Polo Times February 2021

Volume 26 • Issue 1 • February 2021 • £6.50

ARGENTINE OPEN REPORTS Wins for La Dolfina Saudi & El Overo UAE Z7 BRAVA BAG BOUNTY Qualify for 2021 Argentine Open PLUS: Stateside Snow Polo & Polo Wicklow Kids

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Made in honour of the first ever polo in England, held at the Hurlingham Club in 1869, our fourth delicious gin offering has proudly been released to coincide with the 150th anniversary of this prestigious date.

Our long awaited Strawberry & Rose gin is made from our Classic Gin with added strawberry juice and rose botanicals. There are no added sugars in this gin resulting in a spectacularly aromatic gin that critically is not overpoweringly sweet, as some flavoured gins on the market tend to be.

Based on the polo player with the most control and finesse, No.4; this gin really does deliver the taste of a Great British Summer. Serve with Elderflower Tonic and a slice of tangy lime for the ultimate new age G&T. The red colour comes of this gin directly from the 100% natural strawberry juice that we use to create our delicious Strawberry & Rose Gin.

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Based on the polo player with the most power and punch, No.1; this gin is the ultimate drinks cabinet show stopper for gin classicists the world over.

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

Contents

What’s inside… February 2021

Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

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

Editorial Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Principal Design James Morgan

Design Tony Ruddy

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Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

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

Contributors: Clara Cassino, Lorna Edgar, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Rege Ludwig, India Parker-Smith, Tony Ramirez, Hannah Wyles

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News

4 All the Latest News 9 Obituaries

Cover photograph: Action from the 127th HSBC Argentine Open Final.

By Matias Callejo/Prensa AAP

Comment

Contact details

Features

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

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SUBSCRIPTION PRICES

All subscribers receive an exclusive weekly newsletter and competition offers

Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk © Polo Times Limited 2021 and Database Right 2021 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

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Polo Times, February 2021

10 12 14 18

Letters: Your Views & Social Media Big Picture Brava Bag the Bounty Formahoof & Cotterel Polo

Reports 20 24

127th HSBC Argentine Open Aspen Snow Polo World Cup

Club Focus 27

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Women’s Polo 33 33 34

Youth Polo 38

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Knowledge 40 42 44

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Polodoc: Look At The Hook Nutrition Focus: Pre-Season Preparations Playing Tips with Rege Ludwig: Hitting – Coordinate & Synchronize Chukka Wellness: New Season, New You

Sidelines 48 50

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know!

Sidelines: Social Pages

Polo Directory

53 What’s On in February 2021 55 Classifieds

Final Bell 56

Passions: Simon Ledger

A Round-Up of Women’s Polo 5 Minutes With… Clara Cassino IV Women’s Argentine Open www.polotimes.co.uk

from the Publisher

News

Whilst there can be little doubt that millions of lives and businesses have been affected by the pandemic that was unleashed in the early part of 2020, 12 months on, there is much to be positive about.

At the time of going to press, the UK’s chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty Photograph by Reinhardt & Sommer

acknowledged that the peak has been passed; the UK has already vaccinated more than 10 million people, which is more per capita than any other country in the world. Tests also have proven that vaccination should slow the spread and somewhat paradoxically, by catching Covid, the infection offers long-lasting protection. The fear that the viruses are mutating are mitigated by clinical test results that prove the mutations can be

Six teams will compete in the 2022 tournament

Six Teams for St. Moritz 2022

For the first time in the tournament’s history, the 2022 event will feature six international teams rather than the traditional four teams. Each team will have a 16 goal handicap and a total of 130 ponies will be stabled. Tickets for the 2022 event which will be played from 28 – 30 January, are now available via the tournament website.

beaten by vaccines being similarly modified.

Undoubtedly, the road to recovery will still be challenging, but 2021 is going to be a good year – and a strong one for polo everywhere with players and ponies alike, champing at the bit to get out and play.

Willingness to adapt to the ever-changing challenges will be vital to everyone’s success, along with remembering what’s truly important in life: your friends, family and faith.

KBIS Announce Sale

KBIS British Equestrian Insurance announced at the beginning of January that the company has been sold to Specialist Risk Group, whose portfolio includes Lloyd’s broker Miles Smith and The Underwriting Exchange (TUE). KBIS British Equestrian Insurance have long been one of the UK’s leading independent horse insurance specialists having been purchased by Guy and Liz Prest in 1991. The family has seen the business grow over the years with a current product range covering everything for the equestrian including horses, property, liability and motor vehicles. “This is a perfect fit for KBIS and will allow us to grow with a wider range of products in our Equestrian insurance niche and TUE gives us the perfect vehicle to expand our business in the Republic of Ireland” said Guy Prest, Managing Director of KBIS.

With most polo ponies coming into work over the course of the next few weeks, let’s look forward to what will be, not back to what might have been, and remember the words of the Churchill, “a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

Thank you to all readers for your enjoyment of and contributions Polo Times, as well as for the support to those businesses which advertise within these pages.

Stay safe and play safe.

Nick Hine, Publisher

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Polo Times, February 2021

Following a meeting of the AAP Board of Directors on Monday 20 December, as the Argentine Spring season drew to a close, the annual end of season handicap changes were announced.

Juan Britos, Francisco Elizalde, Guillermo Terrera and Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola were all raised from 8 to 9 goals and Poroto Cambiaso, who had already been raised from 4 to 6 goals in October 2020, saw his handicap increased from 6 to 8 goals. Jerónimo del Carril, Santiago Loza and Isidro Strada all went up from 7 to 8 goals and Segundo Bocchino, Rufino Bensadón, Tomás Beresford, Felipe Dabas, Manuel Elizalde, Peke González and Facundo Obregón saw their Poroto Cambiaso’s handicap handicaps raised from 6 to 7 goals. Alongside the increases, has been raised to 8 goals there were a number of players who saw their handicaps go down, most notably Polito Pieres who was dropped from 10 to 9 goals, while Julián de Lusarreta, Matías Mac Donough, Fred Mannix, Agustín and Sebastián Merlos, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Joaquín Pittaluga and Lerín Zubiaurre all went from 8 to 7 goals.

There were also handicap changes in the women’s section too, with recent winners of the IV Women’s Argentine Open, Clara Cassino (8 to 9) and Milly Hine (5 to 7) both going up in handicap after their success. www.polotimes.co.uk

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late, great British leader, Sir Winston

AAP Handicap Changes

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News USPA NOCSAE ND050 Helmet Mandate Update

Photograph by David Lominska

Due to unforeseen manufacturing delays, the United States Polo Association (USPA) has extended the NOCSAE helmet requirement deadline to 1 March 2021 as some players have yet to receive their helmets. The USPA encourages members who have helmets that meet the NOCSAE ND050 Standard Performance Specification to wear such helmets.

Polito Pieres (pictured in pursuit of Pelon Stirling in 2020 The C.V. Whitney Cup), will be playing for La Indiana again

2021 Gauntlet of Polo Teams 2021 Polo Rider Cup

On Friday 29 January it was announced that Evviva Polo St. Moritz will be joining Chantilly Polo Club, Hamburger Polo Club, Dos Lunas Polo Club and Moscow Polo Club for the 2021 Polo Rider Cup at Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly from 10 – 20 June. The Evviva Polo St. Moritz team will be made up of: Andy Bihrer/Piero Dillier (0) Lucas Labat (5) Martin Aguerre (7) Tommy Rinderknecht (0) Tommy Rinderknecht, Captain of Evviva Polo St. Moritz, commented, “Evviva Polo St. Moritz and our players, who have played for many years all around the world, are very proud to compete in the Polo Rider Cup. This event is the first time that a competition brings together polo clubs and their players from many places, thanks to the support of Federation of International Polo and the participation of the clubs. We are very much looking forward to this exciting event in Chantilly.”

The 2021 Gauntlet of Polo will begin at International Polo Club, Palm Beach on Wednesday 17 February with The C.V. Whitney Cup with the Final on Sunday 7 March, followed by The USPA Gold Cup 10 – 28 March and culminating in The US Open Polo Championship 31 March – 18 April. With over $1 million in prize money up for grabs, this year sees nine teams competing in the series. Winners of the 2019 Gauntlet of Polo, Pilot, are set to return and this year will also see Adolfo Cambiaso (who has been absent from the Gauntlet of Polo for the past two years, choosing instead to compete in the World Polo League) team up with his son Poroto alongside 2019 Cartier Queen’s Cup winner, David Paradice.

2021 Gauntlet of Polo Teams Aspen/Dutta Corp (21): Stewart Armstrong (3), Lucas Díaz Alberdi (6), Gringo Colombres (8) & Timmy Dutta (4) Cessna (22): Chip Campbell (2), Nino Obregon (7), Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario (7) & Jared Zenni (6) Coca-Cola (22): Gillian Johnston (1), Julián De Lusarreta (8), Nico Pieres (9) & Mackenzie Weisz (4) La Indiana (22): Michael Bickford (2), Nico Escobar (4), Jeff Hall (6) & Polito Pieres (10) Park Place (22): Andrey Borodin (0), Matt Coppola (4), Juan Britos (8) & Hilario Ulloa (10) Pilot (22): Curtis Pilot (0), Kristos Magrini (2), Gonzalito Pieres (10) & Facundo Pieres (10) Santa Clara (21): Will Johnston (2), Miguel Novillo Astrada (9), Felipe Vercellino (6) & Luis Escobar (4) Scone (22): David Paradice (0), Peke González (6), Poroto Cambiaso (6) & Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Tonkawa (22): Jeff Hildebrand (0), Cody Ellis (3), Francisco Elizalde (9) & Sapo Caset (10)

POLO IMMIGRATION SPECIALISTS 01798 343693 WWW.POLOPERMITS.CO.UK Authorised by the OISC Ref No F201400827

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Polo Times, February 2021

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News 2021 World Polo League

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The World Polo League 2021 tournament dates have been announced and the series will begin with the All-Star Challenge on Friday 5 February. While the full team lists have yet to be confirmed, the 2021 tournament dates have been set: The All-Star Challenge: 5 – 21 February The Founders Cup: 18 February – 7 March Palm Beach Open: 3 – 21 March Triple Crown of Polo: 24 March – 17 April Beach Polo World Cup, Miami Beach: 21 – 25 April

The 2021 World Polo League dates have been confirmed

Photography courtesy Polo Times

Kissing Spines Solution

From the day that Ginny arrived as a green, untried Thoroughbred racehorse, nothing seemed to faze her – in fact, she was so lacklustre and docile that this uncharacteristic disposition in a youngster started to be a real concern.

Following a visit to the talented polo vet, David Blakey, ‘kissing spines’ were diagnosed and pioneering surgery followed, (see before and after photos of her relatively non-invasive surgery). Within days of the procedure, Ginny was a different horse – full of energy and clearly free from pain. Having had a gentle summer being ridden whilst recuperating, followed by a relaxing winter, Ginny is now coming into work for the 2021 polo season.

Whilst she is now free from any back pain, Polo Times’ Rich (Hine) feels that a correctly fitted saddle will be essential for her, as they are for all his horses. However, with current covid-restrictions in place,

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bespoke fitment will be less straightforward. Ginny will therefore benefit from Performance Polo’s objective evaluation service whereby photos of her will be compared with 3D scans of their saddles to ensure the optimal configuration (panel type and gullet plate width). This design and performance service is a first for polo here in the UK, (although not so unusual in any other equine discipline).

Follow Ginny’s journey over the coming months; it is hope that she will be another Retraining Racehorse success story for Rich – with two of his retrained horses already now playing the high goal having started out on their journey into polo with Rich.

For information on Performance Polo’s Ainsley MVP saddles, contact: Michael: +44 7487 548242 info@performance-polo.com www.performance-polo.com

Polo Times, February 2021

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News

English Polo on Pause

Just seven days into the new year and the doom and gloom continued, as on Thursday 7 January, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) made their latest Covid-19 Update following the British government’s decision to place England into a National lockdown until further notice. The HPA’s Covid-19 Update outlined the rules to be followed by all clubs and venues where polo is played: • There are to be no chukkas, matches or organised polo of any kind.

• Riding arenas can only be used by those whose horses are stabled on site.

• Up to 5 individuals may exercise their horses in an arena but must not interact with one another.

• The onus is on individuals to be able to justify, if they are stopped by officials, the reason for their journey and equine activity. The government guidelines for permitted travel are: “If you do leave home for a permitted reason, you should always stay local - unless it is necessary to go further, for example to go to work. Stay local means stay in the village, town, or part of the city where you live.”

• Elite Players: It has been confirmed that registered elite players may not practice and train together.

• One to one coaching: As per BE guidance one-to-one instruction for clients who keep their horses on site at a coach’s home facility would be acceptable provided Covid secure practices are observed. Coaches should also check with their insurance provider before undertaking any activities.

Those clubs who had until the recent National Lockdown been in Tier 4 had already not been able to play competitive polo, with only specific activities allowed including; individual stick and ball, one on one lessons and coaching, owners riding their horses and under 18s allowed to play.

However, now in light of the government’s decision to move England into a third national lockdown, polo in England is once again on pause.

HPA Winter Mid-Season Handicap Changes

On Monday 21 December 2020, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) announced their Winter Mid-Season Handicap Changes, which became effective on Tuesday 22 December. There were only six players’ handicaps affected: Max Voelker 1 to 2, Matt Darwin -1 to 0, Josh Hyde 0 to 1, Liam Walton 0 to 1, Aurora Darwin 1 to 2 and Charles Boher 2 to 3.

English Summer Season Start Unconfirmed

On Monday 18 January, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) made their latest announcement regarding the start of the summer 2021 season. For those hoping for a definitive start date and plan, with the government not currently clarifying its position for what the future months may hold, the HPA is continuing to press the pause button on any summer season preparations: “With a full 3 months to go

before the start of the polo season the Covid-19 Steering Group met to review the course of the pandemic and vaccination programme, and the potential impact this may have on the start date for polo this season and our protocols. We all appreciate the seriousness of the current situation and the terrible impact Covid is having on the lives of so many. At the same time, the Government is embarking on a huge vaccination programme which has provided an optimism which varies from one person to another and almost from day to day.

While recognising the sport needs clear and timely guidance, the SG agreed that it should wait until the Government has clarified its own position and guidelines in mid-February before considering in what ways if any the coming summer season may be impacted.

At that stage we can be clearer as to any actions that might be necessary in preparation for the season.”

HPA Handicapping Update

On Thursday 28 January, the Hurlingham Polo Association made a handicapping update announcement following a meeting on Friday 22 January: “In November, a letter was sent to all patrons to say that the HPA would not award a handicap until they were satisfied that they could do so fairly and reserved the right to award a higher handicap than the player’s home handicap depending on the circumstances and the evidence available.

At a meeting on Friday 22 January the Handicap Committee agreed that it was very difficult to justify any change to the handicaps of overseas players without an HPA handicap on the evidence of polo played to date by the individuals concerned. It was therefore recommended and agreed that Cruz Heguy and Mackensie Weisz should be awarded an HPA handicap of 4 goals, the highest handicap they currently hold but with their handicap in brackets. This is notification that their handicap is more likely to be changed at any time than one without brackets. The brackets will be removed when the Handicap Committee has had the opportunity to assess them properly and until then they may not play for anyone else other than their patron, including as substitutes. Other players coming here on a CV form may also be awarded a handicap in brackets at the discretion of the Handicap Committee.

At the same meeting, it was agreed that Manuel Elizalde should stay on 6 goals, his HPA handicap at the end of 2019. That aligns with decisions already made with other players who are established here but missed the 2020 season.

It was also recommended by the Handicap Committee and agreed by Stewards that: The requirements and rules for playing the high goal should be reviewed for 2022. It was proposed that below a certain handicap (suggested as 6 goals) teams should be restricted to those players with established HPA handicaps (suggested as meaning having obtained two EOS HPA handicaps).

The Umpire and Rules Committee should consider and make a recommendation to Stewards as to whether a team playing above 22 goals due to a player in brackets being raised should give away more than the normal goal difference in 2021 (a half goal was suggested).”

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Polo Times, February 2021

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Obituaries Obituary Guy Kirkpatrick

Obituary George Willis Radcliffe II Sr.

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Clive Forsyth, passed away peacefully on Saturday 9 January at 94-yearsold, the New Zealand Polo Association (NZPA) remembered his contribution to polo, “Clive has been a big personality over the years within the equine and polo communities. He will be sorely missed in our community and on the sidelines of the polo field. We wish to offer our sincere sympathy to Cody, Mitty and family. Our thoughts are with you over this sad time.”

Obituary Luis Basualdo 5 September 1945 – 9 December 2020

Born in 1945 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Luis Hector Sosa was the son of Dona (née Facio), a contessa, and Coronel Sosa, a former Olympic showjumper, but once he left Argentina Luis became known as Basualdo – the name of an old Argentine family. Now going by the name of Luis Basualdo, he arrived from Argentina to Britain in 1968 with two polo ponies and plenty of charm, swiftly settling into English life. Basualdo eloped with Lucy Pearson, the 17-year-old daughter of Viscount Cowdray, in 1972 and Basualdo created the Golden Eagles polo team, which features HRH The Prince of Wales as part of the team line-up. The marriage was dissolved in 1978 with Basulado blaming having too much fun the reason for ignoring his then wife.

After a few years spent abroad enjoying the high life, he returned to Britain in 1984 and enrolled at Cirencester Agricultural College and rode out with the Beaufort Hunt; after finishing his course Basualdo was rejected a job on his former father-in-law’s Cowdray Estate. Following a string of failed marriages and relationships, he disappeared from the limelight before appearing again in Britain in 2000, but by this time his life was much calmer. Basualdo’s epitaph in The Times described him as a “polo player and lothario” a seemingly suitable moniker for such a colourful character.

Polo Times, February 2021

Photograph courtesy of The Telegraph

Photograph courtesy of USPA

On Tuesday 8 December 2020, George W. Radcliff II Sr. passed away after a long-fought battle with cancer at the age of 79. Striking oil on his Celeste ranch property in Saraland, Alabama, George suddenly found himself with the financial means to pursue polo. ‘Big George’ loved the game and spent most of his years playing in Point Clear, Sarasota, Gulfstream (now defunct) and Memphis Polo Clubs but he also travelled to polo clubs such as Sheridan, Aiken, Atlanta and New Orleans. “George was a great guy, a really fierce competitor on the field and a fun person to be around,” said USPA President and former Point Clear Polo Club manager Tony Coppola.

George was also the stepfather to former USPA Chairman Chip Campbell and he considered Chip and his siblings like his own children.

George is survived by his wife of 19 years, Karen Mckenzie Radcliff, his son, George W. Radcliff II, his daughter, Fontaine Howard, and eight grandchildren all of whom he loved greatly.

Fontaine, his son George and all eight grandchildren still live on the family ranch. A celebration of life in his honour and a polo game is currently planned for spring 2021 in Point Clear, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, George requested that a gift be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Obituary Clive Forsyth

Photograph by Gisborne Photo News

Polo Times has learnt with sadness that Liza Crisp passed away on Friday 4 December at the age of 90-years-old, having celebrated her 90th birthday just the day before. Liza alongside her late husband, Buff Crisp, were instrumental in the running of Pony Club Polo for many years. Liza was responsible for overseeing the careers of countless professional polo players, as Section Head of the Bicester Hunt Pony Club Polo Team, whilst Buff was the former HPA Secretary (1990 – 2000) with the HPA Office based at their family home, Winterlake in Kirtlington, and Pony Club Polo Chairman (1977 – 1989). A full obituary will follow in a future issue of Polo Times and our thoughts are with the Crisp family.

Photograph by Stephen Mowbray

Photograph by Polo Times archive

Obituary Liza Crisp

The New Zealand Polo Association (NZPA) reported with great sadness the death of Guy ‘Kirky’ Kirkpatrick in Australia, “‘Kirky’ was a charismatic and talented polo player who was a member of Poverty Bay Polo Club, represented New Zealand and worked in both England and Australia with polo. He was well respected in our community and will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy, Colin, Caroline, Henry, Alec, Tim, Sam and family.”

A full obituary will follow in a future issue of Polo Times.

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Comment

Your Views

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

Letters

We follow them to save you the scrolling: @cirenpolo Snow polo anyone? Our snowmen goal judges are at the ready #CPPC #polo #snow

@blackbearspoloclub Happy ponies in the snow! #blackbearspolo #poloponies #winteringwell #mondayvibes #snowday #poloponiesofinstagram #outdoors #January2021 #henleyonthames

@druidslodgepolo hat’s Cabala’s 2021 Christmas card sorted then.

@hcruden The smile of a man who’s become the first player in history to score 1000 goals in Palermo @adolfocambiaso1 @ladolfinapoloteam

✨

As UK polo ponies ‘enjoy’ lockdown they can only watch as their overseas friends and cousins enjoy a more fulfilling season, just like their human counterparts

Quick Question Q: The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz was cancelled this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, in which other year has the event not taken place?

A: Turn to page 53 to check your answer.

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Polo Times, February 2021

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La Dolfina Saudi Success

La Dolfina Saudi celebrate their eighth consecutive Argentine Open win with family and friends – a particularly poignant win as this will be the last year the foursome play alongside each other as part of the La Dolfina line-up, with Diego Cavanagh and Francisco Elizalde set to replace Pablo Mac Donough and Juan Martín Nero for the 2021 Triple Crown. w Photograph by Matías Callejo/ Prensa AAP

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Polo Times, February 2021

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Feature

T

Brava Bag the Bounty

he road to qualify for that holy grail of polo, The Triple Crown is, in the title of the Beatles song, ‘A Long and Winding Road’, with wins in the Pilar and Cámara de Diputados Cups, which themselves have arduous qualifying rounds, followed by a final test playoff against the weakest Argentine Open team from that year. Then, and only then, does a team qualify for a place amongst the holiest of holies in Palermo the following season (in this case 2021). Of course, that only gets them into the prestigious series, where just the very thought of playing against the very best of an elite band of players is enough to strike dread into even the most courageous of polo hearts.

In the dying days of 2020 Brava did just that, sweeping through their opposition to put themselves in with a fighting chance for the 2021 Argentine Open.

BRAVA Bag the Bounty Brava secure their place in the 2021 Argentine Open with wins in the Pilar and Cámara de Diputados Cups 14

Polo Times, February 2021

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Brava Bag the Bounty

“In the dying days of 2020 Brava did just that, sweeping through their opposition to put themselves in with a fighting chance for the 2021 Argentine Open”

Photograpy by Matías Callejo / Prensa AAP

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Fast-paced action from the Cámara de Diputados Cup

Feature

The first hurdle is qualifying to enter for The Pilar Cup, formerly known as the Municipalidad de Pilar Cup and played at 24-27 goal level and is one of the most important tournaments of the Argentine Spring season as it allows 11 teams to enter the next round of competition with the Cámara de Diputados Cup. This year Brava met Sol de Agosto in the Final on 19 November and secured a 10-8 win in the Pilar Cup. So, next on Brava’s route to 2021 Argentine Triple Crown qualification was to win the Cámara de Diputados.

This historic tournament was founded in 1924 and was presented by the four members of the 1922 Argentine Polo Federation team, the trophy itself is magnificent, towering silver creation.

Presently each player has to be a minimum of 4 goals and each team must be at least 24 goals in order to enter. 16 teams play for the title, so a strong entry to say the least – the odds are not great for any team. The remaining five spots not filled by The Pilar Cup qualifying teams are taken by the teams that failed to qualify for the Argentine Open.

Fending off opposition during the gruelling qualifying rounds, the 2020 Final of the ‘Cámara’ took place at the Argentine Association of Polo, in Pilar on 15 December was played between Brava and Indios Chapaleufu II. Judging by prior form, it was expected to be a close match, but to the surprise of many, it turned out that Brava dominated from the start. Notching up an impressive and intimidating 4-0 lead in the first chukka they did not look back, marking their authority and maintaining the four goal advantage at half-time 9-5. It was a display of skill and teamwork which was hard to find fault with as Brava worked well together – Isidro Strada was solid at back, whilst experience and power of Rodrigo Andrade alongside his fellow Brazilian Pedrinho Zacarias allowed Poroto Cambiaso the space to flourish and to score an impressive eight goals.

Brava never looked like losing and produced a conclusive 16-7 win. As an aside, for us Brits following the action in Argentina, it was wonderful to see Tommy Beresford – son of Lord Charles Beresford and María Teresa Donoso and well-known UK polo regular, playing so well for the Indios Chaplefu team, he put on a stellar performance in the Final, notching up an impressive three field goals and two penalties. But it was not to be his year for a victory.

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Feature

Brava Bag the Bounty

Despite the win, there was one final hurdle for the Brava team to overcome to Poroto Cambiaso won the Copa Cámara earn their spot in The 2021 Triple Crown. de Diputados in 2020, following in the footsteps of his father, Adolfo Cambiaso It was to face Cria GT (Tomás García del Río (7), who won the tournament in 1991 at Magoo Laprida (8), Joaquín Pittaluga (8) & just 15-years-old. The victory, alongside Iñaki Laprida (8)), who ranked eighth (the Lolo and Sebastián Merlos and Tommy teams in ninth and 10th place having been Fenández Llorente for the La Martina dropped out automatically) in The 2020 team was lauded as the great player’s first Argentine Open, in the Palermo playoff for major success. Word quickly spread that that coveted slot. On Sunday 20 December the young guy from Cañuelas was one the two teams faced each other, Brava to watch, and the pundits were right, he claimed a 13-8 win against Cría GT was raised to 10 goals in 1993 following which means Brava will join the top a win in The Gold Cup at Cowdray. It seven seeded teams (Ellerstina, took Adolfo a further three years to win La Dolfina Saudi, RS Murus the Argentine Open in 1994, having been Sanctus, La Natividad recruited by Gonzalo Pieres for the newly Monjitas, La Dolfina formed Ellerstina line-up, following the Polo Ranch, La Ensenada departure of La Espadaña from the high La Aguada, and Los Machitos) goal scene. They replicated the win in 1997 in the 2021 Argentine Triple and 1998. All eyes will be on Poroto now Crown. Will Poroto Cambiaso to see if he will secure an Argentine Open beat the odds to find win in the next three years to match his Argentine Open victory next father’s performance. Let’s look forward to year (which will mean beating 2024 when we can compare notes… his father) or do good things come to those that wait?

29 years after he won the title, Adolfo Cambiaso congratulates his son, Poroto on his own Copa Cámara de Diputados win Watch this space…

Cámara de Diputados Cup Final Teams: Indios Chapaleufú II (25) Brava (28) Pepe Heguy (7) Pedrinho Zacharías (7) Manuel Elizalde (6) Poroto Cambiaso (6) Peke González (6) Rodrigo Andrade (8) Tommy Beresford (6) Isidro Strada (7) Chukka Scores: 4-0, 6-2, 9-4, 9-5, 13-5, 14-7, 16-7 to Brava

20 15

FINAL

NOV

DEC

Gastón Lucero & Gonzalo López Vargas.

Where: Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina

The historic and rather magnificent trophy was first played for in 1924

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Feature

e are all familiar with the unfortunate but sadly accurate phrase, ‘No foot, no horse’. Foot welfare is so important across all equine disciplines, including polo. To focus on this pivotal area we caught up with Formahoof and Cotterel Polo to see how problem feet might be treated. FormaHoof is a liquid-fit, reusable mould system that offers a highly effective and easy to apply solution to every hoof care challenge, from laminitis and white line disease to thin soles, collapsed heels or conformation, developmental and poor hoof performance issues.

Cotterel’s ranch manager, Francisco discovered FormaHoof when looking for a solution to the many hoof-related issues the farm faced on a weekly basis.

Francisco comments, “We utilise mainly thoroughbred-type horses, many of which experience on-going hoof-related issues and we were constantly looking for something to try to keep them comfortable. I found FormaHoof and I immediately reached out to find a farrier in our area who used the products. We met David from Diamond C Farrier Services, showed him some of the hoof issues we were dealing with and he was confident that our horses would thrive with FormaHoof. He was right. Horses that walked up lame, walked out sound almost immediately!”

“The first Cotterel ponies to receive the FormaHoof were mainly those that had serious, diagnosed hoof issues,” said owner/ player Jenny Luttrell Benardoni. “One of our homebreds, Panamera, suffered a laminitic event that left her with excessive damage in the right hoof when she was three-years-old. We turned her out for a year and a half with no training or riding because she was not sound until we found Formahoof. With the first application, she was sound and we were able to put her right back into work. Within a period of 10 months we were able to finish breaking and training her to play polo. She is now in her first competitive polo season here in Indio.”

Although Cotterel found success with more serious hoof issues, the advantages were also evident when using the product on more common hoof issues.

“It seems to us that by putting the horses at the correct hoof angles, plus the increased blood flow in the hoof leads to faster recovery times,” said Francisco. “We also put one of our homebreds, Moonshine, in FormaHoof to help heal a tendon issue.

Within 12 weeks not only did we see an improvement in the tendon, but we noticed she developed bigger shoulder muscles than she had prior to her injury.”

The Cotterel team continued to see great results in their competitive tournaments in California last Winter and expect the same in their summer polo operation in southern Idaho.

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Polo Times, February 2021

Photograph courtesy of Formahoof & Cotterel Polo Farms

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Formahoof & Cotterel Polo

Cotterel Polo Farms FormaHoof on Cotterel horse

A farm at the cutting edge of polo training

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Formahoof & Cotterel Polo

Feature

About Cotterel Farm

Photograph by @kaileroosphotography

Formahoof in action

more information on FormaHoof see www.FormaHoof.com or you can find For the latest FormaHoof news and developments by following @FormaHoof on all common social media platforms.

Owned and managed by polo couple Jennifer “Jenny” Luttrell Benardoni and husband Francisco Benardoni, Cotterel Polo Farms is a year-round competitive tournament Polo organisation. A medium-goal season is run over the summer where players enjoy well-nourished, pristine pitches, thanks to the region’s ‘semi-arid’ climate. After the summer season, the horses travel to compete in the competitive winter season in Indio, CA where the Cotterel team has had a long standing presence on the California circuit.

The Cotterel team also operate their own breeding and training program and in recent years has developed an exciting collaboration with the Valiente Polo organization in Argentina, led by Adolfo Cambaiso and managed by Roberto Zedda.

In recent years, the Benardoni’s have further developed the Cotterel facilities into one of the most secluded polo ranch destinations in the USA, offering on site lodging for both human and horse. Three brand new polo fields, 160 stall stabling, exercise track and a breath-taking onsite, 25 room luxury lodge which has been expertly renovated from the original two story barn historically used for working draft horses in the 1920s, welcome teams and players alike for the summer months to train and compete, with the facilities and support to achieve their best polo season yet.

Jenny and Francisco are meticulous in the preparation for the sport. Nothing is left to chance and no stone is left unturned to ensure the best preparation of the horses on the farm and recently Jenny and Francisco have implemented a new solution to common hoof issues to improve horse performance from the ground up: FormaHoof.

www.CotterelPoloFarms.com

@cotterelpolo

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Polo Times, February 2021

Photograph by Doug Blumenthal

Cotterel Polo Farms’ 6S Ranch Lodge

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Reports

The 127th HSBC Argentine Open, Palermo, Argentina

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Polo Times, February 2021

Photograpy by Matías Callejo / Prensa AAP

T

he Argentine Open is the most revered and anticipated date for polo, not only the Argentine polo calendar, but globally, as all pro teams battle it out for the most coveted of trophies. It is the pinnacle of every Argentine polo player’s dream, the aspiration of every young child as they play with a hand stick at home and fantasize of what maybe, someday could be achieved.

The 2020 fixture was set to be (somewhat predictably) yet another clash between La Dolfina Saudi and Ellerstina Johor. But, it was not going to be a formulaic performance by any stretch of the imagination, as both teams had all to play for and a lot to lose. Ellerstina, who last claimed the title in 2012 had mixed things up with a new face on the team in the shape of 10 goal powerhouse Hilario Ulloa. His presence had worked well and they came into the Final with what looked like the upper hand, having been the

A jubilant La Dolfina Saudi celebrate their eighth consecutive win

“It is the pinnacle of every Argentine polo player’s dream, the aspiration of every young child as they play with a hand stick at home” only unbeaten team in The Tortugas and Hurlingham Opens and therefore the only team eligible for the 2020 Argentine Triple Crown. Conversely, La Dolfina Saudi had a very different route to the Final, one plagued by injury from their somewhat veteran (but hugely talented and experienced) team.

The result was that the team only played together in their planned and original line-up at Palermo. Another pressure hanging over the team was that, it turned out that 2020 would be their last Argentine Open Final together in this existing iconic line-up as changes were already mooted for the next 2021 season (Francisco Elizade and Diego Cavanagh will replace Juan Martin Nero and Pablo Mac Donough).

28 16

FINAL

NOV

DEC

Where: Field 1 Palermo, Buenos Aires

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The 127th HSBC Argentine Open, Palermo, Argentina

La Dolfina

Reports

Dominates Again Last Hurrah Eighth Consecutive Win for Cambiaso and Co.

Adolfo Cambiaso out front and typically in control of play for La Dolfina

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Polo Times, February 2021

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Reports

The 127th HSBC Argentine Open, Palermo, Argentina

“As the seconds ticked down and as we have all seen so many times, in so many locations, with so much riding on each second, Adolfo Cambiaso spirited up the ball, sprinted to goal and sealed the win 10-8�

Pablo Mac Donough races for the ball against an equally determined Hilario Ulloa

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Polo Times, February 2021

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The 127th HSBC Argentine Open, Palermo, Argentina

Consequently, this was an incredibly closely fought Final, with both teams eager to make their mark throughout each and every second of the eight chukka marathon. La Dolfina Saudi took advantage of each penalty opportunity available, but Ellerstina fought back and by half-time, the scores rested at 6-5 in favour of La Dolfina Saudi. It was too close to call. The fifth chukka was goalless for both sides and the sixth chukka resulted in just one goal for Ellerstina, levelling the scores at 6-6. La Dolfina Saudi seemed to have stalled, having been unable to score since the third chukka, but Pablo Mac Donough converted a 40 yard penalty to take the lead once again, however this was swiftly returned by Ellerstina and as tensions rose, Ellerstina managed to take the lead, 8-7, with just one chukka remaining. The final chukka was a nail-biting affair, a period of play that will be remembered and talked about for many years. With just two minutes left on the clock Juan Martín Nero levelled the scores at 8-8 and a converted penalty by Mac Donough put La Dolfina Saudi back in the lead. As the seconds ticked down and as we have all seen so many times, in so many locations, with so much riding on each second, Adolfo Cambiaso spirited up the ball, sprinted to goal and sealed the win 10-8, and with it, his team’s eighth Argentine Open Final. What an extraordinary achievement for this amazing line-up. No doubt their last appearance together in the Argentine Open had been a triumph of determination over adversity, age and experience over youth and a fitting end to a wonderful chapter in the history of this illustrious tournament. What an incredible last hurrah.

Top Scorers of the Final: Adolfo Cambiaso (6 goals – inc. 3 penalties, 1 corner) & Facundo Pieres (6 field goals)

45 goals Javier Novillo Astrada Award to the Top Scorer of the Tournament: Adolfo Cambiaso with 45 goals

YP

Fair Play Award: David Stirling

Reports

Rubén Sola Young Player Award: Jerónimo del Carril

BPP The Argentine Open Final Teams: La Dolfina Saudi (40) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) David ‘Pelon’ Stirling, Jr. (10) Pablo Mac Donough (10) Juan Martín Nero (10)

Best Playing Pony Polo Argentino and Best Playing Polo Sociedad Rural Argentina: Dolfina B06 Cuartetera Clone – played by Adolfo Cambiaso

Ellerstina Johor (39) Facundo Pieres (10) Hillario Ulloa (10) Gonzalito Pieres (9) Nicolás Pieres (10)

Chukka Score: 1-2, 3-2, 6-3, 6-5, 6-5, 6-6, 7-8, 10-8 to La Dolfina Saudi

10

La Dolfina Saudi

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8

Ellerstina Johor

Umpires: Martín Pascual & Guillermo Villanueva with Third Man Gastón Lucero

Fomento Equino Cup Awarded to the Best Mounted of the Final: Adolfo Cambiaso Gonzalo Tanoira Award to the Best Mounted of the Tournament: Adolfo Cambiaso Lady Susan Townley Best Mounted Player of the Tournament: Dolfina B09 Cuartetera Clone – played by Adolfo Cambiaso

Polo Times, February 2021

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Reports

Aspen World Snow Polo Championship

A

weekend of snow-filled fun was had by the players taking part in this event, as despite worldwide Covid-19 problems the Ganzi organisation hosted the weekend with great style, despite restrictions. For those of us in the UK where Government and HPA guidelines are not allowing any polo whatsoever and with snow polo events in KitzbĂźhel and St. Moritz on hold this year, it is wonderful to see our polo friends enjoying polo on the snow Stateside style.

Following first day qualifying action in the High Alpine Cup, the Final between World Polo League (WPL) and Royal Salute certainly did not disappoint as it ended in an overtime shoot-out after a closer-thanclose match. The action started with a blazing introduction by Jason Crowder as he notched a goal on the scoreboard for Royal Salute within moments of the whistle. In reply, snow polo maestro Alejandro Novillo Astrada showed his skill, honed on the frozen lake of St. Moritz for the last four years by effortlessly finding the sweet spot for WPL. Another goal apiece for each team saw the scores tied at the end of the first chukka.

Keen to mark their dominance, the teams came out of the traps all guns blazing in the second chukka with two goals in just 40 seconds scored by Sarah Sigel Magness and Riley Ganzi. At half-time it was too close to call with Royal Salute just nosing ahead 6-5.

The second half was equally close with scores tied at the end of the third chukka 8-8, despite valiant efforts by Jesse Bray for Royal Salute and Hilario Figueras in reply.

The fourth and final chukka started slower by comparison, but things got going as Jesse Bray edged the ball in from the right to bring the score to 9-8. With a minute of play remaining, Novillo Astrada scored, tying the match up at 9 all, and as the clock ticked down the match was taken into overtime.

Keen to secure victory, Ganzi took the first shot for WPL, taking the score to 10-9.

Next up, Sarah Siegel Magness kept her cool under pressure, tying it up again at 10-10.

But Figueras found his mark and took WPL to 11-10. As the nerves took hold, we saw a hat-trick of uncharacteristic misses from Bray, Novillo Astrada and Crowder which meant no more scores on the doors and so, WPL won by 11-10.

In the match later in the day for the runner-up title, The Aspen Cup, Casablanca saw off the advances of St Regis with an 8-6 win.

The tournament’s success in raising money for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation was notable with $15,000 presented to President and CEO Deborah Breen and a further $15,000 donation from Marc and Melissa Ganzi for the Calaway Young Cancer Center.

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Polo Times, February 2021

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Reports

World Polo League Win Out Snow polo stateside

Action from the Final between World Polo League & Royal Salute

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Polo Times, February 2021

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Reports

Aspen World Snow Polo Championship

Against the boards action in The Aspen Cup

21 DE

C

FINA

22

L

DEC

Where: Aspen, Colorado, USA

The Aspen World Snow Polo Championship Teams:

Photography by Nick Tininenko, Aspen Valley Polo Club

World Polo League, winners of The Aspen World Snow Polo Championship

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Polo Times, February 2021

World Polo League Riley Ganzi Hilario Figueras Alejandro Novillo Astrada

Casablanca Grant Ganzi Juancito Bollini Toro Ruiz

Royal Salute Sarah Siegel Magness Jason Crowder Jesse Bray

St Regis Tom Barrack Sugar Erskine Nacho Figueras

MVP

Alejandro Novillo Astrada Best Shot of the Day: Sarah Siegel Magness www.polotimes.co.uk

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Club Focus

Thai Polo Club Argentina

The 7th Thai Polo Cup Final teams: Campanulata (13): Eitan Koren (0), Félix Esaín (4), Benjamin Urquiza (6) & Lucas Criado (3) Air France KLM (14): Louis Hine (1), Ned Hine (3), Manuel Sundblad (5) & Simón Prado (5)

Photograph by Thai Polo Club Argentina

On Friday 11 December, the 7th Thai Polo Cup Final was played between Campanulata and Air France KLM at Thai Polo Club Argentina, the tournament is one of the most acclaimed private tournaments of the Spring season in Argentina and this year saw eight teams compete across two zones from 30 November to 11 December.

Campanulata reached the Final with an unblemished record, while Air France KLM had won every match in the qualifying rounds, except for their match on 6 December where they lost by half a goal to Campanulata. It seems Air France KLM were fated to repeat their earlier performance, as after a gripping Final they once again lost by half a goal to Campanulata, with the final score resting on 7½-7.

Lucas Craido Jnr was named Most Valuable Player, Lorenzo Metro was chosen as the Most Valuable Player Patron and Koko Kofler the Most Valuable Lady Player. Brisa, played

by Lucas Craido Jnr was the Best Playing Pony and Mecha Tiroteo, played by Félix Esaín was named the Argentine Breeders Association Best Playing Pony.

Campanulata, winners of the 7th Thai Polo Cup Final

Photography by Rugby Polo Club

Spinney Polo, winners of The Midlands Polo Festival 1 Goal

Onley Equine Vets winners of The Midlands Polo Festival 6 Goal

There was plenty of festive cheer!

Rugby Polo Club

Over the weekend 12 – 13 December, Rugby Polo Club hosted The Midlands Polo Festival. The tournament was split into 1 goal and 6 goal. With three teams entered into the 1 goal league, Spinney Polo took first place, Sworders were placed second and Onley Equine Vets in third place. Four teams entered the 6 goal and after some tough competition Offchurch Bury Polo Club took first place, SSG Contracts came second, Knights of Middle England took third place and Not Fast, Just Furious brought up the rear in fourth place.

19 – 20 December saw a busy weekend of polo for Rugby

Polo Club with two tournaments taking place. The 3 goal Oh Deer Challenge saw Five Golden Goals take first place, with Alex Altuccini named Most Valuable Player, while Dave owned by Philip Baker played by Jai Parmar was chosen as Best Playing Pony and Tilly, owned by Bea Leyland selected as the Best Turned Out. In the 0 Goal, Pa Rum…Polo took first place and Erin Tufnell was named Most Valuable Player, while Muff owned by Alex Choma and played by John Fitzgerald was the Best Playing Pony and Rue, owned by Lauren Widman was named Best Turned Out.

Photograph by Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly

Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly The Club will officially be reopening on the weekend of 3 – 4 April with the Rallye d’Aumale followed by four weeks of tournaments. In May and June, the 10-12 goal season will start up again with The Spring Triple Crown and The Polo Rider Cup The Chantilly season will re-commence in April 2021

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Polo Times, February 2021

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Photography by JRidley Art & Photography

Burley Polo Team, winners of The Christmas Cup

Beaufort Polo Club

Just before Christmas, the Club christened their new Equus Design & Build Outdoor Arena with their inaugural Arena Tournament, The Christmas Cup 6-10 Goal. Marco Polo took the first victory with a 17-12 win over Longdole, followed by a ferocious contest between Burley Polo Team and Smiths Polo. With the scores so close, an extra chukka was required, which allowed visiting team Burley to chinch the win, 22-21.

On Saturday 20 December, Longdole took on Smiths Polo in the Sub Final. Max Hutchinson set the pace for Longdole, holding off the attacks from Smiths Polo to maintain a strong lead throughout.

Smiths Polo started to claw their way back, but a final penalty by Seb Chialvo couldn’t close the gap and Longdole won 18-11.

The Final started with a goal from Mikey Howe for Marco Polo, but Charlie Walton proved very valuable to his team, scoring goal after goal to pull Steffan Groch’s Burley Polo into the lead. The trip down from Cheshire was worth it when the score finished in their favour, 17-12 and Burley Polo were crowned the first winners in the arena.

Action from the Club’s inaugural arena tournament

The Club has also announced their 2021 Fixtures List, which this year includes five combined tournaments with Cirencester Park Polo Club in a joint collaboration to improve polo in Gloucestershire. Whilst there is still uncertainty surrounding events, the Club has already pencilled dates into the diary for the Summer, plus three Charity Polo Days supporting the Alzheimer’s Society, Hospitality Action and Hunt Staff Benefit Society. The Club also plans to appoint a Beaufort Chief Umpire role for 2021 in order to provide consistency at all levels throughout the season and lead workshops and umpire development programmes. You can view the Club’s Fixtures List for 2021 on the Club’s website.

The Christmas Cup Teams: Smiths Polo (10): Lisa Smith (0), Seb Chialvo (3) & Mark Tomlinson (7) Marco Polo (8): Marco Deverance (0), Jack Aldridge (3) & Mikey Howe (5) Longdole (9): Ben Atkinson (0), Max Hutchinson (4) & Dave Allen (5) Burley Polo Team (6): Steffan Groch (0), Will Padden (2) & Charlie Walton (4)

Photograph by Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club

Guards Polo Club The World Polo Tour has listed The Queen’s Cup which is played at Guards Polo Club on an equal basis as a qualifying UK Grand Slam tournament alongside The Gold Cup for the British Open which is hosted by Cowdray. The US Open is also listed in this category. This certainly is a feather in the cap for Guards and pits both British tournaments on an equal basis in the tour rankings with 200 points being allocated to winning Finalists.

Ghantoot, winners of The Emirates Polo Championship International

Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The Queen’s Cup has joined the British Open as a Grand Slam tournament by the World Polo Tour

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Polo Times, February 2021

On Tuesday 15 December, home team Ghantoot secured a 10-4½ win against Abu Dhabi to claim The Emirates Polo Championship International at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. After the match, Manuel Toccalino was chosen as Most Valuable Professional Player, while the Most Valuable Local Player award was presented to Nasser Al Shams and Centaura was named Best Playing Pony.

The Emirates Polo Championship International Final Teams: Ghantoot Polo (12): Nasser Al Shamsi (1), Santos Iriarte (1), César Crespo (4) & Manuel Toccalino (6) Abu Dhabi (11): Faris Al Yabhouni (0), Maxi Malacalza (3), Bautista García (4) & Hugo Barabucci (4)

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Club Focus

Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

Photography by Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

AM UAW Polo, winners of The Sir Winston Churchill Cup

On Friday 18 December, AM/UAE Polo faced Dubai Wolves in The Sir Winston Churchill Cup Final at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club.

AM/UAE Polo took the lead in the first half and managed to hold the advantage until the penultimate chukka, when Dubai Wolves made an impressive comeback to almost take the win with their half goal handicap advantage. However, AM/UAE Polo’s earlier lead proved too much to overcome and Benjamin Panelo scored a last-minute goal to secure AM/UAE Polo a 7-6½ win. Panelo was later named Most Valuable Player and Cicatriz, ridden by Marcos Harriott was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

On Friday 15 January, the AHPRC January League came to an end with an overtime Final between 9 Stitches/Hesketh and Bhansali/ Dubai SS. 9 Stitches/Hesketh took the lead but Bhansali/Dubai SS made a comeback and levelled the scores at 5-5 in the fourth chukka, which sent the match into overtime. However, in the end 9

9 Stitches/Hesketh, winners of the AHPRC January League 2021

Stitches/Hesketh’s Tomás Iriarte scored the winning goal to take the win. Iriarte was later named Most valuable Player and Gloria, ridden

by Brit Sebastian Dawnay was chosen as Best Playing Pony.

Sir Winston Churchill Cup Final Teams: AM UAE Polo (10): Sheikha Maitha al Maktoum (0), Sheikha Alya al Maktoum (0), Pablo Urquiza (4) & Benjamín Panelo (6) Dubai Wolves (9): Habtoor Al Habtoor (1), Santos Iriarte (1), Marcos Harriott (4) & Juanji Díaz Alberdi (3) The AHPRC January League Final Teams: 9 Stitches/Hesketh (5): Eclear (-1), Lauren Dickson (-1), Tomás Palacios (3) & Tomás Iriarte (4) Bhansali/Dubai SS (5): Ali Alsuboosi (-1), Rishi Bhansali (0), Sebastian Dawnay (3) & Maxi Malacalza (3)

Santa María Polo Club Horseware defeated Nairobi 7-5½ to take home The Sotoestates Cup and with it the Iberian Polo Tour Mansion 2020 title as The Sotoestates Cup was the third and final stage of the series, hosted by Santa María Polo Club. James Connely was named Most Valuable Player and La Esperanza, played by Martín Iturraspe was chosen as Best Playing Pony. In the Subsidiary Final, La Esperanza Jolly Rogers defeated Strabrok to take home The Valecuatro Cup. The next edition of the Iberian Polo Tour is scheduled for March 2021.

Photograph by Iberian Polo Tour

The Sotoestates Cup Final Teams: Horseware (8): Tom Mcguiness (0), James Connely (2), Daniel Gariador (2) & Patricio Neves (4) Nairobi (7): Karen Cariss (-1), Grace Cariss (-1), Hernán Pieres (3) & Martín Iturraspe (6)

Horseware, winners of the Iberian Polo Tour Mansion 2020

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Polo Times, February 2021

29

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

Thoresby Park Polo Club

On Friday 15 January, Bin Drai Polo Team (Mohammed Bin Drai (1), Rashid Bin Drai (1), Bautista Alberdi (3) & Gregorio Gelosi (5)) lifted the 12 goal 2021 Noon Polo Cup at Dubai polo & Equestrian Club. Alongside the Final, junior players also competed in instructional chukkas and there was also a prize for the Best Dressed Lady, which was presented to Charlotte Lonergan.

It was announced that Bawtry Polo Club will now be known as Thoresby Park Polo Club and all of the Club’s members will be moving to Thoresby Park, which is no stranger to equine events having hosted British Eventing in the past.

Photography by Matias Callejo

Photograph by Kihikihi Polo Club

Mystery Creek, winners of The Skene Cup

Kihikihi Polo Club Mystery Creek took home The Skene Cup at Kihikihi Polo Club on Sunday 10 January, defeating Cambridge 4-3 in the Final.

The Skene Cup Final Teams: Mystery Creek (6): Abigail Cuthbert (-2), Dean Fullerton (3), JP Clarkin (7) & Paul Murray (-2) Cambridge (6): Bianca Drake (0), Missy Browne (1), Josh Fox (0) & Kit Brooks (5)

Jinnah Polo & Country Club On Sunday 24 January, Aviator took the lead in the first chukka and managed to maintain the lead throughout the match in order to secure The Aquafina Polo Cup 2021 trophy with a 6-4 defeat over Zacky Farm at Jinnah Polo & Country Club.

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Polo Times, February 2021

Great Oaks, winners of the XVII Julio Novillo Astrada Cup

La Aguada Polo Club Great Oaks defeated La Ensenada by a score of 15-9 and won the XVII Julio Novillo Astrada Cup following the Final that took place at the Novillo Astrada family’s Club on Monday 14 December. Guillermo Terrera was named Most Valuable Player and the Best Mounted Player, while Ernesto Gutierrez was awarded the Skeeter Johnston Fair Play Award. Malaspina, played by Bartolomé Castagnola Jr received the Best Playing Pony River Slaney and Chuna Afrodita (Hovecraft x Chalo Easy Love), played by Guillermo Terrera was chosen as the Polo Argentino Best Playing Pony.

XVII Julio Novillo Astrada Cup Teams: Great Oaks defeated La Ensenada in the Final La Ensenada (21/22): Segundo Bocchino (6), Alfredo Bigatti (8), Jerónimo del Carril (7)/ (Matías Torres Zavaleta (8) & Ernesto Gutiérrez( 0) Great Oaks (21): Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. (9), Guillermo Terrera (8), Facundo Frayssinet (2) & Dhillon Bacon (2) El Caburé (22): Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr. (7), Marcos di Paola (7), Agustín García Grossi (7) & Federico Virasoro (1) Santa Clara (22): Miguel Novillo Astrada (8), Genaro Ringa (7), Luis Escobar (4) & Lucas Escobar (2) www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Costa Careyes The Covid situation put a dampner on the usual festive atmosphere but the polo was fast and furious for the USPA Congressional Cup and Annual Copa De Careyes. 10 teams took part in the 6-8 goal USPA Congressional Cup and four in the 0-2 goal Copa De Careyes.

The USPA Congressional Cup was split into two brackets with El Careyes, Cabinet Connection and Dundas 2 in the first bracket and Dundas 1, Quinto Sol and LA Karina in the second bracket; the winners in each of the bracket were Dundas 2 and Quinto Sol who

Club Focus

faced each other in the Final. Dundas 2 dominated the Final and by half-time led 5-1 and despite a comeback by Quinto Sol in the third chukka, Dundas 2 took the win with a score of 8-5. Mariano Fassetta was named Most Valuable Player and Bonita, owned by Gary and Sarah Magness and played Mariano Fassetta.

Meanwhile, the 2 goal Copa De Careyes saw all four teams play each other, followed by Semi Finals and a Final between Los Hermanos and Palomir/Polo House Prive. Los Hermanos took off in the first chukka by scoring three goals, but Palomir came back with two goals in the second and third chukkas, but it was not enough and Los Hermanos ran out the winners 8-6½.

Photography by Rebecca Foltz

14 teams took part across the two tournaments

Eldorado Polo Club

Photograph by Eldorado Polo Club

The Club had a busy weekend over 9 – 10 January, with two Finals being played. Chogan/K2 Polo (Dayelle Fargey, Tim Rudy, Kim Kelly & Sy Zahedi) defeated La Fortuna 8½-8 in The 4 Goal World Gym Final; while Bush League (Ryan Robertson, Ryan Kerley, Jimmy Wright & Ulysses Escapite) secured a 15-14 win against JC polo/Folded Hills to take home The 8 Goal USPA Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial.

Bush League, winners of The 8 Goal USPA Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial

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Polo Times, February 2021

31

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

PhotographY by Michael Berkeley Photography

Druids Lodge Polo Club After Lockdown 2.0, polo action resumed at Druids Lodge Polo Club with a belated Poppy Trophy Final which saw Canonbury defeat Calypso 16-13.

Meanwhile, on Sunday 20 December, Canonbury defeated Lilyford 15-14 in the 8 goal El Rosario Trophy, while Watchman secured a 15-12 win against Masons in the Subsidiary Final.

The Poppy Trophy Final Teams: Canonbury (5): Kristina White (0), Roger Mcelroy (0) & Robin Ormerod (5) Calypso (6): Hugo Bain (1), Benedict Nott (3) & Nicholas Nott (2)

Canonbury, winners of The Poppy Trophy

Action from The Poppy Trophy Final

Action from the El Rosario Trophy Final

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International & Home

5 minutes with…

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

I like both.

Clara Cassino

Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport?

I would like it if polo as a sport can reach more spectators around the world.

Ladies handicap: 9 Mixed handicap: 1

What’s your greatest ambition?

My greatest ambition is to enjoy and improve as much as I can.

How did your polo career start?

My career started when I finished school, I started to play professional polo tournaments in Argentina.

Which lady players do you admire? Why? The players I admire because I looked at them since I’m young and now I have the privilege to play with them and I learn from them every day are Lía Salvo and Hazel Jackson. They have impressed me since I was much younger.

What’s your greatest achievement to date?

My greatest achievement was winning the Argentina Open in 2019 and 2020.

Women’s Polo

What’s your favourite tournament/Club?

My favourite Tournament is the Argentine Open.

If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why?

I would like to make a team with my siblings one day! It will be fun!

“I couldn’t have done it without. . .”?

I couldn’t have done it without my family support definitely.

XIII La Aguada Ladies Cup On Monday 14 December, Fundación Shoonem took a narrow 5-4 win over Why Not and claimed the 16 goal XIII La Aguada Ladies Cup at La Aguada Polo Club, in Open Door, Argentina. The match was a rematch of the tournament’s opening day which had seen Fundación Shoonem lose out to Why Not. In the post-match awards presentation, Martina Díaz was named MVP and the Fair Play Award went to Clarissa Marggraf.

Fundación Shoonem, winners of the XIII La Aguada Ladies Cup

Photography by Matias Callejo

Action from the XIII La Aguada Ladies Cup

XIII La Aguada Ladies Cup Teams: Miguel Acuña (15): Verónica Posse (1), Camila Rossi (5), Sol López Llames (6) & Clelia Crespo (3) Fundación Shoonem (16): Pauline Schaer (2), Martina Díaz (1), Catalina Lavinia (3) & Lía Salvo (10) Why Not (16): Clarissa Marggraf (1), Mia Novillo Astrada (6), Hannah Grill (5) & Azucena Uranga (4)

XI Campeonato Circuito Femenino On Sunday 6 November, the XI Campeonato Circuito Femenino Final (XI Women’s Circuit Championship) was played at the Alfredo Lalor de Pilar Headquarters. The tournament saw 12 teams between 7 to 12 goals compete for a place in the Finals. On the day, La Varzea La Suerte defeated La Mariana 6½-6 in the Gold Cup and Martindale Tromen secured the Silver Cup with a 5-3 win against Centauros La Media Suerte.

XI Campeonato Circuito Femenino Gold Cup Final Teams: La Varzea La Suerte (11): Eduarda Vilela Rosa (1), Catalina Ayerza (3), Maitena Marré (5) & Lucía Tosta Junqueira (2)

La Mariana (12): Juana Deramo (0), Olivia Merlos (2), Cornelia Haeufele (2) & Marianela Castagnola (8) Silver Cup Final Teams: Martindale Tromen (11): Victoria Rueda (1), Luisa del Carril (3), Esperanza Uranga (4) & Clara Heguy (3) Centauros La Media Suerte (11): Martina Díaz (1), Sierra Dunbar (2), Cuyen Glenny (3) & Sofía Lorenzo (5)

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

Polo Times, February 2021

33

Women’s Polo

The IV Women’s Argentine Open Final

Defending Champions

Retain Title Determination & success for El Overo UAE Z7

Victorious team El Overo UAE Z7

T

he fourth edition of the tournament saw teams between 17 and 33 goals compete, with some of the best players from Argentina, Holland, England and South Africa fighting for their place in the Final.

Played in the hours before the Final of the 127th HSBC Argentine Open, the IV Women’s Argentine Open was played at Palermo, Argentina, between El Overo UAE Z7 and La Dolfina Brava. Neither team are strangers to the Women’s Argentine Open Final, with La Dolfina Brava boasting two previous titles (2017 and 2018) and El Overo UAE Z7 having taken the title in 2019, so the Final was anticipated to be clash of titans between the two teams.

With two 10 goal players in their lineup, it was little surprise to see El Overo UAE Z7 control the action in the first half, with Lía Salvo leading the team through defence and attack. Solid teamwork between the four players resulted in a dominating 6-2 advantage by half-time, which left La Dolfina Brava with a steep curve to climb in the second half.

The IV Women’s International Argentine Open & Home Final

Women’s Polo

Photography by Matías Callejo / Prensa AAP

El Overo Z7 UAE, winners of the IV Women’s Argentine Open Final

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

Polo Times, February 2021

35

Women’s Polo

The IV Women’s Argentine Open Final

La Dolfina Brava tried to change their fate by mixing up the positions of Mia Cambiaso and Fatima Balzano, but despite the best efforts of Balzano who secured three goals for La Dolfina Brava, they failed to find a way out of the grasp of El Overo UAE Z7 and with each passing chukka, their chances of levelling the scores dwindled further. The defending champions combined effective team work with exceptional horsepower and with one chukka remaining and a yawing gap between the two scores, Balzano doggedly persisted, adding another goal to the tally, but Salvo retaliated with a converted penalty and a field goal to take the win, 11-4.

For the past three years, Salvo has been the top scorer of the tournament, but Maitena Marré was the top scorer of the IV Women’s Argentine Open with 23 goals, beating Candelaria Fernández Araujo by just three goals, while Salvo remains the highest overall scorer of the tournament, currently just six goals short of a record 100 goals in the Women’s Argentine Open.

The IV Women’s Argentine Open Final Teams: La Dolfina Brava (28) Mía Cambiaso (7) Milagros Fernández Araujo (7) Fátima Balzano (6) Candelaria Fernández Araujo (8)

El Overo Z7 UAE (33) Clara Cassino (8) Milly Hine (5) Hazel Jackson-Gaona (10) Lía Salvo (10)

Chukka Scores: 2-0, 3-1, 5-1, 6-2, 7-2, 9-2, 9-3, 11-4 to El Overo Z7 UAE

7

D

EC

FINA

19

L

DEC

Where: Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

MVP Lía Salvo

BPP Willi Tiki Arriabata BPP Polo Argentino: Future Laguna

23 goals Top Goal Scorer: Maitena Marré with 23 goals

Martín Aguerre & José I. Araya with Third Man Rafael Silva 36

Polo Times, February 2021

Clara Cassino leans out to hook Mia Cambiaso

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

The IV Women’s International Argentine Open & Home Final

Women’s Polo

Winning Team Talk Milly Hine

“Like any big game there are always a lot of emotions involved from nerves to excitement and especially playing in Palermo. Although this year proved very difficult to play tournaments in Argentina, it gave us a lot more time earlier on in the season to practice and train together. I am eternally grateful for the ongoing commitment and support from Sheika Maitha, Lucas Monteverde and the UAE El Overo organisation. It was such a privilege to play again with Clari, Hazel and Lia who are not only incredible teammates but have become such amazing friends, so to win again was really a dream come true!”

Hazel Jackson-Gaona

“It was another amazing experience to win the final of the open again, it’s one of the most respected women’s tournaments and the highest level played in the world My team were incredible, this year we played an 8 goal mixed before and made the Final, and played plenty of practices together.

Most importantly, we spent a lot of time off the field together, including a session with a sports psychologist which I think is vital. I feel like we have such a good connection, I must say that the other teams also played incredibley, La Dolfina and Nearside really stood out, with some individual players shining.

I feel blessed that we could play during this pandemic and a massive thank you to Lucas Monterverde and Sheika Maitha for the support and due to their organisation I received two pony prizes, that was the most important part.”

Clara Cassino

Lía Salvo

“It’s been amazing to win The Women’s Argentine Open for the second time with El Overo UAE Z7, I think we have finally made a solid team with each of the four positions; each year we are learning to play the positions better and better. Personally, I am not a natural Number 4, but I am learning to be my best version at back, as the team needs me in that position and it has always been an issue of who plays at back. Clara is the best we can have at the front and she has shown a big improvement from the previous years; Milly is playing her position amazingly, it is a hard job as number 2 and she is really tough in that position, she’s a physical player and also makes a lot of time and space for me and Hazel.

Hazel is the best Number 3 we can have, her polo has really improved, and she has a very difficult position which is very physical, plus she is the one delivering the game to Clara and Milly in the front. I am grateful for the team we have now, we are living the dream because we feel we have a system which works, and we are enjoying it and hope to win many more.”

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

Polo Times, February 2021

37

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

“The Argentine Open Final is the game that we are waiting for the whole year.

We prepare ourselves and our organisation every day for that moment. Winning the Final again is a dream come true, I felt very grateful because this could not happen without the huge support of UAE El Overo organisation, family and all the people who work with us.”

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Photograph courtesy of Beaufort Polo Club

Congratulations!

Charlie Hodges, who can be regularly seen playing in junior games at Beaufort Polo Club, was awarded the Beaufort Hunt Pony Club Junior Cup for most improved junior player of 2019/20.

Charlie Hodges, winner of the Beaufort Hunt Pony Club Junior Cup

Photography by Irish Field Polo Correspondent Kim Mullahey

L-R: Summer Robertson, Jasmin Robertson, Faye Smullen, Carlos Llandres, Siobhan Herbst, Honor Blain, Barbara Radmanic, Lucy Smullen, Delfina Valor, Ben Currie, Dario Aguirre

Practicing stick skills

Wicklow Kids’ Day In November when government restrictions stopped Polo Wicklow from coaching adults, the Club was able to reopen their doors with a kids’ polo taster day. Showing the kids how to bandage and tack up polo ponies as well as giving them a taster of polo itself. From this the enthusiasm was huge and for the past month the children of players and lesson takers had all been coming to Polo Wicklow every weekend taking part in games, having the ‘craic’ and at the same time learning some Spanish polo phrases.

On Sunday 20 December, it was all fun and games at Polo Wicklow when all the junior

players took part in the Kids’ Polo Day. The morning started with Pony Club games with a polo twist for the younger and more novice players. The kids took part in a game of tag, bending poles, spoon and polo ball as well as ball in a bucket and ‘Dario Dice’ (Simon says in Spanish).

After some delicious empanadas cooked

by Belen Cejas, it was time for the Family Christmas tournament with the ‘Rebble Pebbles’ led by father Mark Stone and his two sons Hugo and Max Stone against the ‘Galloping Gatleys’ led by father Michael Gately and his four children (Siuin, Caoilinn,

The obstacle course in action

38

Polo Times, February 2021

The kids took part in a game of tag

Lochlann and Oran Gatley) playing a chukka each. After the family game there were some chukkas with the eldest on the field, veteran Michael Herbst, 79-year-old and the youngest on the field Lochlann Gately at 8-years-old showing the diversity that polo gives us.

Action from the Kids’ Polo Day

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

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

Cecil Smith Cup Photography by David Lominska

Hope Arellano was named Most Valuable Player

Florida’s Jack Whitman in action

Florida, winners of The Cecil Smith Cup

The 2020 National Youth Tournament Series Championship Final for The Cecil Smith Cup was postponed due to Covid-19, so the Final was played on Friday 15 January on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field 1 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Both teams claimed unwavering wins in their respective Semi Finals, but on the day Florida’s Team Captain Hope Arellano opened the scoring with a run to goal within the first minute. This early success was swiftly followed up by another Florida goal, this time from Finn Secunda, which set the tone for the rest of the match. Unable to mount a successful offensive, Eastern remained scoreless in the first half which allowed Florida to gain a 5½-0 lead. The second half saw the pressure increase and with it a succession of fouls in favour of Eastern, which allowed them to eat away at their goal deficit. However, entering the fourth chukka Florida refused to let up and ultimately took home the title with a final score of 10½-4.

Arellano was named the Matt Cohen Most Valuable Player, Pérsico, an 8-year-old chestnut gelding played by Eastern’s Winston Painter was chosen as Best Playing Pony, Secunda received the Horsemanship Award and Alea Crespo was selected for the Sportsmanship Award.

The 2020 National Youth Tournament Series Championship Final Teams: Florida: Finn Secunda, Jack Whitman, Hope Arellano & Landen Eckbo Daniels Eastern Region: Sophie Grant, Hunter Van der Burgt, Winston Painter & Aiden Meeker

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

Polo Times, February 2021

39

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

Look At The Hook When a fair action can go wrong

Sensibel area with superficial bone & N. peroneus

Sensibel area with superficial bone from the elbow joint & extensor muscle insertion

Exposed spots are at the inner side of the elbow (Nervus ulnaris)

HPA Rule No. 30 is defining the improper use of the stick or its limits when the defender tries to stop the opponent handling the ball.

In many cases, the hook is the last chance to stop the ball carrier to score when the defender is too late or too far away for a proper ride off. Due to the urgency of that moment this action can result in an imprecise hit or move. Acute hooks can lead to dangerous peak forces as well as unintended hits to the hand or elbow which can lead to painful muscle and joints. Injuries – even if it’s only superficial bruising – which can be costly in terms of playing power. A majority of team captains in professional polo teams see injury prevention crucial for winning.

Injury mechanism

The stick with its wooden cigar is a powerful tool. With the pendulum like swing, relevant 40

Polo Times, February 2021

energies can be set free. So when this momentum is suddenly stopped, all the energy will flow back to where it came from – the arm of the player. In particular, the hand and wrist are the first points of rebound forces. Secondly, the elbow and shoulder joint will be loaded with the resulting forces.

This load will lead to peak forces at the interface of insertion of the muscle tendon and the bone. When overloading these structures an injury is possible with rupture or avulsion of the tendon insertion on the bone.

When this intersection is strong enough these forces will be transmitted to the joint itself. There the capsule and the ligaments are the passive joint stabilizers. These connective tissue fibres are damaged when the strain lengthens the tissue more than 10 percent. Direct impact on muscle/tendon structures and/or the bone can lead to very

painful restriction in powerful use of these articulations. Here little vessels can be injured with the consequence of the development of a painful hematoma. These hematomas may limit also the free range of motion so that less powerful or imprecise handling of the stick may result. Also, the periosteum may react with long lasting pain when directly compressed or with painful intolerance of regular load. Extreme pain can be felt when there is an impact to the area where minimal absorbing coverage is present; also the periosteum and nerval structures are vulnerable at these places. When these superficial nerves get compressed, an immediate loss of power or sensation is possible. Exposed spots are at the inner side of the elbow (Nervus ulnaris) and on the outer site of the knee (Nervus peroneus).

Protection

The best prevention for these noble structures is a well warmed up situation and a well flexible body which allows an elastic response of the muscle to extraordinary loading peak so that forces can be www.polotimes.co.uk

Medical Insight: Polodoc absorbed. When this well trained muscle cushions and absorbs impacts or withstands contortions, primary injuries can be minimised. To protect vulnerable structures at its superficial course extreme absorbing materials are needed to neutralise the forces. Until now, extra material meant more restriction on the range of motion. With new soft lightweight foams extreme amounts of impact forces can be easily absorbed without adversely affecting the mobility of the joint.

Material

· Casablanca - Boots/Knee guards

- Elbow guards d3o is a specially engineered material made with intelligent molecules, which are designed to be viscous and malleable under normal conditions.

This makes d3o padding very soft and comfortable against the skin. However, upon impact, these same molecules in the d3o protective padding lock together and become rigid. This ability for the d3o padding to transform itself from soft to rigid is what allows them to absorb the energy from the impact, which ultimately protects elbows from that very same shock.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Nic Roldan Q&A

Q: Does current protection gear fulfil all your needs and do you think a change is needed?

A: Yes it does, I don’t think there is anything else you can do. There are other products out there, but for me often the negatives outweigh the positives and possibly restrict movement. Having said that one could say there is a difference between myself who plays polo professionally and a weekend warrior, we have different priorities.

Q: What’s your favourite protective gear (aside from helmets) and why?

A: My glasses, because at the end of the day everything can be repaired but you can’t replace a lost eye. There are also basic things like a good quality, thick boots and kneepads that are sturdy, this helps with ride-offs. I used to wear an elbow pad on my stick arm but don’t anymore as I found it too restrictive. Using knee supports under your whites can also be a useful aid.

Q: Do you have any tips?

A: Riding is fundamental in polo, the better you can ride the easier it’s going to be and on your body. So you definitely need to work on your general condition. I do a lot of conditioning work year round, gym work, stretching and flexibility. In the summer in Aspen I do lots of hiking and cycling. I think it’s key to keep a good variety in your work outs and always be open to new technologies. Just as important as conditioning is maintenance and postgame recovery – treatments right now I’m really into include Cryotherapy for example and also Infrared treatments.

Nic Roldan receiving pre-match physio

Photography courtesy of Polodoc

Casablanca Chocolate Kneepads are made with the same leather used for their triple layer custom made boots, hand sewn with oiled thread. Detachable Velcro straps ensure a perfect fit.

Available in three sizes, triple strap for taller players or for a more secure grip; double strap, the most popular size and small double strap for children or “petit” women. All Casablanca kneepads have d3o in key impact zones. Used in some of the world‘s most advanced impact protection applications, d3o is an unique material made of intelligent molecules. They flow with you as you move but on shock lock together to protect you. The molecules in d3o react instantly and continue to perform as many times as required.

Crafted from the finest leather, these hand-made zipper front polo boots feature an additional layer of calves’ leather for extra protection, durability and shock absorption.

The layer of d3o material on the side of the boot provides extra protection.

Knowledge

· LaMartina - Boots/Knee guards The next Polo boots in La Martina’s Pro series are known for their bright colours.

The silicone protection pads were specifically designed to dissipate a blow: the stripes run parallel to the player’s foot when riding, improving shock absorption and softening impacts. These pads also help to control friction between players during contact. The sole is of a precise thickness giving maximum stability and lasting quality. It also has a steel insert between sole and heel to prevent excessive wear.

- Elbow guards The La Martina Rheon Elbow Guards are designed (like all of La Martina’s products) in close collaboration with a number of players, taking in to account comfort and performance as well as the latest in technology. In this case, the innovative Rheon material. At the core of the Rheon

technology platform is an active polymer which is soft and malleable in its natural state but hardens immediately and temporarily upon impact. Its unique shape makes it waterproof, cooling, lightweight and durable. The Rheon technology helps control energy in movement, while the slick long line sleeve design ensures that it is an ergonomic and comfortable non-slip shape for the player to wear.

Available in sizes Small through to X-Large, this product is fully CE approved, the first pair of elbow guards to be specifically CE approved for polo wear in the world.

For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com or www.polodoc.ch Polo Times, February 2021

41

Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Pre-Season Preparations Planning ahead to bring in the stars! o Enquire if the forage will be of a consistent quality during the season – this can affect palatability at key times during the competitive summer months when you need them eating up well. o The supplier may be able to provide you with a nutrient analysis so you can have a guide as to its nutritional values and any shortfalls so you can tailor the diet accordingly.

• Concentrate feed

Photograph courtesy of Polo Times archive

Teeth can be an underlying cause of condition loss or food fussiness

So here we are, well and truly in Lockdown 3.0, and beginning to think about bringing the ponies in from their winter holidays in the next month. I am keeping my fingers and toes tightly crossed there is not too much of a delay for you all.

As we plan ahead to bring the stars of the polo field back into work, I am thinking of the checklist we should be planning to make the transition from hairy mud monsters to sleek, muscled athletes as smooth and healthy as possible!

My thoughts are:

• A supplier for forage

o Ask for a sample to look at to check the quality – be fussy!

42

Polo Times, February 2021

o Scrub and disinfect those feed bins and the feed room – cleaning out the mouldy leftovers from the end of last season to reduce the risk of dust and mould getting into your fresh feed. o Get the vermin control in order – you want to be feeding your horses fresh feed, not fattening up rats and mice.

The presence of vermin can affect food quality and palatability. o Scrub the feed and water buckets and don’t forget the scoops too! o When feed arrives check the Best Before Dates to ensure you are being provided with fresh stock. o Rotate the stock – don’t keep putting new bags on top of older deliveries, it’s a waste of feed and money. o If you have muzzles – disinfect and scrub them, the amount of bacteria in them must be incredible, or at best, be brave and throw them away!

• Supplements

o Bin the ‘out of date’ leftovers from the previous season o Streamline the supplement shelf – are they all necessary? It is easy to end up with a ‘bit of this’ and a ‘bit of that’ – but is it doing any good? o Having a pot of pre/probiotics at the beginning of the season is perfect for the whole string or at least those that are not carrying their condition so well. o Being ready for the work to increase – have the electrolytes ordered?

• Worming

o Maintain a good worming programme. o Worm burdens can turn out to be expensive and damaging – horses losing condition unnecessarily will have a setback in their fitness and it will be expensive in feed to try and pick-up condition again.

• Feet – it goes without saying, use a

qualified farrier to maintain good foot balance and a sound horse.

• Teeth – an area I am going to spend

more time on as too often I find myself discussing whether teeth have been checked and treated mid-season as a horse is struggling to maintain condition and they haven’t yet been seen by a qualified dentist or vet. What other physiological problems may be occurring? I would suggest getting them looked at when they first come in to work, to avoid any problems.

During visits, teeth are often highlighted when horses are losing condition or fussy with their forage or feed. When I am going through my ‘mental check list’ of questions I always hesitate at asking about teeth and worming, they are the basics of horse care after all, and I don’t want to offend anyone by asking, but at times, these areas can be forgotten and are the cause of weight loss.

Two relevant cases spring to mind; firstly, a mare that wasn’t holding her weight well and became pickier with her food and forage. She ended up having a fractured tooth extracted that she had suffered during her winter break but, fortunately, she bounced back to good health in no time.

Secondly, was another mare who has always been very sensitive, could drop off weight quickly and didn’t always have the best appetite. She had her teeth checked and her mouth was so narrow that an extra small bit had to be purchased to stop any pinching and her teeth were in desperate need of some corrective work. She now is so much more relaxed in her work as she is more comfortable in her mouth and therefore holding her condition better as she not as sensitive and stressed when working.

As we all know, the beginning of digestion begins with the teeth – the grazing horse is reliant on good incisor teeth for ripping and biting the grass, and the molar teeth for grinding and breaking down the digesta before it travels down the oesophagus to the stomach.

Poor incisor teeth, caused by old age or a horse that crib bites can be catered www.polotimes.co.uk

Nutrition Focus

for quite easily and don’t cause so much concern, as grass can be supplemented with hay/haylage which would then be Joss Ridley, Jayne Darling-Parks & Claire Allen ration. complemented by a concentrate Generally, problems occur when the molar teeth are damaged or lost as these are lunch A delicious responsible for grinding and breaking down the feed or forage to begin the process of saliva production and digestion. Forage may CPPC Christmas Party; Cowley Manor, Cheltenham; start being left or boluses of forage maybe found in the bed or in the forage on theFriday floor 13 December

Knowledge

Susie Godwin & Barrie Upton

(called quidding), so using short-chopped chaffs and beet pulps will ensure adequate fibre is still received in the diet.

Christine Williams & Duncan Branch With Christmas on the horizon, Cirencester Park Polo Club Concentrate feed will also need to be Peter O’Rorke, Matt Evetts & Tony Haynes members and friends gathered to celebrate the festive season adjusted – feeding softened cubes rather the iconic Cowley Manor near Cheltenham. Alongside a than mixes and oats, to avoid unchewedathard delicious feed/cereals possibly causing colic or acidosis lunch, served to perfection by the lovely Cowley when they ferment in the hind gut, ratherstaff, thanthere was laughter and festive cheer aplenty, as guests being absorbed in the small intestine. exchanged Christmas tidings of great joy! With all eyes turned to the 2020 season, gossip flew around the room – who will Taking care of the teeth, feet and pesky theand next big Ciren star be? Which pros will play for which worms is a great way to start the season teams next year? Who will take the most falls? Suffice to say, pamper those hairy mud monsters as these a wonderful lunch was had by all; the perfect way to begin a turn into gleaming athletes! Ensuring the festive season. feed room is ready and the hay barn is thrilling full will hopefully give you a good start to what Photography by John Hankin Crib biting can deteriorate incisor teeth will hopefully be a great season!

Maureen Moseley, Georgie Seddon-Brown Stay Safe & Stay Well!Meredith Contact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds onBranch lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk Yanna Mudie, Ginny Williams & Natalie & Isabel

Ciren Does Christmas

Photograph courtesy of Polo Times

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, February 2021

43

31/01/2020 15:59

Knowledge

Playing Tips

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Hitting

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

Photography courtesy of Matias Callejo/mc@matiascallejo.com

Juan Ma Gallego

Hitting the polo ball effectively necessitates the coordination of some intricate maneuvers of your body, while incorporating the movements of your horse, and timing the mechanics of the swing of the mallet. My intention in this article is to address each of those topics.

To offer insight as to how detailed that process can be, I quote from a book I consider to be the most detailed and accurate accounting of riding the polo horse and hitting the polo ball that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The book, “Observations Upon The Nature Of The Gallop And The Timing Of A Polo Stroke And Form In Striking was written in 1939 by 7 goal player, Dr. John D. Richards. To the best of my knowledge this book was never published for sale. I acquired it as a gift from a friend and 1 goal polo player, Charles Erby.

The book is quite technical; and as a consequence, is not an easy read. However, I was delighted to discover in that book someone who has an in depth understanding of how the mechanical process of riding the polo horse and hitting the polo ball works most effectively, and can explain it.

From Dr. Richards’s book I quote, “We will now try to fix with greater accuracy the exact instant during the footfall period 44

Polo Times, February 2021

Pablo Jauretche

at which the ball is struck in a perfectly executed stroke. Two simple observations will assist in this. Bandage the right fore leg of the horse with a clean white bandage so that this leg contrasts with the green turf.

Putting the horse on his right lead, canter him about the field as slowly as possible and hit straight forward offside shots, the object being not to hit the ball as far as possible, but to let the mallet head fall gently on the ball so as to secure the maximum distance with the minimum effort, i.e., make the horse hit the ball. When this effect is obtained, and there is no mistaking it, the striker as he stands in his stirrups and leans forward will notice the mallet head comes in contact with the ball when the leading fore leg is on the ground. Upon closer observation and with a little practice in the study of footfalls he will also notice that the leading fore leg is about in the position of vertical support at the instant of impact of mallet with ball.

With a piece of adhesive tape fasten a sleigh bell to the hoof of the leading fore foot and canter the horse about the field striking as before. The striker will now notice upon a very well timed stroke the click of the mallet head against the ball is heard at the exact instant that the leading fore strikes the ground….”

Dr. Richards goes on to explain that to maximize your horse’s energy input into an offside fore shot, you should have your horse on the right lead (leg), contact the ball when it is directly opposite the horse’s right front foot, and that foot is the only foot contacting the ground.

That is true because when the other three feet are off of the ground, each has already added its energy into the stride of the horse and the hit of the ball; therefore, the only foot remaining to add its energy into the stride and the hit of the ball is the right front. The way the mechanics of the hitting process works is, your horse’s energy input into the hit of the ball will have been maximized when the right front foot is the only foot on the ground, the pastern bone is rising, and the foot is at the peak of breaking over.

Don’t be fooled into thinking, “Okay, got it; that is easy enough to understand”.

Timing the swing to have the mallet head contact the ball under those conditions is a complex and complicated process, and it is far from easy to accomplish.

However, when you get it right, the effect on the hit of the ball is exhilarating and unavoidably noticeable.

The circumstance under which those mechanics are most easily accomplished is www.polotimes.co.uk

Playing Tips

Knowledge

Courtesy of Jean Abernethy /jeanabernethy@gmail.com

under the conditions of hitting penalties. That is true because, as you are approaching the ball to hit a penalty, you should be collecting your horse to shortening its stride, which allows for more accurate control of placing your horse’s feet. Additionally, that shorter stride produces more energy in your horse’s stride, while the slower pace provides more time with which to synchronize the swing of your mallet to the stride of your horse.

If you have ever hit the ball really well and do not know how or why, you can pretty much assume that coordinating the timing of your swing to the timing of your horse’s stride was a huge factor.

Imagine for a moment how much more effective of a polo player you would be if you were to hit every fourth, fifth, or sixth hit of the ball with that degree of precise timing. That is especially applicable if you hit penalties (2, 3, 4, 5, or 6).

I unequivocally promise, achieving it is worth the effort of having tried it; so why not give it a go.

M any thanks to eight goal player Pablo Jauretche, three goal player Juan Martin Gallego and illustrator Jean Abernathy

POWERING PERFORMANCE © The Art Of Polo

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Polo Times, February 2021 Paddock Power Advert 130mmx88mm_ad v6.indd 1

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28/01/2021 12:40

Knowledge

Chukka Wellness

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

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

New Season, New You Here’s to a successful 2021 If your focus is to improve your athletic performance, sustain high energy levels, reduce risk of injury and prolong play time in the saddle, then you may want to keep reading!

Polo is a very strenuous and intense game and even the top players experience mishaps. Throughout the last Argentine season many top players encountered a few injuries; Pelon Stirling, Pablo Macdonough, Joaquin Pittalouga and Rodridgo Andrade all received groin injuries which would have affected their games and teammates.

This just shows that it is essential to bulletproof your body for battle and so we have come up with a few suggestions on how to kickstart your pre-season training: 1. Nutrition 2. Strength 3. Cardio fitness 4. Polo-Specific Exercises

Squats

Press up

The combination of all of four elements can help players prepare mentally and physically for their next season.

2. Strength We all know that it is essential to have a certain level of strength in order to control the pony, hit the ball, hook and ride off. The areas of the body we suggest you focus on are the inner thighs, core, back and shoulders: Squat, Press up, Row 46

Polo Times, February 2021

Photography by India Parker-Smith

1. Nutrition Optimise your energy levels, decision making and reaction time through fuelling your body with highly nutritious foods. We recommend creating a food plan containing whole foods based on seasonal fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, gluten-free grains and grass-fed/ organic lean meats and wild fish. Stay hydrated with water-rich foods such as lemons, limes, tomatoes, cucumber and watermelon.

Eating for recovery is equally as important as preparing for a tournament.

Add in supplements to support oxidation and inflammation responses, including Athletic Greens (greens powders), collagen, glutathione, omega3 fatty acids, electrolytes, Vitamin C, zinc and magnesium. You will find many of these supplements at www.equestrianwellness.com.

Row

3. Cardio Fitness Have you ever struggled with breathlessness during or after chukkas?

Felt lethargic and low on energy during an important game?

It may be your fitness level that is preventing you from peak performance! To get you started here is a 10 min cardio routine you can follow.

Choose your preferred type of cardio (running, skipping, swimming, cycling etc…)

45 seconds fast 15 seconds slow 30 seconds fast 15 seconds slow 20 seconds fast 15 seconds slow 1 minute slow active recovery (keep moving during your recovery to maintain a higher heart rate) Repeat 3x www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Chukka Wellness

Side plank with oblique twist

4. Polo-Specific Exercises As we have just discussed; to be an effective player it is essential to have a strong and stable body that recovers quickly. But as polo is such a unique sport and the movement patterns of the game are very particular, some functional exercises specific to polo are a great addition to your training plan.

Balance on a swiss ball, Oblique twists You will find many more resources to aid in your pre-season training in our mobile friendly VIRTUAL FITNESS HUB. The online membership gives players access to over 60 workouts, nutritional guides, stretching routines and much more. If you struggle with staying disciplined, there is an interactive 8 week pre-season training programme which provides players with a daily step-by-step regime to follow.

Train like a pro wherever you are in the world! www.chukkawellness.co.uk

Balance on a swiss ball

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

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

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

www.equineman.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

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

Gonzalito Pieres

Polo Times, February 2021

47

Sidelines

Gossip

HAPPY HANBURYS

Charlie and Yoanna Hanbury extended their family with a third daughter, Catinka Eugenie Mia, who joined sisters Cara and Cressida on Friday 15 January. Charlie played midwife on Junction 7 of the M4 with Catinka safely born before the paramedics could arrive! No need to Call The Midwife!

MINI MONTEVERDE

Congratulations to Juan and Helena Monteverde on the birth of their baby girl, Malva in January!

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

CONGRATULATIONS! Congratulations to Alex James and Jack Berner who got engaged on Friday 18 December.

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

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Polo Times, February 2021

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Becky & Eva Simpson

Melissa Stisted & Ali Walker

Paul & Lisa Sedgwick

Julia & Alan Fall

Richard Laughlin & Jane Broadbent

Brian Stein & Platina Tong

Christmas Lunch 2020; Guards Polo Club; 12 – 13 December

Covid-Era Christmas Celebrations Christmas came a little early to Guards Polo Club in 2020 as Mosimann’s was able to host its popular Clubhouse Christmas Lunch in early December. Luckily, the date fell just before the country went into full lockdown and it was clear that members had been missing their Mosimann’s treats as the team had to create two events to cope with the increased demand while also successfully negotiating the essential COVID-19 guidelines. Although the social distancing kept Father Christmas away – apparently he could not get his mask over his beard! – there was a wonderfully warm, festive feel at the Club throughout this December weekend. A fabulous menu, festive decorations – the Guards team had even decorated a tree – plus plenty of Laurent-Perrier Champagne combined to deliver a much-needed positive vibe.

The Clubhouse looking festive

Photography by Hannah Wyles for ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Major Jamie Hayward

Sandra & Natasha Hamilton with Adrienne Harris

Freddie & Alison Huxtable

Andrey Borodin

Rafah, Mahtab, Emmanuel & Anais Hanna

Donald, Constance & Anneliese Blackwood-Lilly

Carol Westlake & Mandi Nicholls with Frederick & James Westlake

Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

01462 701110

Polo directory

What’s On – Polo Fixtures

At the time of going to print, the UK’s national lockdown ‘3’ was still in place with no definitive end date released by the government; in light of this the Hurlingham Polo Association had yet to finalise the 2021 Victor/Victrix Ludorum dates, with the start of the English season at all levels still under uncertainty.

USA Club IPC Grand Champions Grand Champions Eldorado Empire Grand Champions Empire Texas Military Texas Military Legends Hobe Port Mayaca Sarasota IPC IPC Port Mayaca Eldorado Grand Champions Grand Champions Grand Champions Grand Champions Grand Champions IPC Hobe Empire

Tournament Ylvisaker Cup The Metropolitan Cup Limited Edition 12 Goal Series Carlton & Keleen Beal Cup National Amateur Cup $100,000 World Cup by Audi Regional President’s Cup Admiral Chester W. Nimitz General Lewis B. ‘Chesty’ Puller Southwestern Circuit Georges S. Patton Jr Florida Circuit Congressional Cup Heritage Cup Florida Circuit Officers Cup Iglehart Cup 2020 USPA Gold Cup Butler Handicap

Handicap 16 to 18 6 12 4, 8 & 12 0 to 4 0 to 40 4 to 8 0 to 3 3 to 6 0 to 3, 0 to 4 & 6 to 8 4 to 6 12 to 16 4 to 8 16 to 18 22 18 to 22 0 to 4, 4 to Pacific Coast Circuit Consitution Cup 8 & 8 to 12 Grand Champions Cup 16 Halo Polo Trophy 6 The Top Pony 8 Goal 8 Sieber Memorial Trophy 12 $50,000 National 12 Goal 12 C.V. Whitney Cup 18 to 22 Florida Circuit Governor’s Cup 0 to 6 4& Pacific Coast Circuit Congressional Cup 06 to to 8

Start Date 20/01/21 26/01/21 26/02/21 29/01/21 29/01/21 29/01/21 30/01/21 30/01/21 31/01/21

End date 07/02/21 13/02/21 13/02/21 07/02/21 07/02/21 13/02/21 07/02/21 27/03/21 27/03/21

29/01/21 21/03/21 03/02/21 04/02/21 05/02/21 10/02/21 10/02/21 11/02/21

17/02/21 27/02/21 14/02/21 21/02/21 14/02/21 27/02/21

12/02/21 21/02/21 15/02/21 16/02/21 16/02/21 16/02/21 17/02/21 17/02/21 19/02/21

06/03/21 06/03/21 06/03/21 27/03/21 28/02/21 07/03/21 05/03/21

Boston, USA Serpentine, AUS Mingela, AUS Hobe, USA AAP Pilar, ARG

Tournament Northeastern Girls’ Preliminary Tournament Serpentine Ladies VPA Ladies Championships Florida Circuit Women’s Challenge Copa Apertura

U.S. Open Women’s Port Mayaca, USA 2020 Polo Championship Empire, USA Western Girls’ Regional Mystery Creek, NZ Mystery Creek Ladies

Handicap

18 to 22

Arena Polo Tour 2021 Arena Polo Tour 2021

Ghantoot

Silver Cup Exhibition Match Emaar Masters Cup Polo Masters Cup Gold Cup Dubai Polo Cup Masters Al Amal Polo Day For People of Determination

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18 10 6 to 8 18

0 & 3 goal

07/02/21 07/02/21 14/02/21 14/02/21 21/02/21 18/02/21 21/02/21 28/02/21 28/02/21

AUSTRALIA Club Hexham

Tournament Urquhart Cup

Handicap

Start Date End date 05/02/21 07/02/21

Yaloak

Yaloak Tournament

12/02/21 13/02/21

Melbourne City Yaloak

Valentine’s Day Ballarat Cup

Yarra Valley

0, 4 to 6 & 8 to 10 goal

0, 4 to 6 & 8 to 10 0, 2 & 4 Invitational 0, 4 to 6 & 8 to 10

Serpentine

Moondyne

Eynesbury

Eynesbury Tournament

14/02/21 14/02/21 14/02/21 14/02/21 19/02/21 21/02/21 20/02/21 21/02/21

0, 4 to 6 & 8 to 10

26/02/21 28/02/21

Quick Question Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page

A: The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz was last cancelled in 2012.

Club contacts UK and Ireland EMAIL dstone@indigo.ie

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

Bawtry Polo Club

01302 773282

info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

06/02/21 07/02/21 09/02/21 10/02/21 17/02/21 20/02/21

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

24/02/21 28/02/21

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 811 111

enquiries@ixlevents.com

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

26/02/21 07/03/21

Start Date End date

25/02/21 27/02/21

06/02/21 07/02/21 13/02/21 14/02/21

EMIRATES Al Habtoor Ghantoot Dubai Al Habtoor Al Habtoor Dubai

6 Open

06/02/21 06/02/21 10/02/21 13/02/21 15/02/21 18/02/21 20/02/21 27/02/21 27/02/21

00353 01 6896732

26/02/21 28/02/21 27/02/21 28/02/21

4 to 6 4 to 6

3 to 8

PHONE

FRANCE Chantilly Brittany

Keyte Watson Presidents Tournament Polo Championship Week Queenstown Tournament BMW NZ Polo Open U21 SI vs U21 NPA Denbeigh Tournament Morrinsville Weekend South Canterbury Weekend

All Ireland Polo Club

05/02/21 07/02/21

8 to 12 0 to 8 & 12 to 18

Cambridge Port Hills Kihikihi Queenstown Auckland Port Hills Wanstead Morrinsville South Canterbury

CLUB

WOMEN’S Club

NEW ZEALAND

22/01/21 05/02/21 05/02/21 07/02/21 14/02/21 19/02/21

05/02/21 05/02/21 12/02/21 12/02/21 05/03/21 26/02/21

26/02/21 26/02/21

Polo Times, February 2021

53

ice

able rever

aks,

Polo directory CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

office@hampoloclub.com

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

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Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

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Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

Home Farm Polo Grounds

07807672120

rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Leadenham Polo Club

07429 299026

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07803 020577

info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

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Polo directory

Marketplace In association with Chukkout Polo Transport

1994 VOLVO HORSEBOX L Reg, 239, 689km, 4692Kg Payload, MOT Exp 30.9.21, horse wash, huge water tank, electric hook up, nice living sleeps 4. (fridge doesn’t work), plenty of storage in underside, lockers, good condition for year, plenty of power, ready to go to work. £5,000. Tel: 07813 677661

2004 DAF LF HGV Horsebox for sale. 18 ton 2004 DAF LF on air suspension, 5 stall highbury bodied Horsebox. 6 speed manual gear box, no splitter. Measured unladen weight 9555 so 8ton payload, just under 300k miles, well maintained and drives beautifully. MOT Dec 2021. £24,950. Tel: 07377 531881

HAND SANITISER Hand sanitiser supplied at 80% ABV to WHO Formula 1. Available in 100ml (from £2), 200ml (from £4) or 5 litre (from £45) sizes.

Personalised labels available at extra cost. Discounts & free delivery for bulk purchases.

Tel: 07969 456214

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

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

Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217

MEN’S ARIAT HERITAGE COMPASS H20 BOOTS Used but have little signs of wear, very lightweight riding boot, fully waterproof and good in any weather conditions. UK size 9 slim calf. £120. Tel: 07588 028277

BACK ON TRACK RUG size 135.

It is in great condition apart from 2 places. Both shown in pictures and both EASILY stitched back up. These are fantastic rugs and sadly no longer needed. £75. Tel: 07771 657103

5.5” LARGE LOOSE RING GAG 5.5” Large Loose Ring Gag. £28 includes postage. Tel: 07850 664235

Misc

BOOTS & BANDAGES 6 pairs black racing tack tendon boots £180, 3 pairs black Kawell tendon boots £70, 1pair white Kawell tendon boots £25, 12 sets Navy bandages £160, 16 sets grey bandages £220.

Tel: 07771852871

PROLITE PADS 2x prolite pads £30 each. Tel: 077854 465885

LOGI MALLET Logi Polo mallet for sale. Based at Gainsborough or can post. 50”. 185g head. £35.

Tel: 07741 313931

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES Print and digital subscription

RIDE ON MOWERS Jacobson mowers. Used on golf course, run well, need a service,battery and blades resetting. £1,500. Tel: 07887 538843

RANGE ROVER ALLOYS 19 INCH x4 Range Rover / Land Rover 19 inch alloy wheels for sale. They are all in fantastic condition. £95/wheel or £350 for all four. Tel: 07792 422209

Equipment ENGLISH KNEE PADS English Hand Made large Knee pads. very tough and made by Gibsons Newmarket.

Can Post at cost or collect. Location: Cambridge. Price: £55. Contact Tony Camplin 07765254652 anthonycamplin@aol.com

CONTAINER STORAGE Container Storage, £100pcm +VAT in Gloucestershire. Tel: 07973 695577

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KNEE PADS Argentine Large Knee pads Made by Arandu BA. can post at cost or collect. Good clean order.

Location: Cambridge. Price: £65.

Contact Tony Camplin 07765254652 anthonycamplin@aol.com

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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Polo Times, February 2021

55

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Lt. Col. Simon Ledger Began playing polo in 1976, well known for running and organising polo, he made a ground in Essex, ran Tidworth Polo Club and Cyprus polo.

For the last 20 years he has built up Army Polo as Chair and now Director. Simon has been commentating polo since 1987 and currently brings his wit, enthusiasm and attention to detail to over 120 matches a year, both in the UK and overseas, including British Polo Day for the last 11 years; as well as country shows and auctioneering. He cites reaching the Finals of the Inter Regimental at Guards as his polo career highlight, pointing out, with typical good humour, “We lost!”

What is your biggest passion and why?

Polo for sure, it is the best game in the world – It’s majestic, needs bravery, teamwork, skill and fitness. Plus, let’s not forget the ponies who put up with a lot! In addition, I am also passionate about helping young people, tree planting and conservation… and rubbish picking from verges!

What is your all time best polo memory?

Commentating in Jodhpur in 2016 when my team beat for the first – and only time, in six attempts the President of India’s Bodyguard by half a goal.

Who were/are your favourite teammates?

Not teammates exactly, but the group of gifted soldiers who have made +1/+2 goals and have played around the world from Malaysia, India and Mongolia to Morocco on borrowed ponies and smile even in defeat as they are not only good soldiers, but balanced players.

Hardest opponent?

Undoubtedly the excellent team from the 61st Cavalry of India who beat us – just – in Dec ‘19 in Delhi. Hard? – Yes, but also gentlemen.

Favourite film and why?

The English Patient – evocative and moving.

Best pony and why?

My first pony, an Argentine bred speed machine called ‘Palada’. I sold my car to buy it. It was my passport aged 20 to polo in Germany with my regiment because I was only -1. BUT being on the best pony opened doors with travelling teams every weekend.

Most prized possession?

My collection of books and photographs.

Favourite celebrity?

The late Professor Roger Scruton, a philosopher who saw things differently.

Are you passionately superstitious?

No. Describe yourself in four words…

Voluble, straight talking and passionate.

One thing which would surprise us about you?

I mentor disadvantaged young people.

Photograph by Sam Churchill

Photograph by Sam Churchill

Polo Times, February 2021

Best holiday destination & activity?

The Auvergne in France, sitting in a small village in the middle of nowhere with a coffee and croissant watching the world go by.

Favourite food/dish?

Roast beef done properly!

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

Sailing – I am a qualified skipper and somehow fit in Cowes week every year, plus I race boats in Poole Harbour every week. I also really enjoy hunting and shooting.

Plus, I closely follow Nicky Henderson Racing. All of which always seem to clash with polo!

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Favourite hobby outside of polo?

Watching birds of prey.

Favourite song/album?

Radio Ga Ga and Queen generally.

oning for Richard

Br

rocco – Aucti itish Polo Day Mo

Branson

Mongolia 2016

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