Polo Times Dec 19/Jan20 by Edit

Volume 24 • Issue 11 • December 2019 / January 2020 • £6.50

THE GENERATION GAME Interview with Brit Father/Son Duos ARGENTINE TRIPLE CROWN Tortugas & Hurlingham Opens POLO BRANDED DANGEROUS? Airbnb Vetoes Polo Experiences PLUS: Sarah Wiseman Interview & Report from HPA Club Nationals

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

Contents Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside…

December 2019 / January 2020

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

Editorial Manager Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk

Operations Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Marketing Manager Lottie McDonagh lottie@polotimes.co.uk

Advertising Sales

Club Focus

Richard Hine ads@polotimes.co.uk

Women’s Polo

Principal Design

James Morgan

64 66

Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Contributors: Matías Calléjo, Helen Cruden, Lorna Edgar, Emmpix, Michael Goodwill, Victoria Grace, N. Ibungochoubi, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Nigel Mercer, Camilla Nock ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com, Jason Warren, Kaylee Wroe

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 2019 and Database Right 2019 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Cover Story: SUPA Uni Challenge All Aspects of Youth Polo

Military Polo

Tony Ruddy

Lynne Berry admin@polotimes.co.uk

A Round-Up of Women’s Polo

Youth Polo

Additional Design

Subscriptions & Administration Assistant

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

64 News 6 16 18

Knowledge All the Latest News Obituaries: Guillermo ‘Billy’ Steta, Henry Stevens & Peter Hewett FIP News

Comment 20

Letters: Your Views & Social Media

Features 22 26 30 34 38

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Big Picture Cover Story: Interview: The Generation Game Cover Story: Airbnb Brands Polo Dangerous Cover Story: Interview: Sarah Wiseman Practical Polo Assessment

Reports

40 Cover Story: The HPA National Club Championships 42 Cover Story: The Tortugas & Hurlingham Opens 47 The XVI Julio Novillo Astrada Cup 50 Cover Story: The 13th Manipur Polo International

69 72 74 76 78

Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series Nutrition Focus: Unsung Heroes of Polo Schools & Academies Fitness Insight: Climb the Fitness Ladder Part Three Polodoc: Who Wants to Live Forever Vet Insight: Treating Joints

Sidelines 80 82

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know! Sidelines: Social Pages

Polo Directory 84

What’s On?

Final Bell 88

Passions: Richard Blake Thomas

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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Cover photograph: Juan Martín Nero on the ball for La Dolfina in the Final of The 126th Hurlingham Open. By Helen Cruden Photography

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from the Publisher

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

After five years at the helm, Frasers England Captain James Beim will be standing down from the influential role. Having represented England since 2001, Beim has played in The Coronation Cup 12 times, winning seven times, three times as Captain. He was also Captain for three Westchester Cup victories. Ex-Chairman of the International Committee, John Tinsley stated following the announcement, “Beimy has been a senior member of the England squad during the past 18 years of my involvement with the International Committee. I have much admired him from the day, in 2001, I met him at Melbourne airport to join the James Beim has retired as England Captain England FIP group, until the present as England Captain. Perhaps my greatest memory of him was as a serious member of the England team that unexpectedly won The Westchester in Florida in 2009. I invited him to be England Captain in 2013 and he has carried this out with great skill, dignity and diplomacy.” His final match as Captain was the 2019 Coronation Cup, which saw Frasers England come up against possibly the strongest team in the world, Argentina. Opponent and Argentine Captain Facundo Pieres said on Beim’s retirement, “Being Captain of your country is always a great honour. Like I have, Beimy has enjoyed the responsibility that comes with that. He is a great competitor and was a great Captain for England. I wish him all the best for the future, knowing that his passion for playing polo will not be any less.” Congratulations Beimy from all of us at Polo Times on your inspiring time as England Captain and we wish you all the very best.

Antony Fanshawe To Chair The HPA International Committee

The HPA announced on Friday 29 November that Antony Fanshawe has accepted the invitation to chair The International Committee which will be responsible for selecting teams to represent England here or overseas. The HPA commented, “Fanshawe reached 5 goals and made a significant contribution to the England team in FIP championship tournaments, as a player for those held in Spain, Switzerland and France and then more recently as a coach in Argentina and Chile. Joining him on the Selection Committee will be Tom Morley, Satnam Dhillon, Adrian Wade, Malcolm Borwick and Nacho Gonzalez whom we would like to thank for taking on this often very difficult task, and to thank also the outgoing Chairman, Richard Britten-Long and all his Committee members for their work and support during these past years. Antony Fanshawe has been appointed as the “Nick Wiles, Chairman of the HPA, was new Chair of The International Committee instrumental in Antony’s appointment and commented, ‘I am delighted Antony has agreed to chair the Selection Committee. As the Polo Manager of Guards Polo Club, he is well placed to watch regularly our best players at all levels of the game. Under Antony’s leadership this Committee has a wealth of experience and understanding of what it takes to compete successfully at the highest levels of our sport. It is great for English polo that this group are willing to take on this important responsibility.’ Fanshawe will take responsibility of the Committee immediately.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Nick Hine, Publisher

James Beim Retires as England Captain

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

I cannot believe that this issue, which simultaneously brings an end to 2019 and welcomes in the New Year of 2020, is already upon us! This December’19 and January’20 issue spans two years and our Father/ Son Feature The Generation Game echoes this sentiment, covering the careers of two generations of polo players in the Beim and Harper households. This feature takes an in-depth look at young, up and coming polo stars, Zac Beim and Will Harper, who, under the tutelage of their fathers, Tom and James respectively, are making waves on the pro scene. In the UK, the arena season is gaining momentum; in Argentina, the 40 goal is in full flow whilst here at Polo Times HQ, we are eagerly awaiting the snow polo season, as Official Media Partners for both The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz and The 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel, both of which are played for in January – certainly the best way to start 2020! Although we are a British based publication, the UK is not simply an island, but rather part of a greater interconnected polo community, and this issue reflects that, with plenty of international polo reports from India to Argentina. Once again, the UK entered a team into the Manipur Polo International, which is always a fabulous event with generous hospitality and some of the most courageous polo ponies in the world. Unfortunately, this year, Frasers England narrowly lost out in the Final, due to some questionable time-keeping in the final chukka according to eye witness accounts! But then again, show me someone who has ever lost a game through good time-keeping, and I will give you a pet unicorn! We’ve also looked into Airbnb and their contentious decision to determine polo as “dangerous for horses” and thereby blanket ban all Learn to Play Polo experiences from the Airbnb website. With Brexit and the General Election dampening British spending, small businesses could really do without another barrier to earning. Sadly, this issue also contains three polo obituaries: remembering Guillermo ‘Billy’ Steta; Henry Stevens and Peter Hewett, all of whom I know, will be greatly missed, but their legacies continue. With that, it is time for me to wish you all, fun-filled festivities full of frolics, and the very best health and wealth to all our readers for 2020!

News

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HPA’s Vision for Polo On 14 November 2019, The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) issued a statement in response to the Polo Times, Handicaps – The Ultimate Conundrum article, published in our September 2019 issue. We are delighted to have received a public response from the HPA which you can find below. Clearly there is a significant difference between the RFU and the HPA in terms of turnover and staff structure but this does not mean that the HPA should not be compared with the RFU or other sports. Our article, which also saw the re-publishing of Mark Tomlinson’s 2014 piece The HPA… “57 Old Farts?”, addressed some key concerns raised about the current HPA format and its plans for the future of our sport and brought to the fore, a number of topics perennially up for debate. As the foremost British polo publication, Polo Times keeps abreast of polo news, at all times endeavouring to express a balanced view of all goings on. To be in the conversation, make sure you subscribe now and have your say by contacting us, either on our website, or by email on letters@polotimes.co.uk You could even be in with a chance of winning of a bottle of delicious British Polo Gin for your efforts! We look forward to hearing from you. The HPA’s response is as follows: The HPA’s vision for polo in the UK Changing the game for the better There has been much coverage in certain media outlets recently concerning the issues that face polo. Within this coverage was a considerable amount of criticism directed at the HPA. Constructive criticism is always welcomed, as are ideas to improve the sport. These must however be balanced with the statistics. When compared with mainstream sports, including other equestrian disciplines, polo is a highly skilled yet niche sport with (comparatively) very few participants. This presents tremendous challenges, as few participants correlates to few spectators which correlates to fewer sponsorship opportunities. It also creates a difficult environment for professional players to make a living within the game – not helped by its seasonality. Under the incoming new chairman Nick Wiles, an extensive consultation took place with HPA members, resulting in the creation of the polo vision document. Key areas of concern were highlighted: • The importance of grass roots development • The development and education of young players • The raising of the standards of conduct, behaviour, discipline and animal welfare • The importance of a coherent commercial strategy to bring much needed funding and sponsorship into the game • The need to modernise the overall governance structure of the HPA as the governing body. • Handicapping and tournament conditions This will be an extensive ongoing programme and changes will naturally take time to both implement and take effect. A republished article written by Mark Tomlinson raised the following points, to which the HPA has added some context. Mark himself concedes that the situation has changed between 2014 (when the original article was published) and now and is fully supportive of the vision document. Nonetheless, it is useful to highlight some key differences between rugby and polo. Comparisons between rugby and polo. Current RFU membership is over 2,500,000 and comprises over 2,000 clubs. 8

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

HPA membership is in a different league, approximately 2,500 and 70 clubs. The RFU generated over £170m in annual income, had over 600 paid staff and the board alone were paid in excess £1.5m. HPA income is £1,811,600 with total staff costs of £309,000 (incl pensions). All board and committee members are voluntary (unpaid) and do not get expenses. The top International at Twickenham last year was watched by over 9m viewers and a full stadium of 82,000. The Coronation Cup had a crowd of circa 5,000 and about 7,000 additional viewers online. The HPA’s blueprint is similar to that of the RFU, with money invested to support polo, including the development of players at all levels, supporting the England teams, improving welfare in the game and the standard of umpiring. The article made further points: – An HPA owned polo complex (such as rugby’s Twickenham) Whilst an excellent idea in theory, the current economic reality makes this impossible. This plan would require very significant initial investment (several £million) and considerable ongoing cost in maintenance. – Polo in the Olympics. This lies predominantly with the FIP who have worked hard to get polo into the various games around the world as a prelude to being considered as an Olympic sport. Being an Olympic sport opens up the opportunities for funding, but the pressure within the IOC has been to reduce the equestrian sports to make room for endurance, racing and eventing has already had team numbers cut down to three. There is a view that snow polo (or a format like Polo in the Park) stand the best chance of getting into the Olympics. Realistically, the chances are slim That said, closer alliance with the FEI and UK Sport would be positive. Handicapping This is always the biggest and most contentious topic. In focusing on handicapping and tournament conditions the HPA is trying to make the game fairer for all players, and remove the off-field advantage of those who play the system to the detriment and enjoyment of others. The HPA has been clear to clubs and members in its guidance on these two important elements of the game over the course of this season. Of particular contention were U18 overseas players. These players entering with a European passport have a legal right to play under EU law; those without come to the UK on a visa. The latter are subject to strict conditions concerning working and playing sport (laid down on the Government’s web site). Any misunderstanding of the conditions can have serious implications for the individual, any employer and the HPA as the governing body. Consequently, the HPA intends to continue to include the Government’s pertinent conditions in the rules and hopes to publish these alongside the overall visa criteria for the 2020 season in the near future. The HPA is seeking to work for the many, not just the few, and to improve the sport for everyone involved. The purpose of the vision document was to establish a clearer direction for the sport over the next five years, to recognise the challenges faced and to put forward ideas and plans to respond to said challenges. Yours sincerely, The Stewards of the Hurlingham Polo Association www.polotimes.co.uk

News Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Garden Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

A memorial garden dedicated to Leicester City owner and King Power patron Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and the five others who passed away opened on Sunday 27 October at the Football Club, on the first anniversary of the helicopter crash that took their lives. On 27 October 2018, the helicopter crashed shortly after taking off, killing all those on board. The opening was attended by family members, as well as players from Leicester City Football Club. Sunday 27 October saw the opening of a memorial garden to mark the passing of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha

Gloucestershire club, Edgeworth Polo Club, has upped the ante with the largest ever prize money in Gloucestershire announced for their polo 2020 season. The 6-8 goal Isa Tournament will be taking place between 30 May – 7 June with teams given the opportunity to win a whopping £16,000, kindly supported by the Isa family. Jono Smail, Edgeworth Polo Manager said following the tournament announcement, “This is very exciting for the Club. The Isa family have supported us for a long time and we are thrilled to have their continued support.” Team entries are open now and will close on 27 May 2020. Spectators will be invited to watch for free with an after-party and DJ closing this momentous day. For more information, please contact the Club on edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Royal Navy Polo Goes to Sea

The Royal Navy Polo Association has proved that regardless of whether they’re on ship or not, polo is never far from their hearts. Even at sea, the association’s players were keeping up their skills, with a little improvisation.

Photograph courtesy of the RNPA

The Royal Navy polo players have been keeping up their practice whilst at sea

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Photograph courtesy of Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz

Edgeworth Bucks the Brexit Blues with £16,000 Prize Money Tournament

The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz teams have been announced

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz Teams Announced The teams for the 2020 edition of The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz have been announced. Four teams will be participating in this exciting tournament, with players from across the world. The teams are as follows: Azerbaijan Land of Fire (14): Elcin Jamalli (2 – Captain), Pato Bolanterio (3), Agustin Kronhaus (3) & Santiago Marambio (6). Reserves Rashad Hasanov (0) & Ali Rzayev (0) Badrutt’s Palace (17): Melissa Ganzi (0 – Captain), Juan Bautista Peluso (1), Nic Roldan (8) & Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8) De Grisogono (13): Zhanna Bandurko/Valery Mishchenko (0 – Captain), Robert Strom (5), Max Charlton (7) & Santiago de Estrada (5) Maserati (17): Kutlay Yaprak (0 – Captain), Fabio Meier (1), Adrian Laplacette Jr (6) & Valentin Novillo Astrada (6) The tournament will take place between 24 – 26 January on the frozen lake in St. Moritz and will attract thousands of spectators from across the world. Polo Times and our sister publication The Polo Magazine will be on hand as Official Media Partners, so be sure to keep an eye on our social media feeds for regular updates from the ice! For more information and to book your tickets, with a multitude of spectacular VIP options available, please visit the website www.snowpolo-stmoritz.com

Inaugural Camel Polo Championship Riyadh

Between 1 – 21 January, teams will be taking to the sand in Riyadh to take part in the inaugural Camel Polo Championship. Joseph’s Amazing Camels have been invited to take a British team to this exciting Championship and are looking for seven strong male players (yes, male… sorry ladies), to join the team. Expenses are all covered, as well as the all-important camels and sticks. What’s more, the winners of the Championship will receive a $10,000 prize. For more information, or if you’re keen to participate, please email josephsamazingcamelsltd@gmail.com www.polotimes.co.uk

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News The President Cup, Desert Cup & Enrique Padilla Cup Finals

The 126th Argentine Open Underway

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

The Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel 2020 With snow having finally shown its face in the Alps, our thoughts are immediately on the imminent beginning of the snow polo season. Kitzbühel will once again be throwing open its doors for The Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel 2020 between 16 – 19 January, with an increased eight teams participating this year, with players from across the world. As well as exciting action on the The Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel returns in January field, on the sidelines, the famous Austrian hospitality will once again be in full swing, with social events and evening soirées each day, promising to make this year’s tournament an event to remember. This year’s instalment also sees the exciting addition of new sponsors GP Mobility, the automotive specialists, Intocast, Laurent-Perrier, World Polo League and Official Merchandise partner, La Martina. With a few VIP tickets still available, make sure to visit the website www.kitzbuehelpolo.com now to reserve your spot amongst the action and don’t forget, Polo Times and our sister publication The Polo Magazine will be on hand as Official Media Partners to keep you in the loop from the heart of the Wilder Kaiser mountains. The Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel 2020 Teams: Bendura Bank (12): Melissa Ganzi (1 – Captain), Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8) & Tito Gaudenzi (3) Engel & Völkers (12): Ana Escobedo (1 – Captain), Segundo Darritchon (3) & Jonny Good (8) World Polo League (13): Marc Ganzi (2 – Captain), Juan Bautista Peluso (3) & Nic Roldan (8) Corum (10): Eckhardt Juls (1 – Captain), Patrick Maleitzke (5) & Juan Ruiz-Guiñazu (4) Bernd Gruber (12): Valery Mischenko/Zhanna Bandurko (1 – Captain), Martin de Estrada (5) & Robert Strom (6) GP Mobility (10): Henrique Schalldach (2), Marcus Schalldach (2 – Captain) & Guilhermo Lins (6) Intocast (12): Matthias Normann (1 – Captain), Micky Duggan (5) & Martin Juaregui (6) Laurent-Perrier (11): Sebastian Schneberger (2 – Captain), Phillip de Groot (2) & Valentin Novillo Astrada (7)

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by CRTC Studios

The 126th Argentine Open has begun in Palermo, with the world’s greatest players gathering to compete for the illustrious title. Play began on Saturday 16 November with the initial results as follows: 16 November La Ensenada defeated La Irenita, 14-7 La Dolfina Polo Ranch defeated La Aguada, 17-9 17 November La Natividad defeated La Albertina Abu Dhabi, 13-7 Las Monjitas defeated Cría Yatay, 17-9 23 November La Dolfina defeated La Irenita, 19-7 La Dolfina Polo Ranch defeated La Ensenada, 16-7 24 November Ellerstina defeated La Natividad, 15-8 Las Monjitas defeated La Albertina Abu Dhabi, 16-9 26 November La Irenita defeated La Aguada, 16-11 La Dolfina defeated La Ensenada, 18-8 27 November La Natividad defeated Cría Yatay, 14-10 Ellerstina defeated La Albertina Abu Dhabi, 13-11 At the time of going to press, play was continuing in the League stages, with key matches between La Dolfina Polo Ranch and La Irenita imminent, as well as La Dolfina versus La Aguada. The Final is scheduled to take place on 14 December. The teams are divided into the following leagues: Zone A: La Dolfina, La Dolfina Polo Ranch, La Aguada, La Ensenada & La Irenita Zone B: Ellerstina, Las Monjitas, Cría Yatay, La Albertina Abu Dhabi & La Natividad

Photograph by Matías Calléjo

Facu Sola riding for Cría Yatay

Three important Argentine Finals took place on Thursday 14 November. In The President Cup, El Overo defeated La Fija 14-10. Following this Final, Pilarchico defeated La Aguada, 8-6 in the Final of The Desert Campaign, whilst Chapaleufú defeated Patagones, 10-9 in the Final of The Enrique Padilla Cup. The President Cup Teams: El Overo (16): Lukitas Monteverde (3), Vizcacha Mac Donough (1), Tomás Panelo (5) & Bartolito Castagnola (7) La Fija (20): Bautista Beguerie (4), Alexander Hauptman (2), Joaquín Máiquez (6) & Bautista Bayugar (8) The Desert Cup Final Teams: Pilarchico (21): Manuel Sundblad (5), Ignacio Arbelbide Ignacio Arbelbide on the ball for Pilarchico (4), Mateo Lafuente (4) & Juan Martín Zubía (8) La Aguada (23): Cruz Novillo Astrada (4), Facundo Retamar (5), Eduardo Novillo Astrada (8) & Nicolás Recaite (6) The Enrique Padilla Cup Final Teams: Chapaleufú (23): Carlos Maria Ulloa (5), Manuel Elizalde (6), Jack Richardson (7) & Roberto Bilbao (5) Patagones (24): Gonzalo Avendaño (2), Lerín Zubiaurre (8), Ignacio Negri (7) & Tomás García del Río (7)

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News Photograph courtesy of Charlie Hanbury

Copa Cámara Diputados The open handicap Copa Cámara Diputados kicked off on Wednesday 20 November at the AAP grounds in Pilar. 16 teams of up to 29 goals are participating, including the five teams that didn’t qualify for The Argentine Open and the 11 teams that played in The Municipalidad del Pilar Cup. At the time of going to press, Chapaleufú La Querncia, La Cañada, Chapa Uno, La Esquina, La Dolfina III, Los Machitos, Sol de Agosts Alegría and El Trébol Km. 90 had all secured wins. The Final is due to take place the day before the Final of The Argentine Open, Friday 13 December.

All-Brit The Eagles, win The Copa Amarilla 2019

Brit Team Win Copa Amarilla

British Polo Gin Teams Up with Meriski

Photograph courtesy of British Polo Gin

After a successful partnership in 2018, British Polo Gin are once again collaborating with Meribel accommodation specialists, Meriski for the 2019/2020 ski season. Every group that stays in one of their luxury chalets, will receive a complimentary bottle of organic British Polo Botanical Gin. What’s more, for those British Polo Gin fans, looking to book a luxury ski holiday in the heart of the French Alps, please quote ‘BPG5’ on the phone, by calling +44 (0)1285 648518, or email Meriski now, to receive a five percent discount. British Polo Gin are once again teaming up with Meriski for the winter season

In the Final of The Copa Amarilla 2019, an allBrit team championed over their Argentine rivals to win the trophy. The Eagles, which consisted of Marcus Cork, Tommy Severn, Charlie Hanbury and Jack Kiely took home the win, with Hanbury’s pony Lovelocks Drogba (Open El Padrino x Fina Chelsea) awarded the Best Playing Pony honours.

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News Obituary Henry Charles Auverny Stevens 1939 – 2019

Photography by Kathrin Gralla/Der Rote Drache Fotografie

Henry ‘H’ Stevens passed away on Friday 15 November, just shy of his 80th birthday. He was born in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and was educated at St. Johns and then Beaumont, where his love of all things sport began. Before turning his attentions to polo, Henry had a very successful rugby career, playing for London Irish, Guildford and Goldalming. Watching both rugby and cricket remained a lifelong passion. Aside from his sporting prowess, in the 1980s Henry founded The Good Knight Club in Haslemere, very close to Cowdray Park Polo Club, which became a popular haunt for local players. He was infected by the polo bug early on and before long moved into what would be his greatest passion in life, polo. Rumour has it, that on one night, he ended up buying two polo ponies from one of the nightclub’s customers!

Obituary Peter Hewett 1936 – 2019

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Following his retirement from the sport, Peter became a fulltime breeder and producer of many fine polo ponies, mostly sired by his noted stallion Khan.” Peter supplied excellent horses, who played most particularly for Memo Gracida and Mark Tomlinson in The International at Guards and also mounting the Brazilian team at The Dutch Open for several seasons. He will be missed by many in the polo world.

Photograph courtesy of Polo Times

On 21 November, Cowdray Park Polo Club member Peter Hewett passed away at the age of 83. He was a member at the Club for several decades, many of which as an active player. He was the patron of the Mill Farm team, with whom he had many successes, notably winning The Holden White Cup three times, making him the only patron to have done so. The Cowdray Park Polo Club Polo Manager, Chris Bethell said on his passing, “I was proud to have played for Peter during my professional career, many times alongside his regular pro David Morley, and I have only good memories of those days. Peter was an absolute gentleman on and off the field and after he retired, it was always a pleasure to catch up with him when he drove over to Cowdray to watch the major tournaments. He will be much missed.” Cowdray Park Polo Club Committee member and former England International player Alan Kent commented further, “Peter was one of the most sporting patrons you could ever meet. He played for the absolute love of the game and winning was the secondary consideration. He particularly enjoyed playing alongside friends and in later years, we had many happy times playing together in Spain which he said was the highlight of his year.

Henry played, umpired and above all, trained some excellent English Thoroughbred polo ponies. He enjoyed playing at Cowdray for many years, taking part in a multitude of tournaments, as well as notably winning The Junior County Cup with Howard Taylor’s Whitehall team in 1994. As well as his time in the playing saddle, he umpired both in the UK and across Europe, notably umpiring several times in The Swiss open, The German Cup Open and The Gold Cup Gstaad. In the 1990s, he and his partner Carol first spent several seasons in California, USA, before moving to Florida for the winter seasons. Here he continued his third love, making and selling young Thoroughbreds, as well as umpiring at local clubs. Here in the UK, Henry was known for offering excellent rides, produced at his polo yards in Lodsworth and Ambersham, whilst basing himself at Great Trippetts Farm in his later years. Henry was known for his infectious energy, lust for life and sense of humour, which he took with him across the world on his polo adventures. He leaves behind his loving partner Carol, his daughter and son Gaby and Jules, and their mother Jeannette, as well as his four grandchildren and cherished friends. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

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News Obituary Guillermo ‘Billy’ Steta 1963 – 2019

Photography courtesy of USPA

Grand Champions and Aspen Valley Polo Club player, and President of the Federation of Mexico, FIP Council of Administration member, FIP Ambassador and Zone A Director, Guillermo ‘Billy’ Steta passed away suddenly on Friday 1 November at the age of 56. Steta began playing polo at the tender age of 12 and shared his passion for horses and our sport, throughout his life. He began playing at Jalapa Polo Club in his youth and could be found on the fields of Tecamac Polo Club as well as many other Mexican clubs as he grew older. He was a highly respected and keen player, who participated and organised several FIP Ambassador’s Cups, as well as playing the sport he loved as much as possible. As well as playing in Mexico, he also played in the USA, at Santa Barbara Polo Club and San Diego Polo Club. During his international career, he represented Mexico in the USA, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, India, Spain, Panama, Barbados, Canada, England and Germany, with accomplishments such as The Ambassador’s Cup (Argentina and Mexico), Agua Alta Cup (Mexico), Sonata Cup (India) and The Tecamac Challenge Cup for three consecutive years. USPA CEO Bob Puetz said on Billy’s passing, “Billy was always a distinguished polo representative at all international events, including FIP World Championships and several Ambassador’s Cups in many different countries. He served as an outstanding President of the Federacion Mexicana de Polo for several years. Thanks to his guidance and leadership, Mexican polo has grown nationally and internationally. He was kind off the

field and a true polo gentleman in competitive polo. He will be missed by the USPA and the entire polo community.” A moment’s silence was held in his honour on Sunday 3 November at Grand Champions Polo Club ahead of the Final of The Fall Classic Tournament. In the words of Grand Champions owner Melissa Ganzi, “My family and I had the great honour of having Billy play polo at both our clubs, Grand Champions and Aspen Valley Polo Clubs. He was an extraordinary man loved by all and great friend of ours. His sense of humour brightened everyone’s day who came into contact with him on and off the field. His hospitality was generous and he was a true gentleman of our sport. He gave his life to polo and horses, and for that we are eternally grateful. He gave so much to the sport that we all love. He will be sorely missed.”

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

FIP News

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

The 104th Ambassadors Cup

The XXXVII FIP General Assembly

Between Monday 28 October and Sunday 2 November, The 104th Ambassadors Cup took place at Lahore Polo Club in Pakistan. Six teams, with the participation of twelve guests, FIP Ambassadors and friends, from Ireland, Canada, Costa Rica, Sweden, Singapore, England and USA enjoyed a week of polo games and fantastic hospitality provided by the Lahore Polo Club organising committee. It was a great honour for of all of the participants to have the President of Pakistan to present the prizes to all the participants.

On Friday 13 December, The XXXVII FIP General Assembly will take place at The Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires. Representatives from all FIP Member National Polo Associations from around the world will participate and presentations for The XII FIP World Polo Championship, The I FIP Women’s World Polo Championship and The III Women’s European Championship will take place. During the previous days, meetings of the Executive Committee and the Council of Administration will take place. That same afternoon FIP will host a cocktail party to honour and thank FIP Committee members, Ambassadors, members representatives and friends for their contribution to FIP this year.

The South East Asian Games

Photography courtesy of FIP

Elated Malaysian players

Action from The South East Asian Games

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Polo at The South East Asian Games started on Sunday 24 November with games between Indonesia and Malaysia. Malaysia ultimately won 11-7½ and in The Philippines vs Brunei match, Brunei won 8½-8. Finals of The 4-6 goal League took place on 1 December aswe went to press. Polo fields at the two different venues, Iñigo Zobel and Mikee Romeros’ polo facilities, were presented in great shape and with a good quantity of spectators. The designated umpires by FIP were Daniel Boudou, 17-time Argentine Open umpire, together with FIP International umpires, Steve Evans from South Africa and Ben Turner from England.

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Interview: The Generation Game

The Generation I Game Polo’s greatest pairings? Tom & Zac Beim

Tom Beim grew up on horseback, but it wasn’t until he turned his back on his international rugby career that he really embraced the life of a polo professional. With two caps for England on the rugby field, as well as his famous tackle that floored the legendary Jonah Lomu just before the try line, he is no stranger to the pressures and excitement of a career in the sport spotlight, many elements of which he has brought with him to the polo field. “The main attributes I try to bring from my time in rugby are being professional, being well organised and straight with people, not forgetting man management, which I learnt from some of the greatest rugby minds of the day. Rugby is still my favourite sport – it was an amazing time in my life, which I didn’t appreciate as much at the time because you’re so

t seems, when speaking to a huge number of players, that there is one thing they all aspire to do – and that is play their favourite sport and share their passion, with their children. For some, the age gap can be just that bit too large to enable them to play on the same teams, but for the lucky few this dream has become a reality. Over the next few issues, we are going to take a look at some of the most exciting family pairings rising through the polo ranks today. To begin, we delve into what makes two of the most passionate and dedicated families tick, finding themselves championing all levels of our beloved sport. Tom Beim and his son, 16-year-old Zac are continuing to take the British Isles (and the world!) by storm, whilst Flannels England stalwart James Harper has got quite the future champion on his hands, in the form of son, 17-year-old Will. Will these two young powerhouses have what it takes to be the next big thing? follow in his celebrated family’s footsteps. “Ever since I played Pony Club polo, I wanted to follow the professional route. I’ve grown-up around polo, watching my dad and uncle champion the sport in their own ways, as well as learning a great deal from them about how to pursue my dream. My Dad is my role model and I aspire to be like him. My favourite thing about polo though has to be the horses and being able to learn and improve from better players. I relish watching them and playing against them, plus the friendships you gain from playing a team sport are second to none. There is also the winning – who doesn’t like to win!” When asked whether hailing from a polo playing family has substantial benefits, Zac answered with a resounding, “Yes! I can go to Dad with any questions or problems

embroiled in it. I have made sure that I savour every moment of my polo career, as how great is it that I can say I’ve had a career in not one, but two professional sports!” As we’re sure all our readers will know, Tom isn’t the only Beim to have championed on the polo field. His brother James has spent years climbing the polo career pole, having recently retired as Frasers England Captain following success in International Test Matches, the UK high goal and further afield, but eyes are now turning to the younger generation of the Beim dynasty, as Tom’s son, 16-year-old Zac starts to make waves on the polo field. There was little doubt in Zac’s mind, that he was going to

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Zac Beim playing for La Bamba de Areco

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

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Interview: The Generation Game I have about polo and horses and he will give me advice and help, which I try to take on board, not to mention benefitting from his old age and wisdom (sorry Dad!). I better not forget the big plus though, playing his horses and borrowing his sticks!” Tom has embraced Zac’s love of the sport and relishes every opportunity they have to combine their talents and passion. “To be able to play with Zac is amazing, except when he calls me to leave it or takes my best horses! To play with family makes all the hard work worthwhile”, said Tom. “I always wanted him to ride and play, but once he got the bug, he was unstoppable (to my wife’s distress, when we argue on the field). Last year we had a lot of tournaments booked to play together, but unfortunately Zac was injured all season, which was really disappointing for him and meant we couldn’t play together. It was such a shame because I was really looking forward to it. We had a team organised with Zac, myself and my brother [James], but hopefully we’ll do it next season. I always encourage him to do anything that he enjoys and most importantly makes him happy. I love watching him play rugby. The most important thing my wife [Jo] and I have tried to instil in Zac is a work ethic. If you work hard, you can achieve what you want, but it will take some effort. Nothing is handed to you on a plate. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for young players to pursue a polo career in this climate. Had it not been for Zac’s passion and determination, I probably wouldn’t have encouraged him to pursue polo, but he won’t be told!” Zac has his sights set on the big leagues and “Like most polo players” feels “The Gold Cup and Queen’s Cup are the ultimate goals and the tournaments I’d like to win. I’d like to be the best player I can be. I want my career to be a long and successful one, filled with amazing experiences and achievements, but at this stage I am just focussing on the present and next season, and working hard to improve.” Both Tom and Zac are currently showing their skills in the Argentine summer sun, with Tom working for the El Remanso/Charlie Hanbury operation, but it’s next year where we’ll be keeping our focus, with both father and son ready to show British audiences what they can really do. With Zac looking forward to “The Royal Windsor, Gerald Balding, Archie David and 12 goal Victor Ludorum” and Tom setting his sights on the Gloucestershire big leagues, the future is bright for young Zac and his unquestionably talented family.

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Zac Beim receiving The Kerry Packer Trophy from David Paradice

Tom Beim in Snakebite colours

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Feature

Interview: The Generation Game

There is one common thread that ties these great British families together, and that is horsepower. Without doubt, horsepower is the fundamental factor these players rely on and invest their time and energy in. They are fully aware that without taking the time early on in their careers to mould and progress their string, both Zac and Will will stand at a disadvantage to other young international pros, making their way onto the scene.

James & Will Harper

Father/son duo James & Will Harper

Our second father/son pair, who are breaking records and shaking feathers are James Harper and his son, 17-year-old Will. Unlike his son, James ‘Harps’ took a different, somewhat more arduous route to the high goal working his way up through the low goals to the upper echelons. “It was a slow process, but I think it has helped me a lot. I learnt everything playing in the low and medium goal. You need to learn how to control your team and games, and you don’t learn that always being a blocker or a number 2. That’s why I think it’s important to get Wills to play in some of the low goal as the main player, to learn that side of the game. It also makes me appreciate the good times as being a polo professional in the low and medium goal can be hard work and difficult to make a living from.”

James has taken years to climb his way to the upper echelons of polo, with global success including this year winning The Cartier Queen’s Cup and reaching the Semi Finals of The King Power Gold Cup with Scone. But, the opportunity to play with his eldest son has been one of the crowning moments of his career. “I’m very lucky to be able to play with Will. There wouldn’t be too many professional sports that you could do this. It’s especially good as Will normally plays all my old horses too, so it’s good to see them looking after him, and not the other way around! I’m happy for him to follow in my footsteps as I think he’s always wanted to, he lives for watching polo videos! My only worry is that it’s not an easy living to make it as a polo player, especially without any financial backing. But at least he is doing something he loves and which makes him happy. “When he was working his way up through the ranks, at -1 and a 0 goal handicap, we played together quite a bit, as it was easy to put him in my 8 goal teams, but I haven’t been able to play with him as much recently. But, when we get those moments, they are great fun. “Whatever made him happy I would want him to do. Obviously, you want your child to have a good job and earn good money for his future, but we are the lucky ones, hopefully having the ability to make a living doing something we love! Polo is a very unreliable sport to make a living from, but if you have the drive and passion to do it, you can make it work, and one thing’s for sure. I couldn’t think of doing anything else!” Will has a lot to learn from his father, but he is based in one of the best parts of the country to jump start his career. Harps commented on their move to the Cowdray area, “Being part of the Cowdray/Guards bubble is very important for the younger kids. It’s not easy to get into, but it’s the only way to keep going up the ladder to a better standard of polo. It’s also where most of the kids get picked from for the high goal etc. Playing in the smaller clubs is good fun too and good for him [Will] to learn a different side to polo, but the main focus is at Cowdray and Guards for sure.” Will has made a real success of his time at Cowdray, but he knows the world is a lot bigger than merely West Sussex. “My ultimate career goal is to

Will Harper on the ball for Conosco

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

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Interview: The Generation Game

be successful at whatever handicap I become and to win major tournaments on the global circuit, but to also be always enjoying the sport and the horses I ride.” The Harper enthusiasm is infectious and something Will has inherited in spades. “My father’s career wasn’t the deciding factor for my pursuit of a polo career, but it had a huge part to play. I have always been around polo and have always wanted to play. I love that you’re always travelling and you are never stuck in one place all year round, always travelling to play and explore new clubs across the globe. “There is a huge benefit, having such a

successful polo father. He is a well of advice, plus he provides a phenomenal source of horsepower – these two points really can’t be stressed enough. Without his support, getting as far as I have already would have been a real struggle, one he knows all too well. I would like to see my career progress and become a better player and start to win the bigger tournaments around the globe. I’d also hope that I am able to sustain a good string of horses throughout my career, as that is so paramount to doing well in the sport!” Horsepower is an element almost as important as breathing to the Harper contingency. “The main thing I think I

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have passed on to Will is the importance of getting yourself well mounted. That took me a while to work out and it’s by far the most important thing.” James commented. With Will having already ridden out for La Bamba de Areco, Talandracas and Habtoor in the UK high goal and represented Frasers England in the 2019 Swinhay International Test Match for The Golden Jubilee Trophy, young Will has already broken into the senior ranks. There is little doubt both Zac and Will will go far and the support of their poloplaying fathers has a lot to do with their success. From understanding the need for the best horsepower to respecting the need to work constantly to the best of their abilities without tiring or faltering, one thing stands out above all others – and that is the love of the game. Polo is not just a high octane sport for the super wealthy, it is a family sport that supports and positively encourages generation after generation to take up the mantle. With the number of former polo greats now bringing their children up in and around polo, the next generation of British polo powerhouses are on the near horizon, so watch this space!

The skilled, measured play of James Harper

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Feature

Airbnb Brands Polo Dangerous

Photography courtesy of Victoria Grace

Learning the basics in the arena

Airbnb Brands Polo Dangerous International marketplace Airbnb dismisses polo experiences as unfit for commercial practice

e have all heard of Airbnb, the international online marketplace for “arranging or offering lodging, homestays and tourism experiences”. In 2019, Airbnb took the top spot on the leaderboard of easy to use, accommodation-sharing websites, and is more often than not, the go-to place for those looking for quick, easy and costeffective accommodation for those allimportant trips away. What’s more, whilst you are away on your dream holiday, in your perfect Airbnb cottage, or villa, or traditional Pakistani tent in the heart of the Masai Mara, Airbnb now offers ‘experiences’ of the local surroundings, with anything from cliff diving to basket weaving available through the site. Up until 2019, ‘Learn to Play Polo’ experiences were available through the website, from a number of clubs and individuals, who also rented out adjacent accommodation. But with the introduction of new welfare policy, reinforced by World Animal Protection, in September this year, polo was reclassed under the Prohibited

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Activities list, stating that the animals may be, “harmed or overexerted”. Prohibited activities Airbnb prohibits activities that cause animals harm, including but not limited to: Sporting events Airbnb does not allow experiences involving certain sports where the animals may be harmed or overexerted. This includes, but is not limited to, canned and trophy hunting, bullfighting and running, bear-baiting, cockfighting, elephant polo, rodeo, greyhound racing, dog sled racing, horse racing, and horse polo. When Polo Times became aware of the change in policy and how it had affected a number of players, we contacted some of those who had spoken up. Aurora Eastwood runs a polo yard, with a cottage adjacent which she rented out on Airbnb. Alongside the cottage, Aurora offered ‘polo experiences’ for those looking

to understand how a polo yard functions, get a taste of the action and potentially bring them into the fold of our sport. “I got an email from Airbnb about a month before this all happened [September 2019], saying, ‘We’re reviewing all our welfare guidelines for activities involving animals, please make sure you’re compliant. Make sure animals have adequate feed, water etc’, so I replied saying, of course, I already do that. And they replied about two weeks later, highlighting the aforementioned paragraph, saying, ‘No you don’t, polo overexerts the horses.” Aurora is very involved with the development of welfare within polo and therefore has her mind fully on the issues of pony welfare with our sport. “I’ve been banging on about this for a while – not just polo, horse sports in general have a problem. Over the summer, protestors ran into the FBI showjumping arenas, waving banners and flashing their boobs and stuff. That particular sect of animal rights activists, their manifesto is that no horse should be ridden – and that’s www.polotimes.co.uk

Airbnb Brands Polo Dangerous

The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) commented on the Airbnb policy change, “Airbnb has never been in contact with the HPA to register that they have an issue with polo and it can only be assumed that this is a policy decision taken by Airbnb. Polo pony welfare is a high priority and if Airbnb have concerns then it would clearly be helpful to know what they are so that we have the opportunity to allay those concerns.” their intention. For us, of course, it’s absurd to think that. But, they have considerable traction and they’re very good at pulling at the heart strings of the general public who don’t understand and they get them on side. In Australia, jump racing is now banned in all but two states, thanks to these animal rights groups. People forget that; they think, ‘Oh, it won’t happen, it won’t happen’, but it will happen if we don’t do something now.” When asked whether she felt the lack of awareness regarding welfare issues was an issue which should be dealt with by the HPA, Aurora responded, “It’s a tricky one,

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We contacted World Animal Protection for a comment following the release of this new policy. They responded saying, “Airbnb’s animal welfare policy was created in consultation with World Animal Protection and covers a wide range of animal related experiences, including competitive sports where animals may be harmed or overexerted. The policy is designed to guide the creation of Airbnb’s animal experiences with the greatest emphasis being on the welfare of the animal. “There are several animal welfare concerns associated with polo. World Animal Protection believes during a polo match, horses can be injured or killed from overexertion or colliding with other horses on the field. They may also be struck with another player’s mallet during play. Additionally, the weight of riders shifts dramatically during play, which can affect the horse’s stability. Due to serious injuries, horses have died or have had to be euthanised during or following polo matches. Additionally, horses may be slaughtered when their polo careers are over. For these reasons’ polo is not permitted within the guidelines.” because when you get into the nitty-gritty of what the HPA do, they say they’re just an Association of clubs. I’ve always said I feel the HPA should do more from a PR perspective, but they’ve responded saying it’s the clubs’ prerogative. There are two sides to the argument, but ultimately, I think we all have to take responsibility, even on a micro level, and make sure that when our horses go to polo, they’ve got hay to eat when they get home, and that we’re not taking our hand off the reins to give them a belt on the bum with the whip. It’s everything, every little thing, because it only takes a photo on social media to create a storm. I still see photos now of people in good faith putting

online an image of eight muzzled horses in the stables. A) they should it be muzzled anymore and B), don’t put that kind of photo on the internet. Once it’s out there, that’s it, they’re there forever.” So perhaps, in terms of an international body, FIP should be involved? “They probably don’t even know about it! I think all the national bodies, everywhere in the world, need to have a very robust PR/Welfare department, that make sure these types of photos don’t happen in the first place and all of us have a code of conduct. Every governing body should be saying, please don’t do this, please don’t do that, please make sure they have water – but they should be going further

Polo starts from the ground up

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Feature

Airbnb Brands Polo Dangerous

than that and penalising people that don’t follow the highest standards.” When Airbnb were asked why horse racing and polo were the only equine sports included on their prohibited list of sporting activities, they responded to Aurora saying, “It’s because of over-exertion”, but then the question arises of what defines over-exertion? Are they allowed to canter, because the horse gets a little puffed? Where do you draw the line? A donkey that is currently ‘working’ 32

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Group ‘taster’ sessions have been deemed precarious for horses

on Brighton Beach giving rides to tourists – depending on the client on board, is it over-exerting itself? Aurora continued, “I’m slightly suspicious that there’s a line of elitism in there and they see horse racing and polo as elite. Whoever has written those guidelines sees horse racing and polo as a bit flashy.” It is not just in the UK that this policy has been introduced. Naveed Gill, President of the Czech Polo Association and member of the HPA, is the owner and operator of Gill Polo, hosting polo and riding-based holidays in continental Europe. Having been informed of the impending Airbnb policy change, he reached out to the company to ascertain the reason behind the amendment, but received a stock response attributing the change to information received by World Animal Protection. He said on his dealings with Airbnb, “I received a stock reply with no intent of entering into a dialogue. So, if by highlighting this issue we can bring to light, A) World Animal Protection and a better understanding for them of actually why they believe polo is cruel and why it is not and, B) organisations like Airbnb who are affecting the livelihood of their clients without consultation, and understanding the need for them to improve their decisions which are simply based on perhaps, as the American’s would say, ‘Having good optics’ and nothing more.”

The next question that naturally arises is related to those renting out their homes, or guest accommodation, for weeks such at The Cheltenham Festival or Royal Ascot. These sporting occasions bring in millions of pounds to not only the national economy, but also local economies, however in relation to Airbnb’s new guidelines, these occasions would be deemed unpleasant and therefore against company policy. Will their next step be to ban all those profiting from these race meets, surely forcing race goers to move their business elsewhere? With so many people financially dependent on our sport, the simple fact remains that there is clearly an issue in relation to how the welfare within polo is externally perceived. With exciting action on the field, many are drawn to the sidelines to witness our thrilling sport, but can have their experience marred by a misunderstood observation in the pony lines or perhaps an over-reaction from a player, hyped up on the field. There is evidence that there needs to be a concerted effort by all those involved in our sport, to change the way our practices are perceived, potentially by amending the practices themselves – change always starts from the bottom up. www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of Cool Hooves Polo

Airbnb were not overly keen to comment when questioned, but released the following statement: “Airbnb’s animal welfare policy created in consultation with World Animal Protection prohibits experiences involving certain sports where the animals may be harmed or overexerted, including horse polo. “Our industry leading animal welfare policy was created in collaboration with World Animal Protection. World Animal Protection works with companies to ensure high standards of welfare for animals in order to create a world where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty has ended. We will continue working closely with World Animal Protection, animal welfare organisations and our community to protect the wellbeing of animals.”

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Feature

Interview: Sarah Wiseman

Sarah Wiseman I

Leading from the front Jen Liggins

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Sarah in action

n recent years, women’s polo has burst onto the polo scene with fervour and determination. Even just a decade ago, the thought of a women’s only tournament, let alone a league, was merely a twinkle in the eye of the best female players on the field, but today, the scene is a very different story. From the UK to Argentina, ladies’ tournaments are now part of the bread and butter of season calendars, with a bevy of players’ names like Clarkin, JacksonGaona and Wiseman, singing out alongside the likes of Pieres, Cambiaso, Beim and Novillo Astrada. One of these trail blazers is Sarah Wiseman. Sarah is everything a female polo player should be – bold, fearless, driven and never afraid of a challenge. From her base in West Sussex at Aspect Polo, nestled under the magnificent Knepp Castle, she travels the world, championing polo in its female form from Dubai to Timbuktu. We spoke to her about how her life has changed in the past decade and what’s in store for her. “I wish I was 10 years younger!” was how she began our conversation, exclaiming, “The girls of tomorrow have so much to be excited about! It’s very cool how much polo there is to be had nowadays.” Sarah and her associates, Nina Clarkin, Lía Salvo, the late Sunny Hale and Hazel Jackson-Gaona, were the first players to really start travelling around the world, as polo professionals. “We were amongst the first female players to really make a living out of polo on the world stage. “I suppose, when I first started out as a pro, women’s polo wasn’t really on the radar. I was just a professional in mixed polo. I think my ambition in women’s and mixed polo is the same, but there are 100 percent more opportunities now in women’s. I still have the same drive and go out there to win. I’m 2 goals in mixed polo (whilst 7 in women’s) and a lot of the guys I speak to who are the same handicap, who don’t have the women’s polo opportunities, are extremely jealous of all the travel and prospects. In the off season, they might travel to Australia or Argentina, stay in one place and work, when at the same time, lady players are travelling the length and breadth of the globe playing lots of different tournaments. If you had told me even fiveyears-ago that I’d be doing this, I would have thought you were absolutely insane!” In 2016, when we last spoke to Sarah, she affirmed her greatest achievement was winning The US Women’s Open and when asked if this was still the case now, she www.polotimes.co.uk

Interview: Sarah Wiseman

Feature

“if you had told me even fiveyears-ago that I’d be doing this, I would have thought you were absolutely insane!”

Sarah playing for UAE El Overo

responded, “Yes – I actually ended up winning The US Open twice, back-to-back, which was amazing, and now I’ve won The Ladies British Open three times and reached two Women’s Argentine Open Finals. It can’t get better than that really, can it? I’d of course like to win more, so I’m going to keep trying this year. “When I first started in polo and I was asked to play in women’s tournaments, I hated it. I used to do everything under the sun not to do it because the polo wasn’t of a great standard. Now look how the tables have turned!” With women’s polo now so prevalent on the scene, Sarah and her contemporaries are gathering together to form a Women’s Development Committee in the UK, of which she will sit in the Chair. Following the end of the 2019 British season, a huge number of female players mustered at Guards Polo Club to assess the health of women’s international polo and form a plan for its development. “The discussions were around whether the Victrix Ludorum should be abolished, whether we should raise the handicap up, or drop it down, with people fighting in every corner, to try and help the development of polo and help the greatest number of teams participate. After the meeting, Nina [Clarkin] had a meeting with the HPA and they felt that for 2020, the Victrix Ludorum should stay where it is at 18 goals and then we will form the Women’s www.polotimes.co.uk

Development Committee and look where we are going to take women’s polo in 2021, in terms of handicap level. There is a concept that we create a 22 goal tournament, then the Victrix Ludorum drops to 16 goals, but this is still just a working idea. It is great that the HPA are showing such interest, as it shows that they think women’s polo is important and it needs to be looked after properly; rather than just changing things on a whim. So, we’re going to give it the attention it really deserves. “In terms of the Committee make-up, I’m still working on the logistics and members. For sure, Rosie Ross is going to come on board with me and Lottie Lamacraft. Then I’d like to invite a couple of patrons to join too as I think their opinion is very, very important. “The main focus of the Committee is to ensure the handicapping is correct and we maximise the number of teams in every tournament. Once we’ve done that, if we can help the clubs create more Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Feature

Interview: Sarah Wiseman

Sarah’s 2018 Argentine Open team

“if we can introduce more female patrons into the sport via women’s polo, that can only be a good thing for the sport as a whole.” ladies’ tournaments, especially the smaller clubs, then we will. We need to make it as accessible as possible. “I can see women’s polo really developing into a substantial wing of British polo. There were, however, less teams in this year’s Victrix Ludorum than in 2018 and we need to look at why that was. If we can introduce more female patrons into the sport via women’s polo, that can only be a good thing for the sport as a whole. On the other hand, yes women’s polo will grow, but we have to look after it, as it is very easy to all jump on board and burst the bubble before it’s had the chance to prove itself. We need to nurture it to where it needs to be and safeguard it so it has a future.” The rise in popularity of women’s polo is not just a British revelation, with supporters asking why it has had such exponential growth in the past decade and one point jumps out above all others – the amount of famous international players who were blessed with daughters, as well as sons, is outstanding – Adolfo Cambiaso and his daughter Mía, Nina and Tamara (née) Vestey, Andrew Hine and his daughter Milly and Miguel Novillo Astrada and his daughter (also) Mía, to name a few. “Without their 36

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

support of polo, it would be a very different scene. They want their daughters to play but they’re also businessmen in polo, so they’ve seen that there is a big market there. When they’ve retired, there will still be lady patrons to whom they can sell their horses. Without them, women’s polo in Argentina wouldn’t be where it is now and the state of polo in Argentina has a direct correlation to polo across the rest of the world.” Once again, Sarah will be flying across the Atlantic to take part in the winter’s most renowned tournament, The III Women’s Argentine Open. For this year’s Argentine Open, Sarah will be sporting the colours of a new team, with Tamara Fox, Emma Wood and Dawn Jones from the USA. “This should be a lot of fun. I think we have a pretty nice team and we will go and have a good go at it. This year’s tournament is bigger than before, with six teams entered, so it should be good. In previous years there have been more international players than there have been Argentines, which I think shows the real health of women’s polo. A lot of young girls in Argentina have held off playing The Open over the past two years and I think a lot of them have now reached a 5/6 goal handicap and feel ready. The fact that

Argentina are really taking women’s polo seriously now shows a real change and with this trend, it’s just going to keep growing. “It would be nice for the international scene to keep developing, as a lot of the top ranking English players get to travel abroad, but not many international players get the opportunity to come to us, and we are one of the best polo playing countries in the world. We need to encourage our neighbours to visit! “In terms of our development of the sport, I think the UK is in line with the USA and Argentina – we’re doing pretty well. We’ve got the highest number of lady players with a 4 goal handicap or above. We are definitely leading the charge with our talent and we also have exceptional fields and polo clubs now running ladies’ tournaments. What we really lack is getting sponsorship and other countries seem to do a lot better on this account, bringing in corporate sponsors and getting better media coverage. For example, in the US, they’re so good at live-streaming the games. If we can get that going in England, it would make it so much more accessible and will definitely help bring in sponsors. We did it at Knepp Castle and put the videos on Youtube afterwards. It has done great things for us. Women’s sport is huge right now and there are sponsors that want to get on board. They just need to know how!” Never one to rebuff a contentious question, when asked if there has been a swing too far in the direction of women’s polo, excluding men and begging the question, should there be a men’s only league, Wiseman responded, “There is no question about it, women’s polo has aided the growth of the sport one way or another over the past few years in this country and around the world. With women’s polo, we’ve actually introduced new female patrons to the sport who before now, thought polo was just too daunting, aggressive and male dominated. Because of course, once they start playing, they have to join a club and will ultimately end up playing mixed polo. So, I don’t think it has gone too far, but I think it has opened doors. We can’t lose sight of what polo is so good at, and that’s bringing people together. It is still one of the only sports in which men and women can play together; kids play against adults, professionals play with amateurs; it’s so open and inviting, which is our biggest selling point.” So where next for one of Britain’s greatest exports? At the time of going to press, Sarah was readying her string and herself for the beginning of The II Women’s Argentine Open, the pinnacle of anyone’s polo career, but as always with Sarah, it wasn’t just about the winning, it was about enjoying the ride and making the most of the incredible opportunities continuing to head her way. We don our hats to you Sarah and good luck in Argentina! www.polotimes.co.uk

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event family the date of your with friends, days prior to 863262 as party menus ed at least 7 Enjoy Christm booking and need to be complet www.fostonsash.co.uk or call 01452 every or visit required for booking form Pre-orders are user-friendly of staff for a Ask a member a: Puddings served with brandy The Third Chukk s Pudding made Christma Foston’s home custard butter or vanilla black grapes and dressed green British Polo Sloe served with celery, lemon mayo and Stilton and biscuits with crisp bread, chutney soup, with Foston’s (V) homemade apple rarebit roasted tomato anglaise Homemade slow freshly baked sourdough Welsh served with crème and a Fruit crumble tomato pesto homemade pie with cinnamon deliciously rich de banoffee served with a Individual homema Venison carpaccio ise glazed banana truffle mayonna quinoa, with pumpkin salad. Roasted (Vg) Superfood pumpkin and pomegranate seeds a: £3.50 winning pie and award The Final Chukk diced apple, cinnamon tea, mini mince e petit fours e chocolate truffl House blend coffee, infused handmad s British Polo Gin : Mains s: for vegetarian V indicates suitable vegans with all the trimming The Second Chukka Vg suitable for and turkey breast sausage meat Classic free range sourced free range roast potatoes, organic and locally pigs in blankets, ng, free range Eve cranberry stuffi a red wine jus Year’s and nero New cavolo Join us for our glazed carrots, as we mark the extravaganza on a bed of neeps, sittings served Dinner marrow venison bone arrival of 2020. Local roasted Manor Farm beef off partying with Todenham at 6pm for those accompanied 9.30pm for elsewhere and e and cavolo nero and celebrat s (V) those set to stay fizz the festive trimming a free glass of roast with all with us, with Vegetable nut hug on us sage and a New Year nied by crispy midnight. risotto accompa as the clock strikes Butternut squash (V) 1am! crisp Carriages at and a Parmesan

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Polo Pub at ing: Here at The The Prizegiv tat in your cracker? super charged Bored of plastic like to mix things up. Six we including your Foston’s Ash, or n with prizes height in beer ® be in circulatio crackers will sausages, your Polo Gin , in free range supply of British circumference wine, a month’s weight of your bottles of house leg in sausage rolls or the your the length of website for details * Please see our shoes in crisps. *T&Cs apply.

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party menus required for with friends, every booking Ask a member family or colleag and need to of staff for a be completed ues. user-friendly at least 7 days booking form prior to the date or visit www.fo of your event stonsash.co.uk or call 01452 863262 : Starter

Pre-orders are

The First Chukka

British Polo Sloe s Gin and beetroot with crisp bread, cured gravlax lemon mayo and served dressed green leaves Homemade slow roasted tomato tomato pesto and a freshly baked soup, with Foston’s sourdough Welsh rarebit (V) Venison carpaccio served with a trufﬂe mayonna deliciously rich ise homemade Superfood pumpkin diced apple, cinnamon salad. Roasted pumpkin with quinoa, and pomegranate seeds (Vg)

The Second Chukka

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Classic free range organic and locally turkey breast with all the trimmings: sourced free range cranberry stufﬁ sausage meat ng, free range and pigs in blankets, glazed carrots, roast potatoes, cavolo nero and a red wine jus Local roasted venison served on a bed of neeps, accompanied with Todenham Manor Farm beef and cavolo nero bone marrow Vegetable nut roast with all the festive trimming s (V) Butternut squash risotto accompa and a Parmesan nied by crispy crisp (V) sage The Prizegiv ing: Bored of plastic tat in your cracker? Foston’s Ash, Here at The we like to mix Polo Pub at things up. Six crackers will super charged be in circulatio n with prizes circumference including your in bottles of house free range sausages, your height in beer wine, a month’s or the length of your leg in sausage supply of British Polo Gin® , shoes in crisps. rolls or the weight * of your *T&Cs apply.

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The Third Chukk

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brandy

Stilton and biscuits served with celery, homemade apple black grapes and chutney Fruit crumble

served with crème anglaise Individual homema de banoffee glazed banana pie with cinnamon

The Final Chukk

a: £3.50 House blend coffee, tea, mini mince British Polo Gin pie and award infused handmad winning e chocolate trufﬂ e petit fours V indicates suitable

Join us for our New Year’s Eve extravaganza as we mark the arrival of 2020. Dinner sittings at 6pm for those off partying elsewhere and 9.30pm for those set to stay and celebrat e with us, with a free glass of ﬁzz and a New Year hug on us as the clock strikes midnight. Carriages at 1am!

website for details

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Feature

Practical Polo Assessment: A Beginner’s Future?

ichael Goodwill is an HPA Coach and Founder of British Polo Club. Having worked on the front line of beginners’ development, Michael is championing the concept of instilling the best practices for ‘starter’ players, from tacking-up to correct riding methods, in the form of a practical polo assessment before a player is sanctioned to take part in a tournament. He speaks to Polo Times about his proposition. “Polo played well is a beautiful game. However, I think we’ve all seen polo players who lack basic levels of horsemanship and riding ability. People who should know better often turn a blind eye rather than openly criticising someone and risking confrontation. I can’t see that changing anytime soon, so believe the only way we

can address the problem is by laying the right foundations in the first place. “That’s why I propose we bring about a practical polo assessment, which draws on well-established equestrian principles with the aim to set the standards over and above the current handicapping system. This would improve the overall enjoyment of both player and pony, as well as the image of the sport. “If you want to dive anywhere in the world, you need to be certified. If you want to fly, you need a PPL (Private Pilot’s License). As a high-risk activity, why should polo be any different? Any measures we can take to reduce accidents is surely a good thing from multiple perspectives… health and safety, insurance premiums, animal welfare and the list goes on.

“We should diligently instil best practice in ‘starter’ players, from tacking-up and correct seat, all the way through to flying changes. The quality of the game will improve when newcomers to club chukkas and matches have passed muster, not to mention the language out there! Players who might typically plateau at 0 or 1 goals, whether in low or high goal, would have a greater chance of achieving a higher handicap, as well as being safer on and off the field. “We’d need to build a consensus on the fundamentals of the test, and whether it should be a single pass or fail assessment or have progressive modules. It could also be seen as a tool for self-improvement, a yardstick if you like, with quantifiable feedback given by an assessor. It would

Practical Polo Assessment Is this the safest way to introduce new players to our sport?

More consideration early on could lead to happier and better players

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

www.polotimes.co.uk

Practical Polo Assessment: A Beginner’s Future? prevent people wasting the valued time they set aside for polo. “Too many patrons are left out of the action because they have been rushed into the sport. This is especially true of those who come to the game later in life, without a ‘horsey’ background. We welcome them with open arms, but often fall short of instilling the basics, which would allow them to have more fun on a pony and make more positive plays! “We should also take into greater consideration the mental wellbeing of our ponies across the board. Learning and employing the correct aides and signals will undoubtedly be less confusing for the animals who do so much for us already. A happy horse will perform better… and good stable management, along with good horsemanship, will make us more attuned to the needs of the horse. “I’m delighted to see the HPA reaching out to coaches for their input on the future of polo. I believe standardisation of coaching should become a cornerstone of polo, like any other equestrian sport, and hope the HPA Coaching & Development Committee will take up the reins in 2020 and work with some of the leading British polo schools that will be trialling variations of the possible assessment.” What do you think about the idea of a Practical Polo Assessment for new polo players? To share your opinion, contact us now with your thoughts on editorial@polotimes.co.uk

Feature

Learning the basic swing before mounting Michael Goodwill proposes an assessment before taking part in tournaments

Photography by J Ridley Art & Photography

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Reports

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

Passion and Power Prevails

Jen Liggins

reports from Berkshire

HPA National Club Championships series commences FI

1 9 1 N

Where: The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

L NA DE

Howard Smith & Tim Bown, with Simon McDonald as third man

Top Goal Scorer: Saskia Meadows

The 3 Goal HPA National Club Championship Final

Regal Warriors (2) Theo Singh (-1) Hugo Singh (1) Raph Singh (2)

Rosina (3) Orlagh Kelly (-1) Saskia Meadows (2) Will Newman (2)

Chukka Scores: 6-7, 12-10, 15-14, 19-18 to Regal Warriors

Photography by Polo Times

BPP

Heidi, owned and played by Raph Singh

Regal Warriors win The 3 Goal HPA National Club Championship

ith Christmas on the imminent horizon, the temperature turning baltic and fluffy wintering ponies as far as the eye can see, the sense in the air can only mean one thing – the British arena season has truly begun. On Sunday 1 December, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club flung open its doors to arena polo fans and players for the first Finals in The HPA National Club Championship Series, the 3 and 12 goal. With three matches on the schedule, it was set to be an exciting day of polo, but with a chilly wind winding its way through the stands, it was set to be a bracing escapade. In the first Final of the day, the 3 goal teams, Regal Warriors and Rosina entered the arena with winning on their agenda. Raph Singh’s Regal Warriors are a regular in this fixture, but it was the first time Orlagh 40

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Kelly’s Rosina team found themselves in the Final. Kelly’s team were riding out in honour of Orlagh’s mother Rosina, who recently passed away, so their support team on the sidelines were in great voice. The match was fast and frenetic from the off, with both teams playing way above their handicap. With youth in abundance, there was no doubt this was going to be a physical match. The three Singh players, youngest Theo, older brother Hugo and father Raph, were very in tune to each other’s movements, but the power of Saskia Meadows and her teammate Will Newman (who have been playing together for a number of years), was a force to be reckoned with. Meadows was everywhere, doing everything and not afraid to throw herself into ride-offs with passion in abundance. Regal Warriors began with a two goal

MVP Saskia Meadows

handicap advantage, but it wasn’t long before Rosina had caught them up and overtaken them with a goal from Newman, to make it 7-6 in Rosina’s favour by the end of the first chukka. As the first half drew to a close, Rosina led 10-7, but with just a minute to go, Theo Singh secured a goal, swiftly followed by two two-pointers for Raph Singh, putting Regal Warriors narrowly in the lead 12-10, at the bell. The standard of the match was exceedingly strong, considering its 3 goal handicap classing, so much so, that commentator, former England arena 10 goaler Chris Hyde could be heard saying, “How is this only 3 goal?”. The close action continued in the second half, with tensions mounting and the pressure reaching fever pitch. Going into the fourth chukka, Regal Warriors led 15-14, but as the Regal Warrior goal score mounted, www.polotimes.co.uk

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

Reports

The 12 Goal HPA National Club Championship Final

Ojo Caliente (11) Ana Escobedo (1) Josh Clover (3) Adolfo Casabal (7)

Regal Warriors (12) Charlotte Christodoulou (1) Hugo Singh (1) Max Charlton (10)

Tim Bown & Howard Smith, with Simon McDonald as third man

Adolfo Casabal

Chukka Scores: 10-4, 16-11, 23-21, 26-25 to Ojo Caliente Rosina followed closely behind, evening the scoreboard and steadily climbing. With a goal from the seemingly unstoppable Meadows in the final 44 seconds, it looked like Rosina might just push the match into overtime, but the clock wasn’t in their favour. The bell sounded and Regal Warriors took home the title 19-18. Following the tense 3 goal Final, many were hoping for a slightly less stressful affair in The 12 Goal HPA National Club Championship Final, but this was a pipedream. It was the second outing for Regal Warriors that day, with an amended line-up, but just as much fervour, with Charlotte Christodoulou at the helm. Up against Ana Escobedo’s Ojo Caliente, the Final was set to be an exciting match, with two lady patrons facing each other. This year’s tournament only had two entries, with a number of young British players having followed the sun to warmer climes for the winter, but despite thinner than average team entries, the action was set to be just as thrilling. Ojo Caliente began with a two goal advantage, coming up against the 10 goal arena powerhouse Max Charlton, who was directing play for Regal Warriors from

Top Goal Scorer: Max Charlton

MVP

BPP

F or more information about Heidi and Jesus, please turn to our Pony Power pages

Jesus, owned and played by Max Charlton

the back. Despite a quick-fire goal from Charlton in the first 10 seconds, it was Ojo Caliente who quickly began the real scoring. At the end of the first chukka, Ojo Caliente led 10-4, much to Regal Warrior’s dismay. They held the lead in this thrilling Final at half-time, 16-11, but the stress felt in the stands, was nothing in comparison to that in the arena. With tensions mounting, both Charlton and Josh Clover were given yellow cards for some “extreme defending”, in the words of commentator, Chris Hyde. The goals continued to mount in the second half, with each team passionately fighting for each yard. Going into the fourth and final chukka, Ojo Caliente were still leading 23-21, but Regal Warriors were coming up fast. Charlton evened the scoreboard, 23-23, then 24-24 following a goal from Clover, and again to 25-25 following a goal off seasoned pro Adolfo Casabal’s stick. With just seven seconds on the clock and

Ojo Caliente win The 12 Goal HPA National Club Championship

the scoreboard sitting at 25-25, a collision between Regal Warrior’s Hugo Singh and Casabal, secured a 15 yard penalty in Ojo Caliente’s favour, which Casabal scored without any issue. The clock ticked down, Clover took the ball out of harm’s way and with the final bell, Ojo Caliente won 2625, thwarting Regal Warrior’s attempt at a fourth consecutive victory at RCBPC in the 12 goal.

For social images of the day please turn to our Sidelines pages

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Reports

The Tortugas & Hurlingham Opens, Argentina

Argentine Triple Crown Underway Even stevens in The Tortugas and Hurlingham Opens

his year, the Argentine spring season has fallen victim to seemingly endless rain; biblical rain, which looked like it would never stop and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d all be in the market for an ark. The 79th Tortugas Open, the highly anticipated first leg of The Argentine Triple Crown was set to begin in earnest on 8 October, with eight teams competing for the coveted title, but was delayed due to rain until the following day. Every win in this short tournament is important, with just seven matches and a Subsidiary League, but as matches began to suffer weather delays, the fire in the playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bellies began to somewhat burn out. As in 2018, the tournament was played in a direct elimination format, starting in the Quarter Finals. With strong wins throughout, it was no surprise that Ellerstina and their most prolific rivals,

Country Club. La Dolfina controlled the game from the off, leading in the first four chukkas. But, in true Ellerstina form, in a fifth chukka resurrection, the boys in black, who were coincidently testing a new team layout with Facundo Pieres playing more at back, took control of the play, gained the lead and ultimately scored a golden goal in the seventh chukka, to win, 12-11.

La Dolfina, found themselves in the Final. Both were seemingly unstoppable through the qualifying matches and despite the constant postponement of matches, seemed unscathed by the disruption. The Final, though scheduled to be played on 23 October, initially began on that day, but was suspended following 4.45 minutes of play in the first chukka due to an unsafe, slippery ground, with La Dolfina securing a 2-0 advantage beforehand. The Final was finally resumed on 15 November, after the Final of the second Triple Crown title, The Hurlingham Open, had already been played. Having been beaten in the second Triple Crown, which will be reported on in the following paragraphs, Ellerstina were looking for revenge against La Dolfina, following six years of defeat at the Tortugas

Photography by Helen Cruden Photography

Ellerstina win at Tortugas Country Club

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

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Reports

The Tortugas & Hurlingham Opens, Argentina The 79th Tortugas Open Final Teams:

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Ellerstina (39): Polito Pieres (10) Gonzalito Pieres (9) Nicolás Pieres (10) Facundo Pieres (10) Where: The Tortugas Country Club

La Dolfina (40): Adolfo Cambiaso (10) David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (10) Pablo Mac Donough (10) Juan Martín Nero (10)

Irenita Acertada, played by Adolfo Cambiaso

Chukka Score: 1-2, 2-5, 2-6, 4-7, 7-10, 10-11 & 12-11 to Ellerstina

MVP Nicolás Pieres

AACCP

BPP

Open Biznieta, played by Nicolás Pieres

Gonzalito Pieres in control

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Reports

The Tortugas & Hurlingham Opens, Argentina

The Hurlingham Open winners, La Dolfina

On Saturday 9 November in front of over 6,000 spectators, La Dolfina secured the second title in The Argentine Triple Crown, The 126th Hurlingham Open Final at Palermo, after four years of no cigar. In a somewhat well worn routine however, La Dolfina came up against the Pieres clan, Ellerstina, in a fast-fought match of attrition. Ellerstina, not playing to their usual form, seen throughout the rest of the tournament, didn’t come out as strongly as required, ultimately ending up trailing in the first two chukkas, 6-2. With fervour, they did find the strength to power through to close the gap to 10-7 in the fifth chukka, but with such a deficit to overcome, there was little they could do. As the final bell rang at the end of eight exciting 40 goal chukkas, La Dolfina ultimately defeated their Pieres rivals with a 16-13 final score. It wasn’t just an important match for the La Dolfina organisation as a whole, but also for the individual players. Adolfo Cambiaso secured his 13th Hurlingham Open title, whilst it was a 10th for Pablo Mac Donough. Juan Martín Nero secured his ninth and Uruguayan David ‘Pelón’ Stirling secured his sixth. The Most Valuable Player award was presented to Juan Martín Nero, whilst Dolfina Cuartetera B04 was named Best Playing Pony of the Final. With a win apiece for Ellerstina and La Dolfina in The Argentine Triple Crown, and The 126th Argentine Open preliminary matches taking place as we go to press, the guess is anyone’s for who will take home the ultimate prize in Palermo.

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Where: The Hurlingham Club, Argentina The 126th Hurlingham Open Final Teams:

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La Dolfina (40): Adolfo Cambiaso (10) David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (10) Pablo Mac Donough (10) Juan Martín Nero (10)

Ellerstina (39): Polito Pieres (10) Gonzalito Pieres (9) Nicolás Pieres (10) Facundo Pieres (10)

MVP Juan Martín Nero

Chukka Score: 4-2, 6-2, 7-3, 8-5, 10-7, 12-9, 15-12 & 16-13 to La Dolfina

BPP Dolfina Cuartetera B04 Clon, played by Juan Martín Nero

AACCP

BPP

Open Candy Kiss, played by Facundo Pieres www.polotimes.co.uk

The Tortugas & Hurlingham Opens, Argentina

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Pablo Mac Donough chases the play

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

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The XVI Julio Novillo Astrada Cup, La Aguada Polo Club

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10 goaler Sapo Caset in action for Las Monjitas

The Heavens T Shine Orange Photography by Matías Calléjo

The XVI Julio Novillo Astrada Cup

Joint MVP winner Federico Tomasevich in control

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he spring season in Argentina is always a soggy affair. With high goal matches aplenty, the Buenos Aires surrounding counties are currently full to bursting with players, ponies and polo fans, who this season, began the season with baited breath, awaiting the closure of the heavens and the recommencement of play on the sodden fields. The XVI Julio Novillo Astrada Cup, the 22 goal highlight of the La Aguada Polo Club season was cursed with poor weather from the start, with play beginning on 22 October, but halting due to excessive rain. Despite delay upon delay, the Final finally took place on Tuesday 19 November and it turned out to be quite the spectacle. Las Monjitas in their famous orange and rivals El Milagro, ready for the off, came firing out the starting gate, drawing the first two chukkas, first 2-2 then 4-4. Las Monjitas, then turned on the power, commanding the next two chukkas. Although El Milagro levelled at 8-8 at the start of the fifth chukka, Las Monjitas wasted no time in retaking the lead, with Facundo Sola forming and executing plays at a whirlwind pace. It wasn’t until Santiago Solari produced a spectacular goal in the last seconds of the fifth chukka for El Milagro, that Sola’s run was halted, with Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Reports

The XVI Julio Novillo Astrada Cup, La Aguada Polo Club the teams tied at 9-9. The sixth chukka was a blur of sticks, ponies and power, but in the last few minutes, Sola and his 10 goal teammate Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset scored a goal apiece to seal the win for the famous orange Las Monjitas shirts. With this victory, Las Monjitas also secured the title for an impressive fourth time, putting them amongst the greatest names to ever walk the turf at La Aguada. Following the equally impressive Subsidiary Final, in which Power Infrastructure defeated Los Cocos by a very narrow 10-9 final score, the teams and their supporters revelled together at an after party, hosted by the Club and its owners, the Novillo Astrada family.

FIN

N O Vm

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ed fro (delay ober) t O 31 c

Las Monjitas, the winners

Chukka Score: 2-2, 4-4, 7-5, 8-7, 9-9 & 11-9 to Las Monjitas

Where: La Aguada Polo Club

The XVI Julio Novillo Astrada Final Teams: El Milagro (22) Las Monjitas (22) Federico Tomasevich (1) Camilo Bautista (0) Santiago Solari (6) Matt Coppola (3) Francisco Irastorza (6) Facundo Sola (9) Ignacio Novillo Astrada (9) Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset (10)

RIVER SLANEY

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MVP Shared between Federico Tomasevich & Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset

Dolfi Educada, played by Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset 48

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Sunny, played by Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset

FAIR PLAY

Francisco Irastorza

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Reports

13th Manipur Polo International 2019

Action from the Final

13th Manipur Polo International 2019 Manipur three times victorious

he Manipur Polo International is an invitational polo tournament, organised by The Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association (MHRPA) from 22 – 29 November every year, as an annual calendar event at the oldest working polo ground in the world, Mapal Kangjeibung. The ground is now a confluence of polo players from all continents. Although played on the small original ‘Manipur’ polo ponies and a smaller field at this historic polo ground, whilst most importantly not being ‘a handicapped tournament’, The Manipur Polo International is becoming a keenly awaited event amongst players. It is a tournament where visiting players have the rare opportunity of playing the game in a completely new and extraordinary environment as thousands of sports lovers and extensive crowds cheer with enthusiasm. Unlike other polo grounds across the world, Mapal Kangjeibung is located in the heart 50

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

N. Ibungochoubi reports from Manipur

of Imphal, the capital of Manipur. For many, who are not aware of the Manipuri civilisation and the historical significance of the region, it is the perfect package complete with an element of surprise – the picturesque surroundings, the multi ethnic composition of the state and the age-old socio-cultural traditions of the people of Manipur offer itself as a perfect destination for any traveller. The discovery that they are playing at the birthplace of the game of polo is yet another pleasant surprise. The 13th edition of The Manipur Polo International was also eagerly awaited by

the people of Manipur, which has earned itself the title, ‘The Powerhouse of Sports’ of India. Having selected over 100 ponies from all the region’s polo clubs and owners for the tournament, the arena was set for six teams from the USA, Frasers England, British Army, France, India A (IPA) and the host team India B (Manipur). However, in the final line-up, there were only five teams as the British Army could not make it. One of the reasons for the Technical Committee of the MHRPA for extending invitations to send an 8-10 Goal team is being asked often by the visiting players. The answer comes with due amazement to most that the players in Manipur are not handicapped. They play among themselves in the local friendly matches and tournaments organised by the MHRPA. It was during one of these tournaments that the Manipur team put up a competitive show, while playing with teams from Australia (9 goals) and USA (8 goals). Although the Manipuri players are not handicapped, the general consensus was www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of N Ibungochoubi

13th Manipur Polo International 2019

Reports

Winners and Runners-Up The winning India B team

that the host Manipur team was evenly posed against an 8-10 goal team. It is important to mention that the Manipur Polo International is played under the aegis of the rules of the Indian Polo Association (IPA) with some local adjustments to suit the Manipuri ponies and the environment. The match consisted of four chukkas and each team was provided with 10 ponies to be changed at the end of each chukka. The sun sets as early as 5pm in this part of the world, so the organisers had a serious challenge to conduct the matches. Fortunately, with five teams having reported, the Technical Committee reset the fixture into the round-robin league, much to the excitement of the players as one team would play against all the remaining four teams. The England team, led by Captain Ben Eeley and supported by George Amor, both having played on the conditions here

Fans flying the British colours

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at Mapal Kangjeibung before, became the favourite team from day one. Will SethSmith and Chris Crawford picked up the know-how with the Manipuri ponies to defeat the USA, 9-2 on the opening day. Many in the crowd still aware of the final match of The 12th Manipur Polo International, (England vs India B) waved the England flags, a forecast perhaps that England could lift the Trophy this year. As the tournament progressed, England with three wins and India B (Manipur) with the same result, played their hearts out in front of the full packed grand stands. Although the match was for academic interest, it was one of the best matches that entertained the unpartisan crowd, with the Manipur team defeating England, 6-4 to secure its position. France was one team that had to carry heavy hearts from the historic polo ground. Every match they played was a thriller. In their first match against the favourite, home team India B (Manipur), the score was 3-3 in the fourth chukka. In the dying seconds, the home team nailed the match with a goal. Their fate was again sealed the next day when USA beat them in a nailbiting finish, 6-5. The England vs France match was yet another firefight, that the people of Manipur will remember for a long time. England came back from a swayed position to beat France 6-5 to secure their spot in the Final. The USA team, led by Jorge Vasquez, returned for the receipt of a special memory as the young player from the University of Kentucky, Tommy Huber, was judged the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. The Manipuri crowd still cherish the fond memories of the epoch-making Final match of 2015, when the USA defeated the Manipur team.

1990 Winners: Manipur Runners-Up: Germany 1991 Winners: Manipur Runners-Up: USA 1992 Men’s Winners: Manipur Runners-Up: Kenya 1992 Women’s Winners: Kenya Runners-Up: UK 1993 Winners: Manipur Runners-Up: Italy 2000 Winners: Manipur Runners-Up: Australia 2012 Winners: Manipur Runners-Up: India- A 2013 Winners: Manipur Runners-Up: USA 2014 Winners: Manipur Runners-Up: South Africa 2015 Winners: USA Runners-Up: Manipur 2016 Winners: Australia Runners-Up: Manipur 2017 Winners: Manipur Runners-Up: Argentina 2018 Winners: Manipur Runners-Up: England 2019 Winners: Manipur Runners-Up: Frasers England

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Reports

13th Manipur Polo International 2019

13th Manipur Polo International 2019 Teams:

India B (Manipur) T. Pradeepkumar A. Khuman T. Leishemba

P Ojit K. Jogendra Th Jacob

Frasers England Will Seth Smith George Amor

Chris Crawford Ben Eeley

USA Jorge Vasquez Tommy Huber

George Krabbe Ben Lynch

13th Manipur Polo International 2019 Scores

France Herve Simonot Romain Darroux Clement Gosset

Philippe Darroux Camille Bas Perez

The Final was set to be a repeat of 2018, with the crowd starting to swell into the stadium. England with firm grip and having understood the local conditions and the ponies, gave the Manipur boys a tough time. With 5-5 goals on the scoreboard part way through the match, it was anybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game. The luck favoured the local team though as the last seconds wound down, with the home team defeating the visitors, 6-5. The England flags flew at the stadium throughout the match until the sun set and

India A Lt Col Sameer Chaudhary Major Narendra Singh

Capt Anant Rajpurohit Vijay Singh Ram Singh

was an invitational gesture to come back and win the Trophy next year, as they had won the hearts of the Manipuri sports lovers. The Manipur Polo International is the only polo tournament in India which is televised live across the length and breadth of the country and by the cable networks of the state of Manipur. The Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, while organising state polo tournaments and The Manipur Polo International, has also embarked on a new

22 November: England defeated USA, 9-2 23 November: England defeated India A, 12-2 23 November: India B defeated France, 4-3 24 November: USA defeated France, 6-5 25 November: India B defeated India A, 6-4 25 November: England defeated France, 6-5 26 November: India B defeated USA, 6-4 26 November: India A defeated France, 5-5 27 November: USA defeated India A, 9-3 27 November: India B defeated England, 6-4 29 November: Final: India B defeated Frasers England, 6-5

dimension to address the dwindling number of the Manipuri pony breed. In partnership with its extended organisations, the Manipur Equestrian Association and the Manipuri Pony Society, the MHRPA has been managing a pony breeding farm. The Manipur Polo International and the participation by players from different parts of the world has given a fresh hope to the people of Manipur that the awareness among the people to save the original polo pony will receive much needed attention.

A traditional Manipur polo exhibition

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

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Photograph courtesy of Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

Dubai Wolves win The AHPRC League honours.

Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

The AHPRC League came to a close on Friday 15 November, following a week of play between four teams. Dubai Wolves ultimately rode off the victors, with a 5-4 victory over Dr. A/AM Polo Team. Habtoor Al Habtoor was named Most Valuable Player.

Cirencester Park Polo Club

Cirencester Park Polo Club is inviting members to their CPPC Members’ Christmas Lunch on Friday 13 December at 12.30pm. The lunch will be taking place at Cowley Manor near Cheltenham, with the Club hoping members can come and celebrate the festive season with them. For more information, or to book your place, please visit the Club’s website.

Club de Polo Ampurdan In the Final of The XI Torneo CPA-Memorial Wolfgang Reber 2019, Schneider Polo Team (Sandra Schneider, Walter Cortéz, Steffiv Von Pock & Dirk Baumgaertner) took home the honours. Coke Ayesa was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Bruja, owned and played by Walter Cortéz, was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug.

Courtesy of Club de Polo Ampurdan

On Monday 18 November, Beaufort Polo Club has announced that Polo Manager Caspar West has decided to end his role at the Club after 21 years at Down Farm. The Club has said on his departure, “Caspar’s role as a coach will be remembered by many of us, especially those children who, thanks to Caspar, were able to get such a great start in the Sport – including Sunday mornings in the winter! It is clear that as Polo Manager, Caspar helped to generate a wonderful atmosphere at the Club and he will be sorely missed by the members. Suffice to say that we consider Caspar to be part of the family at the Beaufort Polo Club and his time with us will always remain close to our hearts. We wish Caspar the best of luck with whatever new challenges he takes on in the future and we will no doubt see Caspar back with us on a regular basis, either in the Clubhouse or on the polo field in some shape or form.” Casper will remain in place until spring 2020. The Club are therefore looking for a replacement Polo Manager for the 2020 season. Beaufort is a family run Club, recently taken on by the next generation and with all the prospects for an exciting new era. The Club prides itself on the warm, friendly atmosphere and they are blessed with a strong core of locally-based members. They are looking for someone with the necessary polo experience required to take on the running of a Club of this stature. The job particularly demands attention to detail. Furthermore, a good work ethic is vital, as is a positive and outgoing attitude. While the Polo Manager will assume the day-to-day responsibility of the Club’s Polo related affairs, there is an active involvement from the Club’s joint Chairmen, Luke and Mark Tomlinson, and they will be the main point of contact. The job can either be seasonal or year-round – depending on the candidate. Applicants, please respond to cjtoffice@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk In other news, a case of excellent forward planning, Beaufort Polo Club have announced the date of their 2020 Masquerade Ball, in aid of the Even Keel Foundation. The blacktie event will take place on Saturday 16 May and will be a fantastic evening of dinner and dancing, raising funds and awareness for this worthy charity. The Even Keel Foundation was established in 2019 in memory of farmer and jockey Michael Keel, who took his own life in June this year. For more information, please visit the Club’s website now.

Photograph by Ben Hastie

Beaufort Polo Club

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Schneider Polo Team win in Ampurdan

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

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Grand Champions Polo Club

Cowdray Park Polo Club

Hampshire Polo School Photography courtesy of Hampshire Polo School

Cowdray Park Polo Club have announced the 2020date of one of the highlights of the British high goal season, The King Power Gold Cup. Following two weeks of thrilling play, the Semi Finals will take place on Wednesday 15 July 2020, with the Final following on Sunday 19 July. For more information, please contact the Club via their website here.

The USPA National 20 Goal Final Teams: Sebucan (19): Pablo Pulido (2), Jason Crowder (6), Kris Kampsen (6) & Tommy Biddle (5) Audi (20): Marc Ganzi (2), Sugar Erskine (6), Nic Roldan (8) & Brandon Phillips (4)

Hampshire Polo School celebrated the opening of its new arena with two matches

On Sunday 20 October, Hampshire Polo School opened its arena doors for the first time, welcoming the 2019-2020 season. Two matches took place to celebrate the opening of the new arena – The Ladies’ Match ended up as a 10-10 draw, with Rosie Ross’s pony winning the Best Playing Pony rug and Alex Gregory taking home the Most Valuable Player honours. In the second match, Team Black HPS defeated Team White HPS 8-7. Sam Boreham was named Most Valuable Player, with the prizes donated by Sats Polo. It was a great day had by all and the perfect way to celebrate a new winter Club.

La Aguada Polo Club Guards Polo Club are hosting their Christmas Lunch on Sunday 8 December with lunch served by the illustrious Mosimann’s team alongside carol singing and Christmas activities, all for just £65 per ticket. The Clubhouse will be transformed into a winter wonderland for all ages, with a festive face painter on hand for the younger visitors. To book your place, please contact the Club now. 56

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

The opening tournament of the 2019 spring season, The VI Argentine Amateur Championship, kicked off in late October with matches played on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October. Eight teams of up to 24 goals were competing, split into two leagues. On the Friday, Esmowing defeated Core Capital, 11-8. The following day, four matches took place with the following results: La Malterina SBG defeated Libres del Sur, 12-9 Esmowing defeated Miralejos, 11-6 Los Canarios defeated La Aguada, 7-6 Praderas defeated Core Capital, 8-5

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Photograph courtesy of Grand Champions Polo Club

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Dubai, the winners of The 2019 King Power Gold Cup

On Friday 18 October, Flexjet won The Tackeria Invitational at Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, Florida. This win also came at the end of a week spent celebrating 14 years of the Flexjet team under the captaincy of Melissa Ganzi. The 20 goal is underway in Florida, with The USPA National 20 Goal title up for grabs at Grand Champions Polo Club. On Sunday 24 November, Audi and Sebucan secured their spots in the Final whilst Sebucan secured the first win of the day, with an 11-10 final score over Aspen Valley. In the second Semi Final, Audi Audi, The USPA National 20 Goal champions obtained a 14-10 win over France, thus securing their Final position. Casablanca has won the title for the past two years, so this year is sure to see a new champion in the heart of Florida. On Wednesday 27 November, Audi proved their dominance by taking home the ultimate title with an 11-10 win against Sebucan. Down 7-1 early in the third chukka, they rallied to overcome their rivals. Nic Roldan was awarded the Most Valuable Player honours.

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Stewarton Polo Club

By Patrice Guérito/Sir Gentleman Driver

Teams from across the world gathered for the inaugural Sir Gentleman Driver Polo Cup

La Palmeraie Polo Club

In the final weekend of the 2019 season, Stewarton Polo Club welcomed newer players for a members-only tournament. The tournament saw 21 players enter across four teams, with play of a high standard given the inexperience of some of the players. The Final between Smeaton and Westfield was a nailbiter, with the game tied at 4-4 going into the fourth chukka. Smeaton ultimately won the title, 8-5. The Stewarton Polo Club Squads: Smeaton: Helen Gray, Susan Paterson, Miriam Flock, Beau Taneus-Miller & Moe Yokota Westfield: Melanie Harper, Connor Graham, Catriona Gow, Vi Rao & Anne Smith

Between 1 – 3 November, players from across the world gathered for the inaugural Sir Gentleman Driver Polo Cup at La Palmeraie Polo Club in Morocco. In the higher goal Final, Carrières de Souppes defeated Equitim, 3-2½, whilst Sir Gentleman Driver Polo Team took home the lower goal Final honours against Mousquetaires Polo Club, 7-4. The event was a great success, with next year’s instalment already in the planning. Photograph courtesy of Stewarton Polo Club

Rutland Polo Club Following the announcement of the departure of Polo Manager Hugh Crouch, Rutland Polo Club have announced that Tom Collie will be returning to the role for the 2020 season, having previously held the post. The Club has also announced that it is currently undergoing a re-brand, with the first step being the new Club logo, seen adjacent.

Smeaton win the final tournament of the season

Tedworth Park Polo Club

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Photograph courtesy of TPPC

In the Final of The Valete Cup, the -6 to -2 goal tournament on Sunday 29 September, Hampshire Polo School (Clive Gregory, Liam Walton, Annette Storm Linscott & Sean Wilson-Smith) defeated their rivals to win 9-3. Plus goal players were Justin Stanhope-White takes over not permitted to score when their team was leading, so the score reflected the training of the three homegrown players playing alongside Hampshire Polo School owner and pro, Sean Wilson-Smith. In other, news, following the successful transfer of ownership of Tedworth Park Polo Club to the Tedworth Equestrian Charity, the Club has announced that Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White will be taking over as Director of Polo following the retirement of current Director Chris Andrews, and Justin’s retirement from the Army. Justin will be formally taking over in time for the 2020 season to start.

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club On Saturday 16 November, ladies’ teams gathered for the presentation of The Ladies’ National Arena Tournament (The Nations Cup) at RCBPC and the launch of the 2019-2020 4 goal Victrix Ludorum Series. The Victrix Ludorum will see a great selection of teams participate, with the best faces in women’s arena polo taking part.

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Women’s Polo

International & Home

The U.S Open Women’s Handicap

Photograph courtesy of Kaylee Wroe/USPA

On the same day as The Texas Women’s Open Final, two undefeated teams faced each other in The U.S. Open Women’s Handicap at Houston Polo Club. The single elimination tournament saw BCI/Sullivan Group and Bearsden come face-to-face in the Final, which began as a very defensive match. Despite several penalty opportunities, Bearsden failed to convert, with Persano scoring the only goal for Bearsden which left both teams tied at 1-1 at the end of the first chukka, followed by a goalless second chukka which meant the first half ended on a 1-1 stalemate. In the second half, both teams increased the pressure, equally desperate to increase the goal tally, but this resulted in more fouls for the remainder of the match. Marissa Wells secured a penalty for BCI/Sullivan Group and Bearsden failed to convert two penalty opportunities. Malin and Wells both secured a field goal apiece which extended BCI/Sullivan Group’s lead to three goals with just one chukka left to play. Despite two more missed penalties for Bearsden at the start of the fourth chukka, Bearsden refused to give up and both Carol Fansworth and Audry Persano managed to score field goals which brought the scores incredibly close. As the excitement in the arena and Bearsden hopes mounted, BCI/Sullivan Group’s Malin dashed Bearsden’s hopes with a final goal which secured her team’s victory, 5-3. Marissa Wells was named Most Valuable Player and there were three Best Playing Pony awards, all of which were presented to grey ponies. The Best Playing Pony Amateur rug was awarded to Cara Kennedy’s Luna, the Best Playing Pony Professional rug was awarded to Natchez played by Audry Persano and owned by Steve Armour. The third and final prize, the American Quarter Horse Association Best Playing Pony rug, was awarded to Smarty (aka Cash) owned and played by Carol Farnsworth. The U.S Open Women’s Handicap Final Teams: BCI/Sullivan Group (12): Joanie Jackson (2), Cara Kennedy (2), Marissa Wells (5) & Athena Malin (3) Bearsden (12): Grace Parker (1), Audry Persano (4), Tiamo Hudspeth (5) & Carol Farnsworth (2)

Bearsden’s Audry Persano on the ball

The Texas Women’s Open Photography courtesy of Kaylee Wroe/USPA

On Sunday 17 November, Polo Gear and LM Ranch faced one another at Houston Polo Club for The Texas Women’s Open Final. LM Ranch began the Final with a half goal handicap advantage, but Polo Gear were unperturbed and led with a strong offensive strategy from the outset. By half-time, only Izzy Parsons and Alexis Ellison had managed to add to LM Ranch’s handicap advantage, whilst Polo Gear remained ahead with a score of Polo Gear’s Meghan MVP, Lottie Lamacraft 5-2½. Gracida in action presented by USPA Governor The second half began with at Large, Steve Armour renewed vigour, which resulted in an increase in opportunities to convert penalties. LM Ranch successfully converted a penalty, but Lottie Lamacraft quickly replied with a field goal for Polo Gear. The fourth chukka saw Polo Gear continue with their strategy and matched LM Ranch goal for goal. As the final whistle sounded, Polo Gear took the title, 8-5½. Lottie Lamacraft was named Most Valuable Player, commenting “We all did our part and tried to keep the game going without slowing it down. We focused on taking out the man and the ball followed. Honestly, our team worked well because we all assumed a position on the field that was natural for each of us.” There was a cornucopia of Best Playing Pony prizes awarded; Best Playing Pony Amateur was awarded to Mini owned by Saba Saba Polo Team and played by Dawn Jones, Best Playing Pony Professional was presented to Porscha owned by Nick Cifuni and played by Izzy Parsons, whilst finally the American Quarter Horse Association Best Playing Pony was presented to Indigo Wood played by Tiamo Hudspeth. The Texas Women’s Open Final Teams: Polo Gear (21): Meghan Gracida (4), Dawn Jones (6), Lottie Lamacraft (5) & Tiffany Busch (6) LM Ranch (19): Izzy Parsons (7), Alexis Ellison (3), Tiamo Hudspeth (5) & Alyson Poor (4) 60

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

2020 USPA Woman of The Year Nominations are now open for the 2020 USPA Woman of the Year Award and will remain open until Friday 31 January 2020. Each year the USPA Women’s Committee recognises the many female influences throughout polo and is not just for players, but also for those who support and help grow the sport. USPA Woman of the Year previous recipients: 2016 – Lezlie Hinder 2017 – Sunny Hale 2018 – Cindy Halle 2019 – Dawn Jones Visit uspolo.org to complete your nomination now!

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

International & Home

Thai Pink Polo

Women’s Polo

Photograph courtesy of Thai Polo

The Finals of The Thai Polo and Pink Polo tournaments came to a head on 8 November at the Thai Polo Club in General Rodriguez, after 10 days of matches. This year’s Thai Pink Polo tournament was held for the first time in Argentina, as the tournament has until now been played in Thailand, and saw eight teams of 1118 goals compete, with some of the best female players in the world, such as Hazel Jackson-Gaona and Lía Salvo taking part. The Thai Polo Cup Final saw Thai Polo/Pololine TV defeat Marengo 5½-4, with young British player Milly Hine being awarded the Most Valuable Player award and Malapata Anny played by Lía Salvo named Best Playing Pony. In The Avon Cup, Why Not took home a 6-4 win against Polo 4 Pro, La Tremenda defeated Katarzyna Estate 4-3½ in The Thailand Embassy Cup and Nipas secured a 7-5½ win against Legion Extranjera in The Universal Assistance Cup. Outside of the polo, The Thai Pink Polo Finals had lots of extra activities including free nail art for all the guests, a spa with facial masks, Thai massages and a shopping village with different food trucks. The Pink Polo Final Teams: Thai Polo/Pololine TV (17): Milly Hine (4), Cata Lavinia (1), Fatima Balzano (6) & Mia Novillo Astrada (6) Marengo (17): Sonia Couling (1), Mili Sanchez (6), Lía Salvo (9) & Martina Diaz (1)

Thai Polo/Pololine TV winners of The Thai Pink Polo Tournament

The Ladies Charity Cup Photograph courtesy of Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

On Saturday 2 November, Hesketh Polo Team took home the win in the first edition of The U.S. Polo Assn Ladies Charity Cup 2019, in association with Pink Caravan. The team, made up of three lady players and a professional, secured their first win against AM Polo, which was followed by a 4-1 win against DPEC Saman. In the Subsidiary Final, AM Polo defeated DPEC Saman with a four goal advantage. The event also hosted free activities for spectators of all ages and was a great success. The U.S. Polo Assn Ladies Charity Cup 2019 Teams: Hesketh Polo (1): Kim Roche (-1), Lauren Dickson (-1), Pearl Venot (0) & Tomas Palacios (3) AM Polo (1): Sheikha Alya Al Maktoum (-1), Petra Spanko (-1), Sandra Schneider (0) & Alejandro Gowland (3) DPEC Saman (0): Lee Slimming (-1), Lise Bernard (-1), Alyazi Al Muhairi (-1) & Maxi Malacalza (3)

Hesketh Polo secure the inaugural U.S.Polo Assn Ladies Charity Cup title

WIP Ladies Nations Cup

For more information about Loucha, please turn to our Pony Power pages

Photograph courtesy of WIP UK

On Sunday 24 November, in the first international arena bout of the season and in a break from the wet British winter, Frasers England defeated WIP UK 17-9 in the Final of The Ladies Nations Cup at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (RCBPC). Following an exciting match, Frasers England not only picked up the victory honours, but also The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player for back Lucy Coddington and the Polo Times Best Playing Pony honours for Saskia Meadows’ pony Loucha. Congratulations ladies! The Ladies Nations Cup Final Teams: Frasers England (6): Saskia Meadow (2), Claire Brougham (2) & Lucy Coddington (2) WIP UK (6): Georgia Harding (0), Nell Jacob (3) & Heloise Wilson-Smith (3)

Frasers England defeat WIP UK in the Final of The Ladies Nations Cup

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

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Women’s Polo

International & Home

The Manipur Women’s Tournament Meanwhile the third place in the tournament went to La Cañada La Suerte, who beat La Higuerita – The Polo House, 5-4. The Manipur Women’s Tournament Final Teams: La Candelaria de Pilar – El Polo de Fuchi & Inés (12): Celina Fernández Ocampo (2), Sofia Lorenzo (4), Delfina Donovan (3) & Catalina Ayerza (3) Cuatro Vientos (11): Mora Aldao (1), Clara Heguy (3), Esperanza Uranga (3) & Jasmine Dupont (4)

The Copa Myriam Heguy Photograph courtesy of AAP

Namuncurá La Martin, winners of The Myriam Cup High Handicap Gold Cup

2019 saw an altered format for The Myriam Heguy Cup, organised by the AAP and played at the Alfredo Lalor Headquaters in Pilar. The tournament saw 13 teams compete across two levels, with five 13-18 goal teams classified in the high goal section and eight 6-8 goal teams in the low goal classification. Sunday 17 November saw the Finals across

both sections; in the high goal Gold Final Namuncurá La Martina narrowly defeated Four Winds Foreign Legion, 7-6½ despite holding a much higher team handicap of 18 goals, whilst in The Silver Final, La Cañada Aruba secured a convincing 8½-4 win against Lincoln Bossy Park Park. The low goal also had two Finals which were both hotly contested; in The Gold Final La Morettina Hill took a 4-3 win against Centauros La Maroma whilst in The Silver Final, The Victoria Polo C. C. Al Límite beat Martindale Umewin, 6-5. The Myriam Heguy Cup Final Teams: High Goal Gold Final: Namuncurá La Martina (18): Pauline Schär (1), Catalina Lavinia (1), Milagros Sánchez (7) & Lía Salvo (9) Four Winds Foreign Legion (13): Elina Braun (3), Azucena Uranga (3), Esperanza Uranga (3) & Jasmine Dupont (4)

Photograph courtesy of AAP

The Manipur Women’s Tournament came to an end on Sunday 10 November at Alfredo Lalor de Pilar. In the Final, the La Candelaria de Pilar – El Polo de Fuchi & Inés team defeated Cuatro Vientos by a narrow 2-1½ victory. As the tournament winners La Candelaria de Pilar – El Polo de Fuchi & Inés have secured for themselves an all-expenses paid trip to Imphal, India in January 2020 to compete in The Fifth Manipur Polo Women’s State Tournament, where Argentina will defend their 2019 title.

La Candelaria de Pilar – El Polo de Fuchi & Inés secured an all-expenses trip to India

High Goal Silver Final: La Cañada Aruba (14): Bianco Pagano (3), Clara Martínez Ferrario (2), Isabella Lyle Wolf (5) & Maitena Marré (4) Lincoln Bossy Park Pole (18): Uneku Atawodi-Edun (4), Sofia Sciutto (4), Stephanie Haverhals (4) & María Laura Giménez (6) Low Goal Gold Final: La Morettina Hill (8): Catalina Jantus (2), Francesca Moretti (2), Luisa del Carril (2) & Pilar Banchero (2) Centauros La Maroma (8): Clara Massey (0), Sierra Dunbar (1), Bianca Pagano (3) & Sofía Rivas (4) Low Goal Silver Final: La Victoria Polo C. C. Al Límite (8): Lorena Ojeda Cáceres (1), Chiara Bassetti (0), Farida Rosso Baldachino (3) & Ginevra D´Orazio (4) Martindale Umewin (8): Luisa Demarchi (0), Esperanza Bargalló (1), Sofía Sciutto (4) & Pilar Courreges (3)

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

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Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

The SUPA Uni Challenge

Nigel Mercer reports from Rugby

“It had rained so much during the previous week, the opinion was that The Uni Challenge might have turned into a water polo tournament in mid-November! However, the arena at Rugby Polo Club held up perfectly and over the course of three days, 56 University teams battled it out during this first major SUPA tournament of the season. “Designed as a run out for beginners, The Uni Challenge is really a regional tournament but is popular with students from as far away as Portsmouth and Liverpool. Entries have tripled in the last two years, the majority of whom are beginners, which is refreshing to see. “There were so many chukkas this year that play was extended to include a midday start on the Friday. Play continued through Saturday with plenty of thrills and spills, as the beginners, who have only been playing since September, practiced some well-timed dismounts! “That evening there was a player’s party, off-site at Rugby Rugby Club, organised by Liverpool and Harper Adams Universities. With a Hawaiian theme, the event was well patronised, the DJ was Harper Adams’ Phil Chalcraft and excess monies were donated to charity. “Sunday dawned bright and cold, with an exciting day of play ahead. At the end, the

UNIVERSITIES ENTERED

15 NO

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laurels were pretty evenly spread between Warwick, Nottingham, Birmingham, Liverpool, Loughborough and Harper Adams. “Refreshing too, was to see a good turnout of SAPA players, especially Lower SAPA. The Open, Upper Intermediate and Upper SAPA divisions were combined and plenty of exciting polo resulted from our veteran players. The winners were Harper Adams Upper Intermediate. Everyone agreed that it had been a worthwhile and somewhat educational weekend and look forward to The National University Championships in February 2020.”

Where: Rugby Polo Club

The SUPA Uni Challenge, Winners

Beginner 2 1st – Warwick B1 2nd – Warwick B2 3rd – Birmingham Cubs

Beginner 3 Red 1st – Liverpool Klopps & Robbers 2nd – Warwick B3 3rd – Harper Adams B3–A

Beginner 3 Green 1st – Nottingham B3 2nd – Harper Adams B3–B 3rd – Liverpool B3

Beginner 4 1st – Liverpool Liver Birds 2nd – Loughborough 3rd – Liverpool Beatles

Median 1st – Loughborough 2nd – Nottingham Median A 3rd – Nottingham Median B

Novice 1 1st – Nottingham N1 2nd – Harper Adams N1 3rd – Manchester/Liverpool

Novice 2 1st – Harper Mother Chukkas 2nd – Nottingham N2 3rd – Warwick N2

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

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

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Novice 3 1st – Warwick N3 2nd – Nottingham N3 3rd – Harper Red Hot Filly Peppers

Novice 4 1st – Birmingham Cheetahs 2nd – Harper Adams N4 3rd – East India Club

Lower Intermediate 1st – Nottingham L1 2nd – Warwick L1 3rd – Oxford

Combined Lower Intermediate 1st – Liverpool Combined 2nd – Combined L1

Lower SAPA 1st – Going with the Flo 2nd – Birmingham Lions 3rd – Portsmouth Alumni

SUPA Uppers 1st – Harper Adams U1 2nd – East India Club 3rd – Oxford Sanskrit

Youth

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Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

SUPA 2020 Dates The upcoming SUPA dates have been announced as follows: Rugby Polo Club: Universities Winter National Championships – 6-9 February 2020 Rugby Polo Club: Senior Schools National Arena Championships – 1 March 2020 Black Bears Polo Club: Schools Girls Arena National Championships – 8 March 2020 Black Bears Polo Club: Junior Schools Arena National Championships – 22 March 2020 For more information, please visit the SUPA website www.supa-polo.org

SI SUPA Polo New Zealand Photograph courtesy of New Zealand Polo Association

Players from The SI SUPA Polo New Zealand

South Island SUPA Polo has held its first successful tournament of the season, with 16 school teams playing across four levels. The top grade was won by Christchurch Combined (Lucy Grigg, Lachie Appleby, Skye Turner & Tom Turner). STAC (Tom

Turner, Tom Wells, Samuel Foote & Ruth Cantillon) won the B Grade, with Tom Turner named Most Valuable Player, whilst Christ’s College B (Henry Bomar, Jonti Bellaney, Hayden Goodwin & George Cochrane) won the C Grade, in which Max Dormer was

awarded the Most Valuable Player honours. Christchurch Girls High School Red (Kate Allbaster, Roisin O’Hara, Erin Humm & Sophie Allnutt), won the D Grade, with Andrew Messervy named Most Valuable Player.

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

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Military

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

The RAF Reflect on the 2019 Season

The RAFC Cranwell team

Photograph courtesy of RAF Polo

Benjamin Lane speaks to Polo Times: “A season that saw players spanning the globe in the quest for polo came to an end all too quickly for the RAF teams, having played throughout the country in a variety of games and tournaments. The RAF team mixed it up with some 0 goal in The Autumn Cup at Kirtlington Park Polo Club, and despite a little help from up-and-coming player George Deverall, were unable to bring their game together for a win, settling instead for some very fun polo in the September sun. Flt Lt Georgie Harwood put in an excellent performance to end the RAF season, confirming her position as RAF Player of the Year (and a new handicap to match!) and Flt Lt Claire Crichton, having only made her RAF debut at the start of the season, won Most Improved Player, with several solid performances. Meanwhile, RAFC Cranwell Polo Club took to the field competitively for their closing match against Leadenham Polo Club on 21 September. Some familiar faces on the opposition weren’t enough to put off the team (including turncoat Sgt Evie Callow for Leadenham), with Cranwell bringing home a 5-2 win in a hard-fought game. True to Cranwell’s focus on development, Flt Lt Duncan Livingston made his first appearance in a competitive game, and after a four year break Piers Hammond made a strong come-back with two goals for Cranwell. The Club continues to inspire at the grassroots level and introduce new players to the game, with a number of core

Action from the 2019 season

RAF players having started on the regular beginners’ courses held at RAFC Cranwell. The RAF has made a number of changes this year, being particularly delighted to reveal a new partnership with Aston Martin this summer which, alongside continued sponsorship from British Polo Gin, will set

strong foundations for next season. Plans are already afoot for next year, with several players eyeing up the arena season with interest, which can only mean 2020 will be even more varied than 2019. If you’d like to see more, follow @RAFPoloOfficial on social media.”

APOLOA 2019

As 2019 draws to a close, the APOLOA statistics were released by Director of Army Polo, Simon Ledger. In 2019, there were 179 APOLOA members, 49 of whom were ladies, which shows an increase on the 2018 statistics. The next APOLOA annual general meeting will be held on Friday 28 February 2020 at 1.30pm at Tedworth Park Polo Club.

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Madeja Height: 14.3hh Age: 21-years-old Colour: Black (with a few grey hairs now!) Sex: Mare Owned by: Clare Macnamara Played by: Andrea Redder Tournament: The Poppy Trophy at Druids Lodge Polo Club Fireside Evening Photograph courtesy of Druids Lodge Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She is from Chile – a typical Criollo! How long have you had her? To date, six years. What are her strengths? She can do everything! She plays polo, does dressage, jumps and hunts. What a pony! How has she gone this season? She is always awesome and gives 110 percent. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No – this is her first in 21 years!

What are your plans for her in the future? She retired from grass polo in September, so arena is now her thing; hopefully for many years to come, as she loves it.

Does she have any special quirks? She hates having rugs put on and will bite anything within reach.

What are your plans for her in the future? She will be returning to Mhairi to live out her retirement in peace!

Describe her in three words. Solid, fun, honest.

Describe her in three words. Greedy Trojan warrior.

Tia Height: 15hh Age: 22-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Mare Owned by: Mhairi Gould Played by: Sean Wilson-Smith Tournament: The 13 Goal Fireside Tournament at Druids Lodge Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Druids Lodge Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She was bought from Black Bears and is originally from Argentina. How long have you had her? Mhairi Gould gifted her to us in spring 2018. She will return to Mhairi for her retirement. What are her strengths? She’s solid in a ride-off, quick off the mark and always gives her best. How has she gone this season? She’s been great! Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes! She won the Best Playing Pony rug at The WIP International, England versus New Zealand, earlier this year.

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Does she have any special quirks? It’s not really a quirk, but she’s incredibly lateral, allowing for dynamic play.

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Knowledge

Pony Power

Loucha Height: 15.1hh Age: 17-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned by: Cool Hooves Polo Played by: Saskia Meadows Tournament: The Ladies Nations Cup at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is from Argentina. Photograph courtesy of Saskia Meadows

How long have you had her? She is new this season, so not long. What are her strengths? She’s quite a small horse, so she’s easy to get around the arena on. She stops and turns on a dime, and is very honest and genuine. How has she gone this season? This is the first tournament I’ve played on her this winter and she won Best Playing Pony, so I would say very well! Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? I imagine she won quite a few with her previous owner!

What are your plans for her in the future? I have the HPA Nationals coming up along with the Victrix Ludorum Ladies Polo Series, so she has a busy season coming up and I don’t doubt she will be in my top three of my string for the rest of the season.

Does she have any special quirks? Not in particular – I couldn’t fault her anyway.

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

Describe her in three words. Perfect gritty horse.

Describe her in three words. Beautiful, nippy, honest.

Heidi Height: 15.3hh Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Raph Singh Tournament: The HPA National Club Championship 3 Goal at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is a New Zealand Thoroughbred.

Photograph by Polo Times

How long have you had her? Not long enough! Max Charlton had her for about six years and before him, she was with John Horswell. What are her strengths? She’s exceedingly powerful and nimble, and will give you everything. How has she gone this season? She has been really great. Long may it last! Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? She won the Best Playing Pony rug with Max Charlton at The International some years ago.

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

www.polotimes.co.uk

Pony Power

Knowledge

Jesus Height: 15.2hh Age: 16-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Max Charlton Tournament: The HPA National Club Championship 12 Goal at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Where is he from/breeding? He came from Dirk Gould. He was actually originally trained for barrel racing and reigning, but he tried polo once and was immediately moved over to it. Photograph by Polo Times

How long have you had him? I’ve had him for about three years. What are his strengths? He is just an amazing all-rounder. He gives his all and has no faults in the arena, at all! How has he gone this season? Just incredible. I literally can’t fault him. He is probably one of the best horses I play in the arena.

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

Does he have any special quirks? He’s scared of everything!

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

Describe her in three words. He’s a beast!

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; specialist equine nutritionist

The Unsung Heroes of Polo Schools and Academies Nutrition extends and maintains careers

Photograph courtesy of Longdole Polo Club

Members of the Longdole school string with riders

Photograph courtesy of Longdole Polo Club

Appropriate nutrition leads to a happier and healthier school pony

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

An area of polo which I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t written about before is nutrition for those ponies working hard for polo schools and academies with beginners getting the taste of polo. Over the last five years, I have been involved in providing feed advice and reports as a part of The Riding School Accreditation, for which proof of feed regimes and diets is now compulsory. The majority of the school horses I have worked with are in their second career after retiring from playing polo with a professional. They are often in their senior years and they need to remain calm and steady. However, they are also required to play instructional chukkas with beginners and at times play competitive polo with more experienced players such as at The Schools & University Tournaments (SUPA) throughout the year. Schools and Academies will, of course, have horses that suit the different aspects of teaching, whether it is one-to-one teaching, instructional chukkas or competitive polo, www.polotimes.co.uk

Nutrition Focus I find splitting the ponies into categories helps with providing a suitable diet for each individual.

Easy Keepers

• High fibre Horse & Pony cubes • Ad lib forage Photography courtesy of Oxford Polo

Oxford Polo feed a balancer alongside forage

catering for the different rider abilities, but the horses need to be fit and a balanced diet will certainly help to support the work being asked of them and to maintain condition during these times. One of my main concerns for a school pony is the amount of time they can be away from their stable or field and therefore away from their forage supply. Although they are not in hard work, they still require fibre. Continuing to allow them access to fibre when waiting for lessons or awaiting chukkas is important to keep their digestive tract functioning correctly and feeling healthy – otherwise they are going to be susceptible to gastric ulcers. When they have long days away from their stables, tying hay nets in the pony lines or to the trucks, or in the trucks, is really not going to impede their performance. For those horses that struggle to maintain condition, it would actually help to provide those extra calories they are missing out on whilst away from forage. To try and keep feeding simple in a yard, I often find a high fibre Horse & Pony Cube is fed to all! More is fed if calories are needed and less is feed when calories are not needed – simple! However, unfortunately this is not the best way to ensure individual nutritional needs are met and it doesn’t always work out the most economical way either.

Good-Doers

• Balancers rather than cubes or mix • Use ‘trickle feeding’ nets to slow down eating rate

Poor-Doers

• Conditioning Cubes • For slower release energy but high calories, use mixes that are high in digestible fibres and oils – Baileys AllRound Endurance Mix or Ease & Excel • Offer extra calorie sources from fibre in the form of alfalfa chaff or Fibre-Beet • Adding oils will also increase the calorie intake in the form of Outshine high oil supplement, for example • Pre/probiotic supplement if they continuously struggle to hold condition • Access to hay/haylage when travelling or standing waiting for lessons/chukkas in the lines or by the lorry

Senior Horses

• Maintain condition with the above PoorDoer suggestions • Although this is applicable to all horses, ensure teeth are checked regularly. If there are any problems softening a cube, rather than feeding a mix, is easier for them to digest • Alternative fibre sources such as beet pulp can help to increase fibre intake • Pre/probiotics can often benefit the older horse, especially if their hind gut is not working as efficiently The categories of horses mentioned above are very general. Should you have a horse with Equine Metabolic Syndrome, laminitis, one that ties-up regularly or has gastric ulcers or any other problems, then you must speak with a feed company or

Knowledge

nutritionist for support in getting the diet right for that individual. When feeding those horses in schools, it is essential we still treat them as an athlete – ensuring their nutritional needs are met, that they maintain their body condition, that electrolytes are given when they are sweating and working hard and their fibre intake is met. Then I am sure they will continue working hard and introducing people into the sport we all love. David Ashby of Oxford Polo said, “We find that the horses’ workload varies hugely from day-to-day and therefore their feed regime requires flexibility. To manage this, we feed a balancer as the basis to the diet with ad lib forage, and we then add a cube or mix to suit the individual. Feeding like this helps us to maintain condition for the workload being asked of them, without excessive energy and keeps the fussy eaters happy!” Longdole Polo says that, “In our experience, cutting corners in feeding the school horses (or any of the horses!) really is a false economy, and we take advice in feeding the horses as individuals to keep them going for as long as possible. The older horses still enjoy their work, but we need to have them looking well for our clients too.” Guy Verdon of Cowdray Polo Academy says that, “Our horses must look well for the job they do here, they have ad lib forage and I keep their diets as simple as possible, as a lot of our horses do not need any extra energy. Some of the horses will play competitive polo so we manage their diets accordingly to ensure they have enough energy and hold their condition well.” ontact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse C Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Photography courtesy of Oxford Polo

Shiny, well-nutritioned ponies

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Oxford Polo ponies in the lines

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Knowledge

Fitness Insight: Climb the Fitness Ladder: Part Three

Through playing professionally, coaching beginners and personal training, I have become very accustomed to understanding where players can develop movement patterns, mindset and areas of fitness to improve their performance. In this issue we look at the ‘core’ of the body. Many people think wrongly that abs and core are the same. However, it is essential to start looking at the core more in terms of how all the muscles through your trunk, and body, link together, to create stability and control. I also offer some insight into what beginners should be thinking about while on the field during their early stages of polo career

Climb the Fitness Ladder Your path to polo success continued Strength

Wall Ball – Alternating side rotational throws Here is an exercise that can help to build up your rotational power. The power of the swing comes through technique, timing and rotation of the body. This exercise can help you to develop rotational strength while being mindful of where you are throwing the ball. Instructions: • Hold a medicine ball • Stand with one foot in front of the other three feet away from a wall • Rotate your shoulders 90 degrees with one foot in front of the other • Throw the ball at the wall towards the centre • As the ball comes back, switch feet over, absorb the ball back and throw it back into the wall • Use explosive speed and the rotation of your body to generate the power • 4-6 sets of 30 seconds, 2-4 times a week

Photography courtesy of Jason Warren

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

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Fitness Insight: Climb the Fitness Ladder: Part Three

Knowledge

Mobility

Crocodiles Here is an exercise that helps to open up your core, glutes and shoulders. It is a great exercise to do before playing, to open up the rotational pattern of your body, so you can feel more free when playing shots. Instructions: • Lie on your side with your knee onto a ball • Hands outstretched • Rotate your top arm back as far as possible and look over your shoulder • Repeat 15 reps and switch sides • This is a great exercise to do before playing

Mental

When learning how to play polo, it is essential to focus on one job at a time. When played well, polo is very simple – in defence we must be positioned and in control of our man (opposite player). In attack we must go forward for a pass or get behind to support, in simple terms. A great way for a beginner to be doing the correct things is to be mindful of these three areas:

Defence

Option One If the opposing team has the ball, focus ONLY on being in control of a player on the opposite team regardless of where the ball might go.

Attack

Option Two If your teammate is in control of the ball and can play a pass forward, go for the pass. Ensure you are not beside the play asking for a pass; be in front of your teammate.

Balance

Side swings Side swings are a good way to improve balance and stability through your core and whole body. When playing shots, it is important that you can keep this stability so you’re in the correct position when hitting the ball. If you are off balance when playing shots, the power and accuracy will be lost. This exercise specifically strengthens the obliques, core and requires stabilisation throughout the whole body when performing the exercise. Instructions: • Stand with one foot in front of the other • Swing the kettlebell through a straight line • The movement of the kettlebell should start at the side of the hip with shoulders rotated and finish at eye level directly in front • Ensure that the kettlebell is swinging through a straight swing plane • 3-4 sets, 15 reps per side, 3 to 4 times a week

Option Three If your teammate has the ball going at pace and is unlikely to release a pass or is close to the goal, get directly behind so you are next to the ball if it is missed. Try to go into a game or chukkas with these three options in mind while trying not to overcomplicate what you are doing by adding more options. Find Jason on Instagram: @jason_tola_warren or contact him at fitness@hampoloclub.com and www.tolalifestyle.co.uk

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc

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

‘Who Wants to Live Forever?’ The older you get the harder you fall

The Problem

Reto Gaudenzi in action

the heart and lungs. This can be accessed by spirometry-ergometry (a V2max test) and a 12 lead exercise ECG. Secondly, a bespoke set of blood tests need to be carried out to detect deficiencies, ideally with a check of bone metabolism parameters included.

Nutrition

The reduction in lean muscle mass is high when ageing (one to two percent/year).

The muscle is infiltrated by fat so that the muscle power also declines (maximum three percent/year). A reduction of protein and vitamin D intake, combined with a cutback of activities, is the very start of the loss of muscle mass, the so-called sarcopenia. Frailty is the direct consequence of these facts as stated by Dr. Beck (Bespoke medical specialist from www.age-medical. ch). He recommends an average protein

Photograph courtesy of Osteobild

The preservation of your handicap and performance level over the years needs more attention and will get more time consuming and cumbersome. The list of old sustained injuries gets longer and the aches need more time to recover from a tournament or chukkas. During the ageing process, musculoskeletal elasticity and flexibility declines and as it partners with a reduction in cardio pulmonary performance capacity the race to the bottom has begun. Furthermore, reprogramming of gene expression contributes to structural and functional adaptation of muscle tissue in response to altered use. The ends of our chromosomes are called telomere – these are repetitive nucleotide sequences located at the termini of linear chromosomes of most eukaryotic organisms. Telomere shortening is stopped when we get older and the decline of resistance against diseases and regrowth of cells seem to be linked to the phenomena.

Photography by Erwahene copyright Kathrin Gralla/Ascona Polo Cup

As Queen’s famous lyrics sing in every Highlander fan’s ear, the eternal youth and the fountain of youth is an unfulfilled dream of humankind since the beginning of time as would nearly every horse enthusiast would love to stay in the saddle until their last days. Some members of The British Royal Family have kept on riding and playing equestrian sports until their later years with only little adaption. Just recently Queen Elizabeth II was pictured on her horse at a grand 93-yearsold, sitting well in the saddle. But even top 10 goaler Adolfo Cambiaso the top scorer is facing some effects of age. Lately some new research revealed evidence of how to prolong life and your sport performance respectively. But are these orchestrated ingredients the magic formula to perform better and for longer in sports forever? What are relevant elements to ensure it is safe for you to continue to play? How can I keep my performance level high – is special training required? When is the correct moment to retire?

The Performance Test

The very beginning of individual performance preservation is a meticulous work-up of the status the player is in. Most crucial for basic fitness is the condition of the body’s central unit; 76

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Basis spongious structure of a bone

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Medical Insight: Polodoc

Knowledge

“The most appealing train of thought in the whole discussion on how to live life to the fullest into old age, is the concept of ‘physiologic headroom’”, states Julian Massler, CEO of aurumfit. ch, citing Dr Doug McGuff. In his seminal book on strength Julian Massler, Founder of Dr Sacha Beck, Founder of Age training, Body by Science, the AURUMFIT Zurich Medical Zurich concept refers to the difference between the most and the least you can do with your body. This concept becomes painfully clear when you compare an 80-year-old person who has never done strength training in their adult life and have lost most of their active muscle mass due to sarcopenia starting as early as 24-years-old. Compare this to someone who has deliberately trained their muscles to sustain muscle mass. The trained person has much higher neuromuscular and strength capabilities translating into much higher quality of life and less risk of injury. It’s up to everybody to decide what they will become – the stereotype of the shaky old man or the highly functional silver surfer. The expert in diagnostics and training, and Ironman Certified Coach (USA Cycling, USA Triathlon, German Triathlon Union, International Sports Sciences Association, American Council on Exercise), Reto Braendli (braendli@training-anddiagnostics.ch) states that power, coordination and flexibility are the base of every performance. With cardio training two to three times a week, fat oxidation can be increased. Dr. Sacha Beck points out that after a standard heart performance check at a cardiologist, even short and high intensive training units can be applied (HIIT). Important still is the consequent protein intake required of 1 to 1.5 g/protein/day/kg of body weight to reduce sarcopenia.

Photograph courtesy of www.ddrobotec.com

Experts’ Comment

Continuous neuromuscular exercise is key for performance

Polo can be enjoyed at any age

intake of 1 to 1.2g/kg, best extracted from whey due to the high additional amino acid levels (Leucin). Special circumstances require special measures. The muscle training is protective for injuries, helps to increase quality of sleep and supports the regeneration of www.polotimes.co.uk

nerve cells in the brain. This benefits the reduction of blood pressure and contributes to psychological stability. Safety is the most important factor to consider when designing and performing an exercise programme for the purpose of improving both health and handicap in polo.

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

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Knowledge

Vet Insight

Camilla Nock MA (cantab) VETMB MRCVS graduated from Cambridge University and worked in mixed practice in Hull until she joined Baker, McVeigh in 2010. She originally worked in the practice in Cape Town covering both the hospital cases and ambulatory practice, then joined the Yorkshire team in 2014. She has a particular interest in racehorse and sport horse injuries and rehabilitation, and holds a post-graduate certificate in Equine Sports Medicine

Treating Joints

What are we using and what are we trying to achieve?

Thorough cleaning of the joint is important prior to injection of a joint to prevent the introduction of infection that could lead to a serious joint sepsis

Hyaluronan

Photography courtesy of Camilla Nock

Injecting a knee using a careful sterile technique

When lameness is localised to a joint, treatment options commonly used include rest, surgery, systemic drugs and supplements, physical therapy and intraarticular injections. Which treatment to use will be governed by a number of different factors including: • Pathology identified by X-rays or scans (chip, fracture, ligament injury, meniscal tear or chronic osteoarthritis) • Use of the horse and time factors e.g. the stage in the competitive season or withdrawal times • Cost • Success or failure of previous treatments, and personal experience Beneficial effects of intra-articular treatments may be through symptom modification, i.e. pain relief, or through disease modification, i.e. actually improving the long term condition of the joint. Any drug with anti-inflammatory activity will have some degree of disease 78

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

modifying action since inflammation in the joint results in reduced lubrication by synovial fluid, degradation of cartilage and fibrosis of the joint capsule.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids (usually simply referred to as steroids) are potent anti-inflammatories. These are the original and most commonly used first line intra-articular treatments, used for over 60 years, so have the largest number of reliable independent studies proving their efficacy and safety. They are also the cheapest class of intra-articular medications. By inhibiting inflammation in the joint, these drugs not only reduce pain, but also reduce the vicious cycle of cartilage degradation. Concerns are commonly raised that these powerful painkilling properties allow horses to continue exercising whilst masking signs of fractures or deterioration in the joint, therefore judicious use of corticosteroids is advised.

Hyaluronan (HA) is a natural component of the joint fluid and cartilage, particularly important in lubricating the joint to prevent traumatic damage during exercise. In diseased joints, the levels of HA are reduced and replaced with exogenous HA which restores joint fluid properties as well as reducing inflammation. Reduction in pain and disease progression has been convincingly displayed when three injections are given at weekly intervals. More commonly Hyaluronan is used in combination with corticosteroids, which is thought to give a greater affect than either drug used alone.

Biological Products

Autologous conditioned serum is produced by incubating the horse’s own blood with glass beads which have been treated to stimulate production of cytokines – proteins that regulate inflammation. Attention has been focused on Interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) because IL-1 has been identified as a major driving force in joint inflammation. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), more commonly used in soft tissue injuries, does also have some evidence for use in joint disease although limited data is available at this time supporting this use in horses. Stem Cells are the only product that gives hope of repair of cartilage damage rather than simply reducing the rate of deterioration. Cartilage is very slow to repair itself naturally, but use of mesenchymal stem cells has the potential to stimulate regeneration. The benefits are a long term, rather than short www.polotimes.co.uk

Vet Insight

Knowledge

Joint disease is often characterised by increased joint fluid, heat, swelling or pain on flexion A number of different drugs are available for joint injections

term resolution of lameness. Stem cells can be harvested from the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own bone marrow (autologous), however cells from donor horses are also now available which can be shipped frozen (allogeneic).

Polyacrylamide Hydrogel (Paag) This is a relatively new treatment in equine joint disease that provides a highly viscous

joint lubricant and becomes incorporated into the synovial membrane, lining the joint where it reduces pain and inflammation and increases elasticity. Reduction in lameness occurs progressively over time for up to six months after injection and persists for up to two years. Good results have been reported when treating joints that were previously treated with corticosteroids with poor results.

Email - yorkshire@baker-mcveigh.co.uk Website - www.bakermcveigh.com Phone - 01653 919001

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

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Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Sidelines

Gossip

WELCOME BABY LORENZO! On Sunday 10 November, Alejandro Novillo Astrada and his wife Rosi welcomed their second son into the world, baby Lorenzo. Congratulations to you all, especially oneyear-old Facu, who now has a baby brother!

AUTUMN WEDDING

Edward Smyth-Osborne and his sweetheart SarahJane Thompson tied the knot on 19 October in bonny Scotland, on a day which was the perfect mix of traditional highlands and equine excellence. Congratulations!

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

CRESSIDA ELIZALDE ARRIVES!

Argentine pro and British high goal regular, Fran Elizalde, and his wife Esmeralda Ulloa, have welcomed a daughter to their family, Cressida. Felicitaciones!

WELCOME BABY HOLLY!

Outgoing HPA Chairman Stephen Hutchinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter Georgina, and her husband David, have welcomed baby Holly into the world. Congratulations from all of us at Polo Times.

NEXT GENERATION BERESFORD

The Earl of Tyrone and his wife Flora have welcomed a little bundle of joy, in the form of baby Nancy Rose De La Poer Beresford. She was born at 4.27am on 25 November. Congratulations!

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

SPOTTED!

On a little scroll through social media, this gem of a photo turned up on our radar. We can name two of the boys (two Pieres brothers, Gonzalito & Facundo), but can you name the fourth in the blue jumper? Let us know!

www.polotimes.co.uk

Adolfo Casabal, Ana Escobedo, Josh Clover & Jamie Morrison

Theo Singh, Raph Singh, Charlotte Christodoulou, Declan Kelly & Theo Singh

Charlotte Christodoulou, Mary Kelly, Saskia Meadows & Declan Kelly

The HPA National Club Championships 3 & 12 Goal; The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club; 1 December

Astonishing Arena Gets Underway Winter arrived in the heart of Berkshire on 1 December, as arena polo aficionados donned their warmest attire to hail the beginning of the arena season and the first Finals in HPA National Club Championship Series. It was youth power personified this December in the RCBPC arena, with team membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; friends and family gathered high in the stands to cheer on their nearest and dearest in the arena. With a 3 goal Final more like an 18 goal Final and 12 goal that would have felt more at home in Palermo, there was plenty of edge of your seat action to keep even the most nonchalant polo fan baying for more! If this is what is to come this arena season, then we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait! Raph Singh, Jonny Good, Chris Hyde & Michael Amoore

Simon McDonald

Tim Bown

Mary Kelly, Genevieve Meadows & Ciara Kelly

Jamie Morrison & Ana Escobedo

Photography by Polo Times

Charlie & Howard Smith

Max Charlton & Jamie Morrison

Susie Meadows

Regal Warriors Team

Harper Adams University Team

Chris & Harry Henderson

Liverpool University Team

SUPA Uni Challenge; Rugby Polo Club; 15 – 17 November

Winter Begins with SUPA Each year, the number of university students taking up the polo mantle is increasing, with ‘freshers’ eagerly learning the ropes across the country. This year was no different, as 56 teams from 11 universities made the journey to the heart of the Midlands to compete in the first SUPA tournament of the academic year. There were thrills, spills and epic first arena polo encounters for the newbies, as well as triumphant returns for the more experienced of the lot. Suffice to say, it was the perfect way to begin the winter season for these enthusiastic students – the next generation of polo devotees in the making. Harper Adams vs Nottingham

Photography courtesy of SUPA & Luke Sandys-Renton

Alex Choma & baby Tabitha

Imogen De Lavis & Ashleigh Robinson

Marketplace Livery

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Polo directory

What’s On – Polo Fixtures Club

Tournament Name

RCBPC

Paul Castle High Goal Challenge 12 – 15

03/12/19 08/12/19

Emsworth

Ambassador’s Winter Cup

10 – 12

03/12/19 14/12/19

RCBPC

Weekend Tournament

0–4

07/12/19 08/12/19

Rugby

Midlands Polo Festival

Open

07/12/19 08/12/19

5–8

07/12/19 15/12/19

Druids

Afon House Chiropractic Trophy Open

08/12/19 08/12/19

RCBPC

The Chairman’s Trophy

4–6

11/12/19 15/12/19

Ash Farm

Challenge Matches

Open

14/12/19 15/12/19

RCBPC

The Christmas Open

10 – 12

18/12/19 22/12/19

Ash Farm

Christmas Chukkas

Open

21/12/19 22/12/19

Rugby

Christmas Tournament

Westcroft Park HPA National Championshs VL

Handicap

Start Date End Date

Open

21/12/19 22/12/19

Westcroft Park Christmas Cup

0–6

21/12/19 22/12/19

RCBPC

Challenge Matches

Open

21/12/19 29/12/19

Ash Farm

Challenge Matches

Open

28/12/19 29/12/19

RCBPC

HPA New Year National Club Championships

4 – 6 & 13 – 15

03/01/20 19/01/20

Ash Farm

Challenge Matches

Open

04/01/20 05/01/20

Rugby

New Year’s Cup

Open

04/01/20 05/01/20

Ash Farm

Pro Am Tournament

11/01/20 12/01/20

Druids

Chatanooga & Renshaw Trophy Open

11/01/20 08/03/20

Druids

Bodensse Trophy

Open

12/01/20 12/01/20

Ash Farm

Challenge Matches

Open

18/01/20 19/01/20

Druids

Waterfield Trophy (Winter VL)

18/01/20 25/01/20

Westcroft Park The Bolebrook Bowl

13 – 15

20/01/20 26/01/20

Rugby

Arena Challenge

Open

25/01/20 26/01/20

RCBPC

The Katie Tunn Trophy

4–6

25/01/20 26/01/20

Ash Farm

Challenge Matches

Open

25/01/20 26/01/20

Emsworth

The Windsor Shield

12 – 15

26/01/20 09/02/20

RCBPC

Winter VL Tournament

5–8

28/01/20 02/02/20

RCBPC

FCT Invitational Challenge Trophy 12 – 15

28/01/20 02/02/20

International Polo Club International Polo Club International Polo Club Eldorado

Herbie Pennell Cup

16 – 18

29/12/19

Joe Barry Memorial

16 – 18

01/01/20

12/01/20

Ylvisaker Cup

16 – 18

11/01/20

02/02/20

Carlton & Keleen Beal Cup

31/01/20

09/02/20

16/11/19

14/12/19

Open Open Open

10/12/19 27/12/19 29/12/19

23/12/19 31/12/19 29/12/19

07/12/19

08/12/19

14/12/19

15/12/19

21/12/19

22/12/19

21/12/19

22/12/19

04/01/20

05/01/20

10/01/20

12/01/20

11/01/20 11/01/20

12/01/20 11/01/20

18/01/20

19/01/20

18/01/20 24/01/20 25/01/20

19/01/20 26/01/20 26/01/20

07/12/19 08/12/19 14/12/19 14/12/19 14/12/19 20/12/19 20/12/19 21/12/19 02/01/20 04/01/20 04/01/20 11/01/20 11/01/20 18/01/20 18/01/20 18/01/20 18/01/20 25/01/20 29/01/20

08/12/19 15/12/19 15/12/19 15/12/19 14/12/19 22/12/19 22/12/19 22/12/19 05/01/20 04/01/20 05/01/20 12/01/20 12/01/20 19/01/20 19/01/20 19/01/20 19/01/20 26/01/20 02/02/20

Argentina Palermo

The Argentine Open

South Africa Plett Plett Plett

Plett Polo Plett Polo Plett International

Australia Yaloak Hexham Adelaide Mingela Yaloak Mingela Adelaide Fultons Lane Yarra Valley Adelaide Fultons Lane Adelaide

0, 4 – 6 & 8 – 10 0, 4 – 6 WPNEC Club Cup & 8 – 10 Christmas Cup Open 0, 4 – 6 Christmas Tournament & 8 – 10 0, 4 – 6 WPNEC Club Cup & 8 – 10 0, 4 – 6 Mingela Polo Tournament & 8 – 10 Brian Miller Tournament Open Portsea Polo Open 0, 4 – 6 WPNEC Club Cup & 8 – 10 Arthur Gratz Tournament Open VPA Championships at WPNEC Open Captain’s Trophy Open Yaloak Tournament

WOMEN’S POLO Palermo

III Women’s Open

Open

03/12/19

14/12/19

La Aguada

Ladies Cup

03/12/19

07/12/19

Ash Farm

Ladies Tournament

07/12/19

08/12/19

Eldorado

Pacific Coast Circuit Women’s Challenge

8 – 12 & 14 – 18

27/12/19

29/12/19

Hawke’s Bay

Ladies Tournament

Open

28/12/19

29/12/19

Westcroft Park

WIP Westcroft Women’s Championships

0–2& 4–6

07/01/20

12/01/20

RCBPC

The Minuty Ladies Cup

1–3

22/01/20

25/01/20

Herbie Pennell Cup

16 – 18

29/12/19

Joe Barry Memorial

16 – 18

01/01/20

12/01/20

Ylvisaker Cup

16 – 18

11/01/20

02/02/20

America International Polo Club International Polo Club International Polo Club

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

New Zealand Hawke’s Bay Christchurch Rangitikei Kihikihi Waimai Port Hills Queenstown Cambridge Queenstown Kihikihi Wanstead Rangitikei Broom Christchurch Queenstown Poverty Bay Mystery Creek Auckland Hawke’s Bay

Wine Country Cup SI Open Tournament West Coast Cup Dozen Cup Waimai Xmas Polo Port Hills Tournament Queenstown Tournament Hannon Cup Queenstown Tournament Waikato Open Barrett Dearden Memorial Russell Cup Amuri Tournament Bevis Turner Tournament Queenstown Tournament Poverty Bay Open Mystery Creek Tournament Charity Tournament Savile Tournament

Open 10 Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo directory Dubai Al Habtoor Dubai Polo & Equestrian Al Habtoor Dubai Polo & Equestrian Al Habtoor Dubai Polo & Equestrian Al Habtoor

Mexico

Sir Winston Churchill Cup

8 – 10

04/12/19

13/12/19

Festive Day Cup

06/12/19

14/12/19

AHPRC Festive League

4–6

15/12/19

20/12/19

New Year Amateur’s Cup

Open

03/01/20

11/01/20

AHPRC League

4–6

10/01/20

17/01/20

Emaar Properties Masters

4–6

17/01/20

31/01/20

Silver Cup

24/01/20

07/02/20

Careyes New Year Cup Chinese New Year Tournament

Open Open

27/12/19 23/01/20

05/01/20 26/01/20

4–6 6–8

06/12/19 22/12/19

09/12/19 05/01/20

Brazil Polomar Polomar

Imaculada Conceição Week Christmas Polo Week

Snow Polo Dates

Thailand Thai Polo & Equestrian Thai Polo & Equestrian Thai Polo & Equestrian Thai Polo & Equestrian

Costa Careyes Costa Careyes

Copa Embajada Argentina

6 – 8

Kitzbühel

Snow Polo World Cup 2019

Open

16/01/20

19/01/20

St. Moritz

Snow Polo World Cup 2019

Open

23/01/20

26/01/20

12/12/19

14/12/19

Thailand Equestrian Federation 8 – 10 Cup

26/12/19

31/12/19

Thai Polo Open

12 – 14

06/01/20

18/01/20

Answer -

B. Grimm Thai Polo Masters

12 – 14

23/01/20

01/02/20

A: A: The Argentine Open was known as The River Plate Polo Championship between 1893 and 1923, but has always taken place at Palermo, Buenos Aires.

Quick Question to the question posed on our Letters page

Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

CLUB

PHONE

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Home Farm Polo Grounds

07807672120

rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

Leadenham Polo Club

07429 299026

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Bawtry Polo Club

01302 773282

info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07803 020577

info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

polo@dbpoloclub.com

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

For the polo purist Volume 24 • Issue 1 • February 2019 • £6.50

www.polotimes.co.uk

Volume 24 • Issue 3 • April 2019 • £6.50

www.polotimes.co.uk

Volume 24 • Issue 4 • May 2019 • £6.50

THAI POLO OPEN La Familia Secure Success

THE BRYAN MORRISON TROPHY Flannels England Victorious Again

INTERVIEWS Ollie Cudmore & Matt Coppola

PRODUCING PERFORMANCE HORSES From Fresh Filly to BPP

EQUINE BACK MECHANICS Benefit Osteopathy

USA SEASON CONCLUDES World Polo League & Gauntlet of Polo

US HIGH GOAL GUIDE All Change in America

DESENSITISING & SENSITISING Getting Your Youngsters Started

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONALS Home sides victorious

PLUS: 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup & Fit to Play?

PLUS: USA Action, Polo Valley Expands & Nutrition for Performance

Cover Feb19.indd 1

Volume 24 • Issue 5 • June 2019 • £6.50

Volume 24 • Issue 7 • August 2019 • £6.50

UK HIGH GOAL KICKS OFF The Prince of Wales, Trippetts and Queen Mother’s Centenary

YOUTH BREAKS RECORD The King Power Gold Cup

POLITO ULLOA A true horseman

AS IF BY MAGIC Interview with David Paradice

WESTCHESTER CUP USA break 17 year stalemate

BRITISH POLO HIGHLIGHTS Warwickshire Cup, Royal Windsor & Rundle Cup

www.polotimes.co.uk

PLUS: Racing to Polo Challenge & Victor Ludorum Update

PLUS: Royal Windsor Horse Show, Copenhagen Cup & Worming Your String

Cover June19.indd 1

PLUS: UK High Goal Guide, Dubai Challenge Cup, Medical Robot Revolution

Cover May19.indd 1

23/01/2019 13:17

www.polotimes.co.uk

04/06/2019 10:29

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29/04/2019 10:14

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Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Westcroft Park Polo Club owner and arena polo regular Richard Blake Thomas is a winter polo aficionado. At home on grass or more often than not, on the pristine sand of the arena, he has worked tirelessly to bring Westcroft Park back from the brink of closure, to become the bustling Club it is today, with weekly tournaments, coaching sessions and an emerging youth cohort. Polo is not just a job for young at heart Richard, it’s an allencompassing passion – one that he has no intention of shaking any time soon What is your biggest passion and why? Aside from my family, it has to be polo and breeding and producing my ponies, because it doesn’t seem to matter how hard a day, or a season is a struggle, or how badly I get injured, I wouldn’t pack this game up for any of them! What is your all-time best polo memory? It has to be winning The Arena Gold Cup playing with my two friends in 2019.

Which sports do you like outside of polo? Any high-level pro sport. I admire the work it takes to achieve at the highest level of any sport. Favourite film and why? Probably Gladiator – an epic battle through life. Never say die! Favourite song/album? Song is U2’s Beautiful Day and album is The Calling’s Camino Palmero. Favourite food/dish? Roast beef with all the trimmings and a glass of red! Favourite hobby outside of polo? Shooting, skiing and I am just taking up golf! Most prized possession? It would have been my old blue comfy dressing gown, but Amy [Richard’s other half] binned that when we met! Seriously though, my horses.

Polo Times, December 2019 / January 2020

Best pony and why? Gypsey. She played The Arena Gold Cup with me in 2019, she won Best Playing Pony in the Hickstead High Goal Challenge with me for Centripp Wales the following week and she played beginner schools arena polo on the Wednesday in between. And my 12-year-old daughter can stick and ball her anytime. Amazing! Are you passionately superstitious? Yes. I can’t pass people on the stairs and have to talk to all the magpies I see, and I only play polo in odd socks!

Who were/are your favourite teammates? I have always loved playing with my brother Andrew, but again, Jamie Morrison and Royston Prisk made the 2019 Arena Gold Cup the biggest win and the biggest playing memory of my career. Hardest opponent? My own body (if you know me, you’ll understand that!). I’m plagued by injury – it’s always trying to beat me!

Best holiday destination & activity? Anywhere high up a mountain with great snow for off-piste skiing!

Describe yourself in three words…Never give up! Favourite celebrity and why? I can’t stand the whole concept of celebrity! Who do I admire? It would have to be a high achiever in sport with a no-nonsense attitude, like Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

One thing which would surprise us about you? Possibly that I’m 39 – for years now, everybody seems to think I’m in my mid 40’s (or sometimes even older!). Clearly, I haven’t aged well! www.polotimes.co.uk

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