Volume 25 • Issue 3 • April 2020 • £6.50
CUVÉE 450 ARENA GOLD CUP RCBPC Arena Action BMW NZ POLO OPEN Historic Win for Mystery Creek QUEEN’S CUP PINK POLO Thai Polo’s Pink Parade PLUS: C.V. Whitney Cup Final & WPL Founders Cup
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“Polo Times is undoubtedly the most influential contemporary polo magazine” Contents Horace Laffaye
Contents Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk
What’s inside…
April 2020
Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk
Editorial Manager Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk
Operations Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk
Marketing Manager Lottie McDonagh lottie@polotimes.co.uk
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Club Focus
Richard Hine ads@polotimes.co.uk
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Principal Design
Women’s Polo
James Morgan
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Additional Design Tony Ruddy
Administration Assistant
Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk
Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Contributors: Lorna Broughton, Lorna Edgar, Gill Glimmerveen, Fiona Jacob MA VetMB CERP MRCVS, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Rege Ludwig, Tahir Sahikh, India Parker-Smith & Natalie Willcock
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www.polotimes.co.uk © Polo Times Limited 2020 and Database Right 2020 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685
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Polo Times, April 2020
Cover Story: The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo The Ladies Arena British Open 5 Minutes With… Lorna Broughton A Round-Up of Women’s Polo
Youth Polo 46
Lynne Berry
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Knowledge
24 News 6 10 12 14
All the Latest News Obituaries – Christopher Fear and Dave Rizzo Obituary – Lord Patrick Beresford FIP News
Comment 16
Letters & Cartoon: Your Views & Social Media
Features 18 20
Big Picture Interview: Adolfo Casabal
Reports 24 26 28 30 33
All Aspects of Youth Polo
Cover Story: Cuvée 450 Arena Gold Cup Standard Chartered Gold Cup Cover Story: C.V. Whitney Cup Final Cover Story: World Polo League Founders Cup Cover Story: BMW NZ Polo Open
49 50 52 54 58 61 64
Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series Rege Ludwig: Polo Pony Collection Nutrition Focus: Muzzles Yoga for Polo: Pre-Match Exercises Vet Insight: Equine Stomach Ulcers Chukka Wellness: Utilising Polo Field Boards Polodoc: Vision for Precision
Sidelines 66 68
Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know! Sidelines: Social Pages
Polo Directory 76
What’s On in April?
Final Bell 80
Passions: Patrick Maleitzke
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The match was played in a volcanic crater!
Rodd & Gunn celebrating their Urban Polo win
On Saturday 14 March, the Rodd & Gunn team (Matt Pits, Kel Ainsley & Ross Ainsley) secured the Urban Polo Trophy at Auckland Domain, New Zealand. The event is a unique mix of fast-paced polo and some of New Zealand’s best DJs, using their own set of rules rather than traditional polo rules, some of the differences include three players instead of four and six minute chukkas. The Lexus Urban Polo was the first time horses have been in the Auckland Domain since 1901 and the polo match was played in an old volcano crater!
Polo Pony Auction & Party Germany’s number one player and polo pony breeder, Patrick Maleitzke, will be hosting a tournament and auction of 25 polo ponies on 18 July at the Schockemöhle Polo Stud in the heart of Germany with players and purchasers welcome to attend.
Nacho Figueras AMAALA Brand Ambassador Nacho Figueras, the global polo star, has been named as the new Brand Ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s AMAALA ultra-luxury resort, following his participation in the recent AlUla Desert Polo Championship at the UNESCO heritage site at AlUla Oasis, which saw the full La Dolfina line-up make the journey to the Middle East. Following his appointment, Figueras commented, “I will consult on the overall strategy, including design, construction, operations, marketing and event planning of polo facilities at AMAALA.”
Photograph courtesy of AMAALA
Polo Times, April 2020
Photograph by Simon Wilson
6
Urban Polo
Photograph by Ainsley Polo
As we were pressing the print button on this issue of Polo Times, the Coronavirus pandemic is sweeping across the globe at a breakneck pace, seemingly unstoppable. In a bid to try and stop the spread of the virus, entire countries are being locked down and quarantined. Initially it seemed as though polo may be spared these measures, with many commenting that it was a sport which naturally supported social distancing with low levels of public spectators at most Club matches. However, in line with the reactions of other sporting bodies, Polo Associations across the globe, including but not limited to the United States Polo Association (USPA), the New Zealand Polo Association (NZPA) and Argentine Association of Polo (AAP) announced that in light of the ongoing pandemic, polo tournaments will be postponed and cancelled with immediate effect. Closer to home, the HPA’s announcement on Thursday 19 March that “all HPA courses have been postponed or cancelled and clubs are requested to postpone or cancel all polo tournaments until 1 May (with this date under constant review)” sent ripples of uncertainty through the British community as polo yards across the country are in the midst of pre-season preparations. As the editorial content for each issue is worked on well in advance of the actual print date, you will see that in this issue, we are reporting on the varied polo played across the globe in the past month. As things have rapidly accelerated with the Coronavirus shutdowns across the globe, looking at this content, it seems somewhat surreal to think of a time so recently, when all this polo was continuing and our lives being led in relative normality. Things have certainly progressed in a way none of us could have foreseen. Yet, bearing in mind the words of the great Winston Churchill, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” let us use this time effectively to best prepare ourselves for when polo does once again, which it will, resume. This issue’s content featuring recent polo and indeed such volume, diversity and quality of polo that has been played around the world in the past 12 issues of Polo Times is true testament to the strength of our sport, prior to this global pandemic. Again, looking to the positives – as coincidence would have it – this issue’s Knowledge pages are full of ways you can stay at home and get fit in Natalie Willcock’s Yoga for Polo and India Parker-Smith’s ‘Get fit at polo’; world renowned polo coach Rege Ludwig’s ‘Polo Pony Collection’ feature is also a great way to make sure you know how best to prepare your ponies. As Rebecca Walters, a leading women’s polo player, comments in this issue “Try to understand horses. Learn their body language, then the ‘conversation’ on the field will be much easier.” So, although these times are deeply unsettling and worrying, we cannot afford to let them define us, and we should strive to ‘find the opportunities’, however small they may be. Nobody, least of all myself, can give any assurances to our readers as to when normality will resume. But let’s keep positive and work together. Stay safe, stay well and stay strong.
News
Nacho Figueras has been named as AMAALA Brand Ambassador
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News
End of Season Handicaps
The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) has released the list of end of season arena handicap changes 2019/2020. Amongst those on the list, Irish International Niall Donnelly and German number one Patrick Maleitzke have seen their handicaps rise from 5 to 6 goals, as well as Cuvée 450 Arena Gold Cup winning Marcus Cork, who has seen his handicap rise from 3 to 4 goals. Elsewhere across the spectrum, there has been a great number of young players see their handicaps rise, from The Ladies British 2019/2020 Arena H’cap 8
2020/2021 Arena H’cap 7
RCBPC Emsworth, RCBPC
7 7
6 (7)
Harold Hodges Ryan Pemble
Tedworth RCBPC
6 6
5 7
Philip Elliott
Black Bears
(5)
4
Niall Donnelly Patrick Maleitzke
AEOC - Hickstead RCBPC
5 5
6 6
Royston Prisk
RCBPC
4
3
Siobhan Herbst Thilo Sautter Charles Smith Oliver Olsen
Wicklow Ash Farm Druids Black Bears
(3) (3) (3) (3)
2 3 3 3
Stuart Beetles Marcus Cork Harry Muddle Ben Sim Luke Wiles
Hertfordshire Hertfordshire AEPC - Hickstead AEPC - Hickstead Longdole
3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4
Ryan Anderson Zachary Beim Rob Cudmore William Mawby Robert Patton Vicky Woodhead
Epsom Longdole Black Bears Longdole Wicklow Druids
(2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)
3 NR 2 NR 1 1
Sam Boreham Lucy Coddington Vere Harmsworth Clare Macnamara Saskia Meadows Benedict Nott Evan Power Montgomery Swain-Grainger Heiko Voelker
SWF Dallas Burston Druids Druids Ash Farm Druids RCBPC
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 NS 1 3 3 3
Longdole
2
3
Fifield
2
1
Alexandra Grant Sam Gravestock Guy Harrison Delwar Kang Charles Knott George Linfield-Brown Benjamin Mancini Joanna Stuart Paul Triance Alice Walsh
AEPC - Hickstead Black Bears AEPC - Hickstead Rugby Cambridge Druids RCBPC AEPC - Hickstead Druids Ash Farm
Scott Anderson Robert Denman Bradley Dommett Charlotte Elliott Tamara Gibbons Reggie Harrison Jennifer Hazell-Smith Tatiana Menshenina Paul Monahan
Epsom AEPC - Hickstead Tedworth Black Bears Rugby Triskelion Ash Farm Westcroft Wicklow
Name
Clubs
Jonny Good
RCBPC
Sebastian Dawnay Peter Webb
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Polo Times, April 2020
1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 1 0 0
Open winner Saskia Meadows (2 to 3 goals) to Irish young gun Evan Powers (2 to 3 goals). But, most surprising of all are those who have seen their handicaps decrease. At the top of the list, Jonny Good will see his handicap fall from 8 to 7 goals, whilst Sebastian Dawnay will play off 6 goals in future. Furthermore, Harold Hodges has seen his handicap fall by a goal to 5, as has Royston Prisk, who will now play off 3 goals. For the full list, visit the HPA’s website. 2019/2020 Arena H’cap 1 1
2020/2021 Arena H’cap 2 2
Offchurch Bury AEPC - Hickstead Black Bears AEPC - Hickstead
0 0 0 0
NR 1 1 1
Hugo Bain Stuart Bainborough Carla Burt Ben Michael Duckworth George Fraemohs Claire Graham Georgia Harding Lottie Harper Jakob Samonig Lucas Stern George Thome
Druids Triskelion Hertfordshire RCBPC Ash Farm, Druids SWF Druids Druids RCBPC Ranelagh Farm Druids
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Rachel Cunningham-Day James Markham Richard Mills Edward Raybould
Ranelagh Farm Offchurch Bury Longdole AEPC - Hickstead
Alex Altuccini Lilly Barboza Alex Bartlam Rafi Bruckner Jesper Brunander Alex Choma Fred Darmanin Sheehan James Davidson Harrison Davis Archie Dunn Badia El Amir Stephanie Everard Amin Fazal Sarah Fry William Grayken Alexandra Gregory Charlie Hipwood Clare Hocking Odle Orlagh Kelly Rosie Lawrance Annette Storm Linscott Katie MacKeith Hamish MacLennan Jo Mccormac Melanie Tymm Olivia Whittle Marcus Williams
Rugby Rugby Rugby RCBPC RCBPC Rugby Wicklow RCBPC Rugby Westcroft Park RCBPC Tedworth Rugby Triskelion RCBPC SWF Ash Farm, Westcroft AEPC - Hickstead Ash Farm Ash Farm SWF Rugby Ash Farm, Epsom Rugby Triskelion Ash Farm SWF
Name
Clubs
Hugo Singh Jim Smith
Westcroft Black Bears
Francis Douglas-Lamb Ruby Hickmet Nicola Hodges Sam Morris-Warburton
NR NR 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Clubs who did not acknowledge the request to submit recommendations: Beverley Cambridge Dallas Burston Edinburgh Fifield Kinross Moor Hall Farm Vaux Park West Wycombe
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News
Obituaries
Dave Rizzo 29 December 1932 – 10 March 2020
Christopher Fear Passes Away On Thursday 19 March, Cirencester Park Polo Club announced the sad passing of one of the Club’s much loved members and Club photographers. Christopher passed away on the weekend of 14 – 15 March at The Great Western Hospital following an illness which he had been battling for a few years. Christopher was a familiar face at the Club, often seen photographing presentations and action alike from the sidelines and his memory will be immortalised through his polo photographs. Funeral arrangements have yet to be publicised by the family.
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Polo Times, April 2020
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Photograph courtesy of USPA
Photograph courtesy of CPPC
Christopher Fear, CPPC photographer, has passed away
David ‘Dave’ Rizzo was a well-known figure in the American polo community and a member of the United States Polo Association (USPA) for over 60 years. On Tuesday 10 March in Wellington, Florida, Rizzo passed away at the age of 87-yearsold. The USPA remembered a lifelong supporter of American polo in their obituary: “Leveraging his network in the sport to help many new players get their start in polo, Dave was the recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award in 2010. Established in 2001, this award is David Rizzo passed away on given to recognize exceptional lifetime contributions to the sport Tuesday 10 March 2020 of polo either on a regional or national level. “Born December 29, 1932, Dave was originally from Long Island, New York. Learning from his uncle, Joe Rizzo, how to ride and train horses, play polo and earn a living as a professional horseman, Dave went on to become club manager of Meadowbrook Polo Club in Medford, New York, for over 30 years. For over half a century, Dave sold high-quality horses to a wide variety of players who played every level of polo. He also managed the Squadron A Armory and the Old Westbury Polo Club while in New York. “Reaching 5-goals outdoor and 7-goals in the arena at the height of his career, Dave played at all tournament levels, primarily on the east coast of the United States and in Italy. Known as a skilled horseman and well-known sportsman in many parts of the country by a variety of players, Dave was a mentor and a friend to many. Providing many opportunities for novice players to become involved in polo, Dave’s dedication and commitment helped to create many accomplished players and team sponsors. Teaching his son, Paul Rizzo, the craft of the polo business, Paul also became one of the top American players in his era and one of the first USPA professional umpires. “Family always came first to Dave, and his proudest accomplishments were his grandchildren and great grandchildren. “He was truly one of a kind and will be missed by his family, friends and by the many people who knew him during the course of his life,” Dave’s cousin, Peter Rizzo, said. A life-long lover of the game, Dave is noted for having an infectious smile and always having a story to tell about polo players, horses and games that he recalled over his many years immersed in the sport. “Dave is predeceased by his beloved wife Marilyn and son Paul (Ella), sister Marie (John) and brother Vinny (Suzanne). He is survived by two daughters Joan (Steven) and Lynn (Larry); and sister Katherine (Pat); grandchildren David, Joseph (Tia), Madilyn (Stephano), Paul and Gary; great grandchildren Otis, Mae and David; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. At this time, his celebration of life service will be postponed until further notice. “The family has requested that donations in his memory be forwarded to the Spondylitis Association of America, Polo Players’ Support Group and/or The National Polo Museum and Hall of Fame.”
News Italia Polo Challenge
Photograph by E Mainetti
On 22 February, two teams took to the snow in Cortina, Italy for The Italia Polo Challenge, a snow polo match under the starry skies of Northern Italy, with a host of polo fans congregating on the sidelines. Two British players participated, Adolfo Casabal and Jamie Le Hardy, amongst players from Argentina and Italy, playing for teams U.S. Polo Assn/Profumi Del Marmo and Kep Italia/ Safe Riding. The match ultimately ended with a 2-2 score, but the real victory was the event itself, which reintroduced snow polo to Cortina in style. The Italia Polo Challenge Teams: U.S. Polo Assn/Profumi Del Marmo (8): Alessandro Barnaba (0), Adolfo Casabal (4) & Nicolás Roberts (4) Kep Italia/Safe Riding (8): Stefano Giansanti (0), Jamie Le Hardy (4) & Patricio Rattagan (4) The Italia Polo Challenge teams
Newport Beach Polo Raises Funds For Charity
‘Boogie on the Beach’ at Sandbanks The Real Thing, the British soul group has been announced as special guests at the new Soul, Motown and Disco event ‘Boogie on the Beach’ at the 2020 British Beach Polo Championships in July. The music event will take place on the evening of Friday 10 July following polo that day amidst a myriad of other entertainment. Tickets are available here now.
Over the weekend of 14 – 23 February, beach polo fans gathered on the sands of Newport, Rhode Island, for the 32nd annual Newport Winter Festival. The event included over 150 events, including beach polo, with polo supporters contributing 1,165 pounds of food and $268 cash donations to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, which helps support over 4,000 people annually.
Photography courtesy of Sandpolo
Photograph by John Lincourt Photography
Action from Sandbanks 2019
Newport Beach Polo took place at the 32nd annual Newport Winter Festival
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Polo Times, April 2020
11
News
Obituary
Photography courtesy of Polo Times archive
Lord Patrick in the Guards pony lines
Lord Patrick Beresford 6 June 1934 – 18 March 2020 Lord Patrick Tristram de La Poer Beresford pioneered the concept of pony welfare in polo; he won the Gold Cup with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and he steered the British equestrian team to Olympic success. Lord Patrick, the Irish aristocrat who accepted an Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) Lifetime Achievement honour at the 2010 Polo Awards, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday 18 March, aged 85-years-old. Polo Times interviewed Lord Patrick in July 2010 and the following obituary includes his memories of his wide and varied equine career. There can be few horsemen who have had as varied and successful an equestrian career as Lord Patrick. He was a decorated military officer; a winning amateur jockey; managed a medal-winning Olympic team; worked as a bloodstock agent; led riding safaris to exotic places around the world and played high goal polo, as well as being a leading exponent for the protection and welfare of polo ponies, establishing good principles that have spread far beyond the shores of the British Isles. Lord Patrick’s early equine successes were in amateur racing; his career as an amateur point-to-point and National Hunt jockey started back in Ireland when he was only 15 year’s old. When interviewed in 2010, Lord Patrick commented “Over the years, I
Lord Patrick with great-nephew William
12
Polo Times, April 2020
rode more than 50 winners. The best horse I rode was Mr A H Woods’s Super Flash who won with me at Sandown and took The Gold Cup at Cheltenham.” Meanwhile Lord Patrick hunted in Ireland and England, lastly with the Beaufort from 1984 to 2002 when he left the field. Like his antecedents, Lord Patrick chose a military career and he would always say that he learned his polo in the army; “My grandfather and father both played polo and I took it up early on in the military. I suppose it wasn’t bad to reach a five-goal handicap despite being an amateur without my own ponies and missing several crucial seasons whilst serving abroad or through injury.” His military career began at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where Lord Patrick Beresford earned the Sword of Honour as top cadet; he then served with the Royal Horse Guards (RHG) from 1952 and served with them for 11 years, a time which included overseas deployments to Cyprus (awarded the General Service Medal (GSM) in 1957) and as part of the British Army of the Rhine. In 1963, he transferred to the No 1 (Guards) Independent Parachute Company and took part in the Coy deployments to Cyprus in 1963 and Borneo in 1964 (awarded the GSM). Following this, Lord Patrick joined R Squadron of 22 Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment and was part of overseas deployments to the
Lord Patrick receiving his HPA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010
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Obituary
Lord Patrick at Palermo, being recognised for judging the best playing pony at the Argentine Open
Middle and Far East from 1966 to 1974. After leaving military service he remained an active member in the veterans’ community and was President of the Guards Parachute Association. In polo, he played for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Windsor Park team from 1966 to 1971. When last interviewed by Polo Times, Lord Patrick proudly recalled: “We won the Cowdray Park Gold Cup in 1966, the team was Prince Philip, that great Argentine Gonzalo Tanoira, my brother Tyrone and me. We took the Cup again in 1969 and reached the Finals for a third time in 1970.” Lord Patrick played for England in 1966 and again on the HPA’s International Day in 1972, losing The Coronation Cup to the USA. He won The Queen’s Cup in 1982 with the Boehm Team. During his polo career, Lord Patrick achieved a number of notable other UK tournament titles including: Cowdray Park Challenge, Royal Windsor Cup, the County Cup, the Queen’s Cup, the Warwickshire Cup, Cowdray Park Challenge, Junior County Cup, the County Cup, the Smith-Ryland Cup, the Caterham Cup and the Westbury Cup. Further afield, he won the South African Open Championship and in America, won the Butler Handicap with a Cowdray Park team. Lord Patrick Beresford was also a member of the Commonwealth team that travelled to Buenos Aires in 1966 to compete in a 30 goal tournament against Argentina and the USA. Recognising the pivotal role that Lord Patrick had played in British polo, in 2010, he was awarded the HPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award at The Polo Awards. Retiring from playing polo in 2000 after “a broken neck from racing and other injuries just made everything too arthritic”, Lord Patrick continued to be heavily involved with polo and was a passionate polo pony welfare advocate. Lord Patrick believed “The horse doesn’t have a choice, it must do what we ask. That is why we must do everything possible to ensure their safety and welfare”. He was of the view that until just a couple of decades ago, rules of equine welfare in polo lagged far behind those in other horse sports. And so, in 1992, the HPA established a Polo Pony Welfare Committee and appointed Lord Patrick as its first Chairman. “The top polo vet, Peter Scott Dunn, was my cochairman, so we had expert professional advice in immediately establishing new HPA directives that then became part of Lord Patrick in Borneo (front right)
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News
our rules. Amongst other things, we listed prohibited and permitted substances and brought in drug testing for ponies.” Realising that polo was too international to confine new regulations to just one country, Lord Patrick contacted the USPA suggesting that it follow England’s example. This led in 1993 to the USPA’s first Veterinary Committee, later to become the Equine Welfare Committee that finally brought in substance control and pony testing for 2010/11. Lord Patrick remained as Chairman of the HPA committee through until 1997 before passing the reins to David Morley. In 1955, Patrick was one of the founding members, with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, of the Household Brigade Polo Club, now Guards Polo Club, in Windsor Great Park. He served on the Club’s committee for 45 years, until new rules in 2000 set an age limit of 65. “Whilst it was still a military club, the major general commanding the Guards Division appointed the Chairman. Two successive major generals, Simon Cooper and Robert Corbett, tried to persuade me to take it on, but I declined. In those days, it was unpaid and I already had two pretty time-consuming unpaid jobs, as Chef d’Equipe of the British three-day event team and Chairman of the Windsor Park Equestrian Club. If I was ever to pay the gas bill I really couldn’t afford to get involved in another,” Lord Patrick at the time commented. He served as Chef d’Equipe of the British team from 1985 to 1992. “We had some wonderful riders and brilliant horses. In the nine championships I took them to, that is to say, two Olympics, three World Championships and four European Championships, we managed to win six team gold medals and two team silvers, as well as six individual golds, six silvers and six bronzes. That is more than any other team, British or foreign, has ever achieved in an equivalent period before.” As if that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, after leaving the army in 1974, Lord Patrick joined the Anglo-Irish Bloodstock Agency. Whilst there, he syndicated the stallion Sharpen Up for £130,000, and eight years later, sold him to the Gainesway Stud in Kentucky for £2.4million, a staggering sum at the time. Lord Patrick’s later business as an organiser of riding safaris took him to 22 countries, mainly for the luxury travel firm Abercrombie & Kent and Ultimate Travel. “These were for small groups, no more than eight riders. I would recce routes a year in advance, then make all the arrangements. We went to a number of Asian countries, including Mongolia and Kyrgystan, and elsewhere, such as Ecuador, Kenya and Cuba.” Despite such an illustrious career, both on and off the polo field, when asked to look back over more than half a century of equestrian involvement, Lord Patrick claimed his greatest achievement was his pioneering work in equine welfare, “Our HPA committees have had phenomenal success in improving the care of polo ponies, not only in this country but also, by example, gradually throughout the world.” A true gentleman and one of life’s real legends – polo will be a much poorer sport with Lord Patrick’s passing. A memorial at Guard’s Chapel will take place on dates to be confirmed.
Lord Patrick with the late Robert Graham
Polo Times, April 2020
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FIP News
FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Horacio Areco, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world
The XIII European Polo Championships
The III Ladies European Polo Championship
ARAF, the governing body for polo in Azerbaijan, will be organising The XIII European Polo Championship from 10 – 20 September 2020. Azerbaijan, Switzerland and six other European countries will be participating to see who will be crowned champion. Luckily, organiser Mr. Reto Gaudenzi is no stranger to these types of equestrian events and we are sure that every detail will be taken care of. The change regarding past European Championships is that teams will not be using their own horses to participate, but pooled horses provided by the organising Committee.
On the women’s side, the Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri (FISE) is hard at work securing a venue for The III Ladies European Polo Championship. The handicap level will be raised from a 10-14 goal handicap, to a 12-16 goal handicap, so as to also serve as play-offs for The I Women’s World Polo Championship that will be taking place in Argentina in April 2021. We all know of the COVID-19 outbreak and the difficulties it has been presenting to meetings and big sporting events. We will be working hard with ARAF and FISE for The European Championships and the Argentine Polo Association (AAP) for The Women’s Nations Cup taking place in Buenos Aires on April 2020, to ensure that all the health recommendations and guidelines from WHO and IOC are met so that these important events take place on 2020.
This system is used regularly in other FIP tournaments such as The World Polo Championships, Zone Play-Offs, The Snow Polo World Cup and The Super Nations Cup. All teams, including Azerbaijan, will have to get used to their horses in just a few days, ensuring horsemanship will be playing a bigger role than usual this time around. The pressure is on for the local team to improve their second place finish, from back in 2018 at the Villa a Sesta Polo Club in Italy.
Ladies will participate in a FIP championship again in 2020
Photography courtesy of FIP
The III Ladies European Polo Championship will take place later this year
2018 FIP champions, Italy
Editors note: At the time of going to press The XIII European Polo Championship, Azerbaijan has been postponed due to COVID-19.
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Polo Times, April 2020
The 2018 Ladies’ champions, Germany
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www.facebook.com/ PoloTimes/ 7,978 likes Dear Sirs I work closely with Bliss Polo, founded in 2010 by Mason Lampton – who, to the confusion and shock of locals, purchased the distressed potato farm and converted it into polo fields! Bliss has quietly grown into a beloved spot for competitive polo playing and good family fun every summer in Northern Michigan. Nestled in the picturesque village of Bliss – complete with a Rockwellian general store – Lampton has infused the area with a new energy around the sport, and built a community to watch players from Grand Rapids, Texas, Georgia as fans gather from all over to come and enjoy the weather and the action in Bliss during July and August. People of all ages bring their friends, children, grandchildren and dogs to enjoy the fun in Bliss where they host three annual tournaments of 8 goal polo, which regularly see crowds of 300 or more. The team powering Bliss is passionate about the sport and how it brings people together, which can be felt in every aspect of the (humidity-free!) days in Bliss. Plus, they are proud to have cultivated an environment for young players to learn and grow their game, and are proud of what many of them have gone on to accomplish – people like Vaughn Miller, Jack Whitman, and Benjamin Panelo – who credit their Michigan summers to helping hone and improve their skills. We thought it might be a fun story for your audience. I’ve included a photo that captures the atmosphere, helping to make the sport inclusive and accessible to fans of all backgrounds and experience level. Thanks Liz
@gauntletofpolo – Look at this incredible reach! @juanobritos hooking mallets with @sapocaset and somehow managing to stay on his pony! What an athlete #uspagoldcup #ultimatetest #gauntletofpolo
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#OOTDIntroducing the revolutionary sleeveless polo jersey #gunshow Forgotten jerseys led to a new polo fashion statement from Rocking P in the opening game of the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship™�. Defeating @ hawaiipololife 6-4, the original jerseys arrived at halftime, but everyone was talking about the new style they decided not to change! Raise your hand if you think they should wear these tank tops for the remainder of the tournament?  #LuckyTankTops
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Quick Question Q: In what year did The Arena Gold Cup begin at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, and what brought about its creation? A: Turn to page 77 to check your answer.
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2020 saw The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, Pattaya, celebrate its 12th annual event, with this year’s event better and pinker than ever before! Nunthinee Tanner, Vice President of Thailand Equestrian Federation, head of the organising XXXXXXXXXXXXX team, spoke about the importance of the event, “Breast cancer is the number one cause of death of Thai women. The charity Queen’s Cup Pink Polo, that has been held for the w XXXXXXXXXXXX past 12 consecutive years, plays a crucial role in providing support for breast cancer patients through The Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer Foundation. We truly hope that with this all-female polo tournament, polo will be recognised and known more widely to the public and that women can come together to play sport and support a good cause.” Alongside the internationally renowned polo, supporting an important cause, guests were treated to a cornucopia of entertainment, including a fashion show on horseback, a bagpipe performance by RPCA Pipe Band and Yorkshire terrier parade by Yorkshire Terrier Club Thailand, led by Khun Namhom, HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya’s dog. Amidst the sea of pink clad spectators, the cutest participants of the day trotted along amicably, providing pony and trap rides for the younger supporters. w Photography by Dominic James Photography | www.dominic-james.com
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Feature
Interview: Adolfo Casabal
Adolfo Casabal
Talent & heart in persona
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dolfo ‘Gusy’ Casabal, a mainstay on the British polo scene, grew up in Argentina, amidst the polo haven of the pampas. As a youngster, he spent hours and hours riding and playing chukkas at his cousin’s farm, La Pandorga in Necochea, honing the skills he is now so well known for, but it wasn’t just
from practice that his unquestionable talent has originated. His father, a talented amateur polo player in his own right, instilled a sense of hard work and determination in his son, a trait that has stuck with him throughout his 30 year career thus far. “All I ever wanted to do was finish school and play polo. My parents gave me the best start in life. I am the eldest of eight children which can’t have been an easy task, but they always supported me in everything I wanted to do.” Casabal began playing at just five-years-old, alongside his family and friends. Having “learnt the hard way”, his introduction to polo was very hands on, no silver spoon here, getting down and dirty with the mucky side of the sport, as well as the excitement on the field. “I’ve always
Photograph courtesy of Adolfo Casabal
Casabal with his parents
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picked up new sports really quickly. But me being on a horse all my childhood gave me the start I needed to gain the talent and knowhow on the polo field.” And, at the tender age of 18-years-old, having completed his studies, Adolfo began his polo career in Argentina. But it wasn’t until 2002, when he travelled to England that he began his professional career as we know it, aged 30. Adolfo had never set out to be a professional, but with life taking a surprising turn, he was thrust into the limelight in England, first competing on a professional level, which he does to this day, then taking on the mantle of Polo Manager at Ham Polo Club in London (2008 - 2011). “I feel very lucky to work in this sport, because in what other career could you meet such amazing people, travel the world, work outside the majority of the time (yes this has its negatives as well!) and basically get to do your hobby full-time? Every morning, I wake up feeling more like I’m off for a fun day’s activities, not like I’m going to work. It is rare in this world, that you find a career that gives you that feeling. Playing polo still gives me butterflies before each game – perhaps this is nerves, perhaps this is love of the sport. Who knows!” Casabal has travelled around the world playing the sport he loves, but these days, you’ll find him permanently based in Berkshire, spending his winters playing at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club and other arena clubs in the region, and his summer powering around the pristine fields of Guards Polo Club. “I have played all over the world, at some truly amazing clubs, but I feel the most fortunate to play at such a nice Club as Guards at the moment. The fields, the people, the opportunities; it provides the whole package and I feel really grateful. I love playing in The Archie David each year, with so many great teams travelling from far and wide to participate. This is one I would love to win. But at the end of the day, the team you play with is what makes the tournament. Playing with friends is always www.polotimes.co.uk
Interview: Adolfo Casabal
Feature
Adolfo playing at his favoured number 4 position
a bonus. For now, I’m playing with Cuervos Negros, with Julian Drake, which I’m really enjoying. This team has been a complete prioritisation of playing with friends, so I can’t wait to see what we have in store. “Without doubt, England during the summer season, is one of the best places on Earth, but if asked which country has the best season, I don’t know if I’d be able to pick between England in the summer and Argentina in the winter – The Argentine Open, the highest level of polo on the planet; it’s pretty hard to beat!” But, as every keen polo player will know, www.polotimes.co.uk
it isn’t just the man who creates a lengthy and successful career; it is the ponies he, or she, chooses to support that career and its trajectory. “Horsepower is by far the most important part of polo – they are everything. When it comes to purchasing horses, I get them from everywhere and anywhere in England, as well as abroad. If I hear there is a fantastic horse for sale, I am there, testing it, trying it out and seeing if it will fit with my string. I have had a horse called Ferrari for the last 10 years. I bought her off Martin Young and she has been by far my best horse. She never lets me down and has
never missed a chukka. These amazing steeds have helped me to achieve great things, from playing for England, to putting me in the position to be able to coach national teams, like I did for the England side in Australia’s World Cup. I love coaching and teaching; I get real satisfaction from watching my pupils achieve great things. Over the past 18 years, ‘Gusy’ has been not only playing at a professional level but also providing the all-important coaching support and management teams need when competing at a high and even international level. “I’ve achieved a lot of unexpected Polo Times, April 2020
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Feature
Interview: Adolfo Casabal
Adolfo in action for England
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
things in my polo career, which I am grateful for and proud of. My focus now is on developing and bringing people into the sport as well as supporting and playing for those great patrons who have supported me over the years.” When Adolfo is not on the yard, or out teaching and playing (which is a rare thing he informs us), he is at home with his nearest and dearest, as he is at heart, a family man. He comes from a large family and is seemingly growing a large family of his own here in England. He now has three lovely children, with another one on the way. “Family is so important to my career. I’ve always been lucky to have that support and it is always nice to have your loved ones around you. That is what is so wonderful about polo – it is a family sport. If you’re all happy to get involved it is a wonderful, but hard, life.” There are many exciting things to come for this consistent player, with a fourth baby on the way and a myriad of polo opportunities on the horizon. Have a great season Adolfo!
Adolfo alongside The Flemish Farm Trophy winning The Wall team
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Reports
Cuvée 450 Arena Gold Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
Photography by The Art of Polo
Marcus Cork and Patrick Maleitzke tussle for possession
Arena Astonishes All-Round The Cuvée 450 Arena Gold Cup
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n Saturday 29 February, arena polo fans gathered in their droves at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club for the thrilling Final of The Cuvée 450 Arena Gold Cup, the highlight of the Club’s winter season. In true British form, the day began with glorious sunshine, but in a similar fashion to the array of action on the field, the day became a hurley-burley of four seasons in one day, with rain, sleet, snow, hail, sun… you name it, we had it! This year’s tournament’s team sheet was awash with famous arena polo names from the British Isles, who we have seen champion time and time again at home, but in a little shake-up to the international mix this year, German powerhouse team Schockemöhle Polo Stud came to compete, and they meant business.
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Following over a week of exciting qualifying play, the new kids on the block, Schockemöhle Polo Stud, found themselves in the Final against RCBPC’s long-standing champion side, Regal Warriors. From the off, it was a fast and furious match with powerful plays between the two strongest players on the sand, Regal Warrior’s 10 goal Max Charlton and Schockemöhle Polo Stud’s Patrick Maleitzke. Both Charlton and Maleitzke have spent the winter championing not only the arena in their native countries, but also the iconic European snow, with Charlton having scooped up the win and the Most Valuable Player honours in St. Moritz and Maleitzke appearing once again in Kitzbühel. The first two chukkas were a whirlwind of action, with a whopping four penalty 1s awarded (two per team), in the first six and a
Jen Liggins
reports from Berkshire
half minutes – this match was set to be a real showcase of end-to-end polo. With the score resting at 4-4 at the end of the first chukka, the second began in fervour. Charlton, having shifted gear from a relatively sedate and observant first chukka, fired goal upon goal, looking to create some distance between the two sides going into half-time. With seven goals in the second chukka to his name, to only three for Maleitzke (as well as a series of helpfully placed penalty 1s), at half-time, Regal Warriors had the lead, 13-9. Regal Warriors were on a roll going into the second half, but Schockemöhle Polo Stud were coming up fast. With three goals in the Germans’ favour in the third, they looked strong, but thanks to exceedingly strong play from Charlton’s teammate Marcus Cork, who really came into his own in the second half, Regal Warriors held the edge, going www.polotimes.co.uk
Cuvée 450 Arena Gold Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
Where: The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
FINAL
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Howard Smith & Tim Bown with Simon McDonald third man The Cuvée 450 Arena Gold Cup Final Teams:
Regal Warriors win The Cuvée 450 Arena Gold Cup
Silver Cup Final
Regal Warriors (15) Raph Singh (2) Marcus Cork (3) Max Charlton (10)
Schockemöhle Polo Stud (13) Estelle Wagner (2) Patrick Maleitzke (5) Clement Delfosse (6)
Chukka Scores: 4-4, 13-9. 16-11, 22-18 to Regal Warriors
In the hotly anticipated Final of The Cuvée 450 Silver Cup, the ‘home’ side Cuvée 450 came up against the might of Ana Escobedo’s Ojo Caliente. With two out of the three Ojo Caliente side fresh from the snow polo in Kitzbühel, they were a strong team to overcome, but overcome them Cuvée 450 did. At the final bell, Cuvée 450 lifted The Silver Cup with an 18-16 win, the perfect start to a glorious spring day at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club The Cuvée 450 Arena Silver Cup Teams: Ojo Caliente Ana Escobedo Jack Hyde Jonny Good
(15) (1) (6) (8)
Cuvée 450 (14) Royston Prisk (4) Hugo Lewis (4) Jamie Morrison (6)
BPP Machitos Vida, owned and played by Patrick Maleitzke
Top Goal Scorer: Max Charlton
MVP Clement Delfosse
into the final period leading 16-11. The fourth and final chukka saw Schockemöhle Polo Stud’s Clement Delfosse, later named British Polo Gin’s Most Valuable Player, in heightened defence, battling furiously against the white shirts of Regal Warriors, but as the chukka, and thus the Final ended, Regal Warriors rode away the 2020 victors, 22-18. Having reached this coveted Final on numerous occasions, with no cigar, Regal Warrior’s proud Captain, Raph Singh, was proud as punch; indeed, so thrilled, he threw himself in a giant puddle! www.polotimes.co.uk
Royston Prisk lifts The Cuvée 450 Silver Cup for his team
To read more about Polo Times Best Playing Pony Machitos Vida, turn to our Pony Power Pages and for social images, please turn to our Sidelines pages Polo Times, April 2020
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Reports
The Standard Chartered Gold Cup, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
Sheika Maitha’s Match Success O UAE Polo secure prestigious Gold Cup n Friday 6 March, The Standard Chartered Gold Cup 2020 came to an end at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club in Dubai, with UAE Polo declared champions for a second year in a row, a timely win for HH Sheikha Maitha’s who had celebrated her birthday just the day before. Record crowds poured into the Club to watch the Final, which was also a special occasion as it was the first time that both teams in The Gold Cup Final, the most prestigious polo event in Asia and the Middle East, were led by women with UAE’s Sheikha Maitha and AM/UAE’s Sheikha Alya leading their teams. To add to this, both Sheikha Maitha and Sheikha Alya are cousins! Before the much anticipated Final, Habtoor took on Abu Dhabi in the Subsidiary Final. Both teams got off to an even start, but in the second half Habtoor
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streaked ahead and secured the win and The Bentley Cup. In The Standard Chartered Gold Cup AM/UAE Polo were strong from the start, taking control of the first chukka, but UAE Polo’s Panelo brothers, Benjamin and Tomás, fought back in the second, ultimately tying the match 5-5 at the end of the third. In the fourth, AM/UAE Polo took the lead again, but UAE Polo made a comeback with goals from Brit Tommy Beresford, who put their team 8-6 ahead with one chukka remaining. Beresford, on fire for UAE Polo, scored a 60 yard penalty to put his team ahead, 9-6. AM/UAE Polo didn’t give up, scoring another two goals, but a final goal from UAE Polo secured the victory and the title. AM/UAE Polo’s Jacinto Crotto was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Nobu, a Thoroughbred played by Tomás Panelo was awarded the Best Playing Pony honours.
FINAL
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MAR Where: Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club in Dubai
The Standard Chartered Gold Cup Final Teams: AM/UAE Polo UAE Polo (16) HH Sheika Alya HH Sheika Maitha (0) Jacinto Crotto Benjamin Panelo (4) Santiago Cernadas Tomás Panelo (6) Nacho Acuña Tommy Beresford (6)
(18) (0) (7) (7) (4)
Top Scorers: Tommy Beresford & Tomás Panelo
MVP Jacinto Crotto
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BPP Nobu, played by Tomás Panelo
Photography by Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
Chukka scores: 1-2, 3-4, 5-5, 8-6, 10-8 to UAE Polo
UAE Polo celebrating their win!
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The Standard Chartered Gold Cup, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
Reports
Action from The Standard Chartered Gold Cup
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Reports
C.V. Whitney Cup Final, International Polo Club Palm Beach
Lucky Las Monjitas A C.V. Whitney Cup Final
fter reducing its handicap limit to 22 goals, last year saw the USPA introduce a winner-takes-all polo jackpot – The Gauntlet of Polo. Under this new guise, each of the USPA’s three high goal tournaments would have their own significant prizemoney, $125,000 for The C.V. Whitney Cup, $125,000 for The USPA Gold Cup and $250,000 for The U.S. Open Polo Championships. On top of this, any team able to secure all three titles would be crowned as Gauntlet Champions and receive an additional $500,000! In 2019, Pilot began Gauntlet of Polo history as the first team to win all three tournaments and with it the sizeable jackpot of $1,000,000. The C.V. Whitney dates back to 1979, it was formerly known as The U.S. Handicap but in 1988 it was renamed The C.V. Whitney Cup after Cornelius Vanderbilt ‘Sonny’ Whitney who was an avid polo player, triple winner of The U.S. Open and son of 10 goaler Harry Payne Whitney. As the first rung on the Gauntlet of Polo ladder, the competition is incredibly fierce. This year’s tournament saw 2019 Gauntlet of Polo champions Pilot return once again to defend their title, however they fell foul of La Indiana’s strength in the Semi Finals, suffering a 10-1 defeat. The second 2020 finalist was Las Monjitas, who had enjoyed an undefeated journey to the Final with wins against Patagones, Coca-Cola and Equuleus – having just missed out on the title last year, the boys in orange meant business.
Thousands of spectators gathered at the U.S. Polo Assn. Stadium at International Polo Club, Palm Beach, to watch Las Monjitas and La Indiana go head-to-head in the Final. The first chukka got off to a low scoring start, with just a single penalty conversion to add to the scoreboard. Both teams settled into the swing of things in the following chukkas, but the remainder of the first half saw the scores repeatedly tied due to effective defence from both sides. The second half began in a similar ilk with the scores once again level at the end of the fourth chukka. The penultimate chukka was Las Monjitas’
time to shine, scoring four consecutive goals and managing to pull away from their rivals for the first time in the match. The sixth chukka began with Fran Elizalde scoring a further two goals for Las Monjitas, widening the gap to 11-6, but rather than throwing in the towel, La Indiana picked up the pace and methodically added goal after goal, outscoring their opponents in the final chukka and narrowing the gap. However, time was not on La Indiana’s side and Las Monjitas ran down the clock to run out the winners, 11-10, and with it take home their $100,000 prize money.
Las Monjitas’ Pelon Stirling hits a neckshot
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C.V. Whitney Cup Final, International Polo Club Palm Beach
Reports
Photography by David Lominska
2020 C.V. Whitney Cup Champions – Las Monjitas
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Where: International Polo Club, Palm Beach The C.V. Whitney Cup Final Teams: La Indiana Las Monjitas (22) Michael Bickford Camilo Bautista (0) Jeff Hall Mackenzie Weisz (3) Polito Pieres Francisco Elizalde (9) Santiago Gómez Romero David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (10)
(22) (2) (6) (10) (4)
Chukka scores: 1-0, 2-2, 4-4, 5-5, 9-6, 11-10 to Las Monjitas Winner’s jackpot:
$100,000 Runner’s-up jackpot:
$25,000 MVP Francisco Elizalde
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BPP
Dolfina Molinera, played by Francisco Elizalde Argentine Breeders Association BPP: Dolfina Molinera (Open Chimento x Dolfina Milenaria), played by Francisco Elizalde
Polo Times, April 2020
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Reports
The Founders Cup, Grand Champions Polo Club
Scone’s Goal Scoring Success Second 2020 WPL title for Cambiaso Jnr
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t’s often said that everything in America is bigger and better and when it comes to The World Polo League, this is certainly true. It boasts the only 26 goal polo outside of Argentina and attracts some of the world’s most famous polo players from across the globe. The Founders Cup is the second tournament of the League and with Cartier Queen’s Cup 2019 champions Scone in this year’s Final, it was set to be an electric display of polo. David Paradice, Scone’s patron, had
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The Founders Cup, Grand Champions Polo Club
Photography by ChukkerTV
travelled from Australia and wasn’t prepared to leave empty handed. Lining-up in Scone’s red shirts alongside Paradice was 10 goal superstar Adolfo Cambiaso accompanied by his son Poroto and rounded off with Diego Cavanagh. Any team featuring Poroto Cambiaso is a sure favourite this World Polo League season, as he has already tasted sweet success, winning The All-Star Challenge, the first title of the League. Scone were in it to win it and SD Farms would have their work cutout to defeat this quartet of polo prowess. John Payne, a legendary one-armed bandit, threw-in the first ball and fervent play began; Cavanagh converted a penalty within just 30 seconds, adding to Scone’s existing three goal handicap advantage. Cavanagh continued his penalty scoring throughout the first chukka, with just one goal in reply from Juan Martín Zubía, which meant the first chukka ended with SD Farms trailing 7-1. Scone didn’t let up the pace for the remainder of the first half, with SD Farms unable to add to their scoreboard at all as Scone locked down every one of their attempts on goal. Scone continued to paint the second half red as SD Farms struggled to find a foothold in the match; Zubía managed to break their goal scoring drought and a win from the throw-in resulted in a further goal taking the scores to 10-3. However, as the fourth chukka came to a close, Adolfo Cambiaso slotted home a goal and increased Scone’s lead to 11-3 – an impossible goal deficit for SD Farms to overcome. The fifth chukka saw SD farms refuse to give up and they constantly made attempts on goal, but the father/son Cambiaso duo was impenetrable and SD Farms, whilst managing to halt the Scone onslaught, achieved just one goal. The hopeful amongst the crowds thought SD Farms may have had a chance in the final chukka, but time was not on their side and despite a fantastic goal from Captain Sayyu Dantata, it was too little too late and Scone rode off the field with an impressive 11-6 win.
Reports
Scone, winners of The Founders Cup 2020
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Where: Grand Champions Polo Club, Wellington, Florida
The Founders Cup Final Teams: Scone (23) David Paradice (0) Poroto Cambiaso (4) Diego Cavanagh (9) Adolfo Cambiaso (10)
SD Farms Sayyu Dantata Santi Torres Guillermo Terrera Juan Martín Zubía
(25) (2) (7) (8) (8)
Chukka scores: (3-0) 7-1, 8-1, 9-1, 11-3, 11-4, 11-6 to Scone
MVP Adolfo Cambiaso
Winner’s jackpot:
$60,000 BPP
Commentator: Jan-Erik Franck
American Polo Horse Association Final BPP: Dolfina Antonella, played by Poroto Cambiaso American Polo Horse Association Tournament BPP: Dolfina Antonella, played by Poroto Cambiaso Argentine Breeders Association BPP: Pintita, played by Poroto Cambiaso World Polo League Final BPP Dolfina Resta, played by Juan Martín Zubía
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BMW NZ Polo Open, Auckland Polo Club
Reports
Both teams were evenly matched
Mystery Creek Clean Up Will Harper defeats father in Final
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Photography courtesy of NZ Polo Open
ver the course of a week, six teams battled it out to reach the Final of The 43rd New Zealand Polo Open at Auckland Polo Club. The tournament saw not only some of New Zealand’s best polo players compete, but also players from across the globe with professionals from Australia, Argentina and England taking part. After a record-breaking 46 days without rain, as is traditional in polo, the heavens opened and the morning was a rather wet affair; however the adverse conditions did nothing to deter the crowds who steadfastly poured into the sidelines brandishing their Veuve Clicquot umbrellas.
Veuve Clicquot champagne showers for everyone!
Polo Times, April 2020
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Reports
BMW NZ Polo Open, Auckland Polo Club
It was a highly competitive Final with both teams evenly matched at 16 goals apiece, plus there was more than a sprinkle of family rivalry as father-son duo James and Will Harper faced each other on opposing teams. In the end, it was Mystery Creek who defeated South Island’s Glenmark 11 goals to 7. Aside from the polo, the crowds were treated to a vast array of activities and entertainment with the famous car vs horse race seeing first place awarded to the impressive BMW 8 Series Coupé. The ‘Fashion on the Field’ competition was fiercely contested, with a colourful contingent of stylish spectators strutting their stuff, Julia Ford and Nathanial Bryant were chosen as the Best Dressed Woman and Man respectively. As the sun set on another successful New Zealand Polo Open, it was time to kick back and relax at the George FM Afterparty on the Chukka Lawn. If you didn’t manage to make it this year, fear not as the 44th edition has already been confirmed, with the Final set for Saturday 21 February 2021!
15 22
FINAL
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The BMW NZ Polo Open Final Teams: Mystery Creek (16) John Paul Clarkin (7) Kit Brooks (5) Will Harper (3) Ethan Wade (1)
Where: Auckland Polo Club
MVP
Glenmark (16) Pete Dormer (1) James Harper (7) Lachie Gilmore (4) Sam Martin (4)
BPP Tia, played by James Harper and owned by Dean Geddes
Will Harper
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Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
Club Focus
Beaufort Polo Club
Photograph by Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
This month’s AHPRC League at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club has seen five teams compete. On Thursday 12 March, the last day of the league, Mahra Polo defeated Anningsley Polo 6-3 in the Subsidiary Final, whilst in the Final Dr. A Hesketh secured themselves a 7-5 win against Sarissa Polo. Dr. A Hesketh’s Kim Roche was awarded the Most Valuable Player award.
Dr. A Hesketh, winners of The AHPRC March League Final
AHPRC March League Final Teams: Dr.A/Hesketh (6): Lauren Dickson (-1), Dr. A (0), Tomas Palacios Bacque (3) & Tomas Iriarte (4) Sarissa (4): Petra Spanko (-1), Yassien Shansal (-1), Pearl Venot (0) & Manuel Plaza (6) Beaufort Polo Club’s sold out Masquerade Ball in aid of Even Keel Foundation, originally in the calendar for Saturday 16 May, has been postponed in response to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak. The Club have tentatively rescheduled the Ball for Saturday 12 September.
Barbados Polo Club A large crowd was present for the Final of The Diamonds International Barbados Cheshire Tour on Sunday 8 March. Following an exciting match, the home side narrowly defeated the visiting Cheshire side by 5 goals to 4. A special presentation was also made to Sir Charles Williams by Ashleigh Dean.
Photograph courtesy of Barbados Polo Club
The Diamond International Barbados Cheshire Tour Teams: Team Barbados (8): Stephen Williams (0), Adam Deane (3), Philip Tempro (2) & Jamie Dickson (3) Team England (8): Steffan Groch (-1), Charlie Walton (3), Tarquin Southwell (3) & Oliver Taylor (3)
Cowdray Park Polo Club
The home Barbados side win The Diamonds International Barbados Cheshire Tour Final
Photograph by Michael Berkeley Photography
Druids Lodge Polo Club Druids Lodge with The Renshaw Trophy
www.polotimes.co.uk
Over the weekend of 7 – 8 March, Druids Lodge home team defeated RAF Polo in the Final of The Renshaw Trophy, congratulations!
Tickets for The King Power Gold Cup Final and Semi Finals are available now. The Semi Finals are scheduled to take place on 15 July, with matches starting between midday and 4pm, whilst the Final is scheduled for 19 July. For more information and to purchase your tickets, please visit the Club’s website.
Cheshire Polo Club The Club’s new website will be launched at the end of this week with an updated fixture list for the season. For more information about the season visit the Club’s website.
Polo Times, April 2020
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Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Photograph courtesy of Emsworth Polo Grounds
Emsworth Polo Grounds
Emsworth ended their winter season over the weekend, with the Final of The One Hundred Tournament. In the Final, Kirstie Otamendi’s Honesty took on Mindi Byrne’s Tex8n Polo, with the latter winning in the final chukka. Following the match, the teams went to The Hinds Head in Bray for Sunday lunch.
Grand Champions Polo Club
Tex8n Polo win The One Hundred
Empire Polo Club Photograph courtesy of GCPC
Woodrow win The Top Pony 8 Goal League on Saturday
Photograph by Jim Bremner
In the Final of The Top Pony 8 Goal League on Saturday 29 February, Woodrow defeated Altaris, 9-8, to take home the honours. Woodrow’s Sterling Giannico was named Most Valuable Player.
2020 Pacific Coast Circuit Congressional Cup winners Luna Polo
On Sunday 15 March, Luna Polo defeated Zahedi Chogan 4-1 in the 4 goal Pacific Coast Circuit Congressional Cup Final. Luna Polo led from the first throw in, notching up a 2-0 lead by half-time. Jennifer Alexy opened the second half with her second goal for Luna Polo, extending their lead with still no reply from Zahedi Chogan. In the final chukka Russell Stimmel broke Zahedi Chogan’s dry spell with a penalty conversion. However Alexy replied with another goal, leading Luna Polo to a 4-1 victory. 2020 Pacific Coast Circuit Congressional Cup Final Teams: Luna Polo: Jennifer Alexy, Alexis Payan, Bautista Von Wernich & Diego Larregli Zahedi Chogan: Sy Zahedi, Meghan Gracida, Russell Stimmel & Francisco Guinazu
Photography by Rugby Polo Club
Rugby Polo Club
Robin Them Blind, League 1 winners
That’s Not My Horse, League 2 winners
March’s T-Bone Challenge at Rugby Polo Club was once again won by Robin Them Blind in League 1, they also secured the win in the February T-Bone Challenge albeit with a slightly different line-up. In the lower league, That’s Not My Horse took the title. 36
Polo Times, April 2020
The Top Pony 8 Goal League Final Teams: Woodrow (8): Hope Arellano (1), Agustin Arellano (3), Sterling Giannico (4) & Chris Finley (0) Altaris (7): Antonio Arellano (-1), Jamal Nusseibeh (0), Santos Merlos (2) & Kris Kampsen (6)
La Aguada Polo Club
La Aguada Polo Club has announced the schedule for the upcoming autumn season. Play will get underway with the 10 – 14 goal Autumn Cup between 6 – 11 April, followed by the 24 goal Amateur Cup between 18 – 26 April. The final tournament of the season will be The La Aguada Ladies Cup between 13 – 18 April. For more information about any upcoming tournaments, please visit the Club’s website now. www.polotimes.co.uk
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Club Focus
Port Mayaca Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Port Mayaca Polo Club
On Tuesday 10 March, Palm Beach Equine and Traveller’s Rest met in the Final of the 2020 Butler Handicap Final. In their earlier match against each other Palm Beach Equine defeated Traveller’s Rest 10-7 and were no doubt keen to replicate their earlier success. However, in the Final, Traveller’s Rest took an early lead and by half-time had managed to maintain a narrow 4-3 lead. The second half saw both teams produce strong defensive plays, but a strong offensive sixth chukka saw Traveller’s Rest confirm their advantage and they ran out the winners 10-6. Kristos Magrini, who scored three goals for Traveller’s Rest was named Most Valuable Player and Santino Magrini’s Los Marchitos Ruspoli was the Best Playing Pony. 2020 Butler Handicap Final Teams: Palm Beach Equine: Scott Swerdlin, Gringo Colombres, Nico Escobar & Lucas Diaz Alberdi Traveller’s Rest: Kristos Magrini, Robert Orthwein, Santino Magrini & Nachi Du Plessis
Palm Beach Equine & Traveller’s Rest teams
Sarasota Polo Club
Rutland Polo Club
Rutland Polo Club has released their 2020 season fixture list. The season will commence in early May, with The Rutland Cup, continuing until 6 September with the final tournament of the season, The Ruddles Challenge Cup. The season will also feature the Club’s most famous annual tournament, the Victor Ludorum Westerby Group Assam Cup, which is sure to entertain members and guests alike, with hospitality and family-friendly activities on the sidelines. For more information about the upcoming season, please visit the Club’s website.
2020 National Inter-Circuit Championship Final Teams: Barefield (12): Mark Mulligan (0), Agustin Arellano (3), Hernan Tasso (4) & Juan Martin Obregon (5) Tito’s Handmade Vodka (15): Alan Martinez (5), Trevor Niznik Reeves (5), James Uihlein (2) & Joe Wayne Barry (3)
Photograph by Julio Aguilar
On Sunday 15 March, Barefield emerged victorious at Sarasota Polo Club. After six hard fought round robin matches Barefield and Tito’s Handmade Vodka faced each other in the 2020 National Inter-Circuit Championship Final. Tito’s Handmade Vodka took the lead with an early penalty and in the second chukka, Alan Martinez scored two consecutive goals. By half-time, Barefield had mounted a comeback which meant Tito’s Handmade Vodka held on to a narrow 4-3 lead going into half-time. The pace increased over the remaining three chukkas as the two teams battled for the lead right down to the ebbing seconds of the game. Going into the sixth and final chukka the scores were tied at 6-6, with both teams frenziedly trying to gain and maintain the upper hand. In the end it was Barefield’s Hernan Tasso who broke free and scored his third goal of the match to secure his team an 8-7 win. Tasso was named Most Valuable Player for his efforts and Mac Pie, played by Juan Martin Obregon was the Best Playing Pony.
2020 National Inter-Circuit Championship winners Barefield
Westcroft Park Polo Club
Surrey-based Westcroft Park Polo Club has announced the dates for its 2020 Summer Fixture List. The season will commence with chukkas on 25 April and will continue until the final tournament of the season, The Autumn Cup Weekend, between 12 – 13 September. For more information about entering these tournaments, please visit the club website www.westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
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Polo Times, April 2020
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Women’s Polo
The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo, Thai Polo & Equestrian Club
Photography by Dominic James | www.dominicjames.com
Action from The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo Final
Thai Polo’s Pink Parade La Familia secure Queen’s Cup title Dominic James reports
T
he original and biggest Queen’s Cup Pink Polo took place at Thailand’s Thai Polo & Equestrian Club on Saturday 22 February, in support of the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation attended by its Founder & Chairman, Dr Kris Chatamra. 38
Polo Times, April 2020
The tournament started earlier in the week with four teams competing (Thai Polo, Marengo, Ethiopian Airlines and La Familia), with intense matches throughout. Saturday’s Final was between Marengo and La Familia with the Subsidiary Final between Thai Polo and Ethiopian Airlines. The day’s event started at 12pm with a large crowd arriving early to enjoy the many offerings and experiences on hand. The food was included in the ticket price and saw
everyone enjoying themselves, especially the oysters and caviar! The entertainment kicked off with a display of bagpipes by the RPCA Black Pipe Band, followed by the Yorkshire Terrier Club Dog Show and a fashion show on horseback. The Subsidiary Final started at 3pm, between Thai Polo, whose patrons were Anne Krag and Tengku Uzma Uzira, and Ethiopian Airlines who fought a gritty match with very equal play, which saw a final result of 4-3½ to Thai Polo. Traditional treading in of the ground took place at 5pm, with the whole field filled with many guests who had to be asked a few times to clear the way for the incoming players, as they were enjoying themselves so much before the final match could take place. La Familia’s team, whose patron was Nurul Noorajala (Nana), and Marengo’s patrons Marie Godenir and Sonia Couling, brought a large number of supporters to the event. With both teams’ supporters being very vocal at each play, it was a great
For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages
Women’s Polo
The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo, Thai Polo & Equestrian Club
Beanie Bradley spoke to Polo Times after the Final about her win, “Thai Polo & Equestrian Club is so beautiful, I didn’t know what to expect – I was blown away by the exceptional equine facilities and friendly welcome. Mrs Nunthinee Tanner and the Committee organised such a unique tournament for all the players – and it was a highly competitive Final of The Queen’s Cup. “I learned so much having the opportunity again to play with Lía Salvo. As a Captain, she gives me so much confidence. We bonded well as a team with Olivia Jauretche, and had great fun, being part of Team La Familia with Nurul Noorajala – it has been an incredible experience for me. Their professional teamwork coaching management looking after me and the horse welfare is exceptional. “Pink Polo Finals day is a wonderful celebration of polo and sisterhood supporting Breast Cancer awareness. If you’ve never watched women’s polo before, this is the tournament to go see and socialise. All of the international players are great role models for young girls like me in sport – to play against Milagros Sánchez, Clara Cassino, Milly Hine was a dream come true and to see La Familia raise the 2020 Cup was just awesome.” atmosphere and for those that were unable to attend the match, it was broadcast live for everyone to watch. The match kicked off with a great first goal for Marengo, played by Milagros Sánchez, from one end of the field to the other, quickly followed by a goal for La Familia from Olivia Jauretche. Another goal for Marengo, by Rebecca Walters, back to La Familia’s Lía Salvo and a final goal by Walters, all in the first chukka, saw the scores rest at 3-2 to Marengo and the stage was set for a great game. The second chukka saw just one goal from Salvo for La Familia, bringing the scores to an even 3-3. Beanie Bradley scored the next goal in the third chukka with a flying run down the field. It is worth watching the replay for this goal from an up-and-coming young player, coached by the UK’s Hazel Jackson-Gaona – absolutely one to watch. Another goal came from Salvo, taking the match to 5-3 and giving La Familia the edge. This chukka wasn’t over yet though, with another goal from Sánchez for Marengo. Salvo scored the next in the final chukka, taking it to 6-4 with her team looking to
FINA
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Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, Pattaya, Thailand
MVP
BPP
Facha, played by Lía Salvo
Most Valuable Player Patron: Nurul Noorajala
The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo Final Teams La Familia Nurul Noorajala Olivia Jauretche Beanie Bradley Lía Salvo
(14) (0) (2) (3) (9)
Marengo (14) Sonia Couling/Rosie Lawrance Marie Godenir Milagros Sánchez Rebecca Walters
(1) (0) (7) (6)
Alex Roldan
The victorious La Familia raise The Queen’s Cup
take the edge, followed by another goal for Bradley, 7-4. With less than two minutes to go, it looked like it was all over for Marengo, but Sánchez came back with a last minute goal, taking the final score to 7-5, a good win for La Familia and a very entertaining match to watch.
Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
After the presentation of the awards, the crowd was entertained with fireworks at dusk and as the heat of the day slowly ebbed back down, the players and supporters stayed on to enjoy a Thai style asado by the pool with a DJ and live music. A very enjoyable day with some great polo being played. Polo Times, April 2020
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The Ladies’ International Arena British & Home Open
Women’s Polo
All Hail the Angels Ladies’ Arena British Open
Photograph by The Art of Polo
The ladies’ teams in action
Jen Liggins
reports from Berkshire
FINAL
29 3 2
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Where: The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
MVP Nell Jacob
Photograph by Polo Times
ritish ladies’ polo is on the up, with more and more ladies turning their hands to this exciting version of our sport and The Ladies British Open was a great testament to that. The tournament saw a great bevy of polo beauties vying for the honours of champions, but it was the local triad of the Meadows sisters, Genevieve and Saskia, alongside Nell Jacob, in their Angels shirts, who were a force to be reckoned with from the off. Against Charlotte Christodoulou’s Regal Warriors in the Final, the match was a flurry of exciting plays from the off. Angels secured a strong five goals in the first chukka, with Regal Warriors looking a little shaken and on the back foot, but the ladies in blue came back in the second chukka with a vengeance to narrow the scores to 11-5 at half-time. The third chukka was Regal Warriors’ period, as Bryony Taylor and Heloise Wilson-Smith narrowed the gap on the scoreboard to 12-10, still in Angels’ favour. Going into the last chukka however, it looked like Regal Warriors might have the strength to overcome the mighty Angels, with two goals in it and two minutes to go, but Genevieve Meadows had other ideas, securing one goal, followed by one from teammate Nell Jacob, to secure The Ladies British Open for Angels, 17-13. Nell Jacob, for her consistently good play at back, was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Sapphire, owned and played by Bryony Taylor was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug.
BPP
Angels, the winning team
With such great things coming in ladies’ polo, and so many exciting tournaments already in the calendar this year, the future’s bright for women’s polo.
Umpires: Tim Bown & Howard Smith with Simon McDonald as third man
The Ladies’ British Arena Open Final Teams: Regal Warriors (6) Angels (6) Charlotte Christodoulou (1) Saskia Meadows (2) Bryony Taylor (2) Genevieve Meadows (2) Heloise Wilson-Smith (3) Nell Jacob (2)
Sapphire, owned and played by Bryony Taylor read more To about Sapphire, please turn to our Pony Power pages.
Chukka Scores: 5-1, 11-5, 12-10, 17-13 to Angels
Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
Polo Times, April 2020
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Women’s Polo
International & Home
Photograph by Suzannah Turk
5 minutes with…
Lorna Broughton Mixed handicap: 0 Women’s handicap: 4 Arena handicap: 2 How did your polo career start? I was born into polo, I grew up riding our homebred polo ponies on my grandparents farm in the New Forest, I was so lucky! My father had given up polo due to an injury and we lived near Bath, so I had to work hard for my own chance to play, I’d spend as much time as I could at Rhinefield Polo Club, watching and grooming for various family members in exchange for a chance to stick and ball. Then as soon as I could drive I travelled down every weekend for chukkas. My grandfather sadly died in my second year at Uni and I inherited one of his favourite ponies, Firefly. I took him with me to Uni and it was Firefly who taught me to play properly. That horse was a legend. What’s your greatest achievement to date? Winning the International Ladies Tournament in Manipur this winter has got to go in as one of my greatest polo achievements. I can’t forget the other side of my life though, qualifying as a vet was an incredible achievement and one I will always be very proud of.
What’s your greatest ambition? To be honest just to play and play well. Polo has always come second to my career, now I’m established in my job my ambition is to dedicate more time to playing and see how far I can go. Which lady players do you admire? Why? Nina Clarkin is a beautiful player, I love watching her in mixed polo, she’s proof that female players are more than capable of keeping up with the men! What’s your favourite tournament/Club? I’m lucky to live in Gloucestershire, Cirencester and Longdole are my home clubs and I enjoy playing at home. I’m not sure I have a favourite tournament, winning the Women’s 12 goal at Black Bears was my first big success in ladies polo so that tournament is close to my heart, and the grounds and facilities are fantastic there. Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? I’ll have to reserve judgement for now as I’m still relatively new to ladies’ polo, other than
a few odd games I only started playing ladies’ polo properly last season. I was amazed how much I enjoyed it, it is different, and it can be rough, but it’s fast and fun and I love how sociable it is. Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? I’d love polo to be seen as less elitist, there are so many opportunities for people to get into polo now and there are no boundaries as to who can or can’t play, but I think too many people still see it as only for the rich or aristocratic. If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? Can I choose my teammates from Manipur? Is that too soppy? I just love playing polo with people I gel with and they are the most amazing bunch of girls, I enjoyed playing with them more than I can say, they are my fantasy team! “I couldn’t have done it without. . .”? My family, especially my Dad. He has supported my polo behind the scenes my whole life, I couldn’t have played at all without his encouragement. Special mention has to go to my long suffering other half too, Mikey is constantly coaching me without me even knowing and he has been really supportive of the ladies’ polo, I owe a lot of my success last season to him.
Mystery Creek Women’s Tournament
Mystery Creek Women’s Final Teams: Reader Fishing: Missie Browne (NZ), Sian Barnacle (Australia), Zoe Reader (NZ) and Georgie Duncan (NZ) Bombay Hills: Martha Johnstone (NZ), Bianca Drake (NZ), Indie Bennetto (Australia) and Lottie Lamacraft (England) 42
Polo Times, April 2020
Photograph courtesy of Mystery Creek Polo Club
An outstanding International Woman’s Tournament, now in its fourth year, was held at New Zealand’s Mystery Creek Polo Club at the start of March by Nina Clarkin. 12 teams competed accross three levels over the weekend, made up of the nation’s top players as well as professional players from Australia, Hawaii, South Africa, England, Scotland and Africa. The dynamic winning team was Reader Fishing who beat Bombay Hills in a highly competitive match by four goals with a final score of 9-5. Most Valuable Player went to Sian Barnacle who received a purple MVP Ainsley Saddlery saddle as a prize. Nina commented, “I want to see the standard of women’s polo continue to grow in New Zealand and show that there are some of the most talented players in the world right here. This was the fourth tournament of its kind I’ve hosted and I’d like to make this one of the best women’s tournaments in the world moving forward. I love promoting, growing and supporting women’s polo in any way that I can and really want to get more people involved in this fantastic sport and watching women’s polo at the highest level.” Families enjoyed a free fun day with pony rides, face painting and a bouncy castle thanks to funding by the local Waipa Council.
Action from the International Woman’s Tournament
For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages
International & Home
Women’s Polo
African Ladies Triumph for the invitation and all those involved in the organisation. Here follows a quote from each girl in our team and I’d like to thank them again for inviting me to play with them, it was a pleasure ladies.” The Best Playing Pony was Pipi, owned by Fern Mcildowie played by Tessa Moxon. Pipi is a 9-year-old homebred mare that is out of a Mcildowie family high goal mare Oyster”, by a Thoroughbred stallion standing at the family station for the last 25 years. Her mother dates back to one of the original horses brought by Fern’s great grandfather, so there is close to 100 years of family breeding in that little black mare. “She’s been a super easy mare to start, really handy and lovely to hit off ” says Fern, Tessa can confirm that from the super chukka and goal she got off this quality pony. Jade Pinkney and Lee-Anne Spark spoke to Polo Times about their win, Jade Pinkney: “The fun nature and competitiveness of the African team mixed well together, allowing us to have an awesome time as well as getting our heads down to do the nitty gritty when we needed it.” Lee-Anne Spark: “It’s a team sport and we played like a team! Turning for back hands with confidence and securing a position as you believe the ball will come!”
Photography courtesy of Heloise Wilson-Smith
On Saturday 7 March, the African Ladies Polo Team triumphed over the New Zealand Ladies Team at The International Test Match at Mystery Creek Polo Club with a final score of 6-4. Heloise Wilson-Smith was also named Most Valuable Player. Polo Times spoke to Heloise about her experience, “It was a real joy to play for team Africa. Being married to my Kenyan husband Sean for seven years offers me the right to obtain a Kenyan passport. However, also having bred two little African-passported boys with Sean, the girls felt I was African enough to represent the continent so asked if I could join them. The team gelled really well from the second chukka and we started to make some lovely plays between us with each player scoring a goal from our team. The New Zealand side were tough competition and we thank them very much for inviting us and showing such hospitality. The horses lent to us were very nice. I had one from Missy Browne’s father Alan, and two from Kit Brooks, one of which won best turned out; Jandal, a lovely light responsive mare of his. Receiving MVP was very kind and down to Jandal’s great handle, however I am not used to being handed the microphone, so I need to work on my public speaking! I would like to thank the New Zealand team
The victorious Africa team!
International Test Match Teams: Africa (17): Heloise Wilson-Smith (6), Jade Pinckney (3), Tessa Moxon (4) & Lee-Ann Spark (4) New Zealand (17): Fern McIldowie (4), Zoe Reader (4), Izzy Kelsey (4) & Missy Browne (5)
Sarasota Women’s Challenge Between 25 February and 1 March, 12 teams across four handicap levels competed in The Sarasota Women’s Challenge at Sarasota Polo Club. Ten Oaks, featuring Brit Izzy Parsons, won the Finals of the USPA 16 Goal Sarasota Women’s Challenge A Flight with an undefeated record following an exciting two-day round-robin. Ten Oaks also swept up in the post-match presentations with Paige Boone being
named Most Valuable Player and Viru, also played by Boone, awarded the Best Playing Pony award with Boone commenting, “She’s incredibly handy with explosive power, she definitely gives me confidence when I play her.” In the Flight B round-robin, First On Site defeated Cavalia and Onemagnify in the Finals, with On Site’s Meghan Okerlund awarded the Most Valuable Player prize and Pina, played by Cavalia’s Courtney Asdourian the Best Playing Pony. In the Flight C level, the first match saw Investus defeat Tinicum and in the second match Ocala Macnawave beat Orange Theory Fitness; Investus won the Finals of the C Flight Sarasota Women’s Challenge with Lara Straussfeld the Most Valuable Player and Minnie, played by Straussfeld, the Best Playing Pony. La Irenita won the Finals of the D Flight Sarasota Women’s Challenge after defeating Red Hills Polo. Red Hills Polo’s Hanna Hornung was named the Most Valuable Player and Zatara, played by La Irenita’s Irene Lis-Planells was awarded the Best Playing Pony honours.
Photograph by Julio Aguilar
Sarasota Women’s Challenge Winning Teams Flight A – Ten Oaks (14): Kelly Beck (2), Izzy Parsons (7), Paige Boone (5) & Holly Chamberlain (0) Flight B – First On Site (8): Jocelyne Groulx (1), Meghan Okerlund (4), Ashlie Osburg (1) & Eliza Jacobellis (2) Flight C – Investus (4): Camille Ricaud (0), Uli Link (1), Lara Straussfeld (3) & Sabrina Straussfeld (0) Flight D – La Irenita (5): Irene Lis-Planells (0), Janis Pascarella (0), Lauren Proctor-Brown (0) & Courtney Asdourian (5) Flight A MVP Paige Boone shooting for goal
Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
Polo Times, April 2020
43
Women’s Polo
International & Home
Sunny Hale Memorial Tournament Sunny Hale Memorial Tournament Final Teams: Masai Palm Beach (16): Courtney Flynn (1), Alina Carta (4), Hope Arellano (7) & Pamela Flanagan (4)
San Saba (16): Dawn Jones (6), Kendall Plank (4), Taylor Scilufo (0) & Clarissa Echezarreta (6) Avalon Farm (16): Margaux Buchanan (2), Kylie Sheehan (5), Cecelia Cochran (5) & Alyson Poor (4)
Photograph courtesy of Grand Champions Polo Club
A windy Wednesday 26 February saw three teams compete in a round-robin Final for the fourth annual Sunny Hale Memorial Tournament at Santa Rita Polo Farm. Masai Palm Beach took the overall win after defeating San Saba 3-0 and Avalon Farm 4-1. The Best Playing Pony was Manucho, owned and played by Kylie Sheehan and the Most Valuable Player was Hope Arellano, who commented “I’m so excited, I had a really fun game. I got to play with Pamela, Alina and Courtney. We’re all great friends so it was a lot of fun.” The tournament honours Sunny Hale, one of the best women’s polo players who sadly passed away on 26 February 2017 at just 48-years-old. Hale championed women’s polo in the USA and women’s polo is now the largest growing part of polo in the USPA.
Twelve players competed in this year’s tournament
Brits Win in Thailand! I was so lucky to receive MVP and won a Michael Kors handbag and also Best Playing Pony on Morocha. It is safe to say that no one in the tournament rode a bad horse!” Fellow team mate Rosanna Turk commented to Polo Times, “I was lucky enough to get the call up from Hazel a couple of weeks prior to the event and jumped at the chance of going! The team was Hazel and Rachael Hughes, from Cote D’Azure Polo Club in France, and Vero Magnasco from Argentina. King Power Polo Club is AMAZING! Beautiful grounds and Club, with the horses impeccably well looked after. Each horse had their own groom! Our first game was against the home King Power team. It was a really strong team with three English pros who were very tough, but we managed to get a win. In our next match we were against the Marengo team, with Lia Salvo at the helm. We won this in the final chukka, having been behind for the first three chukkas and it was an incredibly close game. As a result of the draw in the final we were against the Marengo team again. We were lucky enough to have the games filmed by PoloLine which made it much easier to analyse our play, and I learnt a huge amount from Hazel through this. It was awesome to take home the victory, and I can’t thank my team and everyone at King Power for their hospitality enough!” King Power International Ladies’ Polo Tournament 2020 Teams: King Power (20): Ploy Bhinsaeng (3), Holly Butler (4), Emma Boers (5) & Sarah Wiseman (8)
Photography courtesy of Malaysian Polo
From Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 February four teams competed at King Power Polo, Samutprakan, Thailand for the King Power International Ladies’ Polo Tournament 2020. The four teams featured many of the best female international ladies polo players including Lía Salvo and Brits Hazel Jackson-Gaona, Sarah Wiseman, Milly Hine, Emma Boers, Rosanna Turk and Rebecca Walters. After some intense competition it was Cote D’Azur Polo Team who took first place after defeating Marengo polo Team 8-3 in the Final; King Power Polo Team took third position and Korea Polo Club in fourth place. Jackson-Gaona, who was part of the winning Cote D’Azur Polo Team, was named Most Valuable Player and commented to Polo Times “King Power is one of my favourite tournaments – the organisation is one of the top three for me, the fields and the horses are on another level and the hospitality was phenomenal. The 20 goal level made the tournament really competitive with three teams having three pros on board,
Cote D’Azur Polo Team celebrating their win
Marengo (19): Sonia Couling (1), Sabrina-Entio Bradley (3), Rebecca Walters (6) & Lia Salvo (9) Cote d’Azur Polo Team (19): Rachael Hughes (0), Vero Magnasco (4), Rosanna Turk (5) & Hazel Jackson-Gaona (10) Korea Polo Club (14): Jessica Chua Nodland (0), Gyul Hanna Yoo (1), Milly Hine (6) & Clara Cassino (7)
Hazel Jackson-Gaona, the Most Valuable Player
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For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages
International & Home
Women’s Polo
2020 Tabebuia Cup
Photography by Laura Linfoot Townsend
Cresta Soleada replied with two converted penalties and a goal from Hope Arellano, which meant that by half-time Cresta Soleada were in the lead with a narrow score of 3½-3. Gillian Johnston, later named Most Valuable Player for her efforts, effectively shut San Saba out of the second half with strong defensive plays. Arellano scored another goal, followed by two more penalties for Cresta Soleada which gave them a conclusive winning score of 6½-3. Annabelle Gundlach’s Picasa was awarded the Best Playing Pony prize.
Cresta Soleada, winners of the 2020 Tabebuia Cup
Hope Arellano in action for Cresta Soleada
On Saturday 7 March, San Saba and Cresta Soleada went head to head at Port Mayaca Polo Club in the 2020 Tabebuia Cup Final. Cresta Soleada began the match with a half
goal handicap advantage, despite this the first half was very even. San Saba’s Kendall Plank secured two field goals, plus a penalty conversion by Dawn Jones. However,
The Tabebuia Cup Final Teams: Cresta Soleada (15): Ariana Gravinese (0), Grace Mudra (2), Hope Arellano (7) & Gillian Johnston (6) San Saba (16): Annabelle Gundlach (0), Dawn Jones (6), Clarissa Echezarrta (6) & Kendall Plank (4)
Zambia Pink Polo Photograph courtesy of Zambia Pink Polo
The 2020 Ladies Pink Polo Tournament will be held at Lilayi Polo Club between 19 – 21 June, aiming to raise money for the ZCS as well as promoting women’s polo in Zambia. Six teams will participate, with a junior tournament also scheduled to take place. The tournament will also be accompanied by The Zambian Ladies International 16 goal Test Match between Zambia and Kenya on the Sunday. In 2017 and 2018 the Zambia Polo Association has raised over £8,000 for the Zambian Cancer Society (ZCS). The money raised this year will be go towards the development of a mobile app for cancer patients and their caregivers, initially focusing on breast cancer. The features will include up-to-date cancer information, inspiring stories, hints and tips, upcoming ZCS events plus links to the breast cancer audio guides and other resources. The 2020 Ladies Pink Polo Tournament will be held Club between 19 – 21 June
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Youth
All Aspects of Youth Polo
Photography by Nicola Blakely
National Junior Gold & Silver Cups
Asian Art, winners of The National Junior Gold Cup
Small But Mighty lift high The National Junior Silver Cup
On Sunday 15 March, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (RCBPC) hosted the first National Junior Gold Cup and National Junior Silver Cup. In the Junior Gold Cup, Asian Art Juniors trio (Raffi Bruckner, Josh Hyde and Findlay Turner) ran the gauntlet against the New Forest Young Guns (Jacob Watson, George Williams and Rufus Burrell Thomas). A fast paced game saw some spectacular tactical play from young Raffi Bruckner on pocket rocket Totti and solid defence from Jacob Watson. Findlay Turner ultimately widened the gap dramatically with a succession of big shot two pointers. Ultimately with team Asian Art Juniors,
sponsored by RCBPC patron Chris Bruckner winning 13-3 and claiming two weeks training in Argentina with GA Polo Holidays as their prize. In the Junior Silver Cup Final Neogem struggled to gain ground in the first half due to a key player experiencing pony difficulties, making for a difficult second half to recover. Small But Mighty’s Matti Maldonado and Scarlet Picksey capitalised on this by pushing the goals through at a fast pace. Strong defensive work from Charlie Hipwood, who also scored five goals for Neogem in attack, but it wasn’t enough and Small But Mighty ran out the winners 14-10.
After the matches the prizes were presented by RCBPC Chairman Jamie Morrison and Flora Maclennan, an up-and-coming junior player. The Most Valuable Players were Findlay Turner in the Junior Gold Cup and joint MVPs in the Junior Silver Cup for Charlie Hipwood and Matti Maldonado (Maldonado was the highest scorer of the Junior Silver Cup with seven goals). Lola, owned by Oxford Polo and played by Hector Rogberg was the Association of Polo Schools and Horse Hirers (APSPH) Best Playing Pony. The organisers thanked the tournament sponsors: Bruckner, MacLennan, Blakeley and Hipwood families and Cool Hooves.
SUPA Seniors Schools National Championships On Sunday 1 March, The SUPA Seniors Schools National Championships took place at Rugby Polo Club in the Midlands. 34 teams attended, split into four divisions, with the Club filled to the brim with excited players from over 24 schools. The results were as follows: Intermediate Div I 1. Marlborough White 2. Wellington B 3. Bancroft/Chelmer Valley
Novice 1. Rugby Red 2. Cheltenham College B 3. Marlborough Blue
Open Div II 1. Stowe A 2. Rugby A 3. Harrow A
Intermediate Div II 1. Queenswood 2. Felsted 3. Shrewsbury
Open Div I 1. Cheltenham College A 2. Wellington A 3. Millfield White
Photograph courtesy of SUPA
Beginners 1. Stowe D 2. Radley 3. Felsted B
The SUPA Seniors prizes
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For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages
All Aspects of Youth Polo
Youth
Senior Schools Girls’ National Championships chukkas from start to finish, with impressive end-to-end play covering the whole arena with some very professional play. The parents and players gathered at the side of the arena gave plenty of support and enthusiasm to the all chukkas especially the last chukka of the day which was the Open Final. Lottie Harper from Wellington College was named the day’s Most Promising Player. The results were as follows:
Intermediate Div I 1st Hurst Mix 2nd Wellington College 3rd Queenswood Mix
Open 1st Heathfield 2nd Cheltenham College
Beginners 1st Marlborough Blue 2nd Heathfield Sapphires
Intermediate Div II 1st Rugby 2nd Wycombe Abbey 3rd Marlborough Mix 4th Stowe
Photograph by Gill Glimmerveen
On Sunday 8 March, 43 players packed their polo kit ready for a day of exciting polo, alongside a weather forecast that had no mention of frost or snow, the perfect recipe for a great day of school’s polo at Black Bears Polo Club. The SUPA tournaments are coordinated and run by volunteer stewards for the Schools and University Polo Association, who spend hours putting the jigsaw pieces together for the smooth running of the day and their efforts didn’t go to waste, as the enthusiasm was clear on the faces of the players and supporters on the day. The 43 players were split into 14 teams, divided into four divisions. The intermediate Div I section had a record 6sixteams entered. 12schools had teams or individuals taking part in the 21 chukka event. The day’s play showcased the up and coming talent available nationally in the schools. Many schools do not have the luxury of complete teams and SUPA are now in the position to place individual players into suitable teams and divisions when possible. The beginner’s division saw young players out for their first competitive chukkas against other schools. Although play was slower than the Intermediate division, it was no less exciting. The Open Division was strong with two teams entered, Cheltenham College and Heathfield Diamonds. The play saw full on
Open Winners Heathfield
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Pony Power
Knowledge
Sapphire
Height: 15.1hh Age: Nine-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Bryony Taylor Tournament: The Ladies Arena British Open at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? I’m not entirely sure of her breeding, but she is an English Thoroughbred. I bought her a fewyears-ago because she was basically really cooked and kept leaping.
How has she gone this season? She was my best horse in The Ladies’ Open last year and has been amazing this year too. This is my first proper year playing her, so there is lots more come from her I’m sure. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not with me yet, but she definitely deserves them!
Photograph by Polo Times
How long have you had her? A few, great years! What are her strengths? She always works really well for me.
What are your plans for her in the future? Just continue to see how she does and she will have a rest at the end of the winter.
really careful where I take her. She is a very sensitive creature. Describe her in three words. Fast, mental, amazing.
Does she have any special quirks? She is scared of everything. I have to be
Machitos Vida
Height: 15.2hh Age: 12-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Patrick Maleitzke Tournament: The Cuvée 450 Arena Gold Cup at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is of Los Machitos breeding, from Ellerstina Monaguillo and out of Machitos Viparita.
How has she gone this season? She played The Open de France in Chantilly last year with me and the High Goal Championships in Germany. She plays all year round and performs excellently every time she plays. Has she won any other Best Playing
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Photograph by The Art of Polo
How long have you had her? I bought her two-years-ago. What are her strengths? She is always fighting and never gives up. She always gives her everything. Pony Awards? Before we bought her, she was awarded the Best Playing Pony at The Open de France with Martin Aguerre. What are your plans for her in the future? This year, she will play in England with me in the high goal, in The Prince of
Wales Trophy at The Berkshire, The Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club and The Gold Cup at Cowdray. Describe her in three words. Powerful, characterful, strong.
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Knowledge
Playing Tips
Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Polo Pony Collection
Collection helps your pony play better Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Alfredo Bigatti’s pony stretching out to accelerate
If you can accept the fact that helping your polo pony playing more effectively helps you be a more effective player, then understanding how to help your horse collect, or compress, its body is where your chances of being that more effective polo player becomes enhanced. Collecting or compressing your horse’s body is accomplished by using your lower legs on its sides to drive its hind end forward, while at the same time supporting its front end by way of the reins connected to the bit in its mouth. When you collect, or compress, your horse, it is generating potential energy in its body, and at the same time stabilising and balancing itself to execute movements with 50
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varying degrees of intensity and accuracy. When you consider how often your horse is asked to accelerate, decelerate, and/or change direction, the necessity of having your polo pony collected becomes obvious. If you factor in the intensity with which it must respond at times, collected proportionately takes on a whole new meaning. I remember watching a tape a few years back, of a Rolex $250,000 Gold Cup. At one point, the tape reverted to slow motion to make the viewer aware of the powerful, controlled and precise movements of the great polo pony, Alabama, who was performing under the direction of 9 goal player, Joe Barry. I was enthralled at
watching Alabama, while running at 30 mph (48 kph), literally dance under Joe as Joe was adjusting him to move aggressively laterally into a ride-off. Joe had Alabama collected, compressed and supported to a degree of being able to control Alabama’s every move at 30 mph. As Alabama was running, it was obvious that he was waiting with great anticipation for whatever manoeuvre Joe might want next. The muscles in Alabama’s body were trembling with excitement, his eyes were open wide in expectation of the next manoeuvre and his nostrils were flaring with eagerness. He was ready for whatever the next manoeuvre might be, and for whenever it might be coming. www.polotimes.co.uk
Playing Tips The critical aspect was that Alabama was collected to a degree that allowed him to respond to Joe’s slightest movement. When that movement came, Alabama was ready, willing and able to respond. I think I can promise you that your polo pony can execute some incredible moves for you when it is appropriately collected, compressed, energised and balanced. A critical component of collecting, or supporting, your horse is that of following its natural head movement with your rein hand(s).
Follow horse’s natural head movement with your rein hand(s)
The way that works is, when galloping, your horse’s feet move forward and down. Correspondingly, its head moves forward and down. As those two things are happening, your rein hand should move forward and down. When you can do that, you will be supporting your horse with a constant and consistent pressure that is sending a message to him/her that it can understand and interpret relative to what you want, when you want it and the degree of intensity with which it should deliver it. Additionally, when your horse is beginning another stride, its feet are being lifted up and back. At the same time, its head is moving up and back. As those two things are happening, your rein hand(s) should be moving up and back. Likewise, when decelerating, your horse will be shortening its stride. To facilitate the shorter stride, its head moves up and back. As that is happening, your rein hand(s) should move up and back correspondingly to facilitate maintaining a supportive pressure on your horse’s mouth that is consistent with the intensity of the decelerating effort. Following your horse’s natural head movement applies during the decelerating process. However, its head does not move anywhere near as much as it does when running. Consequently, your rein hand(s)
Knowledge
should not move any more than your horse’s head does. As a matter of fact, an objective of the decelerating process should be to restrain your horse’s head movement. Your rein hand(s) should follow that movement to the degree that your horse’s head is moving. By doing so, you are maintaining a supportive pressure on your horse’s mouth, which helps it maintain its body collected, compressed, energised and balanced to the degree of the intensity of the decelerating manoeuvre. With your horse’s hind end being driven forward and under its body, your lower legs should be squeezing, tapping, or kicking its sides, while your rein hand is simultaneously holding, or supporting, its front end. Your horse is in the process of collecting, or compressing, its body. It will collect, or compress; its body equal to the degree that your legs and hands are working together to produce a degree of intensity that should be consistent with the degree of intensity of the intended manoeuvre. The important factor to take away from this article is – your horse has a natural way of moving. Because of that, your movement on its back should be consistent. Equally as important is the degree of intensity at which your horse is to execute the intended manoeuvre, because at 30 mph, the degree of collective support needed is significantly greater than at 10 mph.
Photograph courtesy of Rege Ludwig
Restraining your horse’s head for deceleration
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Knowledge
Nutrition Focus
Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Muzzles A muzzled horse
Photography by Lorna Egdar
Alternatives to controversial muzzling of polo ponies
Max Charlton’s pony stabled with ad-lib hay
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The ‘fluffy brigade’ are now back in after a long, wet winter, here’s hoping they are enjoying being pampered and warm whilst turned into beautiful athletes ready for a summer of polo! As horses come into work and I begin my yard visits for the summer season, I often get asked questions that inspire me for subjects I should bring up in my Polo Times articles, and this year already, I have been asked of my opinion on muzzles, so I thought I would share my opinions and reasoning with you. Doing what I do as a nutritionist, I am visiting yards that encompass all disciplines (eventing, dressage, endurance, racing, show jumping etc) across the equine industry, and it is only polo where muzzles are frequently used in some yards to stop horses eating. And, yes when I worked in polo all those years ago as a groom, I too put muzzles on horses as part of my job, but if only I knew then what I know now, I would have protested! My reasons why are as follows… • Physiologically – a muzzle is introduced to STOP the horse eating and in doing so has an impact on: o The lack of saliva being produced from chewing – and it is saliva which acts as a buffer in the stomach o An increased risk of gastric ulcers – as gastric acid is CONTINUOUSLY produced whether they are eating or not o The increase of acidosis in the hind gut – caused by a disruption of the gut pH from an acidic environment when inadequate amounts of fibre are not being received o Acidosis will harm beneficial fibredigesting bacteria o A reduced gut motility – which will increase the risk of colic • Psychologically – the horse has evolved to be a trickle feeder that grazes, not a meal eater like humans! Stopping this with a muzzle can cause frustration, anxiety and depression which could be shown in the development of stereotypical behaviour, ‘grumpiness’ or becoming withdrawn • The respiratory tract must be impacted – especially where muzzles are taped and debris from bedding collects and is not cleaned regularly • Risk of dehydration – increased from horses not wanting to, or finding it difficult, to drink through a muzzle • When muzzles are tied on with baling twine, this is likely to cause pressure to the poll or cheek www.polotimes.co.uk
Nutrition Focus
Oli Hipwood’s pony in ready for summer work to start
I know that if you take time to think about what a muzzle is doing you will realise what impact it is causing. BUT there are positive options to reduce the fibre intake so they won’t want to eat their beds, rather than using muzzles – small holed hay nets, double netting to make holes smaller, trickle feeding nets, small regular amounts of hay/haylage – four to five times per day or just allowing them to self-regulate. When they first come in from the winter, their digestive tract needs to adjust to the changes in diet, so rather than restricting them straight away, allow them ad lib hay or haylage from this point. They will continue to self-regulate their forage, as they would have done for the last five months in the field. They will continue to graze rather than becoming ‘meal eaters’ as they realise, they won’t be going without food. For those greedy individuals who don’t have a ‘stop button’, then try implementing the above suggestions to help control their body weight, whilst also reducing the risk of gastric ulcers and not having to be muzzled. I do have concerns for polo regarding muzzles, and the overall impression it is giving to those that follow the sport or already have negative thoughts about the sport.
Knowledge
Ad-lib haylage helps horses coming into work
After reading a recent article in Polo Times expressing concerns that AirBnB are stating polo has animal welfare concerns, what will the public, ‘horsey or non-horsey’ be thinking? My concerns extend to the use of social media when barns of horses are shown with muzzles on or muzzles hanging outside stable doors, it is really not sending the right impression about the sport that polo should be. C ontact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
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Knowledge
Yoga for Polo Natalie Willcock is a celebrated teacher with two decades of teaching experience. She sold her business to concentrate on teaching freelance, running retreats and coaching squads, offering Yoga and Pilates in the United Kingdom and Argentina. Natalie was a resident teacher at Home House, a private members’ club in Portman Square and travelled extensively offering personnel instruction to a star-studded client list of famous actors, models and sports personalities. She started riding after retiring from her dance career and meeting her now husband, who had worked in the equestrian industry for twenty years breaking in yearlings. Natalie regularly attends polo matches at Cambridge County Polo Club where her husband is a member. In this first article of a series of six, Natalie focuses on pre-match exercises
Pre-Match Exercises The practice of yoga has numerous physical and mental benefits. Physically, doing yoga postures makes you stronger and more flexible, both of which are key factors to a healthy body on and off the field. In the October issue of Polo Times “Yoga for Polo” looked at beneficial standing yoga poses for the polo player. In this month’s issue we look at a pre-match warm-up. The sequence can be modified to accommodate either physical ability or time restraints. Tension, stiffness and rigidity greatly reduce our body mechanics making our body more prone to injury. Therefore, muscular tension or stiffness in the body is heightened and consequently, puts more strain on the body, often manifesting in joint or limb pain. Yoga helps relieve muscular tension or stiffness by improving strength, flexibility and balance. Not only does this make us feel healthier, but also enables us to sense strain in time to prevent injury or damage. Many injuries occur because we didn’t sense the strain at the time. Yoga keeps the nervous system elastic and capable of bearing stress. One of the anatomical benefits of warming-up is that fluids are released into the joints, creating space between the joints, thus helping the muscles become more supple and pliable, reducing the risk of injury as well as making muscular responses faster and more precise. By regularly practicing these exercises, you decrease your risk of sustaining injuries when playing polo or in everyday activities. The following sequence is a pre-match warm-up for polo players. These include a selection of the important preliminary series of yoga poses which develop awareness to the body, helps to open up all the major joints and relaxes the muscles of the body. These postures incorporate flexion, extension, hip opening and twisting/revolving of the spine as well as shoulder mobilisation; all of which are paramount in keeping the polo player supple, especially increasing flexibility in the back and torso. The postures are not held for too long, they simply flow with your breath, from an inhalation to an exhalation. With each posture, take at least three seconds to inhale and three seconds to exhale. As 54
Polo Times, April 2020
you practice the sequence, make sure you are lengthening your spine, your stomach is engaged and your neck is free from tension allowing your shoulder blades to slide down and out rather than up and in. Focus should be on alignment into the bones, joints and muscles, as well as balance and stability whilst in a pose. Obviously, one has to learn to build awareness and proprioception whilst performing the warm-up sequence however, this is no different to learning and perfecting the art of hitting a ball; the player learns through repetition. Your weight has to be evenly distributed over muscles, bones and joints. As you practice and become familiar with the sequence you will build strength, balance and flexibility. Your length of breath can also become longer with practice. Be aware of your physical limitations and do not strain. Beginners must first learn the art of stability in a pose. Focus is on technique to obtain the maximum benefit from each posture.
Photography by Yoga for Polo
How yoga can assist your game
Shoulder socket rotation (Skandha Chakra)
3) Trunk – Lateral side stretch/side bend, swaying palm tree pose. Stand with feet more than shoulder width apart. Interlock the fingers and turn the palms outwards. Inhale
Pre-Match Warm-Up
1) Neck – Stand tall with your arms by your side feel the connection from the heels to the back of the head. Exhale. Roll head slowly in all directions, clockwise and counter clockwise, stretching, but not straining. Inhale on the backward movement, exhale on the forward movement. If this feels too uncomfortable then just take the gaze up and down (inhale to look up, exhale to look down), then side to side (Exhale side, inhale to front). 2) Shoulders and Arms – Shoulder socket rotation (Skandha Chakra). Bring fingertips to the top of your shoulders with elbows bent and in a smooth easy motion circle the shoulders forward x 10, then backwards x 10. Inhale on the upward stroke, exhale on the backward stroke. Fully rotate both elbows at the same time in a large circle. Try to touch the elbows in front of the chest on the forward movement and touch the ears while moving the elbows backwards. Next, raise the arms over the head and then lower to shoulder level and make circles with the hands and arms, first in one direction then the opposite direction x10 each direction.
Lateral side stretch/side bend, swaying palm tree pose
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Yoga for Polo
Waist rotating pose (Kati Chakrasana)
Mountain Pose into one legged balance
as you raise the arms over the head reaching upwards. Exhale while bending to the right side of the waist, hold for a few seconds then inhale as you slowly come back up to stand tall. Exhale while releasing the posture. Repeat side bend to the left. Return to upright position. Repeat x 10 times. 4) Waist rotating pose (Kati Chakrasana) – inhale as you bring your arms to shoulder level, then as you exhale twist the body to the right. Bring the left hand to the right shoulder and wrap the right arm around the back, bringing the right hand around the left side of the waist. Look over the right shoulder as far as is comfortable. Hold for two seconds accentuating the twist, gently stretching the abdomen. Inhale returning to the centre. Exhale while releasing the pose. Repeat the other side. Practice five to 10 times.
Knowledge
Standing knee to chest with spiral
outstretched hand. Keeping the abdominals engaged, breathe deeply and slowly without strain. Inhale to lengthen and exhale to increase the spiral of the spinal column. Inhale to look straight ahead. Exhale to either lower the leg down. 7) Equestrian pose (Ashwa Sanchalanasana) – Inhale deeply while stretching the right leg back into a low lunge (see below). The front knee is bent and the weight is transferred to the front foot/heel. Allow the back leg to fully stretch comfortably without distorting the pelvis (keep both hip bones facing forwards). Do not strain,
depending on flexibility, the fingertips or palms can touch the floor or rest onto the front thigh. Physically be aware of the stretch from the thigh through to the lower back. People with knee or ankle problems should not take the full pose. Instead take a shorter stance and keep the front heel directly beneath the front knee. Option of introducing a crescent lunge/Anjaneyasana reaching arms up. 8) Adding twist/Parivrtta Parsvakonasana – Place hands to prayer position in front of the chest or place the right palm on the floor as you rotate the torso
5) Standing – Mountain Pose into one legged balance. Standing tall with the feet together or about 10cm apart, press the feet firmly into the floor and lengthen through the crown of the head. Next, bring the right knee in towards the chest interlacing the fingers below the knee and hugging the thigh. Tighten and lift the kneecap and pull the thigh muscles up of the supporting leg to keep strong and balanced. Hold for 30-60 seconds. This exercise tones the legs and teaches balance. 6) Next, exhale as you circle the same arm as the bent knee up, back and stretch out and hold shoulder height whilst effectively rotating the spine, looking towards the www.polotimes.co.uk
Equestrian pose (Ashwa Sanchalanasana)
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Knowledge
Yoga for Polo
Crescent lunge (Anjaneyasana)
Parivrtta Parsvakonasana
Intense side stretch (Parsvottanasana)
towards the bent leg. Diagonally reaching the arms out. The back knee remains down or for a stronger stretch the back knee can be off the floor.
Lunge position
Half forward fold (Ardha Uttanasana)
Alternative half forward fold for those with less flexibility
bending the knees. 14) Inhale to roll up to standing to articulate the spine bringing your arms up (option of coming up in a flat back) reaching the arms up then as you exhale, returning to standing.
9) Return to the lunge position. 10) Intense side stretch (Parsvottanasana) – Exhale to carefully step the back leg in so that you can comfortably stretch both hamstrings keeping the head in line with the front foot and not beyond. Use your hips as a hinge to simultaneously press the front leg long and lower the torso over the front leg. Feet must be hip width distance apart or heel to heel alignment. Square off the hips. Lift the kneecaps and thighs as you straighten the legs, if you feel the front knee locking then micro bend the front knee to avoid hyperextension. 11) Step the right leg forward to meet the left leg and inhale into: 12) Half forward fold (Ardha Uttanasana) – Inhale and look forward, lengthen the stomach and draw the navel to spine whilst you slide your shoulders blades away from your ears. 13) Forward Fold (Uttanasana) – Exhale fold the body forward placing the hands either on your shins or on the floor, keeping the heels down and try to work towards straightening the legs whilst engaging the thighs. This pose can be modified by 56
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15) Raised arms pose – Utthita Hasta (Hasta Utthanasana). Inhale while raising the arms up above the head keeping the arms shoulder width apart. (Option: raise the heels off the floor to work on physical and mental balance). Feel the connection between your arms and your back and lift the arms as you slide your shoulder blades down. Look up without collapsing in the neck. Allow the upper body to extend/bend slightly backwards to stretch the abdomen and bring expansion of breath into the lungs. Bring the arms down by your sides and roll your shoulders up, back and down. Repeat the whole sequence on the left side starting from the Standing – Mountain Pose into one legged balance bringing the left knee into the chest. The above warm-up can be built up progressively. As you practice these poses, each asana will become more familiar to you. When the body is structurally free and balanced, the reflexes are sharper, the translation of sensation into action is more efficient and the spontaneous adjustments of the body from movement to movement are more harmonious. In practice and in life, it’s important that you balance effort with ease. When you ride horses, you learn patience and the
Forward fold (Uttanasana)
importance of having a method and doing things correctly. The same is said for practising yoga and any exercise discipline building the correct foundations will hopefully avoid dysfunctional movement habits developing. It is all about being effective. In the next issue, we will cover postmatch stretches for polo players. If you have any questions for Natalie or something you would like to see covered in the forthcoming issues, then get in touch.
Raised arm pose (Utthita Hasta)
For more information on Yoga for Polo, please contact Natalie on 07887 646228 or Email: natalie@yoganata.co.uk Website: www.yoganata.co.uk Areas Covered: Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Surrey, Sussex & Argentina.
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Knowledge
Vet Insight
Fiona Jacob MA VetMB CERP MRCVS Fi graduated from Cambridge University and moved to Gloucestershire to join Tomlinson Equine in 2009. After three polo seasons based at Beaufort Polo Club and a lot of travelling and working abroad in the off-seasons, she moved to Australia to work with racehorses. In 2015 Fi moved back to the UK and completed a certificate in equine orthopaedic injury rehabilitation based in the USA in 2016. Fi has been based back at Tomlinson Equine since then, maintaining her interest in orthopaedics but also developing a renewed interest in internal medicine issues such as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome. When not on the side of a polo pitch or scanning legs looking for thorns in the hunters, Fi has a love of travel and always has the next adventure booked!
Equine Stomach Ulcers What is New?
All of you involved with polo ponies and competition horses will be familiar with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), and some of the performance issues and risk factors associated with this disease. Based on more recent work in this field, if you are experiencing issues related to stomach ulcers in your horses, your vet will now likely talk to you about two distinctly different forms of the disease rather than the classical ‘acid splashing’ ulcers that we are historically more familiar with. The aim of this article is to give you an overview of the two types of stomach ulcers in equines and how the treatment and management of them is slightly different.
Clinical Signs & Diagnosis
affecting the darker area of the stomach. The other image (Figure Two) shows the normal glandular ‘lower’ section of the stomach and the entrance to the small intestine.
Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD)
This is the classic and historic form of ulcers in horses that we are all familiar with and is primarily a disease of domestication and intensive management. ESGD refers to when the pink ‘top’ half of the horse’s stomach becomes damaged from the hydrochloric acid within the stomach. This part of the stomach lining is not designed to deal with harsh acid, which damages the surface and creates pain through erosion and sometimes bleeding of the affected areas. The ulcers are graded from 0 to 4 depending on severity, with 0 being normal. Grade 1 ulcers are of varying clinical significance and do not always require treatment, and grades 2 up to 4 reflect ulceration of increasing severity and size of area affected. The majority of horses that suffer from this form of ulcers have
Photography courtesy of Fi Jacob
Gastroscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosing stomach ulcers and involves sedating the horse to place a three metre long endoscope down the horse’s gullet and into the stomach. Blood tests and looking at manure samples for evidence of ulceration
has proven unreliable for assessing stomach ulcers, and you are unable to reliably diagnose them via these methods. Clinical signs of stomach ulcers in horses are often non-specific and varied, highlighting the importance of gastroscopy for effective diagnosis since they can present like many other conditions, including orthopaedic pain, as well as other internal issues with the liver and digestive tract. Classic ‘girthy’ behaviour is often noted by owners, but is not always well correlated to the presence of stomach ulceration in veterinary studies. Horses will often present with a lack of willingness in their work, some owners report the appearance of increasingly unpredictable behaviour under saddle, as well as a poor coat condition, weight loss, reluctance to eat hard feed or mild colic signs after eating. The image below left (Figure One) shows a normal empty equine stomach, with the pale pink ‘top’ half of the stomach and the darker pink ‘bottom’ half of the stomach. The classic acid splashing ulcers affect the pale pink area of the stomach, with the glandular ulcers
Figure One
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Figure Two
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Vet Insight normal intestinal tracts but are just subjected to a variety of risk factors making them prone to gastric ulceration. More rarely, some horses get ulcers of this type because they have an issue with emptying their stomach normally. These will be likely be detected on a stomach scope with your vet. The risk factors commonly associated with this form of ulcer are crib-biting (although we have not been able to establish whether the cribbing causes ulcers or the other way around, but there is a very strong association between the two), increased amount of time and intensity of work, high levels of carbohydrate in the feeds and lack of regular forage intake (hay/grass/haylage). Horses with this type of ulceration are generally easier to treat and achieve resolution than the second type of ulcers we will be discussing, with about 90 percent of horses given an appropriate buffered Omeprazole course being cured with four weeks of treatment. Importantly, this should be combined with management changes to reduce the chances of recurrence once medication has ceased: • Try to split hard feed requirements over three to four feeds a day rather than two • Adding corn oil to each feed (50mls) • Feeding 2kg of forage (chaff/hay) an hour or so before exercise • Feed supplements to help regulate the acidity of the stomach contents can be helpful • Ask your vet for advice on when to give the Omeprazole medications, as they are best absorbed from an empty stomach, so this is often best first thing in the morning and then feeding the horse an hour later It is generally recommended to repeat the gastroscopy on these horses about four weeks after treatment is started, in the hope that we can confirm resolution of the ulcers and adjust treatment and management accordingly. A lot of owners will report an improvement in their horse after just five to seven days of medication, but the full course should be given to try and achieve resolution.
Knowledge
The below left image (Figure Three) shows grade 2 ulceration and the image on the right (Figure Four) shows more severe bleeding ulcers covering a large area of the squamous lining. This second image is consistent with grade 4 ulceration.
Equine Glandular Gastric Disease
The ‘lower’ half of the equine stomach has a darker colour to the lining. This lining is designed to cope with acid content but can still become ulcerated and present performance and weight loss issues in affected horses. It is this form of the disease which has received a lot of research in recent years and is becoming better understood. Ulcers in this area can be more varied in appearance, with some being ulcerated craters but others being lumpy and nodular. Disease affecting this part of the stomach is thought to be more important in explaining weight loss cases, and less important in your ‘girthy’ behavioural ulcer cases. With this type of ulcer syndrome, the risk factors are slightly different. It is thought that having multiple carers/handlers is likely to increase the incidence of these ulcers, as well as the horse being worked five or more days per week. Interestingly it is the number of days in a week that the horse works, rather than the intensity of that exercise which is thought to be important in these glandular ulcer horses. There is no link to cribbing and this type of ulceration. The top right image (Figure Five) shows a more unusual type of ulcer that can be found in this glandular part of the stomach. The image on the right (Figure Six) shows nasty bleeding ulcers affecting the glandular part of the stomach in an endurance horse. Treatment to achieve resolution of these ulcers tends to take longer, require more medication types and also be less predictable than the classic acid splashing ulcers. Your vet will likely recommend not only the daily Omeprazole medication, but also combining this with a mucosal protectant liquid. In some cases, an injectable medication can be used should
Figure Five
Figure Six
first line treatment prove ineffective. It is generally recommended to repeat the gastroscopy on these horses about two months after starting treatment, since doing earlier than this often doesn’t allow enough time for the ulceration to be significantly improved. The take home messages from this article are that really you cannot know for certain if your horse is affected by stomach ulceration unless you do a gastroscopy to examine the lining of the empty stomach. If diagnosed, the location and severity of the ulcers will determine the best course of action treatment wise. The severity and grade of the ulcers found on gastroscopy do not necessarily correlate to how severely the horse is affected or how it will respond to treatment, so each case should be discussed individually with your veterinary surgeon. In addition to medications, the key to controlling these ulcers and reducing their recurrence comes from making management changes where possible.
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Figure Four
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04/12/2015 14:58
Polo Fitness
Knowledge
India Parker-Smith founded Chukka Wellness – a company dedicated to helping polo players become fitter and stronger athletes. For several years, India worked as a Personal Trainer at one of Chelsea’s premier private members’ clubs and began to train some of the world’s leading sportsmen and women. India trains both international and UK Polo professionals focusing not only on functional movements and body maintenance, but also advising clients on fuelling their bodies correctly for mental alertness and physical endurance. India’s four part fitness series begins with how to get fit at your polo yard
Utilising Polo Field Boards Get fit at polo We all know how demanding polo can be on the muscles and joints; players are constantly twisting, rotating, swinging, stretching and maybe even taking the occasional tumble. Without the right body maintenance, players can suffer from long-term injuries and muscle tightness, preventing them from performing at their best. Combine this with a hectic travel schedule and there is little time to care for one’s own health and fitness. A 2012 review study found that a well-implemented warm up consisting of stretching, strengthening, balance and agility helped reduce injuries to joints. It is key to
1) Bunny hops Place both hands on the boards; keep both feet together and jump side to side over the boards.
be prepared mentally and physically before playing polo and to know when to rest it and let it recover. Fortunately, more and more professional players are hiring trainers and taking their fitness regime to the next level. Chukka Wellness spoke to a variety of successful players who all preferred to ‘cross-train’; this involves using a variety of training activities (swimming, functional work, cycling, stretching etc) to give an all-inclusive training programme. Their main aim was to stay strong and healthy whilst avoiding injury at all costs. Chukka Wellness has taken inspiration
from these players and created a series of simple but effective workouts. To reduce the hassle of requiring a gym membership, we have ensured these workouts require only equipment that players will find at their local Polo Club. This month’s workout involves the use of the polo field boards! Polo Field Board Workout • Perform each exercise for 30 seconds • One minute rest in between sets • Three to four sets
2) Squat jumps Bend your knees and push your hips back into a squat (as though you are sitting down). Thrust your hips forwards and jump over the boards. Land with both knees bent.
3) Mountain climbers Place both hands on the boards and start with both legs fully extended behind you. Now start a running motion by bending one leg up towards your chest and keeping the other leg fully extended, switch legs and keep this fast running motion going for the whole 30 seconds.
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Knowledge 4) Press ups Place both hands or both feet on the boards (depending on how difficult you want the exercise to be). Leading with your chest, bend your elbows back towards your hips keeping them tucked into your sides. Take a deep breath out and extend your arms to lift your upper body back up and squeeze your chest muscles.
5) Tricep dips Start by sitting in front of the boards facing away from them. Place both hands on the boards with your fingertips pointing towards your planted feet and lift your hips up off the ground. Now bend the elbows backwards so that your hips lower towards the ground. Extend the arms so that the upper body raises back up and you feel the muscles in the back of your arms contract. Straighten the legs for added difficulty.
6) Toe taps Stand in front of the boards and jump one foot forward so that you tap the board with your foot. Now jump up and as you do so switch feet and touch the board with your other foot. Keep moving both feet simultaneously to tap the boards with your toes. Increase the pace for added difficulty.
Chat with Chukka Wellness
working at King Power. She also is a huge supporter of womens’ polo and is a leading ambassador for The Ladies Polo Foundation. We caught up with Rebecca and asked her to reveal her secrets on staying fit and healthy.
To highlight the necessity to stay fit for polo, Chukka Wellness interviewed a mixture of successful international polo players. Their top nutrition and fitness secrets were revealed, along with how they prepared mentally and physically for a big tournament and how they recovered and reflected after games. This month, we spoke to Rebecca Walters a British player based in Midhurst, West Sussex with a ladies’ handicap of 6 goals. Rebecca has been playing polo for 10 years and has just spent the season in Thailand 62
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How do you prepare physically and mentally for the polo season and big tournaments? “For me, the polo season seems to be all year round now, which is great! However, I definitely physically push my training before big tournaments. I like to hit the gym and do a lot of anaerobic training. I will also incorporate resistance training, using bands, small weights with high reps, endurance training my muscles. Mentally, I have found that having a close positive group of friends is important, as well as making time for myself to unwind so I can also fully focus at the right times. Also taking my diet seriously too as foods and beauty products can affect your physical and mental health more than you think.” Do you have a specific gym routine you follow? “I always warm up 15 minutes on the bike or x-trainer if I can. Activating my muscles and also focusing my brain for my workout. I like
to do circuits in the gym; I will focus on what I need to improve or strengthen at that time. If that’s core, I will put out a lot of stations which work on rotation and endurance for my abs and obliques. Then I will also work on my leg strength, doing light weighted squats and maybe some machines to improve riding grip. I also suffer from a weak lower back and hip flexor tightness so need to strengthen that using dorsal raises and clam leg raises. I have strong arms but tend to get a tight shoulder and pecs, so actually focusing on loosening those up to ensure I have flexibility through my swing is important. I always finish with a yoga session, stretching myself and resting my mind.” Is nutrition an important element to your preparations for big tournaments? “Food is so important to me. I love my food, however when I play, I make sure I’m not over eating. I can sometimes make myself lethargic and not function properly before a game if I eat too much. I will always have a morning coffee and Berroca, a good brunch on game days and then nothing until I finish a game. I do really believe in listening to your body and what it’s asking from you. What makes you feel comfortable as a person... you have to work it out for yourself, everyone is different. Plenty of water!” www.polotimes.co.uk
Knowledge What does your post game routine involve? “Recovery after a game for me is pretty simple. I always stretch whilst thinking about what I could have done better. I don’t dwell on a game too long. I will celebrate the good and reflect and build on the bad and then move on. I am very tall and need to keep myself supple and loosen muscles after exercise. A polo game can make you very tense and if you’ve got to drive after a game you can seize up very easily... that’s when injuries happen. Post-game I am always starving, I make sure I get the right nutrients in to help my muscles recover and plenty of water and electrolytes. If I’ve had a bump or two, I try to ice it, or if I can, take an ice bath even better. Lots of sleep is important too!”
level of fitness, understanding of nutrition and personal management style that is setting a good example for other players and patrons. Kick starting your regime, I advise getting someone who knows polo and your requirements. Don’t go to your local gym, see a coach like India who can give you specific training techniques which you can take with you anywhere.” There is a big focus on health and fitness at high goal level, do you think it should be introduced into medium and low goal too and why? What do you think is the best way to do this? “I don’t see why not! I also think that people of all levels need good fitness. Horses are
Do you think fitness is an essential part to becoming a better polo player? If so, how would you suggest they kickstart their polo fitness regime? “Polo is still in its infancy with regards to becoming a REAL professional sport. As a professional you should have a good basic
trained and kept fit to play, the same should go for all players. All too often we see horses being pulled around in the hands of a tired player who has no muscle endurance.” What’s the best bit of advice you could give beginner players? “Beginners – go and have riding lessons on polo ponies! Leave the stick; the better rider you are, the quicker you’ll climb the handicap ladder. Challenge yourself and try to understand horses. Learn their body language, then the ‘conversation’ on the field will be much easier!”
Chukka Wellness offers Polo Fitness Getaways for polo players of all abilities in Sotogrande, Argentina and Polo Fitness Clinics in the UK. For more information visit their website www.chukkawellness.co.uk Check out the full workout via IGTV on Instagram @chukka_wellness
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Knowledge
Medical Insight: 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
calculated. In addition, body and muscle movements need to be coordinated to hit the ball at the right moment. Through continuous training, the coupling of visual and somatosensory modality can be changed, thereby improving accuracy when striking. The visual acuity in turn determines how sharp and clear you perceive the polo ball. A blurred view absolutely affects the response time and depth perception. If there is refractive poor eyesight, this should be corrected to guarantee undisturbed handeye coordination.
Treatment Options Poor Eyesight
The different types of vision
Vision for Precision Your guide to hand-eye coordination
prerequisite for optimal action planning, perfect timing and the successful execution of a stroke. When the ball is hit, a complex process is unconsciously activated in the brain. Neurones with bimodal receptive fields in both the visual and somatosensory systems are responsible for this. Recognising and hitting the ball are only partial aspects of the visuomotor performance. The exact position, the direction of movement and the speed of the object must be recognised and
Photography courtesy of Polodoc
Perfect everyday hand-eye coordination is key for getting the ball precisely across the polo field. The visuomotor system in the brain is the home of the hand-eye coordination matrix. Visiomotoric refers to the coordination between visual perception and command production and the effect of action in the motor part of your body. Before the actual execution of an action, the eyes fix critical points on a movement path. The anticipation of the hand movement through the eye movement in turn leads to the fact that planning processes lead to a targeted recording of visual information. Without sufficient coordination between vision and the musculoskeletal system, we would not be able to carry out simple tasks such as walking or reading this text. This ability to perfectly coordinate between vision and the musculoskeletal system is a prior essential in polo sport.
Glasses/Lenses Correcting refractive poor eyesight is most often executed with glasses, followed by contact lenses. If the choice of the visual aid falls on glasses, it is essential to ensure that the glasses do not break when they are hit. Polo glasses are made from unbreakable materials such as Trivex, polycarbonate or similar plastic material. Most sporty glasses or sports sunglasses also have a stronger frame curve. For a comfortable view, the glasses should also be optically optimised for these conditions. So-called progressive lenses, which are used to correct presbyopia, are not so suitable for polo sports, since they include a correction for the proximity in the lower part of the glasses. This near correction can be distracting when looking down due to the magnifying effect. For their part, contact lenses are handy and can be used as daily, weekly, monthly or yearly lenses. Myopia in particular can be corrected excellently. Of course, there are always situations in which a contact lens can move on the eye’s surface or even fall out, but contact lens wearers learn to deal with
The Visuomotor System
When you hit a polo ball, the movement is directed through the eyes. The polo stick is the extension of the hand and arm. The visuomotor coordination forms the 64
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Specialised sports glasses may be required when playing polo
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Medical Insight: Polodoc
Knowledge
Dr. med. Stefan A. Locher
Refractive poor eyesight is versatile. In the case of a normal-sighted eye (emmetropia), incoming light rays from the lens and cornea are refracted so they meet on the retina and produce a sharp image. If someone looks well into the distance, he/she is described as farsighted (hyperopia), the light rays meet behind the retina. In the case of near-sightedness (myopia), the eye is too long, the light rays meet in front of the retina. The length of the eye and the focal point are therefore crucial. Curvatures of the surface of the eye, the so-called cornea, cause objects to be perceived more or less blurry. In the case of astigmatism, the axis in which the curvature is strongest is also determined.
The most important view on the field
this very quickly. Multifocal contact lenses, which are intended for both near and far, are unsuitable like varifocals and do not give a perfect visual impression. So-called monovision, also known as Goethe-View, is less suitable for polo sports. Polo players over the age of 50 are often made aware of this by opticians or ophthalmologists. In a monovision, one eye is corrected into the distance using a contact lens or glasses, and the other is corrected nearby. The environment is perceived differently with two eyes. What may prove useful in the workplace may turn out to be very annoying when sitting on a horse, because the depth of field is never optimal and only one eye sees the polo ball effectively.
Invasive Treatment
Laser Correction of impaired eyesight is also a possibility with the use of invasive methods. Polo players are having their eyes lasered more and more frequently, so they no longer need visual aids. Laser surgery should not be carried out until after the age of 20, as the eyes are exposed to growth changes beforehand. Eye laser treatment offers a very convenient solution and has established itself as an alternative to correcting ametropia, especially in equine sports, compared to classic visual aids such as glasses or contact www.polotimes.co.uk
It is important to protect your eyesight with regular checks
lenses. In addition, having perfect vision with your own eyes, hand-eye coordination and depth perception are also significantly improved.
For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas KrĂźger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com or www.polodoc.ch Polo Times, April 2020
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Sidelines
Gossip
ONE ARM BANDIT
Spotted at The Founders Cup Final at Grand Champions Polo Club – The One Arm Bandit & Co! John Payne entertained the crowds with his display which usually includes rounding up a variety of animals from cattle, buffaloes to zebras (!) onto the top of his truck – impressive stuff!
Photograph by ChukkerTV
Photograph by Elizabeth Reid
Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to Elizabeth and Luke Reid who welcomed their second child, Olympia Moira Reid into the world on Friday 6 March!
CHINESE DONKEY POLO
A new study has revealed that in ancient times elite women in China played donkey polo with a grave belonging to noblewoman, Cui Shi, dating from 878 AD found with donkey bones in it. Literary evidence claims Cui Shi’s governor husband was a noted polo player and there is also literature supporting the existence of donkey polo.
OF COURSE A HORSE
Photograph courtesy of Gucci
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Us polo lot already know how great horses are, they’re loyal, kind and best of all don’t judge! But it seems we’re not the only ones who love horses, as Gucci has launched its Spring Summer 2020 campaign with the help of a few equine models. Gucci has confirmed that no animals were harmed.
SARATOGA SEASON CANCELLED
The Saratoga Polo Association, just outside Greenfield, USA has announced there will be no 2020 summer season as the historic Club faces pending bank foreclosure. In an email on Thursday 12 March, owners Mick Bucci and Jim Rossi said, “It is with great sadness that we have to confront the fact that our future is uncertain and we are not in a position to present the 2020 polo season. We are truly humbled and grateful to all who have shared this journey with us and want to express our deepest appreciation to all who have shown us great kindness and generosity.” www.polotimes.co.uk
Lía Salvo, Beanie Bradley, Olivia Jauretche & Nurul Noorajala
Sonia Pim
Rege Ludwig
Daryl Yeap
The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo; Thai Polo & Equestrian Club; 19 – 22 February
Pink Power In the immortalised words of Miley Cyrus, “Pink isn’t just a colour. It’s an attitude too” and this is certainly true of The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo held each year at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club in Pattaya, Thailand in support of the Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer Foundation. Year upon year this event gets pinker and pinker with fashion shows, dog parades, over-flowing trade stands and of course not forgetting the polo! International ladies’ polo players from across the globe flock like flamingos to this prestigious tournament, which this year saw more than a splattering of British talent with the team line-ups including familiar homegrown names such as Beanie Bradley, Milly Hine, Rebecca Walters plus Hazel Jackson-Gaona cheering from the sidelines. Congratulations to Thai Polo & Equestrian Club on yet another fantastic event! Andy Hine, Harald Link & Rodrigo Castro
Nunthinee Tanner
RPCA Black Pipe Band
Photography by Dominic James Photography | www.dominic-james.com
Caroline Link & Luciana Tattioni
The equine fashion show
Clara Cassino & Milly Hine
Doreen Vidmann
Ivy Schlageter
Hazel Jackson-Gaona
Participants in the Yorkshire Terrier Club Dog Show
Scott Woolright & Admir Mullaaiu
Wilhelmina Shrimpton & Kellie Taylor
Jayden Oster, Glen Gilmore, Nick Keyte & Marcus Beresford
BMW NZ Polo Open, Auckland Polo Club; 22 February
Rain, Rain Go Away! Despite the unscheduled rainy spells, spectators flocked to Auckland Polo Club for the 43rd New Zealand Polo Open. Action on the ground saw youth triumph as Harper Jnr defeated Harper Snr in the Final, with Will Harper also awarded the Most Valuable Player accolade. Everyone knows the Kiwis love any excuse for a party and the BMW NZ Polo Open was the perfect occasion to kick back, relax and enjoy a day of polo filled revelry with old and new friends alike. The popular Fashion on the Field competition meant everyone was dressed to impress, all eager to be selected as the Best Dressed. With pony power vs horse power in the car/polo pony race, an Afterparty on the Chukka Lawn and excitement aplenty, everyone enjoyed another successful annual polo party! Michelle & Steve van den Brink
Carena Worker & Holly Estelle
Chrissy & Tony van den Brink
Photograph by BMW NZ Polo Open
Shannon Harper, Susie Hamilton & Kirsten Worker
Will Harper, Ethan Wade, JP Clarkin & Kit Brooks
Harriett Morgenstern & Jordan Roberts
Greta van den Brink
Emma Semenoff, Harry Semenoff, Oli Ravell & Pip Ravell
Jonny Coddington & Lachie Gilmore
The East India Polo Club team
Ava Southwell & Martin Ambridge
La Martina 2020 Launch Party; Thursday 27 February; La Martina Store, London Becky Simpson, Phoebe Leake & Beatrice Spowers
2020 Here We Come! Ten Physio team
With the 2020 on the near horizon, La Martina flung open their Jermyn Street store doors to celebrate their latest collection, with polo and fashion fans alike making the most of this exclusive opportunity to preview the assortment of fashion delights and even make a purchase or two. What’s more, the brand was also spearheading their partnership with the Regents Street Association, bringing together local businesses from the St. James’s area and all their exciting goodies. With 2020 summer chit-chat, fervently flying around the shop, there was plenty to get everyone excited about the upcoming British season and with a rousing speech from La Martina’s Martin Ambridge, it felt like the long road to the next exciting British polo instalments weren’t far away. Not long to wait now guys! Photography courtesy of La Martina
DJ Paul Linney
Ben Tangney
Chloe Keenan
Ebe & Tissy Sievwright
Olivia Cox & Charlie Smith
Marketplace Transport
Equipment
MAN 2005 4/5 HORSEBOX. Excellent runner. Cab in excellent order. MOT until end May 2020. 4/5 ponies. New Batteries. Painted aluminium box. £5950 Call/Msg 07767 477207 Wiltshire
PO1O RAT Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Tel: 07860 906032
Misc BEN HASTIE PHOTOGRAPHY - Equine & Countryside Photography specialising in Polo www.benhastiephotography.com/ 07970 348883 Cheltenham
SUBSCRIPTION PRICES Print and digital subscription 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
(inc App & Website access) UK (direct debit only)
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Izzy Simpson, Sebastian Binns, Dan Odutola, Mika Mcauley-Christopher, Rebecca Tyrrell & Arsenio Solovyev
Betty Lorimer, Emma Hughes, Tristan Pahl & Imogen Naldrett
Durham University Polo Ball; Friday 28 February; Beamish Hall Hotel
Having a Ball! On Friday 28 February, Durham University Polo Club welcomed 400 guests to Beamish Hall Hotel for a night of luxury, revelry and amusement. Tickets sold out in seconds for the highly anticipated event. The evening opened with guests having the opportunity to meet our stunning polo ponies, before enjoying a champagne reception followed by a delectable four-course meal. Drinks flowed copiously and students from university polo clubs across the country danced until two in the morning. The charity raffle raised an amazing £582 for Riding for the Disabled. Organiser Betty Lorimer and club president Ellie Blackburn were thrilled with the success of this year’s ball and thanked all involved in the creation of the evening. William Fildes & Pernille Hyggen
Photography by Eliza Orme Photography
Holly Bolger & Brodie Summerfield
Alexander Carson, William Drysdale & Will Grant
Florence Goodhart & Edward Innes
Goya Verity-Gelabert
Freya Rawlings & Annabel Hickson
Ellie Blackburn, Michael Lam, Jordan Lai, Sivakkumaran Sukumaran & Andre Ighomereho
Betty Lorimer & Edward Innes
Oskar Kit Eyers & Charlie Ralli
Tom Duckworth & Daniel Pienaar
Scarlett Gray & Charlotte Leckonby
Izzy Simpson & Matthew Warren
Rosie Ross & Rosie Prisk
Estelle Wagner, Patrick Maleitzke & Clement Delfosse
Sebastian Dawnay & Chris Hyde
The Cuvée 450 Arena Gold Cup Final; The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club; Saturday 29 February
Four Seasons in One Day You have got to love the spring in England – we pray for sun, we sometimes get sun, but more often than not, we’re blessed with four seasons in one day. On a cool Saturday in Berkshire, this was exactly what the hundreds of arena polo fans were in for. Luckily, in The RCBPC arena, there was plenty of polo action to keep the blood pumping around these avid fans’ bodies, with not one, nor two, but three fantastic games. First up, it was the chance of those who had just missed out on the Final opportunity, to compete for The Silver Cup, the perfect start to the thrilling day. With Cuvée 450 picking up the first win, it was the turn of the ladies, who showed their talent, with a resounding cheer from the Meadows clan on the sidelines with the Angels win. Finally, with Regal Warriors finally securing The Cuvée 450 Arena Gold Cup title, following years of all the effort, but no cigar, the celebrations were at fever pitch. A hearty well done to all!
Miriam Horstman, Bryony Taylor & Jamie Morrison
Charlotte Sweeney & Phil Meadows
XX, Max Bryony Charlton Taylor & Jamie Morrison
Photography by Polo Times
Nell Jacob
Susie Meadows & Gill Glimmerveen
Marcus Cork
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iPad
Hugo Lewis & Jamie Morrison
Adam Boom
Noel Neeman, Sarah Sheets, Hector Worsley, Mira Motani & Audrey Grant
Tamara Gibbons & Will Mundy
Frederik Filz-Reiterdank
OUPC Annual White Tie Ball; Saturday 29 February; Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury
Wonders in White
Phoebe Toyne-Bridges, Leanne Iorio, Capucine Granchi & Ben Evans
Oxford University Polo Club (OUPC) held this year’s annual white-tie ball at Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury. Members from two of the UK’s most prestigious universities, Oxford and Cambridge, as well as the wider university and non-university polo world were in attendance. It proved to be a thrilling evening, with wine flowing, laughter shared and a delicious dinner served. Guests were thrilled with the photo opportunities available outside the illustrious venue, alongside horses provided by Hector Worsley and David Ashby at Oxford Polo, but the real highlight was the stunning venue, which served as the perfect backdrop to the event – a fun night had by all!
Capucine Granchi, Mathilde Motelay, Jack Bowen & Hanna Baricic
Photography by Oliver Robinson
Zahra Farzanekhoo, Malala Yousafzai, Sarah Jehaan Khan, Kia Williams & Cary Godsal
Tim Georges
Audrey Grant & Sarah Sheets
Munirah Dasu Patel, Aishvarya Raj & Rachel Hyde
Philipp Schellhaas, Maninder Sachdeva, Gurshagun Chadha, Mannat Mahli, Merlyn Latimer Smith, Munirah Dasu Patel, Malala Yousafzai, Sarah Khan, Aishvarya Raj & Rachel Hyde
Frederik Filz-Reiterdank
Max Rumsey, Mina Bergant Heric, Sebastian Stanga, Tamara Gibbons, Capucine Granchi, Audrey Grant & Beatrice Marchegiani
Kay Sibiya
Sphosethu Twala
Katleho Sinivasan
Kefilwe Mabote
Thando Thabethe
Veuve Clicquot Polo Series Invitational; Val de Vie, South Africa; Sunday 1 March
Vibrant Veuve For the past 10 years, Veuve Clicquot has supported polo in South Africa, with a joie de vivre, only this delicious French brand can bring. On Sunday 1 March, over 1,000 polo enthusiasts, dressed to the nines, tens, elevenses… and beyond, paraded their most glamorous selves at the Val de Vie estate, for a lively afternoon of fast-paced polo and ‘Parisian chic’ fashion. A star-studded event, The Veuve Clicquot Polo Series Invitational was attended by a myriad of international and local celebrities, some new, some regular attendees, but one thing’s for sure, everyone there on that sunny Sunday enjoyed a perfect polo afternoon. Ritza & Elrico Bellingan
Jaji Abolore & Patrick Leslie
Molife Kumona
Photography courtesy of Val de Vie Estate
Sue Duminy
DJ Sumbody
Nhlanhla Mchunu
Troy Molaiwa & Chef Nti
The winning Team Veuve Clicquot
Terry Pheto
Nomzamo Mbatha
Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com
01462 701110
Polo directory
What’s On – Polo Fixtures
South Africa
Club
Tournament Name
Handicap Start Date
End Date
Cheshire
Club Chukkas
Open
12/04/20
19/04/20
Guards
Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy
12
21/04/20
09/05/20
Guards
Spring Tournament
-2 – 2
21/04/20
10/05/20
Cheshire
Vladivar Cup
0–4
25/04/20
26/04/20
Cheshire
CPC Trophy
0–4
25/04/20
26/04/20
Tedworth Park
Rabbit Cup
-2 – 2 & -6 – -2
25/04/20
26/04/20
Binfield Heath
Welcome Tournament
Open
27/04/20
28/04/20
East Rand
Stephen Stewart Memorial
Open
03/04/20 05/04/20
Plettenberg
South Africa Open
Open
04/04/20 07/04/20
Plettenberg
Plett 8 & 2 Goal Tournament
8&2
06/04/20 12/04/20
Swartberg
East Griqualand Champs
Open
17/04/20 19/04/20
Plettenberg
Cape Champs
Open
17/04/20 19/04/20
Underberg
Underberg High Goal
Open
24/04/20 26/04/20
Rosefield
Rosefield Tournament
Open
24/04/20 26/04/20
Thailand Argentina Buenos Aires
Copa Republica
Open
26/03/20
04/04/20
Buenos Aires
Copas Eduardo Heguy/ Jorge Sauze
15 – 20
23/03/20
02/04/20
Buenos Aires
Copa Otoño
11 – 14
23/03/20
03/04/20
Buenos Aires
Copas Pampa
7 – 10
23/03/20
05/04/20
America
Thai Polo & Equestrian
Low Goal Tournament
4–6
03/04/20 05/04/20
Intercontinental Hua Hin
Princess PA’s Beach Polo
Open
09/04/20 11/04/20
Snow Polo Dates Kitzbühel
Snow Polo World Cup 2021
Open
14/01/21 17/01/21
St. Moritz
Snow Polo World Cup 2021
Open
29/01/21 31/01/21
Open
09/04/20 11/04/20
International Polo Club
U.S. Open Polo Championship
22
21/03/20
19/04/20
Grand Champions
WPL Triple Crown of Polo
26
28/03/20
18/04/20
Beach Polo
Costa Careyes
Border Circuit Constitution Cup
6 – 8
04/04/20
11/04/20
Grand Champions
Las Acacias
4–8
04/04/20
19/04/20
Intercontinental Hua Hin
Grand Champions
U.S. National Mixed Doubles Championships
Open
06/04/20
12/04/20
Princess PA’s Beach Polo
Miami Beach
WPL Beach Polo World Cup
Open
09/04/20 12/04/20
Hörnum
Beach Polo World Cup Sylt
Open
30/05/20 31/05/20
Sandbanks
British Beach Polo Championships
Open
10/07/20 11/07/20
Australia Swan Valley
Polo in the Valley
Open
04/04/20
05/04/20
Killarney
Killarney Tournament
0&4
04/04/20
04/04/20
Eynesbury
Mount William Polo
Open
04/04/20
05/04/20
New South Wales
Dudley Cup
8 & 12
04/04/20
12/04/20
New South Wales
Polo International – Australia vs England
Open
05/04/20
05/04/20
2019 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates
Windsor
Windsor Tournament
0&4
11/04/20
12/04/20
Tournament
Start Date
End Date
Ellerston
Ellerston
8 & 12
18/04/20
19/04/20
Club 22+ Goal
Windsor
Windsor Annual
0, 4 & 8
18/04/20
19/04/20
Fultons Lane
All Saints Estate Polo
Open
18/04/20
18/04/20
Forbes
Forbes Tournament
Open
25/04/20
26/04/20
Scone
Scone Bob Skene League
Open
25/04/20
26/04/20
RCBPC Cowdray Guards Cirencester Cowdray
02/05/20 07/05/20 21/05/20 16/06/20 23/06/20
16/05/20 17/05/20 16/06/20 20/06/20 19/07/20
Kurri Burri
Kurri Burri Tournament
0, 4 & 8
25/04/20
26/04/20
Prince of Wales Trippetts Challenge Queen’s Cup Warwickshire Cup The King Power Gold Cup for The British Open
18 Goal
Duke of Sutherland Apsley Cup Indian Empire Shield Challenge Cup
19/05/20 10/06/20 30/06/20 20/07/20
07/06/20 28/06/20 18/07/20 02/08/20
Royal Windsor Cup Eduardo Moore Trophy Harrison Cup National 15 Goal Championship (County Cup) Arthur Lucas
02/06/20 23/06/20 13/07/20 04/08/20
21/06/20 12/07/20 01/08/20 16/08/20
19/08/20
30/08/20
Barbados Holders/ Apes Hill
AHPC Visitors Tour
Open
22/03/20 19/04/20
15 Goal
Dubai Al Habtoor
Dubai Cup
6–8
01/04/20 10/04/20
Al Habtoor
AHPRC League
4–6
12/04/20 17/04/20
76
Cowdray Cirencester Guards Cowdray
Polo Times, April 2020
Guards RCBPC Cowdray Cirencester Beaufort
www.polotimes.co.uk
Polo directory 12 Goal
Cowdray RCBPC Beaufort Cirencester Guards Cirencester Cowdray
4 Goal
Dollar Cup John Prestwich Prince of Wales The Queen Mother Trophy Duke of Wellington Cheltenham Cup Autumn League
11/05/20 01/06/20 15/06/20 29/06/20 01/08/20 25/08/20 07/09/20
31/05/20 13/06/20 27/06/20 11/07/20 16/08/20 05/09/20 20/09/20
Gerald Balding Archie David Julian & Howard Hipwood Holden White Wichenford Bowl
11/05/20 05/06/20 01/07/20 20/07/20 10/08/20
25/05/20 28/06/20 18/07/20 02/08/20 23/08/20
Stoneythorpe Cup Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Trophy Binfield Heath Tournament Budgett Everett Roehampton Cup Kingscote Cup
11/05/20 02/06/20 06/07/20 30/07/20 11/08/20 25/08/20
24/05/20 13/06/20 12/07/20 09/08/20 23/08/20 06/09/20
8 Goal
Cirencester Guards RCBPC Cowdray Beaufort 6 Goal
Dallas Burston Beaufort Binfield Heath Kirtlington Ham Cirencester
Kirtlington Rutland Silver Leys Cheshire Druids Lodge Dallas Burston Victrix Ludorum Knepp Castle Black Bears Cowdray Cirencester Beaufort RCBPC Guards
Kirtlington 4 Goal Assam Cup Silver Leys 4 Goal Junior County Cup Rose Bowl DBPC 4 Goal
01/06/20 22/06/20 29/06/20 06/07/20 27/07/20 25/08/20
07/06/20 28/06/20 05/07/20 12/07/20 02/08/20 30/08/20
01/06/20 16/06/20 06/07/20 21/07/20 27/07/20 10/08/20 18/08/20
05/06/20 28/06/20 18/07/20 01/08/20 08/08/20 16/08/20 29/08/20
Quick Question Answer -
to the question posed on our Letters page
The first Arena Gold Cup was played in 1996 after Club creator Bryan Morrison discovered arena polo on a business trip to Chicago
Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB
PHONE
CLUB
PHONE
All Ireland Polo Club
00353 01 6896732
dstone@indigo.ie
Home Farm Polo Grounds
07807672120
rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk
All England Polo Club Hickstead*
01273 834 315
polo@hickstead.co.uk
Hurtwood Polo Club
01483 272828
polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk
Apsley End Polo Club*
01462 712444
tobiana.scott@gmail.com
Kirtlington Park Polo Club
01869 350138
info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk
Ash Farm Polo Club*
07799 812739
ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com
Knepp Castle Polo Club
07920 023639
info@aspectpolo.co.uk
Barfold Polo Club
07778 808853
mborwick@gmail.com
Leadenham Polo Club
07429 299026
office@leadenhampoloclub.com
Bawtry Polo Club
01302 773282
info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk
Longdole Polo Club*
01452 864544
info@longdolepolo.com
Beaufort Polo Club
01666 880510
enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
Moor Farm Polo Club
07494 114190
shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk
Beverley Polo Club*
01964 544877
info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk
Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*
01279 450637
alecbeve@btinternet.com
Binfield Heath
01491 411969
bhpcmanager@gmail.com
New Forest Polo Club
07977 224404
annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk
Blueys Polo Club*
07930 323263
polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk
Norfolk Polo Club
01508 480400
office@norfolkpolo.co.uk
Bramham Polo Academy
07811 993316
emmadvh@btinternet.com
Northern Ireland Polo Club
07803 020577
info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk
Bunclody Polo Club
00353 87 6605917
info@poloclubbunclody.com
Offchurch Bury Polo Club*
07816 830887
info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk
Burningfold Polo Club
01483 200722
derrek@burningfold.com
Pangbourne Polo Club
07708 906810
aprice@polofix.com
Cambridge Polo Club*
07711 217004
cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com
Peover Polo Club
07766 016 833
polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk
Cambridge County Polo Club*
01223 812922
info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk
Polo Wicklow*
00353 404 67164
siobhan@polowicklow.com
Carlton House
07901 561113
harrietservaes@hotmail.com
RAF Cranwell
07739 569491
rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk
Chester Racecourse Polo Club
01244 304602
amorris@chester-races.com
Ranelagh Polo Club*
01344 885697
ranelagh@labravapolo.com
Cheshire Polo Club
01270 611 100
info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk
RCBPC*
01344 890060
polo@rcbpc.com
Chiltern Polo Club
07973 174542
info@chilternpoloclub.com
RMAS Polo Club
07973 174542
rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk
Cirencester Park Polo Club
01285 653225
info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk
Rugby Polo Club*
01788 817724
info@rugbypoloclub.com
Cowdray Polo Club
01730 813257
enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk
Rutland Polo Club
07772 040668
secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk
Curraghmore Polo Club
00353 51 387102
mkennedy@cssgroup.ie
Silver Leys Polo Club
07730 060200
silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com
Dallas Burston Polo Club*
01926 811 111
enquiries@ixlevents.com
St. Albans Polo Club
07956 017090
info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk
Dorset Polo Club
01202 623985
office@dorsetpolo.co.uk
Stewarton Polo Club
07974 706045
info@stewartonpolo.co.uk
Druids Lodge Polo Club*
01722 782597
abi@druidspolo.co.uk
Suffolk Polo Club
07990 576974
aes3@cam.ac.uk
Dundee and Perth Polo Club*
07831 365 194
jamesscrawford@aol.com
Sussex Polo Club*
01342 714920
info@sussexpolo.co.uk
Eastwood Polo Club
07875 743475
frankums@googlemail.com
Taunton Vale Polo Club
01823 480460
nhs.wheelers@gmail.com
Edgeworth Polo Club
01285 821695
edgeworthpolo@gmail.com
Tidworth Polo Club*
01980 846705
info@tidworthpolo.com
Edinburgh Polo Club*
01314 496696
djamesjamie@aol.com
Toulston Polo Club
01422 372529
info@toulstonpoloclub.com
Emsworth Polo Grounds*
01344 883112
info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk
Triskelion Polo Club*
07624 272547
polo@triskelionpolo.club
Epsom Polo Club*
07961 232106
epsompoloclub@hotmail.com
Vale of York Polo Club*
07788 426968
info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk
FHM Polo Club*
07778 436468
frances@fhmpolo.co.uk
Vaux Park Park Polo Club*
07703 524613
vppc@btconnect.com
Fifield Polo Club*
01628 620061
fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk
West Wycombe Park Polo Club*
07787 560729
secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk
Great Trippetts Polo Club
01428 741916
charles@trippetts.com
Westcroft Park Polo Club*
01276 858545
info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Guards Polo Club*
01784 434212
polo@guardspoloclub.com
White Rose Polo Club*
01430 875767
info@whiterosepolo.co.uk
Ham Polo Club
020 8334 0000
office@hampoloclub.com
White Waltham Polo Club
07748 670587
kim@playpolo.co.uk
Hertfordshire Polo Club*
01707 256023
polo@hertspolo.co.uk
www.polotimes.co.uk
* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter
Polo Times, April 2020
77
For the polo purist
Volume 24 • Issue 1 • February 2019 • £6.50
www.polotimes.co.uk
Volume 24 • Issue 3 • April 2019 • £6.50
www.polotimes.co.uk
Volume 24 • Issue 4 • May 2019 • £6.50
THAI POLO OPEN La Familia Secure Success
THE BRYAN MORRISON TROPHY Flannels England Victorious Again
INTERVIEWS Ollie Cudmore & Matt Coppola
PRODUCING PERFORMANCE HORSES From Fresh Filly to BPP
EQUINE BACK MECHANICS Benefit Osteopathy
USA SEASON CONCLUDES World Polo League & Gauntlet of Polo
US HIGH GOAL GUIDE All Change in America
DESENSITISING & SENSITISING Getting Your Youngsters Started
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONALS Home sides victorious
PLUS: 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup & Fit to Play?
PLUS: USA Action, Polo Valley Expands & Nutrition for Performance
Cover Feb19.indd 1
Volume 24 • Issue 5 • June 2019 • £6.50
Volume 24 • Issue 7 • August 2019 • £6.50
UK HIGH GOAL KICKS OFF The Prince of Wales, Trippetts and Queen Mother’s Centenary
YOUTH BREAKS RECORD The King Power Gold Cup
POLITO ULLOA A true horseman
AS IF BY MAGIC Interview with David Paradice
WESTCHESTER CUP USA break 17 year stalemate
BRITISH POLO HIGHLIGHTS Warwickshire Cup, Royal Windsor & Rundle Cup
www.polotimes.co.uk
PLUS: Racing to Polo Challenge & Victor Ludorum Update
PLUS: Royal Windsor Horse Show, Copenhagen Cup & Worming Your String
Cover June19.indd 1
PLUS: UK High Goal Guide, Dubai Challenge Cup, Medical Robot Revolution
Cover May19.indd 1
23/01/2019 13:17
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04/06/2019 10:29
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German number one player, polo pony breeder extraordinaire and snow polo dynamo; three ways to describe Patrick Maleitzke, the 4 goal professional, who has recently graced the British polo scene with his presence, having competed in The Cuvée 450 Arena Gold Cup. This exciting player is set to venture over to our green and pleasant land once again this year, for the all-important high goal season, starting with The Prince of Wales and culminating in The King Power Gold Cup What is your biggest passion and why? I have loved horses all my life and I am very lucky that I could make my passion my job. It’s a lot of work every day, but I love my life how it is. I breed Polo Argentino Horses with pure Argentine bloodlines and make sure I am there when the foals are born. I am there when the youngsters are broken in and when they play their first chukka. It is great to see your own horses grow. This year I will host the first Polo Argentino Auction at our stud in Germany on 18 July with 25 Polo Argentino Horses for sale – I am really looking forward to it. What is your all time best polo memory? I played in Azerbaijan in The European Arena Championship for Team Germany. That was definitely a great time and we made it to second place.
Who were/are your favourite teammates? I play with many different teams during the polo season. I have no favourite specific team – I like them all. Hardest opponent? There are many good players, but to play against other good players can only help you to improve your polo.
Which sports do you like outside of polo? I like horse racing. Favourite film and why? Star Wars. Just need to love it. How could you not! Favourite song/ album? Jonny Cash. Anything by him is just timeless.
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Favourite food/dish? I love seafood. Favourite hobby outside of polo? I like to play golf. I have to work a lot, but when I go and play golf, I can relax. Most prized possession? I have some ponies and standard bred racehorses who I am really proud to be the owner of. For example, the racehorse Linda Di Casei. She was a really famous standard bred racehorse and won over 800,000 Euros, and her first foal Axl Rose was the best standard bred racehorse in Europe last year. I am very proud to have Polo Argentino bloodlines of all the great Argentine polo breeds on my yard.
Best pony and why? Iguana is my best mare. I bred her myself. She is everything you need a polo pony to be to play at a high level of polo. She is fast, turns quick and stops perfectly. An amazing polo pony. She will play this year in The Gold Cup and Queen’s Cup. Describe yourself in three words... Fighter, happy, positive.
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