Volume 22 • Issue 3 • April 2017 • £6.50
ARENA GOLD CUP Report & Interview with SUPA Polo ENGLAND TRIUMPH AGAIN Third successive win at Hickstead
PLUS: New Zealand, Dubai & USA Reports
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7
POLO
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Contents
Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk
What’s inside...
April 2017
Group Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk Editorial & Subscriptions Sarah Flight office@polotimes.co.uk
34
Advertising Sales Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk Principal Design James Morgan
Additional Design Tony Ruddy
Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk Subscriptions & Accounts Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk
Contributors:
Stephen Biddlecombe, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Lorna Edgar, Andy Esposito, Andreas Krüger, Dr Angela Jones BVSc Cert AVP MRCVS, People of Polo: Cymon Skinner & Andrew Yates, Caroline Stern, ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com
Contact details
Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email:admin@polotimes.co.uk
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© Polo Times Limited 2017 and Database Right 2017 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685
Cover photograph: Harold Hodges, part of the victorious SUPA Polo team at the Arena Gold Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club By People of Polo: Cymon Skinner
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Polo Times, April 2017
55
40 News 6 14 16
All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update
Comment 18
Your Views: Letters
Features 20 24 28 31
Big Picture Monte Carlo Polo Team Uig Lodge Smoked Salmon Cover Story: Arena Gold Cup Q & A
Reports 34 38 40 45 46
Cover Story: Arena Gold Cup Land Rover New Zealand Open Cover Story: International Arena Test Match C.V. Whitney Cup Julius Baer Gold Cup
Club Focus
49
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Women’s Polo 52
A Round-Up of Women’s Polo
Youth Polo 55
All Aspects of Youth Polo
Knowledge 59 62 64 66 68 70 72 74
Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series Vet Insight: Poor Performance Ground Focus: Turftrax Nutrition Focus: Gastric Ulcers Fitness: Hamstrong Bit Focus: Barrie Gag Alternatives Polodoc: The Polo Shoulder Book Review
Sidelines 77
Sidelines: Social Pages
Polo Directory: 83
What’s On in April?
Final bell: 88
Passions: Jamie Morrison
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Polo Times, April 2017
Second Rovinj Beach Polo Cup The second Rovinj Beach Polo Cup in Croatia will be held from 18 – 21 May on the Porton Biondi beach in Rovinj. Following the success of the first event, this year the number of scheduled matches has been increased due to more team registrations. This year’s polo comes with the added bonus of the appearance of ex-Spandau Ballet singer, Tony Hadley, who will perform in concert. There will also be a polo parade from the arena to the town centre, while the best restaurants in Rovinj will offer a special
Pol Roger Beach Polo Beach polo down under has been gathering steam and Adelaide’s main beach, located in the coastal suburb of Glenelg, hosted two matches on Saturday 25 February for the inaugural ‘Pol Roger Beach Polo’.
Adelaide hosted the 2017 Pol Roger Beach Polo
Photograph courtesy of Polo Valley
Issa Dasu Patel, Chairman of OUPC with Richard Hine, Founder of British Polo Gin
British Polo Gin has teamed up with Polo Valley
Photograph courtesy of Rovinj Beach Polo
Oxford University Polo Club have announced British Polo Gin will be their Official Spirit Supplier as well as a shirt sponsor. The agreement was signed on Saturday 18 February at OUPC’s annual Winter Cuppers event. British Polo Gin will be used at matches and events hosted by OUPC, including annual highlights such as the Winter Varsity, Atlantic Cap, OUPC vs Honourable Artillery Company; plus a garden party/gin reception in Oxford will also be held to celebrate the landmark partnership. To read more about OUPC’s Winter Cuppers, turn to our Youth pages. British Polo Gin has also been supporting Polo Valley in Sotogrande, sponsoring a team in the Polo Valley March tournament. Despite the weather, the tournament was a great success and fingers crossed for better weather next time!
Photograph courtesy of OUPC
Polo Partnership
Photograph by Joe McInelly
As I write this month’s forward, the spring sunshine is flooding through the Polo Times office windows and it really does feel as though the dark days of winter are over and there is light at the end of the tunnel for those that did not jet off to sunnier polo climes. For many, this brings with it the inevitable flurry of excitement, tack cleaning and exercising as polo ponies across the country are into work and on the cusp of the 2017 season. When the Home Office first announced their initial regulations for the forthcoming season, critics had forecasted this polo season would never happen. But, in a typically British spirit, and a true case of persistence defeating resistance, the HPA recently announced that the Home Office have reduced the restrictions imposed for this year. Some may argue that it is too late for many, who have already made alternative arrangements to avoid the initial restrictions, but many across the country will no doubt be breathing a large sigh of relief. For more details, please turn to HPA News. Just as Philip ‘spreadsheet Phil’ Hammond has had to do a serious ‘U-turn’ on National Insurance for the self employed, we all have fingers crossed that Amber Rudd gets her chain pulled from further up the pecking order and does an about turn on the polo visa situation like her counterpart at HM’s Treasury. Here’s hoping. Unfortunately, this issue isn’t all full of good news, as the international polo community has been rocked by a trio of tragic deaths, our News pages include an obituary to Sunny Hale and memorials for Tristan Voorspuy and Donovan Stratemann, all of whom were taken before their time. On a more upbeat note, there has been a plethora of polo played over the past few weeks and this April issue is packed with news and reports from low to high goal. We get to know the players behind the SUPA Polo team following their historical win at RCBPC in the Arena Gold Cup, as well as of course a full report from the match. If all of this polo news wasn’t enough, our Knowledge section is brimming over with information on shoulder injuries, poor pony performance, gastric ulcers and how to stretch you hamstrings, not to mention our usual Sidelines pages. We also get to know RCBPC Chairman Jamie Morrison – who knew he plays the drums and loves his mum Greta’s homemade grub! That leaves me just to bid you good luck with your pre-season training, may the sun shine and the good news keep on coming… Go on Amber, you know you want to give us all some long term good news.
News
The dates have been released for the 2017 Rovinj Beach Polo Cup
menu dedicated to the event. For more information about the Rovinj Beach Polo Tournament, visit www.croatiapolo.com
The first match was played between local radio station Nova (Lucas Rogers, Jonathan Bayes & James Thomas) against Champagne Pol Roger (Luke Rowley, Janek Gazecki & Marty Ingham), with Nova triumphing 6-4. The second game, the inter-state National Polo League, unfolded between home team Adelaide, sponsored by Fox Real estate, and team Melbourne, sponsored by Stella Artois. To the crowd’s delight, Jock McLachlan, Edward Bowden and Ric McCarthy led team Adelaide to a 4-3 victory against the visitors, Melbourne’s Sacha Caller, Peter Handbury and James Thomas. Planning is already underway for the 2018 Pol Roger Beach Polo, and it is rumoured that a visiting international team will take on an Australian side. Those eagle eyed readers may have spotted the Pol Roger Beach Polo as our Big Picture this month.
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News
Photograph by Lightbox Photography
St Andrews Charity Polo Tournament
The St Andrews Charity Polo Tournament will be held on Saturday 22 April
The St Andrews Charity Polo Tournament is the largest polo tournament in Scotland and will take place on Saturday 22 April. The 2016 event saw 1,200 guests attend and this year it is expected this figure will rise to 1,500 people. The event is entering its third year holding the event at the beautiful Errol Park Estate in support of Help for Heroes. The St Andrews Charity Polo Tournament is organised by a committee made-up of 30 St Andrews students who are committed to their 8th year of supporting Help for Heroes whilst highlighting the sport of polo. A variety of university teams from all over the United Kingdom will be hosted, as well as teams from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Help for Heroes Veterans, and two exhibition teams. Standard tickets were made available from Wednesday 8 March and include a free drink from the bar as well as pitchside viewing area.
APSPH New Partnership The British Grooms Association (BGA) and The Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers (APSPH) have announced a new partnership. The APSPH have joined their members to the BGA’s Employers Zone, which gives them access to all the tools and information equestrian employers need to ensure they comply with the law and offer best employment practices.
International Beach Polo Down Under
Photograph courtesy of Goldeneye Media
Polo Hall of Fame
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Twilight Beach Polo at St. Kilda Beach, Melbourne
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
White Birch’s Mariano Aguerre will be inducted into the American Museum of Polo’s Hall of Fame in Florida. The 10 goaler has won some of the most prestigious tournaments in America, where his lifelong career in the US started at the age of just 16-years-old. Mariano has won the US Open twice, as well as eight US Gold Cup wins. Mariano formed a long-lasting partnership with White Birch’s Peter Brant and the two have been playing polo alongside each other for more than 30 years. Mariano is also a championship breeder of polo ponies with his breeding farm Los Machitos, and has bred some of the most outstanding ponies. In the true spirit of the Hall of Fame, Mariano aspires to “give back” to the sport he loves and has mentored young players including aspiring players of the Team USPA programme.
Mariano Aguerre has been added to the Museum of Polo’s Hall of Fame
Melbourne, Australia has made a rather glamorous entry into the fast growing International Beach Polo circuit, after the staging of its first Twilight Beach Polo on 17 February. The event was the first beach polo event to be held in Melbourne and was played on the sands of famed St Kilda Beach and attracted an array of celebrities and fashionistas.
Polo Times, April 2017
9
News 2018 Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz
Don’t miss out on tickets to the 2018 Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz
If you want to visit the luxury location of St. Moritz, the birthplace of snow polo, for the 2018 Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, visit www.snowpolo-stmoritz.com to book your tickets for the 2018 event – but be quick, as the event sells out sharpish! Next year’s event will be held from 26 – 28 January, where once again four international teams will go head-to-head to take home The Cartier Trophy. If the exhilarating polo wasn’t enough, then enjoy the stunning backdrop of the Engadin Valley combined with the exquisite culinary delicacies as well as exclusive exhibitors and fantastic entertainment.
Tristan Voorspuy was tragically shot dead on Sunday 5 March, in Laikipia, Kenya whilst inspecting some of his lodges. Tristan was born in South Africa, but raised and schooled in Sussex, as well as being in the British Army for six years and went on to found luxury horse riding safari company, Offbeat Safaris in 1990. Martin Evans, Chairman of the Laikipia Farmers Assocition, said Tristan was attacked whilst inspecting a lodge which had been set on fire by land invaders – after he had not returned on Sunday afternoon, an aerial search spotted his injured horse and his body was later found near the ruined house by ground teams. It is unknown if the land invaders are driven by drought or politics ahead of the general election in August. To read more about the background and unfolding situation, please turn to our Letters page.
Photograph by Alice Gipps/www.alicegipps.com
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Tristan Voorspuy Tragically Killed
Tristan Voorspuy has been tragically killed
Donovan Stratemann, a 17-year-old American player sadly passed away on Thursday 16 February, the USPA remembered a committed member of their community: “The USPA would like to honor the life of a young member of our polo family, Donovan William Stratemann, son of Chris and Sonia Stratemann, brother to Alexandra and Maya and friend to all. Donovan passed away at the age of 17 on 16 February in Wellington, Florida, due to injuries sustained in a polo accident. A reflection of the best parts of each of his parents, Donovan was a quality kid, with an infectious smile and a quiet determination and perseverance. Donovan wanted to live in Hawaii one day,” said Stratemann family friend Julio Arellano “and everyone who met him, loved him. Donovan was homeschooled in order to take care of his
horses, play polo and spend time with his family. He rose before 6am every day to care for his string and accompanied his twin sister Maya on daily night checks. He loved animals and never complained when asked to help with chores. Mature for his age, he spent months in Aiken, South Carolina, with his grandfather and namesake, Don Healy, learning the art of horse training. The USPA along with the entire polo community extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Stratemann family and friends. It is our hope that solace can be found in the endless outpouring of support from our beloved polo community during this difficult time. Our ability to come together in times of grief is a tribute to the incredible sport we all cherish. Donovan will forever be in our hearts.”
Photograph courtesy of the USPA
Donovan Stratemann Memorial
Donovan Stratemann passed away on Thursday 16 February
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Polo Times, April 2017
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News
Obituary
Sunset ‘Sunny’ Hale 30 December 1968 – 26 February 2017 Pippa Gilliard (née Grace) remembers a great friend The glorious Sunset “Sunny” Hale has lost a brave, private battle with cancer and the world of polo laments a truly great loss. Her achievements read like the ultimate listing in the who’s who guide to polo – having played with the best and been the best, there is no one in the world of polo, and particularly women’s polo, who hasn’t heard of, played with or benefitted from Sunny’s far reaching influence? An original trailblazer in the sport, Sunny followed in the polo playing footsteps of her pioneering mother Sue Sally Hale, famous for being the first ever female registered to the US Polo Association, and for having to tuck her hair into her helmet, and mascara on a moustache, to maintain the illusion of being just another male team mate. Legend has it that Sunny herself was mistaken for a young man, when she was spotted stick and balling from a distance, and invited to try for a place in the 2000 Outback 26 goal team. An historic opportunity that brought success for Tim Gannon’s team, and the first for a woman in the US Open. In his recent tribute on PoloLine, her then team mate, Adolfo Cambiaso, echoed all our sentiments saying, “There’s no other like her; in fact, when I had to choose among the male 4-goalers to play the US Open, I chose her because of her amazing skills. But above all, she was a great person and a great friend.” In that statement, it is clear Sunny had realised her polo dream, “To play with the best polo players in the world because they asked me to be there”. Reaching the highest rating ever held by a woman, 5 goals, this was the equivalent of 10 goals in the newly devised women’s handicaps, something Sunny helped to establish in the US, for use when playing in women’s polo. Sunny’s polo playing and equestrian skills were undeniable, but this didn’t stop her from humbly recognising how rare it was for women to have the opportunity to play and the special nature of the sport, saying recently, “It is fantastic how far women have come in polo. We have one of the most unique opportunities that women can play on an equal basis as men.” By the age of 20, her skills, alongside those of her mother, sister, Stormie, and French women’s number 1, Caroline Anier, helped her team to victory in the first ever US Women’s Polo Open, organised by Susan Stovall, long-time manager of the Eldorado Polo Club in California. Susan recalled playing against a 14-year-old Sunny, and commented, “Sunny Hale was an amazing person, both on and off the field, I played
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Polo Times, April 2017
against her when she was just a kid and she was great then. I had an opportunity to travel with her to Argentina – with a team I took from the West Coast – she was super to work with, and even took Tango lessons. At the trophy presentation she thanked everyone in Spanish for their wonderful hospitality as the girls played on the Palermo Field.” Sunny, in the words of the late, great author and polo instructor Hugh Dawnay, was a supreme “Playmaker”. Not only did she create the Women’s Championship Tournament herself, encouraging women around the world to compete to qualify for the US based Finals, but her skills alone inspired others around the world to create tournaments, including the Women’s World Championships at Ascot Park Polo Club. This tournament being born from the idea that in the UK we had Claire Tomlinson, playing in high goal, but it was clear that the developing British women players needed to see more women of the highest skills and handicaps playing, if they were to reach the higher handicaps of women in the US and Argentina. Being able to see Sunny Hale play, meet her and other top players including Jamaican Lesley-Ann Masterton Fong-Yee, who hosted the similarly high level Jamaican Women’s International, enabled them to consider what it took to achieve greatness and be best in the world, and the UK high goal patrons were happy to provide such great horsewomen with their own ponies. Another of those top players was Kristy Waters-Othier, a recent team mate of Sunny’s, who had this to say about her earliest experience of playing with Sunny. “Sunny shouted “Go, Kristy Go!”, as she cleared the ball full speed from the opponent’s goal. Going as fast as I could, I looked back and heard, “Keep going! Further!” I’m not sure I had ever run that fast before on a horse. My years of experience in polo were still few. Racing past the centre line, beating my man by lengths now, I looked back just in time to see Sunny connect with a rocket ship that was headed my way straight towards our goal! To my disbelief it was going to go over my head by a mile, I needed to go faster. I asked my horse for everything. When the ball landed, I was on it two strides later and shot the layup through the goal. All I heard was the wind in my ears and felt the chills all over my body! We won! I will never forget that rush of adrenaline and incredible happiness I felt when I received that perfect pass from Sunny. Little did I know that would start many of the first great experiences of my life that were inspired by Sunny Hale. Sunny achieved such success in her own polo skills and game, but she shared it all. She wanted all of us to be great if we wanted to or could. She paved a golden highway across the oceans to allow teams to play highly competitive polo across the globe: England, Argentina, Jamaica, Dubai, and Singapore just to name a few. All the while sharing her vibrant spirit and passion for the game. She wanted to connect players all over the world for the betterment of the sport of polo. Her success was evident this past November in Houston during the USPA Women’s Open Championships (a tournament that she had revived), where the top rated female players from all over the world competed with and against each other. Every one of them were good friends because of Sunny Hale. We are lucky to have lived on this earth at the same time she lived.” Samantha Charles, founder of Sidelines, America’s original Polo Newspaper, added her tribute saying, “Sunny Hale was such an inspiration for all women polo players, but especially those in Florida. To reach 5 goals playing amongst the top players of the world in Florida and to win the US Open is an amazing accomplishment! Sunny was a great person, so encouraging and approachable. I will never forget her participation in the Sidelines equestrian triathlon she made really good friends in the dressage and jumper world through that
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Obituary
Photography by Alice Gipps/www.alicegipps.com
event, that she maintained for the rest of her life, because there was so much mutual respect for horsemanship. She always had beautiful horses. Sunny not only played with abandonment, but could accomplish that without sacrificing her horses. A very sad loss for the horse community and for women in general”. Another long time fellow USA team mate, Kate Weber, wrote saying, “It is so difficult for me to put into words all the things that were unique and special about Sunny. While still being the most dedicated and serious professional polo player, Sunny loved to have fun and that is probably what I loved about her most. I know everyone has had their own experience with her, but the thing that reminds me most of Sunny is her terrific sense of humour. She could run a team, score all the goals and still come up with things that could crack me up in the middle of a game. In one game when Sunny was late to the field, all seven players were lined up for the throw-in, very tense and ready, when Sunny galloped up late apologising, “Sorry, I’m new”. In another, when we were representing the USA with some uniforms that were a bit over the top, Sunny said we looked ridiculously like Captain America. We managed to win, in spite of our outfits. It helps me to remember the fun times with the friend that we have lost.” Sunny lived according to her mantra “Passion lives in the pursuit. Do it. Mean it. Enjoy the journey.” It is thanks to you, Sunny, that we have all enjoyed our journey a little more than we ever could have, due to your drive, determination, vision, hard work, humour, self-belief and relentless commitment to breaking down barriers and paving a glorious way forward. You live on forever in all of our magical memories of you and in the achievements of all those you have inspired.
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News
The United States Polo Association honour a true polo pioneer We would like to celebrate and honour the life of a great pioneer, advocate and friend to the sport of polo. Considered to be one of the greatest female polo players in the world, Sunny was an avid supporter of women’s polo and role model for many women in the sport. “She was instrumental not only in women’s polo but polo in general,” USPA Women’s Committee Chairman Erica Gandomcar-Sachs said. “Just a small list of accomplishments from memory are coming up – her creation of a qualifying tournament (Women’s Championship Tournament) to give young players and new female players a chance to feel like they were part of something has been vital for developing players, the creation of The American Polo Horse Association that gives credibility to our sport throughout the entire equestrian community, she was inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, she won multiple player of the year awards and too many major tournament wins, MVPs and BPPs to list. Then to think that when she was done with all of that she started writing books! She truly was an amazing human being.” Somebody once said, “Think big about small people, and that’s just what she did.” Having been involved in the governance of the USPA for many years as a Governor-at-Large (2009-2015) and Women’s Committee Chairman, Sunny inspired others to follow their dreams and to challenge the status quo. “Sunny was a leader in polo. Her passion left a remarkable positive mark on everyone she met,” said USPA Chairman Joseph Meyer, “Whenever I asked Sunny to help, she was there as a friend and Board Member for the Association. Her accomplishment as the highestrated woman player is a testament to her drive. Her vision for polo pony registration and women’s polo will live on, and she’ll always be remembered. She has been a major inspiration to many young players, and made huge contributions to the sport and the USPA. She will be greatly missed by all.” “It’s a struggle for me to find only a few words to describe a life this big. I am not alone in having the honour of calling Sunny my friend and mentor,” said USPA Governor-at-Large Maureen Brennan, “We lost our beacon today and the standard by which we measure ourselves. Sunny’s accomplishments and horsemanship are unparalleled, but it was her genuine ability to make all that she encountered feel valued and capable that separates her from others. Conquering the dream was not just a tag line but her authentic life. I am beyond grateful to have had Sunny in my life and owe so much of my success to her influence.” The entire USPA family would like to express our sincere condolences to Sunny’s family and friends. Her love for polo, animals and others lives on through the programs she has founded and the young players she has inspired. She would often give affirmation to others by saying “Great job, you were 10 goals today!”, this encouragement and positivity towards others is one of the qualities that made her so loved by many. Sunny will always be 10 goals in all of our hearts.
Caroline Anier, France’s Number 1 women’s player salutes memories of a fellow player I shared a lot of memories with her at the beginning of my career. Sunny and I were battling to be Number 1 in the world for many years, but always in a very great friendly way. I admired Sunny for a unique and incredible horsemanship. I last played against her last November in the Women’s Open in Texas and it was hard for me to keep up with her. She also had given a hard time to the very strong BTA team the day before where she played an outstanding fast and accurate game. She was the player who had given rhythm to the games we played and to my mind, she was still one of the top two women polo players in the world. Her team unfortunately lost the Final. I went to commiserate with her after her finale and talked to her about a few mistakes among so many great plays she made in the game and she told me with a big smile on her face, “Yes, it was one of those days!” She was an awesome competitor and we will ALL miss her very much. Polo Times, April 2017
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HPA News
HPA News The latest news both home and abroad from the HPA
The groom must have: • At least two years’ experience as a professional polo groom; and be able to provide: • reference(s) from their previous employer who is a member of the HPA; or • reference(s) from their previous employer who is a member of a recognised overseas governing body; or • a reference from an overseas employer endorsed by an HPA member or a member of a recognised overseas governing body 2. A contract of employment with: • a patron recognised by the HPA as having been a patron playing polo below 15 goal in the 2016 season; or • a player who has a contract of employment with a patron of a team playing below 15 goal; 3. A signed undertaking by the employer to comply with all the relevant requirements. International Arena Test Match
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Home Office agreed to reduce restrictions Following ongoing discussions, the Home Office has finally agreed to the request of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) that those playing below 15 goal (medium goal) be given more time to adjust to the recently imposed restrictions on non-EEA grooms operating at that level. The revised criteria relating to non-EEA grooms operating in polo below 15 goal are set out below. The Home Office will not apply a cap on the number of grooms that may be issued with a Certificate of Sponsorship for the 2017 season, nor will they be prevented from working in polo below 15 goal. Home Office Ministers have made clear that these are transitional measures and the criteria will apply for the 2017 polo season only. The intention of the Home Office remains that only those who work at the highest level and/or will develop the sport at the highest level in the UK are eligible for admission under Tiers 2 and 5 and that polo moves to a position where non-EEA grooms are admissible under Tiers 2 and 5 only where they are accompanying overseas players coming to join a UK team, or coming as part of an overseasbased high or medium goal team. The HPA is required to appoint a Compliance Officer to monitor the requests made for endorsement, to assess whether the applicant meets the requirements, and to conduct random spot checks on sponsors playing polo below 15 goal. The HPA is due to meet with the Home Office towards the end of June and remains committed to reaching a position that is workable for all levels of polo. Criteria for 2017 The following criteria shall apply in respect of grooms employed for polo below 15 goal during the 2017 season: • Sponsorship shall only be endorsed for a sponsor who obtained at least one endorsement in the 2016 season for a groom, and no sponsor shall have more sponsorships issued in 2017 than were issued in the 2016 season; • No sponsor may have more than two groom endorsements; • No sponsorship shall be endorsed by the HPA to any person who remains under review by the Home Office at the time of application following investigation in the 2016 season
Greta Morrison presented The Bryan Morrison Trophy to the victorious England team, with John Bunn
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
On Saturday 4 March, England defeated the Commonwealth at All England Polo Club, Hickstead, to secure their third consecutive win in the international Arena Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy. For a full report of the match please turn to page 40 and for all the social pictures turn to the Sidelines pages. The Bryan Morrison Trophy Teams: England (22): Jonny Good (8), Harold Hodges (6) & Adolfo Casabal (7) Commonwealth (22): Jamie Morrison (7), Michael Henderson (6) & Ryan Pemble (8)
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FIP News
FIP Update
the Zone C Playoffs for the FIP World Cup in Sydney, Australia as well as the inaugural FIP Women’s European Polo Championships which will be held concurrently over the week culminating with the Finals on Sunday 7 May. We received entries for teams to participate from England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy & Spain and the top two teams will be eligible to go to the Finals at the Sydney Polo Club in October of this year. In the
1st FIP Woman’s European Championship, which will be played at a 12 Goal (Ladies’ Handicap) level, we understand that there will be a team from England, Germany & the Netherlands with the possibility of an invitational team from the Argentine. So a great start to the French Season is about to get underway, let us all hope that the UK season follows suit.
Photography by Antoine Delaporte
A French feast of polo Whilst the UK are still languishing under the heavy burden imposed by the Home Office in their latest directive, which with one hand generously agrees not to apply a cap on the numbers of nonEEA grooms that may be issued with a Certificates of Sponsorship for the 2017 season and says they will not be prevented from working in polo below 15 goal. Then with the other hand imposing such stringent restrictions that most clubs and individuals, especially this close to the season’s start, will find it nigh impossible to take advantage of the concession. Proving once again that the Home Office is so out of touch with the way polo works that it would laughable if it was not so serious to the health of our sport. So I will leave the subject and move onto pleasanter matters. Unlike the UK, across the Channel in France there is a great resurgence in polo and the start of the season will see a fortnight of competition being held in some of the most glamorous and beautiful parts of the country. It will start with the 94th FIP Ambassadors Cup to be played firstly at the historic Polo de Paris in the Bois de Boulogne in the centre of Paris and then on Saturday and Sunday down to a stunning new club based at Chateau de Courances near Fontainebleau by kind courtesy of the de Ganay Family for the Finals on Sunday 30 April. Polo then starts the next day, Monday 1 May on the beautiful grounds of Chantilly Polo Club with the arrival of the teams for
Photograph by J.L.Aubert
President of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world as well as the resurgence of polo in France in preparation for the new season
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Polo Times, April 2017
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Clinton Lucy, of GoWild Africa at Olepangi Farm, updated Polo Times upon the situation surrounding the death of Tristan Voorspuy
Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN
as usual. And happily we are very busy with local and international guests who are experiencing the farm and Laikipia in the usual ways. It is so difficult to have a balanced view of events in other parts of the world, when news reporting, perhaps understandably, is focused on the dramatic and therefore newsworthy, and not on the mundane. It is also difficult for High Commissions and Embassies, not to acknowledge bad news and consequential risks of events happening in their location, (as they would not be doing their job). They then weigh the balance of events, and can choose to issue a travel advisory. I do not think that is likely or going to happen. If you have concerns about forthcoming visits or plans, please contact us directly. In the meantime, we look forward to reporting on the onset of rains in the coming weeks and are expecting to be busy until well after Easter (and closed in May as normal for the rains). All the very best Clinton, Elizabeth and all the team at Olepangi Farm For more information of the sad passing of Tristan, please turn to our News section.
Photograph by Alice Gipps/www.alicegipps.com
Dear Friends You may have seen the international news about the troubles in Western Laikipia and the death of Tristan Voorspuy. We are shocked and saddened by the tragic and needless loss of Tristan, our friend, a supporter of ours, and the doyen of the horse-safari community. Tristan embraced life, enjoyed flirting with danger on safari, and on the polo field. He was an important figure in the polo community in East Africa, and we shall miss him greatly. The problems in the North have in fact being going on for some time now, and have been reported, but not until now led to much awareness or response. The Government have now stepped in and we hope for law and order in the North to be re-established. Tristan outraged by the looting of three houses on his ranch (which was closed at the time) paid a huge price for tackling the problem alone. Ironically, it seems that Tristan’s murder has now galvanised the Government into responding and that law and order in the North will be re-established. All the way over on this side of Laikipia, we are also concerned with the drought, but it’s an entirely different situation. Our lives and activities in and around the farm carry on
Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk wL etters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane,
Dear Sir, I heard today the breaking news of the ‘cease fire’ agreement between the Home Office and the HPA. It got me thinking that as the situation seems to have changed dramatically for the better, perhaps it best not to say too much about it and hopefully it can continue? I have to say it was a predictable tactic from the Home Office to close everything and then let a gap in the window when it is too late for many to make other plans for this season. I’m more interested to consider the lessons that can be learnt from this. It shows the importance of a proper groom for polo or as I call them, ‘polo trainers’ – because they do everything.
Livery yards are also impacted on by the previous ban on South American grooms, it will take time to find replacements in Europe and that process needs consideration. Maybe somebody should resign? But I don’t think that is likely to happen… This season many people will not be taking part in polo, so there are going to be a lot of horses to be retired, with excuses like, “My vet told me”, or “It’s too old”, or something else. Anyway, let’s see how it all evolves this season. Mine is just a humble opinion. Atilio Degrossi
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Quick Question The International Arena Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy has just been won by England at AEPC, Hickstead. Where and when is it reported that the late Byran Morrison first saw arena polo played and brought the idea back to the UK?
A: Turn to page 84 to check your answer.
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AUSSIE AprilAprilX RULES How else would AprilAprilAprilX you arrive to play polo? In this picture, players Luke Rowley, Lucas Rogers and Janek Gazecki arrive the only way any player would – by boat! Certainly beats a commute down w AprilAprilApril the M4‌ They were playing in the inaugural Pol Roger Beach Polo on Saturday 25 February 2017. Positioned on the emerald waters of St Vincent Gulf, South Australia, the pristine white sands of Glenelg Beach presented an incredible location that deserved a typically Aussie arrival. w Photograph by Joe McInally: www.polopics.com w Pol Roger Beach Polo: www.beachpolo.com.au w To read more about the Pol Roger Beach Polo, please turn to our News pages
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Monte Carlo Polo Team
Photography courtesy of Monte Carlo Polo Team
Feature
The Monte Carlo Polo Team have had success across the globe
Monte Carlo Polo Team
Rommy Gianni recently retained the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz for yet another year, following his 2016 win with Team Maserati. So Polo Times thought it was high time we got to know a bit more about Rommy Gianni and his Monte Carlo Polo Team 24
Polo Times, April 2017
Q: What is the background to Monte Carlo Polo Team? A: Founded in 2012, the Monte Carlo Polo Team (MCPT) proudly wear the colours of the Principality of Monaco and defends its flag around the globe. Their Captain and patron, Rommy Gianni, has created the team – bringing together, as the sport dictates, three professionals who play side by side with their patron. Following various tournaments and charity matches, this alliance is developing a series of events in Monaco and around the rest of the world. The focus of all of the MCPT energy is to create a strong nucleus of like-minded people who can use it as a base to expand their lifestyle horizons, to associate charities and to develop a club-like feel that will www.polotimes.co.uk
Monte Carlo Polo Team
Feature
MCPT combines luxury and team spirit
launch the sport in an accessible way. It is aiming to make the name into a brand that is associated to charitable support, to a healthy lifestyle and to positive attributes. Q: So Rommy has been the driving force behind the team, how did he get started in polo? A: Rommy Gianni, now 40-years-old, has been living in Monaco since 1981. As the son of polo patron Sabatino Gianni, Rommy developed his polo playing skills amongst world-renowned players, thanks in great part to his father’s existing team La Romana in Italy. For five years Sabatino and Rommy shared the team, its successes and a deeprooted passion for the sport and for horses. In 2002 Rommy branched out and set-up his www.polotimes.co.uk
own team, Sun Power, playing mostly in Italy and Argentina. When his father retired in 2007, Rommy decided to pursue amateur polo with a new team called La Locura. In 2012 he created the Monte Carlo Polo Team, aiming to progress to an international level. Merging families, individuals and entities he has met over the years, all of whom share his love for the sport and his drive to involve a younger generation, has pushed Rommy to new heights.
“polo specifically highlights the values of family bonding and of endless passion for the horse itself”
His ambition today is to combine the sport of polo with a healthy, clean and beneficial lifestyle. In Rommy’s eyes, sport is an ideal foundation on which to learn and to confront obstacles in life, while polo specifically highlights the values of family bonding and of endless passion for the horse itself. It brings together people sharing common values, all keen to encourage a younger generation to participate, learn and above all enjoy. He also believes charitable support of the sport to be of paramount importance – to this end he is dedicating certain aspects of his MCPT profile solely to philanthropic work. Q: Where is MCPT mainly based? A: At present the MCPT is proud to be part of various collaborations. Firstly, through Polo Times, April 2017
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Feature
Monte Carlo Polo Team
“associated to charitable support, to a healthy lifestyle and to positive attributes”
Rommy Gianni & Dario Musso
the collaboration with Amabera Polo the MCPT is able to provide a great authentic Argentinian polo experience. Set in an idyllic rural setting of Pilar, The Amabera Polo Club is only 50km outside Buenos Aires and the Pando family have a long lasting association with polo. Members of the MCPT have the opportunity to sign-up to any of the tournaments that vary from 10 to 12 goals. The Amabera’s Clubhouse and all of its existing polo fields are the base for the MCPT in Argentina. The Amabera hosts an annual black tie party in honour of the MCPT broadening the guest list to all those attached to the team, friends, supporters and more from around 26
Polo Times, April 2017
Rommy has achieved success in snow polo
the world. The tournament dates coincide with the Argentine Open, which offers the chance to watch the best polo in the world. The Polo Club de Saint Tropez the ultimate polo playground and the MCPT have been playing on the Gassin fields for the last 10 years and enjoying on average 10 to 12 goal tournaments. The July tournament is the most popular for the MCPT and one we would not miss. Whilst in Saint Tropez the members and associated friends of the MCPT participate in some local events organised by Rommy Gianni who has called this part of the world home for the last 36 years. A challenging few charitable events are also in the pipeline for the near future.
Q: Is MCPT integrated within the international polo circuit? A: Rommy Gianni takes pride in participating in the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, which he has been doing since 2015 and has represented BMW, Maserati and Cartier securing the World title twice, in 2016 as Team Maserati and this year as Team Cartier. The MCPT has been associated for the last two years with the Al Habtoor set-up in Dubai, UAE. The Al Habtoor family has welcomed the team for informal exhibition matches that take place the last weekend of November and the first week of December. These dates coincide with the Cartier Gold www.polotimes.co.uk
Feature
montecarlopoloteam.com
Cup in Dubai, thus enabling the friends and family associated with the MCPT to take part in a varied selection of polo. In Monaco, the MCPT is associated with the renowned SASS Cafe. Sammi, the well known owner, is also an ambassador for the team. Together with Rommy they have created a beautiful photographic exhibition within the restaurant. Displayed, are a great selection of photos of the team and its members taken by the talented official team photographer, Irina Kazaridi. Irina has been taking photos of the team for various years. She has been present in Saint Tropez, St. Moritz and Dubai over the years. www.polotimes.co.uk
MCPT’s recent achievements: 2017 Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz 1st place – World Champions 2016 St Tropez (France) Polo Masters Open De Gassin 1st place Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz 1st place – World Champions Chantilly (France) Trophee Castel 3rd Place Amabera (Argentina) Spring Cup 2nd Place 2015 Rome (Italy) Coppa Duca Daosta 1st place Rome (Italy) Coppa Acqua Acetosa 1st Place St Tropez (France) Intl Polo Cup 1st Place Amabera (Argentina) Amabera Cup Final in Palermo Cancha Numero 1 2nd place Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz 2nd place
Polo Times, April 2017
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Feature
Uig Lodge
Uig Lodge has been producing smoked salmon since 1984
Uig Lodge Smoked Salmon Have you ever wondered where the delicious Scottish smoked salmon you receive when you renew or take out a new Polo Times subscription using promotional code ‘UIG LODGE’ comes from? Well, look no further as here we find out more about Uig Lodge who have been producing award-winning smoked salmon since 1984. The background From the stunning west coast of the Isle of Lewis, Uig Lodge hand-produces some of the finest smoked salmon that can be found in Scotland. Uig Lodge is a fishing lodge which is let throughout the year for fishing groups and family parties, and the smokery was established in 1984 by Malcolm Green under the advice of his father Keith Creswell (who was smoking wild salmon in South
West Ireland). The idea initially was to smoke wild fish which were caught by fishermen around the island. However, over time and as demand increased he quickly realised that this was neither sustainable nor ethical. Farmed salmon was also becoming more widely available and its quality was improving all the time so it made perfect sense to make the switch.
In the 1990s the business continued to develop and then the current owner Dickon Green took over the management in 2002 when he was 23-years-old. Together with his wife Elly, Dickon and Elly both run the Lodge and smokery, and it continues to be a small family run business with a loyal and growing customer base, which includes some Michelin restaurants and many fine food outlets with retail customers including Partridges and Selfridges, Rules Restaurant, Table Café, Flemings of Mayfair, Boath House, Guy’s Restaurant and St Andrews Links. Uig Lodge smoking process Uig Lodge use only prime Scottish Atlantic Salmon which are RSPCA accredited and reared in the pristine waters surrounding the Outer Hebrides and West coast of Scotland by the Scottish Salmon Company. Further information on the salmon can be found at: www.scottishsalmon.com
Uig Lodge is both a private fishing lodge and an award-winning smokery
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Polo Times, April 2017
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Uig Lodge
Feature
It is the superb quality of the fresh fish combined with the unique curing process which ensures that the smoked salmon possesses the perfect texture and delicious flavour which customers prefer. Uig Lodge use dry salting rather than brine solution since they believe for farmed salmon dry salt is the best cure – it tends to draw out some of the moisture which isn’t the case when using a liquid brine. Uig Lodge use oak chips for smoking and tend to steer away from the over complicated with a simple recipe they have developed over the years, but essentially, they believe simplicity is the key to great smoked salmon. When combining the finest quality ingredients (in terms of the fish, salt and oak chips) with the correct attention to detail, a great product is the end result.
Photography courtesy of Uig Lodge
Awards: • 2011, 2013 & 2014: Awarded three gold stars at the Guild of Fine Food’s Great Taste Awards • 2013 & 2014: Nominated for the Supreme National Champion • September 2014: Won ‘Speciality Producer of the Year’ • 2015: Shortlisted by DEFRA to the top 50 Foodstars
Meet the team: Mairead Morrison, Dickon Green, Annie Smith & Fin Morrison
Rather than introducing new flavours, they want to develop a reputation for producing the best smoked salmon in Scotland. If this has got your taste buds tantalising, but you don’t already subscribe to Polo Times, then call our friendly subscriptions team on 01452 730 700 and mention discount code ‘UIG LODGE’ to make the most of Polo Times’ partnership with Uig Lodge.
Uig Lodge are additionally offering a 10% discount for Polo Times readers who order via the Uig Lodge website, www.uiglodge.co.uk, or over the phone, 01851 672 396 using the discount code ‘polo14’. For any further questions or to request further information please email Dickon Green: dickon@uiglodge.co.uk or Annie Smith: annie@uiglodge.co.uk
THE FINEST SMOKED ATLANTIC SALMON FROM THE ISLE OF LEWIS
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SUPA Milestone
Following their epic and unprecedented performance in the Arena Gold Cup, where the underdog team of youngsters with the lowest handicap of all the teams entered, came out on top and defeated arena stalwarts such as Ryan Pemble and Chris ‘The Prof ’ Hyde, Polo Times caught up with the SUPA team of Harold Hodges, Robin Ormerod and Sebastian Hancock, to hear about their historic win.
Arena Gold Cup Q&A
Feature
Q: How did you get started in polo? Robin Ormerod (RO): I first started playing polo at the age of eleven at home at Druids Lodge Polo Club. I’ve grown up watching both of my brothers Eden and Maurice playing polo until they became professionals and learned nearly everything I know about polo from my parents and my brothers. Harold Hodges (HH): I started aged six in the Pony Club, my whole family played at one point. Sebastian Hancock (SH): My father’s a polo player and I’ve been around it my whole life, so I just used to stick and ball at home and play for fun on the weekends. Q: Did you play in SUPA at the school level? RO: No, the schools I went to never had a SUPA team, so I mainly played at home in the Club. HH: Yes, at prep school for Norman Court and Marlborough College at secondary school. SH: I played one or two SUPA tournaments when I was about 11 or 12 for my prep school, but that’s about it! Q: Have you had any notable wins in SUPA tournaments? RO: This is my first year playing SUPA and already I’ve had the opportunity to represent England in the US in a University team in January and play in the Open Level at the SUPA Nationals. My team (Bristol) managed to come second, losing out to Harold’s team, RVC.
Photography by Cymon Skinner: People of Polo
Feature
Arena Gold Cup Q&A
HH: I won the under-16 SUPA Nationals. I have also won the Open section University Winter Nationals for the last six years. I have represented SUPA successfully in Ireland, India and the US. SH: Not that I can remember. Q: What are your own plans for the summer season? RO: I’m planning on being based at home and working alongside my brother Eden on training the young horses and taking as many opportunities I can to play good polo. HH: I’m based near Tidworth, but am always happy to travel to new clubs. I’m also a member of Druids Lodge and RCBPC. SH: I’ll mainly be playing at Guards playing with Flying Kiwis and Oakley Court.
“Getting into the Final was a huge achievement for us never mind winning it.” Q: How did it feel to win the Arena Gold Cup? RO: Incredible! Getting into the Final was a huge achievement for us never mind winning it. I especially felt it was momentous as my brothers and my father had attempted it twice as a team but never made it into the Final, both times winning The Silver Cup. Actually winning The Gold Cup was just another level of awesome. HH: Pretty surreal, it has to be my best sporting moment. SH: It was a huge surprise; I still don’t think it’s properly hit me. I saw Robin a couple of days after playing a university match and he said the same! Q: Did you expect to get so far? RO: I don’t think any of us did! We had never played together as a team before and we were really excited to give it a go knowing that there was a good chance we would lose all our games. It wasn’t until we won our first game against Chris Hyde that I started to think we might have a shot at the title. HH: I knew we had a chance, but our belief grew with each game. SH: I honestly didn’t even think about how far we’d get, I just wanted to have fun and play and I think that’s why we ended up doing so well. There was no pressure on us at all as we were the lowest handicapped and youngest team
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in the tournament. Q: Was it a surprise to beat top arena players? RO: Absolutely! We certainly felt we had drawn a short straw when we found out our first game was going to be against Chris Hyde’s team and then for us to come out on top against the best arena player in the world gave us quite a boost. However, it only got harder as we came up against well distributed teams with some of the best players out there like Sifani. We knew we couldn’t keep using the same formula to win all of our games. HH: I think we were a little overawed playing them to begin with, but soon realised that if we worked together we could out-play them collectively. SH: Before the games we always backed ourselves to put up a good fight and potentially win if we stuck to our plan, but looking back on it afterwards it was definitely a surprise. Q: Were you nervous competing in the Arena Gold Cup? RO: Extremely. The Gold Cup has been by far the biggest tournament of my career and having watched it nearly every year and even seeing the horses I’ve played compete in it
“There was no pressure on us at all as we were the lowest handicapped and youngest team in the tournament.” under some of the best players in the world, I have always wanted take part in it myself. I certainly had a healthy dose of nerves and excitement about finally getting the opportunity. HH: I played with Gaucho last year and have made it to The Silver Cup on two occasions. But going into the actual Gold Cup Final was amazing. SH: Not really, because of the way the team was set up there wasn’t any real pressure and because of that, I think it meant that there was no need to get nervous. The only moment I really noticed that I was nervous throughout the whole tournament was going into the last chukka against Four Quarters in the Semi Finals when they started to close the gap. Q: Have you all played much together before? RO: Harold and I have been playing together and against each other ever since I started playing polo, so we were very familiar with each other’s play. I’ve never played with Seb before, but I have encountered him on the opposition once or twice. HH: I grew up playing with Robin at Druids Lodge. His father Giles taught us to play arena properly. I hadn’t seen Seb play until a month ago when he beat me in the Druids Uni Super League, so I decided we had to have him on our side! SH: I’ve played with Robin once before in a Young England HPA tournament when I was about 15 for two games. I had never played with Harold before. Q: How did the idea of a SUPA Polo team come about? RO: I’m not entirely sure who suggested the idea first, but Harold and I had certainly been talking about the idea in the summer and then he approached SUPA who very kindly sponsored the team. All we had to do was find the third player and Seb was the perfect fit. HH: Robin and I discussed the idea last year. I took the idea to Charles Betz and Nigel Mercer at SUPA who were incredibly supportive and agreed to cover the entry for us. Michael Amoore at Berkshire was also very kind to allow an amateur team to enter. www.polotimes.co.uk
Arena Gold Cup Q&A
SH: I had to send a lot of absence emails to my lecturers, but it’s all worked out all right!
SH: I think it was a combined effort of Robin and Harold who told me they had been discussing it in the summer. Robin originally suggested it and Harold put the gears into motion finding sponsorship from SUPA a month or two before the Gold Cup. Q: How did you juggle the qualifiers around university work? RO: Not amazingly well to be honest. I did manage to fit one of the qualifiers between lectures and commute from Bristol to Berkshire and back in time. I’ve spent most of the week after the Final trying to catch up on work. HH: My mum makes it possible. She keeps seven ponies fit by herself while I’m away.
www.polotimes.co.uk
Q: Did you use your own horses or hire? If hired where from and why? RO: I used my own from Druids who went absolutely incredibly for me, even after just coming back from being played by beginners at SUPA University Winter Nationals the week before. Bacchus was one of the first horses we bred at Druids and some of the horses I played were older than me! I am very lucky to be able to play such amazing horses who I have played ever since I started and I owe it all to them and everyone back at home for being able to play them and get as far as we did. HH: They’re all mine and mostly ones I’ve made myself off the track. The best part of polo is the horses for me and any success I’ve had on the field is entirely attributed to them. SH: I hired two of Oscar Mancini’s horses: Caramelo and Don Cesar (who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug) and also some from Rosie Ross: Fluffy, Target and Petrura, which I am very grateful for. I was asked a couple of weeks before the first game if I’d like to play in the team so I didn’t really have any time to bring in any of my own horses since they’ve been getting fat in the field after the summer season.
Feature
goal players outdoors so we could in theory put together a 10 goal team. SH: I honestly have no clue, if I get asked to play again I would love to, but nothing has been mentioned. Q: Have you got a long time left at university where you’ll be able to compete in SUPA? RO: I’m only in my first of four years studying at Bristol University, so I’m looking forward to playing with my university friends in SUPA tournaments at least for the next three years. HH: I have one year left, as I’m a postgrad this year marked my 6th SUPA University Winter Nationals at Rugby. I’m aiming to become an equine vet, so even if I can’t play forever I’m hoping to continue to be a part of it. SH: I’ve just started at Exeter so I have three more years of my degree to go but I’m supposed to be abroad for my third year… Q: How would you describe winning the Arena Gold Cup in 3 words? RO: Unreal, unbelievable, awesome. HH: We nailed it. SH: An amazing experience.
Q: Is there anyone you’d add for an outdoor team? RO: Well outdoors we’d only be 6 goal team as it stands, so no dreams of winning The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, but I’d certainly love to play with Harold and Seb again. There are many other pretty good players who play SUPA, so it would be difficult choose one now. HH: It’s the 25th year SUPA have been going so it would be great to enter some more fixtures. We have a couple of other 2 and 3
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Reports
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Polo Times, April 2017
www.polotimes.co.uk
The Arena Gold Cup, RCBPC, Berkshire
Reports
SUPA Men Youth prevails over Experience as in a thrilling Final, The Arena Gold Cup at RCBPC is won by a young SUPA trio
T
he penultimate top title of the winter arena season saw a young SUPA Polo team take on the best UK arena players throughout the tournament, face them squarely and defeat them. The SUPA boys had not only brought youth, enthusiasm and polo talent to the Royal County of Berkshire arena, but also throngs of supporters who packed out the grandstands resulting in the biggest crowds seen at the event for years; all of which is hugely positive. The SUPA team started with a two goal lead on handicap and despite a somewhat uncertain
road to the Final (they were defeated by Regal Warriors 19-12 in the qualifiers) the young trio quickly made their intentions known in no uncertain terms to their opponents, as the first chukka ended with an astounding dominant score of 8-1 in SUPA’s favour as they screamed ahead. Sifani found a rhythm in the second chukka, notching up four goals to SUPA’s one in reply, so that at half-time the score was 9-5 – still narrowly in SUPA’s favour. Half-time chat was that Sifani may be able to use experience to prevail over youth, but as it turned out this four goal flurry from the black shirts of Sifani was to be a short-lived come back.
ARENA GOLD CUP FINAL TEAMS SUPA POLO
Sebastian Hancock (3)
Robin Ormerod (4) SIFANI
Photography by People of Polo: Cymon Skinner & Polo Times
www.polotimes.co.uk
Hilali Nordeen (1)
(13)
Harold Hodges (6)
(15)
Michael Henderson (6)
Ryan Pemble (8) Polo Times, April 2017
35
Reports
“the young SUPA team secured victory and their names in the history books”
read interviews from the three SUPA To players, please turn to our Features pages. For more about the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Don Cesar, turn to our Pony Power pages, or catch up on social images of the event in our Sidelines pages
Photograph by Polo Times
The whole match was a quick game, which became even more staccato in the second half. It was commented that at times it was hard to see how the mounted umpire, Jonny Good chose which play to follow and foul to call. With the play twisting and turning, constantly changing direction and with high frequency scoring, this certainly was arena polo at its best and had spectators on the edge of their seats with baited breath. No doubt after some team talk at halftime, in the second half both sides came back on the newly rolled arena with all to play for. Matching strike for strike, SUPA scored four goals to Sifani’s three in the third chukka. However, with Sifiani needing to play catchup rather than just treading water it meant that SUPA pulled ahead again, stamping their authority on the game with the final whistle of the third chukka showing an impressive score of 13-8 in SUPA’s favour. It was a superiority that the experience of Mikey Henderson and Ryan Pemble could not match, despite their combined 14 goal arena handicap and huge experience. Although valiant attempts from Sifani were made in the final chukka, it was not to be their day and with more than a definitive and commanding final score of 17 to 10, the young super composed SUPA team secured victory and their names in the history books in what has been an extraordinary tournament for the young players.
SUPA Polo, 2017 Arena Gold Cup winners with Greta Morrison
The Silver and Bronze Cups
The Silver and Bronze Cup Finals were also played earlier in the day. The grandstands of RCBPC were packed with a large SUPA contingent which meant there was a great atmosphere, banter and support for the players. The Silver Cup was won by Simon Arber and his Four Quarters team in an eye-wateringly close match which denied Raph Singh and his Regal Warrior team a place on the podium. It was all to play for in the last chukka which started with Four Quarters leading by two goals, but lofty shots caught by high winds meant that the ball went out of play and swapped possession several times. Richard Tyrone and Max Charlton were on opposing teams and were both equally unrelenting in attack, their combined work rate created play upon play in a thrilling game. However, in the end, Four Quarters prevailed with a final score of 19 goals to 17. The People of Polo Most Valuable Player was awarded to Raph Singh. Earlier in the day, The Bronze Cup went to K-Law Imperial despite the substitution of 10 goaler Chris Hyde by Jonny Good on their team. It was a frenetic game which saw Emlor regular 9 goaler Nacho Gonzales ‘sin-binned’ in the last chukka. However, K-Law had maintained a narrow lead throughout the game and they held onto this advantage, defeating Emlor by just two goals, with a final score of 14 goals to 12.
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www.polotimes.co.uk
The Arena Gold Cup, RCBPC, Berkshire
chukka Scores: 8-1, 9-5, 13-8, 17-10 to SUPA Polo
3 GOAL TOP GOAL SCORER: Opponents Harold Hodges and Ryan Pemble matched each other at 7 goals each (a 2 pointer each too), so equal points as well
14 25 FEB
FEB
SEVEN
Teams in the tournament: Four Quarters, Emlor, K-Law, Picazo Polo Stud, Regal Warriors, Sifani, SUPA Polo
EIGHT Arena Silver Cup Final winners, Four Quarters
Reports
Highest handicapped player on the field – Ryan Pemble (8)
Arena Silver Cup Final Teams:
BPP
Four Quarters Simon Arber Ollie Cudmore Richard Tyrone
(15) (1) (6) (8)
Mounted umpire: Jonny Good Unmounted umpire: Simon McDonald
Regal Warriors (15) Raph Singh (2) Ed Morris-Lowe (4) Max Charlton (9)
Don Cesar, owned by Oscar Mancini and played by Sebastian Hancock
MVP The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player, Sebastian Hancock
17-10 to SUPA Polo
19-17 to Four Quarters
14-12 to K-Law
Arena Bronze Cup Final winners, K-Law Imperial
Arena Bronze Cup Final Teams:
K-Law Imperial Celio Garcera Royston Prisk Jonny Good substituting Chris Hyde
www.polotimes.co.uk
(13) (1) (4) (8)
Emlor (14) James McCarthy (2) Terence Lent (3) Nacho Gonzalez (9)
(10)
Polo Times, April 2017
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Reports
Land Rover NZ Polo Open
Tight Score for Tiger Building
Despite earlier rain, the Final day was blessed with fine weather
D
espite down pourings of rain threatening the viability of the event, players and spectators gathered on Clevedon’s Fisher Field for the 40th New Zealand Polo Open on Sunday 19 February. The Final day proved that the show really must go on with the event organisers even bringing in helicopters to dry out the grounds! Hannah Marshall, Executive Director of the Land Rover New Zealand Open commented, “The ground conditions did little to affect an outstanding spectator and guest experience, the Viva Fashion on the Field was the largest to date and we are delighted our 40th NZ Polo Open was such a success”. Tiger Building and Semco PDL went head-to-head in a nail-biting, if slightly soggy, display of polo. Half of the Tiger Building team was made up of Clarkins, with the brotherly duo of John-Paul and Matt joining Kit Brooks and Craig Wilson. Matt Clarkin, perhaps more well-known for his prowess upon the rugby pitches, returned to polo after a 16 break to join Tiger Building for the 2017 season. A comeback which has proved worthwhile as the team has remained unbeaten this season. Tiger Building took a half-time lead of 3-1, a lead which the team maintained throughout the remainder of the match, despite the best efforts of Semco PDL, who came back in the second half to secure five goals in rapid succession. However, with neither team able to find the goalposts in the final chukka, the scores rested on 7-6. Not only did 2017 mark the 40th year of the New Zealand Polo Open, but it was also the first time both the Final and Subsidiary Final, which saw a 4-4 draw between Knight Frank and Rodd & Gunn, were filmed live on Sky Sports 4.
Photography courtesy of Land Rover NZ Polo Open
Event celebrates 40th year of New Zealand Polo Open despite deluges of rain
Tiger Building, winners of the 2017 Land Rover NZ Polo Open
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Polo Times, April 2017
www.polotimes.co.uk
Land Rover NZ Polo Open
Reports
Chukka scores: 0-0, 1-1, 3-1, 5-3, 7-6, 7-6 to Tiger Building
Tiger Building Matthew Clarkin Kit Brooks Craig Wilson John-Paul Clarkin
(18) (0) (5) (6) (7)
Semco PDL Harry Semenoff Jnr Juan Britos James Harper Glenn Sherriff
(18) (0) (7) (6) (5)
BPP
FI
NA
L
19 FEB
Robert Watson & Ben Turner
Princess, a New Zealand bred mare, ridden by John-Paul Clarkin and owned by Matt O’Sullivan
MVP Craig Wilson
Where: New Zealand
Play Polo in Beautiful South Africa All inclusive polo holidays, chukkas everyday, competitive tournaments at weekends, mountain horse trekking, swimming pools & bars at club house & accommodation. Social nights. Join a scheduled clinic or come as a group. Group discounts available.
Contacts Emma Beardshaw Brenda de Boer Selby Williamson
Email: ebeardshaw@yahoo.com Email: brenda@polo.nl Email: mail@jurassicparkpolo.za Selby Williamson
Mobile UK : 07455 177 499 Mobile NL +31 6 53 36 63 79 Mobile RSA +27 832 626 893 Website www.jurassicparkpolo.co.za
jurassic_park_polo
Watch us on youtube: South Africa- Jurassic park polo club. Waka waka #polo
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Polo Times, April 2017
39
Photography by ŠTony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com & Polo Times
Reports
Reports
International Arena Test Match, All England Polo Club, Hickstead
England Victorious A
Good leads England to victory in thrilling battle between England and the Commonwealth fter defeating the USA team in last year’s Test Match, England Captain Jonny Good had two new teammates in Adolfo Casabal and Harold Hodges, for the 21 goal International. Meanwhile, their opponents in this year’s Test Match were the Commonwealth team comprised of: Mikey Henderson and Ryan Pemble, both of whom had been runners up in the Final of the Arena Gold Cup at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club the previous weekend; and with Jamie Morrison as their Captain, who was of course keen to win the coveted trophy, named in honour of his late father, Bryan Morrison, who championed the British arena polo scene from its inception. Together, the three Commonwealth players were clearly determined to wrest the trophy from England’s clutches and stop a third successive win for England, whose players were all eager and equally resolved that the result against the Commonwealth would be no different to last year’s Test Match against the USA team. Right from the start, the pace was frenetic and as ponies were changed at the three minute mark in the first chukka, England trailed 0-2.
Final chukka scores: 3-2, 4-5, 8-9, 12-11 to England
However, two missed penalties from Pemble meant that the Commonwealth’s lead was short-lived, as Casabal led the goal-scoring charge for England – and as the first chukka
EIGHT
Highest handicapped player on the field – Jonny Good
4
MA
R
Handicaps – Arena handicaps are used rather than Outdoor handicaps. For example Jonny Good plays off 8 goals in the arena but is 4 goals on grass
The victorious England team celebrate their victory over the Commonwealth in The Bryan Morrison Trophy
THE BRYAN MORRISON TROPHY TEAMS ENGLAND
Jonny Good (8) www.polotimes.co.uk
Harold Hodges (6)
(21)
COMMONWEALTH
Adolfo Casabal (7)
Jamie Morrison (7)
Michael Henderson (6)
(21)
Ryan Pemble (8) Polo Times, April 2017
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Reports International Arena Test Match, All England Polo Club, Hickstead
The players enjoyed the fantastic Andrews Bowen Prowax Polo Mix surface
BPP Rainbow, owned by Richard Blake Thomas and played by Jonny Good
MVP The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player, Ryan Pemble
ended, England were up by 3 goals to 2. The second and third chukkas saw the fight for the lead switching between both teams, with strong offensive and defensive plays by both teams resulting in a further 12 goals being scored in these two high octane chukkas, during which, there was never more than a goal in the scores. Going into the fourth and final chukka, and
“The young Harold Hodges, fresh from his win in the Arena Gold Cup deftly scored two field goals” with the Commonwealth leading by 9 goals to 8, it was anybody’s guess as to who would raise the trophy this year. With all to play for, the atmosphere around the arena was palpable and the pressure was evident for both teams as Casabal for England, and Pemble for Commonwealth, both missed several of their penalties in the first three minutes. However,
12 Goal Challenge Match
THANK YOU!
The 2017 Arena Test Match for the Bryan Morrison Trophy and the 12 Goal Challenge Match were kindly sponsored by Playnation, Bunn Leisure, the HPA, ABI and British Polo Gin
on the England side, the young Harold Hodges, fresh from his win in the Arena Gold Cup really seemed to rise to the challenge in the last chukka and as the pressure mounted, he deftly scored two field goals within the first three minutes demonstrating why he has been the ‘one to watch’ in arena polo this season. A deflected shot off a pony into goal in England’s favour and a further penalty by Casabal took England’s tally to 12 goals and despite the Commonwealth rallying and Pemble’s conversion of a 15 yard penalty with just over a minute left on the clock, the Commonwealth team’s valiant attempts were in vain as England ran out the winners, 12-11. The first game of the day was a 12 Goal Challenge Match between Hedonism Wines and Four Quarters. Despite Simon Arber nursing a knee injury from a skiing accident the week before, the crowds were treated to a spectacle of end-to-end polo from the first throw-in. Four Quarter’s Arber, and Hedonism Wines’ Chichvarkin, led their teams in four, fast and furious chukkas, which as the final bell sounded, had the scores tied at 11-11.
12 Goal Challenge Match Teams:
Hedonism Wines (12) Evgeny Chichvarkin (1) Sebastian Dawnay (7) Royston Prisk (4)
Polo Times, April 2017
www.polotimes.co.uk
Reports
BPP Four Quarters Simon Arber Josh Clover Richard Tyrone
(12) (1) (3) (8)
www.polotimes.co.uk
Saffron, owned by Richard Tyrone
MVP The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player, Sebastian Dawnay
To read more about Polo Times Best Playing Ponies, turn to our Pony Power pages. Catch up on all the social images from the event in our Sidelines pages. Plus to find out what makes Commonwealth Captain Jamie Morrison tick, read our Passions pages
Polo Times, April 2017
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C.V. Whitney Cup
Reports
Photography by ©David Lominska/International Polo Club
2017 C.V. Whitney Cup Champions Valiente
Battle of the greats between Adolfo Cambiaso & Facundo Pieres
Valiente Defeats Defending Champions Where: USA
Battle of the greats as Cambiaso conquers Pieres duo at International Polo Club Palm Beach
T
his year, just three teams competed in the tournament, both Orchard Hill and Valiente had tasted success in the opening matches, which meant they were due to face each other in the run-up to the Final. However, both teams decided to rest themselves in what would have ultimately been a practice match for the Final. On Sunday 5 March, Valiente took on Orchard Hill, the reigning champions. Yet things didn’t go quite to plan as Orchard Hill had their work cut-out against the strength of Cambiaso’s talent teamed with Valiente’s
A brief history
The C.V. Whitney Cup was originally known as the US Handicap and first competed for in 1979 in conjunction with the US Open Polo Championship. In 1988 the tournament was renamed the C.V. Whitney Cup after Cornelius Vanderbilt ‘Sonny’ Whitney, who won the US Open in 1928, 1937 and 1938 and was the son of 10 goaler Harry Payne Whitney. The C.V. Whitney Cup is now played as a stand alone tournament and is the first of four 26 goal tournaments at International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC), where it has been played since 2003.
www.polotimes.co.uk
organisation and horses which pressured Orchard Hill’s defence from the start. On top of that, their 2014 Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup success at Cowdray Park Polo Club had already proved that the CambiasoCavanagh combination was a force to be reckoned with. Orchard Hill were the first to score a goal with a converted penalty one, followed by two goals from Facundo Pieres, to which Cambiaso was only able to secure one goal in reply. Orchard Hill’s momentum continued into the second chukka, however Valiente appeared to wake up, scoring three goals. Yet going into the third chukka Orchard Hill maintained their lead, but as the match progressed, the might of Valiente became apparent as the team worked well together to control the play and they did not allow Orchard Hill a single goal, resulting in a half-time lead of 6-5 in favour of Valiente. This lead marked the beginning of the end for Orchard Hill, as Valiente increased their lead to four goals after five chukkas had elapsed. Most Valuable Player, Matias Torres Zavaleta created a tough opposition for Orchard Hill, who despite their best efforts struggled to contain his goal scoring prowess. The teamwork and tenacity of Valiente proved too powerful and ultimately secured them the title with a final score of 14-11.
Chukka scores: 1-3, 4-5, 6-5, 7-6, 12-8, 14-11 to Valiente
Valiente (26) Bob Jornayvaz (2) Matias Torres Zavaleta (6) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Diego Cavanagh (8)
FI
N
AL
5
M
AR
MVP Matias Torres Zavaleta
Orchard Hill Steve Van Andel Polito Pieres Facundo Pieres Felipe Vercellino
(26) (1) (10) (10) (5)
BPP Sugar, owned by Valiente and played by Adolfo Cambiaso
TOP GOAL SCORER Adolfo Cambiaso: 7
Polo Times, April 2017
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Reports
Julius Baer Gold Cup Chukka scores: 1-1, 4-4, 7-5, 9-7, 10-8 to Zedan
Zedan (18) Amr Zedan (0) Martín Gándara (5) Pablo MacDonough (10) Octavio Olmedo (3)
FIN
AL
10 MA
Z
Photography by Gonzalo Etcheverry/DPGC2017
Success for Zedan Polo edan Polo took on Julius Baer by Habtoor Polo in the Julius Baer Gold Cup Final at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club. Zedan are no strangers to the atmosphere and pressure of the Club, as the team first won the Julius Baer Gold Cup title in 2015 and the McLaren Silver Cup in 2016. This advantage appeared to work in their favour as Zedan once again lifted the most important trophy of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. The score remained even in the first two
Zedan Polo lift the impressive Julius Baer Gold Cup aloft at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
chukkas and despite Zedan taking the lead from the third chukka onwards, the Julius Baer team kept up the pressure throughout. However, due to the good work rate of UK season and Cowdray Park Polo Club
The Julius Baer Gold Cup forms part of the Dubai Gold Cup Series which was founded by Mohammed Al Habtoor in 2009. Since inception the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series has grown from strength to strength and is now an 18 goal handicap competition, making it the highest handicapped event in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. It was first recognised by the World Polo Tour (WPT) in 2012 and three years later the WPT upgraded the tournament from Challenge Cup to the highly coveted WPT Cup. This year the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series moved to its new home ground at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club.
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Polo Times, April 2017
R
BPP
MVP
Zedan secured the coveted Julius Baer Gold Cup trophy
Zedan wins second stage of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series
Julius Baer Team by Habtoor Polo (18) Mohammed Al Habtoor (0) Tommy Beresford (4) Juan Zubiaurre (5) Nicolás Pieres (9)
Octavio Olmedo
Gete Pintura, played by Pablo MacDonough
Where: Dubai member Tommy Beresford, alongside an incredibly strong performance by 10 goaler Pablo MacDonough, the final score was 10-8 in Zedan Polo’s favour. Octavio Olmedo was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the match and Gete Pintura, played by Pablo MacDonough was named Best Playing Pony. In the Subsidiary Final for the Bentley Cup Mahra Polo Team defeated Wolves by 11-8, denying Brit Hugo Lewis a place on the winner’s podium. Kian Hall and Jack Hyde did not make it to either Final on this occasion. The Dubai Gold Cup Series continues with the Dubai Challenge Cup which began on Saturday 18 March with the Final to be played on Friday 31 March at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club. This year seven teams have entered the competition, with the lineups including some well-known international polo faces such as: Pablo MacDonough (Zedan), Nicolas Pieres (Julius Baer) and Alfredo Cappella Barbucci (Abu Dhabi), plus homegrown Brit players Kian Hall (Abu Dhabi) and Hugo Lewis (Wolves); Jack Hyde will not be taking part in the tournament but Tommy Beresford is and will be keen to notch up another win for Zedan. www.polotimes.co.uk
Correct at time of going to press
2017 Key Dates 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.
April TBA Sunday
30th
May Sunday Sunday Sunday Monday
14th 21st 28th 29th
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Pre season Cocktail Party Opening of the Polo Season Erskine Trophy Ham House Tournament Final Day H R Owen Trophy Social Committee Cup Mixed Doubles Tournament Final Day Goal Cup (Final)
Richmond Park Cup Doug Brown Plate Sunday 18th Petersham Bowl Tournament Final Day John Player Plate (Sub Final) Thursday 22nd Laureus King Power Polo Cup Saturday 24th Armed forces Day Ham vs 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
RE UR YO BEFO RTS K O S A BO PAIR N ST E O S R CK 7 SEA I T S 01 E2 TH
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September Saturday 10th Saturday 9th Sunday
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Dubai Trophy Tournament Finals London Alumni/Inner Circle Polo Festival Stagshead - Young England Finalista Cup Indian Army Trophy Roehampton Trophy Tournament Finals The Chakravarty Charity Polo Cup Saraghari Challenge Cup / HAC 105 invitational Hunt Kendall Bowl Polo Challenge Jimmy Edwards Trophy David Brown Cup Billy Walsh Tournament Final Farewell Cup Season Finale After Party
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Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Club Focus
Photography by © David Lominska/IPC
The undefeated Equine Liquid Biocell met La Indiana for the Final of The Iglehart Cup in what was sure to be referred to as one of the most memorable matches of the 20 goal Season. It was the second time in the tournament that these two teams had faced each other, first time around the result was a disappointing loss for La Indiana who suffered a shocking 12-5 defeat; so spectators were anxious to witness the rematch. A determined and incredibly focused La Indiana took to the field and seemed to be on track to the victor’s podium as they racked up the goals giving them a 4-2 lead at the end of the second chukka. However, their luck was not to hold as Equine Liquid Biocell turned up the heat. 10 goaler Ulloa scored immediately out of the line-up, initiating a relentless surge of Equine Liquid Biocell goals. Spectacular teamwork between 4 goaler Jared Zenni and Ulloa contributed to four more unanswered goals. Completely shut out in the third, a stunned La Indiana went into half-time trailing by three goals, 7-4. Equine Liquid Biocell’s offensive onslaught continued into the fourth and fifth chukka as the entire team appeared to work in perfect harmony. Despite La Indiana’s best efforts and defensive manoeuvres, multiple attempts on goal proved unsuccessful. The
Photography by © David Lominska/IPC
International Polo Club Palm Beach
10 goaler Hilario Ulloa on the attack for the victorious Equine Liquid Biocell
The victorious Equine Liquid Biocell lift the Iglehart Cup aloft
gap widened to an astounding 11-4 at the end of fifth chukka. Holding a commanding seven goal lead, Equine Liquid Biocell entered the final chukka confident of the win. Fortunately for spectators, La Indiana would not let them get away that easily. In a truly heroic display of polo, Baillieu exploded onto the field scoring three consecutive goals in the first three minutes of play to bring the score within four goals, 11-7. Channelling the forward momentum, both Azzaro and Hall scored to bring La Indiana to 11-9 with two minutes remaining. Executing the final touch on an unbelievable comeback, Azzaro scored another goal for La Indiana with only seconds to spare. They were out of time to secure a draw and La Indiana was defeated 11-10 and Equine Liquid Biocell captured the 2017 Iglehart Cup. Jared Zenni was awarded Most Valuable
Player for his exceptional play, thwarting numerous La Indiana attacks on goal. Best Playing Pony was awarded to seven-year-old Aran, owned by Michael Bickford and played by Ruki Baillieu. “Michael bought her from Ellerston,” said Baillieu “They were doing a disbursement sale. James Packer gave up playing, and he sold a load of horses. We bought her as a five-year-old. She played in England last year for the first time with Nic Roldan in the Queen’s Cup Final. Then we brought her over – she is a really nice mare.” Iglehart Cup Final Teams: Equine Liquid Biocell (19): Jim Zenni (0), Agustin Obregon (5), Hilario Ulloa (10) & Jared Zenni (4) La Indiana (20): Michael Bickford (1), Ruki Bailleu (6), Jeff Hall (7) & Mike Azzaro (6)
Rugby
On Sunday 5 March, Dallas Burston Polo Club hosted their inaugural Arena Tournament played on the SuperArena®. Senzaltro (Jules Van Vechgel, Ollie Comway, Ollie Cork and Mikey Henderson) were the overall winners of The Charlotte Trophy, with Ollie Cork named Most Valuable Player and Mikey Henderson’s Comfort awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug. Spectators enjoyed fantastic views of the tournament from The Millstone Hare and enjoyed delicious food as well as live entertainment from Marty Elliott, with Simon Ledger keeping the crowds updated from the commentary box.
Rugby Polo Club hosted the final match of the Winter Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal Series, The Sworders’ Challenge, which saw Tex8n Polo defeat Thomson Local with a score of 13-11, whilst Twisted beat Bush Pigs, 10-6. In the Final, Benji Bradshaw was named Most Valuable Player and Cookie, ridden by Nico San roman and owned by Hugo Taylor was awarded Best playing Pony. The Sworders’ Challenge 5-8 Goal Teams: Bush Pigs (8): Charlie Hitchman (2), Matt Simpson (3) & Jeremy Pidgeon (3) Twisted (8): Karl Ude-Martinez (3), Chris Bell (0) & Chris Crawford (5) Tex8n Polo (9): Mindi Byrne (0), Juan Leiva (4) & Nico San Roman (5) Thomson Local (7): Benji Bradshaw (0), David Ashby (5) & Olly Cork (2)
www.polotimes.co.uk
Photograph by Dallas Burston Polo Club
Dallas Burston
Teams received an array of prizes
Polo Times, April 2017
49
Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Chantilly From Friday 28 April to Sunday 7 May, Chantilly Polo Club will host both the Zone C World Championship Playoffs as well as the first FIP Ladies European Championship. The Zone C Playoffs will decide which European teams will participate in the 11th FIP Polo World Cup to be played in Sydney in October later this year. England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain will all be battling it out to take the top spot. In light of the tough competition, France has announced its line-up as Pierre-Henri Ngoumou (5), Patrick Paillol (5), Julien Reynes (3) and Alexandre Sztarkman (1). As the hosting nation, the French team have the luxury of a selection of substitute players, which will include Clément Delfosse, Florent Garaud, Adrien Legallo and Corentin Maillet. Alongside the playoffs, a European Women’s Championship will be held for the first time between England, France and Germany, with both the Finals for the Women’s and the FIP Playoffs scheduled for Sunday 7 May.
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Santa María Polo Club
Edgeworth Polo Club The Gloucestershire based Club has an exciting calendar, with the Beginning of Season party kicking-off the 2017 season on Saturday 29 April in the Clubhouse. The Club aims to start chukkas in early April, with the first tournament on the first weekend of May. Edgeworth’s Summer Ball will be on Saturday 3 June, with tickets priced at £100 if paid before 1 May or £110 after this date. Excitingly, the Club has also released an App, where you can view fixtures, news and book in for chukkas – visit the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store to download.
Moor Farm Polo Club Santa María Polo Club have reduced their high goal from 22 to 20 goal
Santa María Polo Club has decided to change their high goal handicap from 22 to 20 goal for the 2017 International Tournament. The Club has taken this decision after consulting with several polo teams, in order to improve the competition, and in light of the current situation of polo and given the problems the Club has had in finding high goal teams willing to play 22 goal. This decision is fundamentally based on the target of making the 46th Edition of the International Tournament as competitive and attractive as it can be for the teams involved.
Wicklow
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Polo Times, April 2017
Opening in April 2017, in the heart of beautiful North Shropshire, Moor Farm Polo Club will open its gates and bring polo back to Shropshire for the first time in living memory. Based on a mixed arable and beef farm, with an award-winning farm shop on site, Moor Farm Polo Club will offer the very best in fun, safe, family friendly low-goal polo. A Club with very strong military connections, it will bring a little spirit of the Raj to the hills of Shropshire.
Photograph courtesy of Wicklow Polo Club
Plans had to be changed when the scheduled French team could not get to Ireland for their polo match, instead Francisco Acosta, a visiting player from Ecuador was invited to play on an Ecuador inspired team. The National anthems of Ecuador and of Ireland were played by the Maguire family Irish Trad band, and the luncheon guests who had been enjoying superb French wines and food from Tinakilly House Hotel gathered to support both teams. Francisco Acosta from Ecuador was nominated as the visiting Captain and Siobhan Herbst captained the re-organised Polo Wicklow Ireland side. Unfurling very quickly, the two sides, which were even on handicap, captured the total interest of the crowd with their creative play. Playing for Ecuador Pat Fitzsimons and Marco Herbst proved to be the escapologists of the chukka, but were reeled in towards the end of the chukka by Siobhan Herbst and Colm Kelleher, each team with 4 goals. Team assessment over the real challenge began in the second chukka, as quick sharp and clever play by the higher handicapped players kept the match fast and furious. Both teams produced shots
Druids Lodge Ireland vs Equador at Wicklow
when it mattered, accurate attacks on the goal, and with the encouragement of the crowd this was pure crowd pleasing polo. Goal for goal the match increased in speed, Francisco and Siobhan vied, Colm and Pat controlled the speed whilst Marco and Micky did the unexpected. An evenly matched and entertaining game continued, free of infringements and full of fun, goal for goal until Ireland edged ahead in the last two minutes winning 13-10.
There are still a few weeks of arena polo left and it has been a great season. Eden Ormerod will be joining the team at Druids Lodge full time from Saturday 1 April to take charge of the care and training of all the ponies, as well as increasing the Club’s teaching capacity. This year the Club is offering a summer membership discount for anyone who joins and pays before the end of April. There will be £250 off the price of full membership and £150 off the price of excluding chukka fees membership, plus the first Club chukkas will begin on Thursday 20 April. www.polotimes.co.uk
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Club Focus
La Aguada The team based at the Novilla Astrada family’s estancia in Argentina and home to the Guards Polo Club’s own Argentine tournament every December, are offering Guards members the chance for some excellent, pre-season training in South America. For the first time Guards Polo Club members can receive a 20% discount on any practice weeks in March or April.
Photograph courtesy of Chukker.TV
Grand Champions
Harrison Azzaro will be making his 20 goal Final debut
At the time of going to print, the Final of the Sterling Cup was about to be played, this is one of two prestigious 20 goal tournaments across the pond in Florida. On Tuesday 14 March, Casablanca defeated Valiente 12-11 in overtime to secure their place in the Final, where they will face Travieso, who secured their own place in the Final after defeating Dutta Corp 11-6. The match will be interesting as it marks the 20 goal Final debut of 16-year-old Harrison Azzaro, son of former 10 goaler Mike Azzaro. Casablanca (20): Harrison Azzaro (0), Grant Ganzi (2), Gonzalito Pieres (9) & Rodrigo Andrade (9) Travieso (20): Tony Calle (2), Torito Ruiz (3), Sebastian Merlos (9) & Hugo Barabucci (6)
Guards The Welcome to the Season event due to be held on Saturday 22 April (11am-1pm) is free of charge, but members are reminded that they need to register. Member’s packs and badges for 2017 will be ready for collection and attendees will also have the first opportunity to see what delights Mosimann’s will be creating in the Clubhouse kitchens this season, with samples of upcoming menus to peruse over a complimentary glass of Laurent-Perrier. If you have not yet confirmed your attendance, please call 01784 434212.
The Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers GROWING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Invitation to attend
Working closely with
The APSPH AGM – 22nd May – 12.30pm Guards Polo Club Membership Benefit Partners
The APSPH have arranged a Safeguarding and Protecting Children Course immediately after the AGM (Please email enquiries@apsph-polo.org.uk to book a place on the course)
Lane Equestrian Consultants
Please visit our website www.apsph-polo.org.uk Our listed members have their Riding Establishment License expiry dates published on the website.
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Polo Times, April 2017
51
International
Ladies Polo in Thailand The Queen’s Cup-Pink Polo 2017 Final was played on Saturday 11 March between Thai Polo and Windhorse. As the sun shone upon the emerald pitches of Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, it was Thai Polo who were triumphant with a final score of 8-3. Before the match, spectators were treated to a fashion show plus a kids equine gymnastic demonstration.
Women’s Cup Delayed
Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com
Women’s Polo
Thai Polo, winners of The Queen’s Cup-Pink Polo
Sunny Hale Memorial Tournament Grand Champions Polo Club’s monthly women’s league Final and runners-up matches on Wednesday 1 March were renamed the Sunset ‘Sunny’ Hale Memorial Tournament, giving players the chance to honour Sunny Hale in one of the most fitting ways – by playing polo. 16 players competed to honour one of women’s polo pioneers. In the main Final, CrossFit/El Cid (Hope Arellano, Meghan Gracida, Slaney O’Hanlon, Cecilia Cochran) defeated Designer Hair by Nikki (Amy Huson, Ashley Emerson, Alyson Poor, Clarissa Echezarreta) 4 goals to 3½. Clarissa Echezarreta was named Most Valuable Player and Lychee, played and owned by Cecilia Cochran was named Best Playing Pony. In the runners-up match Scribble Horse defeated Masai of Palm Beach 4-1. Turn to our News pages for an Obituary for Sunny. Richmonds Horse Transport.qxd:Layout 1
3/3/10
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The AAP had originally set the closing date for the Women’s Cup to be Tuesday 28 February, and was scheduled to be played between 7 – 11 March. However, the AAP entries for the first edition of the tournament are still and will remain open until 20 March as the first edition of the Women’s Cup will now be played on 24 – 26 March. The Finals will be played at the Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo, for registration send an email to auxtorneos@aapolo.com
European Women’s Dates The organisation, Polo Women, have announced a cornucopia of women’s dates in Europe this summer. Saint Tropez Polo Club are scheduled to host 10-14 goal tournaments between 30 June and 2 July, whilst Sotogrande will see three weeks of women’s polo with 10-16 goal tournaments played from 8 – 23 July. For more information or to register your interest click here.
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Polo Times, April 2017
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All Aspects of Youth Polo
NUPC celebrated another annual Guns and Horses Ball
On Saturday 25 February Newcastle University Polo Club hosted their annual Guns and Horses Ball at the newly refurbished Palace of the Arts. The venue combined quirky industrial features with a sophisticated exterior and proved to be the perfect fit for the occasion, reflecting the Club’s social attitude. Polo clubs and shooting teams from across the country were in attendance including, St Andrews University Polo Club, Durham University Polo Club and various university shooting teams from as far south as Oxford. The whole evening went off without a hitch thanks to the hard work and dedications of the Polo Club Committees. A special thank you must be made to Emma Stephenson (NUPC Social Secretary), Ryan Letley (NUPC Social Secretary) and Elena Floto (NUCSC President) who worked tirelessly to create a magical evening. Speaking after the event, Jess Rea, NUPC President commented, “This year the Guns and Horses Ball was bigger and better than ever, and that was due to the hard work of both our clubs. The night was a special celebration of both teams’ achievements thus far in the year, and a great way to hype everyone up for the coming season. It is always lovely to see everyone together and to have teams travelling from across the country to come and celebrate with us.” For all the social pictures from the event, turn to the Sidelines pages.
Kids Polo Tour 2017 The Kids Polo Tour has announced the dates for 2017 as 24 – 25 June and 1 – 2 July. The brainchild of Marianela Castagnola, the tournament brings together kids from all over the world at some of the finest high goal pitches in the UK to compete in a unique U18s polo tournament. The tournament is split into four age categories. Challenger: 15-18-year-olds, Intermediate: 9-14-year-olds, Mini: beginners & under 9-year-olds and Mini Mini: under 5-yearolds. Players can either be entered as complete teams or individuals. The tournament also presents The Victoria Elsbury-Legg Award to the player who displays the most outstanding sportsmanship and team spirit throughout the tournament. www.polotimes.co.uk
‘Magdachurch’ triumph in Winter Cuppers With 12 matches, three falls, and two sudden death penalty shoot-outs, Oxford University Polo Club’s (OUPC) annual inter-collegiate tournament on Saturday 18 February ended with a strong victory for the joint Magdalen and Christ Church team ‘Magdachurch’, led by Varsity Blues player and 2 goaler Charlie Hitchman, ending the two year St Peter’s reign. The annual event, which takes place at East End Farm in North Leigh, homeground of OUPC, saw eight teams with players of all abilities, battle it out for the Winter Cuppers title. Play kicked off in style with a convincing 3-0 win for Magdachurch against The Saints, and followed by several preliminary matches, the order of play was made clear. After a short lunch break, The Saints faced-off Green Templeton for the ‘Wooden Spoon’, team Biology took on Triple Js for 3rd and 4th playoffs, A.C.E faced Lady Margaret Hall for the Subsidiary Final, and Magdachurch battled it out with a strong Said Business School team, led by the newest addition to the OUPC squad, Hayes Hagan. Thanks to strong attack by OUPC Treasurer, Aurelia Vandamme, backed by her determined team mates, Green Templeton avoided the Wooden Spoon with a 4-1 victory in their match against The Saints. In a very close 3rd and 4th playoff, Biology, led by OUPC Social Secretary, Heather Winsor, were unable to triumph over underdogs Triple Js, with a brilliant goal by Jack Edwards leading to a 4-3 victory. In an equally nail-biting Subsidiary Final, LMH, Cuppers runners-up for over 3 years now and led by OUPC Chairman, Issa Dasu Patel as well as featuring a Dasu Patel sibling duo, put on a strong showing against team A.C.E and won 2-1 after a tense penalty shoot-out and two falls, one for Issa and one for team mate Joanna Borges-Moron. The much anticipated Final between SBS and Magdachurch was the perfect action-packed and crowd-pleasing end to the tournament, with brilliant plays across the arena, impressive backhands, and strong rideoffs. Despite determined efforts and hooks by SBS to stop those goals from being scored,
Photography courtesy of OUPC
Photograph by Aaron Tech Photography
NUPC Guns & Horses
Youth
Eight teams competed in this year’s Winter Cuppers
Magdachurch claimed The Winter Cuppers title after a 5-2 victory. The day was rounded off with great prizes for all players, thanks to OUPC’s recently announced Official Spirit Supplier, British Polo Gin. The winners each took home a delicious bottle of gin, as well as James Buchanan for ‘Most Valuable Player’, Jack Edwards for ‘Best Goal’, and Issa Dasu Patel for ‘Best Fall’. It was also a chance for the Club to thank Coach David Ashby and his team at Oxford Polo for all their hard work and support. OUPC Winter Cuppers Results: 1st: Magdachurch 2nd: Said Business School 3rd: Triple Js 4th: Biology 5th: Lady Margaret Hall 6th: A.C.E 7th: Green Templeton 8th: The Saints
Players were awarded with British Polo Gin, Polo Times & The Polo Magazine prizes
Copenhagen Cup Guards’ Polo Club have announced that The Copenhagen Cup has been extended to include at least eight schools in 2017. Played over the weekend of 20 – 21 May, this competitive schools’ tournament will give many of the student players their first opportunity to play on first-class grounds. Harrow are the current holders of the trophy, but will no doubt face some tough opposition in May. The match schedules and teams will be announced soon. The schools that are confirmed to play are Cheltenham, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Millfield, Radley, Stowe and Wellington. Polo Times, April 2017
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Youth
All Aspects of Youth Polo
SUPA National Junior Schools Seaford College Win First Tournament The SUPA National Senior Schools Arena Polo Championships, held at Rugby Polo Club on Sunday 5 March, had over 50 team entries and consequently competition was fierce at the most important fixture in the schools’ arena polo calendar. Seaford College pupils attended their first polo taster session at Cowdray Park Polo Club’s Academy (CPPCA) less than nine months ago. Regular extra-curricular lessons from Guy Verdon, and dedication from pupils and Master, Matthew Pitteway, ensured rapid progress resulting in the formation of two teams, with some team members developing from non-riders. Each team from Seaford College competed in the Beginners section, with Seaford College A team beating Rugby 3-1, Felsted 6-0 and then playing the Seaford B team in the final league game to set up the league win. Coach, Guy Verdon commented, “Seaford College polo teams should be extremely proud of their hard work and achievement. I certainly am. To win a Championship tournament is tremendous, to win in these circumstances is exceptional.” It was in fact a double success for teams coached by CPPCA, with Langley Abbey School also victorious in their Intermediate 3 section. Seaford College A: Bartholomew Baker, Cally Nugent & Martha Crosdil Seaford College B: Isabel Anderson, Andrea Aranda & Rosey Grant Photograph courtesy of CPPCA
Photography by Caroline Stern
Caroline Stern reports from West Wycombe Park Polo Club: “11 teams battled it out for the SUPA National Junior Schools Arena Polo Championships, supported by RJ Polo, at West Wycombe Park Polo Club on Sunday 26 February. The Schools and Universities Polo Association (SUPA) was established 25 years ago, with the Juniors section run for many years by Sarah Styler, who this year handed the reins to Caroline Grayson, well known in the Pony Club for managing the successful Grafton Hunt branch and to Gill Glimmerveen, Polo Manager of Heathfield School. An increase in entry numbers from last year saw players entering from 18 different junior schools. Caroline Grayson’s own daughter Squidge played for the Winchester House School team, who were the furthest travellers on the day, coming from Northampton. Many familiar names from Pony Club polo appeared on the team sheet and one spectator also noted that many of the youngest members of several polo dynasties were taking part. For most players in the Novice section, this was their first Hari Ali with his Polo Times and chance to play in a real competition. The three Novice teams The Polo Magazine prizes played with great enthusiasm and a careful regard for the rules, under the supervision of umpire JJ Spark, who frequently and sensibly coached the players rather than just penalising their errors. Wycombe Abbey ran out the winners in this section. The youngest player in the Novice and indeed on the day, was eight-year-old Hari Ali, well mounted on a large but obliging Thoroughbred, provided by father Hamid, “This was the first time he has played a match, but he’s already asking when can he do it again!,” Hamid remarked. The tempo increased markedly in the Intermediate section matches. Shrey Rawal, Aramaya Sheikh and Elicia Murphy impressed for Hall Grove and Lambrook respectively. The standout player and eventual Most Valuable Player, however, was Hector Rogberg, ably marshalling two less experienced players for the victorious Dragon Navy team. The Open showcased the skills of some of the most senior players on the day, Ben Mancini and Josh Hyde stood out playing for two of the Combined SUPA teams. However, Winchester House’s powerful and consistent play enabled them to win each of their one chukka matches. All their players had upped their game substantially from last winter and Fred Thame was a deserved Most Valuable Player. “The parents of the new players were kind enough to tell us that they had loved the tournament and the opportunity for the children to play after all their lessons,” said Caroline. Other parents and players also praised the great prizes and organisation of such a fun day out.”
11 teams competed in the SUPA National Junior Schools Arena Polo Championships
Seaford College exceeded expectations
Druids Lodge Super League The Finals for the Druids Lodge Super League will take place on Saturday 18 March with the Subsidiary Final at 11am, Harvard Alumni vs RAU, and the Final played at 12pm between Bristol and Exeter. So far, the polo has been very competitive with some very exciting matches. This year was a particularly close tournament with teams tied on points for second and fourth place, in fact the teams making it to the Final were only decided by the last league match. The order of merit for the league stages is shown below, where two teams were tied on points the winner was decided based on who won the match between them (as per HPA rules): 56
Polo Times, April 2017
1st: Exeter, with four wins 2nd: Bristol, with two wins, two losses, tied on points with RAU who they beat 16-10½ 3rd: RAU, with two wins, two losses, tied on points with Bristol who they lost to 10½-16 4th: Harvard Alumni, with one win, three losses, tied on points with London who they beat 15-9 5th: London, with one win, three losses, tied on points with Harvard who they lost to 9-15 www.polotimes.co.uk
All Aspects of Youth Polo
Youth
Photograph by emmpix.co.uk
Super SUPA
The largest ever entry of 41 teams took part
Photograph by emmpix.co.uk
Photograph by Molly Derbyshire
Photograph by emmpix.co.uk
Langley School won the Open Championships
The British Grooms Association award for Best Turned Out was won by Fernando Boickuk
Photograph by emmpix.co.uk
The British Grooms Association gave an award for the Best Turned Out. This was won by Fernando Boichuk for the best turned out string. Originally from Mar del Plata in Argentina, Fernando has been grooming internationally in polo for 20 years, he has spent the last four years working with Julia Luke at Fifield Polo Club. He won a British Polo Grooms Association one year membership and hoodie for his efforts. The APSPH Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Tyson, a 17-year-old school master owned by Melissa Wadley from 4polo.com, based at Kirtlington Park and described as a favourite at Schools and University Nationals this winter. For the social pictures turn to our Sidelines pages.
Rugby Polo Club hosted the largest entry ever of 41 teams for the SUPA Senior Schools Arena Championships, sponsored by RJ Polo on Sunday 5 March. In a great display of up-and-coming polo talent there was some excellent play from Beginner through to Open sections. As one parent said, “The weather tried its very best to hamper the day but the players and support teams were having none of that nonsense!” Langley School won the Open Championships, whilst Milly Hine from Downe House was awarded the Most Promising Player and won the Worshipful Company of Loriners knee pads. Charlie Cadogan from Harrow and Neils Van der Hoeven from Wellington were both awarded Most Valuable Player in their divisions. All prize winners were given RJ Polo goodies, as well as Polo Times prizes and magazines.
Milly Hine was awarded the Most Promising Player
The APSH Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Tyson, pictured with his groom Jess Martin
SUPA National Senior Schools Arena Championships results 1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
Open Division 1
Langley A
Millfield A
Wellington A
Radley A
Open Division 2
Harrow School
Stowe A
St George’s A
Rugby A
Intermediate Division 1 Intermediate Division 2 Intermediate Division 3 Novice
Cheltenham B Downe House
Uppingham
Marlborough White Radley B
Cheltenham College A Millfield B
Marlborough
Stowe Blue
Shrewsbury A
Rugby B
Langley
Heathfield
Shrewsbury B
Tudor Hall/ D’Overbrooks St George’s B
Stowe Red
Stowe Yellow
Felsted Blue
St Barts
Shrewsbury C
Beginner
Seaford A
Felsted Red
Marlborough Novice Seaford College
Wycombe Abbbey A Shrewsbury D
7th
8th
Wellington
Millfield
Cheltenham College
Wycombe
SUPA
Rugby C
Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!
Polo Times, April 2017
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Pony Power
Knowledge
Polo Times supports the often unsung heroes of polo – the ponies. These four legged, furry friends of the sport are the lifeblood of polo and so we think its only fair to recognise their contribution. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series is associated with all manner of tournaments, from the 3 goal right up to the Arena Gold Cup and International Arena Test Match. In these Pony Power pages we spotlight the latest winners of our rugs, Chunk, Comfort, Don Cesar, Rainbow, Saffron & Twengé. you absolutely everything she’s got and in a ride-off she uses her small size to drop her shoulder and get underneath. She has a good speed, is full of heart and powerful. Does she play grass and arena? No, just arena so far, I think she is going to play outside this summer. Photograph by ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com
Rainbow Height: 15hh Age: 11-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned by: Richard Blake Thomas Played by: Jonny Good Tournament: International Arena Test Match for the Bryan Morrison Trophy at AEPC, Hickstead
What is her breeding? I bred her out of a mare called Electra, who I bought from Julian Daniels many years ago, and she’s by Andrew Seavill’s Portage.
Has she won any other awards? This is her first award, she had a slow start in life, as when she was young she had a severed suspensory and so last year was her ‘green season’, we’ve really persevered with her and it’s paid off. What are your plans for her future? We’ll wait and see, we’ll try her outdoors this summer. It’s been a complicated start for her, so we’ll have to see how she goes outdoors and go from there.
Tell us about her background? She’s just like her mother who was also small, the same colour and they share all the same attributes.
Does she have any special quirks? Not really, although she is a little bit complicated and a horse you have to get to know as opposed to one you can just jump on. Jonny rode her four times the week of the International to get used to her, which was clearly worthwhile!
What are her strengths? She has a massive heart for a tiny, little pony. She gives
Describe her in three words? Tough, nimble, bold. How has she gone this season? She doesn’t like the smaller arenas, but here in the bigger Hickstead arena she was far more effective because there is more space.
Photograph by ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com
Saffron Height: 15.1hh Age: 14-years-old Colour: Liver Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned by: Richard Tyrone Tournament: 12 Goal Challenge at AEPC, Hickstead www.polotimes.co.uk
Tell us about her background? I bought her from Jean Du Plessis four years ago. He trained her in South Africa and brought her to the UK.
Has she won any other awards? She won a BPP in the Dollar Cup with Jean Du Plessis and in The John Prestwich with myself in 2015. What are your plans for her future? She still has a good few more years playing at the top level I hope. Does she have any special quirks? She is very straightforward to look after around the stables. She is a bit quirky in the mouth and I find changing the bit I use for her every now and again keeps her happy in the mouth. Describe her in three words? Brave, stamina, powerful.
What are her strengths? She has a huge amount of speed, power and lateral ability.
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Knowledge
Pony Power
Comfort Height: 15.2hh Age: 10-years-old Colour: Strawberry Appaloosa Sex: Mare Owned by: Michael Henderson Tournament: The Charlotte Trophy 15 Goal at Dallas Burston Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Dallas Burston Polo Club
Where is she from? Comfort is from the UK. Tell us about her background? She was started by Rod Gutteridge and I bought her last season. What are her strengths? All the girls like her! How has she gone this season? I should think this was her first season playing arena and she has taken to it well. Comfort has constantly improved, she gets better and better in the arena, but I am looking forward to playing her on the grass. Has she won any other awards? Not with me, this is her first one.
What are your plans for her future? She has attracted a lot of attention, so I am going to try and keep hold of her and resist the temptation to sell her!
Does she have any special quirks? She is an incredible attention seeker in the stable. Describe her in four words? Definitely not a Corcho! again and again and relishes it. He is also very agile and has great speed in short bursts. How has he gone this season? I played him outside last summer and then he had a rest until Christmas. He came back into work and has gone really well this arena season. Royston Prisk played him in the 12 goal at Hickstead so he has been busy the last couple of weekends. Has he won any other awards? Not with me, this is his first.
Height: 15.1hh Age: 10-years-old Colour: Dark Chestnut Sex: Gelding Owned by: Oscar Mancini Played by: Sebastian Hancock Tournament: The Arena Gold Cup Final, Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Where is he from? Argentina originally.
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Photograph People of Polo: Cymon Skinner
Don Cesar
Tell us about his background? I bought him two years ago from Sebastien Paillioncy’s HB polo setup. As the Pailloncy brothers have moved towards the high goal their strings have changed. Don Cesar is a great horse, but he is not a Thoroughbred and whilst he has speed in short bursts he would not have been up to high goal pace for seven minutes. What are his strengths? He loves to ride off and get stuck into the play, he likes to go
What are your plans for his future? He is having a little holiday now, but I will then bring him back into work for the summer season, he is part of my main string. Does he have any special quirks? In the stable he is quite shy and reserved and certainly waits for me to make the first move to show him affection. I think a lot of Argentine ponies are like that, they are left to their own devices for the first three or so years of their lives and not petted and patted like some young Thoroughbreds. It can make them a bit more aloof and less overt with their affections. Also last year I turned out my little grey mare in the paddock with him and he went all stallion-y on me! He was chasing her round and round and got pretty enthusiastic – I had to rescue her quickly! But generally he does not have any bad habits, he is a nice horse to have around. Describe him in three words? Reserved, brave, kind. www.polotimes.co.uk
Pony Power
Knowledge
Chunk Height: 15.1hh Age: 20-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Owned by: James Mann Tournament: The Paul Sweeney Memorial 3 Goal at Ash Farm Polo Club Where is he from? Argentina originally. I bought him 2½ years ago as one of my first ponies and he has helped me to learn a lot. Photograph courtesy of Ash Farm
Tell us about his background? I don’t really know anything about him from before. What are his strengths? He is super handy and responsive, so in the arena that’s perfect. As well as this, Chunk is built well which makes him tough. How has he gone this season? He’s gone really well this arena season, and hasn’t let me down once. He’s played everything for me up to 12 goal. Has he won any other awards? Not with me, but I don’t know if he has before.
Does he have any special quirks? He’s very cheeky – when he’s doing something naughty and you say his name he’ll put his ears forward and head on the side.
What are your plans for his future? He’s getting older now; although he doesn’t know it. So this will probably be his last summer season and then I’ll keep him for arena.
Describe him in four words? Handy, responsive, trusty, fun. How has she gone this season? Last year she did really well and was ridden by Alec in the Archie David tournament at Guards amongst other things. She is a star of the SUPA tournaments in the arena and has done a great job from low level right up to 15 goal. Has she won any other awards? Not that we are aware of, but I think she will in the future.
Photograph courtesy of Ash Farm
Twengé
Where is she from? She was bought from the Townsend family in Norfolk. They bought her from the Tomlinsons.
(but known as Hammerhead) Height: 15.1hh Age: 10-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned by: Alec Banner-Eve Played by: Ed Banner-Eve Tournament: The Paul Sweeney Memorial 8 Goal at Ash Farm Polo Club www.polotimes.co.uk
Tell us about her background? I know that Claire Tomlinson bred her, but I’m not sure of the details. What are her strengths? She is very agile, light on her feet and has great acceleration. All in all, she is an ideal arena pony. She is hugely versatile, playing -2 with a beginner one day and then 15 goal the next.
What are your plans for her future? She is based at More Hall Farm (MHF Polo Club and School) so she will be doing everything from being ridden by beginners to higher levels of polo. Both Alec and I are hoping to play more polo in the Guards area this summer (offers please!) so she will hopefully be busy there this year. Does she have any special quirks? She has a very short stride which can be a bit uncomfortable, but on the plus side does mean that she can turn quickly. Oh yes, she has a strange shaped head, so hence the nickname ‘Hammerhead’. Describe her in four words? Agile, sharp, kind, tough.
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Knowledge Dr Angela Jones BVSc Cert AVP MRCVS The George Equine Clinic Angela graduated from the University of Bristol in 2009. After completing a 12 month internship in Pembrokeshire, she worked in The Home Counties for six years and was the clinical lead in a Berkshire based RCVS tier 3 hospital. She recently moved to The George Equine Clinic and is thoroughly enjoying life in The Cotswolds. She has an interest in internal medicine, especially poor performance and has recently completely a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Equine Medicine. Equestrian interests aside Angela has recently taken up triathlon and can often be found swimming, cycling, running or simply walking her dog, George.
Poor Performance It’s important when investigating poor performance, when you hear the sound of hooves, not to immediately think of zebras. What I mean by this is common problems are most often related to everyday issues rather than thinking it’s anything more exotic. Ensure that all the basics have been covered prior to potentially entering into a lengthy and expensive investigation. Dental problems Dental pain can reduce your horse’s willingness to work on the bit or cause them to ‘hang’ on one rein. This can often be perceived by the rider as a loss in performance. Horses have hypsodont dentition. This means their teeth have long reserve crowns that extend below the gum line and continue to erupt throughout life.
A regular thorough dental examination under sedation by your vet ensures that sharp points and focal overgrowths are reduced and periodontal (gum) disease is picked up early. Due to the high bit motion in polo, sharp points can be detrimental to performance. I advise a pre-season dental examination to avoid mid-season problems. Consider farriery and foot balancing There is a lot of truth in the old saying ‘no foot no horse’. Ensuring your horse’s feet are in good shape will save a lot of heartache further down the line. Regular farriery and foot balancing is essential to avoid injury and sub clinical foot pain. If you’re in any doubt about your horse’s foot balance ask your vet for advice. Poor foot balance can predispose to soft tissue injuries which is further exacerbated by the stopping and turning expected of your pony on the field. A set of foot balancing x-rays can provide an extra insight into what is going on underneath the hoof capsule to aid remedial farriery. After a long winter in the field, your pony’s feet are likely to be soft and cracked. Simple things like picking out hooves at least twice daily and standing on firm ground for as little as 10 minutes will get oxygen to the frog cleft helping to reduce the incidence of thrush. Applying hoof oil or balm to the hoof wall will help them withstand the constant change of conditions under foot.
A strongyle larvae under the microscope
BAL cytology under the microscope
Parasite control Regular worm egg counts and tape worm ELISA blood sampling can detect excessive worm burdens prior to your horse showing clinical signs. We recommend faecal sampling your adult stock in February, May and August and worming with moxidectin and praziquantel combination after the first frost. High worm burdens can cause anaemia, low protein and ill thrift which can all lead to poor performance. In severe cases high worm burdens can lead to diarrhoea, toxaemia and even death. Saddle fitting A poor fitting saddle is likely to cause back pain, especially in the early season when your pony is less fit and their back muscles are weak. Start as you mean to go on, have your saddle checked to reduce back pain further down the line.
A severe dental overgrowth of a molar tooth
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An example of a well balanced foot
Rider weight percentage Rider weight has featured heavily in the press recently. It has been shown by the Saddle Research Trust that even with a rider that is 15% of the horse’s body weight, it increases the risk of musculoskeletal damage, significantly www.polotimes.co.uk
Knowledge airway crackles or wheezes more apparent. If your vet is still suspicious of IAD then they may well recommend a resting, sedated endoscope examination. A tracheal wash sample may be taken in order to evaluate the fluid in the trachea. The amount of mucous will be graded. A broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) will be taken, which involves passing a soft tube right down to the gas exchange surface under local anaesthetic. These samples are then sent for cytology whereby the type and morphology of cells counted will help aid diagnosis and treatment. On the basis of the sample cytology, a diagnosis can be made.
When you hear the sound of hooves don’t think zebras!
increases heart rate and can compromise performance. This equates to 75kg total weight including tack on a 500kg pony. Whereas a rider that is 19% of their horse’s body weight slows speed, can result in reluctance to go forwards and increases metabolic rate. This means choosing the correct size and build of horse for you is crucial. However, experienced riders may ride with a lighter seat reducing these negative effects. Thinking about nutrition Whether you are learning to play polo or hitting the high goal, your horse needs to be fit enough for your chosen level. A lack of fitness can make injury more likely and your horse is less likely to perform to their potential. As your horse’s work level increases, so will their calorie requirement. Ensure you introduce all dietary changes gradually to reduce the risk of colic. Making sure your horse has ad lib access to good quality forage or grass will produce adequate saliva, which will buffer stomach
acid reducing the risk of gastric ulceration. Contrary to popular belief long periods without access to food is highly likely to be detrimental to your pony’s performance. Considering airways With low level Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) your horse will not necessarily show any respiratory symptoms, but a subtle loss of performance may be appreciated. This is especially apparent in high goal when the oxygen demand during play is high. This may be undetectable on clinical examination. Some horses may have a low grade clear (serous) nasal discharge, however not all horses will cough. As part of a poor performance examination your vet will usually wish to see the pony worked in order to listen for any upper respiratory tract noise or any exercise intolerance. Upper respiratory tract noises are caused by an increase in airway resistance and an exercising dynamic endoscope is indicated. After exercise, your pony’s respiratory rate and effort will be increased making any lower
Gastric Ulceration Syndrome Equine Gastric Ulceration Syndrome (EGUS) can cause changes in coat quality, weight and behaviour. However riders may also notice reluctance to go forwards, discomfort on girthing and reduced performance. In order to investigate EGUS, gastroscopy is indicated. This is performed on a starved horse under sedation. Long periods without food and water, stress and transport are all high risk factors for EGUS, all of which polo ponies are exposed to on a regular basis. Providing ad lib forage and access to water can significantly reduce the risk of EGUS. Starchy carbohydrates fed without roughage have also been identified as a risk factor. Increasing the alfalfa proportion of the diet increases the pH of the stomach content. Feeding a small handful of alfalfa prior to playing reduces acid splashing and reduces the incidence of non-glandular ulceration. The addition of corn oil to your pony’s diet can improve the mucous coating on the glandular portion of the stomach and is a great way to get additional calories in. You can feed as much as 1ml per kilogram per day so that’s 500ml for a standard 500kg polo pony. Introduce all dietary changes gradually in order to reduce the risk of colic. If you feel like you’ve covered all the basics, then a poor performance investigation with your vet is indicated. This is likely to include a thorough clinical examination, blood sampling, lameness evaluation and a ridden assessment. Subtle lameness may not be clearly visible in a straight line so your veterinary surgeon will use a mixture of provocative tests and circles on varied surfaces in order to show very low grade lameness. Depending on the findings of the clinical examination and history, further clinical tests may be indicated. Dynamic exercise testing involves a blood sample measuring muscle enzymes and lactate pre and post exercise that can give a good indication of fitness level. Dr Angela Jones BVSc Cert AVP MRCVS George Veterinary Group 18-20 High Street, Malmesbury. SN16 9AU www.georgevetgroup.co.uk Tel: 01666 826456 Email: angela.jones@georgevetgroup.co.uk
A gastroscope being undertaken in a sedated patient
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Knowledge
Ground Focus
GoingStick Polo Times finds out more about Turftrax, the latest in ground management TurfTrax may not be a familiar name yet in polo, but it looks set to enter the vocabulary as the Cambridgeshire-based technology company’s ground management systems continue to permeate the sport. Most recently the TurfTrax GoingStick, a device which owes its innovation to the horseracing industry, has been adopted by a number of polo clubs with the aim of adding a degree of science to the measurement of ground conditions. The GoingStick sits within a suite of products which includes bespoke software applications, weather stations and tracking systems all designed to transform data into knowledge which can be used to forecast and inform. The GoingStick was developed by TurfTrax in collaboration with the Centre for Sports Surface Research at Cranfield University in response to the British horseracing industry’s search for more scientific methods of monitoring and measuring going and weather conditions on UK racecourses in the early 2000s. Having since been formally adopted by racing’s regulatory body, the British Horseracing Authority, as well as both the California Horse Racing Board and Australia’s Victoria Racing Club, the GoingStick is fast becoming recognised as an international standard, an achievement which the company’s Managing Director, Mike Maher, hopes can be replicated in the polo community, “During its development the GoingStick underwent a rigorous and painstaking calibration process to account for different soil types at racecourses around the country. A scientifically derived numeric scale was then derived that correlates to the traditional ‘going’ descriptions ranging from Heavy to Firm,” explains Maher. “Data from all our ground management products is collated and analysed via the TurfTrax hub which now contains a mass of historical racecourse information. This can be used to predict the effects of forecasted weather and to help determine irrigation programmes. Our Client Manager, Jane Welch, is already working with leading polo clubs to create a similar database to which we can apply analytical criteria specific to the sport.” The GoingStick measures penetration and shear, which are the two forces that the horse’s hoof exerts when it is in contact with the ground. Measurements are taken using 64
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The GoingStick will allow polo clubs to publish their ground conditions
The TurfTrax GoingStick
precision strain gauges which are attached to a probe. The strain gauges feed data up to the GoingStick’s control box where is it recorded. The probe is inserted into the ground vertically to measure penetration, then the stick is pulled back to an angle of about 45 degrees or until the turf tears to measure shear.
If the GoingStick can achieve the same level of success in polo as it has in horseracing, and there is every suggestion that it can, remote access to detailed information relating to the ground will become commonplace and TurfTrax could be the name on everyone’s lips.
“As a former professional player I understand the importance of having a surface that will allow your horse to perform at its best. When I came to Kirtlington Park I was tasked in upgrading our pitches. We have two sites with a total of seven pitches and they all drain differently. By recording measurements regularly we can build up an archive of data which will help in scheduling ground maintenance with accuracy to achieve consistency across all our pitches, spread usage more evenly among the grounds with assurance that the grounds are within our parameters and ultimately improve the consistency of ground for our KPPC’s Club Manager, Josh Tuthill and and the Club’s members to enjoy throughout the season. Head Groundsman, Mike Moss Footing is key for a horse to be confident and safe, and a ground that doesn’t perform will take more out of horses. Better ground conditions mean better polo and standards improve all round. Allowing our members and away teams to visually see our grounds’ rating or ‘going’ remotely from the web site will give them more information and information is the key to success. It will also allow assurances when the weather is against playing. For example, rain affects grounds differently as to how quickly it penetrates, so a rain gauge can only tell you so much and a kick of a heal (a common site before a game) is subjective. The GoingStick allows us to make these calls having surveyed the ground quickly and then cross reference them to the archive to help make the call to play or not play from an objective perspective. I hope to see this in other clubs/grounds so we can start to benchmark the pitches against one another to fairly reflect the quality of the different grounds.” Josh Tuthill Kirtlington Park Polo Club Manager TurfTrax, Unit 1B, Alington Road, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 6WL, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1480 408 970 Fax: +44 (0) 1480 408 971 Email: turftrax@turftrax.co.uk www.turftrax.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk
Knowledge
Nutrition Focus
Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist
Gastric Ulcers We are becoming more aware of gastric ulcers in polo ponies because of insufficient fibre passing through the stomach and/or through the physical effect of exercise. Ulcers in the glandular region are less common but can occur when the protective barrier is compromised, for example, through stress or continued use of drugs, like ‘bute’. The effects of exercise The severity of ulcers seems to be greatest in horses that are in training for prolonged periods of time. Researchers have looked at the effects of exercise on the digestive system and found that there is increased pressure when a horse exercises at high intensity, leading to compression of the stomach, thus pushing the acidic contents of the gastric region into the squamous region – the ‘sloshing’ effect. The longer the training, the greater the time the squamous region is exposed to acid, increasing the potential for ulcers to occur.
Bisto eating hay off the stable floor
I feel it would be appropriate to give some guidelines on how to manage the potential effects of this problem in our amazing polo ponies. Research has shown that 90% of racehorses have gastric ulcers and up to 40% of leisure horses, so it is highly likely that polo ponies are at high risk too. The problem As the horse is designed to have a constant flow of fibre passing through its digestive system, the stomach continuously produces hydrochloric acid in its lower glandular region to begin the digestive process, producing approximately 1½ litres of acid per hour. The lower area of the stomach is protected by mucus and saliva, which is produced through chewing. When the horse is ‘trickle feeding’ naturally it will produce up to 12 litres of saliva per day and it is saliva which helps neutralise the acid through its bicarbonate content. The upper, squamous region of the stomach, however, has no built-in protection because it relies on the physical barrier of continuously ingested fibre. Ulceration of this upper region can occur when acid from the lower region splashes up, 66
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How would I know if my horse has ulcers? The only way to make a definitive diagnosis is via a gastroscopic examination. The symptoms that would lead you to request an examination include… • Poor appetite • Weight loss – ‘good doers’ are just as susceptible • Loose droppings/acidic smelling droppings • Mild signs of colic • ‘Girthiness’/grumpiness • Resistance under saddle • Excessive recumbency (lying down) • Dull coat • Poor performance/exercise intolerance
Equine stomach
Treatment Following gastroscopic diagnosis, there are a number of medications which can be recommended by your vet, most commonly, omeprazole – a proton pump inhibitor, which suppresses the production of stomach acid. Alongside medical treatment, management and diet are instrumental for recovery and aiding prevention of recurrence. Supplements A growing variety of supplements are available with some ingredients now also being included in feeds as well. These may help support a treatment and management regime as well as aid in the prevention or recurrence of ulcers. Key ingredients include: • Antacids: Support the buffering of gastric acid, helping to neutralise stomach pH • Beta-glucans: Soluble fibre which can act as a coating for the stomach lining, as well as improving the digestion of starch and sugar within the foregut • Pre-and pro-biotics: Support the population of beneficial bacteria within the hindgut, helping to promote the digestion of fibre Feeding and management Constant access to ad lib forage is essential, to keep the horse chewing and producing saliva, which contains its own buffer to help neutralise stomach acid. If the horse can’t be worked from the field, then lengthy daily spells at grass are also important for fibre intake and to reduce stress. Concentrate feed needs to contain minimal starch to help keep acidity levels in the digestive tract under control. Exercising on an empty stomach should be avoided, so it is wise to ensure fibre has been consumed – a scoop of alfalfa 20-30 minutes before exercise is ideal and won’t hinder performance. Alfalfa is known to have natural acid-buffering properties and, when given before exercise, can really help to act as a ‘mat’ and reduce the amount of acid ‘sloshing’ in the stomach. Fibre intake For the hard-working polo pony, who often has limited access to fibre/forage/grass or who is perhaps not a good hay/haylage eater, increasing time at grass, feeding ad lib hay/haylage or providing alternative fibre www.polotimes.co.uk
Nutrition Focus
Knowledge
Digestive system FMS
is essential to encourage and increase fibre intake. Alfalfa chaffs are ideal for providing digestible fibre, along with their natural acidbuffering properties, while soaked beet pulp or beet/alfalfa combinations are also very useful, as are dried grasses. These can all be fed in separate buckets from the compound feed, in order to provide a selection and to encourage natural foraging behaviour.
from the hard feed so they can graze at it. • Beet pulp has a good ‘acid binding’ capacity and is high in pectins, which are beneficial in that their structure alters to one that is similar to mucus when in an acidic environment, consequently acting as further protection to the stomach.
Concentrate feeding Research suggests that the horse should not receive any more than 2g/ kg of bodyweight per day of starch and sugar, and 1g/kg of bodyweight per feed of starch and sugar, to assist in the management of gastric ulcers. When looking at feed labels, ‘low starch’ would probably be 10-12% and below, ‘reduced starch’, 12-22%, with typical competition mixes being around 30% starch. • Removing oats from the diet is an absolute MUST!
Concentrates • Baileys Ease & Excel is a low starch (8%) high specification feed, with a high Digestible Energy (13MJ/kg) which is delivered by oil and fibre and is fully balanced when fed to the correct quantities. • When only a moderate reduction in starch intake is deemed necessary or for horses where some cereal intake is required for performance, Baileys AllRound Endurance Mix provides slow release calories, supports work to the highest level and has a reduced starch content (22%). • Oils, like Outshine high oil supplement, can be added to an existing balanced diet to provide additional low starch calories.
Higher calorie requirements Forage • Choose a soft, leafy hay or haylage, which is likely to be more nutritious and more digestible. • If poor forage eaters, offer alternative fibre sources, such as alfalfa chaff, dried grasses or beet pulp, like Speedi-Beet or Fibre-Beet, ideally in separate buckets
Lower calorie requirements Forage • Good-doers must be kept chewing, even though forage intake may need controlling to avoid weight gain. Choose coarser, stalkier (less leaf more stem) hay or haylage, which is more mature and should be less nutritious yet still provide plenty of fibre to chew • Give lots of small feeds of forage
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• Use small–holed nets to make forage last for as long as possible. Concentrates • Balancers, like Baileys Performance Balancer, will provide essential vitamins, minerals and protein without unwanted calories and with minimal starch and sugar. • Balancers must be fed to the recommended levels with a small amount of alfalfa. • Although beet pulp can be fed for conditioning, when fed in smaller amounts it can be beneficial for gooddoers due to its ‘acid binding’ capacity. As a guideline, one mug of Speedi-Beet will soak to approximately a Stubbs scoop in wet volume – making it a great low calorie and low starch fibrous option Careful management So, while diagnosis and treatment is highly recommended, some horses will respond to appropriate changes in management and diet alone but these will need to be maintained to ensure the horse continues to feel comfortable. For some, a small reduction in starch intake or cereal levels will be sufficient to improve their performance, outlook and condition, while others require a more radical approach. Hard working, active polo ponies are always at risk from ulcers caused by acid–splash, no matter how little starch they are fed so, for them, careful management is even more important. Polo Times, April 2017
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Knowledge
Fitness Focus
Prof. Martín Perez is an Argentine-born physical coach for polo players, who works with professionals and patrons throughout the polo community from high to low goal. In 2014, he founded the company Fitness for Polo, with the aim of bringing the advantages of polo specific training to a wider audience
Photography courtesy of Fitness For Polo
Stretching is the key to polo fitness regime
Fitness For Polo
Hamstrong We talk to leading physical coach for polo players and founder of Fitness for Polo, Martín Perez about getting fit for the game and exercises to improve your polo We all know polo is tough on the legs. I am a big believer in stretching as one of the fundamental necessities of polo fitness, both before and after riding or playing. It decreases muscle aches, increases flexibility and can improve strength and agility. But how do we know that we are stretching our muscles correctly? Here, I outline a few misconceptions 68
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and suggestions about stretching your hamstrings (the big muscles running down the back of your thighs). These muscles often get very tired after riding, stick and balling and playing when we are out of the saddle a lot of the time, holding our weight and using our legs to control the horse. Chances are you’re stretching your hamstrings all wrong. From an early age, you were taught that touching your toes
is the key to stretching your hamstrings. However, the common bent-over or leaning forward to touch your toes hamstring stretches have several problems: 1) Relying on this type of exercise to warm up and loosen your hamstrings does little to prepare you for riding. Rather, it gives you a false sense of security that your hamstrings are ready to go, when in reality they are just as tight as before you did the stretch. 2) They’re not an effective way to stretch your hamstrings. With these old-school stretches, your goal is to get as close to touching your toes as possible. Then you just sort of hang in this sloppy position, which can actually place more stress on your body than it relieves. This may cause your central nervous system to signal your hamstrings to tighten — the exact thing you’re trying to correct — as a way to protect your muscles from damage. Even though you probably feel a stretch in your hamstrings, in the long term it won’t relieve any tightness or tension. 3) It’s terrible for your back. Few people have the hamstring flexibility to touch their toes, but plenty of people can do it. How is this possible? They compensate for their tight hamstrings by rounding their lower back. Considering how many people suffer from lower-back pain, especially in polo, this isn’t a smart idea. If you have a healthy lower back, this type of stretch probably won’t cause a back injury. But if you have regular lower back pain, it has the potential to put even more stress on your injury and cause pain. There are better ways to stretch your hamstrings that are less risky. How to properly stretch your hamstrings Outlined here is a simple four-exercise circuit to improve hamstring flexibility and prepare the muscles for polo activity. The combination of the four exercises reduces hamstring tension, increases length and takes the hamstring through a dynamic movement so it’s ready to handle stress. You can add this four-exercise hamstring routine to your dynamic warm-up or perform it if your hamstrings are feeling exceptionally tight. For best results, repeat the circuit 2-3 times. www.polotimes.co.uk
Fitness Focus
Knowledge
Reps: Five (up and down your leg) each side Hamstring foam roll Foam rolling your hamstrings basically tells your central nervous system to chill out, which reduces the amount of tension in the muscle. This is the simplest way to improve hamstring flexibility without even stretching your muscle.
Reps: Five each side Single-leg lowering Single-Leg Lowering stretches your hamstring, increases mobility at your hips and activates your core muscles. It helps make sure you have the flexibility, range of motion and core stability to move your hamstring with no assistance from your lower back muscles — a common cause of lower-back pain. Elevate and support one leg and lower the other to the floor, keeping the knee straight. Lift and repeat.
Reps: Five Inchworm The final movement in the sequence is a dynamic exercise that ties the previous three together into a movement that helps prepare the hamstrings for explosive exercises. Assume the starting position with heels on the ground. Inch your feet towards your hands to deepen the stretch.
Reps: Five each side Single-leg hamstring floss Hamstring Flossing puts tension on your hamstring from a bent to a straight leg position. This again stretches the hamstring while decreasing tension within the muscle. It’s an amazing exercise that can be performed on its own for a quick hamstring fix. Hold your elevated leg behind the thigh and bend and straighten it.
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Knowledge
Equipment Focus: Bits
Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a reader’s question on bitting
Barrie Gag Alternatives Q – I’ve got a 7-year-old Thoroughbred ex-racer mare playing polo. She is very light, with good head carriage. During matches, she can stop listening to me and become very strong, tucking her chin in and ignoring my stop/check-up requests. I play her in a loose ring gag; I have played her in a Barrie gag, and she is better, but I don’t really like putting a seven year old in a Barrie. Do you have any suggestions – e.g. a Buster Roller? I school and exercise her in a French-link snaffle. MK, Beds A – The Barrie bit is ‘two bits in one’, as it has two mouthpieces, and as such is considered to be fairly severe – it is often used for older, wiser horses that evade by pulling. I think we can find a solution using a less severe option for her. If your mare is strong in a standard, single-jointed, big ring gag, she may be using her tongue as a means of pushing against the bit, and therefore taking control. As she goes well in a French-link, which has a flat link in the centre, she may also go well in a match situation in a bit such as the Bombers 3-ring BC45 (control plate). The central plate is set at 45°, to follow the contour of the horse’s tongue. This bit should help her to come back to a better point of control for you. I would recommend the 3-ring cheek piece over a big ring, as the 3-ring is softer. The big ring has a more upward action, and although the 3-ring does create poll pressure, it’s more limited. You mention the Bombers Buster Roller – this is a good bit for horses that are leaning on the bit. Another bit with a central link, this link is shortened to 40mm, increasing
The big ring has an upward action, hence its 3–ring cousin is softer in its action
I recommend this bit, the 3–ring, for your mare
bar and tongue pressure. It’s best suited for a horse with a low head carriage however, the increased pressure on the bar will lift the head and the roller will increase pressure
on the tongue, bringing the chin in. If your mare is more using her strength by evading backwards and tucking her chin in, the BC45 could suit her better.
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 which creates a sweet taste in the horse’s mouth and encourages the horse to salivate. Visit www. worldwidetack.com. Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.
T&SHARKER HORSEBOXES
Special occasion polo cards for birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, weddings, & baby congratulations; from £2.99 plus p&p Visit www.Katesart.com or txt/tel 07887 678421 or email: enquiries@Katesart.com image copyright protected by Katesart.com 2007
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Polo Times, April 2017
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Email: enquiries@tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk
Knowledge
Medical Insight: Polodoc
Photography and imagery courtesy of Polodoc
Dr.med. Andreas KrĂźger is a Swiss board orthopaedic and trauma surgeon in Zurich, who specialises in knee and shoulder surgery. Andi is a second generation of tournament doctors for equine sports, known as Polodoc since 2013 and is a member at Legacy Polo Club in Switzerland
The Polo Shoulder Small injuries, big troubles Problem The upper extremity has the highest risk of injury while playing polo and is the number one of all equine sport injuries. The injury pattern is associated with landing on the outstretched arm with full extension of the elbow or landing on the tip of the shoulder as the energy is running through the arm upwards transferring the load through the joints and injuring the weakest point. With an immense range of motion and its special construction, the shoulder is prone to fail during the landing procedure. The acromioclavicular joint, or AC joint, is a joint at the top of the shoulder. It is the junction between the acromion (part 72
Polo Times, April 2017
of the scapula that forms the highest point of the shoulder) and the collarbone. The acromioclavicular joint provides the ability to raise the arm above the head. This joint functions as a pivot point acting like a strut to help with movement of the scapula resulting in a greater degree of arm rotation. The acromion of the scapula is connected to the clavicle by the superior acromioclavicular ligament. The coracoclavicular ligaments connect the clavicle to the coracoid process and the two ligaments that form the coracoclavicular ligaments are the trapezoid and conoid ligaments, these three ligaments add support to the shoulder joint. In one third of all shoulder separations, the attachment of the long biceps tendon on the shoulder joint is additionally injured and can be missed in the primary survey,
additionally increased speed and energy floating through the shoulder make a combination of fracture to the collarbone and ligament injuries also possible. Diagnosis Diagnosis is based on physical examination and an X-ray. A physical examination can identify point tenderness, pain at the AC joint with cross-arm adduction. The cross-arm adduction will produce pain specifically at the AC joint. X-ray indicates a separated shoulder when the acromioclavicular joint space is widened or the collarbone is standing higher over the level of the acromion. Additional pain during biceps tests can identify an accompanying injury to the anchoring point of the biceps (SLAP tear), an additional MRI of the shoulder is then needed. The shoulder separation can be classified into six different types beginning with sprain and escalating to different degrees of ligament damages and subsequent joint instability. www.polotimes.co.uk
Medical Insight: Polodoc
Knowledge
Treatment Type I-III can be treated conservatively. However, there will be some physical deformity of the shoulder with a noticeable bump resulting from the dislocation of the clavicle. In case of additional injury of the biceps and/or type IV-VI injury surgery, is recommended. The biceps injury remains mostly painful with snapping of the shoulder or painful sensations during combined movements like abduction and external rotation during the swing. l Conservative
treatment type I-III injury With icing, taping and physiotherapy, the pain from moving can be reduced. Resting the joint will also help minimise painful symptoms and allow the healing to begin. When icing, it should be done every four hours for 15 minutes at a time. One can wear a sling until the pain subsides; then some simple exercises can be started. Most often full functionality returns, although some cases may have continued pain in the area of the AC joint. With the continued pain there are some things that may be causing it; it may be due to an abnormal contact between the bone ends when the joint is in motion, the development of arthritis, or an injury to a piece of the cushioning cartilage that is found between the bone ends of this joint. An infiltration therapy (NSAR or PRP treatment) can reduce pain. A regained function with full range of motion is usually possible after 6-12 weeks.
X-ray of a right shoulder with separation type III of the AC-joint
Model of a fixation technique of the clavicle with Arthrex dogbone®
The red mark indicates the biceps tendon running to its origin with a lesion to the attachment on the bone
With the arthroscope and a hook the stability of the biceps attachment can be checked
With the Swivellock® system a stable fixation of the biceps tendon to the humerus can be achieved
Final picture after fixation of the biceps tendon
l Operative
treatment type IV-VI injury and or fracture of the clavicle These injuries need urgent operative action with reposition of the collarbone and securing. Due to the ligament injury, healing is achieved within the first weeks after injury. In case of a delay of more than three weeks after injury, the technique must be changed with use of biological material to stabilise the joint. Generally speaking, the operative procedure is recommended even in type III injuries if overhead activity must be fulfilled. Recovery Make sure to see a physiotherapist in all cases of injury. Early mobility training is the key to get back to a full range of motion, and make sure not to start riding too early due to the re-injury risk. Prevention Shoulder warm-up before the game and strengthening programme in pre-season training are proven to reduce injuries to the shoulder in other collision sports.
www.polotimes.co.uk
Get correct diagnostic examination (X-ray with weight bearing, MRI) l In case of additional injury to the bone or biceps think about early operative treatment l Be prepared to play with warm-up routines. l
For more information on Polodoc contact Dr. med. Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com www.polodoc.ch www.facebook.com/polodoc.ch +41 76 4790330
Polo Times, April 2017
73
Knowledge
Book Review
Book Review How to Look Cool Whilst Learning Polo Polo Times reviews Steve Thompson’s fun and quirky book on how to lay the perfect polo foundations As we all know, playing polo is never easy. Even the most gifted of individuals and those practically born on horseback are still challenged by the subtle nuances of mastering the great game we all love so much. Once mastered, to the bystander players seem to effortlessly drive the ball through the posts from staggering distances with the nonchalance of Andy Murray serving up another ace on Centre Court. It is this apparent easy going finesse and flourishing style of leading players that Steve Thompson of Dubai Polo Academy feels is so attractive to newcomers of the sport. In his entertaining and accessible guide aimed at those learning to play our sport, Steve explains to the reader that although leading players do seem to possess a god-like set of skills both over horse and ball, it in fact takes many years to become an established player. Steve is keen to propagate that in order to become the best possible player, beginners must grasp that, “Without training for polo we are not playing it at all, merely spectating it from a speedy furry sofa”. In a time when children who are raised with more pony pals than Barbie dolls, these pint sized players only exacerbate the apparent ease with which some players take to the sport – we’ve all witnessed those plucky players seize the ball and storm to goal despite the hulking figure of a much older, wiser and bigger player in hot pursuit. In essence, Steve argues that despite appearances, new players must master and harness the basics outlined in his book before charging into the dizzy heights of the third chukka. Steve does however recognise that most beginners actually come to polo at a later age and that mature beginners should accept that the learning curve will be much steeper than their younger counterparts. With this in mind, Steve is keen through his book to reassure novices that learning to play polo is much the same as the age old adage of the Tortoise and 74
Polo Times, April 2017
The Hare where those who are “slow and steady win the race”. Although he recognises that it may be tempting to take up the sport at a 0-60 pace once bitten by the polo bug, Steve is keen to encourage his players to build a solid foundation based around riding and a level hitting platform before moving on to playing full on matches, “I try to convince people to learn the easy way… the alternative is to try and work it out for yourselves in isolation whilst riding a horse, hitting at a ball and attempting to be part of a team, often all under the added pressure of an audience. It’s a big ask”. Over the course of 200+ pages, Steve patiently sets out and executes his salient goals to remind players not to rush in their polo educations and to take time in order to become the best. How to Look Cool Whilst Playing Polo is admittedly written in a tongue and cheek style that embraces failure, an
approach that admittedly may not be for the polo purists. It is however this very Churchillian message of, “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm”, that makes this book such a favourite amongst newcomers to polo who will continue to welcome the direct, accessible and friendly approach that beginners will surely welcome for years to come. To buy a copy for your coffee table head to www.pitchkunkie.ae at a price of £46.75
About the author
Following 20 years of professional playing and private coaching Steve Thompson founded the Dubai Polo Academy in 2005. Despite reaching professional status early on in his career, it has always been more of his dream to set up the ‘Top Gun’ of all polo academies by implementing a training structure that would revolutionise how polo is taught worldwide. It was in Dubai that he was really able to make his mark and implement a unique polo syllabus that would be embraced by beginners and established players alike. Within weeks of its release, his video The Essential Guide To Polo went viral and currently has the highest hit rate of all polo tutorials in the world. Renowned for his analytical, innovative and creative teaching style Steve’s courses and lessons are certainly not for the faint-hearted but results are guaranteed. It is his approach and delivery that has made him a favourite around the globe and he spends much of the off-peak Dubai season conducting lessons and clinics across Europe and the US.
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Jay Udo-Udoma & Jamie Morrison, RCBPC Chairman
Michael Amoore, RCBPC General Manager
Guests enjoyed a casino themed evening
Arena Gold Cup; Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club; Saturday 25 February
RCBPC Casino Royale Post-polo action, the RCBPC’s Clubhouse filled up with spectators fleeing the lashing rain and thunderous skies outside. The winning combination of G&Ts with a classic log fire, soon had all the guests sufficiently warmed up and shedding their outer layers. Those guests with After-Party tickets were welcomed by delicious canapÊs and complimentary cocktails and as the music turned up, the roulette and blackjack tables began to hot-up.
Harold Hodges, Robin Ormerod & Seb Hancock
Photography by People of Polo: Cymon Skinner & Polo Times
Sophie Good & Richenda Hine
Wilfred Koulitchenko, Platina Tong & Mark Hayden-Kellard
Polo Times & The Arena Gold Cup
Ebe Sievwright Ruth Tidd
Posy Ash & Ollie Cudmore
Jan-Erik Franck
Chris Hillier
Lisa & Paul Whyman
Geogina Haycraft, Molly Derbyshire & the Wycombe Abbey School team
Lydia Styler & Caroline Grayson busy with organisation
Gina Baillie, Izzy Baillie, Lady Chelsea & Charlie Cadogan
Millie Vlasov & Oscar Luard
SUPA National Senior Schools Arena Championships; Rugby Polo Club; Sunday 5 March
SUPA Duper! The biggest ever turn out of 41 teams descended on the Rugby arena as the SUPA Senior Schools congregated to find the best of the best. As you would expect with so many enthusiastic competitors it was rather a long day, but one that was expertly organised and well run. The restaurant was busy with parents and pupils requiring sustenance and was also the venue for the prize giving. The bar with its roaring log fire was a great venue for proud parents, polo stories and warming fingers frozen by tacking up. Richard Bucket of RJ Polo was busy providing all things polo to the players and their families. All in all a great day. Byron Human
Kitty Clarry considers a tack purchase
Paul Oberschneider, Darren Bell & Fiona Corthine
Photography by Molly Derbyshire
Jeremy Pidgeon, Abbie Wells & Elisha Collins
Saif Noon & Nicholas Rogerson
Milo & Sara Herbert, Mouse & Paddy Barlow
NUPC Freshers Tilly Antrum, Megan Crudace & Amy Ford
Matthew Lewis & Anneka Sellers
Hetty Woyka & Arthur Woyka
NUPC Guns and Horses Ball; Palace of the Arts; Saturday 25 February
Feathered Fun Bronwyn Munday, Kate Seymour & Charlotte Gregg
Saturday 25 February saw the return of Newcastle University Polo Club’s annual Guns and Horses Ball. Every year, the team joins forces with the Newcastle University Clay Shooting Club to host the event, which has quickly become a highlight of the clubs’ social calendars. The chosen theme this year, was ‘a touch of feather’, and all in attendance went all out, embracing the theme with headbands, boas and bow ties. Guests from universities across the UK including St. Andrews, Durham and Oxford enjoyed a three course dinner surrounded by the beautiful Palace of the Arts. For more detail of the evening, please turn to our Youth pages.
NUCSC President Elena Floto & Tuppence Mellish
Photography by Aaron Tech Photography
NUPC Members Iona Crichton, Kate Edmondston & Lucy Young
Alexander Fey & Niklas Kurz
NUPC Comittee table: Katie Dalby, Alex Barrelet, Jess Rea, Vicky Craig-McFeely, Alice Hookway, Ryan Letley, Emma Stephenson & Evie Gray
Isabel Snell, Tom Thorogood, Henry Marden, Jacod Chew, Anthony Bromley, Tom Brabrook, Jonathan Whitaker, James Leask, James Tunsley & Tom Smith
Alice Chamberlain & Amelia Cheer
Newcastle University Polo Club
Louisa & Seb Dawnay
Fiona MacGillivray, Geogrie Fielder, Live Ancell & Ed Fielder
Tony & Olga Ramirez
International Arena Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy; AEPC, Hickstead; Saturday 4 March
Test Match Thrills All England Polo Club, Hickstead, was once again the host Club for another clash of the titans between England and the Commonwealth for The Bryan Morrison Trophy. Spectators were able to take advantage of the superb viewing area, which perfectly showcased the displays of polo in both the International Arena Test Match and the 12 Goal Challenge. After the match, spectators had the opportunity to purchase a bottle of 100% organic British Polo Gin, whilst players and sponsors enjoyed a delicious lunch in the hospitality suite. For a full report of the matches please turn to our Reports pages Photography by Tony Ramirez/Šwww.imagesofpolo.com & Polo Times
Tom Morley & Richard Blake Thomas
Royston Prisk
Andy Cork enjoying Polo Times
Michael Amoore
Richard Tyrone & Flora Richardson
Marcus Hancock
Lilly Latimer-Smith
John Bunn
David Woodd & Ollie Hughes
Rich & Nick Hine at the British Polo Gin tradestand
Henri & Helmut Van Well
Jonny Good
Jamie Morrison & Lucie Todd
Supporters enjoyed quality displays of polo
Sarah-Jane Teatum & Jilly Roney
Sue Wellburn & Fiona Scott-Evans
Sarah Wiseman
Adolfo Casabal
Crowds were blessed with sunshine
Matt Hewitt & Maddy Evans
Daniel Muriel & Mark Good
Dates for Your Diary
What’s On March/April UK Club Fixtures
Wicklow – Amateur Polo Challenge (Open): 1 – 2 April Rugby – Amateur Polo Challenge (Open): 1 – 2 April Rugby – T-Bone Challenge (Open): 10 April Rugby – The Final Arena Challenge (2-6 & -3-0): 15 – 16 April Guards – The Spring Amateur (-2-2): 21 – 23 April Tidworth – The Rabbit Cup (-2-2): 22 – 23 April Ranelagh – Copa La Ranita (-2-0): 22 – 23 April Burningfold – Champagne Chukka Challenge (Open): 22 – 23 April Vale of York – San Pan Suzi Trophy (Open): 23 April Vale of York – 1st Crown Hotel Plate (Open): 26 April Burningfold – Plaistow Plate (0-4): 26 – 30 April Kirtlington – May Challenge 12 Goal (8-12): 27 – 30 April Taunton – Spring Tournament (-4-2): 29 – 30 April Tidworth – Adm Kumar Cup (RN vs Eton) (Open): 29 April Binfield Heath – Welcome Tournament (-4-0): 29 – 30 April Cheshire – Boqueron Cup (-4-0): 29 – 30 April Knepp Castle – 0 Goal Tournament (0): 29 – 30 April Cheshire – Spinney Cup (-4--1): 29 – 30 April Cheshire – Boqueron Cup (-4-0): 29 – 30 April
San Eugenio Polo Club – San Eugenio Ladies’ Cup: 29 – 31 March Ampurden Polo Club – Ladies’ First Polo Cup: 21 – 24 April Chantilly Polo Club – Ladies’ European Championship: 28 April – 7 May Dallas Burston Polo – Club Ladies’ Day: 10 June Hurtwood Polo Academy – Junior Ladies’ Cup: 17 – 18 June Mongolia – The Ladies’ Polo Cup: 7 – 16 July
Youth Polo Beaufort – Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Cup: 11 June Offchurch – National Universities Jubilee Summer Championships 2017: 14 June Offchurch – SUPA Jubilee International Test Match: 14 June
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Chantilly – France International Test Match: 17 June Kirtlington – Senior Schools National Summer Tournament: 17 June TBC – Ladies Schools National Championships: 25 June Hurtwood Park – 2017 Jorrocks Championships: 9 August Cowdray – 2017 Pony Club Polo Championships: 11 – 13 August Accra – Polistas International Test Match Series: 11 December
Polo directory
Croatia Rovini – Beach Polo Tournament: 18 – 21 May
International Highlights
America
Grand Champions Polo Club – National 20 Goal (16-20): 3 – 25 March Grand Champions Polo Club – World Cup $100,000 Tournament (0-26): 4 – 15 April IPC – USPA Gold Cup® (26): 8 – 26 March IPC – US Open Polo Championship® (26): 29 March – 23 April Santa Barbara – The Belmond El Encanto Polo Cup (16): 7 – 9 July Santa Barbara – Robert Skene Trophy (16): 14 – 23 July Santa Barbara – Engel & Völkers USPA America Cup (16): July 28 – 6 August Santa Barbara – Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open (16): 10 – 27 August
Australia
Duncraig Stud – Polo in the Valley: 2 April Sydney Polo Club – XI FIP World Polo Championships (12): 21 – 29 October
Dominican Republic
Casa de Campo – Gold Cup Polo Challenge (22): 4 – 26 March Casa de Campo – The Caribbean Open (26): March 30 – 15 April
Dubai
Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club – Dubai Challenge Cup (18): 17 – 31 March
Germany
Hörnum – 10th Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Sylt: 3 – 4 June 2017 Keitum – 20th Berenberg German Polo Masters: 2 – 6 August 2017
Barbados
Apes Hill – International Ladies’ Tour: March 21 – March 25 Apes Hill – Hickstead Tour: 1 – 8 April Apes Hill – Ferne Park Tour: 9 – 13 April Holders – South African Tour: 12 –19 April Holders – Jamaican Tour: 3 – 7 May Holders – President’s & Kearns Trophy: 13 May
South Africa
Plett Polo Club – 12 Goal (12): 27 March – 1 April Plett Polo Club – South African Open: 2 April
Polo Times, April 2017
83
Polo directory
Dates for Your Diary
England Internationals
Snow Polo Dates
St. Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018: 26 – 28 February 2018
Beaufort – International Test Match (England vs TBC): 29 July Guards – Royal Salute Coronation Cup (England vs The Commonwealth): 29 July
Social Events
The Wanderers Club, Florida – Nic Roldan’s 2nd Annual Sunset Polo & White Party: Friday 24 March Dallas Burston – Open Season Party: 19 May Guards – Welcome Season Event: 22 April Guards – The Polo Awards 2017: 30 May Edgeworth – Summer Polo Ball: 3 June Leadenham Polo Club – Summer Ball: Saturday 8 July
2017 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates 22+ Goal
18 Goal Victor Ludorum
Watergate Bay – Polo on the Beach: 19 – 21 May Newquay – Aspall Beach Polo: 19 – 21 May Sandbanks – British Beach Polo Championships: 7 – 8 July
Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland: May 20 – 11 June Cirencester – Apsley Cup: June 14 – 2 July Guards – Indian Empire Shield: 4 – 22 July Cowdray – Challenge Cup: July 24 – 6 August
15 Goal Victor Ludorum
Guards – Bentley Royal Windsor: 5 – 25 June RCBPC – Eduardo Moore: June 27 – 15 July Cowdray – Harrison Cup: July 17 – 5 August Cirencester – County Cup: 7 – 19 August Beaufort – Arthur Lucas: August 22 – 3 September
Something Different
London – Chestertons Polo in the Park: 9 – 11 June
Cowdray – Dollar Cup: May 15 – 4 June RCBPC – John Prestwich: 5 – 17 June Beaufort – Prince of Wales: June 19 – 1 July Cirencester – The Queen Mother Trophy: 3 – 16 July Guards – Duke of Wellington: 5 – 20 August Cirencester – Cheltenham Cup: August 29 – 10 September Cowdray – Autumn League: 12 – 24 September
8 Goal Victor Ludorum
RCBPC – Prince of Wales: 6 – 20 May Guards – Cartier Queen’s Cup: May 23 – 18 June Cirencester – Warwickshire Cup: 20 – 25 June Cowdray – Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup: June 27 – 23 July
Beach Polo
12 Goal Victor Ludorum
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.
Cirencester – Gerald Balding: 15 – 29 May Guards – The Hildon Archie David Cup: June 9 – 2 August RCBPC – Julian and Howard Hipwood Trophy: 5 – 23 July Cowdray – Holden White: July 24 – 6 August Beaufort – Wichenford Bowl: 14 – 27 August
6 Goal Victor Ludorum
DBPC – The Stoneythorpe Cup: 15 – 28 May Beaufort – Eduardo Rojas Lanusse: 5 – 17 June Rutland – Assam Cup: June 27 – 2 July Cheshire – County Cup: 10 – 16 July Cambridge County – The Cavendish Cup: 24 – 30 July Kirtlington – Budgett Everett Trophy: 3 – 14 August HPC – Roehampton Cup: 15 – 27 August Cirencester – Kingscote Cup: August 28 – 9 September
Quick Question Answer -
to the question posed on
our Letters page A: Bryan Morrison brought the concept of arena polo home to the UK after a visit to Chicago, USA. Bryan was so inspired that upon his return he went to to build the first ever UK polo arena at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club in 1990.
Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB
PHONE
CLUB
PHONE
All Ireland Polo Club
00353 (0) 1 6896732
dstone@indigo.ie
Cheshire Polo Club
01270 611 100
info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk
All England Polo Club Hickstead*
01273 834 315
polo@hickstead.co.uk
Chiltern Polo Club
07973 174542
info@chilternpoloclub.com
Ash Farm Polo Club*
07799 812739
ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com
Cirencester Polo Club
01285 653225
info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk
Apsley End
01462 712444
peter.pollak@btopenworld.com
Cowdray Polo Club
01730 813257
enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk
Beaufort Polo Club
01666 880510
enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
CSPA
01672 5649114
markcann@cspa.org.uk
Beverley Polo Club*
01964 544877
info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk
Curraghmore Polo Club
00353 51 387102
mkennedy@cssgroup.ie
Binfield Heath
01491 411969
bhpcmanager@gmail.com
Dallas Burston Polo Club*
01926 812409
ella@ixlevents.com
Blueys Polo Club*
0771 0558485
polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk
Druids Lodge Polo Club*
01722 782597
abi@druidspolo.co.uk
Bunclody Polo Club
00353 87 6605917
info@poloclubbunclody.com
Dundee and Perth Polo Club*
07831 365 194
gillian@glockhart.wanadoo.co.uk
Burningfold Polo Club
01483 200722
derrek@burningfold.com
Eastwood
07875 743475
secretary@eastwoodpolo.co.uk
Cambridge Polo Club*
07711 217004
cambridgepolo@icloud.com
Edgeworth Polo Club
01285 821695
edgeworthpolo@gmail.com
Cambridge County Polo Club*
01223 812922
info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk
Edinburgh Polo Club*
01314 496696
djamesjamie@aol.com
Chester Racecourse Polo Club
01244 304602
amorris@chester-races.com
Epsom Polo Club*
07961 232106
epsompoloclub@hotmail.com
84
Polo Times, April 2017
www.polotimes.co.uk
Dates for Your Diary
Polo directory
CLUB
PHONE
CLUB
PHONE
Fifield Polo Club*
01628 620061
fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk
Ranksboro Polo Club*
01572 723755
polojoe@hotmail.com
FHM Polo Club
07778 436468
fhmpolo@yahoo.co.uk
RCBPC*
01344 890060
polo@rcbpc.com
Guards Polo Club*
01784 434212
polo@guardspoloclub.com
RMAS Polo Club
07973 174542
RMAS-HQ-O&D-S03@mod.uk
Ham Polo Club
020 8334 0000
office@hampoloclub.com
Royal Navy Polo Club
07950 328097
jockiewilson@hotmail.co.uk
Heathfield Polo Club*
07762 069 420
info@heathfieldparkpolo.co.uk
Rugby Polo Club*
01788 817724
info@rugbypoloclub.com
Hertfordshire Polo Club*
01707 256023
polo@hertspolo.co.uk
Rutland Polo Club
07920 521285
polomanager@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk
Hurtwood Polo Club
01483 272828
gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com
Rockett’s Castle
00353 87 2520301
rockettscastlepolo@gmail.com
Inglesham Polo Club*
07818 508136
mattevetts@hotmail.com
Rowley Park Polo Club*
07971 200160
carterlegeorge@hotmail.co.uk
Kirtlington Park Polo Club
01869 350138
info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk
Silver Leys Polo Club
07535 697854
silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com
Knepp Castle Polo Club
07920 023639
info@aspectpolo.co.uk
St. Albans Polo lub
07535 697854
info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk
Leadenham Polo Club
01400 272885
jameshreeve@hotmail.com
Suffolk Polo Club
07990 576974
aes3@cam.ac.uk
Longdole Polo Club*
01452 864544
info@longdolepolo.com
Sussex Polo Club
01342 714920
info@sussexpolo.co.uk
Luton Hoo
07934 882713
info@poloprive.com
SWF*
01962 885500
info@maywoodpolo.com
Dorset Polo Club
01202 621486
office@dorsetpolo.co.uk
Taunton Vale Polo Club
01823 480460
nhs@supanet.com
Moor Farm Polo Club
07494114190
will.moorfarmpolo@gmail.com
Tidworth Polo Club*
01980 846705
info@tidworthpolo.com
Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*
01279 450637
alecbeve@btinternet.com
Toulston Polo Club
01422 372529
info@toulstonpoloclub.com
New Forest Polo Club
02380 811818
info@newforestpoloclub.co.uk
Vale of York Polo Club
07788 426968
info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk
Norfolk Polo Club
01508 480400
office@norfolkpolo.co.uk
Vaux Park Park Polo Club*
07703 524613
vppc@btconnect.com
Northern Ireland Polo Club
02890231777
robert@hellomxb.com
West Wycombe Park Polo Club*
07787 560729
secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk
Offchurch Bury Polo Club*
07816 830887
info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk
Westcroft Park Polo Club*
01276 858545
info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Pangbourne Polo Club
07708 906810
aprice@polofix.com
White Rose Polo Club
01430 875767
info@whiterosepolo.co.uk
Peover Polo Club
07766 016 833
polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk
White Waltham Polo Club
07748 670587
kim@playpolo.co.uk
RAF Cranwell
07739 569491
rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk
Wicklow Polo*
00353 404 67164
siobhan@polowicklow.com
Ranelagh Polo Club*
01344 885697
polo@ranelaghfarm.com
* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter
Lipogems is an advancement in Orthobiology and Regenerative Medicine. The Lipogems Equine veterinary team can treat: Tendon injuries with core lesions Desmitis (Inflammation of a ligament) Chronic desmitis (Chronic inflammation of a ligament) Soft tissue injuries to the stifle joint Synovitis (Inflammation of a synovial membrane) Early osteoarthritis (Degenerative joint disease) Deep lacerations Septicaemia
For more information, contact and case studies visit: lipogemsequine.com @lipogemsequine Dr Tim Watson BVM&S, PhD, MRCVS Waterlane Equine Vets, tim.watson@mail.com Mob: 07557 857 793
www.polotimes.co.uk
Mr Murray Shotter BVSc MRCVS Shotter and Byers Equine Surgery, murray.shotter@shotterandbyers.co.uk Tel: 01306 627 706
Mr Bruce Middleton MA Vet MB MRCVS Blackdown Equine Clinic, bruce.vet@hotmail.com Mob: 07766 993 085
Mr Clive Hamblin B Vet Med MRCVS Collis Equine Services, chamblin@btconnect.com Mob: 07831 385 515
Dr. Jessica A. Kidd BA, DVM, CertES(Orth), Dipl ECVS, MRCVS Valley Equine Hospital kiddvet@gmail.com Mob: 07723 317 708
Polo Times, April 2017
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Polo directory
Marketplace Equipment
SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217 BEN HASTIE PHOTOGRAPHY - Equine & Countryside Photography specialising in Polo www.benhastiephotography.com/ 07970 348883 Cheltenham
7.5 TONNE 4 HORSE AND TACK Ford Iveco. 7.5 Tonne 4 horse polo lorry with tack area. 04 Chassis, ‘13 conversion. Electric ramp, water tank. Good Condition. Plated until end of April ‘17. £10,500 ono Tel: 07775 645073 Warwickshire
MAN 11 horse 18 tonne lorry
6 HORSE - 10.5 TONNE LEYLAND DAF FOR SALE - 2005 Leyland Daf 10.5 TONNE. 6 Horse. Brand new floor. Brand new Ramp. Brand new plate. Excellent work lorry. £15,000 bluejoose1@hotmail.com Thursley, Nr Godalming, Surrey
54 plate, Automatic gearbox, Air suspension MOT until March 2018, Sleeper cab, Interior and reversing camera, Recently resprayed, £25,000
Contact James Scott-Hopkins - 07970 143902
Transport
POLO RAT Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Tel: 07860 906032
MAN 11 HORSE 18 TONNE LORRY 54 plate, Automatic gearbox, Air suspension, MOT until March 2018, Sleeper cab, Interior and reversing camera, Recently resprayed. £25,000 Contact James Scott-Hopkins 07970 143902 Gloucestershire
Marketplace Ponies • Equipment • Trucks • Tack • Situations Vacant • Property
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Groom wanted for Wiltshire polo yard. Sole charge of 6 pones for 2014 season. Previous polo experience essential. Chance to play some chukkas etc. Reliability essential. On-site accommodation Tel: 0123 000000
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Amazing Bay Schoolmaster. 15.1HH English Thoroughbred gelding. 14 years old. True gentleman. Kind & easy to play. No vices. Ideal for low goal level. Good to shoe, box, clip. Winters well and has always played sound. Full vetting welcome. Reluctant sale £8,000. Northants. Tel: 0123 000000
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NON-SUBSCRIBERS Groom wanted for Wiltshire polo yard. Sole charge of 6 pones for 2014 season. Previous polo experience essential. Chance to play some chukkas etc. Reliability essential. On-site accommodation Tel: 0123 000000
21/03/2014 17:10
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Tel: +44 (0) 1842 862 068 Fax: +44 (0) 1842 861 936 Email: info@greenheath.co.uk www.greenheath.co.uk
Terra-Vac Paddock sweepers Not as well known as the Nicholson range, Terra-Vac paddock sweepers are very much contenders for the job. Call to discuss paddock sweepers and conditioners.
Mini Diggers - Hitachi, CAT, Takeuchi, JCB … We stock a wide range of diggers and buckets / accessories. Prices from £7k, cheaper than a life of chiropractic visits
JCB 926 Rough Terrain FLT The JCB 926 is ideal for stables, studs and equine centres. Move supplies around your stables/ yard with ease. Can be supplied with Bucket
Choice of Trilo S4 vacuum sweeper These Trilo sweepers are perfect for keeping your grounds free from excess grass clippings, leaves and more. For sale or hire.
2015 Case Maxxum 125 on turf tyres This is an ideal tractor for a wide variety of work. Not a Case fan? We also stock New Holland, John Deere, Fendt, Deutz, Massey, Zetor, Ford etc Tractors to suit
Ez come EZGO RXV 2 seater 48v buggies We are stocking 2015 as-new EZGO buggies. Fast, affordable and extremely convenient.
MAJOR TDR 16000s Choice of almost new to ex-hire. Prices starting at £5000 + VAT, Hire option available. Call our customer support team to discuss the MAJOR TDR range or request a demo
2003 Renault 566RX on turf tyres - Another excellent multipurpose tractor that won’t break the bank. We’ve a wide range of tractors for all budgets. Call us today to discuss.
For full listings and more equipment visit: www.greenheath.co.uk
Specialists in groundcare & used equipment supply. www.greenheath.co.uk
The Spanish Boot Company ͻ ůŝŐŚƚĞƌ ͻ ƐƚƌŽŶŐĞƌ ͻ ƉŽǁĞƌĨƵů ͻ ĐŽŶƐŝƐƚĞŶƚ
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Country clothing & footwear collection
0845 313 8167 thespanishbootcompany.co.uk
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Final bell
In association with Aprés Polo
Jamie Morrison is Chairman of the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club as well as working in the music business. Accomplished both in the arena and outside he has recently competed in the Bryan Morrison Test Match. In his polo career, he has notched up wins in the Eduardo Moore, Prince of Wales, Julian and Howard Hipwood and John Prestwich Trophies as well as many arena victories and The Snow Polo World Cup, St. Moritz in 2015 What is your biggest passion and why? My biggest passion would be polo without a doubt. The fantastic ponies who make the game, playing… the teammates, the whole thing. What is your best polo memory? Playing polo with my dad, it was really special, a great privilege as well as great fun. Winning the Eduardo Moore here at the Club with him would be up there with the best memories. Who has been your hardest opponent? Over the years I have been lucky enough to play polo with lots of friends who have also been fierce opponents.
Favourite film? This has to be Shawshank Redemption. There are lots of contenders, but that would come out on top.
Best holiday destination & activity The Caribbean, but more specifically Jamaica which is great for polo as well as a holiday destination. I have been going there since I was a kid and it has some great memories for me.
Which is your favourite horse and why? My favourite pony in my current string is Q, he is a black gelding and is fantastic. From ponies past I would have to mention my amazing mare Torta Negra, she was superb. Which sports do you like outside of polo? I love all sports, but enjoy playing and watching cricket, tennis, football and rugby… amongst others. What is your favourite food? Anything cooked by my mum (she will be very pleased with this answer!).
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Polo Times, April 2017
Favourite album or song? Wow! That is a tough one. I’m involved in the music business and there would be hundreds of albums that I love. But if I had to say just one? It would be Dr Dre and the album 2001, as it brings back some great memories.
Who is your favourite celebrity? I don’t have one really, but Arsene Wenger gets a rough time in the media, so to give him some positive press I’m going to say him as I’m a big fan of what he has done over the years.
One thing which would surprise us about you I play the drums.
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RURAL LAND AGENTS, VALUERS & CHARTERED SURVEYORS BERKSHIRE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE & OXFORDSHIRE
GUARDS POLO – 10.2 MILES | ROYAL BERKSHIRE POLO CLUB - 5.8 MILES | ASCOT – 8.8 MILES | WINDSOR - 4.1 MILES | CENTRAL LONDON - 22 MILES
RENOWNED RESIDENTIAL EQUESTRIAN FACILITY EXTENDING TO 31.4 ACRES. A GRADE II LISTED 6 BEDROOM MANOR HOUSE. 22 STABLES, TACK ROOMS, FEED STORES, GROOMS LODGE, 60M X 20M PARTLY FLOODLIT MANÈGE, PERIMETER GALLOPS/ACCESS TRACK AND 27.93 ACRES OF FENCED PADDOCKS. SEVEN VERY POPULAR AND SUCCESSFUL SELF-CONTAINED HOLIDAY COTTAGES. G U I D E P R I C E - £3.975 MILLION
GUARDS POLO – 8.1 MILES | ROYAL BERKSHIRE POLO CLUB - 2.7 MILES | ASCOT– 4.1 MILES | WINDSOR - 7 MILES | CENTRAL LONDON - 33.6 MILES
LEVEL PASTURELAND EXTENDING TO 29.9 ACRES WITH PLANNING CONSENT FOR THE ERECTION OF A LARGE STEEL PORTAL FRAME BARN. IDEAL FOR EQUESTRIAN USE WITH THE ABILITY TO ACCOMMODATE A FULL SIZE POLO PITCH, STPP. O F F E R S I N E X C E S S O F - £950,000
Tel: +44 (0)1628 777666 www.pskrural.co.uk
NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE The Old Court House M I D H U R S T - W e s t S u s s e x G U 2 9 9 LT
8 BRAND NEW LUXURY APARTMENTS 2 Bedroom Flats with Private Parking 2 Penthouses with Rooftop Terraces Communal Gardens SOLE AGENTS 01798 342 242 petworth@barri ngtonandco.com 8 BRAND NEW LUXURY APARTMENTS 2 Bedroom Flats with Private Parking www.bari ngtonandco.com 2 Penthouses with Rooftop Terraces 8 BRAND NEW Communal Gardens LUXURY APARTMENTS SOLE AGENTS 2 Bedroom Flats with Private Parking 01798 342 242
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