal cavity clearance of any drop noseband, while still restricting excessive mouth opening. They also have the added bonus of preventing the horse evading the bit by crossing the jaw. Some horses are frustrated by drop nosebands and shake their heads in an attempt to evade them. It has been found that in a lot of these cases replacing the drop with a grackle relieves the frustration and head shaking. It’s a slightly trickier process to fit them correctly, but easy with a little practice and well worth the time to get better results and a happier horse.

Another alternative used by a lot of people is a rawhide drop nosebands. As with the crossover nosebands they provide great nasal cavity clearance, while also keeping the mouth stable. Their advantage is specifically appreciated by players of older polo ponies, who need a little reminder not to lean on the drop.

Next time before you get on your horse, spare a moment to consider your tack.

Take a look at your drop noseband – is it restricting your horse taking a breath, is it pulling on the bit? These seemingly minor details when added together can, and do, make a big difference to your communication and your engine’s efficiency.

Correctly placed and sized drop nosebands as in the photo, do not interfere with the bit movement or nostril flare. This is a perfect example

www.polotimes.co.uk

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19/09/2017 11:27

Knowledge

Learn to Play

In this series Sam Gairdner provides a course of polo lessons for the complete beginner. Although for many readers, this may be too basic for their level of polo, the sport is always welcoming newcomers and it’s never too late to take it up. Therefore, in Sam Gairdner’s series, he will be looking at every aspect of polo. In Part 1, Sam looks at the Introductory Lesson, providing a basic outline for taking those first tentative steps into a new sport.

Sam is an English professional player, who is now based close to Melbourne, Australia where he owns and runs Bakers Bridge Polo. In addition to the usual polo services and lessons, Sam retrains over 20 ‘off the track’ horses each year with his partner Clementine Mann, many of which are exported. He currently plays off a 4 goal handicap

About the Course For most of you reading this publication your knowledge of polo will be well beyond what I will be teaching in this course, however, I wanted to create a method to help all of us bring new players into our sport.

Inspired by 15 years of teaching with no syllabus to work to, my aim is to provide a thorough understanding of all aspects of the sport in a concise, safe and engaging way.

The course is split into eight lessons, and each lesson is split into three parts – Riding, Hitting and Rules/Strategy. Each lesson also has notes for the instructor, which will give him or her a format to work to and tips on what to focus on.

Used in the right way, it should get almost everyone to the point of being safe to play club chukkas, and then with practice and experience in chukkas, playing tournaments won’t seem so out of reach!

Lesson 1 – The introductory lesson notes for the instructor You will get students of all abilities, some with little or no knowledge of the sport. So it is important to have a system in place to allow for this. Create a questionnaire and an insurance waiver, which makes sure that all students understand the dangers of the sport and horses in general.

Make sure that students have the correct footwear (must have a raised heel) and a hat that meets the appropriate safety standards locally.

Hitting The grip You hold the polo stick in a very particular way, which is best described by your instructor.

Keep you stick upright You should keep your stick vertical while you

Lesson Structure – 1hr 30min total • 10 minutes: Sign waivers, run through safety procedures and rules • 20 minutes: Hitting – Mini sticks on the ground or on a wooden horse as shown in the photo – learn how to hold a polo stick, teach the four main shots • 20 minutes: Riding – Learn to get on, hold reins, basic riding commands, rhythm and balance • 25 minutes: Stick and Ball – Put the riding and hitting skills learnt together, concentrate on the offside forehander • 15 minutes: Get off horses, talk about the structure of the game, speak about the polo community and how best to learn the sport – Ideally sign up for the seven lessons as described in this course and aim to be included in club chukkas by the end.

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The wooden horse is a great tool to introduce the basics of hitting

Photography courtesy of Sam Gairdner

Play Polo

move around the polo field for three reasons: 1. To make it easy on your wrist 2. For safety 3. To create more potential energy, so when you swing, it requires less effort The plane of the swing The plane of the polo swing is both vertical and parallel with the horse for all four of the basic shots described below. If you keep both of these in mind then you will be both safe and hit the ball consistently.

The four basic shots The Offside Forehander: This is the most played shot, the one you will try on a horse later in this lesson. Your instructor will teach you this, but remember to rotate (your shoulders), extend (your arm) and swing.

The Offside Backhander: This shot starts where the forehander finishes and finishes where it starts, use plenty of rotation.

The Nearside Forehander: Recognised as the hardest shot to play, don’t force it, just get the dynamics right.

The Nearside Backhander: Easier than expected shot, just don’t try to hit it too hard to start with.

Riding Getting on You get on a polo pony the same as any horse, from the nearside, we find it is best to get your instructor to demonstrate this if you are at all unsure. www.polotimes.co.uk

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Learn to Play

Knowledge

minutes before the first bell is sounded, then a maximum of 30 seconds of extra time can be played before a second bell stops the game. Any interruptions during this time finishes the chukka.

There are usually between four and six chukkas in a game.

Horses cannot be played in consecutive chukkas, so a minimum of two horses is required for a four chukka game.

Every player is given a handicap based on their ability and tournaments are played on handicap.

The correct grip of a polo mallet

The Argentine rein holding method

Holding the reins Riding a polo pony we use the left hand to hold two pairs of reins. We start by showing you the Argentine method, which requires you to hold the top reins over your index finger and your lower reins under your index finger.

Eyes Eyes follow the path where you want to ride to, so if you are looking to make a 90 degree turn, look to 90 degrees, your head will then follow your eyes, your shoulders will follow your head, your body your shoulders, and the horse will follow your body. In theory anyway!

Riding position We ride polo ponies in a forward riding position much like you would if you were jumping, rather than riding western style.

In another world it would be the difference between riding a sports bike instead of a Harley-Davidson!

See also Rule 1.1

Paces – walk, trot, canter and gallop Rhythm and therefore balance is only achieved by understanding the paces of a horse, this requires some knowledge, but mainly requires hours in the saddle. Learning to play polo you need to master the canter phase.

Rules/Strategy The game Polo is a game with four players on each team, with the basic premise of scoring more goals than the opposition. Basics to remember: Players must all play right handed.

Teams change directions after every goal.

A full size polo field is 300 x 160 yards, which is approximately nine times the area of a football field but many are slightly smaller than this (see diagram).

Most rules are based around safety, much like cars on a road have rights of way, horses have the same on the polo field.

The game is split up into periods of play called chukkas which each last seven

Diagram courtesy of the HPA

Controls Use your left hand (holding the reins) to slow down, accelerate and steer, just like a joystick, with your hand about 40cm in front of you and 10cm above the horse’s neck.

To accelerate release the reins and therefore the horse’s mouth, lean forward and squeeze your legs. Turning left or right requires you to again release the reins, and then move your hand left or right in the direction you want to go. Slowing down is achieved by pulling the reins progressively, while squeezing your legs and leaning slightly back.

Positions The four players on a polo team are given positions 1 to 4, with the Number 1 being the forward most player and the Number 4 being the most defensive, we will learn more about these positions later on in the course.

This diagram indicates the size of a polo field and also the location of key features such as the goals, centre line and penalty distances

This series will cover all aspects of learning to play polo

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Sidelines

Gossip

A ROYAL RETIREMENT After 14 years of royal service, The Queen’s carriage harness horse, Windsor Grey, Daniel, has announced his retirement from public life.

He has taken part in events including state visits, The Queen’s birthday parade and the opening of parliament during his career and has even featured in a 2014 Royal Mail stamp collection. He will now join his harness horse friends Flint, Marsa and Big Tom at the Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire.

Happy retirement Daniel!

DBPC PICKS UP ITS NEW WHEELS Dallas Burston Polo Club has been handed the keys to a brand new, bespoke fitted 5.0 litre V8 supercharged Range Rover Autobiography LWB. The car has been extensively personalised, courtesy of Listers Land Rover Solihull and Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations Divison. Looking swish, DBPC!

Jono Smail, Edgeworth Polo Club’s Polo Manager tied the knot with Rachel Newman on Saturday 9 September, followed by an evening of revelry at the Gloucestershire Club and bleary eyed matches the following day, luckily held late to allow recovery time!

CONGRATULATIONS! Tom Morley & fiancée Tessa Foot have welcomed a baby girl into the world. She was born on Monday 11 September and both mother and baby are doing well.

Hazel Jackson celebrated her Hen Do at well known, laid back music festival, Bestival. It was the first time the event has moved off the Isle of Wight and with a peace and love theme, it was the perfect backdrop for the celebrations.

EMPEROR’S NEW ROWING JACKET?

WEDDING BLISS Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...

FESTIVAL HEN DO

CPPC has teamed up with local tailor Barrington Ayre to produce a Club blazer in CPPC’s iconic colours.

Those lucky enough to be awarded the Cirencester MVP award will be in with a chance of wearing one of these unique pieces, useful at all polo, tennis, rugby and rowing events.

THERE’S A THIRD CAMBRIDGE ON THE WAY! Congratulations to their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who announced the imminent arrival of their third child. Will the third addition to the family grow up to play polo? Will he or she be left-handed like their father or allergic to horses like their mother? Time will tell!

Photograph by Big Love Photography

HIGH GOAL RUMOURS PRETTY IN PINK On Wednesday 30 August, Rugby Polo Club donned their finest pink outfits for a day of Pink Polo in support of Breast Cancer Now. Even the Club’s Polo Manager, Jeremy Pidgeon, got involved.

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The rumours are true! It has now been confirmed that Facundo Pieres will be riding out for La Indiana for the 2018 high goal season. The full team lineup is yet to be confirmed, but we’ll keep you in the loop! In other news, Pablo Mac Donough is set to move to Talandracas for 2018 whilst, according to the rumour mill, Guillermo Caset will be donning the black shirts of RH Polo.

WEDDING BELLS! Congratulations to Jay and Harriet Jones who were married on Saturday 26 August in St Nicholas Church, Itchingfield, West Sussex. Guests were then invited to Shiprods Manor for a downright knees-up with Jay’s father Kenney Jones (of The Who fame) taking to the stage with some famous friends! www.polotimes.co.uk

19/09/2017 11:28

Freddy Trew & Angharad Llewelyn

Assad Hussain & Andrew Tan

Karen Chung, Christopher Sokol, Niul Wood & Kitty Sokol

Beaufort Glitter Ball; Beaufort Polo Club; Saturday 26 August

Shining Bright at Beaufort On a twinkly Saturday evening, guests gathered at Beaufort Polo Club to celebrate the fast approaching end of the summer season, with lashings of Justerini & Brooks champagne, canapés and most importantly, glitter! The glitter theme was subtly incorporated throughout the beautiful venue with shimmering table decorations, glimmering flower jars and a starlit ceiling.

Each guest came to the evening suitably ‘glittered-up’ ready to dance the night away to local band the Chip Shop Boys, after tucking into a deliciously delectable three-course meal. It’s safe to say, the party carried on until the wee small hours of the morning!

Libby Snell & Lily Freeman

Photography by Jocelyn Ridley Photography

Norman Bellone

Stephanie Shewry & Micheal Barlett

Olivia Castle & Looby Wright

Sarah & Olly Hughes

Haden Trueman Greinke & Sarah Burgess

Chrissy Marshall

Nina Clarkin & Olivia Clowes

Posy Ash, Fiona Parker & Minty Bos

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Annie Monaghman, Chloe Taylor & Lolly Stanhope-White

Shannon Stephenson & Rosie Hutchin

Cicely Moore & Frankie Barnes

Gwynn Bucket, Nettie Young & Jacob Kirby

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Sophie Kyriazi, Becky & Eva Simpson

Alessandro Bazzoni & Siri Evjemo-Nysveen

Dr Caroline Hoffman

Anita van der Hoeven

Guards Ladies Charity Day; Guards Polo Club; Saturday 2 September

Chukkas For Charity

The charity day was in aid of Breast Cancer Haven

In between the Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy Final and Subsidiary Final, Guards Polo Club hosted a delicious lunch to raise funds for Breast Cancer Haven. This is the fifth year the Club has supported this leading cancer support charity, working closely with the charity’s own fundraising team to create a money-cannot-buy auction of lots. With plenty of prizes, ladies polo and delightful Mosimann’s morsels, it was another great success for a worthwhile cause.

Neil Hobday, Siobhan Barney & Robert de By

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Antony Fanshawe, Heather Lodder & Lord Patrick Beresford

Jonathan Munro-Ford

Clara Erbiti, Juan Cruz Araya, Santi Araya, Pedro San Martin, Katherine Smithwick

Laurent Feniou

Lady Chelsea

The HPC, The London Polo Club team

Carine Feniou

Hannah Firman

Dubai Semi Final After Party; HPC, The London Club; Friday 4 August

London Turns Out The Dubai Trophy is the highest handicapped tournament at HPC, The London Club and with it comes one of the liveliest evening events at the Club. As the finalists competed on the field, with Jet Set running out the winners, 300 partygoers mingled in the clubhouse, enjoying plenty of champagne. Following the game the dancefloor heaved with revellers as the famous Aprés Polo Event got into full swing.

Rumours and speculation are rife about what happened in the small hours. Litzi Teroerde may have been stick and balling in the moonlight on the number one ground and Ali Paterson could have been throwing the ceremonial spears from the clubhouse on the chukka ground. We’ll never know exactly, but it was quite a party!

Nicholas & Annie Colquhoun-Denvers

Harry & Ba Pataudi

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Charlotte Carter & Hugo Davis

Photography by Robert Piper Photography

Spectators enjoy the polo

Guests enjoying the BBQ

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Poey & Mike Vacher

The band DT8 pumped out the tunes

Sitting down to a three course dinner

Taunton Vale Midsummer Ball; Taunton Vale Polo Club; Friday 28 July

Midsummer Madness Raising money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was the name of the game at Taunton Vale Polo Club’s Midsummer extravaganza, on a balmy Friday evening. After the cocktails were enjoyed by all at the reception, guests were invited into the expertly decorated circus tent for a delicious meal, followed by some extremely rambunctious dancing to the 12-piece DT8 band. The Hon Treasurer Mark Santrian was spotted lighting up the dancefloor with his ‘unique’ moves, whilst the DT8 trumpets blared sweet music until the small hours.

Amanda Norman

Photography by Clayton Jane Photography

Mark Santrian

Millie Torgersud, Mimi Figgins, Livvi Woodhead & Johanna Nahous

Thomas Savery, Frankie Colwill & Adam Humphries

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Ella Williams & Keith Amor

Mark Symmons, Laura Harvey, John Jennings & Anna Crosse

The dancefloor

John Jennings

Brian & Rebeccah Baylis with Neil Rixon

Bimmy Amor

The trumpets with Frankie Colwill & Henry Riley

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Henry Jones & Fi Fi Watson

Richard Nelson, Lucy Keen, Rebecca and Rupert MacKensie-Hill & Tim Dobson

Rosie Hutchins, Mahesh Parmar, Rheana Parmar & Jane Marshall

Stuart Cross & Louise Berkin

Edgeworth Polo Club End of Season Supper; The Green Dragon Inn; Wednesday 8 September

Prizes Galore at Edgeworth End of Season Supper On a balmy Indian Summer evening, the crowd from Edgeworth polo club gravitated to The Green Dragon in Cowley for the annual end of season supper and prize-giving.

With a crowd of 65 people there was a great atmosphere at the venue as members and their guests enjoyed some stunning food and great company one last time before the end of the polo season. A special mention to Rosanna Turk who pipped other up and coming youngsters to the most improved player award. Harry Tucker’s lovely dunn pony, Tequila won the award for the most improved pony whilst Oli Taylor picked up the honours for the top goal scorer in the 0 goal league, which has been running since May.

Jono & Rachel Smail & Nettie Young

Photography by Polo Times Lucy Keen, Richard “Hob” McAlister-Martin, Oli Taylor & Jess Hinamen

Katie & Alice MacKeith

Felicity Higson, John Vevar & John P Smail

Rob Hull, Jacob Kirby & Debbie Vest

Kai Parmar, Ed Nelson & Rheana Parmar

Subscribe now Why not treat yourself or a friend to Polo Times?

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PT October 2017 Back.indd 86

Mary & Tom Reynolds

Volume 22 • Issue 7 • August 2017 • £6.50 www.polotimes.c o.uk

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BRITS VS KINGS The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup UNDER 21S PLAY ING 22 British High Goal Hot Shots 10TH ANNIVER SARY Links Homes Britis h Beach Polo Cham pionships

19/09/2017 11:31

JJ Sugdon, Arthur Luard, Ollie Parrott, Mwana Wood & Dom Lodge

Oscar Luard, Kiki Severn & Megan Payne

Ollie Jones & Brina Horvat

End of Season Party; Longdole Polo Club; Sunday 3 September

Happy Hippies Longdole Polo Club members, renowned for their rip-roaring Clubhouse celebrations, came together to toast the end of another fantastic polo season with a hippy-themed fiesta. The Clubhouse was flung back in time to a peace loving, Woodstock-vibed hippy den and it was by far the best array of costumes the Club has seen this year, so many fantastic colours, wigs and sun glasses galore. With a mix of music from the 60s and today, everyone broke from the relaxed hippy sway stereotype to frenetically boogie the night away with some rather interesting dance moves.

Photography by Zahra Lucas Shannon Stevenson & Aimee Warner

Samantha Kerslake

Katie Preece, Sophie Malt & Micheyka Steele

Grace Kaveney, Jacinto Crotto, Matias Marino, Bernard Ortiz & Ben Morgan

Ben Morgan, Ollie Parrott, Ryan Robertson & Liz Tyson

Prue Anderson, Fifi Watson & Xanthe O’Neil

Ben Morgan & Ben Resima

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Team Longdole sporting their finest Hippy outfits

19/09/2017 11:32

E S TA N C I A E L R O C Ă? O A R G E N T I NA Estancia el RocĂ­o looks forward to welcoming you with open arms, a string of ponies and a full size polo ground all wrapped up in the pampas.

BREAKFAST STICK & BALL LUNCH SIESTA SWIM AFTERNOON TEA CHUKKAS DRINKS & CANAPÉS DINNER

We’re only 45 minutes from the international airport of Buenos Aires. British

SLEEP REPEAT

! " ' every day from London Heathrow to arrive just in time for the dawn chorus.

www.estanciaelrocio.com

PT October 2017 Back.indd 88

+44 7885 534129

amanda@estanciaelrocio.com

19/09/2017 11:32

Gunel Safarova & Reto Gaudenzi

Christian Dunkelberg & Ilgar Guliyev

Jan Erik Franck masters his steed

Irina & Reto Gaudenzi

5th CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup; Azerbaijan; 8 –10 September

Azerbaijan Dazzles Polo players from around the world were again welcomed with Azeri style to Baku, Azerbaijan, to compete for the fifth edition of the CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup. Over the course of the three days, the crowds at the stadium grew ever bigger and more vocal as the local side, CBC Sport made their way to clinch the Final. When not at the stadium, the players, their families and supporters were able to enjoy the stunning city of Baku and soak up some final summer rays before the winter arena season. A real highlight for all had to be the Saturday night, which saw a return of the Baku Moritz Polo Night for the second year running. The evening was once again hosted by the iconic Badrutt’s Palace and guests were treated to an epic hybrid of Swiss and Azeri hospitality.

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com Brothers Martin & Santiago de Estrada

Gunel Safarova

The Argentine Ambassador in Baku, Carlos Dante Riva, with his wife Marta, the Argentine Consul & friends

Martin de Estrada, Rya Sidorenko, Andi Krüger & Christian Dunkelberg

Kathie Rotter

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Jan Erik Franck, Ilgar Guliyev & Fatima Guliyev

Rommy Gianni on the drums

Juan Bollini on the mic

Melissa Ganzi

Tito Gaudenzi

Chris Hyde

Local entertainment

Zhanna Bandurko & Raya Sidorenko

General Elchin Guliyev

Marcelo Garrahan in umpiring action

DJ Seym

Jürg Reinger

19/09/2017 11:32

The Horswell clan of John, Grania, Edward & Christobel

Umpire Esteban ‘Negro’ Ferrari pauses for a mate

Tom & Katie Vickery, Hiro Suzuki & Tom O’Boy

46th International Polo Tournament Gold Cup Semi and Final; Santa María Polo Club, Sotogrande; Culminating Sunday 27 August

Sun-Filled Soto In contrast to the UK where the end of August seemingly marked the official date to wheel out the wellies and bobble hats, in Sotogrande it was a different story as the 46th International Polo Tournanent came to an end. Wall-to-wall boho chic was the name of the game with lots of white floaty dresses and sandals with pompoms on for the women and pastel linens for the men and children. As always, Santa María Polo Club can be relied upon to provide a relaxed, informal atmosphere with polo aficionados and tourists alike enjoying the food trucks, the clothing and jewellery stalls, the photography installations… and of course the polo.

With crowds packing the bank and the VIP boxes staying long after the final whistle to enjoy sangria, beer and polo chat in the evening sunshine, the grey skies of England seemed a million miles away.

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com Martin Valent

Rufino Merlos

Warren Scot, Natalia Danilochkina, Martin & Ali Stegman

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Tommy Beresford celebrates his win with sister Carolina, Olivia Donoso, parents Teresa & Charles

Rosendo Torreguitar

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19/09/2017 11:33

Carine & Laurent Feniou

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19/09/2017 11:33

Hayley Clough & Tori Ree

Anna Cousins

Alisa V & Daylan

Post-polo guests enjoyed a fashion show

Nick Elvery

Ladies Day; Westcroft Park Polo Club; Saturday 19 August

Party in the Jungle Over 120 guests descended upon Westcroft Park Polo Club for the Club’s inaugural Ladies Day. The Clubhouse was transformed into a jungle for the day, the ladies sparkled, and the champagne flowed accompanied by canapés, paella and Westcroft’s famous asado lamb. Along with polo, there was live music from Luke Friend (of X Factor fame) amongst others, and a sunset fashion show with horses, some bemused models and ponies, not to mention the excited designers! After the charity auction, which raised nearly £4,000, the day finally came a to close with a DJ and fiesta time in the jungle!

Photography by Barrie Downie

Amber Charlotte

Heloise Wilson-Smith

Luke Friend

Amy Leigh Quinne

Richard Blake Thomas, acting as auctioneer

Team Tristar (UK) Ltd

The fashion designers & models

Manufacturers of Quality Horseboxes

For details of our current stock or for a new build, please phone or email or visit our website.

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PT October 2017 Back.indd 92

19/09/2017 11:33

Dates for Your Diary

Polo directory

What’s On

October UK Club Fixtures Rugby – Toft Triathlon (Open): 30 September – 1 October Ranelagh – Copa Ranelagh Farm (-2-0): 30 September – 1 October Binfield Heath – Farewell Tournament (-4-0): 30 September – 1 October Hurtwood – Farewell Cup (0): 30 September – 1 October White Waltham – The Ultimo Polo Trophy (-2-0): 30 September – 1 October RCBPC – Club Weekend Tournament (-2-2): 30 September – 1 October Wicklow – Opening Day of the Season: 1 October Vale of York – First Beach Chukkas: 8 October Druids Lodge – First Club Chukkas: 26 October Rugby – Lagrima Trophy (-3-0 & 0-4): 28 – 29 October

UK Key Arena Dates RCBPC – HPA National Club Championships (1-3 & 10-12): 21 November – 3 December RCBPC – HPA National Club Championships (4-6 & 13-15): 5 – 21 January RCBPC – Arena Gold Cup (13-15): 13 – 24 February

Youth Polo NWA, USA – Middle School League: 30 September – 1 October Aiken, USA – Middle School League: 14 – 15 October Garrison Forest, USA – Middle School League: 21 – 22 October Bluewater Creek, USA – Middle School League: 28 – 29 October

NWA, USA – Great Plains Circuit Women’s Challenge: 30 September – 1 October Timor, Aus – Timor Polo Club Ladies Tournament: 30 September – 1 October Virginia, USA – National Women’s Arena Championship: 19 – 22 October

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT October 2017 Back.indd 93

Argentina America New Bridge – National Copper Cup (8-12): 15 September – 1 October Aiken – Southeastern Circuit Sportsmanship Cup (0-4): 19 September – 1 October Wagener – Southeastern Circuit Masters Cup (0-6): 19 September – 7 October Willow Bend – Regional President’s Cup (5-8): 27 September – 1 October Congressional – Eastern Circuit Arena Congressional: 30 September – 1 October Barrington – Central Circuit Arena Amateur Cup (0-3): 30 September – 1 October New Bridge – Regional Presidents Cup (4-8): 1 – 22 October Commonwealth – Challenge Cup (5-8): 5 – 7 October Aiken – Southeastern Circuit Players Cup (0-4): 5 – 22 October Aiken – Southeastern Circuit Officers Cup (4-8): 6 – 29 October Seneca – Eastern Circuit Arena Amateur Cup (0-3): 7 – 8 October Skull Valley – Border Circuit Players Cup (0-4): 7 October Barrington – Central Circuit Arena Delegate’s Cup (6-9): 7 – 8 October Wagener – Southeastern Circuit Constitution Cup (0-6): 10 – 28 October Honolulu – Hawaiian Islands Circuit Masters Cup (0-4): 11 – 15 October Denver – Rocky Mountain Circuit Arena Sportsmanship Cup (0-4): 13 – 15 October Club Polo Cabo – Border Circuit Arena Congressional Cup (4-6): 13 – 15 October Westchester – National Sherman Memorial: 14 – 15 October Orange County – National Arena Amateur Cup (0-3): 14 – 15 October Willow Bend – Oktoberfest (8-10): 17 – 29 October New Bridge – USPA Bronze Trophy (8-12): 18 October – 5 November Honolulu – Hawaiian Islands Circuit Governor’s Cup (0-4): 25 – 29 October California – Chairman’s Cup: 27 –29 October

La Aguada – Argentine Amateur Championship (0-4 & 4-8): 14 – 22 October La Aguada – Julio Novillo Astrada Cup (22): 16 – 27 October Tortugas – Tortugas Open (40): 19 September – 7 October Hurlingham – Hurlingham Open (40): 10 – 28 October

Australia Scone – Wootton Cup: 7 – 8 October Scone – Beersheba Trophy (0, 4, 8 & 14): 14 – 15 October Kurri Burri – KH Marshall Cup (0, 4, 8 & 14): 14 – 15 October Sydney – XI FIP World Polo Championships: 21 – 29 October Eynesbury – Mount William Tournament: 28 – 29 October

France Mariana – Challenge de France (-1-1): 7 – 8 October Chantilly – Coupe de l’Automne (0-4): 7 – 15 October Pays de Fontainebleau – Criterium de France (-4 - -2): 14 – 15 October La Tullianna – Coupe Cassoulet: 26 – 29 October

Kenya North Kenya – Timau 8 Goal Open (8): 13 – 15 October Polo Times, October 2017

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Polo directory

Quick Question Answer -

Social Events Guards – Autumn Dinner at Mosimann’s Club, London: 11 October Polo Park Zürich – Farewell Party: 30 October

Spain Ibiza – 5th Copa Hispanidad: 12 – 15 October

Snow Polo Dates Kitzbüehel – 16th CORUM Snow Polo World Cup: 11 – 14 January 2018 St. Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz: 26 – 28 January 2018

Club contacts UK and Ireland EMAIL

to the question posed on our Letters page A: According to Horace Laffaye’s The Polo Encyclopedia, Second Edition, the invention of the polo helmet is attributed to Gerald Hardy.

Its use was made compulsory in India in approximately 1890, by Field Marshal Sir Frederick Sleigh Roberts.

Editor’s Note – All dates are correct at time of going to press. Polo Times takes no responsibility for fixtures moved, cancelled or altered. Always check with the Club(s) for the most up-to-date fixtures lists.

CLUB

PHONE

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Inglesham Polo Club*

07818 508136

mattevetts@hotmail.com

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmailc.com

Leadenham Polo Club

01400 318006

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

will.moorfarmpolo@gmail.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Blueys Polo Club*

07712 105780

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

02890 727905

robert@hellomxb.com

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

polo@dbpoloclub.com

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07790 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs@supanet.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Great Trippets Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippets.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

HPC, The London Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hpcpololondonpolo.com

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

94

Polo Times, October 2017

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www.polotimes.co.uk

19/09/2017 11:33

Polo directory 10 HORSE LORRY 1997 Renault truck.Sleeper cab. Full working order.

Fully partitioned. Under skirt lockers all round. Water Tank.Full maintenance history over last 5 years. ÂŁ7,000 Contact Franceswoodd@outlook. com. Mobile 07803 495666 SN7 7LW

Marketplace Property BUY A POLO CLUB / CATTLE / HUNTING RANCH Buy a turn key arena polo club on a working cattle ranch on the continental divide in New Mexico USA. https://www.zillow.com/ homedetails/County-Road-A048-PieTown-NM-87827/2093276198_zpid/ Ranch also features trophy hunting for Elk, Deer, and Antelope Fox hunting nearby! 1.2MM USD. Pie Town NM

BEN HASTIE PHOTOGRAPHY - Equine & Countryside Photography specialising in Polo www.benhastiephotography.com/ 07970 348883 Cheltenham

PO1O RAT Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Tel: 07860 906032 REGISTRATION PLATE PO10 STK Ready for immediate transfer. ÂŁ8,000 Contact 07971 989222. Somerset

Transport

HORSE BOX DAF LF 45 Registered November 2004. 12 months MOT, 252500 miles automatic ramp.

Partitioned for 6 polo ponies ÂŁ14,500 Contact 07740 774158 Oxfordshire

Equipment

Situations GROOM Seeking permanent position in the UK from March 2018 onwards.

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SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS 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.

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Published by: Polo Times Ltd Contact details Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk HORSE BOX 6 horse lorry, tack area, full years MOT ÂŁ2,000 Contact 07772 349962 Yorkshire

Š Polo Times Limited 2017 and Database Right 2017 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 Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

Located in the heart of the New Zealand Polo Scene we offer Polo for beginners and experienced players alike, together with an unforgettable Kiwi holiday experience.

Chukkas, matches and tournaments at the famous Waimai Club plus farm chukkas trekking and beach rides. Holidays tailored to suite your requirements.

Reduced rates for early bookings, Groups, Schools and Universities.

Check us out at www.newzealandpoloholidays.co.nz or call Ken Pitts – NZ +64 7 825 4535, Matt Pitts – UK 07721919465 or Toby Pitts – $86 email – amberwood.nzph@gmail.com

T&SHARKER HORSEBOXES A large selection of Horseboxes to choose from

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Tel: +44 (0)1325 332649 Mobile: +44 (0)7901 857960 Fax: +44 (0)1325 333554

Email: enquiries@tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

PT October 2017 Back.indd 95

Polo Times, October 2017

95

19/09/2017 11:33

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers has been the President of the Federation of International Polo (FIP) for three years, but his polo career started long before that. From spearheading HPC, The London Club, as President for the past 23 years, to playing alongside the best of up-and-coming polo in pretty much every low goal tournament the UK has to offer and of course, heading up the HPA as Chairman, Nicholas has been a friendly face through decades of successful polo What is your biggest passion and why?

My wife Annie! For over 40 years, she has put up with my life-long passion for playing polo and for its history both ancient and modern.

What is your all time best polo memory?

Unbeknownst to me on my 10th Anniversary as Chairman of HPC London, Peter McCormack organised a surprise match for me with Adolfo Cambiaso & Lolo Castagnola playing in my Team Stagshead shirts. I had arrived thinking that I was going to play in a Club match at the end of the day as usual and ended up playing with the maestro!

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

Are there any other sports besides polo?

Favourite film and why?

I have two that I love equally, The Black Stallion and Hidalgo – both are about personal relationships with horses who have great hearts!

Favourite song/album?

I prefer poetry!

Favourite food/dish?

Lebanese cuisine

Who were/are your favourite teammates and why?

Being a lover of low goal, grass roots polo, my favourite team would be just to play with three other friends of a similar mind – to play for the enjoyment of the game and the love of your ponies with friends, there is nothing better.

Hardest opponent?

Probably Roger White who always rode cart-horses when I preferred smaller, more nimble ponies. After one bruising ride-off I needed to have ten bone chips removed from inside my right knee!

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Favourite hobby outside of polo?

There is no such thing!

Most prized possession?

A wonderful bronze of Foxhall Keene, the first 10 goal handicap player in the United States. A gentleman adventurer par excellence whose life history told in his book Full Tilt and is well worth the read – “A gentleman sportsman of a gilded age”!

Favourite celebrity and why?

I am not too keen on ‘celebrities’ after seeing an interview with a youngster who when asked what they wanted to be when they grew up answered, “I want to be famous!” When most of us grew up we wanted to be a soldier or a policeman and now they just want to be famous without putting in any effort!

Best holiday destination & activity?

Really cannot recall – we have not had a real holiday for years, lots of travelling but all for the love of the sport. We look forward to having one when I finish with FIP, just sun, sea and a pile of good books!

Best pony and why?

It has to be ‘Sultan’ which came out of David Yeoman’s yard via Terry Hanlon as being a ‘difficult pony’ – a New Zealand TB, he turned into an absolute pussycat who loved low goal polo and could out-pace, outturn and out-stop anything on the field. Played through to 26-years-old, he would follow me everywhere without a lead rope – Sultan I miss you!

Are you passionately superstitious?

No! Describe yourself in three words…

Diplomatic, polite, passionate!

Name one thing that would surprise us about you?

I am an Australian and was possibly the only Officer in the British Army who attended RCB direct from Moscow! www.polotimes.co.uk

19/09/2017 11:58

Bellevue Plantation & Private Polo Club, Barbados “unique and exclusive private rentals” The original Bellevue Plantation Estate was built in 1735 and is regarded as one of the very oldest plantations on the island.

The main house maintains a stunning ‘Caribbean Georgian’ style including verandahs, imposing exterior stairs, jalousies shutters and galleries.

Resident polo professional Oscar Mancini encourages players to play as much, or as little polo as they wish. Guests may play polo with their friends at Bellevue Polo’s home ground or enter tournaments on the island at one of the nearby polo clubs – both Apes Hill and Lion’s Castle are a short distance away.

With the installation of new Polo and practice fields which replaced the old cane fields, two and a half years in preparation, we are now ready to invite you to come and stay & play.

Today, with almost 300 years’ history, Bellevue Polo is available for unique and exclusive private rentals, weekly/ monthly or for the season, for up to 16 guests in 8 suites. Whilst enjoying Bellevue Polo’s 1st class hospitality, guests can expect an unique glimpse of the past whilst being lured with 21st century luxuries. Bellevue’s polo ground today, although brand new and flood lit, was a cane field on which the original planters used to play polo on the cut fields.

A ‘typical’ day at Bellevue Polo includes: yoga in the morning, and/ or riding on the beach; chukkas in the afternoon and an asado under the stars before dancing the night away at Harbour Lights Activities include: As much or as little polo as you wish (night or day) Bellevue Polo has huge spot lights under the stars • 2 HPA pros • Private field • Polo Ponies • Fully staffed with top chef – choose from Caribbean/ English/ Asado • Limo pick up • Champagne and rum • Catamaran cruises • Stunning white beaches • Hot tropical days every day, winter and summer Top up your tan and your handicap – Bellevue can do it all, with the ultimate fun in the sun

Facilities include: Master suite and 5 guest suites finished to a high standard reflecting the style and age of the building. In the grounds of the estate is a fully restored 2 bed stand alone cottage which can also be let creating 8 suites of accommodation in total.

Bellevue Polo – “unique and exclusive private rentals” – weekly/ monthly or for the season, for up to 16 guests in 8 suites – a few suites are also available for Christmas w/c 20th December ‘17 UK Bookings: 0044 7957 167429 (Oscar) / 0044 7860 473111 (Paul) info@bellevuebarbados.com

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