PoloTimes April 2019 by Edit

Volume 24 • Issue 3 • April 2019 • £6.50

THE BRYAN MORRISON TROPHY Flannels England Victorious Again EQUINE BACK MECHANICS Benefit Osteopathy DESENSITISING & SENSITISING Getting Your Youngsters Started PLUS: USA Action, Polo Valley Expands & Nutrition for Performance

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Contents

Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside…

April 2019

Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Manager Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk

Operations Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk Advertising Sales

Women’s Polo

44 Cover Story: The Susan G. Komen U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship 46 A Round-Up of Women’s Polo 50 5 Minutes With… Siobhan Herbst

Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk Advertising & Subscription Sales

Youth Polo

Rebecca Hastie sales@hinemarketing.co.uk

Principal Design

Knowledge

James Morgan

Additional Design Tony Ruddy

Subscriptions & Administration Assistant Lynne Berry admin@polotimes.co.uk Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors: Angus Olds, David Powers, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Horacio Areco, Kate Martin, Lorna Edgar, Rege Ludwig, Shane Borland, Stephen Biddlecombe, & ©Tony Ramirez/ www.imagesofpolo.com

Contact details

Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email:admin@polotimes.co.uk

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© Polo Times Limited 2018 and Database Right 2018 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

Polo Times, April 2019

All Aspects of Youth Polo

72 News 6 16

All the Latest News FIP News

Comment 18

Your Views & Social Media

Features 20 22

Big Picture Cover Story: Polo Valley Expands

Reports 24 26 28 32 34

Cover Story: World Polo League Palm Beach Open Cover Story: Gauntlet of Polo USPA Gold Cup Cover Story: The Playnation International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy Cover Story: World Polo League The Founders Cup Julius Bär Gold Cup

Club Focus 37 38

Club Profile: Westcroft Park Polo Club Your Club News from Home and Abroad

55 Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series 56 Equipment Focus: Bits: Chewing the Bit 59 Polodoc: Snooze or Lose 62 Cover Story: Equine Osteopathy: Back mechanics problems & solutions 64 Playing Tips: The Mighty Wrist 66 Cover Story: Desensitising & Sensitising 68 Vet Insight: Sweet Itch 70 Nutrition Focus: What is in a Bag of Feed? 72 Cover Story: Fitness Insight: Nutrition for Performance 74 PoloPlay

Sidelines 79

Sidelines: Social Pages & Gossip

Polo Directory 85

What’s On: Polo Fixtures

Final Bell 88

Passions: Alejandro Novillo Astrada

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Cover photograph: Flannels England’s Ed Banner-Eve and France’s Pierre Henri Ngoumou congratulate each other after The Playnation International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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Polo Times, April 2019

La Aguada Line-Up

La Aguada has announced the line-up that will be playing the upcoming 2019 Hurlingham Open and Argentine Polo Open. Rising star Lucas Díaz Alberdi, who has just won the 2018 edition of the prestigious Copa Cámara de Diputados, will be filling in for Miguel Novillo Astrada. Miguel has decided not to play the two competitions of The Triple Crown in 2019. Instead, he has stated he will be playing the new 34 goal Professional League, sponsored by the Argentine Polo Association, either with La Aguada or another team. The 32 goal La Aguada foursome who will participate in The Hurlingham Open and The Argentine Polo Open Championship in 2019 will be as follows: Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8), Alfredo Bigatti (8), Lucas Díaz Alberdi (7) & Ignacio Novillo Astrada (9)

La Aguada have announced their line-up for the 2019 Hurlingham and Argentine Opens

Polo Business Nominated for Award

The Polo Pub at Foston’s Ash which is close to Longdole, Edgeworth and Cirencester Park Polo Clubs has been nominated for The 2019 SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards. The pub has been shortlisted for the Pub of the Year award, which is hugely exciting for the owners, as they only took over ownership in July 2018. If you would like to vote for The Polo Pub at Foston’s Ash, please visit soglos.com/awards with voting closing on Tuesday 30 April. What’s more, The Polo Pub is looking for any old polo kit, sticks, hats, saddles, shirts… to display in the bar and restaurant. So, if you have any disused polo equipment lying around (no matter how scruffy), why not give it a new purpose? The Polo Pub will swap kit for food and drink! Also, for any former or current international players, male or female, young or old The Polo Pub would welcome signed kit for the Hall of Fame area. Please email The Polo Pub at Foston’s Ash on reservations@fostonsash.co.uk for more details.

Photograph courtesy of Foston’s Ash

There have been over 50 handicap alterations, both up and down, across all levels from 7 goal down to -1 handicap. At the higher end of the spectrum Will Emerson and Daniel Otamendi have both had their handicaps raised from 6 to 7, undoubtedly due to Emerson’s The HPA has announced the 2018/19 End of Season Arena recent win whilst Captaining the Handicap changes Flannels England team in The Playnation International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy at All England Polo Club, Hickstead, influencing his handicap raise. Meanwhile, Richard Blake Thomas has gone up from 5 to 6 and Hugo Taylor has been raised from 4 to 5. Ryan Pemble however, has had his handicap decreased from 7 to 6 goals and Howard Smith’s handicap has also been reduced from 6 to 5 goals. Alex and Nell Jacob have both had their handicaps raised from 2 to 3 goals, no doubt following on from their successes in the 2018/19 Women’s Arena Polo Series. To view the full list of changes please visit the HPA website.

Photograph courtesy of La Aguada

Nick Hine, Publisher

UK End of 2018/2019 Arena Season Handicap Changes

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

As this April issue of Polo Times goes to print, there are mixed emotions in the UK. On the one hand we have just seen the end of winter (hurrah!); spring arrive; and then paradoxically, British Summer Time officially starting, (all in a few weeks), meaning the clocks change, giving us longer day-light hours – all good news to those with horses in work. On the other hand however, the whole Brexit fiasco does not look like it will be concluding any time soon as Brexit has been postponed. This leaves not only the PM fighting for her political survival, but the whole nation and most UK’s businesses in a state of limbo – a situation that would be laughable, were it not so serious. Fortunately, this time of year is for focussing on the positives, and with the onset of spring and with the 2019 polo season calling, comes the annual flurry of activity in polo yards across the UK as ponies are brought in for the season ahead and reminded that they are polo ponies, not feral, muddy fluffballs; and the perpetual search for grooms for the upcoming season continues. The 2018/19 Arena season has seen plenty of action across all levels – from the ever-burgeoning student polo that is SUPA, right the way up to the high goal and International Test Matches, there has been much polo to watch and enjoy. To mark the end of the season, the HPA has announced their End of Season Arena Handicap Changes. There have been over 50 handicap alterations, both up and down, across all levels, from 7 goal down to -1 handicap, highlighting the strength of British arena polo. Across the pond, the American season is still in full swing with a plethora of polo, especially at the higher level of 22 and 26 goal entertaining the crowds of spectators and demonstrating the strength of the international polo community. British players are competing across the globe, including in Dubai where young guns Tommy Beresford and Hugo Lewis recently reached The Julius Baer Gold Cup Final at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Dubai. Although they lost out to UAE Polo, it is great to see two British grass roots young players flying the flag. So, with the sun gaining a little warmth and the ponies with it, some spring energy in their strides, I wish you all a happy start to what will hopefully be a fantastic 2019 polo season in the UK!

News

The Polo Pub at Foston’s Ash has been nominated for The Pub of the Year Award

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A GOLDEN PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE RANGE TO SUPPORT POWER & SPEED BASED EXERCISE 2018, and a much celebrated win not only for El Remanso, but for English polo in the King Power Gold Cup. The all English team of players will go down in history for their unforgettable British Open victory. It was quite a celebration! #FeedtheDifference For nutrition advice or further information on our feeds please call,

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News

Photograph courtesy of Beach Polo World Cup

The ninth annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championship is set to return on 2 November this year. This event is one of the largest in the global polo calendar, and will boast four polo matches, fieldside hospitality, DJs, tailgating and much more. For more information about the upcoming event, please visit thepoloparty.com

Photograph courtesy of Bentley Scottsdale

Ninth Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championship to Return

The Beach Polo World Miami

The date has been announced for the ninth annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championship.

Gladiator Polo Players will once again take to the sand on Miami South Beach in April for The Beach Polo World Cup Miami

Photograph by Alex Pacheco

Between 25 – 28 April, Miami South Beach will once again be buzzing with polo prowess as teams take to the sand for the 2019 edition of The Beach Polo World Cup. As well as three days of exciting polo, the event will also welcome guests to a plethora of social events, highlighting the exciting version of our sport that is beach polo. Tickets are available at www.miamipolocup.com now, with a multitude of packages available.

Gladiator Polo has once again begun in Wellington, Florida. The first matches of the 2019 Gladiator polo season began in the U.S. Polo Assn. Coliseum at International Polo Club Palm Beach on Friday 15 March with two matches. The first match saw tournament favourites Team New York defeat Team Los Angeles 15-14 and Team Palm Beach triumph over Team Dublin 12-8 in the six chukka matches. Gladiator Polo will return on Friday 29 March, as we go to press, with Los Angeles vs Palm Beach. The Gladiator Polo Teams: Team Palm Beach: Tommy Biddle, Geronimo Obregon & Toro Ruiz Team Dublin: Gallego Ferrario, Tito Ruiz & Nino Obregon Team New York: Pelon Escapite, Mike Azzarro & Jesse Bray Team Los Angeles: Tomas Garbarini, Gringo Colombres & Santi Toccalino

New York’s Pelon Escapite and Los Angeles’ Gringo Colombres ride-off for the ball

USPA Press Release The following statement was issued by the USPA regarding Hilario Ulloa’s red card during The C.V. Whitney Cup Final: On Sunday February 24 in the C.V. Whitney Cup Final, Hilario Ulloa of the Las Monjitas team was issued a red flag which led to his ejection from the game and suspension from the subsequent game, the first game of the USPA Gold Cup. Following the C.V Whitney Finals game the Las Monjitas team

filed a protest with the USPA. After careful review of the rules, video footage, and investigation of the facts of the incident, the Board determined it was appropriate to lift the subsequent game suspension allowing Ulloa to play in the first game of the USPA Gold Cup. Respectfully, Bob Puetz Chief Executive Officer

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News Photograph courtesy of Fox PR

II Costa del Sol Beach Polo Cup

The Kempinski Hotel Bahia will host The II Costa del Sol Beach Polo Cup

Between 3 – 5 May, the luxury beachfront Kempinski Hotel Bahia will host The II Costa del Sol Beach Polo Cup. The two day tournament will see a plethora of international players, as well as VIP luncheons, gourmet cuisine and after-parties. Four teams will compete for the coveted trophy, with the resort’s newly revamped Spiler Beach Club opening in time for the event.

Gay Polo League Welcome RSM US LLP

The Gay Polo League has welcomed back sponsor RSH US LLP, one of the USA’s leading providers of middle market audit, tax and consulting services, as a sponsor for the 2019 League and presenting sponsor of the 10th annual Land Rover Palm Beach International Gay Polo Tournament, between 4 – 7 April. The tournament will be held at The International Polo Club, Palm Beach.

U.S. Open Polo Championship Draw Las Monjitas (22): Camilo Bautista (A), Francisco Elizalde (8), Matt Coppola (4) & Hilario Ulloa (10) Park Place (22): Andrey Borodin (A), Juan Britos (8), Nico Pieres (9) & Lucas Díaz Alberdi (5) Daily Racing Form (22): Jared Zenni (6), Geronimo Obregon (4), Santiago Cernadas (6) & Agustin Obregon (6) Bracket 4 Postage Stamp Farm (22): Annabelle Gundlach (A), Lerín Zubiaurre (8), Mariano Aguerre (8) & Joaquin Panelo (6) Stable Door (21): Henry Porter (3), Santino Magrini (4), Victorino Ruiz (6) & Santiago Toccalino 8 Tonkawa (22): Jeff Hildebrand (A), Tincho Merlos (8), Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset (10) & Sterling Giannico (4) Pilot (22): Matias Gonzalez (3), Gonzalito Pieres (9), Facundo Pieres (10) & Curtis Pilot (A)

Photograph courtesy of USPA

On Wednesday 20 March, the USPA hosted The CaptiveOne U.S. Open Polo Championship Draw Party at the International Polo Club Pavilion to determine the playing order for the tournament which began on Wednesday 27 March and has a winner’s prize pot of $250,000. The participating teams in their tournament brackets are listed below: Bracket 1 SD Farms (22): Sayyu Dantata (2), Peco Polledo (6), Tito Ruiz Guiñazu (8) & Pelon Escapite (6) Cessna (21): Chip Campbell (2), Ezequiel Martínez Ferrario (7), Felipe Marquez (6) & Felipe Viana (6) Santa Clara (22): Nico Escobar (3), Nino Obregon (6), Cubi Toccalino (8) & Luis Escobar (5) Aspen (22): Stewart Armstrong (3), Tomas Schwenke (2), Lucas James (7) & Polito Pieres (10) Bracket 2 Coca Cola (22): Gillian Johnston (2), Wesley Finlayson (4), Julian ‘Negro’ de Lusarreta (8) & Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Novillo Astrada (8) Iconica (22): Maureen Brennan (1), Peke Gonzalez (5), Sebastian Merlos (9) & Matias Magrini (7) La Indiana (22): Michael Bickford (2), Facundo Obregon (6), Jeff Hall (7) & Tomas Garcia del Rio (7) Equuleus (22): Joe DiMenna (A), Iñaki Laprida (7), Cristian ‘Magoo’ Laprida (8) & Mariano Gonzalez (7) Bracket 3 Old Hickory Bourbon (21): Will Johnston (2), Jason Crowder (6), Miguel Novillo Astrada (9) & Stevie Orthwein (4)

The CaptiveOne U.S. Open Polo Championship Draw Party was held at the IPC Pavilion

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News

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Images of Polo St. Moritz Book

Images of Polo have produced a luxurious 68-page bound coffee book

The Armis Polo Helmet, the first British helmet to be designed to both the British Standard PAS 015 with Kitemark as well as fitted MIPS patented technology, has been awarded the prestigious RedDot Award: Product Design 2019. The RedDot Award: Product Design is one of the world’s largest design competitions, with designers and manufacturers from 55 countries entering more than 5,500 products in this year’s competition. Armis is a 100 percent British brand, manufactured in the UK, with helmets sported by some of the world’s best players, including world-number-one Adolfo Cambiaso. On 8 July, company founder Robin Spicer and the Armis team will celebrate their award at the official award ceremony.

Photograph courtesy of Armis

Tony Ramirez of Images of Polo has created a luxurious 68-page bound coffee table book of all the highlights from The 35th Annual Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz. This is the perfect post snow polo gift and will bring back all the wonderful memories from another exciting year of snow polo on the iconic frozen lake in St. Moritz. To take a look at the book, ring Tony Ramirez on 07956 036649 or email tony@imagesofpolo.com

Armis Polo Helmet Receives RedDot Award

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Polo Times, April 2019

Photograph courtesy of AAP

Seven teams between 17-23 goals participated in a new version of the Argentine League, played for the first time with an Amateur Handicap. The AAP classifies amateur polo as all those players who practice polo only as a recreational activity. On Sunday 24 March, La Cañada defeated Miralejos 10-8 in the Open Final and Las Praderas secured a convincing 15-2 win against La Cautiva in the Handicap Final. La Liga Argentina Final Teams: La Cañada (23): Carlos Paz (4), Ignacio Rueda (6), Duncan Dub (7) & Ernesto Helguera (6) Miralejos (20): Emiliano Urien (5), Ernesto Urien (4), Ezequiel Goñi (5) & Tomás Urien (6)

La Cañada secured victory in the La Liga Argentina Open section Final

La Cautiva (20): Federico Bentancour (5), Tomás Gilligan (5), Martín Laplacette (5) & Matías Iribarren (5) Las Praderas (20): Diego Sirito (5), Gonzalo Moretti (5), Martín Moretti (5) & Alejo Nitti (5)

U.S. Polo Assn Launching in the UK The American clothing brand U.S. Polo Assn is set to officially launch in UK U.S. Polo Assn will be launching in the UK stores on 29 March. The later this month global lifestyle brand will be entering the UK and Ireland menswear market with a debut collection for spring/summer 2019, which will be available in Arcadia stores and on next.co.uk from the end of March. The line will also be stocked at selected House of Fraser stores and USC stores from June.

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Photograph courtesy of U.S. Polo Assn

La Liga Argentina

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News The Pakistan Open Jamie le Hardy reports

Photography courtesy of Jamie le Hardy

I have been traveling to Pakistan to play polo for over 14 years. My first tour was in 2005 winning the 16 goal President’s Cup with Howard Hipwood and Pakistan’s best player Hissam Ali Hyder, now years later I have gained a unique understanding, connection and insight into this complex and fascinating country. What began as just another polo tour has now turned into a second home, much due to the incredible hospitality of the people, a rich culture and also where I was fortunate enough to meet and marry my wife. The Final of The Pakistan Open was held on Sunday 10 March and amidst political tension there was a palpable buzz in the air as six teams went head-to-head to compete for the biggest cup in the country, hosted at Lahore Polo Club. The Open was very competitive this year with Hissam Ali Hyder, aka Namo, playing as always, but he ultimately lost to the team I’ve been coaching, Master Paints Black, Captained by Mattias Vial Perez in the Final. This year I have been competing with Master Paints Black Team in the 12 goal season playing for Amir and Haris Sufi alongside my good friend Timmy Taimur Reja Nadeem, who is gearing up for his wedding later this month to Victoria Diaz Alberdi, and Ahmed Ali Tiwana. We played alternative tournaments with Amir and Haroon

and were fortunate enough to win the medium goal Zameen and Honda Cups. Lahore has eight polo fields, three at Lahore Polo Club and DHA and one each at Fortress Stadium and Pakistan Park. Lahore Polo Club, the oldest Club in Pakistan, plays host to The Open, and is located near the centre of the city in the GOR Government xxx area. Though Lahore, known as the City of Gardens, it is now heavily developed, the Polo Club is an oasis of calm in this bustling jungle of a city – those who have visited know the distinctive hawks which circle above the field. Though small, the Club has a rich heritage and a colonial elegance which lives strong. It hosts weekly tournaments starting with low goal in October and builds up to the 14 goal Open followed by another month of polo until it becomes too hot to play. The newest developed Club in DHA has stables which are of the highest quality and the Army have plans to make it an international world class facility. Master Paints Black have a great organisation and their hospitality has been unsurpassed. Competing against international players from England, Argentina and Chile, with the best local pros, means the playing standard has been high whilst playing on local and imported horses. I have been impressed by the group of younger players and the organisations who have been improving each year and will be the future of Pakistan polo. Long may it last!

Photograph courtesy of Rob Hampson

Master Paints Black win The Pakistan Open

Jamie le Hardy in action in Pakistan

Sad Passing of Clive Peddle On Monday 18 March, it was announced that Clive Peddle, MD of the South African Polo Association (SAPA) has passed away. Clive was a passionate supporter of polo for over 45 years and will be missed by the polo community. A full obituary will follow in the next edition of Polo Times. Clive Peddle (pictured far left) has passed away

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FIP News

FIP Update We have made progress with regards to the first Women’s Polo Championship. The FIP Women’s Committee had their first meeting in March and have decided that the Championship will have six teams in the Finals and the handicap of the Championship will be 16 – 20 goals. The dates that are currently being considered are in April 2020 after Easter. Next month I will be travelling to Santiago, Chile to have meetings with the organisers of The 2023 Pan American Games to start work on the inclusion of polo. This has been FIP’s ambition for many years and we were very close to having polo in the Games in Peru 2019, so I am confident that we have a good chance for the Chile Games in 2023. The FIP’s Children Committee has been recently formed and I am very happy that Thomas Winter, Oliver Hughes, Sebastian Pistone, Javier Uranga and Mike Vigano have accepted to integrate the Committee. They all bring a wealth of knowledge with regards to children’s polo and I look forward to seeing what they will provide FIP in order to enhance our involvement and assistance to youth polo around the world. As part of our children’s polo development programme, FIP sponsored the visit of students from a USA school who had visited New Zealand to play a series of games with local school children. The final game was a Test Match between the USA and New Zealand. The USA players were Conner Jenkins – Hawaii, Zak Coleman – New Mexico & Arizona, Taylor Palacios – Upstate New York and Johnny Kirton – Hawaii and Grace Grotnik – Massachusetts. The New Zealand team was formed of George Cronin – Sacred Heart College Auckland, Lachlan Appleby – Christchurch Boys High School, Kaleb Watson – Morrinsville College, Henry Batchelor – Christs College and Zoe Reader – Rangi Ruru, Christchurch. The weather was unruly and didn’t help the play, but they managed to play four games. The USA teams won all their games winning for the first time The James Wood International Schools Cup. It was a great game that had all the intensity of a true International Test Match between two great polo playing nations. More importantly, a week of camaraderie and friendship between the USA and New Zealand students was achieved, this having been one of the main objectives of our polo development programme from the off.

Polo Times, April 2019

Photography courtesy of FIP

President of the Federation of International Polo, Horacio Areco, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world

The USA and New Zealand youth teams

The youth teams ready to play

Camaraderie was the name of the game in New Zealand

The USA youth team were successful in New Zealand

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Letter of the month The writer of letter of the month wins a bottle of British Polo Gin @britishpologin 18 years and over only

Dear Editor, As a woman who has watched polo for many years, am I the only one who finds it patronising that women have now got separate handicaps for ‘women’s polo’? The great thing about equestrian sport is that men and women compete as equals. We don’t have women’s only show jumping where the jumps are a bit lower and no one gives Pippa Funnel 30 seconds longer round Badminton because she’s female. Clearly feminism has missed polo. The fact that every woman on the pitch has had their handicap raised makes it a farce. It clearly shows that sadly women’s egos are as fragile as the men if they feel good about being 4 goal for the day. Even if they return to 1 goal the second a man rides on the field. Why don’t we go even further and have England only polo so that we can adjust the handicaps and get an English 10 goaler for the first time. Bit embarrassing when they plummet back down to 6 or 7 the next day when a player from any other country rides out on the pitch though. I’m surprised no one has suggested the ladies wear skirts in their matches to look a bit prettier and play sidesaddle. Jane Tombs Do you agree with Jane Tombs? Here at Polo Times we encourage healthy debate. Contact us now on editorial@polotimes.co.uk with your opnion

We follow them to save you the scrolling: @rcb.poloclub – Already looking forward to the summer season… #polo #pololifestyle #berkshirelife #berkshirelifestyle #ascotlife #windsorlife #theinternationalday2019 #princeofwalestrophy

Should ladies playing polo wear skirts, generally look prettier and ride sidesaddle as feminism has missed polo – as suggested in our Letter of the Month? Let’s take it a step further and introduce falcons to pick up the ball for delicate lady umpires.

Quick Question @susienz123 – Monty with Charlie and Max.

Q: What is the name of the Indian sport

#nephew #kaikino

we know today by British Army Officer Lt.

that was anglicised into the sport of polo Joseph Sherer and Capt. Robert Stewart?

A: Turn to page 86 to check your answer.

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Polo Times, April 2019

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@polotimes 6,372 followers

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Big Big

the the

Polo Times, April 2019

picture picture

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XXXXXXXXX PINK POWER! XXXXXXXXXXXXX Sometimes polo isn’t always about the players, horses and being crowned champions, and this was certainly the case at The Thai Polo & Equestrian w XXXXXXXXXXXX Club for the Club’s 11th annual Queen’s Cup Pink Polo Final, which aimed to raise funds for The Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer. The entire event celebrated everything pink in support of raising awareness and funds for the worthy cause, with no detail overlooked, including these tiny canine fashion models decked out in their finery, with Club Owner Harald Link supporting the event as always. wP hotograph by Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com

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Polo Times, April 2019

Feature

Polo Valley Expands

2020 to see exciting changes

olo Valley first opened its gates to clients midway through 2015 and has been developing its facility, operation and product range since. Today the facility offers polo holidays for all levels of players, intense training courses, horse sales and horse rental as well as full livery services. Those who have visited Polo Valley will know that they are famous for having a freshly prepared gin & tonic waiting for you fieldside and that the level of service and attention to detail is never short of five star. 22

Polo Times, April 2019

Late last year however, Polo Valley acquired an additional 35 hectares (86 acres) of adjacent farmland (Polo Valley South) and plan to take their project to the next level. The original Polo Valley (now named Polo Valley North) is set on a five hectare (12 acre) site and boasts breathtaking scenery towards the Casares mountain range, the adjacent Guardiaro river and of course the bermuda lawns of its world-class training field. The facility has a sand school, ten outdoor corals, 55 boxes and a polo field as well as an onsite Guest-House where most of the regular guests are accommodated.

The new site (now named Polo Valley South) was once, in its heyday, a racing yard and at a quick glimpse one can see that in its prime it was a serious equine property. The plan is to completely revamp the 100 existing stables and offer exclusive barn rental for teams or polo organisations looking for a long-term polo base in Sotogrande. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to compete in the year-round tournaments or to establish a young horse programme in the sun, each barn will be equipped with its own entertainment area for each of its lucky tenants. The American style barns sit nestled towards the very southern end of the south campus with ample space for enjoying both inside and out. With private access, each of these barns have designated areas for asados and dining. A landscaped water feature with connecting walkways subtly separates tenantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; boundaries, whilst also creating a purposely designed area for disconnecting and letting the world go by. The plans are focused around creating the perfect setup for individuals and teams looking to enjoy all the long hours spent in the barns and facility and to get the most from their polo base here in Sotogrande. www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Valley Expands

Feature

Polo Valley is an oasis in the heart of Spain

Each barn will be equipped with its own entertainment area

The spaces are designed with function and style in mind, for living, relishing and cherishing amongst team mates, friends and family. With state-of-the-art facilities for entertaining, replaying game footage, team meetings, desk space, physiotherapy, all just an arm’s reach from your greatest asset… your string of polo ponies. The additional development of a whole new luxury villa to accommodate guests and visitors is also on the plans for the Polo

Photography courtesy of Polo Valley

Polo Valley South features: • 4 x American style barns • 2 x Polo Fields • Arena • Riding Track • Turn out paddocks • Corrals • 2 x Walkers • Guest House Villa Suites • Gym & Spa • Lake and events area • Restaurant

Valley South project. This will bring the beautiful Spanish housing style into 2020 with modern twists in the form of suites with garden areas, complete with an infinity pool, gym and spa facilities and terrace areas to watch those spectacular Andalusian sunsets. Of course, all fully equipped and serviced by Polo Valley for a truly memorable stay. One standout feature that truly sets the new facility apart is the eight hectare (19 acre) lake which is plentiful in wildlife and runs almost the length of the south campus. The plan will be to introduce swimming with polo ponies to the list of activities on offer at Polo Valley from Summer 2019, as well as paddle boarding, and rowing boats for rent, accessed by a floating dock on the waterfront. On one lake peninsula, just opposite to the main entrance, there is a perfect picturesque area for the restaurant space. This is flanked by a rose garden and offers space and beauty for a wide range of occasions. A mix of Spanish, Argentine and British styles, designs and cuisines, all coming together to form a world-class setting and menu with stunning space for visitors and guests alike in a much more permanent set-up than the current popular barn asados. The addition of the three new polo fields is something that really highlights the step Polo Valley is taking with its phase two development. The facility will undoubtedly compete with some of the leading polo facilites in Europe at least. The added fields open up more possibilities of hosting tournaments, playing multiple practices at

once, and adding space for visiting teams and year-round tenants to train and play. With the developments and expansion underway, it is extremely exciting to see the visions and plans on paper becoming reality and we are excited to see Polo Valley’s future unfold.

The proposed plan for the Polo Valley South setup

For more information on Polo Valley visit www.polovalley.com or contact them on info@polovalley.com or +44 (0) 208 246 5301

The new facilities at Polo Valley

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Polo Times, April 2019

The World Polo League Palm Beach Open Final, Grand Champions Polo Club

Photography by Ramon Casares

Reports

Action from The World Polo League Palm Beach Open Final

High Scoring SD Farms A Inaugural win for Sayyu Dantata udi and SD Farms met in The World Polo League Palm Beach Open Final on Sunday 24 March at Grand Champions Polo Club. Earlier in the day, in the Subsidiary Final, Valiente faced Alegría for The Molina Cup at Valiente Polo which saw Alegría defeat Valiente 11-10 with Alegría’s Jesse Bray being named Most Valuable Player. Both teams entered The World Polo League Palm Beach Open Final undefeated with record crowds gathering on the sidelines to witness a clash of the titans between these two powerhouse teams with a 10 goal player apiece. The first half was a goal scoring frenzy, with the scores resting on 9-3 at half-time, with SD Farms pouncing on every Audi error to take the lead. Having come out

Polo Times, April 2019

of the previous tournament, The Founder’s Cup, winless, Audi were eager to claw their way back into the game in the second half, but SD Farms didn’t provide Audi with an opportunity to fight back and The World Polo League Palm Beach Open Final ended with an 11-6 win for SD Farms. It was Sayyu Dantata’s World Polo League debut and he finished his inaugural tournament in style, with not only the win for SD Farms, but also the Catena Fair Play Award. Dantata commented, “This is the thrill of my life and playing with the best player in the world is a bonus. This feels amazing. I am very, very happy and very excited. My family came here to watch and I am sure the guys back home in Nigeria are excited too.” As well as the title of World Polo League Palm Beach Open Champions, SD Farms also took home $75,000 in prize money. At the

prize giving Adolfo Cambiaso was named as Most Valuable Player after scoring five goals for SD Farms, all five from penalties. He commented, “I’m happy, it’s been a great tournament, I think we played a great Final and I’m looking forward to the next tournament where I think I’ll be playing for Colorado with Rob Jornayvaz. I’m happy with The World Polo League. We played well. Sayyu had a great game and did well against Pablo [Mac Donough]. I think it is the best game we played as a team. We all did a good job. This is a very good team.” The World Polo League continues with The Triple Crown of Polo which began on Wednesday 27 March, with the Final scheduled for Sunday 14 April.

SD Farms won both the title and $75,000 in prize money

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The World Polo League Palm Beach Open Final, Grand Champions Polo Club

MAR

Reports

FINAL

24 MAR

BPP

Grand Champions BPP: Libanella, played by Pablo Mac Donough

BPP

American Polo Horse Association BPP of Tournament: Open Medallon, played by Guille Terrera

BPP

American Polo Horse Association BPP of Final: Miami, played by Adolfo Cambiaso

Where: Grand Champions Polo Club, Wellington, Florida The World Polo League Palm Beach Open Final Teams:

SD Farms (26) Sayyu Dantata (2) Santi Torres (6) Guillermo Terrera (8) Adolfo Cambiaso (10)

Audi (26) Marc Ganzi (2) Nic Roldan (8) Pablo Mac Donough (10) Kris Kampsen (6)

Catena Fair Play Award: Sayyu Dantata

MVP Adolfo Cambiaso

The “Gonzalito” Saddle The Best for the Best Already acclaimed by leading professionals Custom Bridlework is also available to match your team colours

“Quality is not expensive, it’s priceless” ™

Enquiries to: Equine Management Ltd Tel: 01825 840002 Email: info@equineman.com

www.equineman.com

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“ I am proud to put my name to such a superb saddle. The light weight is a fantastic bonus too.” Gonzalito Pieres

Polo Times, April 2019

Reports

USPA Gold Cup, International Polo Club Palm Beach

Pilot’s Pieres Overtime Success Pilot secures second Gauntlet title

ith the rain delaying play, the 2019 USPA Gold Cup Final was moved from its scheduled date of Sunday 24 March to Monday 25 March. Going into the Final, both teams seemed evenly matched and undefeated, with both Aspen and Pilot winning their Semi Final matches with scores of 9-8. With The USPA Gold Cup forming part of The Gauntlet of Polo, there was $125,000 in prize money up for grabs for the winner, additionally as Pilot also won The C.V. Whitney Cup Final, they are the only team in with a chance of winning the $1,000,000 prize pot if they manage to win

The Final spilled into overtime with both teams trying to clinch the win

Polo Times, April 2019

all three Gauntlet of Polo tournaments, and so a win in The USPA Gold Cup was crucial to keep this aspiration alive. As both teams lined up, it was a Pieres family affair with Facundo and Gonzalito playing for Pilot and Polito donning the white shirt of Aspen. The match began with Pilot trailing, an unusual start for a team more used to leading the goal scoring charge, with Aspen’s Polito Pieres pushing his team into an early 5-2 lead. However, Pilot continued undeterred and managed to tie the scores 6-6 in the third chukka. When able to find open space, Gonzalito and Facundo were as effective as ever, demonstrating the power and finesse of the two-player game they have perfected over the years. But Aspen had obviously been studying the form of these two Argentine powerhouses and worked tirelessly to shut down the Pieres duo’s freedom at every turn. As both teams rode back onto the ground for the second half, there was everything to play for and neither team was willing to budge an inch, with the defences tightly locked down on both sides, which resulted in a goalless fourth chukka. However, the tempo quickened in the fifth chukka, with end-to-end action and just one penalty whistle slowing down the pace. Goal after goal shot through the posts for both teams, with Gonzalito Pieres managing to secure a slim one goal lead for Pilot going into the final chukka. At the start of the sixth chukka, Aspen game out on the attack and quickly scored two goals to take them into the lead, but with Pilot’s undefeated record to maintain, Facundo Pieres secured a field goal from 40 yards to send the Final into overtime. With prize money up for grabs it was all to play for, and within the first minute of the extra chukka Pilot forced Aspen into making two consecutive fouls, placing Facundo Pieres on the 60 yard line taking aim to strike a penalty shot worth $125,000. Despite the overwhelming pressure, Facundo coolly converted the penalty to secure Pilot not just The USPA Gold Cup title and hefty prize money, but also maintain Pilot’s undefeated scoresheet in The Gauntlet of Polo, meaning they are still in with a chance of winning the overall title and with it the $1,000,000 pot of gold. The Gauntlet of Polo continues with The CaptiveOne U.S. Open Polo Championship which began on Wednesday 27 March and concludes on Sunday 21 April. www.polotimes.co.uk

USPA Gold Cup, International Polo Club Palm Beach Key Stats at a Glance Field Shot Conversions Penalty Conversions Fouls Committed Throw-Ins Won

Aspen 6/16 5/6 8 16

Pilot 8/13 4/4 9 11

The USPA Gold Cup Final Teams: Pilot (22) Curtis Pilot (0) Matías González (3) Gonzalito Pieres (9) Facundo Pieres (10)

Aspen (22) Tomas Schwencke (2) Lucas James (7) Polito Pieres (10) Stewart Armstrong (3)

Reports

MVP Tomas Schwencke

FINAL

Where: Grand Champions Polo Club, Wellington, Florida

BPP

28 25 FEB

MAR

One Magnifica, played by Facundo Pieres

Photography by Alex Pacheco/IPC

Pilot, winners of The USPA Gold Cup

UR RE YO BEFO TS K R O S BO PAIR N STA RE SO CK 9 SEA I T S 01 E2 TH

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BO ST TH ICK R OK Y O E2 019 EPAIR UR SEA S BE F SO N S ORE TA RT S

Polo Times, April 2019

Reports

Polo Times, April 2019

www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

The Playnation International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy, All England Polo Club, Hickstead

Lucky Number Five Flannels England once again retain The Playnation International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy

Jen Liggins

reports from Berkshire

n the heart of West Sussex, Storm Freya very kindly delayed her impending arrival for the highlight of the international arena season, The Playnation International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy at The All England Polo Club, Hickstead. The sun was shining, the stands bustling with arena polo fans and the Clubhouse filled to bursting with both English and French fans alike keen to witness these age-old rivals do battle on the AEPC, Hickstead sand. Following the first presentation for The Playnation High Goal Challenge title, the International Test Match got underway. From the first throw-in, the pristine team work and immense pace from the Flannels England side was something to behold. The French team, with noticeably less experience in the arena, were caught unawares on multiple occasions, as the Flannels England side notched up four goals in the first chukka to none in response, despite three penalty opportunities for the French. Going into the second chukka, Flannels England continued their goal scoring streak, bringing the score to a whopping 9-0 and at this point it looked as though France may never get off the starting blocks, but as Pierre-Henri Ngoumou, fresh from his snow polo debut at The Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel 2019 finally managed to break the stalemate,

Umpires: Howard Smith and Simon McDonald

MAR

Where: All England Polo Club, Hickstead

Chris Hyde

MVP

BPP

Ed Banner-Eve

commentator Chris Hyde commented, “Now we have a proper arena match”. Following the break Ed Banner-Eve, later named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player, came firing out of the throw-in with a tenth goal for the Flannels England side, followed by another off the stick of the Captain Will Emerson. Emerson’s horsepower in the third chukka was truly something to behold. The speed off the mark of the two ponies was unmatchable by any of the opposing team’s steeds, ensuring Emerson was always first on the ball out of the mêlée, but, following three penalty ones in France’s favour, the scoreboard gap was narrowed slightly to 15-7 by the beginning of the final chukka.

Pulga, owned and played by Pierre-Henri Ngoumou Chukka Scores: 4-0, 9-2, 15-7, 17-9 to Flannels England

“it would have taken a miracle for France to come back from such a large goal difference, but in arena polo, this was not such a big thing”

THE PLAYNATION INTERNATIONAL TEST MATCH FOR THE BRYAN MORRISON TROPHY TEAMS: FLANNELS ENGLAND

Ed Banner-Eve (6) www.polotimes.co.uk

Eden Ormerod (6)

(18)

Will Emerson (6 – Captain)

PLAYNATION FRANCE

Clémont Delfosse (6)

Patrick Paillol (6)

(19)

Pierre-Henri Ngoumou (7) Polo Times, April 2019

Reports

The Playnation International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy, All England Polo Club, Hickstead

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

“the final moments went by in a blur of horsepower and frenetic passing”

Flannels England beat France in The Playnation International Test Match to lift The Bryan Morrison Trophy

Prior to the main event, Hedonism Wines took to the field against Centtrip Wales for The High Goal Challenge, in front of a prepped and eager crowd. The play was fast and frenetic from the off, with Centtrip Wales quickly securing four goals to only one in response from their opponents early on in the first chukka. Centtrip Wales began to let things slip, losing patience, going into plays with little forethought. Hedonism Wines took advantage, bringing the scores to 4-4 at the beginning of the second chukka. Play was scrappy and full of whistle leading up to half-time, which saw the teams at 7-7 going into the break. Both teams clawed back in the final two chukkas, but Centtrip Wales made good on their earlier clumsy play, securing the title 19-13.

Despite play really heating up, at this point, it would have taken a miracle for France to come back from such a large goal difference, but in arena polo, this was not such a big thing, with just four two-pointers required to even the odds. With this in mind, Flannels England kept up the defence as France began notching up goals, but two penalty ones in the home side’s favour ensured with just 1.49 minutes to go, Flannels England were still far in the lead 17-9. The final moments went by in a blur of horsepower and frenetic passing, but there was nothing that France could do. Flannels England walked away with The Playnation International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy with ease, to a roar from the assembled home crowd. Ngoumou’s dark bay mare Pulga was named the Polo Times Best Playing Pony and was presented with its rug, alongside the team prizes, by Bryan Morrison’s son, and The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Chairman Jamie Morrison. This thrilling match marked the official end to the 2018/2019 arena season in true pomp and excitement worthy of such a resounding

win for the home side. Following the match, players, spectators and guests gathered in The Al Shira’aa Suite for a delicious celebratory lunch, for not only the match, but the season just passed.

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Ed Banner-Eve was everywhere

MVP Pete Webb

The Playnation High Goal Challenge winners, Centtrip Wales

The High Goal Challenge Teams: Centtrip Wales (13) Amy Guy (1) Richard Blake Thomas (5) Pete Webb (7)

Hedonism Wines (13) Evgeny Chichvarkin (1) Tim Bown (4) Jonny Good (8)

BPP Gypsy, owned and played by Richard Blake Thomas

Test Match Form: The Last Five Years’ Results

2014: USA victorious over England, 21-7

2015: England victorious over Ireland, 18-13

2016: England victorious over USA, 16-14

2017: England victorious over 2018: England victorious the Commonweath, 12-11 over USA 14-10

To read more about Polo Times Best Playing Ponies Pulga and Gypsy, turn to our Pony Power Pages and for social images, please turn to our Sidelines pages 30

Polo Times, April 2019

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www.andrewsbowen.co.uk

EQUINE SURFACE MANUFACTURERS “The team from Andrews Bowen were quick, highly professional and come with a wealth of knowledge” Karl Martinez

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

Reports

World Polo League Founders Cup Final, Valiente Polo Farm, Florida

World Polo Winners O Nero scores Grand Champions’ golden goal

“I was open and went for it. I said to myself ‘I can’t miss this goal” 32

Polo Times, April 2019

Photography by Ramon Casares

utside the home of high goal polo, Argentina, the only place you can watch the polo greats display their skill and flair in 26 goal polo these days is in the newly founded World Polo League. With the aim of preserving the highest level of polo stateside, Melissa and Marc Ganzi co-founded the League with Valiente Polo Farm owner Bob Jornayvaz and with its set of simpler, fan-friendly rules, live streaming on ESPN, plus a seemingly never-ending line-up of top polo players, the inaugural World Polo League has been gaining momentum and favour. The Founders Cup was the second tournament of the inaugural League, with Valiente securing success in the first tournament, The All Star Challenge Draw. Going into The Founders Cup, Valiente were hot favourites and on the day of the Final they also had the advantage of a three goal handicap difference. This early lead was built upon with two goals to three in reply from Grand Champions to bring the scores to 7-3. However, Grand Champions were eager to maintain their undefeated score sheet in The Founders Cup and clawed their way back into the game with five goals scored in the third and fourth chukkas, which were unanswered by Valiente. In the end it was 10 goaler Juan Martín Nero who managed to find the golden goal for Grand Champions, with the scoreboard reading 12-11, securing the team not only the title but also $60,000 prize money. Nero commented after the match, “I saw Grant [Ganzi] was with Adolfo [Cambiaso], I was open and went for it. I said to myself ‘I can’t miss this goal.’ I was completely alone, I was lucky to get it. This is huge for us. This is the first tournament we’ve played together and we won. The game was really good, it was open. We had a lot of fun.” Nero finished the match with seven goals, including four penalty conversions, de Andrade had secured four and Ganzi added one. The unique format of the League means the teams are not the same for each tournament as a team draw is held before each new tournament begins, with Team Captains drawing out of a hat for one top player for each team, allowing patrons the chance to play with a 10 goal player. Also played on Sunday was the

Undefeated Grand Champions faced tournament favourites Valiente in the Final

Subsidiary Final for The Powerhorse Cup and $40,000 prize money. Scone – David Paradise (0), Guillermo Terrera (8), Alejandro Taranco (8) & David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (10), defeated Colorado – Rob Jornayvaz (2), Juan Martin Zubia (7), Diego Cavanagh (9) & Jero del Carril (7), 15-12 to secure both third place and the prize money. The Founders Cup Top Scorers: David ‘Pelón’ Stirling – 22 Juan Martín Nero – 18 Adolfo Cambiaso – 16 Tommy Biddle – 15 Jero Del Carril – 15 Santiago Torres – 14 Juan Martin Zubia – 13 Rodrigo de Andrade – 13 Diego Cavanagh – 12

Stirling was named Most Valuable Player, Liberata, who was played by Stirling, was the Grand Champions Polo Club Best Playing Pony and Jordib, who was played by Rob Jornayvaz and owned by J5 Equestrian, was named the American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony. The World Polo League continues with The Palm Beach Open, which began on Wednesday 6 March with the Final on Sunday 24 March, followed by The Triple Crown of Polo which begins on Wednesday 27 March with the Final on Sunday 14 April.

Founders Cup Final Teams:

Valiente (24) Bob Jornayvaz (2) Agustin Nero (6) Santi Torres (6) Adolfo Cambiaso (10)

Grand Champions (26) Juan Martín Nero (10) Rodrigo de Andrade (9) Grant Ganzi (3) Juancito Bollini (4)

Where: Valiente Polo Farm, Florida

BPP

Grand Champions BPP of Final: Dolfina Miami, played and owned by Adolfo Cambiaso www.polotimes.co.uk

World Polo League Founders Cup Final, Valiente Polo Farm, Florida

19 FEB

Reports FINAL

MAR

Grand Champions took home $60,000 for their Founders Cup win

MVP

Tato’s Game MVP: Rodrigo de Andrade

Tournament MVP: Juan Martín Nero

Catena Watch Play of the Day: Juan Martín Nero

www.polotimes.co.uk

BPP

American Polo Horse Association BPP of Final: Mermelada, played by Agustin Nero, owned by J5 Equestrian

BPP

American Polo Horse Association BPP of Tournament: JM Muneca, played by Juan Martín Nero

Polo Times, April 2019

Reports

Julius Bär Gold Cup, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Dubai

Brit Hugo Lewis trying in action for Habtoor during the Final

FEB

Photography by ©Shine TV

FINAL

MAR

Undefeatable UAE T UAE Polo Claim Julius Bär Gold Cup he UAE Polo Team’s undefeated streak continued in Dubai, as they lifted The Julius Bär Gold Cup 2019 trophy on Friday 8 March in front of a crowd of spectators and fans at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club. Before the main event of the day, spectators enjoyed the Subsidiary Final between Zedan – Amr Zedan (0), Martin Gandara (5), Santiago Laborde (6) & Rauli Laplacette (7) and Dubai Wolves – Yousef Bin Desmal (0), Justo Cuitiño (3), Cacu Araya (7) & Manuel Crespo (7) for The Bentley Cup. The Wolves began the match with three goals, but Zedan swiftly matched these to tie the scores at 3-3 at the end of the second chukka. Zedan continued their goal scoring flurry to take the lead 6-3 by the end of the third chukka. However, the Wolves had managed to even the scores to 6-6 by the end of the penultimate chukka. The last chukka was fiercely contested, with both teams trying to gain and maintain the advantage, in the end it was Zedan who took the 2019 Bentley Cup title with an 8-7 win. Before the highly anticipated Julius Bär Gold Cup Final, the crowds were treated to a performance by the Dubai Police Marching

Where: Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Dubai 34

Polo Times, April 2019

UAE Polo, winners of 2019 Julius Baer Gold Cup

“despite valiant attempts… the UAE Polo team left the field the victors”

band followed by the UAE National Anthem, before the finalists were accompanied onto the pitch by Bentley cars. Both teams came out evenly in the first chukka, which ended 3-2 in UAE Polo Team’s favour, and as the teams headed towards half-time, UAE still held the lead 8-3. Habtoor Polo came back in the fourth chukka, ending the play 9-6, but despite valiant attempts to even the scoreboard by Facundo Sola and Tommy Beresford, the UAE Polo team left the field the victors 108. Alejandro Muzzio was named the Most Valuable Player, whilst his pony Milly was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug. The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series continued with the 18 goal Dubai Challenge Cup, which began on Saturday 16 March, with the Final scheduled for Friday 29 March.

Julius Baer Gold Cup Final Teams: Milly, played by Alejandro Muzzio

BPP UAE Polo (18) HH Sheikha Maitha (0) Vizcacha Benoit (6) Tomás Panelo (4) Alejandro Muzzio (8)

Habtoor (18) Mohammed Al Habtoor (0) Hugo Lewis (3) Facundo Sola (9) Tommy Beresford (6)

Chukka Score: 3-2, 6-3, 8-3, 9-6, 10-8 to UAE Polo

BPP

Argentine Breeders Association BPP: Future Figuretti (Open Sunset x Open Entrometido), played by Tomás Panelo

MVP Alejandro Muzzio

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Westcroft Park Polo Club

Photography courtesy of Westcroft Park Polo Club

Club Profile

Westcroft welcomes players from across the UK

Westcroft Park Polo Club Westcroft Park Polo Club, in Chobham, Surrey is easily accessed from central London and set in over 120 acres of beautiful private Surrey land. The Club offers fun, farm-style polo with the all-important competitive twist and is well located to provide excellent access to both Cowdray and Berkshire polo areas too, all on three immaculate boarded full-sized fields, two stick ‘n’ ball fields, an academy ground and an all-weather outdoor arena. Westcroft Park Polo Club, formerly Ascot Park Polo Club was officially taken over by Richard Blake Thomas in 2015, as the former Club was going to close its stable doors. Passionate about his horses and polo, knowing how important Ascot Park Polo Club had historically been to the polo community in bringing on new sponsors, and

Action from Westcroft Park

Polo Times, April 2019

always up for a challenge, Richard set about the task to bring the Club back to life and into the modern world – a very different polo world from the hay days of the late 1990s and early 00s. Prior to taking over Westcroft Park, Richard experienced the sport at low and medium professional levels and after a series of injuries, he began focussing on the breeding and hiring of polo ponies for the medium and high goal, and these days breeding, pony production and horse hire are very much at the forefront of Westcroft Park Polo Club’s ethos. 2018 was tough, having laid good foundations, the property was then sold to developers and due to close again at the end of last season, this time it seemed for good, so all preparations were made, only for the sale to fall through two weeks before completion. Now with a long-term horizon assured by the landlords, Westcroft Park is back in gear, and following a victorious winter, the Club, a member of The Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers and fully affiliated to The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) is galloping at top speed in a very clear direction. The next 12 months will see significant investment in improving the farm and equine management side of the Club, to support further growth in breeding operations and pony production, also management and livery of client horses both for playing and breeding. The Club offers a friendly, competitive environment to play, learn and compete, whilst a strong membership enjoys weekly

Winning days at Westcroft Park

Club and academy chukkas, practice matches, private and group lessons and summer tournaments at all levels up to 8 goal, and as Richard says, “It all has to be with a smile and a good dose of banter!” Post-polo chatter fuels the asado every Saturday afternoon during the summer season, whilst Westcroft Park’s major event, The Surrey Hills Summer Cup (0-2 and 4-8 goal), always brings in the crowds and is this year scheduled for between 6 – 14 July. Westcroft Park continues its heritage of promoting and supporting women in polo, with The WIP Polo League Summer Tournament due to take place during the first weekend of June, and The Westcroft Womens’ Championships from 10 – 18 August. Women’s arena polo is also well represented in the winter months. A huge amount of work goes into engaging the local community through www.polotimes.co.uk

Westcroft Park Polo Club

Local schools use Westcroft Park as a base

family fun days based around polo events, exposing new visitors to our game and opening the doors to would-be new players from the age of six and upwards. The Club has also begun working as a filming location and is available for private hire for functions, product launches and weddings is all part of the diversification plan, you can even go there for dog agility classes! Membership is thriving at Westcroft Park, with strings of beginner and low goal ponies to high goal playing ponies for hire both at the Club and with transport for all other UK and European clubs, the young horse programme supporting this and pony sales,

full livery and breeding services are also available for client horses. Westcroft Park is the perfect place to learn, with its additional focus on the development of grass roots polo. Currently teaching nine schools throughout the year it also runs their own after school polo and holiday clubs for young players and newcomers, who are beginning to rise through the polo ranks at a remarkable pace. Increasing the participation of youth in polo they run regular schools matches, university polo and alumni polo too. Westcroft Park’s Polo Academy teaches beginners, about 65 percent of the adults taught, have never ridden before. In addition, Westcroft Park welcomes polo players from all over the polo world for pre-season training, a bit of fine tuning or anything a polo fanatic might desire during a visit to the UK. With both winter and summer polo and in partnership with Foxhills Golf, Spa, Hotel and Country Club they are confident in the strength of their offering. Events and corporate days are also at the forefront of the Club’s diversification, with a variety of leading corporate polo days run by the Event Manager who has over 20 years events experience including two Jubilees for H.M The Queen, two Royal weddings and an Ashes Tour ‘down-under’! The ‘Discover Polo Experience’ introduces guests to the

Club Profile

game of polo over two hours culminating in their first chukka! It’s exhilarating, competitive, great fun and absolutely no previous riding experience is necessary! Bustling with polo life and with a clear forward focus for growth, Westcroft is now beginning to thrive. It also appears that previous injuries are no longer holding Richard back either, having just won The Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup as well as The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player in the Final, and a week later, the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug for his mare Gypsy in The Playnation High Goal Challenge at AEPC, Hickstead playing for Centtrip Wales! The summer season at Westcroft Park Polo Club commences on 20 April and runs until late September, with 10 tournaments and exciting Club challenge weekends! The brand new club website www.westcroftparkpolo.co.uk is currently being built and will be live very soon so check it out to see all about the clubs activities! For membership and enquiries please contact Westcroft Park Polo Club Tel: 00 44 (0) 1276 858545 or email events@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

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15/08/2017 14:18 15/08/2017 14:18

Polo Times, April 2019

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club and led from the outset with the scores reading 2-4½ as the half-time bell sounded. However, after half-time, Dubai Wolves mounted a comeback and had managed to flip the lead in their favour and eventually win the match. The Dubai Challenge Cup continued on Monday 18 March, with UAE Polo vs AM Polo. The Final will be played on Friday 29 March as we go to press. Also on Saturday, the inaugural Amity Polo Cup 2019 in the UAE was played. The scores were tied at 3-3 in the final chukka, and with just thirty seconds left to play, Brit Tommy Beresford scored to take the win for RAK Bank, 4-3.

Photograph by Khalil Ali

It was a busy weekend of polo at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club with The Dubai Challenge Cup, Amity Polo Cup and AHPRC League for March all concluding between 15 – 16 March. The AHPRC League for March 2019 was the first of the Finals to be played, with Dr. A Bangash securing the March title with an 8-7 win over Kuwait Polo. The AHPRC League is a week-long 4-6 goal tournament which is played every month at the Club. Next up was The Dubai Challenge Cup, fourth tournament of The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series, which began on Saturday 16 March with Dubai Wolves narrowly defeating Shansal/PBS 9-8½. Shansal/PBS began the match with a 1½ goal handicap advantage

The Dubai Challenge Cup began on Saturday 16 March

Amity Polo Cup 2019 Teams: RAK Bank: Sheikha Alya Maktoum, Mohammed Al Habtoor, Alejandro Gowland & Tommy Beresford Gulf Islamic Investments: Sheikha Mosah Maktoum, Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Tomás Iriarte & Martin Gandara

Ash Farm Polo Club Photograph by Chloe Martin Photography

Ash Farm Polo Club hosted the annual Rock The Polo event on Friday 22 March

On Friday 22 March, Ash Farm Polo Club hosted the annual Rock The Polo event, with players gathering at the Club for an evening of arena polo and social fun. Ash Farm Polo Team ultimately defeated Royal Holloway Polo Club 6-5, but the play was fast and frenetic. The Rock The Polo Teams: Ash Farm Polo Club (10): Jack Hyde (6), Georgia Sweeney (1) & Jason Warren (3) Royal Holloway Polo Club (11): Edwin Morris-Lowe (4), James Mann (4) & Bryony Taylor (3)

Barbados Polo Club On Sunday 3 March The BMW Barbados Cheshire Tour came to an end at Holders Polo Field with Barbados winning the final match of the series to level the scores, with both teams winning two matches each. The Club has also confirmed the remaining fixtures for the season which can be found on its Facebook page @barbadospoloclub.

Polo Times, April 2019

Photograph courtesy of Barbados Polo Club

The BMW Barbados Cheshire Tour Teams: BMW Barbados (9): Rhys Odie (1), Philip Tempro (2), Adam Deane (3) & Jamie Dixon (3) Cheshire (9): Howard Taylor (0), Charlie Walton (3), Martin ffrench-Blake (3) & Oliver Taylor (3)

BMW Barbados won the final match to tie the Cheshire Tour Series

Beaufort Polo Club Gloucestershire-based Beaufort Polo Club has been nominated as Sporting Venue of the Year by The SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2019. What’s more, The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo has also been shortlisted for the Event of the Year Award. To vote for these exciting polo nominations, please visit soglos.com/ awards before Tuesday 30 April. In other news, on Friday 14 June, Beaufort Polo Club will be hosting a special charity polo day in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society. The day will begin with a drink’s reception and entertainment from the New Delta Jazz Band, which will be followed by the Semi Finals of The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup and a quintessential cream team during the afternoon. In other news, the Club has announced that it will once again use the amended tournament format used in last year’s Badminton Cup in the 2019 instalment. This includes chukkas being shortened to 4.30 mins, with 30 seconds extra time per chukka, and the number of chukkas being increased from four to six per match. The total playing time remains the same.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus Photograph courtesy of CPPC

Cirencester Park Polo Club Cirencester Park Polo Club has announced that the renovation of its historic Clubhouse is soon to be underway, with master thatchers Parkinson’s employed to re-thatch the Clubhouse roof from next month. Furthermore, the Club will also be working on the interior of the Clubhouse in honour of the Club’s 125th anniversary year. The Club will be hosting an Opening Party on 26 May to celebrate.

The Cirencester Park Polo Club Clubhouse will be renovated in April before the season gets underway

Chester Polo Club

Dallas Burston Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Hector Worsley

In the Final of The Charlotte Trophy at Dallas Burston Polo Club on Saturday 2 March, held in aid of The Helen & Douglas House, Oxford Polo came out the overall winners. It is set to be another busy year at Dallas Burston Polo Club, with the 2019 polo year already underway at the Warwickshire Club. The summer will really kick off with The DBPC Victor Ludorum on 26 May, followed by The Ladies’ Day on 15 June and The Fine & Country Warwickshire Gold Cup on 7 July. What’s more, the highlight of the season will be Polo in the Park on 1 September, which last year welcomed record-breaking crowds. In addition, British Polo Gin is proud to Oxford Polo won The Charlotte Trophy at DBPC announce that it will be on hand in the unique safari tent for all of these occasions, serving delicious cocktails and their renowned Gin & Tonics. For more information about the upcoming season, please visit www.dbpoloclub.com

Chester Polo Club has finalised its 2019 season fixtures list. The first of two weekend tournaments, The White Oak UK Polo Series, will take place between Friday 21 – Saturday 22 June, with a new fieldside viewing location for the general public to enjoy the polo, specially introduced this season. Laurent-Perrier Champagne will also have a luxury garden with DJ sets from DJ Goldtash, alongside a series of pop-up bars especially for the event. Tickets start at £7.50 per person, with more information found on the website here www.chesterraces.com/chester-polo

Edgeworth Polo Club

Emsworth Polo Club

The One Hundred Final Teams: Honesty (9): Romilla Arber (0), Yolanda Arber (-1) & Max Charlton (10) Tex8n Polo (7): Mindi Byrne (1), Carla Burt (0) & Nico San Roman (6) Honesty & Tex8n Polo drew in the Final of The One Hundred Tournament

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Vérité will be the official red wine at Guards Polo Club

Guards Polo Club Photograph by The Art of Polo

Emsworth Polo Club ended their winter season with The One Hundred tournament, founded last year, to celebrate female patronage of teams. In the Final, home team Honesty drew with rivals Tex8n Polo, with both teams deciding to celebrate the win evenly. All the players and guests were then treated to a Japanese inspired three-course lunch.

Photograph courtesy of Luxx PR

Edgeworth Polo Club has released their first newsletter of the season. Firstly, the Club will be welcoming Heather McNally for the season, who will be taking over from Alice in the Polo Office. The season fixture list is now available on the Club’s website, and the price for full adult membership for the season is £1,250 including chukkas five days a week and 20 tournaments from 0-8 goal without entry fees.

Jackson Family Wines’ esteemed winery has been made the official red wine supplier at Guards Polo Club this upcoming polo season. “I am delighted that Vérité will be the official red wine at Guards Polo Club” said Barbara Banke, Chairman & Proprietor of Jackson Family Wines. “Vérité is one of the jewels of my family’s portfolio, and we are thrilled to be offering these wines at this historic and prestigious club for its members and distinguished guests.” Vérité will be served in the Royal Box and Clubhouse, and available in the Club’s official marquees throughout the polo season. Polo Times, April 2019

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Grand Champions Polo Club

The Sieber Memorial 12 Goal Tournament Final Teams: Palm Beach Equine (12): Segundo Merlos (2), Poroto Cambiaso (3), Santos Merlos (0) & Gringo Colombres (7) Beverly Equestrian (12): Bill Ballhaus (0), Geronimo Obregon (4), Hilario Figueras (3) & Tolito Ocampo (5)

Kihikihi Polo Club

The young Palm Beach Equine side secured The Sieber Memorial 12 Goal Tournament title

Photograph courtesy of Kihikihi Polo Club

On Sunday 10 March, The Savile Cup Final was played at Kihikihi Polo Club, New Zealand. The prestigious match was part of a weekend packed of polo with Finals also played for McKenzie Salver, Riddiford Levin

The Savile Cup Final Teams: Auckland Brinks (12): Indi Bennetto (0), Steve Van den Brink (1), Nick Keyte (4) & JP Clarkin (7) Auckland A (12): James Worker (1), Henry Jones (3), Thomas Hunt (6) & Dan Worker (2)

New Forest Polo Club

The Villages secured The Mahogany Cup. Courtesy of Port Mayaca Polo Club

New Forest Polo Club is getting ready for the 2019 season. As well as installing new pony lines, with wash down bays, the Club has also made improvements to the Clubhouse and purchased new mowers. The Club is set to host polo every weekend from May to September, with the events team focused on the four ‘Big Weekends’, which are as follows: Spring Tournament (25 – 26 May), Kuseyo Cup (8 – 9 June), WIP Women’s Festival Charity Weekend (13 – 14 July) and The Blue Jackets Tournament (17 – 18 August).

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Polo Times, April 2019

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On Saturday 2 March, The Mahogany Cup 12 Goal Final was played at Port Mayaca Polo Club, which saw The Villages defeat Skaneatles 12-9. Herndon Radcliff was named Most Valuable Player and Costi Caset’s Chelo Pallada was awarded Best Playing Pony accolade.

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Port Mayaca Polo Club

Photography courtesy of Port Mayaca Polo Club

and Wilson Cup. Mystery Creek defeated Waimai B 5-3 to take The Wilson Cup, Kihikihi C defeated Kihikihi Blue in The Riddiford Levin Final and Waimai C defeated Cambridge B to take home The McKenzie Salver. The Savile Cup was won in an extra seventh chukka by Auckland A with a final score of 8-7. Henry Jones was named Most Valuable Player and received a stick bag courtesy of Ainsley Polo. Auckland A’s James Worker received the Prince of Wales Trophy for the Most Promising Player plus the McKelvie Trophy for Champion Team of Ponies, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Moet. Auckland Brinks’ JP Clarkin received the Allen Bros Cup for his Champion Pony, Sasha.

Auckland A secured the Savile Cup

Photograph courtesy of GCPC

On Saturday 2 March, Dutta Corp won its fourth tournament of the winter season at Grand Champions Polo Club, defeating Patagones in The Top Pony 8 Goal League Final 11-9. Timmy Dutta was named Most Valuable Player, after scoring 10 of his team’s goals, whilst Julie, a 10-year-old American Thoroughbred mare, played by Santi Wuff was named Best Playing Pony. In the Final of The Sieber Memorial 12 Goal Tournament on Saturday 9 March, Palm Beach Equine secured the title with an 8-5 victory over Beverly Equestrian. The match was a fast, exciting affair, which saw three teenagers take to the field for Palm Beach Equine for the first time. Gringo Colombres was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Coquito, a 10-year-old Argentine bred and owned gelding owned and played by Colombres was awarded the Best Playing Pony.

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Rugby Polo Club

Rutland Polo Club

Warwickshire-based Rugby Polo Club will be hosting its 20th annual End of Season black tie ball on Saturday 14 September. Tickets are £55 per person and include a welcome drink and three-course dinner, followed by awards and games with a bar and DJ until 2am. Table sizes of 8-10 are available as well as individual tickets. Please call the Polo Office on 01788 817714 for more information.

Rutland Polo Club has announced that Club Membership for the 2019 season can now be paid by standing order, with the Club now offering members the opportunity to spread the cost of membership over a number of months. Please contact the Club for more information.

Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

The Stephen Chimfunshi Cup Final Teams: 22BR (8): Pedro Fernandez Llorente (5), Claude Haberer (0), William Zhao (0) & Michael Taylor (3) Axus (10): Toly Ulloa (5), Brian Xu (0), Diego Gómez Echavarri (4) & Liu Shilai (1)

Photograph courtesy of Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

On Sunday 24 February The Stephen Chimfunshi Cup came to an end with 22BR defeating Axus 8½-7 in the Final. With this win 22BR also claimed the 2019 Thai Polo 10 Goal League with a total of 12 points, the league also included The Thai Equestrian Federation Cup and Chinese New Year Cup. After the Final, Brian Xu was named Best Team Patron and Primera, played by Claude Haberer and Pedro Fernandez Llorente was awarded Best Playing Pony honours.

22BR, winners of The Stephen Chimfunshi Cup

Photograph courtesy of Val de Vie Estate

Val de Vie Estate

On Saturday 2 March, Val de Vie Estate, South Africa hosted their ninth annual Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo. Guests visiting the Club nestled amongst the Cape Winelands enjoyed sipping Veuve Clicquot in the summer sun, whilst watching Team Veuve Clicquot, captained by Tom de Bruin, defeat Maserati South Africa 7-5½ in the 15 goal match.

Veuve Cicquot championed at Val de Vie Estate

Thai Polo Argentina

Photograph courtesy of SA Polo Association

Polo Times, April 2019

Photograph by Matias Callejo

Twenty/20, winners of the Thai Polo Weekend

In addition to the exciting international matches taking place at Windsor Polo Club on Saturday 6 April, the Club is now offering the opportunity to win a luxury eight night safari with The Classic Safari Company worth AUS $18,500. Tickets for the raffle are available here – www.classicsafaricompany. com.au/win-a-safari, with tickets starting at AUS $20 per ticket.

Yaloak Polo Club

On Sunday 24 March the first Thai Polo Weekend came to an end at Thai Polo Argentina, Pilar. There were three matches played on the Finals’ day to determine the final placings of the teams. It was Twenty/20 who beat Los Nocheros 6-5 in the main Final and took the top title, whilst La Trinidad defeated Aguilas Doradas 13-10 to take third place and Campanulata defeated Los Palenques 7-5 to take fifth place. Thai Polo Weekend Final Teams: Twenty/20 (12): Philip De Groot (0), Fer Monteverde (1), Martín Bilbao (4) & Temy Willington (7) Los Nocheros (12): Juan Cruz Gallego (0), Sebastian Schneberger (1), Santi Zubiaurre (5) & Valentin Novillo Astrada (6)

Windsor Polo Club

Charlton Rowley took home The Murray Dawson Cup for the second year running

In the Final of The Murray Dawson Cup at Yaloak Polo Club, Charlton Rowley took home the win for the second year in a row, with prizes provided by Bird in Hand Winery. www.polotimes.co.uk

Women’s Polo

Supported by

Susan G. Komen U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Final, IPC

invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments Polo Park and Country Club Zurich is one of the oldest clubs in Switzerland and opened this season with a brand new clubhouse. Take your customers, friends or family to watch our games on Sundays. We offer kids and adults polo school - discovery days - low and medium goal club chukkers. More than 12 tournaments each season. Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

PPZAddPoloTimesl.indd 2

20/06/17 15:11 I

Cabo Wabo’s Hazel Jackson-Gaona reaches for the hook on Hawaii Polo Life’s Mia Cambiaso

Success for Hawaii Polo Life The Susan G. Komen U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship

Photography by ©United States Polo Association/David Lominska

Hawaii Polo Life, The Susan G. Komen U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship winners

Polo Times, April 2019

The 2019 Susan G. Komen U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Final was played at the International Polo Club, Palm Beach on Saturday 23 March for the first time in the tournament’s history, following the Championship relocation from Houston Polo Club for 2019. Cabo Wabo and Hawaii Polo Life faced each other in Saturday’s Final with two of the best British female players, Hazel Jackson-Gaona and Nina Clarkin, lining up on either side of the throw-in. Nina opened the scoring for Hawaii Polo Life with a swift and confident goal within the first 30 seconds of play, setting the tone for the Final to come. However, Hawaii Polo Life’s journey to the Final hadn’t been a smooth one, as Nina commented, “It’s amazing now to look back and think we’ve won considering we nearly didn’t make it into the Semi Finals. I knew that we had a good team

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

Susan G. Komen U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Final, IPC and we hadn’t quite reached our potential yet, but in the Semi Finals we played well. All four of us played hard, worked for each other and the team really came together today, and it showed.” Cabo Wabo’s set plays were shut down throughout the first chukka as Hawaii Polo Life demonstrated their attacking power and ended the chukka 4-0. However, in the second chukka, Hawaii Polo Life committed a series of costly fouls, which Cabo Wabo capitalised on. Jackson-Gaona converted three penalties for her team to bring Cabo Wabo back into the game with the scores now resting on 4-3 at half-time. With just one goal separating the scores, both teams came back onto the field with their sights set on the win, and it was Mia Cambiaso for Hawaii Polo Life who was first to strike with a field goal. Cabo Wabo’s Hope Arellano was quick to reply with a goal of her own. Yet 10 goaler Nina Clarkin was poised to take advantage of each opportunity and increased Hawaii Polo Life’s lead to 6-4, with the help of her team mates. Fellow Hawaii Polo Life player, Pamela Flanagan commented, “If I could mark the opposing team’s best player and keep them out of the play with the horses I had and execute that job properly I knew I would be helping my team. Just focusing on that player and playing unselfish polo is something I really took away from this experience and how impactful that strategy can be for your team.” Hawaii Polo Life continued to perform in the fourth and final chukka, delivering four consecutive goals to assert their dominance and although Jackson-Gaona converted a Penalty 4 in the last minute of play, Cabo Wabo decided to concede victory to Hawaii Polo Life with 30 seconds left to play as the scoreboard read 10-5. Nina Clarkin was responsible for seven out of her team’s total of 10 goals and commented after the match, “I was so well mounted. I was playing horses today that Adolfo Cambiaso plays – I mean what a dream. I felt they did everything I needed them to on the field. I think both teams were really well mounted and that showed in the speed of the game and the quality of the polo played today. Adolfo told me when he gave me the horses, ‘no excuses now,’ so I’m just pleased that I did my job!”

Women’s Polo

Supported by

Chukka Score: 3-0, 4-3, 6-4, 10-5, to Hawaii Polo Life

16 MA

FINAL

23 MAR

Where: International Polo Club Palm Beach, Wellington, Florida

The Susan G. Komen U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Final Teams: Cabo Wabo (22) Hawaii Polo Life (21) Hazel Jackson-Gaona (9) Nina Clarkin (10) Gillian Johnston (6) Mia Cambiaso (6) Hope Arellano (5) Pamela Flanagan (3) Roni Duke (2) Anja Jacobs (2) Key Stats at a Glance

Cabo Wabo

Hawaii Polo Life

Field Shot Conversions

1/6

8/11

Penalty Conversions

4/6

2/3

Fouls Committed

Throw-ins Won

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MVP MVP Nina Clarkin

MVP Amateur, Pamela Flanagan

20/06/17 15:11 I

Rising Star, Mia Cambiaso

BPP Milk, played by Hope Arellano

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

Polo Times, April 2019

Women’s Polo

International & Home

Supported by

Flannels England Women Overseas invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

Polo Park and Country Club Zurich is one of the oldest clubs in Switzerland and opened this season with a brand new clubhouse. Take your customers, friends or family to watch our games on Sundays. We offer kids and adults polo school - discovery days - low and medium goal club chukkers. More than 12 tournaments each season. Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) has announced the names of the lady players set to travel to Australia to compete as the Flannels England Woman’s Team against Australia at Windsor Polo Club, Sydney, Australia in the 2019 International Test

Match. The match will take place at 1pm on Saturday 6 April and will form part of the exciting International Weekend. Playing on the same bill as the Men’s International, this is a chance for these English women playing in Australia to represent their home

Ladies International Polo Tournament 20/06/17 15:11 I

Copa de Campo a Campo Fortin Mulitas

Photograph courtesy of Polo Femenino

Photograph courtesy of Malaysian Polo

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country on the international stage. Alongside the exciting polo, Windsor Club will be providing entertainment on and off the field, with fashion shows, food trucks and various bars – a real festival atmosphere. In addition, that weekend the Club will also host the Final of The Australian Open on Sunday 7 April. 2019 International Test Match Teams Flannels England Women’s Team (19): Alex James (3), Lucy Bliss (4), Sian Barnacle (6) & Lottie Lamacraft (6 – Captain) Australian Ladies Squad (22): Indi Bennetto (5), Billie Mascart (5), Phillipa Fitz-Henry (4), Alessia Russo (4) & Whitney Warren (4)

La Familia Marengo secured The Ladies International on goal difference

Over the weekend of 22 – 23 February, international lady players travelled to Polo Escape in Pattaya, Thailand, owned by Robin Lourvanij, for The Ladies’ International Tournament. Three teams took part in the weekend’s tournament, with the play formatted into a round-robin. La Familia Marengo came out the winners on the first day so play commenced on Saturday with King Power taking on Polo Escape in two chukkas to ascertain who would go up against La Familia Marengo in the Final. King Power secured their spot against La Familia Marengo with a rollover score start of 3-2 from the previous day in the latter’s favour. Lía Salvo scored a goal in the first 30 seconds to make it 4-2 to La Familia 46

Polo Times, April 2019

Marengo. King Power came back with a quick goal and as the teams went into the final moments it was 4-4. The tournament winners were decided on goal difference in previous matches, so La Familia Marengo came out the overall winners. The Ladies International Teams: King Power (17): Kayley Smith (0), Ploy Bhinsaeng (3), Clara Cassino (7) & Sarah Wiseman (7) Polo Escape (12): Jane Ingleby (0), Alice Gipps (3), Robin Lourvanu (3) & Tiva Gross (6) La Familia Marengo (14): Datin Nurul Noorajala (0), Sonia Couling (1), Rebecca Walters (4) & Lía Salvo (9)

Familia Fantelli, winners of the Copa de Campo a Campo Fortin Mulitas

Familia Fantelli secured The Copa de Campo a Campo Fortin Mulitas over 23 – 24 February after defeating Los Poleros in the Final. Extra congratulations went to Los Poleros’ Sofía Sciutto who was named Most Valuable Player of the Final. Copa de Campo a Campo Fortin Mulitas Final Teams: Los Poleros (8): Steph Haverhals (3), Sofía Sciutto, Sofía Copello (2) & Martina Sola (0) FM Familia Fantelli (8): María Laura Giménez (6), Iara Reynoso (2), Rosario Rodríguez (0) & Sofía Rocco (0)

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

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Women’s Polo

Vero Beach Sunny Hale Memorial Polo Club Tournament invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

$5,308 was raised for the Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast

On Sunday 24 February, Vero Beach Polo Club hosted their Sunny Hale Legacy WCT Qualifier, which saw the Vero Beach Polo Club home team win by just one point in an exciting match. The event also raised $5,308 for the Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast.

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Three teams competed in the Sunny Hale Memorial Tournament

On Wednesday 6 March, San Saba won The Sunny Hale Memorial Tournament at Santa Rita Polo Farm, defending their title against CrossFit El Cid. The tournament was part of Grand Champions Polo Club’s monthly Women’s League Final, with this February Final being delayed due to rain. In a six chukka round-robin San Saba, 2018 champions, defeated CrossFit El Cid 4-1½, with San Saba’s Mia Cambiaso being named Most Valuable Player. Alina Carta commented, “This was the first time the four of us played together, it was fun to have

both Mia Cambiaso and Mia Astrada play. It raised our level of play. They are both quick. It’s great that they can play with us and that they are here. It was a great way to end the February league.” Sunny Hale Memorial Tournament Final Teams: San Saba (15): Misty Allen (0), Alina Carta (4), Mia Cambiaso (6) & Clarissa Echezarreta (5) CrossFit El Cid (14): Malicia Von Falkenhausen (2), Slaney O’Hanlon (4), Jennifer Williams (3) & Cecelia Cochran (5)

Women’s Arena Polo Series Photography courtesy of Ash Farm Polo Club

Photography courtesy of Sarasota Polo Club

Sarasota Women’s Challenge

Photograph by Casares

Photograph courtesy of Vero Beach Polo Club

Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

San Saba, winners of The Sarasota Women’s Challenge 16 goal section

Sarasota Polo Club hosted The Sarasota Women’s Challenge between Wednesday 27 February – Sunday 3 March and was played over three handicap levels, 4, 8 and 16 goal with over 35 women competing from across the world. On Finals day, on Sunday 3 March, the Club hosted a ‘Think Pink’ tailgate for the supporters who had gathered at the Club. In the end it was San Saba (Dawn Jones, Hope Arellano, Clarissa Echezerreta & Rileigh Tibbot) who were crowned the 16 goal tournament winners, with Hope Arellano named Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Stormy Hampshire Polo School & Ash Farm, 4 Goal finalists Windlebrook Farm & Madeva/Conroy Polo, 2 Goal finalists

On Sunday 10 March, the UK’s Women’s Arena Polo Series continued at Ash Farm Polo Club with Finals for the 2 and 4 goal. The first Final of the day was the 2 Goal Final at 1.30pm which saw Windlebrook Farm defeat Madeva/Conroy Polo 15-10. The second Final of the day, the 4 Goal Final between Stormy Hampshire Polo School and Ash Farm, was won 12-10 by the Ash Farm home team.

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

Ladies 2 Goal Final Teams: Windlebrook Farm (1): Birgitta Elfversson (-1), Charley Howell (0) & Charlotte Sweeney (2) Madeva/ Conroy Polo (1): Heather Russell (-1), Jen Hazel Smith (1) & Nicola Davison (1) Ladies 4 Goal Final Teams: Ash Farm (4): Jemma Byrne (1), Georgia Sweeney (1) & Charlotte Sweeney (2) Stormy Hampshire Polo School (3): Annette Storm-Williams (1), Hannah Parry-Jones (1) & Heloise Wilson Smith (3) Polo Times, April 2019

Women’s Polo

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San Eugenio Ladies Cup invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

Photography by Nacho Corbalán

Calle Cruz 20, winners of the 2019 San Eugenio Ladies Cup

The six ladies’ teams at The San Eugenio Ladies Cup presentation

On Sunday 10 March the third edition of The San Eugenio Ladies Cup came to an end in Lobos, Argentina. In total, six teams competed against each other in the tournament. On the third and final day of action, three matches were played with Andrea Donnay defeating Antiche 5-4½,

La Dolfina Brava clinching a 6½-6 win over San Patricio and Calle Cruz 20 defeating El Metejon-Tokio, 7-3. These results meant that Calle Cruz 20 were named the overall tournament champions and took home the 2019 San Eugenio Ladies Cup. For Barbara Huber, part of the winning Calle Cruz 20

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line-up, the victory was even more special as it was her first time competing in the tournament. San Eugenio Ladies Cup Teams: La Dolfina Brava (12): Maitena Marre (3), Bianca Pagano (2), Clara Martinez Ferrario (2) & Sol Lopez Llames (5) Andrea Donnay (13): Morgan Van Overbroek (1), Catalina Jantus (1), Jeanine Hugo (5) & Fatima Balzano (6) El Metejon-Tokio (13): Cüyi Glenny (2), Fleur van Andel (3), Mercedes Prario (4) & Veronica Guerrero (4) Antiche (12): Elina Braun (3), Azucena Uranga (3), Catalina Ayerza (2) & Veronica Magnasco (4) Calle Cruz 20 (13): Barbara Huber (1T), Sofia Scuitto (3), Stephanie Haverhals (3) & Maru Gimenez (6) San Patricio (13): Gabriela Benoit (0), Ann Meier (0), Eva Brühl (6) & Clara Cassino (7)

11th Tabebuia Cup

Polo Times, April 2019

Action from the 11th Tabebuia Cup

Player and Andrea, owned by Wes Bryan and ridden by Malia Bryan was awarded Best Playing Pony. 11th Annual Tabebuia Cup Teams: San Saba (16): Rileigh Tibbot (0), Hope Arellano (5), Dawn Jones (6) & Clarissa Echezarreta (5) Crossfit El Cid (16): Malia Bryan (4), Kylie Sheehan (4), Cecelia Cochran (5) & Pam Flanagan (3) Icon Global/WIPN (16): Danielle Lussi (2), Olivia Uechritz (3), Alyson Poor (4) & Courtney Asdourian (6) The Royal Poinciana Plaza (16): Nicole Watson (2), Jennifer Williams (3), Mia Bray (4) & KC Kruger (7) For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages

Photograph courtesy of Port Mayaca Polo Club

Between 7 – 9 March, the 11th Annual Tabebuia Cup 14-16 goal was played at Port Mayaca Polo Club. The tournament is a WCT Qualifiers for the Sunny Hale Legacy WCT Finals which will be played on 2 – 6 April at Grand Champions Polo Club. Four teams competed in this year’s Tabebuia Cup, with Crossfit El Cid defeating Icon Global/ WIPN in the first match of the tournament on Thursday 7 March. The second match that day was between San Saba and The Royal Poinciana Plaza, which saw San Saba secure the win. On Saturday 9 March the Subsidiary Final was played first between The Royal Poinciana Plaza and Icon Global/WIPN saw The Royal Poinciana Plaza take third place, followed but the Final between Crossfit El Cid and San Saba. The Final was thrilling to watch and eventually went into overtime. In the first half Kylie Sheeran opened up the scoring for Crossfit El Cid, but San Saba were quick to respond with four field goals of their own, with two from Hope Arellano, who was later named Most Valuable Player. The second half began 4-1, but Crossfit El Cid refused to give up and capitalised on every penalty to bring themselves within just one goal of equalising with just minutes left in the final chukka. Pam Flanagan scored a last-minute goal for Crossfit El Cid to tie the scores at 5-5 and nudge the match into overtime. The ball was thrownin and San Saba’s Dawn Jones pounced on the opportunity and ran the ball to goal to secure San Saba a 6-5 win less than 20 seconds into overtime. Hope Arellano was named Most Valuable

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Mystery Creek Polo

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Photography by Michael Fitz-Henry

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Medium Goal MVP, Georgie Duncan High Goal Winners, Semco PDL

Over 2 – 3 March, Mystery Creek Polo Club, New Zealand, hosted their annual New Zealand Women’s Open. After an epic weekend of polo Semco PDL won the title high goal against Waikato Ready Mix. It was a thrilling game, hard-fought with some excellent goals and Semco won in the final seconds of the last chukka. Most Valuable Player was awarded to Emma Semenoff and the Best Playing Pony was Sublime, owned by Harry Semenoff and ridden by Hazel Jackson-Gaona. Tournament organiser Nina Clarkin commented to Polo Times, “We had an excellent tournament and the quality of the polo right through was brilliant. This is our fourth year and to see the improvement in the standard of polo is so rewarding and awesome to see. We had 14 teams in total – six in the high goal, four in the medium and four in the low. That’s 56 women, a few did play twice, but that is still very impressive! It was fantastic to have Hazel over here in New Zealand. It was the first time two 10 goalers have been in the same tournament (we didn’t play each other) and I am thrilled that it happened here in New Zealand. She played amazingly and it was so good for the up-andcoming players here in New Zealand to see

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High Goal BPP, Sublime

a player of her quality and to watch another top player in action.” Hazel Jackson-Gaona, who formed part of the High Goal winning team Semco PDL commented to Polo Times on her experience throughout the tournament, “The New Zealand Women’s Open was awesome, there were six teams in the higher level, all of which were really competitive. In our Final there was only one goal in it, which showed the skill of all the players involved. The Kiwi and Aussie players were extremely tough to play against and I came away with quite a few bruises! The field was amazing, and the whole set-up was fantastic, the Clubhouse was beautiful. The tournament was so well organised, the whole weekend was amazing with such a high standard of play, I couldn’t believe how

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14 teams took part in the 2019 New Zealand Women’s Open

tough the girls were coming from all the other countries, it was great to see ladies’ polo thriving and I’m hoping I’ll see some of them again on the women’s polo circuit.” New Zealand Women’s Open Results: High Goal Winners – Semco PDL (16): Emma Semenhoff (1), Brydie Canham (2), Zoe Reader (3) & Hazel Jackson-Gaona (10) MVP: Emma Semenoff BPP: Sublime, owned by Harry Semenoff and played by Hazel Jackson-Gaona High Goal Subsidiary Final Winners – Windsor Polo (15): Mel Cochrane (0), Georgie Duncan (0), Billie Mascart (5) & Nina Clarkin (10) High Goal Wooden Spoon – Morningstar (15): Ellen Mornernstern (3), Tanya Lavas (3), Harriet McKelvie (4) & Lucy Coddington (5) Medium Goal Winners – Longlands (8): Ann Marie Cavanagh (0), Georgie Duncan (0), Laura Harris Malone (3) & Lucy Coddington (5) MVP: Georgie Duncan BPP: Banjo, owned by Lucy and Jonny Coddington and played by Lucy Coddington

Medium Goal winners, Longlands

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

Low Goal Winners – Mystery Creek (3): Ellie Trahorsh (0), Olympia Elworthy-Jones (0), Estee Browne (0) & Chloe Warren (3) MVP: Ellie Trahorsh Polo Times, April 2019

Women’s Polo

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invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

5 minutes with…

Siobhan Herbst Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

Ladies’ handicap: 4 Mixed handicap: 1 Arena handicap: 3 How did your polo career start? My father has played polo for over 50 years. I came home from school one day when I was 18-years-old and he told me that I would play polo today because there was a niece of a player the same age coming to give it a go – she turned out to be a lot older than me. To my father’s surprise I was actually able to ride a horse – he just thought my mother and I travelled the country with my event horse at the weekend for the craic, “Costing him a fortune”. Much to my mother’s dismay, as I had just got a new event horse, my polo career began and my eventing career came to an abrupt end. I’ve been playing ever since. PPZAddPoloTimesl.indd 2

What’s your greatest achievement to date? I’ve been very lucky over the years to be in the right place at the right time. About 12-years-ago I got to substitute for a friend in The Gold Cup at Ellerstina and then again in the Final of The Presidente (26 goal) where we played against Nico Pieres who was only 6 goals at the time! Six-years-ago I substituted for another family friend playing for Ireland in the Europeans, winning the Semi Finals against Italy and scoring two goals – we ended up with the silver medal. All of these were great experiences, although I’m not sure if they qualify as ‘achievements’! I think playing for Ireland in the 02 Arena in London with Sebastian Dawnay and Richard Le Poer has to have been one of the most exciting highlights of my polo career. What’s your greatest ambition? I’d love to travel more with polo and get into the ladies polo circuit, but with commitments at home it’s not

always easy to just disappear but I’m lucky enough to have a good team at home that makes it slightly easier when I do get the opportunities. Which lady players do you admire? Why? There are so many admiral lady players out there now. I think Lía Salvo has done an incredible amount for ladies polo along with Hazel Jackson-Gaona of course, they have made ladies polo a lot more attractive to sponsors. I have admired Lía for many years, watching what she has achieved for ladies’ polo, even playing in the high goal in Argentina – she is an incredible ambassador and someone to look up to. Nina Clarkin is also someone who I look up to a lot, to watch her compete so equally in mixed polo is just surreal. I remember a friend coming back from watching The Gold Cup in UK the year she won, he said to me, “That Clarkin girl is a machine. She wiped the face of Cambiaso – I wouldn’t want to have to play against her”. I was never lucky enough to meet Sunny Hale but I think she will always be known for her contribution to polo. 20/06/17 15:11 I

What’s your favourite tournament/Club? I’m lucky enough to go every year with a mixed Irish team to play in The Newport International Series in Rhode Island, USA. This for me is second to none. We play in front of over 7,000 spectators with more than half the crowd cheering for Ireland. It’s a really unique place, especially as an amateur player. Some of my favourite ladies’ tournaments are in France – Chantilly and Deauville – they are always great and the fields are really good. Obviously my favourite Club has to be Polo Wicklow, my home Club. that I run. Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? I’ve always preferred mixed polo but ladies’

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Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? I think the sport is continuously evolving and improving. The introduction of standardised helmets is a huge step forward. Lately there has been a lot of debate regarding horse changes and I do think in the low goal there should be a limit to changes, this will help those with less ponies to be able to compete against those who are lucky enough to have an endless string. If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? I love playing with friends and it’s a bonus if they can play. I think my fantasy ladies’ team would be Nina Clarkin, Lía Salvo, myself and April Kent – April and I play a lot of ladies together and I know I can always rely on her at the back. For mixed? Here, there are too many choices. I’d love to play with big guys one day – Nero, Cambiaso, Stirling. Just for the craic – I’d probably be left like one of those cartoons in the middle of the field with my head spinning in circles and covered in dust – but I’d give it a good go. “I couldn’t have done it without. . .”? My parents. My mother for getting me into horses and driving me around the country on endless weekends for eventing, Pony Club and showing. My father for giving me the opportunity to play, without him I never would have got into the sport nor would I have any horses to borrow when I want to play.

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polo has changed so much over the years it is harder to choose. For me it’s the team you play with that makes the game, so if I have a nice mixed team or ladies’ team it makes all the difference. Last year I played in an all-girl team in a low goal tournament in Dublin and we ended up losing narrowly in the Final. It was great fun as we were the total underdogs going in and gave the men a good run for their money.

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Women’s Polo

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La Dolfina Brava, winners of the Cope de la Mujer higher handicap section

Photograph courtesy of Amazon Polo

Photograph courtesy of AAP

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Team London took home $6,000 in prize-money!

Copa de la Mujer

Amazon Polo

On Sunday 24 March the third edition of the Copa de la Mujer (Women’s Cup) was played at Alfredo Lalor de Pilar. The tournament was split into two handicap levels, with two 12 goal teams in the high handicap and five teams between 3-4 goals in the lower level. La Dolfina Brava were the champions of the 12 goal after defeating Cuatro Vientos El Polo de Fuchi Legión Extranjera 6-4. In the lower level, Martindale Tromen took the title after a 5-4 win against La Cañada Rei do Caviar, whilst in the Subsidiary Final Capilla del Señor P. C. defeated Cuatro Vientos La Junta 7½-1. Copa de la Mujer Finals Teams: La Dolfina Brava (12): Clara Martínez Ferrario (2), Bianca Pagano (2), Maitena Marré (3) & Sol López Llames (5) Cuatro Vientos El Polo de Fuchi Legión Extranjera (12): Elina Braun (3), Azucena Uranga (3), Esperanza Uranga (2) & Jazmín Dupont (4) Martindale Tromen (4): Anushka Elliot (0), Victoria Rueda (1), Celina Fernández Ocampo (1) & Inés Ayerza (2) La Cañada Rei do Caviar (4): Verónica Posse (1), Martina Sola (0), Juana Criado (1) & Ann Rodger (2)

Following on from the success of Gladiator Polo, on Sunday 24 March for the first time in history, the International Polo Club, Palm Beach showcased six of the top ten ladies’ polo players with the launch of Amazon Polo. Sunday’s match was played between Team San Antonio and Team London, with Team London securing the win and with it the prize of $6,000. An extra special win for Team London’s Hope Arellano who was also celebrating her 16th Birthday on Sunday! Amazon Polo Teams: Team San Antonio: Nina Clarkin, Dawn Jones & Sarah Wiseman Team London: Hazel Jackson-Gaona, Lía Salvo & Hope Arellano

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

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Polo Times, April 2019

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo Photography courtesy of Druids Lodge Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Eldorado Polo Club

Fish Creek came out the ultimate winners

Fish Creek Junior Polo Tournament

In the Final of the Fish Creek Junior Polo Tournament, Fish Creek defeated runners-up Bush League. Antelope came into third place following a successful tournament. Ryan Kerley was awarded the Most Valuable Player honours, whilst the Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to a member of Gracie Gonzales’s string.

The Druids Lodge Super League Teams

Druids Lodge Super League

On Saturday 16 March, the much-awaited Finals of the Druids Lodge Super League, sponsored by SATS, took place. The Subsidiary Final between Hampshire Polo School and Harvard Alumni was a friendly but competitive affair, in which Hampshire took an early lead, but Harvard never let them get too far ahead! Despite an excellent last chukka for Harvard, Hampshire were victorious, 9-7½. The Final was between Barbarians and University of London. London took the lead and maintained it right up until the last chukka when Barbarians sprang into action and notched up six goals to run home the winners 11 ½-9. The following day, the Club hosted the inaugural Druids Schools Championship, featuring teams from Millfield, Sherborne, Milton Abbey and Marlborough. The day saw some excellent polo and in the end the tournament came down to goal difference, where Millfield White narrowly pipped Milton Abbey to the post and took home the trophy. On Wednesday 20 March, the Club hosted The OTC Challenge Cup, featuring seven OTCs from around the country. Victorious in Division A was home team, Exeter OTC, whilst in Division B, Oxford OTC romped home to victory with two convincing wins. It has been a busy month for youth polo at Druids Lodge!

Photograph courtesy of the Uruguay Polo Association

Photograph courtesy of Westcroft Park Polo Club

Seven OTC teams participated in The OTC Challenge Cup

Youth players came together for The Westcroft Junior Arena Schools Championship

Westcroft Junior Arena Schools Championships The Westcroft Junior Arena Schools Championship, which took place on Sunday 10 March, was won by St Mary’s Ascot, with Godolphin and Latymer coming in as runners-up. In the beginner level section, Godolphin and Latymer beat The Marist Sunninghill to take home the honours. 52

Polo Times, April 2019

More than 50 boys will take part in The National Children’s Championship

National Children’s Championship

Between 30 – 31 March, more than 50 boys from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Germany and host nation Uruguay will be playing for The National Children’s Championship 2018/2019 title. More news will follow in a future issue of Polo Times.

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

Photograph courtesy of SUPA

Photograph by Ampersand Media

Thousands of spectators are expected at The St. Andrews Charity Polo Tournament 2019

33 girls from 11 teams took part in The SUPA National Girls Schools Championships at Black Bears Polo Club

St. Andrews Charity SUPA National Polo Tournament 2019 Schools Championships The 2019 edition of The St. Andrews Charity Polo Tournament will take place at Errol Park Estate, Perthshire on 27 April, with a bustling crowd once again expected. This year the event is welcoming new sponsors Maldon Sea Salt and Glenfiddich Scotch amongst other household names as well as, for the first time, an international cohort of teams from the UK, USA and Australia. Since its inception in 2014, the event has raised over £34,000 for its charitable partner Help for Heroes with this year’s instalment looking to add considerably to that hefty sum. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.standrewscharitypolo.com

In the somewhat blustery Finals of The SUPA National Girls Schools Championships on Sunday 10 March, 33 girls took to the arena at Black Bears Polo Club in 11 teams, with some excellent polo played by all. The results were as follows: Open: 1st SSC, 2nd Heathfield Diamonds Novice: 1st Queenswood, 2nd SUPA Dupa Beginners: 1st Rugby School, 2nd Marlborough Mix

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Polo Times, April 2019

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Gypsy Height: 15.1hh Age: 18-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Richard Blake Thomas Tournament: The Playnation Arena High Goal Challenge at The All England Polo Club, Hickstead Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Where is she from/breeding? She is a retrained Australian racehorse. I bought her from Ruki Bailieu. How long have you had her? I’ve had Gyspy for about seven years. What are her strengths? She has speed, strength and stamina, and my 11-year-old daughter loves playing her too! How has she gone this season? This has been her first real season in the arena. We won The Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup the week before The Playnation Arena High Goal Challenge and she really stood out in the Final there too.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? She won the Best Playing Pony rug in The Midhurst Town Cup the year I bought her from Ruki and very nearly got it under Mike Azzarro a season later in 2013 in The Westchester, just beaten to it by Polito Pieres’s stallion in the last chukka.

maybe some more arena polo next year, but it’s more likely she’ll have the quiet life with the kids now. I’m very excited about her progeny that are coming through. Does she have any special quirks? She visibly shakes with adrenalin before a match in the lines – she knows when it’s on!

What are your plans for her in the future? She is like a family pet now, so

Describe her in three words. A class act!

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

Does she have any special quirks? She is just a great mare!

What are your plans for her in the future? To keep playing her for as long as I can.

Describe her in three words. Fast, generous, handy.

Pulga Height: 15.2hh Age: 12-years-old Colour: Black Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Pierre-Henri Ngoumou Tournament: The Playnation International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy at The All England Polo Club, Hickstead Where is she from/breeding? Pulga is an Argentine Thoroughbred mare. Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

How long have you had her? I’ve had her for a long time and she’s one of my best! What are her strengths? She is so good because she has a lot of heart and she plays really hard. She has only previously played on grass, and this season is the first time she’s played on snow and in the arena – she did great at both! How has she gone this season? I have played her everywhere, including Dubai and France. She’s just a great mare. She also played at The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz with 10 goaler Juan Martín Nero, which is exciting! She has a light mouth. www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, April 2019

Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a question about a pony that plays with the bit

Chewing the Bit

A.Your mare’s constant chewing could be because she doesn’t like metal. The fact that she is very low in front with a snaffle mouthpiece may indicate that she is resisting the bit; as a snaffle’s action is to ask the horse or pony to raise its head. Our suggestion is a Bomber Blue mouth piece. I also recommend going to a 3 Ring instead of a Big Ring Gag. The Gag that you have lifts the bit in the horse’s mouth, and most horse’s will compensate for this by raising their head and turning it to the side

Photograph courtesy of Bombers Bits

Q. My five-year-old Thoroughbred mare is constantly chewing and playing with her bit. She leans on it for leverage and carries her head low most of the time. I currently play her in a single-jointed, big polo ring gag; she does not use her hindquarters well to stop, and tends to stop forward, and on the forehand. (Although that may be due to her young age). The main issue is her chomping on the bit and not focusing on the game. She is not a head shaker, unless there is extreme pressure used. I feel the Pelham is too harsh on her mouth, although it does pick up her head. CW, Oxon

– usually slightly to the left. This sometimes causes them to lose balance, and shorten their stride, and you need your mare to gain balance, and presumably to develop stronger quarters. The Bombers Blue 3 Ring is Ported for tongue relief and is very light. A ‘ring cheek’ bit piece introduces poll pressure as well creating leverage on the mouthpiece, and the Bombers 3 Ring is our most popular

version. The Bomber Blue material is nonmetallic – it’s made from a very smooth, rubber-nylon compound – which many sensitive ponies are happy with. (Don’t forget to make sure your bridle is comfortable and suited to the pony’s head conformation – our Stephen’s Polo Snaffle Bridle or the Stephen’s Rope Cavesson both work very well with the Bombers Bit range, and look very smart.)

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Polo Times, April 2019

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Medical Insight: Polodoc

Knowledge

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

Snooze or lose How to travel and be at the top of your game At every tournament The Voice of Polo, Jan-Erik Franck, pulls out his famous quote, “You snooze, you lose”. However, this is only true during a game scenario. In order to win a tournament, meticulous preparation, extensive organisation and planned ‘snoozing’ is required. In fact, the reaction time of an average person slows down by eight to 15 percent after being awake for 18 hours according to Hintsa performance, an organisation that coaches the world’s top Formula 1 drivers. Since reaction time for driver’s is a matter of life and death, measures to improve their sleep are a top priority. As sleep deprivation is also common in polo players, due to extensive travelling and continuous switching of time zones, athletes aiming for high professionalism can learn a lot from Formula 1 drivers who lead a similar life.

Role of sleep and jetlag on performance

Good sleep is crucial, and it impacts every type of tissue and system in the body, ranging from the heart and lungs, to the immune system and most importantly, the brain. Chronic lack or poor quality of sleep decreases your performance and increases the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and obesity. Furthermore, some research suggests that sleep deprivation increases levels of cortisol, the ‘stress hormone’.

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Sleep and mental capacity Firstly, sleep is important to a number of brain functions, including how nerve cells (neurons) communicate with each other. In fact, the brain and body stay remarkably active during sleep. Without sleep the brain cannot form, maintain or activate the pathways to perform at maximum level or allow learning and the creation of new memories. It becomes harder to concentrate and respond quickly. Secondly, sleep plays a housekeeping role in removing toxins in the brain that build up during the day and helps preserve brain health. A recently published study indicated that lack of sleep alone can cause an increased susceptibility to illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease. Altogether, brain activity is heavily affected by lack of sleep and jetlag. Activities such as focus, coping with stress and cognitive load, which can be measured through technologies such as EMOTIV Insight brainwear, may all be significantly improved through adequate sleep (at least seven hours per night).

Anatomy and physiology of sleep and jetlag

How do sleep-drive and the inner clock regulate sleep and consciousness? Sleep-drive: Together with the inner clock, the sleep-drive regulates when you are awake and asleep. This sleep-drive gets more accentuated for every hour you are awake. It typically leads to longer and deeper sleep following a period of sleep deprivation. Generally, you have to have been awake for a reasonable amount of time before you can fall asleep again. Inner clock: The other system that controls your sleep is the circadian cycle or the body’s biological clock, which is roughly based on a 24-hour day. It synchronises with environmental cues, i.e. light or temperature. The most important hormones following the body’s inner clock are melatonin and cortisol. Cortisol is the body’s ‘fight or flight’ hormone and it tends to peak around 8am. The purpose of cortisol is to get the body activated and prepared for hunting or work, whereas the hormone melatonin plays a role in your natural sleep-wake cycle and peaks at night and can be used to alter the sleep cycle and combat jetlag. Travelling comfortably where possible will aid adapting to a time-zone

Photography: Virginie Clement - www.stm-aircraft.com

Sleep and physical performance Sleep has been identified as an important factor for optimal athletic performance and

vice versa, whilst insufficient sleep has been shown to reduce muscle strength, shorten time to exhaustion during exercise and alter perceived exertion during exercise. Sleep has been shown to directly impact exercise abilities as follows: • Well-rested tennis players have a 4.2 percent increase in hitting accuracy • Well-rested swimmers show a 17 percent improvement in starting times

Polo Times, April 2019

Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc Nutrition If you are looking for Formula 1 speed, avoid caffeine after midday and alcohol before going to sleep, especially before a race or match. Although alcohol is a sedative, it also leads to the decreased onset of sleep when blood alcohol levels are high and it leads to disrupted, poor quality sleep later in the night when the alcohol levels decrease. Protein consumption before bed is linked to improved recovery from exercise. It inhibits the breakdown of muscles during your sleep and optimises your ability to train the next day. Hence, adding a small whey, rice protein shake, or supplements that contain anti-oxidants and vitamins in addition to essential amino acids and proteins such as ExtraCellMuscle by Swiss Alp Health, can improve sleep and promote increases in muscle mass and strength. Magnesium and vitamin D relax muscles, and magnesium helps maintain normal levels of blood pressure. Deficiencies in magnesium can lead to ‘restless legs’ and insomnia at night. Nuts and seeds, for example, are natural sources of magnesium. As strenuous exercise leads to magnesium loss, athletes tend to benefit from magnesium supplementations such as Magnesium Diasporal 375 mg. On the other hand, Vitamin D deficiency most commonly results from inadequate sunlight exposure. It is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world, and some athletes also particularly benefit from supplementation with 1000 IU of vitamin D3 per day at least during the winter months.

It is important to find time for a snooze

What is Jetlag? Jetlag is caused by travelling to another time-zone and shifting the sleep-wake and light-dark cycle too quickly for the body clock to keep up with. Without active intervention, the body can only shift the sleep-wake cycle by one time-zone each day. So, it would take six days for the body to fully adapt following a flight from Zurich to New York, for example. However, the inner clock can be changed quicker through calculated light exposure, timing of exercise and meals, as well as through melatonin intake. Before travelling to a tournament, you need to consider the direction of travel. When traveling westward, the inner clock has to be delayed. In other words, you need to go to bed later than normal a few days prior to departure and be exposed to light later in the evening. When travelling eastward, you need to advance the clock earlier and go to bed earlier a few nights before departure. All of this should of course be co-ordinated with a shift in the timing of meals, light exposure, exercise, as well as in the intake of melatonin.

How to optimise sleep and minimize jetlag

For peak performance, at least seven hours of sleep per night is strongly recommended 60

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– it is not about how little sleep you can get away with, it is about optimising the sleep you get. You need to plan ahead however, particularly when travelling for a tournament or when meeting a deadline. Exercise Exercise is clearly very beneficial for sleep. However, avoid exercising late in the evening. You should not exercise or train later than two hours before going to bed.

Find a relaxing room to sleep in, avoiding bright lights You should relax before bed, adjust the temperature and avoid bright lights and screen time as well as loud noises. There are studies that show that two hours of exposure to smartphones, tablets, and laptop displays, decrease melatonin (which is needed for sleep) by up to 20 percent!

A structured sleep-wake schedule Humans have evolved to sleep at night and be active in the day. For the best results, one should set a schedule – go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. You need to keep a very structured sleep-wake schedule to support the circadian system and to make sure to fall asleep at the right time Tracking sleep through smart technology An increasing number of athletes are using smartphone apps, bedside monitors and wearable items such as smart watches and bracelets, to informally collect and analyse data about their sleep. Smart technology can record movement and sound during sleep and monitor your heartbeat and respiration, as well as capturing the actual hours of sleep.

Supplements can help to maximize engery reserve and recovery

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Medical Insight: Polodoc

How to beat jetlag • Reset your inner clock with the help of your doctor and follow a structured sleep-wake schedule

• Take 2 mg melatonin one hour before calculated bedtime • Plan your light exposure with your doctor and strictly avoid light exposure after melatonin intake • No training and exercise at least two hours before bedtime • Travel comfortably and allow yourself time to adapt to the time-zone (one to three time-zones per day) • Use in-flight time for compression and recovery treatment • Avoid caffeine at least 10 hours before bedtime and keep alcohol consumption to an absolute minimum • Supplement with proteins and amino acids before going to bed to strengthen your muscles • Take 1000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily to relax your muscles and improve functionality • Increase your magnesium intake with nuts and seeds or supplements to avoid restless legs • Use pycogenol 150 mg per day to combat jetlag for your blood circulation • Track sleep through smart technology • Create a relaxing sleep environment with the right temperature, light and noise protection

Photography by Andreas auf der Mauer

Minimise jetlag Travel comfortably and allow yourself time to adapt. Enough leg-space, comfortable seats, and a relaxing environment, clearly have a great impact on travellers and how well they can rest during the flight. The time in-flight, can be used for compression and recovery treatment (customised compression underwear to be game ready and aid injury recovery etc). Pycnogenol is an extract from the French maritime pine and is beneficial for blood circulation and preventing clot formation during travel. Many athletes use pycogenol 150 mg per day to combat jetlag in parallel with melatonin. Adapting to the time-zone is crucial and by travelling early to your destination, you can allow your body to naturally adapt to the time zone before the game. Through co-ordinated shifts in meal plans with timed light exposure, and exercise, as well as with melatonin 2 mg intake one hour before calculated bedtime, an experienced sports-physician can additionally help athletes to shift their inner clock by as much as three hours per day, rather than just one.

Knowledge

Dr. Anna Erat MD/ PhD is a Harvard and Swiss trained physician. She is currently the Deputy Director of The Hirslanden International Medical Center and a national team doctor at Swiss Ice Hockey Federation. She gives regular talks on sports medicine and performance, and advices organisations such as QuantBoats, The Scandinavian Beach Polo World Cup, Art on Ice and Hintsa Performance.

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

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Knowledge

Equine Osteopathy

David Powers graduated from the British School of Osteopathy in 1996 after a full-time BSc (Hons) Ost degree course. After qualifying David worked as an associate in a number of established practices and taught at undergraduate level at The British College of Osteopathic Medicine before taking over The Copthall Osteopathic Practice. He now splits his time between clinical practice, administration of his clinic, as well as specialising in the osteopathic treatment of animals. In this two-part series, David will look into the importance of equine osteopathy

The Benefits of Equine Osteopathy Back mechanics problems & solutions

Photography courtesy of InMotionEquine

An Equine Osteopath will use their specialist knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, equine behaviour and medical conditions to closely assess your horse

Do you want:

• Better bend and transitions? • Improved lateral movements? • Happier horse? Then you need to address your horses’ biomechanics first and yours after (more in Part Two). As you will likely be aware, most domestic horses instinctively attempt to cover up pain or lameness and as they have four legs instead of two, they are often very successful at it! Although, you will probably notice some changes in their behaviour or way of going when riding, these changes could be anything from small indications such as stiffness in a particular movement, or changes in head carriage, or tail carriage, to more obvious indications such as bucking, rearing or reluctance to go forward. Any of this behaviour could originate from a discomfort or pain that your horse is feeling. Equine Osteopathy is not just an effective treatment for these behavioural and movement related issues, but is also an effective treatment in the prevention of injury and ongoing conditions such as arthritis. An Equine Osteopath will use their 62

Polo Times, April 2019

specialist knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, equine behaviour and medical conditions to closely assess your horse by conducting a visual assessment, by feeling for tensions, tightness or stiffness within muscles, ligaments and joints and by asking you specific questions in regard to your horse’s environment and daily routines, including discussions on your tack and how you ride. Osteopathy uses physical manipulation to mobilise joints, reduce restrictions and encourage correct movement in the joint, whilst also releasing tension in the surrounding muscles. This achieves better alignment of bone, muscle and ligament with the ultimate benefits of reducing pain, encouraging healing, reducing injury occurrence and improving movement. This in turn, helps improve suppleness, minimises wear and tear on the joints, reduces aches and helps prevent some issues developing into a more permanent condition. Osteopathy is an especially beneficial therapy for the horse as movement is so central to their biological health, as their systems, such as lymphatic and circulatory, are designed to be on the move.

By treating your horse with an Equine Osteopath, you can achieve several things, dependent on your horse and your aims. Older horses can be made more comfortable with an improved ease of movement, whereas a competition horse can improve performance and reduce injury occurrence through improved movement. Whether you compete with your horse or follow a more leisurely routine, Equine Osteopathy can help keep your horse fit, healthy and relaxed. Your horse will benefit from feeling at his best, with as few aches and pains as possible.

Has your horse’s behaviour changed lately?

Animals are like us, in that they too feel aches and pains, can feel discomfort and have days where they feel a little off. They, however, can’t complain about it and tell us where their aches and pains are! In fact, by instinct they do everything they can to hide it. For this reason, many horse owners are very attuned to their horse’s usual behaviour and usual way of going when ridden, as it is important to remain vigilant to their nonverbal communication and aware of any changes in their movement patterns. www.polotimes.co.uk

Equine Osteopathy

Knowledge

Soft tissue technique to pelvic musculature Equine Osteopathic traction to lumbar spine and pelvis

Equine Osteopathic sacro-iliac and lumbar spine manipulation

starts to refuse, or if they make a different shape over the fence or land differently • Also look out for, if your horse seems like he has decreased impulsion, is less forward going, seems less willing in his work, feels flat during schooling, takes longer to warm-up, has poor transitions, is tossing his head, hollowing through the back, doesn’t really to track up or is just not his normal self, these could all be indications of an ache, pain or other issue that an Equine Osteopath can assist with

Equine Osteopathic examination of forelimb from hoof to shoulder complex

Signs your horse might need an equine osteopath There are numerous signs that you can look out for to establish whether your horse may benefit from assessment and treatment by an Equine Osteopath:

Signs When Riding • There are various signs of resistance, some more subtle than others, such as, tail swishing, resisting contact on the bit, slight unevenness, or reluctance to bend through the neck • Or, some more obvious signs such as bucking, rearing, refusing to go forward or issues with lateral work • If when schooling, your horse continually strikes off on the wrong leg in canter or frequently becomes disunited, he may not be physically comfortable with this exercise • If the saddle is slipping or twisting to one side, it could be a result of uneven muscle development in the horses back • There may be changes in behaviour when ridden, for example, a horse that has always enjoyed jumping who starts to rush their approach to a fence or www.polotimes.co.uk

Out of the Saddle When on the ground you might also notice: • An appearance or increase in stable vices • Other behavioural changes • Changes in temperament • An increase in rolling • Loss of muscle tone or uneven muscle development • The tail is held to one side If you observe any of the indications described, it would be advisable to have your horse assessed by a qualified Equine Osteopath.

What does a session consist of?

Before an Equine Osteopath can examine your horse, permission MUST be sought from the vet. Assuming there are no concerns/issues, the initial consultation will start with a case history. This consists of initially age, height, exercise levels, expectations. It then proceeds on to more indepth questioning about the issue, how long it’s been present, aggravating or relieving factors, then a medical history. Next the physical examination begins with observation of movement performed in walk and trot, occasionally ridden and on the lunge. Then the passive examination is performed, consisting of mechanical and soft tissue assessment of the whole horse. Once this is completed, findings are explained to the owner, in conjunction with prognosis, treatment plan and rehab exercises for the owner if necessary.

David treats both my “horses; an accident-prone Cleveland Bay and a cob with Cushings. The follow up exercises he gives have really helped and both horses clearly enjoy their treatment sessions. He is professional and explains what he is doing. Definitely a safe pair of hands for your horse

”

Nik Roddis

has been a great “helpDavid with my Spaniard.

He’s great with him and always talks me through any treatment and always leaves me with exercises and tips to keep him in top form

”

Samantha Jenkins

I couldn’t recommend “David enough, after all the years and worry with my horse he targeted the problem straight away and has been there for me through the whole recovery

”

Laura Reed

Polo Times Special Offer Free video analysis and advice (only available to first 15 bookings), normally £35, when initial consultation booked – (quote ‘Polo Times Offer’) Tel: 07956 286199 Email: info@InMotionEquine.com Web: inmotionequine.com Polo Times, April 2019

Knowledge

Playing Tips

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig The Mighty Wrist

Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game

Supinate wrist movement

Over the years I have heard, “The wrist adds little to the power of a swing.” My intention is to explain, in as civilised of a manner as I can say it, “that is bunch of, ah…… malarkey.” It is not so much that the wrist creates a large degree of power during the swing; as it is that the wrist allows the power of the swing to be maintained, and even enhanced during the downswing and throughout the follow through. Consider generating power prior to the mallet head contacting the ball (downswing); and, then releasing that power into the ball throughout the follow-through. My hope is to have you realise just how critical the wrist is to the development and maintenance of power throughout the swing process. The first concept I ask you to consider is – angles equal power; additionally, angles are created at joints of the body. A critical aspect of that concept is – the greater the degree to which those angles are created – the greater the power. The wrist, in and of itself, is not as strong of a joint as the shoulder or elbow. However, when the three distinct movements of the wrist, (Luxate, Extension, and Supinate/ Pronate), are compounded one upon the other; the power becomes exponential. The luxate angle occurs when your fingers are pointing straight forward with the palm of your hand facing side ways across the front of your torso. Next, rotate your wrist up to where the tip of your thumb is pointing straight up, and your thumbnail is facing back toward your right shoulder. 64

Polo Times, April 2019

Offside fore shot downswing

The next wrist angle is that of extending, or doubling, the back of your hand back toward your elbow. The extend angle is not significant to the generating of power; however, it is crucial to the transferring of power from the luxate angle to the supinate/pronate angle. The last wrist angle is that of supinate to pronate for an offside fore shot, or pronate to supinate for an offside back shot. Either way, using the supinate/pronate angle of the forearm and the wrist in the follow through phase maintains the power of the downswing, and can increase that power before the ball leaves the mallet head. For the sake of clarification, when the

palm side of your hand is facing out and away from your body at the top of the downswing of an offside fore shot, your wrist and hand are in a supinated position. They are in a pronated position when the palm side of your hand is facing in toward your body at the end of the follow through. A second concept I ask you to consider is, if you duplicate the position your hand and wrist are in at the top of an over hand throw of a baseball, you are identifying the position your hand and wrist should be in when initiating the downswing of an offside fore shot. At the top of the throw position, your wrist should be loaded (luxated, extended, www.polotimes.co.uk

Playing Tips

Knowledge

Luxate wrist movement

Extension wrist movement

and supinated), and ready to throw the ball forward. If you were to then rotate your torso and shoulders, as in preparing for an offside fore shot, the palm side of your hand will be facing out and away from your body, your wrist will be loaded (luxated, extended, and supinated) and you will be ready to swing the mallet down, i.e., over hand throwing motion, but down, not forward.

The significance of the three angles of the wrist compounded one upon the other is substantial. That multiple movement function adds tremendously to the development, maintenance, and enhancement of the power within the swing process. For the purpose of educating yourself to the significance that the wrist plays within the swing of the polo mallet, I ask you to simulate the motion of throwing a baseball forward over hand. Pay particular attention to how the three angles of your wrist are loaded before the forward throwing motion begins. Then notice how those three angles unload into the throw as the throwing motion progresses to releasing the ball from the tips of your fingers. Do that same wrist action again (without a baseball); however, this time, do it with a little more intensity; and, again with even more intensity. Do that until you

can feel the snapping action of your wrist moving forward and down to release the power of the throwing action. Make that same throwing motion from a downswing position for an offside fore shot. Do not throw forward; throw down to where the ball would land about sixteen inches out from your right heel. Again, feel the sensation of your wrist snapping down as the luxate and the extend angles unload into the throw down, and the supinate angle begins. The final wrist angle, pronate, is implemented immediately at contact with the ball, and can produce significant power if completed just after the ball leaves the mallet head. When you can feel those mechanicstaking place, you are experiencing the feel of an efficient and effective offside fore shot.

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Knowledge

Desensitising & Sensitising

Zimbabwean born Shane Borland has made a name for himself backing and developing young horses for some of the UK’s most illustrious yards. Having begun his equine career in polocrosse and later gone on to champion the world stages in reining, Borland has spent his life pursuing knowledge of exceptional horsemanship and reining his training programme accordingly. Over the next few issues, Shane will share the details of his successful Pro Start Polo Programme with our readers and in this third instalment, he will explain what he aims to achieve and set out his goals in step two of the round pen stage of his ‘Pro Start Polo’ programme

Desensitising & Sensitising Other than the relative tranquillity of their field, polo ponies are faced with a pretty hectic life and are exposed to dozens of objects within their environment that move and have sound. To a young polo pony prospect, at the beginning stages of their career, many of these objects can fill them with great concern and sometimes fear, for example, clippers, hosepipes, rugs, swinging mallets etc. It is very natural for a young horse to be resistant, flighty and over reactive when introducing them to objects that move and make a noise. Horses are flight or fight animals and we have to build their confidence and understanding to reinforce to them that the answer is not to run from danger but to stand still and relax. As a horse trainer you never want your horse to be scared or fearful of you or your equipment. In this issue, I will explain what I aim to achieve and set out my goals in step two of the round pen stage of my ‘Pro Start Polo’ programme.

Photography courtesy of Shane Borland

Shane’s ‘Pro Start Polo’ programme

Desensitising horses to plastic bags increases confidence

Items around the face can spook a horse

Round Pen & Ground Work Step Two

Desensitising and sensitising the horse to objects that move and have sound. I believe this is the most important step of my round pen stage and especially so in the starting of a young polo pony prospect. It is the start of gaining control and trust of their minds as well as their bodies. Key Note: During this process, I will be using an approach and retreat method. You build your horse’s confidence by approaching him with an object he is scared of and then retreating/taking away the object when he stands still and relaxes.

Shane Borland Coverwell Farm, Pillerton Hersey Warwickshire, CV35 0QA +44 (0)1789 740119 www.shaneborland.com 66

Polo Times, April 2019

Plastic bag desensitisation is key

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Desensitising & Sensitising

Goal

To have effective use and understanding of how the head collar and lead rope works.

Why

Just because you can lead your horse with a halter and lead rope, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have all the control you need or that your horse is fully understanding of how to follow feel or give to pressure. If this is not fully understood by the horse, it will only lead to resistance, fear and an overreaction in a particular situation which could end in harm or injury. Such as when being tied up or not wanting to load into a trailer or lorry or be led on sets.

Knowledge

Goal

To desensitise the horse to a stick and string or lunging whip, my aim is to be able to move and touch the horse all over its body and legs as well as to be able to swing the stick and string or whip around both sides of its body and above its head and eyes. To be able to do this exercise at increasing levels of intensity whilst the horse stands still and remains relaxed.

Why

Desensitising to the stick and string or lunging whip is a similar exercise to having the lead rope thrown over their body and swung above and around their head but unlike the lead rope, the stick and string can be moved a lot more quickly and can create more sound through the air when applied with increased levels of intensity. This exercise is particularly good for a polo pony prospect as it is very similar to what they may experience with a stick later in their career.

Goal

To desensitise the horse to the lead rope – to be able to throw the rope all over the horse’s body and legs, to be able to swing the lead rope around both eyes and above its head.

Why

This is the start of making sure your horse does not fear you or your equipment, if they are ever scared of you or your equipment, they will only focus on being scared and not focus on the lessons you are trying to teach them.

Goal

Desensitising to plastic bags – to be able to touch, rub, wave and flap a bag all over and around the horse’s body with high levels of energy whilst he remains standing still and relaxed.

Goal

To sensitise the horse to movement and flexion by wrapping the lead rope around the horse’s body and gently applying pressure through the rope to the head collar and have him follow feel through a 360 degree turn and then walk out onto a circle.

Why

This sensitising exercise teaches the horse to follow feel by the pressure that is applied behind his ears on the poll and allows him to flex, soften and come forward off of the pressure rather than ‘pull back and resist’. This exercise is really important and is the starting point of teaching a young horse to be tied up and is especially good for helping those horses that already have a problem and pull back when being tied up. It is the first exercise that encourages bend in their neck whilst moving their feet.

Plastic bags are probably the spookiest things you can introduce to your horse, so if they can accept them well and with confidence, introducing them to other objects that move and have sound will be relatively easy. This exercise is particularly good for jumpy, nervous, spooky types of horse. If you can desensitise them to the sound feel and touch of a plastic bag flapping against their body, they will start to get much quieter in general.

Goal

Desensitising to plastic sheets or tarps – I want to be able to cover the horse’s body with the plastic sheet whilst they remain standing and relaxed. I want to be able to lunge the horse whilst covered with the sheet at a walk and a trot without it over reacting and running scared. To be able to walk, trot and canter the horse over the sheet in a controlled calm manner.

Why

If I can desensitise my horse to what’s essentially now a giant plastic bag and have him walk, trot and canter over it in a controlled manner and be accepting of it when it is covering his entire body whilst at a standstill and on the move, I will only increase his confidence in me and my equipment, which will in turn prepare him to be more accepting and tolerant of further objects that move and have sound with relative ease.

Goal

Why

To introduce and sensitise the horse to some basic lunging exercises and to have him trot out on a circle without pulling on the lead rope. To teach him to yield his hind quarters to a stop and face me and to be ready to go in the opposite direction. This is not a lunging exercise to get ‘the buck or fresh out’ of the horse or to make him tired, it is an exercise to gain your horse’s attention and respect. The more you are able to move his feet and change directions, the more attentive and respectful the horse will become. This will also help me make him more reasonable and less over reactive. Lunging horses in circles is not what gains their attention, it is the constant change of direction that does. Being able to yield their hind quarters to a stop and having him face you gives them the chance to rest and air up before being asked to move again.

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Polo Times, April 2019

Knowledge

Vet Insight

Kate Martin BSc BVMS MRCVS from eVetDrug Ltd Kate graduated from the University of Glasgow Veterinary School and undertook two internships and a stud season in Australia before settling in private practice in Berkshire. She is now the Senior Veterinary Consultant & Manager of eVetDrug, an online Equine pharmacy, which offers a great range of horse healthcare products, tried and tested by Equine vets.

Sweet Itch Prevention is better than treatment

What’s it all about?

Photography courtesy of Kate Martin

The Culicoides midge – the most common culprit of sweet itch in the UK

After months of short, cold, winter days, the return of spring is a cause for celebration for all polo lovers – less mud, fewer rugs to clean and more daylight hours to ride in! Hoorah! There’s just one thing that spoils our fun – flies – and for those with horses that suffer from sweet itch, it’s more than just an annoying buzz. It is postulated that over 45,000 horses in the UK (less than 5 percent of the population) suffer from sweet itch during the spring and summer months each year. If your pony is included in this number, now is the time to consider how best to manage it and put a plan of action in place. Clinical Signs Sever itching (pruritus) is the most common clinical sign and can lead to hair loss, thickened skin and open sores, which are prone to secondary bacterial infections. A change in temperament can also be noted, as the affected horse may become more agitated.

Polo Times, April 2019

Sweet itch is caused by an allergic reaction to insect bites, mainly from the Culicoides midge. When they bite the skin, they leave behind saliva and induce a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, which causes an intense itch (pruritis). There are over 20 different species of Culicoides midges, each favouring a different part of the body. The most common areas affected are around the head, neck, and tail. Midges thrive in areas with low airflow, close to calm bodies of water, i.e. marshland, ponds and stagnant water, as these conditions are essential for the Culicoides to breed. The presence of cattle can also encourage the influx of flies and midges.

Prevention Tips

Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for sweet itch. Prevention is far better than treatment and a plan of action for midge avoidance should ideally be in place before the season starts. If you can stop the flies landing and biting, this will prevent the reaction in the first place. This can be achieved in a number of ways: • Limit access – consider keeping your ponies stabled when midges are most active, at dawn and dusk, and turn out in exposed fields with high airflow, away from stagnant water and livestock, if possible. Ceiling fans in the stable can also be useful. • Trap the flies – use effective fly traps, such as Sticky Trap glue, to stop flies before they reach the ponies. • Cover up – a well fitted fly mask and rug may stop the midges getting access to the skin. Recent studies have also revealed that zebra stripes confuse biting flies when they get up close and cause them to abort their landings, so vets and scientists alike are advising to try zebrastriped rugs, like the Bucas Buzz Off or Sweet Itch rugs, to protect your ponies. • Spray it on – use good quality fly sprays and repellents: permethrin-based products are effective insecticides, or you may prefer more natural repellents, containing citronella or eucalyptus.

Typical ‘Sweet Itch’ tail

Apply oil – using an oil-based application, such as Cutasol, can help to create a physical barrier on the skin and deters the midges from biting. There are also some things you can do to help minimise the reaction if your pony is bitten: • Adjust the diet – Try limiting protein levels and increasing Omega 3 fatty acids to promote a healthy skin • Try a supplement:  Vitamin E is an antioxidant that supports the natural skin defences and helps to maintain a healthy, functional skin barrier.  Garlic is believed, by some, to be effective at repelling flies.  Nicotinamide works by reducing the level of histamine produced by the body. It also increases the amount of natural fats in the surface of the skin and acts as a natural protective barrier. However, it is more effective when given before the itching starts. •

Treatment options

Treatment comes in many forms and what works for some ponies, may not work for others. Trial and error are necessary; however, effective management is possible and can dramatically improve the quality www.polotimes.co.uk

Vet Insight

Knowledge

An effective fly trap – the Sticky Trap ball

• Steroids reduce inflammation and itching but can become less effective after prolonged use and may trigger unwanted side effects. • Antibiotics treat secondary bacterial skin infections if the skin becomes broken. • Emollient shampoos and gels, such as Aloe Vera gel or Calamine lotion, offer natural soothing properties for topical use. A zebra-print mesh fly rug causes flies to steer clear

of your pony’s life. If you are unsure which they may cause drowsiness. There are treatments might be suitable for your pony, no anti-histamines licenced specifically call your vet for advice. for horses but vets are able to prescribe • Anti-histamines offer relief and are certain human medications, such as thought to Horse be saferTransport.qxd:Layout than steroids but for use10:10 with horses. Richmonds 1 these, 3/3/10 Page 1

Future possibilities There is a specific vaccine being developed by a team in Switzerland, but more testing is required before it can become commercially available

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

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Polo Times, April 2019

Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

What is in a Bag of Feed? • Molasses – by-product of sugar extraction, used to lightly coat a mix, or a natural binder in pellets/cubes. There’s approximately three percent in a finished feed, making a negligible sugar/calorie contribution • Sunflower Meal – left over after extraction of oil, a source of fibre and protein

Last month we tried to help you make sense of the information on the back of a feed bag, so this month I thought we would try and make sense of what is included in a bag of feed, and the beneficial nutritional properties of those ingredients. On the back of a feed bag the ingredients is actually under the title of Composition. Cereals (oats, maize, wheat and barley) provide energy in the form of starch. They must be cooked to improve the digestibility of starch, apart from oats, where the cereal starch is easily digested so is fed ‘raw’. Co-products – left over from human food processing but are not ‘waste products’ as they contain nutritional qualities valuable to the horse. These include • Distillers’ Grains – left over from alcohol production; cereal grains are soaked to release the starch, yeast is added to ferment available sugars into alcohol, which is then distilled off. The remaining grain is pressed, dried and usually pelleted; a valuable low starch, low sugar source of protein and fibre • Oatfeed – fibrous husk and outer layer of the oat, left after the milling of oats and a low starch source of digestible fibre • Wheatfeed – left after the milling of wheat, comprising the outer layer of the grain plus some residual inner grain and provides fibre, protein and energy • Beet Pulp – dried remains of sugar beet after sugar extraction. An excellent source of ‘superfibres’, hemicellulose and pectin 70

Polo Times, April 2019

Legumes include peas, beans and alfalfa, all of which are good sources of protein, which include: • Soya Beans – provide the best amino acid profile of all protein sources available and are a rich oil source. The whole bean contains ‘anti-nutritional factors’ which reduce availability of nutrients. Micronising (cooking) destroys these factors and improves digestibility. Included in feeds as: o Soya Bean Meal – left once oil is extracted, a concentrated source of protein, rich in essential amino acids, especially lysine o Soya Hulls – the outer husk of the bean, which is a rich source of ‘superfibres’ and some protein o Soya Oil – a good source of ‘slow release’ calories, included in pellets/ cubes or as part of a coating for coarse mixes or chaffs

Fibres…

Alfalfa – dried leaves and stalk are used, contributing quality protein, calcium and fibre and are rich in ‘superfibres’; included as meal, ground and pelleted, or as chaff. Nutritionally Improved Straw (NIS) – is a source of fibre containing a high percentage of lignin, which is less digestible. To increase digestibility, it is ‘nutritionally improved’, and could be termed ‘partially’ or ‘pre-digested’ straw as the process used is very similar to the beginning of digestion in the stomach of the horse. A useful source of fibre in lower energy feeds. Grass – a natural source of protein, fibre and calcium; often dried, ground to a meal and included as pellets or combined with other ingredients in cubes, or used in chopped form.

Oils are ‘energy dense’, supplying more calories/energy than cereals, in a slow release form. In small amounts they aid skin and coat condition; generally included in a pellet or as a light coating to a mix. Linseed – is an oil-rich seed with good protein qualities, provides omega three fatty acids, often lacking in diets where grass intake is limited. This is often combined with soya to balance both protein and oil contents (soya is rich in Omega six fatty acids and linseed in Omega 3). Included in feeds as: • Micronised Linseed – Micronisation is the modern method of cooking linseed to break down its anti-nutritional factors, thus providing a rich supply of protein and oil • Linseed Meal (Expeller) – is left after the extraction of oil, may be supplied as lozenges or chips, which are often ground for inclusion in pellets Vitamins and Minerals are listed under the title Additives – all the ingredients listed bring with them some of their own vitamins and minerals. It is the job of the manufacturer’s nutritionist to decide how much of which vitamins and minerals must be added to meet a horse’s requirements, when the feed is fed at recommended levels. Some forms of minerals, in particular, are more available to the horse than others and minerals are also prone to interaction with each other so more of one may tie up another. I hope you now feel have a basic understanding of why certain ingredients are included at differing amounts in different feed types, depending on their intended use. Please do call your feed manufacturer to ensure you are feeding the correct product for the individual needs of your polo ponies – not one feed suits all!!

ontact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse C Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

Nutrition Focus

Knowledge

The best source of good quality vegetable protein. Whole beans are carefully micronised to optimise digestibility. A nutritious by-product left once the oil has been extracted from sunflower seeds. It is a useful source of protein and fibre. When grain is distilled, all the carbohydrate is converted to alcohol. The remainder is a concentrated source of (quality) protein and some fibre. This is what is left once the oil has been extracted from the beans and is therefore an even more concentrated source of good quality protein than the whole beans. Like soya beans, peas are a member of the legume family and are micronised to improve digestibility and are a useful source of protein and calories. Again, a by-product from milling for human consumption, this was traditionally known as ‘middlings’ and is the outer layer of the wheat grain – which has no husk like the oat – plus some residual grain inner. This gives it a moderate calorie and protein content. Traditionally fed to horses for hundreds of years, oats contain starch in a form which is quite digestible so does not require cooking. They are reasonably high in fibre, compared to other cereals. A good source of calories, which was traditionally fed to promote condition especially when boiled. Micronising is the most effective cooking method and results in a tasty, digestible flattened grain. This has one of the highest calorie contents of all cereals and is rendered highly digestible through our meticulous micronising process. A very useful energy source, which may also be ground and included in pellets and cubes. Micronising optimises digestibility of the starch content and creates a light open flake. Like wheat and barley, it has negligible fibre and protein content as a proportion of the whole grain. One of the most popular vegetable oils used in horse feed, soya is rich in Omega six fatty acids. It can be included in some pellets or cubes and is a major component in Outshine, which is then included in some of our mixes to increase the overall oil content. This oil-rich seed also has a reasonable protein content and is micronised, to optimise digestibility, then incorporated into pellets. It is also a key ingredients in Outshine and a rich source of Omega three fatty acids. This is a by-product from the milling of oats for human consumption and includes the fibrous husks and outer layer of the grain. This makes it a popular source of digestible fibre with a negligible residual starch content. This is subjected to a process very similar to the early stages of its passage through the gut, thus improving digestibility. This is what is left after the sugar has been extracted (removed) and is rich in highly digestible superfibres, making it a useful source of ‘non-starch’ calories. The outer husk of the soya bean which is a rich source of superfibres and also provides some protein May be ground and included in a pellet or is dried and chopped and included in a number of our mixes or blends.

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Polo Times, April 2019

Knowledge

Fitness Insight

In this brand new feature, we speak to Angus Olds, trainer to the polo stars, about what it takes to be in peak fitness, ready to do battle on the polo field from high goal to low goal. Gus has worked with a number of professional athletes and teams for well over a decade including members of British Ski and Snowsports, UK Polocrosse, British Dressage and England Polo to name but a few. Gus worked within the El Remanso high goal operation for two years and saw the team reach the Final of The British Open on both occasions. In the off-season, Gus consults with private individuals on health optimisation and athletic performance

Nutrition for Performance

Eating your way to a better game

A rider’s weight could adversely affect his/her playing style

Sports nutrition is perhaps the most underutilised area of equine sports performance, in that no other area offers so great a return than simply utilising a well thought out nutrition strategy. The phrase “eat better” doesn’t sound very sexy! Most people know that the food you eat will affect your performance on the day, but did you also know that your nutrition has far reaching effects on everything from pony performance to reaction times and the likelihood of sustaining an injury? Equine sports are ultimately affected by rider weight. Studies of ratios of rider to horse weight have thrown up some surprising results with huge knock-on effects from comparatively small increases in rider weight reducing performance of the horse in terms of: the ability to move laterally, time to exhaustion and joint integrity, of the spine in particular. It is our responsibility as riders to be as close to functional weight as possible, meaning if any of the weight being carried 72

Polo Times, April 2019

by the horse is not contributing to your game, then you don’t need it! Carrying non-functional weight, this applies to both excess fat and excess muscle, also impacts negatively on mobility and will make it harder for you to hit shots that require greater ranges of motion e.g. angled shots and shots on the nearside. In terms of bang for your buck performance enhancement, optimising your weight for your sport has few equals. When trying to get leaner for the coming season, it is necessary in most instances to reduce calories, this does not have to be complicated and options range from simply reducing portion size to working with a nutrition coach who can provide better insights into what might work best for you as individual needs will vary a great deal. Stay away from fad crash diets and juice fasts, they wreak metabolic havoc. Intelligent nutrition in combination with some strength training and the HIIT intervals described in last month’s issue should have you well on your way to being ready for the season.

When it comes to game time nutrition, biased advertising from the sugar industry and sports drink producers place far too much emphasis on the role of sugar on performance. The most common change I make to many of the athletes with whom I work, is to reduce their reliance on sugar as an energy source – you simply do not need as much as many companies would have you believe! Excess sugar, and to a certain extent carbohydrate, consumption in your daily routine could well interfere with your all-important gut micro biome which is responsible for key performance and health markers in your body including, producing the neurotransmitters that you need to react during the game (ref 1), deciding how much body fat you store as well as overseeing the health of your tendons and ligaments to name a few. Reducing carbohydrates (particularly sugar) in your day-to-day eating and trying to derive more nutrition from healthy sources of fat, protein and whole www.polotimes.co.uk

Fitness Insight

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Running out of energy because of sugar levels is a common misconception

Take home points

1. For the sake of your own performance and that of your pony, try to be in the best physical shape possible. This is not as hard as you may think and will pay off more than any other change you can make to your game, unless of course you find yourself on a Cuartetera clone, in which case… go with that! 2. Reduce sugar/carbohydrate intake to make sure you can use it optimally when you really need it, sub-maximal exertion lasting less than an hour does not require sugar. 3. Electrolyte drinks (ideally sweetened with stevia or unsweetened) are a must while playing in hot climates and far superior to traditional sugar loaded sports drinks. 4. Hydration is important every day for the athlete, trying to do it last minute will not work. References:

1. Stradnwitz. Brain Research Volume 1693 Part B. 128-133. Neurotransmitter Modulation by Gut Microbiota. 15 August 2018. 2. Collardeau et al. European Journal of Applied Physiology 86 150-6. Single and Choice Reaction Time During Prolonged Exercise in Trained Subjects: Influence of Carbohydrate Availability. December 2001. 3. D. Owens, D. Benton. Neuropsychobiology 30 106-113. The Impact of Raising Blood Glucose on Reaction Times. 1994

Knowledge

food carbohydrate (nothing that comes in packaging) will mean that you can actually make use of them when you need them, pregame. When you only need as little as 20-30 grammes to aid in performance i.e. a single banana (ref 2 and 3). Commonly misconceived is the thought that running out of ‘energy’ when playing is due to a lack of sugar, when in fact the real limiting factor in events lasting less than about 90 minutes is electrolyte balance. These salts are vital for literally hundreds of chemical reactions taking place in your cells that help you perform not only physically but mentally. So, make sure that you consume a good amount of sea or rock salt with your food. While playing, all of the athletes with whom I work with, consume a fair amount of sugar free electrolyte drinks especially on hot days. This brings us neatly onto the subject of hydration, I generally advise athletes to drink water (not squash, tea or coffee) to quench thirst and aim to do this as part of their daily routine, desperately trying to hydrate in the hours before a game is a common but largely ineffective strategy. Gus can be reached via email on gusolds@me.com and posts regular health and performance information on Instagram @gofitcoach

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Polo Times, April 2019

Knowledge

PoloPlay

PoloPlay Introducing the world’s first complete, online chukka booking and planning tool As anyone who’s had to do it regularly will know, organising practice chukkas can be a time consuming and often frustrating task, involving juggling spreadsheets and numerous last-minute changes. Recognising the need to streamline the process, PoloPlay – a brand new online tool which members can also access from their smartphones and tablets – has been created especially for polo offices by entrepreneurs and polo enthusiasts Tim Nathan and Oliver Smith. PoloPlay was developed and meticulously tested with the help of Will Healy at Ham Polo Club – although not financially involved, the Club was keen to assist and advise throughout the project’s development. 74

Polo Times, April 2019

Successful trials took place at the Club last season, and PoloPlay launched this Spring. PoloPlay is unique because as well as handling complex chukka bookings, it features a special algorithm which creates a creditable draft chukka list at the click of a button. Powerful editing tools which have been developed with the Polo Manager’s unique requirements in mind, make quick and easy work of finalising the chukka list which can be published directly to all members, accessible on their smartphones, tablets or PCs. As well as saving time and effort, it means that all chukka communications are kept in the same place, rather than the traditional and much riskier www.polotimes.co.uk

PoloPlay

Knowledge

multi-platform approach, where bookings or cancellations can easily get lost. PoloPlay enables managers to view a perfectly-formatted bookings list at cutoff. They can then spread their pros early or late, glue or separate certain players, select their fields, set times, add guest players and then, at the click of a button see the almost-finished chukka plan on PoloPlay’s dedicated editing screen. This takes just a few minutes after cut-off. Once the draft plan is on the editing screen, managers are then free to use their expert judgement to refine their selection and make any last-minute changes, all of which can be saved instantly. It’s not just managers that can benefit from using PoloPlay, however – players can cancel or change their bookings (including managing gaps and time preferences) themselves at any point up to cut-off and as often as they wish. Players receive instant confirmation of their latest booking status, and as well as being able to view their own chukkas as soon as they are published, they can also use PoloPlay to arrange pony hire and coaching. As a result of extensive live beta testing over the past season at Ham Polo Club, Will Healy is convinced that PoloPlay provides an essential tool for both managers and players:

At Ham, we are now “looking forward to providing this great service to our members this season and benefitting of course from the significant time savings in the polo office. It’s a terrific new service for our sport and I can enthusiastically recommend it to other clubs without hesitation.

”

PoloPlay is now live and ready for clubs to use for the 2019 season. Find out more by typing poloplay.co.uk into either your web browser or your YouTube search bar now.

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Polo Times, April 2019

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FACILITIES: Private fields, ponies, pros and lovely, comfortable accommodation for up to 16 guests in our beautiful 18th century Great House. Chef, barman and full staff to give you a unique experience.

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What about playing polo in Switzerland ?

Learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments Polo Park and Country Club Zürich is one of the oldest clubs in Switzerland. Open from April until October. Take your customers, friends or family to watch our games on Sundays. More than 10 tournaments each season. We offer kids and adults polo school - discovery days - low and medium goal club chukkers. Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

e ebsit dates! w r June 1-2: Zürich Championship Low Goal nts k ou Chec ourname k.ch June 21-22: Kensington Polo Trophy ore t opar for m ww.pol June 29-30: Zürich Championship Medium Goal w July 5-7: 20th Zürich International Ladies Polo Cup August 31-sept 1: San Francisco de Asis Polo Cup september 7-8: Vecinos Cup

Polo Park & Country Club Zürich - info@polopark.ch - Join us on Facebook : Polo Park Zürich - www.polopark.ch

Glen Holden & Daniel Gonzalez

Charlie Armstrong, Melissa Ganzi, Stewart Armstrong & Julia Jitkoff

Fred Mannix & Marc Ganzi

Olsen Fenwick, Paul von Gontard & Ginny Orthwein

Kishan & Diana Khanna with Peter Rizzo

Susan Shelly & Tony Coppola

Nic Roldan with Alan & Aidan Meeker

Julian & Patricia Hipwood

Jeff, Caitlin, Marty & Amanda Cregg

30th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner & Inauguration; Polo Museum and Hall of Fame, Wellington, Florida; Friday 15 February

30 Years & Counting Levertt & Linda Miller

Olexa Celine, Melissa Psitos & Kelly Headquist

On a warm Florida evening, poloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best and brightest gathered at The Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame to celebrate our sport and inaugurate new members into the Hall of Fame for the 30th time. Honoured for their great parts in polo history, six pillars of the community: Daniel Gonzalez, Gerald Balding, Karlene Beal Garber, John B. Armstrong, and horses Mr. Polo and Conover, were welcomed with open arms into the Hall of Fame amongst the dazzling guests, some of whom had flown in from far flung lands especially. The guests reminisced about their favourite polo memories whilst partaking in a delicious gala dinner, sponsored by hosts Melissa and Marc Ganzi. The evening was all in all, a wonderful example of American hospitality and love for our sport.

Nacho Figueras & Delfina Blaquier

Linda Brown with Cliff & Terra Sifton

Photography by Krystal Zaskey & Alex Pacheco

Magoo Laprida, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Pablo Mac Donough & Juan MartĂn Nero

Melissa Ganzi & Karlene Beal Garber

Ignacio Laprida & Grant Ganzi

Mike Farah & Victoria Quinn

Toby Lowenstein

Henry Carter, Emma Hughes, Ellie Blackburn, Annie Mattingley, Freya Rawlings, Charlie Ralli, Ellie Revill, Sivakkumaran Sukumaran, Serena Taylor, Florine Neuman, Chris Sinclair, Jamie Robb & Nick Lamb

Durham University Polo Club Annual Ball; Wynyard Hall, Billingham; Friday 22 February

Durham Glamour Durham University Polo Club exceeded all expectations with their Regality themed ball, with organisers Ellie Revill and Natasha Otley-Kerr creating a night fit for royalty. With the stunning back drop of Wynyard Hall, the 230 guests were treated to a fivecourse meal, ballet performance, carriages and a pudding room. £500 was raised for the charity of choice, Ebony Horse Club, a riding school set-up who teach disadvantaged children life skills, build their confidence and provide them with opportunities. After a fantastic evening, students revelled into the evening, ensuring they wouldn’t be welcomed back to Wynyard Hall in a hurry… naughty students! Oliver Lowthian, Thalia Burgess & Charlotte Paler

Ed Innes & Luke Thomson

Doga Yapakci

Photography by Toby Lowenstein Photography

Angus Kincaid

Alex Hall, Nick Connor, Nathan Roberts, William Phelps, Milo Julien, Jonty Head, Rollo Speak & Tohid Ismail

Kate Shranko & Kristina Mayberry

Alexander Bridges

Jess Halliday & Bea Wilson

Emma Hughes, Immie Naldrett & Anna Dobrinski

Durham University Ballet

Dasha Rozhnova & Nelly Kaidan

Michael Amoore, Sam Wisbey, Tracey Beer, Jade de Vere Drummond & Josh Wisbey

Nacho Gonzalez

Royston Prisk, Charlie Wooldridge & Jamie Morrison

Hilali Noordeen & Daniel Otamendi

The Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup Final 2019; Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club; Saturday 23 February

Sunshine and Local Luck As the February sun shone down on the arena at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, hundreds of winter polo fans gathered on what must now be considered as one of the hottest Arena Gold Cups on record, both temperature wise and in the arena, to see local boys Prisk 528 take on their almost unbeaten rivals Regal Warriors. Before The Parfums de Marly Arena Gold Cup teams took to the arena, the Ladies showed what they’re made of, battling for The Ladies’ Arena British Open to resounding cheers from their friends and family. As the players tussled round the arena, guests sipped on cool beers and nibbled on delicious buttermilk chicken bites from the onsite catering. Regal Warriers took the top honours for the ladies, whilst the lower handicapped Prisk 528 stormed to victory in the ‘big one’. So, with three world-class matches, unbelievable February weather and excellent company to top it all off, there was no better way to spend a glorious Saturday afternoon in Berkshire. Rosie Prisk

Paddy Selfe, Amelie Devrient, Emily Liggins & Sarah Glover

Photography by Polo Times

Jack Hyde

Phil Meadows

Ed Banner-Eve

Georgia Sweeney

David & Alec Banner-Eve

WELCOME BABY MAXIMILIAN Nicola and David Semple have welcomed to the world their baby boy Maximilian Geoffrey Greenhill Semple on 9 December. Both parents are keen to get him on a horse as soon as possible, so send your teeny tiny pony applications in here now!

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

SHE SAID YES!

Tania Richardson, sister to Flannels England international player Jack, has said yes to fiancé Will Denehy, who proposed on Saturday 9 March. Congratulations you two!

Niall & Rory Donnelly

Chris Bethell

Josh Cork

Justine Elliott & Emma Cook

The Playnation International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy; All England Polo Club, Hickstead; Saturday 2 March

International Arena Glory

Lee Jefferson, John Bunn & Peter Davies

The cool temperatures of previous weeks seemed a mere distant memory as the AEPC, Hickstead grandstands bustled with arena polo fans for the hotly contested Playnation International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Everyone who’s anyone was arenaside for this thrilling display of international prowess, and with Flannels England coming firing out of the starting blocks, the roar amongst fans was truly ground-shaking, made even more rousing by commentator, and former 10 goaler, Chris Hyde’s passionate musings on the mic. As Flannels England defeated their French rivals, attentions turned to revelling in true Hickstead style, with a delicious post-match lunch in the Al Shira’aa Suite and extensive team celebrations. To read more about the The Playnation International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy please turn to our report on page 28.

Alec Banner-Eve

Evgeny Chichvarkin

Gavin Turner & Tim Bown

Pete Webb & Ricky Cooper

Chris Hyde, Sebastian Dawnay, Royston Prisk & Jamie Morrison

Olly Hughes & David Woodd

Simon McDonald & Howard Smith

Gingerbread polo ponies!

Julie Dalby, Jane Cartwright & Sally Brown

Lisa Waterfield, Emma Stringer & Katie Mann

Bawtry Polo Club Launch Party; Saturday 2 March; Bawtry Hall

New Kid on the Block The UK has welcomed a Club onto the scene, in the form of Bawtry Polo Club near Doncaster. The familyfriendly Club opened its doors to new members and guests at its official launch in early March, with a plethora of polo delights on offer, from themed Nojo Cake cupcakes and gingerbread polo ponies to delicious British Polo Gin Chukka Cocktails. Bawtry Polo Club is run by Amy Sallabank and Victoria Jarvie, who formed a friendship through polo several years ago, both of whom will be found flying the polo flag this summer, so keep an eye out!

Jim Baughan & Mairi Bagley

P hotography by Lesley Pickersgill Ross & Victoria Jarvie with Mark Stubbs

Amy Sallabank & John Bagley

John & Debbie Atherton

Theodore Wesche John Michael & Richard Sutcliffe Roger Balding & Oonagh Bagley

Mark Waterfield & Shannon Elliot

Tony & Sophie Wesche

Russell Baughan

Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

01462 701110

Polo directory

What’s On – Polo Fixtures Club Stewarton Rugby Rugby Guards Cheshire Guards Tidworth Binfield Heath Cheshire Druids Lodge

Tournament Name Swansong Arena Tournament The Final Arena Challenge The Final Arena Challenge The Spring Amateur Spinney Cup Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy Rabbit Cup Welcome Tournament Chukka Challenge Spring Trophy (Spring League Finals)

Handicap Open 2-6 -3 - 0 -2-2 -4-2 8-12 2-6 & -6 - -2 -4-0 -8- -5 -4-0

Start Date 30/03/19 13/04/19 13/04/19 19/04/19 20/04/19 24/04/19 24/04/19 27/04/19 27/04/19 27/04/19

End Date 31/03/19 14/04/19 14/04/19 22/04/19 21/04/19 11/05/19 12/05/19 28/04/19 28/04/19 16/06/19

Open, 16 & 8 6-8 Open 4-6 Open 4-8 & 8-12

02/04/19 18/05/19 27/05/19 01/06/19 01/06/19 15/06/19

06/04/19 19/05/19 27/05/19 01/06/19 02/06/19 16/06/19

12-18

18/06/19

23/06/19

18 Open 0-8 Open 10-14 & 0-8 6-12 Open 8-12 12-18

19/06/19 26/06/19 05/07/19 06/07/19

30/06/19 26/06/19 07/07/19 20/07/19

Intercontinental Hua Hin

06/07/19

07/07/19

Hörnum

06/07/19 10/07/19 23/07/19 23/07/19

20/07/19 11/07/19 03/08/19 04/08/19

Sandbanks

12-18

29/07/19

10/08/19

18 6-8

12/08/19 17/08/19

17/08/19 18/08/19

12-18

20/08/19

31/08/19

Open

26/08/19

Cheshire Cirencester Tidworth London Dorset Cirencester

22 26 10-14 Open

27/03/19 27/03/19 01/04/19 04/04/19

21/04/19 14/04/19 30/04/19 07/04/19

WOMEN’S POLO Grand Champions Kirtlington Rutland Tidworth Stewarton Tidworth Cambridge County Black Bears Edgeworth Beaufort Cowdray New Forest Cowdray Blueys Cirencester Cirencester Beaufort RCBPC Kirtlington Guards Cheshire

Sunny Hale’s Legacy WCT Finals WIP La Rosada Ladies Ladies Polo Day WIP Ladies vs Hackett Army Scottish Women’s Championship WIP Ladies Tournament Cavendish Tournament - VL Atlantic Cup Ladies Tournament Ladies Tournament WIP Ladies League British Ladies Open VL Womens Festival Charity Weekend British Ladies Championships Ladies Tournament Ladies Tournament The International Ladies VL The Beaufort Ladies Tournament VL Polo Festival Ladies VL Thorneloe Ladies Ladies Charity Polo Victrix Ludorum Mu Kershaw Memorial Cup

FRANCE Polo Club Saint Tropez

Easter Cup

8-10

10/04/19

21/04/19

02/04/19

12/04/19

2&8 Open 4 & 10 Open

01/04/19 05/04/19 08/04/19 12/04/19

07/04/19 07/04/19 21/04/19 14/04/19

Open Open Open

13/04/19 26/04/19 26/04/19

20/04/19 28/04/19 28/04/19

DUBAI Al Habtoor

Dubai Cup

SOUTH AFRICA Plett Oaklands Plett East Rand Plett Val de Vie Harrismith

Plett Club Match Cupids Cup Plett Club Match Stephan Stewart Memorial Tournament South African Open Cape Champs Free State Champs

Beach Polo 10th Asian Beach Polo Championship 12th Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup 2019 British Beach Polo Championships

Open

27/04/19 28/04/19

Open

08/06/19 09/06/19

Open

12/07/19 13/07/19

Social Events Season Opening Party Clubhouse Opening Heroes Day Chestertons Polo in the Park Dorset Polo Festival 125th Year Anniversary Ball

12/04/19 26/05/19 01/06/19 07/06/19 23/06/19 29/06/19

09/06/19

America IPC, Palm Beach Grand Champions Grand Champions IPC, Palm Beach

U.S. Open Polo Championship WPL Triple Crown of Polo Eastern Challenge Gay Polo League

International Test Matches Australia Windsor

International Test Match - Eng v Aus Open

04/04/19

New South Wales Eynesbury Western Australia Red Gum Western Australia Kurri Burri Victorian Polo Club Windsor New South Wales Western Australia Killarney

Killarney Tournament Mount William Tournament Polo In The Valley RGR Polo Tournament Charles Cup KH Marshall Cup

0&4 Open Open Open Open 14, 8, 4 & 0

05/04/19 06/04/19 06/04/19 13/04/19 13/04/19 13/04/19

07/04/19 07/04/19 07/04/19 14/04/19 14/04/19 14/04/19

All Saints Estate Polo Rutherglen

Open

13/04/19

Dudley Cup & Windsor Cup Scone Bob Skene League Autumn Polo Serpentine Killarney Tournament

12, 6, & 2 Open Open 12, 6, & 2

20/04/19 27/04/19 27/04/19 27/04/19

21/04/19 28/04/19 28/04/19 28/04/19

www.polotimes.co.uk

Club Beaufort RCBPC

Tournament Gloucestershire Festival of Polo Coronation Cup

Start Date 08/06/19 27/07/19

End Date 09/06/19 27/07/19

2019 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates 22+ Goal RCBPC Cowdray Guards Cirencester Cowdray 18 Goal Cowdray Cirencester Guards Cowdray

Prince of Wales Murus Sanctus Trippetts Challenge Cartier Queen’s Cup Warwickshire Cup The King Power Gold Cup for The British Open

04/05/19 09/05/19 21/05/19 17/06/19 25/06/19

18/05/19 19/05/19 16/06/19 22/06/19 21/07/19

Duke of Sutherland Apsley Cup Indian Empire Shield Challenge Cup

20/05/19 12/06/19 02/07/19 22/07/19

09/06/19 30/06/19 20/07/19 04/08/19

Polo Times, April 2019

Polo directory 15 Goal Guards RCBPC Cowdray Cirencester Beaufort 12 Goal Cowdray RCBPC Beaufort Cirencester Guards Cirencester Cowdray

Royal Windsor Cup Eduardo Moore Trophy Harrison Cup National 15 Goal Championship (County Cup) Arthur Lucas

04/06/19 25/06/19 15/07/19 07/08/19 20/08/19

23/06/19 14/07/19 03/08/19 17/08/19 01/09/19

Dollar Cup John Prestwich Prince of Wales The Queen Mother Trophy Duke of Wellington Cheltenham Cup Autumn League

13/05/19 01/06/19 17/06/19 01/07/19 03/08/19 27/08/19 09/09/19

05/06/19 15/06/19 29/06/19 13/07/19 18/08/19 08/09/19 22/09/19

8 Goal Cirencester Guards RCBPC Cowdray Beaufort 6 Goal Beaufort Kirtlington Ham Cirencester 4 Goal Rutland Cheshire Druids Lodge

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

14/05/19 04/06/19 03/07/19 22/07/19 13/08/19

27/05/19 30/06/19 20/07/19 04/08/19 25/08/19

Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Trophy Budgett Everett Roehampton Cup Kingscote Cup

04/06/19 01/08/19 13/08/19 26/08/19

15/06/19 11/08/19 25/08/19 07/09/19

Assam Cup Junior County Cup Rose Bowl

24/06/19 08/07/19 30/07/19

30/06/19 14/07/19 04/08/19

Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

CLUB

PHONE

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Leadenham Polo Club

07429 299026

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Bawtry Polo Club

01302 773282

info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07803 020577

info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07790 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

polo@dbpoloclub.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Polo Times, April 2019

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

Quick Question Answer -

to the question posed on our Letter’s page A: The Indian sport that was anglicised into the sport of polo we know today is ‘sagol kangjei’

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo directory

Marketplace Transport

PO1O RAT Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer £795 ono. Tel: 07860 906032

NEW 14 HORSE CONVERSION, TRUCK AND TRAILER 6 Horse truck c/w grooms living consisting of single bed, l-shape leather seating, hob,sink,hot water,65l fridge, TV/dvd, wet room /shower, 240v mains hookup, horse area 6 horse telescopic partitions, fans fitted, led lighting, Red travel lights, large tack locker. Mounted on daf high cab sleeper, 310 bhp, automatic, year 2007, + 8 Horse trailer with large water tank, telescopic partitions, fans fitted, led lights, red travel lights, skirt storage lockers. Sold with 12 mths MoT truck and trailer. Painted in metallic graphite grey with silver bonnet £75,000+Vat Contact 07802 399233

PRISTINE 1999 CAB MERCEDES ATEGO for sale, MOT until April 2020, immaculate Aluminium light weight back & will last forever. Full service history and receipts. Whole Lorry has been refurbished – new kick boards, new ramp, new handles and doors for tack lockers, painted wheels, small parts of rust removed and replaced with fresh primer and paint and finally new gates on the back. Never let me down in the 15 years we’ve had it (we had it built). Currently partitioned for 7 horses but only ever taken 6 which allows more storage space. Side door for ease of access to the horses and/or storage in luton. Big tack lockers. Big luton allows the storage of larger items too. 431127km nearly all spent on motorway. *Brand new back (not including chassis) with same specifications has been quoted at £18,113 + Vat from Tristar lorries* Price £12,995 Call Ed on 07917 831622 Fifield Polo Club

PO10 BRD PO10BRD PRIVATE REGISTRATION OFFER FOR SALE. Price includes transfer and all documentation transferring ownership. Lovely exclusive registration for your car 4x4 or horsebox. £1200.00 ono. Leicestershire

Equipment

SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217 BEN HASTIE PHOTOGRAPHY - Equine & Countryside Photography specialising in Polo www.benhastiephotography.com/ 07970 348883 Cheltenham

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THE BRYAN MORRISON Flannels England Victorious TROPHY Again EQUINE BACK MECHANICS Benefit Osteopathy DESENSITISING & Getting Your YoungstersSENSITISING Started PLUS: USA Action,

TROPHY MORRISON THE BRYAN Victorious Again Flannels England MECHANICS EQUINE BACK Benefit Osteopathy G & SENSITISING DESENSITISIN Started Getting Your Youngsters PLUS: USA Action,

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DESENSITISING & SENSITISING Getting Your Youngsters Started PLUS: USA Action, Polo Valley Expands & Nutrition for Performance

Polo Times, April 2019

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Alejandro ‘Negro’ Novillo Astrada hails from one of polo’s most famous families, the Argentine Novillo Astrada dynasty. Alejandro’s grandfather Julio was the first Novillo Astrada to test their mettle on the polo field and was immediately hooked. Having made sure his sons and grandchildren found the same passion for the sport, the family founded La Aguada Polo Club and are now regulars in the high goal. Suffice to say, the Novillo Astradas are a force to be reckoned with. We spoke to 7 goal Alejandro as he readied himself for an exciting American high goal season with the Ganzi posse, following a run to the Semi Finals of The Argentine Open, The 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel and The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz – this is one busy guy! What is your biggest passion and why?

Polo and horses, it’s very difficult to describe why, but once you get to hit a ball on a horse at full speed you get hooked on the sport! What is your all-time best polo memory? I have many on my own, but if I have to choose one it would be when my brothers won The Argentine Triple Crown.

Favourite film and why? The Shawshank Redemption – even though the movie is a bit slow it keeps you sucked in throughout and you can watch it more than once and still keep finding new things.

Best holiday destination & activity? Punta del Este, in Uruguay, for going to the beach with friends.

Favourite food/dish? Asado, of course!

Best pony and why? Aguada Bruma, she has a very sensitive mouth, but has excellent conditioning and power.

Hardest opponent? Adolfo Cambiaso. Which sports do you like outside of polo? I like to watch almost every sport but especially football and rugby.

Are you passionately superstitious – what and why? Luckily, I’m not! Describe yourself in three words… Generous, loyal, friendly – or at least this is how I think people see me! Favourite hobby outside of polo? I like practicing other sports. It doesn’t matter which, just sport.

Polo Times, April 2019

Favourite celebrity and why? I don’t have one. I’m not really into that sort of thing.

Favourite song/ album? This Old Heart of Mine by Rod Stewart.

Who were/are your favourite team mates and why? My father and brothers, even though we irritate each other at the drop of a hat!

Most prized possession? My family.

One thing which would surprise us about you? It’s a surprise… www.polotimes.co.uk

DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE POLO EXPERIENCE WITH POLO VALLEY SOTOGRANDE

Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned professional, playing polo at Polo Valley is an experience you will never forget. Play polo just minutes from the beaches of Sotogrande on well-schooled ponies and immaculate ďŹ elds that will give you no excuses for missing that ball. With over 300 days of sunshine, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the opportunity to get out onto the grass early this year. Disconnect and take in the peaceful surroundings by staying at our on-site Guesthouse, enjoy late night asados and breathtaking views all just 65 steps from the main stables.