PoloTimes Dec16Jan17

Volume 21 • Issue 11 • December 2016 / January 2017 • £6.50

ARGENTINE OPEN La Dolfina Dominate DAVID ‘PELÓN’ STIRLING Uruguay’s Man of the Moment BIRTHPLACE OF POLO 10th Manipur Polo International PLUS: The HPA National Club Championships

www.polotimes.co.uk

Steeped in history, this proudly British, quadruple distilled, hand crafted, small batch Polo Gin uses only the best organic botanicals to create some of the most flavoursome yet smoothest of gins on the market.

T H E P O L O P L AY E R S ’ C H O I C E

Official Spirit of the Month November 2016

CEREMONY No.2 L E A D I NVERSION G T H E C H A R GBASSE E

Exclusive release of 150 bottles of SLOE GIN for the 2016 festive season

L

SUPER PREMIUM

O

V

Distilled at Dà Mhìle Distillery

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY UK Chief Medical Officers recommend adults do not regularly exceed:

Men:

2-3 units a day

Women:

2-3 units a day

29.89 UK Units

1.07

UK Units

www.drinkaware.co.uk

OL

V

NUMBER OF BOTTLE

British Polo Gin +44(0)1452 730770

C BY

CRAFTED, DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN CEREDIGION, U.K. BATCH No.

AL

ALC BY

02/2016 1 of 900

%

%

THE FOUNDER

GIN

Based on the polo player with the most creativity and verve, No.3; this gin is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless ways. With so many different botanicals ranging from Elderflower to Vanilla, No.3, is the ultimate midday refresher when garnished with strawberry and basil for the most outrageously smooth, yet delicous G&T. Alternatively, deploy into the thirst quenching Chukka Cocktail™, alongside lemon juice, sugar syrup, fresh mint and strawberries.

7

POLO

Product of the UK The Gin and Tonic has been the Polo Players’ choice of refreshment for over 150 years, since the first polo match involving British Officers in India in 1859. This proudly British, quadruple distilled Polo Gin, uses only the best organic botanicals to create the most flavoursome and smoothest of gins. Hand made in a wood-fuelled small batch still and simply crafted with Ceredigion’s finest spring water, this gin is as pure as can be.

.

42

POLO

BRITISH

25

SPIRITUEUX SPIRITS

MEDIUM STRENGTH

700ml

42.7% alc./vol.

B O TA

S

NICA

L

SLOE

S

obriété des lignes et élégance des imple lines and elegant proportions are proportions caractérisent la nouvelle the characteristics of the new CEREMONY Order your SLOE GIN now – when gone, it’s gone bouteille CEREMONY au design intembottle it’s with its timeless design.

Its generous and curved silhouette immediately arouses porel. Sa silhouette généreuse et courbe £39.95 per bottle plus P&P suscite une attirance tactile immédiate. the desire to touch it. The thick glass foot Label_on_Bottle.indd 3 25/10/2016 L’épaisse semelle de verre sublime la pureté elevates the purity and relevance of the Order online: www.britishpologin.co.uk Telephone orders: 01452 730770 et la pertinence de la forme.

De larges faces shape. Wide facings offer an excellent field planes permettent une personnalisation of expression and room for all types of @britishpologin aisée de la bouteille. personalisation.

14:53

Contents

Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside...

December 2016/ January 2017

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

29

Club Liaison & News Manager Lucy Wilson lucy@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Advertising Sales Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk

Polo Reporter & Researcher Tilda Woodd tilda@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

Principal Design James Morgan

Additional Design Tony Ruddy

Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors:

Stephen Biddlecombe, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Lizzie Drury MSC RNUTR, Tom Hughes MA VetMB CertES (Orth) DECVS MRCVS, Aurora Cotten-McKean & David Woodd

Contact details

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

www.polotimes.co.uk

© Polo Times Limited 2016 and Database Right 2016 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

Cover photograph: La Dolfina’s Adolfo Cambiaso at The Argentine Open Final riding Cuartetera B03 By ©www.imagesofpolo.com

4

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

42

21 News 6 12 14

All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update

Comment 16 18

Your Views: Letters Big Picture

Youth Polo 54

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Military Polo 57

A Round-Up of Military Polo

Knowledge

58 Pony Power: Polo Times Best

Playing Pony Series Features 60 Vet Insight: Recent Advances in 21 Cover Story: Interview with David

Fracture Repair

‘Pelón’ Stirling 62 Nutrition Focus: Winter Feeding 26 Racing to Polo Success for Alastair Management Paterson 63 Lipogems Equine International Outreach Reports 66 Bit Focus: Veteran Evader 29 Cover Story: The Argentine Open 33 Cover Story: The HPA 3 & 12 Sidelines

Goal National Club 67 Sidelines: Social Pages Championships 68 Gossip: Don’t be the Last to 36 The HPA 5-8 Goal National Club Know Championships 38 The Midlands Polo Festival Polo Directory: 42 Cover Story: 10th Manipur Polo 76 What’s On in December &

International Polo Tournament January?

46 Cartier International Dubai

Polo Challenge

Final bell:

Club Focus 48

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Women’s Polo 50

A Round-Up of Women’s Polo

80

Passions: Facundo Sola

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES All subscribers receive an exclusive weekly newsletter and competition offers

Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk

P O LO’S O RI G INAL SUPP O RT ER S , A N D M A S T E R S I N O U R F I E L D S I N C E 174 9 .

See all the leading events we’re sponsoring this season.

Justerinis.com/polo-tour

Nick Hine, Publisher 6

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

St. Moritz Snow Polo Teams Announced

LAST YEAR’S VICTOR Rommy Gianni has managed to bring not just one but two previous cup winners, English superstar Chris Hyde and Dario Musso, onto his team Cartier for the 2017 edition of the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, with Charlie Wooldridge taking the final seat on the indisputably strong team.

Last year, Team Maserati snatched The Cartier Cup from title holder Cartier, this year, it will be the turn of James Beh and his sons Joevy and Garvy, together with Felipe Viana, to wear the Rommy Gianni will play for Cartier in the 2017 edition of the colours of Maserati. For the tournament Malaysian players, it will be their first time in St. Moritz, but they have already gained experience on snow playing in Aspen.

Melissa Ganzi’s Badrutt’s Palace Hotel should not be made light of either. Ganzi spends her summers playing polo in Florida and winters playing in Aspen, Colorado, and is very experienced on snow. She showed an impressive performance at her debut in St. Moritz last year. Her team includes the only local player, Tito Gaudenzi, as well as the two world-class players Juan Bollini and the highest rated player in the tournament, 9 goaler Agustin ‘Tincho’ Merlos.

The Swiss will be particularly keen to watch the progress of Perrier-Jouët with a line-up of brothers Luca and Fabio Meier, from Zurich Polo Club, who are teaming up with Pablo Jaurenche and Fabion Bolaterio.

Polo Times are Official Media Partners for this glamorous event. The Polo Magazine is publishing the souvenir event programme for our Swiss partners.

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2017 teams: Cartier: Rommy Gianni (1), Charlie Wooldridge (2), Chris Hyde (6) & Dario Musso (7) Badrutt’s Palace Hotel: Melissa Ganzi (0), Agustin ‘Tincho’ Merlos (9), Juan Bollini (5) & Tito Gaudenzi (2) Maserati: James Beh (1), Joevy Beh (4), Garvy Beh (4) & Felipe Viana (6) Perrier-Jouët: Luca Meier (1), Fabio Meier (1), Pablo Jaureche (7) & Fabion Bolanterio (5)

British Beach Polo Championships 10th Anniversary

IN CELEBRATION OF their 10th anniversary of British Beach Polo Championships, the tournament organisers are offering, as a thank you to players and spectators for all their support over the years, a 10% discount if you book tickets now, for a limited time only. Visit sandpolo.com to see the brand new 10th anniversary celebration website to order tickets.

2016 winners Charlie Wooldridge, Roy Prisk and Jamie Morrison

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Siggy Photography

With this December/ January issue of Polo Times we simultaneously put to bed 2016 and welcome in the new for 2017.

Some have argued 2016 has been one of the most tumultuous years on record, who could forget the summer shock of Brexit and the Autumn amazement of Donald Trump becoming President-Elect? Not to mention the end of Great British Bake Off’s reign on BBC… Polo too has had its fair share of ups and downs, with La Dolfina’s Triple Crown dreams dashed by the boys in black, Ellerstina – although Cambiaso’s crew came back to steal the show in The Argentine Open. Closer to home and perhaps the elephant in the room, the Home Office/ visa debate which has sent shockwaves through the polo community. If you were hoping for a sensationalist review from us, I am afraid you will be disappointed – so as not to prejudice the outcome of the intricate negotations that are no doubt occurring and for the good of the sport it’s strictly ‘no comment’ from everyone in polo publishing.

Just when we had filled up our quota of bad news for 2016, it was with shock and a very great sadness that our community heard the news of the unexpected passing of The Honourable Mark Vestey, a true gentleman, a staunch ambassador of polo, an inspiration to us all and someone who shall be greatly missed. We honour Mark’s life and achievements with an extended obituary in this issue But before this list of 2016 shocks has you reaching for the wine and the Marlboro Reds, take a minute (or several) to read this month’s Polo Times and revel in all that has happened and is going to happen in our great sport. We’ve got a multitude of reports, from the mists of Manipur to the desert of Dubai and The HPA National Club Championships; knowledge aplenty with the latest ground-breaking methods from Lipogems, and we get to know our favourite charming, Argentine Open superstar Uruguayan David ‘Pelón’ Stirling. Not to mention all of our regular round-ups of youth, women’s and military polo, plus we find out what makes Facundo Sola tick.

So this leaves me to wish you all a Merry Christmas, a joyful New Year and good fortune for 2017.

News

Photograph by Lucy Wilson

from the Publisher

News Fantasy Becomes Reality

England Head to America

Photograph courtesy of the American Polo Association

Sad News from Cirencester

IT IS WITH great sadness that we report that Mr John Henderson of The Round House in Cirencester Park passed away peacefully at his care home in Lechlade. Mr Henderson was a treasured and extremely long-standing member of the Club and will be very much missed. His funeral was on Friday 9 December at The Kingsdown Crematorium, Swindon.

Charity Date for the Diary

Photograph By Katerina Morgan

EARLIER THIS SEASON Fantasy Polo, the first online game for polo, was launched and there has been a fantastic reception to the interactive and competitive game. The objective is to create the best Fantasy Polo team possible, while staying under the $100,000 fantasy budget. The fantasy game is a simulation of the high goal season where polo fans battle to earn the most fantasy points across the tournaments, updating their team as the season gets into full swing.

The game is free to play, and there are big prizes to be won.

With over a thousand Fantasy teams signed up in just over a week and the number growing daily it has brought a whole new dimension to the sport, encouraging people to watch, research and follow polo and the players throughout the season to prove their knowledge of the game and win big prizes.

People from all over the world have been getting involved with the high goal season, picking their fantasy four-man team and avidly following their players as they perform in each real life match. Readup on your players and check that you’ve made the right choices. The fun thing about this game is working out the tactics and timing.

Katie Vickery says, “We have been overwhelmed with the response to the game, It’s what so many people are talking about. We have big plans, so this is just the beginning. The US season starts in a month and will be full of polo, points and prizes.” Visit playfantasypolo.com to create your #dreamteam.

Argentine Open finalists Juan Martín Nero and Polito Pieres were big Fantasy point scorers of the Semi Finals

THE ARENA INTERNATIONAL Selection Committee has chosen a 24 goal arena team with a line-up of Chris Hyde (Captain, 10), Max Charlton (9) and Ed Banner-Eve (5).

The team will represent England against the USA in the Townsend Trophy on 14 January 2017 at Scottsdale, England and USA in action during the 2015 Townsend Trophy Arizona. The American team will be between 22 and 24 goals and will include the world’s other arena 10 goal player, Tommy Biddle.

Hyde and Biddle are not new opponents, they have faced each other a number of times over the years on both sides of the Atlantic. The last time England made the journey across the pond to play for the Townsend Cup at the Empire Polo Club in California, it was minus England’s top 10 goal player. The 19 goal line-up in April 2015 was Oscar Mancini (6), Jonny Good (8) and Andrew Blake Thomas (5) and they faced the full force of a 22 goal team with Tommy Biddle (10) at the helm backed up by Kris Kampsen (7) and Jared Sheldon (5). England lost the game 17-12 and will no doubt be keen to reclaim the trophy this year.

As per previous years it is also expected that a SUPA university team will play in a youth version of the cup on the same dates.

www.polotimes.co.uk

CHARITY 4 THREE Polo Event, organised

by Tom Williams will be held next year on the 12 August 2017. The event is in aid of three charities including, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Macmillan and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. The day will consist of two polo matches with some fun and games along the way including Jenga and have-a-go at polo, afternoon tea and a hog roast, at an additional cost. The evening will consist of welcome drinks, a three-course meal, an auction, raffle and live entertainment including a band and a guest singer.

There are five sponsor packages currently still available including; Headline, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. All details of which can be found on the website www.charity4threepolo.co.uk

Thai Polo Association Announcement

THE THAI POLO Association announced, “It is with great sadness that we contact you in regards to the passing of our monarch His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. As many of you may already know, His Majesty sadly passed away, leaving Thailand in a state of mourning that is set to continue for a full year. With this in mind, it has been decided that Thailand Polo King’s Cup 2017, in which the trophy was bestowed by His Majesty, will not be held this year.

“Thailand Polo King’s Cup 2017 is the only tournament we expect to be affected as it would not be appropriate to host a tournament in his name following his passing. All other tournaments should go ahead as planned, including the Ambassador Cup 2017.

We apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience this cancellation may cause and ask for your understanding at this difficult time.”

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

7

News HPA Provisionally Affiliate APSPH

FOLLOWING THE HPA Council Meeting on Thursday 17 November at the Guards and Cavalry Club in London, the HPA have confirmed in the minutes of the meeting that The Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers (APSPH) have been professionally affiliated to the HPA. The APSPH have exceeded 30 polo schools, academies and hirers and have been running since 2013. The association works closely with the pony hire community as well as many other government departments such as DEFRA and veterinary associations related to riding Establishment Licences such as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The APSPH primarily supports their members and promotes the minimum legal requirements within the polo community. To find out more about the APSPH visit www.apsph-polo.org.uk

Vote for Power of Polo THE CHARITY POWER of Polo has been given a chance to win some funding from the Aviva Community Fund, which could help them plan further camps and events for the coming year. To take part in the vote you can do so by visiting avivacommunityfund.co.uk. At their spring camp held earlier this year at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club and Fifield Polo Club, professional photographer Will Marsden took a series of portrait pictures of the participants. One of Will’s images has been selected out of 4,000 entrants as one of 100 shortlisted to win the Portrait of Britain Competition.

Ronnie, one of the Power of Polo participants can now been seen on various billboards around the country. To see his portrait visit gallery.portraitofbritain.uk/ronnie-2

Polo Players Hit the International Press

EVAN SHAY AND Morgan Ruig, from Brisbane Australia made the online pages of the international press after duping their way into a professional golf tournament in North Korea. The pair had been visiting China to play in a polo tournament when they decided to apply for the North Korea Amateur Golf Open in Pyongyang. To their surprise their application was successful, and the pair decked themselves out in official-looking green jackets with badges reading, “Polo and Golf Grand Slam Tour The Orient 2016, “Shay and Ruig took to the fairways of Pyongyang Golf Course, the country’s only golf course and played their way round, coming second from bottom in the tournament, which involved 85 players from around the world. On finishing their round with very poor scores, their caddy told them they would have brought, “Great shame on their family.” Perhaps the pair will stick with playing polo rather than swapping to golf.

Hurlingham Polo 1875 Website Launch

THE HURLINGHAM POLO 1875 clothing range website is now live. You can currently buy polo whites and gloves as well as gilets, jackets, hoodies, t-shirts, caps and much more with a lifestyle range to follow in January 2017. Visit hurlinghampolo1875.com to take a tour of the new digital catalogue.

Brew for the Brooke

TEA LOVERS CAN enjoy Hope and Glory organic Fairtrade tea from their online shop even more now knowing 5% of the purchase price will be donated to The Brooke equine charity. For The Brooke Gift Set, a possible for the Christmas present list, 10% will be donated. Each purchase using the code ‘Brooke’ will give buyers a 5% discount.

UK IMMIGRATION SERVICES

Level 1 OISC registered immigration consultants specialising in work related immigration for polo

www.polopermits.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1798 869496 Email: info@polopermits.co.uk

Polopermits Ltd - Authorised by the OISC. Ref. No. F201400827

8

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

www.polotimes.co.uk

Tally Ho Farm EUROPE’S LARGEST POLO SUPPLIER

Official Equestrian Supplier to the England Polo Team

www.tallyhofarm.co.uk

News

Obituary

The Honourable Mark Vestey 16 April 1943 – 6 November 2016

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com & courtesy of the Vestey Family

Mark Vestey, who died suddenly at the age of 73 was quite simply one of polo’s greatest supporters and most sage advisors. He was so many things to so many people. An approachable, likeable and modest man who was hugely respected and widely liked.

A generous and staunch supporter of the WheelPower charity. Devoted family man, shrewd businessman and great friend. Despite being paralysed from the chest down in a hunting accident in 1984, Mark did not allow this to define the next 33 years and refused to give in to the self-pity that may have consumed lesser men. With his zest for life, love of port, an excellent Claret and never far from a cigar, he will be sadly missed.

Eton educated Mark William Vestey was the younger of two sons of William Vestey, only son and heir of the second Lord Vestey and Pamela (née Armstrong) who was a granddaughter of Dame Nellie Melba, the great Australian soprano. In the 19th century, William Vestey, from a traditional trading family in Liverpool, ventured to Chicago and realised the potential of canning meat for export into the UK. However, as the business and demand for fresh meat grew, the Vesteys became pioneers in refrigeration and cold storage, resulting in William Vestey’s enoblement in 1922.

Following in the footsteps of his father and brother, Mark joined the Scots Guards as a 2nd Lieutenant and in 1975 he married Rosie Clifton after the couple met at polo, a sport which remained a lifelong passion.

Mark became fully involved in the family business, looking after the farms in Brazil and taking pride in his knowledge of the providence of the stock that went into the family’s products.

As a 4 goal player, Mark won an impressive list of polo titles; he

10

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

played for England in The Coronation Cup in 1971, won the Gold Cup with older brother Lord Samuel Vestey’s Stowell Park team in 1973, 1974, 1976, 1980 and with his own Foxcote team in 1977, plus six Queen’s Cups and victories in The Warwickshire, County and Ruins Cups, The Cowdray Park Challenge and The Wills Trophy playing for England II. However, in April 1984 Mark suffered a hunting accident whilst out with the Heythrop Hunt, which put an end to his polo playing days. In spite of his accident and retirement from playing polo, he continued to make a huge contribution to the sport; serving as a Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) Steward from 1990 to 2008, the HPA Chairman from 1995 to 2000 and serving on numerous committees, as well as being a loyal supporter of Cirencester Park Polo Club, for which he was Chairman until 1991. Mark was still a member of the HPA International Committee at the time of his death and was also a Trustee of the Polo Charity. His huge contribution to British polo was recognised with a Lifetime membership of the HPA and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Audi Polo Awards in 2009.

Mark’s love of all things equine was unstinting, and despite his accident he remained a staunch supporter of hunting, and in particular the Cotswold Hunt (of which Rosie was Master), often following the hunt in a specially adapted quad bike. His love of polo in particular was infectious and would see Mark encouraging his three children to take up the sport. Ben Captained the British Army Team and represented England in the European Championships and now is part of British Polo Day. His daughters Tamara and Carina “Nina” are leading lady players – Nina herself won the Gold Cup in 2003 and remains the highest handicapped

www.polotimes.co.uk

Obituary

News

female player in the world today. His wife Rosie also plays… and no doubt some or all of the seven grandchildren he leaves behind will be joining the ranks of the Jorrocks crew in the not too distant future.

However, Mark’s influence extended far beyond the sphere of polo.

Not only did mark serve as High Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 1999, he also made a huge contribution to helping disabled people to take part in sport and to the Paralympic movement. He was a hugely proactive and respected President of WheelPower for over 23 years. It was the Stoke Mandeville Hospital which Mark was taken to at his insistence, following his hunting accident, and although there was no reversing of the paralysis from the chest down, it was noted that the prognosis could have been so much worse without the intervention and expertise of the Stoke Mandeville team. So when WheelPower wanted to put together an application to the National Lottery to redevelop the facilities at the national centre for disabled sport in the UK, the Stoke Mandeville Stadium, of course, Mark wanted to be involved. Alongside his close friend Robin Courage, Mark helped raise the matched funds needed of over £5 million to enable the £10.2 million improvements which saw the Stadium’s opening in 2003. In recognition of his incredible contribution, Mark was inducted into the Stoke Mandeville Hall of Fame in 2014.

Alongside his beloved Rosie, Mark enjoyed a truly amazing and full life, enjoyed as though his wheelchair was invisible. Rightly remembered as good humoured, impeccably mannered but with a rumbustious sense of humour, he will be greatly missed. The world is a lesser place without Mark with us.

It was ‘standing room’ only for the Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Mark William Vestey – testament to the incredibly positive effect that Mark had on so very many people.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather; a wonderful friend and wise counsel, Mark was quite simply an inspiration. He is survived by his wife Rosie and three children Tamara, Ben and Nina and seven grandchildren.

First published in The Polo Magazine Winter 2016 issue

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

11

HPA News Arizona, USA England will play the USA for the arena Townsend Cup on 14 January in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters International Matches Palermo, Argentina The England Ladies’ team were due to play against Argentina at Palermo on 26 November, however, due to poor weather the match was postponed until 28 November.

Played open and using ladies’ handicaps the result was 13-3. For a full report please turn to our women’s polo section.

Argentina (25): Mía Cambiaso (2), María Bellande (7), Lía Salvo (9) & Paola Martínez (7) (Reserve – Clara Cassino) England (27): Hazel Jackson (7), Tamara Fox (7), Sarah Wiseman 7 & Claire Brougham (6) (Reserve – Annabel McNaught-Davis)

Manipur, India An England team played in the 10th Manipur Polo International tournament organised by the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association to raise awareness of the Manipuri breed of ponies, the original polo ponies. For a full report please turn to page 42.

England (5): George Shelton (1), Alec Banner-Eve (2), Kaveh Atrak (0) & Phil Seller (2)

Dubai An England team will play in Dubai at the new Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club on December 16 against a Habtoor UAE side.

The 14 goal team will be: Charlie Cadogan (0), Tom Brodie (3), Will Emerson (5) & James Harper (6)

Westcroft Park Polo Club, UK England will play the Rest of the British Isles in the first arena Test Match of the winter on 17 December. A report will feature in the February issue of Polo Times.

South Africa A UK team has been invited to play in South Africa (Plett) on 29 December.

England (14): Max Kirchhoff (0), Ollie Cudmore (5), George Meyrick (6) & David Ashby (3)

New Zealand England has been invited to play on their International Day on 11 February 2017. The team will be announced nearer the time.

Meeting Dates Tuesday 3 January Thursday 2 February Monday 13 February Wednesday 1 March

England (24): Ed Banner-Eve (5), Max Charlton (9) & Chris Hyde (10)

China, Snow Polo England have once again been invited to field a team for the FIP Snow Polo World Cup at the Metropolitan Club, Tianjin from 14 – 22 January. The team will be announced nearer the time.

Victor Ludorum Programme 2017 The Victor Ludorum programme for 2017 has been finalised and can be found on the Polo Times and HPA websites and in our What’s On section.

Hurlingham Polo 1875 The website selling an introductory range of Hurlingham 1875 apparel has been launched at www.hurlinghampolo1875.com All HPA members have been sent a members’ only offer by email. By supporting the brand you are supporting UK polo.

Christmas Opening Hours The HPA office will be closed for the Christmas break from Thursday 22 December to Tuesday 3 January 2017.

Arena Handicap, Rules and Arena International Committee Umpire and Rules Committee Disciplinary Committee International and Chairman’s Committee

POLO DIVISION

Quality is not expensive, it’s priceless Polo Boots come with re-inforced outer wall for added comfort. Shaped Calf, Heavy Duty zip and fully lined

Knee Guards offer the maximum in protection.

With carbon print covered high impact cushions

Elbow Guards offering the ultimate in impact absorption with a technical lycra sleeve giving support and comfort

Both containing the unique combination of HKT/Gel Eze

Email: info@equineman.com

or

Tel: 01825 840 002

All handcrafted with care and attention in Italy For all enquiries please contact your local Polo Equipment specialist or Equine Management Ltd.,

Direct Sales: www.worldwidetack.com

FIP News

FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world 2016 has been a very successful and progressive year in terms of achievement and finances. We started the year with a new Zone, having split Zone D in two which was ratified at the 2015 General Assembly, this was followed by a very successful FIP World Snow Polo event in Tianjin, China in January thanks to the continued support of Vice President Pan and Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club.

Piero Dillier, the Zone C Director, worked with the German Polo Association in conjunction with Moritz Gaedeke to hold an excellent FIP European Championship in Berlin at the Maifeld Stadium where polo was last played as an Olympic sport in 1936, it was an outstanding success and congratulations to Ireland on their historic win.

Under the guidance of Ricardo Mihanovich, who chairs the Ambassador Cup Committee, we had four events during 2016, firstly Port Mayaca in Florida hosted by Steve Orthwein before his unfortunate accident, the next was held at HPC London Polo Club kindly supported by Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and his Billingbear grounds where we held only the fourth to be held in England in FIP history, then Italy at the prestigious Roma Polo Club organised by Daniel Garcia and finally in Buenos Aires (BA) where Ernesto Gutierrez generously hosted an impressive 12 teams at his beautiful La Ensenada ranch for the third year in a row and managed to include the inaugural FIP Ladies match.

Another first was at St Jorge Polo Club next to The Hurlingham Club just outside BA where we staged the first

FIP Military Cup with six teams, which was not only a great success but hopefully has started a new series of FIP Military Cups around the world which can only strengthen FIP and extend its reach globally.

On the commercial front we secured two new and impressive high-profile sponsors for the Federation, Gulfstream and USPA Global. Hopefully with others to follow shortly. Although Richard Caleel, who has successfully chaired our Commercial arm, steps down from the FIP Executive Committee at this year’s General Assembly after his term expires to be replaced by Joe Mayer the Chairman of the USPA, we hope to encourage Richard to continue to Chair the Commercial Committee as well as working with Emanuel Seidner on the WADA and IOC front, his experience is invaluable to FIP. All of these events and commercial successes are underpinned by the very dedicated team in our FIP Office in BA and I have to pay tribute to our CEO, Alejandro Taylor, Felipe del Sel and Olivia for their work behind the scenes to ensure that all our initiatives are implemented correctly and efficiently. And of course Sandy and Olivia for all their work on the FIP newsletter.

Our initiative on social media has been a great success in the first year, using a UK Based company, 50Media we have achieved an impressive growth, in a single year we increased Twitter from 856 to 8,553 and Instagram from around 200 to over 14,000 during the year. However FIP has now signed a marketing agreement with a large international company called Havas who will implement a more integrated marketing plan for the future.

My only disappointment was our failure

to implement the African initiative and to establish a 4-6 Goal FIP trophy for a PanAfrican FIP Tournament, but I assure the wheels are in motion although they grind frightfully slowly in the African sun, but hopefully this will be established within the next two years.

Next year will be an extremely busy one for FIP and its administration with the FIP World Snow Polo Championships in Tianjin at the Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, this year with a new invitational format with six teams, one from each of the Zones as well as the HK host team.

Leading up to Sydney in October we have to now organise the World Championship playoffs in all the Zones to be played in France,Uruguay, USA, Thailand & Iran. Thanks must go to Piero Dillier who has secured Chantilly Polo Club through the good offices of Patrick GuerrandHermes and the Perrier family, Joe Mayer and the USPA for Florida, Peter Prendiville and Peter Abishanagarden and the Royal Malaysian Polo Association for Thailand, Alex Taylor who is working with Uruguay President for Zone B playoffs and finally special mention of Hamza & Siamack for hosting Zone E playoffs and for all they have done to reintroduce polo to Iran, which is a wonderful success story.

Alex Taylor our CEO and the FIP Office have been working closely with Peter Higgins of the Sydney Polo Club and his team, as well as Tim Clarke the President of the Australian Polo Federation and the New South Wales Polo Association to secure FIP’s position and ensure that the event will be an overwhelming success for the next FIP World Polo Championships. So book your tickets and join us there.

For more information or to book a test ride please visit the website www.ecycleuk.com or telephone 01453 299171 email sales@ecycleuk.com

The largest stockist of

electric bikes

in Gloucestershire.

10 John Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 2HA Opening Times: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 - 5:30 Going green, doesn’t just mean your own foot or pedal power.

Electric bicycles are for many the transport of the future.

OL

V

V

NUMBER OF BOTTLES

ALC BY

ALC BY

Distilled at Dà Mhìle Distillery

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY UK Chief Medical Officers recommend adults do not regularly exceed:

Men:

3-4 units a day

Women:

2-3 units a day

BATCH No.

British Polo Gin +44(0)1452 730770

01/2016 1 of 150

.5

%

%

CRAFTED, DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN CEREDIGION, U.K.

Fashioned on the key defender of a polo team, No.4, this gin is deliciously reliable and delivers time and time again. Traditionalists will love this classic London Dry gin over ice with tonic and orange peel. For those with a more adventurous palette, add to toasted rosemary, tonic and fresh mint leaves for the ultimate G&T.

THE FOUNDER

Your Views

Product of the UK Steeped in history, this proudly British, quadruple distilled, hand crafted, small batch Polo Gin uses only the best organic botanicals to create some of the most flavoursome yet smoothest of gins on the market. Using a still fuelled by wood harvested by horse power on the local mountains and drawing Ceredigion’s finest spring water, this gin is as eco-friendly as can be.

5

GIN 40

28.35 UK Units

1.02

700ml

UK Units

www.drinkaware.co.uk

40.5% alc./vol.

B O TA

NICA

1.07

UK Units

700ml

OL

NUMBER OF BOTTLE

UK Units

NUMBER OF BOTTLE

L

BATCH No.

29.89

BATCH No.

2-3 units a day 2-3 units a day

42.7% alc./vol.

NICA

03/2016 1 of 900

Men: Women:

www.drinkaware.co.uk

02/2016 1 of 900

UK Chief Medical Officers recommend adults do not regularly exceed:

ALC BY

CRAFTED, DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN CEREDIGION, U.K. THE FOUNDER

Distilled at Dà Mhìle Distillery

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

%

ALC BY

CRAFTED, DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN CEREDIGION, U.K. THE FOUNDER

ALC BY

%

7

British Polo Gin +44(0)1452 730770

7

%

Letters

Based on the polo player with the most creativity and verve, No.3; this gin is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless ways. With so many different botanicals ranging from Elderflower to Vanilla, No.3, is the ultimate midday refresher when garnished with strawberry and basil for the most outrageously smooth, yet delicous G&T. Alternatively, deploy into the thirst quenching Chukka Cocktail™, alongside lemon juice, sugar syrup, fresh mint and strawberries.

.

42

GIN

Product of the UK

The Gin and Tonic has been the Polo Players’ choice of refreshment for over 150 years, since the first polo match involving British Officers in India in 1859. This proudly British, quadruple distilled Polo Gin, uses only the best organic botanicals to create the most flavoursome and smoothest of gins. Hand made in a wood-fuelled small batch still and simply crafted with Ceredigion’s finest spring water, this gin is as pure as can be.

OL

FULL STRENGTH

BRITISH

.7

B O TA

DRY

POLO 42

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

DON

.

42

Letter of the month POLO

LON

V

DRY

V

DON

OL

LON

V

Comment

POLO

.

40

POLO

OL

FULL STRENGTH

BRITISH

700ml

42.7% alc./vol.

Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN

L

Dear Sirs, Already knocked off thousands of pounds worth of work & production in our industry and season not even started, thanks Home Office Greg Glue Polosplice Ltd Kind Regards,

Dear Sirs, Why a 10 goal ceiling? Who introduced this; was this Buenos Aries or India? Why no cross-running reins especially for beginners and beginner patrons? The HPA is responsible for English polo, not Argentina!

It would be a lot fairer in England if polo players had a true handicap; if they are playing 11 goals, they should be handicapped as 11 or 12 goals!

Yours Sincerely, Colonel Bagwash

Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk wL etters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane,

@PoloTimes 10,702 Followers

www.facebook.com/ PoloTimes/ 6,023 Likes

@polotimes 3,570 Followers

Quick Question How many times has Adolfo Cambiaso won the Argentine Open?

A: Turn to page 78 to check your answer

WINTER POLO IN THE SUNSHINE

6 irrigated polo fields.

Polo from instructional chukkas to high goal polo Lessons/stick and ball sessions in morning Club/Match chukkas or slow instructional chukkas in pm Beginners/novice packages.

We own some 500 polo ponies. A huge selection for sale to cater for all levels.

All sold with 5 stage vet and guarantee.

World wide shipping arranged.

All inclusive package: 5 Star accommodation.

4 meals a day with beverages. Maid and chef on site.

POLO/LESSONS

16

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

www.la-esperanza.com.ar www.facebook.com/esperanzapolo Martin ffrench Blake +44 7971 401144 martin_ffrench_blake@hotmail.com José María Bertola +54 92926 492770 josebertola@infovia.com.ar Club + 0054 2926 423802 polo@la-esperanza.com.ar CP.7540 Coronel Suárez Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina The Bertola Family warmly welcome you to come and play at LA ESPERANZA POLO CLUB. You will be looked after in true Argentine Style on the family Estancia and will live in the middle of the polo Club. Wonderful gardens and very relaxing.

Great food and wine.Excelent ponies and fields.

POLO PARADISE Taking bookings now for the 2016/17 season.

All day polo instruction from our team of coaches: MARTIN FFRENCH BLAKE - HPA COACH JOSE AND PAULO BERTOLA We take pride in making sure all our guests improve and have fun and safe polo.

Visit our working Estancia and vineyards.

Herd cattle and sample champagne.

Ride out as a Gaucho for a day.

Full season of tournaments at LA ESPERNZA AND CORONEL SUAREZ POLO CLUB. Personalised polo packages arranged.

All levels of polo player catered from beginner to high goal pro.

www.polotimes.co.uk

the

18

Big

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

picture

www.polotimes.co.uk

XXXXXXXXX Magic Mist XXXXXXXXXXXXX The grounds at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club wrapped in pea soup mist on an early morning this Autumn. The crisp w XaXXXXXXXXXXX morning was captured on camera by their groundsman, and keen photographer, Michael Tawroginski on his way to inspect the grounds. w Photograph by Michael Tawroginski

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

19

Feature

A Stirling Job David Stirling talks ponies, prizes and professionalism Katie Vickery

T

reports

he fact that David ‘Pelón’ Stirling is better known for his humility and Uruguayan nationality than his incredible list of polo achievements speaks volumes about the talent and celebrity status of his teammates.

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

goal in the Argentine Open, this year doing his part to help lead his team to victory once more in the most important tournament of the season.

Pelón Stirling joined La Dolfina in 2010 and since then has played in every single Argentine Open Final. With the current La Dolfina line-up he has won 63 out of 67 Triple Crown matches, five Argentine Open Finals and three consecutive Triple Crown titles. This year despite a walk over win against rivals Ellerstina in The Tortugas Open and a hard-earned triumph in The Argentine Open, his fourth consecutive Argentine Triple Crown, a feat that would push him far beyond history maker and in to the realms of legend, was just snatched from the jaws of La Dolfina by the Pieres boys whose tenacity in The Hurlingham Open stopped La Dolfina’s quest for the quadruple Triple in its tracks. Polo domination may have been averted but there is no denying that the record-breaking team have achieved the impossible and Pelón Stirling has been a huge part of that achievement. Saturday 10 December’s victory marked Pelón’s 7th Argentine Open Final in a row and his 5th Argentine Open title, making him one of the most successful polo players of his time. On top of La Dolfina’s success in the Final, Pelón was also awarded the Gonzalo Heguy Trophy for Most Valuable Player and the Lady Susan Townley Cup for Best Playing Pony, Zippi.

Uruguyan by birth, Pelón grew up in Sotogrande, Spain, was schooled in England and is now based for the most part in Argentina. Add in a Chilean wife and the standard nomadic lifestyle of a high goal polo player and you have the makings of the extensive cultural patchwork which makes up this friendly, humble and talented player.

We spoke to him about his beginnings and his growth as a player.

Often overshadowed by the impressive Adolfo Cambiaso, founder of the legendary La Dolfina, it is interesting to look further into the life and achievements of the only non-Argentine 10 goaler, a player who rose quickly and quietly through the ranks to become an integral part of the most successful and celebrated polo team in the world. We interviewed La Dolfina’s often unsung hero, the number two whose performances have seen him score goal after

So, firstly and foremost… why Pelón?

“A pelón is a nectarine and when I was just a one-year-old I didn’t have any hair so my dad called me nectarine. Hardly anyone knows me by Dave these days.”

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

21

Feature How, what and why did you start to play polo?

“I mainly started in Spain. My father ran the polo in Sotogrande for a very long time and we moved to Spain when I was about six. I lived my whole life there.

That’s where I started playing polo. My grandfather was 10 goals in Uruguay and my father was 7 goals, but he was much more into working and organising polo than actually playing it. I always used to help doing the scoring, but I didn’t really get much into it. I eventually started with my dad and then I started travelling and started getting good advice from different players, watching good players and learning every day and I was always happy to receive people’s advice. Many people don’t like taking people’s advice or being told what to do or how to do it. Maybe they think that they are doing good and that they already know everything, but I think that is the wrong way to go about it. I always play with different people and I try to listen, so every day you learn something new.”

Why did you start polo ‘so late’?

“I didn’t really like it to be honest. All my friends played football and I loved football when I was young. When I was about 13 or 14 I started to get more interested. I moved to school in England and I only really played during the holidays when I went back to Sotogrande. I rode as a kid and when we went back to Uruguay I used to ride on the farm and I loved horses, but I didn’t get into polo until I was about 14. I was late compared to all of the others.”

Who has helped you?

“While now I try to learn from everyone, at the very beginning José Donoso taught me a lot and I learnt a huge amount from him.

Since I started playing more professionally, every player has taught me something to take away and to save.”

Is this something that comes about due to hard work or just an innate, natural talent?

“I think you have to have a natural skill, but you definitely have to work hard to exploit it. Polo has a lot of things about it that is not just talent. You need to try hard and be professional just like any guy in an office. When I started to take polo a bit more seriously my dad said to me, “This is your job. This is going to be your job for the future so you have to put 100% or even more into it.” Nowadays I train and polo has become more professional. Now you are 100% into the polo, you have a trainer, you 22

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

practice every day, you train and you live for that. You wake up every morning and polo is your job so you live to improve it and find that special formula that’s going to make you a better player.”

Have you had to make many sacrifices for polo?

“You have to make sacrifices for polo. I remember when I was young I couldn’t go out much because I’d always be playing the next day. But if you like what you do, you do whatever you need to get to the top and you enjoy it, so I’m not sure it counts as a sacrifice. It’s something I decided to do and it’s what I love.”

What has been your biggest achievement in polo?

“To get to play The Open has been my biggest achievement in polo. When I was young if you’d asked me if my dream was to play The Open I would have said no. I didn’t even know what it was. I think every polo player’s dream is to play The Open. If you can achieve that then your new dream is to play in the Final and if you reach the Final the next step is to win it.” When I point out that Pelón has achieved this, not only once, but five times, he brushes me aside quickly, “Bueno, bueno, I always consider myself to be a lucky person. I have managed to take the opportunities that I have been given. You have to be lucky.”

How did it feel to get to 10 goals in 2011?

“It felt good to get to 10 and I guess it meant I did something right. That was the

year that we won The Open and it felt much more special winning The Open than getting to 10 goals. Getting to 10 was a bonus. It was good, but then I went down the year after. It’s something that goes up and down. You know when you’ve played well and you know when you’ve played badly. For sure it’s special and it’s a pat on the back not just for me, but for the big set up that work so hard behind me.”

So how does one keep that motivation flowing. You’ve reached the top of the top and the highest level of any player’s career, where do you go from there?

“Everyone says that the difficult thing in life is not to reach the top, but to stay there. I think that’s the hard thing. Every day that I go onto the field, I know that I have to play well and I have to give my best. Every time I enter the field it’s a new challenge. You need to play with your brain. The biggest opponent of La Dolfina these days is each player’s own head so you need to work on that. We’ve reached a string of wins and we want to keep that going. You know that one day a loss will come, but you want to extend that winning streak for as long as you can.”

Cambiaso has formed an integral part of your growth as a player. How has he helped you get to where you are today?

“Adolfo has helped me a lot. At the end of the day, I am a foreigner in Argentina and when I got there I was in Pilar for two or three years and I was just one more in 10,000. I got to know Adolfo in 2007 when I played with him in the US Open and he www.polotimes.co.uk

Feature

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

23

Feature invited me to go to Cañuelas (where La Dolfina is based) and I played for a couple of years with a team from there in the Cámara de Diputados Cup. I owe him a lot because in the last stages of my career he has given me a big, big hand. Not just him, but also his family and his whole organisation.

I have learned a lot from all of them. It is amazing playing with the number 1 in your sport. I have played against him before and he is a nightmare. You’re always happy when you see that Argentine helmet on your side of the throw-in. It gives you confidence.

It comes with pressure because you know that the only thing that is good is to win, so there’s always a lot of pressure.”

How does one deal with that pressure, playing at that level day in and day out? Do you feel the nerves even at your level?

“I always get nervous before a game, I get adrenaline and I think it’s good. I think that the day that I don’t feel that adrenaline rush is the day that I don’t care and I need to retire. Either because I’m getting old or because I don’t like the game that much.

In the first game of a Queen’s Cup or Gold Cup or an Open or any tournament I get nervous, but I think it’s a good thing because that keeps the adrenaline going and so when the ball gets rolled in and that nervousness goes away, you can focus.”

24

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

Talk to us about your horses?

“Nowadays, I have my own breeding. The oldest ones are six-year-olds so I’m getting to that point where it will become fun. I took four of the six-year-olds to the Dominican so they were the first to travel. Hopefully next year they’ll be ready to be pushed.

The prefix is Oriental. This is because Uruguayans are referred to as Orientales (westerners). We have all the set up in Argentina and I have put a lot of effort in and I like it a lot. The day I stop travelling with polo I think this is the thing I know how to do best. If you took me to an office I wouldn’t do well.

I think I’m good at the breeding side and

hopefully it can be my future so that I can wake up and do something when I retire.”

What do you do to relax away from polo?

“I try not to think of polo 24 hours a day.

That would be wrong. I try to spend time with my family, enjoy them.”

And will they be playing polo?

“Any polo playing father who says that they will let their child choose knows that we would all love our kids to play. I would like to encourage my children to be the best at anything they decide to do. Kids polo has become so professional and it will be amazing to see how many good polo players come out of this new professionalism.”

What do you think about English polo?

“I think the polo in England is very good. It’s very good for polo. It’s competitive and it’s difficult to win. The polo is different in Argentina because of the level. I like both though. For sure in Argentina it is the maximum level you can play and Palermo is always special because the place is amazing and the tournament is like the world cup of polo. I like both though, the polo in England is very competitive.”

www.polotimes.co.uk

Chance to win ÂŁ2,500 with your former racehorse (raced in GB and registered with RoR)

H E B R O 1 5 . 2 H P O L O S TA L L I O N – S TA N D I N G I N B E R K S H I R E .

N AT U R A L C O V E R I N G A N D S T R AW S AVA I L A B L E .

Former racehorses excel in polo.

Visit ror.org.uk to find out more.

T: 01488 648998

Registered Charity No. 1084787

Has played: Argentine Open 2007 with Javier Novillo Astrada Hurlingham Open 2007 with Javier Novillo Astrada USA open and 26 goal with Las Monjitas in 2008 Argentine and Hurlingham open again in 2008 Hurlingham and Tortugas Open in 2009 to 2012 Retired for breeding - 2013 Now playing medium and low goal in UK with Eclipse.

Nature: Very easy and reliable with amazing stamina.

For details and info please contact Jontidswellpretorius@gmail.com Or William on 07768 651959 / williamlainsbury@gmail.com

Feature

Retraining of Racehorses

Racing to Polo “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man” – Winston Churchill

Tilda Woodd reports

A polo pony is responsible for 80% of a player’s performance in a game ­– any professional polo player will tell you that, and therefore it is only right that we within the sport regularly highlight and recognise the talent of these incredible animals. Add in the fact that the Thoroughbred is fast becoming the most popular, and seemingly most suitable type of horse for high goal polo, and here comes the sport’s connection with Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), a charity that was established in 2000 with the aim to support the welfare of former racehorses.

Since its formation, RoR has continuously supported Thoroughbreds in polo and those individuals who have taken the time to retrain the former racehorses, putting an incredible £18,000 into the sport every year. David Morley, RoR’s Polo Representative explains, “RoR have supported polo and the career it offers former racehorses for many years.

Photograph by Dan Abraham

Ali’s sister, Fiona Phelps collected the prize on behalf of her brother from Luke Harvey

26

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

Their annual ‘Racing to Polo Challenge’, numerous Best Playing Pony prizes, the Elite Polo Pony Performance Award and their recently introduced Young Producer Prize only continues to increase the recognition of the producers, players and most importantly the ponies. Their established and well respected presence within the polo community has over time led to producers and players in all levels of the sport, from Pony Club to Palermo, recognising and appreciating the continued support RoR give to polo.”

Earlier this year, RoR’s Chief Executive, Di Arbuthnot presented Richard, the Earl of Tyrone with the prize for the Best Young Producer of the year. Explaining the importance of the Thoroughbred and its position within the sport Richard said, “The majority of the proven and most renowned polo ponies in the world, competing at the highest level of the sport are retrained Thoroughbreds. As a polo pony trainer you aspire to own and train the best in the world and in my opinion Thoroughbreds provide the best chance of achieving this.”

At the RoR Elite Awards held on 7 December at the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket, Ali Paterson was presented with the Elite Polo Pony Performance Award for his retrained pony Daisy. Ali expressed his appreciation to RoR and the work that they do, “I would just like to thank RoR for giving Dancing Daisy this recognition.

She has turned out to be one of the few UK Thoroughbreds to make a mark in Argentina and it is a well deserved award for her.”

Ali bought Dancing Daisy from fellow polo player Henry Brett when she was a 2-year-old and throughout their time together they played in everything from the Pony Club Championships, the medium goal, and both The Queen’s and Gold Cups.

Ali recalls Daisy’s strengths for polo, “She is very easy, has a good mouth, is a great hitting platform and has an incredible turn of speed.” After five years together, Ali sold her to 10 goal player Pelon Stirling, with whom she now plays the Argentine Open – the most coveted polo tournament in the world. When asked what was so special about Daisy Ali admits “To be honest it was a lot of luck finding this mare – she was one of the first fillies I ever made and she was very easy to make. However, the main thing for me was that she taught me what qualities you need in a top horse. Along the way there was always interest in her from various players, but I was adamant I would give her the opportunity to excel.

She taught me that finding the correct path for the horses is so important in order for them to have the chance to reach their true potential. I sold her to Pelon in 2011 and thankfully, as you would expect, he did a great job taking her to the next level and proved that she can compete with the best.”

With the price of polo ponies continuing to increase significantly year on year, the retraining of racehorses provides the perfect answer, from both a commercial point of view and from that of horse welfare and RoR’s exposure and involvement in the cycle of former racehorses in polo is irreplaceable.

www.polotimes.co.uk

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

Over the years Retraining of Racehorses have presented over £100,000 in cash prizes to retrained racehorses that now take to the polo field instead of the racetrack. Polo Times talks to Ali Paterson, the winner of this year’s RoR Elite Polo Champion Award, and also looks back at what RoR has achieved, and continued to achieve, in polo since the charity’s inception.

• £6.50 January/February 2015 Volume 20 • Issue 1 •

LA DOLFINA Argentine Open triumph

Feature

www.polotimes.co.uk

NEW! Club Focus Arena Facts and Figures

s Colquhoun-Denvers interview PLUS: President of FIP Nichola

& Equipment focus 26/01/2015 18:00

PT JanFeb15 Covers.indd

1

Those eagle-eyed readers may notice that Dominic James’ picture of Dancing Daisy, being played by Pelon Stirling who bought the mare from Ali Paterson, featured on Polo Times January/February front cover

Dancing Daisy and Pelon Stirling in action in the 2014 Argentine Open Final

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

27

dolfina cuartetera b06 clone 2016 bpp tortugas open final bpp tortugas tournament aaccp cuartetera b06 along with five other clones of the great cuartetera made history in a decisive manner in the 2016 tortugas open final. crestview genetics: bringing life to champions of the future from champions past.

crestviewgenetics.com.ar

Reports

La Dolfina Back in Business

La Dolfina triumphed to take the trophy yet again

T

Another classic Final between two legendary teams

Katie Vickery

reports from Argentina

www.polotimes.co.uk

he Argentine season has once again come to its climactic end and as the season wraps-up, the players head off on holiday and the ponies are put out to grass, we look back at a fantastic season and an awesome Argentine Open.

The 2016 HSBC Argentine Open was full of surprises, a pleasant change from most years where the results are almost guaranteed from the start. This year was one of broken records as the two teams that had qualified to play after coming out on top in the Classification

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

29

Reports

The Argentine Open, Argentina

Tournament, La Irenita and Cría Yatay, performed spectacularly, beating higher handicapped and far more experienced teams to reach the Quarter Finals. Cría Yatay went on to play the Semi Finals after an outstanding win over La Aguada Las Monjitas in the Quarter Finals, a feat never achieved before by a qualifying team.

The matches throughout the tournament were fast, exciting and close, often with just a goal difference between the winners and the losers. That said, there were no surprises when it was time for the final dispute and it was Ellerstina and La Dolfina who took to the field for their 15th Argentine Open match and their 10th Argentine Open Final.

The Argentine Open Final Having lost out on The Hurlingham Open title in November, it wasn’t the Triple Crown title that they were aiming for, but La Dolfina’s impressive win on Saturday 10 December certainly served to set the record straight and highlight them as the best team in the world once more. The shock defeat at Hurlingham had many people questioning if this was to be the year that La Dolfina finally succumbed to the Pieres family, but this was not the case and their (almost) easy 16-12 win on a boiling hot Argentine afternoon in Palermo was further proof that La Dolfina are not ready to give up their crown just yet.

30

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

The game got underway in blazing sunshine, the searing heat setting the tone for the sizzling competition hotting up on Field 1 of the most impressive polo stadium in the world. The stands were packed with thousands of people flocking through the gates for the most anticipated match of the year, and it did not disappoint.

Ellerstina pushed their La Dolfina rivals hard for eight chukkas, leading throughout the first half as La Dolfina were unable to shake off the determined Pieres boys.

Inspiring plays from both sides and flawless teamwork saw goals aplenty, La Dolfina always managing to keep up and the score was tantalisingly close throughout.

The sixth chukka ended with 11 goals apiece and the crowds geared themselves up for another extra chukka extravaganza, but it was in the seventh chukka that La Dolfina decided that enough was enough.

With goals from Pablo MacDonough and Most Valuable Player David ‘Pelón’ Stirling, accompanied by a 40 yard penalty in from Mr Cambiaso himself, La Dolfina stormed ahead in the penultimate chukka, leaving Ellerstina dazed and winded behind them.

With two goals in the final chukka to Ellerstina’s one, it was long before the final whistle blew that the legendary La Dolfina foursome began to celebrate restoring the balance with their comfortable 16-12 win over their number one rivals.

The Hurlingham Open The assumed unbeaten arrival of La Dolfina to The Argentine Open was unexpectedly cut short by a surprise, golden goal loss to Ellerstina in The Final of The Hurlingham Open on Wednesday 9 November. An incredible match saw those tenacious Ellerstina boys (once again dressed in their customary and intimidating black shirts) push La Dolfina right to the edge and achieve the impossible. Trailing by three in the last chukka, big brother Gonzalito Pieres, burst forth, scoring two goals in quick succession followed by a third by Facundo to tie the game 9-9 and take the breathtaking Final into an extra chukka.

Polo at its best and the crowd on the edge of their seats, it was once again Gonzalito who saved the day in the race to goal, stealing the ball from deep in the Ellerstina defensive half to make an incredible run to goal, dodging defenders here and there and slotting the ball through the posts to the sound of thunderous applause. Ellerstina’s incredible display of determination stopped La Dolfina in its tracks and this year for the first time since 2012, there will be no Triple Crown winner. Ellerstina have succeeded in proving that the once indomitable La Dolfina side are indeed human.

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Argentine Open, Argentina

Reports

The HSBC Argentine Open Final teams: Johor Ellerstina (39) Facundo Pieres (10) Position: 1 1st Argentine Open: 2003 Played: 13 Champion: 3 Triple Crowns: 1 (with Ellerstina in 2010) Fantasy Polo Ranking: 1 Fantasy Polo Score: 218.5

Pablo Pieres (10) Position: 2 1st Argentine Open: 2009 Total played: 7 Champion: 0 Triple Crowns: 0 Fantasy Polo Ranking: 113 Fantasy Polo Score: 16

Gonzalito Pieres (10) Position: 3 1st Argentine Open: 1999 Played: 17 Champion: 3 Triple Crowns: 1 (with Ellerstina in 2010) Fantasy Polo Ranking: 14 Fantasy Polo Score: 117.5

Nicolás Pieres (9) Position: 4 1st Argentine Open: 2009 Total played: 7 Champion: 1 Triple Crowns: 0 Fantasy Polo Ranking: 11 Fantasy Polo Score: 134.5

La Dolfina (40) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Position: 1 1st Argentine Open: 1992 Played: 23 Champion: 13 Triple Crowns: 4 (1 with Ellerstina 1994 and 3 with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015) Fantasy Polo Ranking: 3 Fantasy Polo Score: 200

David ‘Pelón’ Stirling, Jr. (10) Position: 2 1st Argentine Open: 2009 Played: 7 Champion: 5 Triple Crowns: 3 (with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015) Fantasy Polo Ranking: 5 Fantasy Polo Score: 188

Pablo MacDonough (10) Position: 3 1st Argentine Open: 2002 Played: 14 Champion: 7 Triple Crowns: 4 (1 with Ellerstina 2010, 3 with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015) Fantasy Polo Ranking: 2 Fantasy Polo Score: 205.5

Juan Martín Nero (10)

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Position: 4 1st Argentine Open: 2004 Played: 12 Champion: 7 Triple Crowns: 4 (1 with Ellerstina 2010, 3 with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015) Fantasy Polo Ranking: 6 Fantasy Polo Score: 163.5

The two great teams line-up at the ‘Cathedral of Polo’

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

31

David ‘Pelón’ Stirling received three awards for The Argentine Open

Match Statistics: Result: La Dolfina beat Ellerstina 16-12 Chukka Score: 1-2, 3-3, 5-6, 6-7, 9-9, 11-11, 14-11, 16-12 Throw-Ins La Dolfina: 29 Throw-Ins Ellerstina: 12

MVP David ‘Pelón’ Stirling

3

Third man: Esteban Ferrari

Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament: Adolfo Cambiaso (19 field goals and 21 penalties) Top Goal Scorer of the Final: Facundo Pieres (5 field goals and 3 penalties) Daniel Boudou and Gastón Dorignac

Goal Accuracy La Dolfina: 57% (16 goals from 28 shots to goal) Goal Accuracy Ellerstina: 70.5% (12 goals from 17 shots to goal)

BPP Best Playing Pony: Zippi, owned and played by David ‘Pelón’ Stirling

Best Mounted of the Tournament: David ‘Pelón’ Stirling Best Mounted of the Final: Juan Martín Nero 32

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

Biggest Fouler: Facundo Pieres (5)

Penalty Accuracy Facundo Pieres: 100% (3 in out of 3) Penalty Accuracy Adolfo Cambiaso: 43% (3 in out of 7) www.polotimes.co.uk

The HPA National Club Championships, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Reports

Youth Prevails Victories for Young Guns and Regal Warriors

A

change in dates from the 201516 arena season had seemed a welcome idea at the time of scheduling for the 3 and 12 goal Nationals, but in reality the team entries had suffered a little from an early exodus to hotter polo destinations and teams and ponies who were not quite ready for tournaments. However, it was good to see familiar faces and witness the domestic winter season underway with its usual close contact thrills.

In the first game of the day Emsworth Regal Power took on RCBPC Cool Hooves in a speedy opening match, which ended with a final score of 20-18 in favour of the 1 goal RCBPC Cool Hooves team.

The Final of the 3 goal got underway pretty swiftly afterwards between Sladmore and Young Guns. It was very refreshing polo

www.polotimes.co.uk

with two teams of youngsters battling against each other for the trophy. The advantage of having talented, but less experienced players pitted against one another is that the game was fluid. This resulted in a skilled clean match as a bonus not just for the umpire, but also the spectators. Only a couple of times did the players all pile on top of each other in a scrum akin to Pony Club, but the whistles were few and far between. The older players on each side, James Mann and The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player Nell Jacob were well matched and added experience and team direction to hold the game together. Sladmore took a 4 goal advantage at the start, but the final score of 15-10 meant that even with their head start they would have won the game.

Young Guns played well, and although they had narrowly missed beating Sladmore the day before, were in the end subject to missed

Lucy Wilson

reports from Berkshire

opportunities in the goal scoring department.

The Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award went to Nell Jacob’s 17-year-old mare Ortiga, whom she played in the first and last chukka.

As the air chilled and the wind picked up, Glühwein and the enthusiastic commentary of Jan Erik Franck revved up the frozen spectators as RCBPC Mighty Titans and WPPC Regal Warriors took to the arena for the 12 goal HPA National Club Championship. Mark Hayden-Kellard paired with Adolfo Casabal and a young Harry Hutchings for the Mighty Titans took on Max Charlton, Rapha Singh and Charlotte Christodoulou for Regal Warriors. The Mighty Titans began the game with real verve hitting some hard, fast goals leaving Charlton and his team on the back foot for the first two chukkas. Christodoulou really held her own and played fantastically well in such a small

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

33

Photography by Gillian Hughes Photography

Nell Jacob and James Mann battle in front of goal

Reports

The HPA National Club Championships, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Max Charlton manoeuvres the ball in front of Harry Hutchings

enclosed space with five big strong players who were not taking any prisoners on the way to goal. It wasn’t until the last chukka that Mighty Titans seemed to run out of puff and Charlton managed to hit a few well

timed shots at goal to take them into the lead, but it was nail-biting right to the end as Casabal tied for a two point winning goal, but umpire for the game Howard Smith blew the final whistle crowning Regal Warriors the

The HPA 3 Goal National Club Championships Final teams

12 goal champions with a score of 25-23.

Chukka scores: 6-1, 10-2, 12-6, 15-10 to Sladmore 2 Pointers Scored x 2 TOP GOAL SCORER James Mann

Sladmore (1) Christobel Horswell (-1) George Marsden (0) Nell Jacob (2)

Young Guns (3) Hannah Buckingham (0) Eric Appen (1) James Mann (2)

2 7 9 1 NO

34

V

NOV

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

MVP Nell Jacob

Tim Bown & Marcus Hancock

BPP Ortiga

5

TEAMS www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

Post-match Perspectives: Charlotte Christodoulou “It felt pretty good to win, which is a bit of an understatement, in fact I am so happy just to be alive after that game, it was pretty tough. We have only been riding for the last month, after the summer.

It was also great that Max was able to fly back to play in our team with us. ”

Winners, Sladmore with Michael Amoore and runners-up Young Guns

Rapha Singh “It’s the first 12 goal tournament we have played this year. We are planning to do a lot of 12 goal so we are hoping to do the same again and we are getting better and better at it.”

Harry Hutchings “I feel very honoured and I was not expecting to win The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award. It was quite a tough game as there were some decent players like Max Charlton which was really good. It felt good for me and also it helps me improve as a player so I really enjoyed the game and fingers crossed you will see me in the arena again.”

Winners, Regal Warriors with Greta Morrison and runners-up Mighty Titans

The HPA 12 Goal National Club Championships Final teams

Max Charlton “We started pretty weak and they got 5 or 6 goals, so we were struggling in the first half and they got a bit of an advantage, but we got there in the end.

Luckily I had a friend here playing the ponies, but I have been travelling a bit in Dubai, so I have been flying back a couple of weekends a month. I will be playing in the arena all January.”

2 Pointers Scored x 11

Regal Warriors (12) Charlotte Christodoulou (1) Rapha Singh (2) Max Charlton (9)

Mighty Titans (11) Harry Hutchings (1) Mark Hayden-Kellard (3) Adolfo Casabal (7)

TOP GOAL SCORER Max Charlton x 24

Tim Bown & Howard Smith

Chukka scores: 5-11, 12-17, 20-20, 25-23 to Regal Warriors read more about Polo Times Best Playing Ponies Ranchero and Ortiga turn To to our Pony Power page

www.polotimes.co.uk

BPP

MVP

Harry Hutchings

RancheroPolo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

35

Photography by Gillian Hughes Photography

Reports

The victorious Tex8n team at the prize giving with Michael Amoore & Richard Blake Thomas

Chino Leiva hits a tricky shot in front of Capi Granchi

Tex8n Take Top Honour

A

Tex8n triumph over Las Aguilas in HPA Christmas Final s both teams lined-up for the throw in, the tension was palpable as Tex8n prepared to face-off with Las Aguilas.

Enjoying a rather smooth road to the Final with comfortable wins in each of their previous games, Tex8n were the favourites, whilst Las Aguilas had secured their place in the Final the previous morning, winning by just one goal over Sau Wild in a very closerun match.

No sooner had umpire Chris Hyde thrown the ball in and the play had travelled perhaps one length of the arena before the familiar piercing cry of the whistle tore through the air and the first penalty of the 36

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

match was awarded to Tex8n. This was quickly followed up by two penalties in quick succession being awarded to Las Aguilas that sadly didn’t end in goals. Showing her mettle, Las Aguilas’ Capi Granchi held her own against far more established players including Tex8n’s number three, Nico San Roman as Las Aguilas battled to withstand Tex8n’s early onslaught. The first chukka ended with a brilliant two point goal from Las Aguilas’ Adolfo Casabal as they managed to regain some ground at this early stage of the tournament putting the score at 5-2 to Tex8n with victory within reach for both teams at this early stage and goodness they knew it.

Aurora Cotten-McKean reports from Surrey

The second chukka certainly wasn’t lacking in the drama stakes as penalties were awarded to both Tex8n and Las Aguilas in the opening minute of the second. Tex8n then quickly scored to widen the gap against their relentless challengers, however not to be cowed, Las Aguilas quickly countered with a goal of their own to narrow the gap to 6-4 to Tex8n. A knock-in to Las Aguilas however sparked what was to be the first of a series of rather unfortunate www.polotimes.co.uk

The 5-8 Goal HPA National Club Championships (Victor Ludorum), Westcroft Park Polo Club

occurrences as Las Aguilas’ number three, Adolfo Casabal put a little too much energy into his swing as we all watched the ball sail over the hedge and off into the setting sun. With most players choosing to change at half chukka, the action was straight back underway with yet another knock-in for Las Aguilas that unfortunately took the very same trajectory. It wasn’t just Las Aguilas that seemed to be down on their luck, as a subsequent penalty awarded to Tex8n and taken by Nico San Roman suffice to say also ended off sailing off into the great unknown. This was to be repeated four times before the end of the chukka as the first half of the match came to a close, 11-4 to Tex8n.

After a short break to allow the arena to be re-rolled, as the teams cantered back into the arena the hunger was palpable.

With the third chukka underway, Tex8n were yet again first to make their mark on the scoreboard, however fouls and subsequent penalties came thick and fast as the polo became scrappier as the game progressed, with both the umpire, umpire pony and even the viewing gallery taking a slight battering with the play becoming wilder and the trajectories of the arena balls became practically kamikaze. Following the roll-in, Las Aguilas appeared to put on an extra spurt of energy as Capi Granchi flew down the field and successfully scored for Las Aguilas. Returning from a half chukka change, the action was ramping

up even further as Adolfo Casabal made a spectacular shot for Las Aguilas, sadly losing the ball yet again. However a defended penalty awarded to Tex8n then produced a two pointer for the team in blue, increasing their lead. Perhaps a catalyst, we were then treated to two spectacular horse races up the length of the arena between number ones Capi Granchi and Mindi Byrne, and number threes Adolfo Casabal and Nico San Roman in desperation for possession. As the third came to a close, Tex8n had increased their lead to 16 goals to 6, a massive 10 goal lead over Las Aguilas.

After the slightly surreal chaos of the third, the fourth chukka seemed rather civilised in comparison as Tex8n slowly and methodically increased their lead to 19 goals over 6 before Las Aguilas managed

Reports

to score a hard fought seventh goal. In the dying moments of the match Tex8n scored the final goal of the match, leading them to a victory of 20-7 over Las Aguilas.

Dominant from the first, Tex8n pulled away in the second chukka and simply refused to allow Las Aguilas to find any chinks in their finely tuned armour and make-up any ground. Belying the final score, Las Aguilas played a bold and strong game with the whole team showing great flexibility and quick thinking that unfortunately simply couldn’t hold up to Tex8n’s runaway dominance. With moments of brilliance from both teams, an abundance of whistle and a crowd that may have lacked in numbers, but more than made up for it in enthusiasm, Westcroft Park Polo Club was certainly the place to be.

Post-match Perspectives: Capi Granchi “It was really fun, definitely one of the most incredible things. Getting here was amazing.

It was tough but overall it was really great to play, it was really fast paced.”

Mindi Byrne “I was thinking we were coming from behind for the whole game, thinking don’t look at the score; don’t look at the score so I didn’t even know how big the lead was. They (Las Aguilas) were fighting very hard, especially Adolfo (Casabal). He came to win today.”

Jan-Erik Franck – Tex8n Team Mascot/Coach “Tex8n Polo, The Tex8n Polo Team the way they performed in this tournament led by team captain, playmaker Nico San Roman is the dawn of a new era in arena polo.”

The HPA 8 Goal National Club Championships Final teams:

Chukka scores: 5-2, 11-4, 16-6, 20-7 to Tex8n

TOP GOAL SCORER Nico San Roman Chris Hyde & Howard Smith Tex8n (8) Mindi Byrne (1) Juan ‘Chino’ Leiva (3) Nico San Roman (4)

Las Aguilas (8) Capi Granchi (0) Michel Granchi (1) Adolfo Casabal (7)

BPP

3 11

D

EC

DEC

MVP

6

TEAMS

Carla

Nico San Roman To read more about Polo Times Best Playing Pony, Carla, turn to our Pony Power pages

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

37

Reports

The

Midlands Polo Festival, Rugby Polo Club

Photography by Lucy Wilson

Midlands Polo Festival Fun Lucy Wilson

T

reports from Nottinghamshire

he Midlands Polo Festival concluded on Sunday 11 December at Rugby Polo Club with the Finals of three different sections and a total of 11 teams over the 0, 4 and 8 goal sections. The relaxed and 38

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

Winners Galore from Rugby Polo Club fun atmosphere at the Midlands Club wasn’t just evident on the sidelines in the many covered viewing areas, but also in the arena during the games as well. The upper handicap level might have been slightly testy and a tad more serious, but overall the polo

was fun. Following the Club’s Christmas party, held on the Friday night, nasty festive jumpers were a must apparently, there had been a few team line-up changes for the first round of games, but by the Finals on Sunday everyone was present and correct. www.polotimes.co.uk

The Midlands Polo Festival, Rugby Polo Club

Reports

Charlie Hitchman and his team Bush Pigs accept the Best Playing Pony Award from Carol Baker for his pony Ginger

8 goal winners, Thompson Local with Carol Baker

The Willoughby Park Polo Gear 8 Goal In the top section, the polo was tough and feisty with big guns David Ashby, who headed up Thompson Local, Karl Ude Martinez for Twisted and Matt Simpson, the highest rated player, for Bush Pigs, giving each other a run for their money. Ude Martinez teamed-up with Chris ‘the flying Scotsman Crawford, were a formidable duo who bore down on Ashby at every given opportunity. Crawford’s kami-kazi

riding style drew a few sharp breaths from the spectators as his commitment to shots nearly had him off his horse, but the superglue he is so well known for kept him on board as he pushed for a two pointer to equalise the scores in the final few seconds.

Despite being sent off in the first game of the tournament, David Ashby’s line-up came out the eventual winners of the two day round-robin defeating both Twisted (second) and Bush Pigs (third).

4 goal winners, Kylin with Jane Kang

The Kangaroos 4 Goal Final The 4 goal Final was a four chukka horse race between local player Mikey Henderson for Kylin Polo and Rugby Polo Club’s Dean Lines, who has made a return to playing arena polo. Lines held his own incredibly well despite playing green ponies, the story would have been very different if he had been mounted on more experienced ponies.

The scores were pretty close throughout the game. Mikey was playing at double speed for most of the play, a predictable, winning style of picking up the stray ball, turning and then running hell-for-leather towards goal. Plagued by Lines, he didn’t have the smoothest of rides, but his pocket-rocket www.polotimes.co.uk

ponies had the edge. The atmosphere was jovial, despite the speed of the game, at one point Lines ended up hugging Henderson’s pony as they became somewhat entangled as the whistle went. Umpire Crawford even chuckled as nobody had any clue how the two payers had managed it.

However, Kylin edged ahead in the last chukka to take the trophy with a score of 1712 despite a last minute goal from Rugby’s Mark Morrison. It was a great match to watch, despite the ferocious speed, with plenty of laughter inside and outside the arena as Ude Martinez egged the spectators on with some comedy commentary.

The Willoughby Park Polo Gear 8 Goal Final teams: Thompson Local: David Ashby (5), Tom Coid (1) & Benjie Bradshaw (0) Twisted: Karl Ude Martinez (3), Chris Bell (0) & Chris Crawford (5) Bush Pigs: Matt Simpson (3), Lolly Stanhope-White (3) & Charlie Hitchman (2) Results: Thomson defeated Twisted 17-16, Thomson defeated Bush Pigs 15-14 & Twisted defeated Bush pigs 14-12 Most Valuable Player: David Ashby Best Playing Pony: Ginger, owned and played by Charlie Hitchman

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Dean Lines

The Kangaroos 4 Goal Final teams: Kylin Polo: Mikey Henderson (6), Duncan Qui (-1) & Megan Grandi (-1) Rugby Polo Club: Dean Lines (4), Oliver Conway-Johnson (-1) & Mark Morrison (1) Result: 17-13 to Kylin The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award: Dean Lines Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award: Rabbit, owned by Hannah Henderson, played by Mikey Henderson Best Playing Pony: Picasso, played by Oliver Conway-Johnson Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

39

Reports

The Midlands Polo Festival, Rugby Polo Club

from Pony Club fluffies to polocrosse ponies. The polo was, however pretty serious stuff and some great shots from all the players, and ponies’ front feet, gave the games a steady speed. Jayne Henderson and her team had recovered from Friday night’s party and she played well on the famous Rugby Polo Club pony Bog Trotter, whilst poor Lawrence Baker on The Incredibles team kept finding the ceiling girders sending his huge shots backwards. The Crazy Cat Ladies took first prize leaving The Incredibles as runners-up, whilst Del Kang’s Kangaroos hopped into third place with Butchers in fourth place.

0 Goal winners, Crazy Cat Ladies with Jane Kang and Matt Cullen from Onley Equine Vets

The Onley & Towcester Equine Vets 0 Goal In the 0 goal Final, the Crazy Cat Ladies headed up by Lucia Mander, stole the show against The Incredibles with a final score of 6-3. Butchers took fourth place, whilst the Kangaroos took third place. Mander had a busy prize-giving as she was also awarded

the 0 goal Most Valuable Player Award and Best Playing Pony for her pony Patch. The 0 goal was fun, flowing and the last game of the day. The line-up for the last chukkas, which alternated as each player had only one pony, was a like a pick-and-mix of ponies with all shapes, sizes and colours

The Onley & Towcester Equine Vets 0 Goal Final teams: Crazy Cat Ladies: Lucia Mander (1), Jayna Henderson (0) & Katie Loutsiou (-1) The Incredibles: Lawrence Baker (1), Danny Woodward (-1) & Rayahan Sherlala (0) Result: 8-6 to Crazy Cat Ladies Most Valuable Player: Lucia Mander Best Playing Pony: Patch, owned and played

by Lucia Mander

Tel: +44 (0) 1842 862 068 Fax: +44 (0) 1842 861 936 Email: info@greenheath.co.uk www.greenheath.co.uk

For Hire / Sale - New Alstrong Actus with APV Seeder. Ensure your pitch is healthy and green this year with this Alstrong Actus. Full dealer services with rental possibility. Call for further details

MAJOR TDR 16000s - Choice of almost new to ex-hire.

Prices starting at £5000 + VAT. Hire option available.

Massey Ferguson 690 tractor and a wide choice of budget tractors in stock. Ideal for ground care. Speak to our team for more details on our tractor range.

For Hire / Sale - Alstrong Aerator 840T. Heavy duty, hard wearing and just what you need for your ground. Offering new and used with rental options - speak to us today about Alstrong products.

2010 Isuzu 7.5t flatbed lorry, ideal for horse box conversion. Auto, AC, one owner from new.

Call for a price or some advice.

Charterhouse 9’ aerator & similar in stock.

For sale or contract hire. Call us to discuss pitch care with our team.

Martin Collins Gallop Master & Arena Master ready for arena season.

Nicholson PC1800 Paddock Sweepers. This paddock sweeper takes the biscuit compared to other makes of paddock cleaners, with new brushes and screen and very light use. Choice of 5 units for sale & hire.

For full listings and more equipment visit: www.greenheath.co.uk

Specialists in groundcare & used equipment supply. www.greenheath.co.uk 40

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

Top Polo on Tenacious Ponies

Australia take the trophy defeating the Manipur home team

T

N Ibungochoubi reports from Manipur

he 10th Manipur Polo International 2016 organised by the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association (MHRPA) under the aegis of the Government of Manipur forms part of the Manipur Sangai Festival as a calendar event every year from 22 – 29 November. This year’s tournament will be remembered for one more reason, as the theme was to Save Manipuri Pony: the Original Polo Pony. Endorsing this cause, the Government of Manipur tabled a Draft 42

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

Manipuri Pony Policy in a state cabinet on the eve of the tournament. This was a long awaited decision by the Government to acknowledge the dwindling population of the Manipuri pony breed, which has been driven to the brink of extinction by modern civilisation, as their natural habitat has been encroached and destroyed by urban growth and development. Polo players and pony lovers, along with the MHRPA, Manipur Equestrian Association and Manipuri Pony Society have been vociferously demanding to preserve the natural habitat of the Manipuri pony breed for many decades.

The 10th edition of the tournament saw four international teams compete from Australia, Kenya, England, United States of America, plus the Indian teams A (India) and

B (Manipur), the tournament was played as two leagues with three teams in each.

The USA, last year’s champion, was the first to confirm to take part in the tournament team. The team was unfortunately reduced to only three players, as its fourth player Loreto Natividad fell ill before boarding the flight and moved to a hospital by an ambulance from the airport.

The 10th edition was reminiscent of the 2015 tournament, as both the Opening and Final matches of both the tournaments were very similar. Last year, the opening match was played between India B (Manipur) and USA. The Manipur team had a comfortable victory over the USA. The same teams met in the 2015 Final in which the USA, in an exciting match won the match in an extra chukka through a golden goal. www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

Photography by CK Sharma

The 10th Manipur Polo International Tournament, Mapal Kangjeibun, India

N Ibungochoubi with the winning Australian squad

The 10th Manipur Polo International 2016 participating squads: League A USA: George Krabbe (1), Lucas Reid (2) & Ryan Cronin-Prather (2) England: George Shelton (1), Kaveh Atrak (1), Phil Seller (2) & Alec Banner-Eve (2) India A: Capt. RK Gautam (0), Capt. Narendra Singh (0), Mahesh Kumar (1) & Abungcha Salam (0) League B Australia: Beau Blundell (2), Scott Kennedy-Green (1), Alex Barnet (2), Adam Tolhurst (4) & Jock Mackay (4) Kenya: Kimoi Moi (1), Eugene Ngumbao (1), Lorenzo Soriano (2), Geoffrey Morley (1) & Rowena Stichbury (1) India B (Manipur): M. Jawan, P. Ojit, S. Bimol, T. Pradeep Kumar, Th. Ranjit & L. Thomson (The Manipur players are not graded for handicap)

Australia and India B in action during the Final

This year too, the opening match once again featured India B (Manipur), but this time against the mighty Australia. As in 2015, Manipur convincingly won the match, this time with a score of 7-4. The two teams met later in the week in the 2016 Final, but this time the Australian team came back with determination and defeated the India B, 9-6 in one of the most thrilling matches, as the packed stadium crowds cheered both the teams as they scored against each other.

The tournament is played on the oldest surviving polo ground in the world, Mapal Kangjeibung, which is so unique and exciting although there are no handicapping rules. It’s an open invitational tournament governed by its Rules and Regulations adopted from the IPA norms, which share some similarities to other international tournament standards. www.polotimes.co.uk

10th Manipur Polo International 2016 results: Day 1 – India B defeated Australia, 7-4 Day 2 – England defeated USA, 7-3 Day 3 – England defeated India A, 6-2 & Australia defeated Kenya, 5-0 Day 4 – USA defeated India A, 11-4 & India B defeated Kenya, 9-1 Day 5 – Semi Final – Australia defeated England, 6-3 Day 6 – Semi Final – India B defeated USA, 7-2 Day 7 – Final – Australia defeated India B, 9-6 For every foreign player, there is a common philosophy of visiting and playing in Manipur: a lifetime desire to play polo on the soil that gave birth to the game and to experience the thrill of playing on the original Manipuri polo ponies. More so, witnessing the way Manipuris play the game is yet another fervour of the tournament organised by the MHRPA every year.

The visiting teams, particularly from England, Australia and Kenya were discovering yet another chapter of history as they visited the Commonwealth War Cemetery of the World War II at Imphal, where over thousand Allied personnel, including over three hundred Britons and

the only female, 20-year-old Edith Florence Turner from Yorkshire, are immortalised with their names inscribed on the plaques in their memories. The visiting Japanese delegation led by the Ambassador His Excellency Mr Kenji Hiramatsu paid a special homage to the lone woman buried in the Cemetery as a symbol of reconciliation. It was the first time that a Japanese Ambassador paid tribute to the martyred lady. The Japanese Ambassador His Excellency Takeshi Yagi visited the Commonwealth War Cemetery of the World War II last year during the Commemoration of the 72nd Anniversary of WW II initiated by the Manipur Tourism Forum.

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

43

Reports

The 10th Manipur Polo International Tournament, Mapal Kangjeibun, India

Fact File – Manipuri Ponies All of the teams were mounted by the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association, which was set up in 1977 to revive polo so as to aid the ponies’ survival. Typically standing between 11hh and 13hh these hardy ponies are now struggling to survive against the decrease of their natural habitats, due to rapid urbanisation, with numbers having been recorded as low as only 400 ponies. The livestock census report of 2003 mentions 1,893 ponies in Manipur, 1,218 ponies in 2007. However, the Manipuri Pony Society conducted a census in 2014, which recorded less than 500.

15 Minutes with England players Alec Banner-Eve & George Shelton How did you find the games?

Alec – Tough, fast, intense, physically demanding but incredibly fun.

How did the England team get on together?

Alec – As a team we were very lucky to gel so well together. We were only a 6 goal team and narrowly lost to an 10/11 goal Australian side in the Semi Final, despite not receiving a handicap advantage. We missed a ridiculous amount of chances in the fourth chukka that would have sealed the game. The team adapted very fast, we had a dynamic interchange and a lot of trust amongst each other, which saw the team really do some special things exhibited only too well by Kaveh Atrek’s commitment in coming back on the field when his chin was badly cut by the ball. Phil Seller’s hard work to create space for the rest of the team was admirable and better than anyone else’s in the tournament and George Shelton played

the key role in linking the front back, back front and back again, he was everywhere!

George – The lean England team, travelling without substitutes, were an eclectic bunch but instantly gelled together well. The team consisted of Kaveh Atrak (a Brit living in Stockholm, running the main Polo Club there), Alec Banner-Eve (Manager of MHF polo club in Harlow), Phil Seller (polo pro), and myself (a PhD student specialising in Philanthropy). United by a sense of adventure and an appreciation for the opportunity to play in such a tournament, the fun that was had both on and off the field was shown clearly on the faces of the players after every match.

Tell us how you got on with the mighty Manipuri ponies?

Alec – As a team we took to it very well.

There was a lot of determination and we all found the big hearted, yet little ponies very uplifting.

George – The game is a great test of horsemanship, versatility, and hand-eye

coordination. In the interests of fairness, horses are exchanged between teams at half time, a great addition to the game, which quashes any suggestion of unfair horse allocation.

Would you recommend the tournament to others?

Alec – I can’t recommend the tournament enough. In fact I think everyone needs to go at some point. I would most definitely go again! However, I think its important the HPA and other organisations change the team yearly, so different people get the chance to see the claimed original home of modern polo and experience the atmosphere which drove the game to become so popular.

Historically in Manipur, polo is played by the working people, it is a tough and fast game on the most incredibly determined ponies. It is not a surprise that our gutsy British Officers felt the need to take up the game and show it to the world. A lot can be taken from the experience and although polo has become so magnificent throughout the world there is value in taking it back to its roots at times. They are very different horses from even their Mongolian counterparts and we do need to be aware of their struggle as a polo community.

George – A huge thank you should be said to members of the MHRPA committee for providing all of the players and spectators with such a memorable and unique experience.

The England team on parade at the opening ceremony

44

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

www.polotimes.co.uk

Richmonds Horse Transport.qxd:Layout 1

3/3/10

10:10

Page 1

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

21 HPA-Arena2012-13.indd 21

10/10/2012 12:15

Reports

Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, Desert Palm Resort and Polo Club, Dubai

Cartier Crowns Zedan

Photography by Gillian Hughes Photography

The 12th edition of the tournament concludes

Rashid Bin Drai in action for Zedan Polo

46

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography by Gillian Hughes Photography

Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, Desert Palm Resort and Polo Club, Dubai

U

Reports

Winning team Zedan with fellow participating teams Habtoor Polo, Cartier and Desert Palm

presented the impressive Cartier trophy to the Zedan team patrons Amr Zedan and Rashid Bin Drai. Cartier’s VIP guest Alessandra Ambrosio had earlier presented the La Martina Most Valuable Player of the Tournament Award to Habtoor Polo’s Santiago Gomez Romero. She also presented the Cartier Best Playing Pony Rug and a saddle to Mohammed Al Habtoor’s Sasha, which had been played by Habtoor Polo’s Tommy Iriarte.

Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge teams: Zedan Polo Team: Amr Zedan (0), Rashid Bin Drai (0), Nico Petracchi (2) & Raul Laplacette (6) Habtoor Polo: Stuart Wrigley (0), Mohammed Al Habtoor (0), Santiago Gomez Romero (3) & Tomas Iriarte (5) Cartier: Federico von Potobsky (6), Peter Reid (-1), Haider Bangash (-1) & Mario Gomez (4) Desert Palm: HRH Prince Jefri (0), Saoud Khoory (1), Rashid Albwardy (2) & Martin Valent (5)

Photography by Gillian Hughes Photography

nder the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 12th edition of the prestigious Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge concluded with a 9-6 win for Zedan Polo. Their valiant opponents in this Final were Habtoor Polo, headed up by Mohammed Al Habtoor.

This is the first time that Cartier has hosted its Dubai Polo Challenge tournament in November and four 8 goal teams took part, featuring players from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, England, Brunei, Scotland, Argentina, and Spain. The Subsidiary Final for The Desert Palm Trophy featured the sponsor’s own team, Cartier and the home team, Desert Palm and saw a victory for Desert Palm, with HRH Princess Haya presenting the Desert Palm Trophy to HRH Prince Jefri of Brunei and Rashid Albwardy.

After the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge Final, HRH Princess Haya

Sasha the Cartier Best Playing Pony

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

47

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

North American International in Toronto

Celebrations in Sylt

Photograph by Ben Randvanyi Photography

FOR 20 YEARS, polo has been played in Sylt. In 2017, the anniversary year for both polo tournaments in Sylt will include the 10th edition of the Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Sylt and the 20th edition of Berenberg German Polo Masters. Both the beach polo tournament on Pentecost (Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Sylt) as well as the polo tournament on grass in the summer (Berenberg German Polo Masters) can also add to their celebrations a continuation of sponsorship support now that Maserati has signed a three year contract with the organisers.

Dates for the diary: 10th Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Sylt: 3 – 4 June 2017 in Hörnum 20th Berenberg German Polo Masters: 2 – 6 August 2017 in Keitum

The two teams line-up before the game

IN FRONT OF a sell-out crowd of 10,000 people at the Ricoh Coliseum on 9 November, USA defeated Canada, 10-9, in the Royal Polo Match at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

The inaugural indoor arena game featured top players aged 21-and-under. The match took place before the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup show jumping event featuring Olympic gold medalists Nick Skelton, Kent Farrington, McLain Ward, Jessica Springsteen and other elite riders.

The U.S. polo team of Grant Ganzi, Tony Calle, and Wes Finlayson, dominated most of the game against Canada’s CJ Sifton, Michner Ward and Kingsley Ward, members of the University of Western Ontario polo team.

The U.S. team was coached by Nic Roldan, America’s top-ranked player at 8 goals, whilst the Canadians were coached by Scott Weir, Canadian Polo Association Director of Training.

GENEVA POLO CLUB beat Association Depén de tu-ScharlauBonhill at the 4 goal VIII Memorial Wolfgang Reber Tournament at Club de Polo Ampurdan, which ran from October 7 – 16. Eight teams came to participate from their home clubs in Madrid, Sotogrande, France, All the participating teams celebrate the end of the tournament Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, UK, Argentina, USA and Ghana. The first classification round on the weekend 7 – 9 October put Geneva Polo Club, Real Club de Polo Barcelona, Assoc. Depen de tu-Scharlau-Bonhill and Côte d’Azur PC-Mas Bosch 1526 in the lead. The winner of the exciting and very competitive Memorial Cup Final was Geneva Polo Club and the Subsidiary Cup was won by the all-ladies team Côte d’Azur-Mas Bosch 1526.

For the winter season, the Club is launching the new arena, and invites teams to play in the first Ampurdan Arena Polo Championship on 28 – 29 January and the Carnival Arena Polo Cup on 25 – 26 February.

Ladies Escape

POLO ESCAPE WILL play the Ladies International from 4 – 7 January 2017.

For the details of the tournament and staying at Polo Escape (all the family welcome and plenty to see and do for non-players) visit poloescape.com 48

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

Photograph courtesy of Dallas Burston Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Ampurdan Polo Club

Ampurdan

Festive Offerings at Dallas Burston

Polo lesson vouchers with Huw Beavan could be on your Christmas shopping list

DALLAS BURSTON POLO Club has launched its Christmas Polo Vouchers, offering part funds or full lessons. The vouchers, which are on sale now from the Club, are available in either £10 or £20.

A full one-hour polo lesson on one of the Club’s ponies is just £50 and shoppers can buy either the full voucher or a contribution towards the cost. The Club also offers half (£100) or full (£180) polo days, offering someone special a great introduction to the sport. A great festive gift for a friend or family member who is eager to learn, or try your much loved sport. www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Emsworth Out of Arena VL

Chapa Uno Hosts Gay Polo League

ON FRIDAY 2 December El Milagro beat Jolly Rodgers with a score of 9-7½, and captured the 16 goal La Aguada Cowdray Park Polo Trophy, following a very even Final.

Played within the spring season at the Novillo Astrada family’s Club, the tournament strengthens the partnership between La Aguada Polo Club, in Open Door, Argentina and Cowdray Park Polo Club. The Fair Play Award of the tournament went to Cowdray Vikings’ Lila Pearson and the Most Valuable Player Award was given to two players CT Polo’s Jamie Grayson and Clearwater’s Camp Campbell.

Action from the La Aguada Cowdray Park Polo Trophy

La VI La Aguada Guards Polo Trophy

Photograph by Martin Callejo

THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL Gay Polo League (GPL) tournament outside North America came to an end on Saturday 10 December with the Finals at Bautista Heguy’s Chapa Uno Polo Club in General Rodriguez, Argentina. Three teams, made up of polo professionals and LGBT players, fought to become GPL Argentina champions. Phelps Media continued their winning streak, beating RSM 3-2 and Cedar Crest 2-1. The matches were competitive and fun, with players sharing a lot of laughs both on and off the field. The next edition of the Gay Polo League will be in Florida in April.

Cowdray Park Tour Argentina

Photograph courtesy of La Aguada Polo Club

THE BERKSHIRE BASED Club had been considering including a tournament in their fixtures for the new Arena Victor Ludorum 5-8 goal series as published in our November issue and in previous newsletters. The Arena Committee Chairman Michael Amoore confirmed on Thursday 27 October that the Club would not be able to host an additional tournament. The Arena Victor Ludorum 5-8 series will include five tournaments at RCBPC, Druids Lodge, AEPC Hickstead, Westcroft Park and Rugby Polo Clubs.

Club Focus

COWDRAY VIKINGS DEFEATED La Vanguardia by a 10-6 score and captured the 16 goal La VI La Aguada Guards Polo Trophy, following the Final that was played on Friday 9 December at La Aguada Polo Club, in Open Door, Argentina. The Subsidiary Final went to Conosco, who took a narrow 6-5 win over SHP. Jeremy Pemberton was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award, and the Fair Play Award went to Willem Melchior.

Rugby

Photograph by Rayahan Sherlala

SPOOKY CELEBRATIONS AT Rugby Polo Club, the biggest arena Club in the country, for the Hallowe’en weekend included the Lagrima Trophy 4 goal and a fancy dress party. Jonny Coddington’s Acland line-up of Giles Bracewell and Angela Robbs took on David Ashby, and brothers Benjie and Toby Bradshaws’ Thomson Local and Rugby Polo Club with a line-up of Jeremy Pidgeon, Lucy Taylor and Connor Kay. Acland started off with a 4 goal head start on both teams, so both Thomson Local and Rugby Polo Club were looking to equalise on the Saturday. The race was on to get as many goals as possible and boy did they not waste time in getting those goals in. The results from the Saturday were carried forward to the Sunday with Rugby Polo Club winning against Acland 13-8 and drawing 8-8 against Thomson Local. This resulted in Thomson Local needing to acquire 5 goals to win, which they fell short of by only two goals. Toby Bradshaw won Most Valuable Player. In the 0 goal version of the trophy, Oxford University won against Rugby Polo Club with a very impressive score of 24-9.

Polo Manager Jeremy Pidgeon’s fancy dress effort was worth a mention

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

49

Women’s Polo

The Latest Women’s News

We catch up on all the action from ladies’ polo around the globe

Defeat for Our English Roses

Photograph courtesy of Sarah Wiseman

Following from the success of the Kings Head International at Cirencester Park Polo Club in July 2016, which saw the English ladies triumph 5-3½, Argentina hosted a re-match Ladies International for the Davidoff Cool Water Cup. After a few days postponement, the two teams battled it out on Monday 28 November at the AAP grounds in Palermo.

The England team, with a women’s handicap of 27 goals and sporting kit from the newly launched Hurlingham 1875 brand by the HPA, took to the field to play against a slightly lower handicapped 25 goal Argentine team.

However, on home turf, the tables turned for the Argentine ladies as England suffered a resounding defeat of 13-3. It was clear by the

The England team were supported by Puesto Viejo

end of the second chukka that England were up against a tough line-up as Argentina sped forward with a score of 9-1.

Lía Salvo scored the majority of Argentina’s goals with a total of seven, three of which were penalties, teammate Paola Martínez added two further penalties whilst María Bellande scored a further two field goals. It was noted that Mía Cambiaso was playing well above her 2 goal ladies’ handicap which contributed to the solid attacking game play of the Argentine team. Meanwhile Hazel Jackson stood out for the English team scoring one of the three goals adding to Tamara Fox’s field goal and Sarah Wiseman’s penalty.

Tamara Fox received the Fair Play Prize while Argentina’s Paola Martínez was named Most Valuable Player for the Best Test Match Player. We spoke to Sarah post-match, “It was a great experience playing in front of a big crowd at Palermo. Argentina played superbly throughout and we were just a bit too slow starting. It was the first two chukkas that killed us sadly. Hopefully we will be able to play again next year and get here a bit earlier to practice and try horses. We couldn’t have done it without the support of Puesto Viejo and to all those who provided us with horses.”

Lucky Las Hermanitas

Photograph courtesy of Samantha Perrusi

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

Puesto Viejo Estancia, stepped forward to sponsor the England Ladies team: “We love welcoming lady players here at Puesto Viejo.

From the best to the complete beginner, we have polo for everyone. We offer a great polo school and in supporting the English Ladies polo team we hope that will encourage more ladies to pick our Club as their go to polo holiday venue in the future” – Jeremy Baker, Owner Puesto Viejo.

Ladies International teams: Argentina (25): Mía Cambiaso (2), María Bellande (7), Lía Salvo (9) & Paola Martínez (7) (Reserve – Clara Cassino) England (27): Hazel Jackson (7), Tamara Fox (7), Sarah Wiseman 7 & Claire Brougham (6) (Reserve – Annabel McNaught-Davis)

The X Mix Cup is a 12-18 goal tournament, using mixed handicaps, with each team composed of one man and three women, including some great British players such as Hazel Jackson, Lucy Taylor, Anabelle McNought-Davis, Sarah Wiseman and Luke Tomlinson. The qualifiers got off to a flying start at Pilará Polo Club on Tuesday 6 December with wins for Wild Orchid, La Dolfina/Aventura and BP Polo. On Thursday 8 December, La Dolfina/ Aventura and BP Polo once again secured victories, but Wild Orchid suffered a narrow 6-5 defeat to Why Not. As Polo Times went to print, the Final of the X Mix Cup was to be played at Palermo between BP Polo and La Dolfina Aventura.

The same tournament is planned to also be held in April 2017. It’s a great initiative, carried out by the Pilará Polo Club in accordance with Argentina Polo Association and Ladies Polo Tour.

14-20 goal Final teams: Araucaria Las Hermanitas (18): Naomí Schroeder (2), Verónica Magnasco (4), Sol López Llames (4) & Hazel Jackson (8) La Aguada (20): Mía Novillo Astrada (2), Camila Rossi (5), María Bellande (7) & Inés Lalor (6)

50

The English ladies at Palermo

X Mix Cup

The VII Circuito Femenino saw a total of 13 ladies teams battle it out across the 14-20 goal and 5-8 goal handicaps, with leading players across the teams. The lower handicap champions were the first to battle it out, with the Final on Sunday 30 October, in which La Lucila defeated Las Tacuaras 6 goals to 4½. The following day brought with it the 14-20 goal Final between Araucaria Las Hermanitas and La Aguada. With a handicap advantage of 1½, Las Hermanitas had a strong start which continued throughout the match as they led the scores. However, La Aguada weren’t prepared to go down without a fight and a nail-biting final chukka saw La Aguada close the gap on a three goal deficit, but it was too late in the game and Las Hermanitas pipped them to the post with a final score of 6½-6.

5-8 goal Final teams: La Lucila (6): Katherina Courreges (1), Pilar Courreges (0), María Papini (2) & Alexia Laprida (3) Las Tacuaras (5): Malena Colombo (2), Ali Rhom (0), Inés Ayerza (2) & Samantha Eddy (1) (Argentine women’s handicaps)

Photograph courtesy of Sarah Wiseman

All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps unless stated otherwise

Action from the X Mix Cup

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Latest Women’s News

Women’s Polo

Two matches took place for the BMW Battle of the Sexes at the Singapore Polo Club. The games were a great success, and the ladies were triumphant across both handicap levels. All of the teams were made up with local Singapore Polo Club members, and the ladies’ team featured Sarah Wiseman who received Most Valuable Lady Player.

The first match during the week saw the ladies triumph over the men 8-3 in a 0 goal match. The battle lines were drawn once again on Sunday 30 October for the BMW Battle of the Sexes 2 goal match. Both teams were very evenly matched on paper and the men started off very well taking the early lead. Heading into half-time the boys were leading 3-1, but the ladies managed to turn things around and came back to win the match 5-4. Rumour has it, this is set to become an annual event.

Photograph courtesy of Singapore Polo Club

Battle of the Sexes

The ladies dominated in Singapore

Brits on Top

October 28 – 30 saw 11 teams compete in the Arden’s Fine Jewelers Ladies Tournament hosted by The Villages Polo Club, Florida. For the 16-20 goal Final, Fross & Fross Wealth Management (Claire Brougham, Cecelia Cochran, Karen Reese and Tess Pimsner) took on Arden’s Jewelers, with Fross & Fross receiving a 1½ goal handicap advantage which they put to good use with a 3½ goal lead by half-time.

Despite the best efforts of Arden’s Jewelers, Fross & Fross retained the edge, with goal after goal slotting through the posts. Claire Brougham was named Most Valuable Player of the match for her contribution to her team’s dominance, whilst 10-year-old gelding Bill, owned by Herdon Radcliff and played in the fourth chukka by Courtney Asdourian, was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug.

Photograph by Kaylee Wroe

Winning Women

Rocking P Lockton, winners of the 2016 U.S Open Women’s Championship

Photograph by Dave Boege Club

Houston Polo Club hosted over 70 women for the U.S Open Women’s Championship, which has become the largest women’s tournament in the USA. After days of competitive play, the Final was played on Sunday 13 November between Rocking P Lockton and San Saba. Rocking P Lockton featured top UK ladies Sarah Wiseman and Hazel Jackson, who faced the formidable strength of San Saba’s Sunny Hale. Rocking P Lockton dominated from the first throwin, with Jackson opening the scores swiftly followed by a 30 yard penalty by Kristy Outhier, which set the tone for the first-half, as San Saba trailed 6-1. Following a half-time regroup, San Saba came back with a strong defensive strategy, but the damage had already been done and the final scores finished 9-2. The Brits cleaned up in the post-match prizes, with Jackson named Most Valuable Player after scoring six of her team’s nine goals and five-year-old London, owned

by Carl Price but played by Wiseman in the third chukka named Best Playing Pony Professional.

Fross & Fross Wealth Management reached the top

www.polotimes.co.uk

U.S Open Women’s Championship Final teams: Rocking P Lockton (25/26): Athena Malin/Courtney Price (3/2), Kristy Outhier (8), Hazel Jackson (8) & Sarah Wiseman (7) San Saba (25): Dawn Jones (6), Melissa Ganzi (3), Sunny Hale (9) & Clarissa Echezarreta (6) (USPA women’s handicaps) Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

51

Women’s Polo

The Latest Women’s News

La Aguada Ladies Photograph courtesy of La Aguada Polo Club

On Friday 25 November, El Paso Polo Ranch (Lia Salvo, Mia Novillo Astrada, Milagros Sanchez & Andrea Ferreira/ Pilar Courreges) and In The Wings (Annabel McNaught-Davis, Lavinia Fabre, Stef Haverhals & Sol López Llames) took to the pitches at La Aguada Polo Club for the final game of the IX La Aguada Ladies Cup. El Paso Polo Ranch had already notched up a 14-4 victory in the first match of the 16 goal tournament, and unfortunately for In The Wings their second encounter fared no better with a 10-5 win for El Paso Polo Ranch. However, the defeat had a sweetened ending as In The Wings’ Sol López Llames and Lavinia Fabre were awarded the Most Valuable Player and Fair Play Award respectively.

Action from the IX La Aguada Ladies Cup

El Paso Strike Again

News in brief

US OPEN WOMEN’S HANDICAP On 12 November, Herk’s Store & Grill battled it out against My Table/ Riveroaks.com for the US Open Women’s Handicap Final. A closely fought match resulted in a 6-5 win for My Table/Riveroaks.com (Grace Mudra, Courtney Price, Carolyn Stimmel & Lía Salvo).

COPA MYRIAM HEGUY The first week of December saw La Mora and La Dolfina face each other in the Copa Myriam Heguy Final. Over four chukkas, it was La Dolfina (Catalina Ayerza, Mía Cambiaso, Milagros Fernández Araujo & Candelaria Fernández Araujo) who asserted their dominance with a 6½-2 win.

HYDE PARK/STARFISH SUCCEED Between 12 – 16 October Aiken Polo Club hosted the USPA Southeastern Circuit Women’s Challenge. In Flight B Autotech/The Aiken Horse were triumphant, and in Flight A Hyde Park/Starfish defeated Pizza Joint/ Playoffs 6-5, with Malia Bryan named Most Valuable Player.

USPA HANDICAPS The USPA have announced their women’s outdoor handicap changes, which will be effective from 1 January 2017. On the British front, congratulations to Sarah Wiseman who went from 7 to 8 goals.

52

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

Photograph by Pablo Gabriel Ramirez

LADIES DIAMOND CUP Congratulations to El Paso Polo Ranch (Lia Salvo, Sol Lopezllames, Milagros Sanchez & Andrea Ferreira) who won the 16 goal section of the tournament held at La Dolfina Polo Club on 18 November.

Action from the Maharani Polo Cup Final

On Friday 2 December, after intense qualification matches, El Paso Polo Ranch and Wild Orchid faced each other in the Final of the Maharani Polo Cup. This tournament had a twist, meaning that players 3 goals or above were not allowed to score goals or take penalties and although the majority of the players were women, each team also had a male player. Despite similar handicaps, El Paso Polo Ranch began as they meant to go on, dominating the plays and ultimately the score line which read 11-3½ in their favour.

El Paso Polo Ranch’s Lía Salvo was also named Most Valuable Player.

The Maharani Polo Cup Final teams: El Paso Polo Ranch (5): Andrea Ferreira (0), Lía Salvo (2), Hazel Jackson (1) & Agustin Marcos (2) Wild Orchid (5): Raya Sidorenko (0), Zhanna bandurko (0), Marianela Castagnola (2) & Martin Estrada (3) (*NB Handicaps listed for this event are standard not women’s)

For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Arena Construction

equestrian

C o n t r a C to r s

• Manege Construction • Pony Lines & Wash-Down Areas • Lunge Rings & Exercise Tracks • Equestrian & Stock Fencing • Roads & Tracks • Hard Standings & Concrete Slabs • Special Projects for more information please contact: tel: 01483 894 888 • mob: 07836 356714 • fax: 01483 892 497 email: jeremy@jcfc.co.uk web: www.jcfc.o.uk

Grooms needed Polo grooms needed for 2017 season for private yard in the South of England. Applicants must have at least five years’ experience and must be able to provide full CV and references.

Required from March to September 2017. Shared accommodation can be provided.

Please apply to groomsforpolo2017@gmail.com

s Modern & TradiTional sTables s The Monarch barn s horse exercisers s sTocks s solaria s sTable accessories s Paddock & lunge Pen

Tel: 01902 605566

www.monarch-equestrian.co.uk est. 1964

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

SUPA National Juniors

Photograph by Molly Derbyshire

Despite an overnight deluge of rain, spirits were in no way dampened on Sunday 20 November at West Wycombe Polo Club as 11 teams came together to compete in The SUPA National Junior and Beginners Tournament. With four divisions there was plenty to play for and keep the large crowd of parents and supporters entertained, with the final results reading: Open: Winchester House (1st), Dragon Combined (2nd), St Thomas’s Combined (3rd) Intermediate: (Heathfield Combined (1st), Dragon Navy (2nd) Novice: Wycombe Junior Blue (1st), Dragon Royals (2nd), Dragon Sky (3rd) Seniors Beginners: Bradfield (1st), D’Overbrooks (2nd), Wycombe Abbey Seniors (3rd) SUPA stewards are very enthusiastic about encouraging and supporting new schools to take part in their National Schools Tournaments, please contact either Gill at ladies@ supa.org.uk or Caroline at seniors@supa.org.uk for any further help or information.

Players and spectators at West Wycombe

Wicklow Weekend

Photograph by Kim Mullahey

On Sunday 6 November, Harri Murphy and Tadhg O’Shea, from Wicklow Hunt Pony Club, made their competitive debut as members of the Polo Wicklow Team and the Tinakilly House Hotel after receiving instruction from Carlos Gadea and Siobhan Herbst just four weeks earlier.

10-year-old Harry teamed up with Will Batchelor and Carlos Gardea for Tinakilly and 11-yearold Tadhg joined Siobhan and Micky Herbst for Polo Wicklow. Only the Pony Clubbers were permitted to score, and despite plenty of enthusiasm the final score was a neutral 1-1. After a team re-shuffle and substitutions, The Novice Cup part 2 began. After some furious play, it was a final run away goal by Gadea that sealed the win for Polo Wicklow 10-9.

Action from the Wicklow weekend

54

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

13 university polo teams bared all for charity

Cheeky Calendar

13 university polo teams have come together to bare all for the Look Good Feel Better charity, which works tirelessly to boost confidence in cancer survivors. The universities hope to show solidarity for all of the brave and inspirational women and teenagers affected by the life changing physical side effects of cancer, through celebrating the natural beauty in all of their members of all shapes and sizes.

Over the course of a month the teams braved the cold to provide a unique and tasteful take on what puts the ‘Great’ into ‘Great Britain’.

The calendar is on sale now at HashtagPolo. co.uk/shop for £12.99 until the end of December.

Oxford Victorious

Oxford University Polo Club (OUPC) have begun the arena season in style. On 5 – 6 November, OUPC had a clean sweep against University of London Polo Club (ULU) at Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, winning the Novice match, 15-7 and the Intermediate match, 11-7. OUPC continued their winning streak by adding The Willoughby Park Polo Gear Cup 2 goal to their treasure trove of trophies at Rugby on Sunday 13 November. The tournament included three other teams; Oxford, Stobart/AR Aesthetics and Dallas Burston.

The next weekend, 19 – 20 November, saw yet another win, this time against old rivals Cambridge at the Winter Varsity Tournament. After two tough matches by the novice teams, OUPC claimed the championship with a 2-1 victory. www.polotimes.co.uk

Youth

Photograph courtesy of Jess Rea

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Newcastle and Durham teams

Northern Success

Teams from The University Christmas Pudding Tournament

Druids Lodge

Newcastle University Polo Club (NUPC) have had a busy start to the arena season. Kicking-off with a string of friendly round-robin matches against St. Andrews, which despite the bad weather resulting in chukkas moving indoors, saw Newcastle Beginner A top their category. The action continued with a Novice friendly against Leeds on Saturday 3 December at White Rose Polo Club, with both teams keen to fit in some practice ahead of the Northern League. Newcastle continued the strong two goal start from Ryan Letley to finish the match with a 5-3 win. The following weekend, Saturday 10 December, NUPC faced Durham in the Beginner League of the Northern League. Durham quickly asserted their dominance over the match, and despite the strong effort from Newcastle which showcased a good basis of skill and determination to the testament of their coach, Tony Wesche, Durham ran out the winners 14-0.

Druids Lodge has seen a plethora of youth polo. The Club played host to school teams from across the country who competed for The Schools Christmas Match, with the eventual winners Milton Abbey (Oli Sykes, Peter Gifford & Archie Fuller) defeating Marlborough (Felix Hobbs, Oli Fanshawe & Ben Barnes) 10-9.

Next-up, over 60 students came together from Bristol, UWE, Exeter and Southampton Universities to take part in The University Christmas Pudding Tournament, with each team consisting of an experienced player, a novice and a beginner. The winning teams were Yule Log from Division 1 (Isabel Searle, Georgina Allin, Thomas Whyte-Venable & Arthur Higgins). Division 2 was a draw between Dasher (Hettie Bell, Agha Haider, Laura Smith, Brogan Pennigton & Darcy Winter) and Blitzen (Fiona Andrews, Crissy Bowler, Merryn Odell, Asher Fischbaum & Jose Sharpe). On top of all this action, the Super League, a 6-9 goal league sponsored by SATSfaction, has seen a mixture of results, RAU defeated Harvard Alumni 14-7, Exeter beat Bristol 15-5, whilst Exeter defeated Harvard Alumni 1310. Next to play will be London vs Bristol on Saturday 21 January and Exeter vs RAU on Saturday 28 January 2017. Meanwhile, The University Super League for novice players has got off to a strong start with a multitude of wins across League 1 (UWE, Bristol 1, London, Southmapton & RAU) and League 2 (Exeter, Dorset Nagas, Hashtag Polo, Combined & Bristol 2), so keep your eyes peeled for an update in the next issue of Polo Times!

Photograph by Drews Views Photography

On the weekend of 19 – 20 November Rugby Polo Club hosted 25 teams from seven universities, who competed in an arena tournament over five levels. It was a great opportunity for beginners to get a taste of what SUPA competitions are like in a less competitive environment. The winners of each division were: Beginner 1 – Warwick B1 Beginner 2 – Harper Adams Bailer B3 Novice 1 – Warwick N1 Novice 2 – Liverpool N2 Intermediate – Nottingham 1 Exhibition – Rugby Polo Club Beginner MVP – Alexander Lebedev (Warwick) Novice MVP – Ara Shikhalislami (Warwick) Intermediate MVP – Florice Cole-Fontayn (Played for Manchester, but from Liverpool who also won the MVP for the Novice in 2015) Best Playing Pony – Baya, owned by Glynn Henderson, she played everything from Beginner 2 to the Intermediates and didn’t put a foot (hoof) wrong!

25 teams competed in the University Challenge

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography courtesy of Abi Meakin

University Challenge

Milton Abbey & Marlborough at The Schools Christmas Match

Polo and Parties

Before the champagne began to flow at Royal Holloway’s annual Rock the Polo party, the event kicked-off with a two chukka exhibition match with the Secretariats: Edward Morris-Lowe, James Mann, Georgia Sweeney and the Red Rums: Charlotte Sweeney, Jamie Grayson, Oliver Edwards, which saw Secretariats win 7-3. For all the social pictures from the event, have a look at our Sidelines pages. Royal Holloway also cleaned up in a friendly tournament versus Cambridge University Polo Club, winning the Intermediate, lower Novice and Beginner matches, only conceding the Upper Novice match to Cambridge.

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

55

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Military

India Tour Plans

Photograph by Marc Collas

The Hackett British Army Polo Team departed on Sunday 4 December for a three match tour of India until 13 December.

The 6 goal line-up consisted of three Kings Royal Hussars players: Capt George Walker KRH (0), Lt Paddy Selfe KRH (1), Capt Robert Freeman-Kerr KRH (1) and Army Polo Coach Gaston Devrient (4). The schedule for the team included a match at the Guarong Polo and Country Club in Delhi on Monday 5 December. Next up saw the Army team played Jaipur on Wednesday 7 December. Their final game on Saturday 10 December saw the Army team play the President of India’s Bodyguard. A report will follow of their tour in a future issue of Polo Times.

Hackett Army in action during the 2016 Rundle Cup

Royal Navy Polo Silverware Celebrations

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of the RNPA

Commander Al Wilson reviews the year for The Royal Navy Polo Association (RNPA), “We celebrated a bumper year at a formal dinner in a Naval Officers’ Mess on Friday 4 November, where players, coaches and the wider RN polo family gathered to toast a successful season. 2016 has been a great year for Royal Navy polo with victories against the Army and Royal Air Force in the Rundle and Duke of York Cups to earn the title of Inter Services Champions as well as defeating the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment to win the Inter Regimental Final, which was played on the Duke’s Ground, Guards Polo Club. Success has been consistent at all levels with the RN Development Squad winning the Adjutant General’s Cup for a fifth consecutive year and the annual fixture list is growing with matches against Millfield school and Lloyds of London being reinstated after a fallow few years.

“Despite the rewarding season, the enduring challenge faced by RN Polo is that it regularly loses players for a whole season due to them being deployed across the globe. As we speak we have players abroad on operations in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Persian Gulf and the Falkland Islands, either on board ships, in submarines, Naval Air Squadrons, Royal Marines units or on coalition staffs and headquarters, many who, in addition to missing Christmas at home with their loved ones (and horses!) will be deployed for the entire 2017 season. So, finding teams for all the commitments is a perennial problem, but the small cadre of players

Celebrating a successful silverware season

that are available are whipped into shape by both the senior squad coach James Lucas and Development Scheme instructor Jess Andrews. Both do a fantastic job and without them, and the support of Tidworth Polo Club, Navy Polo would not be able to

function let alone enjoy the successes seen in 2016.

So, a huge thank you to all our contributors, supporters and players for their continued commitment and Royal Navy Polo very much looks forward to the 2017 season.”

Dates for the Diary for the Army Polo Association 2017 Tidworth – Army Polo Association AGM – Kings Royal Hussars Officers’ Mess: Friday 24 February 2pm Tidworth – Hackett Rundle Cup: Saturday 8 July Guards – Hackett Inter-Regimental Finals: Sunday 9 July Tidworth – Captains’ & Subalterns’ Trophy: Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 July

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

57

Knowledge

Pony Power

Max Charlton talks to us about Ranchera, winner of The 12 Goal HPA National Club Championships Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Tell us about her background? I bought her from Zac Hagedoorn. He flew her over from Argentina about four years ago and she was playing with him in the high goal for a year. He bought her from Pite Merlos. This is the second horse I have purchased from Zac, which originally came from Pite Merlos.

What are her strengths? She is extremely easy. She has amazing mouth and will always win on the short plays.

Photograph by Gillian Hughes Photography

How has she gone this season? I rented her to play in France this year. She ended up going so well for me, I thought she would go well in my string for arena and the summer too.

Ranchera

Where is she from? Ranchera is from Argentina.

Height: 15.1hh Age: 11-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owner: Owned and played by Max Charlton

How long have you had her? I have just bought her recently and this is her first year playing arena polo, so considering she has never played before she was great.

What are your plans for her future? My plans are to play her this winter and bring her in next summer with my normal string. I have a deal with Zac that he has an option to buy her back if he likes.

Does she have any special quirks? She is impossible to ride or stick and ball before a game. You just need to get on and play her.

Describe her in three words? Little, nimble, machine.

Adolfo Casabal tells us about his mare, Carla, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award in the HPA National Club Championships (5-8 goal) at Westcroft Park Polo Club

Carla

Tell us about her background? I bought her from La Clarita Polo Team a couple of years ago and she played up to 18 goal polo with them.

Age: 15-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Height: 15.1hh Sex: Mare Owner: Adolfo Casabal

What are her strengths? She has a very good mouth and she is very quick in sharp plays.

Does she have any quirks? She doesn’t like being touched on her head, so it’s a challenge to get the bridle on and off but Tano gets along with her and she lets him do it.

What is the pony’s breeding? I don’t know, sorry!

How long have you had her for? She’s been with me for a few years and I played her in the Arena Gold Cup last year.

How has she gone this season? She’s been really good and is going really well.

Her only weakness is perhaps a lack of top speed.

Photograph by Gillian Hughes

58

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

Carla relaxing at her yard after the Final

What are your plans for her in the future? Hopefully I will play her in The Arena Gold Cup again this year.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, this is the first time.

Describe her in three words? Quick, strong, handy.

One proud pony showing-off her Polo Times rug to her stablemates

Why is she particularly suited to arena polo? She’s 15-years-old now, so she does much better in the arena. Since last year I have only played her in the arena.

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017 58 www.polotimes.co.uk

Pony Power

We spoke to Nell Jacob about Ortiga, winner of The 3 Goal HPA National Club Championships Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Knowledge

else when you play her indoors! I think it’s because she lacks top speed but goes from 0 to 60 like she has a V8 engine.

How has she gone this season? She is consistently amazing. She’s been my best chukka in every game I’ve played so far.

Has she won any other awards? She won Best Playing Pony at the Ascot Park National Ladies Tournament in 2013. No matter where I take her someone always comments on how good she is, probably because it’s so unexpected when you look at her – we always joke that she’s half pig!

Photograph by Gillian Hughes Photography

Ortiga Height: 14.2hh Age: 17-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owner: Owned by Nikki Jacob and played

by Nell Jacob

Tell us about her background? My mum bought her for my sister in 2006 from Will Healey through Martin Glue, long before I had any interest in playing polo! I started playing Pony Club a few years later and very quickly decided I wanted her for myself. She’s gone from playing Surtees with me, to the Archie David with Alex (my sister), to the Arena Gold Cup with Sergio Baselli.

Where is she from? She was bought over from Argentina in 2005.

What are her strengths? The arena, she’s awesome on the grass too but is something

What are your plans for her future?

I would absolutely love to let her have a foal but unfortunately she doesn’t seem to feel the same. We tried a few years ago but with no luck, so I will probably play her for another couple of years and then retire her to mum’s back garden. We could never sell her.

Does she have any special quirks?

She’ll try and bite you at every available opportunity. I have the scars to prove it.

Describe her in four words?

My chunky, grumpy machine.

We spoke to Hannah and Mikey Henderson about Rabbit, winner of The 4 Goal Midlands Polo Festival Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at Rugby Polo Club

Rabbit Height: 14.3hh Age: 15-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owner: Owned by Hannah Henderson and played by Hannah, and occasionally Mikey Where is she from? We bought her from Bobby Dundas when he was giving up polo about two years ago.

What are her strengths? Rabbit is incredibly handy, a very active little pony, she has an awesome turn of speed and is pretty explosive off the mark, she has a huge heart and always gives her best to the game.

How has she gone this season?

Unfortunately Rabbit tweaked a tendon in the summer playing with Hannah so has

www.polotimes.co.uk

had quite a long rest, I had hoped to take her to the European’s in Germany for the Irish team but she didn’t come right in time, she normally does the snow season with me as she is awesome in that environment, we are just starting to get going in the arena again this year and she feels on great form.

Has she won any other awards? Not as yet, she is mainly kept for Hannah to play now. She is pretty well mounted for the ladies games and tournaments.

What are your plans for her future?

Given her slight injury this season we will be keeping a close eye on her with the vets, she is managed well but if things started to go wrong we would start breeding from her, if she were a hand bigger she would have been high goal material but her short little legs make her just a bit too slow for the faster games, so we would like to put her to something

Photograph by Lucy Wilson

that would give us a foal with a bit more height.

Does she have any special quirks?

Rabbit is a devil to catch, once she is out in the paddock it takes some patience and a lot of food to persuade her to come in!

Describe her in three words? Extreme pocket rocket.

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

59

Knowledge

Veterinary Focus

Tom Hughes MA VetMB CertES (Orth) DECVS MRCVS Tom is currently a RCVS and European Specialist in Equine Surgery and a partner at Liphook Equine Hospital.

He qualified from Cambridge University in 2001 before moving to Cambridgeshire where he spent three years working in an ambulatory equine practice. He then undertook a three year Residency in Equine Surgery at The Royal Veterinary College and remained there as a University Equine Surgeon. During his time at the RVC, Tom was a lecturer in equine orthopaedics on the Animal Physiotherapy Masters Course. Tom joined the surgical and lameness referral service at Liphook in 2007. The following year he qualified as a European Diplomate in Equine surgery, gaining European Specialist status and was recognised by the RCVS as a Specialist in Equine Surgery in 2010. Outside of work Tom enjoys running, and spending time with his young family.

Recent Advances in Fracture Repair For a long time when a horse fractured their leg it meant certain euthanasia, but thankfully with some new techniques available to vets we are now able to treat more fractures than ever before and to get more horses back playing rather than just salvaging horses for breeding.

Standing Fracture Repair Improvements in sedative drugs and the increasing use of local anaesthesia rather than general anaesthesia has led to the ability to fix some fractures in a standing sedated horse with a numb limb. Such standing repairs are limited to fractures where the two pieces of bone have not moved significantly apart, and where the region of the fracture can be thoroughly numbed with local anaesthetic techniques.

By repairing the fracture standing, the slight risk of injury associated with general anaesthesia can be avoided and in many cases standing repair is slightly cheaper.

However, in some cases the standing repair is not as good as a repair under general anaesthesia and in those cases repair under general anaesthesia should be considered.

The most common types of fracture that are repaired standing are incomplete fractures of the bottom of the cannon bone and the top of the long pastern bone, both of which communicate with the fetlock joint. In order to repair such fractures, the horse is sedated and a nerve block is placed above the fracture so that the horse cannot feel the surgery as it goes on. This type of fracture is repaired with screws that go across the fracture and draw the two pieces of bone together, called lag screws.

60

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

1

2

Case 1 This polo pony suffered sudden lameness whilst playing. X-rays showed a fracture of the cannon bone so she was sent to the hospital for repair. Figure 1 shows the black fracture line, some staples and screws used to guide screw placement and a drill beginning the process of making a hole in the bone. Figure 2 shows the bone after the screws have been put in, the fracture line has been compressed by the screws so it is no longer visible. Figures 3 and 4 show a different horse undergoing a similar repair.

3

4

www.polotimes.co.uk

Veterinary Focus

Knowledge

Case 2 This polo pony suffered a fracture of the top part of the humerus when she was ridden off by another horse.

Figure 5 shows the bone before repair and figure 6 shows the repair.

7 5

The horse’s limb is prepared for surgery as it would be under general anaesthesia, and drapes are put round it before small stab incisions are used to access the bone surface. Under X-ray guidance one to three screws are placed across the fracture and the small stab incisions are then closed with stitches or staples before a dressing is applied to the leg.

Locking Implants In the past, when plates and screws were used to fix a fracture, the screws went through the plate and then as they were tightened they pushed the plate hard against the bone and in that way produced a stable fixation. Such plates were very effective but movement was possible where the screw head and plate met, therefore the construct was not as strong as it could be. More recently, plates and screws have been developed where the head of the screw locks into the plate as it is tightened. Such locking plates and screws produce a very robust fixation that can withstand a lot more force than the older plates and screws. The good thing about these new locking screws and plates is that the stronger fixation means that we can fix fractures that in the past would have been a struggle. The locking plates can also improve the speed and quality

www.polotimes.co.uk

6

of bone healing, reducing the chance of complications. The only down side of these new implants is that the screws in particular are much more expensive and a large amount of kit is required, which only a small number of hospitals possess.

Nevertheless, locking implants have greatly improved our ability as veterinary surgeons to fix fractures in horses and it is likely that they will be used more and more in fracture repairs.

Advanced Imaging Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) have been around for some time, but they are being used increasingly to help see fractures that are difficult to see on X-rays alone, and to plan the repair of such fractures. MRI is useful as, using a special system designed for horses, images can be obtained in the standing sedated horse without the need for general anaesthesia. CT does require general anaesthesia, but it can give increased detail and improve threedimensional modelling to aid in the repair of fractures. Such imaging does increase the expense of dealing with a fracture, but if it means that the fracture lines can be properly identified and the fracture correctly fixed, then the added expense is likely to be worth it.

Case 3 This horse went severely lame whilst being ridden. A fracture was present in the hock but it could not be seen on X-rays. It could be seen on the MRI image in figure 7 which allowed the repair of the fracture to be planned.

As a result of the MRI images a screw could be put in to fix the fracture (figure 8).

8

Tom Hughes MA VetMB CertES (Orth) DECVS MRCVS Liphook Equine Hospital Park Farm Forest Mere Liphook Hampshire GU30 7JG Tel: +44 (0)1428 723594 Email: Tom.hughes@theleh.co.uk

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

61

Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lizzie Drury MSC RNUTR – Registered Nutritionist Saracen Horse Feeds

Winter Feeding Management

How to maintain condition throughout winter So, the polo season seems to have finished before it has begun and many polo ponies will now be resting and for a majority this means that they will be turned away for the winter.

Having been managed intensively through the season, the change in routine and the need to ‘harden up’ can mean that polo ponies can potentially loose a significant amount of body condition through the winter.

This can increase the length of time that it then takes to prepare the ponies for the new season, which is costly from a time and feed perspective. The winter should be the time to ensure that these ponies recover and recondition as effectively as possible.

It’s probably not going to be possible to weight and body condition score the ponies on a regular basis once they are out, but it is always a good idea to at least try and get a measurement before they are turned away, so that during routine checks, if there are any individuals that appear to be struggling with winter conditions then we are at least armed with some detail on them prior to be turned away. Equally it also works the other way to monitor those ponies that may start to get too fat!

Think about what forage you are going to feed through the winter and check-up on supplies etc. Good quality forage is not only essential for ensuring that your horse’s digestive system remains healthy, but it will also pay a large part of the energy bill required to help your horse maintain good condition over the winter. This may also mean that the levels of concentrate feed you need to provide can be reduced. Feeding plenty of forage also generates a huge amount of heat through the process of fermentation, which acts as your ponies’ own central heating system. Less energy is then needed to try and keep warm.

If you are intending on using haylage, check to see that you can get the nutrient analysis before committing to purchase.

Haylage that has a very high moisture content may not provide your horse with adequate fibre intake, which can lead to digestive and weight problems as well as being wasteful as a result of spoilage.

62

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

Plenty of fresh water is always important

The right winter feeding ensures recovery and re-conditioning

An analysis will also help to govern the type of concentrate feed you use. A low fibre, high-energy haylage is best matched with a high fibre, low energy concentrate feed.

Always ensure that plenty of fresh, clean water is available to keep your horse well hydrated. Make sure that water troughs do not ice over. Horses drink less water in the winter months due to lower water temperatures. Reduced water intake can increase the risk of impaction colics, so although they will be taking in moisture from the grass, if they are also eating additional dry forage, especially hay, they will require plenty of fresh water to drink.

Salt is the only mineral for which horses have an indisputable appetite, and they display a degree of nutritional wisdom regarding its consumption. Providing free access to a salt block is advisable. This should be placed away from the water trough and preferably hung somewhere safe to keep it clean.

Think about how your ponies faired the winter last year. Did they lose condition? Or did they fair well through the winter?

Feeds that are high in digestible fibre (contain: alfalfa, Soya hulls, sugar beet etc) and have a high oil content provide slow release energy, which can help to manage ponies that lose condition over the winter.

Conditioning feeds also contain plenty of good quality protein sources and elevated levels

of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, so are also ideal at helping to support optimum repair and recovery of tired muscles and help to maintain immune status.

When feeding ponies in the field through the winter, always try and ensure that each pony gets the full ration that it requires. It is only natural due to herd dynamics that some ponies will be at the bottom of the pecking order, so make sure that feed bowls are well spaced out and even consider putting out a few more bowls than are required, the same goes for forage allocations.

Some people find that when feeding outdoors, cubes are easier to use than coarse mix, as there is less wastage if feed ends up on the ground.

If you would like to speak to a nutritionist to discuss your winter feeding programme, then please do not hesitate to contact us. At Saracen, we make it our business to advise and help guide horse owners through the minefield of nutrition. Combining our wealth of experience and our exclusive association with KER (Kentucky Equine Research), put in basic terms – we know our stuff!

For further information on managing winter feeding, Saracen horse feeds and Saracen’s feed helpline: Tel: 01622 718487 Website: www.saracen-horse-feeds.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Lipogems Equine International Outreach Regenerative tissue engineering expands to Argentina

Katie Vickery

reports from Argentina

It was all about spreading the word at Alfonso Pieres’ beautiful estancia Don Urbano in Pilar, Argentina on Tuesday 29 November where Lipogems Equine held their first Argentine training seminar under the watchful eye of Pite Merlos, who has had two of his polo ponies treated with Lipogems. Diego Araya kindly also offered up a top class pony for the demonstration. Some of the country’s top vets were invited to learn about the latest veterinary regenerative therapy including Marco Sperati, who is the vet for the Pieres brothers and Ellerstina, Raffo Facundo and British vet Steph Gent who has been featured in Polo Times veterinary features before. The event was hosted by Martin ffrench Blake, Chief Executive Officer of Lipogems Equine and one of the world’s leading Lipogems accredited veterinary surgeons Murray Shotter BVSc MRCVS, who with the help from Marcus Araya arranged the day. The aim of the game was to demonstrate this simple harvesting process of Lipoaspirate, show how easy it is to perform stable-side and discuss the benefits of this new technology for multiple varieties of treatments.

As the word spreads about Lipogems and its myriad of benefits and advantages, vets around the world are keen to learn.

Lipogems Equine has a worldwide training program in place with leading vets from top equestrian countries asking to be trained and accredited in the use of Lipogems. Dr. Tim Watson, the lead vet for Lipocast Biotech UK (the distributer of Lipogems), is available for vets training in the UK. Later this month, training is taking place in USA and Dubai, Ireland, France and Germany and Denmark.

The Lipogems process is unusual in the fact that it has been brought over from human medicine into equine medicine and so far, has shown unprecedented results, helping ponies with otherwise career-ending injuries to return to the polo field to play again. www.polotimes.co.uk

Pite Merlos examining the Lipogems device ahead of the treatment

In a Nutshell The Lipogems process is an adipose tissue transfer where fat cells are taken from the horse’s tail head and then micro fragmented using the Lipogems canister to help activate the healing cells found in the tissue. The fragmented Lipoaspirate is then injected into the injury site. The healing cells, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (DMSCs), understand the nature of the injury and attach themselves to the damaged site and provide a cushion and a structural support that promotes the natural healing process.

Lipogems speeds up the healing process that can naturally take months or in some cases recovery wouldn’t have happened at all, and condenses it into just weeks. The process can be performed in under an hour and can be performed stable-side.

It is minimally invasive with little to no recovery time from the procedure required and no other drugs are used, which is why it is known as a therapy. The tissue generated from the process is like the normal tendon tissue rather than the fibrous scar tissue formed after natural inflammation and repair from the more basic stem cell therapies or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments.

The Science Behind the Process The principles behind the use of fat injected into injury sites is that there are small blood

fig 1

fig 2 These scans show a tendon injury before treatment, fig 1., and six weeks later, note the dark hole at the top of the scan in fig 1. is no longer there in fig2.

vessels within the fatty tissue. Attached to the outside of these blood vessels are cells called Pericytes. When these cells are introduced into an area of injury and inflammation the environment caused by the inflammation induces the Pericytes to detach and change into Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). These Mesenchymal Stem Cells help the injury by producing pro-healing cells and they actually transform further to replace the damaged tissue.

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

63

Knowledge

The relatively intact structure of the fat helps form a scaffold for the healing process to form over, therefore promoting and speeding up the healing process.

Because the Lipogems process can be performed stable-side the fatty tissue is kept relatively intact, this means there are a large number of Pericytes to help with the healing process as opposed to just aspirating the fat cells.

The Process

Murray Shotter demonstrates the Lipogems process is made up of three stages: Stage 1: Harvesting – The horse is sedated and restrained – The cells to be transposed are extracted from just under the skin near the tail head of the patient. They are collected through a cannula attached to a vacuum that when moved backwards and forwards like a violin bow, sucks the fat cells from beneath the skin into the attached syringe. This is repeated on both sides of the patient’s rump – Once an adequate amount has been collected (15-30ml of Lipoaspirate or fat cells) the Lipogems process is ready to be put into action

– This cycle is repeated until there are no traces of blood or aqueous material and only a clean Lipoaspirate remains – The Lipogems are then extracted from the solution and concentrated The cells to be transposed are extracted from just under the skin near the tail head

Stage 2: Processing – The Lipogems device is filled with normal saline, making sure that all air bubbles are extracted – The 50ml syringe containing the extracted Lipoaspirate, minus any leftover aqueous tissue, is attached and slowly injected into the device – The syringe is removed and the Lipoaspirate washed for around 45 seconds. The inlet clip is closed and the device shaken in a vertical motion for 15 seconds. The shaking of the device helps to activate the Pericytes and also helps to remove any superfluous tissue – The solution is then washed again for 45 seconds

Stage 3: Treatment – The injured site is surgically prepared for infiltration and the Lipoaspirate is injected observing aseptic precautions – The site is bandaged using a sterile dressing

Murray scans the site in preparation for injecting, making sure the cells get to the pinpoint of the injury site

The extracted Lipoaspirate is attached and slowly injected into the device

After scanning Murray injects the treatment site The area for harvesting is clipped

Once clipped the sites are cleaned

64

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

The shaken cycle is repeated until there are no traces of blood or aqueous material and only a clean activated Lipoaspirate remains

Post-Treatment The pony will need to be on a period of box rest depending on the injury, for example tendon injuries will need four to six weeks before a fitness schedule can commence, but unlike other treatments or the turn it out for the winter approach, the box rest time is very short. The lead vet on each case may chose to scan the affected area to monitor the progress of healing, usually 10 days to two weeks after treatment and at the end of the rest period to make sure that all is well before fitness can begin. www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Pite Merlos “I have worked with Murray Shotter for more than 20 years. We make a good team I think because he is very conservative and I am always more anxious. We had a good mare with a tendon injury, about 40% damaged and he suggested this new ‘thing’ that he was working on which he believed in and thought could help. We decided to do it and after a 40 minute treatment and the process of taking the Lipogems we did the implant. The echo after six weeks was just amazing and surprising!

This mare will start to work again in March, we will take her slowly and hopefully she will be back as good and healthy as before her injury.”

From Process to Progress

Murray Shotter “It was great to do the training session in Argentina, we had a fantastic response from the vets and we managed to get three horses done. It is exciting to be able to show the Argentine vets that Lipogems is at the forefront of treating tendon injuries. It was a fun day and the hospitality was brilliant, many thanks to Diego Araya and Alfonso Pieres.”

Injuries and conditions that have now been treated by the Lipogems Equine veterinary team: ​• Tendon injuries with core lesions • Desmitis (Inflammation of a ligament) • Chronic desmitis (Chronic inflammation of a ligament) • Soft tissue injuries to the stifle joint • Synovitis (Inflammation of a synovial membrane) • Early osteoarthritis (Degenerative joint disease) • Deep lacerations​ • Septicemia • Huge anti-inflammatory properties Current Research & Development Performance Projects include • Cryogenic research project • Muscle recuperation

Website: lipogemsequine.com Email: martin_ffrench_blake@lipogemsequine.com @lipogemsequine

Lipogems is an advancement in Orthobiology and Regenerative Medicine.

LIPOGEMS

EQUINE

The Lipogems Equine veterinary team can treat: Tendon injuries with core lesions Desmitis (Inflammation of a ligament) Chronic desmitis (Chronic inflammation of a ligament) Soft tissue injuries to the stifle joint Synovitis (Inflammation of a synovial membrane) Early osteoarthritis (Degenerative joint disease) Deep lacerations Septicaemia

For more information, contact and case studies visit: lipogemsequine.com @lipogemsequine Dr Tim Watson BVM&S, PhD, MRCVS Waterlane Equine Vets, tim.watson@mail.com Mob: 07557857793

www.polotimes.co.uk

Mr Bruce Middleton MA Vet MB MRCVS Blackdown Equine Clinic, bruce.vet@hotmail.com Mob: 07766993085

Mr Murray Shotter BVSc MRCVS Shotter and Byers Equine Surgery, murray.shotter@shooterandbyers.co.uk Tel: 01306627706

Mr Clive Hamblin B Vet Med MRCVS Collis Equine Services, chamblin@btconnect.com Mob: 07831385515

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

65

Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd assists a reader with a bitting query

Veteran Evader The Bomber Blue, pictured here with a ported mullen mouth, is made from a synthetic material

The Buster Roller Pelham is a popular bit

The Control Plate Pelham offers precise, accurate aids

The Bombers Elliptical Roller Pelham has a mouthpiece that wraps across the tongue

Q – I am an amateur player. My polo pony is hacked out in a Copper Roller Snaffle, plus a Grackle noseband, to give her a break from the harsher polo tack. She goes well in this, but constant contact and very firm riding is required. Slowing down and stopping can be challenging! For polo I need to be able to stop and turn quickly, of course. I have tried Cheltenham and Barry Gags with running reins, however she leans on the bit and pulls constantly. Various instructors and professionals have ridden her as well, and agree she is strong. She’s 20 years old so very accomplished in her evasions. What can I do?

A – I would suggest trying a Pelham bit. It can be used with two fixed reins, with the first attached to the larger of the two rings, and the second rein attached to the ring at the bottom of the shank. Or, by using a running rein that passes through the larger ring and the fixed rein on the bottom. When the first rein is used, the Pelham puts slight pressure on the poll, and above all, pressure in the pony’s mouth, depending on the mouthpiece chosen.

The second rein introduces leverage and curb pressure. Please remember, the greater the distance between the cheek piece slot and the mouthpiece, the greater 66

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

the poll pressure, while the greater the length of shank, the greater the amount of leverage. The Polo Pelham utilises a heavier shank and larger top ring than a standard Pelham used for other riding disciplines – Polo Pelhams commonly have a 75mm shank, but are also available with a 55mm, to reduce the amount of leverage.

There are various mouthpieces available in the range. The most popular one at the moment is the Bomber Blue, made from a synthetic material and shaped with a small port. This might not be suitable for your pony as you have said that she is above all, very strong. A Buster Roller mouthpiece or Control Plate offer precise, accurate aids. Both are made from sweet iron; the Buster Roller has a central copper roller link shortened to 40mm, increasing bar and tongue pressure. The increased pressure on the bar will lift the head, and the roller will increase pressure on the tongue, tucking the chin in. The Control Plate will also offer

more assistance if she tends to point her nose and accelerate away from the hand.

These would be a good starting point for you, although with your pony’s history of pulling even in a Cheltenham or a Barry Gag, you could go straight for the Bombers Elliptical Roller Pelham. When the rein is used, this mouthpiece wraps across the tongue, creating tongue pressure and reducing bar pressure. If the mare goes fairly well when hacking in the jointed roller bit, this is a promising start in terms of acceptance of tongue pressure. The more joints that a bit mouthpiece has, the less likely the horse is to lean on the bit, as it becomes more mobile within the animal’s mouth. Please note, appearances may be deceiving; this bit joint is quite strong, as the pressure is more concentrated on the tongue! All Pelhams that we recommend and sell come with a standard curb chain.

A ‘Military’ one is also available. These are slightly wider and offer a ‘softer’ feel.

Bombers Bits also include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions.

Bombers Bits are made from blue sweet iron - the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages the horse to salivate. Visit www.worldwidetack.com. Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice. www.polotimes.co.uk

Rob McIlroy & Sofia Abramovich

Chavez Selvaratnam, Momen Alshebani & Tayo Ojora

Callum Perry, Millie Torg, Mimi Figgins & Ignacio Briones

Georgina & Olivia Walsh

Ash Farm Polo Club, Surrey, Saturday 12 November

Rock the Polo

Jake Davis, Leona Hyslop & Ewa Wlodarska

Constantin Boy, Andrew Meshreky & Nick Edwards

Royal Holloway Polo Club hosted their annual Rock the Polo at Ash Farm Polo Club with the help of Tally Ho Farm, Laithwaites Wine and the Thames Rocket Experiences. This year the event was in aid of the Racehorse Rescue Centre and the Great British Legion, and before the game a minute of silence was held for Remembrance weekend. There was a two chukka exhibition match with the Secretariats: Edward Morris-Lowe, James Mann, Georgia Sweeney and the Red Rums: Charlotte Sweeney, Jamie Grayson, Oliver Edwards, which saw Secretariats win 7-3. Afterwards, whites were swapped for black tie and polo boots for stilettos as guests danced the night away for two great causes.

Photography by Matt Hurley

Grace Stevens, Luke Harding, Georgina Walsh, Andrew Basset & Kate Mordaunt

Elisa Haddad, Alice Pugnet & Pauline Walewska

Alexander Black & Ollie Williams

Lorenzo de Blegiers, Alex Ambasurian, Edouard Duvenger, Scotty Franklin & Hippolyte Petit

Edward Morris-Lowe, James Mann, Georgia Sweeney, Alice Pugnet, Olivia Whittle, Georgia Pask, Leah Walters, Kate Mordaunt, Maeve Morrison, Chavez Selvaratnam, Tayo Ojora, Charlotte Sweeney, Jamie Grayson & Oliver Edwards

Nick Whippey, Nicholas Mahoney, Emlyn James, Liam Cain & Bobby Stowers

Gossip ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Sidelines

LOOKALIKE

M&M’S

The keen eyed amongst you may have noticed that Ollie Cudmore’s doppleganger Wayne Sullivan got through to the Semi Finals of Professional Masterchef. Even more spookily both Ollie and Wayne herald from Gloucestershire. Sadly as we went to press Wayne failed to make the Final.

Congratulations to Inglesham Polo Centres’ Matty Evetts and Mhairi Gold who tied the knot on 8 October.

KARL ON THE BOX Karl Ude Martinez, known to many on the polo circuit for his dulcet tones on the mic, and to others for his jousting, has lately been spotted on our screens presenting a six part television series titled Instruments of Death. The series has been showing on Yesterday, Sky 537, Virgin Media 203, Freeview 19 this year.

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

WHITE CRANE DELIVERED Guards Polo Club members Jasmine and Alexie Calvert-Ansari welcomed another member to their White Crane team Koji, on Wednesday 26 October weighing in at 8lbs 1. Big sister Enoki will be looking forward to teaching him to ride in a few years.

ERSKINE OUT FOR THE SEASON Sugar Erskine has been sidelined after a recent accident on a polo field. He underwent successful surgery in Houston. According to his family, he will be immobilised in a brace, but he is expected to be back on the polo field for the 2017 winter season.

SABAJ SISTER Everyone has certainly been busy this year, with a bumper crop of bundles of joy.

Carly and Seba Sabaj welcomed a little sister to Clara, baby Isabella, on the 18 October, despite being three weeks early she was a very healthy 9.1lbs!

68

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

CAREY-PACKER CONUNDRUM Mariah Carey and James Packer recently split, but despite not making it down the aisle they are already allegedly debating who gets to keep the engagement ring. Considering it’s worth at least an eye-watering £5million, just think how many polo ponies you could buy with that, it’s understandable both parties want to keep it. www.polotimes.co.uk

Chris Benton, Lesley Sweeney, Georgia Sweeney, Richard & Imogen Blake Thomas

Katie Bateman & Georgie Morris-Lowe

Maggie Hyde, Florence Hyde & Lucy Northmore

Janet Knight & Aya Poppel

The 5-8 Goal Hurlingham Polo Association National Club Championships (Victor Ludorum); Westcroft Park Polo Club, 11 December

Winter Wonders at Westcroft Hannah King

A dull and rainy Saturday led to just a handful of diehard spectators braving the elements as Las Aguilas played Sau Wild in the second Semi Final of the tournament. Fortunately an improvement in weather on the Sunday, coupled with a mass influx of returning players and connections from the Saturday’s games boosted numbers and raised some festive spirit. Special mention must be given to Comland’s Josh Clover whose nuptials took place on Saturday evening and was therefore ably substituted by Nick Johnson in the Subsidiary Final against Sau Wild.

By the time the Final between Tex8n and Las Aguilas got underway on Sunday afternoon, a veritable crowd had gathered to cheer on the teams.

As the mulled wine flowed, fast entertaining polo took centre stage with arena balls flying in all directions. As darkness fell, spectators gathered in and around the arena for a very jolly prize giving before everyone retired to the Clubhouse for a festive drink or two.

Photography by Aurora Cotten-McKean & Gillian Hughes Photography

Nathaniel McCullagh & Nick Coombes

Jan-Erik Franck

Debbie Casabal & Sophie Granchi

Matt Evetts, Alec Banner-Eve & Paul Bussey

PLAYERS: A GAME OF GRIT AND GLORY A new novel about polo by E. H. Humphreys was launched at Druids Lodge Polo Club on Sunday 11 December. Guests were treated to some polo in the arena before moving to the Summer Clubhouse where British Polo Gin treated guests to Chukka Cocktails.

Amy and Josh with teammate Georgina Morris-Lowe in the summer

KING & CLOVER Amy King and Westcroft Park Polo Club’s Josh Clover said their I do’s on Saturday 10 December surrounded by family and friends. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Clover.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Guards Polo Club have announced that private dining and hospitality experts Mosimann’s will be taking over the kitchens at Smith’s Lawn from next season. More will be revealed about this new exciting new partnership in the New Year.

Mosimann’s, which was founded by chef Anton Mosimann OBE, DL, in 1988, has entertained royalty from over a dozen different countries, Heads of State and a growing list of celebrities.

Photograph by Rich Hine

GOURMET AT GUARDS

Alana Dowling with novelist Elizabeth Humphreys

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

69

Heather Lodder & Santi Gomez Romero

Marta Toca Vizacaino & Mario Gomez

OKKU, Dubai, Thursday 3 November

Oppulance in OKKU Charlotte Patridge & Raja Abuljain

If Cartier’s hospitality pitch-side at the polo wasn’t enough for the players and guests of the 12th edition of the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, the post-polo party spilled downtown to the award winning OKKU for a dip into an oriental theme which included Japanese delicacies washed down with Champagne.

Guards Polo Club had popped over to play, making many more international relations for the future, catching up with the ex-pats and having a look at the new Cactus de Cartier collection and of course testing out the latest haunts for a late night boogie post-OKKU.

Tim Bown & Richard Fagan

Peter Reid & Tommy Iriarte

Fede Von Potobsky & Justo Mourinho

Haider Bangash & Mario Focaccia

Photography by Gillian Hughes Photography Gillian Hughes, David Singleton & Annie Hoy

Tiernan O’Rourke & Nacho Gonzalez

Helen Thatham & Neils van Baarsbank

TRISTAR

Rita Mansoor, Margaux Bel of Cartier and Tara Smith

Manufacturers of Quality Horseboxes

For our current stock please visit our new & updated website

www.tristarhorsesboxes.co.uk Tel: 01570 422250 Email: sales@tristarhorseboxes.co.uk

Scott Knauer & Roxanne Baldwin

Event party people with polo players Jason Crowder & Rick Cooper

Aaron Holas & Thomas Lisouskis

Savannah Joy & Claren Cummiskey

Bonnie Swanson, Erik Martino, Christopher Martino Kristan Martino

Mia Garbarino & McKayla Polk

Matthew Miller & Bradley Mortz

The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships; Arizona; Saturday 5 November

From Hole In Ones To Hip-Hop Marjorie Parks, Jane Andrews & Judy Etterman

Jana Wright & Arthur the Patriot

Mano Mannoochahr & Monkia Govska

Golf and hip-hop typically do not mix. It is rare to see two things that are so opposite at the same event, and that is what makes the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships so eclectic. This year’s Polo Party Troon, for the first time, hosted an on-site Hole-In-One Contest, in which contestants competed to win prizes and the proceeds went to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Alongside the polo, performers for the Cultural Concert included the Scottsdale Philharmonic, Arizona Opera and Maestro Hughes as rapper RoQy TyRaiD, an underground hip-hop artist with a dedicated, growing fan base. Twilight ticket guests enjoyed the Molina VIP Lounge, the Barrett-Jackson Champagne & Jazz Lounge, and the ArtPolo Pavilion with plenty of Veuve Clicquot flowing. During the day, attractions included fashion shows for people and also their favourite pampered pooches who went on parade in an array of outlandish outfits.

Marinna Crosetti, Mike Bickson, & Tina Richter

Lauren Gustafson, Jack Dymand, Reid Dymand & Nicolette Benecke

Photography by The Polo Party

Caroline Grace & Eric Robert

Kathleen Nelson and her dog JoJo

Cassandra Forbes, Chad Verdaglio

Madison Raskin, Holly Lennarson & Jonathan Raskin

Sheryl Sick, Chloe Carabasi, Pamela Flanagan & Robin O’Brien

Natasha Finesteda, Travis Carter, Julia Mraovic, John Bags & Danille Lovios

DJ Sean Derek

Lori Anna Harrison & Eric Nugent

George Marsden

Badia El Amir

Averil Marsden

Delfina Casabal, Alannah Horswell, Chloe Horswell & Agustina Casabal

The HPA National Club Championships, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Sunday 27 November

Arena Arrives The Berkshire winter crowd were out and about sporting fur topped bobble hats and cashmere thermals as the icy winds whistled around the arena for the opening tournament of the HPA National Club Championships. Even though the earlier dates might have hampered team entries, players and spectators were still trading foreign polo plans in between hot cups of GlĂźhwein, there were shouts of encouragement as the finalists zipped around the arena scoring goal after goal.

The spectators thankfully relocated after the end of the games to the Clubhouse for a buffet of warm foods washed down with more drinks as chilled limbs thawed out. The Power of Polo were also out in force taking selfies with HPA official Olly Hughes and tournament players who were sporting their red ribbons for World Aids Day. James Mann’s grooms warming up

Gillian Hughes, Grania Horswell & Sarah Gonzalez

Rosie Chell & Roy Prisk

Photography by Gillian Hughes

Olga Kelly & Mary Kelly

Aggy Young, Katy Hayward & Olly Hughes

Jan-Erik Franck entertaining the Power of Polo crew in the viewing gallery

Michael Amoore

Tara Smith & Amanda Gibson

Sophie, Michael & Capi Granchi

Stephen Dorrett, Emma & Iain Bell plus juniors

Twinkly lights welcomed guests to the shop

Helen Gordon, Louise Leverton & Alex Taylor

Champagne for all!

Cupcakes in the Tally Ho theme

Christmas Late Night Shopping Evening; Tally Ho Farm; Berkshire; Thursday 8 December Alex Jacob & Chris Adkins

Tally Ho Ho Ho Charlotte Twitchings & Natalie Magnaldi McLean

Tally Ho Farm opened their doors to everyone for a spectacular Christmas late night shopping event hosting a charity raffle in aid of Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust which raised £324. In addition to the raffle and the fabulous items on sale, the champagne was bubbling and enjoyed by guests alongside mince pies, cupcakes, gin tasting with British Polo Gin and goody bags galore. It was a spectacular pre-Christmas celebration, all in aid of charity.

Photography by Katie Adcock Tessa, Sophie & Beatrice Ward

A festive Christmas tree complete with apples and carrots for ponies

John Harris ponders the Blueye display

Jack the dog gets the festive feeling

Ashanti Thompson

Equipment ROXTON red handled polo mallet.

Not too heavy so particularly good for beginners. Used one polo season EUC £75 ONO Contact 07849 995560 Basingstoke 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

Published by: Polo Times Ltd Contact details Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Gloucestershire GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email: admin@polotimes.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk © Polo Times Limited 2016 and Database Right 2016 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

Special occasion polo cards for birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, weddings, & baby congratulations; from £2.99 plus p&p Visit www.Katesart.com or txt/tel 07887 678421 or email: enquiries@Katesart.com image copyright protected by Katesart.com 2007

Jimbo Fewster & Tom Brodie

Joao Gaspar Bastos from Maragata Polo in Brazil & friend

Nico Pieres

The HSBC Argentine Open, Palermo, Argentina Yoanna Hanbury

Flock to the Finals The sidelines of Palermo in the month of December are alive with the world’s great and good of polo from Guards Polo Club timekeeper Gerry Gibson to the squad of young up-andcoming British players who have been grooming and playing endless chukkas in preparation for their UK high goal trials.

Even top vet Murray Shotter popped over the Atlantic to check out the social scene. The rainstorms/heat wave combinations caused havoc but the fashionable floaty summer linens, conker brown tans and Hurlingham Polo 1875 caps were in full force with a smattering of shorts and the quirky I-ripped-my-jeansplaying-polo look, were also popular in the queue for a cold cerveza in the bars under the famous Palermo stands.

Guards’ timekeeper Gerry Gibson being interviewed by the Argentine Tourist Office

P hotography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Annabel McNaught-Davis & Antony Fanshawe The Marco Di Paola family

Olly Hughes, Robert de By, Siobhan Barney, Henri de By, David Woodd & Fra Woodd

Brett Badham, Iain Forbes Cockell & Murray Shotter

Alejandra Falkinhoff de James & Teresa Beresford

Matt Perry

Nicholas & Annie Colquhoun-Denvers

Noel Raffo Antin & Carolina Beresford

Christopher Hanbury

Tincho Merlos, Tomas Flores, Cubi Toccalino & Pite Merlos

Eduardo Heguy & Rob Cudmore

Milo Fernandez de Araujo & Alejo Taranco

Nic Roldan, Jo & Susan Meyer

Gonzalo Pieres’ groom Zorrino Force

Ginevra D’Orazio & friend

Santiago Gaztambide & sons

Daniel Acosta, Sarah Wiseman, Martín Perez, Katie Vickery, Ash Price & friends

Carlos Sprungli from Legacy Polo Club in Switzerland and friend

Gonzalito Pieres

Mr & Mrs Alberto Pedro Heguy

Maria Vazquez

Eduardo & Paz Heguy with their children

Manuel Guevara & Matias Machado

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

What’s On Key UK Arena Season Dates RCBPC – HPA New Year National Club Championships (4-6): 6 – 22 January RCBPC – HPA New Year National Club Championships (13-15): 6 – 22 January RCBPC – The Arena Gold Cup (13-15): 13 – 15 February AEPC – The Bryan Morrison International Trophy (Open): 4 March

Arena Victor Ludorum dates

Druids Lodge – Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal: 24 – 29 January RCBPC – Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal: January 31 – 5 February AEPC – Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal: 8 – 12 February Rugby – Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal: 21 – 26 February

December & January Club Fixtures

RCBPC – Metropolitan Trophy (8-12): December 31 – 2 January Vaux Park – Smarties Challenge (6-8): 7 – 8 January DBPC – The Bascote Bowl (8): 28 – 29 January RCBPC – Weekend Tournament (5-8): 28 – 29 January Vaux Park – New Year’s Tournament (2-6): December 31 – 1 January RCBPC – The Richmond Trophy (4-6): 1 – 3 January Ash Farm – New Year Tournament (4-6): 7 – 8 January Rugby – The New Year’s Cup (2-6): 7 – 8 January Westcroft Park – Clubhouse Cup (6): 21 – 22 January Epsom – Cape Town Cup (2-4): December 31 – 1 January RCBPC – Weekend Tournament (1-3): December 31 – 2 January Westcroft Park – New Year Trophy (1-3): 7 – 8 January Ash Farm – New Year Tournament (0-2): 7 – 8 January Rugby – The New Year’s Cup (-3-0): 7 – 8 January FHM – Essinghigh Trophy (-3-0): 28 January

Open

Vale of York – The Patrick Wilkinson Christmas Plate: 21 December Westcroft Park – Christmas Chukkas: 23 – 24 December Rugby – OGEC Fun Day: 29 December

76

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

RCBPC – Christmas Challenge Matches: December 31 –1 January Ash Farm – Challenge Matches: December 31 – 1 January AEPC – Sponsor’s Tournament Weekend: December 31 – 1 January Vale of York – New Year Cup: 1 January Druids Lodge – Druids Winter League: January 2 – 5 March Rugby – T-Bone Challenge: 2 January Westcroft Park – Club Weekend: 14 – 15 January Ash Farm – Challenge Matches: 14 –15 January AEPC – The Arundel Equine Hospital Tournament: 14 – 15 January Vale of York – ABI Beach Challenge: 15 January Vale of York – Lay-Soft Arena Challenge: 18 January Ruby – Comical Cup Challenge: 2 January Ash Farm – Challenge Matches: 22 –23 January Westcroft Park – Club Weekend: 28 – 29 January AEPC – Sponsor’s Tournament Weekend: 28 – 29 January Vaux Park – Mens/Ladies Tournament: 28 – 29 January

Youth Polo

Druids Lodge – Super League (London vs Bristol): 21 January Epsom – Under 21 vs The Rest: 21 – 22 January Druids Lodge – Varsity Match (Bristol vs UWE): 28 January Druids Lodge – Super League (Exeter vs RAU): 28 January Druids Lodge – Super League (Harvard Alumni vs Bristol): 29 January Rugby – SUPA University Nationals (Open): 9 – 12 February Rugby – SUPA National Senior Schools (Open): 5 March

America

IPC – Herbie Pennell Cup (20): December 28 – 1 January IPC – Joe Barry Cup (20): 4 –22 January Eldorado – USPA Carlton & Keleen Beal Cup (10-12): 7 – 15 January Eldorado – Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial (6-8): 7 – 15 January IPC – Ylvisaker Cup (20): January 25 – 19 February

Australia Victorian – VPC Club Cup (0, 4 & 6): 7 – 8 January Victorian – Jeep Portsea Polo: 14 January Victorian – VPC Club Cup (0, 4 & 6): 21 – 22 January Yaloak – Yaloak Australia Day Polo Cup: 26 January Hexham – Urqhart Cup: 28 – 29 January Blenheim – Skene Trophy: 28 – 29 January

Ladies Polo

Tidworth – University Ladies: 21 January RCBPC – Ladies Tournament (0-4): 28 – 29 January Tidworth – WIP Battle of the Sexes (4-8): 29 January Ash Farm – Ladies Tournament (0-2 & 3-4): 28 – 29 January Westcroft Park – Ladies Winter Championships (0-2, 3-4, 4-6): 25 – 26 February

Germany

Hörnum – 10th Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Sylt: 3 – 4 June 2017 Keitum – 20th Berenberg German Polo Masters: 2 – 6 August 2017

www.polotimes.co.uk

Our polo equipment is used by the best players and teams around the world.

RJ Polo Ltd | 01285 238228 | 07753 785937 | www.rjpolo.com Unit 14 College Farm Buildings, Tetbury Road, Cirencester, GL7 6PY

Polo directory

Classifieds

Snow Polo Dates New Zealand Auckland – Ardmore Tournament: 2 – 3 January Kihikihi – Waikato Open: 2 – 3 January Hawkes Bay – Savile Cup Entries Close: 6 January Wanstead – Barrett/Dearden Memorial: 6 – 8 January Mystery Creek – Mystery Creek Tournament: 7 – 8 January Christ Church – Mid-Week 12 Goal: 10 – 12 January Waimai – BNZ Tournament: 13 – 14 January Hawkes Bay – Savile Cup: 17 – 22 January Poverty Bay – Poverty Bay Open: 28 – 29 January Auckland – Auckland Charity Weekend: 28 – 29 January

South Africa

Plett Polo – 8 Goal Tournament: 26 December Plett Polo – 8 Goal and 2 Goal Tournament: 27 – 31 December Plett Polo – Plett International: 29 December Plett Polo – 10 Goal and 4 Goal Tournament: 2 – 14 January Val de Vie – Riot Competition: 20 – 22 January

Quick Question Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page A: Adolfo Cambiaso has now won the Argentine Open a total of 10 times including the 2016 contest.

78

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

Thailand

Thai Polo – La Posta Cup (5-8): 15 – 18 December Thai Polo – Thailand Equestrian Federation Cup (8-10): 27 – 31 December Thai Polo – Thai Polo Open (12-14): 4 – 14 January 2017 Thai Polo – FIP World Cup Zone D Play-Offs (10-14): January 24 – 4 February

Kitzbühel – 15th Snow Polo World Cup: 12 to 15 January 2017 Megève – The Megève Polo Masters: 19 – 22 January 2107 St Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz 2017: 27 – 29 January 2017 Tremblant – Snow Polo Tremblant International: 2 – 4 March 2017

Social Events Guards – The Polo Awards 2017: 30 May 2017 Editor’s Note – All dates are correct at time of going to press. Polo Times takes no responsibility for fixtures moved, cancelled or altered. Always check with the Club(s) for the most up-to-date fixtures lists.

2017 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates Cirencester – The Queen Mother Trophy: 22+ Goal RCBPC – Prince of Wales: 6 – 20 May Guards – Cartier Queen’s Cup: May 23 – 18 June Cirencester – Warwickshire Cup: 20 – 25 June Cowdray – Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup: June 27 – 23 July

3 – 16 July Guards – Duke of Wellington: 5 – 20 August Cirencester – Cheltenham Cup: August 29 – 10 September Cowdray – Autumn League: 12 – 24 September

18 Goal Victor Ludorum

8 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland: May 20 – 11 June Cirencester – Apsley Cup: June 14 – 2 July Guards – Indian Empire Shield: 4 – 22 July Cowdray – Challenge Cup: July 24 – 6 August

15 Goal Victor Ludorum

Guards – Bentley Royal Windsor: 5 – 25 June RCBPC – Eduardo Moore: June 27 – 15 July Cowdray – Harrison Cup: July 17 – 5 August Cirencester – County Cup: 7 – 19 August Beaufort – Arthur Lucas: August 22 – 3 September

12 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cowdray – Dollar Cup: May 15 – 4 June RCBPC – John Prestwich: 5 – 17 June Beaufort – Prince of Wales: June 19 – 1 July

Cirencester – Gerald Balding: 15 – 29 May Guards – Archie David: June 9 – 2 August RCBPC– Julian and Howard Hipwood Trophy: 5 – 23 July Cowdray – Holden White: July 24 – 6 August Beaufort – Wichenford Bowl: 14 –27 August

6 Goal Victor Ludorum

DBPC – The Stoneythorpe Cup: 15 – 28 May Beaufort – Eduardo Rojas Lanusse: 5 – 17 June Rutland – Assam Cup: June 27 – 2 July Cheshire – County Cup: 10 – 16 July Cambridge County – The Cavendish Cup: 24 – 30 July Kirtlington – Budgett Everett Trophy: 3 – 14 August HPC – Roehampton Cup: 15 – 27 August Cirencester – Kingscote Cup: August 28 – 9 September

www.polotimes.co.uk

Locations – 25 de Mayo & Pilar

Locations – Atlanta

Locations – Berkshire

Polo Holidays Polo School & Clinics Tournaments Lodge Golf, fishing Corporate Days Horse Sale +54 911 5180 1759

Polo School & Clinics Pony Hire Livery Tournaments Polo Management Corporate Days Horse Sale +1 770 330 1459

Pony Hire Livery Tournaments Polo Management Corporate Days Horse Sale +44 7947 725 305

Polo School & Clinics

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Facundo Sola, the talented and likeable face of the powerful Washington Polo foursome, has had a fantastic couple of years first qualifying for the most important tournaments of the Argentine season in 2015 and then taking the season by storm. This year he qualified directly to play The Triple Crown and has played fantastically throughout. We spoke to him about his parents, his prized pooches and his passion for ponies.

What is your biggest passion and why?

Polo, because I love the competitiveness and the horses. The whole world of polo is incredible, the fact that you are with your family and friends, travelling the world.

What is your all time best polo memory?

Probably the most amazing memories I have is when we used to travel all together as a family, accompanying my dad when he used to travel to the US. Watching him play The Argentine Open was incredible. I always used to watch and want to achieve that. Now that I have got there it is a new favourite memory.

Who would be your perfect teammates and why?

Alfredo Capella, Hilario Ulloa and Adolfo Cambiaso.

Hardest opponent?

Cambiaso, hence why I put him in my team!

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

I like all sports, but I don’t play any others because I’m bad at all of them.

Favourite film and why?

I watch a lot. It’s a big hobby of mine. I like all comedies, action or true-life stories, but I’m not sure I have a favourite.

80

Polo Times, December 2016 / January 2017

Favourite band?

I love music and I always have my speaker on. Probably my favourite band is La Beriso.

Favourite food?

Whatever my mum cooks. I love Milanesa with mashed potato and spinach. I always eat this meal before my matches.

Favourite hobby outside of polo?

Watching films, training or hanging out at the stables and being with the horses.

Most prized possession?

My two dogs.

Favourite celebrity and why?

Roger Federer because he has spent so many years at the top of the sport. He has been the best for years, just like Cambiaso.

Best holiday destination & activity?

Relaxing at my farm in Washington.

I also like to go to Pinamar to the beach, to my Aunt’s house.

Best pony and why?

La Copetina, because she is amazing all round. She’s agile, quick and has a good mouth. She’s small and really comfortable to hit the ball off.

Describe yourself in three words…

Fun, happy, teammate.

One thing which would surprise us about you?

That I am an awesome cook.

www.polotimes.co.uk

 

 

  

 

  

      



  

 