Volume 21 • Issue 3 • April 2016 • £6.50
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100 Page Bumper Issue!
VICTORY FOR ENGLAND! Our boys dominate at Hickstead
THE ARENA GOLD CUP USA, NEW ZEALAND AND DUBAI UPDATES
USA Special! Guest Edited by Nic Roldan
Contents
What’s inside... April 2016
Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk Group Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Advertising Manager Ben Bovill ben@polotimes.co.uk Club Liaison & News Manager Lucy Wilson lucy@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk Polo Reporter & Researcher
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Introducing our Guest Editor, Nic Roldan All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update
Comment 21
Editorial
Features
Principal Design James Morgan
Additional Design Tony Ruddy
Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk
@PoloTimes
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Contributors:
Stephen Biddlecombe, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Lorna Edgar, Martin Perez, Kate Scurfield, David Woodd, Joelle Wiggins, Nic Roldan, Tommy Biddle
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24 26 30 33 34
The Big Picture
Cover Story: The Arena Gold Cup Cover Story: The Bryan Morrison Trophy Cover Story: New Zealand Open Cover Story: C.V. Whitney Cup Cover Story: Julius Baer Gold Cup
Guest Editor USA Special 36 42 44 48 50 52 56 58
How to Survive the States Saddle Design Pony Power USA Natural Horseman – Monty Roberts Food for Thought Charity Focus: Brooke USA Three to Watch Gay Polo League
Club Focus
Contact details
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Your Views: Letters
Reports
60 Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email:admin@polotimes.co.uk
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Women’s Polo 65 67
Reports: National Women’s Tournament 5 Minutes With… Alex Jacob
© Polo Times Limited 2016 and Database Right 2016 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
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News
Tilda Woodd tilda@polotimes.co.uk
Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk
26
Youth Polo 70
News from Home and Abroad
80 Knowledge 74 76 78 80 82
Fitness for Polo: The Backhand Pony Power Bit Focus: Rider’s Q&A Vet Insight: Dorsal Spinous Process Impingement Nutrition Focus: The Top Line Explained
Sidelines 84 85
Gossip: Don’t be the Last to Know Sidelines: Social Pages
Polo Directory: 90 92 95
What’s on in April? Club directory Polo Times Marketplace
Final bell: 96
Passions: Tommy Biddle
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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Cover photograph: The world’s only arena 10 goalers Tommy Biddle and Chris Hyde in action during the Bryan Morrison Trophy By ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Polo Times, April 2016
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Hi guys! This was such a cool opportunity for me to guest edit this edition of Polo Times and I wish to thank Richenda and Nick Hine for the opportunity, as well as Katie Vickery for all her help. Of course a big shout out also goes to the multitudes of people I chased down for quotes and photos. I hope you are all happy with the result. Polo Times is UK based, however with the polo focus on Palm Beach at the moment it seemed like a great opportunity to give you an insider’s all-access guide to it, plus it’s where I was brought up and a place I call home. You will find a preview to the US Open, we’ll look at some top horses on the scene, an introduction to three young players to keep on your radar, plus a few topics close to my heart, including Brooke USA. I will also introduce you to a new league making strides in the US and tell you a little bit about the work I’ve been doing on saddle design to try and make sure the four legged champions of our sport are as comfortable as possible. I will also tell you a little about the recent interview I did with Monty Roberts. I’m excited to share all of this with you and I hope you enjoy reading it. Please post your feedback on my Facebook page or on Twitter. I look forward to being back in the UK for the upcoming high goal season. Happy reading! Best,
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Polo Times, April 2016
Photograph by Sandy Erb
From our Guest Editor Nic Roldan
Nic with children from the Kids Cancer Foundation
About Nic
Nic Roldan is a present leading American polo player with an 8 goal handicap. He is also the youngest polo player in the world to win the US Polo Open title at the age of 15, and is currently Captain of the American Polo Team. He took up the polo mallet thanks to his great grandfather (Audilio Bonadeo Ayrolo, winner of the Argentine Open in 1931 and 1938), his grandfather and father, who were all polo players and who encouraged him from a very young age to play. Whilst his father was based in Brunei playing for the Sultan of Brunei’s Team, Nic’s talents soon started to become clear. Back in the USA he played his first tournament when he was only 6-years-old. Victorious on all five continents at every goal level (including the Copa Camara de Diputados in Argentina), his (not unambitious) goals are to increase awareness and participation for polo at all levels, reach the highest accolade of a 10 goal status, play the Argentine Open, claim a second US Polo Open title, add more worldwide polo trophies to his cabinet and help America reclaim the historic Westchester Cup. Under his captaincy, the US Polo Team has benefitted in Internationals, as have an ever-increasing number of Beach Polo, Snow Polo and Charity events. His philanthropic involvement as ambassador to Brooke USA and Wellington-based Kids Cancer Foundation is widely recognised, as is his modeling career. His commitment to make the sport he loves more popular within a wider audience of younger players and new spectators reflects his passionate dedication to polo.
Nic Roldan – Vital Stats Age: 33 Home Club: Grand Champions Polo Club Website: www.nicroldan.com Facebook: Nic Roldan Twitter: @NicRoldan Instagram: nicroldan 2016 Polo Schedule: Palm Beach, UK, Aspen, Greenwich, Palm Beach and Aspen (snow polo)
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Polo Times, April 2016
Photograph by Abi Hancock
Victoria’s list of work-life credentials are far reaching, including producing and reporting for The List and The Guest List, being a columnist for The Bristol Evening Post and freelancing events and PR consultancy for huge brands such as Guinness and Gordon’s. Beaufort and Guards Polo Clubs were next on her career path, which in turn opened the media door for freelance writing and social media work for numerous polo establishments including The Hurlingham Magazine. Victoria was, for many people, more than a journalist, she was a character that would help a worthy cause and use her contacts, knowledge and passion whenever she could. Usually in Polo Times we would include an obituary when a member of our community passes away, however, so many people were touched by her life and passion for polo that we, instead, have opened up this page to include memories of Victoria from some of her closest friends in a tribute to all her wonderful work. From Rachel Collins, “Victoria and I were Assistant Polo Managers together at Guards Polo Club. We lived at Coworth Park at the Polo Centre across the hall from each other in groom’s accommodation, years before Coworth Park became what it is today. Victoria was friends with Hamid Ali who used to kindly let us ride his horses round the track at Coworth before we started work. We would put the world to rights and prepare ourselves for the day’s polo ahead.” From Holly Baird, “On my first day as the ‘Official Guards Vet’ back in April 2007 the very first person from the Club that I encountered was Victoria, Assistant Polo Manager. Upon completion of my first day at chukkas I returned to the office and, with a beaming smile, she collected my radio and scrawled her number onto a heart shaped post-it note and said ‘I’m going to look after you, anything you need just call me’. From that moment blossomed one of the truest friendships I will ever be lucky enough to experience. Victoria’s passion for polo, ponies and life in general was infectious and we shared many good times both at polo and further afield.” From Jane Souster-Dolby, “A dictionary would find it hard to describe Victoria. She lived with an open heart, loved deeply, cared passionately and joked about writing a novel called ‘52 Inches of Polo’. She was funny, articulate and beautiful. The unique chatterbox who we all loved.”
Photograph by Tony Ramirez/©www.imagesofpolo.com
A Tribute to Victoria Elsbury-Legg, 1972 – 2016
Victoria multi-tasking; listening to Wimbledon, watching polo, drinking mate and bottle feeding Bauti Hancock
From Abi Hancock, “Victoria was like a puppy on speed, with boundless enthusiasm and passion for all that she loved. Always a millions miles an hour, the ultimate multitasker, doing whatever it took to help, support and inspire those she saw as positive influences in life. Undoubtedly the most selfless person in polo, it was never about her, but rather focusing on the greater good for the sport she loved so much. Unwavering in her loyalty, she was a constant source of light and laughter to all those that were fortunate enough to share a slice of her quirky, funny, caring, beautiful heart.” From Sarah Jeanes, “I feel incredibly blessed to have called Victoria one of my closest friends. Her company whilst exercising my horses has been my saving grace some days. She never failed to make me smile, even in the pouring rain with fresh horses being difficult. We chatted for hours about all things polo, she loved the gossip of the high goal, always with the inside knowledge on who was playing for which team. She had the right words for any situation, often followed by mate and cupcakes.” From Olli Ellis, “Victoria was one of those rare characters whose whole commitment was to her job and usually the crisis occurring that moment. As Assistant Polo Manager at Guards during my time there, she was particularly adept at solving a tricky scheduling issue with a prickly pro, or patron, with her humour and charm and enabling all to move on with egos intact. Not only was she indispensable to me, but she also found a way to connect with all the members of the Club, who will remember her for her wonderful demeanour, rain or shine.” From Camilla Swift, “I first met Victoria in the early noughties when she was living at Flemish Farm, and I couldn’t imagine a friendlier or more welcoming person to see
every morning when riding out. A few years later she gave me my first job working on the scoreboard at Guards. We became firm friends, and she was someone you couldn’t help but be happy to see. She was always so supportive of her friends in everything they did, be it polo or anything else. Victoria helped to make so many wonderful memories for so many people and every time we have a pitch-side mate, we’ll think of her.” From Florencia Cavalieri, “Everyone knows how generous, thoughtful and cheerful Victoria was. We shared four seasons at Guards together. She loved everything about the Club, but most of all she loved the people. Her generosity was legendary, even at the busiest of times. She enjoyed doing little things knowing that this would make others happy: buying birthday presents for the team in the office, organising an asado at Flemish or even a coffee-run when no one had managed to get up from their desks to grab some lunch. I feel very lucky to have been able to meet and spend time with her.” From Max Charlton, “Victoria was the warmest and loveliest of people. She was the biggest supporter of polo, in all aspects of the sport. I met her when she was Assistant Polo Manager at Guards, and we stayed good friends after she left. She helped me a lot, most specifically with my social media and branding, a platform I knew nothing about, and she was never too busy to answer the phone and help with whatever she could. Victoria will be greatly missed around the polo fields of England this season.” From James Turner, “Victoria ElsburyLegg you will be so very sorely missed especially at the start of the polo season when her presence both in person and as The Queen of polo social media was ever present! Nothing however will take away the presence of my great memories of us working together.”
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News
The Earl of Morton Passes Away
FIP to Launch New Website
John Charles Sholto Douglas 21st Earl of Morton, a long time Steward of the HPA, has sadly passed away at the age of 88 on 5 March. The family has held their own private funeral, but it is expected a Thanksgiving Service, on a date to be announced, will be held. The Earl was described by his family as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, an unstoppable entrepreneur, farmer, cattle dealer, polo player and a loving family man. A further tribute will follow in a future issue.
THE NEW FIP web pages will have a responsive design mode which is more mobile friendly so that it can be opened in any device by adapting the design and content to each screen. The information uploaded will be the same, but organised in a different way, allowing more upgrades and new features to be included. There will be new sections available such as a high goal worldwide polo calendar, FIP polo events and FIP meetings and a separate sport organisations menu to show FIP alliances. The FIP are also working on a database that will include all the disciplinary sanctions applied to all players in any FIP member country. This is still under consideration because the FIP will need the approval and collaboration of all the national associations. Keep an eye out for the new look website coming soon. For more updates about the FIP please turn to page 20.
The APSPH Announces Chairman
THE ASSOCIATION OF Polo Schools and Pony Hirers has announced that Chris Adkins, General Manager for Europe’s leading polo equipment supplier Tally Ho Farm, is to become the first Chairman of the APSPH. Chris will be heading up the fledgling association and assisting the Board of Directors with his knowledge and passion for polo and business. The association has also been working with DEFRA on their latest Animal Licensing Consultation. The public consultation closed on Saturday 12 March and the results will be published 90 days after the closing date. The APSPH also sponsored a Best Playing Hired Pony at the SUPA National Senior Schools Championships, which was won by APSPH member Oxford Polo and their bay mare Florencia, to read more about Florencia turn to Pony Power on page 76.
Power of Polo Programme Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
POWER OF POLO have confirmed that they will be holding another residential programme from 11 – 15 April, which will be based out of Combermere Barracks. The charity has also announced that their new partner Ebony Horse Club will be sending participants on the course. Power of Polo’s existing partner South Central Youth will also be bringing participants to the course. Ebony Horse Club uses horses to improve the education, life skills, well-being and aspirations of young people growing up in some of the most disadvantaged communities in south London. They teach riding and horse care, take groups to outdoor events and on residential trips, and mentor young people experiencing significant challenges in their everyday lives. To find out how you can be more involved in the Power of Polo visit their website www.powerofpolo.org.uk
Entertainment at The 10th Polo Awards in 2015
THE 11TH POLO Awards will be held at Guards Polo Club on Tuesday 31 May. The evening will include a champagne reception, black tie dinner, awards ceremony and after show drinks. Tickets are now available and are £195 each. To order your tickets now call +44 (0) 7708 906 810. The 2015 Polo Awards winners included Dubai as The Tiffany & Co. Most Outstanding High Goal Team, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha as The Krusovice Most Outstanding High Goal Patron, Adolfo Cambiaso as The Guards Polo Club Most Outstanding High Handicap Player, Max Charlton as The Tally Ho Farm Most Outstanding British Professional Award, Jack Hyde as The Talacrest Young Player Award, Guards Polo Club’s Gerry Gibson received The King Power Polo Recognition Award, Open Galactica, owned by Facundo Pieres was The Polofix Most Outstanding High Goal Pony Award and The Thai Polo Club World Dream Team line-up was Adolfo Cambiaso, Agustín Merlos, Gonzalito Pieres and Pite Merlos. The Baku Guardians HPA Victor Ludorum Awards were also given out to Dell Park (18 goal), Cadenza Juniors (15 goal), Black Eagles (12 goal), AFB (8 goal) and Rigby & Rigby (6 goal). Urs Schwarzenbach accepted The La Martina HPA Lifetime Achievement Award with a speech that entertained the guests before the evening turned to dancing and revelry. 8
Polo Times, April 2016
Photograph by Katy Hayward
The 11th Polo Awards Date Announced
Power of Polo’s existing partner South Central Youth will also be bringing participants to the course
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News
IT’S THAT TIME of year when all the ponies are well into their preseason training and the players are booking their flights to the UK from their various winter destinations in preparation for their first games in the UK summer season. With the Cartier Queen’s Cup due to kick off on 17 May, just eight weeks away, the chat around the tack rooms and end of season arena parties has turned to, who is playing for who in the forthcoming high goal season? Kian Hall is confirmed as playing for Dubai for the 2016 English 22 goal season. Originally he was mooted as playing with King Power, but the word in the tack room is he was reputedly offered £100,000 and swapped across to Dubai. We also understand that Josh Cork was in a team tussle between the two mighty teams, but has settled with Dubai, one of the most powerful polo organisations in the world, for the 2016 English high goal season. Rashid Albwardy’s team will also be boasting three-time Argentine Triple Crown champions Adolfo Cambiaso and Juan Martín Nero. This will be the first time the La Dolfina teammates have played together outside Argentina. In addition, a different line-up to the Cartier Queen’s Cup, will be at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for the British Open under the name of Valiente – Bob Jornayvaz taking Rashid’s place and Ralph Richardson playing off 2 goals will finish the team. In other high goal news, so far eleven teams have been confirmed for the UK 22 goal season, but it is likely that two more teams will also play. King Power, the reigning champions of 2015, will only be putting forward one team, formed of Top Srivaddhanaprabha, brothers Gonzalito and Facundo Pieres, and José Araya Jr. La Bamba de Areco, Jean-Francois Decaux’s team, which has been absent from the UK high-goal season for five years, is set to make a comeback this summer with a new formation including Diego Cavanagh, Rodrigo Rueda Jr and Magoo Laprida. Nico Pieres will, once again, play in Ben Soleimani’s RH Team alongside Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade and Ali Paterson while Edouard Carmignac’s Talandracas, winners of the 2011 Queen’s Cup, will take part with a new line-up, including Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset, Polito Pieres and Tommy Beresford.
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
High Goal Heat
Top Srivaddhanaprabha accepting the Cartier Queen’s Cup in 2015
The Hanbury brothers will be starring separately. Charlie will be playing in an all-English team called Britannia El Remanso, with Ollie Cudmore, James Beim and James Harper, whilst George will play with Mark Tomlinson, Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr and Alec White in a team which is yet to be named. Michael Bickford’s La Indiana will face the competition with a new line-up: Agustín Merlos, Nic Roldan and Julián de Lusarreta. Jack Richardson is set to play for team Cowdray Vikings alongside George Pearson, Chris Mackenzie and Alejandro Novillo Astrada. Youngster Jack Hyde who has had great success this winter in Dubai is lined up to play a further season with Zacara for Lyndon Lea alongside Lucas Monteverde and Pablo MacDonough
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Polo Times, April 2016
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News
Warnings Issued by The Argentine Polo Association
THE KING’S CUP Elephant Polo Tournament in Bankok is Anantara’s largest charity event which funds the world’s only elephant therapy project for Autistic children. The annual tournament, now in its fourteenth year, has become one of the largest charitable events in South East Asia. In the years since its inception in 2001 in Hua Hin, the King’s Cup has raised almost US$1,000,000 which has been donated to projects that better the lives of Thailand’s wild and domesticated elephant population, including research and clinics using elephants in therapy sessions for children living with autism, donating a gantry to help lame elephants stand and a purpose built elephant ambulance to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, as well as donating an all terrain vehicle to the Government Elephant Hospital in Krabi, Thailand. The event featured 10 teams encompassing over 40 players including Thai celebrities, professional horse-back polo players, the New Zealand All-Blacks rugby players and Thailand’s famous cabaret team Miss Tiffany. Anantara Arabian Knights team from UAE included ex-pat Brit Stuart Allan, Wael Soueid, Area General Manager of Anantara Hotels & Resorts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Polo Academy owner and founder Steve Thompson.
Photograph courtesy of Dubai Polo Academy
Photography by Katie Vickery
THE ARGENTINE POLO Association (AAP) have issued warnings to all players and horse owners that access will be denied to the Association fields in Palermo and Pilar to any and all horses that do not comply with new requirements. Horses will not be let off trucks The AAP have issued warnings to players about new restrictions and trailers until proof has been given that the animal in question: • Has an up to date influenza vaccination (within the last three months) • Has proved negative for infectious anaemia in the last 60 days • Has an up to date encephalomyelitis vaccination (within the last year) After last year’s Equine Anaemia scare when tournaments had to be postponed and quarantines enforced the AAP are tightening restrictions and advising other clubs around Argentina to do the same to help stop the spread of infectious diseases. In the UK, all polo ponies must carry proof of vaccination with certificates, usually stamped in their passports by a registered vet. The dates within which the ponies are vaccinated must coincide with the annual dates following the initial three courses. With regards to infectious or contagious diseases, good stable management and bio security measures are key to stopping infection from spreading. Simple yard rules such as each pony having their own buckets for feed and water, and taking your own feed and water buckets to other clubs and grounds rather than allowing your ponies to drink out of public water troughs, will greatly reduce the risk of spreading infections. If you do suspect a contagious disease you must report this to the HPA and put quarantine procedures in place. For more on the rules and regulations regarding vaccinations and contagious diseases visit the HPA website and go to page 9 for rule 4.d in the HPA Year Book Rules and Regulations under Pony Welfare for more information.
No Ponies in this Polo Tournament
The Anantara Arabian Knights team from UAE ready for action
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Polo Times, April 2016
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Photograph by Rosie Stamp
Polo Times goes Nordic IGO ADVENTURES IS the brainchild of Bobby Melville, inspired by his 48-day voyage rowing across the Atlantic Ocean to win the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. IGO organise extreme expedition races: four-day, four-discipline, life-changing challenges in some of the world’s most remote and spectacular wildernesses. At the time of going to press our very own intrepid reporter, Rosabella Hine had begun the inaugural challenge – N60°. This is a cross-country quadrathlon race covering the breathtakingly beautiful landscape between Hemsedal and Geilo in Norway – home to the Heroes of the Telemark raid. The race sees competitors explore the best of Norway’s untamed wilderness whilst competing in four disciplines. Those seeking to compete or complete are equally encouraged. The challenging itinerary is: • Day 1: Touring and Downhill Ski | 15 miles | Race time 4-9hrs • Say 2: Fat Biking | 26.2 miles | Race time 3-8hrs (followed by husky dogsled) • Day 3: Cross Country Ski | 26.2 miles | Race time 4-9hrs • Day 4: Marathon Run | 26.2 miles | Race time 3-6hrs Having only just returned from the searing heat of Indonesia, Rosabella’s training was affected by contracting Dengue Fever recently. Will she have the stamina to compete or even just complete? See how she got on by following her progress on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visit the IGO N60° Challenge website for more information on this, or future challenges: igoadventures.com
Polo Times’ Rosabella Hine pictured with Atlantic rower Hannah Lawton undergoing ‘fat bike’ training in Norway ahead of the IGO N60° Challenge
CALLING ALL BEACH Polo supporters – time to put the beach polo event of the year in your diary: The British Beach Polo Championships will be played once again on the spectacular Sandbanks Beach, Poole, Dorset on the 8 and 9 July 2016. The temporary polo arena, grandstand and marquees, accommodating up to 3,000 people and 72 polo ponies each day, will take pride of place overlooking Poole Harbour and Old Harry Rocks. With an exciting new layout, a carefully created range of tickets and top sporting and social entertainment, this year’s event is not to be missed. Current sponsors include Porsche, Piper Heidseick, Jets and Saxe Coburg. Polo Times are delighted to be working with the Sandpolo team as Official Media Partners and our sister publication The Polo Magazine will also be sponsoring The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award. For more information and tickets visit www.sandpolo.com
Photograph courtesy of The British Beach Polo Championships
British Beach Polo Championships Sandbanks 2016
Clogau Wales in action at the 2015 event
Correction – On Monday 22 February Polo Times ran a story in the Exclusive Subscriber Newsletter about an Innovation Award for New Polo Mallet that had been won by a team of undergraduate students from Nottingham University Business School. Following the publication of the story, it appears that that specific prototype, which had been available at short notice for the photoshoot for the image supplied, was one using a cane from one of the student’s old mallets, which had been made by George Wood. The most up-to-date prototype (which is currently away being tested and so wasn’t available for the photoshoot) is made from a carbon fibre Kevlar composite shaft with a soft mouldable handle. Polo Times has been assured that there are no plans to use any other companies’ canes for anything other than testing prototypes. Whilst we were acting in good faith on the information supplied Polo Times would like to take the opportunity to apologise to George Wood and his associates.
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Polo Times, April 2016
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IN 2009 TRAGEDY struck the International Polo Club, Palm Beach and the polo community when out of the blue 21 horses from the Lechuza US Open team collapsed and died shortly before their third round match of the 26 goal tournament. All four members of Victor Vargas’ until then successful team lost horses: Vargas lost 12, Juan Martin Nero five and Sapo Caset and Julieta, C.V. Whitney Best Playing Pony in 2009 before Nicolas Espain lost two each. The horses her sad demise were injected with a supplement that contained 100 times the Selenium originally prescribed by veterinarian Dr. James Belden and supplied by pharmacy Franck’s Lab. Franck’s Lab representatives allegedly entered an incorrect formula which resulted in the increased levels of the drug, ultimately killing the horses. The horses’ insurer, Diamond State Insurance (the company under which the horses were insured), as well as the horses’ owners, Quorum Management and the three professional polo players, claimed Franck’s Lab pharmacist Anthony Campbell and Belden were responsible for negligently producing the supplement and failing to discover the error before the horses were injected. In early March 2016 a legal case ensued in which plaintiffs were seeking more than $4 million in compensation for the loss of the 21 horses that were fatally poisoned due to the clerical error of Franck’s Lab. On Friday 11 March the jurors awarded more than $2.5 million to the owners and insurer of 21 horses. The jury’s verdict cleared Belden and Dr. Frank Crespo, the team vet who injected the horses with the supplement, of liability. Friday’s award included $1,097,000 to Diamond State Insurance for a portion of its pay-out on a policy covering Quorum’s lost horses. Jurors awarded Quorum nearly $290,000, and the three individual plaintiffs a total of $1.13 million for the loss of their horses. Polo Times’ Katie Vickery spoke to Sapo Caset, who lost two horses to the tragedy, “To be honest what makes me happy is that it’s over. For several years we have been struggling with the case and nobody has accepted fault. I lost my two best mares of the moment and no one until today has given us an answer. In terms of the economic settlement I am happy, but the thing it will never make up for is that that year we were about to get to the Final of The US Open or for what we went through, which was, without a doubt one of the worst, if not the worst, moment of my career. I am happy to finally have some answers”
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Polo Times, April 2016
Go for the Polo, Stay for the Lifestyle…
If you are looking for a last minute get-away before the start of the UK Summer season then this is the place to go. These days, Apes Hill Club is not only a big name in polo around the world but has been carving a place in other sports alike. This year Apes Hill Club continued to dazzle us with Polo Under the Stars, The popular 6-goal tournament with more overseas teams entering and the first Ladies International tournament in the Caribbean. Adding to the excitement, The Apes Hill Club branded Hampshire Cricket Club, saw its first Barbados season on top of the usual training, being able to enjoy the facilities, golf course, polo, tennis and exquisite Caribbean cuisine from leading chefs. To top it off, Club members got to enjoy the first Member/ Hampshire Golf tournament. Special invited guests included cricket legends like Desmond Haynes and Sir Gary Sobers. With the opening of the new Country Club just months away, Apes Hill is now the place to be. Visit www.apeshillclub.com to find out more.
Photograph courtesy of Apes Hill Polo Club
Photograph courtesy of Victor Vargas
Two and a Half Million Dollar Pay-Out
Polo Under the Stars is a must see.
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HPA News members. Both will be sent as part of the membership pack to each full playing member once we are given notification of their membership and full address and contact details by clubs. To save postage costs both will be softback.
Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters International Arena Test Match On Saturday 5 March the Bryan Morrison Trophy was hosted by The All England Polo Club, Hickstead, where England took on the USA. Congratulations to England who, after an enthralling game, ran out the winners 16-14, thus avenging their 2014 defeat. For a full report please turn to page 26.
First Aid Courses for Coaches The HPA will arrange to hold a First Aid Course (equine specific) in May in Little Coxwell. In order to be an accredited HPA Coach a valid First Aid certificate needs to be provided and all professional umpires should also have one. For further information, please contact the HPA.
England (24) Ed Banner-Eve Jonny Good Chris Hyde
Blue Books and Pocket Rule Books 2016 The Stewards have agreed that the Rules and Regulations will be bound together in one A6 booklet as per the current Pocket Rule Book. The rest of the content of the Blue Book will then become a directory featuring Club, Handicap and Fixture details as well as Council and Committee
USA (22) (4) Kereem Rosser (8) Pelon Escapite (10) Tommy Biddle
(3) (7) (10)
Copa de Las Naciones The following will represent England in the Copa de Las Naciones at Palermo: Charlie Hanbury, Ollie Cudmore, James Beim and James Harper. Details have yet to be confirmed but it is expected that England will play Chile and Argentina between 16 – 24 April. Development A Development Training Day is planned on Wednesday 6 April 2016 for players in the Hipwood (U15) age bracket. Please contact the HPA Office for more details.
HPA Meeting Dates Monday 4 April Tuesday 5 April Tuesday 12 April Wednesday 13 April Monday 25 April Thursday 28 April
TRISTAR
1000 1100 1200 1400 1430 1030 0930 1000 1430
Coaching Courses There are now two routes to qualify as an HPA Coach or Instructor. The first route, which can be completed in a candidate’s own time, begins by having your knowledge assessed individually by an HPA Accredited Assessor. The second route can be completed at the course for prospective Coaches and Instructors, which will be held from 6 – 8 April 2016. Anyone attending the course must be eligible by age and handicap: normally 18 years and 0 goals. They must also have satisfactory references for: riding for pony control, riding for polo and for stick work. References will be accepted from Polo Managers, HPA Registered Coaches/Instructors and players who are, or have been, 3 goals or above. Bookings for this course are being taken now. For further details contact the HPA.
Arena Handicap Arena Rules Arena International Arena Committee Welfare AGM Stewards Club Chief Umpires Coaching Seminar Council Magazine
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Polo Times, April 2016
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FIP News
FIP Update TRIAL
OW PACKS N ABLE L I A V A We are delighted to announce that,
Chairman of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around * the world
closely following the signing of a Global Partnership agreement with the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, the International Federation have now signed up USPA Global as FIP’s Official apparel supplier for the next two years. Congratulations on this further sponsorship must go to Charles Ward of Idea Works and Dr. Richard Caleel, Chairman of our Marketing Committee, may it be the first of many such exclusive partnership deals. The organisation and administration of both the FIP European Championships in Berlin at the end of this current season and the FIP World Championships, to be played at the Sydney Polo Club in 2017 in Australia, is gathering pace. I am sure
those clubs who find difficulty in organising tournaments on a local basis will appreciate the tremendous amount of hard work that goes into the administration and planning of such an event on a European or global scale. Our congratulations to all those who are involved and I am confident that both tournaments will be a resounding success. Some of you may recall that FIP divided Zone D which ran from New Zealand, through Australia, Asia and the Middle East and down to the tip of Africa into Zones D and E – I have just returned from visiting Ghana where we had discussions with both the local Club in Accra as well as with senior representatives from Nigeria to try and encourage more growth in the region by instituting a new FIP Pan-African Tournament at a handicap level consistent
with the majority of countries in the region. It is hoped to encourage some youth training programmes such as the one currently being undertaken in Ghana, which has proven to be a great success. Finally, it is with regret that we announce that Brigadier John Wright who has represented the HPA on FIP’s Executive Committee for the past few years has stood down due to ill health; we would like to thank him for his tremendous support and sage advice during his three years on the Committee. He will be sadly missed by all his colleagues on the Executive but we wish him a speedy recovery and a swift return to health. The HPA will be announcing his replacement in the near future.
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Polo Times, April 2016
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Your Views
Letters
Comment
Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk wL etters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN
Quick Question
Letter of the month
The writer of Letter of the month wins a bottle of BLOOM Gin
Dear Sir, Do you think that the current structure for players and patrons at the 22 goal level in the UK needs looking at? From what I hear there is a feeling that the likes of the King Power and Dubai teams are dominating the English high goal season with the amount of money they are able to throw at their set ups, ponies and professionals. Could it be that this is out-pricing and out-gunning other patrons who are then just not bothering to enter a team? What about an elite league for the really top teams? Or making the handicaps go up to 15 goals for the best players? I think we need to do something as I think I am saying what everybody is thinking. Dylan Stanslav By Email Editor’s Note – We will be looking at this issue in detail in the May issue of Polo Times. So, if you have an opinion, suggestion or would like the whole thing left as it is, please do get in touch. Any views aired can be done so in the strictest confidence – but let’s get the debate going. Email letters@polotimes.co.uk
How many times has England played a USA team in the International Arena Test Match for the Bryan Morrison Trophy, and for a bonus point – how many times has the USA won the title?
A. Turn to page 91 to check your answer.
Never mind the Easter hunt, let’s all hunt out last year’s trophies – they need to go back to the Club!
www.polotimes.co.uk
Polo Times, April 2016
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the
22
Big
Polo Times, April 2016
picture
www.polotimes.co.uk
Discipline Bringing order to the pampas. The first season ponies line up in the morning for their oats. Products of Doc Polo Breeding, the programme is owned and run by Ricardo Truffer and Nico Fontanarrosa at Estancia El Rocio, Argentina. Horses are piloted by Sebastian Petragallo. w Photograph by Sebastian Petragallo
www.polotimes.co.uk
Polo Times, April 2016
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Reports
Photography by Gillian Hughes & Lucy Wilson
Striking Gold
T
Four Quarters Orange Steal the Show from Twelve Chops he penultimate top title of the UK winter arena season came to a nail-biting end at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club on Saturday 27 February, with Simon Arber’s Four Quarters Orange team taking the Gold Cup. Both teams were on 18 goals apiece as the clock ticked down in the final chukka, and it looked as though extra time would be needed to decide the game. The windswept spectators, crammed into the stands, were on the edge of their seats as Arber scored the winning goal in the last few seconds meaning Club Chairman, Jamie Morrison, and his teammates Roddy Williams and Charlie Wooldridge just missed out on the 2016 title. Finally the winter UK arena scene had some polo worth watching that wasn’t 24
Polo Times, April 2016
reminiscent of a late night street brawl. The Final of the Gold Cup really was a great game. Unlike some of the previous major tournaments this season, the play was fast, clean and thrilling to watch. Umpire for the day Nacho Gonzalez made no show of the ‘yellow duster’ and it seemed that Jack Richardson and Richard, the Earl of Tyrone, had formed a more than stable game plan with Simon Arber, which certainly achieved the result in the end. Gonzalez, whose career in the arena has spanned more decades than some of the players in the tournament have been in the saddle, and his quiet authority was a welcome deterrent to any wayward backchat or over enthusiastic line-riding. The Four Quarters Orange didn’t look like the best-to-back going into the Final, having lost to Twelve Chops in the first
Jack Richardson and Jamie Morrison battle for the ball
Lucy Wilson reports from Berkshire
league game of the tournament by 6 goals. They only managed to claw back some ground to make the Semi Final rather than the Bronze Cup with a defeat against Rapha Singh’s Regal Eclipse consisting of Jonny Good and the younger Ed BannerEve, standing in for his brother Alec. Jack Richardson, a little unfamiliar to the game in the arena, and the Earl of Tyrone formed a fresh and formidable pairing who, despite the somewhat smaller size of the arena, played as if they were outdoors. A tactic that caught arena veterans such as Williams and Morrison off-guard. Twelve Chops played a classic game and their skill and pony power was well matched to their opposition. Both Williams and Morrison were cool, calm and collected and Wooldridge, who had shown off his www.polotimes.co.uk
The Arena Gold Cup, RCBPC, Berkshire
SIX teams in the tournament
Reports
Polo Times Best Playing Pony – Jet
7 goal players
No yellow cards!
19-18 to Four Quarters Orange
23-16 to Sifani
21-14 to Regal Eclipse
Snow polo players x 3
The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Richard, the Earl of Tyrone –100% accuracy for penalties
skills in St Moritz, was more than on the mark, hitting some well-timed backhands. They were, incidentally, the only team to have won both their league games before also winning their Semi Final. Throughout the game the lead for the score flipped both ways and really it was all to play for into the dying seconds. Let’s hope we see a rematch in the next arena season.
Simon Arber talks about his win with Four Quarters Orange “It was a well-rounded tournament. It’s weird if you think about it: Picazo beat Gaucho, Gaucho beat Sifani and then they got thumped in the Semi Final by Twelve Chops, meaning they only just missed qualification for the Final. You could just throw the ‘formbook’ out, and that was what was so brilliant, it was absolutely about how you played on the day. Jack hadn’t played arena before so that was a very important part of our performance as we had lost against Gaucho in the first round. Jack did get stronger and stronger. The umpiring was really good. Nacho Gonzalez was consistent and authorative. The one thing that players can’t handle is inconsistency in the style of umpiring and that wasn’t an issue this time, which made for better games.”
www.polotimes.co.uk
The Silver and Bronze Cups The Silver Cup and the Bronze Cup games were both equally enjoyable from a spectator’s point of view, with Chris Hyde playing a cracking game with solid back up from Nico San Roman for Hilali Noordeen’s Sifani team. Adolfo Casabal, try as he might, just couldn’t turn the game around in Gaucho’s favour despite the horse power under both Harold Hodges and Faisil AlRifai, whose handicap must surely be reconsidered this season. The game showed that, whilst youth and exuberance is a positive in any sport, experience and knowledge from seasoned players such as Hyde and San Roman will always shine through. First time entrants, Picazo Polo Stud from Germany, may have left empty-handed, but at the presentation the smiles showed they had fun, here’s hoping the fresh blood in the UK arena circuit will be back to take on more teams for titles. They had begun the tournament well with an initial win against eventual Silver Cup winners, Gaucho, but then failed to add any further wins. Regal Eclipse had a less optimistic track record in the league games having been drawn against both the Gold Cup Final teams, Four Quarters Orange and Twelve Chops, their losses against them led to their place in the Bronze Cup and their first win in the tournament. Polo Times, April 2016
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Reports
The Bryan Morrison Trophy, All England Polo Club, Hickstead
England Win The Bryan Morrison Trophy The World’s Two 10 Goaler Arena Players Battle at Hickstead
Lucy Wilson
he clash of the 10 goal titans, Tommy Biddle and Chris Hyde, ended with England wrestling back The Bryan Morrison Trophy on Saturday 5 March at The All England Polo Club, Hickstead. After being defeated by the Americans two years ago on home turf, when Hyde was still on 9 goals, this was the first time that the two players had been face-to-face as 10 goalers. Before the action got underway a minute’s silence was held for Victoria Elsbury-Legg and Will Tankard. Will had played for the USA team at their last encounter at the Sussex Club in 2014. The game was a fantastic display of skill, speed and horsemanship as all six players pushed themselves and their ponies to the max. On the England side, youngster Ed Banner-Eve, who has been prominent on the arena scene this year, playing in the Arena Gold Cup, seemed to take this opportunity by the scruff of the neck and went at the opposition with real tenacity. Biddle made no allowance and tested him many times in the first chukka, but Banner-Eve was not perturbed and doggedly stayed with the American throughout the game. His counterpart for the USA team, Kareem Rosser, played a great game, but seemed slightly in awe of the speed and standard of play from the rest of the field and didn’t quite achieve the results from his plays which perhaps he would have wanted. Kareem came to polo through the American charity Work To Ride, along with his brother Daymar who played in the USPA I/I Inter Collegiate team at the SUPA University National Championships last month. Pelon Escapite mirrored England’s Jonny Good 26
Polo Times, April 2016
The England team with The Bryan Morrison Trophy
as the middle-man for his team, and was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player after a fantastic game. The goals were a combination of penalties and shots from ‘the field’ with some incredible shows of skill from all six players. Hyde was on fantastic form, after some had questioned his 10 goal status this season, he showed us all just why he was still worthy of the accolade as he steamed out of a line-out to score before the Americans had even gathered their ponies reins. Banner-Eve almost stole the show with some flashy, thrilling riding and Good would almost have been easy to miss, other than he simply held the team together when the Americans tried to up the pressure. It was a match that would make even the hardest arena polo sceptic consider taking up an arena mallet for a go. It is also worth mentioning that the Americans had a great string of ponies to play, a number of which had been played by the like of commentator-for-the-day Roddy Williams at the Arena Gold Cup. Druids
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
T
reports from West Sussex
The world’s two 10 goalers Biddle and Hyde in action
Lodge, Westcroft Park and Polofix were amongst the pony providers that came up trumps with some great pony power for the visiting team, as well as England’s Good. Banner-Eve looked like he had raided his elder brothers’ stable block and Hyde was on his usual string from the 2015-16 arena and snow polo season with his famous mare Gamuza, featured in the March issue of www.polotimes.co.uk
Reports
Polo Times, coming out to play four half chukkas. The fight for the lead switched between both teams throughout the game, leaving the crowd wondering who would be taking the trophy home at the end of the day. The third chukka was the critical point when the USA team’s game plan started to crumble a little and the English side took www.polotimes.co.uk
full advantage before pushing strongly ahead in the fourth chukka to finish with a narrow win, 16-14. The first game of the day between Hedonism Wines and Clogau Wales was a more sedate affair, but an enjoyable game nonetheless. New to the arena, Jack Richardson owned the game, making life very difficult for all three Clogau Wales
players, leaving them trailing on the scores. Richardson was named Most Valuable Player and Tia, a bay mare provided by Richard Blake Thomas and played by Richardson was named the Blue Eyewear Best Playing Pony. For action from the sidelines please turn to page 89. Polo Times, April 2016
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Reports
WINS X 7
WINS X 1 out of 4 games
USA Captain Tommy Biddle spoke to Polo Times after the game “I had a blast, I always enjoy coming to Hickstead to play. It took us a while to figure it out because of the level of play. Kareem has never played that level before and it was a bit of a shock, but we held on. We were winning at half-time, but in the third chukka, we could not get the ball out of our end and they beat us by four or five goals to nothing in that chukka. If you don’t score one goal in a chukka it makes a difference. We came back stronger, but we sort of shot ourselves in the foot. It’s how it is. I will come back here to play anytime they will have us, I love it here. Now that Chris is 10 goals, I would like to see us play more games. It creates a better sense of rivalry and really showcases the game.”
England Chris Hyde Jonny Good Ed Banner-Eve
11
USA Tommy Biddle Pelon Escapite Kareem Rosser
(10) (8) (4)
Penalties Won
(10) (7) (3)
12
10 GOALERS
Polo Times Best Playing Pony – Promise
The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player – Pelon Escapite
Rosser and Banner-Eve fight for the ball
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Polo Times, April 2016
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Reports
A Roaring Success
I
Edmundo Tigers Take the 49th Land Rover New Zealand Polo Open t was a triumphant win for the South Island polo team, Edmundo Tigers, in front of a 7,000 strong crowd at the 49th Land Rover New Zealand Polo Open on 21 February. New sponsor to the tournament Land Rover, also celebrating their 25th Anniversary, joined a plethora of other familiar polo sponsors such as Veuve Clicquot who had teamed up with designers and sports personalities destined for the Rio Olympics to create living art that spiced up the sidelines. 30
Polo Times, April 2016
The Tiger Buildings team featured New Zealand’s highest ranked player John Paul Clarkin, and an International line-up including South African Dirk Van Reenan, Argentine Paco O’Dwyer and Australian Sam Stott. However, their combined efforts were not enough to beat the Christchurch team as the game ended with a close score of 10-9. Led by Pete Dormer, Edmundo Tigers included two Brits, Olly Tuthill, and England Captain James Beim, alongside Argentine Juan Britos who replaced an injured Ed Hitchman.
Dormer’s Edmundo Tigers team travelled north to Auckland in four trucks with 45 ponies to compete for the title. Dormer spoke of the logistics necessary to make the games happen, saying, “It’s been a massive effort bringing four truck-loads of polo ponies from the South Island and putting a team together, but the end goal of winning the New Zealand Polo Open 2016 was a true reward.” Dormer, who is from Christchurch, took up the sport a mere five years ago so he has achieved a great www.polotimes.co.uk
The Land Rover New Zealand Polo Open, Auckland Polo Club, New Zealand
Reports
James Beim talks to Lucy Wilson about his first ever win in The Land Rover New Zealand Open
Photography by Gail Stent
Edmundo Tigers Celebrating their win
International Line-ups
Final Score
10-9
Ed Hitchman injury swap for Juan Britos
MVP
BPP
Juan Britos
$42,000 raised for Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust
deal in such a short space of time, not only reaching the Final but winning it with his teammates. It was rumoured that Nina Clarkin had been teed up to play in the tournament, however she was due to play in a ladies’ tournament later in the season in Cambridge instead. The scheduled ladies’ tournament will be played using the new ladies’ handicaps system that has just been introduced in New Zealand. Rodd & Gunn were tipped to be in the Final having won two previous Open Finals, but they didn’t make the cut this time, settling for third place defeating Maiz Dulce 10-6 in the www.polotimes.co.uk
Coke, owned by Garth Mackenzie and played by James Beim
Subsidiary Final. The remaining two teams in the tournament played for the wooden spoon, with Semco PDL winning against Knight Frank with a score of 11-9. The Land Rover New Zealand Open is on the cusp of its 50th anniversary in 2017, which looks set to be a grand affair. The additional charity affiliation between Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and the tournament as the official charity is now in its second year. Auckland Polo Club Executive Director, Simon Wilson said, “We’re thrilled the Land Rover New Zealand Polo Open raised $42,000 for Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust”.
“The Land Rover New Zealand Open this year was very competitive. The event has really taken off over the last five years and is now one of the biggest social events on the NZ calendar. There were thousands of people who attended the day. “The tournament was very strong with six teams of 18 goals taking part, culminating in Tiger Buildings and my team, Edmundo Tigers, doing battle in the Final. It was a repeat of the Keyte Watson Final a week earlier, which we narrowly won in the last chukka. “The Final was a close game. We got off to a better start, going four nil up from the off and we kept a goal or two advantage throughout the game until the last chukka, when we scored at the start to put us four goals ahead again. However this is also when the wheels fell off! Tiger Buildings scored three quick goals, leaving a nail biting last couple of minutes for us, but a particularly big play from Pete Dormer saved us in the last few seconds. This sparked off some wild South Island celebrations afterwards. “It was a very special tournament for me. Playing with three good friends and it was also the first time I’d won the New Zealand Open. We were a team on and off the field. Juan Britos played some incredible polo. Ollie Tuthill played very well and was solid in every game, although he is a terrible roommate. The passion and commitment of Pete Dormer was very evident and he deserves to have the Edmundo Tigers name on the trophy. “Also many people provided us with horses, which are always forthcoming in NZ. Garf Mackenzie’s mare Coke who I played was Awarded Best Playing Pony, which was a great honour. A special mention should go to Dean Geddes who loaned seven ponies spread between the two teams, playing the first and the last chukkas with JP Clarkin, Juan Britos and myself.”
Polo Times, April 2016
31
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The C.V. Whitney Cup, USA
Reports
First American Triple Crown Title Orchard Hill Remain on Top in C.V. Whitney Cup
T
here was no hanging around at the International Polo Club, Palm Beach once the weather turned fine. Wellington is where many of the top players gather to pit their teams against each other and The C.V. Whitney Cup is the first of the three 26 goal tournaments in the American high goal season. With the 20 goal season barely to bed, it was straight on to the big boys for the start of the American Triple Crown. The tournament rattled along and arrived at an exciting climax on Sunday 6 March. Audi and Orchard Hill gained their places in the Final having defeated all opposition in the first stage matches. Tough games for both teams in the Semi Finals saw Audi defeat White Birch 9-8 in a tight and fast-paced match at Lechuza Caracas on Thursday 3 March and Orchard Hill defeat Lucchese (who earned a bye to the Semis), 12-7. Both teams arrived to the Final on Sunday fighting fit, but it was Orchard Hill, winners of the 2015 C.V. Whitney Cup, who ran out the winners, retaining their www.polotimes.co.uk
Photography by Alex Pacheco
Orchard Hill retain the C.V. Whitney Cup title
Orchard Hill and Audi battle for the title
trophy, but not without difficulty. Audi did not go down without a fight, playing like the smooth machine it has been all season, and thanks to some exceptionally tight teamwork they gained the lead at half-time, moving into the fourth chukka 5-2. Facundo and Polito Pieres both scored in the fourth for Orchard Hill, bringing the gap down to just one goal. With 4 goals apiece in the fifth chukka Audi managed to cling to their lead going in to the last chukka 9-8 up. Steve Van Andel’s team decided enough was enough in the final chukka, proving themselves to be the champions by powering past Audi to score three unanswered goals. The Pieres cousins proved too much and Audi went down 11-9 and were unable to come back and the Orchard Hill foursome walked away with the title for the second consecutive year. Van Andel called it, “The toughest game we played,” adding, “They were on top of us, especially in the first half, and we couldn’t get out from underneath them. They kept pushing, pushing, pushing. Finally in the second half we started hitting
Facundo Pieres on the ball
a little bit more and that helped us out, but still it was anybody’s game the whole way so we were happy to come out on top.” Earlier in the day, the Les Armour Cup (the Subsidiary Final) saw Valiente take on Valiente II with a close 10-9 win for Bob Jornayvaz’s Valiente team. The season continues Stateside with representatives of eight teams battling it out for the second of the three titles the 2016 USPA Gold Cup. This tournament got underway on Thursday 10 March at the International Polo Club Palm Beach with the first of the qualifying matches. As we go to press the USPA Gold Cup is well underway. All eight teams made their debut on Thursday 10 March in the second 26 goal title for which the Final is set for March 27. .V. Whitney Cup Final teams: C Orchard Hill (26): Polito Pieres (10), Julian de Lusarreta (6), Facundo Pieres (10) & Steve Van Andel (0) Audi (26): Marc Ganzi (1), Gonzalito Pieres (9), Rodrigo Andrade (9) & Fred Mannix (7) Polo Times, April 2016
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The Julius Baer Gold Cup, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai
Photography by Gonzalo Etcheverry/DPGC 2016
Reports
UAE Polo winners of the Julius Baer Gold Cup
UAE Polo Crowned Champions
Julius Baer Gold Cup and the Bentley Cup Conclude in Dubai
HH Sheikha Maitha’s team UAE Polo were crowned champions in the Julius Baer Gold Cup on Friday 11 March against Mahra at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. It is the first time that HH Sheikha Maitha’s team UAE Polo have won The Julius Baer Gold Cup. They now join a list of winners, which includes Mahra, Abu Dhabi, Habtoor Polo, Ghantoot and Zedan over the last seven years of the tournament’s history. UAE Polo showed their intentions to win from the very beginning, taking the lead to end the first chukka with a score of 3-2. They maintained their dominance throughout the game steadily increasing the gap so that come the third chukka they were 34
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a safe five goals ahead. Lucas Monteverde led his team from the back and teenager Jack Hyde scored at every opportunity he had. However, the fourth and final chukka could have spelled danger as Mahra scored two more goals and UAE failed to make any further impression on the scoreboard, instead opting to control play and minimise any further goals from their opposition. Jack Hyde, who will shortly be heading back to the UK to prepare for a summer season with Zacara spoke to Polo Times about the game and Best Playing pony, Asesora, “The game went better than we could have imagined, we all performed extremely well and came together as a team when we needed
to. Our horses played a massive part in the win for me, they where all incredible and didn’t let us down at all. Lucas was solid playing as back and the opposition struggled to get past him. We played a very open game, which I think helped us a lot because the field wasn’t easy. Hitting the ball up the field was a good tactic as it put the pressure on Mahra to hit backhands on bouncy ground, which isn’t easy to do. It was an amazing game, which was made even better by a great atmosphere at the Club. My Best Playing Pony, Asesora, is a mare from the Memo Gracida stock lines. She has been my best horse throughout the Dubai season and hasn’t missed a game since December.” www.polotimes.co.uk
The Julius Baer Gold Cup, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai
Reports
Best Playing Pony Asesora, played by Jack Hyde
Hyde also made it into the top ten goal scorers (sixth position with 16 goals) of the tournament, no mean feat for such a young player, and ahead of 10 goaler Pablo MacDonough by two goals. The Bentley Cup Final (Subsidiary Final) was won by Julius Baer Team by Habtoor Polo after defeating Abu Dhabi by 8 goals to 7.
The Julius Baer Gold Cup is the second part of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series with the third and final title, the Dubai Cup, scheduled to run from 8 – 15 April. A new fixture has also been added to the Dubai season, The St. Regis International Cup under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, will be
MVP Lucas Monteverde
played between March 18 – 2 April. At the time of going to press the tournament draw included in Zone A: UAE Polo, Habtoor Polo and Edrees Polo and in Zone B: Bin Drai Polo, Wolves Polo and Zedan Polo.
Our polo equipment is used by the best players and teams around the world. Richard Buckett www.rjpolo.com Richard@rjpolo.com 07753 785937 Unit 14 College Farm Buildings, Tetbury Road, Cirencester, GL7 6PY 01285 238228 www.polotimes.co.uk
Polo Times, April 2016
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Focus
Guest Editor Special
How to Survive the States
Nic’s Guide to the 2016 Palm Beach Polo Season
Everyone hears a lot about Palm Beach, but what is it actually all about? Here I hope to give you all a one-stop guide to the places, teams, horses (see our Pony Power section on page 44), how to be a part of it, what to do, where to go and a few insider tips along the way. Firstly, although we all say Palm Beach, all the equestrian events and polo are actually based in Wellington, which also is my home town and where I grew up – needless to say I’m a huge fan! The 2016 high goal season started on 30 December and will culminate with the Final of the US Open Polo Championship on 24 April. First there are three 20 goal tournaments: the Herbie Pennell Cup (three teams, Coca-Cola won), the Joe Barry Memorial Cup (ten teams, Palm Beach Illustrated won) and the Ylvisaker Cup (12 teams. The Final is set between Valiente and Orchard Hill, but at the time of going to press it remains unclear when it will be played. Initially it was postponed due to rain and now due to scheduling conflicts with the 26 goal games). Then it’s time to move onto the three 26 goal tournaments: the USPA C.V. Whitney Cup (played in a straight knock out format with Orchard Hill coming out on top 11-9, winning over Audi), the USPA Gold Cup and then US Open Polo Championship, all of which are played at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC, www.internationalpoloclub.com).
The IPC is a truly unique institute. The Club not only hosts the main six tournaments in the USA, but is also fully-equipped including a fitness centre, pool, tennis, croquet lawn and volley ball pitch, plus it has top class dining options covering all areas from your morning vitamin shake through to spectacular evening dining. The IPC polo experience is a well-oiled machine and provides many ways to enjoy Sunday Polo including its trademark Sunday Brunch, Kids Zone, The Coco Polo Lounge (on a double decker bus), The Funky Buddha Beer Garden (with artisanal draft beer), The Lilly Pulitzer Patio and not forgetting its trademark stadium. The Club seems to have got a great balance between catering both for polo folk, whose home Club this is, and the polo newbie, having their first experience of the game. The Palm Beach season covers all the bases including many junior polo tournaments (from lead rope kids through to College players), ladies polo, low goal, medium goal, Gay Polo League and arena. Some tournaments last a month, whilst others last a long weekend, so it fair to say that whatever your polo wishes are they are sure to be granted here. The start of the season was blighted by rain causing scheduling conundrums of Alan Turing proportions, the only solace was that we were all in the same boat and had to muddle through together.
26 Goal: A little history on each of the 26 goal tournaments:
USPA Gold Cup, 13 – 27 March The 26-Goal USPA Gold Cup, first played in 1974 at the Oakbrook Polo Club in Illinois, is a symbol of professionalism, good sportsmanship, and high goal polo at its finest. This tournament has been played at various polo clubs throughout its history, and since 2007, the International Polo Club Palm Beach has proudly hosted this prestigious event. US Open Polo Championship, 3 – 24 April The US Open Polo Championship, the most important tournament in the United States, dates back to 1904 when it was first played at Van Cortlandt Park, New York. It has been played at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida since 2004.
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Photography by LILA Photo & ©www.imagesofpolo.com
USPA C.V. Whitney Cup, Feb 28 – 6 March This tournament, first held in 1979, is named in memory of Cornelius Vanderbilt “Sonny” Whitney, and his cousin John Hay Whitney, who were important polo patrons in the 1930s. The son of Hall of Famer Harry Payne Whitney, C.V. won the US Open Polo Championship three times (twice against his brother) and was a renowned owner and breeder of thoroughbred horses.
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Guest Editor Special
The 26 Goal teams 2016: Audi (26) Marc Ganzi (1), Gonzalito Pieres (9), Rodrigo Andrade (9) & Fred Mannix (7) Team Manager: Juan Bollini Audi is part of the Grand Champions organisation and thus has one of the most complete and successful operations in Palm Beach, playing at all levels and all year round. The 20 goal team was made up of a different line-up with Grant (Ganzi) and myself playing together with the Mannix brothers. Pieres and Andrade have been regular features of the team for many years now. Last year they won the USPA Gold Cup at 26 goal level and they look set to be in very good form to do well in the Open this year.
Coca-Cola (26) Gillian Johnston (2), Miguel Novillo Astrada (9), Sugar Erskine (7) & Julio Arellano (8) Team Manager: Boon Stribling Coca-Cola are woven into the material of Palm Beach and started off the season with a bang winning the first 20 goal. Their 26 goal team contains three of the same players as their 20 goal team, with Miguel Novillo returning to the team again after many years. Gillian, Julio and Sugar have played together on this team for many years now, having a great bond and passion for their team. Coca-Cola have a great attitude to the game and are always a strong contender and a crowd pleaser.
Dubai (26) Rashid Albwardy (2), Adolfo Cambiaso (10), Facundo Sola (8) & Alejo Taranco (6) Team Manager: Martin Valent Dubai will be making their much anticipated US Open debut. They have made a great Palm Beach start playing at various levels and combinations. They are always a force to be reckoned with and are certainly out to win. With an exceptional organisation and amazing horse power they are doing everything to make sure their first year is one to remember.
Lucchese (26) John Muse (0), Guillermo Caset Jr (10), Cristian Laprida (8) & Nicolás Pieres (8) Lucchese is a West Coast-based team and is making their 26 goal debut. Winners of last year’s Pacific Coast Open (20 goal) they may still be finding their feet at this level, but will not go down without a fight. They are a young team with some of their regular players already tied up in other 26 goal teams.
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Focus
Flexjet (26) Melissa Ganzi (0), Nic Roldan (8), Agustin Merlos (9) & Sebastian Merlos (9) Team Manager: Juan Bollini FlexJet is the second Grand Champions based team and looks like they could go far! Of course Nic is on the team so we will be backing him all the way. They did not play in the C.V. Whitney, but have already been playing team practices against some of the other teams and are looking promising. It’s a new combo, but one that looks to mesh well and we think they could be the surprise in the pack. Watch this space. (As Nic is on this team we thought an outside viewpoint was appropriate! Thanks to Kris Kampsen (6 goal player) and Brandon Phillips (5 goal player) who stepped in to compile this.)
Orchard Hill (26) Steve Van Andel (0), Facundo Pieres (10), Polito Pieres (10) & Julián de Lusarreta (6) Team Manager: Chris Stratemann Orchard Hill is also a stalwart of the scene here and last year’s winner of the C.V. Whitney Cup. Steve loves the game and has a superb organisation. This looks like a hot team.
Valiente (25) Bob Jornayvaz (2), Santi Chavanne (7), Diego Cavanagh (8) & Tomas Garcia del Rio (8) Team Manager: Robertito Zeda Last year’s winners will not be wallflowers, but with Cambisao playing for Dubai in the Open the team this year will be a new, and young one. However, with a massive organisation backing them up and with much talent they are sure to be in the mix.
White Birch (26) Peter Brant (1), Mariano Aguerre (9), Hilario Ulloa (9) & Ezequiel Martínez Ferrario (7) Team Manager: Nick Manifold After a hiatus since 2009, Greenwich Polo Club based Peter Brant is back in Palm Beach. Aguerre is ‘Mr White Birch’ and Ulloa has been part of the team for quite a while now. Those three also played together all season in Greenwich last year, including in the East Coast Open as well as in two of the 20 goals this season here. Ferrario has also been close to the team for a while and it is always a good thing when the players all know each other so well. It will be interesting to see how they roll.
Missing off the scene this year are Las Monjitas and Lechuza Caracas. Lechuza Caracas are obviously an integral part of the newly formed season going on in the Dominican Republic and Las Monjitas are not playing this year due to family commitments.
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Guest Editor Special
Rules: A hot topic of the season has included the implication of the new ‘International’ rules. Of course, as always with rules, so much comes down to interpretation, but it took a while for everyone to speak the same language, as it were. A big change is sending players off until the end of the chukka, almost like a rugby sin bin type situation, however not quite, as it can simply be an accumulation of yellow cards for minor offences, which before a penalty would have been awarded for. A big feature of polo here is the challenge system and another buzz word you cannot avoid are “triggers”, a concept they are particularly fond of, having taken their lead form other sports. The concept being that there are “triggers” which are deemed valid reasons to refer back to the video footage before a call can be made. As far as many players are concerned, as long as we all know what the rules are and the blowing of them is consistent, we will make it work, however of course we all like to keep the game flowing.
How to get a slice of Palm Beach action yourself: Youth polo: There is a wide array of youth polo in Palm Beach, with many tournaments and kids flying in from all over the country to play in several of them. The Avendano Memorial Cup is historically the most significant. The USPA National Youth Tournament Series is also a great and relatively new initiative encouraging youth players nationwide. Check out: www.polotraining.org/florida-junior-polo.html Grand Champions Polo (www.gcpolo.com), “Where great polo is always in season” is a must with polo being played nine months of the year.
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They have everything from the USPA International Cup and two highly competitive 20 goals tournaments in November, to an overflowing winter season and lots of youth polo. The USPA International Cup is organised by Melissa Ganzi each year and gives the USA team a chance to play against an invited team who Melissa and Marc generously host and mount. During the spring and autumn in particular they offer a range of medium goal tournaments, which are all only five days long and are an ideal way to get a taste of playing polo in Palm Beach, plus to get the opportunity to play with some of the top players. You just have to turn up and they will do the rest from putting the team together, to arranging the horses. You would be surprised how easy this is to do and how much fun can be had. It’s a great way to experience polo Stateside. Kris Kampsen (6) (kkampsen@gmail.com) and Brandon Phillips (5) (Facebook: @Brandon Phillips Polo, Twitter: @BPPolo) are both professional polo players and great characters. You cannot go to polo in Palm Beach and not bump into these lifelong friends of mine. Whatever your interest in polo may be, you could not find better counsel than these two to help you on your way so please feel free to reach out to either of them whether you are interested in your kids playing, you want to stick and ball or if you want to play, they will make it happen and guarantee you have fun. They not only play regular polo, but also beach polo from Miami South Beach to Mexico as well as Snow Polo in Aspen, Colorado – and Kampsen is quite the star when it comes to the arena.
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Guest Editor Special
Brits in Palm Beach: Several Brits are here this season so I thought I would ask them why they are here, what they think of the polo in the States. Here is what they had to say: Tommy Beresford “I first came to Wellington three years ago just to check it out, and was able to get a bit of polo and my handicap. Since then I was able to come back with Valiente last year and got lucky again this year! The USA season is the place to be from January to April, so that’s the main reason I come. Also I’ve made great friends and contacts here. It’s good to show my face and keep in touch with everyone because when people don’t call you, you’ve got to go out and find them!” Malcom Borwick “I decided to come to Palm Beach four seasons ago to explore a new winter polo destination. It was getting harder to persuade patrons to go down to Argentina due to socio-economic reasons, and Palm Beach seemed to offer everything, and it does! “The world’s best players are here every January to April, the weather is great and there are plenty of activities for non-polo family members, from great beaches to Disney World! Whereas polo in other areas around the world seems to be suffering, the numbers of players in Florida is growing, and I provide a turnkey polo solution, if you want to come for a month we can sort it, or if you just want to come for a weekend we cater for that too. I just wish I had made the move ten years earlier!” Julian Hipwood “I first came to Florida in 1969 to play polo for Boca Raton. In 1980 I bought a house and spent the winter months playing polo returning to England in April to play the English season at Cowdray Park. I have yet to find a more agreeable place in the sun with well organised polo facilities. It certainly is the place for me.”
Focus
Henry Porter “The atmosphere here is amazing, the setup works well. It is really organised and the barns and fields are in close proximity to each other. There are multiple polo tournaments going on throughout the whole season, at all levels, so you can play constantly. “The days I haven’t had matches I have been busy participating in medium and high goal practices, which is great for my experience and improving my skills. Many of the world’s best players are here, so there is always a good high goal match to watch too. I have really enjoyed my time in Wellington and hope to come back again.” Henry Stevens “I spent three winter polo seasons in the 1990s in California when my partner was offered a position in Miami. No brainer, let’s both move to Florida for the winter! Best thing I’ve done, I make my young horses, joined the USPA umpiring group and made a great circle of American friends. Now we’ve bought some land in Wellington and built a home and a horse farm. Don’t tell the world. This is polo’s best kept winter secret. I’m back to the UK in mid-April.” Mark Tomlinson “For my wife Laura and me it is an opportunity to both be doing our sport, all within two miles of each other! They call Wellington the winter equestrian centre of the world and it truly is, with the most amazing setup, including three purpose built stadiums for polo, dressage and jumping. “As far as polo is concerned this is where it’s at between December and April. The best players and horses in the world are based here and the competition is fierce at every level. “The highlight is obviously the 26 goal which provides some pretty epic encounters, but there is polo at all levels and with over 50 fields all within 20 minutes of each other one is spoilt for choice. America has a huge polo following and Palm Beach not only provides the ideal winter base for this community, but it also attracts a whole range of foreign players and patrons. And now, with the recently added autumn and summer seasons, for the pros themselves Palm Beach even has the added bonus of there being polo on offer pretty much all year round!” Adrian Wade “I first came to Florida to work for Carlos Gracida over 25 years ago. I soon realised it was the best place to play in the winter months. I still feel the same way.”
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Guest Editor Special
Places to eat & go out:
Cilantro’s Gourmet Deli: 3975 Isles View Dr #101, Wellington, FL 33414, +1 561 296 6500 With walls decorated by the faces of the polo fraternity past and present, Cilantro’s is at the heart of the polo community both literally and figuratively. Whether for breakfast, midday or after practice, you’re always bound to bump into someone you know, plus it’s the go to for your fix of milanesas. The Grille Fashion Cuisine: 12300 S Shore Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414, +1 561 793 2110 wwwthegrillefashioncuisine.com Is the go to place to start your Sunday night. The Grille offers New American Bistro cuisine that borrows from Latin and other world flavours and fuses them with American classics. It has a fun bar scene turning into a lounge and party vibe.
Nic’s Directory to Wellington: Tack stores:
Polo Gear: 3500 Fairlane Farms Rd #15, Wellington, FL 33414, +1 561 795 1719 www.pologearusa.net Polo Gear have been long term friends of my family and I. They helped me design the polo saddle that carries my name, and have always supported me, plus my father now works there. They pride themselves on always striving to be at the forefront of technology within the sport and they are the place to go for all your team apparel from team shirts and kit right down to trailer wraps. Their shirts in particular are second to none. The Tackeria: 13501 S Shore Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414, +1 561 793 2012 www.tackeria.com This is an institute with worldwide acclaim and a must to drop into whilst in Wellington. A quintessential tack shop.
Mallets:
Tato’s Mallets: 11496 Pierson Rd, C-1, Wellington FL 33414, +1 561 790 6868 www.tatosmallets.com Tato’s my man as far as mallets are concerned. Plus if, like any real horsemen, bits are your thing, his store will be your heaven. He has one of the most impressive selection of bits I’ve ever seen in any tack shop – amazing.
Oli’s Fashion Cuisine: 10610 Forest Hill Blvd #20, Wellington, FL 33414, +1 561 792 2220 www.olisfashioncuisine.com Great place for lunch or dinner whilst in town, especially sat outside. It’s considered a hot spot for artfully presented New American cuisine & cocktails in modern surroundings. Park Avenue BBQ & Grille: 13897 Wellington Trace, Wellington, FL 33414, +1 561 795 7427 www.pabbqgrille.com A weekday go to; cheap, cheerful and quick with your typical American ribs, but done really well. Players: 13410 S Shore Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414, +1 561 795 0080 If these walls could talk! Many a polo player has somehow found themselves at this club in the wee hours of a Sunday and it is part of the Wellington Establishment. A must-do on any trip to Wellington. Sushi Moto: 12020 S Shore Blvd #700, Wellington, FL 33414, +1 561 792 9002 www.sushimotofl.com This is an intimate relaxed sushi restaurant, but a real favourite of mine, with great food. White Horse Fashion Cuisine: 3401 Equestrian Club Dr., Wellington, FL 33414, +1 561 847 4549 www.whitehorsefashioncuisine.com This is a really fun place to go and have dinner. Its location is fantastic, backing onto the Horse Show and its unique vibe very much caters to the equestrian crowd, with a casual weekday buffet which allows riders and trainers to step directly out of the show ring and into the restaurant for a bite to eat, riding boots and all. An adjacent fine dining room offers a more formal menu with upscale sit-down service, rounded off by a daily happy hour and signature cocktails that are sure to please the spectator crowd. Plus in Palm Beach: Imoto: 350 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480, +1 561 833 5522 imotopalmbeach.com This is the place to go in Palm Beach. It’s owned by a couple of friends of mine and is the best restaurant in Palm Beach as far as I’m concerned. It’s minimalist, doling out inventive, Asian, small plates plus sushi and sake in Zen-like surrounds.
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Guest Editor Special
Focus
Things to do:
The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) www.PBIEC.com Runs from January to April The WEF at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) is a 12 week circuit and is world-renowned for its size, scope, and calibre of competition. There will be more than $9 million in prize money given away, and while the best equestrians in the world have made Wellington their winter home (a welcome break from all the travelling), WEF also welcomes everyone from the local communities to enjoy everything that PBIEC has to offer. WEF is the largest and longest-running circuit in horse sport with riders from 33 countries and all 50 American states represented. WEF hosts the nation’s premier events for children, juniors, adults and amateurs; for riders aged from two to 70-years-old. The “Saturday Night Lights” series of grand prix events bring thousands of spectators to PBIEC every week to see the best show jumping in the world. Top British show Jumpers Nick Skelton and Ben Maher are based here.
Photograph by Sport Fot
Polo is but one of the equestrian disciplines that makes Wellington their winter home, and in fact this is one of the factors that makes Wellington so unique.
Show jumping at the Nations’ Cup
Photograph courtesy of www.susanjstickle.com
Wellington Eventing Showcase http://pbiec.coth.com/page/join-us-for-the-2016-asheville-regionalairport-wellington-eventing-showcase Early February This is a great innovation getting some of the USA’s event riders down to Wellington, joining riders from Canada, New Zealand and Australia. It’s great fun to watch and if you’re in town next year a must-see.
Steffen Peters and Legol doing dressage
Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) www.GlobalDressageFestival.com Runs from January to April The AGDF is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring seven FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in North America. The AGDF offers more than $700,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. Many dressage riders have followed the show jumpers by coming to winter here, including a top British dressage rider familiar to you all: Laura Tomlinson. The local community and equestrians have embraced the “Friday Night Lights” series of FEI Grand Prix Musical Freestyle competition, where horses and riders perform choreographed tests to music ranging from Top 40 pop hits to classical arrangements. www.polotimes.co.uk
Golf at the Wanderers Club: 1900 Aero Club Drive, Wellington, Florida 33414, +1 561-795-3501 www.wanderersclubwellington.com Everyone knows there are many opportunities for golf and tennis all over Florida, however the closest and most convenient to the polo community is The Wanderers Club. There is even a shuttle bus service form the show-grounds. It’s a great course we all have spent many hours on. The Wanderers Club is a familyfriendly club that offers excellent golf, tennis, fitness, and dining. The magnificent, par-72 golf course offers immaculate fairways, manicured greens, and breathtaking vistas. The course offers an uncrowded experience with no tee times. A quick round is possible any time, even on weekends and holidays, during the busy winter season.
Shopping: Right in Wellington there is the most American of things: the ‘Mall at Wellington Green’ for all your retail wishes or for smarter shopping you need to head to Worth Avenue in Palm Beach for all your designer boutiques. Polo Times, April 2016
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Guest Editor Special
Saddle Design Nic’s seemingly endless search for saddles that didn’t negatively affect the performance of his horses or cause damage and pain to their back was the motivation behind the project. A badly fitting saddle can mean the difference between great horses becoming good horses and good horses becoming not so good. Not a good situation for someone who makes their living playing polo, who cares about his horses and realises the discomfort they are in – all because of improper saddle fit. Having already identified the effect of poorly fitting saddles, by working with esteemed Argentine veterinarian and chiropractor Carlos Cortellessi, Nic suggested the PoloGear team meet with Carlos, and so the journey began. The PoloGear team consisted of Fellers and Nic’s father, Raul, who 20 years before had designed and made the premier saddle of that era – the PoloGear Pro. Fellers and Roldan faced the same challenges back then that Nic was facing now. How do you get a saddle that fits the horse properly, allows it to perform to the boundaries of its athletic ability, carries the rider’s weight properly and in alignment with the horse’s centre of gravity and balance point, and do so in a manner that
Carlos, Nic and Gary Fellers
puts the rider where he wants to be, allowing him to perform to the limits of his athletic ability? A tall order, with many conflicting objectives. The rider wants to be up front on the horse’s shoulder, but the shoulder is a moving bone that is not meant to bear weight comfortably. The shoulder is also in constant motion creating a situation where soreness, pain and chiropractic misalignment
Photograph by Dominic James
Back in 2011 I was having all sorts of problems with a particular mare of mine called ‘Me’. She was a great mare but whatever we did we just could not find a saddle that fitted her right. I was spending time, energy and money on every known remedy, but to no avail. That is when I approached Gary Fellers, a family friend and the owner of PoloGear, to see if we could put a team together to find a solution. Over the following two years we worked very hard on this project. Along the way my eyes were truly opened to the benefits of good saddle design and also how unaware the polo world seems to be about it. I have seen first-hand the benefits to my string. A poignant moment was visiting a yard abroad a few years ago where no one really knew anything about it. I gave the saddle to some stalwart grooms to try. They had no interest either way, but it was amazing when, after tacking up a pony and schooling it, they came back in total awe, commenting that this pony had never gone out without its back up or been so easy. It was very cool to see how instantaneously horses can feel a difference. The cherry on the cake for me personally was that my mare ME went on to win a Best Playing Pony in the 26 goal in Palm Beach. Of course I realise the practicalities of polo and finances, but a lot can be said for these amazing saddles for both horse and player.
Photograph by Juan Lamarca
NIC SAYS...
How a redesign can free up the shoulder for better performance
The PoloGear Generation II Free Shoulder Saddle
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Focus
Photograph by Gregory S. Ratner – Ratner Sports Images
Guest Editor Special
Photograph by Juan Lamarca
Nic and his pony Me winning Best Playing Pony at a Joe Barry Cup league game
The underneath of saddle has a cut out shoulder to allow for freer movement
Photograph by Dominic James
can occur. Many players don’t think the saddle is important or worth a reasonable expenditure. Those same players will spend hundreds of thousands on a horse and only want to spend $200 (approx. £140) on a saddle, and are unwilling to spend a few thousand to protect that hundred thousand dollar investment. Nic, Gary, Raul and Carlos set out to solve the problem by borrowing heavily on technology, research and understanding what already existed in the dressage
Pony changes between chukkas at Thai Polo
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community. In dressage, where top horses costs millions, they understand that the saddle is the critical element to allow the horse to perform and for the horse and rider to communicate. They also appreciate good saddles are expensive to produce and understand that it is a worthwhile investment to protect your horse and its performance. The result of their efforts was the creation of the Generation I Free Shoulder Saddle. It was tested in 2012 and Nic rode in it during the 2013 Palm Beach season. It contained a
patented free shoulder panel that removed the weight from the horses shoulder while cantilevering the player forward where they prefer to be positioned for their shots. It was a drastic improvement. Nic’s horses performed remarkably, winning numerous Best Playing Pony Awards in the Palm Beach high goal season in 2013. The chiropractic problems that commonly result from improper saddle fit were virtually eliminated. Nic loved the saddles and, most importantly, the horses loved the saddles As time went on Nic and others started to come up with suggestions as to how to make the saddles even better. In 2014 Nico Pieres joined the team with Nic, Carlos and the PoloGear team and worked throughout the winter of 2014 to perfect the PoloGear Generation II Free Shoulder Saddle. It still has the free shoulder, but they created a hidden free shoulder, which greatly increased the stability of the saddle. The tree shape was reworked which, created a whole new foundation, improving the balance and positioning of the rider. They also created new panels making the saddle even more comfortable for the horse and putting the rider in the position that perfectly aligns the rider and the horse’s centre of gravity. Nic and Nico tested the Generation II in 2014 in Palm Beach, in the English high goal season, in Sotogrande, during the autumn season in Palm Beach and in the Argentine Open. The results were remarkable and everyone’s performances improved. Nic told us, “There are two things that make this saddle great. First, the horses absolutely love it. Second, it puts the rider in exactly the correct position and doesn’t move. It’s outstanding!” Nico agreed, “This saddle allows my horses to perform at full capacity. It is comfortable for them and is very stable, which they like, as do I. I have been testing the saddle for almost one year and I am very pleased with the free shoulder concept and performance.” Polo Times, April 2016
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Guest Editor Special
Pony Power USA Machitos Versuit – Los Machitos Polo
NIC SAYS...
(www.losmachitos.com.ar)
Photographby Marcelo Bianchi
Horses are the core of the game. There is no better moment than being sat at the barn at the end of the day surrounded by my horses, grooms, family and friends. You will be familiar with many horses that play in Wellington as they also play in the UK, however I wanted to highlight some horses which have not made the leap across the pond, and introduce you to some new names and some of the best of the 26 goal season here. Before we get onto that I would like to give a special mention to the legend that is Wembley. This 23-year-old gelding is now being played by Dubai’s Alejo Taranco in the Palm Beach high goal, and was named Best Playing Pony in the recent Semi Final of the Ylvisaker Cup, in which he featured no fewer than three times! This legendary 15.3hh classic, thoroughbred, black gelding originated from the UK out of a thoroughbred stallion and one of Kerry Packer’s Australian mares. He was trained by Ross Ainsley from whom he was bought by Memo Gracida. He won ‘Horse of the Year’ in 2004 and has been revered by many top players for over a decade and is still going strong. According to Gracida, “I knew he was special after the first 50 yards I rode him. He does everything effortlessly. He has all the qualities of a champion.” Gracida said Wembley was always very willing and obedient and that he can play any level of polo from youth polo to a 40 goal match. Memo sold him to his brother Carlos who in turn sold him to Bob Daniels of Pony Express where he was a stalwart until only a few years ago before he was sold to Valiente. Cambiaso also has clones of this gentleman to whom we tip our hat. Be sure to check out my social media channels, as once a month I highlight one of my own ponies in a #PonyOfTheMonth segment.
Machitos Versuit
Age: 12-years-old Colour: Chesnut Sex: Mare Owner: Mariano Aguerre and Nick Manifold Breeding: By Durazno. Out of Machitos Versace Achievements: Best Playing Pony Awards include: East Coast Open 2011, Hampton Cup 2012 and Les Armour Cup 2012.
Currently she is playing with Mariano in the USA as part of the White Birch team. She is the daughter of Machitos Versace, who was an extraordinary mare of Mariano’s in Argentina and the USA, and in fact one of the most important bloodlines of the Los Machitos breed. Her sire is nothing more and nothing less than Durazno, father of a great number of excellent polo ponies in Argentina and the USA.
Machitos Versuit is one of Mariano Aguerre’s top mares. She started playing tournaments in the USA where she went on to win the 2014 US Open with Mariano. She was then exported to Argentina and played in the Triple Crown with Ellerstina. Mariano Aguerre played her in the Tortugas and Hurlingham Opens and Nicolas Pieres played her at Palermo. Machitos Versuit
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Guest Editor Special
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Machitos Jackie – Los Machitos Polo (www.losmachitos.com.ar)
Machitos Jackie
Achievements: Best Playing Pony Awards include: Joe Barry Memorial Cup 2013, Best Playing “Polo Argentino” Pony of the 2013 Palm Beach season, a huge accolade.
Age: 13-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Sex: Mare Owner: Mariano Aguerre and Nick Manifold Breeding: By Wainscot. Out of Machitos Funky
Jackie is an incredible playing mare and could be a game changer in the Palm Beach 26 goal season. She was exported to the USA when she was a youngster. In her debut in 2014, she played with Mariano Aguerre in the US Open and won. Then in 2014 she was exported back to Argentina to play the Triple Crown that year with Mariano in Ellerstina. She added to her frequent flyer miles returning to the USA in 2015 and played with Polito Pieres in the three 26 goal tournaments for the Orchard Hill Polo Team and performed fantastically. Currently she is playing with Mariano in the USA as part of the White Birch team. She is the daughter of Machitos Funky, an Argentine mare who played the Argentine Open with Mariano. Funky is a full sister of Machitos Jazz, the best and most wellknown of Mariano Aguerre’s mares. Her father Wainscot is an exclusive stallion to the Los Machitos breed and has produced excellent and very prominent polo ponies, with different dams, thus proving very consistent. Wainscot was the son of Riverman and Waya, which are considered important Polo Argentino and thoroughbred bloodlines.
Open Quarzo – Halo Polo
Quarzo was purchased as a four-year-old by Melissa Ganzi of Halo Polo from Gonzalo Pieres. The horse is well-travelled; from breeding in Ocala to Aspen for the summer season, polo school and snow polo. He has competed in San Diego, in the USPA National Youth Tournament Series, in New York, in the Central Park Polo Challenge and in Wellington for the Grand Champions season. He plays yearly in the US Open. www.polotimes.co.uk
, Body by.JPG
Photograph by Ari Delin
Age: Eight-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Stallion Owner: Melissa Ganzi Breeding: By Ellerstina Picaro. Out of Ellerstina Esmeralda Achievements: Best Playing Pony Awards include: World Snow Polo Championships 2013 & 2015, Palm Restaurant Invitation Tournament 2013, Central Park Polo Challenge 2014, USPA Kay Colee Memorial Tournament 2014 and Best Playng Pony at the Avendaño Tournament with Rufino Merlos, son of Agustín Merlos. He was also named the Grand Champion winner of the 2011 APHA National Polo Pony Show.
Open Quarzo in the middle with six of his offspring
He has an unique ability and temperament meaning he can play at every level of polo from lead rope to 26 goal. His father, Picaro, is the sire of many
playing ponies in the Argentine Open, British Open and US Open. Esmeralda is also the mother of Facundo Pieres’ well known horse Aqua Marina. Polo Times, April 2016
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Cullette – Roldan Polo (www.nicroldan.com)
Age: 14-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owner: Nic Roldan Breeding: By Fort Knox. Out of Petticoat. American Polo Horse Association Registered Achievements: Best Playing Pony Awards include: Hall of Fame Cup (26 Goal) 2011 Culotte (original spelling as her mother was Petticoat) was bred by Lee and Melanie Taylor of Wildwood, Tennessee. Her mother Petticoat was a thoroughbred/quarter horse polo mare and a granddaughter of Northern Dancer. Petticoat was trained by the Taylors and leant to Adam Snow to play in the high goal polo in Florida and beyond. She incurred an injury and lost one eye so returned to the Taylors to become a broodmare. Cullette was her first foal. Her father was Fort Knox by Miswaki by Mr Prospector. Fort Knox’s dam was Mrs Penny, who was a champion two and
three-year-old in England. The Taylors kept two stallions and a dozen broodmares who were all polo mares and just enjoyed bringing them along. Cullette was started as a two-year-old in a Buck Brannaman clinic (natural horsemanship) that was held at their farm and as Melanie’s background is hunting and jumping – Cullette even jumped. When Cullette was threeyears-old, Melanie’s husband Lee passed Cullette away and she downsized the polo breeding operation with Cullette being sold to the Lequerica’s in Houston Texas who brought her along in polo. They sold her onto Canadian polo player and horse maker Todd Offen who took her on further and eventually brought her to Palm Beach where in turn I bought her in 2005. Photograph by Osvaldo Gallitelli
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Cullette is one of the cores of my 26 goal string. She is a small horse, but super electric and sensitive, with a distinct quick movement. She has a great temperament and is very consistent. Keep your eye peeled guys, as she will be making the hop across the pond this spring so I can play her in the UK high goal.
As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we wish Polo Times a Happy 20th birthday
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Guest Editor Special
Natural Horseman Nic Roldan meets up with Monty Roberts to discuss attitudes to horses, changing traditions and philanthropy he and I share a passion for horses and use what influence we have to improve their lot and perception. Monty started our chat mentioning he had just come back from the rodeo grounds in Salinas, California where the old polo field has recently been made into a golf driving range, which is a little sad to hear, but given it was also the venue of Monty’s birth it was great to hear he had a connection with our sport form the start. Did you know Monty Roberts is a not an infrequent visitor to polo in Santa Barbara and in fact has worked with several polo players including Joel Baker, the Gracida brothers and Cambiaso? He mentioned in the interview that he felt polo was one of the equestrian disciplines more open to his methods. At the moment he is making great strides in educating people in Brazil to perhaps rethink their approach to “breaking in horses” and look into other ways of doing it. Here parallels can be drawn with the old
someone whose life is dedicated to “leaving the world a better place than he found it for horses and people too” was a treat and he will always have my ear. This motto and its resulting philosophy is what drew Monty to The Brooke equine charity, where he is an ambassador as am I (turn to page 52 for more information) with the aim of improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules and thus their owners lives too. Both
Photograph by James Oliver
Photograph courtesy of MoneyRoberts.com
Not so long ago I was honoured to be called by none other than Monty Robert’s daughter and asked if I could make 20 minutes free to talk to her father for Horsemanship Radio. It goes without saying that this was an offer I gladly accepted and as far as interviews goes it’s definitely one that flowed very naturally and that I will remember. To me it’s fundamental to put the horses of this great game front and centre, so to talk to
Monty & Chrome
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Pat Roberts, Steel Buns, Monty Roberts & Debbie Roberts Loucks
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Photograph by James Oliver
Guest Editor Special
methods used in Argentina where natural horsemanship has also been making strides there. I must say it is was a pleasure and inspiration hearing Monty’s philosophy of never blaming people for how they do things but rather educating them. We talked about how, as the level of the polo has increased and the pony power increases, we have had to look into all the ways we can improve each process and Monty’s methods have played a key role in that. Monty discussed the idea that all horses speak the same language, but that perhaps the modern day thoroughbred polo pony needs a little more care and patience to “break in” compared to the more criollo type. He explained that by using non-violent methods this was possible and that the ponies were more relaxed and therefore safer in the game as a result. Monty had also picked up about the work I’ve been doing on the polo saddle design and we discussed how the equestrian world can be seen to be so set in its ways and reluctant to move forward, be it regarding polo saddle design or breaking in methods. Monty summed it up wonderfully concluding that, “The happier we can keep our horse on the polo field, the more goals we are going to score”. Monty went on to talk about wishing to organise a charity polo game to coincide www.polotimes.co.uk
with the work he does with the USA, UK and Australia with members of the armed services suffering form post traumatic stress and using horses to aid them. This is obviously a cause close to his heart and one I would be honoured to help him with. Monty has particular ties with the British Royal family and feels this would be a great thing to do to try and repay a little of the kindness they have shown him. Lastly we talked about The Brooke charity and Monty’s experiences when he went to India with them in 2014. He talked of going to a spot in India and seeing 8,000 horses each tied by the head and one hind foot to the ground, a picture I struggle to imagine. I’m more than aware of the bubble that is Wellington and polo to a certain extent, so I’m keen to go on my own Brooke trip just as Charlotte Dujardin did a few months ago and to see first hand the lives of some far worse off equines. Again they were sage words form Monty referring to the despicable things he had seen first hand, however how he realised it was mainly out of a lack of education and resources not out of malice. I hope I can help The Brooke on their mission. Do have a listen to the full interview at: http://goo.gl/oAWZiq Or check out Monty’s website at: www.montyroberts.com
Photograph courtesy of Brooke USA
Monty demonstrating his famous Dually Halter on American Pie
Monty in India Polo Times, April 2016
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Guest Editor Special
Food for thought
Nic discusses some of the topics affecting polo in the USA and around the world
Team England winners of the 2015 Coronation Cup
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Photograph by Alex Pacheco
South African National team with Melissa Ganzi
Team USA, winners of the 2015 USPA International Cup
Westchester Cup and the Nations’ Cup in Palermo, but it all comes down to horses and therefore money. Marc Ganzi was pivotal in making the 2012 Westchester Cup possible for the USA, for which I’m very grateful and I hope we manage to get another top team on the field again soon. It’s great to see how South Africa and England for instance, really support their top national teams, with their top teams playing in the Nations Cup (including youth teams), International Tests, China Snow Polo etc. I would love to see a similar thing happen in the USA with more focus on a national squad concept. It also coincides with my own mission to increase awareness and participation for the sport at all levels. An easy way to draw people’s attention is by having these high profile national competitions where people can get behind their nation. Parallels can be drawn between the Westchester Cup and tennis’s Davis Cup or sailing’s America’s Cup, which have seen a huge surge in interest. It would also be amazing to see American teams in England and English teams in the USA competing at high levels as well as other national teams. Polo has such potential, which I feel is underutilised. I think it is really important to promote polo as a true athletic sport where people get excited about what happens on the field, and the work that has gone on to make that happen, not to mention the magnificent horses that form such an integral part of our sport, rather than who’s in the tent and what shoes they are wearing. It is a beautiful combination, which can surely be promoted better and with more unity.
I know I will put my all into being the best player I can be, and do it in a good way in order to achieve my aims. We can all complain about the nuances of the sport but ultimately it is an all-round amazing sport, which has given us all so much. How many times have many of us found ourselves in some far flung place only to find mutual friends, or been lucky enough to travel to stunning locations? I consider myself very blessed to make a living from playing the sport I love.
Junior Polo I’m particularly interested in encouraging young players and in fact took inspiration from the HPA. When we played the Westchester I noticed The Ferguson Trophy for the Best Young Player of that year. When I was a child we had something similar in the States, but that no longer exists as such for outdoor polo (in the USA there is a large Interscholastic and Intercollegiate fraternity which is mainly arena polo). So this year I have donated a perpetual trophy
Photograph by Sheryel Ashcroft
Photograph by by Lucy Wilson
Supporting British players is a hot topic in the UK, but really the same issues apply to any of the non-Argentines among us. I have no bias regarding nationality at all, and of course I don’t have any issue whatsoever with Argentines, that goes without saying, but the reality is if you are not Argentine (with all the social allegiances) and don’t have an estancia full of ponies it makes it very hard to get the breaks to make it to the very top. Most of the issues I have regularly seen mentioned in the UK polo press regarding this are the same for whichever nation, and we all hope to see the level of our top players improve and make great strides. As I mentioned in the “Three to Watch” section (on page 56) I do my best to support up-and-coming players locally and it is great to see them improve. On this topic there are many factors at play. Sometimes I draw parallels with other sports, such as Formula One, where on several occasions talent is surpassed by other factors, or on a tangent; football, with players being shielded by their clubs rather than going to play for their country. We would love to get a top USA team together and go play the
Photograph by Alex Pacheco
The Plight of the Non-Argentine Polo Player and National Teams
Hope Arellano, daughter of Julio Arellano
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Guest Editor Special
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Photograph by LILA PHOTO
Photograph by LILA PHOTO
local schools are invited to watch a polo game made up of top professionals and young players. It’s a great way to introduce non-polo children to the game and also for some of the local kids to see their friends play.
Fourth Grade Polo Awards
Lucas Escobar
Photograph by Ari Delin
to be presented at the prize-giving of the US Open for the Best Young Player, using similar guidelines as The Ferguson Trophy. I have named it in memoriam of Matt Cohen, who was a Wellington-based dear family friend and keen upcoming junior polo player associated with the Pony Express team, who last year passed away (aged 15-years-old) due to complications with his diabetes. Of course in Argentina things are quite different and on
Kids Turkey Trot at Grand Champions Polo Club
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another level, but it’s good to see this segment going from strength to strength and becoming more predominant. The issue then becomes that there is enough support and jobs for the up-and-coming players to grow into, rather than finding themselves in far flung clubs with little prospect. A special feature of Wellington is that it is such a close community, be it geographically or otherwise, so there are many opportunities for kids to play at various levels and be immersed in the sport. This I believe is fundamental to put young players on the road to reaching the highest levels of the game. Many players and patrons have kids who automatically then form part of those organisations, which is a great help. I know in the UK The Pony Club is huge and a fantastic institution, but somehow here it seems kids are more involved with the polo community, including the high goal. A nice event also is the annual 4th Grader Day held at IPC where all 4th grade kids (nine to ten-years-old) from
Grooms I’m not such a fan of that word “groom” as it seems far too small a word to cover the multitude of tasks and roles this profession covers. Horse trainers or carers (phrases which may be more apt), are fundamental and so important to our work and industry. I would be nowhere without some amazing grooms who have ‘had my back’ along the way. Yet somehow, so often they seem to be overlooked. We see awards such as Most Valuable Player and Best Playing Pony, but what about the grooms or best turned out? Very occasionally we see this, but far too seldom. Most professional players will spend more time with their horses and grooms than anyone else and it is a symbiotic relationship allowing the player to be in the best possible shape with his horses. I feel they deserve huge gratitude and so much more respect, recognition and time than they seem to get. The player/groom relationship is a special one that needs to be cherished and respected. They are up before us all, polo’s famous scheduling changes are felt by them more than most; losses and victories are still felt just as much as the players and whilst the champagne is being sipped from the cup, they are busy looking after the four legged warriors, who got us the cup in the first place, although for them having all their wards home and safe is the biggest victory. Let’s all try to highlight them more and not forget the fundamental role they play.
With my groom Vale in Aspen
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Guest Editor Special
The Brooke
NIC SAYS...
About The Brooke and Brooke USA I have learned that despite the world becoming more mechanised, the demand for working equines is actually growing, not decreasing, in developing countries. As the world’s population grows, equines have an increasingly important role in helping the poor to survive, and they are also becoming more important to alleviate poverty, assure food security, and promote self-reliance. However, despite their great contribution to human livelihoods, working equines are often overlooked, undervalued, and suffering. The Brooke has a long and successful track record of improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules in impoverished regions of the globe. They have been providing practical, sustainable solutions to many equine welfare issues for 82 years. By raising money to support the overseas
work of The Brooke, the world’s largest international equine welfare charity, Brooke USA is connecting the equestrian community in the United States with programmes that help equines and the world’s poorest people simultaneously. The Brooke works through direct veterinary intervention and educational programmes that teach owners and service providers how to improve their animal husbandry skills. The Brooke reduces suffering for animals who otherwise live and work in a chronic state of exhaustion, crippling injuries, abuse, infectious diseases, dehydration and malnourishment. Last year alone, The Brooke reached 1.8 million working equines, benefiting 10 million people in third world countries where the average salary is between one and three dollars a day (72p to £2). They are in constant outreach to those families and to the working animals who serve them diligently, to ensure that equine welfare improvements are embraced for generations to come.
Photography courtesy of The Brooke
I am constantly looking for ways to become a greater advocate for the equines that make this sport and all equestrianism possible. I play polo for a living, and horses are my form of work; they’re my form of income as well. Brooke USA was something that felt really close to my heart and a cause that really caught my attention. Upon being acquainted with the organisation’s goals and mission, I felt an immediate connection and desire to become involved. I really want to carve the way and set the pace in the hope that many more people in the sport will join me. It’s not all about taking, it’s about giving as well.
Latest ambassador for the charity, Nic Roldan, discusses why he is involved with The Brooke and Brooke USA looking at the positive impact the charity has throughout the world for working equines and their owners
Donkeys carrying hay in Ethiopia
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Guest Editor Special
Donkeys carrying water in Kenya
The current goal of The Brooke is to reach at least two million animals in 2016, and ultimately to reach five million animals annually. The Brooke and Brooke USA have garnered an impressive team of patrons, ambassadors, and advocates composed of equine professionals from all facets of the horse industry, ranging from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall (Patron and President), Her Royal Highness Princess Alia bint Al Hussein of Jordan
Workmen on their way home
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(Patron), internationally-renowned horseman Monty Roberts, Olympic medalists Charlotte Dujardin, Laura Kraut, and Debbie McDonald, international grand prix dressage rider Allison Brock, and Cherry Knoll Farm’s Margaret Duprey. Connecting deeply with the mission of the organisation, and wanting to give back to the equestrians and impoverished communities around the world I joined the ambassador programme at the beginning of 2016.
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Why I Connected with Brooke USA Being Brooke USA’s first polo ambassador is obviously huge, and it is a big step for me. It is an immense responsibility, and it’s an honour as well. I support The Brooke’s valiant efforts and hopes to emphasise the importance of education through my ambassadorship. I don’t think most people in my world are aware of what’s going on in much of the rest of the world in terms of working animals. Having the privilege of being in an equine sport makes us obligated to improve the welfare of donkeys, mules and horses in much less fortunate countries. The animals are suffering because their owners don’t know any better. What The Brooke does is great in bringing education to the owners and free veterinary care to the animals. Mostly in the polo world and in the equestrian world, we live in sort of a bubble, where everything is seen from this side of the window, where everything is done perfectly. I think we maybe take all of this for granted, and until you actually travel to some of these less fortunate countries, and see exactly what’s going on, I don’t think you really get that feeling and emotion or an idea of what’s happening. I’m really looking forward to being able to give my time to make a difference and to learn more about what’s going on.
Exhausted, overloaded donkey in Pakistan
Polo Times, April 2016
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The Brooke Vision The Brooke is determined to do whatever it takes to ensure that the right elements are in place for working horses, donkeys and mules to be healthy and happy in the long-term. The Brooke’s vision is of a world in which working horses, donkeys and mules are free from suffering. The Brooke delivers practical programmes and provides support, advice, funding and infrastructure to its global network of employees, partners and supporters to make that vision a reality.
A family take their pony for an assessment
Some of The Brooke family: Emily Dulin, Nic Roldan, Laura Kraut, Margaret Duprey, Nick Skelton, Debbie McDonald & Brendon Elliot
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working equines in that tiny country. In the 82-year history of The Brooke, their Central American programmes are the newest, having started in Guatemala in 2006, Nicaragua in 2013, and a pilot project in Mexico in 2015. I’m excited about seeing the work in Guatemala because The Brooke’s Central America programmes hold a tremendous amount of promise in terms of the need and the potential to make a big difference – particularly their pilot project in Mexico. Mexico has the second-highest population of working equines in the world, with 13 million horses, donkeys, and mules – second only to China. In Central America, horses, donkeys and mules are used for agriculture, construction, mining, tourism and transportation, and they are supporting the lives of people by helping them to earn a living. Despite this, there is little support for people to effectively care for their animals. Equines there are suffering primarily from bit and harness lesions, poor hoof condition and poor body condition. The primary focus of The Brooke’s work in Central America is to improve and increase the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the horse owners and the animal health providers who work in areas with the highest concentration of equines so they can create a long-lasting environment of good welfare. We have every reason to believe that the models being created there will ultimately affect millions of working equines throughout Central and South America. How You Can Help? If you are interested in the work of The Brooke or Brooke USA, please visit their websites: thebrooke.org and brookeusa.org You can also see videos of travels from Global Ambassadors Charlotte Dujardin and Monty Roberts in India by visiting The Brooke’s Facebook page.
Manuel Albeño and his family and their horse Caramelo
From the Chairman of Brooke USA Dr. David Jones, Chairman of Brooke USA, said, “We couldn’t be happier to welcome Nic as an official Brooke USA Ambassador. He brings talent, passion, and a sincere devotion to equine welfare to the table. His world view, coupled with his compassion for animals and the less fortunate, are a powerful combination and will ultimately help us to improve the lives of countless more working equines and the people who depend on them around the world.”
Photograph by Richard Dunwoody
The Future I’ve put together a fundraising event called “Nic Roldan’s Sunset Polo” in Wellington on 25 March to benefit Brooke USA. First we will have a mini show jumping competition, with several of the top show jumpers taking part. This will be followed by a polo match, an asado, silent auctions and a white party. The aim is to raise awareness and funds for the non-profit organisation. Also planned for 30 May of this year is the London 10,000 (www.london10000. co.uk), touring its most iconic landmarks. Starting and finishing in St. James’ Park, the course will go past St. Paul’s Cathedral, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. Many Brooke staff, volunteers, and donors will be there, as well as a many other polo players that will run alongside me. It will be my first event representing Brooke USA overseas and I am really looking forward to it. It is my deepest hope to have fellow polo players from around the world run this race with me. There is so much that we can do to give back to the animals that give us their talent, their love and their trust. Later this year I plan to travel to Guatemala with several members of the Brooke USA team to see some of their work among the 250,000
Photograph ourtesy of Phelps Media Group
Photograph by Richard Dunwoody
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An overloaded donkey in India
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Guest Editor Special
Three to Watch ... Nic Roldan picks his up-and-comers and those youngsters showing potential and fresh talent on the USA polo scene
NIC SAYS...
Here are my three USA players to watch… I’ve known all these players since they started swinging hand mallets on the side of the polo field, and I feel each one of them is on their way to having a great future in this game. I often find myself on the field with them, be it in allegiance or in opposition and I definitely feel they deserve recognition, not just as players but also as great ambassadors for the game. I’m excited to see what the future holds for these three and many others. Just like in the UK one hopes for a brighter future and we hope to
Grant Ganzi
Handicap: 1 Age: 17
Photography by Alex Pacheco
I’m always interested in this section of Polo Times. It’s good to see who is being mentioned and in my case it often draws my attention to players, who I might otherwise be unaware of. Plus it keeps myself, and others, on our toes as to who’s coming to get us!
Wes Finlayson, Nic Roldan, Juan Bollini Jr & Grant Ganzi, the Aspen Valley Polo Club champions of the 2015 Chukker Cup
improve the level of the best Team USA we can put together, and we will do everything possible to help.
Born in the USA, Grant is a third generation polo player, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father. He is a two-time National Youth Tournament Polo Champion, has won every major junior tournament in the USA, and at 16, he Captained Casablanca to the Ylvisaker Cup Quarter Finals by scoring the qualifying goal. The tournament is one of the most prestigious in the sport’s USA history. Grant also subbed in during the Semi Finals of the US Gold Cup, winning the game and helping to send Audi to the Finals. He then competed in the US Open for Flexjet.
NIC SAYS... Grant is a good friend of mine and someone who I have been playing with a lot, including this year’s 20 goal season. He is very lucky to have the whole Grand Champions organisation behind him. On the field he is a very consistent player, rarely fouling and going from strength to strength. He can ride pretty much any horse and play any level of polo, making him a real all-rounder. He always stays calm, keeping his head down and giving his all to the team and the sport he is passionate about. He improves day by day and is definitely heading in the right direction.
Major wins and achievements: • • • •
Two time 50,000 dollar 12 goal finalist, one time Champion Winner of the Herbie Pennell 20 goal Played in the US Open and the US Gold Cup Won the Hall of Fame Cup and the Les Armour Cup (26 goal Subsidiary Final) • Won Most Improved Youth Player 2015 at the Polo Training Foundation (PTF) Awards 56
Polo Times, April 2016
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Guest Editor Special
Wes Finlayson
Handicap: 3 Age: 21
Focus
Wesley is an American polo player born in St. Louis, Missouri and is a first generation polo player. Starting polo at the age of 10, he won numerous youth polo tournaments up to the age of 18. Becoming a professional at 15-years-old Wesley has played all across the USA, Canada and Argentina. He established his ability to play at high goal level while playing with teams such as White Birch, Zacara and Piaget. Currently at 3 goals, he has established an abundance of connections in the polo world and played with many renowned patrons at levels ranging from 6 – 20 goals. He is also a member of Team USPA.
NIC SAYS... Wes is one of the current bunch of young professionals making a go of it. He played in Florida all autumn and has proven his hunger to improve and put his all into the game. He plays particularly well in the number two shirt and can be a real work-horse when needed, but likewise has no problem carrying the ball. Like many players he does not have an infinite pool of horses, but he makes use of every opportunity afforded to him and does not let his team down.
Major wins and achievements: · · · ·
Nico Escobar
Handicap: 1 Age: 15
Filled in for Peter Brant and Lyndon Lea in the Greenwich and Florida high goal season Two time National Youth Tournament Series winner (2013 & 2014) Eddie Moore and Tracey MacTaggart tournament winner and Most Valuable Player (2013 & 2014) Two time President’s Cup winner (2013 & 2014)
Born and living in Florida, Nico just has turned 15-years-old. He and his brother Lucas are third generation polo players. Each afternoon after school Nico rides, stick and balls or plays practices with his dad Luis, a former 8 goal player and his younger brother Lucas, or with his granddad Francisco.
NIC SAYS... This season in Florida, Nico is in the Finals of the Port Mayaca 12 goal, playing with La Herradura’s Memo and Julio Gracida. He is also on standby for Peter Brant as a reserve on the White Birch team. Nico is the youngest of the three and has a lot of talent, coming from a polo playing family who support him enormously, means he has a big future ahead. Regular trips to Argentina help keep him up to speed with his Argentine peers.
Major wins and achievements: ·
· · · · · ·
www.polotimes.co.uk
Wins with his brother Lucas in both under 15 and youth tournaments in Palm Beach, including the Major Collins and Avendaño Memorial Reached the Finals of the Valentin Caset 18 and under handicap tournament in Palermo, Argentina He reached the Finals of the Tolo Polo out of 32 teams Won the Subsidiary Final of the Potrillos Cup in Argentina Finalist in the Copa Naciones last April in Palermo, Argentina Wining the El Encanto 16 Goal Tournament in Santa Barbara last July, replacing John Muse He also represented Florida Zone in the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) in September
Polo Times, April 2016
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Focus
Guest Editor Special
Gay Polo League Bringing Diversity into the Sport NIC SAYS...
Jamie Saults, Senior Writer, Phelps Media Group discusses the aims, impact and future of this polo network This year the Gay Polo League (GPL) reaches an important milestone: its 10th Anniversary. Founded in 2006 by Chip McKenney, CEO of Phelps Media Group, the organisation was created as a way for the gay community to enjoy the sport of polo. The GPL has seen significant growth in the past decade, beginning with one member in one city and expanding into a worldwide network of lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender (LGBT) polo players. In addition to members across the United States, the GPL now includes players from Argentina, Australia, China, Canada, England, France and South Africa, including top professionals in the sport, some of whom fly in to participate in the annual tournament. The 7th Annual International Gay Polo Week presented by Discover The Palm Beaches and Palm Beach County Sports Commission takes place March 31 – 3 April, 2016 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida.
Photograph courtesy of Phelps Media Group
“One of my aims is to increase awareness of and participation in our sport at all levels in order to keep polo growing. As other sports have found, if you want to attract new players and a wider fan base, the name of the game is diversity. The Gay Polo League (GPL) very much adds to that. It has opened eyes and generated interest in many new players, as well as expanding the audience in the USA through its annual International Gay Polo Tournament, which takes place March 30 – 3 April in Wellington. In my five years of competing in the tournament, I have seen firsthand how the GPL has grown. The tournament is a fabulous event that brings a whole new demographic into the game; it brings together families and friends in unity. It’s a very upbeat tournament where everyone is about having fun and playing good polo. There is a lot of good energy and excitement. Everyone has the same agenda, and it is a very positive face for the sport. My team made it to the Final in 2012, losing by one goal, but in 2014 we won by two. It was such a fun experience playing with guys who all held their positions and played well, leaving me very little to do at the back. For me the most fun thing was being able to play with different people with a fresh perspective. It’s as much fun on the field as off it. How often do you get to play a game of polo and find yourself surrounded by drag queens at half time?”
Action from the International Gay Polo Tournament 2015
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www.polotimes.co.uk
Focus
RBC Wealth Management’s winning team of Dan Haynia, Rafik Boughadou, MVP Jean-Marc Herrouin and pro Nic Roldan
A big ride off in last year’s International Gay Polo Tournament 2015
“It is so exciting to be celebrating our 10th Anniversary,” said McKenney. “When I founded the Gay Polo League I thought polo had all the ingredients to become a great sport for gay people to participate in. I believe that now more than ever. I am looking forward to this year’s tournament. It promises to be the best one so far, by far!” Representing a wide range of ages, backgrounds and skill levels, the GPL community shares a love of adventure, travel and fun while participating in the sport. The league is noted for its camaraderie and creating a fun and exciting environment for LGBT community members and friends to experience the passion of polo. During its first decade GPL has organised clinics, tournaments and social events at many polo clubs in the U.S. Plans are under way to create and produce international gay polo tournaments in other regions of the world. In 2015 McKenney travelled to Buenos Aires at the invitation of the Ministry of Tourism of Argentina and spoke at the 8th International Conference on Business and LGBT Tourism (GNETWORK360). “I was proud the GPL had reached such an awareness level that we would be invited to present at this type of conference,” said McKenney. “I thought it was amazing because the GPL had begun only nine years ago on a much smaller scale. For me that was the highlight of every single day: the fact that I was attending the GNETWORK360 conference, in Argentina, because of the GPL.” www.polotimes.co.uk
“This was my first opportunity to introduce the GPL to an international platform of professionals who will hopefully start to ripple out the word about the organization and its events, he added. “I am very dedicated to creating and producing LGBT polo events in other parts of the world, and I am thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead for the GPL.”
Photograph by M McGuire/ Phelps Media Group
Photograph by Scott Fisher
Photograph courtesy of Phelps Media Group
Guest Editor Special
Nic Roldan in action for RBC Wealth Management
Polo Times, April 2016
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Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Ham Goes Back in Time
Expansion at Stewarton
NOT ONLY ARE we celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday this year, but in addition, Ham Polo Club, The London Polo Club is also 90-years-old. The Club have a very exciting playing season ahead, which they are combining with a fantastic range and Calendar of Events to coincide with their special anniversary year. Established in 1926 and formerly known as Ham Polo Club and prior to that as Ham Common Polo Club, they were the first British Polo Club to restart polo after the Second World War and are the last remaining Club in Greater London. The celebrations will begin with a pre-season cocktail party which will be held on Friday 15 April on the Roof Terrace at the Ham Yard Hotel in Soho. Tickets are available from the Polo Office on 0208 334 0000. There will also be the 90th Anniversary Roaring 20’s Ball in aid of Facing the World on 11 June, Laureus Sunset Polo Charity Match and after party on 16 June, FIP 90th Anniversary Event 22 July and a 1920’s themed picnic with vintage cars (date to be confirmed).
THE SCOTTISH CLUB have already begun their season after a dry spell of weather. The Club have also recently been granted planning permission to build a 100m by 50m all weather arena and a block of 20 stables. The new arena and American-style barn of stables will mean that play is never stopped due to rain.
New Polo Office Team at Sussex Photograph courtesy of Sussex Polo Club
DAVEY BAXTER HAS joined the Club as their new Polo Manager. Baxter previously spent 14 years at Black Bears managing and developing their young stock of horses until they reached high goal ability. Steff Young also joins the Club as Assistant Polo Manager and HPA Instructor. Steff started out in polo working for 8 goaler JP Clarkin and teaching for Claire Tomlinson at Beaufort Polo Club. To complete the new team, Amy Griffiths has taken the position as Club Secretary.
Brand New at Kirtlington HIGHCLERE CASTLE HORSE Feeds will be a Brand Partner at Kirtlington Park Polo Club for the 2016 season. The partnership is part of the quest to raise the profile of Highclere Castle Horse Feeds Superior Quality Wholegrain Oats within the polo community. Josh Tuthill, Polo Manager at Kirtlington Park Polo Club commented, “To have Highclere Castle Horse Feeds join us for the 2016 polo season is very exciting. They bring a new dimension of quality to the wholegrain horse feed market in polo, which I think will give a real edge. We look forward to an exciting season in the Club’s 90th anniversary year and the support of our Brand Partners is key to the next 90 years!”
Davey Baxter is joining the team at Sussex Polo Club
Photograph courtesy of RB Presse
THE CHANTILLY POLO Club will start its season of polo on grass in April, and will be marked by the 20th Anniversary of the Club. Highlights for the coming season will include the France vs Argentina encounter on 22 May and the French Open in September. The French Club was also key in the organisation and preparation for the Longines Masters in China after a 30 year absence of polo. Played in the arena for the Shanghai Tang Polo Cup, the teams included four The players line-up before the exhibition match international professional players Argentina’s Nico Curto (5), Australia’s Dirk Gould (6), Great Britain’s George Meyrick (6) and France’s Brieuc Rigaux (6), who said, “I am very proud to be able to develop our sport in Asia. To come back to Hong Kong thanks to the Longines Masters, and promote our sport is really important for us and for the future”.
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Photograph courtesy of Highclere Castle Horse Feeds
French Exchange
Lord and Lady Carnarvon look to now establish the Highclere Castle Horse Feed brand in its own right
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Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Electric Charity Events at Longdole
Photograph courtesy of Ash Farm
Taschan and Ash Farm, confusingly wearing Nephilim and Exeter shirts!
VIVEK RAWAL AND Fiona Reilly led by Kirsty Otamendi for Taschan defeated Ash Farm’s Georgia Sweeney, Holly Edwards and Charlie Howell in the closely contended Champagne Challenge last weekend. Despite a last minute goal by Ash Farm Polo Manager Georgia Sweeney, Taschan ran out the winners. In the second game of the day under the watchful eyes of a crowd in the Clubhouse, Rosie Ross led her team Sau Wild, with fellow players Michael Poppel and George Marsden, to a very close defeat by Alcedo with a line-up of Nick Clague, Andrew Swaffield and Chris Benford.
Dinner Dance Date for the Diary VIMMY WHITELEY IS organising another fundraiser for Thames Valley Air Ambulance at Kirtlington Park Polo Club this summer. Polo player and lucky survivor of a nasty fall, thanks to the work of the Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Vimmy is keen to continue her charity work for the 2016 season. The first event planned will be a black tie dinner dance with an auction. You can even bid on a year’s subscription to Polo Times, on Saturday 27 August at the Club amongst other lots donated to raise funds for the charity. www.polotimes.co.uk
LONGDOLE POLO CLUB will once again be hosting Kate Beim’s Electric Bicycle Polo Event on Friday 3 June. Last year was great fun and a huge success, with thrills and spills and plenty of social fun, all in aid of the Watershed Riding for the Disabled Association. More details about tickets and the event will follow closer to the time of the event. The John Lucas Trophy sponsored by RJ Polo, Ellenborough Park and Red Savannah will be held in aid of Winston’s Wish and the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. The tournament will run on 11 – 12 June with The John Lucas Charity Lunch & Auction followed by The Children’s Beach Party 7.30-10pm (for seven to eight-year-olds) on Saturday, and on Sunday there will be a Beach Carnage Party. For tickets and more information please click here. There will also be the Longdole Children’s Tournament on 1 September sponsored by Zonkey Polo.
America in the Emerald Isle ON SUNDAY10 April, Polo Wicklow will be holding an International match between Ireland and USA. Plans for the day also include a two-course lunch, Irish Dancing and entertainment from The Maguire Family and a party in the evening. Email siobhan@polowicklow.com to book a ticket for the event.
Apes Hill Host Roger Gooding Memorial Tournament THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL memorial Roger Gooding Memorial Tournament saw eight entries, over a two week period with the Finals being held on Saturday 20 February. The Subsidiary Final saw Bajan Invasion and Apes Hill Polo Club battle it out for third and fourth place. The Apes Hill Polo Club team was made up of Sir Charles Williams, Pablo Crespin, Oliver Taylor and Philip Atwell vs Bajan Invasion’s Stewart Gill, Danny Atwell, Nick Pepper and Linda Williams. With a tight game to the end, and a Action from this year’s Roger Gooding Memorial score of 5-5, the teams decided to keep it Tournament a draw to allow for the Final to commence, making this year’s third place both teams. The Final was played between Team ICBL and Team Clifton. ICBL consisted of Teddy Williams, Marc Atwell, Richard Gooding and Christancia Evelyn whilst Clifton was made up of Bruce Bayley, Christian Chaves, Luis Clerice and Roddy Davis. Although ICBL had been the winning team for the last three years, Clifton took the lead from the start of this year’s Final and ended up winning the tournament 4-2. Following Finals’ Day, and in good Caribbean manner, the annual Harbour Light’s polo party commenced with DJ Isis taking entertaining the crowds well into the night. The Roger Gooding Memorial Tournament has continued to grow in popularity over recent years, with two more teams entered this year, as well as a patron from the UK, and a high number of international players. Photograph by Andre Williams
Ash Farm Challenges
Club Focus
Polo Times, April 2016
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Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Photograph courtesy of Casa de Campo
Vargas up to the Polo Challenge
Gerardo Collardin, Juan Martin Nero, Juan Jauretche and Victor Vargas of Lechuza Caracas lift The Polo Challenge Silver Cup
SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY saw another world-class polo duel in the Dominican Republic between reigning champions Lechuza Caracas and their closest rivals
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Agualinda. In an unsurprising repeat of The Bronze Cup Final, which saw Lechuza Caracas defeat Agualinda 6-5, The Polo Challenge Silver Cup Final was another
tight and low scoring match with the 7-6 scoreline reflecting how well-matched the two teams are. Agualinda’s David ‘Pelon’ Stirling did his best to topple Victor Vargas and his trusty 10 goaler, Juan Martin Nero, with some extraordinary runs and dominating play on Best Playing Pony Zaira, but it was not to be. Even Jose Donoso (Most Valuable Player) was unable to make much headway against the characteristically solid defence of Lechuza’s Gerardo Collardin and despite coming so close, Agualinda were forced once again to accept defeat. The Gold Cup is now underway. With a few team changes and tactical rethinks, it’s all to play for with the Final set to take place Saturday 19 March. The Polo Challenge Silver Cup Final teams: Lechuza Caracas (22): Víctor Vargas (1), Juan Jauretche (5), Gerardo Collard›n (6) & Juan Martin Nero (10) Agualinda (22): Alfredo Vargas (1), José Donoso (5), Gastón Lisioli (6) & David Stirling Jr (10) Result: Lechuza Caracas beat Agualinda, 7-6
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International
Women’s Polo
Polo Times reports on the latest women’s polo taking place at home and abroad All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise
Coronel Suarez Ladies Polo Tour Paige Beard
Photograph by Claudia Uretz
Take four South Africans, one Uruguayan, four Americans, two Dutch and one Argentine and put them on The Ladies Polo Tour in Coronel Suarez, Argentina and what do you have? An amazing group of women making history and friendships for life. Natascha Baecher, a 1 goal player, the only female polo member of Coronel Suarez Polo Club and event coordinator extraordinaire, hand-picked 11 different ladies that she had played with around the world, not necessarily based on ability, but bringing together the most exceptional ladies both on and off the field. Paige Beard told Polo Times, “La Esperanza was the destination and it did not disappoint. The Bertola family welcomed our group with open arms and pony-lines
Photograph by Ken Fowser
reports on a once in a lifetime trip
First official ladies game at the Coronel Suarez Polo Club with members of the Bertola Family
full of wonderful horses for all skill levels. The days began with an amazing breakfast and then it was stick and ball, lunch, siesta, swimming and tennis followed by late afternoon chukkas with all the local pros including Jose, Juan Carlos and Paulo Bertola, their sons and Juan Badiola. After twelve days of magic at Coronel Suarez, history was made as it was the first time The Coronel Suarez Polo Club fields welcomed
an all ladies tournament. HPA Chief Umpire Robert Graham kindly umpired the tournament. Suarez is of course the cultural home of polo in Argentina, full of heritage and tradition and home to the most successful polo team ever – La Dolfina. This experience was truly the trip of a lifetime and reciprocal trips are being planned as we write, in addition to round two at Coronel Suarez next year.”
First day’s polo at La Esperanza Polo Club
Women’s Polo Dates For The Diary Tidworth – Military Ladies Tournament (Open): 2 May Lacey Green – Women’s National Cup (Open): 20 – 21 May Vaux Park – Ladies Tournament (Open): 11 June Blueys – Ladies Sugar Bowl Tournament (-4-0): 25 – 26 June Edgeworth – Ladies Tournament (Open): 29 June Lacey Green – 2nd International Women’s Tournament (Open): 2 – 3 July Knepp Castle – International Ladies Tournament (Open): 9 – 10 July Cowdray – British Ladies Open (Open): 8 – 16 July Cirencester – The International Ladies (12-18): 9 – 10 July White Rose – Ladies Tournament (-6- -2): 30 July
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New Forest – Women’s Festival (-8-12): 30 – 31 July Beaufort – The Beaufort Ladies Tournament (12-18): July 29 – 6 August RCBPC – Polo Festival Ladies (10-15): 1 – 7 August Westcroft Park – Ladies Nationals (Open): 13 – 14 August Wicklow – International Ladies Invitational Tournament (-4-0): 13 – 14 August Tidworth – WIP Ladies Tournament (Open): 20 – 21 August Dundee – Ladies Cup (0-4): 27 – 28 August Kirtlington – Thorneloe Ladies Tournament (Open): 27 – 29 August West Wycombe – Ladies Mixed (Open): 10 – 11 September
Polo Times, April 2016
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International
Photography by Lucy Wilson
Women’s Polo
La Alegria, winners of the 2 goal section with Richard Blake Thomas
Maxine Betteridge, The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player
Westcroft Park, winners of the 0 goal section
Westcroft Women’s
Jacob and Claire Maldonado, both going for the attack from the off. Jacob, for La Alegria, set the tone for the game scoring a two-pointer straight out of the opening line-out. The scores were tight throughout the game and Emily Golding worked incredibly hard trying to shut down Jacob at each and every turn, whilst her teammate Maxine Betteridge took each opportunity to power through with the ball. Betteridge had a great game, scoring at least four of her team’s eight goals, two of which were dead centre penalty shots, and was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player. Mother and daughter combination Tatiana and Anne Menshenina worked hard to keep Jacob free to run and score, but they too produced a goal or two each to win the 2 goal trophy. Chestnut mare, Flor, played by Claire Maldonado in the second chukka was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony. To find out more about Flor turn to Pony Power on page 76. Following the Finals on Sunday there was an after party in the clubhouse. Emma Kennedy organised an open mic night with drinks and homemade pizzas on offer, a perfect way to round off a day of polo. Westcroft Park Polo Club are looking to continue the former Club’s reputation for women’s polo, as they will include a Women’s International in December.
Great Games at The National Women’s Tournament
reports
The annual arena competition for the National Women’s Tournament never fails to impress and the standard of polo this year was, as ever, top notch. Even the lower handicapped section for the -2-0 teams was well above average. It is worth noting that although women’s polo tournaments can be played with women’s handicaps in the summer, the Women’s Handicap Committee have yet to announce a decision on any future introduction of women’s only arena handicaps. It’s a shame there weren’t more team entries as the revamped Club with the new Clubhouse serving hot food and the quality of the arena surface is impressive. All the games were fast, fun and luckily for Umpire for the day Rosie Ross, relatively foul free. The day kicked off with the Subsidiary Final of the -2 goal with Las Aguilas, taking on and defeating KHHP/ Ash Farm with a final score of 15-7. Las Aguilas, with a line-up of Sophie Granchi,
Pink Polo
Ladies Rock it in Thailand’s Biggest Ladies Polo Tournament After the excitement of the Thai Polo Open in January, it was the ladies’ turn to take centre stage at the stunning Thai Polo and Equestrian centre in Pattaya. The 7th Queen’s Cup BMW Pink Polo 2016 was an exhilarating mix of sport and charity to support research at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital’s Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer. Three teams took part in the tournament 66
Polo Times, April 2016
with top lady players such as Hazel Jackson, Lucy Taylor, Sarah Wiseman and Lia Salvo getting involved. After three days of round robins Final’s day arrived. To celebrate the day, the polo grounds and spectators were draped in pink in solidarity with the international pink ribbon symbol. There were two, two chukka matches between BMW and Thai Polo and BMW and Maple Leaf before the two chukka Final between
Photograph by Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com
Lucy Wilson
Jess Van Der Velden and Lucy Bowman, had had a tough draw against La Alegria the day before knocking them out of the running for the Final. Bowman was on fine form hitting some impressive shots that always seemed to find the goal and Granchi scored a number of penalties to add to the winning score. The girls in the green shirts for KHHP/Ash Farm played a great game, with plenty of opportunities and runs up and down the arena, but they simply seemed unlucky with their goal scoring. In the -2-0 round robin, Westcroft Park, led by Amy Guy, took first place, followed by Ash Farm, led by Jemma Byrne, and Paradise Farm took third place. The chukkas were played at a fair pace set by the three 1 goalers, Guy, Byrne and French, but the play wasn’t totally dominated by the top rated players and their teammates had plenty of input into the final results. Jemma Byrne was also awarded the Laurent-Perrier Most Valuable Player Award for her excellent play. The Final of the 2 goal between La Alegria and Mrs B’s got underway just as the sun was setting and the game was very fast with some excellent play from Alex
Winners Thai Polo enjoy the firework display that celebrates their victory
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Thai Polo and Maple Leaf. The Final was a showcase of the prowess of women polo players who come together annually not only in a bid to display their skills, but also to raise funds for a good cause. Hazel Jackson and Lia Salvo, joined by Princess Jeanette zu Fuerstenberg and Isabel Beyer von Morgenstern made an intimidating line-up for Thai Polo and, despite fantastic team play from Sarah Wiseman and Lucy Taylor, Maple Leaf were unable to overcome them, Thai Polo coming out on top, 5-3. Lia Salvo was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award for her tough play in defence and attack. There was more to the event than just fantastic polo. Pre-polo entertainment included the special Iran-Thailand Junior show-jumping friendship, a Burberry and La Martina fashion show on horseback and a junior polo demonstration. “The tournament was outstanding, probably the most fun ten days I have had in years. It was so well organised and such a beautiful location.” Hazel Jackson
Action from the 7th Queen’s Cup BMW Pink Polo 2016
5 minutes with…
Alex Jacob Alex Jacob has just got back from spending the winter in Argentina and has returned to being the Assistant Polo Manager at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. Berkshire has always been her home Club over the years and it has now become her place of work. Between her sister and herself they have seven playing ponies, a young homebred, a mare who is in foal and a Jorrocks pony that her mum adopted over the winter! Here Alex talks to Polo Times about the lady players she admires, her best polo moments and the joy of travelling with the sport she loves. How did your polo career start? My mum has always been ‘horsey’ so that side came naturally to me, but before polo I used to play a lot of tennis. I got roped into trying polo through my local Pony Club as they were short of a Surtees player and their theory was that if I could ride a horse and hit a tennis ball I would be fine. After the first couple of tries I was addicted! What’s your greatest polo achievement to date? It would have to be winning the Archie David at Guards in 2012 with Sifani.
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Women’s Polo
Photograph by Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com
International
Ladies’ Handicap: 4 Mixed Handicap: 1
It was the toughest tournament I have ever played and it felt like it was never-ending! What’s your greatest ambition? I would love to play at Palermo on the main field. It would be an incredible experience! Which lady player do you admire the most? It would be too hard to name just one. There are a lot of girls involved in polo that I admire for different reasons. To name a few: Sarah Wiseman is always so professional, Rosie Ross has an incredible work ethic on and off the field, Nina Clarkin is an amazing player. There is so much to learn from so many different people. I hope that I can take a little part of them all onboard. What do you like about polo? There is so much I love about the sport that I don’t know where to begin. Aside from the horses themselves and the sport, I love the opportunity to travel. I have been lucky enough to travel to places such as South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Spain, France and America – amongst others, to play. What are your personal aims within the sport? My aim has always been to be the best I
can be as a polo player both on and off the field. I have been very lucky so far to have had some great opportunities and I always try and take every opportunity that comes my way. Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed or girls-only? It’s a tough call, but I would have to go with mixed – a good ladies match can be really fun playing with and against friends but I prefer the level playing field! How do you see the future of women’s polo? It has taken off globally over the last couple of years – this is easy to see by the sheer number of ladies tournaments around the world and I hope it will continue to grow. “I couldn’t have done it without…”? There are too many people to thank for helping me get to where I am today, but one that cannot go without mention is my mum. I have been very lucky to have her support throughout my polo career and cannot thank her enough. Where is your favourite place to play? In 2010 I went to Ellerston in Australia to play the low grade tournament – the grounds there are like no other I’ve ever played on – they are incredible! There is no excuse for missing the ball!
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Women’s Polo
International
White Orchid Blossom Alice Gipps reports from Thailand
White Orchid triumphant at Polo Escape
Photograph by Brook Tellwright
The Thailand Ladies International was a truly memorable event once again, hosted by Robin Lourvanij at her beautiful polo guest retreat, Polo Escape. The 2016 tournament saw competitive 4 goal teams compete in what turned out to be incredibly close games. The three British players who were involved in this year’s tournament were Knepp Castle Polo Club manager, Sarah Wiseman, Georgina Brittain and myself. We were joined by players from Thailand, Australia, Argentina and Malaysia. The teams were made up of at least two professionals per team, three female players and one male. The tournament rules prevented the men from scoring within the 60 yard line so most of the goals were scored on attack by the ladies, however the guys took some chances and scored impressive field goals much to the delight of the spectators.
The tournament took place in a roundrobin format over the weekend. Sarah Wiseman was playing extremely well for Frangipani, backed up by Brian Orosco at back and sending the ball up to Daryl Yeap and Abigail Slater. This combination made for a very solid team. Wild Rose were also extremely tough with powerhouse Diego Gomez Echeverry at back, helped by Argentine Camila Rossi and Georgina Brittain who was on fire. White Orchid also put up a good show, but after the first day, with only a goal difference between all the scores (except for a draw between White Orchid and Frangipani), it was the White Orchid team that were trailing. Thanks to some excellent marking and tough play they managed to turn this around gaining them enough points to come out overall winners of the competition by two goals, while Frangipani and Wild Rose drew in equal second place. For anyone wishing to experience Polo Escape for themselves, Knepp Castle Polo Club is once again hosting a Polo Escape sponsored tournament from the 30–31 July this summer in the UK with the opportunity to win a trip to play some polo in paradise.
Photograph by Hugh Denholm
2016 Thailand Ladies International at Polo Escape
Robin Lourvanij with the ball
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Youth
All Aspects of Youth Polo
A round-up of this month’s Youth polo, at home and abroad, from Katie Vickery and Lucy Wilson
Promising Play at SUPA National Senior Schools Arena Championships The team lists read like a Who’s Who of the polo families at Rugby Polo Club on Sunday 6 March at the SUPA National Senior Schools Arena Championships sponsored by RJ Polo. There may only have been 28 team entries, a few more would have been listed, but an outbreak of flu meant some teams were stuck in quarantine, but the standard was nonethe-less very high this year. The Open section was an incredibly tough competition in which Millfield and Stowe A reached the Final. Last year’s winners Harrow had to settle for third place having defeated Langley in the Subsidiary Final chukka. SUPA Section Leader for Senior Schools Caroline Grayson’s son Jamie Grayson, alongside Florence Berner and Nicolas de Poligny, fought hard against a tough team of Charles Cooney, Will Penfold and James McCarthy. Nearly all of the young players in this section not only play schools polo, but also compete within the Pony Club and at HPA Affiliated Clubs in both the winter and summer seasons, so their abilities are well practiced by the time they reach
the National Schools Championships. Will Penfold was named the Most Promising Player in the Open, an award supported by the Worshipful Company of Loriners. The Upper Intermediate title went to Langley with a line-up of Paul Newman, Feyi Badiru and Thomas Townsend with Harrow taking second place. Langley also took the Novice section title with Imogen Gill, Jakob Samonig and Timi Badiru, who also took home the Most Promising Player Award. The Lower Intermediate section was won by Wellington B and the Combined section was won by Pangbourne. SUPA Senior Schools Section Manager Caroline Grayson, summed up the day by saying, “It was widely commented that all teams played up to and better than their potential in all sections and how this bodes well for the future of youth polo. A big thank you to everyone involved in the organisation of the day especially all the school teachers who gave up their Sunday to attend, and the enthusiastic parents who came to support their children. The SUPA Summer Nationals will be held on Sunday, 19 June at Kirtlington Park Polo Club.”
Lucy Wilson reports from Warwickshire
Open 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
Millfield Red Stowe A Harrow Wellington A Langley Radley Millfield Blue Rugby
Upper Intermediate 1st Langley 2nd Harrow 3rd Marlborough Navy 4th Stowe B 5th Stowe Blue 6th Tudor Hall Lower Intermediate 1st Wellington B 2nd Rugby B 3rd Stowe Yellow 4th St Barts Novice 1st Langley 2nd Shrewsbury A 3rd Stowe C 4th Rugby C 5th Wellington
Photography by Dan Maggs of DJM Country Images
Combined 1st Pangbourne 2nd Marlborough/Akeley Wood 3rd SUPA 4th Shrewsbury
Millfield Red and Stowe A in action during the Final of the Open
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The Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers also sponsored the Best Playing Hired Pony, which went to Oxford Polo’s bay mare Florencia who was played by Nico de Poligny in the Final of the Open. To read more about Florencia turn to Pony Power on page 76. www.polotimes.co.uk
All Aspects of Youth Polo
Youth
Druids Lodge Super League
Winners of the National Senior Schools Arena Championships Millfield Red, winners of the Open with their Polo Manager Roger Horne
Tournament Sponsor
Official Media Partners
On Saturday 12 March Druids Lodge hosted the Finals of the Super League sponsored by SATSfaction. First up was a combined team of Southampton/UWE against Harvard Alumni in the Subsidiary Final. University of Bristol played Exeter in the Final in what was a fun and quick game. Bristol’s dream line-up of Seb Petragallo, Thady Gosden and Thor Gilje have played together for many years and worked well as a team, but they were just unable to score those all important goals and get the points on the board. Exeter’s Karina KauteBrown and Charlie Holley were that little bit faster and more accurate taking an early lead and making the most of Bristol’s inability to get the ball through the posts. After some fast play, a close defending Exeter ran out the winners with 12 goals to 9½. At the time of going to press the Finals of the University League sponsored by UberPolo were scheduled for Friday 18 March when London will take on Southampton in the Subsidiary Final, before the big match will see Exeter take on Harvard Alumni for the title.
It was smiles all round on Sunday 28 February as the SUPA National Junior Schools Arena Championships were a great success. Held at Longdole Polo Club, young players gathered to play in what is the highlight of their arena season. Three sections: Beginner, Novice and Intermediate played one chukka matches to determine who would come out on top. In Division One it was a win for Beaudesert with Zac Beim of Bruern Abbey winning the Most Valuable Player Award, while Best Beginner went to Sienne Burnett of Beaudesert. Charlie Callon Hine of Cheltenham College took home the Most Improved Award.
Photograph by Paul Froud
SUPA Junior Schools St George’s Take Top Spot at SUPA Girls Schools
Photograph by Zara Lucas
The winning Beaudesert team
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Open winners St Georges with Rich Buckett and Chris Hyde
The early sunshine was a good start for the SUPA National Schools Girls Arena Championships held for the first time at Westcroft Park Polo Club on Sunday 13 March. Sponsored by RJ Polo, the tournament attracted 14 all-girl player teams from numerous schools. Section Manager Gill Glimmerveen spoke to Polo Times, “The chukkas were outstanding with great flowing play and some extremely professional play especially from the four teams in the open division. Heathfield and St George’s had a breathtaking game in the fifth chukka of the day. RJ Polo and Polo Times made sure all girls were rewarded with prizes at the end of play.” After 21 chukkas, St George’s took the victory in the Open, with Heathfield coming second. Marlborough won the Intermediate section and Cheltenham College were the victors of the Novice group. Most Valuable Player Awards were given to the following girls in each section: Georgia Jones-Perrot (Novice) Larissa Westhall (Intermediate) and Nell Macaire (Open). Polo Times, April 2016
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Youth
All Aspects of Youth Polo
Pony Club Rebranding A Fresh New Look Brings the Pony Club into the 21st Century The Pony Club have undertaken an organisation-wide ‘brand refresh’ following feedback from both members and volunteers Brand management experts Harrison:Fraser have implemented a tried and tested method of consultation, taking opinions from a cross section of those both from within the inside and outside of the organisation, including trustees, area reps, staff, volunteers, centre proprietors and most importantly, members. Feedback suggested that the Pony Club brand was feeling a bit ‘un-cool’ and was potentially acting as a barrier to other young people joining. Coupled with a substantial decline in Branch membership in the past decade, it was felt that it was time to undertake a comprehensive review of how the brand looked, felt and communicated with its members, potential members and volunteers, in order to keep it moving forward and to ensure it stays relevant to its customers. The brand review work has ‘refreshed’ the Pony Club’s look to help reflect the organisation that they are today and where they want to position themselves in order to attract new audiences. The initial updates include the logo, colour palette, font, language and brand values, and these will act as the first building block to help convey clearly to the outside world what they do, and the opportunities they provide for young people with or without a horse or pony. One of the most notable changes is of the updated ‘roundel’ logo to a cleaner and more relevant design, whilst retaining the heritage. Young focus groups reported that the original horse illustration was incredibly important to them and hence its continued presence in the new design. ‘The Pony Club’ remains within the roundel as a mark of heritage and excellence, but ‘Pony Club’, used as a ‘word mark’ is reflective of a more streamlined organisation. The Pony Club badge is an iconic part of the brand and so this will be phased out gradually within the next six months and replaced with a badge in the design of the refreshed roundel. A wider membership campaign, will look to both raise the profile of the Pony Club with a new audience as well as ensure that the varied offering and full benefit is highlighted to existing members.
SUPA & Young England Youth Dates For The Diary Rugby – SUPA Camp and Trials: TBC May Guards – Jack Wills Varsity Day: 4 June Westcroft – National Girls Schools Championships: 5 June DBPC – National Universities Championships: 10 – 12 June Kirtlington – SUPA v KPPC (Towler Trophy): 12 June Kirtlington – National Senior Schools: 19 June Westcroft Park – National Schools, Girls Championships: 26 July TBC – International Polo Festival (SUPA Gold Cup): 1 – 5 July Cowdray – The Colts Cup: 9 – 11 August Ham – Stagshead Trophy: 14 August Rutland – England Colts vs Scotland Colts: 17 August Kirtlington – Alan Budgett Trophy: 27 August Cheshire – SUPA Home Nations Cup: 28 – 29 August Pony Club
Photograph courtesy of Pony Club
Vaux Park – 11 July Taunton – 12 July Frampton – 14 July Suffolk – 16 July Kirtlington – 19 July Epsom – 20 July Hurtwood – 22 July Cirencester – Qualifying Pony Club Tournament: 26 July Longdole – Qualifying Pony Club Tournament: 28 July Hurtwood – Qualifying Pony Club Tournament: 2 August Hurtwood – Jorrocks Championships: 3 August Cowdray – Pony Club Championships: 5 – 7 August
Pony Club Polo is a huge part of the Pony Club organisation
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Knowledge
Fitness for Polo
Prof. Martín Perez is an Argentine-born physical coach for polo players who works with professionals and patrons throughout the polo community from high goal 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.
Polo Biomechanics and Swing Analysis
The Backhand
With the English polo season just around the corner Polo Times talks to physical coach for polo players Martín Perez of Fitness for Polo for the new feature series on getting fit for the game, the Exercises: biomechanics of polo and swing analysis. Here are some exercises that In this month’s issue we move on to the next shot that everyone learns – the offside backhand. This is a hugely useful shot, used mainly in defence. A strong, accurate and angled backhand can mean the difference between a goal against you, or a counter attack. So let’s look at the basics of the swing, what muscles are being activated and how to train specifically to improve those target areas. Positioning: First thing we need to consider is that this shot cannot be performed sitting down in the saddle, but completely the opposite. You must be standing, gripping the saddle with your legs, this is your physical output. It’s so important to be forward all the time because you can get a really good connection with the ball. Stage One: When a player wants to hit the ball well and far backwards, they often do a pre-swing. This movement will help add a little more strength at the right time by providing the momentum needed to hit the ball far. Very few people pay attention to what’s happening in the core of their bodies as they perform these movements. While the pre-swing is going on, the upper body rotates to the left, slightly aiming with the right shoulder towards the ball. Stage Two: When you change to the positive phase, right after the pre movement while the stick is going backwards like a pendulum, the trunk performs an explosive rotational movement adding some strength to the motion. The legs stay in full contact with the saddle and the upper body finishes rotated completely to the other side. This set of movements can be applied to any long range backhand whether straight, open or tail. With the open shot, the shoulder, triceps and rotator cuff muscles are also playing an important role to direct the ball to the far side. If the backhand is a defensive shot, the ball often has to be hit far. However, sometimes all that is required of this shot is a short change of direction. In this case, the starting position is the same, but without a pre-swing. 74
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will strengthen and stretch the key areas and help you generate a more stable and powerful backwards swing.
Exercise one: Starting position Adopt a lunge position with your left knee on a mat. Stretch your right arm out at shoulder height and take hold of a resistance band tied to something fixed in front of you. Maintain this position for the following three different movements.
Movement one: Pull backwards with your right arm until it is in line with your body. Return to the starting position and repeat. An extra for this exercise would be to help the arm movement with an explosive trunk rotation to the same side, pulling the band across your body and bringing your shoulders perpendicular to their start position.
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Fitness for Polo
Knowledge
Key muscles activated: The primary muscles involved are: LEGS – They offer support, stability and balance. CORE MUSCLES – They provide power, energy and stability. SHOULDERS – They provide stability to the shoulder joint all the way through the swing.
Movement two: Without bending your elbow, bring your right arm out at shoulder height until it is in line with your body. Concentrate on trying to bring your scapula inwards. This exercise will help work your rotator cuffs, used for angling your backhands.
The secondary muscles involved are: TRICEPS – In the active part of the swing, these muscles help to extend the arm and transfer the energy to the hand. UPPER BACK – In the back swing, this muscle group helps to stabilise the shoulders and reduce strain on them in the follow through phase. FOREARM – These muscles are responsible for creating a good grip, very important when hitting the ball. Movement three: Without bending your elbow bring your arm up above your head until it is in line with your body. Keep your core muscles tight.
Exercise two: Lie on your front on the back extension bench, with your body straight and your arms pressed together out in front of you forming an ‘L’ position. Tense your glutes and core muscles. Keeping your legs in the same position, you are going to take your right arm upwards until you have created a straight line from one hand to the other through your shoulders – a ‘T’ with a twist. To do this you must first concentrate on using the core muscles in your trunk, then the muscles at the back of your shoulder later in order to achieve full rotation and then the full opening of the arms. Return to the start position and repeat.
Prof. Martín Perez www.polotimes.co.uk
Tel: +447551 878270
Email: info@fitnessforpolo.com
Website: www.fitnessforpolo.com Polo Times, April 2016
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Knowledge
Pony Power
Claire Maldonado talks to Lucy Wilson about Flor, who won The National Women’s Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at Westcroft Park Polo Club
How has she gone this season? She has been going really well, occasionally a little heavy if she has not played regularly, for example she had a break over the Christmas holidays! She will have a holiday as soon as the SUPA Nationals Schools are over and before the summer season gets going.
Flor Age: 12-Years-old Colour: Chestnut Height: 15.1hh Sex: Mare Owner: Alex Stone, but played by Claire Maldonado Where is the pony from? Argentina
Tell us about her background? Alex bought her in December 2014 and has kept her with me since. When Alex is unable to play her ponies I play them to keep them tuned up and ready for her. Alex normally plays her in schools and The Pony Club and up to 6 goal Club polo. Flor was previously owned by Gustav Rausing. What are her strengths? Agility, strong in ride-offs, very quick to turn and she never gives up.
Richard, the Earl of Tyrone talks to Lucy Wilson about Jet, who won The Arena Gold Cup Polo Times Best Playing Pony Awards at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
What are your plans for her future? Alex plans to keep her and play schools polo and up to 6 goal at Guards Polo Club with her for 2016 summer season. Does she have any special quirks? She blows raspberries when she is bored or wanting attention and she can be moody with other horses when she isn’t playing! Describe her in three words? Pretty and feisty.
What are her strengths? Top speed and power going forward and laterally. She has a huge heart and never stops trying for me. She is very difficult to tire out! Has she won any other awards? Yes, she won Best Playing Pony at the Chester International in 2014.
Photograph by Gillian Hughes
What are your plans for his future? This will be her last year of playing. I plan to retire her and then keep her as a brood mare. Does she have any special quirks? She is a bit of madam with the other horses and she is a nightmare to work off the polo field. She can be quite angry and bolshy. On the field she is great, as I think she enjoys playing the sport.
Jet
Where is the pony from? Bred, broken in and trained by Tony Van de Brink.
Age: 16-years-old Colour: Black Height: 15.1hh Sex: Mare Owner: Richard, the Earl of Tyrone
Tell us about her background? I played her in a Colts International in 2008, and I really liked the mare. Somehow I managed to do a deal with Tony to bring her back to the UK. I have had her eight years now.
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Does she have any relations who have achieved anything notable? I have a daughter out of her named Jazz who is by Clarke, who I have high hopes for. She is 6-years-old and will be playing her first medium goal season this year. Describe her in three words? Brave, bolshy, speedy. www.polotimes.co.uk
Pony Power
Chris Hyde talks to Lucy Wilson about Promise, who won The Bryan Morrison Polo Times Best Playing Pony Awards at The All England Polo Club, Hickstead
Knowledge
laterally, really fast and is just a really good mare. The best thing is that she is consistent, you always know you’re going to have a good chukka on her. Has she won any other awards? Not yet, this is her first with us – but watch this space! What are your plans for her future? She hadn’t played much last summer, only the odd practise, and I brought her in for the Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz. She is out for a holiday now, but she will be back for the summer and Jack will take her to play in the high goal in Sotogrande. I will play a few medium goal tournaments with her.
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Promise Age: 11-years-old Colour: Grey Height: 15.2hh Sex: Mare Owner: Chris Hyde What is the pony’s breeding? Australian Thoroughbred.
Where is the pony from? We bought her from Michael Bickford at La Indiana last August, but she was bred and made by Ruki Baillieu in Australia. Tell us about her background? We only bought her in August for Jack to play, while he was on the team for Zacara.
Does she have any special quirks? She reverts to being like an unbroken horse when she has been out for a holiday. If you put her out for a few weeks in the field, when you bring her back in she will try and kill you – hence her name, promise to get you off.
What are her strengths? She has a great mouth, great sides, is really powerful
Describe her in three words? Consistent, edgy, unpredictable
David Ashby talks to Lucy Wilson about Florencia, who won The Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers Best Playing Hired Pony Award at SUPA National Senior Schools at Rugby Polo Club
for a few years before the Flemings took Florencia and another pony from the field to play. She has been a great find, we have been very lucky. What are her strengths? Arena polo. She has fantastic handle and riding off abilities. How has she gone this season? This arena season, Florencia has surprised us all. She is a good horse on the grass, but she is exceptional in the arena.
Photograph by Lucy Wilson
Has she won any other awards? David Ashby played her for Snakebite in the Emsworth Omologato 8 Goal Tournament when she won Best Playing Pony earlier this year.
Florencia Age: 14-years-old Colour: Dark bay Height: 15.2hh Sex: Mare Owner: Oxford Polo and played by Oxford Polo clients and in arena tournaments by David Ashby www.polotimes.co.uk
Where is the pony from? Oxford Polo bought her from the Fleming Family (Lorna & Robert) a year ago. Tell us about her background? We don’t know a lot about her background other than she was owned by a Scandinavian patron who was a friend of Robert Fleming’s uncle. When he gave up he turned her out
What are your plans for his future? She will be going out for a rest now it is the end of the arena season. She will come back in for the summer where she will continue to play and do lessons with our Oxford Polo clients. Does she have any special quirks? None, Florencia is a dream to look after. Describe her in three words? Unforeseen, unflappable, unbeatable. Polo Times, April 2016
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Knowledge
Equipment Focus: Bits
Rider’s Q&A
Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a reader’s question on bitting
The reversible Barrie Big Ring Gag has a double nutcracker action and is half round twisted wire, half smooth
Q – Can you explain the benefits of using a twisted mouthpiece? A – A twisted bit or mouthpiece on the polo field can be highly useful for those horses or ponies that are strong, or that lean on the bit. The metalwork of this style of bit has a twist shape throughout the length of the mouthpiece, forming either large, spiral like turns or smaller, tighter turns resembling a corkscrew pattern. Twisted mouthpieces may have straight, jointed or mullen mouthpieces. Bombers Bits’ twisted mouthpieces, like all of our bits, are made from blue sweet iron. Though not as severe as a wire mouthed bit, it should be kept in mind that the twisted bit should not be used in novice hands on the polo field as the bit places more pressure points on both the tongue and the bars of the horse’s mouth. This type of pressure can be ideal for equines that need to ‘sharpenup’ in the mouth, or that lean on the bit and become strong during general exercise or polo matches. A twisted bit is also a highly beneficial tool to lighten the forehand of the horse or pony, so if they work in a way which is heavy on the forehand, the twisted bit design can help to educate the pony to carry themselves, and avoid the rider having to be
The Reversible Barrie Three Ring, similar to the Big Ring, can be used either way, with the twist on top – or alternatively, beneath
rough with their hands. Some riders utilise a bit with a twist as a training tool, using it occasionally in order to educate the horse not to lean on the rider’s hands. When the horse lightens in the rider’s hands, they transition back into a less powerful bit. The type of twisted bits in the Bombers Bits range include Round Twist, a Square Twist or the Half Twisted Barrie Bits, which through the ‘two bits in one’ design of a double mouthpiece, combine a smooth mouthpiece with a twisted mouthpiece. Bombers Bits offer a range of Twisted Bits in Fulmer, Gag, Mullen, Pelham and Snaffle styles, although for polo, we especially like the Polito Barrie and Colin Miles formats. The Polito Barrie Big Ring Gag has two centre links offset by 20mm, giving it a double nutcracker action, which creates more tongue
and bar pressure. It is good for strong, older horses. The Square Twisted Colin Miles Gag has a 55mm centre piece, creating greater tongue pressure, while the rings give the horse something to play with and help keep the horse or pony’s attention on the bit. The Square Twist will create more pressure points on the mouthpiece, which will make it stronger than a round or smooth twist. The ropes of both of these bits going through the rings create leverage, which will exert more pressure through the mouthpiece, whilst at the same time introducing more poll pressure. The square twist is stronger than the round twist, simply because it has a more significant edge. It is ideal for older horses which evade by pulling. Typically, the wider the turns of the twist in the bit, the gentler the bit is.
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. Call Equine Management on 01825 840 002 or visit www.bombersbits.co.uk 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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Polo Times, April 2016
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Knowledge
USA Vet Focus
Dr. Daren Tamplin, DVM Dr. Daren Tamplin, DVM began his veterinary career practicing sports medicine on thoroughbred racehorses in the mid-atlantic and in Louisiana. His interest in polo began as an undergraduate at Texas A&M University where he was involved in the Texas A&M Polo Club serving as a Club Officer and as a member of the 1998 National Intercollegiate Championship team. He currently practices independently through Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, Florida, working as the resident veterinarian for both the Audi and Flexjet polo teams. Dr. Tamplin’s main interests are lameness and imaging in sports horses with a specific focus on polo ponies.
Spinous Process Impingement
the bit and some will just show an overall reduction in performance. Diagnosis of dorsal spinous process impingement is usually made via a lameness exam. Often the horses will be examined due to a lack of performance or due to the horse resisting when asked to stop and turn. Palpation of the back usually results in a painful and resentful response from the horse. Radiographs are taken and often reveal diminished interosseous space between each spinous process, along with bony remodelling and bone lysis. Below is a radiograph revealing a horse that had mild back soreness and was seen due to resentment to stopping:
Daren Tamplin discusses symptoms and treatments for polo ponies suffering from severe back soreness
Photography courtesy of Megan Gillard
Daren uses ultrasound to help guide him on where to place the needle as he performs a dorsal spinous process injection
High goal polo in the USA has changed in many ways over the years. We have seen it evolve from a wide open game of hit and run into a game of absolute ball control. The result of this change in style has led to using horses’ athletic ability in ways they weren’t asked to do before. A good high goal polo pony is asked to stop, turn and contort its body very frequently. The demands of this style of polo leads to a large number of cases of severe back 80
Polo Times, April 2016
soreness due to dorsal spinous process impingement (more commonly known as kissing spine). The goal of this article is to shed light on some of the ways to diagnose and treat dorsal spinous process impingement and back soreness in general. Horses with dorsal spinous process impingement will present in different ways: some are very sore to back palpation; some are reluctant to come to a complete stop and will fight
This radiographic example shows both diminished interosseous space between dorsal spinous processes and bony remodelling with bone lysis. Although these types of bony lesions can be performance limiting, they can be successfully treated and the horse can maintain performance at an elite level. Horses are often placed on systemic, centrally acting muscle relaxants in order to make the horse more comfortable; however, these drugs can be metabolized very rapidly and they do nothing for the bony pain involved with dorsal spinous process impingement. Dorsal spinous process injection, using either radiographic or ultrasound guidance for needle placement, is the desired treatment modality. Needles are placed within interosseous spaces and anti-inflammatory drugs are infused into the spaces. Drugs incorporated within www.polotimes.co.uk
the space include: sarapin or pitcher plant extract, and short and long acting corticosteroids. Post injection, the horse should not be ridden for three to five days in order to allow adequate time for injectable drugs to take effect. If desired, the area where the saddle fits can be treated with mesotherapy along the epaxial muscles. Local infiltration of the epaxial muscles with vitamin B12 has also been a treatment modality used in the past and is an acceptable adjunct therapy. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can also be incorporated into a treatment protocol. Shockwave therapy involves sending sound waves through epaxial muscles via a probe, in order to stimulate blood flow to the sore and damaged musculature surrounding the dorsal spine. In theory, by stimulating blood flow you will also stimulate the healing process by increasing the body’s natural healing factors. Once a treatment protocol has been established and implemented the horse can be placed back into full work after about five days. Maximal effect from dorsal spinous process injection may not be fully
USA Vet Focus
Knowledge
Daren treats a horse suffering from dorsal spinous process impingement
realised for about two weeks. A follow up injection may need to be performed after six months, depending on the playing schedule. Dorsal spinous process impingement is a common problem among high goal polo ponies that can lead to a decrease in performance. However, with the initiation of a good treatment protocol, it can be managed very effectively and the horses
can return to full athletic activity and can attain full athletic ability. Dr. Daren Tamplin Palm Beach Equine Medical Center 13125 Southfields Road Wellington, FL 33414 Phone: (561) 793-1599 Fax: (561) 793-2492 www.equineclinic.com
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Polo Times, April 2016
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Nutrition Focus
Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist
Top Notch Top Lines Building & Maintaining Top Line Muscle
Should you find yourself in that position, then perhaps the forage needs to be analysed for its quality/digestibility and the concentrate ration be tailored for the individual by taking into consideration the work load. Talking to your vet is also advisable at this stage.
Strong top line muscle is essential for any horse in work to enhance power and strength. At times, the top line can be weak. So why does this happen? Don’t they build muscle with their work? Should we supplement? Hopefully I can answer some of these regularly asked questions. Where is the ‘top line’ meant to be?
Lacking condition and top line in May
How do we build it? Of course by exercising muscle it begins to become conditioned, however, the building process actually comes from amino acids which make up protein – the ‘building block of life’. For muscle development and integrity to occur, the horse requires all ten essential amino acids to be provided in the diet. Out of interest, muscle is actually made up of 73% protein and 22% fat, once water has been removed from the muscle tissue. We can build top line by providing a balanced concentrate ration to support the workload of that individual, which, when fed alongside a good quality forage, will ensure those ‘quality proteins’ (amino acids) required for a good strong top line are provided for that individual to work and perform at its optimum. As the horse begins working harder, if the feed is not balanced and ‘quality protein’ is not received, muscle atrophy will occur and muscle function will become weaker, the horse tiring quicker and increasing the risk of exercise intolerance and muscle problems.
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Polo Times, April 2016
Where can we find protein? Protein is found in cereals and forage, but ‘quality’ proteins are not always present in adequate quantities and therefore it is essential for these deficiencies to be counteracted by using a balanced concentrate feed or adding a feed balancer. Having your forage analysed will assist in formulating a balanced ration and will therefore allow you to compensate for any deficiencies in the ration. When looking on the back of a feed sack, the types of ingredients that are going to be providing ‘quality proteins’ will be soya, distillers’ grains, peas, alfalfa and grass meal. Do I need supplements to build top line? When being fed a balanced ration alongside a good quality forage, combined with the correct work, there should not really be any need to use a protein supplement to help the horse build muscle.
A noticeable difference just a few weeks later in June
Well rounded coverage by the end of July
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Nutrition Focus
Knowledge
How do we analyse top line muscle? Although we focus on the Body Condition Score of a horse, it is also of huge importance to be taking into consideration top line muscle and how well developed it is. We use this grading system that was developed in the USA by Progressive Nutrition:
Grade:
Visual Description
Excellent Diet providing optimum levels of quality protein
- This horse had ideal muscle development for its body type - The neck has a smooth or convex top ine and belnds smoothly into the shoulder and withers - Muscle is full each side of the withers and along the spinal column so that the vertebrae cannot be seen - The hip is full and the stifle muscles are defined - There is no hollowness between the hip and stifle
Grade: Good Diet providing sufficient levels of quality protein
- - - -
This horse is adequately muscled although there are some areas of inadequacy The neck has a straight top line and there is some hollowing where the neck meets the shoulder There is hollowing each side of the withers along the back The hip to stifle are flatter
Grade: Adequate Diet may not be meeting horse’s minimum protein requirements
- - - - - -
The neck has a straight or concave top line and is weak Muscle each side of the withers are sunken Back and loin areas appear bony Vertebrae will be higher than the muscles beside them Muscling over the hip and hindquarter is adequate The hip to stifle area is weak
- The neck has a concave top line and is hollowed Grade: Poor Diet not meeting horse’s minimum - Poor concave muscling over the entire topline from withers to tail - The hip bones and the top of the vertebrae on the croup are pointed and the muscles between protein are sunken in - The width of the stifles is narrower than that of the hips
Tel: +44 (0) 1842 862 068 Fax: +44 (0) 1842 861 936 Email: info@greenheath.co.uk www.greenheath.co.uk
Longhorn Beef for sale. Our rare breed Longhorn Cattle produce some of the best beef in the UK. Marbled meat means a more succulent flavour & tender cuts. Place your 2016 Asado orders now!
Norfolk Horn Lamb. You can have it frozen, fresh or living! Another great offer for your 2016 Asado; whole or half lamb to order. If you prefer your rare breed lamb living on your land; we can also supply excellent breeding stock. Place your orders with us now.
Major TDR 16000 3 gang roller mowers. MAJOR TDR 16000s - Choice of almost new to ex-hire. Prices starting at £5000 + VAT, Hire option available.
Wessex 12’ Roller Mower. With 6 rotors and full width rollers front and rear. This means that ground contours are followed accurately and ensures an unbroken striped effect on the turf. Ex-hire machine from caravan park. £6000 + VAT
John Deere 5415 With balloon turf tires this 75hp tractor is perfect for pitch mowing, general turf duty & much more. Comes with creep box for verti drain work. Price £16000 + VAT
Kioti DK501C. Another perfect tractor for pasture and pitch care. Price £11000 + VAT
Nicholson PC1800 Sweepers. Best paddock sweepers on the market. Several PC18000s in stock. Prices start at £5750 + VAT
Kawasaki 410 Mule. Crew cab convertible, Tipping buck. Perfect for estates and equine yards. £6750 + VAT
New Sully X40 ECONOV fertilizer spreader Brand New X40 spreader. Comes with Econov sat technology. Price £15000 + VAT
TYN T430 Tractor Another great tractor for pasture and pitch care. Contact us for a price.
For full listings and more equipment visit: www.greenheath.co.uk
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Polo Times, April 2016
83
Gossip
Photograph by Dominic James/www.dominic-james.com
Sidelines
LINKING UP Congratulations are in order to Caroline Link, daughter of Thai Polo and Equestrian Club owner, and Luciano Tattoni who have recently become engaged.
LUCK OF THE IRISH LITTLE LAPRIDA Looks like Magoo will be racing from pitchside Stateside for Lucchese to Argentine bedside as Rochi Laprida is expecting their first baby.
The pitter-patter of tiny Irish feet are imminent for Saffy nĂŠe Hutchinson and Irish race trainer husband Andy Oliver, as they are expecting their first baby in August.
TIDWORTH TAKES MILES Miles Underwood has been announced as the new Polo Manager at Tidworth Polo Club. The Wiltshire Club is home to Military polo and most notably the Captains and Subalterns tournament.
Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...
WALK THE WALK Our very own reporter Lucy Wilson and founder of the Cirencester-based Cotswold Party Company, Danielle Brown have taken up a charity challenge. The girls will be doing The Moon Walk on Saturday 14 May to raise money for breast cancer charities. Not only do they have to walk 13 miles around London in the middle of the night, but they have to do it wearing Carnival themed decorated bras. If you have a few pennies and you would like to support the girls in their fundraising visit: www.wtwalk. org/moonwalklondon2016/lucy-46 or www.wtwalk.org/ moonwalklondon2016/danielle-brown
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Polo Times, April 2016
JACOBS ON THE JOB The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club welcomes Alex Jacob as the new Assistant Polo Manager. The announcement has been made as the Club plan for the summer season. All the best to Alex as she takes on the season ahead!
FROM POLO TO RACING
Harry Whittington, who used to play Pony Club Polo and reached 1 goals is currently the second most successful racehorse trainer in the UK.
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Robin Lourvani & Lia Salvo
Abhigale Slater
Fernando Rivera & Georgina Brittain
Hazel Jackson
The Fiola Rose Swimwear Fashion Show; Polo Escape; Saturday 20 February
Swimming in Style
Daryl Yeep, Vero Magnasco, Sarah Wiseman & Fiola Rose Labron Johnson
The incredible singer Michael Shackson
Dario Musso, the tournament umpire with the lady professionals
All the models lined up & ready for action
Evening cocktails at the stunning polo retreat in Pattaya, Thailand were followed by a fashion show around the infinity pool for the pre-launch, Fiola Rose Labron Johnson’s new swimwear collection designed with the diversity of women in mind. Fiola Rose was fresh from the field of the Thailand Ladies International, as were players Carolina Brown Zavaleta and Camila Rossi who stepped in to help model the dazzling collection by Fiola Rose Swimwear. Polo Escape’s Argentine professionals had fun escorting the girls in the parade in front of all the guests. Afterwards everyone tucked into an exotic mix of Argentine asado and traditional Thai cuisine. A talented live band entertained everyone providing excellent music for those who wanted to dance all night long. Photography by www.alicegipps.com
Rodrigo Bauzada, Miguel Diaz & Diego Gomez
The infinity pool catwalk ready to start the fashion show
Group photo of all the players
Brian Orosco, Diego Gomez, Caro Brown Zavaletta & Maria Padros
Two beautiful Thai models
Lucy Bowman, Jess Van Der Velden & Sophie Granchi
Holly & Lisa Edwards
Nikki Jacob, Danny Muriel & Will Randall-Coath
National Women’s Tournament; Westcroft Park Polo Club; Sunday 28 February
Westcroft Women’s It may have been blowing a freezing gale, but the sun shone as the games got underway with all the Westcroft women taking to the arena. The new Clubhouse on the side of the arena was a welcome respite from the chilly air with Richard Blake Thomas cooking up a storm in the kitchen and doling out hot mulled wine. The usual crowd from the surrounding Ash Farm and Westcroft Park Polo Club were there to cheer on the ladies as they galloped around the arena in pursuit of the top trophies. Post polo, the players and supporters carried on their partying with another of the popular Open Mic nights in the Clubhouse bar. Lesley & Charlotte Sweeney
Lucy Northmore & Mia Randall-Coath
Photography by Lucy Wilson
Georgia Sweeney & Betty snuggle up
Rosie Ross
Horswell hound taking a snooze
Kerry & Mia Cartright
Richard Blake Thomas coaching Amy Guy
Polo Arena Construction ͻ ůŝŐŚƚĞƌ ͻ ƐƚƌŽŶŐĞƌ ͻ ƉŽǁĞƌĨƵů ͻ ĐŽŶƐŝƐƚĞŶƚ
ĂŶĞ ŵĂůůĞƚƐ ĂůƐŽ ŵĂĚĞ ƚŽ ŽƌĚĞƌ 'ƌĞĂƚ ƐŚŝƉƉŝŶŐ ƌĂƚĞƐ ĚŽŽƌ ƚŽ ĚŽŽƌ
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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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RRG 0DOOHWV TXDUWHU SDJH SRUWUDLW FRORXU LQGG
C o n t r a C to r s
Waleed Ahmed, Marcus Williams, Teshan Wijesuriya, Julia Noszczyk & Pierre-Elie Gerard
Victoria Borton, Molly Iacono, Emma Carr, Alice Walsh, Alice Fish, Amy Beastall & Alex Hickin
Julia Noszczyk & Emma Carr
Warwick Polo Club and Birmingham City Polo Club Black Tie Charity Ball; Chesford Grange Hotel; Saturday 6 February
Party with a Purpose Two Universities, one aim: party hard to raise money for charity. The annual Black Tie Charity Ball was this year in aid of Marie Curie. The two University Polo Clubs managed to raise a staggering £1,012.14 beating their 2015 target by £100. The guests enjoyed a threecourse dinner, drinks and entertainment from Oxford Jazz ¾ before making more shapes on the dance floor to a live DJ. The charity raffle included a bevy of prizes donated by The Spanish Boot Company, JF Polo Academy, Tottie Clothing, SSG Gloves, Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Derby House, Baileys Horse feed, Stoke Park, Harvie and Hudson, Polo on the beach, Cirencester Park Polo Club and Warwick Racecourse. Photography by Molly McIntyre & www.go2-events.com
Sarah Griffith, Sophie Hardy & April Merrick
Jamie Hardwick, Jess Lowe, Frances Chappelow & Michael Botros
Warwick Polo Club & Birmingham City Polo Club
Michael Botros, Charlotte Strange, Amber Sims & Hannah Thickett
Connie Buchanan, Jasmine Carr, Zoe Young, Matt Lloyd, Marcus Williams & James Jervis
Felicitas Sauerbrei & Aurelia Sauerbrei
Power of Polo crew, Jayne Rumsey, Michael Kaddu, Leon Gage (SCY), Aggy Young & Katy Hayward
The very orange Four Quarters supporters
The Arena Gold Cup; The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club; Saturday 27 February
Going For Gold The last hoorah of the Berkshire arena season saw a substantial turn out for the Bronze, Silver and Gold Cups. Pony blankets over the knees were the order of the day, with mugs of hot mulled wine helping to fuel the brave spectators, but the chilly winter air didn’t deter the crowds. The summer season may feel a million miles away but there was a spring-like buzz about who will be playing with who, where and in what tournaments, whilst Simon Arber and his crew zipped around the arena to swipe the gold. Following the games, a luncheon in the marquee fuelled up the guests before they partied into the evening. Nicki Williams-Grey, Nacho Gonzalez & Sarah Kelly
Phil Meadows & Brian Stein
Photography by Gillian Hughes & Lucy Wilson Amanda Gibson, Fiona Reilly & Sara Hale
Ola Kelly & Saskia Meadows
Maggie & Florence Hyde
Mark Hayden-Kellard & Heather Lodder
Simon Arber & Stefan Sund
Tae Ormerod & Suzie Meadows
Mary Kelly & Genevieve Meadows
Paul & Lisa Wyman
Sarah Jeans, Badia El Amir & Rosie Ross keeping warm
Roy Prisk
Petra & Lucy Sones
Ricky & Lisa Cooper with Ayla Auyb, Jecca-Millie & Jasper-Felix Cooper, Deenah Ayub & Onse Choi
Elleanor Harris, Alexandra Richardson, Dede Jevans, Luke Sandys-Renton, Alice Sparkes & Francis Matthews
Ed Armstrong & Michael Amoore
The Bryan Morrison Trophy; The All England Polo Club; Saturday 5 March
American Exchange Mother Nature was out in force for the International Arena Test Match and the preceding 12 goal challenge at the West Sussex Club bringing cold wind and rain. Supporters turned out in their masses to fill the Clubhouse stands, champagne bar and the picnic tables on the surrounding banks as England and our American cousins galloped around the expanse of the Bunn Leisure Arena. The sloe gin stand in the Clubhouse did a roaring trade, in between hot cups of tea and before the champagne had a chance to flow at the luncheon to celebrate England’s win. A few star spangled banners and cowboy hats were mingled amongst the home team supporters and comedy commentary from Roddy Williams certainly kept everyone entertained. We hope the USPA team are planning another trip for a rematch? Jack, Josh, Maggie, Max & Florence Hyde
Photography by Šwww.imagesofpolo.com & Lucy Wilson
Roddy Williams & Jonathan Tidswell-Pretorius
Tae Ormerod & Simon Ledger
Andy Cork, Vicky Griffin, Marcus Cork, Amy Leggett & Mike Longbourne
John Bunn
The Clubhouse by the Bunn Arena
David Banner-Eve
Tommy Biddle, Amber Owen & David Woodd
Roddy Matthews, Ronnie Kusi & Katy Hayward
Amy Gatehouse, Jack Richardson & Flora Richardson
Roy Prisk, Rosie Chell, Heather Neal & Ryan Pemble
Jess Van Der Velden
Jonny Good
Sarah Wiseman, Daniel Acosta & Tiva Gross
Polo directory
Dates for Your Diary
What’s On in April 2016 Remaining UK Arena Fixtures Internationals
Wicklow – Ireland vs America: 10 April
Open
Wicklow – USA (Yale) vs Ireland: 2 – 3 April Rugby – T-Bone Challenge: 4 April Wicklow – National Arena Championship: 24 – 25 April
UK Grass Fixtures High Goal
Cirencester – Cirencester 0-40 Goal Tournaments (0-40): April 28 – 8 May
Medium Goal
Guards – Queen Mother’s Centenary Cup (12-15): April 29 – 8 May Coworth – Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy (8-12): April 21 – 7 May
Low Goal
Emsworth – 8 Goal Tournament (8): April 30 – 1 May Guards – Spring Tournament (2-6): April 19 – 8 May Kirtlington – The Spring Cup (2-4): April 27 – 2 May Guards – The Spring Amateur (-2-2): 22 – 24 April Ranelagh – Copa Primavera (0-2): 23 – 24 April Tidworth – Rabbit Cup (-2-2): 23 – 24 April Cheshire – Boqueron Cup (0-2): April 30 – 1 May Rugby – The Patera Cup (-2-2): April 30 – 1 May Tidworth – Kingsett Cup (-2-2): April 30 – 1 May Ranelagh – Asado Challenge (-2-2): April 30 – 2 May Ranelagh – Copa La Ranita (-2-0): 16 – 17 April Cheshire – Spinney Cup (-4- -1): April 30 – 1 May
Combined Services
Tidworth – Adm Kumar Cup (Royal Navy vs Eton): 30 April
Open
Vale of York – San Pan Pusi Vase: 3 April
Looking Ahead UK Summer 2016 High Goal Dates RCBPC – The Prince of Wales Trophy (17-22): 7 – 14 May 90
Polo Times, April 2016
Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland’s Cup (15-18): May 15 – 5 June Guards – The Cartier Queen’s Cup (17-22): May 17 – 12 June Cirencester – The Apsley Cup (15-18): 8 – 26 June Cirencester – Warwickshire Cup (17-22): 14 – 19 June Cowdray – The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for the British Open (Open): June 21 – 17 July Coworth – Indian Empire Shield (15-18): June 28 – 16 July Guards – The Royal Salute Coronation Cup (Open): 23 July Cowdray – Challenge Cup (15-18): 18 – 31 July
6 Goal Victor Ludorum
Victor Ludorum UK Summer 2016 Season Dates
Overseas Highlights
DBPC – The Stoneythorpe Cup (2-6): 16 – 22 May Beaufort – The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup (2-6): May 31 – 11 June Rutland – The Assam Cup (2-6): 20 – 26 June Cheshire – Junior County Cup (2-6): 4 – 10 July Cambridge County – The Cavendish Cup (2-6): 18 – 24 July Kirtlington – Budgett Everett Trophy (2-6): July 28 – 7 August Ham – Roehampton Cup (2-6): 12 – 21 August Cirencester – Kingscote Cup (2-6): August 22 – 3 September
15 Goal Victor Ludorum
Guards – The Royal Windsor Cup (12-15): May 30 – 19 June RCBPC – The Eduardo Moore Tournament (12-15): June 25 – 9 July Cowdray – The Harrison Cup (12-15): 18 – 30 July Cirencester – The County Cup (12-15): 1 – 14 August Beaufort – The Arthur Lucas Cup (12-15): 16 – 28 August
12 Goal Victor Ludorum
Cowdray – Dollar Cup (8-12): 9 – 29 May RCBPC – The John Prestwich Trophy (8-12): May 30 – 11 June Beaufort – The Prince of Wales’ Cup (8-12): 13 – 25 June Cirencester – The Queen Mother Trophy (8-12): June 27 – 10 July Guards – Duke of Wellington Trophy (8-12): 2 – 14 August Cirencester – Cheltenham Cup (8-12): August 23 – 4 September Cowdray – Autumn League (8-12): 6 – 18 September
8 Goal Victor Ludorum
Cirencester – Gerald Balding (4-8): 16 – 30 May Guards – Archie David (4-8): 3 – 26 June RCBPC – The Julian and Howard Hipwood Trophy (4-8): June 29 – 16 July Cowdray – Holden White Challenge Cup (4-8): 19 – 31 July Beaufort – Wichenford Bowl (4-8): 8 – 21 August
America
IPC – US Open Polo Championship: (Open) 3 – 24 April Santa Barbara – The Belmond El Encanto Polo Classic (16): 8 – 10 July Santa Barbara – USPA Maserati Silver Cup (16): 15 – 24 July Santa Barbara – USPA Nespresso America Cup (16): July 29 – 7 August Santa Barbara – Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open (16): 12 – 28 August
Dubai
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club – Dubai Cup (18): 8 – 15 April Dubai – Beach Polo Cup 2016: 1 – 2 April
Croatia
Rovini – Beach Polo Tournament: 12 – 15 May www.polotimes.co.uk
Dates for Your Diary
Save the Date Charity Events
Errol Park – The 2016 University of St Andrews Charity Tournament: 23 April Ham – International Charity Support Trust Polo Classic Tournament: 16 July
Barbados
Holders – Canadian Tour: March 26 – 3 April Apes Hill – John Bunn Tour: March 29 – 2 April Apes Hill – International Ladies’ Tour: 5 – 9 April Holders – President’s & Kearns Trophy: 14 May
Polo directory
Longdole – Electric Bicycle Polo: 3 July The Wanderers Club, Florida – Sunset Polo & White Party for Brooke USA: 25 March
Save the Date Social Events
Rutland – Opening Season Party: 10 April Cambridge – Cambridge University White Tie Polo Ball: 13 April DBPC – Opening Season Party: 14 May DBPC – Victor Ludorum Finals Day: 22 May Guards – The 11th Polo Awards: 31 May
Women’s Polo For ladies polo highlights turn to our Women’s Polo section for a full list of dates.
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.
Quick Question
Dominican Republic
Casa de Campo – The Caribbean Open: March 24 – 2 April
Answer -
to the question posed on our Letters page A. USA has played for The Bryan Morrison Trophy four times, and only won it once.
Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB
CLUB
PHONE
All England Polo Club Hickstead 01273 834315
polo@hickstead.co.uk
Moor Hall Farm Polo Club
01279 450637
alec@mhfpolo.co.uk
Apsley End
01462 712444
peter.pollak@btopenworld.com
Norfolk Polo Club
01508 480256
office@norfolkpolo.co.uk
Ash Farm Polo Club
01932 872 521
ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com
Offchurch Bury Polo Club
07901 803285
info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk
Beverley Polo Club
01964 544877
info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk
Park Lane
07976 242877
mbhancock@yahoo.co.uk
Blueys Polo Club
0771 0558485
polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk
Ranelagh Polo Club
01344 885697
polo@ranelaghfarm.com
Cambridge Polo Club
07711 217004
info@haggisfarmpolo.com
Ranksboro Polo Club
01572 723755
polojoe@hotmail.com
Cambridge County Polo Club
01223 812922
info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk
RCBPC
01344 890 060
admin@rcbpc.com
Dallas Burston Polo Club
01926 812409
ella@dbpoloclub.com
Rugby Polo Club
01788 817 724
info@rugbypoloclub.com
Druids Lodge Polo Club
01722 782597
abi@druidspolo.co.uk
Sussex Polo Club
01342 714920
info@sussexpolo.co.uk
Edinburgh Polo Club
0131 449 6696
djamesjamie@aol.com
SWF
01962 885500
info@maywoodpolo.com
Emsworth Polo Grounds
01344 883112
enquiries@fourquarterspolo.co.uk
Tidworth Polo Club
01980 846705
tidarenapolo@tiscali.co.uk
Epsom Polo Club
07961 232106
epsompoloclub@hotmail.com
Triskelion Polo Club
07624 272547
polo@triskelionpolo.club
Fifield Polo Club
07778 436468
francis@fhmpolo.co.uk
Vale of York
07788 426968
info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk
FHM Polo Club
01628 620061
fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk
Vaux Park Park Polo Club
07703 524613
vppc@btconnect.com
Heathfield Polo Club
01869 351111
info@heathfieldparkpolo.co.uk
Westcroft Park Polo Club
01276 858545
richard@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Hertfordshire Polo Club
01707 256023
polo@hertspolo.co.uk
West Wycombe Park Polo Club
07787 560729
secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk
Inglesham Polo Club
07818 508136
mattevetts@hotmail.com
White Rose
01430 875767
info@whiterosepolo.co.uk
Kinross
07831 365194
thom@thombell.co.uk
Wicklow Polo
00 353 404 67164 siobhan@polowicklow.com
Longdole Polo Club
01452 864544
jo@longdolepolo.com
www.polotimes.co.uk
PHONE
Polo Times, April 2016
91
Club directory
With our winter projects, renovations and improvements to the grounds, exercise track and stables almost complete, we do have a limited number of Club Memberships and Full Livery Stables available for the forthcoming season. The Club has a great history and we do hope you will join us at some point this season to raise a glass or two and be a part of our 90th Anniversary Celebrations.
90th Anniversary and 2016 Key Dates April 15th
Pre Season Members and Guests Cocktail Party
May 1st 15th 30th
HPC The London Polo Club AGM Ham House Tournament Finals Mixed Doubles Tournament Finals
June 4th 11th 16th 19th 26th
The Chakravarty Charity Cup 90th Anniversary Roaring 20’s Summer Ball The King Power Laureus Charity Polo Cup Petersham Bowl Tournament Finals HPC v RAF Polo Team
For all membership, livery and tournament enquiries please contact: The Polo Office, Petersham Road, Ham, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7AH Tel: 020 8334 0000 / 020 8940 2020 Email: office@HPCLondonPolo.com www.HPCLondonPolo.com
92
Polo Times, April 2016
July 3rd
Peter Adams Agency Summer Tournament Finals Argentine Club Cup 16th Pakistan Charity Support Polo Day 17th Dog’s Trust Charity Polo Event 22nd 90th FIP Ambassadors Cup August 7th Dubai Trophy Tournament Final Austin Healy Owners Club Meeting 13th Inner Circle and Alumni Summer Polo Cup 14th Young England Stagshead Trophy 21st London Square Roehampton Cup Finals 28th MG Owners Club Meeting September 4th The Landscape Show Autumn Cup 10th The Saragarhi Challenge Polo Cup 25th Billy Walsh Tournament Finals October 2nd Farewell Cup and Season Finale After Party
www.polotimes.co.uk
Club directory
ALL YEAR MEMBERSHIP 2016 from £250
01342 714 920
www.sussexpolo.co.uk
info@sussexpolo.co.uk
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Current Tournament dates and handicaps (Bank Holiday weekends) Start Date 7/5/2016
Argentine BBQ’s on Sundays, families welcome, pony rides for children, polo ponies for lease Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3SR Just five minutes from junction 8/9 of the M4
www.polotimes.co.uk
-2 - 0
15/5/2016 Carlitos Polo Tournament
21/5/2016
22/5/2016 Spring Cup
28/5/2016
30/5/2016 Coronation Cup
0-2
1/6/2016
27/7/2016 Amateur League
-2 - 0
4/6/2016
If you are an individual and would like to join a club team please email kim@playpolo.co.uk or call 07748 670 587
Handicap
5/8/2016 Recoleta Memorial Cup
14/5/2016
11/6/2016
Fully sponsored tournaments: £400 (reduced to £300 per team if booked before 1st May)
Finish Date Tournament
-2 - 0 0-2
5/6/2016 Summer Cup
-2 - 0
11/6/2016 Veteran’s Match HAC v Grenadier Guards
-4 - 0
11/6/2016
12/6/2016 Help for Heroes Combined Forces Trophy
-2 - 0
18/6/2016
19/6/2016 Challenger Lighting Tournament
-2 - 0
25/6/2016
26/6/2016 Don Carlos de la Serna Memorial Cup
2/7/2016 9/7/2016
0-2
3/7/2016 Canadian Bear Challenge Trophy (Canada Day)
-4 - 0
10/7/2016 The Arena Polo Challenge Trophy
-2 - 0
16/7/2016
17/7/2016 Tai Tai Tournament
-4 - 0
23/7/2016
24/7/2016 Adamas Tournament
-2 - 4
30/7/2016 6/8/2016
1/8/2016 The Cedar Polo Trophy
-2 - 0
7/8/2016 The Benelux Polo Tournament
-2 - 0
13/8/2016
14/8/2016 Carugh Cup
20/8/2016
21/8/2016 Carlitos Polo Bronze Tournament
27/8/2016
29/8/2016 1947 Saunders Davis 3 Handled Polo Challenge
3/9/2016
-4 - 0 0-2
4/9/2016 The Moungerald Polo Tournament
10/9/2016
11/9/2016 Esperanza Trophy
17/9/2016
18/9/2016 The Hollister Polo Challenge Trophy
-2 - 0 -6 - 0 0-2 -2 - 0
24/9/2016
25/9/2016 The Mar del Plata Polo Challenge
-2 - 0
1/10/2015
2/10/2016 Ultimo Polo 2016
-2 - 0
w w w. p l a y p o l o . c o . u k Polo Times, April 2016
93
grounds works and fencing specialist in the cotswolds
Bertie Tupper & Co
Site clearance Drive and pathways Site preparation Earth moving Pond and ditch clearing Pipe laying Stump removal Foundations and footings Environmental test holes Fencing and gateways
With over 12 years’ experience working in countryside and agricultural management, and a proven track record in providing specialist estate maintenance, I pride myself on delivering every project - whether large or small - to the highest standard. My reputation for providing an honest and reliable service is widely known in the Cotswolds, with many delighted clients who have repeatedly called on my expertise over the years.
“Over the past couple of years Bertie Tupper has completed various jobs for me to a very high standard including post and rail fencing, preparation and hanging of gateways, installation of water troughs and laying water pipes. I have always found Bertie to be extremely conscientious and punctual, and he has also been very helpful in providing positive ideas and solutions when needed. When quoting for new areas of work, Bertie has been more than happy to show samples of similar work he has completed and I would have no hesitation in recommending Bertie to colleagues and friends� Susan Jill Parkinson - Comparo Property Development.
For any enquiries or a free quote, please contact Bertie Tupper on:
07711 404 633 e: bertietupper@gmail.com
www.bertietupper.co.uk
Classifieds
Polo directory
DEALS STOCKGREAT TO CLEAR DUE TO SEMI RETIREMENT AVAILABLE NOW!
Marketplace
AND RE-LOCATION - PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Property
POLO/ EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY FOR SALE 4 Bed barn conversion, sep grooms accom, office,12 stables, indoor horsewalker, boarded arena, 16 acres post&rail, lorry/hay park. Additional 10 acres incl paddocks, level mowed ground used for polo 160m x 120m. Banbury-Marylebone 54 mins. £available in lots. Contact 01295 239666 Oxfordshire
5 PONY 7.5 TONNE POLO LORRY £11,000 Contact melindaletts@ hotmail.com 01666 880 632 (evenings) text 07971 483 274. Gloucestershire
POLO RAT Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Contact 07860 906032
Equipment
3 GREAT MARES FOR SALE 15.215.3 ages 11-15. Same home 8 years. Played by 2 goal pro but would also suit patron. Sad sale as giving up. £4,00010,000 Contact 07739 404927 Rutland
Transport
www.polotimes.co.uk
17 Horse 40ft Artic Trailer NewVOLVO Conversion 2004 FM9 300 With Water Tanks, Lockers 11 Horse, Day Cab, 26 Ton Axle Lift Sky Lights, Fans Hydraulic Ramp, Body all alloy FULL On Air, TEST Full Test
2004 MERCEDES ATEGO 1823
2005 MAN 8.155 7.5 Ton,Ramp 5/6 11 Horse, Day Cab, Hydraulic Horse, Newly Painted, Test Until Large Tack Lockers, 12 Months MOT March 2016. Bottle Green In Paint Shop to be painted
To view our stock visit our website www.tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk Email: enquires@tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk Tel: 01325 332 649 Mobile: 07901 857960 Fax: 01325 333554 Eddlethorpe Farm, Stockton Road, Sadberge, Darlington, Co Durham DL2 1TB ALL VEHICLES ARE PLUS VAT FINANCE AVAILABLE
TNS Quarter page portrait.indd 1
18/09/2013 18:46
UK (direct debit only) One year £55 Two years £90
SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217
Situations ASSISTANT POLO GROOM April to September. 20-30 hours p/w. Learn from experienced groom. Small yard. General duties. £To be discussed Contact Julie Jackson 07812 826704 / juliejackson40@yahoo.com Pulborough
POLO LORRY 9/10 HORSES. M reg 18 ton Scania. In excellent working order, plated to end of August. New ramp. £6,900. Contact Fiona on 01666 840215 or 07711 816839. Wilts/Glos
over 8 hours. Full Test. With or without Unit
2006 MAN 12.183 FRC/C 4.5 2006 MAN 12.183 FRC/C 4.5 Carry 8 Large Horses, 12 Ton, To carry 8 Large Horses, 12 ton, Automatic, New Alloy Body Automatic, New Alloy Body, with With Water Tank, Certifi Water Tanks, Fans.Fans, Certificate to cated to Horses carry horses over 12 Carry over 12 hours hours, Sold with FULL TEST 74000km warranted. Full Test. (A CHOICE)
Print and digital subscription (inc App & Website access)
POLO PLOT FOR SALE Exceptional polo plot available. Front corner facing position, approximately 3180 SM. Site plan on request. £95.00/SM Contact Paul: docpaul200@yahoo.co.uk Buenos Aires
Horses
2006 IVECO EUROCARGO ML180E21/P 18 Ton, 11 Horse, 2001 SCHMITZ SK020L 40ft Artic Cab, Trailer, Water 17 Horses, New conSleeper Tank, Fans, version fitted withFULL fans, TEST. water tanks Sold with Passed with to carry horses (ADEFRA CHOICE)
Miscellaneous HPA YEAR BOOKS WANTED 1952 TO 1956 £Top Contact H.A. Laffaye +1 561 784 0657 / hlaffaye@optonline.net USA
UK
One year £65 Two years £110
EU
One year £80
Two years £140
WW
One year £90
Two years £160
SUPA/SAPA
One year £55
Two years £99
Digital Only subscription (App & website access) 6 months £30
One year £55
Two years £99
SUPA/SAPA rate One year £45 All subscribers receive an exclusive weekly newsletter and competition offers
Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Contact details Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk
www.polotimes.co.uk
© Polo Times Limited 2016 and Database Right 2016
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
Polo Times, April 2016
95
Final bell
In association with Aprés Polo
American arena 10 goaler Tommy Biddle takes time-out after the Bryan Morrison Trophy Arena International to talk to Polo Times about what his passions are on and off the field. What is your biggest passion and why? Playing the game. Every match is like playing a new chess match and I really enjoy organising a game plan and making adjustments throughout the game. What is your all time best polo memory? Winning the U.S. Open in 2002. The tournament had the largest field ever with 15 teams. My team, Coca-Cola, went undefeated, winning seven games in a row. Who are your favourite teammates and why? Miguel Novillo Astrada, I won the US Open with him. He really helped my game a lot and we have become good friends. Hector Galindo, I have played with him many times over the course of my career and we have won numerous tournaments together, he has become a great friend off the field. Last but not least Nick Manifold – I met him in Cirencester when I was 19. We have been good friends ever since and we have played and won many tournaments together over the last 10 years. Hardest opponent? Memo Gracida. He is such a great player and organiser, I have always had tough matches against him.
What is your favourite food? Steak. Favourite hobby outside of polo? I enjoy the challenge of golf. I currently play off about a 12 handicap, but I would really like to get it down to single digits. Most prized possession? My two daughters and my relationship with my girlfriend, Amber. I know they aren’t real possessions, but I love my daughters, Lauren and Bailey, more than I can explain. Favourite celebrity and why? John Wayne. I have always been a cowboy at heart and he represents what I feel was a great man of the West. He was also a great patriot and loved the USA tremendously. Best holiday destination & activity? Aspen, Colorado. I’ve been going there for the last five winters for the snow polo. There is a great mix of polo and atmosphere, plus the town is beautiful with great restaurants.
Best pony and why? I have to pick two! Señorita was a bay mare, which won five Best Playing Pony trophies and got me up to 8 goals outdoors. An amazing mare that ran with her tail straight up in the air! Mufasa (pictured below) was a chestnut gelding that I bought as a four-year-old and I played him until I retired him at the age of 23. He also won numerous Best Playing Pony trophies including winning Best Playing Pony in the 2013 U.S. Arena Open. Are you passionately superstitious? I guess when I get on a roll I try to do the same things when preparing for games that have gotten me onto that winning streak. Describe yourself in three words. Determined, strong, winner. One thing that would surprise people about you… I love to cook. Don’t mess with me when I have control of the grill!
Which sports do you like outside of polo? American Football and golf. I played American Football when I was young and loved it. Favourite film and why? Dances With Wolves. It’s a great movie about the American West. I would love to have been able to experience that era on horseback. What is your favourite song and why? Right now by Van Halen. I love any music by Van Halen or the Eagles. 96
Polo Times, April 2016
www.polotimes.co.uk