Polo Times April 2021 by Edit

Volume 26 • Issue 3 • April 2021 • £6.50

AMERICAN ACTION APLENTY World Polo League & Gauntlet of Polo Finals BRILLIANT BTA/THE VILLAGES 2021 U.S. Open Women’s Championship PLUS: Savile Cup, Pakistan Open & Packed Knowledge Pages

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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 2021

Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk

Editorial Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Principal Design James Morgan

Design Tony Ruddy

Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Administration Assistant Lynne Berry

Contributors: Fawad Asghar, Lorna Edgar Matt Kenna, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Rege Ludwig, Dolores Onetto, India Parker-Smith, Tony Ramirez, Geoff Soper, Martin Waddy & Jason Warren Cover photograph: Tonkawa’s Sapo Caset

prepares to shoot with Scone’s Adolfo Cambiaso defending in The USPA Gold Cup Final. By ©David Lominska

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Polo Times, April 2021

16 News

Youth Polo

All the Latest News

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Comment

Knowledge

52 54

Letters: Your Views & Social Media

Features 12 14

Property Feature: Blueys Farm Big Picture

Reports 16 20 24 28 33

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series: Gold & Challenge Cups Gauntlet of Polo: C.V. Whitney & USPA Gold Cup Finals World Polo League: Founder’s Cup & Palm Beach Open Finals Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship 2021 Savile Cup

Club Focus 37

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Women’s Polo 44 48 48

56 58 60 62 64

Polodoc: Facial Injuries Playing Tips with Rege Ludwig: Decelerating/Stopping the Polo Horse Nutrition Focus: Crib Biting & Windsucking Vet Insight: Standing Equine Leg CT Equine Chiropractor: ‘Out of Place’? Chukka Wellness: The Winning Formula Performance in Polo: Who is Ready for the Season?

Sidelines 66

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know!

Polo Directory 67 What’s On in April 2021 70 Classifieds

Final Bell 72

Passions: Jason Dixon

2021 U.S Open Women’s Championship 5 Minutes With… Dolores Onetto A Round-Up of Women’s Polo www.polotimes.co.uk

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EHV-1 Alert in Europe Following an outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) at an international show jumping event in Valencia, Spain, there is now a Europe-wide alert with cases associated with the outbreak in Spain now confirmed in France, Switzerland and Belgium and Qatar. This is an aggressive neurological strain, which so far has affected nearly 100 horses with six fatalities. Currently there are no reported cases linked to the Spanish outbreak in the UK, although the British show jumping competitors have entered the UK. If you notice any symptoms you should call your vet immediately and notify the EHV-1 symptoms include nasal discharge Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), as a biosecurity measure polo ponies from unknown premises or premises where they may have been mixing with other horses, which are being brought into polo yards for the season should be isolated from other horses and monitored closely.

Photograph by Beach Polo World Cup Sylt

The Julius Baer Beach Polo World Cup Sylt 2021 has been cancelled

Sylt Beach Polo Cancelled The organisers of The Julius Baer Beach Polo World Cup Sylt have made the decision to cancel their 2021 event, “Due to the ongoing evolution of the Corona pandemic and the related and necessary restrictions on events and precautions for our guests, an event of this size is unthinkable in May.” The organisers expect that the date for 2022 will be 4 – 5 June. However, The German Polo Masters will be going ahead as planned and the event organisers are hopeful that the situation will have improved by July/August to allow the event to go ahead as scheduled on 28 July – 1 August 2021.

Nick Hine, Publisher

NZPA Handicap Changes The New Zealand Polo Association has announced their 2021/22 Handicap Changes, which will come into effect on 1 November 2021. There have been changes at all levels, and include raises for Thomas Hunt (6 to 7), Matthew Pitts (3 to 4) and Rintsen Oldokh (2 to 3) and decreases for Cody Forsyth (4 to 3), Jonny Wade (4 to 3) and Kit Brooks (6 to 5). Visit www.polo.org.nz for the full handicap list, those players whose handicaps have been changed from the previous season are underlined.

Polo Times, April 2021

Photograph by www.mobilevetservice.net

With the roadmap to recovery finally under way and with over half of the UK’s adult population having received their first vaccination to combat Covid-19, at last, there is much to be positive about. Outside and the green shoots of growth are firmly under foot, providing essential feed and nutrients to polo ponies that are turned out at grass. The 2021 English polo season looks set to be a stellar one with a myriad of tournaments already confirmed across the low, medium and high. As we plan ahead, it has also been interesting to look back at the last 12 months. Whilst obviously quieter for everyone and anyone, the rollercoaster of “on-off lockdown” over the last year, has provided some unexpected benefits: families have become closer and young horses have matured and benefitted from more human interaction than they would usually receive under a normal year. Down time means just that and for me at least, having time to read a book has been a guilty pleasure that I have now had time to do. Similarly, riding out for hours on the bridleways that are dotted around our home, has been really enjoyable – picnics on horseback being almost as enjoyable as playing polo! This issue has a number of Overseas Reports – when reading these, one cannot help but marvel at how Cambiaso junior has begun to set the world alight. Already mirroring his father’s achievements and with inherent talent in abundance, the polo world clearly has much to look forward to as Poroto comes of age whilst his father Adolfo, at 45-years-old, is seemingly still unstoppable. And so, whilst it has undoubtedly been an incredibly challenging period for the whole nation, with sadly far, far too many loved ones lost, we can at last now look forward to real light at the end of the tunnel at home, work and at play. Keep safe, play safe and we will succeed.

News

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News

Photograph by Lahore Polo Club

Diamond Paints, winners of The Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship

Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship On Sunday 21 March, Diamond Paints secured themselves the 2021 Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship for The Quaid-E-Azam Gold Cup after a 7-5 win against BN Polo at Lahore Polo Club in Pakistan. Diamond Paints secured an early 3-0 advantage in the first chukka, and BN Polo were unable to get back into the action as Diamond Paints continued to build upon their lead as each chukka progressed. In the end, Diamond Paints managed to maintain their earlier lead and finished the match with a final score of 7-5, securing themselves their second title in two weeks, following their earlier victory in The Jinnah Gold Cup on Sunday 7 March. Raul Laplacette was selected as Most Valuable Player and Santa Ana Chacarera, ridden by Raul Laplacette, was chosen as Best Playing Pony. 2021 Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship Final Teams: Diamond Paints (14): Mir Huzaifa Ahmed (1), Saqib Khan Khakwani (3), Ramiro Zavaleta (4) & Raul Laplacette (6) BN Polo (13): Babar Naseem (0), Raja Mikail Sami (2), Eulogio Olariaga (3) & Tito Ruiz Guiñazú (8)

New Team for 2021 Polo Rider Cup Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago (USA) is the first American Polo Club to enter the 2021 Polo Rider Cup. The team comprises of Larry Aschebrook (0), Lukas Sdrenka (2), Matias Obregon (4) & Juan Martin Obregon (6), with Las Brisas Polo Club of Chicago joining the six other confirmed teams (Chantilly Polo Club (FRA), Hamburger Polo Club (GER), Dos Lunas Polo Club (SPA), Moscow Polo Club (RUS), Evviva Polo St. Moritz (SUI) and Düsseldorf Polo Club (GER)); the tournament will be played from 10 – 20 June at Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly.

RWHS Dates for 2021 On Friday 26 February, the organisers of the Royal Windsor Horse Show confirmed that the 2021 event will take place from Thursday 1 – Sunday 4 July. Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward commented, “We are looking forward to running a near as normal Show at Windsor in July. The start of this year has been difficult for all live events, but recent government announcements have given us the confidence to go full steam ahead with the organising of Royal Windsor, which includes planning for an audience.” The schedule is available on the Royal Windsor Horse Show website and tickets will also be available there in due course.

POLO IMMIGRATION SPECIALISTS 01798 343693 WWW.POLOPERMITS.CO.UK Authorised by the OISC Ref No F201400827

Polo Times, April 2021

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News U.S. Open Team Draws

Bracket I 1. La Indiana 2. Santa Clara 3. Pilot

Bracket II 4. Aspen/Dutta Corp 5. Cessna 6. Tonkawa

Photograph by ©United States Polo Association

Thursday 25 March saw the Unites States Polo Association (USPA) hold the U.S. Open Polo Championship draw at International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC). The USPA Gold Cup finalists, Tonkawa and Scone, were seeded in separate brackets (II and III) and one representative from each team selected a numbered token, which decided the draw (below); the tournament runs from 28 March – 18 April at IPC. Bracket III 7. Park Place 8. Coca-Cola 9. Scone The U.S. Open Championship draw has been chosen

SandPolo 2021 Dates It is hoped that as long as the national lockdown easing is met on time, SandPolo 2021 will take place over 9 – 10 July; if however there is any delay to the easing then the organisers have back-up dates later in the year planned for 17 – 18 September. There are still some tickets remaining, visit www.sandpolo.com for tickets and more information about the event.

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Polo Times, April 2021

News

HPA Summer Polo Procedures Monday 29 March, saw outdoor sports allowed to resume in England. The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) has announced their Summer Polo Procedures which are applicable from 29 March, but will only be authorised to be played at or organised by HPA affiliated clubs – polo played elsewhere does not qualify as an organised activity; private grounds can apply to the HPA for permission to hold practice matches if they are not already under the auspices of a club. The list of procedures for polo are extensive, but the following Government guidance for all applies at all times, whenever and wherever: wash hands regularly, maintain social distancing of two metres and cover nose and mouth if in close proximity. Unfortunately, currently both supporters and spectators are still not allowed to attend, with attendees limited according to government guidelines until 12 April. Additionally, each team will need to have a Team Covid Marshall who will be responsible for their team’s social distancing and wearing of face coverings when required from arrival to departure – if these are not followed then there will be a £500 fine payable by the team Captain before the next match. HPA Summer Polo Procedures The following Government guidance for all applies at all times, whenever and wherever: wash hands regularly, maintain social distancing of two metres and cover nose and mouth if in close proximity. 1. Clubs. Clubs should appoint a “C-19 Club Official” to coordinate club responsibilities for the measures as set out below. Additional Daily Liaison Officers (or Covid Marshalls) should be appointed as required to carry out duties on site on their behalf. a. Registration and Entry Checks for all persons. The ability to ‘track and trace’ is an important condition for all sport. The Club must ensure that all attendees have: • Provided either via app, email or in writing their contact information and self-declaration that they are symptom free having checked their own temperature the day before and the morning of attendance. If it is 37.8 or above, they should not go to polo. If manually recording contact information then this must include when and where so that tracking is readily available in the event of someone having the virus. The log must be detailed enough to allow NHS Test and Trace to contact all participants if a player or attendee becomes ill with Covid-19. The log must be retained for 21days. • Checked in using the official NHS QR Code on entry. Where symptoms are suspected or there is any concern with an individual a temperature check must be taken at the entry point and entry prevented for attendees with a temperature of 37.8 or above or if showing signs and symptoms of C-19. They should be sent home (need room to turn around and leave) and told to follow procedure as laid down by PHE. If an attendee develops a temperature or signs and symptoms of Covid-19 having been admitted, clubs must have a well signed isolation area. https:// www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-ofguidance. b. Hygiene: • Supply appropriate hygiene and cleaning equipment and position cleaning material at necessary sanitisation stations. • Display and communicate hygiene protocols and provide 8

Polo Times, April 2021

signage for all stations and areas. • Regularly disinfect high risk areas and contact zones including ponylines. c. Vehicles, Parking and Pony Lines. • Clubs must have a vehicle separation and parking policy to ensure social distancing measures can be met. • Allow time for safe entry, unboxing, boxing and exit of traffic/players/grooms so that: o There is time for pony lines etc. to be cleaned between sessions. o Contact between individuals is reduced as far as possible. o There is minimal impact on local traffic. • Allocate an area for each team to park and tie up their horses. • Where social distancing measures can not be applied, either restrict the use of those areas or require persons to wear a face covering. • All attendees must wear face coverings when in the pony lines or when helping a player to dismount, mount or change ponies and players must have a face covering readily available in case they find themselves in close proximity to another person. • Ensure social distancing for warming up, team photos, prize-giving; no handshakes at beginning or end of games etc. d. Facilities and Toilets. Subject to further changes in government guidance toilets may remain open but all other facilities must remain closed. e. Clubhouses. Clubhouses and hospitality facilities must remain closed until12 Apr, the earliest date for reopening, after which clubs must adhere to the government guidelines and rules. f. Photographers. Photographers may attend subject to a written agreement with the club to ensure that they do not bring the game into disrepute. Clubs are restricted to one for the club and one per team. g. Risk Assessments. Club risk assessments should cover each access point. h. HPA Approval. Approval for Summer Polo will be dependent on a club having confirmed to the HPA that they have: • Completed their risk assessment and confirmed to the HPA that the risks are manageable. • Provided the HPA with the name of their C-19 Officer. • Displayed prominently the QR code for the NHS Test and Trace app in addition to any other system in place. • Put in place the required procedures for Summer Polo. 2. All Attendees at an HPA Affiliated Club or HPA Organised Polo Event. Attendees are limited according to the Government guidelines until 12 April at the earliest to those people required to ensure the polo organised can be played. Currently neither supporters nor spectators may attend. Each attendee must: a. Contact Information. Provide to the club either via app, email or in writing their contact information and selfdeclaration that they are symptom free having checked their own temperature the day before and the morning of attendance. If it is 37.8 or above, they should not go to polo. b. NHS QR Code. Check in using the official NHS QR Code. c. Vehicles and Travel. Each vehicle should have its own hand sanitiser displayed on entry and used on getting out of the vehicle. People from a household bubble or from the same yard can travel together but otherwise car sharing should be avoided. See the government’s safer travel guidance for passengers for further information. d. Face Covering. Each attendee should have their own face covering, also displayed on entry. Please observe respiratory etiquette – always cover your mouth if needing to cough or www.polotimes.co.uk

News sneeze, do not shout if close to others, and do not hug, kiss, shake hands, high five etc. e. Shared Equipment. The use of shared equipment is to be avoided at all times, including passing of water bottles. 3. Teams and Players. a. Team Covid Marshall. All teams shall appoint a Covid Marshal responsible for their team’s social distancing and wearing of face coverings when required from arrival to departure. If there is evidence of abuse of the above, the team Captain may be subject to an immediate fine of up to £500 payable before the next game. b. Face Coverings. Need not be worn by players whilst playing but shouting, spitting, or rinsing of mouths by players when in close proximity to others will be penalised with a minimum of a hit from the centre. c. Number of Grooms and Ponies. To avoid congestion of grooms and ponies in the pony lines each team may play no more than 40 ponies in any level with 2 ponies brought as spares (ie 42) in case of injury on the journey. Any team playing more than 40 ponies shall be liable to disqualification and a fine.The following limits for the number of grooms per player/team will apply: 4 chukka polo: 2 grooms per player, 8 per team. 15 goal polo: 3 grooms per player, 12 per team. 18 goalpolo: 4 grooms per player, 16 per team. 22 goal polo: 5 grooms per player, 20 perteam. 4. Injuries, Treatment and Medical Staff. a. Injuries during play should still be treated as player wellbeing and pony welfare are utmost. After contact, clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser

at the earliest opportunity.This advice is applicable to all situations, regardless of whether there was close contact or the minimum social distancing was maintained. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose. Face coverings are also advisable when under taking treatment. b. Physios or their equivalent, should keep a record of each participant they have come into contact with for track and trace purposes. c. Medical staff on duty should follow government guidance on PPE, currently at:https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-preventionand-control 5. UmpireProtocols a. Equipment. All umpires should bring their own Face Covering, Gloves and Sanitising product and use their own equipment (Hat, Whistle, Cards, Pick Up Stick, and Shirt). If this is not possible any equipment supplied must be disinfected with a suitable product by the club before and after re-use. If radios are to be used, then the umpire must bring their own headset, or the club must supply a set to be kept (temporarily) by the individual. If this is not possible radios are not to be used. b. Ponies. The pony must have all tack disinfected and presented to the umpires by a person wearing a face mask 15 minutes before the scheduled game start time, having been warmed up if so requested by an umpire. c. Balls. All balls must be disinfected before and during any polo session. The recommended procedure should be one point of collection, placed in a central position.

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28/01/2021 09:59

Polo Times, April 2021

Comment

Your Views

We follow them to save you the scrolling:

@kingspoloacademy Just a future pro and his pony #kingspolo #pony #horse #sports #equestrian #kids

😍

@uspoloassociation #Clones @adolfocambiaso1 @poroto_cambiaso @sconepolointernational simultaneously secured a spot in the USPA Gold Cup® Final and thwarted @ parkplacepolo’s @gauntletofpolo dreams in one fell swoop! : © @lominska #PoloPlayer #InternationalPoloClub #HighGoal #adolfocambiaso

😉

📸

@hcruden When one lap of honour isn’t enough - Lucero Monteverde waving to his fans after winning the juniors with UAE Jr team at the Emaar Cup @el_overo_z7 @uaepoloteam : @hcruden

✨🎉✨ 📸 Monty received Most Improved Player through Enfield Chace Pony Club

Dear Polo Times I wanted to write in about my passion for polo. Well, it started in the summer of 2019 when I went to watch a game at Silver Leys Polo Club in Hertfordshire. I had ridden on and off for a few years but I didn’t love it and got bored of cantering 20m circles! As soon as I saw my first polo game I could imagine myself playing and so I began lessons in October that year. I played with MHF Polo and I looked forward to playing every week, even during the winter when it was freezing cold...my mum didn’t look forward to that quite so much! One of my favourite polo ponies at MHF was called Gavilán and I always tried to ride him if possible, and just as lockdown started I was lucky to have the chance to buy him. Since then we have had the most incredible year and we got through lockdown together, and without him it wouldn’t have been such a good year for me. 2020 was a really hard year for a lot of people and so I am so grateful that I could spend my time learning with Gavilán. Having Gavilán has given me so much confidence and the lessons from the coaches at Silver Leys including Alec Banner Eve, Phil Sellers and Charlie Knott have helped me so much and last summer I was awarded my -2 handicap. I now play at some other clubs and I’ve been helped hugely by Eddie Kennedy and Richard Blake Tomas and have been given so many brilliant opportunities but having Silver Leys on my doorstep is amazing and I will always play there and continue my dream of being a professional polo player. Thank you Monty Threadgold

Quick Question Q: In what year was The USPA Gold Cup founded and or a bonus point, which club was the tournament originally played at? A: Turn to page 68 to check your answer.

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Polo Times, April 2021

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With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and new outbreaks of EHV-1 affecting equine communities, equine and humans alike are receiving their vaccinations! www.polotimes.co.uk

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Property Feature

Blueys Farm

More comprehensive facilities can be found in Maidenhead, Henley and Twyford, all of which have a mainline railway station serving London, Paddington (from 26 minutes). There is excellent access to junction 8/9 of the M4, providing straightforward access to London, Heathrow and the national motorway network. There is an outstanding range of schools in the area including Papplewick, Dolphin and Lambrook preparatory schools, as well as Eton, Wycombe Abbey, Wellington and Queen Anne’s Caversham.

Your chance to own a polo club!

Recreational facilities in the area include a number of world class golf courses such as Sunningdale, Wentworth and The Berkshire. There is racing at Ascot, Windsor and Newbury, polo at The Royal Berkshire Polo Club, and Smith’s Lawn in Windsor Great Park.

t is not every day that a substantial equestrian property in Berkshire comes onto the market, but right now there is the opportunity to get your hands on Blueys Farm. In previous years the set-up was run as Blueys Polo Club but currently focused on livery with direct access to Knowl Hill bridleways and a half mile exercise track. With over 37 acres of land (as well as the option to purchase an additional nine acres), four outdoor barns, manége, exercise track, two fields previously used as polo fields and easy links to London by both road and rail (London Paddington from 26 minutes), there is plenty on offer and that is before you have even touched on the accommodation. The farmhouse is built in an elevated position, complete with views overlooking a paddock and lake beyond, and offers two ground floor bedrooms as well as a self-contained first floor bedroom with ensuite shower room; in addition there is self-contained accommodation attached to the stable block, offering flexibility for a variety of options such as letting and working from home. There are a range of outbuilding (currently used as stabling) and subject to consents, offer a diverse range of opportunities, in particular full planning permission has been granted to convert three of the barns into holiday accommodation, plus one parcel of land has been designated as a commercial pitch site for holiday caravans. Blueys Farm is a versatile property, with a diverse range of opportunities from livery to holiday accommodation or reviving Blueys Polo Club once again! To find out more, please contact lucy.stevens@struttandparker.com (0118 984 5757) 12

Polo Times, April 2021

Blueys Farm Twyford Road, Waltham St. Lawrence Berkshire RG10 0HE www.polotimes.co.uk

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3 Bedroomrange cottage of woodlandtowith arboretum | 65 Acres of pasture | 47 Acres Extensive of outbuildings. Many exciting opportunities diversify, enlarge, convert, or redevelop. About 118 acres (48 ha) Pangbourne Country department lucy.stevens@struttandparker.com mark.mcandrew@struttandparker.com

Haslemere office wellington.williams@struttandparker.com

Office: 0118 984 5757 Mobile: 07884 361958 020 7629 7282 01428 661 077

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available for download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode

the

Big

Polo Times, April 2021

picture

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Horsing Around XXXXXXXXX

What better way to wind down after a fast-paced match than with a refreshing shower with your bestie! Post-match hydration and cooling off are always XXXXXXXXXXXXX keystones to equine welfare, and the ponies at The Savile Cup in New Zealand w Xwere XXXXXXXXXXX most certainly enjoying both of these, as well as a catch up in the shower! w Photograph by Geoff Soper/Polo Images NZ

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@geoffsoperpolo

Polo Times, April 2021

Reports

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series

Gold & Challenge Cups

Wins for Ghantoot & UAE Polo

he Dubai Gold Cup Series is nearly at an end, with just one more Final – The Dubai Cup – due to be played on Friday 16 April. The series is made up of five tournaments and so far there have been wins for Habtoor Polo (IFZA Silver Cup), UAE Polo (The Polo Masters Cup and Dubai Challenge Cup) and Ghantoot Polo (IFZA Gold Cup). Here we look at the results from the recent IFZA Gold Cup and Dubai Challenge Cup.

The Dubai Challenge Cup FINAL

12 19 MA

MAR

Where: Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Dubai

MVP, Tomas Iriate in action in the Final

Polo Times, April 2021

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Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series

The Dubai Challenge Cup Final Teams: Battistoni (10) Alessandro Barnaba (0) Pierre Jauretche (3) Maxi Malacalza (3) Tomas Iriarte (4)

UAE Polo (10) HH Sheika Maitha Al Maktoum (0) Raja Abuljabain (0) Lukin Monteverde (3) Jacinto Crotto (7)

Chukka scores: 2-0, 3-3, 5-4, 6-6, 7-6, to UAE Polo

BPP

MVP Tomas Iriate

he last day of The Dubai Challenge Cup featured two matches. The first match of the day saw Tratok/Hesketh Polo face Dubai Wolves in the Subsidiary Final; Tratok/Hesketh Polo scored the first goal of the match, but Dubai Wolves’ Tommy Beresford fought back with three consecutive goals and by the end of the fourth chukka the strong team play resulted in a 9-5 win for Dubai Wolves. The second match of the day, was the hotly anticipated Dubai Challenge Cup Final between UAE Polo and Battistoni. UAE Polo were tipped to be favourites having already secured The Polo Masters Cup and made the Finals for The IFZA Silver Cup and IFZA Gold Cup, but Battisoni certainly gave them a run for their money on the day. Jacinto Crotto opened the scoring for UAE Polo, but by half-time the Battistoni players had managed to level the scores to 3-3. UAE Polo briefly managed to hold an advantage in the third chukka, but by the end of the fourth chukka the scores had once again levelled which pushed the Final into a fifth chukka. As both teams tried to be the first to score, it was UAE Polo’s Crotto who managed to succeed with a penalty goal which sealed the win for UAE Polo with a final score of 7-6.

Photography by Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

Peresa, played by Lukin Monteverde

Reports

UAE Polo, winners of The Dubai Challenge Cup

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Polo Times, April 2021

Reports

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series

IFZA Gold Cup

he 18 goal IFZA Gold Cup Final, the third phase of the Dubai Gold Cup Series, saw Ghantoot vs UAE Polo – both teams were evenly matched, with Ghantoot reaching the Final with an unblemished scoresheet, while UAE Polo were the finalists for The IFZA Silver Cup (losing out 11-8½ against Habtoor Polo) and winners of The Polo Masters Cup – the two earlier tournaments of the series, so there was everything to play for. UAE Polo were the first to get their names on the scoreboard, with a flurry of goals from Tomas Panelo, with Ghantoot Polo facing an uphill struggle until they broke out in the third chukka to make an impressive comeback and ended the chukka with a four goal advantage, 8-4, following a series of successful penalty shots from Marcos Araya. Cesar Crespo scored back to back goals for Ghantoot in the dying minutes of the match and despite a strong offence from UAE Polo which brought them back into the game, two further goals from Panelo (the Top Scorer of the Tournament with 36 goals) secured Ghantoot Polo the win with a final score of 11-7.

12 F

FINAL

MAR

Where: Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Dubai

The IFZA Gold Cup Final Teams: Ghantoot (18) Nasser Al Shamsi (1) Cesar Crespo (4) Pablito Llorente (6) Marcos Araya (7)

UAE Polo (17) HH Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum (0) Lukin Monteverde (3) Tomas Panelo (7) Guillermo Willington (7)

Chukka scores: 1-3, 2-4, 8-4, 8-5, 11-7, to Ghantoot Polo

Lukin Monteverde successfully hooks his opposing number 2

Polo Times, April 2021

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Reports

36 goals Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament: Tomas Panelo with 36 goals

Ghantoot Polo, winners of The IFZA Gold Cup

MVP Cesar Crespo

BPP Jota Pichot, played by Marcos Araya

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Polo Times, April 2021

Reports

2021 Gauntlet of Polo

Success for

Park Place & Scone

he Gauntlet of Polo is formed of three tournaments, played over three months, with the biggest prize pot in the sport up for grabs. The series kicks off with The C.V. Whitney Cup ($125,000), followed by The USPA Gold Cup ($125,000) and culminating in The U.S. Open Polo Championship ($250,000); for any teams able to secure all three titles, there is a

C.V. Whitney & USPA Gold Cup

bonus $500,000 and with it the title of Gauntlet Champion. At the time of going to print, two of the three titles had been played for, with The U.S. Open Polo Championship about to begin, although with C.V. Whitney Cup winners Park Place knocked out of The USPA Gold Cup in the Semi Final stages, it was already known that there would be no overall 2021 Gauntlet Champion.

C.V. Whitney Final Where: International Polo Club, Palm Beach

C.V. Whitney Cup winners, Park Place

Polo Times, April 2021

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2021 Gauntlet of Polo

Reports

The C.V. Whitney Cup Final Teams: Park Place (22) Scone (22) Jack Whitman – substitute for Andrey Borodin (0) David Paradice (0) Matt Coppola (4) Peke Gonzalez (6) Juan Britos (8) Poroto Cambiaso (6) Hilario Ulloa (10) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Chukka Scores: 2-2, 2-3, 5-5, 5-6, 8-7, 10-10, 11-10, to Park Place

“Goal of a lifetime, game of a lifetime, opportunity of a lifetime!” Jack Whitman

STATS AND FIGURES Fouls Committed Penalty Conversions Feld Shot Conversions

BPP

Lavinia Heroica (Lavinia Naipe x Lavinia Heroina), owned and played by Hilario Ulloa

PARK PLACE 13 2/3 9/20

SCONE 7 2/4 8/16

Photography by ©David Lominska

he C.V. Whitney Cup Final is the first leg of the Gauntlet of Polo and the winners claim with it a $100,000 prize (with $25,000 for runners-up), this year saw an undefeated Scone captained by the mighty Adolfo Cambiaso – versus Park Place, whose own journey to the Final had seen just one defeat at the hands of La Indiana by a narrow margin of just one goal. Scone attacked Park Place’s goal from the start, forcing the boys in blue into defensive plays, but Jack Whitman quickly replied with a goal of his own, and this was the format throughout the match with both teams never more than a goal apart in each chukka. The combination of teamwork between Ulloa and his teammates, allowed Ulloa to add to their scoresheet while his younger teammates took out the opposition with strong defensive play, Ulloa Commented “We tried to keep possession of the ball and keep it away from Cambiaso, but I think we were playing a bit slowly at the beginning, chukka by chukka we found a way to open up the game, hit long shots and run a bit more”. The game continued in a similar ilk in the second half, with neither side able to create the large lead they desired, instead trading goals with one another and the scores remaining very tight. The fifth chukka saw Park Place step up the offensive, with three consecutive goals, however entering the sixth chukka this lead was swiftly eroded by Scone’s Adolfo Cambiaso. With the clock ticking down in the last two minutes of action and the pressure increasing, Peke Gonzalez secured the lead for Scone but with just 10 seconds to spare, Ulloa tied the match at 10-10, pushing the match into an extra chukka. The overtime chukka continued with the same thrilling pace; Ulloa sent a neckshot to 16-year-old Jack Whitman who scooped up the ball and scored the golden goal for Park Place – Whitman was later named Most Valuable Player for his efforts throughout the match and commented on his title-clinching goal as, “Goal of a lifetime, game of a lifetime, opportunity of a lifetime!”. On 7 March The C.V. Whitney Cup Final was played at the International Polo Club, Palm Beach, ending the battle between nine teams for this illustrious 22 goal title which started back on 17 February. The tournament comes with the added kudos of being the first leg of the Gauntlet of Polo and with it a $125,000 prize.

MVP Jack Whitman

Best Polo Argentino Bred: Big Bay (Open Cabernet x Grappa Big H), owned by Valerio Zubiaurre Jr and played by Juan Britos Jack Whitman celebrates his golden goal

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Polo Times, April 2021

Reports

2021 Gauntlet of Polo

USPA Gold Cup

“This was a significant day for the Cambiaso family, Adolfo Cambiaso won his first USPA Gold Cup title at 15-years-old (in 1991 with Cellular One) and now 30 years later his son Poroto, secured himself the title at the same age”

STATS AND FIGURES SCONE Fouls Committed 12 Penalty Conversions 4/6 Feld Shot Conversions 9/16

The USPA Gold Cup Final Teams:

TONKAWA 11 4/7 6/19

MAR Photography by ©David Lominska

Tonkawa (22) Scone (22) Jeff Hildebrand (0) David Paradice (0 Lucas Escobar (3) Poroto Cambiaso (6) Sapo Caset (10) Peke Gonzalez (6) Fran Elizalde (9) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Chukka Scores: 3-0, 6-1, 8-3, 10-4, 12-5, 13-10, to Scone

2021 USPA Gold Cup winners, Scone

Polo Times, April 2021

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2021 Gauntlet of Polo

Reports

Where: International Polo Club, Palm Beach

MVP

or the second time in a month, Scone found themselves in a Gauntlet of Polo Final at International Polo Club, Palm Beach. Following on from their exhilaratingly close 11-10 loss in overtime in The C.V. Whitney Cup Final at the hands of Park Place, Scone returned determined to secure themselves success in The USPA Gold Cup. The USPA Gold Cup was first established in 1974 at Oak Brook Polo Club, Illinois, but was moved to Milwaukee Polo Club until 1979 when it moved to Florida, where it became the trophy to secure in the Floridian winter season; following a 17 year stay at Palm Beach Polo and Country Club, the trophy moved to the International Polo Club Palm Beach in 2007, where it has been played for ever since. The 2020 USPA Gold Cup was postponed due to Covid-19, but the Finals were rescheduled for 2021 which saw la Indiana secure the title with a 14-9 win against Daily Racing Form. As the second phase of The Gauntlet of Polo, the qualifying rounds held added pressure for C.V. Whitney Cup winners, Park Place, who were seeking to add another title to their belt and with it take one step closer to the Gauntlet of Polo Champions crown and the $500,000 bonus prize. However, patron Andrey Borodin’s hopes of glory were dashed in the Semi Finals after Park Place suffered an incredibly close 8-9 defeat at the hands of Scone. On the day, Scone faced the only undefeated team from the tournament, Tonkawa, who had enjoyed an unblemished journey to the Final, but Tonkawa were immediately put on the defensive by Scone who won the majority of the throw-in in the first chukka and Poroto Cambiaso securing back-to-back goals; despite the best efforts of Tonkawa, by half-time Scone had increased their lead to 8-3. The fourth chukka saw Tonkawa fight to stay in possession, but Scone continued to dominate with the powerful Cambiaso duo teaming up seamlessly with Peke Gonzalez in the second half which meant Tonkawa had a mountain to climb at the start of the sixth chukka with the scoreboard reading 12-5 against them. The last chukka saw Tonkawa score an impressive five goals, but it was not enough to erode Scone’s earlier lead and the red shirts ran out the winners, 13-10. This was a significant day for the Cambiaso family, Adolfo Cambiaso won his first USPA Gold Cup title at 15-years-old (in 1991 with Cellular One) and now 30 years later his son Poroto, secured himself the title at the same age and also the Most Valuable Player prize, Poroto commented, “It’s a pleasure to play with Scone and incredible to play with my father. Winning with my dad is an opportunity that very few people have so I am very grateful for that and I really have to thank David Paradice”.

Poroto Cambiaso

BPP Caña Monjita Coronada (Dolfina Cuarteto x Chapaleufú Tapera), played by Adolfo Cambiaso Best Polo Argentino Bred: Lovelocks Camusericht, played by Adolfo Cambiaso www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, April 2021

Reports

2021 World Polo League

Captivating Castagnolas

Founder’s Cup & Palm Beach Opens

t 26 goals, the World Polo League is the highest series played in America and consists of five tournaments: The All-Star Challenge, The Founder’s Cup, The Palm Beach Open, Triple Crown of Polo and the Beach Polo World Cup, Miami. At the time of going to print, Richard Mille had secured the first win of the league in The Founder’s Cup and Casablanca achieved success in The Palm Beach Open, with The Triple Crown of Polo beginning on Wednesday 24 March.

The Founder’s Cup Final FINAL

26 FE

MAR

Where: Grand Champions Polo Club, Florida

Hawaii Polo Lie had their work cut-out against Richard Mille

BPP 24

Polo Times, April 2021

Galleta Grande, played by Paco de Marvaez

Argentine Breeding Association Best Playing Pony: Irinita Rastrogera, played by Pablo Mac Donough

American Horse Polo Association Best Playing Pony: Chalo Kayla, played by Jeta Castagnola www.polotimes.co.uk

2021 World Polo League

Reports

Founder’s Cup Final Teams: Richard Mille Marc Ganzi Jeta Castagnola Pablo Mac Donough Paco de Narvaez

Hawaii Polo Life Santi Torres Gringo Colombres Jejo Taranco Chris Dawson

MVP

Richard Mille, winners of The Founder’s Cup Final

Pablo Mac Donough

Photography by ChukkerTV

awaii Polo Life and Richard Mille faced each other in The Founder’s Cup Final at Grand Champions Polo Club and although Hawaii Polo Life began with a one goal handicap advantage (rated at 25 goals vs Richard Mille’s 26 goals), Richard Mille’s Jeta Castagnola swiftly levelled the scores with a goal within the first minute. The first chukka saw plenty of action, with goals from Marc Ganzi, Pablo Mac Donough and Jejo Taranco meaning that at the end of the first seven minutes of play the scoreboard read 3-2, with Richard Mille only slightly in the lead. In the second chukka Marc Ganzi scored his first goal of the day for Richard Mille, while Hawaii Polo Life did not manage to add to their score. However, the third chukka saw Hawaii Polo Life outscore Richard Mille, with a penalty from Gringo Colombres and a field goal from Jejo Taranco, but this was the only time in the Final they would outperform Richard Mille and the scores remained within one goal of each other going into half-time, with Richard Mille leading 5-4. Richard Mille dominated the action in the second half, keeping Hawaii Polo Life at arm’s lenght from the goalposts in both the fourth and fifth chukkas, while Castagnola and Mac Donough scored a succession of goals, which meant that the sixth and final chukka began with Richard Mille enjoying a comfortable 9-4 lead. Once again Mac Donough and Castagnola were unstoppable, bringing Richard Mille’s lead up to 12-4 with a triumvirate of goals. With a mountain to climb, Santi Torres doggedly persisted and secured two goals for Hawaii Polo Life, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap and Richard Mille ran out the winners, 12-6.

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Polo Times, April 2021

Reports

2021 World Polo League

The Palm Beach Open Where: Grand Champions Polo Club, Florida

Photography by ChukkerTV

ounder’s Cup champions, Richard Mille, found themselves in their second Final of the 2021 World Polo League, this time facing Casablanca and no doubt keen to continue their winning streak. With a Castagnola brother in each line-up and both teams claiming a 10 goaler apiece (Juan Martin Nero for Casablanca and Pablo Mac Donough for Richard Mille), the scene was set for a thrilling Final. Richard Mille’s Paco de Narvaez scored the first goal of the day, in under a minute of play, but a converted penalty from Barto Castganola saw the scores levelled; however goals from Mac Donough and Jeta Castagnola saw Richard Mille storm into the lead at the end of the first chukka. Beginning the chukka with a two goal deficit, Nero scored within 30 seconds combined with two field goals and a converted penalty from Barto Castganola meant that Casablanca were able to increase their lead, while keeping Richard Mille away from the goalposts. The third chukka got off to a slower start, with no goal action until the four minute mark, but after a succession of penalty and field goals, the chukka ended with Casablanca leading, 7-5. Barto Castagnola asserted Casablanca’s dominance in the fourth chukka, but Richard Mille fought back in the fifth chukka to bring themselves within striking distance of victory, with the scores resting on 9-8, but a lastminute goal from Nero put Casablanca ahead by two goals going into the sixth and final chukka. Fantastic teamwork from de Narvaez and Jeta Castagnola saw Casablanca’s lead eroded to just one goal again, but a goal from Grant Ganzi and a final goal from Barto Castagnola saw Richard Mille secure the title with a score of 12-9. 26

Polo Times, April 2021

Casablanca, winners of The Palm Beach Open

FIN

15 28 MAR

www.polotimes.co.uk

2021 World Polo League

Reports

The Palm Beach Open Final Teams: Casablanca Grant Ganzi Juancito Bollini Barto Castagnola Juan Martin Nero

Richard Mille Marc Ganzi Jeta Castagnola Pablo Mac Donough Paco De Narvaez

“With a Castagnola brother in each line-up and both teams claiming a 10 goaler apiece, the scene was set for a thrilling Final”

MVP Barto Castagnola

BPP

Rodesia, played by Jeta Castagnola

Argentine Breeding Association Best Playing Pony: Irenita Suspicasia, played by Pablo Mac Donough

American Horse Polo Association Best Playing Pony: Matsu, played by Juan Martin Nero

Horse of the Tournament: Girl Power, played by Grant Ganzi

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Polo Times, April 2021

Reports

2021 Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship

Diamond Paints

Polo Times, April 2021

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2021 Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship

Perform

Fawad Asghar Reports

2021 Pakistan Open

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography by Fawad Asghar

The action was fierce between the two teams

Reports

iamond Paints claimed The Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship trophy after beating spirited BN Polo team by 7-5 in the action packed Final played at the jampacked Lahore Polo Club ground on Sunday 21 March. Business Head Central East Bank Alfalah Syed Muhammad Talal Raza and South African High Commissioner in Pakistan M Madikiza graced the occasion as chief guests and distributed prizes and shields among the winners and top performers. Other prominent guests present on the occasion were IOC member in Pakistan Syed Shahid Ali, Lahore Polo Club President Omer Sadik, executive committee members, polo players and their families, who all strictly followed Covid-19 SOPs and played a positive role in making the event and especially the final a success. Diamond Paints were off to a flying start and maintained their lead until the end. The winning side dominated the first three chukkas well while BN Polo made a good comeback in the fourth and fifth chukkas, but Diamond Paints also added crucial goals in their tally and when the final whistle was blown, Diamond Paints emerged as winners of the prestigious premier polo event of the country and also secured the glittering trophy. Raul Laplacette emerged as top scorer from the winning side with a contribution of four fantastic goals while Saqib Khan Khakwani scored two and Ramiro Zavaleta hit one goal. From the losing side, Juan Maria Ruiz Tito and Eulogio Celestino banged in a brace each while Raja Mikail Sami scored one. The Subsidiary Final was won by Barry’s, who outpaced DS Polo/ASC by 7-4. At the closing ceremony, the coveted National Open Trophy was handed over to team Diamond Paints while BN Polo team received the runners-up trophy. Basil Faisal Khokhar received the emerging talent award, Leenah Barry the Best Lady Player award, Shaharyar Khan was handed the Best Spirit Of Polo award, Arib Ali Malik the Best Player of –2-0 category, Mir Huzaifa Ahmed the Best Player of 0-2 category, Raja Mikail Sami the Best Player of 2-4 category. Polo Times, April 2021

Reports

2021 Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship

FINAL

21 MAR

2021 Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship Final Teams: Diamond Paints (14) Mir Huzaifa Ahmed (1) Saqib Khan Khakwani (3) Ramiro Zavaleta (4) Raul Laplacette (6)

MVP Raul Laplacette

Where: Lahore Polo Club, Pakistan

Polo Times, April 2021

Best Pakistani Player: Hissam Ali Hyder

BN Polo (13) Babar Naseem (0) Raja Mikail Sami (2) Eulogio Olariaga (3) Tito Ruiz Guiñazú (8)

BPP

Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament: Ernesto Trotz Chakrera, played by Raul Laplacette Best Pony of Pakistan: Lolly 11720

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2021 Savile Cup

Lightning-Fast Savile Cup Final Martin Waddy Reports

he Final of the 2021 Savile Cup at picturesque Omihi was a hard-fought, fast, controlled match, played to the sound of encroaching thunder and lightning cracking on the distant Canterbury Hills. The match was tightly held at 5-5 until the final chukka, when Mystery Creek notched up a gear. The highlight goal was from seven goaler JP Clarkin, who galloped the full length of the boards at racehorse pace, controlling the ball with precision. As the storm drew closer, the final two penalty goals went to Mystery Creek, taking the score to 8-5.

Christchurch Teal were unable to hold the score even, despite the fine play of Number 1 Pete Dormer scoring two goals, Edward Elworthy Jones (winner of The Prince of Wales Cup for Most Promising Player) and the hard-hitting Glenn Sheriff (Captain) and Glen Armstrong at the back. Mystery Creek was strengthened by the partnership between JP Clarkin and Kit Brooks, whose years of experience playing together meant they could read each other’s play blindfolded, well supported by young talented player Zac Keyte and Garth Fraser playing number two.

Reports

Mystery Creek clean up

NZ Polo Secretary Emma Dormer gallantly awarded cups and prizes in the teeming rain supported by President Allan Browne and Past President Richard Hunt, until the final rainbow signalled the end of the tournament. The Savile Cup Handicap winners, Auckland 9, played Christchurch Green 6 in a hotly contested game, with Christchurch unable to match the partnership of cousins, Thomas Hunt and Simon Keyte.

Mystery Creek, winners of The Savile Cup

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Polo Times, April 2021

Reports

2021 Savile Cup

FINAL

MAR

24 teams attended the tournament, 12 from the North Island, all billeted around local clubs. It was the first time The Savile Cup was played in the South Island since 1995, thanks to the extraordinary effort by Pete and Emma Dormer in creating a high quality two-field finals venue on their farm. Some run up games were played at Amuri and Port Hills clubs. The weather was exceptional, the organization superb, the asado delicious, and the hospitality immense, right down to free

coffees for players and music to entertain the grooms, and the generously sponsored free bottled water. North Islanders were treated to jetboating and fishing, a wine tour and a cocktail party at the Dormers. The last South Island Savile Cup was held at Wigram in 1995 on the old air force base now converted into housing, and before that, in the early 1900s, at Hagley Park. All thanks to the hardworking management team and to all volunteers for a fantastic week of polo.

Where: Omihi, South Island

Savile Cup Final Teams:

BPP

Christchurch Teal Pete Dormer Edward Elworthy Jones Glen Armstrong Glenn Sheriff

Mystery Creek Zac Keyte Garth Fraser Kit Brooks JP Clarkin

Savile Cup Champion Pony (Allan Bros Cup): Maltesa, ridden by JP Clarkin

BPP

Photography by Geoff Soper/Polo Images NZ

Glenn Sherriff, winner of The McKelvie Trophy for the Savile Champion String of Ponies for Honey Badger, Idea and Lilly

The Savile Cup was played against a stunning backdrop

Polo Times, April 2021

www.polotimes.co.uk

2021 Savile Cup

Reports

“A hard-fought, fast, controlled match, played to the sound of encroaching thunder and lightning”

Results There was a plethora of polo played on the day, with three other Finals played alongside three Subsidiary (Handicap) Finals, plus player and pony awards aplenty: Mackenzie Salver Final: Poverty Bay beat Hawkes Bay, 6½-5 Riddiford Levin Cup Final: Wanstead beat Christchurch Blue, 4-3 Handicap Riddiford Levin Final (Klaus Cup): Hawkes Bay beat Port Hills, 4-3½ Wilson Cup Final: Blenheim beat Port Hills, 6-4 Wilson Cup Handicap Final (Stead Trophy): Hawkes Bay beat Auckland, 6-3 Savile Cup Final: Mystery Creek beat Christchurch Teal, 8-5 Savile Handicap Final (Handicap Cup): Auckland beat Christchurch Green, 9-6 Fair Play Awards: Pete Dormer (Savile Cup), Wiri Kururangi (Wilson Cup), Philip Thompson (Riddiford Levin) & Scott McNeil (Mackenzie Salver) Groom Award: Jess McNicol & Trudy Pennington Auckland Cup – Player of the Tournament: JP Clarkin Prince of Wales Cup – Most Promising Player: Edward Elworthy Jones Wood Trophy for -2 Goal Most Promising Player: Max Dormer Sholto Matthews Cup Best Call: Ben Turner & Brett Harris Mackenzie Salver BPP: Herbert Coates’ Lucci Riddiford & Levin Champion Pony (Dick Black Trophy): Lucas Simcox’s Roo Wilson Cup Champion String of Ponies (Baden Jordan Trophy): Jonny Coddington Savile Cup High Goal Champion String of Ponies (McKelvie Trophy): Glenn Sheriff’s Honey Badger, Idea & Lilly Savile Cup Champion Pony (Allan Bros Cup): JP Clarkin’s Maltesa

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Polo Times, April 2021

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Silver Leys Polo Club

There has been a transformation at Silver Leys Polo Club, allowing polo to be enjoyed at all levels after increasing its polo and equestrian facilities. New features for 2021 include: three fully irrigated pitches with 1,000 tonnes of sand laid each season, a purpose built stable block, two recently built clubhouses, plus a 100m by 45m floodlit arena laid with Equestrian Surfaces Premier Cushiontrack surface and an all-weather canter track. Set in over 130 acres, the club has set aside 15 acres and stables to host travelling teams with a view to build high quality accommodation onsite for these guests and staycationers. Additionally, MHF Polo, the Club’s polo school, has relaunched itself as Hertfordshire Polo Academy, Alec Banner-Eve, Hertfordshire Polo Academy proprietor commented, “We’ve worked really hard to create a first-class equestrian home in Hertfordshire and wanted a new name and brand to reflect that. We are so excited to work with this brand and present ourselves with a modern image that Advertising also drives home our geographical placement. As Covid regulations change we look forward to a busy polo season welcoming visiting teams, existing and new members and all our polo school clients back to the Club.”

Polo directory

Photograph by Rutland Polo Club

Photograph by Silver Leys Polo Club

Silver Leys has made many new additions for 2021

Club Focus

Rutland Polo Club has released a range of merchandise

Rutland Polo Club

This year sees Rutland Polo Club mark their 50th anniversary and there are plans afoot to spend the week of 13 – 18 July celebrating with a special schedule, involving as many past and present members of the Club – if you have an idea of how to celebrate please contact Camilla (rutlandpoloclub@ gmail.com). Following a collaboration with a local company, the Club has a range of merchandise and the Club has also announced their 2021 Fixtures List which will begin with The Spring Cup and The Horsefeeds Cup on 1 – 2 May, with the season ending 11 – 12 September with The Wilkinson Sword and The Bronze Horse.

Sarasota Polo Club Photograph by Julio Aguilar

Sunday 14 March saw The National Inter-Circuit Championship Final played at Sarasota Polo Club between Hillcroft and Glen Farm. The Final was a rematch of the opening game of the tournament, which saw Hillcroft suffering their only loss of the tournament. Therefore, Hillcroft were determined to reverse their fate in the Final, and a strong defence twinned with the strong offence of Herndon Radcliff and Mason Wroe saw Hillcroft finish with a strong 10-5 victory. Vaughn Miller Jr. was named Most Valuable Player and Cheeks, a 20-year-old Quarter Horse, was chosen as Best Playing Pony. The National Inter-Circuit Championship Final Teams: Hillcroft: Vaughn Miller Jr., Herndon Radcliff, Mason Wroe & James Miller Glen Farm: Sam Clemens, Tommy Huber, Marcos Onetto & Stuart Campbell Hillcroft, winners of The National Inter-Circuit Championship Final

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Polo Times, April 2021

Club Focus

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Eldorado Polo Club

Pacific Coast Circuit Constitution Cup A-Flight champions

12 Goal Spreckels Cup Champions, Cavallo Ranch

6 Goal Spreckels Cup Champions, Lasalle Properties

Pacific Coast Circuit Constitution Cup C-Flight winners, La Salle Properties

Photography by Kerri Kerley

Pacific Coast Circuit Constitution Cup A-Flight champions, Antelope

Eldorado Polo Club has been a hive of activity lately, with plenty of action being played at all levels; Antelope secured their second 12 goal title of the US 12 goal 2021 season, with a 9-8 win against Sapa in The Pacific Coast Circuit Constitution Cup at Eldorado Polo Club. Lucas Criado Jr, was named Most Valuable Player, while Lola, a 12-year-old mare played by Marcos Alberdi, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. The Pacific Coast Circuit Constitution Cup B Flight (8 goal) Final saw B League secure a strong lead which they maintained to take home a 12-6 win against Evergreen, with 14-year-old Quinn Kyle chosen as the Most Valuable Player, while Carlos Galindo Jr’s Kahuna, a 14-year-old hombred, was named Best Playing Pony. Meanwhile, the 4 Goal Pacific Coast Circuit Constitution Cup saw La Salle Properties secure an 8-3 win against Persyst/K2, mainly due to a six goal performance from Luis Saracco who was later named

2 Goal Spreckels Cup Champions, Breva Farms

Most Valuable Player for his efforts and Lady, owned and played by Saracco was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. Sunday 7 March saw a trio of matches played at Eldorado Polo Club for The Spreckels Cup, with Finals at 12 goal, 6 goal and 2 goal levels. In the 12 goal Final, Cavallo Ranch (John Bickford, Max Menini, Tomas Obregon & Alejandro Gonzalez) secured themselves the win with a 10-8 victory against Bensoleimani.com with four unanswered goals in the final chukka clinching their win. The 6 Goal Spreckels Cup Final was won by the narrowest of margins, with a last-minute goal from Marcos Llambias to secure an 8-7 win for Lasalle Properties (Bob Gray, Luis Saracco, Marcos Llambias & Micaela Saracco). The 2 Goal Spreckels Cup Final was clinched by Breva Farms (Lesa Slaughter, Audry Persano, Catlin Dix & Sophia Lorenzo) in the last few minutes with four goals in quick succession allowing the all-female team to steal the win with a final score of 8-7½.

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

Photograph by Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

The EMAAR Polo Cup began on 8 March, and saw six teams compete for their place in the Final on Friday 12 March at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. The Final was played between UAE Polo and Zedan, with both teams reaching the Final with unblemished, undefeated, score sheets, but on the day UAE Polo triumphed with a score of 9-4. UAE Polo’s Benjamin Panelo was named Most Valuable Payer and Irenita Poder, ridden by Manuel Plaza was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. The EMAAR Polo Cup Final Teams: UAE Polo (12): HH Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum (0), Maximiliano Malacalza (3), Lukin Monteverde (3) & Benjamin Panelo (6) Zedan (12): HRH Prince Sultan Al Faisal (-1), Alejandro Gowland (2), Simón Prado (5) & Manuel Plaza (6) UAE Polo, winners of The EMAAR Polo Cup

Polo Times, April 2021

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Grand Champions Polo Club

Photography by ChukkerTV

Santa Rita, winners of The $100,000 World Cup Final

Bushwood, winners of The Top Pony 8-Goal title

On Sunday 28 February, The $100,000 World Cup Final was played between Richard Mille and Santa Rita. Richard Mille began the match with a two goal handicap advantage, yet Santa Rita quickly added their name to the scoreboard with a goal from Alejandro Novillo Astrada, swiftly followed by another goal from Novillo Astrada just a minute later, which levelled the handicap advantage – by half-time Santa Rita held a 9-6 lead. Santa Rita managed to maintain their lead throughout the match, despite the best efforts of the Richard Mille side, and ran out the winners, 16-14, securing the $100,000 prizemoney. Juan Martin Zubia was named as Most Valuable Player, Matina, played by Zubia was the American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony and Millionaria, owned and played by Poroto Cambiaso was chosen as the Grand Champions Best Playing Pony. It was Paquito de Narvaez’s first foray into high goal polo and at just 13-years-old, to be part of the Santa Rita winning line-up is a promising start to his career. On Saturday 6 March, Bushwood and Ellipse Polo took to Field 4 at Grand Champions Polo Club for The Top Pony 8-Goal Final. Ellipse Polo opened the scoring with a goal from Baldo Palomeque, but Bushwood’s Kris Kampsen consistently levelled the scores each time and by the half-time whistle the scores read 4-3 in favour of Bushwood. The second half saw both teams earn their points mainly through penalties as the pressure to gain and maintain the advantage showed. In the end it was a costly foul which allowed Kampsen to score the winning goal, with the match ending 10-9 in favour of Bushwood. Kampsen was the top scorer of the day, scoring nine of his teams 10 goals. Dundas faced Newport on Friday 19 March in The Sieber Memorial Trophy Final at Grand Champions Polo Club. Both teams

Dundas, winners of The Sieber Memorial Trophy Final

had met already in the tournament, with Newport enjoying a 15-11 victory. The Final match began with Dundas one goal ahead due to handicap advantage and with both teams playing aggressively from the off, the first chukka ended with Dundas in the lead by one goal, 3-2, thanks to a goal from Englishman Hugo Taylor; by half-time, Dundas held a decisive 9-3 lead. After half-time, Newport returned with a vengeance and began to fight their way back into the match, keeping Dundas off the scoreboard. However, Newport lost some of their momentum in the final chukka and saw Dundas build on their earlier success to secure a 12-10 final score and with it the title. Tatu Gomez Romero was named the Most Valuable Player and Leona, played by Cable Magness, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. The $100,000 World Cup Final Teams: Santa Rita: Paquito de Narvaez, Toro Ruiz, Alejandro Novillo Astrada & Juan Martin Zubia Richard Mille: Marc Ganzi, Jeta Castagnola, Poroto Cambiaso & Lolo Castagnola The Top Pony 8-Goal Final Teams: Bushwood: Nick McClelland, Nick Manifold, Kris Kampsen & Michael Armour Ellipse Polo: Pancha Terrera, Baldo Palomeque, Robi Bilbao & Louis Devaleix Sieber Memorial Trophy Final Teams: Dundas: Cable Magness, Juan Cruz Marcos, Hugo Taylor & Tatu Gomez Romero Newport: Gene Goldstein, Milo Dorignac, Michel Dorignac & Nick Manifold

Beaufort Polo Club

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Photograph by Beaufort Polo Club

The Club has announced that sadly they have had to make the decision to move the Masquerade Ball in aid of the Even Keel Foundation to Saturday 14 May 2022. The Ball had been scheduled for Saturday 15 May 2021, but in light of the government’s announcements the Club felt there was still uncertainty whether large, marquee events would be allowed to go ahead. However, the Even Keel Charity match will still be going ahead in 2021 (dates to be confirmed), with those who held onto their ball tickets able to gain free entry. On another note, Joss Ridley (the Club’s current Events Manager), has decided to pursue her passion in photography and art, with Evie Macken who is already working in the office and was an assistant to Joss in 2019, taking on the Events Manager role.

The Masquerade Ball has had to be postponed until 2022

Polo Times, April 2021

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Port Mayaca Polo Club

Butler Handicap MVP Stevie Orthwein

Photography by David Lominska

The Butler Handicap Final was played on Friday 5 March, the Club’s first 18 goal tournament of the season, between Postage Stamp Farm and Old Hickory Bourbon. The Final was a rematch of their earlier qualifying match, which had seen Postage Stamp Farm steal the win by just one goal. Old Hickory Bourbon were determined to redeem their earlier defeat, and thanks to an impressive seven goal tally from Santino Magrini, they managed to take home the trophy with a convincing 12-9 score. Stevie Orthwein was selected as Most Valuable Player, with his strong offensive work aiding Old Hickory Bourbon’s win, while Machitos Chela (owned and played by Mariano Aguerre) was named Best Playing Pony. Tuesday 2 March saw the 2021 Heritage Cup Final played between BTA and Postage Stamp Farm at Port Mayaca Polo Club. BTA opened the match with six unanswered goals which set the tone for the remainder of the match, despite some last-minute pressure applied by Postage Stamp Farm. This saw BTA secure themselves a 10-6 victory, with Steve Krueger named Most Valuable Player and Open Phuket, owned and played by Santino Magrini chosen as Best Playing Pony. The Butler Handicap Final Teams: Postage Stamp Farm: Annabelle Gundlach, Facundo Obregon, Mariano Aguerre & Brandon Phillips, sub. Matias Gonzalez Old Hickory Bourbon: Lucas Escobar, Matias Magrini, Santino Magrini & Stevie Orthwein, sub. Kristos ‘Keko’ Magrini The Heritage Cup Final Teams: BTA: Nacho Badiola, Steve Krueger, Juan Martin Obregon & Kelly Beal Postage Stamp Farm: Annabelle Gundlach, Brandon Phillips, Santino Magrini, Mariano Gonzalez, sub. Leon Schwencke

BTA’s Steve Krueger was named The Heritage Cup MVP

Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly Photograph by Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

It has been announced that Engel & Völkers, who have been a partner of the Club since 2017, will be the title sponsor of the 2021 French Open. The tournament will take place between 3 – 19 September and is the pinnacle of the French season.

Black Hound has opened a store in Al Habtoor Polo Resort hotel

Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club has opened its first equestrian store in cooperation with Black Hound, an English custom sporting brand. The Black Hound Sports shop will be located inside Al Habtoor Polo Resort hotel and will have an array of bespoke polo related items.

Polo Times, April 2021

Photograph by ©R&B Presse/P.Renauldon

Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

Engel & Völkers have been announced as the title sponsor of The French Open

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Club Focus

Thai Polo Club Argentina Photograph by Thai Polo Club Argentina

The Thai Polo Weekend Tournament came to an end at Thai Polo Club Argentina on Tuesday 23 March, with Sandbox La Fija securing the title with an 8-6 win against El Caburé; Gaston Beguerie was named Most Valuable Player and Khalid Alomran the Most Valuable Player Patron. The weekend also saw Ankora win The Backhander Cup and La Taquera secured the La Taquera Cup. The Club’s next tournament is the Thai Polo Autumn Cup from 8 – 11 April.

La Aguada Polo Club

Sandbox La Fija won The Thai Polo Weekend Tournament at Thai Polo Club Argentina

The Novillo Astrada family club in Open Door, Argentina, has announced that entries for the upcoming tournaments of their Autumn season are now open. The Amateur Championship (24 goals) will be played 10 – 18 April and the La Aguada Ladies Cup (16 goal) will be played 12 – 16 April

Photograph by Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club

Ghantoot, winners of The HH President of the UAE Cup

Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club Four teams competed in The HH President of the UAE Cup, with Habtoor and Ghantoot qualifying for the Final on Sunday 28 March at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Abu Dhabi. Ghantoot Polo were the favourites, with an undefeated record in the UAE 18 goal season in both The IFZA Gold Cup and HH President of the UAE Cup, and they continued their usual form in the Final, applying pressure throughout and securing the win, 9-7. Both teams were relatively close throughout the match, until the fourth chukka when Ghantoot outscored Habtoor four goals to one. Marcos Araya was chosen as Most Valuable Player, Nasser Al Shamsi as the Most Valuable Patron Player, Rockera played by Cacu Araya was the Best Playing Pony and Open Macedo (Sportivo x Open Tenelefe) played by César Crespo was awarded the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Assn. Best Playing Pony prize. HH President of the UAE Polo Cup Final Teams: Ghantoot Polo Team (18): Nasser Al Shamsi (1), César Crespo (4), Pablito Llorente (6) & Cacu Araya (7) Habtoor Polo Team (18): Mohammed Al Habtoor (0), Juan Jauretche (6), Facundo Sola (9) & Félix Esaín (3)

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Wanstead Polo Club On Friday 19 March, Wanstead Polo Club, New Zealand, hosted their End of Season Awards at Copperpot Gastro Pub, the winners of the awards were: JD Ormond Best Presented For Opening Day: Reisima ponies with Ella Barratt Sir Ormond Best Turned Out For The Season: Kylie Ebbett Turoa/Kuru Best Homebred: Nick Coddington’s Aria P.F Wall Cup First Season Pony: Simon McDonald’s Otterlie R.O Bousfeild Champion Pony: Lucas Simcox’s Roo Bellerby Salva Champion Team Of Ponies: Nick Coddington Champion Team Of Ponies -2 - 0: Joey Malone Gordon Reisima Supporter Of The Year: Sarah Coleman P.A Bellerby Most Improved: Kate Ward Club Captain Award: Ethan Nesbit Polo Times, April 2021

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Nairobi Polo Club Celebrates Michael Camm’s 80th

Photography courtesy of NPC

The Tunnel of Honour

The winning Goooooodies Team (Michael in red with, naturally, the largest trophy)

Nairobi Polo Club (NPC), in itself one of the oldest in Africa at over 100 years, had the pleasure of celebrating Michael Camm’s 80th birthday on Sunday 28 February and how better way to do so than to play polo –a privilege in itself in these times. And unique to the times, so were the rules of this One Chukka match (see below). Mike du Toit, NPC Chairman reached out to Polo Times with a report from the day: “After the formal player-introductory line-up, a “guard of honour” tunnel was formed by the players for Michael to ride through – twice! The rather extended chukka finally ended (thanks to umpire rules made up on the fly) in a draw: requiring a penalty shootout which, for spectator benefit, was held in front of the club house. Appropriately (if not predictably) the final of the shoot-out was a winning goal scored by none other than the birthday boy himself! The prize-giving involved many a trophy, a “MVP” (guess who?!) and more than a bottle or two of bubbly! “Michael started playing polo in 1971 at the age of 30 in Ghana, later to join Cheshire Polo Club in England in 1985 and play there for 10 years before he moved, with wife Edita, also a rider, to Nairobi 26 years ago. In his polo-playing-prime he reached a respectable 1 goal handicap and he has also held a number of roles at NPC, including Chairman for many years. And is the current Treasurer. “Needless to say, as a Playing Member who still participates in tournaments (and was in a winning team in January this year) he is regarded as nothing short of a legend and inspirational figure by the Kenya polo fraternity. Still competitive on the field and extremely jovial off, we are enormously privileged to have this gentleman of the sport at our club. For many, many more years, we hope! “Happy Birthday, Michael! May we share many more memorable moments with you in the saddle!”

The Rules

Devised by NPC Captain, Dom Grammaticas 1. Two teams, one chukka match 2. The Gooooodies team, comprised of the (four) lady players and birthday boy, Michael. 3. The Baaaaaaadies, all (nine) boys/men, was captained by the youngest player, Amani Nzomo – 64 years younger than Michael 4. Club Captain/Umpire allowed to make up any rules at any time – except that Michael could over-rule him at any time. 5. Baaaaaaadies team members were only allowed to hit or hit at the ball once – where after they had to clear out, ride around any other players and wish Michael “Happy Birthday”! 6. An immediate foul was awarded against anyone who in any way tried to hook, ride off or impede Michael’s shots – and naturally, he was allowed to hit as many times as he wanted...

Everyone enjoyed the polo and celebrations!

Polo Times, April 2021

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Women’s Polo

2021 U.S Open Women’s Championship

Brilliant BTA / The Villages 2021 U.S Open Women’s Championship

10 20

FINAL

MAR

Where: International Polo Club, Palm Beach

ollowing on from their loss in the postponed 2020 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Final, BTA/The Villages made history on Saturday 20 March as the first all-American team to win the title, with a 6-5 win against defending champions, Hawaii Polo Life, at International Polo Club Palm Beach. Going into the Final both teams looked impressively strong, with 3-0 undefeated records apiece and this evenness was reflected in the several tied scores throughout the Final. 10 goaler Hazel Jackson-Gaona flew out of the starting blocks and secured the first goal for Hawaii Polo Life, immediately applying pressure on the opposition, however her card was marked by BTA/The Villages coach Tommy Biddle who urged his team to keep her away from the ball and to try make Jackson-Gaona work for every bit of action. Each attack was returned with a counter attack and going into half-time, the scores sat on an even score of 3-3. Hawaii Polo Life began the second chukka with a great display of teamwork resulting in their fourth goal of the match and Mia Cambiaso’s first goal of the day. However, Hawaii Polo Life ultimately let themselves down with the number of fouls committed, with their tally 18 versus just two misdemeanours for BTA/ The Villages, although BTA/The Villages weren’t able to capitalise on every penalty opportunity with just three out of five penalty conversions overall. These penalty conversions were particularly important in the third and fourth chukkas as they allowed KC Krueger to add to BTA/The Villages scoresheet, while Hawaii Polo Life had to work hard to level the scores.

Polo Times, April 2021

Hawaii Polo Life

American BTA/ The Villages

For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages

2021 U.S Open Women’s International Championship & Home

Women’s Polo

U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Final Teams: BTA/The Villages (21) Kylie Sheehan (5) Paige Boone (5) KC Krueger (5) Tiffany Busch (6)

Hawaii Polo Life (22) Dolores Onetto (0) Pamela Flanagan (4) Mia Cambiaso (8) Hazel Jackson-Gaona (10)

“Going into the Final both teams looked impressively strong, with 3-0 undefeated records apiece”

Photography by ©David Lominska

MVP Kylie Sheehan on the ball, with Hazel Jackson-Gaona in hot pursuit

All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

Polo Times, April 2021

Women’s Polo

International 2021 U.S Open & Home Women’s Championship

With only a few minutes left in the Final, the scores were tied at 5-5, with the pressure mounting it was Paige Boone who scored the winning neckshot in the last minute of action, securing BTA/the Villages a 6-5 win; Boone commented, “Tommy [Biddle] told us before we went into the final chukka ‘you worked really hard to get here, you’re tied and this is your time. So, if you want it bad enough, go and get it.’ And we did!” The win was even more impressive as each of the winning players were playing their own horses, Most Valuable Player Kylie Sheehan commented, “Having a team of four local players made the win that much more special because we showed them what we can do. We’re all playing our own horses and run our own organizations. I think it’s very exciting for American polo going forward and I know a ton of amazing up-and-coming American players, so I’m hoping to see more all-American teams.”

BPP El Pico, owned by Adolfo Cambiaso and played by Mia Cambiaso

MVP Kylie Sheehan

Polo Times, April 2021

For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages

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Women’s Polo

International & Home to be The U.S Women’s Open Polo Championship, I have honestly not played many tournaments in my short time in polo. I also love our home Club of Oak Brook Polo where my family and I spend our summers.

5 minutes with…

Dolores Onetto

Ladies handicap: 0 Mixed handicap: -1

How did your polo career start? I really only started pursuing polo about two years ago exactly. I had done competitive gymnastics most of my life and never had free time to ride and play etc. After retiring from gymnastics, I wanted to stay active so I started to ride again, I always had a love for the horses as generations of my family have played polo professionally for years, and from there I was hooked. What’s your greatest achievement to date? My greatest achievement to date would have to be winning the 2020 U.S Women’s Open Polo Championship and making the Finals for the 2021 U.S Women’s Open Polo Championship.

What’s your greatest ambition? To better myself as a rider, player and horsewomen everyday.

Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? Ladies’ polo is definitely on the rise, with better polo each and every season. But I would have to say I love playing mixed polo, as I get to play with my dad, Horacio Onetto.

Which lady players do you admire? Why? I greatly admire some of the women I actually got to play with and against this year, Hazel Jackson, an amazing woman on and off the field, she always is doing everything she can do improve herself in the sport of polo and that is something I greatly admire. Nina Clarkin, who I also got to play alongside, an amazing player, incredible rider. Hope Arellano, a long time friend of mine, and amazing player herself, the amount of love she has for her horses shows on and off the field, as well as the time she puts into bettering her craft. That is only a few I can name off the top of my head, but they’re so many more.

If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? My fantasy team would probably be playing alongside, my father (Horacio Onetto), uncle (Marcos Onetto) and sister (Inez Onetto). “I couldn’t have done it without. . .”? The unwavering support of my friends and family, without them I wouldn’t even be playing polo, to have horses in my family is incredible in the first place, and the resources I have through my father and uncle as professional players themselves is fantastic!

What’s your favourite tournament/Club? My favourite tournament would have

The Tabebuia Cup Final Seven of the eight players from The 2020 US Open Women’s Championships Final faced each other in The Tabebuia Women’s Cup Final (Hazel Jackson-Gaona replaced Nina Clarkin) and saw Hawaii Polo Life repeat their win with a 6-3 victory to take the second title in a week. Hazel Jackson-Gaona was named Most Valuable Player and Capita, played by Paige Boone, was the Best Playing Pony. In the Subsidiary Final, Iconica defeated PoloGear Coffee Company in overtime with a score of 5-4, thanks to a golden goal from Milly Hine. The Tabebuia Cup Final Teams: Hawaii Polo Life: Dolores Onetto, Pamela Flanegan, Mia Cambiaso & Hazel Jackson-Gaona BTA/The Villages: Kylie Shrrhan, Paige Boone, KC Kruger & Tiffany Busch

Hawaii Polo Life, winners of The Tabebuia Cup Final

Photography by Laura Linfoot Townsend

Mia Cambiaso chases the ball for Hawaii Polo Life

Polo Times, April 2021

Best Playing Pony, Capita

For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages

International & Home

Copa de la Mujer

NZPA Ladies’ Handicaps Photograph by AAP/BuitreTV

On Wednesday 17 March, the 2021 Copa de la Mujer (8 goal) began at the Alfredo Lalor de Pilar Headquarters. This year marked the fourth edition of the tournament, with six teams up to 8 goals grouped into two zones. The Finals were played on Tuesday 23 March at the Alfredo Lalor de Pilar Headquarters. Ascochinga La Violeta secured The Bronze Cup with a 5-4 win against Martindale – Beefeaters, Capilla del Señor – La Rosada defeated La Lucila – Les Jumelles 9-3 in The Silver Cup Final Las Praderas – La Morettina, winners of the Copa de la Mujer Gold Cup and Las Praderas – La Morettina secured The Gold Cup with a 4-3 win against La Cañada. The high goal category began on Sunday 28 March, with three teams participating, results will be included in the May issue of Polo Times. 2021 Copa de la Mujer Teams: Ascochinga La Violeta (8): Mora Aldao (1), Margarita Crotto (1), Alexia Laprida (4) & Martina Gadea (2) Martindale – Beefeaters (8): Juana Borthaburu (1), Alexandra Born (1), Verónica Guerrero (4) & Candelaria Duhau (2) La Lucila – Les Jumelles (8): Valeria Dorantti (1), Victoria Mihanovich (1), María Pilar Courreges (3) & Agustina Imaz (3) Capilla del Señor – La Rosada (8): Clara Trino Ruano (0), Esperanza Bargalló (2), Clara Martínez Ferrario (3) & Luisa del Carril (3) Las Praderas – La Morettina (8): Juana Deramo (1), Verónica Posse (1), Francesca Moretti (3) & Clelia Crespo (3) La Cañada (8): Felicitas Páez Allende (1), Olivia Zucchi (2), Sofía Taylor (3) & Ann Rodger (2)

Women’s Polo

The New Zealand Polo Association has announced their 2021/22 Handicap List which includes the North and South Island Ladies Handicaps, all the handicap changes will come into effect from 1 November 2021. North Island Indiana Bennetto – 6 (NR) Greta van den Brink – 1 to 3 Jane Diepraam – 2 (NR) Jessie McNeil – 2 (NR) Kylie Ebbett – 1 to 2 Becky Withers – 2 (NR) Victoria Muir – 1 (NR) Amelia Shotter – 1 (NR) Jacqueline Duncan – 1 (NR) Sharon Burke – 1 Julia Coddington – 1 (NR) Ellie Trahorsch – 1 (NR) South Island Lucy Grigg – 2 to 1 Madaline Hutchinson – 2 to 1 Emma Dormer – 0 to 1 Rachel Alexander – 0 to 1 Jessica Reid – 0 to 1

Mystery Creek Ladies Over 27 – 28 February, Mystery Creek Polo Club, New Zealand, hosted their annual ladies tournament. There were three handicap sections of action; Missy’s Orange Team (Elizabeth Clarkin, Chloe Browne, Helen Vernon & Missy Browne) secured the Beginners title with Chloe Browne chosen as Most Valuable Player and Memita, played by Elizabeth Clarkin, the Best Playing Pony. The 6 goal section was won by Waheke Wahines (Candace Kinser (0),

Greta Van De Brink (1), Indie Bennetto (5) & Kirstin Lamont (0)), with Ellie Trahorsch the Most Valuable Player and Heidi, played by Greta Van De Brink, named Best Playing Pony. The 12 goal winners were Brinks Great Van De Brink (1), Martha Johnstone (1), Indie Bennetto (5) & Missy Browne (5), with Indie Bennetto chosen as Most Valuable Player and Maryanne, played by Fern MacleDowie, the Best Playing Pony.

Photograph by Ned Dawson

There was plenty of action at Mystery Creek

All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

Polo Times, April 2021

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Beaufort Polo School

Pony Club Update

The Club’s Polo School reopened on Thursday 1 April, additionally the Club will be holding their Easter Polo Training sessions throughout the Easter Holidays with options for half or full days. In line with government restrictions sessions will be run in groups and will be 6 or less. Riders will need to bring their own hat, gloves and a face covering, but the sessions are open to all abilities and ages from six-years-old, email coaching@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk to find out more.

Photograph by Longdole Polo Club

Division 2,3 and 4a and 4b 2019 players

Rocket Rentals 2021 The Club will once again be hosting their Rocket Rentals Junior Tournament on Tuesday 1 June. There will be four divisions ranging from six to 18-years-old. To request an entry form or for more information, email info@longdolepolo.com. Rocket Rentals will once again be sponsoring the tournament, with both team and individual entries permitted.

On Friday 19 March, The Pony Club made their latest CEO Update which included topics such as National COVID Update, Biosecurity (Passport and Equine Flu Vaccinations and EHV-1), Resumption of Sport – Pony Racing Training Days and Centres Proprietors’ Pack, in light of the easing of lockdown and every area of The Pony Club being able to restart some activity in April. As part of the National COVID Update, The Pony Club highlighted that Pony Club activities are not essential travel, “Lockdown restrictions in most parts of the UK are being eased. It is very important that you check the restrictions in your local area, in particular riding centres should check with their insurance company and local authority for any local variation in national restrictions. Pony Club activities are not essential travel and are not permitted within a lockdown area where sporting activities are prohibited or where essential travel only restrictions have been put in place by local government. Whilst the “Stay at Home” message is being relaxed, in many areas this is being replaced by “Stay Local” where possible.” The document can be viewed in full on The Pony Club website and usefully details the permissible activities per region of the UK.

SUPA Update

EMAAR Cup Kids Polo On Friday 12 March, on the same day as The EMAAR Polo Cup Final, two junior teams took part in The EMAAR Cup Kids Polo match at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, with UAE Polo JR (Lucero Monteverde, Hermes Werle, Arhan Singh, Harvey Atkins) defeating RA Polo Jr, 2-1.

Polo Times, April 2021

Ahead of the 2021 season, Polo Times spoke to Charles Betz, SUPA Chairman, to hear the latest from SUPA, “We had a meeting of the Committees and Trustees in March to navigate our plans for the end of the lockdown and government roadmap. At present our Policy is adapting to the lightening of restrictions but SUPA activities remain suspended. The Operating Committee will advance their plans for our summer fixture of events which will then be agreed by the Trustees. We are aiming to re-launch our season soon, by encouraging our members to resume training and lessons and as a primer to our summer polo season which will offer incentives to return to the sport and which we may extend to late summer. We are sympathetic to our polo partners who support SUPA and SAPA and wish to double our efforts to encourage our Institutional members and their players to enjoy polo and continue the momentum which many have built over the last 35 years. Our current website will light up mid-April and eventually morph away and a new and more functional one will emerge this summer. SUPA and SAPA will be ready and our partners and sponsors, RJ Polo and Black Hound are in place to support our mandate… to provide access to safe and affordable polo.

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

Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc

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

Facial Injuries

Teeth are beauty & air is life Mike Tyson is not known for his intellectual capacity but has said something very true, “Everyone has a plan till they get punched in the face”. When managing the risk of sustaining an injury to the nose, teeth or eyes (the second most common polo injury), not to mention skull and brain injuries; effective protective gear would certainly come in handy. Other high impact sports do have protective gear already, but it has yet to fully arrive in polo.

Injury Characteristics

Massive forces from fast flying hard plastic balls, helicoptering novices or hard-hitting sticks swung by professionals can leave vast destruction in the integrity of the bony and soft tissues of the face. The primary care, such as salvaging knocked out teeth, could be more sophisticated. Mistakes in first response can have a major impact on the final result. Secondly, the rehabilitation is long and the healing can be insufficient leaving marks on performance and in appearance.

Injury to the Teeth

Nearly everybody has sustained a little injury to the teeth in their life. Especially contact sports pose a high risk for the oral system. Starting with a relatively harmless injury the damage might not show right away. If teeth are chipped or knocked loose, they’ve probably absorbed most of the force

and it will be obvious that you need to see a dentist. But even if your teeth are intact, the nerves, jawbone or underlying dental tissue may have been injured because they absorbed some of the force. Therefore you should visit a dental office after every injury, no mater how small an accident to get the actual situation clinically and radiologically checked. This can also be an important topic when it comes to insurance issues. The white outside layer of the tooth is called enamel. It is made of a crystalline, lifeless matrix of calcium and phosphorus that is the hardest substance in the body. Inside the enamel is the dentin. The dentin is a vital structure containing millions of nervecanals which are connected to the nervechamber, called the pulp.Teeth are set into the jawbone with prong-like roots and held there by tiny bands of fibrous tissue called the periodontal ligaments. If chipping of the enamel and dentin happens try to find the part, and save it. In some situations it can be replaced and avoid further treatment. But even if the chip is lost, dentists today can fix a tooth with white esthetic composit, a resin-like matieral. Usually that can be repaired in one trip to the dentist. A bigger chip may require more work-up with a ceramic restoration that fits over the damaged tooth. If the chip exposed the pulp — even just a little bit of it — chances are that bacterias will infect it. The trauma itself may also cause damage. In either case, you’ll have to wait at least a few weeks before the dentist knows for sure whether the pulp is viable. You’ll need a root canal procedure, which involves removing the pulp and replacing it with a rubberlike filling. In some situations the damaged tooth can’t be saved. If the root is cracked in the deep parts, the tooth needs to be removed. It will then be replaced by an implant.

Knocked Out of Position Injuries of the teeth and the surrounding structures can be massively decreased by wearing a mouthguard.

Polo Times, April 2021

Sometimes every minute counts and a visit to the dentist should be organised as soon as possible. If the tooth isn’t

badly dislocated, the dentist will gently move it back into the proper position and splint it for a view weeks. Doing so soon after the trauma may help preserve the pulp and the periodontium. A dental splint looks like a small set of braces. Wires are attached to the injured tooth and those on either side of it, holding it in place while it heals and reattaches to the jaw. When a tooth is knocked out, it tears the periodontal ligament tissue, some of which will be still on the tooth. Knocked out teeth should be put back in the socket as soon as possible. This should only be done by a professional. In order to bridge the time to the dentist, the tooth should be put in a box containing own saliva or better in a safebox. Scraping or scrubbing will harm the tissue and reduce the chances of the tooth reattaching to the jaw.

Injury to the Jawbone

Only the nose is broken more frequently. A broken jaw is the 10th most common fractured bone in the human body. Fractures are generally the result of massive direct force to the jawbone. Men are about three times more likely than women to sustain a broken jaw. About 42% of jawbone fractures occur only on one side of the jaw. A large percentage of patients with jawbone fractures had associated injuries to head, neck, face, eyes, and nose. The jawbone, or mandible is the largest and main bone of the lower part of the face. Fractures may cause a damage to bigger blood vessels or nerve tracts and should be treated immediately. To fully stabilise and reconstruct multiple facail injuries a consultation with a specialist for oral and plastic surgery is recommended.

Injury to the Nose

The human nose is the most protruding part of the face. Apart from for breathing it is also the principal organ in the olfactory system. The shape of the nose is determined by the nasal bones and the nasal cartilages, including the nasal septum which separates the nostrils and divides the nasal cavity into two. When a deformity happens the main function of the nose – breathing – can be impaired. In cases of massive trauma even the olfaction (sense of smell) can be reduced. With a change of the nose form or size, the character of the voice can change. There are many plastic surgery procedures on the nose, known as rhinoplasty available www.polotimes.co.uk

Medical Insight: Polodoc

Knowledge

Case Study: Juancito Bollini

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Professional Polo Player, Model and USPA Brand Ambassador He was hit with a stick after a massive swing. He sustained a fracture of the frontal bone of his face and lost the upper front teeth on the field with massive bone destruction. Multiple surgeries with reconstruction of the jaw bone with bone graft and implants of the front teeth resulted in a full recovery after two and a half years with no relevant impairment aesthetically or functionally. Bollini recommends mouth guards, especially for beginners. to correct various structural defects or to change the shape of the nose after trauma. Badly positioned cartilages and lack of proper support can affect the function of the external nasal valve. This can cause breathing problems particularly during deep inhalation. The surgical procedure to correct these breathing problems due to disorders in the nasal structures is called rhinoplasty. With a septoplasty a nasal septum deviation can be surgically corrected in a mini invasion fashion. Minor fractures to your nose may heal on their own.

Rhinoplasty corrects various structural defects or changes the shape of the nose after trauma

For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com or www.polodoc.ch

Knocked out teeth should be placed in cold milk, saltwater solution or a product such as Dentosafe and taken to the dentist

Expert Opinion

First Response: Combination of Plastics & Dentistry Knocked out tooth & extensive face injuries If possible put the tooth in a safebox. When there is no safebox at hand, put the tooth in cold milk or a saltwater solution until you can see a dentist, which should be as soon as possible. If there’s no milk or saltwater solution handy, saliva is better than plain water. Never put the tooth in a napkin or tissue. That dries it out, which damages the periodontal ligament tissue. For more extensive injuries of the face an initial cleaning and sterile / clean dressing can be helpful to stop bleeding. PD Dr.med. Thomas Biesgen, plastics specialist

www.polotimes.co.uk

Dr. Gregory Lüscher, dentistry specialist

Polo Times, April 2021

Knowledge

Playing Tips

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig

Decelerating/Stopping the Polo Horse Re-think your stopping style

Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game Sit in the saddle, feet forward, pull on the reins, WRONG. If I am to play to the best of my ability, I think of my horse as being a polo playing partner. As such, it is my responsibility to figure out how to help that partner play most effectively with me and for me. One of the more critical aspects of accomplishing that is for me to be aware of what the horse is going through as it is playing with me and for me. SIT: When sitting in the saddle, a majority of my weight is on the weakest part of the horse’s back. At the same time, I have moved the balance of my body back further than the horse can comfortably shift its point of balance back for the purpose of decelerating. Both situations increase the difficulty for the horse relative to decelerating with maximum effectiveness. One of the more critical aspects of the decelerating process to appreciate is, the polo horse must compress its body equal to the degree of intensity with which it is being asked to decelerate. When compressing its body, the horse’s hind legs move forward and under its body to support itself. The reality of the situation is, sitting on the weakest part of the horse’s back makes moving the hind legs forward a difficult task for the horse to accomplish. FEET FORWARD: I ask you to consider the opposite maneuver of decelerate, i. e. accelerate. I want you to appreciate that you typically move your lower legs back and up along the horse’s sides to energize the hind quarters to drive the hind legs forward from which the horse propels itself forward to accelerate. For the horse to move its hind legs forward for the purpose of accelerating, your lower legs must be back and up along its

Lower leg position for accelerating

Polo Times, April 2021

sides to energize the hind quarters to drive the hind legs forward and under its body to propel forward off of. Under those situations, your lower legs should be back and up to where they are back and up toward the horse’s hip bones where it is more sensitive, and will respond with greater energy from which to accelerate. Now consider decelerating: your horse’s hind legs must also be forward and under its body to support itself when decelerating. Common sense strongly suggests to me that if your lower legs are forward, they will have a difficult time energizing the horse’s hindquarters for the purpose of driving the hind legs forward and under its body for support. To energize your horse’s hindquarters for the purpose of decelerating, your lower legs should be back to where they are at least to the back edge of the girth. At that point, your lower legs are beginning to contact the horse’s sides with a sufficient degree of gripping effort to energize the hind quarters to drive the hind legs forward and under its body for support.

Lower leg position for decelerating

PULL ON REINS: Relative to controlling the horse’s front end, a supportive pressure must be applied to the horse’s mouth that is consistent with the desired rate of deceleration, no greater than, no lesser than, (equal to); and, that pressure must be maintained consistent with the desired rate of deceleration. Contrary to popular belief, there should not be a pull/release method of applying a supportive pressure to your horse’s mouth. That is true because the pull pressure is asking the horse to decelerate, while the release is telling the horse to no longer decelerate at the pull rate. In fact, your

horse could interpret the release as a signal to accelerate. Common sense strongly suggests to me that it does not make sense to release pressure on the horse’s mouth in the middle of a decelerating maneuver. The process of applying a supportive pressure to your horse’s mouth should not take place with you sitting on the weakest part of the horse’s back, with your feet forward energizing its shoulders, while your hands are trying to pull its front end back. That supportive pressure should come from your being in a more centrally balanced forward half seat position with your crotch positioned over the rise of the pommel of the saddle. With your seat forward to that degree, your upper body will tend to be vertical. From that vertical position, begin leaning your upper body back, without sitting. As your upper body is leaning back, your rein hand should follow. It is that leaning back of your upper body, with you rein hand following proportionately that should be applying supportive pressure to your horse’s mouth. You are essentially leaning onto your horse’s mouth, rather than pulling on it. That leaning supportive pressure should remain consistent with the desired rate of deceleration at every stage of the decelerating process. Under those conditions, your horse can more clearly understand the degree of intensity with which to decelerate for you throughout the decelerating process. Helping your polo horse decelerate effectively cannot happen with you sitting on the weakest part of its back, with your feet forward at its shoulders, while you are pulling on its sensitive mouth. The reality of the situation is, Pulling on the reins is more of a punishment to your horse’s mouth than a supportive pressure to help it compress its body for the purpose of driving its hind legs forward to support itself throughout the decelerating process. I am far from suggesting that decelerating the polo horse in a way that helps it decelerate most effectively for you is easy. However, I am unequivocally stating that; decelerating the polo horse using correctly applied body mechanics helps the polo horse decelerate much more efficiently and effectively for you than does sitting on the weakest part of its back, with your feet energizing its shoulders, while your hands are trying to pull its front end back. I feel safe in promising, “You can more easily push your horse’s hind legs forward with your lower legs than pull its front end back with the reins in hand. www.polotimes.co.uk

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Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Crib Biting & Windsucking

Adam’s passion for this topic has found him adapting management changes to his own horses from research he has read. He feels further research and studies should be encouraged in this area of behaviour.

Case Study

Why do they do it & how can we help?

Raven (two-year-old gelding) arrived at Adam’s property from a commercial racing yard as a chronic cribber and windsucker. The introduction of ad lib hay, 24/7 turnout and a friend of his own age and sex reduced these stereotypies by over 90 percent. He has now not been seen to display these behaviours in over three months despite returning to a stabled regime. Age is a factor in the success rate of reversing stereotypies.

Photograph courtesy of Oli Hipwood

This nice open barn allows social interaction between the horses we can help reduce stereotypical behaviours that affect many polo yards. We all know that noise, as they gulp in air and make the grunt louder than Maria Sharapova! More often than not, we invest in a collar to stop them from doing it. But is this the best thing to do? Are there reasons as to why horses do this, and what are the ideas and suggestions as to how we could reduce these behaviours without using collars?

Why Do They Do It?

After researching and reading some Instagram posts by Adam Buchanan @pairbonding, I felt a combined article on behaviour and nutrition might be an interesting topic to explore and how, or if, 56

Polo Times, April 2021

It has been suggested that oral stereotypies may be due either to an attempt to buffer acid in the stomach by increasing the production of saliva1 or due to gastric ulceration related to stomach acidity2. Nicol et al (2001) and Mills and Macleod (2002) reduced cribbing behaviour in young and adult horses, respectively, by feeding an antacid diet, suggesting that gastric acidity may play a significant role in oral stereotypy. The reduction was particularly evident in the period after feeding3, a period that has been particularly associated with intense stereotypic behaviour by cribbers.4

Oral stereotypic behaviour is not caused directly by diet quality or minimal foraging that it requires, but instead by its consequences for gut function. Lowfibre, high starch diets are known to cause gastrointestinal dysfunction, including gastric ulcers. Gastrointestinal acidity leads to suggestions that cribbing behaviours are responsible for gut health and perhaps even have some beneficial effects, for instance generating saliva that, if swallowed, helps to rectify gastrointestinal pH. The brain chemistry and physiology of cribbing horses is that when they are fed, it tends to stimulate pleasure receptors in the brain as the endorphin release from their feed influences the behaviour or reinforces it. Some may believe, once a cribber always a cribber, but some behaviourists believe cribbing is not a vice, but a response to adapting to situations that are not so natural or are stressful to them. There are some suggestions that it maybe a genetic trait, and there are suggestions that the behaviour is not copied by its ‘neighbour’. Researchers still are not sure why some horses crib while others managed the same way do not. But most agree that it is not “contagious”— horses do not adopt this behaviour by mimicking others. “There are many non-cribbing horses kept in stalls next to cribbing horses who don’t learn this behaviour,” says Amelia S. Munsterman, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVECC, of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Studies have shown a close association to feeding time and the amount of crib biting increasing, peaking before and after feed. Some horses can spend up to eight hours cribbing each day, performing thousands of www.polotimes.co.uk

Nutrition Focus with a high dry matter, was preferable. These behaviours emerge soon after weaning, a process typically involving a switch to a high starch diet during a stressful time.6

What Are the Possible Causes?

Photograph by Polo Times

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Crib biting can be caused by a variety of causes such as stress or poor nutrition

bites. Having forage present during this time can often reduce the prevalence of cribbing and wood chewing. Behaviours that exhibit those natural foraging attempts can be driven by dietary deficiency of key nutrients and insufficient gut fill. Wood chewing may be a response to a lack of dietary fibre, but still allows them to chew and gain some gut fill. Horses that carry out this stereotypical behaviour have shown a reduction in the stress hormone, cortisol, and in their heart rate, which is therefore suggesting that horses allowed to crib are less stressed. The brain chemistry and physiology of cribbing horses has shown that when they are fed, their pleasure receptors are stimulated in the brain as endorphins (the feel-good hormone) are released. It is well understood and acknowledged that equines crib not so much to get the high; they are getting the endorphin release from something else that’s occurring, like their feed, and then that influences the behaviour or reinforces it.5 Cribbing has been linked to endorphins and opioid stimulation, but it may be the receptors in their brain eliciting that pleasure response which reinforces the cribbing. It has been suggested that horses that are known to crib often have underlying digestive system dysfunction and are prone to colic. Horses that crib have shown to have… · Significantly more inflamed, dry and ulcerated stomachs · Lower faecal pH · Longer gut transit times · Reduced hindgut motility · Imbalance in hindgut flora (acidosis) Interestingly, research has shown that there may be a link between foals receiving a high starch diet at weaning and incidence of cribbing starting. There may also be a link to feeding a haylage that is wet (low dry matter) to the onset of cribbing and wood chewing in foals, where a soft digestible hay www.polotimes.co.uk

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Lack of chewing time – a lack of saliva produced to help buffer stomach acid Lack of chewing also effects their psychological need to chew Not maintaining normal gut function – primarily where trickle feeding is not emulated and consequently the 10-12 litres of water that would be produced in this time is not. Low-fibre and high starch diets increase the risk of gastric ulcers Increased acidity of the digestive tract possibly leads to the incidence of cribbing to help relieve acidity, particularly by increasing saliva production to help increase the gut pH Lack of turnout Social isolation

How Can We Help to Prevent Cribbing?

Traditionally, collars are used to prevent cribbing. However, preventing a horse from cribbing has stress related physiological effects. When the collar is removed the horse will want to crib rapidly to make up for the time it had the collar on. Often horses that have a collar on or are deprived of cribbing will want to eat more – if they do not have enough forage and they’re prevented from cribbing, their slow gut transit is exacerbated. · Stables & Bedding – The size of the stable is not thought to have an effect on the cribbing horse and oral behaviour but trying to promote visual contact between horses can help to reduce behaviour. Using loose straw bedding can reduce the incidence of oral stereotypical behaviour, such as cribbing. · Toys – Provide toys for oral stimulation. Toys may help keep a horse’s mouth busy and distract him from cribbing. Those that encourage oral activity, such as licking or chewing, may be especially helpful. · Mirrors (the Reversal Effect) – The mirror may mimic visual contact with conspecifics (minimising the social isolation of the stable) and /or provide environmental distraction or additional visual stimuli, altering the horse’s perception of the environment and their resultant responses to it.7

Dietary Changes

Generally, I would encourage the management of a horse that cribs to be similar to that of a horse with gastric ulcers… · Use a LOW STARCH concentrate feed o GOOD DOER – offer a balancer with an alfalfa chaff or beet pulp o POOR DOER – opt for a low starch

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Knowledge

cube or mix such as Baileys Ease & Excel Cubes or Mix o Focus on digestible fibres and oils as energy and calorie sources rather than oats, for example Make sure you offer a HIGH FIBRE diet, allowing ad lib forage o If possible use hay rather than haylage Offer small, regular meals rather than two large meals Provide a pre/probiotic – especially if the droppings are smelly, suggesting acidosis in the hind gut Use an antacid based supplement (Protexin Acid Ease, NAF GastriVet) to help neutralise excess acid in the stomach Make changes to the diet gradual over 10-14 days to reduce the increased stress on the digestive tract Offer small meals of alfalfa chaff during the day – ESPECIALLY 20 to 30 minutes prior to exercise Consult a nutritionist or feed company help line for guidance Treatment of cribbing foals with antacid may be advantageous8. These strategies, as well as using a low starch, high fibre, high oil ration, also might work to reduce cribbing frequency in adult horses

Summary · · · · · · · · ·

Don’t try to stop them! (when horses are allowed to crib, they are less stressed!) Evaluate their diet as above Ad lib hay Feed the stereotypic horse at different times, so there is no peak time Maximise turnout space and time Five to 20 minutes grazing daily Promote psychological wellbeing with a companion for social interaction Toys that promote licking, chewing or oral behaviour – Equiball, treat balls, salt licks Opt for straw bedding

I would like to thank Adam for helping me to put this article together. We can never underestimate how we, as humans, affect the behaviour of horses, and especially performance horses. The more we can work with them and reason their behaviour and adapt our management, the more we can help to enhance their performance. C ontact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk References 1 Nicol 1999 2 Nadeau and others 2000 3 Mills and Macleod 2002 4 Kennedy et al 1993, Gillham et al 1994, McGreevy et al 1995 5 Heather Smith Thomas, 2020 6 Christa Lesté-Lasserre, 2013 7 Lynn MMcAfeeDaniel SMillsJonathan JCooper 19 July 2002 8 Nicol et al, 2002

Polo Times, April 2021

Knowledge

Vet Insight

Hallmarq was founded 20 years ago by Dr Nick Bolas, who wanted to develop a diagnostic imaging system that would assist vets to accurately diagnose a horse’s injury. Nick and his team of imaging experts worked with local vets in the South-East of the UK, to develop the world’s first Standing MRI system for horses. Since then, Hallmarq has continued to improve equine MRI technology and has also gone on to develop a vet-specific, small animal MRI system, using expertise from across the company

Photography by Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging

Imaging of the distal limb with Hallmarq’s new Standing Equine Leg CT

Standing Equine Leg CT

Improving lameness diagnosis Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging pioneered the development of standing MRI for horses and the new Standing Equine Leg CT (slCT) scanner uses a simple and safe design, with a unique low, flat platform for quick and easy entry and exit of the standing sedated horse to quickly and safely diagnose the cause of equine lameness. The slCT increases access to advanced imaging for equine vet practices and Hallmarq has had success imaging standing sedated horses in collaboration with their UK-based clinical trial sites. The system uses a dual-concentric ring design which enables the detector plate to remain very close to the region of interest, thereby improving image quality. Using slCT ensures equine practices have access to 3D

Polo Times, April 2021

imaging in the evaluation of their lameness cases. Hallmarq is one of the few companies to incorporate motion correction technology to better ensure high quality, clear images in the standing patient. This technology is often considered out of reach for many clinics and horse owners. However, Hallmarq considers the total cost of ownership in its design decisions, providing an affordable solution to most clinics. For any horse owner, the treat, rest, repeat loop of lameness diagnosis is both costly and time consuming. Early use of advanced imaging to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem minimises the overall cost associated with getting horses back on track. Hallmarq has capitalised on over 20 years

of experience with their unique Standing Equine MRI (sMRI) to create this additional tool for equine vets to fully evaluate and diagnose bony disease in the equine lower limb, including 3D visualisation of fractures. CT combines hundreds of X-rays to create a 3D digital image, which can then be viewed as thin slices from any direction, eliminating overlapping structures and revealing minute detail in bone and cartilage. slCT complements their sMRI which highlights soft tissue and metabolic changes and together they provide an even more powerful diagnostic aid. The value of using both modalities together is one that Dr Alison Fairburn, Specialist in Diagnostic Imaging at Bell Equine Vets also recognises,

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Vet Insight

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Standing Equine Leg CT (slCT) Features

• Fast, 3D imaging with 60 second scan times Susie Godwin & Barrie Upton • Exclusive motion correction Joss Ridley, Jayne Darling-Parks & Claire Allen technology • Simple user interface and easy-to-use system A delicious lunch • Small footprint with an open design for patient safety • No anaesthesia risk for horse or CPPC Christmas Party; Cowley Manor, Cheltenham; handlers Friday 13 December • No additional staffing requirements • Accessible to most equine clinics • Fully supported by Hallmarq’s Q-care program, providing training, Christine Williams & Duncan Branch maintenance and system supportWith Christmas on the horizon, Cirencester Park Polo Club Peter O’Rorke, Matt Evetts & Tony Haynes members and friends gathered to celebrate the festive season at the iconic Cowley Manor near Cheltenham. Alongside a “It really complemented what the delicious lunch, served to perfection by the lovely Cowley MRI had told us about the content and staff, there was laughter and festive cheer aplenty, as guests signal intensity and, in this case, helpedexchanged Christmas tidings of great joy! With all eyes turned A dual-concentric ring design allows for safe and easy access with surgical planning, providing useful to the 2020 season, gossip flew around the room – who will information on the bone margin.” the next big Ciren star be? Which pros will play for which The technology is ideal for lower limb Adding to their state-of-the-art teams next year? WhoslCT will take the most falls? Suffice to say, offer our customers a world first.” imaging where it can detect non-displaced diagnostics was nextto step Horse owners should contact their a wonderful lunch was suite had by all; an theobvious perfect way begin a fractures, subtle changes in bone density forward for the practice, as Dr. Jonathon veterinary surgeon to discuss how advanced thrilling festive season. and small lesions without the expense, Dixon, member of the referral team and imaging can help in the diagnosis of by John Hankin in Veterinary Diagnostic radiation risks and power requirements ofPhotography European Specialist lameness. Maureen Moseley, Georgie Seddon-Brown other systems. Imaging explains, Yanna Mudie, Ginny Williams & Natalie Meredith & Isabel Branch As installations continue, the new “We are really excited to put into practice Web: hallmarq.net Hallmarq system is now up and running at the development so far to help facilitate the Tel: 01483 877812 Rainbow Equine Hospital, North Yorkshire. move into second phase clinical trials and

Ciren Does Christmas

Professional Farriery Services, Specialising in Polo and Competition Horses. - Hot Shoeing - Lightweight steel and aluminium shoes - Free lost shoe cover - Stud holes included Covering Berkshire, Tidworth & Beaufort areas

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+44 (0) 7834 551 357 Polo Times, April 2021

Knowledge Matt Kenna is a fully qualified veterinary and sports chiropractor working with elite athletes and their horses. He is currently working providing consultancy to premiership football teams, high goal players and treats horses across all levels of polo from low goal to high goal. Based between Guards and Cowdray, he travels all over the south of England. This is the first in a series of articles by Matt on equine chiropractic topics

‘Out of Place’?

An out of touch phrase

Photography courtesy of Matt Kenna

Modern social movements are ever increasing, and for good reason – to correct falsehoods that have stood for far too long, some of which beg the question, how on earth did the norm become normal in the first place? Let’s step into my industry for a moment. “Please can you treat my [animal], their back/ pelvis/neck is out of place or alignment”, is a request I get almost daily. ‘Out of place’. It may seem like an harmless phrase but its insinuation amongst the general population 60

Polo Times, April 2021

can have quite significant negative impacts, which can undermine the great work of good manual therapists. Mythbuster: horses have remarkably strong soft tissue structures that keep them well and truly ‘in place’. Out of place, in a medical or veterinary sense, suggests a dislocation of some degree! On the flip side, if your gut is telling you there has been some sort of injury, biomechanical or structural change for which a manual therapist is better suited to address, then we are here to help

(with your vet’s consent). But let’s have a think about adjusting the language around the issue. I can only imagine ‘out of place’ was born out of an oversimplification many, many years ago, where ‘has reduced function’, i.e. not working properly, would be more appropriate, and used when our understanding of the equine musculoskeletal system was far inferior to what it is today. When I’m asked to just push things back in to place, I simply can’t, because nothing was ever ‘out of place’ in the initial instance. Sadly, the mammalian body is far more complex than that. The issues that present themselves in our horses are rarely down to a single problem, unless through trauma, they often manifest over time. Think of a washing up bowl with a dripping tap, eventually it’ll overflow and we notice it. The same goes for the equine body, much like our own. Long periods of reduced movement (boxed horses) or repetitive motion, excessive exercise and starting exercise again after a long rest, cause micro traumas in muscles and to joints, causing subclinical issues, those which we never tend to recognise until it’s too late. These might first present as stiffening up and restricted movement which, if left unaddressed, lead to longer term problems and performance issues. This is why I generally recommend, much like the HPA handbook, to get your horses checked at the beginning of the season as a minimum. The spine itself is a whole motor unit, meaning all the individual segments work together to produce global, overall movement. For motion to occur in any direction, it takes a symbiotic relationship between all sections of the spine. If there are vertebral joints that stiffen up, you might expect to notice it straight away, but that is unfortunately rarely the case, as the body adapts. Other areas step up to the plate and take the job of the restricted regions, causing compensatory movement patterns to occur, often so subtle, they go unnoticed to the untrained eye, all while secondary issues may be developing. In polo it is really common, due to the nature of the sport, for a horse to get stiff on www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

one side of its pelvis, unsurprisingly leading to the other side overcompensating. In turn, there will be greater pressure put on the lumbar spine (low back), which will cause the junction between the upper and lower back, (just behind the saddle) to move too much, resulting in… reduced performance, and pain! When in motion, this will then cause the horse to put more weight through the front limbs, causing muscle imbalances in the shoulder and neck, and in more severe cases, tendon issues and lameness. So, what started as a simple stiffness, has a very real potential of manifesting into something far more problematic. When areas of the spine compensate and move more than they should, the nerves in the area become hypersensitised, causing pain. The nervous system and brain interpret these signals as ‘there’s damage’, so they start to adapt in response, causing the muscles around a joint to tighten up as a protective mechanism. Now, these muscles www.polotimes.co.uk

cannot be massaged loose, they’re so deep and small, no one can reach them and rub them loose, either on a horse or human. What they respond to, is movement, which as a veterinary chiropractor, I can help with. A good physiotherapist or osteopath may go about it in a slightly different way, but they can achieve the same results! Through hands on and complimentary treatments, such as veterinary lasers (which I’ll discuss next time), we can induce and encourage the restoration of movement to normal, or as close to normal, as possible. That’s what, if you ever see me at work, I am trying to achieve. Put simply, movement activates the big large nerve fibres and these help to overload and switch off the small, irritating pain fibres that cause those aches and stiffness by contracting the segmental muscles around the spine that we discussed earlier. This is why after any form of treatment, it is great for horses to the able to spend a while on

pasture, with their heads down eating. After treatment, the body will be able to move more freely, allowing things to be ‘normal’, or miraculously ‘be back in alignment or in place’ (see why it’s not the best way of putting it?). The mammalian body is beautiful, and complex. Knowledge is continually developing through research and studies. What we knew last week has probably already changed, so my eight years in the field feels small to me, and though I have no intention of baffling you with jargon and research articles, I feel it is my responsibility as a professional, as an animal enthusiast, to help fellow owners and keepers understand the why, so that they are armed with supported knowledge to make informed decisions about the care of their horses. Web: www.mkchiro.co.uk @theequinechiro @theequinechiro Polo Times, April 2021

Knowledge

Chukka Wellness

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

The Winning Formula Stay supple, stable & strong in the saddle during the season What is more frustrating than incurring an injury mid-season? Sometimes injuries are unavoidable and unlucky such as a bad fall or a foul play from the opposition. But what players can control is the level of resilience their body has. If muscles are strong, joints are stable, and the body is supple; you are less likely to injure yourself.

Last year we had the honour of training no. 1 female player Nina Clarkin who understands the importance of staying strong and supple to avoid injury and maintain that competitive edge. During her pre-season training, we focused on joint and

muscle stability, functional exercises and of course lots of stretching! These elements all contribute to creating a ‘bulletproof’ body ready for action! Now we completely understand that during a busy season rider wellness can slip down the priority list and workout intensity drops. It is, however, a clever idea to maintain a certain level of fitness and suppleness throughout the season. Here are a few simple and easy tips to follow during the next couple of months in order to bulletproof your body for polo just like Nina.

A mobility routine should form part of your warm-up

Muscle activation is a key part of warming-up

Tip 1: Warm-Up!

Many players don’t realise that performing an effective warm up routine can help prepare them mentally as well as physically. Research has shown that warming up before a game increases competitiveness, focus and clarity. Polo is such a mental game so it is essential to be calm and clear during chukkas. The warm-up is a great time for some last-minute refocusing, relaxing and re-energising. An effective warm up should include: • A Mobility Routine • Activation Exercises • Mental Activation Drills; agility, reaction time, decision making • Some Deep Breathing 62

Polo Times, April 2021

Mental activation drills

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Chukka Wellness

Tip 2: Stability Routine During the season it is important to maintain joint and muscle stability to reduce risk of injury and aid in body recovery post games. This doesn’t require hours of gym time and an effective routine can be a 15 to 20 minute workout three times a week. A typical stability routine may include … · Superman · Glute Bridge · Single Leg Work · Plank with Single Arm Raise

Tip 3: Rest The polo season can be very hectic and worst-case scenario lead to ‘rider burnout’. If this happens mid-season, player performance can decline, and games are lost. Make sure you take time out to recharge, repair and replenish. Why not start with some of these: · Get your sleep – Add a Magnesium supplement if you struggle Consume nutrient dense foods with sleep · Consume nutrient dense foods (lean proteins, fruits, vegetables) · Try adding in Turmeric to your diet to reduce inflammation · Contrast showers (hot, cold, hot, cold) to improve blood flow and recovery · Yoga! On your morning or days off, perform a 15 to 20 minute yoga routine focusing on deep breathing

Photography by Chukka Wellness

Glute bridges should form part of your stability routine

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POWERING PERFORMANCE © The Art Of Polo

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Polo Times, April 2021

Knowledge

Performance in Polo

Photograph by Emily Gordon

Jason Warren is a performance coach, helping professional polo players and athletes redefine their season by thinking outside the box through their mental and physical performance on and off the field

Who Is Ready For The Season?

feel buzzing for polo and believe you could make it to 10 goals, the next day you’re giving up and staring at your feet, shaking your head. Energy can be split into physical and mental energy, but I believe they come hand in hand. Energy gives motivation and sustainability throughout a season. Who doesn’t need that in a long season of playing polo and all that comes with it… photoshoots, press releases, signing autographs etc., you know how polo can be. Here are some things to consider during a season:

Maximising mental & physical energy

Photograph by Fiona Warren Photography

Energy, both mental and physical, is crucial to performance

What are you looking forward to most about the season? Do you want the season of a lifetime or are you just happy to be able to play? I’m excited to be writing this article as we close in on an “on-time season”. Although I won’t be counting my chickens just yet… 64

Polo Times, April 2021

With all the electrifying feelings of the upcoming season, let’s talk about ENERGY. Do you feel energised or knackered during a season? I imagine it’s a bit of both, life is a game of up and downs (especially in polo). One day you

Mental Energy The brain uses up 20-25% of your overall energy. Therefore, allocating time is important during a season. Are you running around trying to get everything sorted and reacting to everything going on? Or are you in-control dictating your moves, focused on what you are doing at that time? A polo season can be all consuming with games, riding young ones, vets, farriers, socialising, organising teams, things breaking and so on. This can have a detrimental effect on your mental energy (you become absolutely cooked). How to counteract this? I believe planning is key, seasonal, weekly, and daily planning can help you to save mental energy and help you to feel in control. It does not require much time but can have a significant impact on your energy and mental performance. Here are some ideas on planning: • When you wake up – get everything down on paper. This means you no longer need to think about it, saving you mental energy! • In fact, get everything down on paper full stop. If you think about something write it in your phone or on paper. That way it’s out of your head and you can come back to it. • Time block the day hourly, it only takes a few mins and can really help you mentally. I like to write a to-do list and time blocks. www.polotimes.co.uk

Performance in Polo • Plan rest during the day, being on the go the whole time isn’t good for mental health and energy. • Do what works for you, try different things when planning and notice what helps you to feel on top of things. Questions to ask yourself when considering energy? 1) Do I need to be doing this? 2) Is this helping or adding to my season? 3) Does this energise or drain me? 4) Am I focused on what I’m doing or thinking about other things Something I do with my clients is the ‘random alarm test’. Set some random alarms on your phone during the week. Name the alarm with one of the questions. This really helps you to understand and become self-aware of your actions. You may be surprised... To sum up: Energy is about you and what you want, there is no right or wrong way. Work out whether what you feel adds or subtracts energy, and become self-aware.

Physical Energy What fuel do you put in your car? If you do not put the right fuel in your car it won’t run. Same for us as humans. That being said, we tend to overcomplicate nutrition with myths and advice from Karen who reads the Daily Mail. The truth is food should not be viewed as good or bad. Everything has its use; the key is balance and keeping your energy levels up alongside hydration. How to eat during a season: Quick release carbs: quick release energy, then you may feel a drop within a few hours: - Chocolate, white bread, white rice, sweets, potatoes, crisps (google for more). When to eat: Great before games and exercise for quick bursts Slow release carbs: slower more consistent energy throughout the day and is better for maintaining weight and your digestive system - Brown rice, porridge oats, fruit, rye bread (google for more). When to eat: All meals – great for consistent energy and balanced diet. Fats: slow-release energy throughout

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the day and for aerobic exercise walking, moving, living. - Avocado, nuts, eggs, dairy, dark chocolate When to eat: All meals – no less important than carbs! Protein helps with growth and repair; benefits sleep and helps you to stay full. - Meat, eggs, dairy, nuts, lentils. When to eat: This macro is beneficial for active people, and muscle recovery. Hydration – buy a BIG water bottle, make it your friend! Have a look online at a hydration calculator which will calculate how much you need based on your weight and activity. Please get in touch with Jason if you need help, he currently has spaces for professionals to join his ‘Polo Performance Program’. Find Jason on Instagram: @tolaperformance or contact him at tolaperfomance@gmail.com www.tolaperformance.com

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Polo Times, April 2021

Sidelines

Gossip

LITTLE LE HARDY

Congratulations to Jamie and Shefki Le Hardy on the birth of baby Eesa Christopher Le Hardy, born in Sotogrande Spain on 11 January 11th, weighing in at 8.5 pounds

CONGRATULATIONS!

Past Rutland Polo Club member and player, Edward Foster, has popped the question to Christine Taylor – and she said yes!

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

GET WELL SOON!

Pedro Heguy, the 11-year-old son of Eduardo ‘Ruso’ Heguy and grandson of Alberto Pedro Heguy has been involved in a serious accident whist riding on Friday 5 February and was transferred to an intensive care unit in Hospital Universitario Austral. Pedrito is recuperating in hospital, and our thoughts are with the whole Heguy family at this difficult time.

POLO AT WINTER OLYMPICS

The Olympic programme organisers are now considering snow polo being added to the list of demonstration sports at the next Winter Olympic Games. If snow polo is added to the list, it will be the first time polo has returned to the Olympics since 1936.

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Polo Times, April 2021

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What’s On – Polo Fixtures As this issue of Polo Times went to print, the Hurlingham Polo Association announced changes to the 2021 Victor Ludorum, in particular the 22 goal season, “The 22 goal programme for 2021 has been slipped to allow more time for ponies to be got properly fit and players to travel and quarantine or self-isolate and hopefully more people to attend the final few games of the Queen’s Cup. The Prince of Wales at RCBPC and The Queen’s Cup will each start and end 2 weeks later so the PoW will run from 13 – 29 May and the Queens Cup from 1 – 27 June. The Gold Cup will start and end one week later, from 29 June – 25 July. The Warwickshire will end on Saturday 26 June, the day before the Final of The Queen’s Cup. The Victor Ludorum below the 22 goal will start as per the original programme with the following changes: The Royal Windsor will run from 22 June to 11 July, the dates of The Eduardo Moore which will now run from 1 – 20 June, the dates of The Royal Windsor. The Final of the Apsley at Cirencester will now be played on 19 June.”

Draft Victor & Victrix Ludorum Dates 2021 Club 22+ Goal RCBPC Trippetts Guards CPPC Cowdray Park TBC 18 Goal Black Bears Cowdray CPPC Guards Cowdray 15 Goal Beuafort Guards RCBPC Cowdray CPPC 12 Goal Cowdray RCBPC Beaufort CPPC CPPC Guards 8 Goal CPPC Guards RCBPC Cowdray Beaufort 6 Goal Dallas Burston Beaufort Binfield Heath KPPC Ham CPPC 4 Goal KPPC Rutland Silver Leys Cheshire Druids Lodge Dallas Burston Victrix Ludorum Black Bears Knepp Castle Cowdray CPPC Beaufort RCBPC Guards

Tournament

Handicap

Start Date End Date

Prince of Wales Trippetts Challenge Cartier Queen’s Cup Warwickshire Cup King Power Gold Cup New Tournament

22 22 22 22 22 22

13/05/21 11/05/21 01/06/21 15/06/21 29/06/21 24/07/21

29/05/21 15/05/21 27/06/21 26/06/21 25/07/21 15/08/21

Oxford Cup Duke of Sutherland Apsley Cup Indian Empire Shield Cowdray Challenge

18 18 18 18 18

04/05/21 18/05/21 09/06/21 29/06/21 19/07/21

16/05/21 06/06/21 19/06/21 17/07/21 01/08/21

The Justerini & Brooks Arthur Lucas Royal Windsor Eduardo Moore Harrison Cup County Cup

15 15 15 15 15

18/05/21 22/06/21 01/06/21 12/07/21 03/08/21

29/05/21 11/07/21 20/06/21 31/07/21 14/08/21

Dollar Cup John Prestwich The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Queen Mother Cheltenham Cup Duke of Wellington

12 12 12 12 12 12

10/05/21 31/05/21 14/06/21 28/06/21 14/07/21 31/07/21

30/05/21 12/06/21 26/06/21 10/07/21 25/07/21 15/08/21

Gerald Balding Archie David Gjulian & Howard Hipwood Holden White Wichenford Bowl

8 8 8 8 8

10/05/21 04/06/21 30/06/21 19/07/21 09/08/21

23/05/21 27/06/21 17/07/21 01/08/21 22/08/21

Stoneythorpe Cup Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup 6 Goal Budgett Everett Roehampton Cup Kingscote Cup

6 6 6 6 6 6

10/05/21 01/06/21 05/07/21 29/07/21 10/08/21 24/08/21

22/05/21 12/06/21 11/07/21 08/08/21 22/08/21 05/09/21

4 Goal Assam Cup 4 Goal Junior County Cup Rose Bowl 4 Goal

4 4 4 4 4 4

02/06/21 15/06/21 28/06/21 05/07/21 26/07/21 24/08/21

08/06/21 27/06/21 04/07/21 11/07/21 01/08/21 29/08/21

Black Bears Women’s Tournament Knepp Castle Ladies Tournament Ladies British Open Cirencester Ladies Beaufort Ladies RCBPC Ladies Victrix Ludorum Guards Ladies Charity

12 to 18 12 to 18 12 to 18 12 to 18 12 to 18 12 to 18 12 to 18

15/06/21 30/06/21 05/07/21 20/07/21 26/07/21 09/08/21 17/08/21

27/06/21 04/07/21 17/07/21 31/07/21 07/08/21 15/08/21 28/08/21

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Polo directory UK The below dates for April and May have been confirmed by Clubs 8 to 12 Guards Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy 2 to 4 Guards Spring Tournament 2 KPPC Winwick Cup 4 to 8 Beaufort & CPPC Badminton Cup 0 to 4 CPPC The RJ Polo 4 Goal Open KPPC 3 V 3 Squad Games 4 to 8 Cowdray Barrett Cup 10 to 12 Cowdray Tyro Cup Dallas Burston Get into the Swing Spring Tournament Open 4 KPPC James Budgett Trophy –2 to 0 Ranelagh Copa Primavera Silver Leys May Cup 0 to 4 Cowdray May 4 Goal Spring Cuup 12 to 15 Guards Quen Mother’s Centenary Trophy 6 Longdole Longdole Cup League 6 Goal –2 to 2 Offchurch Bury Spring Forward Cup 8 to 12 CPPC The Cirencester 12 Goal 0 to 6 Beaufort The Kernow Cup Cowdray Jubilee Cup 0 to 4 CPPC The áBrassard Trophy 4 Edgeworth The Edgeworth Shield 0 to 2 Ranelagh Asado Challenge Trophy –6 to –2 Offchurch Bury Silver Jug 1 to 2 Druids Lodge Aspiga Trophy 4 to 8 Guards The Committee Cup 12 to 15 Cowdray Cicero Cup –2 to 0 Ranelagh Copa La Reconquista Silver Leys Blue Riibbon Cup & Courtauld Trophy 2 Edgeworth Fieldbarn Cup Open Guards Labrador Trophy –4 to 0 Druids Lodge Spring League 4 to 8 Cowdray Easebourne Cup 2 to 6 CPPC The Committee Cup 0 to 2 CPPC Cirencester 2 Goal 1 Edgeworth The 1 Goal Tournament 2 to 4 Ranelagh Founders Cup 3 to 4 goal Druids Lodge June Trophy 6 to 10 Beaufort & CPPC The NPM Babdown Cup –2 to 2 Beaufort The Henderson Rose Bowl The Non-Playing Members 0 to 10 Beaufort Babdown Cup 0 to 6 Cowdray Jersey Lilies Cup 0 to 4 Cowdray June 4 Goal Cup 2 Edgeworth The Edgeworth Challenge 0 to 2 & 4 to 6 Ranelagh Copa Fin De Mayo

20/04/21 20/04/21 22/04/21 22/04/21 23/04/21 24/04/21 24/04/21 24/04/21 26/04/21 29/04/21 01/05/21 01/05/21 01/05/21 01/05/21 01/05/21 03/05/21 04/05/21 04/05/21 07/05/21 07/05/21 08/05/21 08/05/21 08/05/21 08/04/21 08/05/21 10/05/21 15/05/21 15/05/21 15/05/21 15/05/21 15/05/21 18/05/21 19/05/21 21/05/21 22/05/21 22/05/21 22/05/21 25/05/21 25/05/21

08/05/21 09/05/21 25/04/21 09/05/21 03/05/21 25/04/21 16/05/21 09/05/21 02/05/21 02/05/21 03/05/21 03/05/21 15/05/21 16/05/21 30/05/21 09/05/21 15/05/21 15/05/21 23/05/21 16/05/21 09/05/21 09/05/21 09/05/21 09/04/21 23/05/21 23/05/21 16/05/21 16/05/21 16/05/21 30/05/21 20/06/21 05/06/21 31/05/21 23/05/21 23/05/21 23/05/21 30/05/21 04/06/21 05/05/21

25/05/21 05/05/21 26/05/21 29/05/21 29/05/21 29/05/21

13/06/21 20/06/21 31/05/21 31/05/21

16 Open 14 to 16 8 & 12

12/04/21 17/04/21 29/05/21 29/05/21

16/04/21 18/04/21 31/05/21 30/05/21

14 & 6

27/03/21 04/04/21

0, 2 & 4

03/04/21 04/04/21

WOMEN’S La Aguada, ARG Timor, AUS Beaufort Rutland

La Aguada Ladies Cup Timor Women’s Ladies Nations Cup WIP League

AUSTRALIA Garangula Melbourne City Sydney Showground Hexham Perth All Saints Estate Eynesbury Forbes Windsor Perth & Swan Valley Scone Millamolong Kurri Burri

Garangula 14 & 6 Goal Melbourne City Polo Club Easter Bunny Cup Royal Sydney Easter Show Dunkeld Polo WA Open Rutherglen Vineyard Polo Mount William Polo Forbes Polo Club at Jemalong Windsor Annual

07/04/21 08/04/21 Open

0, 2 & 6

10/04/21 10/04/21 10/04/21 10/04/21 17/04/21 17/04/21

10/04/21 11/04/21 10/04/21 11/04/21 18/04/21 18/04/21

Charles Cup

17/04/21 18/04/21

Scone Bob Skene League Millamolong Polo Kurri Burri 12, 6, 2, 0 g

24/04/12 02/05/21 24/04/21 25/04/21 24/04/21 25/04/21

0, 2, 6 & 12

Polo Times, April 2021

Polo directory USA Grand Champions Costa Careyes IPC Port Mayaca Grand Champions Houston New Bridge Sarasota Hobe Sound ATX Arizona Sunset Central Coast Lakeside Legends Aiken Westchester Triangle Area Two Wishes

FRANCE

Triple Crown of Polo Border Circuit Constitution Cup U.S. Open Polo Championship Monty Waterbury Continental Cup Regional President’s Cup Regional President’s Cup Florida Circuit Constitution Cup Florida Circuit Constitution Cup Southwestern Circuit General George’s Patton Jr Border Circuit Masters Cup Florida Circuit Sportsmanship Cup Pacific Coast Circuit Level I/I JV & Club Level Tournament Pacific Coast Circuit Level I/I JV & Club Level Tournament The Feldman Cup Southeastern Circuit Sportsmanship Cup Northeastern Circuit Arena Amateur Cup Southeastern Circuit Arena Sportsmanship Cup Southwestern Circuit Amateur Cup

26 6 to 8 18 to 22 16 to 20 12 to 16 4 to 8 4 to 8 4 to 6 0 to 6

24/03/21 27/03/21 31/03/21 01/04/21 15/04/21 28/04/21 28/04/21 01/04/21 01/04/21

17/04/21 03/04/21 18/04/21 25/04/21 15/05/21 16/05/21 29/04/21 11/04/21 11/04/21

–1 to 4

02/04/21 30/04/21

2 to 4 0 to 2

03/04/21 04/04/21 05/04/21 11/04/21

0 to 2

11/04/21 12/04/21 17/04/21 18/04/21 23/04/21 25/04/21

2 to 6

24/04/21 09/05/21

0 to 3

24/04/21 25/04/21

0 to 3

28/04/21 01/05/21

–1 to 4

30/04/21 31/05/21

Quick Question

Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page

A: The USPA Gold Cup was founded in 1974, at Oak Brook Polo Club, Illinois

Saint-Tropez Chantilly Chantilly Chantilly Chantilly Saint-Tropez Chantilly Chantilly Chantilly

Easter Cup Coupe Walti Challenge de Condé Coupe de Senils Coupe de Printemps Coupe de l’Hippocampe Les Classiques de Chantilly Coupe Espirit Chantilly Polo Rider Cup

8 to 10 0 to 2 –1 to 1 0 to 2 4 to 6 8 to 10 4 to 6 0 to 2 10 to 12

01/04/21 03/04/21 03/04/21 10/04/21 10/04/21 22/04/21 24/04/21 24/04/21 10/06/21

05/05/21 04/04/21 04/04/21 18/04/21 18/04/21 02/05/21 02/05/21 02/05/21 21/06/21

01/04/21 09/04/21 16/04/21 23/04/21 30/04/21

04/04/21 11/04/21 18/04/21 25/04/21 30/04/21

SPAIN Santa Maria Santa Maria Santa Maria Santa Maria Santa Maria

XLI Memorial José I. Domecq XVIII Memorial Conde De Guaqui Torneo Santa Maria Torneo Puente De Hierro Iberian Polo Tour

EMIRATES Al Habtoor Al Habtoor Al Habtoor

AHPRC Leaguue Dubai Cup AHPRC Leaguue

4 to 6 6 to 8 4 to 6

26/03/21 02/04/21 09/04/21 16/04/21 23/04/21 30/04/21

CLUB

PHONE

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Home Farm Polo Grounds

07807672120

rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

CLUB

PHONE

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Knepp Castle Polo Club

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Leadenham Polo Club

07429 299026

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Bawtry Polo Club

01302 773282

info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

07803 020577

info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

Beaufort Polo Club Beverley Polo Club*

01666 880510 01964 544877

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Cambridge Polo Club* Cambridge County Polo Club*

07711 217004 01223 812922

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

RCBPC*

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Stewarton Polo Club

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 811 111

enquiries@ixlevents.com

Suffolk Polo Club

07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Polo Times, April 2021

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

www.polotimes.co.uk

SPECIALISTS IN EQUESTRIAN AND RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AND BUILD All weather polo arena planned, designed and constructed by Equus Design & Build for

IF YOU CAN SEE IT, WE BUILT IT

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DESIGN · PLANNING · CONSTRUCTION www.equusdesignandbuild.com | +44 (0) 1865 92020 | enquiries@equusdesignandbuild.com

Polo directory

Marketplace In association with Chukkout Polo Transport

CASABLANCA NEU HELMET SIZE 54CM – 6 5/8 Purchased a year ago, used around 10 times - Has a removable liner you can unzip and wash etc 3 point link magnetic strap. No falls or hard impacts had, collection or delivery is fine. £460. Tel: 07493 468929

CHARLES OWEN POLO HELMET Charles Owen Palermo Polo Helmet. Burgundy, 56cm (6 7/8), excellent condition, HPA approved, Kitemarked to PAS015 and BSEN 1384. £100 plus postage. Tel: 077076 89969

Misc

2001 IVECO 51 PLATE 7.5t, stalled for 4, ample living area, reliable. £9,500. Tel: 07846 177817

Ponies

CASSIE Chestnut, 15’3, 14 years old. Has played up to 18 goal with Fabio Lavinia, 12 goal with Phil Seller (2 goals) and 6-8 goal with 0 goal patron owner. Will be ready to stick and ball at Lode (Cambridge) from April. £10,500. Tel: Edward Keymer on 07836 727377

Equipment

CASABLANCA SMALL HARD SHELL ELBOW PADS Casablanca Elbow Guards. Bought from Tally Ho Farm Shop in Winkfield. Literally worn once only. Excellent condition. Prefer to ride without elbow guards. £95, postage at buyer’s expense. Tel: 07796 318564

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

POLO SADDLE Lovely comfy polo saddle well looked after comes with leathers and stirrups has English stirrup bars. £250. Tel: 07836 611857

HAND SANITISER Hand sanitiser supplied at 80% ABV to WHO Formula 1. Available in 100ml (from £2), 200ml (from £4) or 5 litre (from £45) sizes. Personalised labels available at extra cost. Discounts & free delivery for bulk purchases. Tel: 07969 456214

WEATHERBEETA STABLE RUG 6ft 3” heavy duty stable rug, good condition. £50. Tel: 07541 106333

POLO MALLETS 52” & 53” medium to heavy, all good condition. Job lot polo mallets good condition. Pick up (High Wycombe) or post at cost. £495. Tel: 07534 386958

Submit your classified adverts

SHIRES OUTDOOR RUG Shires outdoor rug, heavy weight. With detachable kneck. Washed and reproofed. Approx 6.3”. Tel: 07541 106333

online

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or contact

01452 730770

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One year £55 UK One year £65 EU One year £80 WW One year £90 SUPA/SAPA One year £55 Digital Only subscription (App & website access)

SHIRES HARD SHELL TENDON BOOTS Shires hard shell tendon boots. Black. In very good condition. Velcro all in good. Clean. £14 plus postage. Tel: 07989 380058

Polo Times, April 2021

SPANISH RIDING BOOTS Only worn a couple of times – like new. EUR 43/UK 9. Brown, approx boot height 44cm and calf width 40cm. £75 + £15 P&P. Tel: 07880 747162

6 months £30 SUPA/SAPA rate

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Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Having begun his polo playing days in the Cotswold Pony Club (winning the Jack Gannon in 1987), Jason Dixon went on to win some of the most prestigious titles in polo including The Queen’s Cup (Black Bears, 1993), Ellerston Gold Cup (Garangula, 1994), Warwickshire Cup (Lovelocks, 1998), Deauville Gold Cup (Laird, 1999), Cowdray Park Challenge Cup (Black Bears, 1994 & Groeninghe, 2002), Indian Empire Shield and FIP World Championships (Silver 1989, Bronze 1993 and Bronze 1998). Nowadays, Jason can be seen umpiring across the globe and has officiated at tournaments including The Queen’s Cup, The Gold Cup, The Coronation Cup, The Argentine Open, The Hurlingham Open and Pakistan Open to name but a few! What is your biggest passion and why? Polo – because it started as an unlikely dream and became my reality. It has confronted me with challenges, I have experienced great thrills and disappointments, it has enabled me to travel the world while being heavily involved with horses, encounter the international polo community, provided me with a livelihood since the age of 18 and many great friendships – what else is there to say? What is your all time best polo memory? Winning The Queen’s Cup Final. Playing for Black Bears (P. Merlos, S Merlos, U Schwarzenbach/O Hipwood and myself) versus Ellerston White (Adolfo Cambiaso and Gonzalo Pieres Snr, KP and Tarquin Southwell). We were losing 8-3 at half-time and we came back to win 9-8 in the sixth chukka. Beating the best team with two legendary 10 goal players. One of the best ever come backs AND I met HM The Queen for the first time! A very close second is winning The Ellerston Gold Cup in 1994 – winning a tournament with teams of the calibre of Ellerston White (Gonzalo Pieres and Adolfo Cambiaso), Ellerston Black (Memo and Carlos Gracida), Jemmalong (Ernesto Trotz and Tommy F-Llorente). Both occasions were out of this world – unbelievable feelings of achievement and Team Spirit!

Polo Times, April 2021

Who were/are your favourite teammates? Two teams from two vastly different eras; Paddy Cowley, Olly Hughes and Angus Duncanson. Cotswold Pony Club Team from the ages of 10 to 18. Winning only one trophy – the last one we played together – I think we’d be described as ‘late developers’! The second, Urs Schwazenbach, Pite Merlos, Sebi Merlos – Black Bears – could beat any team on our day just a bit unpredictable! Hardest opponent? Adolfo Cambiaso, out of this world and brilliantly unique! Which sports do you like outside of polo? Rugby, hockey, show jumping – spectating obviously! Favourite film and why? I’ve got two: Interstellar – it really stretches the imagination and demonstrates virtually anything is possible and Dinner for Schmucks (Steve Carell & Zack Galifianakis) – incredibly, awkwardly funny. I learnt a lot about Mind and Brain Control from this movie… It’s been incredibly useful as an umpire! Favourite song/album? Dire Straights Brothers in Arms. Reminds me of the wonderful childhood I had. Favourite food/dish? Chicken Milanesa Napolitana a caballo and asado or anything Indian.

Favourite hobby outside of polo? History, cooking, hill walking and attempting to stay fit! Most prized possession? Catchita – a beautiful grey/white mare aged about 30. She’s been retired for some time now. She was an excellent pony from Pite Merlos and Black Bears. Favourite celebrity and why? Gordon Ramsay in Kitchen Nightmares because he’s a total knob and doesn’t give a toss! Very funny but I’m not sure he realises it… Best holiday destination & activity Scottish Highlands or Switzerland with my sons, partner and sister. Not so many people, lots of walking, time to reflect on the important things in life. Best pony and why? Glen Almond Boy – bred by HM The Queen, owned by the late Lord Sam Vestey and trained by the late Hector Barrantes at Stowell Park, Glos. He was lightning fast, so quick to stop and turn. I couldn’t believe it was possible when I first sat on him at the age of 18. Made me laugh so much – incredible! Catchita – the same – incredible! Are you passionately superstitious? NO. It’s all in the mind. (A combination of Mind Control versus Brain Control – if you’ve seen the movie Dinner for Schmucks, you’ll have a better understanding!) Describe yourself in three words… Conscientious, direct and generous. One thing which would surprise us about you? I’m a sensitive person… www.polotimes.co.uk

STR

RRY &

HAND CRAFTED DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN THE COTSWOLDS, UK BATCH No.

THE FOUNDER

NUMBER OF BOTTLES

500

700ml

37.5% alc./vol. 5 060505 620085 >

Polo Times April 2021

Articles inside

Classifieds

Passions: Jason Dixon

What’s On in April 2021

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know

Performance in Polo: Who is Ready for

Vet Insight: Standing Equine Leg CT

Equine Chiropractor: ‘Out of Place’?

Chukka Wellness: The Winning Formula

Nutrition Focus: Crib Biting

Playing Tips with Rege Ludwig

Polodoc: Facial Injuries

62

Property Feature: Blueys Farm

Gauntlet of Polo: C.V. Whitney & USPA

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series: Gold

Championship 2021 Savile Cup

2021 U.S Open Women’s Championship

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Big Picture

Letters: Your Views & Social Media