Polo Times Aug 15

Volume 20 • Issue 7 • August 2015 • £6.50

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Summer Bumper Issue!

108 polo-packed pages

KING POWER FOXES HIT GOLD New! Military Polo Round-Up Hat Safety Focus & Greg Glue Interview

PLUS: Sotogrande Preview & Hydration Focus

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Contents

Contacts

What’s inside... August 2015

Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

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

Advertising Manager Ben Bovill ben@polotimes.co.uk

Club Liaison & News Manager Lucy Wilson lucy@polotimes.co.uk

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40

News 8 All the Latest News 16 HPA News 18 FIP Update

Comment

Sidelines 93 Gossip: Don’t be the last to know 94 Sidelines: Social Pages

21 Your views: Letters

Polo Directory:

Polo Reporter & Researcher

Features

98 What’s on in August?

101 Polo Times Marketplace

Tilda Woodd tilda@polotimes.co.uk

22 Cover Story: Getting to Know Greg Glue 27 Cover Story: Looking at Hat Safety 34 Cover Story: Sotogrande Summers 38 La Rosada Deutsche 54 The Big Picture

Editorial Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk Junior Editor Wiggy Bamforth wiggy@polotimes.co.uk

Principal Design James Morgan

Additional Design Tony Ruddy

104 Passions: Max Charlton

Reports 40 Cover Story: The 2015 Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Final 45 Victor Ludorum Victories 52 Beach Polo

Club Focus 57 Your Club News from Home and Abroad 62 Aviation Polo Challenge

Financial Controller

Women’s Polo

Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

65 Women’s Polo Update

Youth Polo 71 Youth Round Up Contributors

Final bell:

Military Polo

88

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Stephen Biddlecombe, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, London Executive Aviation, Lorna Edgar, Lottie Goldstone, Dr David Marlin, Charles Whittington, David Woodd

78 Cover Story: A Round Up of Military Polo Action

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© Polo Times Limited 2015 and Database Right 2015 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

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81 Pony Power 84 Pony Running Reports 86 Nutrition Focus: A Nutrition Case Study 88 Cover Story: Hydration Focus 90 Equine Legal Advice: Who is responsible for removing Ragwort?

87 Equipment Focus: Happy Tongue Bits

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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Cover photograph: The hands of the jubilant King Power Foxes team lift the overflowing Gold Cup, following their victory against UAE in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup (British Open) Final. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Polo Times, August 2015

7

In thanking James Beim for being Guest Editor of the July issue – at 124 pages, the biggest in Polo Times’ history – I must also congratulate him on captaining England in a thrilling game of endto-end polo, which saw England victorious against the South American side, winning The Royal Salute Coronation Cup on Saturday 25th July. (This was just as Polo Times went to press, so please see next month’s issue for the full report).

For those of you who cannot wait until then, you can join the 1,000+ people who have already watched the whole match for free on POLOLIVE TV

by Polo Times at www.polotimes.co.uk Presented by the simply unflappable John Kent, who was joined in our pitch-side studio by 10-goal arena player Chris Hyde, former England Captain Henry Brett and Alan Kent – twice winner of the Coronation Cup, I hope that you enjoy watching the match. In my view, showing International matches so that all the polo world can enjoy them, will prove essential in raising polo’s profile and ultimately therefore, its credentials again as an Olympic sport.

The 2015 UK high goal season saw a significant number of young English players playing alongside some of the world’s finest – most notably, Hugo Lewis, who helped Top Srivaddhanaprabha and his King Power Foxes teammates, Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres achieve the double-bounce of winning both the Queen’s and Gold Cups.

For their second high goal team entry, Tal Srivaddhanaprabha’s King Power, to also win both Subsidiary Finals – in what is only King Power’s second season in the high goal – is testament to the whole King Power organisation’s pride, performance, integrity and commitment to do their very best.

Congratulations and thanks to the Srivaddhanaprabha family and King Power Manager Pete McCormack, for making this high goal season so exciting.

On a less positive note, many will remember the 2015 season for the ‘sending off’ of two of England’s brightest young players, which ended the hopes of their respective teams’ success. Whilst not doubting the authority that match officials must have in order to ensure safe and fair play prevails, I do however question the merit, (in the international stage that polo in England is now played), of continuing to have three different sets of rules, in the three leading international governing bodies, (HPA, AAP and USPA), for something so fundamental as sending a player off. Likewise, the rulings on a polo helmet’s specifications are different in the UK, EU at large, Argentina, and USA. A small number of volunteers around the world help improve polo for the benefit of thousands of players and spectators – to this end, FIP’s Chairman, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, should be saluted for his endeavours and on his commitment to unify the fundamental rules of the game of polo and its rightful reinstatement on the Olympic stage.

Nick Hine, Publisher 8

Polo Times, August 2015

News

Polo Times and friends at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Polo Times Poda at Cowdray Park Polo Club

POLO TIMES HAD a wonderful day at the Final of The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup on Sunday 19 July. The Polo Times stand, which was located in the shopping village next to Best Playing Pony sponsor Twisted Automotive, had on offer plenty of Polo Times merchandise, plus complimentary beverages including Wake Energy Drink. Many new subscribers walked away with their free Polo Times or The Polo Magazine trucker hat, a copy of the latest issue and entry into our fantastic new prize draw. New subscribers and renewals will be entered into our Falcon Polo helmet prize draw. One lucky winner will have the chance to win a fantastic bespoke Falcon Polo helmet worth over £500. This means you will be able to choose the colour, fabric and any special stitching designs – you could have your family crest or polo emblem in your design of choice. Importantly the Falcon Polo helmet has a four-point harness, plus additional safety features. Black Hound Sports, whom you may have seen as a sponsor for the Black Hound Beaufort team, the Novillo Astrada Kid’s Tournament and partner for The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Series 2015, also joined us for the day to watch the game from our fantastic Poda viewing gallery. For a full report on The British Open Final, please turn to page 40 and for social pictures turn to our Sidelines pages.

Power of Polo progresses Photograph by Katy Hayward

from the Publisher

THE NEW POLO charity formed by player and doctor, Katy Hayward, who is also a member of Fifield Polo Club, has taken Power of Polo oneThe Injured Soldiers team step further by registering the venture with the Charity Commission. This means that the charity, which supports the hopes and dreams for disadvantaged children, can now accept donations from members of the public and supporters. Power of Polo have also announced that they will be working with the injured soldiers team that played at The Polo for Heroes day at Fifield Polo Club, which was first founded by Help for Heroes Battle Back programme. Power of Polo will be making sure their programme is sustainable and in turn demonstrate the benefit of polo as a vehicle for change.

The highlight of this year’s event, on Sunday 12 July, was the Injured Soldiers’ victory against Deloitte, with a final score of 6½-6. All the players in the team believe that polo has played a key role in both their physical and mental recovery.

Power of Polo will also be working with ViiV Healthcare and the Children’s HIV Association (CHIVA) on a one-day programme to give 8 young people living with HIV across the UK the opportunity to try polo, and work with the CHIVA team to change their lives. To find out more about the charity or to make a donation, visit their website www.powerofpolo.org.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

News

Jeff Thomas remembered HUNDREDS OF WELL-wishers, friends and family turned out to raise a glass to Tally Ho Farm’s founder, Jeff Thomas. The memorial service on Thursday 25 June at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club included many of Jeff’s long-time friends and supporters who recalled stories and remembered Jeff, before guests mingled and had a chance to tell their own tales, over a glass or two by the Clubhouse. In recognition of Jeff’s love of bikes, outside the marquee, two Superbikes were on display with racing star Tom Tunstall showing-off their power.

Tom Tunstall, Superbike star impressing the guests

New Edition Hat to Tally Ho

NO CLAIMS OF safety, just facts with the Edition Hat, which passed its certification for BSI PAS015 in June this year. The hat is made in England, and combines South American Style with British safety and engineering. The helmet is currently being prepared to be tested to the SNELL E2001 and will cost between £275 and £350, so no more than a team entry fee for a low goal tournament.

The Edition hat has been in the pipeline for the last two years and Tally Ho are proud to add the new hat range to their shelves at their Berkshire showroom. Chris Adkins from Tally Ho described the helmet saying, “You will be struck by its feel and look; nothing else on the market looks this good and can give the wearer the reassurance of safety.” The hat also comes with not one but two removable liners, handy to swap over and pop in the wash after a hot game.

For more information about the new Edition Hat, please turn to our hat safety feature on page 27.

HPA licensing agreement THE HPA HAVE announced an agreement with Pacific Licensing Studio Pte Ltd (PLS) to capitalise on its new brand identity by launching a range of branded clothing and luxury consumer products across China and the South East Asia region.

PLS will work closely with the HPA to ensure all products reflect the brand values, whilst enabling consumers across core polo markets such as The HPA have launched a new website for Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and China to the brand buy into the HPA brand. Products include luxury branded clothing, such as polo shirts and jackets, as well as a diverse range of fashion accessories such as leather goods and lifestyle accessories. Oliver Hughes, Deputy Chief Executive at the HPA, said, “Our announcement to award the licensing agreement to PLS for the APAC region represents the next step on our exciting journey as a brand, and a very significant step indeed. We are fully confident that PLS will facilitate the HPA brand becoming accessible to millions of consumers in the region, whilst simultaneously preserving the heritage, values and ethos of the HPA brand.” For more information about the brand go to their new website: www.HurlinghamPolo1875.com

Effective horsemanship requires perfect communication Choose Bombers Equestrian Equipment bits, for prowess on the polo field.

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Polo Times, August 2015

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News

THIS SUMMER HAS been a scorcher, so it is extra important to think about how to keep your ponies cool at home, on the way to polo, as well as pre-and post-polo. Aside from being uncomfortable, this warm weather can cause overheating which, if not spotted, can be fatal for ponies or cause long-term damage. Polo Times caught up with Guards Polo Club’s onsite vet and welfare officer, Holly Baird who offered some helpful hints for hot horses. Holly commented that her all-time top tip would be, “To consider cooling ponies by showering them on arrival at the ground, especially if the journey has been long and they have raised a sweat. They will be refreshed before they play and the risk of heat exhaustion will be reduced”.

Points for prevention: How to spot a pony struggling with heat stress: 1. Rapid respiratory rate 2. Increased body temperature 3. Profuse sweating 4. Ataxia (unsteadiness on feet) 5. Agitation, represented by: head shaking, tail swishing and scratching at the ground. Some ponies will display uncharacteristic aggression such as striking out or kicking.

If severe, or left untreated, these signs can progress to the point where the horse will collapse. If you do notice these signs then you should call your vet and, while you are waiting for them to come, try and cool your pony down with repeated hosing or with buckets of water in the absence of a hose. Try and get them to a shaded area if they will walk. When your vet arrives they may recommend intravenous fluid and electrolyte therapy and/or electrolytes and water via stomach tube.

Between chukkas Ponies that are to play in more than one chukka should be quickly refreshed in order for them to recover adequately to perform in a second chukka. If you or your groom has time in-between chukkas, remove the saddle and bridle before sponging with cool water and walking around. If time is an issue then girths should be well loosened and nosebands released and the skin sponged around the tack. Cool water, applied where blood vessels course close to the skin (such as on the neck and between the hind legs), as well as sponging water into the ponies mouth, are effective ways to refresh hot ponies quickly.

After playing Once ponies have finished playing the best thing to do is take all their tack off and shower the whole pony down as quickly as possible. As soon as the ponies have stopped blowing they should be offered cool water from a fresh bucket. Allow them frequent small sips of water during the recovery period. Allow them to quench their

Photograph by Katy Hayward

Keep it cool with Polo Times’ top tips for hot horses

Washing down ponies before, during and after polo will help to prevent heat stress

thirst fully before they are loaded onto the lorries to return to your stables.

Before playing If it is especially hot, or you have travelled a great distance to polo, consider cooling horses on arrival, before playing. A quick shower with cool water, followed by sweat scraping is sufficient to revive hot ponies so they can begin the chukka refreshed.

Holly also points out that you should, “Bring your own water buckets. Do not allow ponies to drink from communal troughs as they are rarely hygienically cleaned and carry the saliva and sweat of every pony which has already put its muzzle in the water, which is a potential source of infection and disease.”

For more in-depth information about hydration and the effects on your ponies performance, please turn to page 88 to read about Dr David Marlin’s research in our Hydration Focus.

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Polo Times, August 2015

11

News

Racing to Polo Challenge

Great fun was had by all at Twelve Oaks

ANUSCHKA BAHLSEN HOSTED a charity event in honour of her mother and her chosen charity, Delete Blood Cancer Charity UK, on Monday 13 July. Anuschka’s mother was diagnosed with acute M1 Leukaemia last October and has been fighting the disease ever since. Anuschka spoke to Polo Times about the day saying, “With the amazing support of friends and family we held a charity kids polo day, along with a silent auction and Asado. I would like to personally thank everyone who helped out, donated and showed up to support us for this great cause.”

For many people with a blood cancer or blood disorder, a donation of blood stem cells from another person that enables their body to develop a healthy immune system is their best chance of staying alive. The lives of people of all ages are being saved every day as a result of this procedure. However, many are still dying because nobody with a compatible tissue type can be found. It doesn’t mean that there is nobody with a tissue type that is compatible to the patient

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Polo Times, August 2015

who could save their life. There could be someone with a tissue type that matches the patient’s who could save their life, but tragically, they are not registered as a potential blood stem donor. That is why it is crucial that as many people as possible join the registry. You can register in five minutes online and request a cheek swab kit that will enable you to do your own tissue test, to become a potential blood stem cell donor through the Delete Blood Cancer UK website. Visit deletebloodcancer.org.uk

Photograph by RoR

Photograph by Gillian Hughes

Delete Blood Cancer Charity Day

Roddy Matthews with Tiny Tittle, winner of the 2014 five-year-old class and Overall Champion.

ROR WILL RETURN to The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club on Monday 7 September for the 2015 Racing to Polo Challenge. There will be five classes in total, a doctor or paramedic and vet will be on duty throughout the competition and tea and refreshments will be available.

Guards Tally Ho Groom of the Month CONGRATULATIONS TO NICO Arce, Paul and Derek, who groom for South African player Chris Mackenzie on winning The Guards Tally Ho Groom of the Month for June. Chris’ mare Prospect was presented earlier in the month to HM The Queen, after winning the Best Playing Pony Award in The Bentley Royal Windsor Cup.

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News

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Series 2015 continues THE POLO MAGAZINE and Polo Times are proud to announce that they will be supporting the inaugural Autumn Victor Ludorum 15 and 12 goal, with The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Awards and Polo Times Best Playing Pony Awards.

The Autumn 15 Goal Victor Ludorum tournament at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club on the 29 August will include both The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Awards and Polo Times Best Playing Pony Awards, as will The Duke of Wellington Trophy at Guards Polo club, 15 August and The Autumn Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club on 20 September in the 12 goal series. The Pony Club will

also be included in the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series with ponies in each division winning a rug. The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Series also welcome Sporting Hares Sunglasses as a partner.

Each lucky winner will also receive a pair of Sporting Hare Sunglasses in addition to their RJ Polo kit bag crammed full of goodies including The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player gilet by Black Hound Sports, a bottle of Pinkster Gin, a pair of MacWet gloves, dinner for two at PJ’s Bar & Grill, Wake Energy Drink plus a magnum of red wine from Naked Wines. Winners of The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Series 2015 to date have included: Hissam Ali

TRISTAR

Photograph by Jackie Dean

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Daniel Otamendie with his The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award

Hyder (The Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy, Guards Polo Club); Manuel Elizarde (St. Regis International, Cowdray Park Polo Club); Andrew Dechet (The Committee Cup, Guards Polo Club); Richard, the Earl of Tyrone (Gigaset International, Beaufort) and Tamara Fox (Ladies International, Beaufort).

The Eastwood Cup In Buckinghamshire on Sunday 19 July, Sam Buckles was also awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award after winning The Eastwood Cup at Eastwood Polo Club for her team De Havilland Chambers against Prosperity with a 9 goal lead.

Additionally, all of the following players have also received The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Awards this season: The Phoenician Cup Previse Polo Team/Tashan defeated Shalimar 6-3 in the Final of The Phoenician Cup at Guards Polo Club on Sunday 5 July. Previse Polo Team/Tashan’s Daniel Otamendie, was awarded both The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award, plus his bay gelding Gamuso also won The Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award.

To read more about Gamuso, please turn to our Pony Power pages.

Sporting Hares will now be included in The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Series

Sam Buckles at Eastwood Polo Club with her The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award

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Polo Times, August 2015

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Col Nick Hunter at home with his ponies sporting The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Black Hound Sports gilet

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

News

Manolo Fernández Llorente with his The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award

Jack Richardson with his The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award

World Horse Welfare Day World Horse Welfare hosted its third Polo Day at Guards Polo Club, attended by the charity’s President HRH The Princess Royal.

The Royal VIP joined the charity’s Chairman Barry Johnson and more than 190 guests for lunch in the Clubhouse, before moving to the grandstands to watch the Semi Finals of the fast-paced Indian Empire Shield.

Spencer’s teammate Manolo Fernández Llorente was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player. This match saw a win for Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor team and he received the World Horse Welfare Trophy from Barry and Carolyn Johnson.

The Archie David Jack Richardson was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award for his performance as part of winning team Mad Dogs in The Archie David Cup. Mad Dogs defeated Il Sole with a very convincing score of 10-5 in the Final on Sunday 28 June at Guards Polo Club.

Jack’s team of Alan Fall, Jack Taylor and Ben Crowe won against Four Quarters Black, Carisbrooke, Previse Polo Team, Renegade and the La Rosada/ Deutsche Polo Team to make the Final.

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Rundle Cup At Tidworth Polo Club, on Saturday 11 July, Officer Cadet Jamie Drummond-Moray was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award in The Rundle Cup. DrummondMoray, played for the winning Hackett Army team against the Royal Navy, which ended with a final score of 6-5½. Col Nick Hunter, who played in The Combined Services Polo Association (CSPA) and Hackett Challenge Team 2 match received the second The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award of the day.

Officer Cadet Jamie Drummond-Moray receiving his prize from Rosabella Hine

Polo Times, August 2015

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HPA News Transporting horses Please make sure you are aware of the policies in place for owners and drivers of horseboxes and trailers.

VOSA have put together an informative guide to transporting horses, and this can be viewed on HPA website: www.hpa-polo.co.uk/ ponies/transport.asp

Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters British Junior Polo Championships and Pony Club Polo Championships The British Junior Polo Championships and Pony Club Polo Championships are being held at Cowdray Park Polo Club from 6 – 9 August.

To see a schedule of the games to be played, please visit www.hpa-polo.co.uk Spectators are welcome.

The Colts Cup Four teams, made up of young players with a target age of 15-years-old selected at the British Junior Polo Championships and Pony Club Polo Championships, will play for The Colts Cup at Cowdray. The first two games will be played on Tuesday 11 August. The winners will then play for The Colts Cup on Thursday 13 August and the losers will play off in a subsidiary.

Young England Select The HPA will also be selecting young players to play for each of the following trophies: Ham Polo Club – The Stagshead Trophy (12 to 14-year-olds) – Sunday 16 August Rutland Polo Club – The Whitbread Trophy (Under 21s) Young England vs Young Scotland

– Wednesday 19 August Kirtlington Polo Club – The Alan Budgett Trophy (England under 21s) – Saturday 22 August

Handicap meeting The handicap meeting for all those who have played in the high goal or Victor Ludorum tournaments will be on 5 August.

Development Course A development course for selected young players will be held at Longdole Polo Club on 12 –13 August. This course is targeted at players aged 12 or 13. For further details, please call Oliver Hughes at the HPA on 01367 242828.

The Royal Salute Coronation Cup. Congratulations to James Beim and the England team for a good win and thanks to the South America team for giving us a thoroughly enjoyable match at Guards Polo Club on a great ground and in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Thank you too to Royal Salute and all the other sponsors for their support and to all those who so generously lent ponies to the players. Gracious in defeat, Jaime Huidobro conceded that, although the England team were better mounted, his team missed some crucial opportunities to score which might have dented the confidence of the England team players and changed the game.

Congratulations too to Black Bears for their victory over Tempest to win the Diamond Jubilee Trophy; an excellent game which was moved to the Dukes ground following 40mm of rain overnight.

We were incredibly lucky with the weather; a day earlier or later and it would have been very difficult for all concerned.

Coaching If you wish to obtain an HPA Coaching Qualification there will be a course at Beaufort Polo Club from Wednesday 16 to Friday 18 September. This is open to all paid up members over the age of 18 who hold a handicap of 0 goals and above. Spaces are limited, therefore if you would like to attend please apply before the end of August; enrolment forms are available from the HPA Office. For further information please visit the HPA website www.hpa-polo.co.uk/ membership/coaching.asp or call Tory McIrvine on 01367 242828.

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FIP News

FIP Update Chairman of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world One of the most frequent questions I am asked in my new role is, “When will FIP have a unified set of international rules?”

As a recognised IOC Federation we should indeed have a set of International Rules for Polo, but the history of our sport and the way it has developed in over 84 countries around the world in the past 140 years, has made it a difficult and a complex question to respond to.

All the major sports have a clear set of international rules which unite them. However polo, due to the way it developed globally over the years and because in each country it is played by relatively few individuals, it has become somewhat insular and nationalistic. This, combined with the absence of a cohesive international governing body has meant that many countries made changes to their rules at will, with little or no reference to the other associations in other countries.

Each time a new rule is agreed by a particular country without reference to other associations the rules get further and further apart. Bringing them back together would not be an easy task.

Although the current rules of all playing nations were all originally based on The ‘Hurlingham Rules’ which were written and established by the Hurlingham Polo Committee back in 1875, it was

not long before each of the three major influential national associations started to make changes, seemingly often without any discussion with their counterparts in the other two nations. When it came to international games there was always a traditional wrangling match between the associations involved as to whose rules would be used.

An example being that up until 1895 the Hurlingham Rules only allowed ponies up to 14 hands to be played, after that they were allowed up to 14.2 hands until after WWI. The Americans had no such rules, so playing The Westchester Cup series meant that depending on which side of the Atlantic the matches were played prior to the 1921 meant they played on totally different heights of ponies which would have been quite confusing for both teams.

The rule differences are in many cases marginal but the problem of unification into one set of international rules persists.

Convergence is certainly not helped by the fact that in translation, either from English to Spanish or vice versa, the problem of trying to define an acceptable solution is often compounded by the fact that the interpretation may not always accurately reflect the original intention. Another complicating factor is the great divide that continues to widen between the professional level of high goal polo and the ordinary game played by the

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Polo Times, August 2015

vast majority of amateur, low, and medium goal players around the world – the two different divisions are certainly umpired very differently – should there be two sets of rules? Finally, handicaps and handicapping provide yet another hurdle for those trying to encourage unity within rules and will be extremely difficult to legislate for.

Having given the gloomy side of why change may be difficult to achieve and why we should have had the foresight to start an International Federation back in the ‘Golden Era’, I have to balance these comments with the continuing efforts that are currently being made by the AAP, HPA & USPA to address the issue. For some years now there has been a concerted effort between the ‘Big Three’ to work closely together in an International Rules Committee on the unification of the international rules which will in turn be adopted by FIP. Francisco Dorignac, President of the AAP, along with Brigadier John Wright, the Chairman of The HPA and David Woodd, its CEO, have been working with Peter Rizzo, CEO of the USPA and FIP’s CEO Alex Taylor in a concerted effort to achieve the seemingly impossible. It will be a long and difficult road, but I have every confidence in all the individuals involved as their intimate and varied experience and knowledge of the game cannot be surpassed.

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Letter of the month

The writer of Letter of the month wins a bottle of BLOOM Gin

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Gaddums Revisted by Anthony H Gaddum

Dear Sir, My great Grandfather (Harry Gaddum) is reputed to have set My greatest interest is in the up the first polo club in Manchester in about 1891, having bit that is missing unfortunately, been involved in the set up of the Polo Club in Shanghai (on i.e. the Shanghai Club. the Shanghai Racecourse) in the preceding years.

Other family polo origins claims I am looking for help from anyone who might have that I have come across include any old records to help me confirm this, particularly the Charles Gaddum.

Shanghai end?

He was an uncle of Harry Gaddum, and claimed to A Chinese newspaper is doing a profile of my family’s have brought polo to England (from India) in March Henry Edwin (Harry) engagement with China since 1875 and wants to get its facts 1871. The Club he started in Manchester did not Gaddum (1865-1940) of Bowden circa 1930 right on polo. survive initially, but was then revived years later by Extracts from a family book, Gaddums Revisted by Anthony H Harry Gaddum on his return from Shanghai. There was a letter that Gaddum (an uncle of mine), mentions Harry Gaddum and polo. My he sent round to friends to get them to join the new ‘Club for hockey Grandmother was Dorothea Gaddum before she married in to the on pony-back’. I would love to uncover some evidence of those early Haworth family. Her father was Henry Edwin (Harry) Gaddum, known days in Shanghai if anyone has any further information. throughout his life as Harry (1865-1940). Harry went to China from Any suggestions on how I can validate this information would be Nov 1886 to Aug 1889, playing polo in Shanghai, and then came back to gratefully received. the UK. On page 123 there is a note about Harry going to China on 11 Nov 1886 and noting the engagement with polo in Shanghai in the final Kind Regards, paragraph. From pages 126-127 there are notes about setting up a polo Dr. Simon Haworth BSc PhD club in the UK in Feb 1891.

By Email There are notes elsewhere mentioning polo being played on the perfect turf of the Shanghai Racecourse site in the centre of Shanghai Editors Note – If you have any information or facts that we could pass (now a peoples’ square). on to Dr Haworth, please do send an email to editorial@polotimes.co.uk

King Power ponies received extra care in the heat at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Cowdray Conundrum…

Q: Tramontana won The British Open (The Gold Cup) five times in six years (1986-1991). In which year did Tramontana not triumph at Cowdray Park Polo Club?

King Power ponies kept cool despite the UK summer heatwave www.polotimes.co.uk

A: Turn to page 99 to check your answer

Polo Times, August 2015

21

Feature You played yourself then?

“For a while, a couple of years really, but I couldn’t get the lucky break as many people do, and most of my polo was on young horses. We just got so busy in the workshop, several years ago it was just chaotic. I was taking too much time off to go and play chukkas or a game. We were working till 8, 9, 10pm at night just trying to keep up and it just got too much.”

This is your 10th anniversary of being on the road with your truck and trailor rig?

“10th year in this rig, and I’ve been mobile for about 14 years now. It was a risk to build it, but it has paid for itself. Over and over again.

Out of all the clubs you’ve been to visit, which one’s been the most fun?

“Cambridge County in Lode. The people there are most hospitable.

Sticky Business

Greg Glue talks about the latest fashion in mallets and the affects on manufacturing

T

echnology in polo has reached such heights now that we can clone our best ponies and play a genetically identical string or wear team shirts that are designed to wick away sweat. Polo sticks, on the other hand, are made in exactly the same way as they have always been. Greg Glue, who owns the only stick manufacturing business in the UK, Polo Splice, talked to Polo Times about the intricacies of arguably, the most important element in the game. The making of mallets from start to finish has been a long guarded skill, which Greg has been mastering since 1988. As Lucy Wilson finds out, the amount of work behind the scenes and how fashion has changed production isn’t at the foremost of most player’s minds when they stop for a browse at the Polo Splice trailer.

How did you learn to make and repair sticks?

“I had an Argentine friend in Palm Beach, Florida, I just used to go and visit every afternoon after lunchtimes, and work at the stables and then go back as much as I could and we just chatted, and he said ‘oh help 22

Polo Times, August 2015

me, help me I’m so busy’, and then I came back that summer, did a few myself, maybe 200 in the first year, then several hundred next year then, the next year, and now we do about seven or eight thousand a year now.”

So what famous names in the polo circuit have got your sticks in their hands at the moment?

“Well we used to do the Pieres, and the previous Pieres, now it’s the new Pieres! But polo sticks have changed so much now, in the top polo they’re disposable; you might play one game, a chukka, two chukkas, and they hardly get them repaired, unless they’re really desperate or they’re an absolute favourite. The fashion for sticks in today’s games have gone from an average good polo stick to a fine cane. Nowadays you could just go out there and play with a toothpick now the canes are so thin.”

Have players’ attitudes to sticks changed?

“In the high goal, sticks are disposable now, which will be a problem in the future because everybody wants those sticks the high goal boys use, and they’re just getting harder and harder to source.

They’re available, but the price will go up, the quality and quantity will come down.

Because there are only two places that grow the vine to eventually turn it into Ratan which is Indonesia or Malaysia. I go once a year, the trip is 100% worth it because it reduces the number of canes I have to writeoff in the ones they send. It makes more sense for me to go and choose the right canes myself.”

So how many ‘future canes’ do you bring into the country?

“I bring in on average about 2,000 per season, for my own company. All the stick producers cross paths. There are a couple of Argentine companies buying www.polotimes.co.uk

Getting to Know Greg Glue

Feature

“One stick will not last forever, they are a disposable item.”

5,000-7,000 per company, other smaller Argentine companies will purchase perhaps 2,000-3,000, plus a couple of American companies I’m friendly with in Florida, who also bring in 2,000-3,000. This means we are talking about between 20,000-40,000 canes just to get to a selection stage. Now you know when those high goal boys come along and say ‘I want a hundred’ they only physically play with about 30 or 40, and give away the rest or sell them on. To make 100 good polo sticks for a professional, that’s 2,000-3,000 canes you have to look for. What can you do with those other 2,000-3,000 canes which don’t make the cut? You’ve got to sell them down the line, to the next person.”

The high goal guys, are they very specific about the heads they have on those mallets?

“That’s another problem, the high goal boys show someone who’s four or five goals what a good stick is, so they want a good stick, and it just makes it harder to sell the normal sticks.

Because if Gonzalito or Facundo are using this style of stick, then the English, American or the Argentine kid comes along and says, ‘I must have the same’. Even the patrons do it! It’s not going to improve their polo, it’s a trend, but they all break in the end.

“Argentine wood on the heads is still the most popular Tipa (Tipuana Blanca). There’s three or four different sizes and the players www.polotimes.co.uk

all want good weights but they all want them big and with straight heads, they’ve gone off the cigar shape. There’s a bit more science to it. It’s quite frustrating actually.”

And how long does it take to grow the cane?

“It takes between 20 – 40 years to grow.

For polo sticks the important part is the first eight foot of the vine from the ground, the vine itself in total can grow up to 200ft. Two to three years down the line we get it into a piece of Rattan cane, and only then does it get processed into something worthy of a polo stick. When people say canes are running out, what they actually mean is that we have to go further into the jungle to source the cane; when we can’t go further into the jungle, that’s when there is going to be a problem.”

What are your best tips for looking after your own sticks at home?

• Look after them over the winter in a room temperature environment. In your house or a heated garage, not too hot, not too cold, not damp, certainly not the tack-room! Otherwise that’s just the end of it.

• Try to keep them varnished and taped up at the heads, because of the moisture, there is nothing we can do about them if the water gets in.

• Try to hit the ball in the centre of the head, because otherwise you’ll just make Polo Times, August 2015

23

Feature

Getting to Know Greg Glue

it ‘a ringer’. Try not to use one stick for twenty chukkas because then it doesn’t last very long.

• Even in the amateur world you need half a dozen to a dozen sticks, you’ve got to have a selection, even if they’re all the same feel, you might have two, three or four being repaired, and then you’ve got five or six more to carry on with.

And so if I had left my sticks in my car for the winter, and they’d gone all bendy, is that a fixable situation or is it game over for those sticks?

“It’s fixable, but you’ve got to bring them in, straighten them up, then we have got to put some room temperature into those mallets, they might come back. You’ve got to keep renewing and replenishing your sticks as well, not only for sales, but they run out of elasticity. They’re not going to last forever.”

How many times can you get away with repairing broken sticks?

“On the short repairs, the short splices you can continue just to repair, and sometimes the repair comes back stronger, we hope as

24

Polo Times, August 2015

good as new. Sometimes we get a bad bit of cane, it happens, but with the big boys, when it rings, they throw it away or they give it to the groom, ‘go on, go get that repaired for yourself ’, they want to use new sticks now.

It’s annoying really! It’s a very long process from jungle to pitch, and for an average of £80-£120, you’re getting away very lightly.”

When you consider the decades it takes, getting it out of the jungle, shipping it over here, and the change in fashions, do you think the cost of sticks will rise?

“It’s the cheapest part of polo really! A set of shoes costs £95, around here in Cowdray, and if you haven’t got a polo stick, what are you going to do? You’re up the creek without a paddle really, what are you going to play with? A polo stick might make the difference in the game, and there’s probably only 10, 12 of us out there in the world who can make them.”

Has polo stick production evolved in recent years?

“Not really. It’s the refinement of the game and how players want their polo

stick to feel. We’ve gone from cane and Malacca. Malacca is one species of Rattan (Calamus Ascipionum) found on the coast of Sumatra, back in the 60s when Mr Salter was alive. He was based in Aldershot with the military and would splice two bits of cane and Malacca together to make them more whippy. Then we had a ‘broomstick’ period of canes with loads of notches which could hardly bend. Now we’ve gone back to the ‘fishing rod’ era of very thin, very light canes with several notches. Because of the fashion for thin and light sticks they only last for two chukkas.”

What will be the next fashion?

“We’re moving up in technology in hats, kneepads and goggles, but unfortunately there’s not too much technology you can put into a polo mallet, you can only put in craftsmanship and choice, selection.

How many competitors do you have?

At the moment we’re the only commercial English mallet maker and there are about six Argentine, two American, one New Zealand, and one in South Africa.

What does the future hold?

It’s a limited market, which makes our name and reputation a hugely important aspect.

Our experience and dedication to getting the job right means we are in a strong position moving forward, whatever fashion or cane supply issues arise in the future.”

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Lifting the Lid on the Subject of Hats

Feature

The subject of hat safety and headgear for polo has been a hot topic for a couple of years, but never more so than now. The number of styles and options available from manufacturers has noticeably increased, as has the pressure on The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) to make changes to the current rulings. Print and social media campaigns have touched on the subject of hat safety. Of course we all want to look good when we play polo, but brains matter and picking a hat that will not only look the part, but also pass a safety standard will go a long way to protecting your head.

Heads Up

T

he increase in the numbers of designs available is promising for the future of our collective heads, but the ever-increasing choice and chat in the pony lines about which-hat-doeswhat isn’t always helpful. Is the best way forward to stipulate a three-point harness rule, or as with other disciplines should hats have to conform to a particular standard?

Lucy Wilson has put her thinking cap on and looked into testing standards, other equestrian disciplines, the current hats on the market, plus Robin Spicer’s prototype polo helmet design.

Helmet debates – letters and opinions Last year the subject of helmet safety was one of the most talked about subjects in the pony lines, after Juracy Santos suffered a serious fall at Guards Polo Club that left him in intensive care with multiple skull fractures. The accident noticeably shocked the polo community and the subject of hat safety caused Aurora Eastwood to begin a campaign for the HPA to change the current ruling on hats. The subject has continued to be debated and discussed with, as of yet, no resolution regarding a change of ruling.

www.polotimes.co.uk

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.uk ways: w letters@polotimes.co

w The Editor, Polo Times, Holbrook

Letter of the month

Safe helmets must be made compulsory Dear Sir issue, this open letter in your next I hope that you will include Polo Association. which was sent to the Hurlingham been climb on my soapbox. Having It is with a heavy heart that I for several years, recent accidents an advocate of using safe helmets a view. Seeing a strong, good man, have only compounded that critical hospital bed, stricken with a friend to so many, lying in a the removed has on the pitch, brain injury following an accident towards the issue. final vestiges of ambivalence insist not to UK the in sport Polo is the last governed equine safety standard. Show jumping, upon helmets that meet a European are dressage, all insist on hats that eventing and more recently, is least PAS015. A critical factor kitemarked and certified to at been harness. As for racing – it has the presence of a three-point have had to wear proper helmets. decades (since 1978) that jockeys – with 10 and is inherently dangerous Polo is played at high speed different in time, going at a gallop horses on the pitch at any one and falls are common. directions – collisions, stumbles is racing, which also involves The only comparable sport really bringing horses down – with speed and the possibility of collisions risk. And yet British racing has more even jump racing carrying for well over 20 years, even injury head a to due fatality not seen a than in polo, the number of frequent more far are falls though are often trampled/rolled over participants far higher, and jockeys by a horse. “excuses” given by opponents By highlighting the most common to dismantle each one. to a blanket rule, I have tried Personal choice that the usage of safety equipment There is of course the argument choice.

That it is a matter of personal should be left to the individual.

Nonsense! and increasingly legal The HPA have a moral and ethical safe. They owe it to player’s responsibility to keep its members

of the sport. families, friends and to the reputation take often make poor choices and People left to their own devices bodies to take matters into foolish risks. It is up to the governing their own hands and insist upon

safe headgear.

Cost Owen sell polo helmets starting This is simply a non issue. Charles shoes more than the cost of a set of from just over £100. That is little for one pony.

Confusion over safety standards top in a to PAS015 and this came out Charles Owen make a helmet HPA. Casablanca produces helmets test conducted on behalf of the 24

Farm, North Leigh, Oxon OX29

Letters

6PX

Write to the

helmet USA (NOCSAE). La Martina’s that meet the standards of the Davies Injured Jockey’s fund. has been endorsed by the Mark .horseandhound.co.uk/news/testMore information here: http://www tle-protection/ show-most-polo-helmets-offer-lit Helmets won’t save everyone sts are still killed even with helmets.

Of course they won’t. Motorcycli in injuries. Car drivers still perish Event riders still die from crush die or point is that the numbers who crashes despite seatbelts. The reduced. vastly suffer serious injury is Difficulty in enforcing the rule easy Aside from anything, it’s pretty The other sports seem to manage! that, it even from a distance. Apart from to spot a three-point harness, inform responsibility down. The HPA is a simple matter of cascading players and umpires. The umpires the clubs. The clubs inform the helmet proper a the pitch is wearing make sure that every player on quick look This is no more taxing than a before he/she rolls the ball in. harness is very easy to spot. around – once more, the three-point hats a tagging system, like BE do once Another option is to employ any player sets foot on Before simple. very is It have been checked. for season, their hat must be checked the ground for the first time that for get a tag. The tag stays in place standards by a club official. They the rest of the season.

Vanity and tradition safe helmets helmets look cool. However Yes, low profile “traditional” rule s” of yesteryear and once a blanket are no longer the “mushroom pretty the same anyway. Vanity is a is adopted everyone will look many players will that one is and risk a take ridiculous reason to to. admit sheepishly argument against an enforced There simply isn’t any reasonable was regarding the seatbelt rules? There rule. Who remembers the furor fact that who now would challenge the uproar when it became law, but there is second nature now. Of course seatbelts save lives? Wearing one from as there are un-survivable falls are still un-survivable crashes, death of odds the reduce we horses, but by using proper equipment a hugely significant amount. and permanent brain injury by Let us not forget insurance clubs before insurers state that unless It will only be a matter of time player steps have been taken to ensure demonstrate that all reasonable Or they will raise premiums safety, they will not provide cover. the risk. Ditto personal accident to unaffordable levels to reflect providers. of ity for the lives and well being We all need to take responsibil will players. To allow a cultural change both ourselves and our fellow to be pushed through, and now. simply take too long. This has with a threehelmets of use the enforce to I call upon the HPA 1st 2015.

January from UK the in point harness Aurora Eastwood, Winchester @auroraeastwood #saferpolo www.polotimes.co.uk

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k w Letters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Bish

Stud

ops Norton, Sir, In resp Glos GL2 9LN ios, Wainlodes Lane, onse to Auro ra Eastwoo makes man d’s letter ‘Safe y very good Helmets’, she points, but behind a clou I don’t wan d of Heath 1) The helm t us to run and Safety industries. and hide et should NOT like many I would like other spor have features injur to ask, “wh y a Charles Owe ts and mos that will caus at is safe”? t n Younger 2) The helm Is someone e the wearer Rider Helm their head, wearing et should cove et that does safe? What 3) The helm r the importa not fit and if the strap can fall forw et should min nt areas of hurts s are not adju ard, or wor the head imise focal 4) The helm sted correctly se, backward injuries to et I have had shou so s, it ld are they prot the skull and remain to attend, 5) The helm ected? as a first aide brain where the et should have in place on the head nylon chin r, to a very if correctly fitte instructions -strap on a adjustment serious accid have a rubb d on its corr Charles ent er cover on ect use and it, slit the ride Owen helmet, that did riders wearing not r’s thro helmets, not An area that them to say just polo helm at. I see many young helmet stan they have been ets, that have min dard imis s are yet to char ing the shee and or don checked, that stickers on r forces with ’t fit. acterise are are in terri Charles Owe in ble the condition brain. This n is research I would like is an area that ing and cam to know, wha standard bod bowl of the paigning with t is safe, and ies. helmet? Is in the vario what is teste Helmets are it the foam us an adjustab d?! Is it the tested as a inside? Is it le string insid whole and raft of desi whether or e to raise or and shaped gn techniqu designers can not it has lower it to heads? Doe es to meet use a whole tested for up fit different s a three-po the tests. Alth four-point? to six impacts, sized int harness ough Or is it as my a helmet is to the head the helmet work better motor racin to do with and should will weaken than a g colleages the fit, as man be after replaced to protection. a blow tell me, muc y motor racin harness? maintain max Each equestria h more g helmet only imum head n standard accidents and have two-poi tests for a I think safet a helmet that different rang nt y is very imp characteristi meets multiple e of not just take ortant, and cs to min standards will I feel we as it for granted have better There are man imise injury as a who a sport shou that if it has to look as le. y organisation ld much into a kite mark manufacture the s it that fit, is safe, cond chec rs that their Just a thou we need ition and accid k the claim ght, point helmets mee s by scheme is one ent damage of discussio t a standard of the mos etc. n. . BSI’s kitem t demanding, initial design, ark Thom Bell which not but has batc only tests the h control testi three visits

By Email to the man ng, annual ufacturing audit testing control proc plant to chec and edures as well k in-process as measure reaction to quality Editor’s note s taken by customer com the company : We thought plaints.

It is interestin in that it wou response to g to note that ld be useful Thom’s lette in the when I was to receive a 1980s cond r from Cha Sir, Your writ involved with ucted by Birm rles Church, er makes a resu rese belo lting ingh good arch w is their repl am Universit from motorcy fitting of polo point abou y into the deat y. cle helmets t the importa helmets. Rese accidents, that were com hs nce of the motorcycle that research arch of accid helmets show ing off duri ents involving group note was and whe ng d how effec that a helm double the bicycle and ther motorcy tive a jockey et that fits protection cle helmet that direction well can near offered. Cha harness designs shou We run and . Indeed, the ly rles Owen ld be moved support train PAS 015 eque test for stab is passiona in ing courses custom fittin te about fit. ility of the stria n stan for g at various helmet on retailers, as dard has a demanding the head and unique events and well as offe tests for helm Stewards who shops arou ring is one of the et retentio tag helmets nd the coun We have one most n in the wor with the rule do so to say try. of the mos ld. s of that the helm sports man t active rese is the responsi the competition. A corr ufacturer and et complies arch program ect fit is som bility of the a helmet is mes of any protecting ething that wearer or only part of how tough your head. their instructo it is for instr the story in Hydration, low suga r and I kno uctors to tell aerobic exer r, low alco doesn’t fit w cise, low satu hol, low glut their clients or more imp fish oil, olive amate addi that their helm rated fat, ortantly wha Consumer oil, sulphur tive diet com t should be et law does prot containing tea and vitam bined with done abou ect buyers vegetables shop, but it t it. in D will all if a helmet like cabbage, won’t if the help to keep recover from is wrongly green buyer dete or buys onli your brain fitted by a trauma. rmines the ne. prepared for correct size We are pass and themselves Your writer iona te about the has detailed any one pers horse and result from some of the on’s life. It the benefits a poorly fitte horrific injur is through will continue it brings to d helmet. I a strong safet ies that can annual chec to encourag know that y k for fit of reco e people to rd that we to a certified some shop helmets purc encourage be part of s offer an standard are hased from our everyone to spor the prev t. Helmets most effective them and I ent you from take advantag of the harn would way to prot death or disa e of these. ess is extreme loved ones ect you and Correct adju bility that ly importa have to adju around you. will certainly stment nt and som st when I carr affect the ething I almo y out helm Helmet stan st always et checks. dards are just Roy Burek characteristi a series of cs of a helm tests that chec Managing et to protect broken dow k Dire the ctor Charles the head. The n into a num Owen & Co tests can be ber of area (Bow) Ltd. s.

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22/08/2014

In 2011, a report was presented to the USPA by their Consulting Neurosurgeon

by Lola B. Chambless, M.D. An Analysis of Helmet Standards for Polo Players offered

up a debate on the pros and cons of each standard. Despite the report’s findings the USPA did not change their rulings.

Polo Times, August 2015

27

18:13

Feature

Lifting the Lid on the Subject of Hats

Understanding the testing procedures behind the standards It can be confusing as each standard and test is different and carries unique testing procedures in America, the European Union and in Australasia. Trying to understand the myriad of differences is not easy.

UNITED KINGDOM PAS015: Product Approved Specification PAS015 is one British safety standard for equestrian helmets. The testing methods are designed to evaluate shock absorption, penetration resistance, strength and effectiveness of retention system, durability of quick release mechanisms, and deflection of the peak.

The other standards did include the now recalled BS EN 1384:1997 and EN 1384, however they are essentially the same as PAS015:1998. Conformity assessment in the UK for the EN 1384 and ASTM F1163 standards are performed by INSPEC (INSPEC is an international independent organisation that tests and certifies for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)).

Kitemark: The Kitemark is a UK product and service quality certification mark, which is owned and operated by The British Standards Institution (BSI Group). The Kitemark is most frequently used to identify products where safety is paramount, such as crash helmets, smoke alarms and flood defences. Equestrian helmets can also carry Kitemark in addition to PAS015. This standard includes batch testing.

CE Mark: CE type-examination is the process by which products are assessed against the Basic Health and Safety Requirements (BHSRs) of the PPE Directive, which they must satisfy before being entitled to bear the CE mark.

Hats sold in the UK in accordance with the Health and Safety Executive PPE directive must carry a CE Mark. This is enforced by Trading Standards.

28

Polo Times, August 2015

Withdrawal of BS EN 1384 The EU Commission announced in December 2014, that the European equestrian riding helmet standard BS EN 1384 was to be withdrawn from the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ) at its next publication. The statement issued by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) also mentioned that, “In future, CE-marked riding hats will have to be successfully tested and certified against an alternative specification to allow CE certification to continue. Companies can choose which they use and could include the new VG1 specification, the revised EN 1384 once published and PAS015.

Riding hats cannot be CE-marked solely to SNELL, ASTM F1163 or AS/NZ 3838: 2006 without additional testing.�

The BS EN 1384 was withdrawn, as a decision could not be reached on additional criteria for the continuation of the standard. According to BETA, the VG1 is an interim specification that has been developed. The new standard will closely shadow the temporary VG1 and will also include a new definition for what peak standards will be allowed. It looks unlikely that peaks will be allowed to be a continuation of the hat, and instead must be a separate part.

UNITED STATES ASTM/SEI: ASTM International was known until 2001 as the American Society for Testing Materials. In the United States the conformity assessment of equestrian helmets is mostly performed by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). Manufacturers voluntarily provide samples of each model and size for simulated crash testing, using the test methods defined by the ASTM standard. If the samples pass the tests, the manufacturers are then able to label other helmets of the same model and size to show that the helmet is ASTM/SEI certified.

The most common standard used in the United States is called ASTM F1163. It is updated regularly, ASTM F1163-13 is the most recent standard (reviewed in 2013). The standard is put together by a volunteer committee, which is made up of representatives of manufacturing companies and users of the helmets. ASTM International publishes the standard. The standard consists of performance criteria and test methods, but does not prescribe the design of the helmet. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) adopts the current standard.

NOCSAE: The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) began in the late 60s, originally providing a performance test standard for football helmets, before moving on to baseball helmets in the 70s. The standard now includes lacrosse and polo, where they test for retention, stability and impact.

The standard was considered by the USPA (United States Polo Association) as a minimum standard ruling for polo helmets worn at USPA polo events and clubs, but the rule was not voted in.

SNELL: The Snell Memorial Foundation, best known for its safety testing standards for motorcycle helmets, also publishes a safety-testing standard for equestrian helmets, E2001. However, no national sanctioning equestrian organisation to date has adopted the SNELL standard, the ASTM standard is more generally used. SNELL tests for impact performance, stability (also known as the roll-off test), dynamic retention test and a penetration test.

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Lifting the Lid on the Subject of Hats

EUROPE European Normes: EN 1384 (Helmets for Equestrian Activities) and EN 14572 (High Performance Helmets for Equestrian Activities) are standards published by the Centre for European Normes in Brussels and are widely used for purposes of conformity assessment in Europe. The codes for EN standards are sometimes prefixed by other codes to indicate adoption by national standards organizations. For example, the acronym ‘DIN’ is used to indicate the Deutsches Institut für Normung, and ‘BS’ indicates a standard adopted in the UK as a British Standard.

Inter-discipline comparisons on hat rulings Unlike polo, all other major equestrian disciplines in the UK have previously expected all riders to wear hats that conformed to BS EN 1384. With the standard changing, they have issued statements as to when they will no longer allow riders to wear hats with the BS EN 1384 standard.

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The Current HPA and USPA Polo Stipulation Currently there is no specific safety standard that polo players in the UK need to adhere to. There was talk that a stipulation for a three point harness would be introduced for polo by the HPA. However, this was not enforced. The introduction of a ruling in polo for all helmets to carry a minimum three-point harness would mean that hats would not necessarily have to pass any test or carry VG1 or PAS015. In theory, it would be possible to ride on to a polo pitch with a three-point harness attached to a woolly bobble hat and be within the rules.

The withdrawal of BS EN 1384 has delayed an HPA decision, which will most likely now be pending until the replacement has been decided (probably in 2017).

It is also our understanding that the HPA were reluctant to specify a BS EN 1384 approved helmet, when previously Charles Owen were the only manufacturer which had this certification. With new helmets entering the market with higher levels of certification this may lead to a review and a decision.

Current ruling from the 2015 Blue Book and the HPA Rules Book states: Teams and players, substitution, players’ equipment 3. Players equipment and turnout c. Headgear. When riding on a polo grounds (which includes the surrounds) everyone must wear protective headgear with the chinstrap or harness fastened.

(See Note 1.)

Note 1. It is recommended that players take note that the British Horse Society recommends, “that hats which comply with PAS015, BS EN 1384, EN 1384 (providing it has a CE mark), ASTM F1163 or SNELL E2001, with either Kitemark or SEI offer best protection.”

The USPA 2015 Rules state 4. Equipment a. No one shall be allowed to play, unless equipped with a protective helmet or cap with a chin strap, the chin strap to be worn in the appropriate manner specified by the helmet manufacturer of the helmet worn by the player.

(Note: The USPA has developed standards by which different helmets can be evaluated in terms of how much protection they afford. Players are encouraged to take these standards into consideration in the selection of a helmet. Players are strongly encouraged to wear face and/or eye protection at all times during play.)

British Eventing will permit BS EN 1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter. All hats will be re-tagged in 2016, at which stage none made solely to BS EN 1384 will be tagged or permitted for use.

British Riding Clubs will permit BS EN 1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter. All hats will be re-tagged in 2016, at which stage no hats made solely to BS EN 1384 will be tagged or permitted for use.

The Pony Club will permit BS EN 1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter.

British Dressage will permit BS EN 1384 hats in 2017 but not thereafter.

British Showjumping will permit BS EN 1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter.

British Horse Society will permit BS EN 1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter. From 1 January 2016, hats made solely to BS EN 1384 will not be permitted for use in BHSapproved centres.

British Horse Racing will permit BS EN 1384: 2012 or PAS015: 2011. BS EN 1384: 2012 will be removed as acceptable standards on and after 1 January 2017.

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Polo Times, August 2015

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Lifting the Lid on the Subject of Hats

Who can sell polo helmets?

In the UK, Equestrian helmets fall under Category 2 of the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) directive of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), meaning that all equestrian helmets in the UK must be sold with a CE Mark. This is enforced by Trading Standards. In reality, some hat retailers are selling imported helmets that do not carry this basic standard in the UK. A worrying fact.

Photograph by Flacon Polo

his 12-year-old child in last week to alter the fitting on a three-point harness hat. I told him it had no standard on it, which he didn’t even realize about. I have heard that there is a new EU standard coming into force soon, however the problem is they do not batch test the hats. Robin Spicer has come up with a great polo hat that is safe and looks great. It’s exactly what we need as retailers and as a sport, it just needs someone to take it forward.”

Photograph by Charles Owen

Richard Buckett from RJ Polo, one of the largest polo equipment suppliers, spoke to Lucy Wilson about selling and stocking helmets: “We fit the helmets ourselves and are all qualified hat fitters. We only stock Charles Owen hats and the reason for that is because, to my knowledge, it is the only polo helmet that has a Kitemark which means it is batch tested. As a retailer, that means I know every hat we sell is at the safety standard it should be. Until last year, we sold helmets with no standard, but we stopped. In real terms we are losing around £15,000-£20,000 on those helmet sales.

We didn’t have a choice, as we didn’t know what we were selling.

“Customers are becoming more aware of the tests on hats, but I think they don’t realise that it’s not just about a three-point harness, it’s what inside and how it’s made that counts. It is also confusing with three standards from the UK, EU and USA on all the different helmets. ‘”The HPA have a tough job on their hands. 90% of professional players don’t want to wear the BSI standard hat, so they wear a hat with a three-point harness with no or little safety. I had a pro player bring

Hats on the market In the last few years Falcon, Casablanca and La Martina have all produced a number of new designs for the polo market. Charles Owen has been producing polo helmets for longer, but Patey’s caps have been around for decades. As we went to press we heard that Edition Hats had secured BSI PAS015 certification. Polo Times contacted Casablanca, Charles Owen, Edition Hats, Falcon Polo, La Martina and

The Palermo Polo in navy

Patey and asked them the same questions.

Below are the details sent to us by Charles Owen, Edition Hats and Falcon Polo about their current and imminent designs on the market. As we went to press, we were awaiting responses from the other suppliers and will update this information when the answers are submitted.

Moving Forward The hat debate is a thorny issue which evokes passionate responses from all involved. Traditionalists cling to their moth-eaten Argentine hats, claiming that the HPA should not intervene and it is down to personal choice. Families of those who have suffered head injuries make a convincing fight from the other side of the argument towards far-reaching reform.

Polo is becoming increasingly professional and is unique amongst equine sports that there is no specific hat safety requirement.

Something needs to change for sure.

Whatever happens, the HPA need to consider the future of the sport as a whole and also every individual on the pitch. Any decision will be watched with interest by the polo community both here and overseas.

The new Falcon Polo helmets are currently undergoing BSI’s Kitemark (PAS015:2011)

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Lifting the Lid on the Subject of Hats

QUESTION Name of design: Outer material:

Inner material:

Number of points on the harness: Weight: Safety features:

Flexible peak?: Test certificates passed

Price range:

What they say about themselves:

CHARLES OWEN Palermo Polo

FALCON

FALCON Ultra, FALCON Pride and FALCON Spirit The shell is a single piece of carbon Black, White, Blue, Green, Red, Navy, fibre that resists impacts and forces of Charcoal, Dark Green, Pink or Yellow Vented Wool. Bespoke colour combinations considerable intensity. This can be finished with a variety of options in both English and and leather finishes are also available on Argentine hat styles request when ordering. Hard outer shell with a protective liner made of high-grade polystyrene Polyester fabric with silver protection for The inside is covered with XRD® and the freshness and hygiene comfort liner is also removable so it can be replaced in case of high sweating Four-point The harness is fixed to the shell in four different points: one on each side, and two on the neck 600g, give or take 50g depending on The weight of a medium helmet size is bespoke finishes and size selection between 680 and 750g XRD® is a unique high-impact absorption In addition to its three internationally recognised safety standards, the low profile technology that offers the best repeatedshock absorption of any high performance Palermo Polo offers further protection protection foam for extreme applications. via the padded nape and high-energy Because this foam will not break down absorbing peak. Charles Owen also on impact, the wearer gets maximum produces a Faceguard to be used in protection every hit combination with the Palermo Polo (RRP £80 – £96) Deflection (mm) (6mm min required passed) Designed to be detached upon a crash, absorbing and deviating part of the energy Kitemarked to PAS015:2011, certified by Currently in the process of certification to SEI to ASTM F1163 and VG1 Approved BSI’s Kitemark (PAS015:2011)

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EDITION Edition Hat Fiberglass. Final finish can be of either cotton or leather, in a variety of colours and a bespoke service is available for personal designs and embroidery

Removable and machine washable hat liner which can also be purchased separately Four-point

630g, but this will vary depending on the finish and the size of the hat Metal retention clip and leather four-point harness. Edition Hats are tested by the British Standards Institute, who are an independent body specialising in the testing of safety products

Totally flexible as per the criteria for passing PAS015 BSI PAS015 Kitemark, completed in June 2015, they are also currently being prepared to be tested to SNELL E2001 6 ¾ and below, £169.90 6 7/8 and above, Estimated between £470 to £580 (excluding Between £275-£350 depending on finish £203.52 VAT), for sizes 52-64cm and depending on and size model and style Edition has identified a problem in the polo Falcon Polo is the brand of high-protection Charles Owen have been making hats for equipment for polo, made by the traditional helmet market; stylish hats without safety well over 100 years now, the company factory Falcon Helmets (since 1988). It was and safe hats lacking in style. The Edition celebrated their centenary in 2011. Three hat has taken 2 years to develop and the first manufacturer to test its helmets generations of the family have been source materials. The hat is based upon The under NOCSAE and ASTM standards involved in what now has a huge part to Charles Owen shell, using their knowledge in the USA, and the first manufacturer play in protective headgear for the global of preparing hats for the racing and eventing certified in 2005. Falcon Polo introduced equestrian community. When helmets pursuits, taking the best parts of both these a new advanced technology of maximum are tested, they are traditionally checked sports and encompassing them within a impact absorption for the entire product by measuring the peak acceleration of a traditional Argentine looking polo hat. When helmeted steel head form falling onto a steel line. Comfortable, flexible and lightweight, you wear this helmet you will be struck by this protective pad frees the players of surface. For leading manufacturers, this is its feel and look; nothing else on the market rigid, bulky and constricting padding. On only the start of analysing how a helmet impact, high performance molecules of this looks this good and can give the wearer the will perform in the real world. At Charles reassurance of safety. The hats are available element create a unique protective shield Owen’s design headquarters in the UK, that absorbs up to 90% of the most intense in a leather or cotton outer finish, with advanced computer simulation is used to many colour options and a bespoke finish understand how to maximize the dissipation force, hit after hit (as measured according of energy from an impact by using complex to ASTM-F1614-C). Falcon Polo is currently service as well as a hat bag. The hats will be stocked by Tally Ho Farm in Berkshire in the process of certification of the polo combinations of materials. They have helmets to BSI’s Kitemark (PAS 015:2011). an unbeatable amount of experience in Falcon Polo creates helmets that can designing and manufacturing helmets for endure over time, not necessarily heavy, the equestrian world, from riders at riding big, or disposable. We think that Kitemark is schools to serious event riders at the top rigorous enough to ensure that the helmet is of their field. The Palermo Polo helmet is strong, and the manufacturing process will not only Kitemarked to PAS015 and BSEN maintain the quality of them over time 1384 but also certified by SEI to ASTM F1163

* Publisher’s Note: Answers as supplied by helmet manufacturers www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, August 2015

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Lifting the Lid on the Subject of Hats

Robin Spicer Robin Spicer, from Daventry in Northamptonshire, is a 2 goal player who has recently graduated from Loughborough Design School with First Class Honours and attracted attention for his dissertation on hat safety and his revolutionary polo helmet design. Throughout his life Robin has been familiar with the dangers of the sport, he has been knocked unconscious three times, and as a result chose to rise to the challenge of improving polo helmet design through his final year project.

Not only has Robin caught the eye of design industry experts winning a James Dyson bursary (as well as being awarded academic excellence from Loughborough University), but his research has questioned current perceptions within the traditional polo community. Robin’s ARMIS™ Polo helmet hopes to propel head safety into the 21st century by combining style with top performance.

MIPS layer MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) is a low-friction layer that moves inside the helmet mimicking the brain’s own protection system. This reduces the amount of rotational acceleration to the head.

What are the main features of the helmet?

The ARMIS™ Polo helmet has been designed with the British Standards in mind, incorporating safety clips and air vents that ventilate, but provide appropriate protection. Style is not sacrificed, options to personalise each helmet are fundamental to the unique persona of each professional player. This design makes head protection more valued for safety and ultimately influences behaviour, by responding to unseen, non-tangible concussions with the built-in crash sensor and MIPS layer (MultiDirectional Impact Protection System).

Robin reports that up to 64% of polo injuries are classed as major.

Crash sensor A built-in crash sensor linked to a selected smartphone, detects dangerous head impact and alerts first responders during a game and gives GPS coordinates for emergency response when a rider is alone.

Materials used A double-layered carbon fibre shell is used to prevent penetrations combined with lightweight expanded polystyrene (EPS) liner to absorb the energy from a crash.

The liner is fitted with a thin polycarbonate MIPS layer (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) in order to reduce rotational acceleration. A flexible plastic peak covered in leather is incorporated with a four-point harness to reduce neck injuries. The harness is made from soft polypropylene webbing with added leather details.

Robin has included an innovative crash sensor into the design of the helmet

Computer generated renders of a range of different visual options including graphics

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Lifting the Lid on the Subject of Hats

Feature

The design The main shape is based on the traditional Argentine helmet; it has been progressed with modern materials, streamlined to reduce weight and to increase the performance for the player: • Designed with British Standards in mind • Built-in crash sensor with app • MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) layer • Flexible peak • Integrated streamlined ventilation • Carbon fibre shell • Removable padding

After slicing it in half, Robin then took apart the helmet to look at what each part of the helmet was made of

The research behind Robin’s design During Robin’s research into different hat designs and features for his degree, he not only took apart, but also sliced through hats to analyse the materials and see what protection is really offered. The traditional Argentine style helmet, which is still popular, proved to offer little to no protection at all. Robin also looked at the difference between the combinations of flexible peaks and hats with more than a two-point harness.

SHELL Materials are out of date.

They do not protect from impacts or absorb any energy.

VENTILATION Only small holes to encourage air flow.

LINER There are no energy absorbing materials.

So no protection is offered!

PADDING Potentially uncomfortable due to lack of padding. It is not adjustable unless the user retro-fits padding in specific area to fit.

Not easy to clean or dry when the helmet is saturated in sweat, as the padding is non-removable and not machine washable.

WEIGHT Potentially heavy and may cause strain on the neck.

Robin took a ‘traditional’ style Argentine polo helmet and sliced it in two to expose a cross-section of its construction

STYLE Although this is a traditional Argentine style, the design could be progressed to look more modern and up-to-date.

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HARNESS This hat uses a two-point sling, this potentially slips straight off upon impact and does not protect head, plus it is not secured properly. If a threepoint harness is fitted to a similar style to prevent helmet slip and rotation, a solid peak does not flex upon impact therefore causing neck injuries.

PEAK The peak has been built into the shell and is completely rigid, if fitted (or retro-fitted) with a three-point harness this creates a mechanical advantage causing serious neck injuries, as the peak will not flex to absorb any of the energy.

Polo Times, August 2015

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Santa Maria Polo Club

Sotogrande Summers

Tilda Woodd looks at why Sotogrande is fast-becoming ‘the’ polo place to be seen in August. In recent years, Spain has firmly established itself alongside England, America and Argentina as one of the main seasons on the annual polo calendar, and when you look at the amenities it has to offer it’s no surprise why.

S

anta Maria Polo Club and its International Polo Tournament, which this year enters its 44th edition, together with the location at Sotogrande – the best luxury resort in Spain – makes the Club a global benchmark for high-quality tourism as well as an incredibly attractive destination for polo players, patrons and their families.

From 28 July until 29 August, Santa Maria Polo Club welcomes a collection of the world’s most talented polo talents as the 44th edition of the Land Rover International Polo Tournament kicks into action. From an English perspective, the other factor that is entertaining an increasing

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presence in the highlight of the Spanish season, is the number of teams that travel across The English Channel post-UK high goal – for example five of the eight 22 goal teams taking part in the 2015 Land Rover International Polo Tournament, spent the beginning of the summer playing polo in the UK. With a total of nine top-class grounds at Santa Maria, the Club is undoubtedly one of the leading polo clubs in Europe as far as facilities are concerned. And while polo is one of Sotogrande’s greatest charms, there is a whole lot more available in the South of Spain’s luxury location. In the grounds of Santa Maria, there is also a whole shopping

village and this year’s off-pitch entertainment includes the tournament’s pop-up restaurant, Gastronomy, which focuses on ember bed cooking using products from the sea, mountain and organic farm foods, as well as a number of bars such as the Grey Goose After Polo Lounge where you can find the majority of the professional polo players on their day off. Add in the 5,000 square feet that has been dedicated to the kids, where a variety of events take place, all supervised by expert instructors, and it becomes apparent that Sotogrande truly have created a onestop-shop to cater for all players, patrons and families, and that’s without taking into consideration the endless miles of beaches, restaurants and marine activities.

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Every year the Club brings together around 73,000 spectators, which is not only great for the exposure of the sport, but additionally it is also an event that generates considerable economic benefit for the area.

However, it must be noted that the high-paced action that has attracted some of the most influential individuals within the sport has not come out of nowhere.

Sotogrande is often referred to as having some of the best playing conditions in the world. However, in order to create the impeccable grounds, preparation kicks-off two months before the action, and come game time Santa Maria employ a team of 500 individuals in order to run the monthlong polo show, who together contribute to a faultless organisation.

As a result the 2015 Spanish high goal team sheet sees Adolfo Cambiaso return to Sotogrande for the third consecutive year.

Last year he remained unbeaten in all three titles with Bob Jornayvaz’s Valiente team.

This year he will be aiming to achieve the same for Dubai, the team he not only plays for in England but also represented in Spain back in 2013. Also in attendance are fellow 10 goalers Juan Martin Nero and Pelon Stirling. Representing England will be Max Charlton and James Harper, both making their Sotogrande debuts.

In the medium goal, Santa Maria will welcome the return of Peter Silling’s Equus side, who last year dominated the 14 goal section. Once again their team line-up

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Feature

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Santa Maria Polo Club

consists of Juan Jose Britos and England Captain James Beim, whilst this year young Englishman Kian Hall replaces Hugo Lewis in their 1 goal slot. The lowest section of the tournament, the 6 goal, sees eight teams entered into this year’s contest although notably absent are last year’s victors, Huntsman.

So… if you are a patron and you have the option to take a month’s holiday in order to play polo at the highest level, on

close to perfect grounds, and in guaranteed sunshine, you probably would. On the other hand, if as a professional you are invited to play on pitches that are as nice for your horses as possible, while your family can enjoy days spent in the sun and sea, the decision is easy. And together, these reasons are why Sotogrande is rising up to the top of the list for both players and patrons at this time of year.

Polo Times, August 2015

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Santa Maria Polo Club

Prior to the main Sotogrande season kicking off Polo Times talks to Freddie Horne, a young English player who has been to Sotogrande just once before and James Harper, one of England’s leading polo players who is about to experience his first Spanish high goal season.

This season Freddie will be representing La Clarita in the 6 goal level. Polo Times discovers why he thinks Sotogrande is ‘the’ polo destination in August and the adaptations you have to make in order to be as prepared as possible.

Name: Freddie Horne Handicap: 3 Team: La Clarita Is this your first season playing in Spain?

“No, this is my second time playing here.

I came in 2013 to play the medium goal with La Indiana. As a polo destination, I think it is up there with the best. The weather is more than reliable at this time of year and the fields here are amazing.

This, coupled with the beaches and the food makes it, for me, a fantastic place to come and play.”

Why do you think an increased number of people are choosing to go out to Sotogrande?

“I think that it’s largely to do with the fact that the main season here is in August, and therefore it fits in with most families’

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holiday times. Its location being so close to England also means it is reasonably easy to get the horses here. Combined together, these two factors make it a great place to choose.”

What are the benefits for the players compared to England?

“The fields here are great which has obvious benefits for every player, but really I think it is mainly being able to get away from England and enjoy the sun and sea.”

Where are Clarita based out there?

“Chris and Clare Mathias have had a house and stables here for a while. They have just had everything re-done with some really good facilities, so the whole team is based there. It is a 10 minute walk from Ayala, so very easy to take the horses to stick and ball or practice.”

How have you prepared yourself and your string?

“We have brought 29 horses from England and Juan Cruz sent 3 from Argentina, so we have 8 each to play.

They are worked early in the morning and later in the evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day and they always have plenty of water and shade. They are also given electrolytes with every feed.

As far as my training regime goes, I have been doing more swimming than anything else. In England I was jogging a fair bit, but it is a bit warm for that here!”

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Santa Maria Polo Club

Feature

James ‘Harps’ Harper joins Michael Bickford’s La Indiana side alongside John Paul Clarkin and Max Charlton. Before they embark on The Bronze Cup, the first stage of the 22 goal, Harps reveals what pre-Spain adaptations he has had to make and why he is looking forward to playing on the grounds at Santa Maria Polo Club.

Name: James Harper Handicap: 6 Team: La Indiana You’ve never been to Spain before.

Why are you looking forward to it?

“It’s always good to go to new places. It will be good to concentrate on just one team.

Playing just with La Indiana will allow me to focus more on myself and my string – normally I’m playing almost every day, and it can be all over the country. Obviously there is the added bonus that the place is amazing and the weather too – it will feel like a holiday for both myself and my family.”

Have you changed anything with regard to the training of your horses to prepare them as best as possible for the difference in climate, and also the journey?

“Yes, I have made some changes. Tying up is a big thing here, largely due to the

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journey and also the change in climate.

You have to cut their feed right back and take away any heating food, and then slowly add it in as you get a few rides and practices under your belt. It’s really hot here in Sotogrande, so you have to make sure they are compensated by ensuring they are drinking well and getting enough electrolytes.”

When selecting your string for Spain, is there a particular type of horse that you avoid bringing/what type suits the game out there the best?

“Unfortunately, I don’t have the options of having many different type of strings to pick from, but I think a lot of my horses will do well here as most are from Ellerston Australia and are use to the good fast fields and hot weather. I think you can get away with a more running type horse and less breaks(!) as the polo is fast and open, as the fields are so good and they don’t cut up like they do in England.”

What are your opinions when people say the Spanish season is becoming as big as the English high goal?

“I think the two seasons complement each other perfectly for the real die-hard polo fan, but on the other hand maybe it makes the season for that level a little long for some people. I could see it potentially causing trouble for The Queen’s Cup entries, but at the same time the two main tournaments in England are historic tournaments with a lot of prestige, they have something special about them. I hope England will still keep getting the teams – it’s always good to have options in polo.”

Polo Times, August 2015

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Feature

La Rosada Deutsche

Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management Find Triumph

I

n building the UK to be a key hub of Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management’s organisation, Matteo Vaghi, Head of UK and Southern Europe Wealth Management, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, shares his perspective on building momentum in the world of Polo, the development of his team and accelerating the pace of growth in the UK. Vaghi comments, “In Deutsche, partnership is one of our five core values. Working handin-hand with our clients is at the very core of our methodology of client-centricity. Close collaboration with colleagues around the globe is essential to improving the level of service and variety of products we offer to our clients. Partnership is the key to a trusting relationship in which innovation and creativity can thrive.”

This concept is not new – even creative masters, known for their individual work, acknowledge the support they have enjoyed over time to achieve their optimum. The artist Christo once said, “It is not only one person’s work, it’s really a partnership and collaboration during all these years.”

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Polo Times, August 2015

Vaghi concludes that, “At the end of the day, our success is entirely dependent on our clients’ success. With a strong track record of innovation, we are confident that the Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management team will continue its ability to create and deliver lasting solutions for investors.”

Vaghi believes that, “Polo embodies the ultimate in history and tradition from generation to generation. It’s an invigorating and masterful sport, where the horse epitomises elegance and power, the vital asset to any team. What strikes me about the sportsmanship in polo is the underlying drive and passion to perform.”

Partnerships can often be defined as forms of collaboration in which two or more entities pool knowledge, skills and other resources in order to achieve a shared end-goal. In the case of La Rosada we are a trusting partnership, brought together by a mutual interest and respect for the world of polo. Passion to perform is our strapline, this sentiment drives us in everything we do. Sponsoring La Rosada Polo Team is aligned to our core values of teamwork and the desire to win.

Today, in an increasingly more demanding

competitive landscape, we at Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management continuously identify new and innovative ways of strengthening service quality and the delivery of solutions for our clients across the globe, to continue to be the best possible partner for all wealth related matters.

This comes in the form of pressing service parameters, technological interfaces and client

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La Rosada Deutsche

networking touch points. The right partner in the given field and sector can help gain a secondary perspective into your business and meet objectives.

One of the key success factors in any partnership is identifying potential partners who share the same values and beliefs as our clients. Polo is an iconic British sport known as the ‘Sport of Kings’ that resonates with our clients from a sporting and social networking perspective. We selected La Rosada as a well-established mid/high goal polo team in the UK to sponsor, because the team embodies our values. Focusing on playing to win, while observing the rules of engagement and respecting one’s opponents: these are reflective of our company’s values and beliefs.

Polo is not a new partnership for Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, we have been involved in the world of polo in St Moritz, sponsoring teams for the past three years as a Gold Sponsor in the St Moritz Polo World Cup. It remains our aim to support tournaments and leading sportsmen and women around the world in the pursuit of

excellence in polo. La Rosada polo team has consistently featured in the most competitive layer that exists in polo. They were runnersup in the Victor Ludorum HPA 8 goal series in 2014, so they are fierce contenders for the accolade this year. The team consists of Nico Fontanarrosa (5), Pedro Harrison (4), Marcus Cork (-1) and Mats Ottosson Cederflycht (0).

This team has a proven track record, each player crucial to his positioning on the field, supported by a superb team of over 25 polo ponies and talented Argentine grooms.

So far the success of this partnership has seen the team La Rosada Deutsche win the Gerald Balding 8 goal at Cirencester and the Julian and Howard Hipwood trophy at Royal Berkshire, two fantastic triumphs for the team.

Shared values We invest in corporate social responsibility, to fulfil our duty to be good citizens in the countries where we do business globally. In the UK, we host the Born to Be programme, which helps young people reach their full potential by developing employability skills, confidence

Feature

and aspirations. We are looking to plan the future and in partnership with La Rosada, host a polo education day for young people, in order to teach them skills of horsemanship and teamwork.

We live in an ever-changing and dynamic business world; by supporting a winning team we offer opportunities for clients to network and relax while enjoying a favourite sport.

L-R: Pedro Harrison, Nico Fontanarrosa, Mats Ottosson Cyderflyct & Marcus Cork

For more information about Deutsche AWM, please visit: www.deutscheawm.com For more information about Deutsche Bank’s Born to Be programme, please visit: www.db.com/unitedkingdom/responsibility

2015

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Polo Times, August 2015

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Photograph by Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com

Reports The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup (British Open)

Kings of Cowdray Srivaddhanprabha’s Foxes have powered through to reign champions in the UK high goal Lucy Wilson from West Sussex

T

he UK high goal season may have come to an end but the story for King Power Foxes has only just begun. The Srivaddhanprabhas have taken this summer’s UK high goal season by storm, achieving double wins in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup (British 40

Polo Times, August 2015

Open) and The Cartier Queen’s Cup. An achievement only Zacara, Dubai and Ellerston have managed. Granted they have the Pieres brothers and pony power to make any budding patron weep, but there is no denying their professional approach and hard work has formed the base structure to go forth and conquer. The closing game of the high goal season was a glorious affair, with all the trappings that the high goal spectator

has come to expect with helicopters, after parties, extensive pre-match shopping, champagne picnics and the players arriving to the presentations in engine-revving Twisted Automotive Land Rovers. This year saw Jaeger-LeCoultre step-up as title sponsor, taking their polo coverage to the next level.

As the two teams circled Cowdray Park Polo Clubs Lawns 2, the name on everybody’s lips was King Power Foxes – could they make it www.polotimes.co.uk

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup (British Open)

a double high goal win? Despite HH Sheikha Maitha’s UAE’s pitch perfect performance throughout the qualifying rounds, it seemed they would have their work cut-out to defeat the mighty Foxes. The UAE side fielded the youngest player on the field 16-yearold Jose Araya, son of Pepe Araya, alongside 4 goaler Santi Stirling and 8 goaler Lucas Monteverde who joined Pablo MacDonough, top scorer for the tournament and cousin to the Pieres brothers. However, the King Power Foxes line-up had already established their prowess in The Cartier Queen’s Cup. www.polotimes.co.uk

MacDonough showed his tactical card from the offset, using every opportunity to encourage his team to shut down the Pieres brothers wherever possible. By slowing the game he pushed the Foxes into one of two plays; a wild shot up the field, or foul.

Both Gonzalito and Facundo did plenty of both, unfortunately for MacDonough their seemingly foolhardy shots were wildly accurate. Hugo Lewis, the only Englishman on the field, worked tirelessly, hounding MacDonough, Monteverde and Stirling leaving gaps for one of his 10 goal teammates to sprint through to goal with the ball. Commentators John Kent and Felix Wheeler had the spectators giggling with their comparison of Stirling plaguing Facundo commenting, “He’s stuck to him like a cheap suit”, as the 10 goaler took the scenic route to score for the second goal in the chukka. King Power Foxes seemed all too aware that letting MacDonough out of their sights would be a dangerous mistake. John Kent could be heard across the ground saying, “When Pablo goes it’s like they are all standing still”. Despite UAE converting two penalties, the tone of the match was set by a goal from Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha, swiftly followed up by Facundo Pieres, to draw the scores at two goals apiece at the end of the first chukka.

The second chukka was a bit of a wipeout for UAE as they failed to score at all despite MacDonough coming out on one of his best stallions, Irenita Electo. In UAE’s Semi Final game against the all-pro line-up of Apes Hill, Pablo scored four goals on him, but not this time. It seemed in this chukka the UAE tactics were starting to fall apart, as both Facundo and Gonzalito had them running ragged around the grounds whilst King Power Foxes stocked up on goals.

The third chukka was scrappy, as the UAE team seemed to regroup and slowed the game down to their own pace – seemingly the only way to control the horsepower of King Power Foxes. Facundo, on one of his mighty mares Galactica, missed a penalty just before getting into a pony race with MacDonough who took possession from the hit in. Stirling and Lewis joined in with the gallop to goal, but it was Top who cleared the ball to safety. Gonzalito had a moment to show off his pony’s speed and his 10 goal skill as he ran the length of the pitch to score in the closing seconds to finish the first half on 7-4.

Midway through the fourth chukka, Top suffered a heavy fall after his pony seemed to trip and come down with him. Despite the accident looking far worse from the

Reports

stands, Top walked unaided off the ground.

The incident did, however, end the game for him and 17-year-old, Kian Hall took his place. John Kent dubbed Kian as, “A real player to watch”, and post-match Kian spoke to Polo Times about his last-minute substitution, commenting, “I used my nerves to focus on the game”. Manager for both King Power teams, Pete McCormack’s motto of: Pride, Integrity and Performance, ran deep through the whole team from the grooms and young players, right up to the 10 goal professionals. The unexpected line-up alteration didn’t seem to faze them and they continued to increase their lead.

When asked about how he had prepared for his position as substitute Kian said, “I play Hugo’s horses in the practices, and then it depends who I substitute in for. I have played Top’s horses just once before.” The umpires restarted the game with a throw-in which resulted in a badly needed penalty for UAE. MacDonough, riding Martini, which Felix Wheeler described as, “A good gun platform”, took the shot but fresh-on-thefield Kian was there to stop him.

In the fifth chukka, it was evident King Power Foxes would be taking no prisoners, as Facundo rode out on his Cartier Queen’s Cup Best Playing Pony Cube. On average, Facundo has scored two goals in every chukka that he plays Cube, and this chukka was certainly no different. Despite the continued flurry of goals from King Power Foxes, UAE seemed determined to go down fighting, as the gap was closed with a converted penalty for UAE to take the score to 9-6. Out of the lineout MacDonough scored one of the limited number of field goals for UAE, despite Kian Hall’s best blocking efforts. Facundo, now riding Magnifico, converted one of the few penalties awarded to King Power Foxes in the match, with a huge shot to bring the score to 10-7. However, the conversion was immediately followed by the sound of Jason Dixon’s whistle, as Pete Wright cantered off the ground, the whispers of “Was it a goal?” echoed around the picnic pagodas. “Yes, the goal went in, but the umpire has broken his whistle” came the assurance of the commentators, to much hilarity in the crowds. Despite the lighthearted break in the game, the tension was electrifying, as UAE’s MacDonough closed the chukka with another goal and took the score to a nail-biting 10-8.

The opening minutes of the final chukka were like watching a swarm of angry bees, as both teams fought to create a gap and break away with the ball. In the end it Polo Times, August 2015

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Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Reports

Goal Scoring Statistics UAE Field goals – 2 Penalty goals – 6

King Power Foxes, 2015 British Open Champions

edge.” This wasn’t the last goal for Lewis, Facundo set him up with a pass and he scored again bringing the score to 13-8. King Power Foxes were awarded a penalty, which Facundo converted for the final score of 14-8.

Post-match, the Most Valuable Player Award deservedly went to Facundo Pieres who commented to Polo Times after the game, “The season was very long. We played a lot of games – we won the two tournaments so that means we played even more games than the rest of the teams, but it was great. It was great to finally win both tournaments. This is what we came here for so I’m very happy.”

Gonzalito seemed almost humbled by the experience of winning both high goal titles,

Total number of goals scored in the tournament from Quarter Final teams King Power Foxes – 97 UAE – 87 Zacara – 77 Dubai – 64 El Remanso – 61 Apes Hill – 57 Salkeld – 50 RH Polo – 47

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

was Facundo, who seemed to simply drop his reins and let his horse run to goal at lightning speed. Young British player, Hugo Lewis swiftly followed suit with a dazzling run to goal, much to the delight of the crowd.

Any polo spectator likes a great goal, but one scored by a 20-year-old bright young English player scoring a fantastic goal was the icing on the cake. Polo Times spoke to Hugo about his first goal in the match after the game, “The whole way down the field Gonzalito was telling me to leave it, I got lucky”. Lewis also explained how the Foxes managed to pull away in the last few chukkas saying, “We brought our best horses back in the last chukkas, so I think that probably gave us the

King Power Foxes Field goals – 12 Penalty goals – 2 Top – 2 Hugo – 2 Facundo – 6 Gonzalito – 6

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Polo Times, August 2015

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup (British Open)

Chukka by chukka

Chukka 4

The chukka began with MacDonough Chukka 1 going for goal on the offensive but it was Monteverde who hit the ball over the line As the first chukka got underway both teams after running half the length of the pitch with were testing each other’s pony power and Facundo, riding Sharapova, hot on his heels. defensive abilities. UAE scored the first goal with a penalty. Top quickly followed suit with This was the second goal for Monteverde a field goal for King Power Foxes. UAE scored after he scored a penalty 2 in the first chukka.

Facundo fouled again to give MacDonough another penalty, little did they know this another shot at goal but once more the shot would be the last time in the match that UAE went wide. Top went on to score his second would lead the scoring, as Facundo rapidly goal of the game with three huge shots down closed the gap with another goal. the pitch to score in the goal by the pony 2-2 lines – this was Top’s last goal before he had to Chukka 2 retire from the game following his fall. Despite King Power Foxes really began to dominate in Monteverde’s attempt at goal the whistle went and the chukka ended with King Power Foxes this chukka. Whilst both MacDonough and in a respectable three goal lead.

Stirling missed chances to add points to the UAE score with wide shots at goal, King Power 8-5 to King Power Foxes Foxes dominated the scoring with three goals, Chukka 5 which only furthered their lead and asserted their dominance.

Facundo started the chukka with a confident 5-2 to King Power Foxes tap of the ball across his defending goal, a display of confidence not only in his own Chukka 3 skill but also that of his teammates. A great goal followed as he hit the ball to Lewis Both teams scored two goals each, UAE who passed it on to Gonzalito like a hot managed to convert two penalties back-topotato, before going back to Facundo who, back, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Pieres despite the best efforts of MacDononough, pairing – with both brothers scoring one goal just squeezed it across the back line. UAE apiece. converted a penalty too, which was followed 7-4 to King Power Foxes “I was nervous. The Final was fierce and although we were playing well, we could not seem to get away from them but we knew that if the team kept playing like that we would be fine.” It also didn’t go amiss that winning with his brother made it all the more important, “I am very happy. Having been able to achieve this is the dream and even more so having done it with Facu.”

The Twisted Automotive Best Playing Pony Award was presented to Pablo MacDonough’s bay mare, Divina by Alex Duckett, Operations Director for Twisted

www.polotimes.co.uk

Automotive. Top was presented with a Salmanazar of Louis Roederer champagne

by Frédéric Rouzaud, CEO of Louis Roederer, plus a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watch by Zahra Kassim-Lakha from Jaeger-LeCoultre.

For Lewis, it was a childhood dream come true “I can’t really believe it yet, it hasn’t quite sunk in. I remember being eight-years-old watching the Final, and now I’ve managed to win one.” The question is what can we expect next from the King Power stables?

Reports

straight out of the lineout by a field goal to take the score to 9-7. Despite a further penalty awarded against King Power Foxes, MacDonough failed to capitalise on the opportunity. Facundo soon asserted King Power Foxes’ dominance once again with a huge penalty shot. After some confusion over broken umpires’ whistles, the game restarted with frantic play from both sides as the ball was batted from team to team, player to player, before MacDonough smashed the ball through the posts 10-8 to King Power Foxes

Chukka 6 Following an opening goal from Facundo and a near miss from Gonzalito, MacDonough’s impatience continued to grow, as Lewis broke away from the melée hit the ball on both sides of his pony the entire length of the pitch to score with a final cut shot amidst huge cheers from the crowds. Hugo wasn’t content to stop there, following a set-up by his 10 goal teammate, Facundo, Lewis scored again to bring the score to 13-8. The fate of UAE was sealed with a penalty conversion from Facundo, and the final score of the 2015 Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup (British Open) read 14-8 in favour of King Power Foxes.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup teams: Result: King Power Foxes beat UAE, 14-8 King Power Foxes (22): Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha 1; Hugo Lewis 1; Gonzalito Pieres 10; Facundo Pieres 10 UAE (22): Jose Ramon Araya 0; Santiago Stirling 4; Lucas Monteverde 8; Pablo MacDonough 10 The Most Valuable Player: Facundo Pieres The Twisted Automotive Best Playing Pony: Divina, owned and played by Pablo MacDonough

Polo Times, August 2015

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KING POWER FOXES 2015 WINNERS OF THE CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP A N D JA E G E R- L E C O U LT R E G O L D C U P F I NA L S

KING POWER 2015 WINNERS OF THE CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP A N D JA E G E R- L E C O U LT R E G O L D C U P S U B S I D IA RY F I NA L S THANK YOU FROM B OTH KING POWER TEAMS TO EVERYONE I N V O LV E D AT G UA R D S P O L O C L U B & C O W D R AY PA R K P O L O C L U B A N D T O E V E RY B O DY I N T H E K I N G P O W E R O R G A N I S AT I O N F O R MAKING THE 2015 SEASON SUCCESSFUL T WO TEAMS, T WO BRITISH FINALS & T WO SUBSIDIARY FINALS

Victor Ludorum Victories

Reports

Victor Ludorum Update This year, the HPA along with clubs from all over the country have welcomed a huge number of teams into their various Victor Ludorum tournaments. At 18, 15, 12, 8 and 6 goal level, teams take part in an on-going league throughout the season. Participating teams are awarded points in relation to their success and at the end of the season, there is an Overall Winner. Polo Times has been keeping a constant note of which teams have been doing well and the likely winners of the five different 2015 Series.

18 Goal

Indian Empire Shield Emlor’s Nacho Gonzalez took Best Playing Pony honours for his mare, Bonita.

The Subsidiary Final was later won by Four Quarters, who defeated Ferne Park 10 goals to 6.

220 145 125

T he Indian Empire Shield; Saturday 18 July; Coworth Park Result: EFG Aravali beat Emlor, 5-4 Teams EFG Aravali (17): Karan Thapar 0; Juan Cruz Merlos 2; Max Charlton 7; Jaime Huidobro 8 Emlor (19): Spencer McCarthy 2; Guy Gibrat 5; Manuel Fernandez Llorente 6; Nacho Gonzalez 6 Subsidiary Final: Four Quarters beat Ferne Park, 10-6

Aravali’s Jaime Garcia Huidobro on the ball

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

EFG Aravali achieved a narrow 5-4 win over Emlor to take The Indian Empire Shield at Guards Polo Club. Both Finalists had experienced tough Semi Finals, with EFG Aravali claiming an 8-7½ win over Black Bears and Emlor defeating Cowdray Vikings by just a single goal, 7-6; so come the Final and it was impossible to predict the eventual victor.

EFG Aravali demonstrated impressive team skills, and strong attacking play, which allowed them to take control in the early stages of the match. Despite Emlor’s persistent hard work they were unable to close the gap, and although they made an impressive comeback in the last chukka, they failed to close the gap completely.

While EFG Aravali received both the impressive Indian Empire Shield and also The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player prize courtesy of 3 goaler Juan Cruz Merlos,

Victor Ludorum 18 Goal Top Three Ferne Park Four Quarters Orange Black Bears

Aravali lift The Indian Empire Shield

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player, Juan Cruz Merlos

Polo Times, August 2015

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Reports

Victor Ludorum Victories

15 Goal

The Eduardo Moore Tournament Nacho Gonzalez continued to lead the attack for Emlor S throughout the second half but Damian Duncan’s Delaney continued to play brilliantly and despite a tense fifth chukka Delaney ran out the victors 9 goals to 8.

Delaney’s Juan Crus Merlos was presented the Most Valuable Player prize, whilst his teammate Tincho Merlos received the Best Playing Pony Award, making it a hat trick of prizes for Delaney.

The Subsidiary Final saw Four Quarters Orange take on Anthony Gerrrard’s Montana. Despite only being a 14 goal team after three goaler Nico San Roman subbed in for Alec White, Four Quarters Orange took command of the match from the start with goals by Matt Perry and Tom Morley, which left Montana trailing at half time

3½-1. Despite a second half comeback from Montana, Simon Arber’s side won 5½-4.

The Eduardo Moore Tournament; Sunday 21 June; Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Result: Delaney beat Emlor S, 9-8 Teams Delaney (15): Damian Duncan 0, Matt Lodder 3, Agustin Merlos 9, Juan Cruz Merlos 3 Emlor S (15): Spencer McCarthy 1; Tom Brodie 2; Manuel Fernandez Llorente 6; Nacho Gonzalez 6 Subsidiary Final: Four Quarters Orange beat Montana, 5½-4 Victor Ludorum 15 Goal Top Three Delaney 140 Clarita 130 Four Quarters Orange 85

Photograph by Gillian Hughes

The Eduardo Moore is the third tournament in the 15 Goal Victor Ludorum series and this year the Berkshire-based tournament was contested for by seven teams. While the Royal Windsor victors Clarita Black side were very much present, along with Michael Bickford’s La Indiana, it was in fact Emlor S, patroned by Spencer McCarthy, and Damian Duncan’s Delaney who met in the Final. The Semi Final stages of the tournament saw Emlor S defeat their closely related Emlor Black, a team patroned

by Spencer’s son James, whilst Delaney managed to see off Clarita Black in a closely fought match.

On Finals’ Day it was Augustin ‘Tincho’ Merlos who opened the scoring for Delaney, with the 9 goaler going on to convert seven of their nine goals. Manuel Fernandez Llorente fought back hard for Emlor S, scoring four quick goals in the second and third chukkas. The second chukka saw disaster strike for Emlor S when their 2 goaler Tom Brodie was sent-off, which resulted in Emlor S trailing by 2 goals at half-time.

The Delaney and Emlor S teams at prize-giving

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Polo Times, August 2015

www.polotimes.co.uk

Victor Ludorum Victories

12 Goal

Photograph by Sammy Schwind

The John Prestwich Trophy

The John Prestwich Finalists

Seven teams contested the John Prestwich 12 goal, the third in the Victor Ludorum 12 Goal series. Conosco enjoyed an unbeaten run throughout the league stages, achieving a narrow win over Tempest in the Semi Finals. Four Quarters Black, on the other hand, went to extra-time in their match against a previously unbeaten Emlor, in order to guarantee their place in the Final.

Richard, Earl of Tyrone opened the scoring with two quick goals for Four Quarters Black, claiming his side the advantage in the first half as the scoreboard read 4-3. However, the combination of the regular Emerson-Webb combination began the fight back for Conosco, with Webb scoring three goals in the third chukka.

The Earl of Tyrone was outstanding for

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

The Queen Mother Trophy

Poulton Balvanera lift The Queen Mother Trophy following their win

The Queen Mother Trophy concludes the summer Victor Ludorum 12 Goal season.

Poulton Balvanera arrived into the Final of The Queen Mother Trophy a huge 23½ goals clear of the team in second place, plus they had beaten Snakebite by a confident 10-4 in their Semi Final match and so things were very much looking to be in their favour.

JJ de Alba put on the pressure from the first play, working well with Iriarte to influence the scoreboard. De Alba’s work www.polotimes.co.uk

paid off, as by the end of the first chukka Poulton Balvanera had stormed into the lead, 4 goals to 0.

Despite the goal difference, Tayto’s contingent of Irish supporters still had plenty of opportunities to cheer, as at one point Stephen Hutchinson carried off some impressive defending to take the ball the whole way down the pitch.

Unfortunately for Tayto, it wasn’t until the fourth chukka that Hutchinson’s boys

Reports

Romilla Arber’s side, scoring all seven of their goals and also securing the Best Playing Pony prize but unfortunately for his team, it wasn’t quite enough to beat Conosco, who ran out the winners 8 goals to 7. Conosco’s Henry Porter was awarded MVP after playing brilliantly throughout the tournament.

The Subsidiary Final saw 2013 winners Poulton Balvanera face an altered La Indiana side. Tomas Iriarte and Lochie Hunter alternated goals with young two goaler, JJ de Alba. It took La Indiana until the third chukka to make a dent into their lead, with two quick goals by Ruki Bailieu.

Julian de Lussareta scored three goals in the last chukka but ultimately nothing could stop Poulton Balvanera who won 9-6.

T he John Prestwich Trophy; Saturday 27 June; Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Result: Conosco beat Four Quarters Black, 8-7 Teams Conosco (12): Henry Porter 0; Tom Brodie 2; Will Emerson 5; Pete Webb 5 Four Quarters Black (12): Romilla Arber -1; Ed Morris-Lowe; Richard. The Earl of Tyrone 6; Guy Gibrat 5 The 12 Goal Challenge Cup (Subsidiary Final): Poulton Balvanera beat La Indiana, 9-6 Victor Ludorum 12 Goal Top Three Poulton Balvanera 270 Conosco 235 Beaufort Black Hound 145 managed to influence the scoreboard, and by that time Poulton Balvanera had already established a staggering 6-0 lead.

The fourth chukka proved to be much more positive one for Tayto, with the red-shirted side finding the posts three times but Poulton Balvanera ended up the standout winners. JJ de Alba also received The Gourlay Bowl, which is awarded to the Most Valuable Player.

In the Subsidiary Final, Aryana went on to defeat Tempest 8-4 to win The Corinium Bowl.

T he Queen Mother Trophy; Sunday 12 June; Cirencester Park Polo Club Result: Poulton Balvanera beat Tayto, 7-3 Teams Poulton Balvanera (12): Ludo Epshon 1; JJ de Alba 2; Lochie Hunter 4; Tomas Iriarte 5; Tayto (12): Stephen Hutchinson 1; Max Hutchinson 3; Mikey Henderson 4; Martin Rodriguez 4 The Corinium Bowl (Subsidiary Final): Aryana beat Tempest, 8-4 Polo Times, August 2015

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Victor Ludorum Victories

Reports

8 Goal

The Archie David Cup Unsurprisingly, Richardson was awarded The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player Award and his pony Magic received Polo Times’ Best Playing Pony rug.

Vivek Rawal’s, Tashan Polo defeated the Mathias family’s Clarita team 7-6½ to win The Claude Pert Trophy and David Lewis’ Los Lobos beat The Flying Kiwis 4 goals to 3 in order to lift The Caterham Cup.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The Archie David is often considered to be the UK’s most prestigious 8 goal title, and with Guards hosting an impressive 23 teams in this year’s tournament, overall victory was undoubtedly going to be a huge achievement.

On Sunday 28 June, after a collection of intensely competitive matches, it was Alan Fall’s Mad Dogs and Elio Leoni-Sceti who met on Finals’ Day to battle it out for the soughtafter trophy.

Throughout the first half of the match, both sides produced solid team play, and the scoreboard consequently read an even 4 goals all. The second half however, thanks to Mad Dogs’ Jack Richardson, turned out to be a completely different story.

The talented young 5 goaler produced fast and flowing polo, which also inspired his teammates to raise their game. Jack Taylor who was substituting for an injured Charlie Holley, played with great confidence while Ben Crowe and Alan Fall were equally strong.

Following four chukkas of polo, Mad Dogs had secured a 10-5 advantage.

The Archie David Cup; Sunday 28 June; Guards Polo Club Result: Mad Dogs beat Il Sole, 10-5 Teams Mad Dogs: Alan Fall 0; Jack Taylor 0; Ben Crowe 1; Jack Richardson 5 Il Sole: Elio Leoni-Sceti -1; Charlie Pidgeley 1; Tomas Palacio Bacque 3; Tomas Iriarte 5 The Caterham Cup (Subsidiary Final): Los Lobos beat Flying Kiwis, 4-3 The Claude Pert Trophy (Guards Teams Only): Tashan Polo beat Clarita, 7-6½

The Archie David presentation

The Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy

Photograph by Gillian Hughes

three of which came from Henry Brett. Four Quarters managed to add a goal to the board in the second chukka thanks to Lochie Hunter who was substituting for a delayed Kelvin Johnson, to make the score 7-1 at halftime.

Despite Matias Ballesteros and Ed MorrisLowe making an attempt at a comeback in the third for Four Quarters, Los Cazadores continued their dominance with Marcus Collie and Archie Smyth-Osbourne also making the score sheet to run out the victors 10-5.

Nine teams from all over the country descended on The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club to contest for The Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy, the third tournament in The Victor Ludorum 8 goal series. The Final featured Renegade and La Rosada Deutsche, who beat Rigby & Rigby and AFB in their respective Semi Finals.

After a close first chukka, only one goal was scored courtesy of Renegade’s New Zealander Lochie Hunter. Nico Fontanarrosa opened the scoring for the Kirtlington based La Rosada Deutsche side in the second, swiftly followed by his teammates Pedro Harrison and Josh Cork, who substituted for Mats Ottoson, to give www.polotimes.co.uk

La Rosada Deutsche a 4-1 lead. Lochie Hunter fought back for Duncan Wales’ Renegade, and brought the score to 4-5 at the end of the third chukka. However, Nico Fontanarrosa, who was later awarded the Most Valuable Player prize, scored two goals in the final chukka to a single success

by Hunter, meaning Fontanarrosa’s last minute conversions secured the win for La Rosada Deutsche Polo. Lochie Hunter was awarded the Best Playing Pony prize for his mare, Shrapnel.

The Subsidiary Final saw Kirtlington’s Los Cazadores take on Four Quarters led by Emil Arber. Los Cazadores dominated from the start scoring five goals in the first chukka,

The Julian and Howard Hipwood Trophy; Saturday 18 July; Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Result: La Rosada Deutsche beat Renegade, 7-5 Teams La Rosada Deutsche (8): Marcus Cork -1; Josh Cork 0; Nico Fontanarrosa 5; Pedro Harrison 4 Renegade (8): Duncan Wales 0; Rupert Lewis 2; Shaun Brokensha 3; Lochie Hunter 4 Subsidiary Final: Los Cazadores beat Four Quarters, 10-5 Victor Ludorum 8 Goal Top Three La Rosada 140 Renegade 125 Mad Dogs 115 Polo Times, August 2015

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Reports

Victor Ludorum Victories

6 Goal

The Junior County Cup

Photography by Sally Taylor

but there was the added bonus, and also great excitement, as the victor would also take home the £10,000 cheque donated to the Club by Mark Cresswell.

Although it rained heavily throughout the match, Longdole played consistently well as a team and soon built up a half-time lead of 5½ goals to 2. For the remainder of the match, CANI never seemed to make much of a threat and Longdole finished the eventual winners by 7½ goals to 4.

The Junior County Cup and cheque were presented to the winning team by Heather Walton and Sally Taylor and Longdole’s Tommy Severn was awarded the Most Valuable Player whilst the Best Playing Pony prize went to Will Lucas’, Reeba.

The Pilgrim’s Cup Subsidiary Final was won by Stobart Polo, who beat Chester Polo by 5 goals to 3. Prizes were presented by Holly Taylor to both teams. Katie Jenkinson received Most Valuable Player and Jonny

Longdole: Will Lucas, Jack Severn, Tommy Severn, Hugo Taylor

Overcast weather greeted spectators and players alike for the Final of The National 6 Goal Championship which took place between Longdole and CANI on Sunday 5 July. Not only did the winner of the match receive the sought after Junior County Cup

Will Lucas and his BPP, Reeba

Coddington’s Kaluah was judged to be the Best Playing Pony.

The National 6 Goal Championship (The Junior County Cup); Sunday 5 July; Cheshire Polo Club Result: Longdole beat CANI, 7½-4 Teams Longdole (5): Hugo Taylor 0; Jack Severn 1; Will Lucas 4; Tommy Severn 0 CANI (6): Louise Jebson -1; Chris Davies -1; Chris Crawford 3; Tomas Iriarte 5 Subsidiary Final: Stobart Polo beat Chester Polo, 5-3

The winning CANI Team

Beaufort Polo Club hosted the second 6 goal Victor Ludorum tournament of the season, with eight teams contesting for this year’s Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Title. CANI were once again returning to 6 Goal competition, following their defeat to Longdole at Cheshire. Once again, they maintained an undefeated run to the Final, although eventual fellow Finalists Shibumi did force them into an extra 30 seconds in the group stages.

Both Semi Final matches showcased 6 goal at its most competitive, with CANI claiming victory in a close contest against Sarah Hughes’ Supernova, side whilst Peter Baldwin’s Shibumi won in an extra chukka against Max Kirchoff ’s Snakebite.

Come Finals’ Day, it seemed CANI 50

Polo Times, August 2015

Photography by Gordon Lindsay

The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup

CANI’s Tomas Iriarte on the ball

arrived onto the pitch with their eyes very much on the Victor Ludorum prize. They dominated the first half, and by half-time the scoreboard read a slightly surprising 5-1. Although Shibumi managed to add two early goals to the board in the third, it became apparent that the damage had already been done, with the final score reading 6 goals to 3 in favour of CANI. Last year’s victors, Peter O’Rourke’s Strategic had to settle for a place in this year’s Subsidiary Final, where they defeated Felipe Massau’s Fosse Hill Farm 7-5.

Victor Ludorum 6 Goal Top Three CANI 210 Strategic 105 Longdole 70 The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup; Saturday 18 July; Beaufort Polo Club Result: CANI beat Shibumi, 6-3 Teams CANI (6): Louise Jebson -1; Chris Davies -1; Chris Crawford 3; Tomas Iriarte 5 Shibumi (6): Janie Dear 0; Peter Baldwin 0; Mark Baldwin 2; Kelvin Johnson 4 Subsidiary Final: Strategic beat Fosse Hill Farm, 7-5 www.polotimes.co.uk

DOMINIC JAMES PHOTOGRAPHER

+44 (0)7973 739 960 +44 (0)1243 251 139 DJ@DOMINIC–JAMES.COM WWW.DOMINIC–JAMES.COM T: @JamesEsqLtd FB: /jamesesq.ltd Inst: Jamesesq

Reports

Beach Polo Round-Up

Joules Triumph at Watergate The GWR Polo on the Beach weekend saw Watergate Bay play host to a weekend of seaside excitement over the 26 – 28 June, during a tournament that saw Joules return victorious with The Watergate Bay Trophy

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Gerard Naprous’ daughter, Camilla.

Additionally, there was a family dog show in aid of St Francis Home for Animals, as well as demonstrations from the Watergate Bay Surf Life Saving Club. Saturday night saw a party on the beach, with live music from both Duke and DJ Krystal Roxx.

Philip Edgerton, from Great Western Railway, commented upon the event: “It’s certainly been a weekend to remember, at one of the busiest Polo on the Beach events ever. The atmosphere here has been amazing and as headline sponsor it was great to see the crowds enjoying not just the polo matches, but all the family entertainment on offer.”

Results: Friday Match: Carrs Land Rover Cornwall beat Rest of the World, 7-6 The Watergate Bay Trophy: Joules beat Beach Retreats, 12-8 The Sunday Friendly: Carrs Land Rover Cornwall beat Joules, 7-5 Action from the ‘Friendly Match’

Photography by James Ram

An action-packed weekend saw three polo matches played against the beautiful backdrop of the coast.

Friday 26 June saw a match between Carrs Land Rover Cornwall and a Rest of the World side, in which Cornwall came out victorious with a score of 7-6, after a hard fought match that saw the ball flying up and down the pitch amid sprays of sand.

This is Carrs Land Rover Cornwall’s third consecutive win in this match, a record the Cornish side are very proud of. The Most Valuable Player Award was presented to Tim Vaux, who played in defence at Number 3.

Lychett Heath’s Colorada was named Best Playing Pony.

The Watergate Bay Trophy was played for on the following day, Saturday 27 June, between Joules and Beach Retreats, featured Andrew Blake Thomas (5), Tim Vaux (4), Daniel Loe (3) and Andy Burgess (2), in a game that saw Team Beach Retreats put up a huge fight against the five-time victors.

However, their play simply wasn’t strong enough, and Joules stormed home, winning 12-8. Andrew Blake Thomas was awarded Most Valuable Player for his stellar work in defence, while Vaux Park’s pony Apple was named Best Playing Pony.

Despite its title as the ‘Sunday Friendly’ match, the fast-flowing and competitive game on the last day of the tournament, eventually saw Joules lose out to Carrs Land Rover Cornwall with a final score of 7-5. Players included Welsh team member Andrew Blake Thomas, who played alongside Tim Vaux, of Vaux Park Polo Club, who both continued to play furiously following Saturday’s match.

A Segway polo match provided a different kind of polo experience, and saw the Watergate Bay Buccaneers take on the Camborne Crusaders. The play was closely contested, but the final score read 4-3 in favour of the Watergate Bay Buccaneers.

In addition to the polo, the familyfriendly weekend also saw an eye-boggling exhibition from the legendary Devil’s Horsemen stunt team, led by founder

Carrs Land Rover Cornwall vs Rest of the World

www.polotimes.co.uk

Beach Polo Round-Up

Reports

Scotland Take Asahi Crown Celts dominate at Asahi British Beach Polo Championships on 10 – 11 July

Asahi British Beach Polo Champions, Eclipse Scotland

attending the 8th Asahi British Beach Polo Championships. We are already starting plans for next year’s event and will do our very best to top this year – although that could be hard!”

A polo pony vs car charity race between the Best Playing Pony, ridden by Jonny Good, and a car from Poole Audi, saw Zidan the pony come out the victor against an Audi Q7. The race supported children’s charity, Variety.

The Asahi British Beach Polo Championships; 10 – 11 July; Sandbanks Result: Eclipse Scotland beat Clogau/ Digital Reality Wales, 9-8 Sub Final: Alix Partners England beat Meyado Barbarians 13-9 Teams: Clogau/ Digital Reality Wales (9): Ricky Cooper 1; Roddy Matthews 4; Jamie Le Hardy 4 Eclipse Scotland (8): Jonathan Tidswell-Pretorius -1; Alec Banner-Eve 3; Jonny Good 6 Alix Partners England (8): Tarquin Southwell 5; Peter Saville 0; Tito Gaudenzi 3 Meyado Barbarians (8): Martin Young 2; Sebastian Alexander 4; Algy Sim 2

Photography by Richard Budd

The eighth Asahi British Beach Polo Championships saw 10,000 spectators gather on Sandbanks Beach for two days of exciting sport, and a sell-out beach party.

Friday saw Alix Partners England play Clogau/ Digital Reality Wales, followed by ultimate victors Eclipse Scotland who fended-off Meyado Barbarians. The outcomes of these matches meant that the Welsh side faced Scotland in the Final. The showdown was hard-fought and exciting, with victory snatched in the last few seconds

by Eclipse Scotland 9 goals to 8.

The Sub Final was just as exciting, as

Alix Partners England took on the Meyado Barbarians to win 13-9. The Alix Partners England side played an excellent game in the beach arena, despite the impracticalities of adapting to a change of surface; the Barbarians also played well but ultimately were no match for England.

The Captain of Eclipse Scotland, Jonny Good, said, “Beach polo is thrilling to play as it is so fast paced – quite different to grass polo. The Beach Polo Championships are a highlight for the professional polo players as we know it will be great fun and we are all keen to win. It was a hard fought match with Clogau/Digital Reality Wales, but I am pleased that we managed to get the upper edge to receive the winning title – let’s hope we can maintain our next year’s event!”

The weekend also saw the REVO Beach Volleyball Sand Slam 2015 Olympic Qualifying match between England and Greece. A gruelling match saw the English team of Vicky Palmer and Jess Grimson triumph.

The event organiser, Johnny Wheeler, enthused, “We couldn’t have asked for a more successful event. The weather was on our side with sunny skies throughout the two days and record numbers

Eclipse Scotland vs the Meyado Barbarians

www.polotimes.co.uk

Clogau/Digital Reality Team Wales with the ball

Polo Times, August 2015

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the

Big

picture

Another Adventure for Custard Following the release of three adventure stories, “Custard’s Disguise,” “Custard & The Lost Puppy” and “Custard and the Polo Ponies,” Custard recently enjoyed one of his greatest experiences of all time.

Custard, a palomino Shetland pony, had the opportunity to meet England polo players James Beim and James Harper and their high goal ponies, Suzi and Coffee. Both players later informed Polo Times that the books are definitely worth a read.

Custard also made a public appearance at the Final of The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup (British Open) on Sunday 19 July, where he met some of his fans and signed copies of his books with author Aurèle O’Malley and illustrator Molly O’Malley.

To find out more information please visit: www.custardsadventures.com w Photography ©Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

The Vanilla Rooms win The 2015 Bawtry Cup

News in brief CHARITY FOCUS The Sebastian Coe Charitable Foundation Trophy was held on 28 June at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. The event raised over £26,000 for The Sebastian Coe Charitable Foundation, supporting Cancer Research UK

Photograph by Duncan Hill & Ray Brammall

AMBASSADORS IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Australia defeated Nigeria 9-6 in the Annual Ambassadors Cup tournament at Lacey Green Polo Club.

Action from The 2015 Bawtry Cup

Photograph by Rosie Pennicott & Alex Williamson

Club Focus

THE 2015 BAWTRY Cup was the biggest day in Vale of York Polo Club’s history, with over 2,000 people packing the Club grounds. 30 Members of VYPC played in 8 teams: The Vanilla Rooms, Max Design, Robinsons, The Crown Hotel, Suttons, China Rose, Yasmine and Fine & Country. Competition was fierce, but The Vanilla Rooms and Max Design were the two teams to make it to the Final. The players fought hard in front of the crowds with end-to-end polo. However, Rebecca Dickenson’s The Vanilla Rooms came out on top to lift the Bawtry Cup. This year’s event raised £9,200 for Aurora Wellbeing Centre, making it the second largest contributing fundraiser event in their calendar. Richard ‘Hobgoblin’ McAlister-Martin praised their event partners on behalf of the Club saying, “Special thanks must go to Green Eco Grants for their support as event sponsor.” The Club have set the date for next year’s Bawtry Cup for Sunday 3 July 2016.

The Yorkshire Club also hosted a bride and groom match to celebrate the marriage of Vicky Batty to Ross Jarvie. The match was, as expected, a competitive affair, as the bride and groom took turns to select their players using their Sabraging swords. The four-chukka match ended in favour of the bride’s team 6-5½.

NFU MUTUAL POLO FESTIVAL The fifth NFU Mutual Norfolk Polo Festival, held on 27 – 28 June, brought together 8 teams, 32 players, 128 ponies and 4,000 spectators for The East Anglian Air Ambulance Counties Cup. BLENHEIM TROPHY On Sunday 5 June, La Rosada defeated Farrar & Co 4 goals to 3 at Kirtlington Park Polo Club. La Rosada were and remained, undefeated throughout the tournament.

STOLEN SPURS CUP The Stolen Spurs Cup Final, held on Sunday 28 June at Polo Wicklow, saw Tinakilly defeat Tyrone in a fast and furious match, which featured more individual than team play.

PLENTY OF POLO IN SAINT-TROPEZ The 17th Anniversary Tournament at Polo Club Saint-Tropez on Sunday 28 June was won by Team Sezz who beat Team Eleven Eleven, 7-6.

Additionally, The International Polo Cup SaintTropez saw victory for Rolls Royce Monte Carlo in the 15 goal and Power Infrastructure / La Rouillère in the 10 goal on Sunday 12 July.

The bride and groom with their teams

Picnic and Polo THE INAUGURAL POLO Picnic Day at Druids Lodge Polo Club was a great success with over 200 people turning up to watch two exciting games of polo. The Royal Air Force took on Druids Universities for The Salisbury Cup in the first match. This was a close game with both teams showing strong defensive skills. Tom Marr for the Druids Universities Team was first to make a mark on the scoreboard with a great run www.polotimes.co.uk

to goal, this was quickly matched by a goal from Marc de Vos for The Royal Air. The teams matched each other goal for goal and the score at the bell was 3-3, and a run-down was announced. Despite a strong start from Sam Tay for Druids Universities, a combination of Marc de Vos and Vicky Woodhead for The Royal Air Force sent them across the line in an impressively quick time to win. In the second game, two 8

POLO CLUB DE CHANTILLY On Sunday 28 June, Marquard Media defeated La Quinta 13 goals to 10 in the Final of the Coupe Laversine.

goal teams took to the field to compete for The Balaclava Trophy. A beautifully open and quick game ensued with both teams impressing the crowd. The score on the final bell again was 3-3 and a draw was declared. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony award went to Storm, owned by Spencer McCarthy and played by Edgar Perez. To read more about Storm turn to Pony Power.

Polo Times, August 2015

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Guards Polo Club going great guns

ON FRIDAY 17 July, a Cowdray U21 team, captained by Tommy Beresford, narrowly defeated a Guards U21 squad, headed up by Jack Hyde, in a fast paced and tense game at Coworth Park. Guards Polo Club hope that the game will be the first of many inter-club matches, encouraging comradeship between players. As Guards’ Polo Manager Antony Fanshsawe commented after the game, “Players need to expand their experience and playing other clubs is a step in the right direction. I hope that we can expand this idea to include international games occasionally too.”

Cowdray Youth: Jack Taylor (1), Ralph Richardson (1), George Pearson (2) & Tommy Beresford (3) Guards Youth: Charles Pidgley (1), Sebastian Hancock (1), Tom Brodie (2) & Jack Hyde (2)

©www.imagesofpolo.com

Guards Polo Club hosted The Royal Salute Coronation Cup International on Saturday 25 July, where England defeated South America, 10-6. A full report and social pictures will feature in the September issue of Polo Times. For more reports on youth polo and Guards Polo Club’s commitment to investing in the future polo players, please turn to our Youth section.

Cowdray Youth and Guards Youth at Coworth Park

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Polo Times, August 2015

Photograph by Vimmy Whiteley

Guards Youth

ON SUNDAY 12 July, Club member Vimmy Whiteley, organised a second fundraising event for The Thames Valley Air Ambulance at Kirtlington Park Polo Club. The day included a hog roast lunch, raffle and two polo matches. Over 100 people attended the day at Kirtlington Park Polo Club. Rigby & Rigby defeated Quicksilver in a fast-paced Final, whilst after-lunch a plethora of over 201 fantastic prizes were auctioned off.

James Budgett was the lucky winner of a year’s subscription to Polo Times, other prizes included a polo lesson with Melissa Wadley of Kirtlington Park Polo School and a photo shoot with Kim Ethell Photography.

Subsidiary Final winners Golden Falcons

Photograph by Kate Foster

GUARDS POLO CLUB Charity Shoot on Wednesday 1 July raised £80,000 for the Welsh Guards Appeal. Patrons, players’ friends and several Crown Estate keepers took part in the Club’s fourth Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot at Flemish Farm in Windsor Great Park, remembering the Club’s former CEO Charles Stisted.

23 teams took part in the shoot, which started with breakfast in the Clubhouse, before heading across the Park to the shooting grounds, which were managed by EJ Churchill.

Charlie’s widow, Melissa Stisted, joined the guns for lunch in the Clubhouse and presented The Charles Stisted Memorial Trophy to the winning team, AFB 2. Colonel Tom Bonas of the Welsh Guards was also present and talked on the Welsh Guards’ Appeal. Several friends of the guns joined the teams for the lunch and bid vociferously for the auction lots, including another opportunity to shoot on the Windsor Park Estate, donated by HRH Prince Philip and the Crown Estate. Sir Ian Botham, whose son Liam was a member of the winning AFB 2 team, generously donated a day’s shoot at Sawley Hall and money for this particular lot, which raised £25,000 alone, was earmarked for the Scots Guards, Charles Stisted’s former regiment. Guards Polo Club thanked everyone who helped make the day the most successful ever, including stand sponsors Sir Mike Rake, Guy Salmon Ascot, Purdey Gun Makers, The Shotgun and Chelsea Bun Club and EJ Churchill. For social pictures of the shoot please turn to our Sidelines pages.

Fundraising at KPPC

Farrar & Co and La Rosada at the presentation of prizes

New fixtures at Westcroft Park WESTCROFT PARK POLO Club, formerly known as Ascot Park Polo Club, have confirmed their future fixtures which also include rescheduled dates for The Westcroft Park National Ladies Tournament, one of the biggest women’s tournaments in the UK. From 13 – 23 August there will be two levels for the Surrey Hills Summer Cup in aid of Surrey Air Ambulance (2 & 4 goal), additionally The Summer Equinox Plate will run from 12 – 13 September and The Westcroft Park National Ladies Tournament will be held over 19 – 20 September. www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Audi Polo Challenge

Great turnout at Toulston

Photograph courtesy of Audi Polo Challenge

HRH THE DUKE of Cambridge was a key member in the Audi Ultra polo team on Friday 3 July at the Audi Polo Challenge. 2015 heralded the first year Cambridge County Polo club hosted the event, which was attended by a host of celebrities such as Eddie Redmayne and Clive Owen. The Duke of Cambridge lined-up alongside Ben Vestey, as well as Malcolm Borwick and American HRH The Duke of Cambridge and Tamara Fox in action Tommy Kato, whilst the opposing Audi Quattro line-up featured Rob Archibald, one of Australia’s leading players and Nikolai Bahlsen and ladies’ polo teammates, Tamara Fox and Emma Wood.

Following four chukkas of fast-paced polo, the scoreboard read an even 6-6 and on this occasion all eight players decided to call it a ‘gentlemanly draw’. Audi have been involved with the Princes and their charity work for more than a decade. This particular event raised money for Skillforce and the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, two charities to which HRH The Duke of Cambridge is Patron. For social pictures of the event, please turn to our Sidelines section.

THE OGDEN SILVER Jubilee Polo Tournament was hosted by Toulston Polo Club in front of a 600 spectator strong crowd, on 4 – 5 July.

Red Devils parachuted in to great applause on the Finals day, as six teams battled it out over three days of matches. The Final was played between Welland Valley and Beverley Polo Club, with Beverley crowned the winners following a penalty after going into a fifth chukka. All funds raised went to The Children’s Society.

Photograph by Rachel Clark/www.sweetandsalt.co.uk

Square Pegs at Sussex

Club Focus

Ogden Silver Jubilee Polo Tournament teams: Welland Valley: Milo Manton (0), Richard Clark (1), James van Oppen (1), Hugo Suarez (2) Beverley Polo Club: Abby Foreman (0), Ben Foreman (0), Ashley Foreman (1), Christian Chaves (3)

Beverley Polo Club with The Silver Jubillee Plate

Photograph by Sallie-Ann Lent

FIP heads to Azerbaijan PLANS ARE NOW in full swing for the Grass Arena Polo World Cup, Baku. The Azerbaijan tournament will be taking place from 4 – 12 September 2015, under the direction of Reto Gaudenzi in partnership with the Equestrian Federation of Azerbaijan Republic (ARAF) and the Elite Horse and Polo Club, Bina. Six teams with 6-8 goal handicaps from Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and a local team from Azerbaijan will battle it out for the title of the 1st FIP Arena Polo European Championship, Azerbaijan.

JULY KICKED OFF at Sussex Polo Club on the weekend 4 – 5 July with The Square Peg Polo Challenge Trophy in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice and sponsored by Moving On. On Finals’ day, Sunday 5 July, the British Tent Pegging Team held a demonstration prior to the start of the games. The tense -2 goal Final was between Square Peg and Blackstone Gate Farm. Black Stone Farm under the superb direction of Ben Sim, who was later awarded The Best Professional Player Prize, played fantastically well. However it was Square Peg who were crowned the winners for the Square Peg Challenge Claymore Trophy. The 2 goal Final followed with La Ballena playing against Sussex Polo.

Patrons Kwan Lo and Zoe Bucknell of La Ballena started the game on fire, scoring two goals in the first two minutes, followed by an incredible shot to goal from the centre of the field by Tristan Wade on Best Playing Pony Pirate. Despite some incredible plays from Sussex Polo’s Terence Lent and Telmo Maidana, Sussex couldn’t catch up with La Ballena’s goal scoring streak leaving the final score at 10-6. St Catherine’s Hospice managed to raise hundreds of pounds for the charity. Lana Piele from St Catherine’s Hospice said after the game, “We are so grateful to Sussex Polo and Doug Ross and the Square Peg team for raising money for this important charity. A wonderful weekend!” www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by World Polo

Las Ballenas won The Square Peg Trophy

Action from the 2014 Arena Polo World Cup

Polo Times, August 2015

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

IN THE FINAL of the Low Goal Royal Oman Tournament, on Sunday 5 July, Seven Sevens faced Los Dragones at Santa Maria Polo Club, Sotogrande. Despite a five goal difference on the scoreboard at half-time, Los Dragones fought back, and after a close second half Seven Sevens eventually won 10-8. In the Subsidiary Final, Bayswater-Sapphire beat Woodchester 6-4.

Seven Sevens continued their winning streak by beating Dr. A 7½-7 in the Final of the Founder E. Zobel Memorial Tournament, 9 – 12 July. Seven Sevens’ team of Nikita Vozianov, Rosendo Torreguitar, Pelayo Berazadi and Nicolás Espain faced Dr. A’s line-up of Abdel Rahman Abbar, Juan I. Otharán, Maximiliano Malacalza and Santiago Laborde, in a well matched game that took the tussle for the title down to the final whistle. For more insight into the English migration to Sotogrande, please turn to page 34.

In the September issue of Polo Times there will be plenty of coverage from the Gold, Silver and Bronze Cups in Sotogrande.

Photograph by Vreeland Polo Club

Sotogrande season hots up

www.POLO.tv with The Jaeger-LeCoultre Summer Polo Cup

Round-up from the Netherlands VREELAND POLO CLUB, one of five clubs in the Netherlands, held The Jaeger-LeCoultre Summer Polo (5-8 goal) from 2 – 5 July. The tournament was won by www.POLO.tv with a final score of 5-2 against Adrenalina. The competition included seven teams that played over three days. Tuky Caivano was awarded The Most Valuable Player Prize.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Summer Polo teams: www.POLO.tv: Emanuel Boni (0), Jim Souren (1), Micky Duggan (4), Tuky Caivano (3) Adrenalina: Wernard Borstlap (0), Martijn van Scherpenzeel (1), Robert Watson (5), Kevin Korst (2) In the Ladies Polo Cup held on the weekend of 10 – 11 July at Polo Club Midden in the Netherlands. Van Santen & Van Santen defeated Veuve Clicquot to take the trophy. For more ladies’ polo, please turn to page 65.

Photograph by Gonzalo Etcheverry – SMPC

Seven Sevens after winning the Low Goal Royal Oman Tournament 60

Polo Times, August 2015

Photograph by Polo Club Midden

Ladies Polo Cup teams: Van Santen & Van Santen: Joanna Mobley (0), Melanie Immink (-1), Julia Hiebeler (-1), Nicole Versteeg (-2) Veuve Clicquot: Emma Beardshaw (0), Barbara Tedder (0), Carine Barbe (-1), Anita Korff (-2)

Van Santen & Van Santen with The Ladies Polo Cup

www.polotimes.co.uk

2015

Feature Club Focus

Hurtwood Park Polo Club

Image provided courtesy of Bombardier Inc.

Aviation Polo Challenge T

he Aviation Polo Challenge is a much anticipated annual event that will take place this year on Saturday 12 September. For the fifth year running, business aviation leaders London Executive Aviation (LEA) and Stobart Air will be taking to the polo field to fight for aerial supremacy, along with a new team for 2015, Signature Flight Support.

The Aviation Polo Challenge at Hurtwood Park Polo Club in Surrey, once again sponsored

by Bombardier Business Aircraft, is set to be a great day out, full of action-packed polo, ending with good food and live music to dance the night away!

LEA is the UK’s largest private jet charter

operator and part of Luxaviation Group, the second largest private jet operator in the world. Led by co-founders Patrick MargetsonRushmore and George Galanopoulos, LEA is going from strength to strength a year after joining Luxaviation and now has access to more than 250 aircraft. LEA has also recently introduced new branding and stylish new uniforms to reflect the new company identity, plus the company celebrates its 20th anniversary next year.

LEA operates a large and diverse fleet of light, midsize and large-cabin aircraft, ranging from the Beechcraft King Air 200 turboprop to the ultra-long-range Bombardier Global Express, flying from bases in the UK and

continental Europe. LEA’s customers include C-level executives and heads of state flying for business, as well as high-profile clients from the worlds of sports, music and film. LEA also offers other business aviation services, including aircraft management, consultancy and sales.

LEA has strong links to the world of polo and Galanopoulos is a keen player, having started the sport seven years ago. He takes on the role of team captain at LEA’s polo events.

LEA first got involved in polo by sponsoring some key tournaments, including The Duke of Essex Polo, and holding an annual Corporate Polo Day at Ascot Park.

Galanopoulos says: “We look forward to the Aviation Polo Challenge every year. It is a great way to bring the aviation industry together, whilst raising money for The Prince’s Trust. We are looking forward to playing Stobart Air once again, and welcoming Signature Flight Support to the field for the first time.”

Stobart Air is part of the Stobart Group, which owns and operates London Southend Airport and Carlisle District Airport. Signature Flight Support offers exclusive lounges, aircraft and passenger handling around the world, including at eight locations in the UK. Galanopoulos continues: “The event gives the aviation industry and media a chance to come along with their families, to mingle, relax and enjoy a traditional Argentinean barbeque while watching some fantastic polo, all in the beautiful Surrey countryside.”

For more information contact LEA on +44 (0)1708 688240 or visit flylea.com

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Polo Times, August 2015

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Women’s Polo There has been an incredible amount of women’s polo taking place nationwide, as women’s polo continues to increase its presence in the UK polo calendar as Tilda Woodd reports

La Martina British Ladies’ Open Championship

Nina Clarkin with Best Playing Pony, Muffett

Photography by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Action in the La Martina British Ladies’ Open Championship Final

Six teams entered the La Martina British Ladies’ Open Championship at Cowdray Park Polo Club, the tournament’s Final took place on Saturday 18 July, just one day before the prestigious Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Final.

The tournament was played at 12-18 goal level, with Lila Pearson’s La Martina/Cowdray Vikings side (Lia Salvo 9, Hazel Jackson 8, Alex Stone 0) and Camilla Williams’ Apes Hill/ Huntington (Lottie Lamacraft 3, Lucy Taylor 4, Nina Clarkin 9) battling it out in the Final.

Due to a difference in handicap, Apes Hill started the match with 1½ goals advantage, with Lucy Taylor going on to increase their

lead in the opening seconds.

Throughout the match, La Martina/ Cowdray Vikings seemed to find it hard to penetrate Apes Hill/Huntington’s defence, but successful attempts from Salvo and Jackson helped to keep Pearson’s team in contention.

Play in the fourth started with a throw-in in front of the goal which Clarkin was soon able to benefit from, allowing Apes Hill/ Huntington to increase their lead to 4½-2.

Apes Hill/La Martina continued to attack, an opportunity starting with Lucy Taylor who sent a good ball to Nina Clarkin who then passed to Lottie Lammacraft – her first goal of

The winning Apes Hill team with Sir Charles Williams and George Pearson

the match – which put Apes Hill/Huntington in the lead, 5½ goals to 2. At the next lineout, Lucy Taylor won the ball but left it for teammate Nina Clarkin, the UK’s leading lady player, who sent it through the posts, taking the score to 6½-2 and ultimately securing victory in the La Martina British Ladies’ Open Championship for Apes Hill/Huntington.

The Silver Salver and individual prizes were presented by new La Martina Ambassador, George Pearson, who also presented the award for Best Playing Pony to Muffett, owned and ridden by Nina Clarkin and the Most Valuable Player Award to Alex Stone.

HiHo Silver Country and equestrian jewellery company, Hiho Silver, is delighted to be sponsoring The HiHo Silver Beaufort Ladies Tournament.

The tournament will run from July 26 – 2 August. The company, which is based in Somerset and owned by Emma Warren, has a range of collections to suit all tastes, from the Equestrian Collection containing many exclusive pieces designed by the team to HiHo Charity (which contains pieces designed to support Help for Heroes, bibic, Spinal Research and South West Air Ambulances). In addition to their quality sterling silver jewellery, a number of pieces, including some of their snaffle pieces, have been given 22ct gold plating to form the Touch of Gold collection, which was launched at Cheltenham Festival.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, August 2015

65

Longdole Home Victory Longdole Polo Club, in Gloucestershire, hosted the second tournament within the new WIP League on the weekend 4-5 July. The two-day long affair, which was sponsored by RJ Polo and Crystal Springs saw The New Forests, Greylands, Longdole and Clumsy Cows compete for the title. Both The New Forests (Sarah Coupe, Laura Elliot, Lottie Lamacraft, Hazel Jackson) and Longdole secured wins on day one of the competition and consequently faced one another in the Final whilst Greylands and Clumsy Cows fought for third place.

The New Forests featured 8 goal lady player, Hazel Jackson, who as the highest handicapped person in the tournament demonstrated impressive skills to earn herself the Most Valuable Player award. Unfortunately for Jackson and her team, they were unable to do enough in order to claim a double triumph as Tamara Fox and her teammates Louise Berkin, Rosanna Turk and Sarah Hughes prevented The New Forests from victory. Fox’s pony, Marcy was also awarded the Best Playing Pony prize.

In the Subsidiary Final, Greylands (Robyn Evans, Esther Hunt, India Hall, Jessica Andrews) defeated Clumsy Cows (Gabriella Parkes, Katie Vickery, Amelia Scott-Hopkins and Maimie Powell).

Tamara Fox and BPP, Marcy

The Finalists: Longdole and The New Forests

Photograph by ©SMPC

Women’s Polo

Leading lady player, Lia Salvo

Salvo secures victory for Bayswater Leading 9 goal lady player, Lia Salvo aided her Bayswater team to claim victory in The Women’s Spanish Championship. The tournament, which was welcomed back to Santa Maria Polo Club this year, kicked-off on Friday 24 July attracting players such as Mia Cambiaso and Milagros and Candelaria Fernandez Araujo.

After three days of competitive polo, with six teams taking part, it was Bayswater and Atlanterra who reached the Final, which took place on Sunday 26 July. Salvo was joined by Leticia Alvarez, Raya Sidorenko and Alicia Gariador with the Atlanterra side featured Clare Mathias, Katie McKinney, Carla Alvarez and Joanna Mobley. By half-time, Bayswater had achieved a confident 4-1 advantage, but thanks to persistent play from Mobley and McKinney, come the final chukka the scoreboard read an even 4-4. However, Salvo illustrated every part of her nine goal handicap, and on being awarded a penalty in the final seconds, she kept a cool head, and effortlessly sent the ball straight through the posts to secure Bayswater the match, and the championship. Lia was also presented the Most Valuable Player Award.

An International Affair

Goose Creek, winners of the 12-18 Goal Section

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Polo Times, August 2015

On the weekend of 11 – 12 July Knepp Castle Polo Club held their Charms UK International Ladies Tournament. The event was a truly international affair with the team sheet featuring players from Barbados, Kenya, Thailand, Malaysia, USA and Europe. Four teams took part in the 6-11 goal level, whilst the 18 goal section was a contest between Goose Creek and Polo Escape Thailand.

Apes Hill Club and Geleze Babies came up against each other in the Final of the 6-11 Goal section, with Geleze Babies winning 6½-5. Their 1 goal player, Alice Walsh also received the Most Valuable Player Award.

In the higher handicapped 12-18 goal section, Goose Creek proceeded to run

out the winners 7 goals to 4 against their Polo Escape Thailand opposition. Goose Creek’s Maureen Brennan was named Most Valuable Player.

The Club’s weekend programme also included a Battle of the Sexes match between 18 Goal Ladies side Goose Creek and Red Tigers Men, with Goose Creek ensuring that the weekend remained all about the girls, defeating the boys an impressive 7-3½.

The prizes were kindly presented by Bob Adams of Charms UK, with each of the winning team receiving some stunning sterling silver jewellery. Every player also received a tournament gilet and the winners of the Subsidiary Final received Geleze pads, kindly donated by Stephens Saddlery. www.polotimes.co.uk

Women’s Polo

Eight Teams Unite at White Rose White Rose Polo Club have confirmed that an impressive total of eight teams will be competing in their Charity Ladies’ Polo Day event which takes place on Sunday 2 August. The teams are being put together by Polo Manager, Tony Wesche and along with their own lady players the Club will be welcoming players from as far as Toulston, Beverley and Scotland.

Last year 23-year-old Lucy Guiry, one

of White Rose’s ‘Pro-Amers’ endured her own battle with cancer and now that she is back in the saddle, she is looking to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan; consequently the event will be raising money for Macmillan and also Mind Hey, a mental health charity.

As well as the polo action, the day includes a fabulous raffle, an extravagant fashion show,

First UK WCT Ladies’ Tournament Lacey Green Polo Club proudly the hosted the first officially qualified WCT (Women’s Championship Tournament) Ladies’ Tournament in the UK. WCT is the largest women’s league in the world where the top polo players compete.

Six teams battled it out on Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July for the title, but

it was Susan Elkington’s Mistral side (Vicky Griffin, Amy Legget and Marie Claire Thomas) who successfully claimed the top prize. The weekend of polo attracted players from Scotland, Hertfordshire and Berkshire, with all players illustrating the continuing increase of talent in women’s

5 minutes with…

Alice Walsh

POLO TIMES WAS INTRODUCED to 18-year-old Alice Walsh through Knepp Castle’s Charms UK International Ladies Tournament, where she won the Most Valuable Player prize. Here, Alice reveals her thoughts and opinions on the ladies’ polo scene and what she thinks the future of women’s polo holds.

How did your polo career start?

“I first started to play polo in the Pony Club – it’s all Viv Good’s fault!”

What do you like/not like about polo?

“Firstly, I hate how expensive, yet addictive polo, is! I love the adrenaline rush when playing, as well as the aspect that you are working within a team. Training horses is also one of my favourite parts of the game too.

However, something that isn’t so positive but that I feel strongly about, and therefore feel I should mention, is the current state of pony welfare in lower goal polo – horses are still mistreated too frequently, in my opinion.”

www.polotimes.co.uk

Which lady players do you admire? Why? “Sarah Wiseman and Nina Clarkin are awesome players as they control the game so competently. Hazel Jackson is also amazing to watch and I love her personality.”

What are your personal aims within the sport?

“To be able to control the game, not just read it. I also want to build and train my own string of horses.”

Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or girls’ polo?

“I used to prefer mixed because girls tended to scream too much, but now that I’ve been playing ladies’ polo to a higher standard, I’ve come to realise how tough ladies are compared to men!”

More girls are playing polo every year, why do you think this is?

“It’s definitely not as male dominated as it used to be; the increased interest in

a silent auction and retail stalls.

The event kicks off at 12.30pm, and entry is £25 per player.

For a match report, and to see who wins Polo Times’ Most Valuable Player Award please see the September issue of Polo Times.

polo. Amy Guy played exceptionally well on both days and consequently was awarded the Overall MVP prize for the tournament, whilst instead of the usual Best Playing Pony prize a unique award for Best Turned Out Lady went to Mame Bonsu.

women’s polo has certainly allowed women to view polo as a career opportunity.”

Do you think women’s handicaps are a good thing?

“I think they are good in terms of attracting sponsors and creating a level of fairness, although I think they may need some readjusting.”

How do you see the future of women’s polo?

“I think women’s polo is going to boom in the next few years. Clubs should publicise ladies’ tournaments in order to increase the attention.”

Are there any other changes you would like to see in the future of women’s polo?

“I’d like the public point of view to alter, so that it is regarded as ‘good’ polo played to the same standard as mixed. I feel that some people just assume that the players aren’t as strong, when it’s obvious they are.”

What’s your favourite tournament/Club?

“Knepp Castle is my favourite place to play because of the friendly atmosphere and beautiful grounds, but The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup (British Open) at Cowdray is always great fun to watch.”

Polo Times, August 2015

67

Women’s Polo

Dates for the Diary

European Women’s Summer Tournament Dates: Polo Club La Mata del Herrador, Sevilla, Spain: Copa Internacional Femenina, 18 – 20 September.

Contact Klarina Pichler (tel: +34 611209011, klarina_pichler@hotmail.com) Club de Polo Ampurdan, Figueras, Spain: II Ladies Autumn Polo Cup 24 - 25 October. Contact: Eva Campos (eva@villacampos.com)

UK WOMEN’S SUMMER Tournament Dates: Beaufort: The Beaufort Ladies Tournament (0-4): Jul 25 – 2 August New Forest: WIP Ladies’ League (Open): 1 – 2 August Epsom: Ladies Tournament (-4 -0): 1 – 2 August Ranelagh: Ranelagh Farm Ladies (0-2): 1 – 2 August White Rose: Ladies Tournament (-6 - -2): 1 – 2 August RCBPC: Polo Festival Ladies (Open): Jul 28 – 9 August Wicklow: International Ladies Invitational Tournament (-4-0): 15 – 16 August Heathfield: Tie Polo (Ladies Tournament) (Open): 22 – 23 August Tidworth: WIP Ladies’ League (Open): 22 – 23 August Tidworth: La Chamiza Ladies Tournament (Open): 22 – 23 August Dundee: Ladies Cup (0-4): 29 – 30 August Kirtlington: Thorneloe Ladies Tournament (Open): 31 August Taunton: WIP Ladies’ League (Open): 12 – 13 September DBPC: Ladies Tournament (Open): 12 – 13 September West Wycombe: Ladies Mixed (Open): 19 – 20 September

Women’s Nationals Postponed The Women’s Nationals, formerly the largest event in women’s polo across the globe has been postponed. The event was due to take place from 4 – 5 July but instead Richard Blake Thomas, the man in charge at Westcroft Park Polo Club insists that the event will be happening, and most likely around the weekend of 19 – 20 September.

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England Team Announced for South Africa

The HPA have announced that they will be sending out an England Ladies team to play a Test Match in Johannesburg on Sunday 23 August. The line-up which will be led by 1 goal player Hazel Jackson, will also feature Emma Boers (0), Lottie Lamacraft (0) and Claire Brougham (1). The girls will fly out on Wednesday 19 August, and will try horses, before also taking part in a Ladies Tournament from 21 – 22 August alongside South African players. A full report will be available in the next issue of Polo Times.

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Polo Times, August 2015

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Over 25 – 26 July, Cirencester Park hosted their Cirencester Ladies Tournament. Clarkin represented Katie Jenkinson’s Stobart side along with Lottie Lamacraft and Lucy Taylor.

The foursome defeated Goose Creek in an exciting match in order to claim victory in Sunday’s Final. For a detailed report please see the next issue of Polo Times.

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All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

Wiggy Bamforth covers this month’s round up of Youth Polo

Clean Sweep for Pony Club Polo Teams The Wylye Valley, South Oxfordshire Hunt (South) and Taunton Vale branches of The Pony Club performed spectacularly at The Pony Club Polo Tournaments on Saturday 11 July, Monday 13 July and Tuesday 14 July to each score a hat-trick of wins in their respective sections.

The first tournament, held at Epsom Polo Club, saw Wylye Valley take their first win over South Oxfordshire Hunt (South) in the Handley Cross section. The SOHS defeat was compensated by their Surtees counterparts beating Taunton Vale. Taunton Vale in turn celebrated the first of their three Loriner wins in this series by beating Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt, Royal Artillery Hunt 1, Wylye Valley and Royal Artillery Hunt 2 to take the top accolade.

The next tournament in the series, at Vaux Park Polo Club, saw the same results in the Handley Cross and Surtees sections, after Wylye Valley won two of their three chukkas against SOHS in the Handley Cross, showing a very high standard of play for their age, and six goals for the SOHS

www.polotimes.co.uk

Surtees team saw them victorious over Taunton Vale. In the Loriner section, Taunton Vale, with four wins and five goals in four matches, won their second title, this time with the Royal Artillery Hunt 1 as runners-ups.

With such impressive form, the results at the Taunton Vale Polo Club tournament on 14 July were set to be exciting, and saw a record third win for each of Wylye Valley, South Oxfordshire Hunt (South) and Taunton Vale branches of The Pony Club. Ted Lodwick, Pony Club Tournament Manager reported that, “With exceptionally exciting play, the Handley Cross section is looking to be the one to watch throughout the summer. There was fantastic play all day and there are a number of incredibly speedy ponies out there. With a little bit of practice we could be seeing some serious polo from many of these players as the season goes on.” The Surtees section saw the third win for SOHS, whilst Loriner generated controversy during the course of Taunton Vale’s next win. Ted Lodwick

Action from The Pony Club

commented, “This section seemed to be running very smoothly until the conclusion of Group B’s chukkas, whereupon the score dictated a threeway run down, much to the consternation of parents and officials alike!

Three rundowns later we had placing for each group so that place play-offs could take place.”

The Pony Club Championships take place on 7 – 9 August at Cowdray Park.

Polo Times, August 2015

71

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

University of London Victorious in Rome Photography by Equi-Equipe-D.Savi

T

All the participating teams at the presentation of prize

The University of London Polo Club won 2015 The International University Polo Challenge in Rome.

Six teams representing all five continents competed in Rome from 10 – 11 July in the 3rd International University Polo Challenge (IUPC). The tournament aimed to bring together the best university players in the world and, as in the previous two years, the competition was hosted at the prestigious Acquedotto Romano Polo Club, just outside the ‘eternal city’. The exciting Final match was played between Cornell, winner of IUPC in 2014, and University of London Polo Club. The British polo team of Natascha Hedegaard, Arthur Cole-Fontayn, Reda Shetty and James Cooper, dominated the scene from the first chukka and won the Final with a score of 6-4. Cornell, with a team consisting of three girls and the Captain Hakan Karabey played a very impressive third chukka, where they scored a total of three goals, however their form was not strong enough to claw back their previous goal margin.

Cornell against University of London Polo Club in the Final of the International University Polo Challenge

Youth News Snippets Wins for St Peter’s College On Saturday 23 May, St. Peter’s College narrowly beat Balliol College at Kirtlington Park Polo Club. The win made it three years that St.Peter’s College have won the Trinity Term Cuppers.

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Polo Times, August 2015

Heathfield Polo Showcase On Sunday 21 June, the inaugural Heathfield Polo Showcase was held at Ranelagh Polo Club in Winkfield. Heathfield won in a two chukka match against The Dragon School, but in the Eton vs Heathfield match Eton came out on top.

Charles Whittington Pony Club Chairman

he current hat debate has sparked reflection on the current standards of hat safety.

The Pony Club is the most prescriptive of all sections of polo and its hat standards and rules have evolved over many years.

The Pony Club standards apply across all disciplines including eventing, dressage, showjumping, polo and tetrathlon. The basic requirement is that hats are CE marked and manufactured to one of the prescribed standards from the UK, Europe, USA or Australia and New Zealand.

These standards ensure that both the design conforms to the latest standards, and that the manufacturing process of the hats is validated for every batch of hats, which ensures consistency of manufacture.

Note also the important points made in this rule about replacing hats which are aged or after a fall, and the correct fitting of hats.

There are polo helmets available in a wide range of sizes and colours, which comply with this standard, so please refer to your supplier, but do check the labels yourself as there can be old stock about.

The truth is that it is difficult enough to enforce the ruling in Pony Club Polo, even though we have an army of volunteers, whose job it is to ensure that the rule is enforced for insurance purposes. The organisers do, however, have the power to send a player off who is not wearing a hat that complies, a ruling backed up by the insurance requirements of the Pony Club.

Can we envisage a similar regime in adult polo, where there is currently no insurance requirement?

If you employ grooms or players, do remember Health and Safety regulations, which place on employers a general duty of care to employees which would include enforcing appropriate headgear and other workwear.

Please do everything you can to avoid head injury: make sure your hat complies with the latest standards, is up to date, is not damaged, and fits correctly. This will give you the best chance in the event of an accident.

More information can be found in The Pony Club Rulebook, or at www.pcuk.org

www.polotimes.co.uk

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

New patronage for The Pony Club For 2015-16 El Remanso will sponsor Pony Club polo. The international high goal team already supports both men’s and ladies’ tournaments, but this new initiative will see them extend their support to the 14 Pony Club Polo tournaments, as well as Championship events.

Approximately 300 members currently play polo with The Pony Club in the UK, across five age-based sections, and two higher sections, based on both handicap and age. ‘Friendly’ tournaments were held throughout July, followed by the Qualifiers in which teams across the sections play for a place at The Pony Club Polo Championships in August at Hurtwood Park and Cowdray Park.

Charles Whittington, Chairman of Pony Club Polo, is delighted by the new sponsors, commenting, “Pony Club polo is thrilled to have El Remanso as a sponsor for 2015 and 2016. El Remanso’s support will enable Pony Club Polo to continue to deliver the very high standard of facilities at tournaments, especially the Championship events held at Hurtwood Park and Cowdray Park”.

Christopher and Bridget Hanbury, of El Remanso, commented, “El Remanso are very excited to be supporting Pony Club Polo for the next two years. This year we have three players in our El Remanso high goal team that have come up through The Pony Club, so it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to give something back. We

would like to wish everyone the best of luck for the season, make sure you have lots of fun and score lots of goals!”

As part of the sponsorship, all Pony Club players will be displaying the El Remanso banner on their shirts for the next two seasons.

Photograph by Amrita Bilimoria

Dubai Sees Future Stars

There were eleven teams playing on Sunday 28 June

The Finals of The Official UK Kids’ Polo Tour 2015 were held on Sunday 28 June at Dubai Polo Grounds, with plenty of the polo fraternity’s top players side-lined as anxious parents. The Finals of the 9 to 14-yearolds were fiercely fought out between Thai Polo and UAE. The play was flat out under the watchful eye of all of the Dubai professionals, and went to an extra chukka, in which Thai Polo managed to score the golden goal to win 6-4. Mia Cambiaso was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award and Mia’s pony, Ivana, was awarded the www.polotimes.co.uk

Polofix Best Playing Pony Award.

The Final of the 15 to 18-year-old section was played next. Unfortunately, one of the key players for Dubai was unable to make it at the last moment, so Benja Quiroga, just 9-years-old, stepped up to the challenge. The whole team played incredibly well, but were unable come back from their team line-up change and were beaten 10-2

by Tashan. Benja Quiroga’s pony, Doña Pepa, won the Thai Polo rug for The Best Playing Pony.

The Subsidiary Final of the 9 to 14-year-

old level was played out between 3 teams, King Power, King Power Foxes and Longdole.

After six incredibly fast-paced chukkas, Longdole came out the winners, followed

by King Power Foxes and King Power. King Power Foxes’ Eric Appen won the Polofix Best Playing Pony rug with his mare, Chilli.

The Beginners and Under 9s section was won by Sifani, which was captained by Agustin Merlos, and included his 9-yearold son Rufino and Hilalli Noordeen’s son Suleymann. Salkeld came in second place closely followed by Apes Hill and HB. Polo Times, August 2015

73

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Buckmaster and Hipwood Results The HPA British Junior Polo Championship qualifiers have kicked-off to a strong start in both Buckmaster and Hipwood divisions.

BUCKMASTER DRAW 2015 League A Teams

Emlor

Emlor Juniors Cirencester Park Polo Club

Cirencester

Surrey Union

13 – 4 ½ 2

8-5

4 ½ - 13 0

2

2–7½ 0

The Surrey Union

5-8 0

7½-2 2

East Anglia

3½ -8 0

5½-6 0

Teams

El Remanso

East Anglia

Goals for

Goals Against

Points

Place

8–3½ 2

29

13

6

1

6- 5 ½ 2

12 ½

26

2

3

20

11

4

2

10

21 ½

0

4

7½-1 2 1–7½ 0

League B El Remanso Juniors

Oatsley

Black Hounds Kirtlington/Guards

6-3 ½ 2

9–4½ 2

Oatsley

3½-6 0

Black Hounds

4½ -9 0

3½-7 0

Kirtlington/ Guards

5 ½- 7 0

2½-6 0

HIPWOOD DRAW 2015 LEAGUE A Longdole Kirtlington Northwood Beaufort Highlander

7–3½ 2

Goals for

Goals Against

Points

Place

7-5 ½ 2

22

13 ½

6

1

6- 2 ½ 2

16 ½

12

4

2

8–5½ 2

16

21 ½

2

3

13 ½

21

0

4

5½-8 0

LEAGUE B Beaufort Taunton Vale Dalmahoy Foxcote

Date

Time

Wednesday

14.00

July 8th

15.00

Longdole 4

Saturday

16.00 11.30

Beaufort 12 Longdole 2

v v

1 Foxcote 5 Kirtlington

July 11th

12.30

Taunton Vale 8

v

2 ½ Foxcote

Beaufort 7 Kirtlington 11

v

Friday

13.30 10.30

July 17th

11.30

Northwood 7

Monday

12.30 11.00

Dalmahoy 3 Northwood 12

July 20th

12.00

Foxcote ½

13.00

Teams League Matches Northwood 5

v

Venues 4 Kirtlington

Kirtlington

v 1 ½ Beaufort Highlanders

Polo Club Trewsbury Farm

2 ½ Dalmahoy v 1 ½ Beaufort Highlanders

Beaufort

2 Longdole

Polo Club

v

v 2 Taunton Vale v 1 ½ Beaufort Highlanders v

4 Dalmahoy

Friday

Taunton Vale 0 v 7 ½ Beaufort N.B. As Polo Times went to press the Quarter Finals were cancelled due to poor weather.

July 24th Friday

The Semi Finals will be played on Friday 31 July Semi-finals

July 31st

Northwood vs Dalmahoy

Black Bears Grounds, Shiplake

Billingbear Park

Beaufort vs Kirtlington Beaufort Highlanders vs Taunton Vale Thursday

Foxcote vs Longdole Finals

August 6th

The Smail Trophy (winners E v winners F) Emerson Trophy (losers E v losers F)

Cowdray Park Polo Club

Daily Mail Trophy (winners G v winners H) Wooden Spoon (losers G v losers H)

74

Polo Times, August 2015

www.polotimes.co.uk

Guards Polo Club Investment

Youth

Guards Youth Success Guards Polo Club’s investment in the future of polo reaps dividends at home and abroad

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Guards Polo Club has long been dedicated to investing in and developing youth polo and this year has been especially successful. The Guards-based young player Jack Hyde, currently in action in the high goal for Zacara, received the first Talacrest Young Player of the Year Award at the 10th Polo Awards in May. This is Guards Polo Club’s latest initiative to support the rising stars in our great sport. The award’s sponsor John Collins, the former patron of the Talacrest Boxers team, has generously donated £150,000 to ensure that the Club will be able to offer such game-changing awards for the next

Jack Hyde, awarded the 2015 Talacrest Young Player of the Year Award

Action from the Guards La Aguada Youth Tournament

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10 years. As he said at the time of the announcement, “I have always believed in supporting British players and I am more than happy to give something back to the game I love and a Club I love too.”

John’s largesse extends to all youth players at the Club in 2015 as he is also funding all of the youth academy’s instructional chukkas. Alex Brodie, Chairman of the Club’s Youth Committee explains why such support is so essential, “This is the best way forward for us to help a lot of young players improve their polo.”

The Polo Awards also saw another home-grown talent be recognised. Max Charlton, whose handicap was raised to seven goals at the end of the 2014 season, once again walked away with The Tally Ho Farm Most Outstanding British Professional Award. Currently playing in the high-goal, Max was thrilled to learn that later this month he will make his Coronation Cup debut for England.

Alongside the Guards Youth Academy weekly training chukkas, Guards Polo Club also plays host to the Copenhagen Cup and Varsity Polo. These tournaments offer schools and universities a rare opportunity to play on world-class polo grounds and become part of this iconic Club and its history. Just two years ago Tom Brodie was competing in the Copenhagen Cup

Guards La Aguada Youth Tournament is a popular day for all

7 goal, home-grown talent Max Charlton

and this season he embarked on his first high-goal adventure with the Albwardys’ Dubai Polo Team, under the instruction of Adolfo Cambiaso.

Another leading fixture in the Club’s youth calendar is the Guards La Aguada Youth Tournament, where our English players can compete alongside and against their South American counterparts.

Working closely with Eduardo Novillo Astrada, Head of Youth Development in Argentina, in just three years this event at Coworth Park has become one of the most popular days for members, friends of Guards Polo Club and their children. This year, 10 teams aged from 10 to 18-yearsold played, featuring some of the sport’s biggest names – Cambiaso, Merlos, Novillo Astrada, Di Paola, Toccalino and Monteverde. Thanks to some excellent support from Guards’ sponsors, partners and friends including La Martina, Coworth Park, Jaguar Land Rover, Walt Disney and Polo Times, all the players and their hugely supportive parents had a wonderful day watching the future stars on the pitch and enjoying the fantastic hospitality provided

by Coworth Park alongside the ground.

This is an amazing opportunity for the next generation of polo stars, but is, in fact, just part of Guards Polo Club’s ethos of providing the best sport possible at all levels. As Club CEO Neil Hobday says, “Guards Polo Club has a basic and simple view of youth development – it is our duty to do everything in our power to produce the next generation of our sport.”

Polo Times, August 2015

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Military

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Military polo action around the country from the Royal Navy and Hackett Army polo teams

Photograph by Peter Meade

Photograph by Sam Churchill

Hackett Army hat-trick IM Power Mongolian Polo Tour

The Mongolian Army team at Guards Polo Club

The triumphant Hackett Army team

Charlie Fraser reports from Wiltshire The Hackett Rundle Cup, arguably one of the biggest days in the military polo calendar, attracted a staggering 5,000 people to Tidworth Polo Club on Saturday 11 July. The day began with a festival of entertainment, which included a Jockeys vs Eventers game followed by a pony race, the Inspire Foundation wheelchair race and an exhibition match from two teams of Jorrocks Pony Club players. The warm-up match prior to The Rundle Cup was played between The Combined Services Polo Association (CSPA) and Hackett Challenge Team 2. CSPA won with a final score 3-2 and The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award was awarded to Col Nick Hunter and The Moore Blatch Solicitors Best Playing Pony was awarded to Albany Mulholland’s mare, Kate. The main attraction was the Hackett Rundle Cup. The annual Navy and Hackett Army match was first played in Malta in 1909 when it was instigated by Sir Leslie Rundle, Governor of Malta, and supported by the then Prince George of Wales, later to become King George VI. The Royal Navy won the first cup and the Hackett Army won the last time the match was played in Malta back in 1966, after which it moved to the UK. The Navy won the first recorded match in the UK in 1976; the team then included Lt HRH The Prince of Wales. Previous victories include a hat-trick by the Navy in 1994-96, but the Hackett Army have now won the trophy three years in a row. This year saw the Navy team starting with a 1½ goal lead on handicap, but at the end of the first chukka they were ½ a goal behind. After a few years of defeat, the Navy pulled out the dream team of Aplin, Spiller, Kamper and Suzuki. The game was one of the tensest witnessed by the huge crowds in years, and left all on their seats until the final whistle, but the valiant attempts from the Navy were still not enough and Hackett Army emerged victorious with a final score of 6-5½. The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award was incredibly well deserved by the Officer Cadet Jamie Drummond-Moray, who is about to embark on his career at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The Lt W L Gore & Associates Best Playing Pony was awarded to Petrona, owned by Lord Jonathan Rothermere from the Ferne Park Polo Team.

Navy: Capt Adrian Aplin (0), Lt Cdr Steve Spiller (-1), LCpl Maximilian Kamper (0) & Lt Hiro Suzuki (2) Hackett Army: OCdt Jamie Drummond-Moray (1), 2Lt Paddy Selfe (1), Lt Cameron Bacon (0) & Maj Rupert Lewis (1)

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Polo Times, August 2015

Guards Polo Club welcomed the Mongolian Prime Minister His Excellency Chimed Saikhanbileg to the Royal Box in the first week of July to watch the Mongolian Army polo team in action. He was joined by several key Mongolians, including the Mongolian Ambassador to the UK His Excellency Tulga Narkhuu and the UK’s Ambassador to Mongolia, Her Excellency Ms Catherine Arnold. This event was a highlight of the IM Power Mongolian Polo Tour, which had also included a coaching session at Sandhurst Military Academy with 4 goaler Gaston Devrient, the British Army’s official coach.

Despite only taking up the game earlier this year, the Mongolian players, led by Lt Sarankhuu Khongor, commander of the Mongolian Hackett Army’s mounted regiment, put up a strong performance against the Hackett Army team on The Queen’s Ground. Although the match was played Open, the Mongolian team impressed everyone going down by just two goals to their more experienced opponents.

After the game Col Simon Ledger, who had arranged the tour and had been a member of the British Army polo squad that had visited Mongolia earlier in the year, commented, “I was most pleased to see the Mongolian Army play so well. The programme by Gaston Devrient to produce such a performance after only six days’ coaching was clearly very effective and I was impressed how the team coped with the very much larger ponies than they are used to.”

Hackett British Army: Major Robert Skeggs RHA (-1), Lt Jess Wood RA (-1), Capt Nick Walton RHA (-1) & Capt George Walker KRH (0) Mongolian Army: Sgt Baasansuren Otgonbayar (-2), 2Lt Sarankhuu Khongor (-2), Sgt Lkhagvadorj Ganbayar (-2) & Cpl Tsendsuren Munkhchuluun (-2)

New Forest Polo Club On Sunday 12 July, a Hackett Army and Reserve team of OCdt Rishi Ahluwalia, Lt Mossie Hamilton, Col Simon Goldstein and Tpr Mark Selway played an exhibition match against a New Forest Polo Club side, by kind invitation of New Forest Polo Club. In spite of the rain and the slippery pitch, it was an exciting, open and fast game in the glorious New Forest surroundings, with little whistle, which New Forest Polo Club deservedly won with a final score of 6-2. Simon Ledger, Director of Army Polo, extended his heartfelt thanks to New Forest Polo Club and Laura Elliott (the manager, herself a Reservist) for hosting the day, “We look forward to a return match.” www.polotimes.co.uk

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Military

Triumph Officer Training Core Tournament again for Hackett Army

Leadership and Excellence

Six teams competed in The Officer Training Core Tournament

The Hackett Inter-Regimental Tournament The IR is the oldest Polo Trophy – and some say the oldest sporting trophy – in the world; first played in 1871 on Hounslow Heath (now Heathrow Airport) between the 10th Hussars and the 9th Lancers. The old regiments are now part of The Kings Royal Hussars (10th Hussars) who made the Final and the Royal Lancers (9th Lancers) who were beaten by the RN in the Semi Finals on 3 July. The Kings Royal Hussars, winners for the last two Winners three times over, The Kings Royal Hussars years, played their Semi Final on Thursday 9 July at RMA Sandhurst against the Household Cavalry Regiment. The Final on Sunday the 12 July was played for on The Duke’s Ground at Guards Polo Club. A full-on and brutal game of polo was played with passion and speed, but victory lay in the hands of The Kings Royal Hussars with a final score of 6-5½.

Photograph by Peter Meade

Photograph by Peter Meade

Three Service teams did battle at RMA Sandhurst Polo Club on Wednesday 22 July. An American tournament saw the Royal Navy win in fine style with some strong hitting by Lt Cdr Steve Spiller in the Royal Navy team. In second place were RMA Sandhurst, with three members of the team playing their second ever match, third were the RAF led by the Comdt at Cranwell Air Commodore Chris Luck RAF. Even though the teams were -6 level, the standard of polo was good with end-to-end runs and some real potential shown by the players. The Royal Navy defeated RMA Sandhurst over a two chukka match with a final score of 4-2.

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RMA Sandhurst: Stefan Warren-Smith (-2), Adam Dignam (-2), Tom Windsor-Clive (-2) & Jonathan Quicke (-2) Exeter: Liv Dubic (-2), Alex Wharton (-2), James Forbes (-2) & Robert Wharton (-2)

Photograph by Peter Meade

On Wednesday 15 July at Tidworth Polo Club, the Hackett Army team with a line-up of 2Lt Paddy Selfe, Capt George Walker, OCdt Jamie Drummond-Moray and 2Lt Alex Walch started their game well, building on the success in the first chukka by scoring three goals to add to their ½ goal handicap advantage. Lloyds of London replied with two quick goals in the second chukka to put Hackett Army under considerable pressure. However, with the coordination from 2Lt Paddy Selfe and OCdt Jamie Drummond-Moray, who had previously played together in the Hackett Rundle Cup, saw two run away goals for the Hackett Army side. The final chukka saw some clever tactical team play, which resulted in the Hackett Army running out the winners with a final score of 6½-3. This is the first time in three years that Hackett Army have won the trophy.

The Officer Training Core Tournament was held at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Polo Club on Sunday 19 July with six teams entered, a fifty percent increase on last year.

Teams from Liverpool, Edinburgh, London, Bristol and Exeter University Officer Training Cores, plus RMA Sandhurst played an American style Tournament. RMA Sandhurst beat Exeter in a close Final on the iconic round ground with a final score of 3-2, meaning RMA Sandhurst ran out the overall winners.

Royal Navy: Cpl Max Kamper (0), Lt Hiro Suzuki (2), Commodore Adrian Aplin (0) & Lt Cdr Steve Spiller (-1) Kings Royal Hussars: 2Lt Alex Walch (-1), Capt George Walker (0), Colonel Nick Hunter (2) & 2Lt Paddy Selfe (1)

Polo Times, August 2015

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Photograph by © www.imagesofpolo.com

Pony Power

Knowledge

Best Playing Pony Gamuso Daniel Otamendie talks to Polo Times about Gamuso, a new addition to his string and winner of the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at the Phoenician Cup at Guards Polo Club

Gamuso Height: 15.1hh Age: 9-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Breeding: He is from the Tanoira line, out of Gamusa Owner: Daniel Otamendie

What are his strengths?

He is a very classy gelding. He is easy to play and is also very good to handle.

How has he gone this season?

I have used him in all my matches including the Royal Windsor and Archie David. He seems delicate but has very good stamina.

Where is the pony from?

Mariano Zimmerman.

Has he won any other awards?

Not that I know of.

How long have you had him?

We only bought him in June this year.

What are your plans for his future?

He will stay in my string, hopefully for years to come.

Tell us about his background We don’t really know much about his background, though we know he has relatives playing at high goal.

Does he have any special quirks?

No, he is very easy to handle and have at the yard. He is a lovely soft, kind horse.

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Does he have any relations who have achieved anything notable?

Eduardo Novillo Astrada is playing his sire’s sister. He is bred by the Tanoira family, so there are probably others playing well.

Describe him in three words?

The perfect gentleman.

Polo Times, August 2015

81

Pony Power

Photograph by Tae Ormerod

Knowledge

Best Playing Pony Storm Ellie McCarthy talks to Polo Times about Storm, one of the new favourites in the Emlor string and winner of the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at the inaugural Druids Polo Picnic

Storm (Fine Style) Height: 15.1hh Age: 7-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Breeding: By Pivotal (GB) out of Hidden Hope (GB) Owner: Spencer McCarthy, but he has been brought on by Edgar Perez. He will soon be played by Spencer Where is the pony from?

We bought him three years ago from Ascot as a horse who had raced and done well.

We always pick youngsters from Ascot who 82

Polo Times, August 2015

have won a couple of races, as we know they are going to be quick enough for polo.

biggest aim would be for him to play high goal in the future.

Tell us about his background?

We’ve been buying youngsters from Ascot for about 7 years now, produced them ourselves and they’ve turned out to be our best ponies. Storm is definitely one of the prettiest ponies we’ve bought from Ascot!

Describe Storm in three words?

Cuddly, greedy and clever.

What are his strengths?

Edgar, our young horse producer, has brought on Storm and done a very good job; as with all the other ponies! Edgar describes Storm as having a good temperament, and being exceptionally well balanced and very nippy.

How has he gone this season?

He was green at the start of the season as last year was his first year playing chukkas, so he was a bit slow to get back into it, but now he’s playing like he has done it for years.

What are your plans for his future?

Hopefully Storm will play the 15 and 18 goal tournaments next year with Spencer for Emlor. He is still only young, so he has a bright future ahead of him and obviously our

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards?

He hasn’t had any other Best Playing Pony Awards as this is only his second game and tournament.

Does he have any special quirks?

He does tend to untie himself and go for a little stroll around the pony lines!

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Best Playing Pony Magic Magic Height: 15.3hh Age: 13-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owner: Jack Richardson Award: The Guards Polo Club Best Playing Pony for the Archie David Cup

Photograph by Šwww.imagesofpolo.com

Where did she come from?

I bought her from Mick Easterby as a 2-year-old and she was then made into a polo pony at home on the farm.

Why is she so great?

She is good because she has great acceleration, good sides and she stops plus she has a very quirky personality – she has been my favourite horse for the last six years.

Best Playing Pony Tinta Tinta Height: 15.1hh Age: 16 Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owner: Amber Clutton-Brock Award: The Polo Times Best Playing Pony for The Eastwood Cup Where did she come from?

I bought her from Vieri Antinori last year, with whom she has been played in the medium goal. She came originally from Argentina.

Why is she so great?

Tinta is an amazing pony- she is incredibly tough, and powerful, but with good handle.

Photograph by Jackie Dean

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Polo Times, August 2015

83

Knowledge

Pony

running reports

PONY running reports Brutus, a 3-year-old gelding who is usually featured in Running Reports, is currently still at ‘polo boarding school’, but he will be back next issue.

HOLLYWOOD Age: 12 Height: 15.3hh Sex: Gelding Type: NZ Thoroughbred X Woodbury Lad Name of owner: Lucy Taylor Base: Cirencester Level of polo expected: -2 to 12 “My last 6 goal match was on 26 June, so Hollywood was turned out as I wanted a break. He came back into work on 5 July as it has become the ladies’ polo time of year.

“At Knepp Castle I had two matches a day so he played four chukkas in that tournament and we played three chukkas together in the La Martina Cowdray Ladies’ Championships before the Holden White began. We also played the Cirencester and Beaufort Ladies, so we have probably done around 15 match chukkas since 11 July!

“At the moment, I have been feeding one scoop of mix, one scoop of Alfa and one scoop of sugar beet twice a day, with electrolytes and iron excel with haylage ad lib. He’s been from Cirencester Park to Knepp Castle paddocks and to Sticky’s yard near Midhurst. He’ll be doing the Cirencester to Cowdray run a few times in the last week of July but for Gold Cup week he was in Cowdray, so the mileage is pretty low this month for us!”

July Overview: Number of chukkas played: 15 Number of miles travelled: Low. He has stayed in Cowdray most of the month This month’s cost breakdown: New set of shoes £74 Total cost this month: £74 84

Polo Times, August 2015

CARLOTTA Age: 15 Height: 15hh Sex: Mare Type: Argentine polo pony Name of owner: Simon England, played by Zac Beim Base: Longhill, Cirencester Level of polo expected: Pony Club (Hipwood & Surtees) SUPA & 2-6 goal “July has seen the start of the HPA Junior British Hipwood tournament. This comprises of three league games, Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and Finals.

“Carlotta has been a consistent force on the field for Zac. This is a tournament for kids from the ages of 11 to 15, and the standard is very high with lots of quality polo going on.

“She remains Zac’s last chukka horse and always gives her all. Games have so far been played at Kirtlington, Trewsbury Farm, Beaufort, Black Bears and Longdole, and the Finals will be at Cowdray. We have had plenty of opportunity to travel about to other clubs!

“Carlotta has not been used for any other tournaments during this month, so her fitness has been maintained with sets and farm chukkas, and we haven’t changed her diet at all.”

July Overview: Number of chukkas played: 8 Number of miles travelled: 140 This month’s cost breakdown: Fuel for the truck £300 Total cost this month: £300

This month has been a varied lot for our Polo Times Running Report ponies. With the high goal focus shifting away from The Cartier Queen’s Cup and Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, James Harper’s Exquisite has packed her suitcase and relocated to the sunnier climes of Sotogrande, whilst Ollie Cudmore’s Fortune is enjoying a well-deserved relax in the paddocks.

BRUNO Age: 17 Height: 15.1hh Sex: Gelding Breeding: Cebruno (An Argentine native breed) Name of owner: Melissa Wadley Base: Kirtlington Park Polo School Level of polo expected: From beginners to winners!

“Bruno has had a busy few weeks playing with The Pony Club, HPA Junior British Hipwood qualifiers as well as club chukkas and lessons at home. I have introduced a bit of mix and haylage, as the grass in the fields at Park Farm has pretty much all been munched down and the lack of rain has meant the grass hasn’t grown.

“He just recently came to the rescue of a broken down lorry on its way to Pony Club at Kirtlington, the whole team’s ponies were on board. I managed to provide a handful of ponies to help them all out. Daphne Schrager, who was one of the players in the team asked if she could have the dun pony, Bruno, as she had been reading all about him in Polo Times. The girls then proceeded to go through to the Finals of their section. I hope Bruno’s fame doesn’t go to his head – I wont be able to get a bridle on him!”

July Overview: Number of chukkas played: 22 Number of miles travelled: 180 This month’s cost breakdown: Set of shoes £80, two bags of polo mix £16 and a bale of haylage £30 Total cost this month: £126 www.polotimes.co.uk

Meanwhile, Pony Club and British Junior championships are well underway, meaning that Bruno and Carlotta are in hot demand.

For Lucy Taylor’s Hollywood, it has been a mixed month, with a combination of both time-off and plenty of chukkas. Rocky Racoon has had relatively few match chukkas this month, but he has been busy brushing up on his checking, stopping and turning techniques.

ROCKY RACOON Age: 7 Height: 15.3hh Sex: Gelding Type: Irish Thoroughbred, My Native Gesture X Presenting Name of owner: Polo Times ‘office’ polo string Base: Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire Level of polo expected: Low to medium goal “Rocky has had a relatively quiet month in terms of matches played owing to his rider working at the Gold Cup and Coronation Cup over the last two weekends. This being said he has played club chukkas twice a week alongside stick and balling/schooling daily at home.

“He has benefitted from not playing a huge amount, as we have been able to cement his understanding of checking, changing direction and stopping at pace, without the added pressure of matches. This additional schooling compared to his usual routine has had the benefit of him looking very toned and handsome which is always a winner!

“Over the next couple of weeks Rocky will be playing on weekends at Edgeworth Polo Club, where he will be really pushed to give him something to think about for his winter holidays. Rocky is also for sale owing to his rider moving overseas in 2016, so please check him out in the Classifieds section.”

July Overview: Number of chukkas played: 10 Number of miles travelled: 400 This month’s cost breakdown: Routine vaccination £30 Total cost this month: £30 www.polotimes.co.uk

Pony running reports

Knowledge

*PUBLISHER’S NOTE This ongoing feature is aimed at following the training programmes, the amount of polo played, and any additional costs incurred on top of the usual livery or field rental costs.

Livery can be hugely expensive, but keeping ponies at home or at grass in a rented field can be vastly different in price. By excluding the cost of livery, which can vary greatly across the UK and internationally, the feature focuses more on the costs such as shoeing, vet bills or chiropractor appointments. Likewise we track the number of miles travelled from an interest point of view, but do not enter in to discussion about costs of diesel, trucks, drivers etc. We hope you find the included facts and figures enlightening.

EXQUISITE Age: 13 Height: 15.1hh Sex: Mare Type: From Ellerston, in Australia, out of a mare called Beauty by Norman Pentaquad Name of owner: James Harper Base: Cowdray but now in Sotogrande Level of polo expected: 8-22 goal Exquisite played in The Jaeger-Le-Coultre Gold Cup and a 12 goal in July. I also gave her to Henry Fisher to play in a few games to keep her ticking over when we were a bit quiet. She is not one to go easy on with the workload.

We have now all moved over to Spain for the Gold, Silver and Bronze Cups at Santa Maria Polo Club in Sotogrande, and it’s like starting the season all over again over here.

“We have had to cut the feed right back and ride them carefully. I have been careful not to give them too much at the start, otherwise it’s back to riding a rodeo.

“Exquisite has done some serious miles this month. I don’t know the exact cost of transport over to Spain but I am sure it would be between £500 and £1,000 and I splashed out on a new pair of shoes.

“I mustn’t forget the treats from Sophie and Ellie, they have probably got through two packs this time, as all the ponies were spoilt on the trip over!”

July Overview: Number of chukkas played: 14 Number of miles travelled: At least 1,500 miles This month’s cost breakdown: Transport to Sotogrande £500-£1,000 and a new pair of shoes £85 Total cost this month: £585 to £1085

FORTUNE Age: 10 Height: 15.2hh Sex: Mare Type: New Zealand thoroughbred Name of owner: Ollie Cudmore Base: Based at Manor Farm, Cowdray Level of polo expected: High goal

“Fortune has played throughout The JaegerLeCoultre Gold Cup with me. She played in all five of my games, and went really well every time – in most matches I actually doubled her. Mileage wise, she has been lucky as she hasn’t had to travel too far – two of our games were where she is stabled at Manor Farm, whilst one was opposite at Cowdray’s Brooksfield and two were on Lawns.

“She was meant to play The Coronation Cup with James Beim – he rode her the week previous to the International and liked her – but unfortunately she went lame the day before. Because of that she is having a few days off at the moment, but the plan is that she will be back playing in time for the first two weeks of August as I am playing in some 12 and 15 Goal. After that, around 16 August, she will go back home and I will turn her out for the winter.”

July Overview Number of chukkas played: 5 match chukkas, 8 practices Number of miles travelled: 7.2 miles (2 x trips to Lawns, and 1 x trip to Brooksfield) Cost this month: Shoeing £70 Total cost: £70 Polo Times, August 2015

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Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Nutrition Case Study Name: Bongwee Age: 13-years-old Breed: Thoroughbred Level: Previously played high goal On June 2nd visited 1 goaler Jack Mesquita’s ponies and his groom, Trust introduced me to Bongwee, who had just arrived. He was already fit and went straight into playing matches in medium and low goal polo with Jack.

He was lacking some condition and top line muscle and his previous feeding regime was unknown, as were his temperament and energy requirements. We decided to keep his diet simple – calorific but with adequate energy to continue playing and without too much ‘quick releasing’ energy from oats…so we fed him the following:

Ration per day (split over two feeds): 3 round bowl Stubbs scoops of Baileys No.4 Top Line Conditioning Cubes 2 mugs of Baileys Performance Balancer 2 scoops of Baileys Digest Plus prebiotic As much haylage as possible!

utilise the fibre in his diet more efficiently, as he is looking quite tucked up and hollow in the flanks.

• As usual, haylage is fed ad lib to help put on condition and assist with the function and health of the hind gut.

• Top Line Conditioning Cubes form the basis of the ration, providing calories to put on some condition and to provide adequate amounts of energy whilst he is still needing to play and perform.

• Performance Balancer has been added to ‘top up’ his ration with proteins, vitamins and minerals to support his work load and ensure he is on a balanced diet to continue building his muscle.

• Digest Plus prebiotic helps beneficial bacteria in the hind gut to digest and

In four weeks he has begun to change shape and look a lot stronger with more top line, muscle and general condition over his ribs, whilst still playing regular competitive polo. There is still room for improvement over his top line but the progress in a month, whilst still playing polo 3-4 times per week, is quite considerable.

Although Bongwee arrived fit and ready to play, he was lacking some condition and top line muscle

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Polo Times, August 2015

Bongwee continued to gain condition alongside being played 3-4 times per week

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Equipment Focus: Bits

Knowledge

Player Q&A: Happy Tongue Bits In this continuation of the Polo Times bitting series, Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a reader’s question on bits Question: I have heard about Happy Tongue bits – what are they, and are they related at all to Happy Mouths?

Are they popular in polo?

MD, Ascot Answer: Happy Tongue is a mouthpiece designed

by South African loriner Bomber Nel, for his Bombers Equestrian range, with a medium port that creates a space for the tongue, relieving pressure and allowing the horse to relax. It is made from sweet iron, and is no relation to the Happy Mouth bits, which are made from a polymer plastic.

A horse evading bit pressure on its tongue, for example by shaking the head or getting the tongue over the bit, is usually trying to escape the bit due to a sensitive tongue. Bomber designed Happy Tongue bits especially for these horses, and created several cheekpiece options (see further below).

Young horses especially can draw their tongue back and over the bit, and can be very sensitive in the mouth – their gums can get quite sore. These bits are very nice for a youngster, as they can’t flip their tongue over the bit due to the Happy Tongue’s wide port – it sits nicely in their mouths. They’re also good for horses with big tongues, as the port gives them more room.

The Happy Tongue mouthpiece would be a good place to start if your horse is shaking its head, sticking its tongue out, trying to put its tongue over the bit, going behind the bit to avoid the contact, or snatching the reins forward and down.

There is a range of polo bits available with this mouthpiece, including Three Ring, Big Ring Gag, Pelham, Petros Three Ring, Petros Pelham, Spinner ‘Chaplin’ Pelham and T-Bar Three Ring.

This mouthpiece is becoming increasingly popular in polo, as riders’ awareness of equine mouth comfort and its effects on performance and obedience increases.

South African loriner, Bomber Nel

Polo Big Ring Gag Happy Tongue O

Polo Big Ring Gag Gavin Chaplin O

Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.

Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using the ‘design your own bit’ service at www.bombersbits.co.uk.

Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron – the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth.

This encourages the horse to salivate. Call Equine Management on 01825 840 002.

Knowledge

Hydration Focus

Dr David Marlin spoke at the HPA Welfare AGM earlier this year about the importance of hydration for the performance and wellbeing of polo ponies. His research looks into how much water performance horses need, the myths many of us hear regarding watering horses and how to keep your ponies hydrated. David’s expertise and work have taken him around the world following the completion of his PhD from Loughborough University.

He has held numerous positions and worked with and for; Luca Cumani, Animal Health Trust, The FEI, Hong Kong Jockey Club, International Olympic Committee, Senior Scientist and Head of Physiology at the Animal Health Trust and The World Class Performance Scientific Advisory Group. David is also the founder and CEO of equine feed supplement company, Science Supplements.

Hydration in Polo Water is the first requirement for life. We all know that you can survive weeks without food but only a matter of days without water. Water is a strange substance. It is the only substance that can be found as a liquid, a vapour and a solid on earth. Of all the water on earth, that’s 326 billion cubic miles, only 0.3% is useable by living creatures and pure water is colourless, odourless and tasteless. Interestingly, no water has been added or taken away from the planet since the beginning of time – all water on earth has been recycled. The water we drink today is the same water drunk by, and which passed through, the dinosaurs.

Like ourselves, horses are more water than anything else; around two-thirds of a horse’s weight is water, so a 400-500kg polo pony will contain around 250-300 litres of water. Of this, around two-thirds is inside the cells of the body (intracellular fluid) and

one-third is outside the cells (extracellular fluid). Of this fluid outside the cells, around 40% is in the circulation (blood) and around 50% is in the gastro-intestinal tract (oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine). And finally, around 60% of the water in the gastro-intestinal tract is in the large intestine (hindgut).

When it comes to the different organs, there are some differences in water content.

Perhaps surprisingly, the lungs are around 90% water, which is strange for an organ that is the main cause of drowning. The high water content of the lung is the reason why doctors encourage us to drink when we have colds and particularly if we have a lung infection, to prevent secretions becoming thick due to reduced water content. Similarly, the brain is 70% water, but is very sensitive to dehydration; almost all of the symptoms of a hangover are due to dehydration of the brain!

A 400-500kg polo pony will contain around 250-300 litres of water.

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Polo Times, August 2015

How much water does a healthy horse need each day? It depends mainly on the water content of the feed (horses on dry feed will drink more), the level of exercise and the climate. The harder horses work and the warmer it is, the more they will drink. Water consumption in horses typically varies between 25 to 75 litres per day or one and a half to five buckets per day!

In referring to water, most people will be familiar with the term dehydration. This is when the horse has less water in the body than it should have. Dehydration causes a number of things to happen.

These may include raised adrenaline levels, increased heart rate, decreased gastro-intestinal motility, increased risk of heat stroke and decreased capacity to exercise. When the body has the right amount of water we call this euhydration.

Occasionally the horse can experience short periods of hyperhydration. This is when there is more water in the body than there should be and as a result the kidneys begin to excrete water to bring the level back to normal.

Essentially the control of hydration is fairly straightforward. It depends mainly on sensors (specialised groups of cells) within the circulation that measure sodium concentration and blood pressure. These sensors tell the brain what’s happening and the brain communicates with the kidneys by releasing hormones which travel to the kidneys in the bloodstream. If there is too little water, the kidneys produce less urine and it is more concentrated, becoming darker and thicker. If there is too much water, then the kidneys try to get rid of excess water by excreting light and watery, less concentrated, urine. However, any production of urine results in the loss of the major electrolytes, including sodium, www.polotimes.co.uk

Hydration Focus

Knowledge

Time course of dehydration ...hot weather + traveling 0 -1

+ VE effect on performance

-2 % Dehydration

-3 -4 -5 -6

- VE effect on performance

-7 -8 -9 6am

9am Normal

potassium, chloride, magnesium and calcium. Electrolytes are also lost each day in sweat and in faeces, which is why horses require daily regular electrolyte supplementation when in any form of work.

Interestingly, sodium is the main electrolyte that regulates hydration in horses, as well as many other crucial functions, however its levels are low in forages and horse feeds in general.

So when does dehydration have an effect on performance? In short duration events such as showjumping, dressage and shorter distance horse races, slight dehydration does not have an adverse effect on performance. This is because the horse usually, when allowed free and unrestricted access to water, has a large volume of water in the large intestine. If water intake is restricted and or if water loss is increased, for example through sweating either during exercise or even travelling, some of the water is moved from the hindgut into the circulation. The priority for the body is to keep the circulation hydrated. Otherwise the heart must work harder, more adrenaline is released and exercise performance is reduced. In fact, in theory if a horse is 1-2% dehydrated, it is equivalent to a loss in bodyweight of 5-10kg in a 500kg horse, (1 litre water = 1 kg), it will have less weight to carry

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12pm Warm Day

and so exercise performance could be slightly improved. Racehorse trainers in particular may try to gain advantage from slight dehydration as it can also reduce the severity of Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage, known as EIPH or bleeding.

Intentional dehydration does however carry some risks. The first is different horses have different tolerances.

One horse may be unaffected by 3% dehydration whilst another may already be affected by 1%. As we have already discussed, dehydration raises heart rate and adrenaline and reduces exercise performance. It also increases the risk of colic, as the gut requires sufficient water to function and particularly with respect to avoiding impaction colics. Dehydration may also increase the risk of tying-up, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

So when it comes to polo, what role might hydration play? As polo is played in the summer, travelling and standing outside in warm weather could mean that many ponies start games slightly dehydrated, particularly if water has been withheld for several hours beforehand. Again, for some ponies, this may have a negative effect on their performance and increase the risk of colic. To relate to dehydration as a rider and to imagine how the horse may react, remember that 90% of the feeling of a hangover is due to dehydration!

When it comes to recovery and

3pm

6pm

Warm + Travel

rehydration after a game, there is no reason to withhold water from ponies. In fact, the ponies thirst will be highest immediately when it finishes playing and returns to the lines. There has been a myth that allowing horses to drink after hard training or competition leads to colic. Many controlled scientific studies and surveys show that this does not occur. In fact, the longer water is withheld the greater the risk of colic. There is also a myth that allowing drinking immediately after exercise leads to laminitis, but again there is absolutely no evidence to support this.

In order to appreciate how important hydration is to sport performance, we only need to observe how aggressively hydration is now managed in professional human sport. In polo, significant dehydration could occur in ponies travelled and stood outside in warm weather prior to playing that may reduce their performance.

Failure to allow them to rehydrate after games could also lead to increased risk of colic and other health problems. Similarly, failure to feed electrolytes on a regular daily basis can lead to chronic depletion and imbalance, which will also have a negative impact on hydration and health.

Dr David Marlin Email: dm@davidmarlin.co.uk Website: davidmarlin.co.uk or sciencesupplements.co.uk

Polo Times, August 2015

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Knowledge

Equine Legal Advice

Revenge of Ragwort Lottie Goldstone, a Solicitor Advocate at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, looks into the legalities of ragwort control Ragwort… the very word makes me shiver with contempt. I can feel my back aching the more I think about it. Yes, that evil yellow plant has caused me hours, days, and months of grief like many other horse owners yanking the roots ruthlessly from the soil in the summer months. We are all too familiar with the crinkly leaves, bright yellow flower and the potentially fatal effect if ingested by our horses. This has been drummed into us as a mantra by our parents right from the word go just as soon as we were grown-up enough to pick up a body brush and a head collar. In fact I have trained my 3-year-old son to be chief ragwort spotter in the field and he is very proud of this title. But aside from this and on a more serious note, it is important to know precisely who is responsible for removing the ragwort from fields if they are tenanted and who is liable if it is found in hay.

The first point is to identify which statutes are relevant in this instance. Common ragwort (Senecio jacodaea) is one of the five plants named as an injurious weed under the provisions of the Weeds Act 1959. The Act states: (1) “Where the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (in this act referred to as ‘the Minister’) is satisfied that there are injurious weeds to which this act applies growing upon any land he may serve upon the occupier of the land a notice, to take such action as may be necessary to prevent the weeds from spreading.”

(1) “This act applies to the following injurious weeds, that is to say – “Spear Thistle Creeping or Field Thistle Broad Leaved Dock Ragwort”

Cutting and wilting makes ragwort more palatable to horses

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Polo Times, August 2015

Under the 1959 Act the offending occupier can be fined. Enforcement action can be taken and the land can be entered and the ragwort removed at the occupier’s cost. It is entirely possible for adjoining land owners to take action where ragwort is not being properly controlled. The primary responsibility for controlling common ragwort lies with the occupier of the land as stated within the Act. Occupier simply means the person who is entitled to occupy the land thereby encompassing an individual who has leased the land for grazing. In addition a livery yard, which has rented some adjoining fields would also be classed as the ‘occupier’ for the purposes of the Act. There is also the potential liability that may arise under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, whereby the person responsible for the horse can be liable for allowing their animal to suffer unnecessarily – in this instance by taking unsatisfactory steps in order to effectively control the spread of ragwort.

Section 9 of the Act is also relevant as it encompasses both future and past suffering, thereby meaning that it is largely irrelevant that the fact that the horse may not be showing any symptoms of poisoning and this does not constitute as a defence under the 2006 Act. The onus is on each individual to control ragwort. It is deemed to be a personal responsibility as in, whilst the livery yard owner renting the adjoining fields is perhaps primarily responsible for controlling the ragwort, the individual horse owners are also potentially liable for this not being done and responsibility is very much shared.

Dried, dead ragwort hiding in hay can be very hard to detect when feeding forage to horses and if a link can be established between ragwort poisoning and ragwort being present in the hay then there is course for action against the supplier of the hay. Farmers need to be mindful of this fact and vigilant when removing every visible strand of ragwort prior to haymaking. Potential claims can be ugly and expensive. Overall it is expected and assumed that all land owners, occupiers and managers will cooperate and take collective responsibility for ensuring that effective control of the spread of ragwort is achieved.

The deadly pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in ragwort are toxic compounds that principally

When pulling ragwort, care must be taken to remove the root, unlike the ragwort-puller in this picture gloves must always be worn

cause the damage to the liver (cirrhosis) that, as we know, can lead to death in horses.

Whilst horses are particularly susceptible to the effects of ragwort poisoning we need to be careful ourselves when handling the plant as well. Whilst one would hope that one is not going to accidentally ingest the plant, even handling it can release the toxins into your body, which can have a detrimental effect on your health.

An additional statute, the Ragwort Control Act 2003 does provide a code of practice on ragwort, however it does not actually place any further legal responsibilities on land owners to control the plant.

It is interesting to note that whilst from a very young age we are told to wear full body armour then rip it from the soil and burn it ceremoniously, the ancient Greeks had a very different approach and used it as an aphrodisiac, a gargle for ulcerated mouths and throats and as a cure for lung and bronchial infections. That said I will not be trying the alternative uses of ragwort and I shall continue to charge at it from across the field with my ragwort fork ready for battle. We all have a duty to control this noxious plant.

For more information call Lottie on 07725 240233 or email her at lgoldstone@hcrlaw. com. As the recognised legal partner of the HPA, all HPA members are entitled to 15 minutes of free legal advice with Lottie and a 10% reduction in fees upon initial instruction.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Ragwort Rears Its Ugly Head Ragwort is the bane of every horse owner’s life at this time of year as the plant has grown, flowered and made its presence known in fields and corrals.

Ragwort is generally considered by horticulturists as a biennial, but it can exhibit perennial tendencies. Damage to the plant near the roots, such as mowing or the breaking off of the stems, can cause the plant to behave like a perennial. This only adds to the frustration when you come to remove the plant from your fields, as topping paddocks or simply snapping the stems off will only make the situation worse. The whole plant, including the roots, needs to be pulled from the ground. When you do come to clear your fields, be careful to wear gloves as the toxins which effect your horses can also cause you damage in the long run. The plant can flower from June through to November and one plant alone can produce up to 120,000 seeds.

The alkaloids in the plant are what

causes the damage to horses, cattle and even sheep and pigs. Horses don’t tend to eat it fresh as they find the taste is bitter, but when ragwort is dry and cut in hay the taste is less obvious and more palatable and therefore a greater danger. Horses may resort to eating ragwort when other sources of food are scarce, so if you keep your horses in corrals where you choose to regulate their food intake then ragwort may pose a more significant danger than horses grazed in large fields with plenty of grass.

The alkaloids, over time, cause damage to the liver of horses causing cirrhosis.

Symptoms include: • Yellow mucus membranes (gums and whites of the eyes) • Weight loss • Abdominal pain or colic • Diarrhoea The build up of toxins in the horse’s body due to poor liver function can also cause horses to display a change in behaviour

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as the brain becomes affected by the toxins left in the blood. These neurological symptoms include: • Head pressing (often against a stable wall) • Lethargy • Loss of coordination • Continuous circling • Aimless walking • Aggressiveness • Seizures If you are at all concerned, you should contact your vet for further advice.

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Metropolitan Polo Club An Exceptionally Refined World at Your Service www.metropolitanpoloclub.com Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, 16 Hai Tai Hua Ke Jiu Lu, Bin Hai Gao Xin Qu, Tianjin 30384, China.

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Gossip

The high goal season may have only just finished, but Polo Times has already heard murmuring of what we can expect to see come the 2016 season. If rumours are true, one big change will be the move of 10 goaler, Pelon Stirling, to the Pailloncy’s HB side. Following six years with the Hanburys, it’s a fresh start for both Pelon and HB, as 2016 will be the first time they have hired a 10 goal player for the UK high goal. Another, and perhaps more surprising one are the whispers that Lyndon Lea’s Zacara will not be playing at all. Following their strong presence in recent years, surely they’re not ready to leave the UK high goal behind?

Argentine 1 goaler Guille O’Flaherty and Tashan Polo Manager, Posey Cottrell tied the knot on Saturday 11 July, surrounded by family and friends at West Hoathly. The reception was hosted at the Cottrell family seat in Turners Hill, West Sussex.

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

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

WHAT TO EXPECT

LANTO THE LAWYER Photograph courtesy of Polo In The Park

Photograph by www.katemurrellphotography.co.uk

AN ANGLOARGENTINE MARRIAGE

Sidelines

Having taken a break from polo, former Cowdray based 4 goaler, Lanto Sheridan, has recently completed his Law Course at Oxford University, achieving First-class Honours.

Congratulations Lanto!

A HUIDOBRITO IS ON THE WAY

Leading Chilean polo player Jaime Huidobro, who captained South America in this year’s Coronation Cup, is expecting a baby boy with his artist wife, Catalina. The couple have announced that their new arrival is due in November, and will be the first child for the Huidobros.

THE CHALLENGES CONTINUE

Bobby Melville, who successfully rowed the Atlantic back in 2013, has just completed yet another tough challenge. Melville, together with Sam Browne, his partner and Co-Founder of IGO Adventures, climbed to the summit of Ben Nevis as part of a Strive Challenge for Big Change. The great test involved a 50 miles run/ walk to the base of Ben Nevis, while on the final day they proceeded to hike to the top. The duo raised an impressive £3,000.

Polo Times has also heard that Bobby and Lucinda Lowe became engaged whilst holidaying in Italy.

Many congratulations!

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ÜBER TRIATHLON

A team of three Men – Sam Davies, Geordie Hilleary and Jamie Drummond-Moray – will be tested to their absolute limits when they attempt to complete a gruelling three day challenge set in the Highlands of Scotland, in order to raise money and awareness fror Combat stress. It’s not too late to donate on their JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/5menandaubertriathlon Polo Times, August 2015

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Sidelines

Rosie Day, Alice Syke & Antonia Thomas

Helena Bowen-Green & Dean Andrews

Hannah John-Kamen & Georgina Campbell

The Audi Polo Challenge; Cambridge County Polo Club; Friday 3 July

True Sporting Style HRH The Duke of Cambridge played at the exclusive event hosted by Cambridge County Polo Club on Friday 3 July.

Two teams, Audi Ultra and Audi Quattro, took to the pitch in red and white Audi shirts to raise money for the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust and Skillforce, a charity that works in partnership with schools and ex-service personnel to inspire young people to succeed. Over 300 guests enjoyed afternoon tea and the chance to watch the polo match, which ended 6-6 after an intense four chukkas.

Post-match, guests which included Eddie Redmayne, Clive Owen, Matt Smith, Jack O’Connell, Douglas Booth, Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer were entertained by upand-coming singer Ella Eyre, following a delicious dinner with food provided by Angela Hartnett.

This is the first time that Audi has held its polo day at Cambridge County Polo Club, although previous incarnations of the event have already raised over £1.7 million for various charities.

Hannah Bagshawe & Eddie Redmayne

Matt Smith, Anna Paquin & Stephen Moyer

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Photographs by Dave Bennett

Wallis Day

HRH The Duke of Cambridge & Eddie Redmayne

Hannah Arterton & Sophie Rundle

Polo Times, August 2015 Ella Eyre Megan O’Connell, Tonya Meli, Alison O’Connell, Jack O’Connell & Niall Dwyer

Douglas Booth

www.polotimes.co.uk Richard Rankin & Cara Theobold

Sidelines

Hon. Julia Kirkham

Ben Lee

Simon Holland

Steve & Gilly Lamprell, Melissa Stisted, Platina Tong & Brian Stein

The Charlie Stisted Memorial Trophy Shoot; Flemish Farm; Wednesday 1 July

Great Guns A beautifully sunny June day saw the 2015 Charlie Stisted Memorial Shoot kick-off in fine style. Contested in the memory of Charlie Stisted, the day saw excellent shooting by all, and a tough competition that was eventually won by the AFB 2 team.

AFB 2 beat stiff opposition to take home the trophy, presented by, Melissa Stisted.

In 2010, Guards was devastated by the sudden and tragic death of its longstanding and much-loved Chief Executive Charlie Stisted, who died in a helicopter crash in Northern Ireland.

Photographs by Tony Ramirez/ www.imagesofpolo.com

Brian Stein & Sir Edward Dashwood

Nina Quinn

Charlie & Will Hine

Lord Clifton Wrottesley, Urs Schwarzenbach & Doug MacGregor

www.polotimes.co.uk Antony Fanshawe, Susan Bailey & Neil Hobday

Mark Haden-Kellard

Tony Pidgley

Peter Webb

Alan Fall & George Digweed

Polo Times, August 2015

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Sidelines Hugh Richardson, Henry Foster, Moss Hamilton, Alex Walch, Mark Selway & Simon Goldstein

Siobhan Doherty, Ellie-May Doherty, Marion Doherty & Fiona Doherty

Live 24-Seven guests enjoying the refurbished QEII Pavillion

Ladies’ Day in association with Live 24-Seven; Dallas Burston Polo Club; Saturday 28 June

Lovely Ladies

Liz Taylor, winner of Best Dressed Lady, with Daniel Galvin

The day was all about Laurent-Perrier, pretty ladies, polo and parties. The lovely ladies of Warwickshire turned out dressed up for luncheons, dinner and dancing at the magnificent Dallas Burston Polo Club. A staggering 14 teams entered into The Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cup and The Stoneythorpe Cup. All the guests were treated to a great display of polo from The Hackett Army Team and the Army Reserves, who played against the HAC Polo Team for the Gentlemen’s Trophy. The day raised an incredible £27,000 for local charities, which included Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer and Stratford Eye Cancer wing. The auction, led by Antiques Roadshow’s Will Farmer, included items such as a Goodwood Revival Experience donated by Rolls-Royce, two business class tickets from Turkish Airlines, luxury bespoke treatments from G-Labs and a five night stay with Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Postpresentation, polo goers stayed on to dance through the night in the new DBPC L-P Bar. Photographs by Daniel Buxton & Jonathan Wain

Will Farmer led the charity auction

Katie McPhillimey Editor of Live 24 Seven

Balls-a-flying in front of the ruins

Treading-in time on the Red Ground

Henry Fisher & James Beim

Chris Hyde

Cowdray Park Polo Manager Chris Bethell

Peter Cuttress from Lexington, Giles Rowley from Rolls-Royce & John Mayo from Quilter Cheviot

Sue Harkness-Bell & Hen Caroline Robinson

Liz Higgins & Dr Lorena Rodriguez

International Cricket Match; Cowdray Park; Friday 26 June

Sticks to Stumps

Charlie Hanbury & Jim Gilmour

96 Jack PoloRichardson Times, August 2015for bowling Cowdray Park Polo Club

Polo players Tom Morley, Chris Hyde, Hissam Ali Hyder, Ollie Cudmore, Jack Richardson and Lanto Sheridan swapped their polo sticks for the cricket stumps by Lawns 1, with the Cowdray Estate ruins as a back drop and plenty of rum punch flowing in the Clubhouse. Malcolm ‘should-have-been-a-bowler’ Borwick captained the Cowdray Park Polo Club side to win against Midhurst Cricket Club. Barbados Tourism sponsored the evening and, fittingly, the Barbados High Commissioner, Guy Hewitt, was guest of honour. His plus one for the evening was 6’ 8” Barbadian Joel ‘The Bird’ Garner, former West Indies bowler – no pressure for the likes of Hyde and Borwick to perform. Sir Charles ‘Cow’ Williams, founder of Apes Hill Club who entered an all-pro team in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup this year and Kyle Gittens from Barbados Tourism presented the prizes.

Photographs by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Former West Indian bowler, Joel Garner with Guy Hewitt, High Commissioner for Barbados

Paddy Bangham

www.polotimes.co.uk Ollie Cudmore

Sidelines

Neil Hobday & Peter Bond

Dirk Van Reenen, Malcolm Borwick & Ralph Richardson

Kenney Jones, Platina Tong & Brian Stein

Sam Phelps, Fiona Paterson, Philippa Cadogan & Alastair Paterson with polo hounds Frazzle & Honk

Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Final; Cowdray Park Polo Club; Sunday 19 July

Golden Sunshine

Josh Powner & Jason Cooper

Stuart MacTaggart, Victoria MacTaggart & Mark Hayden-Kellard

With the Polo Times team on-hand with refreshments at their Poda, the crowds gathered to watch King Power Foxes and UAE battle it out to be crowned British Open champions on Sunday 19 July. Despite the somewhat gloomy forecasts of rain, the English weather turned on the sunshine and bathed the Cowrday ruins in glorious light.

With suncream and sunhats at the ready, the stands filled up with those eager to cheer on the teams, including an especially large contingent supporting King Power Foxes’ Hugo Lewis. With both the Pieres brothers battling it out against their cousin Pablo MacDonough, it truly was a family affair. There was something for everyone in the trade stand, from cashmere to wooden sculptures.

Photographs by Polo Times

Rich Swayne, Peter Vickery, Michael Vickery, Martín Perez & Tom Vickery

Sergio Silva

Pat Lewis, Joanna Lewis, Prue Mesquita, Phillip Ainsworth, Mandy Ainsworth & Tim Lewis

Chris Berkett, Katy Slatford, Claudia Buck, Amy Larsson, Suzie Blunt, Naomi Thomas, Katie Vickery, Emma Hales & Sophie Turner

Polo Times, August 2015

www.polotimes.co.uk The Polo Times ‘Poda’ was busy all day long

Roddy Williams, Facundo Pieres & Seyi Tinubu

Brigadier John & Christiana Wright

Chris Bell, George Meyrick & Sam Greenwood

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Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

What’s on in August 2015 UK highlights – Listed in date order Autumn Victor Ludorum 15 Goal

Cirencester – The County Cup (12-15): 4 – 16 August RCBPC – Autumn 15 Goal Victor Ludorum (12-15): 18 – 29 August

12 Goal

Guards – The Duke of Wellington Trophy (6-12): 4 – 15 August Cirencester – Cheltenham Cup (8-12): August 25 – 6 September Cowdray – Autumn Cup (8-12): 7 – 20 September For our Victor Ludorum update please turn to page 45.

High Goal

Guards – Duke of Cornwall (12-16): 1 – 23 August

Intermediate 10-12 Goal Cowdray – Midsummer 12 Goal (8-12): 3 – 22 August Guards – Autumn Nations (10-12): August 27 – 12 September

10 Goal

RCBPC – Polo Festival (7-10): July 28 – 9 August Beaufort – The Non-Playing Members Trophy (0-10): July 31 – 9 August Cirencester – Chairman’s Cup (6-10): 13 – 23 August RCBPC – 7-10 Goal Open Tournament (7-10): 26 – 31 August

8 Goal

Cowdray – Holden White Challenge Cup (4-8): July 20 – 2 August Guards – Town & Country Championship (4-8): July 21 – 9 August Beaufort – Winchenford Bowl (4-8): 4 – 15 August Cowdray – Brecknock Cup (4-8): 4 – 23 August Kirtlington – The Oxfordshire Bowl (4-8): 18 – 23 August Cirencester – Wilson Trophy (4-8): 22 – 31 August

6 Goal

Fifield – Von Hanstein Cup (2-6): 8 – 9 August Kirtlington – Budgett Everett Trophy (2-6): July 28 – 9 August Kirtlington – Seeneys Tournament (2-6): 11 – 16 August New Forest – Blue Jackets Summer Tournament (4-6): 13 – 16 August

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Polo Times, August 2015

RCBPC – 4-6 Goal Open Tournament (4-6): 13 – 16 August Guards – The Flemish Farm Trophy (2-6): 11 – 22 August Beaufort – Somerville Livingstone-Learmonth (0-6): 11 – 23 August DBPC – The Burma Bowl (2-6): 18 – 23 August Ham – Roehampton Cup (2-6): 11 – 23 August Knepp – Sotherby’s, Lycetts and Savills 6 Goal (0-6): 22 – 24 August Binfield – Polo Manager’s Trophy (4-6): 29 – 30 August Rugby – The Towns Trophy (2-6): 25 – 30 August Cowdray – West Sussex Cup (6): 11 – 31 August Cirencester – Kingscote Cup (2-6): August 25 – 5 September

4 Goal

Cambridge County – Fen Tiger Tournament (0-4): 8 – 9 August Cowdray – Lodsworth Cup (4): July 27 – 9 August Lacey Green – Icarus Cup (2-4): 8 – 9 August Rugby – The Miller Cup (0-4): 8 – 9 August Tidworth – Kings Royal Hussars’ Cup (2-4): 8 – 9 August Vaux Park – August Challenge (2-4): 8 – 9 August White Waltham – Adamas Tournament (2-4): 8 – 9 August Beverley – BPC Anniversary (1-4): 14 – 16 August Binfield – Chairman’s Trophy (0-4): 15 – 16 August Cheshire – Indart Cup (0-4): 15 – 16 August Cirencester – Jack Williams Cup (0-4): 4 – 16 August Dundee – Highland Ball Tournament (0-4): 15 – 16 August Edgeworth – Last Days of the Raj (0-4): 15 – 16 August Guards – The Cottingham Cup (2-4): 4 – 16 August Offchurch Bury – The Prancing Ponies Tournament (0-4): 15 – 16 August Ranelagh – Copa Argentina (2-4): 15 – 16 August Westcroft Park – Surreys Hills Summer Cup in aid of Surrey Air Ambulance (4): 13 – 23 August Burningfold – Alfold Bowl (0-4): 20 – 23 August Cambridge – Cambridge Polo Club League (0-4): May 23 – 23 August Druids Lodge – Druids Rose Bowl (3-4): 22 – 23 August Fifield – Jo Hamed Memorial Trophy (0-4): 22 – 23 August Lacey Green – Bank Holiday Cup (0-4): 22 – 23 August

Taunton – Friar Park Cup (2-4): 22 – 23 August Cirencester – Ponting Pot (0-4): 18 – 30 August Cambridge County – Harvest Hawkie Tournament (0-4): 29 – 30 August Cheshire – Newhall Cup (0-4): 29 – 30 August Kirtlington – The Lousada Trophy (0-4): 18 – 30 August Lacey Green – The Bucks Trophy Centre Cup (0-4): 29 – 30 August Tidworth – Frost Cup (0-4): 29 – 30 August Edinburgh – Edinburgh Autumn Tournament (0-4): 30 – 31 August

2 Goal

Burningfold – Burningfold 2 Goal (0-2): 3 – 6 August Binfield – August Tournament (-2-2): 8 – 9 August Cheshire – Knight’s of Anvil Bowl (0-2): 8 – 9 August Druids Lodge – The Harvest Cup (1-2): 8 – 9 August Edgeworth – The Amir Trophy (0-2): 8 – 9 August Hurtwood – Erin’s Plate (-2-2): 8 – 9 August Kirtlington – Dashwood Trophy (-2-2): 5 – 9 August Lacey Green – Icarus Cup (0-2): 8 – 9 August Ranksboro – Ranksboro 2 Goal (0-2): 8 – 9 August RCBPC – Polo Festival (-2-2): July 28 – 9 August Sussex – Imperial Gun Company (-2-2): 8 – 9 August Taunton – Claque Cup (0-2): 8 – 9 August White Rose – Yorkshire Open (0-2): 8 – 9 August Epsom – General’s Cup (-2-2): 15 – 16 August Longdole – Planet Pursuits Tournament (-2-2): 15 – 16 August Tidworth – Seriously Cool Events Canada Cup (0-2): 15 – 16 August Westcroft Park – Surreys Hills Summer Cup in aid of Surrey Air Ambulance (2): 13 – 23 August Binfield – Alpha Suisse (0-2): 22 – 23 August Hurtwood – Club Friendly Tournament (-2-2): 20 – 23 August Ranelagh – Copa Corona (0-2): 22 – 23 August Sussex – Terence Lent Trophy (-2-2): 22 – 23 August Vaux Park – Chairman’s Cup (-2-2): 22 – 23 August White Waltham – Carlitos Polo Bronze 3 Day Tournament (0-2): 22 – 23 August Edgeworth – Stroud Farm Services 2 Goal (0-2): 22 – 30 August Guards – Major Generals Trophy (0-2): 28 – 30 August Kirtlington– August Chukka Cup (-2-2): 27 – 31 August

1 Goal

Rutland – The Riddles Cup (-3-1): 29 – 30 August

0 Goal

Burningfold – Loxwood Cup (0): 6 – 9 August Cambridge County – Fen Tiger Tournament (-4-0): 8 – 9 August www.polotimes.co.uk

Dates for Your Diary New Forest – Punch Bowl Trophy (-6-0): 9 August Ranelagh – Chairman’s Trophy (-2-0): 8 – 9 August Rugby – The WPPG Cup (-4-0): 8 – 9 August Silver Leys – Print On Demand (-2-0): 8 – 9 August Beverley – The Karen Cup Charity Tournament (-2-0): 14 – 16 August Hurtwood – August Challenge (0): 15 – 16 August Kirtlington – Rousham Trophy (-6-0): 14 – 16 August Offchurch Bury – The Prancing Ponies Tournament (-4-0): 15 – 16 August Sussex – Sussex Polo Cup (-4-0): 15 – 16 August Tidworth – Seriously Cool Events Canada Cup (-4-0): 15 – 16 August Vaux Park – Sponsors Tournament (-4-0): 15 – 16 August White Waltham – Carugh Cup (-4-0): 15 – 16 August Cambridge – Cambridge Polo Club League (-6-0): May 23 – 23 August Cheshire – The Harlequins Trophy (-1-0): 22 – 23 August DBPC – The President’s Cup (-4-0): 22 – 23 August Eastwood – Eastwood Charity Shield (-2-0): 22 – 23 August Lacey Green – Bank Holiday Cup (-2-0): 22 – 23 August Moyne – Moyne Plate (-2-0): 22 – 23 August Silver Leys – John Mathies Memorial Cup (-2-0): 22 – 23 August Tidworth – Druids Sickle Gentlemen’s Tournament (-4-0): 22 – 23 August Binfield – Polo Manager’s Trophy (-4-0): 29 – 30 August Cambridge County – Harvest Hawkie Tournament (-4-0): 29 – 30 August Hurtwood – Back to School Challenge (-4-0): 29 – 30 August Lacey Green – The Bucks Trophy Centre Cup (-2-0): 29 – 30 August New Forest – Siamese Cup (-6-0): 29 – 30 August Rugby – The BB Challenge (-4-0): 29 – 30 August Sussex – Back to School Trophy (-4-0): 29 – 30 August Taunton – Silverwood Trophy (-2-0): 29 – 30 August White Waltham – Arena Tournament (-2-0): 29 – 30 August West Wycombe – Lakeside Cup (-4-0): 29 – 30 August Ranelagh – September Cup (-2-0): 29 – 31 August

Below 0 Goal

Cheshire – Waverley Healthcare Cup (-4- -1): 8 – 9 August White Rose – Yorkshire Open (-5- -1): 8 – 9 August Silver Leys – Print on Demand (-6- -2): 8 – 9 August Ranskboro – Ranksboro -2 Goal (-6- -2): 8 – 9 August www.polotimes.co.uk

Sussex – Imperial Gun Company (-6- -2): 8 – 9 August Tuanton – The Lo Wu Cup (-6- -2): 8 – 9 August Tidworth – King’s Royal Hussars’ Cup (-6- -2): 8 – 9 August White Rose – Yorkshire Open (-7- -6): 8 – 9 August FHM – Essinghigh Trophy (-8- -4): 15 August Cheshire – Hollies Farm Shop Trophy (-4- -1): 15 – 16 August Cheshire – CPC Trophy (-6- -2): 22 – 23 August New Forest – Stick and Ball Trophy (-6- -2): 22 – 23 August Silver Leys – John Mathies Memorial Cup (-6- -2): 22 – 23 August Sussex – Terence Lent Trophy (-6- -2): 22 – 23 August FHM – FSW Charity Day (-8- -4): 29 August Tidworth – Frost Cup (-6- -2): 29 – 30 August Cheshire – Heywood Trophy (-4- -1): 29 – 30 August West Wycombe – Lakeside Cup (-8- -4): 30 August

Combined Services

Guards – Major General’s Cup (0-2): 28 – 30 August Tidworth – AGC Cup (Open): 31 August

Polo directory

Save the Date Social Events Beaufort – Summer Party: 14 August Edgeworth – Summer Ball: 22 August

Save the Date Charity Events Beverley – The Karen Cup Charity Tournament (-2-0): 14 – 16 August Westcroft Park – Surreys Hills Summer Cup in aid of Surrey Air Ambulance (4): 13 – 23 August Eastwood – Eastwood Charity Shield (-2-0): 22 – 23 August BHPC – Charity Festival Day (Open): 26 August FHM – FSW Charity Day (-8- -4): 29 August

OPEN

Vale of York – Dickenson Wood/Canine Partners: 9 August Lacey Green – The Ridgeway Cup: 15 – 16 August Taunton – TVPC vs Lightbobs: 15 – 16 August Taunton – Polo Managers Choice: 15 – 16 August West Wycombe – WWPPC Friends Cup: 15 – 16 August Vale of York – Epworth Show Cup: 24 August Longdole – Longdole Junior Tournament: 28 August Druids Lodge – Druids Summer League (Midsummer Trophy): July 4 – 30 August

Overseas Highlights

Spain Santa Maria Polo Club – Bronze Cup Final (4-6, 10-12, 20-22): 13 August Santa Maria Polo Club – Silver Cup Final (4-6, 10-12, 20-22): 14 August Santa Maria Polo Club – Gold Cup Final (4-6, 10-12, 20-22): 29 August USA Santa Barbara – James Colt Classic (8): July 28 – 9 August Santa Barbara – USPA Lucchese Heritage Cup (16): July 29 – 9 August Santa Barbara – Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open (16): 12 – 30 August Germany Hessischer Polo Club – German Low Goal Championship (-2-2): 1 – 8 August Berliner Polo Club – 5th Berliner Jugendpolocup (TBC): 7 – 8 August Grömitz Seebrücke – Polo near the Beach

Royal Solutions Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page Royal Salute was first created to celebrate the Coronation of HM The Queen in 1953.

Women’s Polo For ladies polo highlights turn to our Women’s Polo section for a full list of dates and for all SUPA, Pony Club and Young England dates please turn to the Youth Polo section of the magazine.

Polo Times, August 2015

99

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

(-2-3): 7 – 9 August Polo Club Schleswig-Holstein – Euro Masters (0-8): 7 – 16 August Poloclub Mühlen – La Llovizna Polo Trophy (4-8): 14 – 16 August Maifeld Polo Club – Engel & Völkers Berlin Maifeld Cup (12-14): 21 – 30 August

Poland Sowiniec Polo Club – Sowiniec Polo Cup (8-12): 21 – 29 August

Netherlands Polo Club Midden – Polo El Portillo (4): 8 – 9 August Polo club Vreeland – SPN Kampioenschap (-4- -2 & 0-4): 15 – 16 August

France Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Côte d’Azur Polo Cup (8-10): 6 – 16 August Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Richard Mille Trophy (15-18): 6 – 16 August Deauville International Polo Club – Bronze Cup (6-8): 14 – 28 August Deauville International Polo Club – Ladies Charriol Polo Cup (4-8): 22 – 23 August

Italy Argentario Polo Club – Coppa Italia F.I.S.E (4-6): 4 – 16 August

Switzerland Gstaad – Hublot Polo Gold Cup: 13 – 16 August Polo Club de Veytay – Jaeger-LeCoultre Polo Masters Geneva: 19 – 30 August

Club contacts UK and Ireland

Polo Club Saint-Tropez – High Goal – Coupe Sponsorisée (15-18): 20 – 30 August Deauville International Polo Club – Gold Cup (14-16): 12 – 30 August Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly – Coupe de la Ferme d’Apremont (0-4): 29 – 30 August South Africa East Rand Polo Club – SA Championships: 21 – 23 August

Bloodstock Sales

Ascot – Brightwells Ascot August Sale: 18 August

* denotes winter arena polo venue hTo contact the HPA, tel: 01367 242828

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 1 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Leadenham Polo Club

01400 272885

jameshreeve@hotmail.com

All England Polo Club Hickstead* 01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Little Bentley

01206 250435

fred@littlebentleypark.co.uk

Ascot Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@polo.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Luton Hoo

07934 882713

info@poloprive.com

Apsley End

01462 712444

peter.pollak@btopenworld.com

Lychett Heath

01202 623985

office@lytchettpolo.co.uk

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alec@mhfpolo.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moyne

00353 85 1313224

moynepolo@hotmail.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

New Forest Polo Club

02380 811818

info@newforestpoloclub.co.uk

Blueys Polo Club*

0771 0558485

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07831 867334

robert@hellomxb.com

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepolo@icloud.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Cambridge County Polo Club

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

polo@ranelaghfarm.com

Cirencester Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Ranksboro Polo Club*

01572 723755

polojoe@hotmail.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbp.com

CSPA

01672 5649114

markcann@cspa.org.uk

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

RMAS-HQ-O&D-S03@mod.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Royal Navy Polo Club

07950 328097

jockiewilson@hotmail.co.uk

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

ella@dbpoloclub.com

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Rutland Polo Club

07920 521285

polomanager@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

gillian@glockhart.wanadoo.co.uk

Rockett’s Castle

00353 87 2520301

rockettscastlepolo@gmail.com

Eastwood

07875 743475

secretary@eastwoodpolo.co.uk

Rowley Park Polo Club*

07971 200160

carterlegeorge@hotmail.co.uk

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Silver Leys Polo Club

07535 697854

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

St. Albans Polo lub

07535 697854

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Suffolk Polo Club

07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Sussex Polo Club

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

FHM Polo Club

07778 436468

fhmpolo@yahoo.co.uk

SWF*

01962 885500

info@maywoodpolo.com

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs@supanet.com

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Heathfield Polo Club*

07762 069 420

info@heathfieldparkpolo.co.uk

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Vale of York Polo Club

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Higham Polo Club

07788 753948

sarah@highampoloclub.com

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club* 07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Inglesham Polo Club*

07818 508136

mattevetts@hotmail.com

White Rose Polo Club

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Wicklow Polo*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Lacey Green Polo Club

07947 725305

manager@laceygreenpoloclub.com

100 Polo Times, August 2015

www.polotimes.co.uk

Classifieds

Polo directory

Marketplace Ponies

Available for Stud Available for Stud Available for Stud Zorro 2003 Liver Chestnut 15.1hh Stallion Chess x Forrest Zorro 2003 Liverby Chestnut 15.1hh Stallion Chess x Forrest Jointly owned Mark Tomlinson he is now in his sixth Zorro 2003 Liver Chestnut 15.1hh Stallion Chess x Forrest season used as both a breeding and playing stallion.

PONY CLUB POLO PONY ALL Jointly owned by Mark Tomlinson he is now in his sixth ROUNDER 16yrs, 14.3hh Grey Mare Jointly owned by Mark Tomlinson he is now in his sixth season usedForrest, as both a breeding and playing Vice free, hacks alone/company.

His Dam, for Ellerston in thestallion.

UK. Can season used as bothplayed a breeding and playing stallion. jump. A steady, yet nippy, confidence Hissister, Dam, Forrest,owned played giving for played Ellerston in the UK. mare. 5* only £3,500in His full byhome Sapo Caset His Dam,Sativa, Forrest, playedand for Ellerston in the UK. Contact 07967 244433 New Forest/ the UK 2010 Gold Cup winning team, won best playing pony His full sister, Sativa, owned and played by Sapo Caset in Tidworth His full2011 sister, Sativa, owned and played by Sapo Caset in in the USPA 26 goal Piaget Gold Cup and went on to 16YRS 14.1HH CRIOLLO MARE the UK 2010 Gold Cup winning team, won best playing pony the UK 2010 Gold Cup winning team, won best playing pony excel in the Argentine Open in December 2012.

Experienced and tough little mare, in the 2011 USPA 26 goal Piaget Gold Cup and went on to to suitindecent rider getting in26 to goal Piaget Gold Cup and went on to theexcel 2011 USPA in the Open in December 2012. Centre polo.Zorro Always reads the game well. with Beaufort isexcel currently atArgentine stud Embryo Transfer in the Argentine Open in December 2012.

Cherished pony so potential homes in Westonbirt Gloucestershire, where chilled, fresh or frozen Zorro is currently at stud with Beaufort Embryo Transfer Centre will be vetted. £2,000 Contact Zorro is currently at stud with Beaufort Embryo Transfer Centre semen is available on request.

Westonbirt Gloucestershire, where chilled, fresh or frozen 07980in586694.

Cambridge in Westonbirt Gloucestershire, where chilled, fresh or frozen semen is available on request. semen isMark available on request. for more Please contact Tomlinson

information – Tel:Tomlinson 07971873599 Please contact Mark for more Please contact Mark Tomlinson for more information – Tel: 07971873599 information – Tel: 07971873599 RUOH\ HTXLQH 4XDUWHU SDJH SRUWUDLW 1(: LQGG RUOH\ HTXLQH 4XDUWHU SDJH SRUWUDLW 1(: LQGG 14.3HH QUARTER HORSE 8YRS RUOH\ HTXLQH 4XDUWHU SDJH SRUWUDLW 1(: LQGG

Super, genuine polo pony. Played up to 4 goal. Suit anyone who likes a compact agile pony. Good turn of speed and tough in a ride off yet easy enough for someone new to the game. £6,000 Contact 07980 586694. Cambridgeshire

15.1 TB GELDING 8 yrs, brilliant to do in every way, no vices. Very fast, easy to play. Currently being

played by 2 Goaler. £4,000 Stokenchurch, High Wycombe

SELECTION OF QUALITY HORSES FOR SALE AS PATRON GIVING UP All are versatile and have played everything from 0 goal to 15 goal. £8,000 - £15,000 Please contact Emily on 07816 830888 or emily@offarexpolo.co.uk for more information. Warwickshire

Please mention Polo Times when calling

OUTSTANDING TB POWERHOUSE Rocky, 15.3 7yo gelding played in first chukka in winning University team to 8 goal but will do more.

Featured in 2014/2015 PT running reports. Has amazing power, top WANTED - QUIET HACK Must be speed and is a wonderful hitting good in traffic, hacking alone and live out platform. Never hot and stunning without any fuss/ sweet itch etc. So if you to lookOUR at. Will a young and up OF RURAL NEWsuit FACILITY IN THE HEART WILTSHIRE IS NOW BOOKINGS have a pony that can TAKING no longer work hard and coming player or patron playing and fast... Not fizzy- I’m getting too old NEW FACILITYowing IN THEtoHEART IS NOW TAKING BOOKINGS at highOUR level. £12,000 high OF RURAL forWILTSHIRE that. Contact Ann at al99gold@ NEW FACILITY IN THE HEART OF RURAL WILTSHIRE IS NOW TAKING BOOKINGS talent. OUR Contact Rich on: yahoo.com W Berks 07969 456214 Gloucestershire

SPECIALISING IN THE BACKING OF YOUNG HORSES SPECIALISING IN THE BACKING OF YOUNG HORSES SPECIALISING IN THE BACKING OF YOUNG HORSES

01666 577 215 01666 01666 577 577 215 215

STEPHANIE GORE: +44 (0)7768 747 672 PERFECT PC POLO PONY 14.3h DARIO DALPONTE: (0)7442 214years 029old. Double STEPHANIE +44Bay (0)7768 747 672 Mare. 14 15:1HH BAY ARGENTINE MARE 18 GORE: Dark STEPHANIE GORE: +44 (0)7768 747arena 672and grass. chukkas and plays years being played by -1 lady arena and INFO@MORLEYEQUINE.CO.UK WWW.MORLEYEQUINE.CO.UK DARIO DALPONTE: +44 (0)7442 214 owner for 214 last 4029 years. Must go to grass. Easy and uncomplicated DARIOgood DALPONTE: Same +44 (0)7442 029

5WWW.MORLEYEQUINE.CO.UK star home. £2,500 Contact 07770 to hack. £1,000onoINFO@MORLEYEQUINE.CO.UK Contact 07785 INFO@MORLEYEQUINE.CO.UK 594455 WWW.MORLEYEQUINE.CO.UK 465885 Hertfordshire for more information. Herts www.polotimes.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk PT p64-65 Ones to watch MB.indd 3

Polo Times, June 2013

65

Polo Times, June 2013 65 Polo Times, June 2013 65 Polo Times, August 2015 101

17/05/2013 16

Marketplace

Marketplace Ponies • Equipment • Trucks • Tack

• Situations Vacant •

Ponies • Equipment • Trucks • Tack • Situations Vacant • Property

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Groom wanted for Wiltshire polo yard. Sole charge of 6 pones for 2014 season. Previous polo experience essential. Chance to play some chukkas etc. Reliability essential. On-site accommodation Tel: 0123 000000

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P M A

Amazing Bay Schoolmaster. 15.1HH English Thoroughbred gelding. 14 years old. True gentleman. Kind & easy to play. No vices. Ideal for low goal level.

Good to shoe, box, clip. Winters well and has always played sound. Full vetting welcome. Reluctant sale £8,000.

Northants. Tel: 0123 000000

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Amazing Bay Schoolmaster. 15.1HH English Thoroughbred gelding. 14 years old. True gentleman. Kind & easy to play. No vices. Ideal for low goal level.

Reluctant sale £8,000. Northants.

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Amazing Bay Schoolmaster. 15.1HH English Thoroughbred gelding. 14 years old. True gentleman. Kind & easy to play. No vices. Ideal for low goal level.

Good to shoe, box, clip. Winters textwell advert up to and has always played sound. Full 3x photos online vetting welcome. Reluctant sale £8,000.

Northants. Tel: 0123 000000

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Groom wanted for Wiltshire polo yard. Sole charge of 6 pones for 2014 season. Previous polo experience essential. Chance to play some chukkas etc. Reliability essential. On-site accommodation Tel: 0123 000000

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Amazing Bay Schoolmaster. 15.1HH English Thoroughbred gelding. 14 years text advertKind up &toeasy 30towords old. True gentleman. play. No vices.

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Polo directory

Classifieds

POLO RAT

Equipment

Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Tel: 07860 906032 2015 FOALS AVAILABLE from the imported polo playing Criollo stallion Arrayan Numa (has won a BPP). His first two fillies to play have also won a BPP. All the foals are roan (smart matching “pink” string available!)

Prices from £3,500 Please see www.chamfronstud.com for details.

Contact Mark on 07717146337 or email info@chamfronstud.com

2 EXCELLENT POLO PONIES FOR SALE Two very easy 15.2 15.3 ponies for sale. Aged 13 and 17. Played 2-15 goal for the last 3 seasons. Very fast and agile with soft mouths. Would suit patron, PC and young pro. £3,000-£6,000 Contact 01794 367415 or 07712 189740 Hampshire

Transport

Livery WINTER LIVERY FOR POLO PONIES Excellent grazing and hay/haylage available in Somerset. Contact 07588 963038 Somerset

Situations

Equipment

FAST ARGENTINE MARE IN FOAL 15.1h 11yo played first half of this season, tough sound pony, scanned in foal to quality playing stallion. £5,000 ono Contact josie on 07519 566140 Cheshire

HGV FIVE HORSE BOX WITH FULL LIVING Built by Tristar 4 years ago, excellent condition reluctant sale of DAF LF 12T, Serviced & MOT in MAY 2015 £24,750 Contact 07788 420340 Somerset

FABULOUS MARE OWNED BY CARLOS GRACIDA 15yo bay mare, 14.3h brought over to the UK and played by Argentinean player Carlos Gracida in 2006. Lovely temperament, solid and safe type, genuine reson for sale. Could fit any S to 0 goal player. She is fit and could be tried at White Walthem Polo Club, SL6 3SR. £3,500 Contact 07923 526348 or 07748 670587 Berkshire SL6 3SR

BEAUTIFUL POLO TRUCK Stalled for 4, separate toilet, living, too many extras to mention. 57 iveco chassis. private plate £21.500 Contact 07519 566140 Cheshire

SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm.

Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217

WOODEN POLO PONIES made in the UK by Madera Polo. Available to buy online at www.woodenpolohorse.com

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SUBSCRIPTION PRICES Print and digital subscription (inc App & Website access) 5 PONY LEYLAND DAF 4.4M Leyland Daf 4.4m horse area plus tack room. Good condition, new clutch and floor last year, fans, internal and ramp lights, easy drive, 12 months plating. £5,950 Contact 07770 526148 or email rebecca@ jollynice.org Gloucestershire

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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 THOROUGHBRED 15.3h Polo pony for sale. Fast, quick turn and super stop. Played up to medium goal. For competent rider. Reluctant sale. Wonderful temperament, easy to shoe, clip etc £5,000 Contact carol247@btinternet.com. Norfolk

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9 HORSE BOX VOLVO FL618 1998, S-Reg. MOT valid April 2016. TAXED to July 2015. Sleeping bed behind driver.

Lockable storage both sides, accessed from outside. £9,500 ovno Contact 07585 779338 Gloucestershire

Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Contact details Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk

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© Polo Times Limited 2015 and Database Right 2015

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, August 2015 103

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Max Charlton, England Coronation Cup Team Member

Watched by thousands of polo enthusiasts, Max Charlton recently made his debut in The Coronation Cup against South America. He is England’s most recent 7 goal player and one of the greatest players in English polo today. Here Polo Times talks to the talented 25-year-old to find out about his greatest achievements, toughest opposition and favourite holiday destination.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

What is your all time best polo memory?

Winning Best Professional Polo Player at the 2014 and the 2015 Polo Awards has been a proud moment for me.

Who are your favourite teammates and why?

I have really enjoyed playing both The Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup with VPS Healthcare/Sifani this year. We all get on so well and we have laughed a lot.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Hardest opponent?

Playing in the English high goal this season has meant I have faced many tough opponents but it’s been a fantastic opportunity to play on the best pitches against the best polo players in the world.

But, without doubt, Gonzalito who was playing for King Power Foxes was my hardest opponent.

Best pony and why?

Pixie, a 10-year-old Australian Thoroughbred – he is a very powerful type, and also very mischievous.

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

I love snowboarding in the winter and also watching Formula 1 – I am nearly as passionate about cars as I am about polo.

Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

What is your biggest passion and why?

Polo is my passion. It is not just my chosen sport, it’s my life.

Most prized possession?

My ponies – Pixie especially.

Are you passionately superstitious?

This is a sore subject because the answer is very much so. I think sport and the commitment and the drive you have to win can make any sportsman follow a ritual, or become superstitious in the run up to a game – maybe it’s linked to adrenaline. I definitely like to keep luck on my side prior to a game. I think many people in the sports world have a ritual they follow in order to get them into the right mind as they prepare ‘to take up the reins’ before their chosen game. I think Nadal, for example, is a classic example of this.

Favourite celebrity and why?

I admire Facundo Pieres and Cambiaso because they demonstrate in their play the talent and horsemanship you need to have to be 10 goals.

Describe yourself in three words…

Committed, competitive and driven.

Favourite film and why?

Rush (any car film will do it for me).

Favourite food/meal?

Spaghetti Bolognese and Milanese.

Favourite hobby outside of polo?

There is very little downtime during the season but when I have time I love to go to the cinema.

Best holiday destination?

My favourite destination is The One & Only in the Bahamas.

104 Polo Times, August 2015

www.polotimes.co.uk

S tal l i o n re ce n tl y arri ve d to the UK:

‘C L AR ION’ Cla r e t

x Night Ope ra

C

larion has been an integral part of the famous Ellerston Australia breed.

He has been used consistently for the past 6 years and already boast 40 playing horses of 5 years and below.

His Mother Claret (Pinky x Monty) won the Gold Cup best playing pony in 2006 with Gonzalito Pieres, and became very famous with Facundo Pieres in Argentina playing the Open 5 times. Pinky is mother to Dinghy, Burgundy, Champagne, Shiraz. Monty sired Music, Casa, Soprano. Claret is also the mother to Clarity, Open Cabernet, Classify, Clarify and Clark amongst others.

His father is Night Opera an Australian Thoroughbred, used extensively at Ellerston in Australia. He is sire to Husky, Clark, Samara and Caribbean amongst others.

Clarion is Full brother to Clark (Stallion). who played queens and gold cups in UK and Spain for the past two seasons with Pablo MacDonough, and is now in Argentina playing the Open with Pablo. Clark has many promising foals on the ground in the UK. Service Fee: First season offer £1,200 + VAT. Frozen semen also available.

jamesbeim@gmail.com +44 7808961541 For Terms and conditions visit: www.equineembryotransfer.co.uk Contact:

Magic in the Mountains

3780 Gstaad - Switzerland Phone: +41 33 748 50 00 info@palace.ch - www.palace.ch