2022 Royal Windsor Horse Show

Royal Windsor Horse ShowPolo Pony Class 2022

Caroline Stern reports

Windsor Horse Show Polo Pony Class 2022

Polo players enjoyed their annual chance to showcase their skills to a wider equestrian audience on 12 May at the historic Royal Windsor Horse Show, which has run since 1943. The Polo Pony Sponsored by Guards Polo Club show class is unique in the UK and the showground boasted record visitor numbers this year, many of whom crowded around the Frogmore Arena to enjoy watching players demonstrate the skills of some truly stunning ponies.

Brian Stein, Siri Evjemo-Nysveen & Riba Roja

Sadly, polo did not merit inclusion in the evening equestrian extravaganzas celebrating HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. A Gallop Through History included appearances from many of the royal family’s own horses, making polo a notable omission, particularly since polo demonstration games were included in previous years’ evening programmes at the show.

This year, a total of 15 ponies were entered and the class as usual was split into ROR contenders and purpose-bred polo ponies. Judging duties once again fell to Lord Charles Beresford, a former 7 goal player and nephew of the late Lord Patrick Beresford, himself a many times winner and later judge of the class. Guards Polo Club Director of Polo Antony Fanshawe shared the judging role and has been the class’s chief promoter in recent years. They were accompanied into the ring by Sarah Gracey, proprietor of local saddlery The Millwheel Tack Shop & GG Feeds, who both sponsor and judge an annual prize for the best turned out entrant.

Following the customary scramble to find missing kneepads and mallets, since full polo attire is mandatory on this occasion, all the competitors made it into the ring. The presence of a good number of very senior players and uber talented ‘pilots’ from high goal caused a last-minute degree of panic from the amateur riders, but all in the end conquered their nerves and all performed well.

The greatest improvement to this year’s class was the addition of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic commentator, Major Jamie Heywood, himself a veteran competitor at the event. This year, the audience were told who was in the ring and their relevance in the world of polo which enhanced the nonpolo spectators’ enjoyment to a great degree.

Just three of the 15 competitors had been entered for the ROR section. Siri Evjemo-Nysveen was invited to give the first individual show, on last year’s Supreme Champion Riba Roja. The lovely tenyear-old bay mare once again produced an elegant, controlled performance under the guidance of the Vikings patron and the spectators showed their appreciation.

Harold Hodges was next to give a oneminute show, riding his own six-year-old mare, Plum Duff. The 3 goaler provided a dynamic show, despite the younger mare finding her surroundings slightly disconcerting. Last of the ROR contenders was Lingfield Lass, a 9-year-old, owned and ridden by Georgina Armitage. Based at White Waltham Polo Club and rated 0, Georgina showed her mare ably, prompting a spectator to later conclude that the amateur women players rode far better than the amateur men!

Two of the amateur male players were asked to give the first show for the next section of the class. Trooper Conor Beules of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment rode the immaculately turned-out chestnut gelding, Champion, to considerable applause. Champion is owned by his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Armitage, Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

Lt-Colonel Armitage himself was next into the ring and gave a neat demonstration on Stiletto. The 14-year-old mare is owned

Harold Hodges & Plum Duff

Gill Glimmerveen & Steve Thompson Clive Reid, Alan Kent & Jamie Heywood Antony Fanshawe, Brian Stein & Lord Charles Beresford

by his wife, Georgina, who had already shown her skills in the ROR class. Several spectators commented how nice it was to see military players entering the class once again, after a dearth of them for in recent years.

Nick Johnson and Alan Kent’s Runway Bay followed Lt-Colonel Armitage and upped the ante considerably. Nick and Alan have both been stalwart supporters of the Polo Pony Sponsored by Guards Polo Club show class in recent years and have also enjoyed considerable success in it. As in previous years, the combination of a talented professional rider and a well-bred and well-schooled horse impressed all onlookers. Nick put far more speed into his show than the previous competitors and used more of the ring, letting everyone on the side lines have a good look at the mare and concluding with a dramatic stop just a foot in front of the judges.

Nicola Davidson was next to ride and brought in her own grey Argentine mare, Lolita. The mare belied her 20 years and looked brisk and handy in the ring under the able guidance of 0 goaler Nicola. Showjumper Maryam Sherozia followed, on Clive Reid’s rock-solid old bay gelding, Cometa. Despite having admitted that she had never actually played polo but enjoyed stick and balling, Maryam showed the well-made gelding off nicely and caught the judges’ eyes.

Agustin ‘Tincho’ Merlos then came out on Simon Franc’s lovely bay mare, Pony Piggy. The mare was bred by Tincho, who explained before the class that her interesting name was due to her “being a chanchita” to break in. Commentator Major Heywood informed the crowd that one of the world’s highest ranked players was now riding in front of them and they sat up and took notice.

Simon Franc himself next set out his show, on another Merlos homebred, Pony Lucky. The eight-year-old chestnut mare was very eye catching. Simon was succeeded by Jemima Wilson, on her own Purito, a very nice 15-year-old gelding who looked to be in great condition. The classical Thoroughbred seemed utterly unfazed by either the heat or the crowds and was ‘chill’ to the nth degree.

The pros came out in force towards the end of the class, as 6 goaler César Crespo powered around the ring on Green Gates patron Noor Khadra’s Maestra. The compact bay mare attracted a lot of attention as César showed her off superbly. Guri Araucaria, another horse owned by Siri EvjemoNysveen came out next and the onlookers learned that they were watching another top player riding her; Ignacio Pieres. The striking grey acquitted herself impressively and her turn out also drew the admiration of judge Sarah Gracey.

Machitos Yoko was shown next: a pretty chestnut mare owned by Siri Evjemo Nysveen. Machitos Yoko was in the highlyskilled hands of Jaime Roberts, who rode successfully in the class last year and knew exactly what was required for the occasion. Vet and amateur 3 goaler Harold Hodges was last into the ring, on another younger horse. His own six-year-old Narnia gave a good demonstration of her prowess under his sensitive handling.

Having allotted a mark out of ten to each of the 12 ponies and found that they had several ties, the judges elected to ride four ponies in order to determine final placings. Antony Fanshawe climbed aboard Guri Araucaria, Maestra, Machitos Yoko and Pony Lucky and trialled them with his customary ability. This also gave the spectators the chance to see that polo ponies are less one-man horses than many other performance horses.

Finally, the judges made their selection and Riba Roja was once again placed first in the ROR category. Georgina Armitage’s Lingfield Lady was second with Plum Duff third. In the other side of the class, Noor Khadra’s Maestra, ridden by Cesar Crespo, took first place. Machitos Yoko and Jaime Roberts were second, Pony Lucky and Simon Franc third. Fourth prize went to Guri Araucaria and Ignacio Pieres, fifth to Pony Piggy and Tincho Merlos and sixth to Cometa and Maryam Sherozia.

A Supreme and a Reserve Champion are always chosen from the entries across the

Photography by Caroline Stern

Nicola Davidson & Lolita Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Armitage & Stiletto Simon Franc & Pony Lucky

two sections of the class, and Maestra was awarded the Challenge Trophy and Machitos Yoko the Reserve Challenge Cup. Sarah Gracey chose Jemima Wilson and Purito as recipients of her Best Turned Out prize, which comprised a £100 voucher from the Millwheel Tack Shop & GG Feeds.

Guards Polo Club Chairman Brian Stein presented the prizes to the winners of the two sections and remarked that he had enjoyed seeing “some really lovely horses” in this year’s class. Brian continued “It was pleasing to see that the number of entries was only slightly lower than the last class held pre-Covid. As a Club, we will seek to publicise the class even further next year, specifically to our own Members and make sure that entry details do not get buried in all the other membership paperwork and entry forms that they receive.”

“Overall, the ponies and riders were of a great standard this year,” said Lord Charles Beresford. “We just need to increase the number of ROR entrants next year.”

Having placed sixth on her first outing, Maryam Sherozia vowed to return next year having “really enjoyed” herself. “It’s so lovely to come and ride at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on a beautiful summer’s day,” remarked Clive Reid.

“But it is very tough to have to ride against polo’s top professional players. What we need is the inclusion of an Amateur Cup within the Polo Pony Sponsored by Guards showing class. I and my team, AFB, would be delighted to sponsor an Amateur Cup for next year’s show,” Clive concluded.

Tournament List 2022Tournament List 2022

Tournament List 2022

Finish Tournament

Sept 4 Goal Club StartStart Handicap Chukkas 7pm Tues & Club Chukkas 7pm Wed & FriFinish TournamentFinish TournamentTournament List 2022 May ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW Polo Pony Class May Recoleta Memorial Cup -2-2 Goal May Camelot Bowl -2-2 Goal th April 30th Sept 4 Goal Club Chukkas 7pm Tues & Club Chukkas 7pm Wed & Fri Thursday 12th May ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW Polo Pony Class 30th April 30th Sept 4 Goal Club Chukkas 7pm Tues & Club Chukkas 7pm Wed & Fri Thursday 12th May ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW Polo Pony Class Start Finish Tournament Handicap 2nd June Thurs 12pm

May Mar del Plata Silver Trayth May 15th May Recoleta Memorial Cup14th May 15th May Recoleta Memorial Cup -2-2 Goal pm Aiglon v Gordonstoun Polo Tournament & BBQ June HM Coronation Platinum Jubilee Cup & BBQ st May 22nd May Camelot Bowl 21st May 22nd May Camelot Bowl -2-2 Goal

June Spring Premiere Polo Pony Trophy th May 29th May Mar del Plata Silver Tray28th May 29th May Mar del Plata Silver Tray -2-2 Goal

Aiglon v Gordonstoun Polo Tournament & BBQ 3rd June 5th June HM Coronati on Plati num Jubilee Cup & BBQ -2-2 Goal 11th June 12th June Spring Premiere Polo Pony Trophy -2-2 Goal Sunday 12th June QUEENS CUP FINAL GUARDS POLO CLUB 22 GOAL 18th June 19th June Help 4 Heroes Polo Tournament -2-2 Goal

June QUEENS CUP FINAL GUARDS POLO CLUB 22 GOAL June Help 4 Heroes Polo Tournament -2-2 Goal nd June Thurs 12pm Aiglon v Gordonstoun Polo Tournament & BBQ rd June 5th June HM Coronation Platinum Jubilee Cup & BBQ 2nd June Thurs 12pm Aiglon v Gordonstoun Polo Tournament & BBQ 3rd June 5th June HM Coronation Platinum Jubilee Cup & BBQ 25th June 26th June MADEVA POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ 2nd July 3rd July Canadian Bear Challenge Trophy (Canada Day) 9th July 10th July Tai Tai Polo Tournament 4 GOAL 0-2 Goal -2-2 Goal -2--2 June MADEVA POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ 4 GOAL July Canadian Bear Challenge Trophy (Canada Day) 0-2 Goal July Tai Tai Polo Tournament -2-2 Goal th June 12th June Spring Premiere Polo Pony Trophy Sunday 12th June QUEENS CUP FINAL GUARDS POLO CLUB 11th June 12th June Spring Premiere Polo Pony Trophy Sunday 12th June QUEENS CUP FINAL GUARDS POLO CLUB 16th July 17th July 3 Handled 1947 Saunders Davis Silver CUP Sunday 17th July GOLD CUP FINAL COWDRAY POLO CLUB Saturday 23rd July Coronati on Cup England v Uruguay Guards Polo Club -2-2 Goal 22 GOAL 22 GOAL -222 GOAL -2 22 GOAL July 3 Handled 1947 Saunders Davis Silver CUPth June 19th June Help 4 Heroes Polo Tournament18th June 19th June Help 4 Heroes Polo Tournament23rd July 24th July CEDAR POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ -2-2 Goal 4 GOAL -2--2 July GOLD CUP FINAL COWDRAY POLO CLUB 22 GOALth June 26th June MADEVA POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ25th June 26th June MADEVA POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ30th July 31st July Telemark Trophy -2-2 Goal 4

July Coronation Cup England v Uruguay Guards Polo Club 22 GOAL July CEDAR POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ 4 GOAL2nd July 3rd July Canadian Bear Challenge Trophy (Canada Day)2nd July 3rd July Canadian Bear Challenge Trophy (Canada Day) 6th Aug 7th Aug The Adamas Polo Tournament / Summer Cup 13th Aug 14th Aug The Arena Challenge Trophy -2-2 Goal -2-2 Goal 00-

July Telemark9th July9th July Trophy 10th July10th July20th Aug -2Tai Tai Polo Tournament Tai Tai Polo Tournament21st Aug MOUNTGERALD POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ -2 Goal 4 GOAL -2--2 Aug The Adamas Polo Tournament / Summer Cup -2-2 Goal Aug The Arena Challenge Trophy -2-2 Goal Aug MOUNTGERALD POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ 4 GOAL 16th July 17th July 3 Handled 1947 Saunders Davis Silver CUP Sunday 17th July GOLD CUP FINAL COWDRAY POLO CLUB 16th July 17th July 3 Handled 1947 Saunders Davis Silver CUP Sunday 17th July GOLD CUP FINAL COWDRAY POLO CLUB 27th Aug 28th Aug Cavalry & London Clubs Polo Tournament 29th Aug The Divot Polo Challenge 3rd Sept 4th Sept The Carpe Diem Trophy -4-0 Goal -2-2 Goal -2-2 Goal -222 GOAL -2 22 GOAL Aug Cavalry & London Clubs Polo Tournament -4-0 Goal Aug The Divot Polo Challenge -2-2 Goal Saturday 23rd July Coronation Cup England v Uruguay Guards Polo Club 23rd July 24th July CEDAR POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ Saturday 23rd July Coronation Cup England v Uruguay Guards Polo Club 23rd July 24th July CEDAR POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ 10th Sept 11th Sept The Royal East Berkshire Agr Ass Trophy & BBQ -2-2 Goal 17th Sept 18th Sept Carlitos Polo Pony Bronze Polo Touramant 4 Goal 24th Sept 25th Sept Don Carlos de la Serna Memorial Trophy -2-2 Goal 22 GOAL 4 GOAL 22 GOAL Sept The Carpe Diem Trophy30th July 31st July Telemark Trophy30th July 31st July Telemark Trophy1st Oct 2nd Oct Esperanza Cup -2-2 Goal -2-2 Goal -2--2

Sept The Royal East Berkshire Agr Ass Trophy & BBQ -2-2 Goal Sept Carlitos Polo Pony Bronze Polo Touramant 4 Goal6th Aug 7th Aug The Adamas Polo Tournament / Summer Cup6th Aug 7th Aug The Adamas Polo Tournament / Summer Cup -2--2 Sept Don Carlos de la Serna Memorial Trophy13th Aug 14th Aug The Arena Challenge Trophy13th Aug 14th Aug The Arena Challenge Trophy -2-2 Goal -2--2 Oct Esperanza Cup20th Aug 21st Aug20th Aug 21st Aug -2-2 Goal MOUNTGERALD POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ MOUNTGERALD POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ 4 GOAL

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