Volume 24 • Issue 5 • June 2019 • £6.50
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UK HIGH GOAL KICKS OFF The Prince of Wales, Trippetts and Queen Mother’s Centenary POLITO ULLOA A true horseman WESTCHESTER CUP USA break 17 year stalemate PLUS: Royal Windsor Horse Show, Copenhagen Cup & Worming Your String
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Contents
Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk
What’s inside…
June 2019
Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Manager Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk Operations Manager
55
Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk
Club Focus
24
43 Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Advertising Sales Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk
Women’s Polo 50 51
Advertising & Subscription Sales Rebecca Hastie sales@hinemarketing.co.uk
Youth Polo
Principal Design
54 55
James Morgan
Tony Ruddy
Subscriptions & Administration Assistant
34
Lynne Berry admin@polotimes.co.uk
News
Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk
Contributors: Stephen Biddlecombe, Shane Borland, Lorna Edgar, Alice Gipps, Lisa Hughes, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Abby Newell, Angus Olds, David Powers, ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com & Caroline Stern
Contact details
Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email:admin@polotimes.co.uk
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© Polo Times Limited 2019 and Database Right 2019 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685
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Polo Times, June 2019
All Aspects of Youth Polo Cover Story: The Copenhagen Cup
Knowledge
Additional Design
Financial Controller
A Round-Up of Women’s Polo 5 Minutes With… Saskia Meadows
6 12 14
All the Latest News Obituaries: John Thorneloe & Terry Hanlon FIP News
Comment 16
Your Views & Social Media
Features 18 20 24 28
Big Picture Club Anniversaries: Beaufort & Cirencester Park Polo Clubs Cover Story: Polito Ulloa Cover Story: Royal Windsor Horse Show 2019
Reports
32 Cover Story: La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy 34 The Westchester Cup 36 World Polo League Beach Polo 38 The Oxfordshire Cup 40 Cover Story: The Prince of Wales Trophy 42 Cover Story: The Murus Sanctus Trippetts Challenge
59 Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series 60 Equipment Focus: Bits: Head Throwing 62 Polodoc: Pulled Back Muscle or Spinal Fracture 66 Cover Story: Vet Insight: Worming Your String 68 Nutrition Focus: Yard Focus 70 Fitness Insight: Game Day Prep Like a Pro 72 Shane Borland: Introduction to the Snaffle 74 Equine Osteopathy: Horse & Rider Video Analysis
Sidelines 76 78
Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know! Sidelines: Social Pages
Polo Directory 83
What’s On?
Final Bell 88
Passions: James McCarthy
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Ahead of the UK high goal season kicking off, the AAP announced the format for the upcoming 2019 Triple Crown, due to commence in October. Despite rumours that The Tortugas and Hurlingham Opens’ formats were potentially going to change, ultimately causing the 10 Argentine Open teams to be split into two leagues of five teams in accordance with their accrued points, the decision has been made to continue with the format as per 2017 and 2018. Therefore, The Tortugas Open will be played with eight teams with a single elimination format, which will be followed by The Hurlingham Open in which eight teams will be split into two leagues. The Argentine Open will see 10 teams participating. Furthermore, it has been suggested that AAP President Eduardo Novillo Astrada will announce a new 2020 Argentine Open format as early as next month, following the beginning of the British season. We await confirmation from across the Atlantic.
Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad
The beautiful setting of Gstaad will be host to The Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad once again this August
The Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad returns, at Saaen Airport, from 22 – 25 August with four teams competing over the tournament. Will 2018 champions Banque Eric Sturdza be able to retain the title? Alongside the polo, spectators will also be treated to a VIP exhibitors’ village, plus a team parade in the picturesque streets of Gstaad.
British Polo Gin at Cirencester Park The Cirencester Park Polo Club Clubhouse has recently been renovated by the Club and British Polo Gin and is now ready for business with the official opening held on Sunday 26 May, following the CPPC AGM. This year, the Clubhouse will be open to everyone, including non-members, plus with Happy Hour prices between 2.303.30pm, there is no reason not to visit and admire the refurbished Clubhouse. They have a full bar offering from draught beer to cocktails and plenty of snacks and Haribo snakes to raise postchukka sugar levels, so there is no excuse not to visit and admire the refurbished Clubhouse.
Photograph by British Polo Gin
Nick Hine, Publisher
2019 Triple Crown format confirmed
Photograph courtesy of R&B Presse
At last, the 2019 summer season is well and truly underway and in full swing – and so is Polo Times. Packed with reports from the 22 goal Prince of Wales Trophy and Murus Sanctus Trippetts Challenge, right down to youth polo with The Copenhagen Cup, this issue certainly reflects the frenetic polo activity that is currently taking place the length and breadth of the country. I say “down to”, but youth polo is as competitive as ever and the standard is increasing yearupon-year. It is fantastic to see grassroots polo so healthy as it is a testament to the hours of effort put in by parents, schools and children alike, behind the scenes, to preserve the future of British polo. Polo is of course, and hopefully always will be, a large community, with many families seeing multiple generations involved in the sport. I remember the halcyon days of playing polo at Kirtlington Park Polo Club before the days of emails, mobiles and deadlines, when the late Tony Meyrick was its Polo Manager. A stickler for punctuality and fairness on the field, whoever you were, it is excellent to see his grandson, Tom Meyrick, now managing Cirencester Park Polo Club so confidently, which this year is celebrating its 125th Anniversary. As one of the oldest polo clubs in the UK, it is fair to say that it was timely that the Clubhouse Thatched Bar be updated – and following the same time-honoured family traditions, it is apt, that in its 125th Anniversary year, my son Richard and his British Polo Gin team have tirelessly worked alongside CPPC to bring a new lease of life to the Clubhouse Thatched Bar, (my mother, Mary, having been part of the last renovation team at CPPC which took place in the 1980s). Another family Club celebrating an anniversary year and also based in Gloucestershire, is Beaufort Polo Club, with 2019 marking 30 years since the Tomlinsons breathed new life into the historic Club. As all of this clearly demonstrates, polo has always firmly had its roots as a family sport, and one which creates a quite unique sporting community. With the ensuing and quite addictive fun that polo inevitably brings to anyone fortunate enough to jump on a horse and hit a polo ball, I would wager that future generations will continue to see polo transitioning through their collective veins for at least the next 125 years. For now though, play safe and best of luck to all for the 2019 season.
News
The CPPC Clubhouse is open to all this summer
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News USA End of Season Handicap Changes The United States Polo Association (USPA) has released its end of season handicap changes, following an exciting season of high goal polo, USPA which saw Pilot lift the £1,000,000 Gauntlet of Polo prize after winning LOGO The C.V. Whitney Cup, The USPA Gold Cup and The US Open Polo Championship. Pilot’s number three, Gonzalito Pieres has been raised to 10 goals, having played a number of seasons at 9. Furthermore, the Most Valuable Player of The US Open Polo Championship Final, Francisco Elizalde has also been raised, from 8 to 9 goals. For the women’s rankings changes, please turn to our Women’s Polo pages. All the handicap changes can be found on the USPA website www.uspolo.org
Midlands International Polo
Chestertons Polo in the Park Chestertons Polo in the Park Teams: London: Justin Taylor, Oli Hipwood & Max Charlton Zurich: Rico Richert, Jonny Good & Malcolm Borwick Buenos Aires: Charlie Wooldridge, Jamie Morrison & Joaquin Pittaluga Dubai: Mohammed Al Habtoor, Guillermo Cuitino & Marcos Araya Kissimmee: James McCarthy, Hissam Ali Hyder & Nacho Gonzalez Shanghai: Duncan Qiu, Sebastian Merlos & TBC Australia: Lachie Gilmmore, Jake Daniels & Kelvin Johnson Frasers England: Nina Clarkin, Ollie Cudmore & TBC
Photograph by Mandy Peter
It has been confirmed that Frasers England will take on ICM.com Team Australia in this year’s Chestertons Polo in the Park International Day clash match on Friday 7 June. This will be an exciting event following the home side’s recent defeat to their rivals from down under in early April. What’s more, the teams have also been announced for the main championship. The event takes place in Hurlingham Park, London and is set to welcome thousands of spectators over three days of exciting polo. For more information, please visit www. polointheparklondon.com
Australia, winners of The Midlands International Polo
On Sunday 12 May, Australia and South Africa faced each other at the Lions River Polo Club in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, South Africa in a 14 goal International Test Match, which saw Australia defeat South Africa 10-6. Midlands International Polo Teams: Australia (14): Alex Barnet (2), Luke Reid (4), Jack Kiely (4 – Captain) & James Lester (4) South Africa (14): Jabulani Khanyile (2), Brad MacGibbon (4), Michael-John Marlton (3) & Brett Watson (5 – Captain)
Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Sylt Between 8 – 9 June, international players and spectators will be flocking to Sylt, Germany, for the annual Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Sylt. Play begins at 1pm on Saturday 8 June, with a multitude of exciting matches and entertainment for guests. Entry to the event is free.
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British Beach Polo Championships
DJ Nick Grimshaw will be featuring at The British Beach Polo Championships
The organisers of The British Beach Polo Championships, taking place in Sandbanks between 12 – 13 July, have announced the names of the artists performing at the Sandpolo parties. On Friday 12 July, The House & Garage Orchestra will be taking to the stage, whilst the following day Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw will be featuring as a special guest at The Sandpolo Ocean Party 2019. For more information, or tickets, please visit www.sandpolo.com
Riding Liberty
Riding Liberty is a film set within the backdrop of the polo world, providing an insight into the horsemanship and dedication needed in polo, the healing capacity of horses and the retraining of racehorses for polo. The film is about Sebastian, a farmer’s son, who traumatised by an abusive past that has rendered him mute, finds work with a family as a groom in a polo yard. When charged with trying to re-train Liberty, an unhand-able, failed racehorse, Sebastian bonds with the wayward animal sensing it too has suffered and secretly trains as a polo player ultimately changing both their lives. Written, directed and produced by film producer and director Cassandra Thomas from Keep Calm And Carry On Productions who also plays polo and runs VO Polo Club; co-written and produced by Jonnie Hurn ( Hurricane, White Chamber) The film will launch a crowdfunding campaign in July 2019 to start filming in May 2020 and will be casting named actors as well as both actor and non-actor players in the polo community. They are filming the trailer for the campaign this June, featuring up-andcoming young player, Nicholas van Oppen, with interviews from ROR and players speaking about the importance of the film. The film will have theatrical release and enter the major film festival circuit including Cannes Film Festival. To find out more, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ridinglibertythefilm
Brooke Launches Photography Competition Global animal welfare charity Brooke has launched The Brooke Photo Competition with entrants required to take their finest snap of their horse, donkey or mule to be in with a chance of winning prizes. The charity has enlisted the help of Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, equestrian Gemma Tattersall and photographer Matthew Seed to judge the competition, which closes on 2 September. For more information, please visit the website www.thebrooke.org
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Obituaries
Obituary John Thorneloe 1922 – 2019
Photograph courtesy of Kirtlington Park Polo Club
Obituary Terry Hanlon 1939 – 2019
Photograph by Polo Photo
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Polo Times, June 2019
A knowledgeable horseman, John was born in 1922 in Northumberland and after Edinburgh University joined The Royal Artillery, training with mules and field guns. He then went to India with The Indian Mountain Artillery Regiment, still with his beloved mules, where he learned to speak both Urdu and Hindi. John’s mother was French and he spoke this fluently, with such language skills he became a translator. John saw action in both Burma and the Korean War where he was mentioned in dispatches. In later years John became a military attaché in Paris, joined The NFU as a consultant and worked for The British Agricultural Export Council. He was created a Chevalier d’Ordre du Merite Agricola by the French government for services to agriculture. John and his wife Veronica moved to Kirtlington in 1970 and were invaluable supporters of Kirtlington Park Polo Club and The Bicester Pony Club from then on, with their children riding and playing polo, and now their grandchildren involved. Having hunted and point-to-pointed in his youth, John went on to breed and own successful racehorses including a winner of The Royal Artillery Gold Cup and two winners of The Grand Military. John will be fondly remembered by members of both the polo world and Kirtlington village communities.
Former Chief Commentator of Cowdray Park Polo Club and the original ‘Voice of Polo’ Terry Hanlon passed away on Monday 6 May following a short illness. Terry began his polo career in 1975, winning his first tournament, The County Cup in 1976. This team went on to win all the low and medium goal Cups at Cowdray that season. Having started playing polo after turning 30, he was considered a relatively late starter. Terry was an LTA county tennis player and umpire, umpiring at Wimbledon and Queen’s as well as playing in tournaments against Wimbledon finalists. Terry took his first polo lesson with Howard Hipwood in 1975, paying a mere £500 and going from -2 to 0 goals overnight. In 1980, Terry began coaching pupils of his own, taking all the knowledge he’d accrued from Howard and passing it on to his students. At Terry’s peak, he reached 3 goals, later asking to be put down to 2, and he subbed for high goal team Maple Leaf’s patron Galen Weston, winning The Summer Cup. When asked about his brief stint in the high goal, Terry commented, “All I could think of was that I didn’t have the money and the horses to be out there! It’s easier playing high goal than low or medium goal, which is rugby on horseback. But you have to stay with your man, or you are history.” Following his playing days, Terry entertained crowds, which often included royalty, at Cowdray Park Polo Club. His dulcet tones could be heard reverberating around the grounds of The Gold Cup as well as at many international fixtures at both Cowdray and Guards. Lord Cowdray commented following Terry’s passing, “Terry Hanlon came onto the Cowdray scene as an enthusiastic amateur in the 1970s. He clearly made his mark with the then Polo Manager ‘Bolshy’ Tatham, who invited him to take to the microphone as he had so much to say for himself! The rest, as they say, is history. My father enjoyed both his commentary and his company and Terry remained devoted to my father, John Cowdray, until his death in 1995. Today is a very sad day for the Club.” The polo world’s sympathies are with Terry’s partner Jo James and his family.
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FIP News
FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Horacio Areco, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world
Photography courtesy of FIP
FIP’s Global Polo Development Programmes As part of FIP’s mission to develop polo around the world, FIP currently has two types of funding for polo development programmes. Both programmes are oriented to youth development, rules, coaching, umpiring and anti-doping programmes. Each year FIP receives a grant from The International Olympic Committee for the support of children’s polo programmes and umpire training clinics. This IOC/FIP programme has been operating for over 10 years and more than USD$250,000 has been granted. As an example, last year’s grants were awarded to the FIP Youth Polo Camp at Hamburg Polo Club, the umpire training programme at The Royal Selangor Polo Club, Malaysia and the children’s clinic at Santa María Polo Club in Spain, among others. The Federation of International Polo’s Global Polo Development Fund (GPDF) was founded in 2013 by the FIP Executive Committee. Following approval from the FIP Executive Committee, the FIP Polo Development Fund (PDF) programme was created to provide funding assistance to initiatives and projects within the context of the FIP polo mission. For 2019 we have received and approved applications from The Netherlands, Australia, Chile and Germany and expecting more to come in the following months. These programmes range from rules seminars, to coaching programs, interschool test matches and junior polo schools, all emphasising their efforts towards how the sport is played, sportsmanship, training and the sense of camaraderie that polo is known for. In the case of Australia, this year they will be
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Children’s clinics are in receipt of funding
Programmes are oriented to development
running polo development programmes in four different clubs. They will include a newly released Parent’s Guide to a Clean Sport from ASADA (The Australian Anti-doping Authority). These programmes have been very successful over the past several years and we encourage applications from our members. Those interested to find out more can visit our web page www.fippolo.com/develpment-funds and/or contact FIP at office@fippolo.com
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Letters
Letter of the month The writer of letter of the month wins a bottle of British Polo Gin @britishpologin 18 years and over only Dear Polo Times
I write having just finished grooming for a couple of players in a 6 goal tournament. It has been expressed over the weekend at the disgust in the new ruling not to stop for changes. This rule, supposedly for pony welfare is achieving the exact opposite. It baffles me how anyone can think that playing a competitive sport with a lot of money involved, both leisurely and job wise, can think it acceptable to not allow for free changes. This weekend a poor pony was lost due to a heart attack, accidents happen, we all know that, however expecting these ponies to play at the intensity of this sport is putting their welfare in increased risk. As first a horse lover and second a player I think it’s disgusting this rule has been implemented putting our ponies at higher risk. Welfare committee need to open their eyes before more injuries and unnecessary deaths occur because this rule certainly isn’t improving pony welfare. Samantha Luff
Quick Question Whilst gently sobbing, “Dear diary… IS IT TOO SOON TO QUIT??”
Q: In what year was The Westchester Cup competed for between Australia/New Zealand and USA instead of the usual USA versus England line-up? And for a bonus point, who won?
@PoloTimes 11,140 followers
A: Turn to page 85 to check your answer.
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RAIN, XXXXXXXXX RAIN GO AWAY The British XXXXXXXXXXXXX outdoor polo season is well underway with tournaments being played across the country. Although the long, hot days of summer 2018 seem like a distant w XXXXXXXXXXXX dream, with the 2019 season getting off to a more changeable start, in true British style, the unpredictable downpours and sometimes bone chilling temperature drops have not been able to dampen our spirit! Come unexpected rain or searing sunshine, players, grooms and spectators can be guaranteed to continue to take part in the sport they all love. wP hotograph by Šwww.imagesofpolo.com
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Polo Times, June 2019
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Feature
Beaufort & Cirencester Celebrate
Beaufort & T Cirencester Celebrate Two polo icons mark anniversaries Beaufort Polo Club
This year the Beaufort Polo Club celebrates its 30th Anniversary since its revival back in 1989 by Claire and Simon Tomlinson. However, it must not be forgotten that the history of one of the oldest clubs in the UK started 147-years-ago in 1872 when it was inaugurated by Colonel Frank Henry as the Hunt Polo Club. Henry had been responsible for bringing the sport to England and had taken part in the historic 9th Lancers v 10th Hussars match – the first polo game held in England. The Club’s ground was laid on the Westonbirt Estate between the Hare Covert and Elmstree House. Diaries kept by Henry give accounts of the sometimes six and five-a-side games that were played during these early days and the names of the hunting men who participated. The 1870s saw a number of country polo clubs opening, notably Monmouthshire and Manchester (now Cheshire); but many of them, including the original Beaufort, were of short duration. It was not until much later, in 1929, that the Club was reformed and relocated to a levelled ground between Malmesbury and Hullavington on the late Colonel W.W Turnor’s Pinckney Estate. The Club was renamed in honour of its first president, the Duke of Beaufort. It opened on 13th April 1929 and from the outset attracted players and spectators from far and wide. The opening of the 1930 season was particularly memorable with the visit of the Australian Polo team and the selection and trials of the British International side. It seemed the right time to erect a Grandstand and extend the spring and autumn tournaments by two weeks to accommodate demand. Whilst no polo was played throughout 1931 and 1932, 1933 heralded the arrival of the Maharajah of Jaipur bringing his team to England, along with 39 ponies and 51 syces, all of whom arrived at the Beaufort Club on 4th April. A suite was built at The Hare and Hounds Hotel 20
Polo Times, June 2019
wo of polo’s most iconic clubs are celebrating very special anniversaries this season – Beaufort Polo Club, the home of the Tomlinson family is celebrating its 30th year since its revival in 1989, whilst its neighbour Cirencester Park Polo Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Both clubs are renowned for their international and high goal excellence, hosting famous tournaments such as The County Cup, The Warwickshire Cup, The Arthur Lucas and International Test Matches and with famous polo faces not only gracing weekly tournaments, but supporting the clubs at a committee level. As the 2019 season begins, we look into each Club’s history, from their very beginnings to the polo powerhouse locations they are today.
1989
The Beaufort Polo Club as we know it was officially launched.
1993
The Club becomes completely separate from Cirencester Park Polo Club as Beaufort players and teams are no longer allowed to compete in their domestic tournaments – the first step towards independence.
1995
HRH The Prince of Wales shows his support for the Club, playing against Beaufort on The Army Benevolent Day, which raises £13,000 for The Army on the 50th Anniversary of the Second World War. Los Locos, the Tomlinson family team, play the high goal, entering both The Gold Cup for The British Open and The Warwickshire Cup. specially to accommodate the Maharajah – complete with guards on duty at his door. In 1936 Beaufort continued to welcome some of the finest horses and players in the world, including Robert and Philip Ashton from Australia; Cecil Smith (acknowledged to be one of the finest polo players in the world) and The Hon. W.K Rous’s ‘The Jaguars Team’, which featured Gerald Balding and Rao Rajah Hanut Singh who brought 16 ponies for himself and the Maharajah. Polo was played every day, with exhibition matches arranged between the American and English teams. So much polo was being played that some days three grounds were being used. Mr H.C Cox placed stabling for 40 horses at the disposal of the Club, complete with saddle rooms, men’s mess room and sleeping quarters for 40 men.
1999
The Arthur Lucas is made a designated medium goal tournament for the National Medium Goal Championships, and The Summer Cup (now The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup), a designated low goal tournament for the National Low Goal Championships. The Club sees an increase in low goal teams including West Park, Park Farm, Kingsmead, Bullfrogs, La Ema, Mad Dogs and Fat Cats. Prince William plays in the Beaufort Team which wins The Beaufort Cup. The Club uses sand on the fields for the first time, which makes a significant improvement. A new high goal tournament is launched: The Argentine Club Cup is played with a 24 goal handicap.
He also installed seven full sized grounds at Norton leaving the Club confident that polo could be played even in the worst of the English weather. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the Second World War signalled the end to polo in England, with Beaufort, like many other Clubs, not re-opening following the end to the hostilities. It wasn’t until 1977 when new blood in the form of the Tomlinsons arrived, that polo once again restarted at the Club. Claire and Simon Tomlinson revived the Club in 1989 with the objective of providing first class facilities for polo at all levels and to encourage young players. Today the Club still maintains this ethos hosting some of the highlights of the UK polo calendar, including the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo. www.polotimes.co.uk
Beaufort & Cirencester Celebrate
2003
Zara Phillips in the Jockeys vs Eventers Charity Match
2006
Mark and Luke’s handicaps go up to 7 and 8 respectively, making Luke the highest rated English player. Both brothers are part of the England team that win the Cartier International. Adolfo Cambiaso captains Argentina in The Evolution Test Match. This is the first time a 10 goal player has represented his country against the English. Argentina proved too good for England, winning 10-4. The Tomlinsons announce they have purchased a 50 percent stake in an Argentine Polo Club as part of the initiative to provide English players with a place to train in the winter, naming it La Quinta Beaufort.
2014
2006
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2016 Claire Tomlinson receives The HPA Lifetime Achievement Award
2016
Mark and Luke take the reins from Claire Tomlinson to run Beaufort Polo Club. Ireland beat England 7-6 in The International Test Match. Claire Tomlinson is awarded The HPA Lifetime Achievement Award at The 2016 Polo Awards, well deserved after a pioneering career.
2018
Mark Tomlinson hooking sticks with Adolfo Cambiaso
Beaufort celebrates their 25th Anniversary. Beaufort hosts the European Zone Qualifiers for The World Championship 14 Goal in Chile between Spain, France, Ireland and England. The England and Ireland teams heading to Chantilly for The European 8 Goal Championships were made up of mostly Beaufort members, with the England team winning.
The English FIP team
The Club are asked by the HPA to hold a 24 goal tournament in August which will be run at the same time as a new Ladies’ Tournament The Club suffers the tragic loss of their Club Chief Umpire, Somerville Livingstone-Learmonth. Somerville was one of the friendliest members who welcomed new players and encouraged the young players who played with him and as a consequence he is remembered every year with his namesake tournament The Club introduces the new ‘County Polo’ category – designed for those people moving on from lessons and starting to play instructional chukkas Beaufort takes part in Channel 4 programme ‘Faking It’, teaching a self-described bicycle courier, Malcolm Woodcock to pass as a polo player in just four weeks. After it is shown the Beaufort are inundated with requests for coaching 10 Charity Days raise £364,229
Feature
2014
The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo is attended by over 7,000 people, with England winning The Swinhay International Test Match in a thrilling Final against Ireland. The Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy raised over £130,000 for the Princes’ Charities, Centrepoint and Royal Marsden. The Beaufort introduce the new Sports HAI Ladies 8-12 Goal to run alongside the 12-18 Goal Victrix Ludorum.
Action from The FIP European Zone Qualifiers
Polo Times, June 2019
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Beaufort & Cirencester Celebrate
Cirencester Park Polo Club
In Great Britain, 1894 saw the opening of two of England’s most iconic tourist attractions, the Blackpool Tower in Lancashire and Tower Bridge in London. In June that year there also came the birth of what would become one of the most historic clubs in the UK, Cirencester Park Polo Club. Cirencester Polo Club was located in Cirencester Park on the historic Bathurst Estate in Gloucestershire, the family seat of the Earls Bathurst. Many top British players have been associated with Cirencester Park throughout its history, notably Gerald Balding, said to have been ‘one of the most outstanding polo players of the 20th Century’ and Captain of England, who learned polo from grassroots at Cirencester as a member of the VWH Pony Club. Today, The Gerald Balding Cup is one of the famous trophies at Cirencester, along with The Warwickshire Cup, The Bathurst Cup, The County Cup, The à Brassard Trophy, The Queen Mother Trophy, The Cheltenham Cup, The Humphrey Guinness Plate and The Apsley Cup all being played for on the beautiful grounds. Set over approximately 300 acres of stunning parkland, and at the heart of the 15,000 acre Bathurst Estate, members and visitors today continue to enjoy the quintessential English polo experience throughout the season. The Club has become known for offering the highest levels of British and international polo, whilst retaining a delightfully charming relaxed atmosphere for spectators. The world-famous Ivy Lodge ground has played host over the past 125 years to some of the most influential figures of our time, including George V and VI, Edward VIII, the Maharajas of Jaipur and Jodhpur, the Sultan of Brunei and members of the current Royal family. The current President, The 9th Earl Bathurst remains intrinsically involved with the Club and his son, The Lord Apsley will take on the role after him – one of the beauties of Cirencester is the feeling of family. As HRH The Prince of Wales once said about Cirencester, “It still has the unique charm of a proper country Polo Club. It is understated, unpretentious, delightfully relaxed and wonderfully rural. May it ever remain so…” The plans, according to the management, for the future of the Club are exactly that – to retain the fabulous charm and to welcome both members and non-members alike, whilst continuing to invest in ensuring the Club can offer all levels of polo, from the Academy through to the highest levels of international polo, for players and visitors to enjoy for years to come.
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1894
The 7th Earl Bathurst was commanding officer of the 4th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment. On 6 June, whilst the battalion was encamped in the Deer Park of the Bathurst Estate, Major The Lord Bathurst presided over a meeting of military and civilian players from the district to consider the establishment of a permanent Polo Club. The group voted unanimously to form the ‘Cirencester Polo Club’, with Seymour, The 7th Earl Bathurst as the inaugural President. Lord Bathurst agreed to put two polo grounds in his park at the Club’s disposal, one of which was the now world-famous Ivy Lodge. The new Club lost no time in starting play. That same weekend, on 9 June, two games were played, civilians versus military, with the civilians winning both. However, at this time, polo was not as well known in Gloucestershire as other equestrian sports, so the Club held some of its main matches in conjunction with other events to introduce the game to the general public.
1898
Club Colours changed from the original crimson and yellow to violet and white – colours that have remained the Club colours up until the present day.
1904
Cirencester won The County Cup at Hurlingham.
1909
1922
The first ever Royal match was played with HRH The Prince of Wales and the new Clubhouse pavilion was installed. HRH The Prince of Wales played polo at Cirencester on 3 August 1922, representing the beginning of the Royal Family playing regularly at the Club. That year also saw the installation of the wooden clubhouse pavilion (originally a chicken shed), which is still in use as the current restaurant today. The pavilion was attached to the original thatched Clubhouse, which was at the Club from inception and again, remains today as the famous Ivy Lodge Clubhouse bar.
Lord Bathurst gave permission for the Ivy Lodge ground to be boarded, enabling the famous County Cup to be played at Cirencester, which up until then had proved impossible.
1922
1914
August Tournament cancelled as The Great War was declared on 4 August. From the Club’s Minutes book following a Committee Meeting: “All members of Cirencester Polo Club of military age rushed to join their various regiments – the August tournament being immediately abandoned and military duties at once entered upon’.
1919
The original CPPC Clubhouse
1939
During WWII many of Cirencester Polo Club’s players once again entered the war effort with gusto, signing up for service. In addition, the Club itself gave over its famous Ivy Lodge ground to grow potatoes.
1939
The Great War over, polo was eventually resumed at Cirencester. Lord Bathurst, having retired as a player, reorganised Cirencester Polo Club to include his heir apparent, The Lord Apsley, as a Vice-President, to help revive the Club post-war.
Ivy Lodge being ploughed
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Beaufort & Cirencester Celebrate
Feature
1942
Cirencester Polo Club’s Vice President, The Lord Apsley, was tragically killed in an air accident on his way home for a visit from WWII.
1952
In April 1952, Henry Bathurst, by now The 8th Earl, and his brother, the Hon. George Bathurst, unanimously agreed to re-form what was now called Cirencester Park Polo Club. Twentyfive players immediately announced their intention of playing, the Ivy Lodge ground was re-claimed and re-seeded, and chukkas were played each Wednesday and Saturday. Soon more players came forward as did non-playing members and there was tremendous enthusiasm for both the sport and the Club.
1970s HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with The Warwickshire Cup
1960s – 1970s
Cirencester ultimately became the favoured Club for the British Royal Family, with The Duke of Edinburgh playing in many tournaments during the 1960s and the present Prince of Wales participating in tournament polo and many charity matches right up until his retirement from the game. HRH The Duke of Cambridge and HRH The Duke of Sussex have also regularly played at the Club over more recent years, raising millions of pounds for charity.
HRH The Prince of Wales with the late Hon. Mark Vestey
The Vestey family have been enormous supporters of polo at Cirencester ever since Lord Vestey played his first game in 1963. From leading the Club as Chairmen over the years and being very active on many committees, their teams Stowell Park and Foxcote have dominated the high goal scene from the 1970s right through to the present day. Between 1973 and 1980 they held the British Open Championship on no fewer than six occasions.
2010 The current Earl and Countess Bathurst
2010
Cirencester Park Polo Academy was founded to answer the demand for visitors interested in experiencing and learning polo. Today the Academy is busy throughout the season with lessons, polo experience days and pony hire.
2016
Cirencester Park Polo Club fields, Ivy Lodge, Meadow, Soushi, Savannah and Peddington have an irrigation system installed.
2019
Cirencester Park Polo Club’s 125th Anniversary is being marked throughout the season with a number of commemorative events and initiatives. On 9 June, the Club is putting on an exhibition match that will pay tribute to the first ever game played at Cirencester between the Army and civilians, exactly 125 years to the day on from 1894. There will then be The Cotswold International Polo Day on 22 June, home of the famous Warwickshire Cup Final and Ladies’ High Goal International. This high-profile day will also feature a unique exhibition match in celebration of the UKAFPA’s Polo150 campaign, which marks 150 years of British Polo. The match will see a team from The British Army Polo Association play against a South African team, who are from the charity Polo Africa. On 29 June, the Club will also be hosting its 125th Anniversary Polo Ball. This year has also seen the start of the renovations to the historic Clubhouse. The much-loved 125-year-old thatched Clubhouse, which has been at the Club since day one, has been re-thatched and returned to its former glory. The new bar and clubhouse was launched at the Club’s AGM on 26 May, where the collectable 125th Anniversary Yearbook was also released.
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2019
The newly renovated Clubhouse
Polo Times, June 2019
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Feature
Polito Ulloa
Polito Ulloa C
Alice Gipps
arlos ‘Polito’ Ulloa, is one of the most famous polo pony trainers in Argentina. Together with his wife Monica he lives on the beautiful Lavinia estancia, situated in Lincoln, 185 miles South West of Buenos Aires. They have four children, Hilario, Salvador, Toli and Esmeralda. They all play polo and Hilario is one of the world’s few 10 goalers, who is currently playing the high goal for Park Place this season in the UK. Their family has a long history and connection with polo. Polito’s grandfather was a lawyer and even though he won Palermo for the San Carlos team in 1931, polo was just a hobby for him back then. It was Polito’s mother who passed on her passion for horses – she successfully trained and competed driving horses for many years. Having reached a 2 goal handicap, Polito has played with his three sons at Palermo for the honour of competing as a family, but he never took up polo professionally. His calling in life was always horse training, much to the disapproval of his family who were hoping he would follow a career in the city. 40-years-ago it was unheard of to be able to make a good living as a horse tamer. Fortunately, Polito followed his heart and he has become an icon and a great influence in Argentina, changing the way young horses are started for the better. He is a true horseman, not a showman. He’s quiet, reserved and observes; both horses and people. Those who work with him are expected to take the same approach. Although incredibly talented and knowledgeable himself, like all the greatest horse trainers, he is not shy to say that he is continuously learning, reading and researching new ideas with an open mind, as he believes everyone has something to offer. Some of his greatest influences come from the Western reining horse trainers. He’ll also attend clinics held by trainers such as the Scarpatis in Argentina and he admires
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Polo Times, June 2019
USA based Stacy Westfall, Martin Black and Andrea Frappani, along with the Mexican, Manuel Campos. The Portuguese riding techniques have also been an inspiration to him. Growing up first learning to train Criollo horses and tropillas with the gauchos, he learnt about the methods used many years ago when gauchos lived in another world. No corrals, wild horses and training the large groups of horses (the tropilla) to follow one individual mare on a lead were all part of his upbringing. Combining his extensive deep-rooted knowledge of the gauchos and modern techniques influenced from abroad, has resulted in an eclectic mix of training methods that work really well together and are far removed from traditional methods for starting polo ponies.
“Polito followed his heart and he has become an icon and a great influence in Argentina changing the way young horses are started for the better” Throughout his career, Polito has achieved many great things. The first time he competed in the famous polo pony show, La Rural, in 1990 with his wife Monica by his side, they won both Grand Champion Macho and Hembra. They achieved this incredible feat three times and individually he has won this competitive show at least 19 times. He’s seen mares he has trained win Best Playing Pony awards in Palermo and The U.S. Open. He’s trained over 100 ponies to play The Argentine Open, many of them famous horses such as Cambiaso’s Cuartetera, Califa for Mariano Aguerre and Open Chita for the Pieres, to name a just few horses and high goal players he’s worked with. To this day he still starts around 20 horses a year for Ellerstina and he’s mounted his sons on high goal ponies around the world. Now on their farm at home, they
have a successful breeding programme with their superstar stallion Naipe, who was played by Hilario in The Open. Polito bred Naipe from Ruletta (SPC) and Ellerstina Picaro. Both horses he started and Ruletta was the very first mare he trained for The Open, played by Gonzalo Pieres. It’s an all-consuming passion which he says was a vocation he’s followed since he was 20. He literally lives and breathes horses. To achieve these dreams has taken a lot of hard work, patience and consistency; three things he believes are important qualities as a horse trainer. When it comes to producing a top polo pony, genetics make a huge difference, as does the ‘piloto’ (rider) who continues the work with a young horse playing its first chukkas. However, to have a chance at being the best it can be it depends on how it’s started. This is the crucial part. A trainer without knowledge can easily spoil a good horse and it can be an expensive error to disregard this important stage of the horse’s education. Polito explained to us that he tries to start every horse that comes to him without looking at the passport or worrying which bloodlines it has. This prevents any preconceptions of how they should perform. Generally, it will take around six to eight months to start a young horse and teach it all the ridden moves it will need to play polo. Then he passes them back to the owners to start stick and balling and young horse chukkas. As well as the physical training, he likes them to eat well and also learn to live in a stable for short periods of time, so they are often brought in to stables at night and out in paddocks in the day. His stables are bedded with hay, not straw or shavings so there is no need to muzzle the young ones. They may eat as much bedding as they wish and always have access to roughage which is how the horse is designed to function and prevents many problems and vices. It is also more sincere if the horse is trained while eating hard food. Polito explains, “You know you can trust in how it will turn out and that it is not just quiet because the horse is lacking energy or sad. Their mindset also changes – they are stronger and more willing to want to work”.
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Polito Ulloa
Feature
Polito Ulloa, the famous polo pony trainer
www.polotimes.co.uk
Polo Times, June 2019
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Polito Ulloa
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Polo Times, June 2019
Ulloa, unlike others, focuses on groundwork
horses is half teaching their body and half teaching their mind”. Something he does with every horse is to send them back and forth on a long-line – this is just one of many useful ground work techniques to establish lightness and command. It can take up to two months or longer to know if a horse will be talented, but even then, with excellent genetics, many times they succeed given time. It’s also vital the horses do not get sour of work or they will not want to learn. Each horse is different and part of the skill is to know when to ask for more and when to let them rest. It takes time and passion to learn from the great masters of horse training like Polito, but the results are so rewarding. However much you thought you knew before, once you start the journey you realise you will never stop learning. “Riding is a very special way to perceive the world, very different to seeing it on foot”, Polito Ulloa concludes.
Photography by Alice Gipps Photography
There is a team of helpers on the farm who clean the stalls and bring in horses each day from the paddocks along with two or three young domadors (trainers) who help and learn from him, however, he still starts every day at 6am on the dot, without fail at the barn, tacks for himself and does most of the specific training work. Over the years the apprentices move on after a time, but Monica is his rock. She has a wealth of knowledge and is also very talented at training young horses, as are their children. In general, the horses are worked Monday to Saturday for only five to ten minutes per horse, so they enjoy the experience and learn. He will work roughly 12 horses per morning and 10 in the afternoon. At one time he’ll have around 50 horses in training but with three domadors at hand they easily work many horses per day, often moving cattle and riding out along trails as well as schooling, so the horses are kept interested in their work. Polito explains, “Argentines have an amazing natural ability to ride, but lack in training techniques that other disciplines use such as reining and dressage”. He believes a lot in groundwork. He starts a young horse at two-yearsold. Walking, trotting and cantering in a round pen with no halter, he teaches them to reduce and increase speed on cues. “Argentines are complex”, he says, “Many believe they are cowards if they do ground work and do not get straight on. Teaching
Polito and his wife Monica
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Feature
Royal Windsor Horse Show 2019
Polo Ponies at RWHS Caroline Stern reports on the Polo Pony Class at the 75th Royal Windsor Horse Show
Caroline Stern
I
reports from Windsor, Berkshire
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Polo Times, June 2019
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
t was all change this year at The Royal Windsor Horse Show (RWHS) on 9 May, as a raft of new entrants took both classes by storm. Petworth-based 1 goaler Will Brasher made his first trip to The RWHS with four eye-catching ROR entrants, all of which he successfully competed himself. Will went home with first, third and fourth in the ROR, plus Reserve Champion. This success was mirrored by another first-time owner and rider in the Polo Pony Sponsored by Guards Polo Club Division of the class, which is for purpose-bred polo ponies. Siri Evjemo-Nysveen brought four beautiful ponies from her and her partner Alessandro Bazzoni’s Monterosso Polo Team and achieved first, second and third places, followed by Supreme Champion. The judging line-up for this year’s event was also different, as ill-health prevented Lord Patrick Beresford from presiding as he has done so for the past 12 years. Lord Patrick is also well known for having both entered and won the polo pony show classes at The Royal Windsor on more occasions than any other player throughout the class’ history. Guards Polo Manager Antony Fanshawe returned as judge for the fifth year running and Nina Clarkin stepped into his boots as riding judge. Sadly, Best Turned Out sponsor Sarah Gracey, proprietor of the local Millwheel Tack Shop and GG Feeds was also prevented by ill-health from assessing the competitors’ presentation this year. This job was made doubly difficult for judges Clarkin and Fanshawe, as sharp showers wiped out hours of work by grooms and players in just a few minutes and Persil-white bandages blackened in the boggy collecting ring. The downpours and hail which had marred the opening day of the show seemed to be in abeyance just 15 minutes prior to the class’ official start time and unexpected sunshine and heat meant that all riders were in shirt sleeves and the majority of ponies unrugged. Unfortunately, the heavens opened for the first time at 12.30pm and a delay in the running order of classes in this ring meant that judging kicked off a good 20 minutes late. However, all the ponies and riders made it
Alice Haslam on Patisserie
into the arena in fairly good order, though the odd Puffa jacket and hoodie stayed firmly on a few players’ backs. This being polo, the judges were kind or wise enough not to suggest their removal. Another welcome change this year was a good increase in entry numbers up to 19 from last year’s 12, reflecting the hard work put in by Antony Fanshawe in promoting this event within polo. The RWHS provides a great shop window for polo to the general public, since this is the UK’s largest horse show and has for the past 72 years let them admire the amazing skills of polo ponies and their riders and trainers. It was great to see such a large group of ponies, players and grooms filling up the good-sized Frogmore Arena, just a shame that the capricious weather meant that spectator numbers failed to match last year’s. Although the class is designated in the show guide as the Polo Pony Sponsored by Guards Polo Club, it is split into two sub-categories: The Polo Pony Sponsored by Guards Polo Club, for purposebred polo ponies and The RoR Thoroughbred sponsored by Retraining of Racehorses. A Supreme Champion is then adjudged from the winners of each section Interestingly, professional players far outweighed amateurs this year, in an event dominated in recent years by patrons; perhaps again as a result of the work of Antony Fanshawe and Lord Patrick Beresford, both
Nina Clarkin presents RoR trophy to winners Will Brasher & Reutlingen
of whose avowed aim was to reinvigorate the professional interest which traditionally existed in the competition. Seven of the 11 ponies in The Polo Pony Sponsored by Guards section were ridden by pros, whilst just two out of the six ROR candidates were ridden by amateur players Siri Evjemo-Nysveen and Alice Haslam. Despite their soaking, all the ponies rose to the occasion in the expert hands of their riders. This year’s commentator took a more active part in the proceedings than last year’s incumbent and took the time to explain www.polotimes.co.uk
Royal Windsor Horse Show 2019
something of the training of polo ponies and their preparation for the game. He also elected to join the judges in the middle of the ring, for which his reward was being able to accurately announce who was riding what pony, as this deviated somewhat from the advertised programme due to last minute rider changes. Hence, a small but attentive crowd welcomed Siri Evjemo-Nysveen into the arena on Riba Roja as she kicked off proceedings in the ROR class. This was Siri’s first visit to The RWHS and also of polo pony showing, but she produced an elegant display with her graceful mare. Next up was Will Brasher on the first and oldest of his four mounts: the 12-year-old Securitisation and the spectators enjoyed seeing the powerful pony at close quarters during his show. Daniel Otamendi was next in on his own Just Rubie, a pretty and classical-looking mare, followed by Brasher on the eye-catching Reutlingen, a six-year old bay mare. Alan Kent’s two entrants were up next, as his daughter Alice Haslam showed off the eight-year-old mare Patisserie, which looked to have the potential for a second career in dressage on top of polo. Nick Johnson entered next on the lovely Maidana, on whom he had achieved second place last year. Johnson gratified the judges by bringing more speed into his show and also made good use of the space available to him. His tactic of ending his show
Major Jamie Hayward riding Chloe
Nick Johnson riding Maidana
Supreme Champion Luciana with groom Martin, Siri Evjemo-Nysveen, Pepe Araya & Nina Clarkin
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Feature
by appearing to virtually stop a foot or so in front of the judges also woke the spectators up. Will Brasher returned to the ring with Drawn To Be a Lady and then swapped on to the gloriously named Sweets N Sheets. Acting as riding judge for first time this year, Nina Clarkin demonstrated textbook correct polo riding to the audience, who were suitably impressed with her lack of any visible aids producing flying changes. Nina first trialled Maidana, next Reutlingen, who appeared completely chilled out under her new jockey, despite being just six-years-old. George Meyrick started the ball rolling with the ponies bred to polo and flew round the ring on the first of the four lovely Monterrosso ponies: the 14-year-old dark bay mare Borren Punk. The crowd then had the chance to admire the legendary Pepe Araya’s horsemanship as he showed what another of Siri’s ponies could do; the equally pretty Machitos Bebop. Major Jamie Hayward’s two veteran ponies next took to the arena as he performed a nimble show on the 23-year-old black mare Chloe, who has won this class on several occasions in the past. Louise Saul also showed Jamie’s 18-yearold chestnut mare Santosh and both ponies’ agility and condition belied their ages. Pippa Vincent is a long-time participant at The RWHS Polo Pony Class and came down once again from Kirtlington, bringing Polo Times, June 2019
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Royal Windsor Horse Show 2019
last year’s best turnout winner Ruben. Pippa invited another player to ride Ruben on this occasion, in a last-minute deal done in the collecting ring. She was lucky enough to persuade leading Berkshire lady pro Kirsty Otamendi to abandon horse holding duties for her husband’s entries and to show Ruben instead. Pippa herself rode her ten-year-old Tobiano gelding, Tyson, who was notably the only traditional Criollo-type polo pony in the ring, perhaps reflecting decreasing numbers of these lovely ponies that are nowadays imported to the UK. Tyson’s attractive colouring drew admiring comments from several of the soggy spectators sitting ring-side. Pippa was followed into the ring by another returning player and pony combination; Clare Campbell and Oli Hipwood’s pretty Elf III. Clare produced a very controlled show having done a great job settling a pony who had become restive due to the monsoon conditions in the collecting ring. Daniel Otamendi and Victoria Grace Day’s Polito also impressed, with a very calm and chilled performance from a young stallion in the show ring for the first time. Next in was Nick Johnson on another stallion; Alan Kent’s Oshkosh, a compact, eye catching black pony. An improvement in the weather swelled spectator numbers slightly and Nick again opted to gallop straight at the judges in order to demonstrate control. Last into the ring were Siri’s other two contenders, first George Meyrick on Machitos Lituania, then Pepe Araya on Luciana. Nina Clarkin took the lovely Luciana to try following Pepe’s show and seemed to rather like what she was riding. Having conferred, judges Clarkin and Fanshawe awarded first place RoR to Will Brasher’s Reutlingen and first in the Polo Pony
Claire Campbell on Oli Hipwood’s Elf III
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Polo Times, June 2019
Riding judge Nina Clarkin
Pippa Vincent on Tyson
Daniel Otamendi on Polito
category to Siri Evjemo-Nysveen’s Luciana. Reutlingen was then adjudged to be Reserve Champion and Luciana Supreme Champion and also Best Turned Out. “I have tremendously enjoyed today, despite the weather!” was her victorious owner’s verdict. Both judges declared themselves to be pleased with both the increased number and improved quality of this year’s class entrants. However, a few onlookers and players had suggestions as to how the Polo Pony Sponsored by Guards Polo Club class might continue its upward trajectory in 2020. One such suggestion was that ponies be sub-divided by age, to give younger contenders more of a fair chance, rather than judging them against fully made ponies. The polo playing spectators again wanted one of their own on the commentary microphone, for a more in-depth and informed analysis of the proceedings in the ring. “It was great to see polo ponies and what they do up close and I’ve actually never seen one before!” another onlooker remarked. “But what a shame there were no polo ponies in the pageant celebrating Queen Victoria!” – this being the highlight of The RWHS 2019. Another spectator was disappointed that www.polotimes.co.uk
Royal Windsor Horse Show 2019
Feature
Louise Saul showing Major Jamie Hayward’s Santosh
Results RoR Thoroughbred sponsored by Retraining of Racehorses 1 Reutlingen Owner: Will Brasher Rider: Will Brasher 2 Maidana Owner: Alan Kent Rider: Nick Johnson 3 Sweets N Sheets Owners: Will Brasher & Ed Hitchman Rider: Will Brasher 4 Just Rubie Owner: Daniel Otamendi Rider: Daniel Otamendi 5 Securitisation Owner: Will Brasher Rider: Will Brasher 6 Riba Roja Owner: Siri Evjemo-Nysveen Rider: Siri Evjemo-Nysveen
George Meyrick riding Siri Evjemo-Nysveen’s Borren Punk
none of the polo players present had been invited to participate in the show’s wellpublicised sessions giving the chance to the public to meet the riders. “I would really have liked to find out more about polo,” she remarked. “Plus, some of the competitors look quite nice!” www.polotimes.co.uk
Polo Pony sponsored by Guards Polo Club 1 Luciana Owner: Siri Evjemo-Nysveen Rider: Pepe Araya 2 Borren Punk Owner: Siri Evjemo-Nysveen Rider: George Meyrick 3 Machitos Lituania Owner: Siri Evjemo-Nysveen Rider: George Meyrick 4 Polito Owner: Victoria Grace Day Rider: Daniel Otamendi 5 Oshkosh Owner: Alan Kent Rider: Nick Johnson Best Turned Out Polo Pony Prize sponsored by Millwheel Tack Shop & GG Feeds Ltd. Luciana Owner: Siri Evjemo-Nysveen Rider: Pepe Araya Supreme Champion Luciana Owner: Siri Evjemo-Nysveen
Rider: Pepe Araya
Reserve Champion Reutlingen Owner: Will Brasher Rider: Will Brasher
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La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy, Guards Polo Club
Twice in a Row for Bardon Narrow 9-8 win seals the win
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Photpgraphy by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
a Martina and Guards Polo Club have a special relationship going back many years, and the annual La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy at Guards Polo Club always delivers fast-paced polo and an impressive VIP list for the Finals day. This year, it was Bardon and OS Challengers who fought their way through the competitive qualifying stages in order to reach the Final on Sunday 19 May. A strong partnership and some impressively angled goals from Santiago Laborde and Matias Machado delivered victory for Bardon, but only just, as OS Challengers gave their all right until the end. Before the match, Enrico Roselli, CEO of La Martina, welcomed guests to The Royal Box for a sumptuous three-course lunch created by Mosimann’s. La Martina has supported this competitive 15-goal contest for more than a decade and this was the second time patron Andras Tombor has put his name on this silverware, having won the honours in 2017. Machado was later named The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player, receiving his prizes from the Argentine Ambassador to the UK, HE Renato Carlos Sersale di Cerisano. Bardon defeated the OS Challengers 9-8 in a tense, penalty-packed Final on The Queen’s Ground. Bardon’s opponents are a new team this season, created by the sponsors of Guards Polo Club’s Royal Windsor Cup tournament, OUT-SOURCING! Inc, and are set to play across three medium-goal tournaments this summer, starting with this La Martina contest. Just reaching this year’s Final was an achievement though, as 18 teams had entered this year’s contest, but Bardon dominated this key match. They were 6-3 up at half-time and extended their lead by two further goals at the end of the third (8-4). However OS Challengers had come back to win in similar circumstances in a previous match and so this was still anyone’s game. True to form, OS Challengers fought back from the first moment of the fourth and final chukka – Team Captain Mark Tomlinson firing through a 30 yard penalty. This was the first of four penalty conversions for OS Challengers in this chukka – enabling them to level the score with a minute left on the clock. Appropriately though, for a match that saw 13 penalties across the four chukkas, it
was a penalty that won Bardon the match. This winning shot was hit after the first bell, in the final seconds of the match, much to the excitement of spectators La Martina’s guests of honour, influencers Flora Beverley and Olivia Cox, presented the prizes to players and runnersup. Nick Hine, publisher of Polo Times, then
BPP Aruba, played by Matias Machado and owned by Santiago Laborde La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy Final Teams: Bardon: Andras Tombor (0), Matias Machado (5), Santiago Laborde (6) & Felipe Dabas (4) OS Challengers: Nina Clarkin (3), Nicolas Antinori (4), Mark Tomlinson (6) & James Emlyn (2)
awarded Machado with the Best Playing Pony blanket for Aruba, who is owned by team mate Santiago but whom Matias had played in the second and fourth chukkas. Earlier in the day, Siri Bazzoni’s MT Vikings won an equally close Subsidiary Final, where they defeated Alan Fall’s Mad Dogs 6-5.
MVP Matias Machado
La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy Subsidiary Final Teams: MT Vikings: Siri Bazzoni (0), Jose Araya (3), Ollie Cudmore (6) & George Meyrick (6) Mad Dogs: Alan Fall (0), Tomm Severn (3), Will Emerson (5) & James Harper (7) www.polotimes.co.uk
La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy, Guards Polo Club
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Action from the La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy Final, Bardon vs OS Challengers
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The Westchester Cup, The International Polo Club, Palm Beach
Henry Porter and Geronimo Obregon battle for possession
USA Break Stalemate Home team break 17 year deadlock
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nation’s national anthem, the fast play got underway. It was Flannels England who found the posts first, with Captain Jack Richardson striking the ball through the uprights on his pony Rosita, but their initial hold didn’t last long, as Peke Gonzalez first converted a penalty 2, followed by a field goal to end the first chukka with the USA ahead 2-1. Flannels England began the second period with three penalty 5 attempts, all of which were thwarted by their American foes, who successfully turned the ball creating some great end-to-end polo. Following eight shots at goal in total from the two sides, Flannels England’s Ollie Cudmore and Richardson secured two field goals to draw the scoreboard at 3-3 at the end of the third, but Gonzalez had other ideas at the beginning of the third. His two consecutive penalty conversions and excellent defensive work from his team mates, saw Flannels England send the half 5-3 behind the home nation. The fourth chukka began with a flurry of goals, as both teams traded goals twice, but responding to a penalty 1 awarded in Flannels England’s favour, Mike Azzaro delivered a tailshot goal, his second in the match to bring the USA ahead again. The teams remained on an even footing as play went into the fifth chukka, but with the USA leading 8-6 going into the sixth and final
chukka, Flannels England really needed to up the pressure to be within spitting distance of the win. Pressuring the Americans all over the field in a relentless attack led by Cudmore, the Brits managed to equalise the scores at 8-8 with first a field goal, then a converted penalty 2, sending the exhilarating match into overtime. Despite several close calls in the opening seconds of the seventh chukka, the USA
Photography by Joel Auerbach Photography
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n Sunday 28 April, Flannels England came up against the United States of America to compete for the iconic Westchester Cup at the International Polo Club, Palm Beach, Florida. Following an England win in 2018 at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, an invitation was issued by the United States Polo Association for a 2019 rematch, with the USA keen to recover the coveted trophy, following a 17 year victory hiatus. Ahead of the match, the Flannels England side saw a last minute change, as stalwart Captain James Beim was sidelined with an injury. In his stead, his 2018 Westchester Cup team mate Tommy Beresford, and the man with the longest arms in polo, was appointed to wage this historic challenge. This year’s venue stateside was The International Polo Club, Palm Beach, in the heart of Florida’s polo epicentre. Having last hosted this iconic tournament in 2009, the residents and staff at this high goal mecca Polo Club were ready and raring for the international extravaganza in store. Thousands of spectators had made the journey to the pristine IPC fields, with their chosen nation’s flags flying in salute of their team. The teams were led onto the field by their flag bearers, and following each
Victorious USA
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The Westchester Cup, The International Polo Club, Palm Beach
Ollie Cudmore
“Obviously, we’re very disappointed, but it was really fun and a great opportunity to play with such a young team. Overall it was a successful trip despite the loss, but there are always more chances in the future.”
Peke Gonzalez
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Field Shot Conversions: Flannels England: 6/17 USA: 5/15
International Polo Club, Palm Beach, Florida
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USA: 11 England: 8
Photograph by ©David Lominska/USPA
“It’s an awesome feeling to win. I went last year to play in England and we lost there, so to win here at home is lovely.”
Geronimo Obregon
“I said to myself in that moment, ‘I have to make it, this is it’! I just hoped for the best and it went in. My team mates played amazing and it could have been any one of us [to be named Most Valuable Player], I just happened to be the lucky one to make the last goal.”
“despite several close calls in the opening seconds of the seventh chukka, the USA fought off the English advances”
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(20) (3) (6) (5) (6)
USA (22) Geronimo Obregon (4) Peke Gonzalez (6) Mike Azzaro (6) Jared Zenni (6)
MVP Geronimo Obregon
Presented by USPA CEO Robert Puetz, Geronimo Obregon was awarded Most Valuable Player after his golden goal in overtime Number of times Westchester Cup has been played for: 19
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Photograph by ©David Lominska/USPA
fought off the English advances. Picking up the ball in midfield, Jared Zenni sent it hurtling up to Geronimo Obregon who was perfectly positioned for the breakaway pass. He confidently sent the ball flying through the posts to seal the win for the USA 9-8, capturing The Westchester Cup on home soil for the first time since 1992. Team USA’s coach Julio Arellano commented after the match, “We needed to win after having not won it since 1992. Especially since it was here, with a home field advantage, there was no excuse. Hats off to the English because it could have gone either way, so I’m very proud of the guys. Everyone stepped up to the plate and they played as a team which is all that I wanted. I didn’t want them to go home, win or lose, and fell like they should have or could have done more. I wanted them to leave it all on the field and have no regrets.” Flannels England team coach Will Lucas said after the match, “The boys played really well. They came back from a three goal deficit in the fifth chukka and had chances to win, but it just wasn’t their day. They were really disappointed, having played so well away, but they can rest assured it was an amazing game.”
Flannels England Henry Porter Ollie Cudmore Jack Richardson Tommy Beresford
Allie, owned and played by Mike Azzaro
BPP Tommy Beresford received the Sportsmanship Award, presented by Florida Circuit Governor Stevie Orthwein Jr.
RETIRED RACEHORSE PROJECT OFF THE TRACK Geisha, played by Peke Gonzalez
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World Polo League Beach Polo, Miami Beach
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Photograph by Chukker TV
U.S. Polo Assn. take on Flexjet
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World Polo League Beach Polo, Miami Beach
Reports
Photograph by Michalangelo Photography
Youth Prevails U.S Polo Assn. wins in Miami
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chukka onwards, with Juancito Bollini putting the young U.S Polo Assn. team ahead 7½-7 in the final chukka. Flexjet then returned the favour, with a goal from Wes Finlayson, but as the chukka wound down and the teams to and froed on the score line, Carlitos Gracida scored with Ganzi then securing an insurance goal with 30 seconds to spare. Ganzi said after the match, “It was a great win. it’s fun to be on the same field with two of my best friends. In the end we started making good plays.” In the Subsidiary Final for The Speedart Cup, Peroni defeated Speedart Motorsports 11-5 to take home the honours, with Nic Roldan earning himself the Most Valuable Player award.
The victorious U.S. Polo Assn. Team
The World Polo League Beach Polo Miami Beach Cup Final Teams: U.S. Polo Assn. (12) Grant Ganzi (3) Juancito Bollini (4) Carlitos Gracida (5) Flexjet (13) Melissa Ganzi (1) Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8) Wes Finlayson (4)
Photograph by Michalangelo Photography
hen you think of Miami, the first thing that comes to mind is the warm sandy beach, with the waves calmly lapping on shore. This serene scene is thrown to the four winds for three days in April as the Floridian polo scene congregate for the beach polo extravaganza, that is The World Polo League Beach Polo, Miami Beach. This year was the second instalment of this exciting event, resurrected by Tito Gaudenzi with friends Melissa and Marc Ganzi last year following a 10 year hiatus, much to the delight of the players and fans. The 2019 event was full of the usual fun on and off the sand, with a teeming shopping village, refreshments to die for and even a large barge out to sea floating back and forth up the coast playing the highlights. But the all-important arena was the place to be as, following three days of fraught action between the eight teams, U.S Polo Assn. rallied to secure The World Polo League Beach Polo Miami Beach Cup with a 9½-8 final score against rivals Flexjet. As the youngest team on the list, U.S. Polo Assn. did well to secure the title, with Team Captain Grant Ganzi earning himself not only the trophy, but The Winning Team Captain Award as well. From the off, it looked like Flexjet were the stronger team, with not only a higher starting handicap, but also by holding the lead up until the end of the third chukka. U.S. Polo Assn. were hot on their heels, taking control of the match from the fourth
Eight teams participated in this year’s competition
The event was the perfect combination of the vibrant Miami atmosphere and the thrill of polo. We spoke to Tito Gaudenzi after the Final who shared his thoughts with us: How did the 2019 World Polo League Beach Polo fair for you? “It was a tremendous success and we set the bar very high for the future, with record breaking crowds, a sold out VIP tent and the best beach polo the world has ever seen with the footing and the quality in players.”
Where: Miami South Beach, Best Team Captain: Florida, USA Grant Ganzi
What was your 2019 highlight? “For me, the event as a whole was the highlight as well as our team who worked so hard to make this event happen and did so with so much pride. My gratitude goes out to my entire team and of course to my partners in this event Melissa and Marc Ganzi.” What were the notable changes to this year’s tournament? “The footing this year was second to none and it is a real testament to the grounds team when you have players from The Argentine Open tell you they have never played on better arena footing anywhere in the world. That just shows us that we made the right changes.”
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Turquoise, played by Alejandro Novillo Astrada
Chimp, played by Grant Ganzi
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The Oxfordshire Cup, Black Bears Polo Club
Goals Galore at The Oxfordshire Cup Home team secure victory in 18 goal Lisa Hughes
reports from Black Bears Polo Club
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n 2018 the decision was made to make the world class facilities at Lower Bolney Farm more widely available to the polo community and to turn Black Bears into an affiliated Club with the opportunity for patrons and teams to be based there alongside Guy Schwarzenbach’s own horses. The natural next stage was then to also start to host tournaments. In the first season in this new era for the Club, the tournaments and private practices were very well received by teams enjoying the opportunity to play on fields that are immaculately maintained and so well able to deal with extremes of weather. Consequently, the Club has a busy season of tournaments planned for 2019 which run from 6 goal up to the 18 goal Oxfordshire Cup. As Guy Schwarzenbach explained, “We know that teams and pros like to come here and play”. This view is wholeheartedly endorsed by Polo Manager Rob Cudmore, “The commitment to ensuring fantastic fields at Black Bears is simply outstanding. Hundreds of tons of sand are put on each field and the ongoing programme of maintenance ensures that we are able to offer fields with consistently good footing. Nor are they over-used as we are not prepared to sacrifice quality for the sake of volume. Given how well they lend themselves to fast, flowing polo we decided to run an early 18 goal tournament to extend the season at this level. We have been asked whether we could consider repeating it at the end of the season, but we are keen to consolidate on this one and to give teams a chance to factor The Oxfordshire Cup into their plans for next year. We really hope that this new tournament will go from strength to strength – we have the fields to produce some great polo and to extend the 18 goal season in the UK and we hope that teams will enjoy playing here next year as we have great plans for this tournament”. The Oxfordshire Cup began on Tuesday 7 May with Black Bears against Carlton House. Black Bears’ newest field encourages a fast, open style of polo and both teams were keen to oblige with an exciting game
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of polo. Black Bears secured the first match with a score of 10-5, although the score belied how closely fought the match was. Ollie Cudmore’s mare, Bounty (by Dijon out of Bonita), was named Best Playing Pony. The second match between Ferne Park and Brass Ranch was no less enthralling. Not to be outdone by Alice Servaes, Brass Ranch patron Algis Pabarcius also got thoroughly stuck in and tucked away a goal that he will savour for many years to come! The lead alternated between both teams, however it was Ferne Park who managed to clinch the match by one goal, with the final scores resting on 9-8. The Best Pony Prize was won by Jonathan Rothermere and Joaquin Pittaluga’s mare Coco who is by Liberno out of Machitos Ink. The third game of the tournament was played on Saturday 11 May between Black Bears and Brass Ranch. Black Bears started as they meant to go on with Paco O’Dwyer stealing the ball from the line out and making it available for Cudmore to slot away in the first thirty seconds and after three chukkas Brass Ranch were struggling to score despite the opportunities they created. The final goal was from Satnam Dhillon, but it was a convincing win from Black Bears whose horsepower looked incredible. The Best Pony Prize went to Jack Hyde’s pony Jessica. The Carlton House vs Ferne Park game on Friday 17 May had The Earl of Tyrone substituting for Tomas Garbarini and he scored a seemingly endless succession of goals. Carlton House got off to an early lead and were still one ahead in the second chukka, but the tables turned and in the third and fourth chukkas and Ferne Parke were the dominant team and were 6 goals ahead and Ferne Park managed to keep their lead and win 7-5. Once again Joaquin Pittaluga and Rothermere scooped up the Best Playing Pony award.
The fourth match of the tournament saw Brass Ranch face Carlton House, and by the fourth chukka Carlton House had a formidable 8-3 lead. Despite the best efforts of Brass Ranch who managed to level the scores in the fifth chukka, it wasn’t enough to take the win. Servaes was awarded Most Valuable Player, and Armis had no hesitation about awarding their Sportman’s prize to Pabarcius. The Best Playing Pony prize went to Matt Perry’s pony Vasco Llandessa. The last game of the tournament also happened to be the game that both Ferne Park and Black Bears were desperate to win in order to secure the trophy. Black Bears’ early lead was soon turned by Ferne Park who relentlessly piled on the goals – including an extraordinary tailed backhand by Pittaluga after taking the ball the length of the field – to make certain that they were well ahead and able to put the pressure on. However, continuing the theme of making a mighty comeback, Black Bears were undaunted by being 7-3 down in the second chukka. O’Dwyer and Cudmore, ably backed up by Schwarzenbach and Jack Hyde, kept their nerve, showed great teamwork and steadily worked at putting the goals away. At eight goals apiece in the fourth chukka it was pride as well as the trophy that was at stake. In the end Cudmore was able to tap home the goal after a fine effort by Schwarzenbach and this took them ahead 9-8. Once more a mighty team effort with Schwarzenbach again lofting a huge pass to O’Dwyer to tap home, meant that the final score was 10-8 to Black Bears and the inaugural Oxfordshire Cup went to the home team. The Best Playing Pony went to Paco O’Dwyer’s pony Malibu and Cudmore was justifiably awarded the Most Valuable Player prize.
The Oxfordshire Cup Teams: Black Bears (18): Guy Schwarzenbach (2), Jack Hyde (4), Ollie Cudmore (6) & Paco O’Dwyer (6) Brass Ranch (18): Algis Pabarcius (1), Satnam Dhillon (5), Manolo Fernandez Llorente (6) & Marcos Araya (6)
Carlton House (18): Alice Servaes (1), Matt Perry (6), Jack Richardson (7) & Tom Beim (4) Ferne Park (18): Jonathan Rothermere (0), Tomas Garbarini/ The Earl of Tyrone (5), Joaquin Pittaluga (7) & Rodrigo Rueda (6)
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The Oxfordshire Cup, Black Bears Polo Club
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Photography by Mark Saunders
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Where: Black Bears Polo Club, Shiplake
Guy Schwarzenbach on the ball for Black Bears
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The Prince of Wales Trophy, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
Marchfield March to Victory T Abby Newell
reports from Winkfield, Berkshire
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Audeh’s inaugural Prince of Wales win
The action in the Final was closely fought and nearly went into an extra chukka
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he Prince of Wales Trophy, the first of the season’s high goal tournaments came to a gallant end on Saturday 18 May at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, with a battle between the Dubai and Marchfield Polo teams. This year saw a record seven teams entered into the tournament, split into one group of four and a league of three with the four-way penalty shoot-out taking place on Thursday 16 May to decide who was to take their place in the Final against the mighty Dubai Team. Although it was a questionable start with the weather, the sun eventually shone for the victorious Marchfield, whose patron Saad Audeh was playing the tournament for the first time. The Subsidiary Final was played for by Monterosso and VS King Power with Monterosso taking the trophy 11 goals to 6. Sponsored by Maserati and Favela lager, the spectators were treated to a spectacular game of polo. Dubai started with a two goal advantage to which they quickly put two more goals on the board in the first chukka, taking them to a 4-1 goal start over the experienced Marchfield side. Dubai set the pace early on to keep their advantage over Marchfield who seemed to have difficulty finding the goal posts in this chukka. The young Castagnola brothers, with their hard hitting and open polo, scored another two goals in the second chukka. However, Marchfield were picking up pace and matched them with two goals of their own from the mighty Pablo Mac Donough exuding confidence and experience over the Young Dubai side. Chukka three started with Dubai in the lead by three goals, but now Marchfield were ‘on the march’ with Manu Plaza working hard, paving the way for Guillermo Terrera and Mac Donough to convert their efforts into goals, evening out the scoreboard to end the third chukka six goals apiece. As the teams returned to the field to start the second half, the atmosphere was tense, with spectators holding their breath to see how this would play out. The start of the fourth chukka saw Marchfield come out all guns blazing. Plaza was the work horse of the team stealing the ball from Dubai, whilst showing his skills to run the ball effortlessly down the field passing to Mac Donough who’s spectacular neck shot bought the final score at the end of the chukka 8-6. It appeared Marchfield were unstoppable www.polotimes.co.uk
The Prince of Wales Trophy, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club taking control in the fifth chukka displaying their experience and formidable team play scoring five goals to Dubai’s one, ending the chukka, 13 goals to Dubai’s seven. Although it seemed Dubai were beaten at this stage, they came out into the last chukka with one thing on their mind. Just as the crowd thought it was all over, Dubai
proved quickly that there was still time to level the score. As the Castagnola brothers rallied together, they were supported by the corner stone of their team, Nachi Du Plessis, enabling them to put four goals on the board bringing their score to 11-13. The anticipation was at its highest where it looked like Dubai may be able to take this final into a seventh chukka. However, this was short lived as the bell sounded the end of the battle leaving Marchfield proving that experience was victorious over youth on the day and they took home The Prince of Wales Trophy.
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Where: The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Berkshire
The Prince of Wales Trophy Final Teams:
MVP Manuel Plaza de Ayala
BPP
Marchfield, winners of the 2019 Prince of Wales Trophy
Dubai (20) Pierandrea Muller (1) Camilo Castagnola (5) Bartolito Castagnola (6) Nachi Du Plessis (8)
Marchfield (22) Saad Audeh (0) Guillermo Terrera (7) Pablo Mac Donough (10) Manuel Plaza (5)
Richmonds Horse Transport.qxd:Layout 1
3/3/10
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Irenita Princesa, played by Pablo Mac Donough
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The Murus Sanctus Trippetts Challenge, Cowdray Park Polo Club
MVP La Indiana Secure Victory
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Jimbo Fewster
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UK high goal underway
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Azucar, owned by Michael Bickford and played by Facundo Pieres Where: Cowdray Park Polo Club, Midhurst
Photography by Mark Beaumont
his year saw just five team entries for The Murus Sanctus Trippetts Challenge, which is played for The James Wentworth Stanley Cup, and after the qualifying rounds La Indiana and Murus Sanctus faced each other in the Final. La Indiana began the scoring with a huge 60 yard penalty from Facundo Pieres and Michael Bickford followed this with a goal of his own to end the first chukka with an early 2-0 lead for La Indiana. Gonzalito managed to get Murus Sanctus onto the scoreboard with a 30 yard penalty conversion, but this was swiftly followed by a pass from Facundo to Bickford who scored once again and extended La Indiana’s lead to 3-1. A further penalty, followed by a field goal from Jimbo Fewster meant the second chukka ended with a 5-1 advantage in favour of La Indiana. Facundo opened up the third chukka with another converted penalty, which he swiftly followed up with a field goal after stealing the ball from Facundo Sola. Team mate Rodrigo Andrade scored a fantastic goal to extend La Indiana’s lead to a seemingly insurmountable 8-1. La Indiana made a few mistakes which resulted in two penalties which Sola capitalised on, however there was no let-up in the La Indiana attack with Fewster stealing the ball from Sola and racing away to score and end the third chukka on 9-3. During the half-time interval, 14-yearold Alfie Hyde was recruited as a substitute for Michael Bickford who had sustained an injury to his hand. The chukka started briskly with a goal from Sola for Murus Sanctus, but Andrade fought back and snatched the ball from the throw-in and raced away to score, with the chukka ending on 10-4. The penultimate chukka opened with a throw-in won by Murus Sanctus, but suddenly young Hyde grabbed the ball and raced away to the other end to make his first goal, Fewster followed this up with a goal to extend La Indiana’s lead to 12-4. Murus Sanctus continued to fight on doggedly despite the goal difference, with Sola scoring a field goal and a penalty, plus a further goal from team mate Gonzalito, bringing the scores closer together at 12-7. Despite plenty of action in the final chukka, only one goal was made, with Gonzalito Pieres moving on
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La Indiana, winners of The Murus Sanctus Trippetts Challenge
The Murus Sanctus Trippetts Challenge Final Teams: La Indiana (22): Michael Bickford (1) – Murus Sanctus (22): Corinne Ricard (0), Facundo Sola (7), Gonzalito Pieres (9) substituted by Alfie Hyde (1), Jimbo Fewster (3), Rodrigo Andrade (8) & Facundo Pieres (10) & Tommy Beresford (6) Chukka Scores: 2-0, 5-1, 9-3, 10-4, 12-7 & 12-8, to La Indiana a long shot from Sola to reach a final score of 12-8 in La Indiana’s favour. Clare Milford-Haven presented The
Trippetts Challenge Cup in memory of her son James Wentworth-Stanley to Michael Bickford and prizes to all players. www.polotimes.co.uk
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Al Habtoor Ampurdan Polo Resort Polo Club & Club Photograph courtesy of Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
Between 12 – 14 April, Ampurdan Polo Club hosted The VII Spring Cup. Wascosa Polo came out the victors against SharlauViladrau in the Final. Paisana was named Best Playing Pony, owned by Walter Cortez, whilst Dario Campos was named Most Valuable Player. Between 20 – 21 April, Schwarzwald Polo Team came out the victors of The III Easter Polo Cup. On 28 April, Club de Polo Ampurdan won The III Sant Jordi Cup in which David Scheffler was named Most Valuable Player. Play continues this month in Spain.
Club Focus
Binfield Heath Polo Club
Wildcats won The Welcome Tournament
Sotogrande won The End of Season Cup 2019
Saracens, The Margaret Duvall Cup winners
Photograph courtesy of Ampurdan Polo Club
Beaufort Polo Club April was a busy month at Ampurdan Polo Club
Photograph courtesy of Beaufort Polo Club
Tomlinson Equine, winners of The Badminton Cup 8 Goal
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Over the Easter weekend, Bawtry welcomed members and guests for an Easter Egg and Spoon Race followed by Easter chukkas. It was a great way to begin the 2019 season, with fun had by all. Photograph by Marcus Hunt at MLG Photography
Tomlinson Equine secured The Badminton Cup 8 Goal over the weekend at Beaufort Polo Club, after defeating Strategic 4-2 in the Final. Peter Baldwin provided the prizes and the trophy. In other news, the Club will be hosting The Alzheimer’s Society Polo Day on Friday 14 June. As well as the Semi Finals of The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse tournament, guests will be treated to a drink’s reception, afternoon cream tea and a luxury raffle. For more information, please visit the Club’s website.
Bawtry Polo Club
Bawtry Polo Club welcomed members for a day of Easter fun
Irongate, Subsidiary Final winners
In the Final of the first tournament of the season, The Welcome Tournament, Wildcats defeated Prosperity to take home the title. Barney Hughes was named the Most Valuable Player, whilst Macanuda, owned by Michael Mylonas was named Best Playing Pony. In the Subsidiary Final, Winkfield Park defeated De Havilland Chambers. On Sunday 12 May, in the Final of The Coppid Cup, Cuatro Colas defeated Saracens 5-3½. Kate Parker was awarded the Most Valuable Player honours, whilst Lupe, owned by Will Melville-Smith was named Best Playing Pony. In the Subsidiary Final, Coppid Owls defeated Azul Cigarra. Over the weekend of 18 – 19 May, Binfield Heath Polo Club held The Margaret Duvall Cup 6 goal, with not just the Final, but also three Subsidiary Finals being played. Saracens were the winners after defeating Coppid Owls/ Wildcats 5-4. Lucho Aguirre was named Most Valuable Player and Koala, owned by Lucho Aguirre was awarded Best Playing Pony honours. In the Subsidiary Final, Irongate defeated Quicksilver 6-3, with James Scott-Hopkins scooping up the Most Valuable Player Award whilst Kelvin Johnson’s Envy was awarded Best Playing Pony. Bottles Polo defeated Azul Cigarra/Democles 6-6½ in the second Subsidiary Final, with Roddy Williams taking home the Most Valuable Player Award. In the third and final Subsidiary Final of the day L’Elephants defeated La Rosada 5-4 with Will Drewitt named as Most Valuable Player. Polo Times, June 2019
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Photography courtesy of Binfield Heath
The 2018-2019 season ended at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club on Wednesday 24 April with the Final of The End of Season Cup 2019. Sotogrande defeated Chantilly 4-3 to take home the trophy, whilst Cowdray defeated both Palermo and Palm Beach in the round-robin Subsidiary Final. HE Humaid Bin Drai, Founder and Chairman of Bin Drai Enterprises awarded the teams with their prizes and the Most Valuable Player award to Noor Abu Khadra.
Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Cirencester Park Polo Club
Los Chinos, winners of The a’Brassard Trophy
In the Final of The 0-40 Goal Tournament, marking the first weekend of polo at Cirencester Park Polo Club, Lodge Services defeated Conosco 8-7½ in a tough Final, whilst R&R defeated Tomlinson Equine 6-5 in the Subsidiary. In the Final of The Polo Valley 2 Goal, Cotswold Airport defeated RJ Polo 6-5. The prizes for both tournaments were kindly donated by British Polo Gin. On Sunday 19 May, The a’Brassard Trophy, sponsored by RJ Polo, came to an end at Cirencester Park Polo Club with Los Chinos
defeating Cotswold Airport 7-5 in the Final. Meanwhile, Coxwell defeated Syreford 5-3 in the Subsidiary Final. Additionally, it is less than four weeks until Cirencester Park Polo Club’s 125th Anniversary Ball on Saturday 29 June. The evening will be 1920s glamour themed with dancing to the Chip Shop Boys and a Silent Auction. The 0-40 Goal Tournament Final Teams: Lodge Services (14): Dominic Lodge (2), Charlie Hanbury (4), Tom Beim (4) & Will Lucas (4)
Photography by Tom Reynolds Photography
Lodge Services defeated Conosco in the Final of The 0-40 Goal Tournament
Coxwell, winners of The a’Brassard Trophy Subsidiary Final
Conosco (9): Tommy Severn (3), Jeremy Pemberton (0), Charlie Cadogan (1) & Will Emerson (5) The Polo Valley 2 Goal Final Teams: Cotswold Airport (2): Suzannah Harvey (-1), Tom Jodrell (0), Lorna Broughton (0) & Oliver Jones (3) RJ Polo (2): Annie Woodhead (-1), Ed Walker (1), Jack Aldridge (1) & Zac Beim (1)
Costa Careyes Polo Club Epsom Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Costa Careyes
On 20 April, the Final of the 20th annual Agua Alta Polo Tournament took place at Costa Careyes Polo Club. The home team, Agua Alta, came up against Colombia in a fast and frenetic game. At half-time, the scores read 5-3½ to the home team, but in the third chukka, Colombia came back with three goals to only one in response, to take them ahead of their rivals by half a goal 6½-6. Two goals were scored apiece in the final chukka, thus enabling Colombia to take home the title. Ferrari, an eightyear-old mare owned and played by Milo Ardissione was named Best Playing Pony. This tournament marked the end of the season, with the next due to start on 15 November.
The Agua Alta Polo Tournament marked the end of the season in Mexico
Druids Lodge Polo Club Photograph by Michael Berkeley Photography
Fyfield Flyers, winners of The Aspiga Trophy
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Druids Lodge held their first tournament of the season, The Aspiga Trophy, on 4 – 5 May. In the end it was Fyfield Flyers who were the winners, beating Igneous 7-4 in the Final. Later in the day, TAMAC defeated Xanthos to win the Subsidiary Final. The Aspiga Trophy Final Teams: Fyfield Flyers (2): Andrea Redder (-1), Anthony Bond (0), Clare Macnamara (0) & Roddy Stanning (3) Igneous (2): Brent Slater (-2), Harry Fuller (0), Stevie McCraith (2) & Giles Ormerod (2)
Photograph by Frederika Penniket
The Agua Alta Polo Tournament Final Teams: Agua Alta: Milo Ardissione, Guillermo Li, Carlitos Hernandez & Kiki Cassanova Colombia: Juan Martín Cabal, Rodrigo Mosquera, Federico Uribe & Miguel Gomez de Parada Les Blancs, winners of the May Day Cup
Epsom Polo Club hosted their annual May Day Cup over the Bank Holiday weekend. Three 2 goal teams competed for the trophy. They were closely fought games with Les Blancs victorious over Epsom Polo Club with a score of 7-6. May Day Cup Teams: Les Blancs: Luc Trafford, Abbi Mowat, Scott Anderson & Callum Anderson Epsom Polo Club: Steph Phizackerley, Sarah Brown, Louise Brown & Lance Anderson Equus: JB Solanet/Helen Gilman, Charlotte Langman, Lucy Bowman & Ryan Anderson www.polotimes.co.uk
Club Focus
Your Club News from Home and Abroad
Grand Champions Polo Club
Cowdray Park Polo Club Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk
On Sunday 5 May, Dutta Corp made history at Grand Champions Polo Club as the organisation became the first team in the Club’s 13 year history to win a tournament four years in a row. Dutta Corp defeated Aspen Valley 10-9 in an overtime victory to capture The Sun Cup. Jared Zenni was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Minotaur, a grey mare owned and played by Alejandro Novillo Astrada was selected as The ChukkerTV Best Playing Pony. Sebucan won its first tournament of the spring season bagging The Polo Gear Challenge Cup on Sunday 26 May in front of a good crowd. In a hard fought and close game Sebucon eventually won out
over Dutta Corp 11-9. Juancito Bollini, at just 23-years-old was selected Most Valuable Player after an outstanding game for Sebucan. The Florida Atlantic University graduate scored five goals. M4, a five-yearold stallion bred and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm and played by Pablo Spinacci in the second and fifth chukkas for Sebucon, received Grand Champions Best Playing Pony plaudit. The Sun Cup Final Teams: Dutta Corp (18): Timmy Dutta (2), Carlitos Gracida (4), Kirs Kampsen (6) & Jared Zenni (6) Aspen Valley (16): Pablo Pulido (2), Juancito Bollini (4), Grant Ganzi (3) & Alejandro Novillo Astrada (7)
River, winners of The Tyro Cup
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Polo Times, June 2019
Polo Gear Challenge Cup champions Sebucan
Dutta Corp made history in Florida
Guards Polo Club In the Final of the 15 goal Rodney Moore Cup (as part of The La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy), Four Quarters Black (Romilla Arber, Max Charlton, Ignacio Negri & Henry Porter) took home the title against rivals Oakley Court. On Saturday 11 May, Previse won The Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy at Guards Polo Club, defeating Snake Bite in extra time. Mark Tomlinson was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player and Richard Tyrone’s pony Monkey Puzzle was the Polo Times Best Playing Pony. For more information about Monkey Puzzle, please turn to our Pony Power pages.
Photograph courtesy of Emsworth Polo
The Final of The Tyro Cup was played on Sunday 12 May at Cowdray Park Polo Club, with Andre Fattal’s River defeating David Turner’s DJ Cats 6-4 to take the win. It was a lively match, with both teams evenly matched, but River’s strength proved too much for their rivals. On Saturday 18 May, the Finals of The Barrett Cup were played at Cowdray Park Polo Club between Sea Breeze and Maiz Dulce. At half-time, Sea Breeze led 2-1 and in the second half continued with similar vigour. However, Maiz Dulce woke up and started to fight back – Will Harper neatly spun the ball between the posts for a 5-3 score and success in The Barrett Cup for Maiz Dulce for a second year running. Additionally, in the Final of the Spring 4 goal, James Rogerson’s Connect 44 beat Wilf Fine’s Sea Breeze 5-2. The Tyro Cup Final Teams: River (12): Andre Fattal (0), Will Harper (2), Glenn Sherriff (5) & Bautista Sorsana (5) DJ Cats (12): David Turner (0), Niall Donnelly (4), Jake Daniels (4) & Henry Fisher (4) The Barrett Cup Final Teams: Sea Breeze (8): Wilf Fine (0), Angus Rowan Hamilton (1), Nick Clague (3) & Henry Fisher (4) Maiz Dulce (8): Millie Barfoot (0), Will Harper (2), John Martin (2) & Pedro Harrison (4)
Photograph courtesy of Grand Champions Polo Club
Photograph by Mark Beaumont
Maiz Dulce, winners of The Barrett Cup
Four Quarters Black won The Rodney Moore Cup
The Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy Final Teams: Previse (12): Tom Brodie (4), Stefan Sund (0), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Luke Wiles (2) Snake Bite (12): David Ashby (3), Max Kirchhoff (0), The Earl of Tyrone (5) & Charlie Hanbury (4) www.polotimes.co.uk
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Polo de Paris
Rutland Polo Club
Photograph courtesy of Polo de Paris
The Tournois de Printemps came to an end on Sunday 19 May
goal competitions, Sainte Mesme defeated Le Pommeray 8-4 and Red Flacon beat La Concepcion 6-5 in over time. However, as La Concepcion, Sainte Mesme and Red Falcon were all tied on 2-1 win/loss ratio, a penalty shootout was decided to determine the overall winners. La Concepcion emerged as the winners, which meant they retained their 2018 title. The next stage of The Parisienne Triple Crown is The Tournoi de la Ville de Paris, which began on Saturday 25 May and sees Kazak-Outsiders and La Magdeleine join the existing four teams.
On Monday 22 April, the Final of The Easter Cup marked the beginning of the 2019 season, with Battistoni ultimately coming out victorious against Voltex. Voltex patron Sammy Jebabli was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Panchita, played by Justin Gaunt, was awarded the Best Playing Pony honours.
Photograph courtesy of Polo Club Saint-Tropez
Polo Club Saint-Tropez The Final of The Easter Cup marked the beginning of the 2019 season
Photograph courtesy of Rutland Polo Club
Action kicked off at the end of April with Polo de Paris’ first tournament of the season, The Tournoi Yvan Guillemin, re-named as a tribute to the late Yvan Guillemin, one of French polo’s greatest personalities. 2019 also sees the Club celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Open de Paris Engel & Volkers, as well as hosting The Parisian Triple Crown throughout May and June. On Sunday 19 May, La Concepcion secured The Tournois de Printemps, the first tournament of The Parisienne Triple Crown at Polo de Paris. On the final day of the 10
The Westerby Assam Cup entries are still open
The Westerby Assam Cup Victor Ludorum 4 Goal tournament will be held at Rutland Polo Club between the 26 and 30 June. Can you win this awesome trophy in 2019? Entries close on Monday 10 June. For all enquiries, please email Hugh on polomanager@ rutlandpoloclub.co.uk.
Polo Club Vreeland
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Sunday 9 June is the main day of the event, with the Final of The Maxima Polo Cup as well as BBQ & Drinks – it is expected over 900 people will attend. The event was created by Harry van Andel in 2001, but following his tragic death, his son Aki has since taken over the organisation of this fun tournament. To find out more, please email aki@polo.nl
Photograph courtesy of Aki van Andel
Over 6 – 9 June, Polo Club Vreeland will once again be hosting The Maxima Polo Cup, a friendly yet competitive 6 goal tournament with a family atmosphere. With everything from bouncy castles for the kids, outdoor BBQ grills with meat from the Czech Republic, plus Champagne Collet as title sponsor, there is something for everyone!
The 2019 Maxima Polo Cup will be held between 6 – 9 June
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Club Focus
White Waltham Polo Club
Westcroft Park have announced that this season in association with Puesto Viejo and SATS Polo, if members enter a minimum of three Social Challenge Matches over the course of the season, the amateur player with the most points at the end of September will win an all-inclusive, one week polo holiday to Puesto Viejo in Argentina. Each amateur player will score points for wins or draws and also each player will be scored by the umpire out of 10 on Sportsmanship, Fair Play and Good Humour. In addition to the holiday for the overall winner, there will be prizes for best in each category. Each Individual Challenge match will be played for a bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne. The first challenge took place 4 – 5 May at Westcroft Park Polo Club. Please call the office to enter on 01276 858545.
On Saturday 18 May a polo match was held between investment banks J.P.Morgan and Acuity Polo Teams. Acuity kept a good lead throughout the match however J.P.Morgan came back in the last The J.P. Morgan & Acuity teams chukka but could not get into the lead, losing by only half a goal. In the 2 Goal Camelot Polo Tournament held over the two day weekend, the Final on Sunday was won by Carpe Diem, a very close match all the way through until the last chukka when Carpe Diem moved up a gear and scored four goals against Madeva who played well in attack but just lacked the defence in the last chukka. In the end, Carpe Diem won 7-2.
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Polo Times, June 2019
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Photograph courtesy of White Waltham Polo Club
Westcroft Park Polo Club
Women’s Polo
International & Home
Westcroft WIP League
USPA Handicap Changes Photograph courtesy of Malia Bryan
Between 1 – 2 June, Westcroft Park Polo Club will be welcoming teams for The WIP League Tournament, sponsored by Hypoxi Ascot and EMS Ascot. The tournament will be held on two handicap levels, 0-8 goal and 8-12 goal, with a Family Day on Saturday 1 June and Finals Day the following day. On Family Day a Gin Bar, with delicious cocktails from British Polo Gin will be on hand for the adults as well as a BBQ and a half-time pitch invasion for the kids.
Heroes Polo Day
18-year-old Malia Bryan made history as the youngest female player to play in The U.S. Open Championship
On Saturday 1 June, a Women In Polo (WIP) team will take on Hackett Army at Tidworth Polo Club as part of their annual Heroes Polo Day. The WIP match will be one of three matches being played on the day, with The Royal Navy vs The RAF and The Heroes Cup also being played, all with the aim of fundraising for Help for Heroes.
The United States Polo Association (USPA) has released its end of season handicap changes. In the women’s rankings, Brit Hazel Jackson-Gaona leads the charge, with a rise from 9 to 10 goals, Mia Cambiaso, has been raised from 6 to 7 goals from 1 June and then 8 goals from 1 January. Similarly, Hope Arellano has seen a double raise, going from 5 to 6 goals from 1 June and then to 7 goals after 1 January. 18-year-old Malia Bryan, who made history as the youngest female player to play in the U.S. Open Championship when she substituted for Jeff Hildebrand of Tonkawa and managed to score the first goal of the match against Pilot on 3 April has seen her handicap deservedly raised from 4 to 5 goals. Meanwhile, K.C. Krueger has gone down from 7 to 6 and Courtney Asdourian has also gone down from 6 to 5. A full list of the changes can be viewed on the USPA’s website.
International Test Series This year, Women in Polo (WIP) have announced the launch of the first ladies’ International Test Series, in aid of Breast Cancer Care. A visiting Australian team will be welcome to the UK to take part in three matches at three separate venues across the UK. The first match will be played on Sunday 30 June at Tidworth Polo Club, followed by Saturday 6 July at Beaufort Polo Club and the final match will be played on Sunday 14 July at New Forest Polo Club.
Victrix Ludorum
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Polo Times, June 2019
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
This year, there are six Victrix Ludorum fixtures, played up to 18 goal, scheduled around the UK: 3 – 7 July: Knepp Castle Polo Club 8 – 20 July: British Ladies Open Championship, Cowdray Park Polo Club 23 July – 3 August: The Cirencester Ladies 18 Goal, Cirencester Park Polo Club 29 July – 10 August: The Beaufort Ladies Tournament, Beaufort Polo Club 12 – 17 August: Ladies Polo Festival, Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club 20 – 31 August: Guards Ladies Charity Tournament, Guards Polo Club
Dodson & Horrell, winners of the 2018 Victrix Ludorum title
For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
International & Home
5 minutes with…
However, I would have to go with mixed polo as it gives equal opportunities and it is great to beat the boys every now and then
Saskia Meadows
Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? Don’t get me started... However, I would like to see a higher level of enforcement of Pony Welfare at all clubs.
Ladies Handicap: 4 Mixed Handicap: 0 Arena Handicap: 2 How did your polo career start? My parents began a polo business called Cool Hooves Polo in 2000 and I was addicted from the start, I had always ridden but was determined to learn something new that would challenge me... What’s your greatest achievement to date? I have been fortunate to travel the world within the industry and I’m not sure I could pick one, but certainly winning the first ever Ladies Tournament played in UAE for Ralph Lauren is up there along with scoring the winning goal in the 10 goal Lambourne Trophy. What’s your greatest ambition? To be the patron of a high goal team and call it DDC (Daddy Doesn’t Care). So I’ll take this opportunity to tell my dad to hurry up and win the lottery.
Women’s Polo
Which lady players do you admire? Why? My sister, Genevieve and the legend that was Sunny Hale. What’s your favourite tournament/Club? It’s a tough decision between The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, my family Club where I grew up and have spent most of my life and Guards Polo Club. Not only have I had the privilege of being a playing member at both clubs over the years, I have also worked in the events team at GPC where I had some fantastic experiences. It would be impossible for me to choose. My favourite tournament has to be the 6 goal HPA Arena Nationals played at RCBPC. I have got to the Final three times and yet to win… so my determination is ongoing for the cup.
If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? Genevieve Meadows (my baby sis), me, Jack Hyde and Phil Meadows. We probably wouldn’t win a thing, it would end with divorce, emancipation and huge arguments on who’s horse actually belongs to who but I know we would have a laugh. “I couldn’t have done it without. . .”? My parents! They have given me every possible opportunity and continue to support my love of polo which I will be eternally grateful for.
Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? I think they both have different qualities.
Military Ladies Day Photography courtesy of British Army Polo
On Monday 6 May, Tidworth Polo Club hosted the Women in Polo Military Ladies Tournament. Four teams took part: Adjutant General’s Corps, Army Medical Service and Royal Logistic Corps/Royal Artillery, plus the HACKETT London British Army Polo Ladies team played the Women in Polo, with the HACKETT Army Ladies just managing to take the win. HACKETT Army’s Janet Johnson was named Most Valuable Player. HACKETT London British Army Polo Ladies vs Women in Polo Teams: HACKETT London British Army Polo Ladies (9): Scarlett Geering (0), Janet Johnson (2), Jessica Wood (2) & Jessica Andrews (5) Women In Polo (11): Saskia Swift (2), Georgie Gregory (2), Ellie Hoogewerf (1) & Rosie Ross (6) The HACKETT Army Ladies managed to narrowly beat their WIP opposition
La Rosada Ladies Tournament Photograph courtesy of Women In Polo
Over 18 – 19 May, teams competed in the La Rosada Ladies Tournament at Kirtlington Park Polo Club for the chance to win a three day polo trip to Estancia El Rocío, near Buenos Aires. Congratulations to Somerset for winning the tournament, with Steph Haverals named Most Valuable Player and Flora was awarded Best Playing Pony honours.
KIRTLINGTON PARK
The La Rosada Trophy was a success despite the rain!
All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!
Polo Times, June 2019
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Women’s Polo
International & Home
Argentine Alterations The AAP has recently announced their autumn handicap changes, rule changes, new league formats as well as dates for the upcoming season. Handicap Changes The AAP’s Board of Directors decided on 33 handicap changes, 32 of which were increases and just one decrease in handicap, these changes will come into force at the start of the Argentine Spring 2019 season or 31 December 2019, whichever date comes first. The changes are below: 0 to 1 goals – Jasmine Arab, Esperanza Bargalló, Gabriela Benoit, Martina Díaz, Valentina Echavarri, Pieternal Kimman, Sofia MacDougall, Julieta Murgio, Milagros Ordoñez, Ana Palma, Florencia Pelosso, Sofía Rocco, Martina Sola, Florencia Tonelli, Marcela Usandivaras and Alice Woods 1 to 2 goals – Pilar Banchero, Sol Beltramone, Isabella Boccamazzo, Celina Fernández Ocampo, Catalina Jantus and Helena Schoeller. From 2 to 3 – Catalina Ayerza, Katherina Courreges, Bianca Pagano, Luz María Rozandal and Esperanza Uranga 3 to 4 goals – Stephanie Haverhals, Maitena Marré, Sofia Rivas, Sofia Sciutto and Fleur Van Andel 4 to 3 goals – Farida Rosso Baldachino Five players were also assigned a handicap with Inés Costamagna, Kate Dougerthy, Ann
Meier and Rosario Rodríguez being awarded a 0 goal handicap and Barbara Huber being awarded a 1 goal handicap. Women’s World League of Polo The AAP is aiming to create a women’s polo leagues, divided into three levels (Low: 0-10 goal, Medium: 11-18 goal, High 19-22 goal) so that teams can maintain their line-ups, gain points and compete at national and international levels. The AAP hopes that these leagues will help to generate a global women’s polo calendar, where each of the most important Polo Associations share their dates and tournaments, within these categories, in order to achieve a Women’s World League of Polo. Spring 2019 Calendar The AAP has announced its Spring 2019 women’s polo fixtures, which sees a total of five low goal tournaments, six medium goal tournaments, two high goal tournaments and two mixed handicap tournaments. For a full list of their fixtures, please visit the AAP website. New Rules After analysis during the National Women’s Testing Tournament, the AAP have decided on several rule changes for women’s polo: • Duration of the game – Each chukka will be four minutes with a two minute
interval, with a different number of chukkas for each handicap level (Low: six chukkas, Medium: eight chukkas, High: 10 chukkas). It is hoped that it will reduce horse and played fatigue and also lower the cost of playing as logistics will be reduced and a fewer number of horses, performing higher, will be needed. • Handicap table – In order to officially verify any handicap advantage that should be awarded, the AAP have released an official handicap table (see AAP website for details). • Number of horses – The number of horses per game will not be limited. Players cannot change horses between chukkas, except due to injury. • Format – All women’s tournaments (except The Palermo Open) will be played with a handicap. The aim of all of this is to strengthen the autumn season and develop a full calendar, so that by February/March when the weather and fields are at their best, there will still be plenty of women’s polo. The AAP have also announced for 2020 the first FEM Copa República Argentina for teams of 0-40 goals, which emulates the great men’s tournament created in 1928.
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For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages
Youth
All Aspects of Youth Polo
Junior USA Lifts Trophy
121st La Martina Varsity
Photograph by ©David Lominska/USPA
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
The 121st La Martina Varsity Match will take place on 1 June
Junior USA, winners of The Junior Westchester Cup
scores remained tied right up to the final five minutes, when a Penalty 1 awarded to the home team took USA into the lead, swiftly followed by a converted Penalty 4 to seal the victory for Junior USA with a score of 6-4. After scoring four of USA’s six goals, Lucas Escobar was named Most Valuable Player. The Best Playing Pony honours went to Timmy Dutta’s Diamante, an eight-year-old Thoroughbred mare played in the first and fourth chukkas. Milly Hine was presented with The Sportsmanship Award by USPA Chairman, Chip Campbell. The Junior Westchester Cup Teams: Junior USA (5½): Bayne Bossom (2), Olivia Uechtritz (0), Timmy Dutta (2) & Lucas Escobar (1½) Junior England (6): Will Harper (2), Milly Hine (1), Ned Hine (2) & Monty Swain-Grainger (1)
Photograph courtesy of the AAP
National Youth Tournament
112 future polo stars competed in Argentina
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Polo Times, June 2019
Following a postponement due to rain, The National Youth Tournament, sponsored by Thai Polo, took place on Sunday 28 April. 28 teams participated with 112 future polo stars taking to the fields at the AAP Headquarters in Alfredo Lalor de Pilar. The tournament was split into five sections, depending on players’ ages, with the following winners: Juveniles: El Caburé defeated Jockey Club, 6-3 Mayores: La Irenita defeated La Lucila, 5-2 Menores: Cría Yatay defeated La Morettina, 6-3 Minis: Las Bétulas defeated La Irenita, 3-2 Minis Minis: Sol de Agosto defeated Polo One, 3-1
The Atlantic Cup Photograph courtesy of OUPC
On Saturday 20 April, The International Polo Club, Palm Beach hosted The Junior Westchester Cup between Junior USA and Junior England. This was Junior USA’s second win in The Junior Westchester Cup, as they also won in 2018 at Black Bears Polo Club. The match saw exciting back and forth play between the two sides, with an offensive battle between Lucas Escobar and Ned Hine, who scored all the goals for their respective teams in the first half, which ended with a close score of 3-2. At the start of the second half, Flannels England launched a strong offensive attack, with Ned Hine converting a Penalty 3 to level the scores, 3-3. Harper managed to take Flannels England into the lead with a field goal, however their lead was short lived as Bayne Bossom scored a field goal to once again level the scores, 4-4. The
The 121st La Martina Varsity Match will be held at Guards Polo Club on 1 June, alongside the Old Blues’ and Ladies’ matches, and the annual Eton vs Harrow match. The event will welcome a plethora of students, with Guards Polo Club opening its door to spectators, families and friends. La Martina, as always, will be on hand to support the exciting event.
Oxford University Polo Club currently hold The Atlantic Cup trophy
Between 20 – 23 June, teams from Oxford University Polo Club, Cambridge University Polo Club, Harvard University Polo Club and Yale University Polo Club will be converging at Kirtlington Park Polo Club for the annual Atlantic Cup qualifying matches, followed by the Final at Cambridge County Polo Club. The tournament was inaugurated in 2002 following a challenge issued from Yale to OUPC and now acts as not only an exciting youth tournament, but also the perfect upholder of the strong connections between the universities. To date, Oxford have won the last three tournaments, with their eyes on the prize this year. For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages
Copenhagen AllCup, Aspects Guards of Youth Polo Club Polo
Youth
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
Eight teams competed entered this year’s Copenhagen Cup & Copenhagen Shield
Wellington Win! Great turnout and fierce competition at Guards for The Copenhagen Cup
F
ortune favoured Wellington College in the ninth annual Copenhagen Cup tournament at Guards Polo Club, where they narrowly overcame Harrow in a reversal of last year’s result. The Copenhagen Cup was created by former Wellington College parent and Guards member Amar Sheikh and his brother Momin, who is both a well-known current Guards player and a current parent at the school. Originally, just players from Wellington, Harrow and Eton College took part, but the invitational tournament nowadays boasts on average eight teams, which are allotted to either The Copenhagen Cup or The Copenhagen Shield, the latter being for teams of lower handicap. The event is still sponsored by the Sheikh brothers to this day and produces the highest level of school polo competition currently seen in the UK. Following last year’s defeat at the hands of the Harrow team, Wellington had this year added considerable weight to their side. Team Captain Ned Hine, off 2 goals and team mate Jakob Samonig were joined by two new faces; 14-year-old Will Drewitt, in his first year at the school and Louis Hine, playing off 0 goals. With the inclusion of Louis Hine, Wellington again chose to play
Caroline Stern
reports from Windsor, Berkshire
a prep school player a couple of months before they started at their new senior school, a tactic they had first adopted last year by deploying Max Sponer. Harrow, contrastingly, had made no alteration from last year’s winning side, with their two goal Captain Hugo Taylor once again supported by -1 Michael Fitzgibbon and Dougal Barr and Marc Lindgren, both -2 goal. Harrow’s master in charge of polo, Darren Bell commented to Polo Times prematch, “I am, of course, hoping for as good a result as last year. We are fortunate to still have Hugo Taylor on our team, since he took a year out to play the high goal a couple of years ago and dropped down a school year as a result. We also have last year’s MVP on our team again; Dougal Barr. We certainly need them, looking at our opposition this year!”
Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!
Clare Edwards, the outgoing head of Wellington College polo, acknowledged that her school’s line-up was fairly formidable, “We have a strong team this year and that team is going to last for a good few years, bearing in mind that three of the four players will still be with us next year, so it will consist of one Year 9, one Year 10 and two Year 12s. And, of course, we will be welcoming other strong players in future, including Aramaya Sheikh, who is still at prep school now. But this is typical of school polo teams; our strength waned when we lost our last generation of experienced players, which included James Crossley and Niels Van Der Hoeven and the same thing happens at all senior schools, for obvious reasons.” Harrow had reached The Copenhagen Cup finals this year having defeated Millfield by 6-2 at Black Bears the previous day, whilst Wellington overcame Rugby by an emphatic 10-2½. Wellington’s aggregate handicap therefore meant that they conceded two goals to Harrow at the outset. The first minute of chukka one saw Wellington snatch the ball out of the throw in and get it to goal, for Will Drewitt to open his team’s account. The 14-year-old is a well-known Polo Times, June 2019
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Youth
All Aspects ofCup, Copenhagen Youth Guards Polo Polo Club
Action from The Copenhagen Cup Final, Wellington College vs Harrow
member of the Cowdray Pony Club and has recently attracted a lot of attention in Berkshire, impressing in tournaments of up to eight goals. Harrow repelled the next couple of Wellington attacks, but conceded a penalty, which luckily for them, went wide. The game at this stage resembled last year’s bout, with the main battle being between Ned Hine and Hugo Taylor, but it was very soon apparent that Taylor had far more than just the talented Ned to contend with. Towards the end of the chukka, the play was far more intense and faster than this time last year. Michael Fitzgibbon looked cheap off minus one and was notable for his willingness to pursue and tackle any of his opponents, regardless of the disparity in handicap. However, the Hine brothers combined effectively together to level the scores by the end of this chukka. Both Barr and Fitzgibbon came out fighting at the start of the second and helped Taylor get the ball to their goal and keep it there for quite a while, but every attempt at scoring was prevented by tight Wellington defence. Lindgren and Samonig constantly worked for their respective sides, as did Drewitt; it was impressive that all three players were mature enough to do the hard defensive work and leave the majority of the hitting to their more experienced team mates. Louis Hine took the ball end to end to make it 3-2 to Wellington, 56
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really getting into his stride. Once again, great defensive efforts from Fitzgibbon thwarted a second goal, until his backhand ricocheted off Louis Hine’s pony and enabled WC to go 4-2 up by the second bell. Harrow were awarded a penalty 2 early in the third, enabling Taylor to get it back to a one goal deficit and his team mates continued to defend well. However, it did not take long for Louis Hine to score again and later show that he was as strong in defence as in attack. A spectator watching Taylor turning the ball by tapping it in the air on the end of his stick, under pressure from both Hines, was moved to remark that it was a shame that the match was not on Guards’ hallowed number one ground, where more of the club’s Sunday crowd could enjoy its calibre. “But what an amazing shop window this provides to show the rest of us how high the standard of schools polo is,” she went on. The indefatigable Taylor pulled another one back with a second penalty, but unluckily hit a long drive wide shortly afterwards and failed to equalise. Fitzgibbon continued to hassle Ned Hine and Barr narrowly failed to score from a great run which belied his -2 handicap. The standard of ponies played by all eight players was staggering, with the majority half-chukkering on many horses of high-goal quality.
The first three minutes of the final chukka were without score, until Louis Hine unfortunately sustained an injury. He felt able to continue after a couple of minutes and immediately launched another blistering attack and narrowly missed scoring again. Taylor took the hit in and kept it as far as the 30 at the other end, under huge pressure from Ned Hine. With a minute on the clock, Taylor had a chance to tie it up at five all, but hit a 60 yard penalty low and to the right, leaving Wellington victorious by 5-5. Another onlooker exclaimed that the game had been ‘insanely quick.’ “I normally only watch high-goal”, he continued. “Those kids put the adults to shame, the way they play off their handicaps; even the -2s and -1s were astounding! You’d never see an adult play like that off those handicaps, nor a -2 go after a plus two player.” Hugo Taylor afterwards said that it had been a tough match. “Those guys play so much polo and they play very well, but my team mates did very well and they marked amazingly.” The Copenhagen Cup Subsidiary Final saw Rugby victorious over Millfield by 4½-1. Initially a slightly more genteel affair, the match provided an exciting spectacle during the third and fourth chukkas. Toby Bradshaw For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages
Copenhagen Cup, Guards Polo Club
Youth
The Copenhagen Shield Teams: Eton (-5): Tad Sikorski (-2), Seb Stanga (-2), Harrison Murphy (-1) & Tom Jodrell (0) Heathfield Diamonds (-7): Kiki Severn (-1), Victoria Schneider (-2), Minty Clarry (-2) & Kitty Clarry (-2) Marlborough College (-5): Cyriaque Genest (-2), Harry Alexander (-2), Eloise Fanshawe (-1) & William Millard (0) Stowe (-4): Jamie Baillie (-1), Billy Hawkins Byass (-2), Henry Hobby (-1) & Ivan de Poligny (0) shared the captaincy of the Rugby team with Fred Thame; both players being well-known as talented 0 goal players. “It was an awesome match,” said Toby. “I think that we won because we decided to take the ball out to the boards and played very open, rather than linear polo.” The Copenhagen Shield play-offs on the previous day had resulted in Stowe taking down Marlborough by 11-2½, whilst Eton narrowly overcame Heathfield Diamonds by 7-6. Sunday’s finals took place on the Guards number eight ground, where Stowe just eased past Eton to win by 4-3½. “They were strong lads on the Eton team and very hard to ride-off,” was the verdict of Stowe’s Jamie Baillie. “It was a very close game, with good marking on both sides, which got very tense at the end.” “We were very unlucky to lose to Eton by just one goal, in the last minute of the game,” said Heathfield’s manager Gill Glimmerveen. Her team sought to purge the
Heathfield Diamonds, winners of The Copenhagen Shield Subsidiary Final
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
The Copenhagen Cup Teams: Harrow (-3): Marc Lindgren (-2), Dougal Barr (-2), Michael Fitzgibbon (-1) & Hugo Taylor (2) Millfield (-2): Jemima Heffron (-1), Armand Le Page (-1), Gabriel Iglesias (0) & Harry Fuller (0) Rugby School (-4): Amin Fazal (-2), Ned Ponsonby (-2), Fred Thame (0) & Toby Bradshaw (0) Wellington College (0): Will Drewitt (-1), Jakob Samonig (-1), Louis Hine (0) & Ned Hine (2)
Wellington, winners of The Copenhagen Cup Final
disappointment of the previous day’s loss by taking down Marlborough College by 7-2 in The Copenhagen Shield Subsidiary Final. Heathfield Diamonds got their noses in front in the first chukka and had made it 3-1 within the first minute of chukka two. As in previous years, this team demonstrated the best communication on the field of any competing on the day. The dominant and energetic Kiki Severn was the stand out player for the all-girls team, with able support from Kitty Clarry, Victoria Schneider and particularly Minty Clarry. The talented William Millard, rated 0, was unlucky to not be able to find a chink in Heathfield’s armour, despite powerful efforts from Harry Alexander and sterling support from Eloise Fanshawe and Cyriaque Genest. After the conclusion of all matches, it was nice to see some players personally watering and hot-walking their ponies; notably students from Rugby and Millfield. The latter team almost missed the prize giving, by taking the time to untack and to care for their mounts. Wellington College’s Will Drewitt was so much in demand that he was unable to stay for the prize giving, but had to leave to play an eight goal match immediately after his schools polo Final. Team prizes were sponsored by La Martina and presented by Brian Stein. After
the teams had come up, Hugo Taylor was awarded the prize for the Best Playing Pony, sponsored by La Martina, by tournament sponsor Amar Sheikh. This was given to Hugo’s third chukka mount, the pretty black mare Dolfina Milla. Louis Hine received The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player from Amar Sheikh; leaving little doubt in the mind of anyone present that he is currently by far the best 13-year-old player in the country. All players and their families then enjoyed an amazing barbecue, provided by Guards Polo Club’s own caterers; Mosimann’s. What will The Copenhagen Cup in 2020 bring? “Quite a few schools will lose all their experienced players this July,” remarked one parent at the prize giving, echoing Clare Edward’s comments about the strength of schools’ teams varying from year to year. “Whilst I’m sure our school and all the others will get a few new Year 9s who are already players joining this autumn, I cannot think of any other players of that age who are better than -1 goal. So who can oppose Wellington College next year, by which time theirs will be at least a two goal team? Perhaps it will be a kids’ version of the FIP Internationals, when even the best teams will have to drop down a level with their players, to find anyone who is willing to take them on!”
Rugby, winners of The Copenhagen Cup Subsidiary Final
Stowe, winners of The Copenhagen Shield Final
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Pony Power
Knowledge
Monkey Puzzle Height: 15hh Age: Eight-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owner: The Earl of Tyrone Played by: The Earl of Tyrone Tournament: The Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy at Guards Polo Club Where is she from? I bred her. She is by Osh Kosh out of an Irish Thoroughbred mare of mine called Cheeky Monkey who is a granddaughter of Pivotal and Saddlers Wells. How long have you had her? Her whole life. Tell us about her background? I broke her in myself when she was three-years-old and have nurtured her up until now. This is her second proper season.
How has she gone this season? Better than ever before. She has definitely matured since last season. She knows the game back to front now.
What are her strengths? She has unreal handle. You can get to any play at any speed no matter what the situation. This is her best asset.
Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? She won a Best Playing Pony award at a Charity Match in Cambridge when she was five-years-old.
What are your plans for her in the future? I would like to continue playing her and breed from her in the future. Does she have any special quirks? None at all. Describe her in three words? Electric, supersonic, fearless.
Ember Height: 15.1hh Age: 11-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Glynn Henderson Tournament: St Andrew’s Charity Tournament at Errol Park, Perthshire
Photograph courtesy of St Andrews
Where is she from/breeding? Ember came straight off the track as a three-yearold from Yorkshire. She’d raced a few times and had actually won a couple. How long have you had her? We have owned her for eight years now. What are her strengths? I think her top strength is probably her ability to play across all levels. In the polo school she looks after the smallest pony-clubber, but my son Mikey, who is 4 goals, has also played her in the past. How has she gone this season? She’s feeling great, but she hasn’t really done a lot yet this season. She will be playing at the University Nationals again in a few weeks’ time with our teams from Liverpool, Harper Adams, Leeds and Manchester and the Schools Nationals later in the summer.
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Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes! She won Best Playing Pony at The Schools & Universities Summer Nationals in 2015. What are your plans for her in the future? She bred us a lovely foal two years ago out of my New Zealand stallion, so she will continue in the school for a little while and then probably head out to the broodmare paddock.
Does she have any special quirks? She’s without doubt the greediest horse on the yard. During winter we feed ad-lib haylage and she eats twice the amount of the other ponies. Describe her in three words. Fast, powerful, soft.
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Knowledge
Equipment Focus: Bits
Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a question on head throwing
Head Throwing How to bit for excitable ponies
A. The Colin Miles does have central rings, which give the pony something to play with, and can help keep their attention on the bit. Furthermore, the T Bar is useful as, in a similar way to a Fulmer, it helps prevent the tack getting caught up, as can happen with a full cheek mouthpiece. The Colin Miles is a nice bit for ponies that accept tongue pressure.
Photograph courtesy of Bombers Bits
Q. I have a lovely six-year-old gelding who is quite sensitive and excitable and is played in a Bombers Buster Roller Big Ring Gag. He sometimes throws his head up when super-excited, usually at the start of a game, and lurches forward. He has had all checks by an EDT, physio, chiro, saddle fitter etc, with nothing reported. It does seem therefore to be purely an evasion technique that works extremely well for him. I tried him in a 3-ring single jointed snaffle, but there wasn’t really much difference, and still some lack of control. I was considering something like the Colin Miles T Bar Big Ring Gag, as I think central rollers work for him, and may divert his evasions, to a degree; what would you suggest? M. Freeman, Lanarkshire
The Bombers McHardy 2.5 Ring offers a relief of tongue pressure
However, one of the signs that a pony does not accept tongue pressure is head throwing; and both the Buster Roller and Colin Miles mouthpieces use quite strong tongue pressure; hence I believe a Colin Miles is not the right answer. I recommend a McHardy for the pony. This bit is a combination of a jointed Happy Tongue and the Buster Roller, which you have – however the McHardy is ported, to allow space for the tongue. The bit has a 40mm central roller, and if you believe the pony gets on with roller elements, with the extra tongue space, this bit could work for you. It does come in a Big Ring Gag version which is ideal for polo, however I am going
to recommend that you first try the 2.5 ring version. This mouthpiece does give more control than something like the snaffle 3-ring that you tried, (which would also have diverted some pressure to the bars of the mouth beneath the tongue), but due to its shape, the Bombers McHardy 2.5 Ring offers a relief of tongue pressure, which seems pertinent to your pony. I like to recommend the 2.5 ring cheekpiece over a 3-ring where possible, as the 2.5 ring is a softer version, and reduces the leverage on both the mouthpiece and poll. With an excitable or sensitive pony, these small incremental differences can be a big deal, when it comes to evasions
Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using a ‘design your own bit’ service. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron - the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages salivation. Visit www.worldwidetack.com. Message my Facebook page – facebook.com/SBBITS – or email Stephen at info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.
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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
Pulled Back Muscle or Spinal Fracture
Is it serious?
Nearly every human being has experienced an episode of severe back pain. The subspecies ‘homo-polo’ is much more likely to suffer from this chronically due to the body’s positioning while hitting the ball or as a result of the constant axial hits when riding. The acute and maximal variant of this impact to the spine happens with the greatest force when landing on the ground after falling from the horse. Here the speed and the type of ground contact have the biggest influence on the injury pattern and its severity. For some unknown reason it lies in the nature of a horseman to stand up immediately after falling off the horse with an impertinent desire to continue to play so that an initial medical assessment may be biased.
spine, and protect the discs. The vertebra has four facet joints, one pair that connects to the vertebra above and one pair that connect to the vertebra below. Each vertebra in your spine is separated and cushioned by an intervertebral disc, which keeps the bones from rubbing together. Discs are designed like a radial car tyre. The outer ring, called the annulus, has crisscrossing fibrous bands, much like a tyre tread. These bands attach between the bodies of each vertebra. Inside the disc is a gel-filled centre called the nucleus, much like a tyre tube.
Pre-game manual treatment
Anatomy
The spine is made up of 33 individual bones stacked one on top of the other. This spinal column provides the main support for your body, allowing you to stand upright, bend and twist, while protecting the spinal cord from injury. Strong muscles and bones, flexible tendons and ligaments, and sensitive nerves contribute to a healthy spine. Yet, any of these structures affected by strain, injury or disease can cause pain. The spinal cord, which runs inside the vertebra, is about 18 inches long and is the thickness of your thumb. It runs from the brainstem to the first lumbar vertebra protected within the spinal canal. At the end of the spinal cord, the cord fibres separate into the cauda equina and continue down through the spinal canal to your tailbone before branching off to your legs and feet. The spinal cord serves as an information super-highway, relaying messages between the brain and the body. 32 pairs of spinal nerves branch off the spinal cord. The spinal nerves act as ‘telephone lines’, carrying messages back and forth between your body and spinal cord to control sensation and movement. The ligaments are strong fibrous bands that hold the vertebrae together, stabilise the 62
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muscle tone or a large belly can pull your entire body out of alignment. Misalignment puts incredible strain on the spine. A perfect trained back musculature is essential for the protection of the spine.
Herniated disk
A herniated disk is a condition that can occur most often in the lower back. It is sometimes called a bulging, protruding or ruptured disk. It is one of the most common causes of lower back pain, as well as leg pain or sciatica. Even a tear in the disc ring may result in the release of chemicals causing inflammation, which can result in severe pain even in the absence of nerve root compression. Protection from disc herniation is best provided by core strength and an awareness of body mechanics including posture. Most minor herniations heal within several weeks. Anti-inflammatory treatments for pain associated with disc herniation, protrusion, bulge or disc tear are generally effective. Severe herniations may not heal of their own accord and may require surgery.
Spinal fracture
Pain can be management through manipulation
Spinal fractures can range from relatively mild compression types, to fractures with dislocations of the bony vertebrae, to debilitating spinal cord injuries. Spinal fractures and dislocations can pinch, compress, and even tear the spinal cord. Treatment of spinal fractures depends on the type of fracture and the degree of instability.
Sore muscles
Prevention and treatment
The two main muscle groups that affect the spine are extensors and flexors. The extensors are attached to the back of the spine. These muscles have to perform at their maximum during holding your back in a forward bend position. The flexor muscles are in the front and include the abdominal muscles. These muscles enable us to flex or bend forward and are important in lifting and controlling the arch in the lower back. Poor
The majority of cases can be treated successfully conservatively, without surgical treatment. Initial treatment usually consists of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physiotherapy as well as exercising and stretching. Epidural corticosteroid injections provide a good short-term improvement for those with sciatica but are of no long-term benefit.
Exercise is key
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Medical Insight: Polodoc
Exercises that enhance back strength may also be used to prevent back injuries. Back exercises include the prone press-ups, upper back extension, transverse abdominis bracing and floor bridges. Pain is a good indicator for bad stabilisation muscles of the back and insufficient trunk musculature. Other preventative measures are weight control and work economics. Poor coordination, muscle burning and loss of the transverse abdominal brace should be avoided. Swimming is a common tool used in strength training, whilst the use of lumbar-sacral support belts may restrict movement at the spine and support the back during riding. The majority of fractures heal with pain medication, reduction in activity, medication to stabilise bone density and a good back brace to minimise motion during the healing process. Most people return to their everyday activities, but some may need further treatment, such as surgery.
Treatment for Spinal Injuries
Pain from a spinal compression fracture allowed to heal naturally can last as long as three months. But the pain usually improves significantly in a matter of days or weeks. Pain management may include analgesic pain medicines, bed rest, back bracing and modification of physical activity. A cocktail of pain medications can relieve bone-on-bone, muscle and nerve pain. Over-the-counter pain medications are often sufficient in relieving pain. Two types of nonprescription medications, acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), are recommended. Narcotic pain medications and muscle relaxants are often prescribed for short periods of time and antidepressants can also help relieve nerverelated pain.
Knowledge
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of relevant injuries to the back can vary depending on the location and the type of affected tissue. They can range from little or no pain, to severe and unrelenting pain that radiates into regions served by nerve roots which have been irritated or impinged. Often, these injuries are not diagnosed immediately, as patients present with undefined pains including pain in the thighs, knees, or feet. If symptoms include sensory changes such as numbness, tingling, paraesthesia and motor changes such as muscular weakness, paralysis, and affection of reflexes an emergency diagnosis and treatment is recommended.
Diagnosis
Spinal imaging • Traditional plain X-rays are limited in their ability to image soft tissues such as discs, muscles, and nerves, but they are still used to confirm or exclude other possibilities such as tumours, infections, fractures, etc. • A Computer tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) is a diagnostic image created after a computer reads X-rays. It can show the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents and the structures around it, including soft tissues. • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional images of body structures can show the spinal cord, nerve roots and surrounding areas, as well as enlargement and degeneration. It shows soft tissues better than CT scans. An MRI performed with a high magnetic field strength usually provides the most conclusive evidence for diagnosis.
MRI scan with compression fracture of a vertebra (1), fracture of the sacrum (2) and herniated disk (3)
A vertebrae in the sacrum area of the spine
Massive total spine support for shock absorption
Photography courtesy of Polodoc
Back braces provide external support
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Back braces can be used on the field for added support
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Knowledge
Medical Insight: Polodoc
Back bracing
A back brace provides external support to limit the motion of fractured vertebrae much like applying a cast on a broken wrist. The rigid style of a back brace limits spinerelated motion significantly and may reduce pain. Elastic braces and corsets are more comfortable to wear. However, weakening and loss of muscle can occur with excessive use of braces for lumbar conditions.
Surgery
Surgery for disc injuries is recommended when the injury causes significant pain radiating into the leg, significant leg weakness, bladder problems or loss of bowel control, as well as instances when the fracture is deemed unstable. A discectomy (the partial removal of a disc that is causing leg pain) can provide pain relief sooner than non-surgical treatments. Stabilisation with implants is recommended when a vertebral body is relevant fractured so that a deformity of the back is diagnosed, or the stability is not given. In case of excessive disc surgery sometimes a secondary stabilisation is indicated. For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com or www.polodoc.ch
Guest Expert
PD Dr.med. Christoph Karlo Radiological department Hirslanden Clinic Zurich High velocity trauma specialist When to see a specialist / get diagnostic examination CT MRI Falls from height with velocity are the main source of impairing spinal injuries. During the ‘on field’ initial clinical examination, the indication for further radiological assessment should be considered. In cases of pre-existing spinal disease or injuries, as well as a reduction in consciousness or a motor weakness cross-sectional imaging, modalities are mandatory. Red flags for further radiological diagnostics • An injury pattern with the probability of high energy transfer to the spine • High velocity and height in combination with initial presence of neurological symptoms (pins and needles in the arms or legs, reduction or loss of motor function) • Painful restricted movement and subjective feeling of instability • Axial load to the head (diving or contact with the goal post, or being run-over by the horse)
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Knowledge
Vet Insight
Fiona Jacob MA VetMB CERP MRCVS graduated from the University of Cambridge Veterinary School and immediately started working with polo ponies in the Gloucestershire area. She then moved to work in Australia, focusing on equine racing and breeding, and completed a certificate in sports horse rehabilitation medicine in the USA before returning to the UK. Since 2016, Fiona has been based back in Gloucestershire at Tomlinson Equine where she continues to fuel her passion for sports horse medicine within the polo industry
Photography J Ridley Art & Photography & Tomlinson Equine
Example Yearly Plan for Polo Pony Worming • March/April: FEC all ponies and worm only those necessary. Tapeworm check (see below) • June: FEC all ponies and worm only those necessary • September: FEC all ponies and worm only as necessary. Tapeworm check (see below) • December: No FEC needed. All ponies should have a Moxidectin wormer (eg Equest/Equest Pramox). Moxidectin is one of the few wormers that can kill off the hibernating larvae which need to be removed before the spring in order to avoid clinical disease in the horse. Five day Panacur Equine Guard also does this. Each pony that has been wormed should have a repeat manure sample tested two to three weeks after the wormer has been given. This is to check that the wormer has been effective, as if the pony still has high worm levels then resistance may be present that we need to be aware of and deal with as appropriate.
Worming improves parasite control
Worming Your String Improving parasite control
Resident Beaufort Polo Club vets, Tomlinson Equine, look into the importance of worming your string, not only improving the health of your ponies but also aiding the general advancement of parasite control Targeted worming strategies are a hot topic at the moment, and when managing strings of ponies as we do in polo, it is of paramount importance that we try to improve our parasite control. Large numbers of horses grazing together are the ideal groups to target with improved management since resistance issues could become herd based and also the financial implications of purchasing less wormers will be appreciated on a larger scale. 66
Polo Times, June 2019
Why is parasite control important?
Many types of internal parasite affect the horse’s gastro-intestinal system, setting up camp in the walls of the stomach, intestines and even liver. Here they have the potential to cause poor performance, colic, weight loss, diarrhoea and occasionally death in the most severe cases. Each type of roundworm has a specific life cycle, but most rely on transmission of eggs in the manure, which hatch in the
paddocks and the resulting larvae are ingested by other horses as they graze. Once inside their new horse host, the larvae can develop into adults and lay more eggs and the cycle repeats itself. Picking up the manure daily in the paddocks is one of the best ways to reduce parasite burden in your horses. However, some horses do still retain higher than acceptable worm burdens even with this management practice.
How do I know which horses need worming?
Tempting as it is, you cannot guess which horses have high worm burdens from looking at their body condition and appetite. The only way to tell reliably is to do a faecal egg count (FEC), where we process fresh manure samples and look at the number of worm eggs in the sample. From here we can estimate the actual worm burden in that horse and advise on whether a wormer is needed. We normally only advise worming those horses with burdens over 200 eggs per gram (epg).
How do I collect my manure sample for testing?
A fresh sample is best. Ideally collect a ball of manure from at least three separate www.polotimes.co.uk
Vet Insight Active Ingredient
Efficacy For
Example Worming Brands
Ivermectin
Roundworm
Animec, Bimectin, Eraquell, Eqvalan, Noromectin, Vectin
Moxidectin
Roundworm (including hibernating redworm to be treated in winter)
Equest
Fenbendazole
Roundworm (including hibernating redworm to be treated in winter if given as 5 day consecutive dose)
Panacur, Panacur Equine Guard
Pyrantel Embonate
Roundworm (double dose for roundworm and tapeworm combination wormer)
Embotape, Pyratape, Strongid P
Moxidectin & Praziquantel
Roundworm and Tapeworm Combination Wormer
Equest Pramox
Ivermectin & Praziquantel
Roundworm and Tapeworm Combination Wormer
Equimax, Eqvalan Duo, Noropraz,
This is not an exhaustive list but does mention some of the more commonly found UK brands which you can purchase
manure piles in the stable during the morning mucking out and ensure to squeeze excess air out of the bag before sealing. The sample can then be dropped off with your vet for assessment the same day. Samples can be posted overnight and ideally stored in the fridge, but fresh samples are ideal.
What about pregnant mares, foals and youngstock?
Pregnant mares can be managed as normal adult horses. The available wormers on the market are generally shown to be safe in pregnant mares, but always check the datasheet or ask your vet if you are uncertain prior to giving any medication. Each mare should also have a wormer around the time of foaling to reduce the worm burden in the environment for the new-born foal. Youngstock can be managed as adults from six months old, but bear in mind that horses under two-years-old do tend to shed higher worm burdens than adult horses. Foals are susceptible to a few different parasites in comparison to the adults, and should be wormed with fenbendazole (Panacur) at two and four months of age. From six months old they should have a FEC, their first tapeworm treatment and then be managed as adults.
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What about Tapeworm?
All of the above focuses on worming against roundworm species. Tapeworm has a different management and cannot be detected reliably with manure testing. Blood tests used to detect tapeworm levels are less popular now since they do not accurately reflect the current burden in that horse. Saliva tests are more accurate and can be taken by owners without the vet being involved. Horses should ideally be checked twice a year (eg spring and autumn) for tapeworm, and those with a high burden should be treated. There are lots of combination wormers that treat roundworm and tapeworm together. These are not always ideal for horses with high burdens and are also often overused as they are seen as more convenient. As a result, widespread resistance of tapeworm to the few drugs we have to treat with is a very real likelihood. If you are worried about tapeworm specifically or for horses with high burdens, it is best to speak to your vet about worming more specifically for this. Currently these tests are retailing for around £15 per test from Equisal with discounts applicable for large orders (www.equisal.co.uk). The overall aim is to use our available wormers more efficiently and effectively. This should result in fewer wormers being given over a calendar year and also an improved
Knowledge
Which Wormer and When? Any new pony joining the string/yard should have an FEC to work out current worm burden and ideally also a treatment of Moxidectin, since normally we have unknown history and need to treat for immature worms which may not be detectable in the manure sample. During the spring, summer and autumn FEC checks, the first line wormer should NOT be Moxidectin. This drug is being overused and is also one of the more costly wormers on the market. As a first line, an Ivermectin or Pyrantel wormer should be used preferentially. Moxidectin (Equest/Equest Pramox) should only be used in the winter, with new horses onto yards or where resistance to other medications has been demonstrated. After the wormer has been given, the horses expel the worms in high numbers for around 48 hours. It is therefore ideal that the horses are not contaminating the paddocks and are instead kept in for two nights (where possible) or have the paddocks thoroughly poo-picked. As a compromise in the winter with large groups of ponies where it is not easy to do either of the above, we often worm them two days prior to moving them to a fresh paddock. The old paddock can then be swept or rested for a period of time to recover as it will be contaminated with parasites. In general, stick with the same type of wormer for at least one calendar year unless you are having issues with resistance (which your vet will inform you about). chance that these medications can continue to work for us in the long run as we try to control parasite burdens in our horses.
Elmleaze, Westonbirt, Tetbury, GL88QE Tel: 01666 880236 Fax: 01666 880276 www.tomlinsonequine.co.uk
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Knowledge
Nutrition Focus
Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist
Yard Focus – George Meyrick
Chrysanth is 11-years-old and she has been with George for eight years. She is a big framed mare with a deep girth and she holds her condition well, but I am always feeding her slightly more than the other horses as she is a bigger type. Currently she is fed: • 3½ round bowl Stubbs scoops of Top Line Conditioning Cubes per day • 2 measuring mugs of Performance Balancer per day • Double handful of Alfa chaff per feed • 2 measuring mugs of Outshine (high oil supplement) per day Holly will split her feeds over three meals whenever possible, so we do not over fill the ‘rugby ball’ stomach in each feed, forcing the feed through the digestive tract too quickly and reducing absorption. 68
Polo Times, June 2019
Photography courtesy of Lorna Edgar
For this month I wanted to look at some of the horses of 6 goal player, George Meyrick, who are looked after by Holly Whitall and Ramon Ferreyra. I have worked with George’s horses for seven years now and this year he is based at Flemmish Farm with the Monterosso polo team. George has a mix of older and younger horses in his string and they all have their own individual needs which many of you will be familiar with – those that hold their weight well, those that need more energy and those that drop off quickly once the season is in full swing. They all have free access to haylage, apart from one that is a little greedier and not needing too many extra calories. Consequently she has her haylage net doubled so the holes are smaller, thereby slowing her eating rate down, rather than withholding her forage completely. When I first met George, this was one area of feeding we changed significantly, increasing their forage/fibre intake to feed to appetite, and the performance of his horses has not been affected. In fact, they became more relaxed in their stables and once the novelty of eating all the time died off, they self-regulated their fibre intake – music to my ears! When considering hard feed, George generally feeds a Conditioning Cube, which is topped up with a balancer, ensuring they are receiving all essential nutrients, however, the amount they receive will vary depending on the individual horse.
Chrysanth is 11-years-old and has been with George for eight years
Nanky is 9-years-old and has been with George for three years. She generally holds her weight well and energy levels are not an issue so she is currently fed: • 2 round bowl Stubbs scoops of Top Line Conditioning Cubes per day • 3 measuring mugs of Performance Balancer per day • Double handful of Alfa chaff per feed • 2 measuring mugs of Outshine (high oil supplement) per day
Hope is 8-years-old. She has been with George for two years, holds her weight during the season and she is generally straight forward to feed. She is currently fed: • 3 round bowl Stubbs scoops of Top Line Conditioning Cubes per day • 2 measuring mugs of Performance Balancer per day • Double handful of Alfa chaff per feed
Nanky is on a slightly lower calorie/energy diet compared to the others. The amounts will increase as the season progresses, but to ensure the diet is balanced she is on a higher amount of balancer with some Outshine added to provide her with a few calories from a slow release energy source.
Nanky is 9-years-old and has been with George for three years
Hope is 8-years-old and has been with George for two years
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Nutrition Focus
Knowledge
Billie is 9-years-old and she has been with George for four years. She can run up very light in the season, and she doesn’t need any oat based energy. She’s therefore fed: • 3 round bowl Stubbs scoops of Top Line Conditioning Cubes per day • 2 measuring mugs of Performance Balancer per day • Double handful of Alfa chaff per feed Should she drop any condition we can begin to add Outshine to her ration, to increase the calories without increasing the bulk of her feed (cubes). I may also be tempted to give her a separate feed bowl of Fibre-Beet and Ultra Grass for her to pick at overnight, which will increase the calories in her ration from digestible fibres, again not increasing the quick release energy in her ration.
Lorna has been working with George’s horses for seven years
Billie is 9-years-old and she has been with George for four years
All of George’s horses are fed the prebiotic, Digest Plus, to ensure they are utilising the fibre part of their diet. Holly will call if there are any problems
with any of the horses and their rations so hopefully manage to stop any issues occurring before they become a problem!
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Knowledge
Fitness Insight
In this feature, we speak to Angus Olds, trainer to the polo stars, about what it takes to be in peak fitness, ready to do battle on the polo field from high goal to low goal. Gus has worked with a number of professional athletes and teams for well over a decade including members of British Ski and Snowsports, UK Polocrosse, British Dressage and England Polo to name but a few. Gus worked within the El Remanso high goal operation for two years and saw the team reach the Final of The British Open on both occasions. In the off-season, Gus consults with private individuals on health optimisation and athletic performance
Game Day Prep Like a Pro Your route to 10 goals The perfect prep will ensure perfect playing form
Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
To perform optimally on game day preparation, ideally begins the day before. I get the players in the day before the game for a neurological firing session. This session consists of movements that get the gluten and entire core active to make sure that there is a solid platform in the saddle the next day, as well as some reaction work to make sure that the mind is sharp and that they are ‘in the zone’. The night before a game, the athletes take a small dose of melatonin and glycine as well as some Reishi mushroom to aid in sleep and calm the nervous system, and any pre-game jitters that may affect sleep. Game day starts with player specific 70
Polo Times, June 2019
mobility drills and Eyegym in the morning, followed by a low carb, high fat breakfast – this will be the last thing eaten before the game if the start time is pre-1pm. If it is an afternoon game, a light lunch will be consumed with a similar macronutrient profile to breakfast at least two hours pre-game. Game day is also the one day I encourage athletes to avoid fibre, as the gut filling effect seems to make people feel heavy on the horse from a strictly anecdotal perspective. 30 min pre-game I use the patented ‘I can see sounds’ cocktail of powerful nootropic supplements to make sure that Alpha wave activity in the brain is at its
peak while playing, resulting in a boost in concentration, reaction time and the all important ‘flow state’, in which we all seem to play our best. It is at this time that I will also use carbohydrates to boost performance – you do not need much to do this, a tablespoon of honey will suffice, but my favourite by far in terms of supplementation for this is a specific carbohydrate called D-Ribose, that differs greatly in the way the body uses it from other sugars. Unlike other forms of sugar, D-Ribose is saved by the body for vital fuelling of the www.polotimes.co.uk
Fitness Insight
brain and heart muscle via the body. This means that not only do you get better energy and mental clarity, but you also avoid the drop in the hormone insulin that can occur with the consumption of mainstream sports drinks which leaves you feeling tired and flat. This sugar is so effective in this role, it is used medically as an adjuvant therapy for the likes of heart disease. When it comes to pre or intra-game sports drinks, electrolytes are a far superior option than glucose based sports drinks in terms of boths effect on prolonging energy as well as aiding in cognition. Avoid mainstream sports drinks like the plague! Post-game I encourage many of the athletes with whom I work, to consume either a collagen protein shake or an essential amino acid supplement post-game to aid in recovery. I am not a huge fan of the more common whey protein shake or branched chain amino acid options. From the lab tests run on many athletes, whey protein is frequently flagged up as a gut irritant. A good quality collagen protein is better tolerated, this combined with the fact
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that collagen is much higher in the amino acid Glycine that is essential as a precursor to the body’s natural anti-inflammatory (glutathioine), which also contributes greatly to long term tendon health – no bad thing in a sport that affords athletes such a long playing career. Unlike essential amino acids, the more common branched chain amino acids are high in an amino acid that, in the ratios seen in sports drink, can out compete other amino acids in the brain for receptor sites and cause mood disorders including aggression and depression if over consumed. Could your sports drinks be making you a grumpy git?! In terms of recovery strategies, all have their place, but in terms of whether they work for you as an individual, the answer is, it depends…. Foam rolling, static stretching and box breathing are fantastic, but are far better utilised post-game than before. The focus during these activities should be on bringing down the heart rate as quickly as possible. The key element in recovery is coming out of your stress nervous system (sympathetic)
Knowledge
and entering your rest digest nervous system (parasympathetic). The quicker you can do this, the quicker you will recover and the better you will perform next game – so save the stick throwing and chair kicking in the tent for another day! Ice baths are not for everyone and if you have ever done one this will be music to your ears! I love them, but in athletes that walk around with a high stress level, they have been shown to impair recovery, simply because they are a stressor to your body. If your body is already stressed, you may be better with a sauna or a massage – if you are a lower stress individual, into the ice you go. Now that you have a firm grasp of the essential game day prep, all that is left is for you to get out and play like a 10 goaler… enjoy.
Gus can be reached via email on gusolds@me.com and posts regular health and performance information on Instagram @gofitcoach
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Knowledge
Introduction to the Snaffle
Zimbabwean born Shane Borland has made a name for himself backing and developing young horses for some of the UK’s most illustrious yards. Having begun his equine career in polocrosse and later gone on to champion the world stages in reining, Borland has spent his life pursuing knowledge of exceptional horsemanship and reining his training programme accordingly. Over the next few issues, Shane will share the details of his successful Pro Start Polo Programme with our readers and in this fourth instalment, he will explain what he aims to achieve and set out his goals in introducing a snaffle bit
Introduction to the Snaffle Shane’s ‘Pro Start Polo’ programme In a previous issue of Polo Times, I explained how step two of my round pen and ground work stage works and what I aim to achieve through the desensitising and sensitising exercises. In this issue, I will run through step three of the round pen ground work stage of my ‘Pro Start Polo’ programme and explain what my goals are and why I aim to achieve them
Introduction to the snaffle bit
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Photography courtesy of Shane Borland
I believe you only get one really good chance at mouthing a young horse. If done correctly, you will set the foundation upon which you will build understanding, confidence and ensure you achieve softness in their response to the bridle. It is important to note that at this stage, I am merely introducing the bridle to the young horse and will be allowing him the necessary time he needs to become comfortable and accepting of this new piece of equipment, before I ever attempt to pull or direct him through the use of the reins. At this stage, I merely have the bridle positioned over a rope halter already placed on the horse’s head. I am not too worried or surprised if the horse gaps, mouths, licks or chews the bit or even tries to stick his tongue over or out to the side of the bit. I will allow him whatever amount of time is necessary for him to realise, the bit is just an object they need to get used to and in time learn to place it in a comfortable position within his mouth. I don’t just put the bridle on for five or six minutes and then take it off, only to start again the next day – this doesn’t give the young horse enough chance to become familiar with the snaffle being in their mouth. If I observe a young horse being excessively mouthy, I will allow them to wear the bridle for a number of hours, I will let them eat and drink whilst having the snaffle in their mouth and allow them to play with it as much as necessary for them to understand that it is not going anywhere. They will come to the conclusion that the bit is no big deal.
The snaffle bit
Key note – I prefer to start young horses off in a smooth snaffle, which is the softest type of bit. I use a snaffle that is five inches wide and 3/8ths of an inch in diameter. This is because a bit that is too thick will allow a horse to lean on it and one which is too thin will have too much bite for the purpose of initially introducing a bit.
Shane Borland Coverwell Farm, Pillerton Hersey Warwickshire, CV35 0QA +44 (0)1789 740119 www.shaneborland.com
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Introduction to the Snaffle
Goal
To desensitise the young horse to the bit, moving all around his nose and to be able to rub his muzzle without him shying and over reacting.
Goal
Goal
It is important to desensitise him to the bit moving around his nose and muzzle and to take away any defensiveness he might feel about this piece of equipment being placed in his mouth. The biggest mistake people make when trying to bridle a horse for the first time, is having lack of preparation. All too often people attempt to bridle a young horse whilst they are head shy and over reactive about your hands coming up towards their face and eyes or your hands running over their ears. What generally happens is people chase the horse’s nose to get the bit in their mouth and when you finally get the bit in, they will throw their head up in the air when you are trying to slip the bridle behind their ears, this then leads to the bit either falling out of their mouth or hitting against their teeth scaring them and knocking their confidence. They will generally back away from it, getting wearier every time you try and bridle them.
To be able to adjust and position the bridle on his head correctly while he remains standing and relaxed.
Adjust the bridle
Desensitising the horse
Why
Knowledge
Why
Having thoroughly desensitised to the movements of your hands, bridle and bit around his head, mouth and ears, you are better prepared to put the bridle on and adjust it to the correct setting whilst he remains accepting and relaxed.
Goal
To be able to take off the bridle without him raising his head or hitting his teeth with the bit.
The correct way to remove a bridle
To create a cue for the young horse to open his mouth and teach him that when you insert your thumb into the corners of his mouth, he should open it and prepare to accept the snaffle.
The incorrect way to remove a bridle
Why
Creating the cue
Why
I believe it is important, to teach him a cue to open his mouth allowing you to place the bit into his mouth comfortably and correctly so as to avoid the bit from hitting his teeth creating discomfort and resistance, and possible future bridling issues. Horses that develop bridling issues often clamp their mouth tight so that you cannot place the bit into their mouth easily and the more you try, the more resistance you are faced with. Therefore, teaching him a cue to open his mouth will go a long way to avoid any future problems.
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As important as it is to put the bridle on the horse’s head correctly, it is just as important to know how to remove it correctly. A lot of bridling issues are created when the bridle is taken off far too quickly, racking the bit over the horse’s teeth and often getting the bit caught on the lower jaw, causing the horse to throw its head in the air, pull back and potentially get injured. It is really important to take the bridle off slowly, giving him time to drop the bit from out of his mouth before you remove the bridle completely away from his heads. I believe you should never pull the bridle off at an angle to the horse’s head, if you do, the bit will hit his teeth causing him pain and to become defensive towards the bridle. Teaching the horse to give to rein pressure and accept contact through the reins, at both a standstill and whilst maintaining forward motion will be introduced at a later stage in the programme.
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Knowledge
Equine Osteopathy
David Powers graduated from the British School of Osteopathy in 1996 after a full time BSc (Hons) Ost degree course. After qualifying David worked as an associate in a number of established practices and taught at undergraduate level at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine before taking over the Copthall Osteopathic Practice. He now splits his time between clinical practice, administration of his clinic, as well as specialising in the osteopathic treatment of animals. In the second part of his series, David looks at the importance of horse and rider video analysis
Horse & Rider Video Analysis Issues
• Is your posture bad? • Do you want to be straighter when riding? • Does your instructor keep telling you the same things, but you can’t seem to change? • Would a few extra marks improve your dressage score? • Is your horse bending but you’re not? • Do you want to know how to fix these problems yourself?
and to follow, a bespoke exercise plan is prescribed specific to the riders needs to aid their specific goals. These exercises will give you the edge when turning, twisting or hitting the ball over your competitors. By being diligent with the exercises, longer term you’ll maintain flexibility for yourself, help your pony cope with the stresses and strains of competition and theoretically score more.
Video analysis may be the answer
Why? The purpose of video analysis for the horse and rider is to gain an understanding of how they interact together. From this I can address issues with balance, position and symmetry which will improve the effectiveness of their aids and hence overall way of going.
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About David
Photography courtesy of InMotionEquine
The Process The first step involves photos of the rider taken standing – from the front, back and both sides to measure postural alignment in comparison to the ideal. Hence when your instructor tells you to straighten up, you try but can’t do it and the problem may be mechanical or postural. Next, an active examination of the rider’s movement is performed to assess their neck, shoulder, spinal and hip mobility and hence how this may affect the horse’s way of going. Then the rider is filmed whilst performing a routine of squats to analyse mobility and symmetry. Squats are a very difficult exercise to do well but are easily done badly. It is not just hips doing the movement, but the core and whole spinal column need to function for optimal body awareness (proprioception). Next the rider is filmed (after a warm-up) performing a set sequence in walk, trot and canter on both reins. The purpose here is to assess spinal and joint mobility combined with area of compensation / dysfunction. The routine also allows for future reference in follow up sessions. The video is then annotated, in conjunction with an audio commentary to show spinal asymmetry and its effect on the horse’s mechanics and way of going. By now the rider will have a better understanding of why things are going wrong
Showjumpers – Knees, hips and back flexed whilst steering and jumping a course of fences – unless you have the mobility through your joints, your horse’s ability to go clear will be adversely affected. Everyday Rider – Most amateur riders struggle with getting their horses to do what they want because they don’t have the body awareness, manoeuvrability or experience to do so. Once they see where they are going wrong, they can better understand how to fix things.
The rider is filmed (after a warm-up) performing a set sequence in walk, trot and canter on both reins
Who would need it?
Virtually all types of riders: Polo Players – Think of the constant twisting and turning through the spine and the shoulder movement needed to hit the ball. More mobility equals more goals! Horseball – Almost the same as polo, arguably even more mobility is needed. Dressage Riders – Poor posture equals poor performance. Improve your suppleness, balance and flexibility and this transmits into your horse’s way of going, hence you get better marks. Eventers – Balance and suppleness for the dressage and a great range of mobility and flexibility for the jumping phases. Without these, you’ll have no hope of getting a rosette.
I started riding as a four-year-old after seeing my mum having lessons and by the age of 11-years-old I was helping with the horses both at the weekend and during school holidays. I had my first horse at 13-years-old, a mare called Pepsi and she’s still going strong aged 34, having retired a couple of years ago. As a teenager I was mad on show jumping and worked at a dealer’s yard before riding for the late Tim Stockdale, an international rider. My plan was to ride for a living, but common sense took over and after spending time with an eminent Equine Osteopath, Annabel Jenks, decided that was what I wanted to do for a living. After graduating from the British School of Osteopathy in 1996 I worked as an associate Osteopath in several established practices and taught at undergraduate level at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine before purchasing my own practice. To treat horses, you must qualify initially as a human Osteopath, so I undertook further training in Equine Osteopathy. Every week since then, for almost two decades, I have travelled around Southern England and the Home Counties and people have consulted me looking for answers to their horses’ mechanical problems. I now split my time between the Osteopathic treatment of horses, human clinical practice and my young family.
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Equine Osteopathy
Knowledge
Benefits
• Improved flexibility • Better range of movement and hence reach for the ball • Less strain on the riders’ body • Reduced demand on the ponies’ body • Understanding of the how issues and how to fix them
What do you get?
1. Postural Analysis – From three planes, with diagrams and explanation 2. Video with audio commentary of the issues with your riding 3. Bespoke exercise plan - Stretching and strengthening as required - Sets, reps, length of hold all stated 4. a) Squat analysis – Measurement of your hip mobility b) Lean Screen Analysis – Average Body fat, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-to-hip ratio 5. Advice on further sessions / treatments required See examples (pictured) right.
Anterior View
Right Lateral View
Left Lateral View
Posterior View
Areas Covered London, Herts, Bedfordshire, Essex, Bucks, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire. David Powers & Associates Equine Osteopathy | Horse & Rider Video Analysis Email: info@InMotionEquine.com Web: www.InMotionEquine.com Tel: 07956286199
Horse & rider video analysis
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Sidelines
Gossip
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE!
With the UK polo season now here, we’ve got our eyes peeled for some of the best horses in the world, a huge number of which are clones, but can you spot the odd one out here?
STOP PRESS! ALDERLEY AUCTION
More than 500 lots from Victoria Grace Day’s family home, Alderley House, will be up for auction on 23 July at the Stanstead Mountfitchet Auction Rooms. We’re sure they’ll be a plethora of polo paraphernalia up for grabs, so be sure not to miss out!
WELCOME ROMA!
Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...
Polo Valley have welcomed a new furry friend on their yard. Roma is a gorgeous German Shepard puppy who is settling in perfectly.
WHITE JEANS MAKE A COMEBACK
HIGH GOAL FIRST TIMER
Snake Bite patron and medium goal regular Max Kirchhoff made his high goal debut on Thursday 16 May, playing for Scone in The Murus Sanctus Trippetts Challenge. The team, unfortunately, didn’t win, but played their hearts out!
It seems polo is at the forefront of the fashion world, as white jeans have made a comeback to the catwalk. No longer the fashion ‘go-to’ of just the Sloane ranger, these polo staples are being worn by everyone from supermodels to celebrities. The whiter the better apparently!
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Niamh Howe
St Andrews University Charity Tournament; Errol Park, Scotland; Saturday 27 April
Polo in Perthshire Returning to the heart of Perthshire amidst the rain soaked, yet beautiful Errol Park, the 2019 St Andrews University Charity Tournament witnessed a great turnout with thousands of attendees from across the UK. Thanks in part to generous sponsors Maldon Sea Salt, Crombie Coats, Maserati and Jo Malone, the St Andrews team created a great experience for guests which left all in attendance with a big grin on their faces, despite the inclement weather. The Committee had worked tirelessly to improve their winning formula of polo, refreshments and sunshine, to the delight of not only the charity of choice, Help for Heroes, but everyone in attendance. Spectators and players were treated to a scintillatingly Scottish polo extravaganza, with everything they needed to start their 2019 season in style.
Jim Bliss, Jean-Phillippe Beaumont, Charlie Campbell & Sheyan Adenwalla
Chase Judkins, Beth Lynas, Izzy Haslam, Caroline McKechnie, Katie Steel & Taylah Miller
Jakob Richter, Siavash Lashkari, Jennifer Jansen, JT Phillips, Thomas Carlile & Ruraidh Stewart
Photography by St Andrews, Josh Horan Media, The Saint, The Stand & Sean Gordon Photography Sahil Ali & Serena Dwerryhouse
Dash Baldwin & Jen Qiao
Grace Nielson, Twig Barber, Euan Ogilvie & Harrison Dockerty
Marta Rich & Euan Elder
Luke Arghiros, Jeanne Adam, Amelia Travis, Beatrice Travis, Harrison Dockerty, Abhishek Gambhir & Alexandra Lisi-Lengel
Victoria Gyntelberg & Charlotte Peters
Olivia Smales & Samuel van Nieuwkerk
Alex Hunter, Lexi Phelan, Ed Spink & William Higgins
Kevin Johnson & Ali Hildreth
Olivia Wiggins & Josephine McEvoy
Pippa Vincent
Paul Mallach
Pippa Jewitt
Arab horses arrive
The Royal Windsor Horse Show; Windsor Great Park; Thursday 9 May
Royal Showing Each year, thousands upon thousands of equine enthusiasts flock to Windsor for the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show, with this year marking the 75th instalment. The Show is the largest of its kind in the world and is each year graced by the presence of HM The Queen for not just one day, but all four. In recent years, polo has joined this exciting gathering, showcasing the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) steeds, so lovingly and expertly retrained by players across the country into some of the best ponies we see on the field today. Despite rather inclement weather, the ponies looked pristine and the judges were impressed with the classes’ turnout, with awards aplenty gracing the arena.
Alan Kent
Photography by Šwww.imagesofpolo.com
Nina Clarkin
Victoria Grace Day
Diana Butler & Neil Hobday
Pepe Araya
John Paul Clarkin
Kirstie Otamendi
RWHS Officials & Antony Fanshawe
Siri Evjemo-Nysveen & Alessandro Bazzoni
Nick Johnson
Michael Amoore, Storm McDonald & David Woodd
Livi Alderman & Sarah Mytom-Hart
Johnny Lynn
Lady Chelsea & Nicholas Cranston
Emma Hodgkinson with British Polo Gin’s Rich Hine
Sofia & Sebastien Pailloncy
Annie & Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers with Heiko Voelker
Alannah, Grania & Chloe Horswell
Stephen Lamprell, Brian Stein, Bill & Suzanne Wyman with Gillian Lamprell
29th PJ’s Start of Season Polo Party; PJ’s Bar and Grill, Chelsea, London; Monday 13 May
The Season Officially Commences! Brian Stein, Lord Patrick Beresford & Platina Tong
Christabel & Edward Horswell
The British polo season never officially starts until the Taittinger has been popped for Brian Stein’s perennially popular PJ’s Polo Party. This year was no exception, his Chelsea haunt buzzing with players of all generations and handicaps bonding over their love of the game. With Rich Hine launching the Classic version of his British Polo GinTM, there was no excuse not to toast past successes and future victories, with many raising a glass to Brian, thanking him for another spectacular party – the 29th Polo Party. Add in an endless array of delicious, melt-in-the-mouth canapés and it was no surprise that guests lingered long after Brian’s welcome speech. Some brave souls then ventured to Mahiki to continue the party, while the wiser ones headed home in readiness for the following day’s matches.
Clive Reid & Dimitri Chebotarev
Gaston Devrient & Thilo Sautter
Photography by © www.imagesofpolo.com & Guards Polo Club
George Meyrick & Max Kirchhoff
Henry Porter & Ed Banner-Eve
Holly Stewart, Saskia Meadows, Sam Churchill, Tissy Sievwright & Kym Lake
Holly Smith, Stefan Sund & Georgea O’Donnell
A Bentley Blower pitchside
Nina Clarkin & Flora Beverley
Tim Bown & Olivia Cox
Mrs Nico Antinori
Tom Cornish
La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy; Guards Polo Club; Sunday 19 May
Mum’s The Word
Sebastien & Sophie Pailloncy
There is no better way to spend a Sunday than enjoying an afternoon of polo and on Sunday 19 May, supporters, friends, spectators plus a smattering of celebs gathered at Guards Polo Club for the Finals of The La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy. A delicious, belt-busting three-course lunch courtesy of Mosimann’s awaited those lucky enough to receive one of La Martina’s highly prized Royal Box invitation, whilst others enjoyed more Mosimann’s delights on offer in the Clubhouse. Despite the best efforts of the weather, brisk despite the mid-May date, everyone enjoyed the Final and Subsidiary Final. Plus, the Bentley Drivers Club were ensconced en masse on the sidelines, providing the car anoraks amongst the crowds a chance to admire a selection of some of the finest Bentley’s in the UK.
Gaston Devrient
Photography by © www.imagesofpolo.com Martin Ambridge & Nick Hine
Matias Machado & Argentine Ambassador to the UK, HE Renato Carlos Sersale di Cerisano
Becky Simpson, Enrico Roselli & Brian Stein
Canine cavorting on The Queen’s Ground
John Paul & Patrick Clarkin
Gerry Panadin & Dara Williams
Peter Edbrooke, Vice President of the Anglo Argentine Society & Diputado Eduardo Amadeo, MP from Argentina
Tara Smith, Laura Dingle & Holly Baird
Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com
01462 701110
What’s On – Polo Fixtures Club Guards Beaufort Cowdray Longdole Cirencester Cowdray Guards Black Bears Emsworth Ham Tidworth Emsworth White Waltham
Tournament Name The Labrador Cup Kernow Cup Duke of Sutherland’s Cup Zimbabwe Spur Tyro Cup Easebourne Cup The Queen’s Cup Henley Cup 25 One Hundred Mixed Doubles Cholderton Cup May Cup International Polo Challenge
Handicap 0-2 0-6 15 - 18 -2 - 2 -2 - 2 4-8 17 - 22 6 Goal 10 Goal -2 - 0 4-6 4 Goal 2-4 2- 4 & Cambridge County Tournament -2 - 2 Rutland The Bronze Horse 0-2 Cheshire K & L Freight Chairman’s Plate -4 - 2 New Forest Spring Tournament -2 - 0 Blueys Beginners Cup -6 - 0 -2 - 0 & Leadenham Spring Tournament -6 - -4 Eastwood May Tournament 0 Goal Taunton Weston-Super-Mare Trophy -4 - 0 Tidworth Cholderton Cup -4 - 0 Cambridge County Tournament -6 - -2 Rutland The Collie Cup -6 - -2 White Waltham Young Farmers Challenge Match -6 - -4 Edgeworth Edgeworth Challenge 0-2 Druids Lodge The June Trophy 3-4 The Mar del Plata Ice Bucket White Waltham -6 - -2 Challenge Rutland Ladies Polo Day Open Cirencester Committee Cup 0-6 Kirtlington Barlow Cup 4-6 Cowdray Jersey Lillies Cup 0-6 Edgeworth Isa Trophy 4-8 Cheshire Dearnford Hall Trophy -4 - 2 White Waltham Coronation Cup 0-2 Taunton Jellalabad Cup 0-2 Binfield Heath The June Cup -2 - 2 Moor Farm The lord Logan Shoe -8 - -2 White Waltham JP Morgan Challenge Match -6 - -4 Cheshire Chukka Challenge -8 - -5 RCBPC The John Prestwich Trophy 8 - 12 Guards The Archie David Cup 4-8 Kirtlington The Kirtlington Cup VL 2-4 Beaufort The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup 2 - 6 Cirencester Humphrey Guiness Plate 6 - 10 Guards Royal Windsor Cup 12 - 15 Cheshire Wirral Cup 2- 4 Emsworth Winkfield Cup 12 Goal Cirencester CPPC Low Goal Tournament 0-4 Beaufort Test Match & Charity Beaufort Open Match Glos Festival of Polo Binfield Heath June Tournament 4-6 Druids Lodge The India Trophy 4-6 Cambridge County Timba Tournament 0-4 New Forest Kuseyo Cup 0-2 Edgeworth The Amir Cup 0-2 Binfield Heath June Tournament -4 - 0 Cheshire 1930 Wirral Polo Cup & Salver -4 - 0
www.polotimes.co.uk
Start Date 18/05/19 20/05/19 20/05/19 21/05/19 21/05/19 21/05/19 21/05/19 22/05/19 22/05/19 24/05/19 25/05/19 25/05/19 25/05/19
Polo directory End Date 02/06/19 01/06/19 09/06/19 25/05/19 02/06/19 08/06/19 16/06/19 02/06/19 18/07/19 27/05/19 26/05/19 26/05/19 26/05/19
25/05/19 26/05/19 25/05/19 25/05/19 25/05/19 25/05/19
26/05/19 26/05/19 26/05/19 26/05/19
25/05/19 26/05/19 25/05/19 25/05/19 25/05/19 25/05/19 25/05/19 25/05/19 25/05/19 25/05/19
26/05/19 26/05/19 26/05/19 26/05/19 26/05/19 26/05/19 27/05/19 02/06/19
27/05/19 27/05/19 27/05/19 28/05/19 30/05/19 30/05/19 01/06/19 01/06/19 01/06/19 01/06/19 01/06/19 01/06/19 01/06/19 01/06/19 01/06/19 04/06/19 04/06/19 04/06/19 04/06/19 04/06/19 06/06/19 06/06/19 07/06/19
27/05/19 09/06/19 02/06/19 16/06/19 02/06/19 02/06/19 02/06/19 02/06/19 02/06/19 02/06/19 02/06/19 02/06/19 15/06/19 05/06/19 09/06/19 15/06/19 16/06/19 23/06/19 09/06/19 21/06/19 15/06/19
08/06/19 09/06/19 08/06/19 08/06/19 08/06/19 08/06/19 08/06/19 08/06/19 08/06/19
09/06/19 09/06/19 09/06/19 09/06/19 09/06/19 09/06/19 09/06/19
Club Cambridge County Taunton Black Bears Ham Cirencester Cowdray Cirencester Kirtlington Binfield Heath Beaufort Rutland Suffolk Cheshire Tidworth White Waltham Edgeworth Cheshire Rutland Rutland Taunton Cirencester Beaufort Cambridge County Beaufort Cowdray Cirencester Cowdray White Waltham Binfield Heath Cheshire White Waltham Bluey’s Farm Silver Leys Cheshire Leadenham Binfield Heath Taunton Ham Rutland Guards Cirencester RCBPC Guards Cowdray Rutland Tidworth Guards Kirtlington Taunton White Waltham Cambridge County Druids Lodge Cambridge County Cheshire Taunton Cheshire Cambridge County NIPC
Tournament Name Timba Tournament Friendship Cup Culden Faw Challenge Cup Petersham Bowl Meadow Cup Benson The Apsley Cup The Meyrick Cup Anniversary Tournament Intro Tournament The Rutland Cup Flaming June Heywood Trophy TPC Gentlemen’s Tournament Esperanza Cup June 0 Goal Nunsmere Hall trophy The Twidale Cup The Eve Trophy The Dubai Trophy Warwickshire Cup The Prince of Wales’ Cup Cavendish Tournament - VL Atlantic Cup The Richard Underwood Cup Texaco Trophy 2 Goal Tournament Heyshott Cup JP Morgan Challenge Match Borough Marsh Demetriadi Cup The Arena Polo Challenge Trophy Bluey’s Cup The Presidents Cup Henbury Cup June Tournament Borough Marsh Ethiopian Shield Summer Tournament The Assam Cup Coworth Park Challenge Junior Cavalry Cup The Eduardo Moore Tournament Roberts Cup Gold Cup - British Open Findley Trophy Presidents Cup The Phoenician Cup The Oxfordshire Bowl The Aden Visit Cup Madeva Polo Tournament Philip Helliar Cup Midsummer Trophy Philip Helliar Cup The Fox & Barrel Cup Pollard Cup White Horse Trophy Philip Helliar Cup NIPC Tournament
Handicap -4 - 0 -4 - 0 10 Goal -2 - 2 0-6 4-8 15 - 18 6-8 0-2 -2 - 2 0-2 -4 - 2 -4 - 2 -2 - 2 -2 - 2 0 Goal -4 - -1 -6 - -2 -8 - -6 Open 17 - 22 8 - 12
Start Date 08/06/19 08/06/19 08/06/19 11/06/19 11/06/19 11/06/19 12/06/19 15/06/19 15/06/19 15/06/19 15/06/19 15/06/19 15/06/19 15/06/19 15/06/19 15/06/19 15/06/19 15/06/19 15/06/19 15/06/19 17/06/19 17/06/19
End Date 09/06/19 09/06/19 22/06/19 16/06/19 23/06/19 30/06/19 30/06/19 16/06/19 16/06/19 16/06/19 16/06/19 16/06/19 16/06/19 16/06/19 16/06/19 16/06/19 16/06/19 16/06/19 16/06/19 16/06/19 22/06/19 29/06/19
12 - 18
18/06/19 23/06/19
0-4 8 - 12 -2 - 2 4-8 -6 - -4 0-4 -4 - 2 -2 - 2 -4 - 0 -2 - 0 -4 - 0 -2 - 0 -4 - 0 -2 - 0 0-4 2-4 12 - 15 4-8 12 - 15 0-4 20 - 22 -2 - 0 -6 - -2 8 - 12 6-8 0-4 2-4 2-4 1-2 -2 - 2 -4 - 2 -4 - 0 -4 - -1 -6 - -2 Open
18/06/19 18/06/19 21/06/19 21/06/19 22/06/19 22/06/19 22/06/19 22/06/19 22/06/19 22/06/19 22/06/19 22/06/19 22/06/19 22/06/19 23/06/19 24/06/19 25/06/19 25/06/19 25/06/19 25/06/19 25/06/19 26/06/19 26/06/19 27/06/19 29/06/19 29/06/19 29/06/19 29/06/19 29/06/19 29/06/19 29/06/19 29/06/19 29/06/19 29/06/19 29/06/19
30/06/19 06/07/19 29/06/19 07/07/19 22/06/19 23/06/19 23/06/19 23/06/19 23/06/19 23/06/19 23/06/19 23/06/19 23/06/19 23/06/19 30/06/19 30/06/19 07/07/19 07/07/19 14/07/19 14/07/19 21/07/19 30/06/19 30/06/19 14/07/19 30/06/19 30/06/19 30/06/19 30/06/19 30/06/19 30/06/19 30/06/19 30/06/19 30/06/19 30/06/19 30/06/19
Polo Times, June 2019
83
Polo directory MILITARY Tidworth
Royal Artillery Cup
Open
27/05/19 27/05/19
Tidworth
After Heroes Day Tournament
-6 - -2
01/06/19 02/06/19
Tidworth
Duke of York Cup (RN v RAF)
Open
01/06/19 01/06/19
Tidworth
WIP Ladies v Hackett Army
4-6
01/06/19 01/06/19
Tidworth
Heroes Polo Day - Heroes Cup
Open
01/06/19 01/06/19
Tidworth
RAF v Cavalry
Open
02/06/19 02/06/19
Tidworth
Queens Royal Irish Hussars Cup 0 - 4
08/06/19 09/06/19
White Waltham
Help for Heroes Polo Tournament -2 - 0 Veteran’s Match HAC v Grena-4 - 0 dier Guards Queens Royal Irish Hussars Cup 0 - 4 0-2& Grenadier Cup -4 - 0 Strategic Shipping 10th Hussars’ 4-6 Cup Tidworth Polo Week 0-4 Canonbury Queens Royal Lanc-2 - 2 ers Trophy
08/06/19 09/06/19
La Martina Varsity Tournament Universities Summer Nationals Championships SAPA Universities Summer National Championships Senior Schools National Summer Championships
Open Open
01/06/19 03/06/19 07/06/19 07/06/19
Open
08/06/19 08/06/19
Open
16/06/19 16/06/19
White Waltham Tidworth Tidworth Tidworth Tidworth Tidworth
15/06/19 15/06/19
Offchurch Bury Black Bears
4-6
01/06/19
01/06/19
Scottish Women’s Championship
Open
01/06/19
02/06/19
WIP Ladies Tournament Cavendish Tournament Cambridge County - VL Atlantic Cup Black Bears Ladies Tournament
4-8 & 8-12 15/06/19
16/06/19
12-18
18/06/19
23/06/19
18
19/06/19
30/06/19
Edgeworth
Ladies Tournament
Open
26/06/19
26/06/19
Beaufort
WIP Ladies League
0-8
05/07/19
07/07/19
Cowdray
Open 10-14 & 0-8 6-12
06/07/19
20/07/19
06/07/19
07/07/19
Cowdray
British Ladies Open VL Womens Festival Charity Weekend British Ladies Championships
06/07/19
20/07/19
Blueys
Ladies Tournament
Open
10/07/19
11/07/19
Cirencester
Ladies Tournament
8-12
23/07/19
03/08/19
Cirencester
The International Ladies VL The Beaufort Ladies Tournament VL Polo Festival Ladies VL
12-18
23/07/19
04/08/19
12-18
29/07/19
10/08/19
18
12/08/19
17/08/19
Kirtlington
Thorneloe Ladies
6-8
17/08/19
18/08/19
Guards Polo Club SaintTropez Cheshire
Ladies Charity Polo Victrix Ludorum 12-18
20/08/19
31/08/19
Women’s International II
10-14
25/06/19 30/06/19
Mu Kershaw Memorial Cup
Open
26/08/19
Kirtlington Rutland
WIP La Rosada Ladies Ladies Polo Day
6-8 Open
18/05/19 19/05/19 27/05/19 27/05/19
26/08/19
France Polo Club SaintSilver Whips Tropez Polo Club SaintGolden Wave Tropez Chantilly Polo Charity Cup Club 84
Polo Times, June 2019
13/06/19 15/06/19
12-15
20/06/19 30/06/19
6
07/06/19 16/06/19
South Africa Inanda
Inanda Africa Cup
26/06/19 30/06/19
WIP Ladies vs Hackett Army
RCBPC
6-8
26/06/19 30/06/19
Stewarton
Beaufort
01/06/19 09/06/19
26/06/19 30/06/19
Tidworth
New Forest
6-8
22/06/19 23/06/19
WOMEN’S POLO
Tedworth
Villa a Sesta Polo Vas Polo Tournament Club Villa a Sesta Polo Trofeo Comune Di Bucine Club Villa a Sesta Polo Kings Polo Master Club
15/06/19 16/06/19
YOUTH Guards Offchurch Bury
Italy
8-10
30/05/19 09/06/19
8-10
13/06/19 23/06/19
12
14/06/19 30/06/19
International Test Matches Club Beaufort RCBPC
Tournament Gloucestershire Festival of Polo Coronation Cup
Start Date 08/06/19 27/07/19
End Date 09/06/19 27/07/19
2019 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates 22+ Goal RCBPC Cowdray Guards Cirencester Cowdray 18 Goal Cowdray Cirencester Guards Cowdray 15 Goal Guards RCBPC Cowdray Cirencester Beaufort 12 Goal Cowdray RCBPC Beaufort Cirencester Guards Cirencester Cowdray 8 Goal Cirencester Guards RCBPC Cowdray Beaufort 6 Goal Beaufort Kirtlington Ham Cirencester 4 Goal Rutland Cheshire Druids Lodge
Prince of Wales Murus Sanctus Trippetts Challenge Cartier Queen’s Cup Warwickshire Cup The King Power Gold Cup for The British Open
04/05/19 09/05/19 21/05/19 17/06/19 25/06/19
18/05/19 19/05/19 16/06/19 22/06/19 21/07/19
Duke of Sutherland Apsley Cup Indian Empire Shield Challenge Cup
20/05/19 12/06/19 02/07/19 22/07/19
09/06/19 30/06/19 20/07/19 04/08/19
Royal Windsor Cup Eduardo Moore Trophy Harrison Cup National 15 Goal Championship (County Cup) Arthur Lucas
04/06/19 25/06/19 15/07/19 07/08/19 20/08/19
23/06/19 14/07/19 03/08/19 17/08/19 01/09/19
Dollar Cup John Prestwich Prince of Wales The Queen Mother Trophy Duke of Wellington Cheltenham Cup Autumn League
13/05/19 01/06/19 17/06/19 01/07/19 03/08/19 27/08/19 09/09/19
05/06/19 15/06/19 29/06/19 13/07/19 18/08/19 08/09/19 22/09/19
Gerald Balding Archie David Julian & Howard Hipwood Holden White Wichenford Bowl
14/05/19 04/06/19 03/07/19 22/07/19 13/08/19
27/05/19 30/06/19 20/07/19 04/08/19 25/08/19
Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Trophy Budgett Everett Roehampton Cup Kingscote Cup
04/06/19 01/08/19 13/08/19 26/08/19
15/06/19 11/08/19 25/08/19 07/09/19
Assam Cup Junior County Cup Rose Bowl
24/06/19 08/07/19 30/07/19
30/06/19 14/07/19 04/08/19
www.polotimes.co.uk
Polo directory Social Events
Beach Polo Sylt
Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup
Hörnum Sandbanks
12th Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup 2019 British Beach Polo Championships
08/06/19 09/06/19 Open
08/06/19 09/06/19
Open
12/07/19 13/07/19
Tidworth London Beaufort Cirencester Dorset Cirencester Beaufort
Heroes Day Chestertons Polo in the Park Cocktail Party Clubhouse Opening Dorset Polo Festival 125th Year Anniversary Ball 30th Anniversary Ball
01/06/19 07/06/19 25/05/19 26/05/19 23/06/19 29/06/19 16/08/19
09/06/19
Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB
PHONE
CLUB
PHONE
All Ireland Polo Club
00353 01 6896732
dstone@indigo.ie
Leadenham Polo Club
07429 299026
office@leadenhampoloclub.com
All England Polo Club Hickstead*
01273 834 315
polo@hickstead.co.uk
Longdole Polo Club*
01452 864544
info@longdolepolo.com
Apsley End Polo Club*
01462 712444
tobiana.scott@gmail.com
Moor Farm Polo Club
07494 114190
shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk
Ash Farm Polo Club*
07799 812739
ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com
Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*
01279 450637
alecbeve@btinternet.com
Barfold Polo Club
07778 808853
mborwick@gmail.com
New Forest Polo Club
07977 224404
annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk
Bawtry Polo Club
01302 773282
info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk
Norfolk Polo Club
01508 480400
office@norfolkpolo.co.uk
Beaufort Polo Club
01666 880510
enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
Northern Ireland Polo Club
07803 020577
info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk
Beverley Polo Club*
01964 544877
info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk
Offchurch Bury Polo Club*
07816 830887
info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk
Binfield Heath
01491 411969
bhpcmanager@gmail.com
Pangbourne Polo Club
07708 906810
aprice@polofix.com
Blueys Polo Club*
07930 323263
polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk
Peover Polo Club
07766 016 833
polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk
Bramham Polo Academy
07811 993316
emmadvh@btinternet.com
Polo Wicklow*
00353 404 67164
siobhan@polowicklow.com
Bunclody Polo Club
00353 87 6605917
info@poloclubbunclody.com
RAF Cranwell
07739 569491
rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk
Burningfold Polo Club
01483 200722
derrek@burningfold.com
Ranelagh Polo Club*
01344 885697
ranelagh@labravapolo.com
Cambridge Polo Club*
07711 217004
cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com
RCBPC*
01344 890060
polo@rcbpc.com
Cambridge County Polo Club*
01223 812922
info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk
RMAS Polo Club
07973 174542
rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk
Carlton House
07901 561113
harrietservaes@hotmail.com
Rugby Polo Club*
01788 817724
info@rugbypoloclub.com
Chester Racecourse Polo Club
01244 304602
amorris@chester-races.com
Rutland Polo Club
07772 040668
secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk
Cheshire Polo Club
01270 611 100
info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk
Silver Leys Polo Club
07730 060200
silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com
Chiltern Polo Club
07973 174542
info@chilternpoloclub.com
St. Albans Polo Club
07956 017090
info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk
Cirencester Park Polo Club
01285 653225
info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk
Stewarton Polo Club
07974 706045
info@stewartonpolo.co.uk
Cowdray Polo Club
01730 813257
enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk
Suffolk Polo Club
07990 576974
aes3@cam.ac.uk
Curraghmore Polo Club
00353 51 387102
mkennedy@cssgroup.ie
Sussex Polo Club*
01342 714920
info@sussexpolo.co.uk
Dallas Burston Polo Club*
01926 812409
polo@dbpoloclub.com
Taunton Vale Polo Club
01823 480460
nhs.wheelers@gmail.com
Dorset Polo Club
01202 623985
office@dorsetpolo.co.uk
Tidworth Polo Club*
01980 846705
info@tidworthpolo.com
Druids Lodge Polo Club*
01722 782597
abi@druidspolo.co.uk
Toulston Polo Club
01422 372529
info@toulstonpoloclub.com
Dundee and Perth Polo Club*
07831 365 194
jamesscrawford@aol.com
Triskelion Polo Club*
07624 272547
polo@triskelionpolo.club
Eastwood Polo Club
07875 743475
frankums@googlemail.com
Vale of York Polo Club*
07788 426968
info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk
Edgeworth Polo Club
01285 821695
edgeworthpolo@gmail.com
Vaux Park Park Polo Club*
07703 524613
vppc@btconnect.com
Edinburgh Polo Club*
01314 496696
djamesjamie@aol.com
West Wycombe Park Polo Club*
07787 560729
secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk
Emsworth Polo Grounds*
01344 883112
info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk
Westcroft Park Polo Club*
01276 858545
info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk
Epsom Polo Club*
07961 232106
epsompoloclub@hotmail.com
White Rose Polo Club*
01430 875767
info@whiterosepolo.co.uk
FHM Polo Club*
07778 436468
frances@fhmpolo.co.uk
White Waltham Polo Club
07748 670587
kim@playpolo.co.uk
Fifield Polo Club*
01628 620061
fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk
Great Trippetts Polo Club
01428 741916
charles@trippetts.com
Guards Polo Club*
01784 434212
polo@guardspoloclub.com
Ham Polo Club
020 8334 0000
office@hampoloclub.com
Hertfordshire Polo Club*
01707 256023
polo@hertspolo.co.uk
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07920 023639
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Quick Question Answer -
to the question posed on our Letters page
A: In 1988 the USA defeated an Australia/New Zealand team instead of playing the usual England side for The Westchester Cup.
Polo Times, June 2019
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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
POLO LORRY NON HGV FOR 4 Mercedes Atego 220K km, drives superb, full mot, hydraulic ramp, tack locker, stalled for 4/5 Price: £6500 Tel: 07545 501765 Swindon
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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Polo Times, June 2019
87
Final bell
In association with Aprés Polo
Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com
James McCarthy is best known as the son of Emlor patron Spencer McCarthy, flying somewhat under the radar up until the 2018 Cartier Queen’s Cup Subsidiary Final, when he stepped in for his father, not only capturing the win but securing the Most Valuable Player honours from HM The Queen. This season is set to find him storming through the 18 goal and 15 goal as well as once again riding out in the iconic Polo in the Park in June. Quite a season to come! What is your biggest passion and why? Biggest passion has got to be polo for me, well that and just generally keeping active and sporty, such as my training in the gym and boxing. I just believe in being the best version of you that you can be and I like the mind set you get from working out, that and being more productive and happier.
Hardest opponent? Without a doubt playing my father Spencer. When we play against each other we always take the father/son competitive flair to the extreme and it usually ends in a quiet car journey home!
What is your all time best polo memory? It’s got to be last year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup Subsidiary Final. I was lucky enough to have the chance to play in my father’s stead and show everyone what I can really do and I think I did just that. Racking up a couple of goals and even the Most Valuable Player award and of course, the cherry on top, meeting HM The Queen in person was amazing.
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Polo Times, June 2019
Favourite food/dish? A real asado is hard to beat, but other than that I’m a stickler for Nandos. Most prized possession? My Bamford Paul Newman Daytona Best holiday destination & activity St. Barts or Ibiza.
Which sports do you like outside of polo? I’m a sporty person so love a bit of boxing, crossfit and rugby. I also follow Formula 1.
Who were/are your favourite team mates and why? It’s hard to choose any in particular but I’ve played with and been taught by Nacho Gonzalez for my whole polo career, so Emlor never feels complete without the man himself. And I can’t forget Marcus Araya. Even when we lose, he still finds a way to get the team to laugh.
Favourite song/album? My music taste is very diverse and I have countless ‘favourite’ songs, but Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones are tough to beat.
Best pony and why. The best pony I had in my opinion was one I had when I was 12-years-old called Fruitella. She had all the power, brakes and natural flow you could ask for. Are you passionately superstitious – what and why? I’m not really too bothered about superstitions, but sometimes I do get the ‘what if ’ moments and freak myself out a bit. Describe yourself in three words… Ambitious, underestimated, daring.
Favourite film and why? This is a tough one, but Forrest Gump is always a great watch.
One thing which would surprise us about you? My guilty pleasure perhaps – xoxo Gossip Girl… www.polotimes.co.uk