Polo Times August 2020

Volume 25 • Issue 7 • August 2020 • £6.50

KING POWER GOLD CUP Next Generation Triumph KNIGHTS, COMMENTATING & POLO Karl Ude Martinez Interview WARWICKSHIRE CUP A Happy Hanbury PLUS: Foaling Tips, Electrolytes & Hydration Focus

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“Polo Times is undoubtedly the most influential contemporary polo magazine” Horace Laffaye

Contents Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside…

August 2020

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

Operations Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Marketing Manager Lottie McDonagh lottie@polotimes.co.uk

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Advertising Sales Richard Hine ads@polotimes.co.uk

Principal Design James Morgan

Additional Design Tony Ruddy

16 Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

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

News 4 4 10

All the Latest News Obituary: Kimberly Ayn Snider HPA News

Comment 14

Letters: Your Views & Social Media

Features Administration Assistant

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Lynne Berry

Reports 22 26 30

Contributors: Ellie Dalton , Lorna Edgar, Rob Gould, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Rege Ludwig, Dr. Marga Mas DVM PGDip MRCVS,

The King Power Gold Cup The Warwickshire Cup Victor Ludorum Update

Club Focus

India Parker-Smith, Tony Ramirez, Natalie Willcock

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Contact details

Youth Polo

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

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© Polo Times Limited 2020 and Database Right 2020 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

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Interview: Karl Ude Martinez

Polo Times, August 2020

Your Club News from Home and Abroad University Focus: Royal Holloway All Aspects of Youth Polo

Women’s Polo

Victrix Ludorum Update A Round-Up of Women’s Polo

Knowledge

40 Pony Power: Polo Times Best

Playing Pony Series 42 Nutrition Focus: Q&A Electrolytes

& Hydration 44 Polodoc: Dangerous Balls – Safe Hand 46 Vet Insight: Hard Ground Work 49 Chukka Wellness: The Offside Forehand 52 Rege Ludwig: Importance of the Throw-In 54 Yoga for Polo: Core Work, Strength

& Stability 56 Cotswold Forager: High Summer Finds 58 Birth Alarm: A Home Breeding Essential

Sidelines 60

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know!

Polo Directory 61

What’s On in August

Final Bell 64

Passions: Dave Allen

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Cover photograph: Father and son, Aldolfo and Poroto Cambiaso embrace after the historic King Power Gold Cup Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club.

By Helen Cruden www.helencruden.com

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from the Publisher

News

Photograph by Helen Cruden www.helencruden.com

Mid-Season Handicap Changes

Polo Times, August 2020

Adolfo ‘Poroto’ Cambiaso Jr’s handicap has been raised again

Following the successes of the Castagnola and Cambiaso families in The King Power Gold Cup Final, it came as little surprise that in the days after the thrilling match, the Hurlingham Polo Association announced their Mid-Season Handicap Changes which saw raises for Adolfo ‘Poroto’ Cambiaso Jr (4 to 5 goals) and Barto Castagnola (7 to 8 goal). The handicap raises were effective as of 28 July 2020 and created direct implications for the rest of the season, as cousins Barto and Poroto were due to play alongside each other for Bardon in The OUT-SOURCING Inc Royal Windsor at Guards Polo Club. This is also the second handicap raise of the year for Poroto. There were four other players who saw their handicaps raised.

Louis Hine from 1 to 2 goals Alicia Woods from -1 to 0 goals Catalina Lavinia from 3 to 4 goals (Women’s) Robyn Evans from 3 to 4 goals (Women’s)

Obituary Kimberly Ayn Snider Kimberly Ayn Snider passed away at her home on Sunday 5 July at just 57-years-old due to complications from dementia. Kimberly was a passionate supporter of polo, the creative and innovative mind behind PoloSkilz Network.

Kimberly was also a member of the United States Polo Association (USPA) since 1992 and player at Wagener Polo Club in Wagener, South Carolina, near her farm in Aiken.

Photograph by USPA/Chris Covatta

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Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

What a difference a month makes – with polo now being played competitively, four on four, across all levels, low, medium and high goal, combined with pubs having now reopened, it really does seem as though, the country as a whole is getting back to normal. Beaches and the UK’s holiday hot spots are as busy as ever and at last, the sun is shining with recent temperatures off the chart, soaring to 35 degrees.

Although there are still government restrictions in place, polo is now at full bore in almost every club, the length and breadth of the country – with horses, grooms and players all quite literally making the proverbial hay whilst the sun is shining down – whilst for many, the spectacle of father and son, Aldolfo and Poroto Cambiaso, making history by winning the Gold Cup, will be one for their memory banks, not just the history books.

However, there is a cautionary note to all this positivity; polo is still being played behind closed doors, in the absence of spectators; whilst the euphoria of being allowed back to your local pub after a match, is looking short-lived as the media report that the hospitality sector is being readied for sacrifice by Government, so as to permit schools to reopen next month.

All this tells us that whilst there can be no doubt that we are currently winning the fight against C-19, the success is finely balanced and particularly fragile. The WWII adage that “coughs and sneezes spread diseases” could never be more true, and with this sentiment, what is patently clear, is that we all have our part to play.

Lower your guard, whether on the sports field or at the shops, and we will all pay the price.

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Cartier Queen’s Cup Underway

Ten teams are battling it out to claim this prestigious trophy The high goal action continued with The Cartier Queen’s Cup which began on Tuesday 28 July, at Guards Polo Club with Scone Polo vs Thai Polo (12pm) and continues through to the Final on Sunday 23 August. This year the tournament celebrates its 60th anniversary, which was founded in 1960 in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Traditionally, The Cartier Queen’s Cup is played throughout June prior to The Gold Cup, however this year due to Coronavirus the whole season has been altered and extended, which means for its 60th anniversary this prestigious title will be played through August.

The draw and teams have been finalised and this year sees 10 teams, split into two leagues compete in the illustrious high goal tournament; League One: Scone Polo, Thai Polo, Monterosso Vikings, Park Place Vaara, Les Lions/Great Oaks and League Two: Monterosso, Polo Stud Schockemohle, Park Place, Segavas and Next Generation. Only eight teams competed for The Gold Cup, with newcomers Segavas and Monterosso Vikings joining the rosta.

Although you may not be able to attend the matches yourself, with polo still currently being played behind closed doors, you can livestream all of the matches complete with live statistics, instant replays as well as match highlights, it’s the best way to stay informed about this year’s 2020 Cartier Queen’s Cup. Guards Polo Club Members in Conjunction with PoloCam.tv would like to offer all Polo Times Subscribers a 15% discount on the Cartier Queen’s Cup FULL live stream pass. Go to www.guardspoloclub.com/guards-tv, register an account, create a password, then enter voucher code “polotimes” and you will automatically receive a 15% discount. For any queries please Call or message Greg on +27720852923 or contact@polocam.tv

The Cartier Queen’s Cup Schedule: Tuesday 28 July: Scone Polo vs Thai Polo (12pm) Wednesday 29 July: Monteross Vikings vs Park Place Vaara (12pm) & Monterosso vs Polo Stud Schockemohle (4pm) Thursday 30 July: Park Place vs Segavas (3pm) Friday 31 July: Les Lions/Great Oaks vs Thai Polo (12pm) & Next Generation vs Polo Stud Schockemohle (4pm) Sunday 2 August: Park Place Vaara vs Scone Polo (12pm) & Monterosso vs Park Place (3pm) Monday 3 August: Next Generation vs Segavas (3pm) Tuesday 4 August: Les Lions/Great Oaks vs Monterosso Vikings (3pm) Wednesday 5 August: Park Place Vaara vs Thai Polo (12pm) & Park Place vs Polo Stud Schockemohle (3pm) Friday 7 August: Monterosso vs Next Generation (12pm) & Les Lions/Great Oaks vs Scone Polo (3pm) Saturday 8 August: Polo Stud Schockemohle vs Segavas (12pm) Sunday 9 August: Monterosso Vikings vs Thai Polo (3pm) Tuesday 11 August: Monterosso vs Segavas & Next Generation vs Park Place Wednesday 12 August: Monterosso Vikings vs Scone Polo & Les Lions/Great Oaks vs Park Place Vaara Saturday 15 August: Knockout phase matches x2 Sunday 16 August: Knockout phase matches x2 Wednesday 19 August: Semi Finals Thursday 20 August: Subsidiary Semi Finals Sunday 23 August: Subsidiary Final Sunday 23 August: Final Cartier Queen’s Cup Teams: League One Scone Polo (22): Ollie Cudmore (6), James Harper (7), Nicolas Pieres (9) & David Paradice (0) Thai Polo (21): Jack Richardson (6), Michel Del Carril (6) Tomas Beresford (6) & Ned Hine (3) Monterosso Vikings (22): James Beim (7), Sebastian Merlos (8), Siri Bazzoni/Holly Butler (0) & Juan Martin Zubia (7) Park Place Vaara (22): Juan Britos (8), Will Harper (3), Hilario Ulloa (10) & Zac Beim (1) Les Lions/Great Oaks (23): Dillon Bacon (2), Santiago Laborde (6), Camilo Castagnola (7) & Bartolome Castagnola Jnr (8) League Two Monterosso (22): Jeronimo Del Carril (6), Alessandro Bazzoni (1), Ignacio Toccalino (8) & Guillermo Terrera (7) Polo Stud Schockemohle (19): Juan Gris Zavaleta (7), Jaime Huidobro (7), Ekart Joules (0) & Patrick Maleitzke (4) Park Place (22): Kian Hall (3), Andrey Borodin (0), Gonzalito Pieres (9) & Facundo Pieres (10) Segavas (22): Joaquin Pittuluga (7), Mark Tomlinson (6), John Paul Clarkin (6) & Luke Wiles (3) Next Generation (23): Diego Cavanagh (8), Jean-Francois Decaux (0), Adolfo Cambiaso (10) & Adolfo ‘Poroto’ Cambiaso Jnr (5)

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News Beaufort Polo School

In 2020, the Tomlinson Family took back the reins of the Beaufort Polo School. The school had originally been established by Claire Tomlinson who, in addition to an illustrious career as one of the world’s top handicapped women, instigated and set up a coaching system for the HPA with Hugh Dawnay, which has revolutionised the way players are taught to this day. Her son’s Mark and Luke, Chairmen of the Beaufort Polo Club and England International players who have played at the highest level, aim to continue this legacy.

The School offers a fun and relaxed environment for players of ages 6yrs+ and all abilities to improve their game, from polo experiences to bespoke courses. Based at the

Beaufort Polo Club, the School is fortunate to have fantastic facilities for both spectators and players, including a recently resurfaced indoor arena, TopRide Equestrian surface exercise track, stunning grounds with 6 boarded polo fields and welcoming Clubhouse for much needed post-polo refreshments. There are also plans to build a full-sized outdoor arena in the near future.

Luke Tomlinson, Senior Coach and Director of the Beaufort Polo Club, said “We have been blown away by the response we have had since the School opened only a few months ago. For myself and my family, it has been an honour to follow in the footsteps of our mother; igniting people’s passion for polo and starting what will hopefully be a lifelong love of the game. We have a great team in place here and look forward to seeing the School grow. We already boast a strong Junior Polo scene and have lots of plans to build on our existing polo programme through the Winter” Whether you are an experienced player or just want to give polo a go, their team of HPA Qualified Coaches and well-trained polo ponies can help you realise all your polo aspirations. To enquire further, contact Mhairi Gould at coaching@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk or call 01666 880510.

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Polo Times, August 2020

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HPA News

Covid-19 HPA Latest Updates

HPA Procedures as at 31 July 2020 1. On 22 July DCMS informed the HPA that they were content for the HPA to activate team sport guidance procedures which enabled the return of polo at all levels. The procedures and guidelines are set out below. However, the DCMS has not formally endorsed the team sport guidance and therefore strict adherence to these procedures by all clubs and individuals is paramount to the sport being allowed to continue as this permission could be withdrawn at any time. Everyone should be aware of the negative consequences for the whole sport of any failure to comply with these procedures. The HPA has authorised individuals to visit clubs to ensure that procedures are in place and to help clubs with any queries they may have. This outcome has been the result of many months of hard work and engagement with the DCMS and we are hugely grateful for their willingness to appreciate the unique nature of our sport.

2. The requirement for social distancing and strict hygiene protocols continues as does a policy of limiting numbers. There are aspects of Government C-19 guidance which are conditional on various factors such as the infection rate and people’s adherence to the guidelines.

Guidance may change or be reversed at short notice and there may be a situation, such as a regional lock down, where the level has to be reduced. Some changes may be better publicised than others, but it is an individual’s responsibility to make the necessary checks as to the up to date Government guidance and then to adhere to the guidance in force at the time. In particular, the guidance around masks, quarantine, self-isolation and testing has been changing and is likely to continue to do so. All clubs and attendees must follow Government guidance in force at the time as well as the HPA specific guidance and rules for polo, failure to do so will be considered a disciplinary incident. https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus 3. Action Plan and Progressive Levels. Clubs have to put in place the requirements for one level before moving to the next. Checks will be carried out to help clubs and confirm they have satisfactory arrangements in place. Some levels have been deleted but the level numbers have been retained. For all levels there shall be a Covid Marshal specifically responsible for ensuring that social distancing is maintained.

• Level 1. Up to 5 on a field at any one time for no contact individual training stick and ball or in pairs • Level 3. Up to 7 on a field at any one time, including one Covid Marshal, for 3 on 3 training with any unnecessary contact kept to a minimum.

• Level 5. Up to 10 on a field at any one time for competitive matches played to HPA rules as published at the time.

• Level 6. As for level 5 but each player may register immediate family members to attend when they are playing.

• Level 7. As for level 5 but with family and social members included. This will not currently be granted to any club.

• Level 8. As for level 5 but with members of the public included.

This will not currently be granted to any club.

4. HPA Approval. Approval for Level 1 will be dependent on a club having confirmed to the HPA that they have: • Provided the HPA with their risk assessment for Level 1 and the name of their Covid-19 Officer.

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Polo Times, August 2020

• Put in place the required procedures for Level 1.

• Received written permission (via email) from the HPA. Approval for each level thereafter will be dependent on the HPA opening that level based on government guidance and a club having: • Provided the HPA with their risk assessment adjusted as required for the next level.

• Confirmed that its procedures have been satisfactory and also adjusted as required.

• Received written permission (via email) from the HPA. 5. Number of Grooms and Ponies. To keep numbers down the following limits for grooms and ponies to be played will continue as follows: Up to Level 4: 2 grooms/6 ponies or 8 grooms/24 ponies per team 4 chukka polo: 2 grooms/6 ponies or 8 grooms/24 ponies per team 4 chukka 15 goal: 2 grooms/7 ponies or 8 grooms/28 ponies per team 15 goal polo: 3 grooms/8 ponies or 12 grooms/32 ponies per team 18 goal polo: 4 grooms/8 ponies or 16 grooms/32 ponies per team 22 goal polo: 5 grooms/10 ponies or 20 grooms/40 ponies per

team (see Substitution below) For the 22 goal, teams may bring 2 ponies as spares (ie 42) in case of injury on the journey. Any team playing more than 40 ponies shall be liable to disqualification and a fine.

6. All Attendees at an HPA Affiliated Club or Event. Social distancing must be maintained by all persons at clubs and clubs should limit attendees to numbers that the Covid Marshals can manage.

Before attending a club each attendee must: • Register for attendance the day before.

• Take their own temperature the day before and the morning of attendance. If it is 37.8 or above, they should not go to polo.

• Have completed and submitted a waiver, signed either by themselves or by a person authorised to sign on their behalf.

There is a separate waiver for anyone who, as part of their employment, has been or might have been in contact with persons who have or may have Covid-19 symptoms.

• Have a certificate to show that they have completed the HPA Covid-19 Test successfully. https://hpa-polo-c19.co.uk/. The link can also be found on the website.

• Please check to see which of the ground’s amenities, such as toilets, food and drink outlets etc are in use and plan accordingly.

At the club each attendee must adhere to the following protocols: • Each vehicle should have its own hand sanitiser displayed on entry and used on getting out of the vehicle. Throughout the visit attendees must maintain good hand hygiene – use the sanitiser dispensers provided and avoid touching your face, or handles, railings etc. whenever possible.

• Each attendee should have their own face covering, also displayed on entry. Please observe respiratory etiquette – always cover your mouth if needing to cough or sneeze and do not shout if close to others, and do not hug, kiss, shake hands, high five etc.

• People from a household bubble or from the same yard can travel together but otherwise car sharing should be avoided. See the government’s safer travel guidance for passengers for further information.

• The use of shared equipment is to be avoided at all times, including passing of water bottles. www.polotimes.co.uk

Covid-19 HPA Latest Updates To assist the club staff and Covid Marshals, immediate family members are requested to: • Arrive no more than 20 minutes before the start of the game and depart within 20 minutes of the final whistle if travelling separately.

• Avoid close contact with others not in your family bubble.

• Park where you are told and remain in your socially distanced location at all times.

• Do not enter the pony lines or lorry park without face coverings and permission of a Covid Marshal.

All players and attendees should avoid high risk behaviour outside of polo, in line with Government Guidelines for meeting people outside of your household to reduce the risk to other players and attendees. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-people-fromoutside-your-household-from-4-july If you are attending with other members of your family bubble, please make sure they have read and understood these guidelines too.

7. Teams. All teams shall appoint a Covid Marshal responsible for their team’s social distancing and wearing of face coverings (tent, pony lines, loading, unloading). If there is evidence of abuse of the above the team Captain may be subject to an immediate fine of up to £500 payable before the next game. The Covid Marshal is responsible for ensuring that players return to collect any drinks between chukkas from the team area or tent and that drink containers etc are not handled by other persons/non family members, and any social distancing rules as set out below in 5.c, face coverings, warming up, team photos, celebrations, prize giving etc.

8. Clubs. Clubs should appoint a “C-19 Club Official” to coordinate club responsibilities for the various mandatory measures as set out below. The ability to ‘track and trace’ is an important condition for the opening up of sport. Additional Daily Liaison Officers (or Covid Marshalls) should be appointed as required to carry out duties on site on their behalf: a. Hygiene: • Source/supply appropriate hygiene and cleaning equipment.

• Display and communicate hygiene protocols.

• Position cleaning material at necessary sanitisation stations.

• Provide clear communications and signage for all stations and areas • Regularly disinfect high risk areas and contact zones including pony lines. b. Logs and Temperature Checks: • Log declarations and liability waivers for all attendees.

• Collect contact details of players in case of a serious injury.

• Log all attendees with when and where so that tracking is readily available in the event of someone having the virus. The log must be detailed enough to allow NHS Test and Trace to contact all participants if a player or attendee becomes ill with Covid-19.

The log must be retained for 21 days. Further developments to follow in due course.

• Check for signs of C-19 which must include a recorded temperature check for all attendees.

No entry for attendees with a temperature 37.8 or above or showing S&S of C-19. They should be sent home and told to follow procedure as laid down by PHE: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance • There needs to be room for them to turn around and leave.

• If an attendee develops a temperature or S & S of Covid-19 having been admitted, clubs must have a well signed isolation area. c. Social Distancing.

• Have a vehicle separation and parking policy to ensure social distancing measures can be met.

• Ensure 2m social distancing can be maintained. Where social www.polotimes.co.uk

HPA News

distancing measures cannot be applied, either restrict the use of those areas or require persons to wear a face covering.

• Grooms must wear face coverings when in the pony lines or when helping a player to dismount, mount or change ponies and players must have a face covering readily available around the neck in case they find themselves in close proximity to another person.

• Space training by time and location so that there is time for pony lines etc. to be cleaned between sessions and so that contact between individuals is reduced as far as possible.

• Apply and enforce at all times for warming up, team photos, prizegiving; no handshakes at beginning or end of games etc.

• Allow time for safe entry, unboxing, boxing and exit of traffic/ players/grooms without impacting on local traffic.

• Limit the time before or after a game so that players are less likely to congregate. d. Social Members and Spectators. Social members and spectators are not permitted until a club has been granted Level 7 and 8. Government guidelines currently predict that this will not be allowed until October. e. Facilities. Use of changing rooms and showers must follow government advice on the use of indoor facilities. Full government guidance can be found here. Players should, if possible, change in and out of polo kit at home and avoid showering at the club. f. Toilets. If loos are required due to the length of time that polo is being played or the numbers attending, then government guidance on toilets should be followed, which can be found here.

This includes: • Clear signage to encourage good handwashing technique and to maintain social distancing.

• Consider making hand sanitiser available on entry to toilets where safe and practical and ensure suitable handwashing facilities including running water and liquid soap and suitable options for drying (either paper towels or hand driers) are available.

• Social distancing must be possible and maintained, • Frequency of cleaning must be in line with usage.

• Facilities should be kept well ventilated, for example by fixing doors open and opening windows where appropriate.

• Putting up a visible cleaning schedule.

• More frequent rubbish collection. g. Clubhouses. Clubs may use clubhouses and hospitality facilities in line with government guidance on hospitality settings. Groups must be restricted to six person gatherings and spread out in line with government guidance. https://www. gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/ restaurants-offering-takeaway-or-delivery h. Additional Points • Club risk assessment should cover each access point and ground.

• There is a daily status report on the capacity of each hospital so there should be no need to ring a hospital. Clubs should be in position to provide individual club statistics on accidents requiring patient transport/treatment by NHS to all chukkas/activities played in 2019 and in previous years if available.

• Photographers may attend, with all subject to a written agreement with the club to ensure that they do not bring the game into disrepute. Clubs may restrict them to one per team and one for the club.

• Clubs should be flexible in the supply of water in the lines if it is required due to the hot weather or some teams being unable to bring sufficient water. Water stations must be regularly sanitised.

COVID-19 RULE VARIANCES AND UMPIRE PROTOCOLS Polo Times, August 2020

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HPA News

Covid-19 HPA Latest Updates

To help achieve ‘social distancing’ and eliminate ‘face to face contact’ and risk of transmission between players, the following rules will continue to apply until further notice.

CHANGING ENDS. Teams will only change ends at the end of each chukka.

DURATION OF CHUKKAS. Except for the last chukka all chukkas shall be played to the 2nd bell unless a goal is scored after the first bell which will signal the end of that chukka. If a whistle is blown for a penalty during the last 5 seconds, 5 seconds shall be allowed for the execution of any penalty. If ‘no foul’ is agreed, then play shall continue only for the time remaining when the whistle was blown. The last chukka will end on the first bell if a team is winning. If teams are tied, play will continue until a goal is scored or the second bell and the 5 second rule as above shall apply.

START OF PLAY. The team that wins the toss may choose which way to play or to start the game with a hit from the centre of their own 60 yard line as per a knock in. All chukkas will start this way with teams taking alternate hits having changed ends.

RESTART AFTER A GOAL. Play will restart with a hit in by the defending team. The clock will not stop and the umpire rather than the goal judge will place the ball after 20 seconds on the 60 yard line opposite the centre of the goal. He will then call play and the player must play the ball within 5 seconds without re-placing it. The opposition must be 30 yards from the 60 yard line. A player shall be onside if he enters the field of play beyond the 60 yard line where the restart is being taken or is put onside by one of his own players.

RESTART OF PLAY TO REDUCE LINE-UPS. If play is stopped and the normal result would have been a line up for a throw in, the umpires will now restart play as follows: • If a player had clear possession of the ball and was not being clearly challenged by an opponent when play was stopped a “Fair Play Dropped Ball” will be called. The opposition must be 30 yards away when the umpire drops the ball where it was when the whistle was blown. The ball is in play when it hits the ground.

If the ball was within the 60, the Umpire will award a “fair drop” on the 60 yard line in line with where the ball was when the whistle was blown.

• If neither team were in clear possession of the ball when play was stopped, the umpires shall throw the ball in towards the boards from where the ball was when the whistle was blown with all players separated by at least 2 metres.

• If the team taking a free hit or penalty fails to carry out the correct procedure, the team facing the hit shall be awarded a Penalty 5a from the spot where the hit or penalty was due to be taken. In the case of a delayed knock in, it shall be from the 60 yard line opposite the knock in.

BALL OUT OF PLAY. No player may make any contact with another player until the umpire calls ‘play’. A player may not use his whip until the ball is in play. The ball is not in play until it is hit or hit at.

FACE COVERINGS. Face coverings need not be worn by players on the field of play but shouting by a player without a face covering which covers his mouth when in close proximity to another player will be penalised with a Penalty 5a, hit from the spot.

INJURY TREATMENT Injuries during play should still be treated as player wellbeing is utmost. After contact with an injured participant, clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser at the earliest opportunity. This advice is applicable to all

12

Polo Times, August 2020

situations, regardless of whether there was close contact or the minimum social distancing was maintained. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose. Face coverings are also advisable when undertaking treatment.

Physios or their equivalent, should keep a record of each participant they have come into contact with for track and trace purposes.

UMPIRE PROTOCOLS EQUIPMENT. All umpires should bring their own Face Covering, Gloves and Sanitising product and use their own equipment (Hat, Whistle, Cards, Pick Up Stick, and Shirt). If this is not possible any equipment supplied must be disinfected (with a suitable COVID 19 product) by the Club before and after re-use. If Radios are to be used, then the umpire must bring their own headset, or the club must supply a set to be kept (temporarily) by the individual. If this is not possible Radios are not to be used.

PONIES. Teams Captains are required to organise and provide two ponies for all 15 goal matches and above. Below this level only one need be provided. A pony that has been played or has umpired four chukkas should not be used to umpire without a significant break.

A pony to be ridden by an umpire must be equipped as for playing except that the tail need not be put up. Ponies must be safe and suitable to umpire the level being played and should an umpire deem that the pony offered is unsuitable then the team must provide a replacement.

• The Pony must have all tack disinfected (with a suitable COVID19 product) and presented to the umpires by a person wearing a face mask 15 minutes before the scheduled game start time.

• The ball bag must either belong to the umpire or be supplied direct to him from a match official. The pony must not be presented with the ball bag already attached.

BALLS. All balls must be disinfected (with a suitable COVID19 product) before and during any polo session which involves either training Marshalls and/or Goal judges. The recommended procedure should be 3 points of collection, from 3 nominated officials (which may be a goal judge) placed in a central position and behind the goals at either end. Balls should be kept in disinfection tubs at these collection points to ensure the safety of all officials.

SUBSTITUTION AND TEAM CHANGES FOR HIGH GOAL Team Change in 18 and 22 Goal.

• League Phase. If a player of 7 goals and above cannot play due to an injury or illness certified by a doctor, that player may be replaced by a player in the tournament of no higher a handicap who is in a different league but is qualified in all other respects.

• Main Knockout Phase. If a player of 2 goals and above cannot play due to an injury or illness certified by a doctor, that player may be replaced by a player who is no longer part of the main tournament but is qualified in all other respects.

Substitution in 18 and 22 Goal. A list of nominated substitutes shall be emailed to the Polo Manager 24 hrs in advance. Players of 7 and above can be used as substitutes throughout the tournament and a player who has been knocked out in a previous round or the league/ group phase may be used in the knockout phase. To cater for the possible need for a double substitution, a team may have up to 5 nominated substitutes. Nominated substitutes may be used to hold spares in the 22 goal.

David Woodd, Chief Executive.

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Quick Question Q: Adolfo Cambiaso currently holds the record for the Argentine player with the highest number of victories in The Gold Cup for the British Open, with eight wins. Which Argentine player holds the next highest number of wins and for a bonus point, how many wins does that player have?

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Interview: Karl Ude Martinez

M

any people will know Karl Ude Martinez from his polo career and commentating, however what many do not know is that Karl lives a whole other life as a Knight of Middle England, retraining horses, often polo ponies, for live jousting and medieval entertainment. Polo Times caught up with Karl to hear more about how he got involved.

“I have been very lucky to have been brought up within a family-run equestrian centre, Warwick International School of Riding, so horses have been very much part of my life from a very early age and have always had a strong connection in much of my work over the years. I trained as an actor and have worked within the theatre, TV and film industry for many years now which has allowed me to combine my passion for acting and horses. Whether its playing polo, commentating, presenting on TV or charging around as a Knight in a live jousting stunt show, it’s all connected!”

Karl first became interested in polo in his early teens and, like many before him, caught the polo bug, “When I was 13 years old, I went to watch a friend play in a match at our local polo club, I was asked to goal judge and nearly got hit by the South African pro running to goal and me! But that was it, I was hooked! I stole a ball from the pitch that day and went straight back to the yard, jumped on my 14.2hh Irish cross TB, tried to teach it to neck rein and wave a stick about his head. Two weeks later we went together for our first lesson, where the teacher was

Karl caught the polo bug in his early teens

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Polo Times, August 2020

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Interview: Karl Ude Martinez

Feature

Knights, Commentating & Polo Karl speaks about his passion for sports & horses

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, August 2020

Photography courtesy of Karl Ude Martinez

Some horses have to be encouraged to run towards each other

17

Interview: Karl Ude Martinez

the South African pro! I loved it and never looked back!

“I came up through the Pony Club, spent time show jumping, team chasing and hunting but polo was my first love. Before university I managed to get some great experience working with the Carney Family who regularly played on the Wellington, Florida circuit with their 26 goal team, working as a groom/young horses and patron substitute.

The chance to work alongside the likes of the Gracida family and Adam Snow, who often played for the team, was an invaluable experience. I also did a few seasons in Argentina and New Zealand.

“Over the years in the UK, I have played lots of low and medium goal professionally, for local teams and won various trophies including the lower league Gerald Balding Cup at Cirencester. I love arena polo in the winter as this is where I have more time.”

His love of acting, presenting and polo all perfectly combined to lead Karl into commentating from a young age at his local club. In 2003 he got his first ‘big job’ in the FIP European Championships held in the

UK – a back to back, week long tournament, which provided Karl with some great experiences, “There were some crazy names to pronounce – it was sink or swim; I must have stayed afloat as my last FIP Championships was in 2018 in Italy!” Over the years, Karl has commentated in some of the most prestigious polo tournaments in the UK and around the world, both live and for TV productions, including prestigious UK tournaments such as The Gold Cup, Queen’s Cup, Coronation Cup and Westchester Cups, plus many internationals at Beaufort, Berkshire and Guards Polo Clubs; “I have been fortunate to host many of the Princes Royal Charity Polo events in the past and work with some fantastic charities. I particularly enjoy working on Polo in the Park London, which is such a great event bringing polo into the city and has grown so much, I have been their TV host and commentator for the last seven years.”

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Feature

Many polo ponies go on to enjoy second careers with Karl

new channel that showcases polo from across the globe, featuring some of the biggest tournaments, including the $1 million prize money US Gauntlet of Polo (Triple Crown) in Florida.”

One of the highlights of polo commentary is being able to watch players develop over the years and be able to follow teams through a tournament and witness their progression, “Commentating when England is playing is always an honour as too are the greats – the amazing Gracidas, Adolfo Cambiaso and now Poroto his 14-year-old clone!

The unstoppable talent of the Pieres dynasty and seeing the younger generation coming through like the Castagnola brothers, and young UK players like Will Harper, Zac Beim and Ned Hine. Seeing huge organisations like Ellerston, Ellerstina & King Power who continue to help grow the sport with their massive input, not to mention King Power winning The Gold Cup three times! And moments such as commentating on the all four English boys from El Remanso winning one of the greatest tournaments in 2018 and last year’s Dubai team taking the Gold Cup title in such an exciting overtime – there have been many great moments.”

“The well known Churchill saying “a polo handicap is a passport to the world” does ring true as polo has allowed me to travel with commentary as well as playing. I hosted the first ever official polo tournament played in Vietnam (on the side of a golf course!) and have worked on many events in Dubai, Thailand and for the Brunei royal family.

More recently I was asked to become the TV host and face of the all new exciting online polo platform Global Polo TV (www. globalpolo.com), a

Photograph by The Art of Polo

Karl started as a teenager into the world of live shows and jousting, thrown into the deep end filling in as a back-up rider in a show, as with polo he was instantly hooked – galloping into the arena with 2,000 people watching and cheering the knights and horses on, not only did he not fall off, but Karl was invited back to be an apprentice to train over the years in jousting, combat, stunts, falls and performing live shows. In 2003, alongside his acting career, and making use of his family’s equestrian centre base in Warwickshire, Karl set up his own live entertainment equestrian stunt

Polo commentating has taken Karl all over the world

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Polo Times, August 2020

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Interview: Karl Ude Martinez

Feature

ROR horses are retrained for live shows and jousting

display team company – The Knights of Middle England. Using his background in the industry and combining his passion for performance and love of adrenaline fuelled crazy horse activities, the team now perform all over the UK and Europe. They work within the TV and Film industry providing horses and riders, stunt and acting work, supplying action packed jousting stunt and combat shows for companies such as Merlin Entertainment and Warwick Castle.

They also run the UK’s leading Jousting School where anyone can come to their base in Warwick and learn to joust, do horse archery, train in trick/stunt riding and side saddle. From zero to hero and they have horses for all abilities. “With all the activities we do, when you combine horses, people, costumes and equipment, often in high pressured environments, whether that’s a film shoot, stunt or in a live show, there are so many variables that you have to be ready for anything. www.polotimes.co.uk

“Organising teams of riders and allocating the appropriate horses. Having the right horse for the job is a major factor. Not all horses can do all the same jobs. Some can do live shows others you can’t get anywhere near a flag, let alone an arena. Some are brilliant at jousting and on film sets but not suitable for certain tricks or stunt riding. Which means just like polo, you need a depth of horses to be able to work at a high level.

“Also like any discipline, you need to spend a great deal of time training to be able to maintain the high standards. No matter how much rehearsal time or preparation you do, the challenge is being able to adapt to all situations and be as safe as possible.

Horses, people and the weather can be so unpredictable which makes our job even tougher!” Karl’s passion for live shows is clear and who can blame him, the adrenaline buzz of performing, the energy the crowd gives you, “Whether it’s closing your visor down and galloping towards your opponent,

performing a fire trick, a move off the side of a galloping horse, or nailing a stunt, to then watch it on the TV or hear the live crowd gasp in awe is what is all about. Horses are massively versatile and the more you ask the more they will give. You can feel how they react when they pick up the energy from the shows or filming. We trust them with our lives on a daily basis. Combining the world of theatre with them is a powerful thing and when all the hard work comes together the feeling we get is exactly why we do what we do!”

Horses are of course, as with polo, a crucial part of the shows and Karl also provides a second career for many ex-polo ponies, “I have been very lucky to have been given a few cracking horses over the years coming from the world of racing and polo.

In polo, from various places, but especially from New Zealand professional Tommy Wilson who used to rehome some of his favourite big new New Zealand mares with us and enjoyed watching them all dressed Polo Times, August 2020

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Feature

Interview: Karl Ude Martinez

up. Andrew Hine over the years has kindly allowed some of his top ex-high goal ponies, that have played in many an international or high goal team, to then become new stars in their own right with their exciting second careers with us. Horses that have played for England, Zacara, Thai Polo all now enjoy something a little different!

“We use all sorts of horses, various breeds, shapes and sizes. Flashy Spanish horses are ideal for the TV but I love my thoroughbreds. With my polo connection I use many polo ponies that double up and have varied careers. Interestingly we take many thoroughbreds off the racetrack and work with Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) into polo but often we train them for Jousting, filming or live shows. We have a good number of ex high goal ponies that have retired from the intense high goal scene but have a second career with us sometimes ending up in a show or on a film set.

“We look for a stamp that is big and powerful with some presence and the training is half way there. Temperament is key. If the horse hasn’t got a good brain it’s so much harder to train and make them adapt. With most of our work we use one hand on the reins and the other on swords, weapons, flags, lances etc. Neck reining, schooled well and light in the mouth, (well some of them!) working in groups, hardy and ultimately used to things flying around their heads most of their lives is half the battle!

Although polo ponies already have many of the skills needed for their second career as Knights of Middle England steeds, there is still a lot of extra training involved; “Training is all done on an individual basis depending on how each horse takes to it. We spend a lot of time desensitising and getting the horse used to its new job. We introduce the external factor slowly, and just build on it day by day. Start with a flag, work up to a full armour and costume. Or start with a small fire the size of a bucket and then increase the size slowly once you have gained the confidence and trust.

“Some horses are quicker to take to it, with just a few sessions they learn quickly others need months of slow repetition.

Noise, fire, smoke, flags, costumes, armour, weapons and crowds, are some of the main things we work on to make sure they are completely settled when we expose them to that environment.

“Many horses don’t like running directly at each other either despite playing good polo. Often large crowds or noisy film sets with big lights are issues, others don’t like being left on their own which is often required for certain jobs. They need to be fairly unflappable and able to deal with the intensity of their surroundings. But the training is half the fun of it, seeing that horse progress learning new skills whilst building trust, the end result is often amazing knowing how far they have come.”

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Polo Times, August 2020

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Interview: Karl Ude Martinez

Feature

How to get involved?

Anyone can come and have a go at our training base in Warwick on a range of the activities Jousting, Horse archery, Trick & Stunt Riding, Side Saddle and Mounted combat lessons are all available. We offer private or group sessions, Stag/Hen do’s & Corporate days. Any ability even none, we have horses to suit everyone.

We have a had a few polo names through the doors over the years and on our Stag Knight packages, which obviously go down very well if the group can ride & play polo as it’s one hand, a much bigger stick and rather than hitting a ball, they can try and hit a moving shield!

Find out more at: www.knightsofmiddleengland.com @theknightsofmiddleengland @knightsofmiddleengland www.karludemartinez.com

Karl started as a teenager into the world of live shows and jousting

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, August 2020

21

Reports

King Power Gold Cup for The British Open

Cambiasos Celebrate Success Next Generation win historic Final

Both teams were tournament hot favourites

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Polo Times, August 2020

www.polotimes.co.uk

King Power Gold Cup for The British Open

Reports

T

he King Power Gold Cup for The British Open is one of the most prestigious titles on the British polo circuit, famed for its worldclass grounds, sizeable number of supporters and the playground for some of the best names in polo to battle it out for the title of British Open champions.

2020 has been a difficult year for polo, just a few months ago there were questions marks as to whether there would be any polo played at all in England this year, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) have worked hard to bring competitive polo to the 2020 season, but club gates across the country are still closed to spectators. Which meant that for this year the usual scenes of a bustling trade village, long queues for the helter-skelter and packed grandstands were instead swapped for clear, undisturbed views of the Cowdray Ruins.

Additionally, this year’s Final was a truly historical affair, with a mighty battle between two of the best Argentine polo families – the Castagnolas and Cambiasos. Both Next Generation and Les Lions/Great Oaks had impeccable form and team line-ups; Next Generation’s Adolfo Cambiaso was seeking his eighth Gold Cup win but his first alongside his son and protégée, Aldofito ‘Poroto’ Cambiaso, for whom it was his first British high goal Final; while Next Generations’ other two players, Diego

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, August 2020

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Reports

King Power Gold Cup for The British Open

Cavanagh (replacing an injured David ‘Pelon’ Stirling) and Jean-François Decaux have both also enjoyed Gold Cup wins (in 2014 with Dubai and in 2009 with La Bamba de Areco respectively). Meanwhile on the Les Lions/Great Oaks line-up were the Castagnola brothers – defending champions and nephews and cousins, respectively, to the two Cambiasos. Les Lions/Great Oaks’ Santiago Laborde is more than used to playing alongside the Castagnolas and always provides a formidable defence, while team captain Dillon Bacon is capable of scoring vital goals to aid his team, backed up by impressive pony power.

Going into the Final the result was anyone’s guess, but the polo pundits were convinced there would be little to separate the two teams, and they were not disappointed as back and forth play illustrated the evenly matched line-ups.

Next Generation launched themselves into the Final, with a quick goal from Adolfo Cambiaso quickly followed by a goal from Poroto Cambiaso, giving Next Generation a 2-0 lead. Les Lions/

Great Oaks struggled with foul trouble in the second chukka, which combined with Next Generation’s unrelenting attack left them struggling to gain a footing in the Final. The third chukka saw Les Lions/Great Oaks concede a further two penalty goals to Cavanagh, but thanks to the efforts of Santiago Laborde they managed to keep the goal gap to a minimum and the half-time bell sounded to a score of 7-5.

The fourth chukka saw the dynamic change as Les Lions/Great Oaks scored consecutive goals to tie the scores at 7-7, but Next Generation re-doubled their offensive and restored their lead with two successive field goals. Les Lions/Great Oaks managed to claim back the deficit once again, but four fouls over the last seven minutes handed the power back to Next Generation who did not need asking twice. Diego Cavanagh converted all of his penalty opportunities and the final score saw a 14-12 win for Next Generation.

The win made history in the Cambiaso

household; Poroto Cambiaso became the youngest player to win the title, a record held previously by his father who won the trophy in 1991 at 16-years-old and for Adolfo Cambiaso it was his eighth win (although in 2005 he missed the Final after suffering an injury in the tournament Semi Final). After a notable absence from the UK high goal scene last year, 2020 has most certainly been a season to remember for this talented family. Despite these successes, not to be overlooked is the impressive performance from Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola, who had been initially sidelined for the start of the tournament due to injury and was replaced by Alejandro Muzzio and had only joined Les Lions/Great Oaks line-up on 15 July; despite this setback Jeta still managed to squeeze himself onto the Top Goal Scorer leader board at number 10, an impressive feat

Victorious Next Generation, winners of the 2020 King Power Gold Cup

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Polo Times, August 2020

www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

King Power Gold Cup for The British Open considering he missed his team’s first three matches of the tournament.

With the UK’s high goal season in full flight, all eyes turn to The Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club which is currently underway and will conclude on Sunday 23 August.

Where: Cowdray Park Polo Club

FINA

1 26

JU

Goals Scored in Tournament

1

Nico Pieres

36

2

Facundo Pieres

29

2

Adolfo Cambiaso

29

4

Juan Martin Zubia

28

5

Bartolome Castagnola

27

6

Diego Cavanagh

26

7

Hilario Ulloa

25

8

Poroto Cambiaso

24

9

Patrick Maleitzke

23

10

Camilo Castagnola

20

JUL

Y

MVP

Tournament Top Goal Scorers Rank Player

LY

L

Adolfo Cambiaso

The King Power Gold Cup Final Teams

Next Generation (22) Jean-François Decaux (0) Diego Cavanagh (8) Adolfo Cambiaso Jnr (4) Adolfo Cambiaso (10)

Les Lions/Great Oaks (22) Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola (7) Dillon Bacon (2) Barto Castagnola (7) Santiago Laborde (6)

BPP Best Playing Pony Pintita, played by Poroto Cambiaso

Photography by Mark Beaumont

PATRONS

BPP

Best Playing Pony Patron Small Axe, played by Dillon Bacon www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, August 2020

25

Reports

Warwickshire Cup Final

MVP Rufino Bensado & Holly Butler in action

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Polo Times, August 2020

www.polotimes.co.uk

Warwickshire Cup Final

Reports

A Happy Hanbury

Lovelocks secures Warwickshire cup Ellie Dalton reports

T

he prestigious Warwickshire Cup Final hosted by Cirencester Park Polo Club was played at Black Bears Polo Club on Friday 24 July. Although no spectators were allowed, PololineTV live streamed the game, accompanied by commentary from Rupert Lewis and Tomas Palacios, and so viewers were still able to enjoy the game.

Lovelocks, who lost the Final last year returned to challenge for the trophy this year against Monterosso Vikings NW, playing as Lovelocks Carlton House.

Within the first five minutes of the first chukka Monterosso Vikings NW were first on the scoreboard with a goal from Juan MartĂ­n ZubĂ­a. After getting stuck between www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, August 2020

27

Reports

Warwickshire Cup Final

two Lovelocks Carlton House players he placed a long shot accurately into the goal.

Almost instantly afterwards, Rufino Bensadon took the ball running down the field away from Juan Martín Zubía and scored the first goal for Lovelocks Carlton House. With just two minutes left, Jack Richardson scored an incredible long goal for Lovelocks Carlton House. A few more close attempts at goals from each team with no luck, the bell rang for the end of the chukka finishing on a score of 2-1 in favour of Lovelocks Carlton House.

Less than a minute into the second chukka, Rufino Bensadon scored goal number three for Lovelocks Carlton House set up by Jack Richardson, with a clear line straight towards the goal. Ollie Cudmore added a fourth goal for Lovelocks Carlton House, with a quick turn on his pony helping him avoid Juan Martín Zubía who followed closely, successfully flicking the ball into the goal.

Sebastián Merlos missed the ball soon after the goal from Cudmore allowing Jack Richardson to swiftly run the ball inside the 30yard line and score a fifth goal for Lovelocks Carlton House. Another spot penalty in favour of Monterosso Vikings NW saw Juan Martín Zubía hit the ball out to the left-hand side with Bensadon picking it up inside the 30-yard line, Charlie Hanbury took the ball midfield, broke free from the rest of the players and in two taps scored the sixth goal for Lovelocks Carlton house in the last 20 seconds of chukka two. A finishing score of 6-1 in favour of Lovelocks, who have very quickly proved to be the stronger team so far.

As the third chukka began, Bensadon stole the ball off Merlos and scored an under-the-neck shot into the goal for Lovelocks Carlton House, putting the score to 7-1 in the first 30 seconds. Juan Martín Zubía then travelled with the ball up the field towards the goal but narrowly missed with the ball going wide. Soon after though, he came back for a second shot and scored the second goal for Monterosso Vikings NW. A spot penalty for Hanbury was missed, which saw

Juan Martín Zubía receiving a pass from James Beim and taking it up the field and scoring a third goal. At half-time, end of chukka three, the score was 7-3 to Lovelocks Carlton House.

Into the second half, Rufino Bensadon drove the

The action from the Final was livestreamed

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Polo Times, August 2020

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Warwickshire Cup Final

MVP Rufino Bensadon

BPP Reggae, owned and played by Ollie Cudmore

The Warwickshire Cup Final Teams Lovelocks Carlton House (22) Rufino Bensadon (6) Charlie Hanbury (4) Ollie Cudmore (6) Jack Richardson (6)

MT Vikings (22) Holly Butler (0) (replacing an injured Siri Bazzoni) Sebastián Merlos (8) James Beim (7) Juan Martín Zubía (7)

Photography by John Rowley

ball round the outside of Juan Martín Zubía and neatly tapped it into goal. Lovelocks Carlton House were not going to let their opponents gain on them and this was quickly followed by Charlie Hanbury scoring another goal, putting the score up to 9-3 for Lovelocks in the fourth chukka. The last two seconds of the fourth chukka saw James Beim put the ball through the goal, bringing the score to 9-4.

Lovelocks started the fifth chukka with Rufino Bensadon scoring another goal, quickly putting them up to double figures. A neck shot from Juan Martín Zubía into the centre of the field was carefully picked up by James Beim, skilfully driven around Jack Richardson, scoring the fifth goal for Monterosso Vikings NW. Holly Butler then proceeded to add a sixth goal for Monterosso Vikings NW towards the end of the fifth chukka, bringing the score within striking distance at 10-6.

Keen to claim the title, Rufino Bensadon began the sixth chukka with an amazing long neck-shot goal from the 60-yard line raising the score to 11-6. With one minute left of the last chukka and both Juan Martín Zubía and James Beim scored a goal each for Monterosso Vikings NW but unfortunately, it was not enough to beat Lovelocks Carlton House who were determined from the start. 11-8 was the final score in favour of Lovelocks Carlton House who successfully claimed the title of the Warwickshire Cup 2020, allowing Charlie Hanbury to join his father and brother with his name on this coveted trophy. Whilst it was not the Warwickshire Cup Final we are used to, played on the Cotswold International Polo Day at the famous Ivy Lodge ground, we hope we will see Lovelocks defending their title in 2021 in front of a crowd…

Reports

Lovelocks Carlton House, winners of The Warwickshire Cup

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Polo Times, August 2020

29

Reports

Victor Ludorum Update

Victor Ludorum Update Activity across all levels

A

Photography by Šwww.imagesofpolo.com

s this issue of Polo Times went to print, the Hurlingham Polo Association announced that following discussions with Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), that polo could resume across all levels (until now it has been limited to 8 goal and above), which has resulted in the resumption of the 4 and 6 goal Victor Ludorum which has until now been on pause.

Kildare’s Charlie Hanbury reaches for the ball

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Polo Times, August 2020

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Victor Ludorum Update

18 Goal Victor Ludorum Guards Polo Club – The Indian Empire Shield Final – Saturday 18 July Number of teams: Seven Winners: Kildare Points: 90 On Saturday 18 July, The Indian Empire Shield Final was played for at Guards Polo Club. The impressive trophy dates back to the 1920s and forms part of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA’s) 18 goal Victor Ludorum series.

This year, seven teams were split across two leagues, with each team determined to reach the Finals. Following some closely fought Semi Finals, which saw Emlor

narrowly defeat Hurlingham 1875 10 goals to 9 and Kildare secure a close 11-10 win over Black Bears, both teams had all to play for in the Final.

The first match of the day saw Siri Bazzoni’s MT Vikings defeat Garcha Hotels 8-5 in the Subsidiary Final at Flemish Farm Castle Ground, although Siri Bazzoni was replaced due to injury by Will Drewitt. A few hours later, Kildare faced Emlor on the green, green grass of The Queen’s Ground.

Kildare dominated the match from the start and by the fifth chukka led by 8-3, with Emlor struggling to contain Kildare’s teamwork. Emlor managed to find their form in the last chukka, fighting right until the final whistle. In the end, it was Kildare who secured themselves the title as well as

Reports

the imposing trophy with a 9-7 win. Irenita Porfiada, played by Juanchi Ambroggio, was the Best Playing Pony. Charlie Hanbury, who was playing a string made up entirely from homebreds, received the Most Valuable Player award.

The Indian Empire Shield Final Teams: Kildare (18): Andrew Dechet (1), Charlie Hanbury (4), Tommy Beresford (6) & Jack Richardson (7) Emlor (18): Spencer McCarthy (0), Max Charlton (5) Richard Tyrone (6) & Juan Ambroggio (7)

Kildare’s victorious Andrew Dechet with the impressive trophy

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Polo Times, August 2020

31

Reports

Victor Ludorum Update

15 Goal Victor Ludorum The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club – The Eduardo Moore Final – Saturday 11 July Number of teams: Four Winners: Snakebite Points: 70 On Saturday 11 July, The Eduardo Moore Final was played at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club between EFG Aravali and Snakebite.

The 15 goal tournament is named after Eduardo ‘Gordo’ Moore, a 10 goal Argentine who played in the UK during the 1960s through to the early 1980s and won The Gold Cup an impressive six times, The Coronation Cup three times and further afield Moore twice took home the Coupe d’Or in France.

Following a five chukka Final on Saturday, Max Kirchhoff ’s Snakebite took home the illustrious trophy with a 9-5 win over EFG Aravali. Jimbo Fewster was named British Polo Gin’s Most Valuable Player and Preferida, played by Manuel Fernández Llorente was the Polo Times Best Playing Pony. To read more about Preferida, please turn to our Pony Power pages.

In the Subsidiary Final Emlor Black defeated Conosco 8-5.

Photograph courtesy of RCBPC

Eduardo Moore Final Teams: Snakebite (15): Maximilian Kirchhoff (1), David Ashby (3), Jimbo Fewster (4) & James Beim (7) EFG Aravali (15): Karan Thapar (0), Jaime Garcia Huidobro (7), Manuel Fernández Llorente (6) & Marcus Cork (2) Eduardo Moore Subsidiary Final Teams: Emlor Black (15): James McCarthy (2), Mark Tomlinson (6), Charlie Wooldridge (2) & Nacho González (5) Conosco (15): Will Emerson (5), Luke Wiles (3), Jeremy Pemberton (1) & Juan Ambroggio (6)

Snakebite, winners of The Eduardo Moore Final

15 Goal Victor Ludorum Cirencester Park Polo Club – St. James’ Place Queen Mother Trophy Final – Saturday 18 July Winners: Snakebite Points: Yet to be ratified by HPA

St. James’ Place Queen Mother Trophy Final Teams: Snakebite (12): Alfie Hyde (1), Zac Beim (1), David Ashby (3) & James Beim (7) Noon Giraffe (12): Chris Fagan (0), Martin ffrench-Blake (3), Tommy Severn (3) & Marcus Araya (6)

Best Playing Pony, BamBam

Photography courtesy of CPPC

The St. James’ Place Queen Mother Trophy Final is usually a highlight of Cirencester’s social and polo calendar, with crowded sidelines, alas this year with polo being played behind closed doors across the country, there were no members of the public to cheer on their favourite teams. The 12 goal tournament was originally presented

by HRH The Duke of Cambridge and HRH The Duke of Sussex in memory of the late Queen Mother.

This year’s Final saw Snakebite meet Noon Giraffe, with Gloucestershire grassroots players on both teams. In the end it was Snakebite who triumphed to take home the trophy with a 6-4 win against Noon Giraffe.

James Beim cleaned up in the post-match presentations, winning not only the Most Valuable Player prize, but also the Best Playing Pony award for BamBam.

Snakebite, winners of The St. James’ Place Queen Mother Trophy

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Victor Ludorum Update

Reports

8 Goal Victor Ludorum

On Saturday 25 July The Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy came to an end at RCBPC, as well as its Subsidiary Final, The Michael Amoore Trophy. The Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy Final saw Clarita secure a 5-2½ win against Cuatro Estrellas, with Clarita’s Jack Hyde named British Polo Gin’s Most Valuable Player and Harry Muddle’s pony took home the Polo Times Best Playing Pony award.

While in the Subsidiary Final, Saracens defeated La Ruleta/The wall Design 6-2½, with Saracens’ Ben Simm the Most Valuable Player.

Photography courtesy of RCBPC

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club – Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy Final – Saturday 25 July Number of teams: Eight Winners: Clarita Points: 90

Clarita, winners of The Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy

The Julian & Howard Hipwood Trophy Teams: Clarita (9): Chris Mathias (0), Salvador Arrastúa (2), Jack Hyde (4) & Freddie Horne (3) Cuatro Estrellas (8): Terence Lent (2), Harry Muddle (2), Oli Hipwood (4) & Justin Taylor (0) The Michael Amoore Trophy Final Teams: Saracens (8): Matt Green Armytage (0), Pedro De Lamare (2), Ben Simm (2) & Lucho Aguirre (4) La Ruleta / The Wall Design (7): Alicia Wood (-1), Octavio Pinto (1), Antonino Menard (5) & Mariano Darritchon (2)

Saracens, winners of The Michael Amoore Trophy

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33

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Guards Polo Club

Photography by Santa María Polo Club

Santa María Polo Club

Spectators enjoying the opening match

The 49th MANSION International Polo Tournament has begun at Santa María Polo Club, Sotogrande in Spain. Usually the tournament is played over three handicap levels, but this year there will just two handicap levels (6 and 14 goals) in the Hyundai Bronze Cup, Isolas 1892 Silver Cup and Playtech Gold Cup. The

results of the tournament will be included in future issues of Polo Times.

49th MANSION International Polo Tournament Schedule: Hyundai Bronze Cup: 27 – 2 August Isolas 1892 Silver Cup: 3 – 15 August Playtech Gold Cup: 17 – 30 August

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

On Sunday 12 July, Ana Escobedo’s Ojo Caliente secured themselves the 12 goal Phoenician Cup on The Queen’s Ground with a 7-5 win against Mad Dogs. In the Subsidiary Final, Bridge House of Twyford defeated Kilnwood 8-1. Additionally, on Sunday, Mosimann’s reopened the Clubhouse bar and Smith’s Lawn Kitchen for members!

On Saturday 25 July, The Coworth Park Challenge by Guards Polo Club, played at Coworth Park saw Four Quarters Orange defeat White Crane 7-6 in the Final, while in the Subsidiary Final Garcha Hotels defeated Roam Real Estate 10-3.

On Sunday 26 July, The Mid-Summer Tournament Final was played at Guards Polo Club, with Quatervois Polo defeating Tchogan 5-4 in the Final with Hissam Ali Hyder’s Jaguar the Best Playing Pony, while Tex8n Polo enjoyed a 5-4 win against 9 Stitches.

Quatervois Polo, winners of The Mid-Summer Tournament

Rutland Polo Club The Club has this year been using Andrew Collie’s Launde Park Farm for chukkas as their usual Langham grounds were being used for hay crop by the owner. Mowing on the Langham ground started in mid-July with the objective to move chukkas to Langham, followed by Club matches and then tournaments – the Club is hoping to hold their first tournament, The Eve trophy, in the second half of August. Tom Collie is based in Gloucestershire currently, so Camilla Speed has agreed to take over the role of Polo Manager for the remainder of the season.

Edwin de Lisle has arranged for the Club’s season to be extended until 15 October, rather than the usual end on 15 September.

If you have any questions, members can contact Camilla Speed (cmmtjspeed@gmail.com)

Cowdray Park Polo Club Photograph by Mark Beamont

On Sunday 12 July, Vendetta secured The Easebourne Cup with birthday boy Ollie Cork scoring the deciding goal with just seconds to go.

The Benson Cup Final was played on Saturday 26 July between Garrie Renucci’s Vendetta and Patrick Heffron’s Rhône Hill (who both met earlier in the month in The Easebourne Cup Final). Miguel Ayala opened up the scoring for Rhône Hill, but Vendetta were quick to rebuff their advances and the half-time bell rang out to a close 3-3½ score. Rhône Hill took control in the third chukka, but Vendetta made a valiant effort in the fourth chukka, but Rhône Hill’s earlier advantage was too much to overcome and they ran out the winners, 6-7½.

Lucimar Pollilla, owned by Patrick Heffron and ridden by Gonzalo Lopez Vargos was the Best Playing Pony. In the Subsidiary Final Gallagher defeated Creighton Boyd’s Confido.

Action from The Benson Cup Final

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Ibiza Polo Club

Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly

Photograph by Ibiza Polo Club

Photograph by Justine Jacquemot

Voltex winners of the 6th Aumale Cup

Ibiza Polo Team, winners of the medium goal Final

Over the weekend 18 – 19 July, two teams competed in the 6th edition of Ibiza Polo Club’s Father and Son tournament Final; after a long, hot and action-packed match the two teams decided to call it a draw at 4-4.

On Thursday 9 July, the 8th International Polo Classic began at Ibiza Polo Club with the first medium goal match. The tournament was played over both medium and low goal levels, with the low goal Final played for on Saturday night and the medium goal Final on Sunday 12 July. Ibiza Polo White (Julian Leiterdorf, Isabella Broden & Gabriel Iglesias) cleaned up in the low goal to take the title, whilst Ibiza Polo Team (Giancarlo Canavecio, Sonia Curtis-Sloan & Gabriel Iglesias) took home the medium goal title.

Over the weekend 12 July, the Club held two Finals; La Victoire claimed victory in The Trophée de la Haute Pommeraye with a 5-4 win against Land Rover, which saw Machitos Vitamina, played by Martincito Aguerre, named the Best Playing Pony. Meanhwile, the 4 goal Trophée du Capitaine des Jeux Final saw Audaz secure a 9-6½ win against The Blue Circle.

There was plenty of action over the weekend of 19 July at Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly with three Finals being played. La MarianaGallops of Jordan won the Earl PHP Cup against Opaline; Voltex won the 6th Aumale Cup with a golden goal in extra time, securing themselves a 6-5 win against Omedia Paris with Sea of Light (a 10-yearold mare owned by Florent Garaud) named the Best Playing Pony.

Beaufort Polo Club

La Ema Polo Mallet Cup Final Teams: DWF (8): Steffan Groch (-1), Archie Fuller (0), Charlie Walton (3) & Luke Tomlinson (6) AW Jenkinson (8): Katie Jenkinson (0), Henry Smith (2), Jonny Coddington (3) & Cristian Chaves (3)

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Photograph courtesy of Beaufort Polo Club

On Sunday 12 July, the La Ema Polo Mallet Cup came to an end at Beaufort Polo Club. The 8 goal Final was livestreamed on PoloLine TV and saw DWF secure a 3-2 win against AW Jenkinson, with Charlie Walton named the Most Valuable Player. The Subsidiary Final was a 4-4 draw between Lodge Security and Beaufort.

If you didn’t manage to catch the action from the Final live, you can re-watch the Finals via PoloLine TV. The Club has also held its first Junior Polo Clinic, for details please turn to our Youth pages.

DWF, winners of the La Ema Polo Mallet Cup

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35

Youth

University of Winchester Polo Focus

Royal Holloway University Focus For many players, university is the place where they catch the ‘polo bug’, so here at Polo Times we wanted to highlight beginner players in their first year of polo, so we spoke to five new players about their experiences. Royal Holloway University Polo Club have in the past year achieved third place in the SUPA National Universities Winter Arena Championships as well as second place at a Halloween tournament at Ash Farm Polo Club

Charlie Graham University is a better time than ever to start something new. Having ridden in the past, albeit on a substantially more subdued level than is required for polo, I thought attending a taster session at Ash Farm Polo was the way to go! From that moment on, I spent my first year at university living for my lessons at Ash Farm. I cannot think of a more challenging, yet fun and dynamic sport. The national competitions are a great way to build networks across different university clubs, make friends and create a healthy level of competition.

Grace Sheppard Polo has been a sport that I have always wanted to try. When the opportunity arose to give it a go during my first year at university, I did not hesitate! I absolutely fell in love with it from the first taster session, and every lesson I’ve had since then has been so enjoyable. The university nationals held in February was such a great experience as we were able to put all the skills we had learnt into practice!

Dorothy Whyte-Venables Having seen my brother playing at University Polo and the fun he was having I knew that as soon as I joined university, I felt it would be a good opportunity to try it myself!

The society is warm and friendly, and all level of players are welcome meaning that no one’s left out and everybody can take the sport at their own pace. Polo has dramatically improved my horsemanship and confidence as a rider as well as introduced me to a much wider group of friends than I would’ve encountered in my normal university life. It’s been a really fun experience so far and bring on next year!

Antonia Bullrich Photography courtesy of RHULPC

Having been raised in Argentina I was exposed to polo from a very young age. Having tried polo on the odd occasion I never stuck to it. The lessons at Ash Farm allowed me to fall in love with the sport more and more as the year went by.

Ben Huson As a person with very limited riding experience, university was the perfect time for me to start playing polo. It allowed me to enter the sport at the same time as other people who were just starting to play. The university polo community is very welcoming, so as a beginner it wasn’t daunting to have lessons at Ash Farm Polo Club or to play competitively at the SUPA winter nationals. I have thoroughly enjoyed playing polo this year and can’t wait to keep playing and improve throughout the rest of my time at university

If you would like to see your university Club featured in our Youth pages, please email editorial@polotimes.co.uk

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Polo Times, August 2020

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

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Beaufort Juniors Best Goal: Charlie Hodges Most Valuable Player: Izzy Playne Best Playing Pong: Rosie Roche’s Empanada Most Improved: Fin Trasler Best Turned Out: Bazi Parkes Additionally, applications are open for a fun weekend of polo for Junior Players 15-years-old and under on 8 – 9 August, the Club aims to have four leagues based on age, ability, experience and pony height. To find out more email events@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk.

Photograph by Joss Ridley/Beaufort Polo Club

Over 15 – 16 July, Beaufort Polo Club hosted its first Junior Polo Clinic, which taught kids stable management and schooling polo ponies as well as playing matches. There were also prizes:

The Club’s first Junior Polo Clinic was a great success

Beaufort Polo School Headed by England International Polo players, Mark & Luke Tomlinson, the Beaufort Polo School are pleased to offer: Individual & Group Lessons · Bespoke Courses · Instructional Chukkas Intro Tournaments · Uni, Schools & Pony Club · Junior Training & Clinics Polo Experiences · Horses for hire

.....and so much more!

To find out more please email coaching@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk or visit our website: www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Subscribe now Why not treat yourself or a friend to Polo Times?

Call our friendly subscriptions team: 01452 730 770 or visit www.polotimes.co.uk Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!

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37

Women’s Polo

Victrix Ludorum Update

Victrix Ludorum Update British Ladies Open Championship

Hazel Jackson-Gaona and Lia Salvo go head-to-head

A

t the time of going to print, the 2020 Victrix Ludorum is in full swing with three of the series’ six tournaments having now been played. With teams evenly matched, so far there have been three different winners for the three Finals played so far.

18 Goal Victrix Ludorum

Cowdray Park Polo Club – British Ladies Open Championship – Sunday 18 July Number of teams: Eight Winners: Monterosso Vikings Points: 90

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Polo Times, August 2020

In the post-match presentations, Milly Hine’s Mosqueta was named the best playing Pony – the second BPP prize this talented pony has scooped up in the series, having also gained the accolade in the Black Bears Women’s Final in June.

The British Ladies Open Championship Final Teams: Monterosso Vikings (18): Olivia Merlos (2), Kayley Smith (2), Emma Boers (5) & Hazel Jackson-Gaona (9) Park Place (18): Varvara Borodina (1), Catalina Lavinia (3), Milly Hine (6) & Lia Salvo (8)

Photography by Mark Beaumont

On a rather overcast afternoon, Park Place and Monterosso Vikings took to Ambersham 1 Ground at Cowdray Park Polo Club, with their eyes on the British Ladies Open Championship prize. Going into the Final, Monterosso Vikings were the underdogs, as the Park Place organisation have had a successful season in both the ladies and mixed high goal claiming The Prince of Wales Trophy (mixed) and the Victrix Ludorum Black Bears Women’s Tournament (ladies). As well as being up against tough opponents, Monterosso Vikings faced a further challenge as their usual line-up was shaken up with team captain Siri Bazzoni, replaced by Olivia Merlos due to injury.

What followed was a wonderfully well-balanced game, with strategic play and determined defence on display throughout.

Park Place opened the Final with a goal from Lia Salvo, which proved to be the only goal of the first chukka. However, Monterosso Vikings soon found their stride and scored two goals in the second chukka to just one in reply from Park Place.

Hazel Jackson-Gaona, wo had been absent from earlier Victrix Ludorum tournaments in the season, proved her worth and increased the score to 5-2. Emma Boers scored the sixth goal for Monterosso Vikings and with it secured the win for her team with a final score of 6-3.

Victorious Monterosso Vikings

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

International & Home

Photograph by USPA/ ©Kelsey Hinshaw/Timeless Photography

Great Plains Circuit Women’s Challenge

2020 Great Plains Circuit Women’s Challenge champions GK Farms

Over the last weekend of June, Tulsa polo Club hosted the Great Plains Circuit

Women’s Challenge, the first women’s tournament in the US Mid-Continent Women’s Polo Series. Teams travelled across the country to compete with four teams in the 8-10 goal and 0-4 goal. The tournament was played as part of the COVID-19 USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package. In front of large, socially distanced, crowds, both Finals were played on Sunday 28 June. In the 8-10 goal GK Farms defeated TCU with Audry Persano named as Most Valuable Player and Light, played by Stephanie Massey Colburn and owned by Agustin Arrayago the Best Playing Pony. In the 0-4 goal Final Forty Flowers defeated NWA Polo Club, with Matille Drury the Most Valuable Player and Sorpresa, owned and played by Anne Heidemann, the Best Playing Pony. The Mid-Continent Women’s Polo Series continues at Dallas Polo Club on 15 – 16 August.

Women’s Polo

WIP League Update

Women in Polo (WIP) have announced updates to their 2020 tournament dates which have all changed from their original dates: 4 – 9 August: Kirtlington 12 goal 15 – 16 August: Silver Leys 12 & 8 goal 22 – 23 August: New Forest 12 & 8 goal 29 – 30 August: Beaufort 8 goal 5 – 6 September: Cheshire 12 & 8 goal 19 – 20 September: Tedworth Park 12 & 8 goal 26 – 27 September: Knepp 12 goal

Photograph by Justine Jacquemot

Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly

There was plenty of action over the weekend of 19 July at Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly, one of the three Finals played over the weekend was the 7th edition of the Ladies Polo Cup, which was won by Grassfield after an unbeaten weekend and defeating Majoa Paris in the Final.

Grassfield, winners of the Ladies Polo Cup

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

Polo Times, August 2020

39

Knowledge

Pony Power

Picuru Height: 15.2hh Age: 12-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Harry Muddle Tournament: The Julian and Howard Hipwood Final at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Harry Muddle

Where is he from? Argentina.

How long have you had him? I’ve had him for four years.

What are his strengths? He has lots of power and has a very soft mouth.

How has he gone this season? Picuru has been my most consistent horse throughout the season.

What are your plans for him in the future? I plan to keep playing him.

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, not yet, this is his first.

Does he have any special quirks?

Nightmare to catch from the field.

Describe him in three words? Power, handle, speed.

Vision

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Height: 15.2hh Age: Nine-years-old Colour: Dark bay Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Will Harper Tournament: The La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Final at Guards Polo Club Where is he from breeding? He was bred at Ellerston, Australia.

How long have you had him? I’ve had Vision for two years.

What are him strengths? He has a very good mouth and is very light across the neck.

How has he gone this season? He has been part of my top three all season as he is always very reliable and gives me a confidence.

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Polo Times, August 2020

Vision with Will Harper & Charlotte Kellow

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Nope, never with me!

What are your plans for him in the future? My plan is to keep on playing him and hope he keeps improving!

Does he have any special quirks? Not that I can think of…

Describe him in three words? Loves polo everyday!

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Preferida

Photograph courtesy of RCBPC

Height: 15hh Age: Eight-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Manolo Fernandez Llorente Tournament: The Eduardo Moore Final at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She is homebred in Argentina. Out of Open El Padrino and Cata SPC ARG. How long have you had her? Since she was born!

What are her strengths? Preferida is very easy to play and has a lot of power.

How has she gone this season? This is her best season since she arrived in the UK. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No. This is the first one – hopefully more to come!

Preferida with Manolo Fernandez Llorente & Frederico Castel

What are your plans for her in the future? She is going to Saint Tropez to play in August with Aravali EFG polo team.

Describe her in three words? Easy, strong, reliable.

Does she have any special quirks? She is very friendly.

The MVP You‘ve invested in great horses - don‘t be let down by your saddles To try the MVP: Call +44(0)7487-548242

www.performance-polo.com

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Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Q&A on Electrolytes & Hydration

During the recent hot spell (I write this at the beginning of July!) I have been quizzed about electrolytes, so bear them in mind if we get another period of hot weather.

Photography courtesy of Lorna Edgar

Top tips for well-hydrated polo ponies

Hydration is key for polo ponies

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Q: Why should we use electrolytes and what do they do?

A: We need to replace salts/minerals (such as sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium) lost in sweat to assist the body in performance, hydration and recovery – just as human athletes do, our equine athletes need the very same.

In essence, electrolytes are minerals lost during sweating which can lead to an imbalance in the body, thus resulting in a number of negative effects such as impaired organ function, muscle fatigue, lack of concentration, reduced co-ordination and slow recovery – not too dissimilar from us suffering a hangover!

Interestingly, studies have shown that 1015 litres of sweat can be lost per hour, which would contain approximately 10g of salts per litre. Forage and concentrates in the diet will replace enough for maintenance levels to be received but supplementation must be provided to ensure those lost in the sweat are replaced.

Q: How should we administer them and is there a right and wrong way?

A: The preferable way to give powdered electrolytes is ensuring they are given WITH WATER. Very often electrolyte powders are added to the feed, which is fine, however I cannot stress how important it is that the feed must not dry, as it can increase dehydration!

The ideal way would be in their water bucket, but most horses won’t drink water with electrolytes in unless they are used to it, so other ways are as follows…

• add to a sloppy feed • add to sloppy sugar beet • add to beet pulp water • add to a ‘sloppy chop’ – half a scoop of chaff and half a scoop of water • syringe with plenty of water as you would bute Different methods will work for different people, horses and their yard logistics.

Electrolytes can also be given in a liquid or paste form as well, but again, I would still apply the basics of giving them with water, in a way as I have mentioned above – thereby increasing hydration, not dehydration. www.polotimes.co.uk

Nutrition Focus Q: How do I know how much to give?

A: As always, I would encourage you to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, they are there to be followed to ensure you reap the benefits of the product.

Generally, the longer the horse is exercising the greater the amount of electrolytes needed to be administered – but in polo, we need to take into consideration the travel time and weather conditions as well.

Q: If we feed them every day is it harmful?

A: Generally, no, they will excrete what they do not utilise. So, on quiet work days or days off it is of no benefit to feed electrolytes.

But, if you notice your horse drinking more than necessary this may be that they are receiving too much electrolytes/salt in their diet, so just keep an eye on their water intake. Also being careful that the horses are drinking enough water – this will increase the risk of impaction colic and other implications.

Q: My horses have access to a salt lick, should I use electrolytes as well?

A: As a short answer, yes! Salt licks are ideal on a daily basis as forage is often quite low in sodium so topping up with a salt lick or a tablespoon of salt in the feed is great.

However, it will not contain all those extra minerals – magnesium, potassium, calcium etc, so electrolytes are still a must.

Q: On a match day should we give electrolytes in the morning as well?

A: Yes! Some will put electrolytes into the morning feed, but the best thing to do is to PRELOAD with electrolytes, so the horse has begun to absorb them and they are available during exercise/playing thus reaping the maximum benefits. Preloading within 2 hours before playing has shown to

reduce the onset of fatigue by nearly 25%! Absolute bonus!

BUT, the electrolytes must be administered with water – giving them to horses that have travelled, not been offered water upon arrival at the ground and then giving them electrolytes in any form, (powder or paste) will not only increase the risk of dehydration, but is also not ideal for the stomach as it is thought to increase the risks of gastric ulcers.

I have some clients who find the following scenarios work for them…

• feed a sloppy beet pulp or sloppy chaff upon arrival at the polo grounds (generally more than an hour before they play in the time to bandage, tack up etc) which contain electrolytes, then offering a drink of water • allow a good pick of grass and a drink of water as they are unloaded at the grounds, to then give the electrolytes as you would bute, in a syringe mixed with water, or a syringe of paste, and another drink of water a bit later on Q: Do we need to give electrolytes after they have played?

A: If the horses have been preloaded with electrolytes we still need to think of recovery.

The ideal is within 1-2 hours post exercise for maximum effect, but they must have a drink and some fibre/hay first.

The ideal scenario post playing would be…

• water as soon as they come off the field • time to cool down with more water offered during this time • a pick of grass before loading and electrolytes given in which ever form suits you • hay nets on the lorry to eat whilst travelling home

Knowledge

Q: I have seen people at polo giving electrolytes in a paste form after they have played, would you recommend this?

A: Only if the horses have had water first – using a paste on an empty stomach is as risky as giving a powder form on an empty stomach – it is thought to increase the risks of gastric ulcers so they MUST HAVE HAD a drink of water and ideally a bite of grass, hay, beet or chaff first.

Q: Is there a point before the horses work or play that we should remove their water or tie them up?

A: NO, NO, NO!!! There is no need to do this – tying them up so they cannot drink is not necessary. They should have free access to water, so they can self-regulate and always be hydrated. We wouldn’t do it to ourselves!

Q: How soon after playing should they drink?

A: AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Watching racehorses drink in the winner’s enclosure when they are still blowing should be reflected in polo as well, but sadly we do not see it enough. Letting them drink what they want, they generally will not drink more than their stomach capacity. If they are not allowed to drink within 20 minutes of playing, they then begin to lose their thirst reflex and are less likely to not want to drink – which is not ideal for recovery and increases the risk of colic.

Q: Does the water need to be warm?

A: An old tradition is that cold water will cause colic, this has been researched and proven not to be the case at all. There are some thoughts that some may prefer tepid water, but to be honest we just want them to drink!

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

Ponies having electrolytes & a feed at Kirtlington Polo Club after their game

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Medical Insight: Polodoc

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

Dangerous Balls – Safe Hand

Photography courtesy of Polodoc

X-rays can be used as the basic examination to rule out major bone injury Some manufacturers, such as ONA, are implementing carbon material to cover dorsal areas of the hand

130g of high-impact plastic traveling with more than 100 km/h and hitting an unprotected area – damage is guaranteed.

In former times the balls were made of bamboo, leather covered cork, hard rubber, and for many years willow root. Originally the British used a white painted, leather covered cricket ball so perhaps the impacts were maybe less painful. The basic model of the contemporary plastic ball was introduced in the 1970s to reduce breakage and cost.

The regulation outdoor polo ball is 3 inches (7.6cm) to 3½ inches (8.9cm) in diameter and weighs 3½ ounces (99g) to 4½ ounces (130g) and hits its target like a little canon ball. So, when this missile strikes soft tissue most of the energy is absorbed by the elastic muscle, for example on the thigh, but a painful hematoma can result. Problematic areas such as the unprotected hand are prone to relevant injuries, which can end a player’s season.

Hand Anatomy

The hand is an intricately complex structure whose muscles have evolved to permit an unequalled array of movements. More than 30 individual muscles in the hand and 44

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forearm work together to achieve these diverse movements. These muscles provide the hands with unsurpassed flexibility, extremely precise control, and gripping strength that are necessary for activities.

Fingers contain some of the densest areas of nerve endings in the body, and are the richest source of tactile feedback. They also have the greatest positioning capability of the body; thus, the sense of touch is intimately associated with the hands. Six flexor muscles are found in the anterior or palmar side of the forearm. Nine extensor muscles found in the posterior side of the forearm extend the hand and fingers. Just like the flexor muscles of the forearm that these muscles work against, each extensor muscle is long and thin and extends into the hand via long tendons. Inside the hand, the muscles can be broken down into three main regions: the thenar (lateral or thumb side of the palm), hypothenar (medial or little finger side of the palm) and intermediate (middle of the hand) muscles.

The thenar muscles, which form the bulge of muscles evident at the base of the thumb, are essential to the hand’s flexibility and gripping strength. One of these muscles, the opponens pollicis, moves the thumb across

the hand to oppose the other fingers, allowing us to pinch between the thumb and finger.

The abductor pollicis brevis and adductor pollicis work as antagonists to abduct and adduct the thumb respectively. Working with the flexor pollicis longus of the forearm, the flexor pollicis brevis flexes the thumb to grip and steer the polo stick.

Additionally, it has 27 bones consisting of five metacarpal and eight carpal bones plus bones of each finger. All of these structures are at risk when an unforeseen contact with the ball occurs.

Injury Patterns

Most exposed is the dorsum of the hand and the intrinsic musculature, which is relevant for grip strength and steering of the stick.

The extent of injury is mostly proportional to the magnitude of impact, but even a little muscle contusion can be a seriously painful throwback for precise handling and proprioception during the swing. Due to the grip position of the hand a direct impact can lead to a squeezing situation of the hand between ball and handle of the stick. If the ball impacts between the first and second digit it can lead to an adduction force in the thumb and abduction force of the index finger. So, first the muscles and their tendons as well as the ligament of the surrounding www.polotimes.co.uk

Medical Insight: Polodoc

Knowledge

joints restraining these forces are at risk.

With higher impact forces from a ball flying with high velocity comminuted fractures are objected.

Diagnostics

After a quick check on or by the field, this should be followed by a thorough clinical examination off the field. Three different diagnostic tools are available for secondary medical imaging if anything is suspect – X-ray, cross-sectional imaging (MRI, CT) and sonography.

Firstly, standard X-rays can be used as the basic examination to rule out major bone injury. Secondary, cross-sectional imaging such as MRI and CT can be helpful for full and precise assessment of the damage.

Ligament and tendon injuries are the domain of the MRI (Magnet Resonance Imaging) – small fissures and bruises of the bone can be identified as well as. The CT (Computer Tomography) is a more sophisticated way to a create a cross sectional view on the bone.

If available, mobile handheld sonography can be a very helpful tool to decide pitchside if something major has happened.

In the hand of an experienced examiner, sonography can also be used to check the joints and tendons regarding stability and functionality as well as identify (minor but painful) haematomas in the muscles. Basic fracture identification is also possible but not the first method of choice.

Treatment

Muscle injury Most of the muscle injuries are contusions where the muscle is compressed against the bone or squeezed in between the ball and the handle of the stick. Initial cooling and intermediate compression are essential to minimize the amount of swelling. Less swelling will be the key for minimizing pain and will increase the speed of recovery.

Functional movement taping is strongly recommended. The woven-in elastic fibres of the tape will help to improve the lymph drainage. Additional oral intake of Vitamin C and Zinc as well as Bromelase for chemical lymph drainage and consecutive reduction of the swelling are recommended. Conventional painkillers, such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol,

Elastic bandages can offer stability

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X-ray and pathological MRI of the right hand after impact of the ball. The red circle indicates a hematoma in the musculature. The green circle shows a minimal lesion of the collateral ligament of the thumb.

Specialist Opinion: PD Dr.med. Thomas Biesgen Specialist for Hand & Reconstructive Surgery

Hand injuries with high velocity impact are demanding due to the versatile function of the hand and fingers. Already minimal reduction in the free range of motion through soft tissue contusion and swelling can lead to relevant malfunction of the hand. The limiting factor for perfect hand performance is mostly pain and instability. In case of heavy impact followed by painful handgrip or loss of power in the hand, a precise clinical examination followed by radiological cross-sectional imaging is recommended. On field sonography can be a very helpful tool in remote areas or as first line diagnostics. Full secondary clinical examination by an expert is essential to minimize the risk of chronic impairment. can help to facilitate movement and grip strength for a following chukka.

Ligament and tendon injury Major ligament injuries mostly come along with painful instability of the joint. This will limit a strong and precise swing. With the help of taping or elastic bandages some degree of instability can be compensated.

Tendon injuries of the flexors are so the more likely is the dorsal side of the hand where the extensors insert.

Bone injury Most of the bony injuries in high-speed injuries of the hand need open reduction and internal fixation or pinning. Fractures of the carpal bone or the base of the thumb can be cumbersome in reconstruction and rehabilitation due to comminution and long healing time.

Prevention & Recommendation

The ways of the ball and unintended hits to the hand are impossible to predict or avoid, but some manufacturers are implementing carbon material to cover dorsal areas of the hand. There are some elastic materials on the market, which could be helpful to absorb energy of the ball to reduce impact forces. In case of painful impact, consultation of a hand specialist and cross-sectional examination is recommended to rule out relevant injuries.

For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas KrĂźger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com or www.polodoc.ch Polo Times, August 2020

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Knowledge

Vet Insight

By Dr. Marga Mas DVM PGDip MRCVS

Hard Ground Work How to reap the benefits and avoid the risks

Photography courtesy of eVetDrug Ltd

Getting the ponies fit for the season is an art. Coming from a several month field turnout means a whole transition at multiple levels to get them in playing condition: this involves a lot of fittening work and routine to build up strength, stamina and speed.

The ground transforms at the same time, and by now fields are mostly dry and hard.

Whilst variety is a great asset to any training programme, pounding on hard grounds (particularly roads) can have detrimental effects on health and performance.

For every stride, the horse’s hoof hits the ground and absorbs the impact from landing and weight loading; during the landing phase of the stride, these concussive forces are absorbed through the foot. We know that soft grounds (grass, sand, wood chip) create less concussion, and it is easily absorbed. The landing phase (the time of contact between the hoof and the ground) is shorter on soft grounds, as they ease break-over; they also increase hind fetlock and hock range of motion helping the horse forward1. The impact from landing on hard grounds (asphalt, gravel) at trot and canter can not be cushioned by the hoof, and it is absorbed upwards through the soft tissues, joints and bones1.

There are other factors increasing the risk of concussion injury: • Hoof quality and conformation: Flat, underrun heels and brittle feet provide poor cushioning and are prone to sole bruises, abscesses, laminitis and pedal bone fracture.

• Age and musculoskeletal

Overreach boots are useful for road work

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maturity: Repetitive stress from working on hard grounds contributes to cartilage damage2. The training of under two-yearolds should be targeted towards bone and soft tissue strength, and ideally performed on sand or grass3 to avoid tendon and ligament injuries.

• Underlying conditions: Hard ground work is detrimental in horses with joint disease4, tendonitis and desmitis. Mature horses recovering from damaged tendons and Maintaining hoof care is ligaments might benefit essential 5 from hard surface work – always be supervised and approved by a vet.

Training on roads and hard ground can be an integral part of the fittening programme for polo ponies – with the right strategies we can minimise the risks and enhance the benefits: • Walking work: The negative effects of hard grounds are associated with higher speed work, so sticking to walk when out on roads helps getting the ponies

legged up whilst reducing the risks. Overreach boots come in very handy both for road work and for game training, especially when the pitches are not watered often.

• Fast work and skill training: Using a sand or wood chip track for warm-up and cool-down helps the ponies work on fitness and strength without taking a toll on musculoskeletal health. Short work and stick and balling in the pitch will then ensure suppleness and flexibility ahead of the game.

• Cushioning capacity: Maintaining hoof care with moisturising ointments should be part of the routine. Proper shoeing is key too: shoes change how concussive forces dissipate up the horse’s leg after landing and break-

Icing through wraps or boots provides immediate effects

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Vet Insight

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Ice gel and ice clays continue cooling

over; on soft grounds, shoes improve blood flow through the leg and foot on every stride. On hard ground, shod horses will have less grip and will receive a greater shock at trot, which is why this should be kept to a minimum. Hoof pads can be useful but their use should be discussed with your farrier and your vet.

• Soft tissue care: Post-exercise cryotherapy reduces post-exercise soft tissue inflammation and aids recovery6. Cold water and icing through wraps or boots provide an immediate effect, and recovery can be carried on by massaging ice clays and gels.

More and more research is promoting glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, type II collagen, chondroitin sulphate & MSM

• Optimal nutrition: A balanced ration should supply enough energy and protein for performance and recovery, fibre and micronutrients for all bodily functions including musculoskeletal health. There is also a growing body of research7 backing the use of ingredients such as glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, Supplements maintain healthy cartilage and type II collagen, joints chondroitin sulphate and MSM. Constant wearand-tear means that sport horses have increased demands of these nutrients, which can be found in concentrated supplement forms.

At the end of the day, getting and keeping the ponies at optimal fitness is a collective effort of everyone involved from grooms to players to owners, farriers to vets to physiotherapists.

eVetDrug Ltd Tel: 01344 283888 www.evetdrug.co.uk

References 1 Mendez-Angulo J.L. et al. (2014). ‘Impact of walking surface on the range of motion of equine distal limb joints for rehabilitation purposes’. The Veterinary Journal 199, pp. 413-418.

2 Brommer H. et al. (2005). ‘Functional adaptation of articular cartilage from birth to maturity under the influence of loading: a biomechanical analysis’. Equine Veterinary Journal 37 (2), pp. 148-154.

3 Smith R.K.W. et al. (2002). ‘The influence of ageing and exercise on tendon growth and degeneration - hypotheses for the initiation and prevention of strain-induced tendinopathies’. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology 133, pp. 1039-1050.

4 Turley S.M. et al. (2014). ‘Microstructural changes in cartilage and bone related to repetitive overloading in an equine athlete model’. Journal of Anatomy 224, pp. 647-658.

5 Ortved K.F. (2018). ‘Regenerative medicine and rehabilitation for tendinous and ligamentous injuries in Sport Horses’. Veterinary Clinics Equine 34, pp. 359-373.

6 Petrov R. et al. (2003). ‘Influence of topically applied cold treatment on core temperature and cell viability in equine superficial digital flexor tendons’. American Journal of Veterinary Radiology 64 (7), pp. 835-844.

7 Sankaranarayanan A. (2019). ‘Nutraceuticals in Equine Medicine’ in Gupta R., et al. Nutraceuticals in Veterinary Medicine, pp. 649-655

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Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

01462 701110

Chukka Wellness

Knowledge

India Parker-Smith founded Chukka Wellness – a company dedicated to helping polo players become fitter and stronger athletes. For several years, India worked as a Personal Trainer at one of Chelsea’s premier private members’ clubs and began to train some of the world’s leading sportsmen and women.

India trains both international and UK polo professionals focusing not only on functional movements and body maintenance, but also advising clients on fuelling their bodies correctly for mental alertness and physical endurance

The Offside Forehand Polo fitness series

Polo is a strenuous sport and riders are required to be fit, skilful and strong in order to be the best. It comes down to marginal gains that help players improve their athletic performance. Yes, in order to win you need a strong string of ponies, but riders need to be fit themselves to keep up with the fast-paced quickthinking game!

In this series Chukka Wellness founder, India will be suggesting specific exercises required to complement each type of shot in polo giving you a more effective, controlled and powerful swing.

India recommends adding in exercises that aim to stabilise the shoulder and hip joints, strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve core control.

Plank with Shoulder Tap (Stabilise shoulder joints) 1. Start in plank position with shoulders in line with your wrists 2. Keeping your hips square and core tight, lift one hand to touch the opposite shoulder, slowly lower it to the ground before lifting the other hand to touch the opposite shoulder.

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Press ups (Strengthen shoulder muscles) 1. Start on your knees or toes and retract your shoulders back 2. Engage your core and keep your elbows tucked in 3. Puff your chest forward and slowly lower your chest to the ground, allowing the rest of your body to follow.

4. Extend the arms back up again

Photography by Chukka Wellness

Plank shoulder taps

This type of shot requires • Stable shoulder joint • Strong shoulder muscles • Strong upper back muscles • Good core strength • Stable hip joint • Strong glutes Recommended Exercises (three sets, 15-20 reps per exercise)

Press ups

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Knowledge

Chukka Wellness

Back Extension (Strengthens upper back muscles) 1. Lie on your front and engage your core muscles 2. Bring arms up to a 90 degree bend and gently lift them off the ground bringing your scapulars together.

3. Pause and then gently lower the arms back to the ground again

Back extension

Side Plank (Core strength) 1. Start with your shoulder directly over your elbow and lift your hips off the ground. You can keep the bottom knee on the ground if you have shoulder issues.

2. Lift the hips up high and engage your core muscles.

3. Hold for 20-45 seconds

Glute Bridge (Improves hip stability) 1. Lie on your back with feet planted hip width apart 2. Engage your core muscles and slowly raise your hips up one vertebra at a time.

3. Squeeze your glutes at the top 4. NB, keep your hips level throughout the whole movement

Side plank

Glute bridge

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Knowledge

Chukka Wellness Clam (Strengthens glutes) 1. Lie on your side with knees bent forward and feet together 2. Relax your head down and engage your core 3. Keeping the bottom knee on the ground, lift your top leg to squeeze your glute muscles.

4. Make sure your hips don’t roll backwards as you lift the knee up

Back extension

Chukka Wellness is a company dedicated to helping polo players become fitter and stronger athletes. Their services include 1-2-1 and team training in Sussex and Surrey as well as online training.

They have also recently launched a Virtual Equine Hub which allows

you to gain access to a range of polo-specific workouts, mobility routines, nutritional guidance and much more! ‘Train like a pro’ and check out the Virtual Equine Hub at: www.chukkawellness.co.uk or email india@chukkawellness.co.uk

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Located 40 yards from the water’s edge.

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For all enquiries, please call 07792 422209 or email: 3vineyardstreet@gmail.com www.polotimes.co.uk

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Knowledge

Playing Tips

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Importance of the Throw-In

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

With the current change in polo rules in the UK due to Covid-19, throw-ins are not currently featured. But one thing we can be sure of is that they will be back at some stage and will be as important as ever to the success of any player’s game. Here Rege Ludwig gives an insight into becoming a line-out maestro just like the 10 goal legend Adolfo Cambiaso.

Polo is a team sport, with a large part of playing a team sport being – control the opposing players. In polo, the first opportunity you have at controlling the opposing player is the throw-in.

Unfortunately, many players perceive of the throw-in as an opportunity to “get to the ball”.

Because those players are trying to get the ball; they typically have little idea as to what the opposing player is doing, or is about to do.

Under those conditions, the opposing player is effectively being provided the opportunity of getting to the ball with the chance of hitting it having been increased.

A critical aspect of winning a throw-in is to be the first to move, which does not suggest contact. Quite often a lateral move made early toward the opposing player is sufficient to nullify that player without there having been contact.

Being the first player to move necessitates having your horse prepared to move as the ball leaves the umpire’s hand. In preparing it to move, your horse must be collected consistent

to the intensity with which you want it to move.

Collecting your horse necessitates using your lower legs with a squeeze, a tap, or a kick action on its sides to energize its hindquarters consistent with the degree of intensity you want it to move laterally toward the opposing player’s horse.

By way of your hands holding the reins, you must hold your horse’s front end with a pressure that is approximately equal to the degree your lower legs are pushing its hindquarters forward.

To move your horse laterally toward the opposing player’s horse, use your outside lower leg more aggressively than you are using the lower leg on the other side. And, your horse’s nose should be turned ever so slightly away from the direction of the lateral move.

By doing so, your horse is compressing its body to the effect of building energy and creating balance. With that energy and balance, your horse is ready to move laterally

away from your active outside lower leg, and in toward the opposing player’s horse.

Position Number One A primary objective of the number one is to control the opposing number one the moment the ball leaves the umpire’s hand. To accomplish that, have your horse collected to the point of having developed the energy needed to move quickly toward the opposing number one and their team’s goal.

To control the opposing number one, ride in front of them to slow them down from getting out of the throw-in, and headed toward their position. Additionally, you will be on your way toward your position.

As you are headed to your position, look back to see which team has possession of the ball. If it is your team, keep going offensively, to nullify the opposing number four, or take the ball to goal.

If the other team gains possession, turn and follow the play controlling the opposing number four.

Number Two The number two should not leave the throwin anywhere nearly as quickly as the number one. They should, instead, move into the

Having a collected horse allows you to be the first player to move

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Playing Tips

Knowledge

should be ready to move laterally into the opposing player, or toward the opposing goal the instant the ball leaves the umpire’s hand.

Number three should allow plenty of room to adjust their position, so as to be ready to follow the ball back through the throw-in, or out of it; controlling the opposing number three as much as possible.

The first opportunity you have at controlling the opposing player is the throw-in

opposing number two and continue pushing until it is clear the ball has passed you.

When it is obvious which team has possession of the ball, respond accordingly – offensively toward the goal at which your team will be scoring, or defensively toward the goal your team is defending.

It is not so unusual for the number two to follow the ball back through the throw-in

process. If that is necessary, be ready to do so, while controlling the opposing number two.

Number Three The number three in arena polo (the back) should go to the back possession as soon as the ball leaves the umpire’s hand. At the same time, looking for the opposing number one.

In the outdoor game, the number three

Number Four The instant the ball leaves the umpire’s hand, the number four should be ready to move toward the goal their team is defending.

The instant the ball is hit by another player, kicked by a horse, or bounces off of a horse, the number four should be ready to leave the throw-in, headed toward the goal their team is defending.

An objective for every player should be to get out of the throw-in, headed to their assigned position (offensively or defensively), as quickly as possible.

CRITICAL – Under the conditions of a throw-in, no player should be standing still or moving slowly as the ball is leaving the umpire’s hand under.

When a player does not think to control the opposing player under the circumstances of a throw-in; remembering to do so becomes increasingly difficult as the speed and/or the intensity of the game increases.

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Knowledge

Yoga for Polo

Natalie Willcock BA Hons is a celebrated yoga teacher with two decades of teaching experience. She has a wealth of knowledge in rehabilitation. Natalie was a post-match trainer for Norwich City Football Club (NCFC) during their premier league season under the management of Paul Lambert. Dance professional turned horse rider, she regularly attends polo matches at Cambridge County Polo Club where her husband is a member. In this article, Natalie focuses on core work for strength and stability

Core Work, Strength & Stability Combination of Yoga & Pilates In this feature we focus on core work for strength and stability. The abdominal muscles consist of four large muscles which support the trunk, protecting, cushioning and supporting the internal organs as well as allowing for movement. These muscles are Transversus abdominis, Rectus abdominis, External and Internal Oblique’s. Structural fitness depends on maintaining good elasticity and tone in these important muscles. Building a strong core has many benefits not only can it help maintain good posture and pelvic alignment but also keeps your spine strong and healthy. Polo players are constantly shifting their centre of gravity, riding off opponents, changing from near side and off side shots. It is essential to have abdominal strength which gives you more control. This trunk stability works together with supporting a player’s spine whilst they demand fast explosive reactions of their bodies by twisting, forward bending and lateral (side) bending.

The exercises below are a combination of Yoga and Pilates.

Photography by Natalie Willcock

Lower Back Bridge A great exercise to perform anytime to bring engagement into the abdominals whilst awakening the spine. Lie supine (on your back as below) with your knees bent and your feet hip width apart and your arms by your sides. Inhale to prepare. Exhale to engage the pelvic floor, abdominals and gluteal muscles (buttocks) and start to peel your spine off the floor. Keep the sense of your abdominals lengthening in and up towards your ribs as you bring your pelvis to hip height. Inhale to hold the pose whilst keeping the belly in (do not let the stomach dome out), and exhale to slowly roll the spine down, vertebra by vertebra. Repeat five to ten times.

Lower back bridge

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Polo Times, August 2020

Pelvic Clock Lie supine and imagine your pelvis is a clock face with four main points. 12 o’clock is the navel, three o’clock is the right hip bone (Anterior superior iliac spine ASIS), six o’clock is the pubic bone and nine o’clock is your left ASIS. Inhale to prepare. Exhale to visualise these four points drawing the abdominals in as your pelvis moves gently to all four points. Repeat ten times then change direction. You may not feel much to start with, but this exercise will bring awareness into the lower belly whilst giving the sacroiliac joints a gentle massage.

Hip Rolls/Knee Rolling Lie supine with the knees bent and the legs squeezed together and the arms wide (just below shoulder height and the palms flat). Inhale to draw the abdomen in and up. Whilst keeping the stomach muscles engaged, allow the knees to lower to the left to open the right side of the body. Keep both shoulder blades in contact with the floor. Retain the breath as you hold the pose bringing awareness into the side body (obliques) exhale to return the legs to start position. Repeat other side. Perform this exercise eight times alternating side to side.

If you wish for a stronger connection lift the feet off the ground and the knees at a 90 degree angle.

perform this pose with a single leg. Lifting and lowering one leg ten times then repeat on the other leg. This pose strengthens the abdominals and massages the organs.

Urdhva prasarita padasana

Supine Opposite Arm & Leg Stretch Lie on the floor with the knees bent and your arms by your side. Lift the right leg off the floor so your knee remains bent and is in line with your hip. Inhale to lengthen your left leg out so it is just off the floor. At the same time, lengthen your right arm behind you (without allowing the shoulders to rise to your ears) keeping the elbow straight. Keep your abdominals engaged. Avoid arching the lower back and lifting/flaring of the ribcage.

Repeat ten times alternating.

Hip rolls/knee rolling

Supine opposite arm & leg stretch

Urdhva Prasarita Padasana (Raised Leg Pose) Lie supine with the arms by your side and palms flat on the floor. Inhale to lift both legs off the ground. Raising the legs as far as is comfortable keeping the legs straight.

Exhale to slowly lower. Do not lift your pelvis off the floor. If this is too challenging then

The Hundred Lie supine with your knees bent and legs squeezed together. Inhale to lift your head and shoulders off the floor whilst reaching your arms straight by your sides. Start pumping your arms up and down creating resistance to activate your triceps (back of the arms). Feel as if you were treading water. www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Yoga for Polo Inhale and exhale whilst pumping the arms vigorously. Avoid any movement in the head, neck and shoulders. You should feel this in your abdominals. If you feel any tension in the neck rest the head down and continue the exercise. Repeat ten reps. Inhale for five counts. Exhale for five counts. Hug your knees into your chest to stretch the lower back to finish.

(dorsi flexion). Inhale to prepare. As you exhale squeeze your legs together and lift both legs off the ground. Imagine a small arc on your right side of the waist to keep in its natural position to work your obliques more efficiently without collapsing into the waist.

Slowly lower the legs with control repeat five times. Roll onto your back to change sides.

Repeat three to five times. If the pose is too challenging, use a wall to find the stability and strength in the stomach. Place the feet against a wall whilst working on strengthening the abdominals.

Naukasana Lateral leg lift

The Hundred

Criss Cross/Oblique Twists Lie supine with your hands behind your head and legs lifted and together. Knees are bent and at a ninety-degree angle. Inhale deeply to curl your head and shoulders off the floor. At the same time aim your right elbow towards your left knee, while extending your right leg straight out. Avoid rocking your pelvis keep this anchored as if cemented to the floor. Exhale to return to centre. Repeat other side. Perform this exercise alternating each side three to five rounds. If you feel any tension in the neck either rest the head down between each set or try placing your fingers lightly on either side of your head to avoid straining.

Table Top Arm & Leg Stretch Kneel on all fours with your feet/knees hip width apart knees. Hands shoulder width apart. Line up the shoulders directly above the wrists and the knees under your hips.

Inhale to prepare drawing your abdominals in and up whilst stretching out one arm and opposing leg. Exhale to return to the four point kneel position to repeat other side.

Repeat this exercise ten times alternating opposite arm and leg each time.

Table top arm & leg stretch

Criss cross

Sideways/Lateral Leg Lift This works the abdominals, lower back and thighs. Lie on your right side with your right arm stretched out and both legs straight and squeezed together with your feet flexed

Naukasana (Boat Pose) This strengthens the abdominals, hip flexors and thigh muscles. Lie on your mat with legs straight and together and arms by your side. Breathe in deeply and whilst holding the breath raise the legs, arms, shoulders, head and trunk off the floor. Keep the arms in line with your toes. Ideally the shoulders and feet should be no more than 15 cm off the ground. Balance the body on the buttocks and keep the spine straight by hollowing out the belly. Try and hold this pose for five counts. Exhale to lie back on your mat. Fully relax your body in between each repetition.

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Rolling Finish the sequence with a spinal massage.

Hug the knees into the chest to roll back and forth on your mat. Inhale to roll forward.

Exhale to roll back. Keep your chin in and avoid throwing your head back (your head should never touch the floor so make sure you have room for this exercise). Still think of engaging the abdominals in this exercise.

Often you will notice that the body starts to roll off in one direction. The aim is to keep in the centre of your mat to work on balance whilst mobilising your spine.

To engage the abdominals don’t think of one area. Often people describe pulling the belly button in but this can often localise just one area. Think instead of connecting from the pelvic floor to create an internal vacuum rising up from the pelvic floor drawing inwards and upwards. Focus on keeping your stomach muscles lifting in and up thus creating a deeper internal connection as if you are hollowing out the belly. In next month’s issue (which is the last in the series of six) the focus is on the spine for back strengthening and opening.

If you have any questions for Natalie please get in touch by phone, email or social media.

Facebook: yoganatauk Instagram: yoganatayoga Email: natalie@yoganata.co.uk Mobile: +44(0)7887 646228 Areas Covered: Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Surrey, Sussex & Capilla Polo Club Argentina

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CUP KING POWER GOLD Next Generation Triumph

KING POWER Next Generation GOLD CUP Triumph KNIGHTS, COMMENTATING & POLO Karl Ude Martinez Interview WARWICKSHIRE A Happy Hanbury CUP

KNIGHTS, & POLO COMMENTATING Interview Karl Ude Martinez CUP WARWICKSHIRE A Happy Hanbury PLUS: Foaling Tips,

Electrolytes & Hydration

PLUS: Foaling PT Covers_August2020.indd

1

Hydration Focus

1

04/08/2020

Focus 04/08/2020 13:03

PT Covers_August2020.indd

Tips, Electrolytes &

13:03

KING POWER GOLD Next Generation TriumphCUP KNIGHTS, COMMENTATING & POLO Karl Ude Martinez Interview WARWICKSHIRE A Happy Hanbur y CUP

PLUS: Foaling Tips, PT Covers_August2020.indd

Electrolytes & Hydration Focus

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04/08/2020 13:03

Polo Times, August 2020

55

Knowledge

Foraging

Rob Gould is a forager with 20 years’ experience. In this this series he will introduce readers to nature’s bounty that can be found and foraged easily. His passion is helping people to think about and develop a love for the wild food all around them and helping them grow a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural world as a whole

Photography courtesy of the Cotswold Forager

August is a beautiful time of year, but can be frustrating for foraging as most plants are past their first flush of spring sweetness but berries and autumn bounty is not quite upon us

High Summer Finds Rob pictured with his Sheep Sorrel find

Sheep Sorrel & Wild Carrot

OK. It is with heavy heart that I say this. But I have a confession to make, something to get off my chest. So please don’t think less of me.

I’ve never ridden a horse before. Or seen a polo match.

I mean, I’ve been on horse-like things... donkeys on the beach at Weston... a gigantic mule whilst on holiday in Tenerife... but never the genuine article. It’s just never really been my thing, and is everso slightly more embarrassing bearing in mind I Iive in Cheltenham, which has more than a few links with the equine world.

So, it’s out there now. And hopefully we can all move past it and in a few years we’ll have 56

Polo Times, August 2020

forgotten it was even a thing... fingers crossed...

Anyway, onwards and upwards. As I mentioned last month, this is a pretty lean time for anyone starting out at foraging. We’re not quite into the wonderful bounty of autumn, but equally we’re fairly well past the verdant spring leaves and shoots. So what are we left with then? Well actually, it’s not really all that bad if foraging for flavour as opposed to bulk is your thing – and that’s most definitely my priority, whatever the time of year.

You may think I have contradicted myself hugely there, but hold your horses – sorry, I couldn’t resist... If you’re starting out, it can be

a really difficult time to get anything hugely of note, especially when we’re talking about what you can find on and around your paddock or surrounding pasture. Most things aren’t ripe in August, but can be frustratingly close to it, and what is around and ripe can be tough to ID unless you’ve got your eye in already over at least a few seasons.

So what do we do? We cheat. We harvest things that you can’t really misidentify at this particular point in the year, or that have been around but ignored due to gluts of other things.

Things like Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), with its unique ‘shirt collar’ like tails at the point where the leaf joins the stem. If it’s there, amongst the grass in pastures, fields or lawns that are left to their own devices, it’s been there since Spring. But, most people only notice it when they see it’s delicate little red flower spikes during summer, looking a bit like miniature dock flowers, to which it is very closely related. It has a wonderfully vibrant taste, sharp and sour with hints of sweetness, but it should only be eaten in moderate quantities by those with any sort of liver conditions, or particularly kidney stones, as it contains oxalic acid, which can can be difficult for the body to process. Although if I’m honest, finding enough of it to eat in any great quantity is going to be tough anyway... I tend to mainly snack on it as I’m out walking, although mostly I end up feeding it to my eldest son JJ, who goes crazy for the zingy bittersweet flavour.

But, it could be an interesting conversation starter at a party or whilst out on a picnic. You see I have a theory, and it’s all based around the sweets you ate as a kid...

It’s really a complete generalisation, although it does seem to work pretty well with my groups when we’re out foraging, so here goes. People of around the age of 45 or upwards tend to say that the sorrels – for there are a few other different types – taste like Sherbet Lemons or Lemon Drops. Whereas www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography by Cotswold Forager

Foraging

Knowledge

Wild Carrot has many uses and the entire plant is edible, root, seeds and leaves

The Humble Carrot

Sheep Sorrel has a vibrant taste, sharp and sour with hints of sweetness

those under the age of about 35 often liken the flavour to any of the multitude of Sour Apple sweets available nowadays (where have Sherbet Lemons gone?!). And I think that in both cases, it’s simply a throwback to the first truly sour/sweet flavour combinations that they enjoyed as a kid.

If, like me, you’re stuck in the middle of that bracket, then you were a kid around the time when American sour candies first started being imported into the UK, and the more old-school flavoured sweets were still around too. So it really depends on what you preferred at the time!

But here’s the kicker. Don’t tell people what flavour you think they’ll taste before they try a leaf, because it massively sways their decision... the power of influence...

Either way, the flavour of Sorrel, just like lemon – and to a lesser degree apple - works amazingly well in many ways, as a savoury flavouring, a sweet one, or as a flavour infusion into alcohol. In Italy, they make the most amazing pesto with sorrel, either toasted almonds or hazelnuts, garlic, salt and a drizzle of fabulous olive oil. Served simply over fresh pasta, it’s phenomenal. And I’m still trying to convince my Italian friends that a dessert version of something similar would work too – fingers crossed I manage it... I’m thinking a sorrel and nut infused mascarpone, served over pasta that has been cooked, and is then pan fried with a touch of butter and sugar. If they like it, that will definitely be going on the menu when I’m running my Tuscan foraging experiences in the autumn, alongside Sorrel infused grappa and hopefully gelato too, if I can get someone out there to teach me how to make it... www.polotimes.co.uk

I’m hoping – as someone who has just admitted to having not spent a great deal of time with horses – that this is still true. But I’ve always been under the impression that horses love carrots.

Although sadly, from what I’ve been reading elsewhere, the wild carrot, which is the one we’re obviously interested in as foragers, is a bit of a no-no for horses, with infrequent reports of it having mildly neurotoxilogical effects on them. But saying that, I’ve weirdly noticed it for sale in wildflower mixes for horse pastures...

ANYWAY. Now, and potentially for the last month, is absolutely the best time for you, as a novice forager, to spot it. It will have been flowering potentially for all of that time, with its short Cow Parsley-esque white umbels of flowers, which can occasionally contain a single black or red flower towards the centre.

But once the flowers have finished, they all curve upwards into a quite beautiful, and almost unique, tight goblet shaped cluster, which, as the seeds develop, ends up looking a bit like a huge gathering of small, bright green woodlice, before the seeds eventually ripen to brown. At this point the stem will often snap, allowing the seed cluster to blow around along the ground, distributing it’s little packets of new life, like a miniature tumbleweed.

Rob is a highly experienced forager with over twenty years of acquired knowledge.

He can be booked for private foraging walks, wild edible surveys and corporate sessions, and also runs public ticketed walks, talks and workshops.

Rob also works with restaurants and food companies to bring a taste of the wild to their menus and products.

The seeds themselves are delicious, but with a word of warning – they should be avoided by expectant mothers, as they are known to have abortifacient qualities, and were used specifically for that in times of old.

They have a flavour reminiscent of Caraway, and often good hints of Aniseed too, which you generally find in the best Caraway seeds anyway (Aniseed also happens to be yet another member of the Carrot family, along with Cow Parsley and Common Hogweed).

The rest of the plant is equally usable, with the leaves having a flavour reminiscent of Parsley, with distinct Carroty tones, which is wonderful made into a sauce or dressing – or yet more pesto. The root itself, which like any other wild root, is illegal to harvest on public land (we’ll cover that at a later date, but suffice to say, if it’s on your land, you’re fine), is barely reminiscent of what you would give to your horse, often white in colour, thin, and hugely fibrous to the point of woodiness. But it is absolutely jam packed full of flavour, so at home I will often use it, in the same way as you would use bay leaves or cinnamon, as a way of getting flavour into soups and stews, or sauces and dressings. Just give it a few taps with a kitchen hammer first – or proper whacks, depending on how tough it is – to help get the flavour out.

Please contact him via cotswoldforager@gmail.com or search for Cotswold Forager across social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ cotswoldforager/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/ cotswoldforager/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/ ForagerCotswold/

Polo Times, August 2020

57

Knowledge

Birth Alarm

Monkeynut, out of Nevada by Fair Go

Birth Alarm

A home breeding essential

H

ome breeding is an exciting experience, but it can also be a worrying time, with the due date always being a bit of a question mark. Even if you know the exact date of the covering, equine gestation can be from 320 to 380 days, with 330 days (11 months) as the most commonly cited gestation length. If, as in our case, your mare has been covered naturally and been turned out with the stallion for a period of time, then the due date can be

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Polo Times, August 2020

even more difficult to guess. This is where the Birth Alarm Lite is an invaluable tool. The alarm attaches to your mare’s headcollar and is motion activated, when your mare begins contractions she will lie down on her flanks (a typical position for birthing) and the alarm responds to this change in position and after the position has been maintained for eight seconds the alarm will send a signal to the pre-programmed mobile phone, which alerts you that your mare is lying down on her side.

The Birth Alarm Lite is a non-invasive way of being notified when your mare is due to foal, based on her position, however one of the down sides is that each time your mare lies down for a rest in the same position as the labour position, the alarm cannot tell the difference. It is also worth noting that if the headcollar that the alarm is attached to is not properly fitted and is too big, then the alarm can shift position and also send off an alarm.

This does cause a few false alarms, but www.polotimes.co.uk

Birth Alarm

Knowledge

Photography by Polo Times

The Birth Alarm Lite can be rented from FarmCareUK

The Birth Alarm Lite mounted upon the headcollar, as pictured, is unobtrusive yet effective

when it does call you for the real thing, then you will be pleased you invested in one!

Here at Polo Times, our broodmare Nevada was out with the stallion over the summer of 2019, this meant we only had an approximate due date (5 June – 5 July) based on an early scan and as we did not have a foaling box and she prefers to be out at grass, the birth would likely take place in a small paddock. The Birth Alarm Lite had been recommended and as the due date was only approximate, we thought it would be a useful investment. Once the Birth Alarm Lite arrived, there was a bit of difficulty setting it up, partly due to operator error, but once attached to Nevada’s headcollar it didn’t seem to bother her and we felt more www.polotimes.co.uk

at ease knowing that we would be alerted should she go into the labouring position.

It is fair to say we had more than one false alarm, it turns out Nevada not only likes to nap a lot during the night but also likes to scratch her head, which tilts the alarm and sends off a false reading. On Thursday 9 July, we checked her in the afternoon and could see some signs of bagging up (until this point she had shown little sign of this, which is quite common in maiden mares); we checked her again at 10.30pm and again there were signs of bagging up but she did not show any signs of impending labour, such as appearing restless or agitated, sweating, circling, looking at her flanks etc; we nonetheless decided we would check

on her again at 1am. However, we did not have time for this, just as we turned in for the night, the alarm went off and we went outside to check, expecting a false alarm as we had just checked on her – but much to our surprise, when we went outside, there were signs that something was happening and we heard her waters breaking, action at last! Less than 30 minutes later, the foal (later named Monkeynut) was safely delivered and the vet had just arrived. With that, the weather turned and the drizzle began; after some time it was clear that Monkeynut was struggling to gain a purchase with his ‘slippers’ (the protective coating foals have on their hooves so as not to damage the birthing canal) on the damp ground and the vet recommended we moved him inside.

Once inside, he still struggled to stand and feed, needing assistance with both, but within 24 hours he was healthy and bright eyed. If we had not used the Birth Alarm Lite, then no doubt Nevada would have delivered the foal safely, but in between the 10.30pm and 1am check, Monkeynut would have been lying out on damp ground, unable to stand or feed properly and there could have been serious consequences. So, despite the false alarms and at times frustrating set-up, the Birth Alarm Lite gets our full recommendation!

Birth Alarm Lite The Foal Alarm Lite can be purchased for £389.99 at www.farmcareuk.com The Foal Alarm Lite can be rented for £50 per week, up to a maximum of £200 (so if you need it for 2 months, you will only be charged £200).

N.B. The Foal Alarm Lite does not come with a SIM card, you will need to purchase one for yourself in order to use the alarm Web: www.farmcareuk.com Tel: 01323 406212 Email: sales@farmcareuk.com

Polo Times, August 2020

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Sidelines

Gossip

CONGRATULATIONS!

FUTURE STARS

It is true that all good things come in threes as July has been a bumper month for foals at Westcroft Park Polo Club. Which ones will be the stars of future Gold Cup Finals? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, they are all adorably cute!

Congratulations to Gringo and Anita Colombres on the birth of baby Seve on Thursday 23 July.

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T H E C A M P, N R B I R D L I P, G L O U C E S T E R S H I R E , G L 6 7 E S w w w. f o s t o n s a s h . c o . u k 0 1 4 5 2 8 6 3 2 6 2

Polo Times, August 2020

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Polo directory

What’s On – Polo Fixtures Editor’s Note: Due to the ongoing limitations for polo, not all clubs have finalised their 2020 fixtures, we have listed as many as possible here and apologise if your Club has not been included, We suggest members contact their local clubs for the most up to date fixture lists.

Club

Tournament

Handicap

Start Date End date

Guards

The Roberts Cup

4 goal

28/7/2020 8/8/2020

Cowdray

1921 Cup

4-8 goal

11/8/2020 22/8/2020

Guards

The Crawford Cup

6 goal

11/8/2020 22/8/2020

Guards

Town & County Championship

8 goal

15/8/2020 31/8/2020

Cowdray

Midsummer 12 Goal Cup

10-12 goal 21/8/2020 31/8/2020

Cowdray

Cicero Cup

1-15 goal

26/8/2020 5/9/2020

Cowdray

Brecknock Cup

4-8 goal

27/8/2020 5/8/2020

USA

Club

Tournament

Start Date

End date

22 Goal Guards

Cartier Queen’s Cup

28/07/20

23/08/20

Cirencester

Apsley Cup

21/07/20

02/08/20

Cowdray

Duke of Sutherland

04/08/20

22/08/20

Cowdray

Cowdray Challenge

24/08/20

06/09/20

Cowdray

Harrison Cup

21/07/20

08/08/20

Guards

Royal Windosr Cup

11/08/20

30/08/20

Cirencester

County Cup

01/09/20

13/09/20

Beaufort

Arthur Lucas

15/09/20

27/09/20

Guards

Duke of Wellington

21/07/20

08/08/20

Cirencester

Cheltenham Cup

11/08/20

23/08/20

RCBPC

John Prestwich

25/08/20

06/09/20

Cowdray

Autumn League

07/09/20

20/09/20

Cowdray

Holden White

27/07/20

09/08/20

Beaufort

Wichendford Bowl

11/08/20

22/08/20

Cirencester

Gerald Balding

25/08/20

05/09/20

Ham

Roehampton Cup

11/08/20

23/08/20

Kirtlington

Budgett Everett

27/08/20

06/09/20

Cirencester

Kingscote

08/09/20

20/09/20

Beaufort

Rojas Lanusse

15/09/20

26/09/20

Cheshire

National 4 Goal

18/08/20

23/08/20

Druids

4 Goal

10/09/20

13/09/20

Kirtlington

Kirtlington Cup

24/09/20

27/09/20

Santa Barbara

Silver Cup

15-16 goal 24/7/2020 9/8/2020

Santa Barbara

America Cup

12-16 goal 31/7/2020 9/8/2020

Las Brisas

Chicago Internatioal

8-12 goal

Santa Barbara

Pacific Coast Open

14-20 goal 14/8/2020 30/8/2020

Greenwich

East Coast Open

16-20 goal 30/8/2020 13/9/2020

6/8/2020

16/8/2020

18 Goal

15 Goal

12 Goal

8 Goal

6 Goal

4 Goal

Victrix Ludorum 18 Goal

Spain Santa María

MANSION 49th Polo international Bronze Cup

4-6 goal

27/7/2020 31/7/2020

Santa María

MANSION 49th Polo international Bronze Cup

12-14 goal 29/7/2020 2/8/2020

Santa María

MANSION 49th Polo international Silver Cup

4-6 goal

1/8/2020

15/8/2020

Santa María

MANSION 49th Polo international Silver Cup

12-14 goal 4/8/2020

14/8/2020

Ampurdan

V High Summer Cup

0-4 goal

8/8/2020

9/8/2020

Ampurdan

VII Friends Cup

0-4 goal

15/8/2020 16/8/2020

Santa María

MANSION 49th Polo international Gold Cup

4-6 goal

18/8/2020 29/8/2020

Santa María

MANSION 49th Polo international Gold Cup

12-14 goal

17/8/2020 30/8/2020

Ampurdan

VII Ladies & Gentelemen Polo Cup

0-4 goal

22/8/2020 23/8/2020

6/8/2020

France 16/8/2020

Saint-Tropez

Côte d’Azur Cup

8-10 goal & 15-18 goal

Chantilly

Coupe d’Or Deauville

14-16 goal 15/8/2020 30/8/2020

Chantilly

Coupe de Bronze Deauville

6-8 goal

15/8/2020 28/8/2020

Saint-Tropez

Open du Soleil

8-10 goal & 15-18 goal

20/8/2020 30/8/2020

4/8/2020

Ladies Kirtlington

La Rosada WIP Trophy

12 goal

Chantilly, FR

Ladies Deauville Polo Cup

10-12 goal 12/8/2020 15/8/2020

9/9/2020

Cirencester

The Ladies 18 Goal

21/07/2020

01/08/20

RCBPC

Ladies Polo Festival

10/08/2020

16/08/20

Central Coast, USA

Pacific Coast Circuit Arena Women’s Challenge

Open

13/8/2020 16/8/2020

Guards

Guards Ladies Charity Polo

18/08/2020

29/08/20

Silver Leys

WIP League

8 & 12 goal

15/8/2020 16/8/2020

Beaufort

Beaufort Ladies Tournament

01/09/2020

13/09/20

Roseland, USA

Eastern Circuit Women’s Challenge

8-12 goal

20/8/2020 23/8/2020

Tinicum Park, USA

Eastern Circuit Women’s Challenge

4-8 goal

20/8/2020 22/8/2020

Arranmore, USA

Central Circuit Women’s Challenge

0-6 goal

21/8/2020 23/8/2020

New Forest

WIP League

8 & 12 goal 22/8/2020 23/8/2020

Quick Question Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page

The late Eduardo Moore holds the next highest number of Gold Cup victories for an Argentine player, with seven wins in total between 1965-1980 .

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, August 2020

61

Polo directory Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

CLUB

PHONE

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Home Farm Polo Grounds

07807672120

EMAIL rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

Leadenham Polo Club

07429 299026

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Bawtry Polo Club

01302 773282

info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07803 020577

info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 811 111

enquiries@ixlevents.com

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

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CUP KING POWER GOLD Next Generation Triumph

KING POWER Next Generation GOLD CUP Triumph KNIGHTS, COMMENTATING & POLO Karl Ude Martinez Interview WARWICKSHIRE A Happy Hanbury CUP

KNIGHTS, & POLO COMMENTATING Interview Karl Ude Martinez CUP WARWICKSHIRE A Happy Hanbury PLUS: Foaling Tips,

Electrolytes & Hydration

PLUS: Foaling PT Covers_August2020.indd

1

Hydration Focus

1

04/08/2020

Focus 04/08/2020 13:03

PT Covers_August2020.indd

Tips, Electrolytes &

13:03

KING POWER GOLD Next Generation TriumphCUP KNIGHTS, COMMENTATING & POLO Karl Ude Martinez Interview WARWICKSHIRE A Happy Hanbur y CUP

PLUS: Foaling Tips, PT Covers_August2020.indd

Electrolytes & Hydration Focus

1

04/08/2020 13:03

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Polo Times, August 2020

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Marketplace In association with Chukkout Polo Transport

Livery

THIS YEAR’S HAY This year’s hay.

Small bales made mid-July and stacked in a barn. Over 100 available at £3.00 per bale. Good heavy bales.

Local farmer could help load with an 8 bale grab for small fee.

Tel: 07787 500759

Equipment

6 HORSE LORRY Tidy, well looked after 7.5t 2003 Daf LF45.150.

Comfortable and really nice to drive.

Partitioned for 6 horses. Tackroom and racks for 6 saddles and bridles. Hydraulic ramp, CCTV, spare wheel, 2nd set of keys, 377,000 miles. £10,000 - open to a sensible offer. Based in Winkfield. Tel: 07855 742909

2005 RENAULT MIDLUM 2005 Renault Midlum horsebox, converted professionally in 2015.

Large tack area, checker plate floor, stalled for five, could easily convert to living accommodation.

A nice clean lorry, that is easy to drive, well maintained (new clutch pack and radiator, in last couple of years) passes MoT every year with minimal work. For sale as daughter given up, so downsizing to trailer (will part-ex). Mileage - 307,000 KM. £10,000. Tel: 07391 623650

2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ATEGO Great Mercedes atego polo lorry, electric tail lift, side tack locker, partitioned for 4, additional tack area.

Always serviced at Greenmeadows Swindon, proof can be shown. Mot April 2021, 220km. Located Swindon, ready to work £4,900. Tel: 07545 501763

PO1O RAT Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Tel: 07860 906032

www.polotimes.co.uk

2 SPACES FOR FULL OR PART LIVERY Near Hook Norton on Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border 2 Spaces for Full or Part livery, in a private yard on a family owned farm near Hook Norton. 9 box American Barn with automatic drinkers and rubber flooring throughout, wash box with hot water, rug room, use of 60x30 arena, live in staff on site, heated and secure tack/cloakroom, CCTV, new post and rail fencing, field shelters, well drained all year turnout.

Tel: Claire 07771 525294 SUMMER GRASS LIVERY, box rest and barn rest available now at Trafford House Farm, Oxfordshire. Winter 2020/21 grass livery available starting in September. For further details and pricing contact Robert Thame at robertthame@hotmail.com or 07836 524393

GRIFFIN NUUMED HI WITHER 2 POCKET SHIMMY HALF PAD Brown Griffin Nuumed Hi Wither 2 Pocket Shimmy Half Pad with wool, brand new only tried on once but has never been used. RRP £87.30. £55.

Tel: 07943 880012

PAMPEANO POLO SADDLE Pampeano polo saddle. Only used for 2 seasons immaculate condition 18 inch seat. RRP £800.

Also 2 others in suede in the same condition. Can post or collection. £400. Tel: 07741 313931

WESTERN SADDLE Western Saddle 16 inch seat by Colorado Saddlery USA. Collection Billingshurst, West Sussex. £800.

Tel: 07805 203914

Misc

KM ELITE HEAD COLLARS 5x Brand new slightly sun damaged head collars. 3x light blue 2x baby pink. Collect from Cowdray Park or can post at buyers expense. £10 each. Tel: 01730 814991

POLO STICKS Lightweight ladies grip polo sticks 50/51/52 price from £30 to £45 plus postage or collect from Hertfordshire area Silverleys Polo Club. £30. Tel: 07775 700641

SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn.

Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm.

Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217 BEN HASTIE PHOTOGRAPHY - Equine & Countryside Photography specialising in Polo www.benhastiephotography.com/ 07970 348883 Cheltenham

KNEE PADS Medium sized, used but in good condition. £40.

Tel: 07584 243246

SADDLE PADS Premier Equine Shockproof Saddle Pads, breathable, anti-sweat and very comfortable for the horse. £40 each or a deal for both.Tel: 07965 999828

Polo Times, August 2020

63

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Dave Allen has some of the most illustrious titles under his belt, including The Royal Windsor, four wins in The County Cup, plus a double bounce in 2000 with wins in both The Gold Cup and The Queen’s Cup with Geebung, alongside Rick Stowe, Aldofo Cambiaso and Bautista Heguy What is your biggest passion and why?

Polo, mainly because of the ponies but I also love the competition. Playing in different teams at different levels and in some challenging weather at times.

Favourite film and why?

Invincible – a great feel good sports movie.

Favourite celebrity and why?

Mark Wahlberg – always makes a good movie.

Best holiday destination & activity New Zealand, having a beer with my mates.

What is your all time best polo memory?

Winning The Gold Cup!

Best pony and why?

Suspect – what he lacked in top speed he made up for in everything else.

Favourite song/album?

Fleetwood Mac, Rumours.

Favourite food/dish?

Steak and chips.

Favourite hobby outside of polo?

Hunting.

Who were/are your favourite teammates?

Dean Geddes and Bautista Heguy. Both great players who know how to celebrate a win.

Are you passionately superstitious?

Not at all.

Hardest opponent?

Tom Beim.

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

Rugby.

64

Polo Times, August 2020

Most prized possession?

Our drinks fridge, it got us through lock down!

Describe yourself in three words…

Honest, fair, passionate.

One thing which would surprise us about you?

I couldn’t care less who wins the football.

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