PoloTimes May16 by Edit

Volume 21 • Issue 4 • May 2016 • £6.50

INTERVIEW

HPA Chairman Stephen Hutchinson RULES HARMONISATION

HPA, USPA, FIP & AAP agree on rules

USPA GOLD CUP MIDLANDS FESTIVAL PLUS: Barbados - The Open, Ladies International & Night Polo

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Tally Ho Farm EUROPE’S LARGEST POLO SUPPLIER

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Contents

What’s inside... May 2016

Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk Group Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Advertising Manager Ben Bovill ben@polotimes.co.uk Club Liaison & News Manager Lucy Wilson lucy@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk Polo Reporter & Researcher Tilda Woodd tilda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk Principal Design James Morgan

Additional Design Tony Ruddy

20 News 4 14 17

All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update

Comment 16

Your Views: Top Ten Tweets

Features 18 20 24 27 30

The Big Picture Interview: Stephen Hutchinson Rules Harmonisation Victor Ludorum Insight Charity Focus: The Brooke

Reports 34 37 40 42

Cover Story: Barbados Open Cover Story: USPA Gold Cup Cover Story: Midlands Festival Dominican Republic Gold Cup

Club Focus Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

@PoloTimes

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Stephen Biddlecombe, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Martin Perez, Kate Scurfield, David Woodd, Susie Richards, Rege Ludwig

5 Minutes With… Gillian Johnston Reports: The Massy Ladies’ International Polo Tournament

Youth Polo 53

Contributors:

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Women’s Polo

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News from Home and Abroad

Military Polo

Reports: UOTC Challenge Cup

Knowledge Contact details

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Fitness for Polo: The Nearside Forehand Pony Power Bit Focus: Rider’s Q&A Vet Insight: What to Expect When You’re Expecting – Part 1 Know Your Game: Playing Tips With Rege Ludwig Nutrition Focus: Top Tips

64 Sidelines

68 Gossip: Don’t be the Last to Know 70 Sidelines: Social Pages

Polo Directory: 74 78

What’s on in May? Polo Times Marketplace

Final bell:

Passions: Joaquin Pittaluga

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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Cover photograph: Peter O’Rorke for CGI Clifton and Oliver Williams for Rubis in the Final of the Barbados Open. By John Rowley

Polo Times, MAY 2016

from the Publisher

Pony Express patron Bob Daniels died over the Easter weekend at the age of 74 after a fall during a game for The Top Pony 12 Goal Series on Wednesday 23 March at the Pony Express grounds in Wellington, Florida. Bob’s many accolades in polo included three-time Chairman’s Cup Titles, each notably alongside his son Marc Daniels in 1992, 1998 and 2012. In 1998, he won the C.V. Whitney Cup with teammates Francisco Bensadon, Javier Novillo-Astrada and Miguel NovilloBob Daniels playing for his Pony Express team Astrada at Palm Beach Polo & Country Club, with an 11-9 win over Revlon. In 2009, he won the Hall of Fame Cup with teammates David ‘Pelon’ Stirling, Matias Magrini and Nic Roldan at The International Polo Club, Palm Beach, with a score of 11-10 against Black Watch. In 1996, Bob’s horse Silverada was ridden by Gonzalo Heguy for three chukkas in the Argentine Open and she was awarded the Copa Lady Susan Townley for the Best Playing Pony – the first American Thoroughbred to win this prestigious award. Bob passed away surrounded by all his family, as well as the Pony Express family and friends.

Juracy Santos It is with much sadness we announce that popular Guards Polo Club player Juracy Santos died over the Easter weekend, some 20 months after suffering a heavy fall while playing in a match at Smith’s Lawn. Juracy never regained consciousness from this accident and he died in his native Brazil, surrounded by his family, to whom we send our most heartfelt condolences. Juracy, who was born in Brazil, was Juracy Santos was a professional player at originally a bull rodeo rider before becoming a Guards Polo Club groom for Sylvio Novaes (8) in Brazil where he learned about polo. He first came to England with Sylvio before he moved on to be Charles Pearsons ‘piloto’ where he went from 0 to 5 goals within three seasons. He played all over the world, including the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Malaysia and many clubs and grounds across Europe. He began playing professionally in 2004 in England, but of those years his best was 2008 when he played as part of the BHC team. They won almost all of the tournaments they entered. It is likely that a memorial service for this popular professional will be held in the UK during this season and so we will update you further once more details are finalised.

Tally Ho Farm Groom of the Month Award

Guards Polo Club and Tally Ho Farm have once again joined forces to present the Groom of the Month awards for the months of May, June, July and August. The aim of the prize is to promote exemplary pony welfare by rewarding the most outstanding grooms. A panel of judges will rate grooms across a variety of criteria and those demonstrating consistent excellence will be eligible for the prize. Winners will receive a cash prize, generously donated by Tally Ho Farm, and recognition in the international publication Polo Times as well as the Guards Polo Club Yearbook. The judging panel will include Polo Manager Antony Fanshawe and Club Veterinarian Holly Baird. Guest judges will be called upon to give additional expert opinions throughout the season. The criteria upon which this coveted prize will be determined include the following: • Excellent pony welfare standards demonstrated whilst at polo. This involves basic actions such as offering water and removing studs after games, cooling horses off after playing in warm weather, packing rugs for days of inclement weather and offering haynets for long journeys home. • Show quality turn out including: impeccably groomed ponies, clean and well-fitted tack, well maintained equipment and clean bandages and saddle blankets. Attention to detail is crucial in this regard and judges will have a keen eye on the finer points. • Ponies in good body condition and fitness and performance of ponies at polo indicative of a balanced diet and exercise regime at home. • Professional behaviour in the pony lines including removal of rubbish, having ponies tied to string, not leaving halters dangling where they create a hazard, general organisation and respect to other grooms, players and Match Officials.

Tally Ho Farm and Guards Polo Club wish all of the grooms a wonderful season and we look forward to seeing everyone making their best effort to ensure their horses don’t just show up, but that they shine. Good luck everyone! 4

Polo Times, MAY 2016

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Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Nick Hine, Publisher

Bob Daniels

Photograph by David Lominska

As the 2016 English polo season gets underway, we have all been sadly reminded that polo is a dangerous sport and that no one is immune from the risks associated with playing – as illustrated by the recent tragic deaths of Bob Daniels and Juracy Santos. Both were accomplished players and horsemen who died as a result of injuries that they sustained whilst playing the sport that they loved so much – and both were larger than life characters who will be sorely missed, not only by their friends and families, but by the wider polo community as a whole. For Polito Pieres to already be out for the season with a separated shoulder, and Nachi Heguy nursing a broken collarbone, the perils of playing polo are clearly there for all that take part. And so, it is has to be good news that the HPA have seized the nettle and issued criteria to the manufacturers of polo helmets, in order than a greater range of helmets will be more readily available and more affordable. Having fallen last season whilst schooling our youngster Brutus, I was shocked at the several days that it took to fully recover from the symptoms of concussion. At the time, I was wearing a tailor-made polo hat from a ‘respected’ helmet manufacturer and although it stayed on, it clearly did not provide the appropriate protection from a fall onto the hard ground – I immediately changed my hat for one that now provides better protection. Whilst on the topic of concussion, too many players, have until now, risked playing polo, whilst still suffering from the affects of concussion – the pros in particular have, in their minds, had too much money to lose to miss the mandatory 7 days’ polo, (or more), and so, many have continued to play whilst concussed. That the HPA is ensuring that all Clubs enforce the ‘concussion rule 2.44’ with a zero tolerance, may not be welcomed by everyone, it should, nevertheless be applauded for everyone’s safety. The harmonisation of polo’s rules is also another welcome initiative for the 2016 season, that polo’s world-wide governing bodies, the HPA, USPA, FIP and AAP, are to be saluted for championing. Enjoy the read – and your polo safely.

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News

ADVENTURE CHALLENGE COMPANY, IGO Adventures launched with its inaugural event, the N60 Norwegian Challenge. Over four days, competitors crossed 108 miles of Norway’s most spectacular landscape on foot, fat bikes and skis in this snowy quadrathlon spanning from Hemsedal to Geilo. Reflecting on the event, Founder Viscount Bobby Melville told Polo Times, “IGO has now completed its first event – N60. I started this company with a dream to change people’s lives as mine was when crossing the Atlantic in 2014. The emotion I felt when seeing our courageous competitors crossing the finish line will be something that will never leave me. The competitors have been on a journey they will never forget and the memories and friendships made will last a lifetime.” Polo Times’ very own intrepid reporter, 24-year-old Rosabella Hine took on the challenge. Despite her reservations, she had the stamina to complete the course, testament to the unwavering race support and morale-boosting mentoring of the expert IGO team. Rosabella sums up the experience with the words, “This was a life-changing experience, it is amazing what your body can achieve if you put your mind to it. If you are young, old, fit or just doggedly determined, this is one for the bucket list.” To find out more about IGO Adventures or to sign up and test yourself, visit igoadventures.com

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

IGO Adventures

Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha is presented with the Queen’s Cup Trophy by Her Majesty The Queen and Cartier Executive Chairman Arnaud Bamberger in 2015

Date Change

Photograph by Richenda Hine

The inaugural IGO Adventures’ competitors on the podium after the finish of the 26 mile cross-mountain marathon in Norway

Guards Polo Cub and Cartier have announced that the date of the Cartier Queen’s Cup Final 2016 will move forward by one day to Saturday 11 June 2016. Cartier has decided to move its date to allow its guests and the wider polo community to enjoy Her Majesty’s 90th birthday celebrations on Sunday 12 June. Tickets for this prestigious polo Final, one of the biggest sporting events in the UK this summer, will go on sale later this week. For more information or to purchase tickets or hospitality please go to www.guardspoloclub.com or call the team in the Guards Polo Club’s Ticket Office on 01784 437797.

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Polo Times, MAY 2016

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News African Beach Polo League Photograph courtesy of Chestertons Polo in the Park

AFRICA BEACH POLO is an international arena polo league held on the world’s first permanent beach arena, Play at Bamboo. The arena held its first Africa Beach Polo exhibition match, which saw a team made up of players from around the world (Team World), Thomas Hope from Argentina, Brit player Tim Ward and Neku Atawodi take on Team Africa with French player Pierre Henri Ngoumou, Nigeria’s Yemo Alakija and Sadiq Dantata. Team Africa beat Team World 6-4. During the game guests were entertained by live violinist, Godwin Strings and a graffiti artist, Osa Seven, who painted the game while it was played. The national anthem was performed by Nigerian Idol runner-up Beebee Bassey. Guests included the President of the Lagos Polo Club, Ade Laoye, the American Consulate, and many polo fans.

England and South Africa playing at Hurlingham Park in 2015

Polo In The Park

Photograph courtesy of African Beach Polo

INTERNATIONAL POLO IS set to return to Chestertons Polo in the Park 2016 on Friday 3 June, with Team England set to face Team South Africa. England team player, James Beim commented, “Last year’s International match had an unbelievable atmosphere. To have support from the crowds and be playing at the original home of polo was a really wonderful experience. It’s an absolute privilege to be back again and this year we are determined to defeat Team South Africa and take the trophy home.” The International match is back by popular demand following the success of the 2015 show down, which saw international polo played at the Hurlingham Park for the first time since 1939.

Action between Team Africa and Team World

Polo Times, MAY 2016

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News

A THRILLING POLO game kicked off the inaugural Nic Roldan’s Sunset Polo & White Party at The Wanderers Club in Wellington, Florida. The event benefitted Brooke USA, the American fundraising arm of the world’s largest international equine welfare charity, as recently featured in our Polo Times April issue. Roldan, rated at 8 goals, led the Brooke USA Grey team to a 6-5 victory over Brooke USA Orange, captained by 6 goaler Kris Kampsen. Before the game, a moment of silence was observed in memory of polo player Bob Daniels, whose son, Justin, played on the winning Grey team. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony award, award, chosen and presented by Gil Johnston, went to Dallas, played by Phillips in the fourth chukka. For more information on Dallas turn to our Pony Power section on page 59. Porter, the high-scorer in the game, was named Most Valuable Player. Hosts Katherine and Mark Bellissimo provided the magnificent venue at The Wanderers Club as well as delicious refreshments. Polo Gear donated the team shirts, as well as custom saddlebags worn by miniature horses and donkeys which walked along the sidelines collecting donations for Brooke USA. Nic Roldan & Paige Bellissimo with the stars of the event

The England team at Helvetia Polo Club in Brazil

Brazil Defeat England

Photography by Juan Lamarca

Dallas sporting its new Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug

Polo Times, MAY 2016

IN 2015, THE England team went to the FIP World Cup hosted by Chile. In the competition, England played Brazil in some very competitive matches. The Brazilians and English got to know each other very well both on and off the polo field. Soon after the tournament, Brazil sent an invitation to the HPA and George Pearson for the England World Cup team to travel to Brazil to play an International Test Match. The invitation was kindly accepted and the England team headed out to Brazil for a week in early March 2016. The England team had to change their number two as Jack Hyde was tied up with commitments in Dubai. The scheduled programme was originally to be made up of two practices and two International Test Matches, but unfortunately rain played havoc with the schedule and the teams were only able to play two practices and one International match. The International Test Match was played with simple, direct and hard polo and despite England’s best endeavours, Brazil ran out the winners, 10-9½. At prize-giving, George Pearson thanked the Brazilians, and especially the Novães family, for such a wonderful and fun week both on and off the polo field. The England team will host Brazil in July at Cowdray Park Polo Club and at the Dear family’s private ground. Helvetia Polo Club International Test Match teams: England: George Pearson (2), Freddie Dear (3), Will Emerson (5) & Pete Webb (5) Brazil: Eduardo Junquiera (2), Maurilio Mendonça (1), Joao Novães (6) & Olavo Novães (7)

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Photograph courtesy of Will Emerson

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News Competition Winner

Photograph courtesy of Tally Ho Farm Polo

Our lucky competition winner will design their own hat

Horsebox Safety Week

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Champions Team Cadillac vs runners up Team Lindt

Beach Polo Cup, Dubai TEAM CADILLAC POWERED to a second consecutive Beach Polo Cup Dubai triumph on the evening of Sunday 3 April. The defending champions narrowly edged victory over Team Lindt 10-8 in a match played out under floodlights at Skydive Dubai. Trailing 3-2 after an intense opening chukka, Team Cadillac fought back to draw level 5-5. With scores tied 7-7 going into the fourth and final chukka, Team Cadillac found the extra gear to pip Team Lindt to the post in a dramatic finale. Cadillac’s team included Emirati patron Tariq Albwardy, who scored the Final’s opening goal, patron Sam Instone from the UK, who plays at Dubai’s Desert Palm Polo Club, and internationally acclaimed Argentine professional, Matias Machado. In the first match of the evening, Team Qatar Airways triumphed over Team Hills Advertising in the third and fourth play-off game, with a comfortable 15-8½ win.

Beach Polo Postponed TO ENSURE THE organisers have enough time to deliver a truly spectacular 10th edition of Polo On The Beach, a decision has been made to postpone this year’s event and reschedule to May 2017.

Photograph courtesy of GWR

AS PART OF an on-going campaign for the safer transportation of horses, NFU Mutual launched Horsebox Safety Week (4 – 10 April), to raise the awareness of the risks associated with the loading and transporting of horses. The insurer is calling for equestrian communities across the country to pay as much care and attention to the safety and maintenance of their horseboxes and trailers as they do towards the health and wellbeing of their animals. Over the last three years, almost one in five horses injured in a horsebox or trailer had to be euthanised as a result. It is important to emphasise that although horseboxes are required to pass an annual MoT or ministry plating, this does not check the vehicle for its suitability or safety for carrying horses. For example, they will not check floors or ramps for signs of rot. More worryingly, in the UK trailers are not required to pass any form of annual safety check, meaning problems can go undetected until an accident or breakdown occurs. Each day highlighted one of seven individual safety topics (pre-journey safety checks, old and worn tyres, rotten floors and ramps, overweight vehicles, accidents, breakdowns and safe loading) through a short video. You can watch the videos by visiting at www.youtube.com/NFUMutualVideo

Photograph courtesy of Mamemo Productions

OUR FISRT SUBSCRIBER competition of 2016 has been won by Lynsey Evans from Newbury in Berkshire. Lynsey has won a bespoke designed Edition Polo Hat courtesy of Tally Ho Farm Polo. Polo Times spoke to Lynsey who said, “I will give the hat to my son Ben who plays for Durham University Polo Club. I am more of a spectator and he is the one who really plays in the family.” Ben and Lynsey will be able to choose their own colour, finish and have initials or even a logo embroidered on the bespoke hat, which will be worth over £400. The Edition Polo Hat is currently one of only a few polo hats on the market to pass with BSI PAS 015 Kitemark certification. The hat has been designed, made and tested in the UK and combines an Argentine look with safety features such as a totally flexible peak, metal retention clip and leather four-point harness. The hat also features a removable and machine washable hat liner and a handy hat bag. Spare liners can also be purchased separately. Edition Hats are tested by the British Standards Institute, who are an independent body specialising in the testing of safety products, and the hats are made with a fibreglass outer shell with a final finish, which can be of either cotton or leather. The hats come in a variety of colours and a bespoke service is available for personal designs and embroidery.

Last year’s July issue of Polo Times featured a polo player creating pictures in the sand for the Big Picture

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HPA News

Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters Argentina The Copa de las Naciones is a 22-24 goal International tournament run by the Argentine Polo Association featuring teams from England, Argentina and Chile. Played at Palermo, matches are scheduled as follows: Saturday 16 April: England vs Chile Tuesday 19 or Wednesday 20 April: Argentina vs Loser of First Match Saturday 23 April: Argentina vs Winner of First Match England: Charlie Hanbury (5), Mark Tomlinson (6) (replacing an injured Ollie Cudmore), James Beim (7) & James Harper (6) Argentina: Juan Martin Zubía (5), Eduardo Novillo Astrada (9), Bartolomé Castagnola (3) & Francisco Elizalde (7) Chile: TBC In addition, an England Colts team of Luke Wiles, Ned Hine, James Fewster and Will Harper are playing at Palermo on the same dates as the England matches against representative teams from the same countries. Polo Series Sponsored by Lycetts In 2016, RoR/Lycetts will give prizes at the International Test matches and at the Junior HPA Tournament Final in August as well as in selected medium and low goal games.

In addition, RoR will be holding its Racing to Polo Challenge at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club on 5 September. In the five main classes all horses must have raced in Great Britain and be registered with RoR (using their racing name). The prizes for each of the five classes will be £1,000 to the winner, £500 for the second placed pony, £300 for third, £200 for fourth and £100 for fifth and sixth. The Royal Windsor Horse has changed the format of the polo pony classes, with one for polo ponies and a second for retrained racehorses now playing polo. The winner in each section will receive £500. HPA Members’ Car Badge The HPA Members’ car badge gives members access to the Internationals at Beaufort (Saturday 18 June), and Guards (Saturday 23 July). Please see the HPA website for further details. Welfare Booklets The Welfare Booklet has been rewritten and

rebranded in both English and Spanish. These will be sent to all Clubs for distribution to their members. Please read them carefully and pass them to anyone that is involved in the care of your horses. Concussion If a player has suffered from a concussion at your Club, you as the Club must notify the HPA within 24 hours so that the HPA can notify other clubs. The player will not be permitted to play again for a minimum of one week from the date of the concussion without a certificate of fitness from a doctor. For more information please see Rule 2.44. Horse Passports Please ensure that all of your horse passports are up to date. If you have a horse without an up to date passport you are liable to receive a considerable fine. The HPA continues to issue passports, and all the various passport forms required can be found on the website www.hpa-polo.co.uk/ ponies/passports/ If you have any queries, please contact Olivia at the HPA. Arena End of Season Handicap Changes These will be effective from 1 May 2016 and can be viewed in the latest news section on the home page of the HPA website www.hpa-polo.co.uk

Dates for the Diary Monday 9 May Voluntary Coaches – one day course May TBC First Aid Course Tuesday 31 May Polo Awards

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Polo Times, MAY 2016

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Comment

Your Views

Top ten tweets worth re-tweeting We follow them on Twitter, to save you the scrolling: Peter Webb @petewebby 7 Apr @PoloTimes @hpapolo @Polo Association @asocdepolo @PoloDevelopment anything that can make the game more appealing to the spectator. #livetv

Celtic Manor Resort #@TheCelticManor Apr 1 @PoloTimes Did you fall for our #AprilFools story about a polo-playing Zorse?

Polo Times @PoloTimes 6 Apr @hpapolo announce united rules @PoloAssociation @asocdepolo @PoloDevelopment #ReadAllAboutIt Gareth A Davies @GarethADaviesDT 27 Mar My polo column this week: @NicRoldan guest edits @PoloTimes via @TelegraphSport Brighton Polo Team @BrightonUniPolo 26 Mar Lovely feature on the Bryan Morrison Trophy International Test Match in April’s @PoloTimes Nic Roldan @NicRoldan 2 Apr Over $120,000 Raised for @TheBrooke USA at Inaugural Nic Roldan’s Sunset Polo & White Party Gay Polo League @GayPoloLeague 24 Mar Here’s our feature in @NicRoldan’s @PoloTimes Magazine!! #GPL2016 #GayPoloLeague #GayPoloWeek #GPL #PoloTimes

APSPH @the_apsph Mar 24 #Thanks for the covereage @PoloTimes @OxfordPolo_ #Florencia #BestPlayingPony #WorkTogether #GoldStandard George Meyrick @GeorgeMeyrick #Saferpolo PoloTimes @PoloTimes Entered our #SubscriberCompetition yet? #Win #EditionPoloHelmet Email info@polotimes.co.uk #NameAddressPhoneNumber

The C.V. Whitney Cup, USA

WIN! A Bespoke

Polo Helmet Worth over £400

Choose your own colour and embroidery to include initials or logo IN OUR LATEST subscriber competition Polo Times has teamed up with Tally Ho Farm Polo to offer the chance to win a brand new bespoke Edition Polo Hat. The Edition Polo Hat is currently one of only a few polo hats on the market to pass with BSI PAS 015 Kitemark certification.

Features include: • Two years in development • BSI PAS 015 Kitemark • Totally flexible peak • Metal retention clip and leather four-point harness • Removable and machine washable hat liner and a handy hat bag. Spare liners can also be purchased separately • Fiberglass outer shell with a final finish which can be of either cotton or leather, in a variety of colours and a bespoke service is available for personal designs and embroidery • Edition Hats are tested by the British Standards Institute, who are an independent body specialising in the testing of safety products • Argentine look but with safety in mind • Designed, made and tested in the UK

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! To be entered into this amazing prize draw, all you have to do is send your name, telephone number and postal address to info@polotimes.co.uk by 10 April 2016 with Edition in the subject line. GOOD LUCK!

PT April16 Inners.indd 32

17/03/2016 16:42

Team BannisterBlake @BannisterBlake Mar 26 Go Rosabee!! Polo Times @PoloTimes #RunRosabeeRun #ThisGirlCan #YouCanDoIt #OutDoorOffice #FromPoloToSkiPoles Polo Times are within sniffing distance on 10,000 followers on Twitter which makes us the No. 1 polo publication globally on Twitter. At the time of going to press we have 9,957 followers on twitter. Follow us now for up-to-date info.

It’s time to dig out the arnica again as spring chukkas claim victims across the country 16

Polo Times, MAY 2016

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Reports

FIP News

FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world The Federation is pleased to announce that the HPA have appointed their current Chairman Stephen Hutchinson to take over the role of the A Country Representative on FIP’s Executive Committee in place of Brigadier John Wright who retired recently. This means that Stephen will not only be a VicePresident of FIP, but will also be on the working committee which oversees the day-to-day running of the Federation. We are sure that his experience, passion and humour will be of great benefit. The 89th FIP Ambassador’s Cup was held 5 – 9 April at Stevie Orthwein’s stunning Port Mayaca Polo Club in Florida. This was the fourth time Stevie’s Club has generously hosted an FIP

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Ambassador’s Cup. There was a full programme of matches and social events, including an opening ceremony and cocktail party at the Polo Museum and Hall of Fame and the opportunity to attend several of the US Open Championship games at both Wellington and IPC. HPC London Polo Club will be the venue for the 90th FIP Ambassador’s Cup in July of this year and this was aptly planned to coincide with HPC’s 90th Anniversary celebrations. It is hoped to field six teams made up of international FIP Ambassadors, potential Ambassadors and local players with the finals on Friday 22 July, which will enable the visitors to attend the HPA International for the Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Club on the Saturday.

23/02/2016

The planning phase for the play-offs for the 11th FIP European Championship, to be held in Germany later this year, is well under way, with invitations sent out to all the playing countries in Europe and with a closing date for entries of the 1 May. This is a hard fought 6-8 goal contest in which England has an impressive record as they have won the FIP European Championship a total of six out of their nine appearances and been runner up once; Ireland has been runner up on two occasions. The tournament itself will start on 24 August and the Finals on 4 September will be played at the historic Maifeld Stadium in Berlin where polo was last played as an Olympic Sport in 1936.

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Polo Times, MAY 2016

the

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Polo Times, MAY 2016

picture

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Shadow Polo These dancing shadows are of the players from Maple Leaf and Thai Polo in the Semi Final of The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo on Ground 2 of the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club. This photograph is a still taken from an aerial film being shot by Dominic James, sports photographer and qualified drone pilot. If you would like to know more or even book Dominic for some drone filming, contact him on the following email: dj@pixel.flights w Photograph by © Dominic James Photography

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Polo Times, MAY 2016

Feature

Interview

Stephen Hutchinson The new Chairman of the HPA on polo, a pragmatic approach and “rushing slowly”

tephen Hutchinson brings a deep understanding of the game of polo to his role as HPA Chairman. Having played polo for some 30 years, both in Ireland and in England, Stephen describes the sport as “all consuming”. He has represented Ireland in FIP tournaments and has won the Archie David twice with his Tayto team. Stephen has cut his HPA teeth over the last 6 years as a Steward and on the Handicap Committee several times over the last 15 years. Meeting Stephen, his humour, bonhomie and self-deprecation belie a keen business brain. The family company, Tayto of which 57 year-old Stephen is Chairman, manufactures more than 5 million packets of crisps a day, is the biggest brand of crisps in Northern Ireland, the third biggest crisp and snack business in the UK and the largest indigenous one – you do the maths. It is this polo knowledge, twinned with business experience and appetite for considered change, that will be the biggest assets that he brings to his four year tenure as Chairman of the HPA. That, along with of course an infectious smile, great sense of humour and love of Irish craic. Stephen humbly describes accepting the role of Chairman of the HPA as “wanting to give something back” to the sport that he loves and which has been the source of so much fun for him and his family. It seems from his words that he plans to do this through listening and learning, rather than sweeping in with broad brushstroke changes. Moving forward, what changes does he want to make? “The HPA gets a pretty bad run of it I think – there’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes that is perhaps unseen by the Membership. People give up their time and work hard in the background, and mostly, it is not acknowledged. Personally, I think it is a good operation and it’s well run” he says

Polo Times, MAY 2016

earnestly. “I think it’s like any business, it may not be the biggest business in the world, but all businesses, my own included, benefit from regular freshening up.” Howard Taylor has come in as Head of the Finance Committee, and has been looking at the overheads to see where we can make improvements. With a knack of getting to the point that becomes familiar as the interview proceeds, Stephen succinctly says, “Transparency is very important, so Members know what they are getting and why.” He brings a refreshing view on recruitment that must have its roots in the Tayto ethos which employs 1,500 people when he explains, “I’ve heard for years that it’s very difficult to expect the HPA Office to do this or that with the resources they have. But if we get to the point where we need to get another person in the HPA Office to do something, then we will! Maybe we don’t need to outsource the passports, maybe we could employ somebody and do it ourselves. So long as their salary is covered by any charges, it makes sound business sense.” Another change for good, has been the harmonisation of the rules of polo between the HPA, USPA, FIP and AAP. This has been mooted for years and in this country has been worked on hard by Polo Managers, umpires and David Woodd. Stephen is full of praise for the work done to make this happen and was delighted to have played a small part in the final push to get something over the line. “If we can make the polo as good to watch as it is at Palermo, then that would be amazing. We need to get this done for the good of the sport.” Admittedly, there are still points that differ slightly, but at least this is a sizeable step in the right direction. And so, onto another thorny issue. The mighty triumvirate of head injury concerns: hats, three point harnesses and British Kitemarks. For the HPA this is a huge subject that is topical for all the wrong

reasons. Again, things are moving in the right direction with the HPA having recently issued criteria to a panel of hat manufacturers so they can become compliant. Stephen explains, “Andrew Barlow is leading that charge with Aurora Eastwood (the Emmeline Pankhurst of hat safety) and several others with our new Hat Safety Panel. So I’d like to think we are rushing slowly on the matter, but it is a priority.” The HPA is often criticized for lack of young people on committees, a fact also compounded by the lack of female representation in the higher echelons of the HPA. What does the new Chairman plan to do about that? “I’m delighted that Tae Ormerod has been elected as a Steward, I would really like to see more women involved in HPA committees to reflect the number that play (and the percentage in the HPA Office itself!). It’s worth remembering that any and all clubs can propose HPA members for selection as Stewards, so those women out there need to get lobbying and get themselves proposed by their clubs. I’m also looking to give more power to a Chairman’s Committee which I would welcome more women to be involved in. That gives us a bit of latitude to co-opt people for various tasks. Then the Stewards would act a bit like the House of Lords, adding another perspective by examining and reviewing what has already been researched and recommended before finally deciding on whether or not it should be ratified”. In his foreword of the HPA Year Book hot off the press for 2016, Stephen signs off with the words, “my first task is to listen and learn, so suggestions will be welcomed.” I think I believe him. For sure, times are changing at the HPA, but in a considered way – as Stephen says in my favourite quote of our interview, “rushing slowly”. With Stephen Hutchinson at the helm the future looks good for British Polo, and so it should.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Khara Pringle

Interview by Richenda Hine

Feature

“

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Transparency is very important

”

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Feature

Interview

Quick Q & A – starting out and family Q: Have you always had a connection with horses? A: My horsey career started riding when I was very small, I show jumped extensively until I was about 16 or 17 and did a bit of eventing too at National level. Then I became a Master of the South Tyrone Hunt in 1985, and I carried the horn for 23 seasons. I like to think I’m a bit better at hunting than polo! “In the mid 1980s, I started playing initially in Kenya because my wife Charlotte’s father was based there with the Army. After that, I went on to play at Phoenix Park in Dublin whilst Charlotte attended University at Trinity in Dublin… At that stage I didn’t really know what I was doing! Following on from that, a great friend Derek Watson, who is sadly no longer with us, instigated a resurgence of polo in the North of Ireland, and myself and a few mates started playing at a local football club – Eventually we now have five grounds in the North with lots of people playing. Q: How did you start playing in England? A: I came over and played at Cheshire and kept my horses down the road from the Club – I used to play a bit of a circuit: The Dollar at Cowdray, followed by Cirencester and then I’d go back to Ireland for 6 weeks to play the Dublin 12 goal. Then it would be back to try our luck in the Cheshire 8 Goal and round off with The Cheltenham Cup at Cirencester. 10 years ago we moved to our current house which is close to Beaufort so that is where we have been based from more recently. Q: Playing polo with the family? A: Polo is a very binding sport, I’m lucky that four of my children play. My brother Raymond started playing quite a bit later, just to give it a go (I had managed to persuade him to help me fund a team and he wanted to see how I was spending his money and what all the excitement was about!). Our son Max decided not to follow the polo professional path and is now in his last year at Reading University studying Accountancy. I like playing with the family; we play reasonably competitively – but I’m always very keen to play matches with nice people rather than have a team that isn’t as fun but could win maybe a bit more. What’s the point?

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Photograph by Stephen Hamilton, Press Eye

Q: Best season? A: I had a great time playing the 15 goal a couple of seasons ago, reaching the Harrison final with Tom de Bruin, Alan Kent and our pro of 23 continuous seasons Martin Rodriguez; I think it’s really important when you’re in a four-man team that you all get to play so everybody gets really involved and enjoys the game much more.

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SUMMER 2016

WE INVITE YOU TO PLAY…

For all tournament enquiries please contact: The Polo Office polo@rcbpc.com 01344 890060

With our winter projects, renovations and improvements to the grounds, exercise track and stables almost complete, we do have a limited number of Club Memberships and Full Livery Stables available for the forthcoming season. The Club has a great history and we do hope you will join us at some point this season to raise a glass or two and be a part of our 90th Anniversary Celebrations.

17-22 May

May Open Tournament

4-8 Goal

26-30 May

The Polo Manager’s Tournament

0-4 Goal

2-5 June

June Open Tournament

4-6 Goal

14-19 June

The Simon Holley Trophy

7-10 Goal

16-19 June

The Henryk de Kwiatowski Tournament

4-6 Goal

28-31 July

July Open Tournament

4-6 Goal

2-14 August

The Polo Festival Ladies

2-14 August

The Polo Festival Jeff Thomas Trophy

7-10 Goal

2-14 August

The Polo Festival

-2-2 Goal

18-21 August

August Open Tournament

0-4 Goal

25-29 August

Open Tournament

4-6 Goal

29 Aug-4 Sept

Open Tournament

4-8 Goal

7-11 September

September Open Tournament

4-6 Goal

10-17 September The Lambourne Trophy 20-25 September The John Houghton Trophy

10-15 Goal

7-10 Goal 0-4 Goal

90th Anniversary and 2016 Key Dates April 15th

Pre Season Members and Guests Cocktail Party

May 1st 15th 30th

HPC The London Polo Club AGM Ham House Tournament Finals Mixed Doubles Tournament Finals

June 4th 11th 16th 19th 26th

The Chakravarty Charity Cup 90th Anniversary Roaring 20’s Summer Ball The King Power Laureus Charity Polo Cup Petersham Bowl Tournament Finals HPC v RAF Polo Team

For all membership, livery and tournament enquiries please contact: The Polo Office, Petersham Road, Ham, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7AH Tel: 020 8334 0000 / 020 8940 2020 Email: office@HPCLondonPolo.com www.HPCLondonPolo.com

July 3rd

Peter Adams Agency Summer Tournament Finals Argentine Club Cup 16th Pakistan Charity Support Polo Day 17th Dog’s Trust Charity Polo Event 22nd 90th FIP Ambassadors Cup August 7th Dubai Trophy Tournament Final Austin Healy Owners Club Meeting 13th Inner Circle and Alumni Summer Polo Cup 14th Young England Stagshead Trophy 21st London Square Roehampton Cup Finals 28th MG Owners Club Meeting September 4th The Landscape Show Autumn Cup 10th The Saragarhi Challenge Polo Cup 25th Billy Walsh Tournament Finals October 2nd Farewell Cup and Season Finale After Party

Feature

Rules

One Step Closer We take a look at the new harmonisation of rules between FIP, AAP, USPA and HPA

he four biggest governing bodies in polo, The Federation of International Polo (FIP), The Argentine Polo Association (AAP), The United States Polo Association (USPA) and our own governing body The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), have agreed on a unified set of rules. The USPA, AAP and HPA manage in excess of 14,000 players with memberships spread over 600 clubs in the three organisations globally. Much debate has circled around the global polo community in recent years about rules, umpiring and how best to progress the game for spectators, players and sponsors alike, with the aim of attracting

and holding new sponsors and bringing more revenue into the industry. The 2016 UK summer season will be the first time that these unified rules will be tested by the players at all levels. It is inevitable that the majority of changes will take time to filter down, especially for tournaments at smaller clubs, which are less exposed to the issues faced by the big teams with international players travelling from club to club throughout the season chasing the silverware. Neither will it affect the junior sector of polo much where the umpire might count fouls one, two, three before he blows the whistle.

Interpretation will be the most important key to making these new harmonised rules efficient. If the majority of the well-travelled umpires who go from Gold Cup to Gold Cup across the continents continue to umpire the high goal in the UK with the same players, with the same rules, it should be pretty simple. However, for those who play on the same fields with the same umpires and the same teams, there is a chance that the benefit of these changes may be lost. Let’s hope this won’t be the case.

David Woodd, Chief Executive of the HPA describes how the process came about and explains the changes in brief that we will see here on English soil

“There has been a lot of comment and compliments following the notice announcing that the redrafted and reorganised HPA rules were now available on the HPA website. By way of clarification, they were put up on the website for internal consumption, so that the HPA’s members and affiliated clubs and associations, both here and overseas, could have sight of them before they get the pocket rules and regulations booklet. “Lord Mountbatten produced a first set of International Rules in 1939 and there have been various versions since then, with the three major associations doggedly defending their own rules. There has been a huge effort by all involved to reach a consensus and, having achieved that, it is hoped that the wording can be brought closer together and the existing few differences removed. Perhaps more importantly, it will make it more likely that changes to improve the game for players

Polo Times, MAY 2016

and spectators, and changes to make it easier to umpire, can be agreed and introduced worldwide. “Following meetings last year with the AAP and USPA, along with direction from the Stewards to help to produce one set of rules, the HPA’s Rules and Regulations have been redrafted and reorganised so that they are all available in one pocket book. Various aspects have been included in the Annexes and apply where referred to in Part 1 or Part 2. “Part 1 is the ‘one set of rules’ and covers the essentials for how the game of polo should be officiated and played worldwide. Although the language and the order are different in places, the rules now align closely with those of Argentina and the USA. The highlighted rules, in the HPA Rules Book, are either new for the HPA (introduced in order to align), or those that remain different (the significant one being the 30 yard Penalty 2, which remains undefended.)

“However, each country has different rules for certain aspects such as membership, players and their equipment, substitution, pony welfare and the conditions for tournaments, and these are always going to be slightly different. These are set out as the HPA’s Supplementary Regulations and Rules in Part 2 and these shall apply to anyone who wishes to play in the UK and Ireland. “It is always dangerous to abbreviate any rule, but the remaining differences are highlighted within the rules and in brief the main points of note are as follows: Now the same: • Chukkas and the game now end in the same way. • The safety 60 is the same, brought in to the T if out near the boards. • If player slows down, five seconds to hit or run.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Rules

Polo Times spoke to some players, umpires and Club Managers to get their comments Pete Webb, 5 goal UK based player “I hope for the good of the game we have a clear set of rules worldwide for the player and the spectator. Polo needs to appeal to a larger audience and showcase what a great game it is. America are doing a great job with Chukker TV, with live broadcasts and Polo Cam here in the UK. Drone footage is a great way to see the line of the ball and we must embrace new technology. The governing bodies must speak to the best players in the world and not hide behind their desks believing the game was better in their day, talking is the key to the patrons and the players enjoying the game where they are spending the money.”

• All penalties are the same; for the HPA this involves bringing back some (7b, 7c, 8b) • Use of Yellow and Red Card (Penalty 10) which includes a two minute sin bin. Differences if playing in England: • No riding off when the ball is out of play or dead, ie before the ball is hit for hit in or penalty. • No redress on score posted after start of second chukkas. All are different. • No objection to score after game finished. All are different • If ball lodges in goal post, a hit in, not a throw-in. • Pony that is not visibly injured off by the shortest route. • 30 yard hit is undefended. Also undefended below 20 goals in the US. “We are told that the two rules that are most significant for those playing or watching are the five second rule, which has helped to speed up the game, and the two minute sin bin, which has helped to improve the behaviour of the players.”

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Feature

Julian Appleby, US based professional umpire “I think it is a major step forward that all the associations are trying very hard to get on the same page. The USPA have, by far, made the most changes and that alone is a major leap forward, however they still have, with every rule, a lot of interpretations. The HPA and AAP have for several years been fairly close with their rules, with minor differences. “The new rules towards pony welfare, ie the excessive whipping rule will be hard for the Argentines to get used to on home soil – it has gone down very well here however. “I think the defending of the Penalty 2 from the 30 yard line is also a good change, although it looks like the HPA have not made the change. We have not had any injuries to ponies or players. Don’t forget, you don’t have to defend it, but you have the option, if say your team is a goal down with two minutes to go, why not have the right to try and stop it? “The five second rule, is also moving the game along, now when an umpire instructs a team to ‘Use it’, a player/players must hit away or run with the ball as we have been implementing in the UK for several seasons now. “The broken tack and lame pony rules that came from the HPA have also sped the games up and along with the offside rule games are taking less time to complete. “Turning to the left after that player has already moved the ball in that direction without his horse moving across the line of the ball in the process, is also a very popular rule change, that has come from Argentina. “Of course there will always be ways to improve the sport for the public, but in my view, for now, the powers that be have made enough changes to try to make it more of a spectacle. Now let’s let the players get on and play for a few seasons but unfortunately whatever anybody does to the rules to try and improve the sport, you can not make the players play open polo if they don’t want to, and that’s the sad fact of the matter.”

Agustín ‘Tincho’ Merlos, 9 goal international player “I think it is very positive for the rules committees of each country, especially in America and England, to unify the criteria and the rules, because it will make it easier to make quick decisions for the umpires and it makes it easier for the players to know how to play. The rules we use in Argentina are made and created for Argentine polo, which is a different kind of polo. It will be a matter of time before this style of polo will evolve in England. In America they are doing pretty well, although they don’t use 100% the same rules. I mean the rules are probably the same, but they blow fouls and calls, which we don’t use in Argentina, which I believe creates a delay in the process of the game. Anyway I think it is positive. We need to see how the rules are developed in England, but I think overall it will make the sport faster and more fun.”

Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset, 10 goal international player “I think it’s a really good idea. It makes life easier for everybody, the players, the umpires, the patrons and even the spectators. It cannot be the case that a sport played in three different countries be played with different rules. It’s like tennis changing their rules depending on where they play. I think the unification of rules is important. We must always look for what is best for the sport and that it is easy for the umpires to make a call. I’m sure it will take some time for everyone to adapt, but I believe it is for the best and I hope it works out.”

Polo Times, MAY 2016

“Congratulations to KPPC on celebrating its 90th birthday this season” For KPPC’s 90th Anniversary year, The Manor Weston is delighted to oﬀer a special friends of KPPC rate of £119pp* Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for the following weekend’s of polo at Kirtlington: 1st May

12 goal Challenge Final

1st May

KPPC Open Day & Throw In Drinks Party

8th May

Highclere Castle Fewster Cup 8 Goal

29th May

Varsity Polo Day and after party

30th May

Kirtlington Cup 4 goal

Archive photography by Kirtlington Park Polo Club

Changing ponies pre World War 2 at the end of Ground 1. The photo shows the trees were still covering what is now Ground 2

12th June

Barlow Trophy 6 goal

19th June

SUPA national senior schools

26th June

Summerfield’s school invitational Day

16th July

Armed Forces Polo Weekend

17th July

Dent Cup 4 goal

30th July

90th Anniversary Polo Ball

7th August

Budgett Everett Final

27th August

Air Ambulance Charity Ball

29th August

Lousada Trophy 4 goal

29th August

Thorneloe Ladies Open

Facilities include: Croquet | Outdoor swimming | Tennis court | Dog friendly Less than three miles from KPPC, why not relax at The Manor after watching or playing polo at Kirtlington this summer?

To book your special friends of KPPC rate of £119pp* Dinner, Bed & Breakfast telephone 01869 350621 and quote promotion code: POLO * Rate quoted is based on two people sharing and subject to availability

TEL: 01869 350621 EMAIL: HOUSE@THEMANORWESTON.CO.UK THE MANOR AT WESTON-ON-THE-GREEN OXFORDSHIRE, OX25 3QL WWW.THEMANORWESTON.CO.UK

Feature

Winner of the Games Ahead of the UK Summer season we take a look at the past and present of the National Victor Ludorum Championship Series It’s all a game of numbers with the National Victor Ludorum series. Running every summer season, 11 clubs host 28 tournaments spread over five months and five different handicap brackets. The tournaments are designed to encourage teams to travel, with specific rules of entry allowing the Victor Ludorum (VL) Committee to ensure consistency within each handicapped championship. The Championship trophies are now awarded at the annual Polo Awards, which this year will be held on Tuesday 31 May at Guards Polo Club. In 2015 the Autumn Victor Ludorum 15 and 12 goal series were tested as an alternative for those higher rated teams which in recent years have preferred to pack up and play on the sun-kissed grounds of Sotogrande or Ibiza, before crossing the oceans to both North and South America. The series is a good way to get out and about and stretch your pony’s legs on different fields across the English countryside. Due to the point system, you don’t even need to win the tournaments to win the series, a great incentive for many teams to cement their team dynamics and play the UK season together.

2015 Victor Ludorum Championship Winners 18 goal: Ferne Park Joaquin Pittaluga (7), Rodrigo Rueda (6), Dirk Gould (5) & Josh Cork (0)

Ferne Park

15 goal: Delaney Damian Duncan (0), Matt Lodder (3), Agustin Merlos (9) & Juan Cruz Merlos (3) Autumn Victor Ludorum 15 goal: Emlor S Spencer McCarthy (1), James McCarthy (0), Nacho Gonzalez (6) & Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8)

POULTON BALVANERA

SH A

M A

Autumn Victor Ludorum 12 goal: Poulton Balvanera Tomas Iriarte (5), Lochie Hunter (4), JJ De Alba (2) & Ludo Ephson (1) 12 goal: Shalimar Kassem Shafi (0), Tommy Beresford/ Antony Fanshawe (4), Pedro Harrison (3) & Vieri Antinori (5) 8 goal: Renegade Duncan Wales (-1), Rupert Lewis (2), Shaun Brokensha (3) & Lochie Hunter (4)

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6 goal: C.A.N.I Tomas Iriarte (5), Chris Crawford (3), Emily Johnson (-1) & Louise Jebson (-1)

How It All Began The series was first listed in the HPA Blue Book in 1999 with five tournaments in the 15 goal and eight tournaments in the 8 goal. The 15 goal series hasn’t changed much over the years, with only Cirencester’s tournament altering from the National 15 Goal in 1999 to the County Cup currently listed in the series. The 8 goal, however has transformed; in 1999 Tidworth and Hurtwood were included, but now the 8 goal only includes Cirencester, RCBPC, Guards, Beaufort and Cowdray as tournament hosts. Originally, each tournament needed a minimum of six team entries for the tournament to qualify as a VL tournament, yet in the current rules there is no mention of a minimum number of entries. In 2001, a section for 12 goal teams began, and a year later a higher level for 18 goal teams was introduced. This handicap section has never flourished and in its first year only four tournaments were played, with Foxcote claiming the title. At the opposite end of the spectrum, in that same year a total of 45 teams participated in tournaments for the 8 goal, which was won by Team Spiral. It wasn’t until 2012 that a fifth category for the burgeoning numbers of 6 goal teams around the country was introduced with tournaments at popular 6 goal venues. Since the beginning, all five sections have seen tournaments exchange handicaps and rating as well as move around in the fixtures list, but the original tournaments have remained unchanged.

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Review of the season 1999 by the late J.W. M. Crisp (Secretary of the HPA 1990 – 1999) A new competition was started with the Victor Ludorum in the 15 and 8 goal, for the teams with the best results through the season. On points, Laird and Midas were the winners, although in the final play-offs, Los Locos won the 15 goal and Talacrest the 8 goal. In future, the winners will be decided purely on points gained, with the cups being presented on the Cartier International Day the following year. These cups for the Victor Ludorum have been very kindly lent to the HPA by the Queen’s Royal Hussars. We are delighted to have the cups back in polo, as I suspect would also be the original donors, rather than have them being locked up in the officers mess safe.

Polo Times, MAY 2016

2013 winners of Kirtlington’s Budgett Everett Trophy C.A.N.I with runners-up Chester Polo

Michael Amoore, Chairman of the Victor Ludorum Committee “It is hard to believe that it was as far back as the 1999 season when the idea of a Victor Ludorum was formulated and I was asked to Chair the Committee consisting of Polo Managers from Cowdray, Cirencester, Guards and the Berkshire polo clubs. “That first year we embraced the levels of our medium and low goal tournaments however, over the years, the Victor Ludorum has expanded by a further three categories. These are, the new 18 high goal level, the intermediate and, most recently, the huge and very popular 6 goal category. Meanwhile the Polo Manager of Beaufort has joined the ranks of the Committee. “In more recent times, it was also felt that the concept of a Victor Ludorum would also help to encourage teams to keep travelling in their quest for silver as, slowly, over the years the capacity to travel was altering. This was perhaps due to a number of reasons, its cost, home clubs providing more polo than ever for their members and lastly the influence on our time, which could be the most influential of these three factors. “What has remained within the Victor Ludorum is the desire to win one of those créme de la créme tournaments, where the quality of the opposition is generally much tougher than an internal club tournament. This encourages an amazing sense of achievement, which rises even higher when the team achieves a tournament win. The team’s achievement is then emulated when it goes on to enjoy a further period of glory receiving the trophy at the Polo Awards in front of England’s polo elite. “I hope that many teams will continue to enjoy the competitive edge in the environment of the Victor Ludorum, where the rules are there to help encourage teams to form a certain bond by playing together over a longer period of matches, and one where at the end of a season their level of play and professionalism is well rewarded with one of the trophies finding its way to the home mantelpiece. The Committee and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all teams entering, the very best for the forthcoming Victor Ludorum 2016. Play hard, play fair and enjoy a great season.”

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Caspar West, Polo Manager at Beaufort Polo Club “The Victor Ludorum series has been a great initiative that has given clubs an ability to basically show off their facilities and quality to a far greater audience of teams from all around the country. It is also a very important generator of funds for the clubs through the entry fees and sponsorship opportunities that the club can use and this is vital especially for the smaller clubs. “At the Beaufort Polo Club we are very lucky to have every level of the Victor Ludorum apart from the 18 goal. The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse 6 goal and the Prince of Wales Cup 12 goal are two of the biggest Club tournaments in the calendar with the entry numbers regularly into double figures. The current location in the season of the Wichenford Bowl 8 goal as the last one, has over the last three years needed the result of the final to determine the winners, which goes to prove that the competition is strong. We have also moved the Arthur Lucas 15 goal to later in the season as the spring location was pretty tough for teams to be ready for and hopefully we will have more interest.”

Photograph courtesy of Kirtlington Park Polo Club

Feature

Guards Polo Club 2014 Royal Windsor winners Ferne Park

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Gordon Lyndsey

Feature

Winners Cadenza Juniors in action against Tempest in the Final of the 2014 Prince of Wales Cup at Beaufort Polo Club

Where and When Can You Play in a Victor Ludorum Tournament?

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Harrison Cup (12-15): 18 – 30 July Dollar Cup (8-12): 9 – 29 May Autumn League (8-12): 6 – 18 September Holden White Challenge Cup (4-8): 19 – 31 July Dallas Burston Polo Club – A new addition for the 2016 season The Stoneythorpe Cup (2-6): 16 – 22 May Guards Polo Club – Have been part of the series since its inception Indian Empire Shield (15-18): June 28 – 16 July The Royal Windsor Cup (12-15): May 30 – 19 June Duke of Wellington Trophy (8-12): 2 – 14 August Archie David (4-8): 3 – 26 June HPC The London Polo Club – First began as part of the 6 goal series in 2015 Roehampton Cup (2-6): 12 – 21 August

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Beaufort Polo Club – Has been part of the VL series of tournaments from the very beginning and now has a solid following for four trophies The Arthur Lucas Cup (12-15): 16 – 28 August The Prince of Wales’ Cup (8-12): 13 – 25 June Wichenford Bowl (4-8): 8 – 21 August The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup (2-6): May 31 – 11 June Cambridge County Polo Club – A new addition for the 2016 season The Cavendish Cup (2-6): 18 – 24 July Cheshire Polo Club – The Junior County Cup was one of the first four tournaments in the 6 goal series when it began in 2012 Junior County Cup (2-6): 4 – 10 July Cirencester Park Polo Club – Like Beaufort, Cowdray, RCBPC and Guards, CPPC was one of the founding tournament locations for both the 8 and 15 goal, but now supports a tournament in all five championship categories The Apsley Cup (15-18): 8 – 26 June The County Cup (12-15): 1 – 14 August The Queen Mother Trophy (8-12): June 27 – 10 July Cheltenham Cup (8-12): August 23 – 4 September Gerald Balding (4-8): 16 – 30 May Kingscote Cup (2-6): August 22 – 3 September Cowdray Park Polo Club – Both The Holden White Challenge Cup and the Harrison Cup have been part of the 15 and 8 goal series since the inception of the VL tournaments Duke of Sutherland’s Cup (15-18): May 15 – 6 June

Kirtlington Park Polo Club – The Budgett Everett Trophy was originally part of the 8 goal series, but downgraded the handicap to 6 goal in 2013 Budgett Everett Trophy (2-6): July 28 – 7 August The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club – One of the original hosts of the VL series tournaments, very little has changed in their tournament line-up and RCBPC have never offered a tournament in the series lower than 8 goal The Eduardo Moore Tournament (12-15): June 25 – 9 July The John Prestwich Trophy (8-12): May 30 – 11 June The Julian and Howard Hipwood Trophy (4-8): June 29 – 16 July Rutland Polo Club – The Assam Cup, for the Midlands low goal has always been somewhat sought after, rather like the Gold Cup for the high goal teams. It became part of the VL story in 2014 The Assam Cup (2-6): 20 – 26 June

The Victor Ludorum trophies at the 2015 Polo Awards ready for presentation

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Feature

Charity Focus

Richard Britten-Long is an HPA Steward and Chairman of The International Committee of the HPA. He is also Vice President of Cirencester Park Polo Club. During his polo career, he has been instrumental in raising substantial sums for various charities over a number of years. He joined The Brooke as a Trustee in 2013. He is on both the Finance and African Liaison Committees and a Director of Brooke East Africa.

The Brooke Richard Britten-Long, HPA Steward and Chairman of The International Committee, speaks about the work of the international equine charity that is helping working horses around the world “In the last edition of Polo Times, ambassador for Brooke USA Nic Roldan introduced this international animal welfare charity dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules living in the world’s poorest communities. I’m here to remind you that there are 112 million working equines across the world, and they support the livelihoods of around 600 million people. Many of these animals work in extreme environments, like brick

Polo Times, MAY 2016

kilns, construction yards and mines. They suffer from exhaustion, malnutrition and dehydration. This suffering is preventable, and The Brooke is tackling these issues through training, advocacy, research and emergency veterinary treatment where appropriate. “I have been a Trustee at The Brooke for the last three years and in that time have seen this charity grow, extending its reach from just over one to almost two million

Photograph by Sinclair Photography

Photograph © The Brooke/Freya Dowson

The Brooke help working animals worldwide, such as this mule working in a brick kiln in India

Richard Britten-Long with his horse Superior

animals each year. In 2016, The Brooke will be embarking on an exciting new global strategy to expand their reach even more in the next five years, and launching a fresh new brand to help attract new audiences who care about equine welfare. “I’m also proud to announce that, through the good offices of our supporter Lila Pearson, Cowdray Park has chosen The Brooke as their principal charity beneficiary for The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup Final on Sunday 17 July. I am hopeful that this can be extended to other events this season. Geographically, polo and The Brooke share common ground. The sport enjoys particular popularity and is played professionally in Latin America, India and Pakistan, all countries where The Brooke strives to improve the lives of working equines, but unfortunately there is huge disparity between the welfare of polo ponies and their working counterparts. “If you’re attending The JaegerLeCoultre Gold Cup, please come and meet The Brooke team and lend us your support. To find out more about the charity’s work, visit www.thebrooke.org.”

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Feature

Polo Valley

olo Valley offers holidays, courses and polo experiences for all levels of players, from those with no riding experience to the low goal player looking to brush up their skills in the sun and next to the beaches. With a wide variety of high quality cuisine and restaurants, plus endless amounts of activities on your doorstep, the destination certainly appeals to all members of the family. The new venture is located just 10 minutes from the polo mecca of Sotogrande. With over 300 days of sunshine, world-class Tifton fields and some of the best levels of polo, Sotogrande is a must for all those struck-down with the polo bug. The same core values which have led to the success of Powder Byrne, an industry

leader in luxury holidays, have been deeply embedded within this new and ambitious polo start-up. Fuelled by their passion for the game, Director Christian Byrne and Polo Manager Alvaro Ara share big ambitions for Polo Valley and want more people to learn and discover polo. They seek to prove that you don’t have to be a millionaire to play polo and experience top service. They told Polo Times that some clients have no riding experience at all, but by the end of the day they are playing baby chukkas and that’s it, like many of us they are hooked! Polo Valley believes it is about getting more people like this through the gates, which will in turn benefit the sport of polo as a whole.

One client, Mark Bishop was already walking into the office after his first morning stick and ball lesson to re-book his second week-long trip in August. When we caught up with Mark again towards the end of his trip, he told Polo Times, “Polo heaven is the only way to describe Polo Valley’s finca, the staff, the horses and the service. Its location along the valley is both stunning and spiritual, the facilities are magnificent and totally immaculate. The horses, saddles and tack are absolutely pristine and the staff are open, friendly, attentive, alert and professional. The whole setup, ambience and ethos are of the highest order. You will not receive a five star service whilst there, you will be given an unequivocal six star service. Don’t hesitate – go! You will come back a changed person as well as a better rider and player!” Freddie and Rachel, the Resort Managers plus the rest of the resort team, who have been finely tuned through

Introducing Polo Valley Sotogrande A Luxury Holiday Company

Polo Times, MAY 2016

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Polo Valley

working for the luxury holiday company Powder Byrne, are there to look after you off the polo field. Whether it’s handing you an ice-cold water in between chukkas or recommending and making dinner reservations for you, it all contributes to what can only be described as the ultimate polo get away. Rory Byrne, Owner and Founder of Powder Byrne and Polo Valley commented,

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“We want everyone walking through our gates to feel like a high goal patron.” A quick look around will give you enough evidence to see this for yourself. From the boot room, with over 20 pairs of brand new boots, polished and cleaned ready for clients, to the office where customers recieve a fresh café con leche whilst checking in, the little details are certainly there. It is fair to say Polo Valley has a very exciting and bright future ahead of them. Flights and transfers to Polo Valley are easy and quick. A short two and a half hour flight and a thirty minute private transfer from Gibraltar Aiport to Polo Valley – and you would still have time to play a few chukkas and watch the sun go down with an ice-cold beer.

Feature

A long weekend of polo (three full days) starts at £1,024* including accomodation on full board and private airport transfers. A week stay at the finca starts at £2,120*. With the 22 goal starting mid July through to August, why not tie in watching some of the world’s best players with some training for yourself. If a summer escape is out of the question, Polo Valley operate from February through to the end of October, with yearround sunshine and a team working hard to ensure you get the most out of your experience, Polo Valley is a great visit for those contemplating a trip away. * Invoices will be in Euros. Currency conversions correct at time of going to press

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Reports

Photography by Andre Williams

Peter O’Rorke on the ball for CGI Clifton in the Final

Brits Win Barbados Open Strategic Play Secures Top Barbadian Title

eter O’Rorke and Matt Evetts from O’Rorke’s UK based Strategic team, most often seen on the 6 Goal Victor Ludorum circuit, took a trip to Barbados to participate in the Archers Hall Barbados Open, playing on Bruce Bayley’s CGI Clifton team along with Christian Chaves who is based in the UK

Polo Times, MAY 2016

and Barbados. Other Brits in the competition included Nick Pepper, also a Strategic team regular, who played for an Apes Hill Team as did talented 16-year-old James ‘Jimbo’ Fewster, son of former 3 goaler Martin Fewster, who is now in his 22nd year of umpiring in Barbados. Cheshire based Ollie Taylor was the strong man of the local Rubis

team and Jamie Dickson turned out for another Apes Hill team. Archers Hall Barbados Open winner Peter O’Rorke spoke to Polo Times about the action from the Final and the league games leading up to their big win, “Plenty of rainfall just prior to the tournament had refreshed the playing fields at both Apes Hill

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Archers Hall Barbados Open, Barbados

Reports

Matt Evetts talks to Polo Times about his time in Barbados playing and winning the Final of The Archers Hall Barbados Open

CGI Clifton winners of The Archers Hall Barbados Open

and Holders and the early rounds revealed closely fought battles between all teams, with little to reveal an obvious winner. Bayley’s CGI Clifton team, however, won all three preliminary rounds as well as the Semi Final to go through to the Final against Stewart Gill’s Rubis. “Despite four straight wins, CGI looked uneasy in the first chukka as Taylor used his strong angles to keep the ball away from Evetts and Chaves, usually highly dangerous in attack. The Atwell brothers tried to run onto those balls, but characteristic solid defence from Bayley kept the scores reasonably level. CGI Clifton settled in the final chukka as Evetts’ long angled shots and Chaves’ exceptional ball carrying skills led to two goals, putting Rubis on the back foot. With less than a minute to go and with scores tied, a loose ball was picked up by hard charging Bayley coming through from the back and sent towards the Rubis goal to be followed by a desperate ‘killing snakes’ thrash that ended with Chaves just getting enough stick to the ball to get it over the line before time. “Barbados locals know their polo and, as usual, an enthusiastic and stylish crowd had shown up on Sunday afternoon for the Final. While visiting Brits arrived with sand between their toes and over-done beach tans, the atmosphere of Barbados polo is anything but casual. All the local players are tough, experienced and sporting, with an enthusiasm and zest for the game that should be the envy of many UK clubs.”

“Christian Chaves and Bruce Bailey were super and so welcoming when we arrived in Barbados. Bruce has an amazing yard that we were able to practice at every day and Christian knows the horses inside out, so he helped me a lot in getting to know them in the early stages of the tournament. “The locals are all really fun and welcoming, but they still take the polo very seriously. The players are all a good standard and love going fast. Our accommodation at Apes Hill was great and the people there were really helpful and made sure we had everything we wanted. “The horses were in great condition, they were healthy, shining and full of energy. I had five really strong ponies that tried their hardest for me, handled the heat really well and performed consistently the whole time I was there. Christian is the best mounted player on the island and it was a pleasure to play on a team with him. Bruce was very strong as our Number 4, chaperoning a lot of players off the field away from the goal. O’Rorke was there every time we needed him to carry the ball up the field, he also did some tremendous man marking and blocking and also scored the best goal of the tournament. “The Final was really tough. Ollie Taylor is very strong on the ball, and they got ahead of us a couple of times, but we managed to claw back a lead. We had a chance at the very end to score from a pass by Bruce and after two attempts to finish it off, Christian finally hit the last blow as the first bell went which left us as the winners. We celebrated with a few rum punches in the bar with some of the Club members. Needless to say we woke up with sore heads the next day with just a few hours to hit the beach before flying home. “It was such a fun trip and there are so many things to do off the field and great places to eat that made the trip such good fun.”

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Photograph by John Rowley

The Archers Hall Barbados Open Final teams: CGI Clifton (7): Peter O’Rorke (-1), Bruce Bayley (1), Matt Evetts (3) & Christian Chaves (4) Rubis (8): Stuart Gill (0), Marc Atwell (2), Danny Atwell (3) & Ollie Taylor (3) Score: CGI Clifton beat Rubis, 7-6 Polo Times, MAY 2016

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Country Club opening mid 2016.

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The USPA Gold Cup, USA

Reports

Dubai’s Debut Success USPA Gold Cup Final Win for Albwardy

In last month’s issue of Polo Times, Guest Editor Nic Roldan gave us the comprehensive form guide for teams playing in the USPA Gold Cup and US Open, so for more information on the teams playing check out our States Guide in our April edition

he 26 goal season in Wellington, Florida is fully underway with two out of three of the coveted titles behind us. With the who’s who of the polo community descending en masse, the International Polo Club, Palm Beach has been buzzing with polo action and activity. The USPA Gold Cup is one of the highest ranked tournaments in the world, on a par with The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The Silver Cup in Sotogrande in the

World Polo Tour Rankings. With eight teams taking part, the level of polo has been highly competitive and created a fantastic event to watch, with fast and furious matches taking place both every weekend and throughout the week in front of sold-out crowds. After some thrills and spills in the qualifying and Semi Final rounds, the USPA Gold Cup – the second title of the American

Triple Crown series – came to a dramatic end on Sunday 27 March as Rashid Albwardy’s Dubai took on Marc Ganzi’s Audi. Audi earned their ticket to the Final having defeated a depleted and Pieres-less Orchard Hill in the Semis, while Dubai had already proven themselves a force to be reckoned with from the off – in their first time playing as Dubai for the American season, they flew through to the Final unbeaten and unchallenged.

Photography by LILA PHOTO

Dubai raise the USPA Gold Cup high in their debut year

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Polo Times, MAY 2016

Reports

The USPA Gold Cup, USA

In a game that wasn’t decided until the last seconds of play, Dubai scored the final goal of the match to salvage a 12-11 win over last year’s champions. The pace of play was quick and the stick work skilled, as some of polo’s top ponies raced up and down the field. A high scoring first chukka set the tone for the rest of the match as Dubai took the lead, 5-3. It was not to be an easy game for the US season first timers however, and Audi closed them down narrowing the gap to 5-4 after the second chukka and 7-7 by half-time. A flurry of unanswered goals from Dubai saw them retake the lead in the fourth, but Gonzalito Pieres was determined not to let last year’s title go, scoring three quick goals to bring the penultimate chukka to a tense 10-10 tie. Spectators watched on as a nail-biting last chukka saw Dubai try to edge away, but Audi kept close on their heels forcing them to fight to the bitter last for victory. This they did, winning a last minute 40 yard penalty which Sola slotted through the goal posts to seal their victory 12-11. Sola led the Dubai attack with six goals (four on penalty conversions) and earned Most Valuable Player honours for his efforts. Cambiaso scored four of his five goals on the day from the field whilst Taranco scored once. Audi’s Gonzalito Pieres scored half of his eight goals on penalty shots, with Andrade adding two goals and Mannix scoring once. Flow, a seven-year-old dark bay English Thoroughbred mare was named Best Playing Pony. Owned by Valiente and played by Cambiaso, it was the mare’s first season in Florida.

USPA Gold Cup Final teams: Dubai (26): Rashid Albwardy (2) Alejo Taranco (6) Facundo Sola (8) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Audi (26): Marc Ganzi (1) Rodrigo Andrade (9) Gonzalito Pieres (9) Freddie Mannix (7)

Polo Times, MAY 2016

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The USPA Gold Cup, USA

Final Score

12-11 Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament Hilario Ulloa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 26 goals

Reports

MVP Facundo Sola

BPP Flow, owned by Valiente and played by Cambiaso

An entranced crowd watches on as Audi take the ball up

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Polo Times, MAY 2016

Reports

Midlands Festival, Rugby Polo Club

Rugby Polo Club and Bush Pigs in The Tack Den and Willoughby Park Polo Gear 8 Goal

Mad For It in the Midlands

The Midlands Polo Festival Enters Second Year he Midlands Polo Festival, with a huge range of tournament levels from Pony Club to 12 goal, was held at Rugby Polo Club from 25 – 27 March. The tournament now enters its second year in this format and attracted a substantial number of teams and players. A total of 15 teams from all over the country competed, including team Miracles, who traversed the Midlands having started their journey at Triskelion Polo Club on the Isle of Wight. The tournament was also well supported by sponsors from the onsite Onley Equestrian Vets to UKBee and Chestnut Horse Feeds. Polo Manager Jeremy Pidgeon told Polo Times,

Polo Times, MAY 2016

“The Midlands Polo Festival was a big success this year, it was great to have such a range of teams entering from all over the country. We are all really looking forward to next year’s Festival. A big thanks to the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance for looking after us when we have our falls, though thankfully not at this particular weekend.” There was plenty of junior representation in the tournament from the Pony Club section and well into the The Onley Equine Vets 0 Goal, which was won by a trio of school boys from Rugby School. Local boy and regular on the club polo scene in the summer with both his polo playing

parents and their team Rigby & Rigby, Jake Rigby was the worthy recipient of the Most Valuable Player Award for this section after defeating another local team, Butchers. Jake spoke to Polo Times about their win, “After a disappointing National Senior Schools’ Arena Championships it was good for us to follow this up and win our last arena tournament of the season. It was very useful in helping our school team to play more fluidly together and we hope to build on this momentum into the summer season.” Last, but not least, the 12 Goal exhibition match was won by The Dawson Marauders. Freya Dawson’s team included two local professionals, Matias Amaya and Michael Henderson, a power house line-up for the arena which proved to be successful in this match against the Bucking Broncos for the 12 goal title. Freya, who has spent her winter between the Dallas Burston arena and conquering the snow fields of the European Snow Polo circuit told Polo Times, “It was great to win the 12 goal at The Midlands Festival Tournament, we had a lot of fun and it was good to see Mikey and Matias playing so well together. I’m looking forward to the summer season ahead.”

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Midlands Festival, Rugby Polo Club

Reports

Of course the three day festival wasn’t all about the polo; there was also a ball and an auction on the Saturday evening. To read about the festivities at the festival turn to Sidelines page 72. Pony Club Final teams: Grafton: Jemima Barlow (-1), Toby Bradshaw (-1) & Squidge Grayson (-1) Rugby Polo Club: Connor Kay (-1), Kieren Kay (-1) & Ty Davis (-1) Result: Grafton beat Rugby Polo Club, 7-3 The Onley Equine Vets 0 Goal Final teams: Rugby School: Benjie Bradshaw (0), Hassan Usuman (-1) & Jake Rigby (1) Butchers: Nick Hartwell (-1), Kelly Hartwell/ Oli Gardner (-1) & Karen Browne/ Rowan Saunders (-1) Result: Rugby School beat Butchers, 22-16 Chestnut Horse Feeds Best Playing Pony: Velvet, owned and played by Nick Hartwell Most Valuable Player: Jake Rigby Dallas Burston Polo Club, winners of The Kangaroos 4 Goal

The Kangaroos 4 Goal Final teams: Dallas Burston Polo Club: Huw Beavan (3), Tom Gordon-Colebrooke (0) & Emma Atkin (0) Greenpoint Polo: JJ Spark (3), Kian O’Hara Polhill (-1) & Grant Polkinghorne (-1) Result: Dallas Burston Polo Club beat Greenpoint Polo, 12-10 Chestnut Horse Feeds Best Playing Pony: Golden Bubbles owned and played by Tom Gordon-Colebrooke Most Valuable Player: Huw Beavan

The Tack Den and Willoughby Park Polo Gear 8 Goal Final teams: Twisted: Chris Bell (0), Chris Crawford (5) & Karl Ude-Martinez (3) Bush Pigs: Charlie Hitchman (3), Matt Simpson (3) & Lolly Stanhope-White (2) Rugby Polo Club: Philip Baker (5), Jeremy Pidgeon (2) & Chris Milton (1) Result: Twisted beat Bush Pigs and Rugby Polo Club, 18-10 & 15-11 UKBee Best Playing Pony: Pink Pony, owned and played by Matt Simpson Willoughby Park Polo Gear Most Valuable Player: Lolly Stanhope-White

Photography by Drews Views

The 12 Goal Exhibition The Dawson Marauders: Michael Henderson (6), Freya Dawson (0) & Matias Amaya (6) Greenpoint Polo: JJ Spark (3), Grant Collet (4) & Georgie Haycraft (0) Result: The Dawson Marauders beat Greenpoint Polo, 19-17 Rugby School, winners of The Onley Equine Vets 0 Goal

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Polo Times, MAY 2016

Reports

Polo Challenge, The Dominican Republic

Lechuza Invincible It’s a Full House for Vargas in the Dominican Republic

Photography by Matias Callejo

Lechuza Caracas winning their fourth Polo Challenge title

he fourth title of the Polo Challenge series, The Caribbean Open, has come to an end and with it the first high goal season in the Dominican Republic. Made up of four tournaments, the Caribbean ‘Quadruple Crown’ has been a huge success, seeing fantastic world-class polo throughout. One team has shone above the rest, proving to be invincible,

indomitable and completely unbeatable. Lechuza Caracas started the season off as the favourites, little wonder when sporting polo royalty such as La Dolfina’s Juan Martin Nero. Throughout each tournament they earned their place, arriving to each Final undefeated before walking away with all four trophies and a perfect record.

The Gold Cup The Gold Cup was the last of the three 22 goal trophies and the story was the same as that of the previous two titles. The Final of the third instalment of this exciting tournament series took place on Saturday 19 March and saw a change in opposition for reigning champions Lechuza, as the previous finalists Agualinda suffering the loss of David ‘Pelon’ Stirling and unable to make it to the Semis. The Final did not, however, see a change in result, as for the third time Juan Martin Nero led his team to victory, this time with rival turned sidekick 42

Polo Times, MAY 2016

David ‘Pelon’ Stirling to help him. Despite a valiant performance from Cinque Terre, Lechuza once again proved themselves to be top dogs. The teammate and familial bonds present in Lechuza proved too much to overcome right from the outset. It was one Cinque Terre goal to every two from Lechuza and slowly the La Dolfina 10 goaler duo edged away. A goal apiece in the final chukka saw the score come to 8-4 in favour of the eventual winners, before Alfredo Vargas’ last minute goal brought the match to a final score of 9-4. Juan Martin Nero was

named Most Valuable Player and once again Lechuza Caracas raised the trophy high. The Gold Cup Final teams: Lechuza Caracas (22): Victor Vargas (1), Alfredo Vargas (1), David ‘Pelon’ Stirling (10) & Juan Martin Nero (10) Cinque Terre (21): Alessandro Bazzoni (0), Andres James (5), Ignacio Laprida (7) & Ignacio Novillo Astrada (9) Results: Lechuza Caracas beat Cinque Terre, 9-4

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Polo Challenge, The Dominican Republic

Reports

Fast-paced action from the qualifying rounds

The Caribbean Open The Final of the Caribbean Open, the last tournament of the Polo Challenge, took place on Saturday 26 March and as with the three previous competitions of the season, Lechuza Caracas reigned victorious. With a higher handicap (26 rather than the Bronze, Silver and Gold Cups 22 goal handicap) the Caribbean Open attracted only four teams to compete. Both Lechuza Caracas and Los Establos looked powerful before the game, however the La Dolfina fraternity in Lechuza Caracas dominated from the start, as Nero scored the first goal from the throw-in. His work was continued by both Stirling and Vargas. Los Establos were unable to score for almost three chukkas, until the Toccalino brothers broke through and scored one apiece. However, by that point, the score was 7-2 in favour of Lechuza Caracas and whilst Los Establos scored a few more times, it was impossible to keep Lechuza Caracas under wraps. Stirling, who scored six goals, took a tumble in the fourth but quickly remounted to continue the game and, together with Juan Martin Nero, led his team to a brilliant 10-6 victory and the fourth title of the Dominican Quadruple Crown. Santiago Toccalino was named Most Valuable Player by JW Marriot and the Best Playing Pony Maserati RD award went to Victor Vargas’ Siena. The Caribbean Open Final teams: Lechuza Caracas (26): Victor Vargas (1), Juan Juaretche (5), David ‘Pelon’ Stirling (10) & Juan Martin Nero (10) Los Establos (26): Enrique Bonetti (0), Alejandro Muzzio (8), Ignacio Toccalino (9) & Santiago Toccalino (8) Results: Lechuza Caracas beat Los Establos, 10-6 www.polotimes.co.uk

Cubi Toccalino on the ball for Los Establos

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Fifield Charity Day Photograph by Neil Edgerton EDGEPOLO

POLO FOR HEROES this year will be held on Saturday 30 July once again at Fifield Polo Club, Windsor. To join the Club for this fabulous event visit www.poloforheroes.co.uk for information about tickets. If you book and pay for a Silver Package by 30 April, Polo for Heroes will automatically upgrade you to a Gold Package free of charge.

New Appointment at Rutland

AMG Sotovila triumphant in the European Polo Tour

Sotogrande’s Springtime Success

JOS HABERSHON-BUTCHER BVetMed CertEM (IntMed) DipECEIM MRCVS has been appointed the new Pony Welfare Officer at Rutland Polo Club. Jos currently works as a specialist equine veterinary surgeon for both the University of Nottingham Vet School and Oakham Veterinary Hospital.

SANTA MARÍA POLO Club, Sotogrande took advantage of the excellent weather conditions they enjoy all year round by offering a jam-packed winter polo schedule for low to medium goal teams. The season got underway on Friday 26 February with players of many different nationalities from countries such as Portugal, England, Scotland, Ireland and Germany participating in the European Polo Tour. This tournament marked the start of the future development of winter polo in Spain; the playing fields at Santa María Polo Club, with their high capacity drainage systems, allow the games to be played even if there is heavy rain. Andy Gollin’s AMG Sotovila proved themselves to be the leaders of this new season, triumphing on Sunday 13 March as the third and final phase of the European Polo Tour came to a climatic end. Despite the best efforts of their competitors, nobody was able to overcome the overall champions of the tournament. The season continued throughout Semana Santa with the traditional medium and low goal Memorial Jose Ignacio Domecq tournament. This tournament included teams from Morocco, Spain and France and was won by El Trébol in the medium goal section while Jason Willets’ British team Amber, reigned supreme in the low goal section.

Banner-Eve’s Beginners

Photograph by Snoopy Productions

Photograph courtesy of Alec Banner-Eve

THE INAUGURAL TAJ Hotel Beginners Trophy was held at Cambridge County Polo Club on Sunday 20 March and was the brain child of MHF Polo Academy’s owner and professional player, Alec Banner-Eve. Eight teams of players, all of whom took up polo in the last six months, battled it out for the trophy. There was also a 6 goal exhibition match played beforehand. There were two leagues, with Taj Hotels winning the shield and London Alumni winning the main trophy. Deloitte and Cambridge University came in as second and third. The sponsor Taj Hotels/Tata Group, based in London, awarded fantastic prizes, which were given by London based General Manager Digvijay Singh. Banner-Eve spoke to Polo Times, “Fun was had by all and with a summer beginners’ trophy already planned at Silver Leys Polo Club in a few months the excitement looks set to continue.”

The Memorial Jose Ignacio Domecq Final between El Trébol and Bayswater

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All the participating teams at the Cambridge County Arena

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Bin Drai Wins the Dubai Challenge Cup

International Polo at La Aguada

Photograph by Gonzalo Etcheverry

Photograph by Katarina Morgan

Irongate won the La Aguada 16 Goal Challenge

LA AGUADA HOSTED their International La Aguada 16 Goal Challenge this March. Three teams from England entered and one team from Germany. In the Final, James Scott Hopkins’ Irongate team, centred around Eduardo Novillo Astrada, defeated Sebastian Schneberger’s Los Nocheros team. After an intense first half, Irongate stretched out a lead in the third and fourth chukka, with the talented 16-year-old Cruz Novillo Astrada scoring three individual goals, and a final lead of two goals. In the Subsidiary Final, Cowdray Vikings defeated Ziani 10-9.

Bin Drai, winners of the Dubai Challenge

ON FRIDAY 1 April Bin Drai defeated Habtoor Polo by 8 goals to 7 to win the Dubai Challenge Cup 2016, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. The Dubai Challenge Cup was the third and penultimate tournament of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. The two previous 18 goal tournaments included the McLaren Silver Cup and the Julius Baer Gold Cup and the final contest in the series was The Dubai Cup (8-10 goals) on Friday 8 to 15 April. The Bin Drai team line-up of Saeed Bin Drai, Tomás Iriarte, Matías Torres Zavaleta and Raúl Laplacette played a great Final against a tough opponent to lift the trophy of the St. Regis International Cup held for the first time in the new Al Habtoor Polo Resort. Raúl Laplacette was given the Most Valuable Player Award and Mili, a mare owned by Saeed Bin Drai was named as the Best Playing Pony. The Final of the Bentley Cup for the Subsidiary Final, held before the Dubai Challenge Cup, was won by Wolves Polo Team with a line-up of Ahmed Al Habtoor, Agustín Canale, Diego Araya and Jerónimo del Carril and a final score against Edrees of 8-7.

Red Sky in the Morning THE SUMMER SEASON is all go at The Vale of York Polo Club, as their members carried out the age-old tradition of Dawn Chukkas on Friday 1 April. A chilly 5am start was a small price to pay as the sun came up on the first grass chukkas of the season. VYPC Red with John Sorrell Bagley and Lee Burgin, recently returned from Sotogrande, together with Sian Saxton, played their hearts out and defeated all before them with great team play, good hitting and some strong ride offs. Richard ‘Hobgoblin’ McAlistair-Martin remained asleep for most of the first chukka. Once awake and on the pitch, he spent most of the time going to goal, but unfortunately the wrong goal, much to the frustration of the rest of his Blue team. Many thanks went to Tracey Timms and Linda Baughan for supplying early morning sustenance in the form of bacon and croissants.

Kirtlington Sign Up Pommery

Final scores: VYPC Red beat VYPC Blue, 4-1 VYPC Red beat VYPC Green, 3-1 VYPC Blue beat VYPC Green, 3-0

Photograph by Jo Galloway

The Red, Blue and Green teams at dawn

Polo Times, MAY 2016

POMMERY CHAMPAGNE HAS been confirmed as a partner for the 2016 Summer season at Kirtlington Park Polo Club. The newly installed Pommery Bar will also take pride of place in the Clubhouse. New Polo Manager Josh Tuthill said, “Thanks to all our brand partners for their continued support, which is starting to make a big difference as the grounds start to take shape. Mike Moss, our Head Groundsman, is delighted with the new machinery that has been put to work. With future upgrades coming soon, Kirtlington is set to impress this forthcoming season.” www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

ACCELERATION COMBINED WITH excellent off-road handling was the focus as the Maserati Polo Tour 2016 continued in Dubai on Friday 8 April, with the first Maserati Dubai Polo Challenge taking place at Desert Palm Polo Club and organised by Guards Polo Club. The winning team, Desert Palm, produced an impressive performance at this inaugural tournament. Played over five days, four talented polo teams, featuring both professional and amateur players from the UK, Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Argentina, produced both competitive and entertaining polo. The winning team, featuring team patron Tariq Albwardy (1), Brit player Sam Instone (0), Martin Gandara (4) and Matias Machado (4), narrowly won the Final in the last chukka. Their opponents, Team Maserati, put up a strong fight on Desert Palm’s impressive hotel grounds, but could not score enough goals to put the match into extra time. Third place was claimed by Gulfstream, who beat Scavi & Ray in the Trident Trophy. Following St Moritz and Dubai, the third instalment of the Maserati Polo Tour 2016 will take place in the UK in June.

Photograph by Andre Williams

Photograph courtesy of Mediapro Communications

Guards, Maserati & Dubai ICBL and Apes Hill with Andre Bello

Polo Under the Stars

The 2016 Polo Under the Stars event was held on Saturday 26 March at Apes Hill Polo Club in Barbados featuring two games. Williams Equipment and Digicel were the first teams to play in the evening event and despite strong efforts from both line-ups the match ended in an amicable draw of 3-3. The home team, Apes Hill, triumphed against ICBL with a final score of 5-3. Virgin Atlantic’s Andre Bello, accompanied by Virgin Atlantic cabin crew girls, presented prizes to all the participating teams. Polo Under the Stars teams: Williams Equipment: Linda Williams (-1), Camilla Williams (-1), Stephen Williams (1) & Nick Pepper (4) Digicel: Richard Deane (0), Vicki Gonzales (-1), James Kidd (-1) & Niall Donally (4) ICBL: Jeff Evelyn (1), Danny Atwell (3), Richard Gooding (3) & Philip Atwell (1) Apes Hill: Stuart Gill (1), Marc Atwell (3), Adam Deane (3) & Oliver Williams (1)

Matias Machado, a member of the polo management team at Desert Palm, with Maserati’s new Levante SUV, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai

OVER THE LAST two decades, The Polo Club de Chantilly has welcomed many memorable tournaments in the European polo circuits, including a World Championship, two European Championships, as well as one of the biggest European tournaments, the French Open. On Saturday 21 May the Club will celebrate its 20th Anniversary with an international encounter between France and Argentina. This will be a match with the highest handicapped French team ever fielded at the Club. The day will also include an equestrian parade representing all disciplines through which Chantilly became famous: racing, showjumping, hunting, driving, and Haute-Ecole dressage. The Club was founded in 1996 by Patrick Guerrand-Hermès, with a vision to open the world of polo to a wider audience, thereby making it affordable for players and also more accessible to the public. Today, The Polo Club de Chantilly is the biggest polo school in France, and one of the biggest Polo Clubs in Europe. It extends over the 205 hectares of the Apremont Farm (XVIIth century) and has an exceptional location, which borders the Chantilly forest, just 45 minutes away from Paris. www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Andre Williams

20th Anniversary of Chantilly

Williams Equipment and Digicel with Andre Bello

Rutland Ball Change of Date RUTLAND POLO CLUB have moved their Italian Summer Ball to Saturday 28 May. The black tie ball, with a hint of 60s Italian glamour, will be held at The Barn, Barnsdale Lodge Hotel in Oakham. Tickets are £65 and include three courses of Italian delights, a drinks reception and Rutland Radio’s very own DJ Rob Persani. For tickets or more information please email wallis.victoria@yahoo.co.uk Polo Times, MAY 2016

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

L - White Waltham Low Goal T Club RIAFocus belt, Carlitos Gonzalez has no plans on giving up the sport he lives for

Born and brought up in Argentina, where he learned the game with 10 goaler Carlos de la Serna, Carlitos spent 25 years managing and coaching high goal teams across the polo world from England to Palm Beach, France to Brazil and Spain to Argentina. He is passionate about the game and founded his UK White Waltham Polo Club based on a genuine desire to help clients improve and get the most out of their game. “I love everything about polo,” says Carlitos. “Here at the Club, we just want our members to have a good time and to feel they have all the support they require to get better at the game. Everyone has different ambitions so it is important to work with each person individually, we have a lot of fun in the process and that’s an important part of it.” A few things that clients turned friends had to say about Carlitos... “Carlitos has brought so many new players into the sport, produced an amazing polo playing son and supported the low

Photography by Kim Gonzalez

W OGonzalez N S K Carlitos C A P * E L B ILA in his retirement year and with AVAAlthough more than fifty years of polo under his

goal side of the sport where the vast majority of players play. He is a great horseman and every horse I have purchased from him has been a winner. A great friend of mine and a great friend of polo!” – Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, President of the Federation Carlitos winning The Recoleta Trophy in 2015 of International Polo. “Probably the most important lesson I have learned from Carlitos is that it is possible to be both utterly competitive on the field and a complete gentleman (or in my case lady) off the pitch.” – Georgina Brittain, member of White Waltham Polo Club. “I will never forget how he took me under his wing when I first moved down to London from Cambridge. I really needed all the shouting and he really help to improve my polo in my early years in the sport. We had great fun playing together back in the days. He is the absolute master of low goal polo.” – Alan Fall, member of White Waltham Polo Club. “I believe I was the first patron that Carlitos played for as a professional, back in 1990 when my team ‘Freebooters’ won the Billy Walsh tournament at Ham Polo Club. Always a gentleman and a patient coach, we subsequently played together many times. I can still hear “Leeeeve eeet” when I think about those early days!” – Chris Graham, Ham Polo Club patron.

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Polo Times, MAY 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk

Women’s Polo

International

We report on the latest women’s polo taking place at home and abroad All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise

5 minutes with…

Gillian Johnston In the middle of a successful American high goal season 2 goal mixed professional Gillian Johnston took five minutes off from showing the big boys who’s boss on the fields of the International Polo Club, Palm Beach to talk to Polo Times about her career in the high goal, her passion for the horses that have got her to where she is and her dreams of filling her entire pony lines with home breeds. Gillian is currently playing alongside Sugar Erskine, Julio Arellano and Miguel Novillo Astrada for Coca-Cola in the 26 goal US Open and is fresh from the USPA Gold Cup Semi Finals. Playing mainly in Wyoming and Florida she runs a polo pony breeding organization, producing first class mounts for herself and some of the world’s top players. How did your polo career start? I was born into polo and have been playing for about 25 years. My grandfather, father, brother and nephew have all been involved in the sport. What do you like most about polo? I love the sport, but I love the horses more! I have a polo pony breeding operation in Wyoming. I sell horses and mostly mount myself on home breeds. I enjoy playing my

young horses and watching top players play them. The other thing I like most about polo is playing with friends.

What are your personal aims within the sport? I aim to win as many tournaments as I can, have the best horses I can – and most importantly have fun.

What’s your greatest achievement to date? My greatest achievement was winning the 2002 US Open.

Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed or girls-only? I don’t ever play women’s polo so definitely mixed. You get a much better view when the guys are on the field. I also find the polo much more open which helps to improve your game.

What’s your greatest ambition? My greatest ambition is to be solely mounted on home breeds (I’m almost there), and to see top players playing my horses.

How do you see the future of women’s polo? The future of women’s polo looks bright. There are some awesome young women coming up.

Which lady players do you admire? I admire Sunny Hale the most.

If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? Ladies and Mixed? My fantasy ladies team is easy: Mia Astrada, Mia Cambiaso and Hope Arellano. They are awesome! My fantasy mixed is probably the team I am playing with now: Sugar, Julio and Miguel. They are all my very close friends and we are having fun playing together, which at the end of the day is the most important thing.

Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? One thing in the high goal that I don’t like at the moment is that it’s getting to the stage where the team that is throwing the most money out is the strongest. It is very hard to compete with teams which are spending insane amounts of money on horses and so on. You can have a great team, but it’s hard to beat a team that shows up to the field with an endless amount of horses. I also believe they need some changes with the umpiring. Games are taking way too long.

“I couldn’t have done it without. . .”? I could not have done it without the support of my family and teammates and my amazing, irreplaceable grooms, managers and trainers! And of course my ponies!

As part of a new ‘Fittest Brits’ campaign, Jack Wills are reaching out to young up-and-coming British athletes. One of these handpicked representatives is our very own 8 goaler, Hazel Jackson, becoming the newest of the Brand Ambassadors and joining fellow polo player Charlie Hanbury. Hazel spoke to Polo Times saying, “I’m really excited to be one of the new brand ambassadors for Jack Wills this year alongside Charlie Hanbury. The clothes are gorgeous and really good quality. They are an exciting brand to work with and have a jam-packed schedule of summer events.” Jack Wills are famous for their ‘Fabulously British’ look, and a partnership with the traditionally British sport of polo seems only right. We look forward to seeing Hazel strutting her stuff around the women’s polo scene this summer in her new head to toe Jack Wills look.

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Photography courtesy of Hazel Jackson

Jackson and Jack Wills

Hazel is a new Brand Ambassador of Jack Wills

www.polotimes.co.uk

International

Women’s Polo

Apes Hill Ladies’ International Tournament This April saw the first ever all Ladies Polo Tournament take place at Apes Hill Polo Club, Barbados. The Massy Ladies’ International Polo Tournament took place between 5 – 9 April and saw four 10-11 goal teams, chockablock full of our homegrown polo goddesses, take to the fields to battle it out in the sunshine. After some fantastic matches and a very close Final it was team Massy with a line-up of Linda Williams (1), Ashleigh Deane (0), Rebecca Walters (4) and Claire Brougham (6) who took home the trophy, defeating AR Aesthetics 5-4½, with Rebecca scoring the onthe-bell winning goal for team Massy.

Four teams of international ladies

We spoke to some of the lucky ladies to get a feel for this new and exciting tournament:

Tamara Fox, “There were four 10 goal teams in the inaugural Barbados Ladies’ Tournament and the polo was a high standard, fun to play and fun to watch. The field at Apes Hill was great to play on and we were given some fantastic ponies to play, two of which I wanted to take home with me in my stick bag! We couldn’t have been better looked after by everyone out here, especially the Taylor and the Williams families, they were all so very generous to all the players and teams.” Sarah Wiseman, “Despite taking a tumble on day one, and feeling battered and bruised, it has been one of the most fun ladies’ tournaments I have played in around the world. All the games were closely fought and beautifully played, with great camaraderie. I’m so privileged to have been a part of this inaugural tournament and cannot wait for next year.”

www.polotimes.co.uk

Nicola Hodges, “The timing could not have been better for the inaugral International Ladies’ Tournament at Apes Hill Polo Club, falling as it does just at the onset of the British season providing a goal to get match fit early and coming out of five months of winter greyness. The Barbados sun was as welcoming as the exceptional hospitality we received from Camilla, Linda, Ollie, Stephen and Sir Charles Williams. A fantastic week incorporating dinners, parties, catamaran cruises and high quality horses. The club members also could not have been more welcoming and it was great to meet a whole new set of polo friends. We will definitely be back next year.”

Linda Williams, “The inaugural Massy Ladies’ International Polo Tournament brought together an incredible bunch of women in Barbados! The polo got better and better culminating in two awesome matches for the Subsidiary Final and the Final and a rocking after party! Good clean polo along with good umpiring made the tournament an absolute pleasure to be playing in. I don’t think I have ever enjoyed myself as much. Can’t wait for next year!”

Georgina Walters, “What a fantastic first tournament! I was delighted to be asked to play and must admit to feeling nervous as well as excited. The camaraderie both on and off the field was wonderful! The games were close and exciting with lots of fast play and great support from the spectators. A special mention must be given to the amazing ponies we had!” Claire Brougham, “I was thrilled to be asked to play in Barbados’ first Ladies’ Tournament at Apes Hill Polo Club. Camilla Williams organised a superb tournament. The horses were great, my teammates were awesome, and it was the icing on the cake to come out the winners. Thank you Massy for sponsoring the event and Virgin Atlantic for flying us to paradise. Already looking forward to next year!”

Photography by Andre Williams

Rebecca Walters, “It was a pleasure to be invited back to Barbados to play in the inaugural International Ladies’ Tournament at Apes Hill Polo Club. With the success of the Battle of the Sexes tour in Barbados and the rising popularity of Ladies’ polo around the world it was only a matter of time that they too hosted an all Ladies’ Tournament on the island. The icing on the cake for me was winning the tournament with my awesome teammates, Claire Brougham, Ashleigh Deane and the wonderful Linda Williams whom invited me to play. This will be a tournament that every lady pro and patron wants to be a part of in the future!”

Two number fours battle it out

Polo Times, MAY 2016

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

A round-up of this month’s youth polo at home and abroad Youth

Plans for 2016

Beginner 1 1st – Warwick 2nd – Oxford Brookes 3rd – Winchester

Polo Times has spoken to the SUPA Stewards to hear their thoughts on the 2016 arena season and their plans for the future of SUPA

Arena Championship

Winners

Tournament Sponsor

All All Aspect Aspectss of of Youth Youth International Sponsor

Beginner 1a 1st – London 2nd – Royal Holloway 3rd – Warwick

Beginner 2 1st – Kent Owls 2nd – RAU Angry Birds 3rd – Exeter

Novice 1 1st – Warwick 2nd – Kent Eagles 3rd – RAU Goldilock s

Novice 1a

1st – Manchester 2nd – Regents 3rd – Oxford Brookes

Most Valuable Player – Thomas GordonColebrooke (Buckingh am)

Novice 3 1st – Cambridge 2nd – Exeter 3rd – Warwick

International 1st – Great Britain 2nd – USPA I/I 3rd – Ireland Lower Intermed iate 1st – Kent Ospreys 2nd – Nottingham 3rd – Cambridge

SAPA 1st – Puffles/DBPC 2nd – Royal Holloway 3rd – Rugby

Rugby – National Senior Schools Championships: 6 March Westcroft – National Girls Schools Championships: 13 March Ireland – SUPA Tri-Nation s: 20 March Longdole – National Junior School Championships: 15 March Rugby – SUPA Camp and Trials: TBC May Guards – Jack Wills Varsity Day: 4 June Westcroft – National Girls Schools Championships: 5 June DBPC – National Universities Championships: 3 – 5 June Kirtlington – SUPA v KPPC (Towler Trophy): 12 June Kirtlington – National Senior Schools: 19 June RCBPC– SUPA v RCBPC (Quatro Amigos Trophy): 26 June TBC – International Polo Festival (SUPA Gold Cup): 1 – 5 July Cowdray – The Colts Cup: 9 – 11 August Ham – Stagshea d Trophy: 14 August Rutland – England Colts vs Scotland Colts: 17 August Kirtlington – Alan Budgett Trophy: 27 August Cheshire – SUPA Home Nations Cup: 28 – 29 August

Pony Club

and most recently Scimitar Sports, all of whom stand alongside the ever supportive HPA and the Worshipful Company Fun at the 2016 SUPA National University Arena Championships of Saddlers. “Looking ahead, the forecast for the 2016 summer season sees more, as well as will concelebrate the event with several an improvement, of the same. Conceived teams. The Ladies section will again in 2009 by the SUPA Assembly of Schools, return to Westcroft Polo Club based on SUPA instituted the Schools National Trial its successful Arena Championships. The including all senior school players. On senior schools trials may offer a residential boot camp for novice players and we will 1 June we will again be hosting these trials to end the season at the Cheshire Polo Club select players for the representative matches for the Home Nations Tournament, hosted at the Stephen Towler Trophy at Kirtlington by SUPA Wales for SUPA Scotland, SUPA Park Polo Club and the Quatro Amigos Cup Ireland and SUPA England. at Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, “More strategically, SUPA continues both in July. Also SUPA will be sending a to enhance its legal mandate to provide representative team, combined school and inclusive access to the team sport of polo university players, to Ghana in December. within its members’ academic institutions’ “SUPA will be aiming for the Guinness athletic curriculum. SUPA are confident that Book of Records for the largest number of new initiatives will enrich summer 2016 teams participating in a polo tournament in and beyond.” June. The SAPA (SUPA Alumni Association) Upper Intermed iate 1st – Warwick 2nd – Royal Holloway 3rd – London

Polo Times, March

Lower Combine d 1st – Exeter 2nd – Nottingham 3rd – Edinburgh

Upper Combine d 1st – Harper Adams 2nd – Exeter

2016

The APSPH Best Hired Playing Pony – Balla, owned by played by Julian Inglesham Polo Centre Van Elslander (Cardiff) and

www.polotimes.co.

PT March16 Inners.indd

Youth

SUPA & Young England Youth Dates For The Diary

Open

Beginner 3 1st – London 2nd – Cambridge 3rd – Harper Adams

Polo Polo

Media Partners

www.polotimes.co.

Vaux Park – 11 July Taunton – 12 July Frampton – 14 July Suffolk – 16 July Kirtlington – 19 July Epsom – 20 July Hurtwood – 22 July Cirencester – Qualifying Pony Club Tournament: 26 July Longdole – Qualifying Pony Club Tournament: 28 July Hurtwood – Qualifying Pony Club Tournament: 2 August Hurtwood – Jorrocks Championships: 3 August Cowdray – Pony Club Championships: 5 – 7 August

Polo Times, March

17/02/2016 16:25

PT March16 Inners.indd

2016

17/02/2016 16:26

Photograph by Zahra Lucas

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Polo

1st – Royal Veterinar y College 2nd – Exeter 3rd – Durham

Novice 2 1st – Cardiff #poloyolo 2nd – Oxford Brookes 3rd – Birmingham

“SUPA has built its brand and performance to provide access to the sport through three main pillars: our Institutional Membership structure, support from the HPA and its clubs and the quality of affordable ponies thanks to dedicated horse hirers. It all comes together under the management of a succession of very capable volunteer Steward-Managers over the past 25 years. In 2016, three new Stewards managing these sections have brought new vitality and ideas to SUPA, building on and working with their predecessors. “The aims of SUPA are: • To promote and develop polo within the schools and universities sectors • To act as a central point of reference for advice, guidance and encouragement • To organise and administer tournaments and select representative teams for both home and away fixtures “This 2016 arena season was perhaps our biggest and most challenging for some time. We hosted the largest National University Championships, with 132 teams it was an incredible feat considering our beginnings in the early 1990s when just 10 university teams took part. Back in 1991 we fielded five senior schools teams and in 2016 we had some 38 teams. The junior school teams vary the most and in 2016 the tournament was dominated by a very experienced Beaudesert, a recurring name on the trophy. The National Schools Ladies showed new vitality, not only in skill levels, but also increased team entries. SUPA again hosted the USA Intercollegiate All Stars which provided yet another level of polo at the University Championships at Rugby Polo Club. “Internationally, SUPA Ireland hosted the Tri-Nations Tournament at Wicklow with teams from SUPA Scotland and SUPA England, the latter staging a miraculous triumph in the final seconds. This year we also added new sponsordonors in the form of RJ Polo and Polistas

All All Aspect Aspectss of of Youth Youth

SUPA National Universi ty

Junior Schools Arena Champions, Beaudesert raise the trophy high

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Longdole

Druids Lodge Exeter League

Scotland, Ireland and England at Wicklow Polo Club

England won the SUPA Tri-Nations Cup with Ireland in second place and Scotland in third. James Mann spoke to Polo Times, “England being the lowest handicapped had a 3 goal start, but after a very poor performance from us on the first day, we bonded and pulled it right back on the last day scoring a total of 9 goals in the last two chukkas, of which two were from Tom and seven from me.”

Final scores: 5-4 to England against Scotland 12-1 to England against Ireland 5-4 to Ireland against Scotland SUPA Tri-Nations teams: Scotland (3): Katerina Kay (-1), Adam Dove (2) & Matthew Dove (2) Ireland (3): Dan McManus/ Ailbhe Houlihan (-1), Keelan McCarthy (1) & Siobhan Herbst (3) England (0): Ellie Tempest (-1), Thomas Colebrook (0) & James Mann (1)

Brighton On Sunday 13 March, Brighton University defeated Sussex University in their first ever Varsity match at FHM Polo Club in the Beginner section. Victory eluded their Novice team by just one goal. However, it was the Beginner team, who only started playing last October, which stole the limelight for Brighton University players after their Varsity triumph the day as their Sussex opposition had well over a year’s experience under their belts. Luke Sandys-Renton, Team President, spoke to Polo Times, “Brighton really has come such a long way in the short time we’ve been running as a team. All of these girls should be extremely proud of what they have achieved so far this year and we show real promise for the Summer University Nationals in June.” www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Luke Sandys-Renton

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Junior Arena Tournament results: HX/Jorrocks: 1st Meynell Foxes, 2nd SOHS & 3rd Meynell Hares Surtees: 1st Heythrop, 2nd Taunton & 3rd Beaufort Buff Loriner: 1st Heythrop, 2nd Combined, 3rd Taunton, 4th Cotswold & 5th Beaufort Blue

Photograph courtesy of James Mann

Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

All the participating teams at Longdole Polo Club

SUPA Tri-Nations

Congratulations to Harvard Alumni, winners of this year’s University League. Twelve teams took part in this year’s league sponsored by UberPolo. Two exciting matches took place on Friday 18 March with an extremely close Subsidiary Final between London and Southampton taking place first. Scores were tied with just over a minute to go in the last chukka when London’s Arthur Cole-Fontayn scored to secure victory for his team. Harvard Alumni got off to a strong start in the Final, but an extremely good second chukka from Exeter narrowed the gap. In the final chukka teams were matching each other goal for goal, but unfortunately for Exeter they couldn’t quite make up Harvard’s lead and the final score was Harvard Alumni 11, Exeter 8.

Action from the nail-biting Final

Photograph courtesy of Longdole Polo Club

The Cotswold Hunt Pony Club held their Junior Arena Tournament at Longdole Polo Club on Sunday 11 April. The tournament was kindly sponsored by Lovelocks Polo Stud. The day consisted of 11 teams, including: Cotswold, Heythrop, Combined, Beaufort Blue, Taunton Vale, Beaufort Buff, Maynell Foxes, Maynell Hares and SOHS. Chris Walker commented, “It was a fantastic day, everyone played really well and we are delighted to have been part of today’s tournament. “It was great to see so much team spirit, on a rather chilly spring day. The ponies were all turned out immaculately and it was wonderful to see everyone having an enjoyable time. It’s really rewarding to see the standards of polo just getting better and better. We would like to say a huge thank you to all those who helped make the day happen. At the prize ceremony there was a one minute silence held for Bonnie Armitage, who very sadly passed away just one week ago out on the hunting field. Our thoughts are with her family at this very difficult time.

Military

UOTC Challenge Cup UOTC Polo concluded the Druids Lodge Polo Arena season with a flourish as Bristol University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) emerged victorious in the Arena Challenge Cup held at Druids Lodge Polo Club on 23 March. Thirty members from six UOTCs competed in what became a very well humoured Challenge Cup. Hosted by Druids Lodge in balmy spring sunshine, the UOTC’s Challenge Cup has grown by 50% in two years. The two days combined both a day of excellent instruction from Giles Ormerod and a day of match chukkas organised by Polo Manager Abi Meakin. The teams were split into two divisions. In the Division 1 Final, Bristol led by 2Lt Oli Harrison beat Birmingham A 6-1 in an exciting three chukka match. Whilst Division 2 saw eight teams battle it out for third place. In a very well natured event all teams fought hard, but it was newcomers Birmingham UOTC, led by Harry Runnacles, who managed to win this part of the Challenge Cup.

PPhotography courtesy of UOTC Polo

d®

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Short mallet practice

m oilseed rape straw chnologies available ding.

All the participating teams having a briefing

Military Dates for the Diary Tidworth – Adm Kumar Cup (RN vs Eton): 30 April Tidworth – Military Ladies Tournament (Open): 2 May Tidworth – RN Sacher Cup (Open): 2 May Tidworth – Duke of York Cup (RN vs RAF): 29 May Tidworth – Rundle Cup (RN vs Army): 9 July Tidworth – ICOA Trophy (CSPA vs RSA): 9 July Guards – Inter Regimental Finals: 10 July Guards – United States Cup (CSPA vs RSA): 10 July Kirtlington – Rupert Thorneloe Memorial Trophy (Open): 16 July Tidworth – Captains & Subalterns (Open): 16 – 17 July Tidworth – Sassoon Cup (Army vs RAF): 24 July Tidworth – AGC Cup (Open): 29 August Guards – Major Generals Cup (0-2): 2 – 4 September Taunton – Faulkner Cup (RN vs Taunton): 4 September

Action in the arena from the UOTC

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Polo Times, MAY 2016

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Knowledge

Fitness for Polo

Prof. Martín Perez is an Argentine-born physical coach for polo players, who works with professionals and patrons throughout the polo community from high to low goal. In 2014 he founded the company Fitness for Polo, with the aim of bringing the advantages of polo specific training to a wider audience

Polo Biomechanics and Swing Analysis

The Nearside Forehand Polo Times talks to leading physical coach for polo players Martín Perez about getting fit for the game and exercises to improve your swing technique

For many players the nearside forehand is a slightly intimidating shot. It can put you out of balance and make you feel unsteady. It is also a hard shot to get any power into because of the compromise to your balance and the angle that you are with your body. Understanding how our bodies work while we are performing this shot can be the first step to improving it, and training specific muscle groups can help you to be stronger, steadier and more confident with this swing. So let’s have a look at what is going on… In all the other swings, the negative phase (or backswing) is what gives the shot its power. It is only in the forehand nearside where this is not the case. The reason for this is because the common use of this shot is to take the ball forward without having any intention of hitting hard. It requires all the same aspects as the others like balance, coordination, timing, strength, flexibility, and accuracy, but we do not need the extra power of the trunk rotation to hit the ball far. In this movement, we can see that the left leg is under a lot pressure, mainly from supporting the bodyweight, whilst the other leg is pressing against the horse, gripping the saddle tight. The trunk is twisted to the left, in order to do that the lower back muscles and the obliques are being engaged in order to hold the trunk in that position. Commonly, the movement of the stick is a simple pendulum movement, allowing gravity to do its thing, but sometimes a little force is added by the arms, primarily involving the shoulder and rotator cuff muscles. This kind of movement is possible to fix, train and enhance with fitness solutions.

Hazel Jackson twists at the core to ready herself for the nearside shot

Her upper body is fully rotated, weight is in left leg and strength is coming through the stick arm

Key muscles activated: The primary muscles involved are: Legs – They offer support, stability and balance Core Muscles – They provide power, energy and stability Rotator Cuff Muscles– They aid the arm in the rotational movement The secondary muscles involved are: Lower Back – This muscle group helps us to lean forward and off the saddle, but still maintain balance Shoulders – They provide stability to the shoulder joint Forearm – An important group of muscles for creating a good grip

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Little force is necessary in this swing, gravity and forward speed creating the momentum

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Fitness for Polo

Knowledge

Here are a few exercises using different elements that can be found in any gym. These three exercises will work the muscles used in the nearside forehand and help you to build strength and flexibility where necessary. Exercise One: Stand side-on to the apparatus with the cable pulley adjusted to elbow height. Grab the stirrup attachment with your far arm. Position your elbow against your side and your forearm across your abdomen. Pull the cable attachment away from your body as far as possible by externally rotating your shoulder. Return to the starting position and repeat. Turn around and continue with the opposite arm. This exercise can be imitated using a resistance band tied to a fixed point. Resistance bands can be bought at any sports shop.

Exercise Three: Sitting on top of a FitBall with your legs shoulderwidth apart, lean sideways trying to touch the floor with that same hand without leaning forwards. Then go back to the starting position and repeat to the other side. Take care not to move your legs, engaging your core to get the right posture. The FitBall (or yoga ball) is perfect for this as your core has to work extra hard in order to help you retain balance. If you don’t have one of these handy, a chair can be substituted in.

Photography by Agustín Lastra

Exercise Two: Place a stick (a hand stick is a good option for this) across your shoulders and hold at the sides. Lunge forward, lowering your body by flexing the knee and hip of your front leg until your rear knee is almost in contact with the floor. Once you are in that position, lean sideways from the hip, keeping your legs in the same position. Make sure that your front knee doesn’t move.

Prof. Martín Perez www.polotimes.co.uk

Tel: +447551 878270

Email: info@fitnessforpolo.com

Website: www.fitnessforpolo.com Polo Times, MAY 2016

Knowledge

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Equestrian offers bespoke, tailor-made equestrian buildings with specific elements, such as roof lights and light ridges, or controlled air flow in a structure. With a particular focus on the development and sourcing of materials, Graham Heath Equestrian ensures it provides buildings of the highest standards, paired with the latest developments in the industry. A recent example includes the working partnership with suppliers to provide plastic boarding instead of timber in horse stables. This product reduces the upkeep of the stables, which can be chemically cleaned to prevent the transfer of infection. Head of Equestrian, Paul Hanson, comments, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been working hard to develop our premium quality buildings, whilst satisfying the needs and requirements of those within the equine industry. We aim to provide a wide range of building solutions; from every day use to livery yards or equine arenas used by young riders who are the champions of the future.â&#x20AC;?

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Building Better Stables

Graham Heath Equestrian buildings, headquartered in Nantwich, are used by a wide variety of customers for equestrian, agricultural and industrial uses. The experienced team offers advice and assistance on every aspect from design to build, to ensure each building is tailored to the individual.

Pony Power

Knowledge

Brandon Phillips talks to Katie Vickery about Dallas, who won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at the Inaugural Nic Roldan’s Sunset Polo in aid of The Brooke USA

Photograph by Juan Lamarca

Dallas relaxing at home after her 15 minutes of fame

Dallas sporting her new Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug

Dallas

Age: 10-years-old Colour: Chestnut Height: 15.2hh Sex: Mare Owner: Wellington based Canadian 5 goal player Brandon Phillips Where is the pony from? I bought her three years ago from Todd Offen in Dallas, Texas, hence the name.

Tell us about her background Todd Offen, who is known for bringing on horses, found her and thought she would be a great fit for our operation and sent her to Wellington. What are her strengths? She has lots of power, is very comfortable to hit the ball off and is reliable. How has she gone this season? In the three years I’ve had her, this has been her best season. She has played the whole 12-16 goal season with me.

Chance to win £2,500 with your former racehorse (raced in GB and registered with RoR)

Has she won any other awards? No, getting the Polo Times Best Playing Pony at the Inaugural Nic Roldan’s Sunset Polo has been her first moment in the spotlight. I was thrilled Gil Johnston chose her and she played a great fourth chukka. What are your plans for her future? She will be playing the high goal season in New York this summer at Greenwich Polo Club. Describe her in three words? Quiet, comfortable, powerful.

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Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Rider’s Q&A The Happy Tongue is useful for horses and ponies with sensitive tongues, and comes in several styles like this three ring version

The Big Ring version of the Happy Tongue bit range is popular with polo players

The Bombers Blue range is made from a rubber and nylon compound

The Johan DuPlooy Pelham gives the horse or pony something to focus on, with its central roller

Q – What is the benefit of a ported mouthpiece, and what type of horse is a port suitable for? A – It is common knowledge that the optimisation of the bit helps the player direct the horse or pony’s orientation, speed and attitude. A bit’s action depends on the area of influence on the horse or pony. Through applying pressure on various different structures such as the bones of the jaw, the tongue, the cheeks and lips, each bit can have a different effect. Most bits act primarily on the tongue, and if your horse or pony objects to tongue pressure when training or playing, he may begin to try and evade the bit, or place his tongue over it. Some bit styles may suit different horses better than others, and if the horse or pony is evading the bit pressure by, for example, violent shaking of the head either vertically or horizontally, or attempting to reposition their strong, muscular tongue over the bit, a ported bit may provide the answer. With no joint, the port acts to reduce pressure over the middle of the tongue, instead creating more pressure on the bars of the mouth – useful for those horses or

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a reader’s question on bitting

Polo Times, MAY 2016

ponies with a sensitive tongue or a strong jaw. The ported bit is also highly useful as a corrective bit for those equines, which have learned to get their tongues over the bit during the excitement of a game. If you think your horse may be struggling with this issue, the Happy Tongue mouthpiece, either with a Big Ring Gag, Pelham or Three Ring cheekpiece from Bombers Bits may provide a great place to start. The distinctively designed mouthpiece has a low, sloping port, creating space for the tongue, relieving pressure and allowing the horse to relax. Because it is low and wide, it does not interfere with the roof of the mouth. Alternatively, the Bombers Blue design is ideal for sensitive-mouthed horses, using the same shaped port,

but with the mouthpiece composed of a rubber and nylon compound. The Happy Tongue and the Bombers Blue mouthpieces are available in a range of cheekpieces including Big Ring Gag, Three Ring, Pelham and Weymouth. For those more specialised equine cases, the Johan DuPlooy Pelham from Bombers Bits has a unique design of a ported mouthpiece which also includes a central roller. There is also the Gavin Chaplin ported mouthpiece with the addition of a Spinner, which follows the contours of the tongue. These styles ensure the horse does not get its tongue over the bit, provide the horse or pony with something for them to focus on, and eventually aid relaxation in the mouth, giving a more responsive ride.

Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouthpieces, cheekpieces 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 the horse to salivate. Call Equine Management on 01825 840 002 or visit www.bombersbits.co.uk Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.

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Knowledge

Vet Focus

Susie Richards BSc BVSc CertAVP MRCVS Susie practices with McGonnell & Gillatt Equine Veterinary Practice near Newbury and is the Pony Welfare Officer for Tidworth Polo Club. Outside of the UK stud season she is a private veterinarian for a large Thoroughbred stud in New Zealand .

What to Expect When Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Expecting: Part 1 In the first part of a three-part series of articles, Susie guides us through the ins and outs of bringing your own future polo ponies into the world, from inception to foaling So your mare is in foal Breeding from your mare can be an extremely rewarding experience and provides many polo ponies with the opportunity for a second career. Starting with management during pregnancy, through to the birth itself and finally the first few months of life, this series of three articles will run through what you can do to help minimise stress and maximise success. When do vets perform pregnancy scans and why? Pregnancy is first confirmed by an ultrasound exam at 15 days post-ovulation. The primary

A 15 day pregnancy on ultrasound

Polo Times, MAY 2016

aim of this scan is to identify a conceptus, however the vet will also be carefully checking for twins and for any signs that the pregnancy may fail or need medical assistance, for example if the conceptus is small for dates, or oedema is developing in the uterine wall. A second scan at 25 days is also strongly recommended. This allows detection of a foetal heartbeat and again, confirmation that there is no twinning and that the pregnancy is progressing normally. Less critical, but still useful is a third scan at 45 days. Around seven percent of mares will lose their pregnancy between 15 and

45 days, and early detection allows another shot at establishing a pregnancy that season. Watching for a mare to come back into oestrus is not reliable. Optional scans include foetal sexing at 65-70 days or 110-120 days (depending upon your vetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preference). Certain at-risk mares may also be put forward for a CUPT scan at 271-300 days, which allows detection and treatment of placental failure. Eating for two It is important that your mare is in good health and body condition at all times during pregnancy and lactation. However, provided the mare has access to a basic balanced diet, including plenty of roughage and turnout, you should not need to make any specialised adjustments to her diet until the third trimester. This is when you will suddenly notice your mare balloon. For most, simply adding a stud balancer to a small daily chaff feed is sufficient, however some mares are prone to losing condition rapidly in these last four months and particularly during lactation. Bearing this in mind during daily checks means that you can be ahead of the game, as getting condition onto an already thin mare with a foal at foot can be difficult. Conversely, over-nutrition brings its own problems for both the mare and the developing foetus. If you know your mare is prone to laminitis or might have other quirks that conflict with feeding for pregnancy there are usually ways around it; seek the advice of a nutritionist (provided for free by most equine feed companies). No foot, no horse, no foal Trim regularly to avoid problems in later pregnancy, and laminitis as a result of aggressive trims. Trimming in the last month of gestation might make your mare a little foot sore. www.polotimes.co.uk

Vet Focus

Knowledge

Double trouble Until ultrasound scans became routine, twinning accounted for up to 29 percent of abortions. With a few notable exceptions, horses do not generally carry twins to term successfully. If a vet identifies twins at the 15 day scan he or she will terminate one of the pregnancies. This can be done easily before the pregnancies implant after day 16. In most cases this will then allow the remaining pregnancy to develop normally without further complication. Five months gestation (or after weaning if previous foal is at foot) is a convenient time to deal with teeth

This mare is bagged-up, waxed up, and foaling is imminent

Pitter patter of… bacteria, viruses and worms Hormones during pregnancy cause immunosuppression, which leaves your broodmare more susceptible to parasitism (both internal and external) and also other common complaints such as mud fever, foot abscesses and rain scald. Anthelmintic resistance is something you really want to avoid on your property; a targeted worming programme based on faecal egg counts is always recommended for routine management. However, it is important to ensure that your broodmare has been treated for tapeworms over the winter, and also to worm in the month before birth and regularly after so that she does not pass any Keeping fit Just as with humans, keeping your mare fit and mobile is important. She will be quite cumbersome in the last couple of months, however in early gestation there is no reason why she cannot be exercised lightly and her feet should be tended to regularly. In the UK and Ireland mares are allowed to race up to 120 days in foal. The critical period to avoid stress (e.g. transporting long distances) is considered to be between day 20-45. www.polotimes.co.uk

unwelcome guests onto her foal. Although most are safe to use, ensure that you use an anthelmintic that is licensed for pregnancy, such as pyrantel embonate (Strongid-P). Vaccination can also protect your mare against common viruses that may cause abortion (EHV1 and 4) and will boost the antibodies that she passes onto her foal via her colostrum. Tetanus, Influenza and EHV1 and 4 are the most commonly vaccinated against. Your vet may suggest others, including rotavirus, based on your perceived risk. Signs that something may be amiss Sometimes in the weeks before foaling you may observe your mare to be colicing intermittently. When the foal is moving, mares can display fairly dramatic signs of discomfort. This will usually pass quickly (10 minutes); if it does not then you should have her checked as colic is common in late gestation and could be serious. You might also notice some oedema of the belly and hind limbs where the foal is interfering with lymphatic drainage. However, this should never be associated with pain or reluctance to move, if this is the case, call the vet. Purulent vulval discharge or bagging-up or lactating before 10½ months must be investigated and treated promptly, as it may indicate impending abortion. In the last month of gestation some mares may produce small to moderate amounts of frank blood from the vulva – this is usually due to varicose veins, but still warrants discussion with the vet.

Colic in late gestation could be fatal

Pregnancy timeline 1 month – First 15 day scan and 25 day (foetal heartbeat) scan 2 months – 45 day scan 3-4 months – Foetal sexing (optional) 5 months – First EHV vaccination, routine dental check-up 7 months – Second EHV vaccination, adjust nutrition for third trimester 9 months – Third EHV vaccination, CUPT scan 10 months – Worming and tetanus vaccination 11 months – The birth!

Susie Richards BSc BVSc CertAVP MRCVS McGonnell & Gillatt Equine Vets 1 Denford Manor Barn Bath Road Hungerford Berkshire RG17 0UN Tel: 01488 657 575 Email: office@mghorsevets.co.uk

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Knowledge

Know Your Game

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig The Half Seat – Polo Seat

Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game When teaching the riding aspect of polo, I use four terms to reference hip position in the saddle. Seated Position Seat bones are close to the back of the saddle and in the deepest aspect of the seat of the saddle. Quarter Seat Used primarily for the purpose of accelerating. The hips roll forward to the point where the seat bones have moved approximately one quarter of the way forward from the seated position. Half Seat or Polo Seat Seat bones have moved approximately halfway forward in the saddle. Full Seat Seat bones have moved slightly further forward from the half seat position to be as far forward as they can comfortably be.

Imagine there is a bolt passing through your knees and the horse’s shoulders.

Lean your upper body slightly back to slow the horse down

Relative to riding, controlling, and playing the polo horse, the most significant of those four seat positions is the half seat. I justify referring to the half seat as the polo seat because approximately seventy percent of the time you are actively playing in a chukka you should be in the half seat position. The other thirty percent, you should be moving from the half seat into one of the other riding or hitting positions. Having completed the task of that movement you should move back to the half seat, to be ready to move into the next riding or hitting position. The significance of the half seat is that upper leg contact provides the most direct and strongest communication from you to the horse. That strong contact comes as a by-product of your hips rolling forward, your upper body leaning slightly forward and down, and your feet moving back along the horse’s sides. When those three manoeuvres occur simultaneously, your upper legs will to rotate in and press into the horse’s shoulders. Additionally, the further you lean your upper body forwards and downwards, and the further back you move your lower legs, the stronger your upper legs will press into the horse’s shoulders. The significance of that upper leg contact is that every move of your upper body is transmitted through your hips into your

upper legs, and from there, into the horse’s shoulders. When your upper leg contact is strong enough, the horse is almost obliged to respond to any movement of your upper body. When teaching the riding aspect of polo I use the analogy of a bolt through the knees. Imagine there is a bolt passing through your knees and the horse’s shoulders. Now imagine the effect of that bolt if you were to move your upper body for the purpose of turning the horse. First you would lean your upper body slightly back to slow the horse down before initiating the turn itself. That movement would have your knees pulling back on the bolt thus signalling the horse to slow down before the actual turn begins. Immediately before the turn is initiated, your upper body should begin leaning ever so slightly in the direction of the turn. As that is happening, your knee and the bolt on the side of the lean and in the direction of the turn, are pushing down on the horse’s shoulder. At the same time, the knee and the bolt on the other side are being lifted, effectively lifting the opposite side of the horse. So, while the knee and bolt on the side of the lean and turn are being pushed down, the knee and bolt on the opposite side are lifting, the horse is effectively being tilted and directed to turn.

All aspects of riding, controlling, and playing the polo horse are facilitated by strong upper leg contact between you and the horse. Establishment of the half seat contributes directly to strong upper leg contact. The aspect of polo riding to be most aware of is strong upper leg contact. It is the pressure of your upper legs that direct and control the movement of the horse. That pressure is influenced by your upper body movement being delivered down into your upper legs through your hips, thus enabling enhanced performance of the polo horse and you.

Polo Times, MAY 2016

The horse is effectively being tilted and directed to turn by the position of your body

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Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lizzie Drury – MSc registered nutritionist

Top Tips Nutritionist Lizzie Drury gives her advice on the nutritional management of polo ponies and how to maintain health and performance The Importance of Fibre Fibre is one of the most important nutrients in the diets of polo ponies. Fibre in the hindgut traps water and electrolytes to help combat against the effects of dehydration. Optimum fibre intake encourages drinking. Maintaining optimum hydration helps to maintain performance and improves recovery rates post-match. Optimum levels of forage and fibre in the ration help to reduce the incidence of colic by maintaining optimum digestive tract contractions and general digestive health. ·

Polo ponies should ideally be allowed ad-lib access to long forage (hay or haylage) or at least NO less than 1kg per 100kg bodyweight e.g. 4.5kg of long forage daily for a 450kg polo pony. Consider adding some alfalfa chaff to your horse’s feed to increase the

Saracen Polo Pencils provide high levels of energy to support a healthy digestive system

Polo Times, MAY 2016

buffering potential of the ration prior to exercise. 100-200 grams per 100kg bodyweight is suitable. This also helps to increase saliva production and does not add to significant ‘gut fill’. If you are feeding a fully fortified concentrate feed, such as a mix or a pencil, then choose feeds that contain high levels of alternative fibre sources for ingredients e.g. soya hulls, oatfeed and alfalfa. These digestible fibres provide high levels of energy to support a healthy digestive system without compromising gut health e.g. Saracen Polo Pencils, Sports Horse Mix and Enduro Performance. If you look at a feed label the ingredients will be in descending order of inclusion, so you will notice the fibre sources near the top of the list.

Body Condition and Well-Being · Evaluate body condition and take time out on a fortnightly basis to evaluate your polo pony’s body condition. This will indicate if your pony is being fed enough (or too much) forage or concentrate feed. I have seen many situations where owners end up overfeeding their horses because they prefer to see their horses ‘well covered’ or are simply not familiar with what a healthy weight looks like (please call Saracen Horse Feeds to request a body condition scoring chart). Ideally, horses at an appropriate bodyweight should have ribs and hip bones, which are not visible, but can be easily felt. · Provide as much pasture turnout as is practically possible. It is perfectly alright to let polo ponies have small, but frequent grazing opportunities

Ponies should have constant access to water

on match day or even small meals of alfalfa. Do not leave them all day with nothing to eat. Provide constant access to water.

Quality Control · If you are feeding straight cereals make sure that you check the quality. Reputable feed merchants have stringent quality control procedures in place and are independently audited to ensure that these high standards are maintained. Quality checks include stringent ingredient selection including visual checks, nutrient content and checking for the presence of possible contaminants including mould and mycotoxins. Any raw material that does not conform to these quality standards is rejected at intake. For example, oats should be clean and shiny, plump and golden with no signs of discolouration. They should smell fresh and be dust free. For advice on optimum forage feeding regimes for polo ponies please contact Saracen Horse Feeds Tel: 01622 718487 Website: www.saracenhorsefeeds.com

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Sidelines

Gossip

AN EARLY RETURN Following a fall whilst umpiring in Australia, England’s Ollie Cudmore was forced to come back to England after fracturing his wrist meaning he has had to forfeit representing the Copa de las Naciones in Argentina in order to get back to full fitness for the UK high goal. Get well soon!

ART AID Sarah, Duchess of York, Marchioness of Milford Haven and Christian Hook, 2014 Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year, teamed up to help raise funds at the private viewing and auction, with live celebrity portrait painting in aid of Children in Crisis, on Thursday 17 March.

A HUIDOBRITO Polo Times wishes a slightly belated congratulations to Chilean Captain, 8 goaler Jaime Huidobro and his artist wife Catalina who welcomed the birth of their first baby, a son named Santos on 2 December 2015.

EASTER BUNNY SIGHTING Vale of York Polo Club’s very own Richard McAlistair-Martin has been up to his fancy dress tricks again. Last summer he was spotted sporting a lobster outfit, but this Easter he has rocked up to polo as the Easter Bunny.

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

WINNING STREAK Polo player turned racehorse trainer and son of Pony Club Polo Chairman Charles whittington, Harry Whittington is on to a winning streak. Not only has Alice Etchells, who is a Member at Tidworth Polo Club, accepted his marriage proposal on 21 March while out exercising her polo ponies, but Harry also had a winner with his horse Arzal in the opening race at Aintree’s Grand National meeting. Congratulations!

GET WELL SOON Polo Times would like to wish all the best to international polo photographer Tony Ramirez of ©www.imagesofpolo.com who has recently had a benign ameloblastoma removed from his jawbone. Get well soon Tony!

POLO-OPOLY CEO of Wellington Equestrian Partners LLC, Mark Bellissimo has recently acquired Wellington’s world-renowned International Polo Club, Palm Beach joining The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, on Bellissimo’s monopoly board of equestrian sporting properties.

IN THE WARS This month the high goal has seen an abundance of injuries and accidents that have benched several of the top players in tournaments around the polo circuit. Polito’s USPA Gold Cup fall resulted in a separated shoulder, which sees him out for the season. Meanwhile, Nachi Heguy’s dramatic tumble in the Dubai Challenge Cup has resulted in a broken collarbone. It’s a nasty, rough game boys, but Polo Times wishes you all the best in your recoveries and we hope to see you back up and on the field soon. 68

Polo Times, MAY 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk

Sidelines

Gossip

Photograph by Clive Bennett

WEDDING BELLS Congratulations to Alice Kent, the daughter of Fiona and former England International player Alan Kent, who married Ben Haslam on Saturday 2 April at Easebourne Church in West Sussex with a reception taking place at Madams Farm. The couple live together in Middleham, North Yorkshire where Ben trains racehorses.

LATEST IN PIERES LEGACY On the 14 March little Felix Pieres was born to 9 goaler Nicolás Pieres and his wife, model Angeles Pedreira. Photos of the newest Pieres on the block have earned thousands of likes on Instagram. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Pieres and welcome to the high goal life Felix!

MACKENZIE MARRIAGE South African 6 goal player Chris Mackenzie and his girlfriend Alex got married on 2 April in a beautiful ceremony that was held at Katarina’s Kurland Polo Estate in their native South Africa. Congratulations!

A NEW START GOW Equine’s Jamie Peel and his fiancée Coco Clevely have moved to Newmarket. While Jamie still has the support of individuals in the polo world, he has announced that he is embarking on a career in the racing industry and has recently taken over Woodhall Stables. Polo Times wishes him the best of luck.

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VICTORY FOR ENGLAND!

THE ARENA GOLD CUP USA, NEW ZEALAND AND DUBAI UPDATES

Our boys dominate at Hickstead

THE ARENA

GOLD CUP

D USA, NEW ZEALAN S UPDATE AND DUBAI

USA Special!

Guest Edited

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Edited by Nic Roldan

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100 Page Bumper Issue!

VICTORY FOR ENGLAND!

Our boys dominate at Hickstead

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VICTORY FOR ENGLAND! Our boys dominate at Hickstead

THE ARENA GOLD CUP USA, NEW ZEALAND AND DUBAI UPDATES

Polo Times, MAY 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk USA Special! Guest Edited by Nic Roldan

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Making an entrance

Princess Alexandra Cantacuzene & Marc de Panafieu

Genevieve Owen, Holly Houghton, Sophie Cahn, Milly Hibbert & Rose Farquhar

British Polo Day Abu Dhabi; Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, UAE; Saturday 19 March

A buzz in Abu Dhabi As always it was exotic elegance provided by the British Polo Day team, who returned to Abu Dhabi for the first of its 2016 events. They were joined by 200 guests and VIPs who came together to celebrate the very best of UAE and British tradition. The glamorous black-tie event kicked off with two rather unusual takes on the traditional game of polo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a camel polo match and the BPD tradition of a light-hearted game of Brompton bicycle polo. The highlight exhibition polo match of the evening saw the home team RJI Capital Ghantoot Polo Team play the visiting Royal Salute British Exiles, with a line-up including Jamie Morrison, Jack Richardson and Stuart Wrigley. Following the prize-giving ceremony, guests sat down to a delicious three-course dinner followed by a live charity auction, finishing the day off in true British Polo Day style. Jamie Morrison and Jack Richardson at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi

Photography by Sam Churchill & Ali Albader

Danielle Lussi at Saadiyat Beach Club

Baroness Patricia Scotland & Ed Olver

Charlie North

Maddie Jupp & Hugo Taylor

British Polo Day Abu Dhabi

The British Polo Day Team at Saadiyat Beach Club

HH Sheikh Mohammed Al Nayhan Bin Nayhan & Ron Wahid

Robin Peel & Christophe Deglâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Innocenti

Keith Bristow & Jess Hudson

Something a bit different

Rose Farquhar, Christabel Abdy Collins & Holly Houghton

British Polo Day Dubai; The Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, UAE; Friday 25 March

Dynamic Dubai

Marc de Panafieu & Princess Alexandra Cantacuzene

On Friday 25 March, on the eve of the world-famous Dubai World Cup, British Polo Day Dubai brought a touch of quintessential British equine heritage to the Emirate under the patronage of Mohammed Al Habtoor. It was non-stop action in the UAE as players stripped off in the desert heat to play a nail-biting Taylor Morris volleyball match, before mounting up (on to camels that is) to play an exhilarating game of camel polo followed by Brompton Bicycle polo. The horses were feeling almost superfluous until the players decided to dabble in a spot of regular polo to round off the activities. As is fitting for such a glamorous Dubai setting, the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s polo drew to a close with an official prize-giving ceremony and after-party attended by the A-listers of Dubai high society and enjoyed by guests from around the world.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saeed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan

Photography by Sam Churchill & Ali Albader

Michael Shelton-Agar & Michael Oliver

Hugo Taylor, Nicholas Dellaportas, Maddie Jupp & Charlie Morris

Ed Olver, Millie Mackintosh, Jess & Tom Hudson

Taylor Morris Volleyball Tournament

The Bromptom Bicycle polo line-up

Danielle Lussi, Georgina Langton & Sophie Rawe at the Taylor Morris Volleyball tournament

Brompton Bicycle polo

James Houghton & Rakesh Parmar

Starting off in style

Sophie Garratt, Chrissy Hargate & Liam Watson

Jinty Cotton, April Baron-Harrison, Rachel Huddy & Dee Johnstone

Jane Kang and Kelly Hartwell

Midlands Festival Ball; Rugby Polo Club; Saturday 26 March

Rugby Revelry Festival goers were treated to a black tie party in aid of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance with music, canapés and champagne galore. Players, supporters and teams travelling from as far as Triskelion turned up to shake their tail feathers and enjoy some party time at the Onley Equestrian Complex, the home of Rugby Polo Club and the Baker family. As if dancing and drinks weren’t enough entertainment for the night, there was a special auction organised to raise funds for the charity of the evening. Club Chairman Phil Baker, Polo Manager Jeremy Pidgeon and Karl Ude Martinez were all auctioned to lucky winners for dinner dates. We hope you don’t have to pay the bill for dinner as well boys? Lily Byrne

Kelly Baddeley & Karl Ude Martinez

Simon Angell & Mark Weller

Photography by Drews Views

Nick Hartwell, Kate Howe & Mike Zurwaski

Steve Pybus, Tom Fox, Hannah Pybus & Judith Pybus

Bruce Crawford & Lucia Mander

Graham Dimelow, Becky Netten & Cameron Houston

Simon Glew, James Glew, Jeremy Pidgeon & Chris Bell

Megan Scott & Nathan Angell

Unit 6, McKay Trading Estate, Blackthorne Road, Colnbrook, Slough, Berks. SL3 OAH Tel: 01753-686784 Fax: 01753-680231 Email: peter@strategic-shipping.co.uk PJ’s Bar & Grill, Chelsea’s perennial favourite, was opened in 1990 by restaurateur Brian Stein as a tribute to his love of great food and the sport of polo. PJ’s plays proud host to the legendary ‘PJ’s Polo Party’ held annually to celebrate the start of the UK polo season. International dining seven days a week. Casually sophisticated.

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I N

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W O R L D W I D E

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

What’s On in May 2016 High Goal

RCBPC – The Prince of Wales Trophy (17-20): 7 – 14 May Cirencester – Cirencester 0-40 Goal Tournaments (0-40): April 28 – 8 May Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland’s Cup (15-18): May 15 – 5 June Guards – The Cartier Queen’s Cup (17-22): May 17 – 11 June

Medium Goal

Coworth – Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy (8-12): April 21 – 7 May Guards – Queen Mother’s Centenary Cup (12-15): April 29 – 8 May Cowdray – Dollar Cup (8-12): 9 – 29 May Pangbourne – The Englefield Trophy (6-10): 14 – 29 May Cowdray – Cicero Cup (12-15): May 17 – 4 June Emsworth – 12 Goal Tournament (12): May 20 – 5 June Pangbourne – The Thai Polo Berkshire Trophy (8-12): May 24 – 12 June RCBPC – The John Prestwich Trophy (8-12): May 30 – 11 June Cowdray – Bryan Bethell Cup (12-15): May 30 – 11 June Guards – The Royal Windsor Cup (12-15): May 30 – 19 June Guards – Mountbatten Cup (12-15): May 30 – 19 June

Low Goal

Cirencester – Tyro Cup (-2-2): April 30 – 8 May Kirtlington – The Fewster Cup (6-8): 4 –8 May Kirtlington – Mackenzie Hill Cup (0-2): 4 – 8 May Beaufort – The Badminton Cup (6-8): 4 – 15 May Hurtwood – Colin’s Cup (-4-0): 5 – 8 May Dundee – Spring Tournament (0-4): 7 – 8 May Edgeworth – The 4 Goal Shield (0-4): 7 – 8 May Druids – Aspiga Trophy (1-2): 7 – 8 May Fifield – Pico Trophy (0-2): 7 – 8 May Binfield Heath – The Coppid Cup (-2-20): 7 – 8 May Cheshire – Vladivar Cup (0-2): 7 – 8 May Longdole – 2 Goal Tournament (-2-2): 7 – 8 May Suffolk – Mad May Hare Tournament (-4-2): 7 – 8 May Tidworth – Queen’s Royal Hussars’ Cup (-2-2): 7 – 8 May Rutland – The Rutland Cup (-1-1): 7 – 8 May Epsom – St George’s Cup (-4-0): 7 – 8 May Ranelagh – Copa La Reconquista (-2-0): 7 – 8 May Silver Leys – The May Cup (-2-0): 7 – 8 May Sussex – Welcome Cup (-4-0): 7 – 8 May Taunton – Committee Cup (-4-0): 7 – 8 May White Rose – President’s Cup (-4-0): 7 – 8 May 74

Polo Times, MAY 2016

White Waltham – Recoleta Memorial Cup (-2-0): 7 – 8 May Wicklow – 50/50 Tournament (Cosimo Cup) (0): 7 – 8 May Pangbourne – The Spring Cup (0-4): 7 – 15 May Cheshire – Farewell Cup (-4- -1): 7 – 8 May Guards – Committee Cup (4-8): 8 – 22 May Beaufort – La Ema Polo Mallet (0-4): 10 – 21 May Cirencester – à Brassard Trophy (0-40): 10 – 22 May Kirtlington – The Management Cup (4-6): 11 – 15 May Hurtwood – Bluebell Trophy (0-2): 12 – 15 May Cambridge County – Frolic May Cup (-4-0): 14 – 25 May Cheshire – Visitor’s Bowl (-4-0): 14 – 15 May Eastwood – Polo Manager’s Trophy (-4-0): 14 – 15 May Sussex – May Cup (-4-0): 14 – 15 May Tidworth – Maddison Cup (-4-0): 14 – 15 May Westcroft Park – Spring Cup (-2-0): 14 – 15 May White Waltham – Carlitos Polo Tournament (-2-0): 14 – 15 May Beverley – RB 2000 Tournament (0-2): 14 – 15 May Edgeworth – Field Barn Cup (0-2): 14 – 15 May Ham – Ham House Tournament (-2-2): 14 – 15 May Knepp Castle – Dragon’s Plate 2 Goal Tournament (0-2): 14 – 15 May Ranksboro – Ranksboro 2 Goal (0-2): 14 – 15 May Taunton – Chairman’s Cup (0-2): 14 – 15 May Tidworth – Maddison Cup (0-2): 14 – 15 May Vaux Park – Spring Challenge (-2-2): 14 – 15 May Cambridge County – Cambridge County May Cup (0-4): 14 – 15 May Cheshire – Cheshire Champion Cup (0-4): 14 – 15 May Binfield Heath – Margaret Duvall 6 Goal (4-6): 14 – 15 May Guards – The Labrador Trophy (0-2): 14 – 29 May Cirencester – Gerald Balding Cup (4-8): 16 – 30 May DBPC – The Stoneythorpe Cup (2-6): 17 – 22 May RCBPC – 4-8 Goal Open Tournament (4-8): 17 – 22 May Beaufort – Kernow Cup (0-6): 17 – 29 May Burningfold – Loxwood Cup (-2-2): 18 – 22 May Kirtlington – James Budgett Trophy (2-4): 18 – 22 May Hurtwood – Lola’s Trophy (4-6): 19 – 23 May Chester – The Coutts International (8): 20 – 21 May Cheshire – Chairman’s Cup (0-2): 21 – 22 May Ranelagh – Copa La Colorada (0-2): 21 – 22 May

Sussex – The Polo Shop Trophy (-2-2): 21 – 22 May White Waltham – Spring Cup (0-2): 21 – 22 May Ranelagh – Copa La Colorada (4-6): 21 – 22 May Edinburgh – Edinburgh Spring Tournament (0-4): 21 – 22 May Fifield – Silver Trophy (2-4): 21 – 22 May Suffolk – Graceland Tournament (-4-4): 21 – 22 May Tidworth – Cholderton Cup (0-4): 21 – 22 May Blueys – The Farriers Cup (-4-0): 21 – 22 May DBPC – The Southam Trophy (-4-0): 21 – 22 May Edgeworth – The -2 to 0 Tournament (-2-0): 21 – 22 May New Forest – Chairmanship Cup (-4-0): 21 – 22 May Offchurch Bury – Spring Forward Cup (-4-0): 21 – 22 May Silver Leys – Blue Ribband Cup (-2-0): 21 – 22 May Taunton – Hatchmoor Boomerang Cup (-4-0): 21 – 22 May West Wycombe – Spring Shield (-2-0): 21 – 22 May White Rose – Yeo 2 x 2 (-4-0): 21 – 22 May Wicklow – Friends and Family Tournament (-4-0): 21 – 22 May Cheshire – Chairman’s Plate (-4- -1): 21 – 22 May Kirtlington – Kirtlington Cup (4-6): 25 – 30 May RCBPC – The Polo Managers Trophy (0-4): 26 – 30 May Hurtwood – Havilland Cup (0-2): 26 – 30 May Kirtlington – Sonara Classic (-4-0): 27 – 30 May Cheshire – Dearnford Hall Trophy (0-2): 28 – 29 May Edgeworth – Edgeworth Challenge (0-2): 28 – 29 May Ham – Mixed Doubles (-2-2): 28 – 29 May New Forest – Spring Tournament (County Galway) (-2-2): 28 – 29 May New Forest – Little Poet Cup (-2-2): 28 – 29 May Westcroft Park – Westcroft Park Cup (-2-2): 28 – 29 May White Waltham – Coronation Cup (0-2): 28 – 29 May Cambridge County – Hyde Pacific Tournament (0-4): 28 – 29 May Binfield Heath – May Tournament (4-6): 28 – 29 May Rutland – The Bronze Horse (-1-1): 28 – 29 May Tidworth – Almost Best of British (-2-0): 28 May Binfield Heath – May Tournament (-4-0): 28 – 29 May Cambridge County – Hyde Pacific Tournament (-4-0): 28 – 29 May Epsom – The NATO Cup (-4-0): 28 – 29 May www.polotimes.co.uk

Dates for Your Diary Knepp Castle – 0 goal Tournament (-2-0): 28 – 29 May New Forest – Spring Tournament (County Galway) (-4-0): 28 – 29 May New Forest – Little Poet Cup (-4-0): 28 – 29 May Ranelagh – Copa Fin De Mayo (-2-0): 28 – 29 May Rugby – Faraday Cup (-4-0): 28 – 29 May Sussex – The Victory Cup (-4-0): 28 – 29 May Taunton – Western-Super-Mare Trophy (-4-0): 28 – 30 May Cheshire – Ashbrooke Cup (-4- -1): 28 – 29 May

Open

Vale of York – Sabanasaurous Trophy: 7 May New Forest – Mawaz Khan Cup: NFPC vs Millfield School: 7 – 8 May West Wycombe – Welcome Cup: 7 – 8 May Vale of York – Yorkshire Game Fair Cup: 22 May Beaufort – Prep Schools and Colts Tournament: 29 May Tidworth – Best of British Under 25s: 29 May Pangbourne – The West Berkshire Schools Exhibition Trophy: 28 – 30 May Tidworth – Royal Artillery Cup: 30 May

Looking Ahead UK Summer 2016 High Goal Dates RCBPC – The Prince of Wales Trophy (17-22): 7 – 14 May Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland’s Cup (15-18): May 15 – 5 June Guards – The Cartier Queen’s Cup (17-22): May 17 – 11 June (rescheduled to Saturday Final) Cirencester – The Apsley Cup (15-18): 8 – 26 June Cirencester – Warwickshire Cup (17-22): 14 – 19 June Cowdray – The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for the British Open (Open): June 21 – 17 July Coworth – Indian Empire Shield (15-18): June 28 – 16 July Guards – The Royal Salute Coronation Cup (Open): 23 July Cowdray – Challenge Cup (15-18): 18 – 31 July

Victor Ludorum UK Summer 2016 Season Dates 15 Goal Victor Ludorum Guards – The Royal Windsor Cup (12-15): May 30 – 19 June RCBPC – The Eduardo Moore Tournament (12-15): June 25 – 9 July Cowdray – The Harrison Cup (12-15): 18 – 30 July Cirencester – The County Cup (12-15): 1 – 14 August Beaufort – The Arthur Lucas Cup (12-15): 16 – 28 August

12 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cowdray – Dollar Cup (8-12): 9 – 29 May RCBPC – The John Prestwich Trophy (812): May 30 – 11 June www.polotimes.co.uk

Beaufort – The Prince of Wales’ Cup (8-12): 13 – 25 June Cirencester – The Queen Mother Trophy (8-12): June 27 – 10 July Guards – Duke of Wellington Trophy (8-12): 2 – 14 August Cirencester – Cheltenham Cup (8-12): August 23 – 4 September Cowdray – Autumn League (8-12): 6 – 18 September

8 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cirencester – Gerald Balding (4-8): 16 – 30 May Guards – Archie David (4-8): 3 – 26 June RCBPC – The Julian and Howard Hipwood Trophy (4-8): June 29 – 16 July Cowdray – Holden White Challenge Cup (4-8): 19 – 31 July Beaufort – Wichenford Bowl (4-8): 8 – 21 August

Polo directory

Overseas Highlights

America

Santa Barbara – The Belmond El Encanto Polo Classic (16): 8 – 10 July Santa Barbara – USPA Maserati Silver Cup (16): 15 – 24 July Santa Barbara – USPA Nespresso America Cup (16): July 29 – 7 August Santa Barbara – Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open (16): 12 – 28 August

6 Goal Victor Ludorum

DBPC – The Stoneythorpe Cup (2-6): 16 – 22 May Beaufort – The Eduardo Rojas Lanusse Cup (2-6): May 31 – 11 June Rutland – The Assam Cup (2-6): 20 – 26 June Cheshire – Junior County Cup (2-6): 4 – 10 July Cambridge County – The Cavendish Cup (2-6): 18 – 24 July Kirtlington – Budgett Everett Trophy (2-6): July 28 – 7 August Ham – Roehampton Cup (2-6): 12 – 21 August Cirencester – Kingscote Cup (2-6): August 22 – 3 September

Barbados

Holders – President’s & Kearns Trophy: 14 May

Non HPA Club Polo Events

London – Chestertons Polo in the Park: 3 June Sandbanks – British Beach Polo Championships: 8 – 9 July

Women’s Polo For ladies polo highlights turn to our Women’s Polo section for a full list of dates.

Save the Date Charity Events

Ham – International Charity Support Trust Polo Classic Tournament: 16 July Longdole – Electric Bicycle Polo: 3 July Fifield – Polo for Heroes: 30 July Kirtlington – Air Ambulance Fundraiser Dinner: 27 August

Youth Polo

For Youth polo highlights turn to our Youth section for a full list of dates.

Croatia

Rovini – Beach Polo Tournament: 12 – 15 May

Save the Date Social Events

The London Polo Club – Pre Season Cocktail Party: 29 April Kirtlington – Members’ Opening Party: 1 May DBPC – Opening Season Party: 14 May Beaufort – BPC Cocktail Party: 21 May DBPC – Victor Ludorum Finals Day: 22 May Rutland – Summer Ball: 28 May Kirtlington – Varsity Challenge and After Party: 29 May Guards – The 11th Polo Awards: 31 May Cheshire – Wirral Ladies’ Polo Party: 3 June Kirtlington – 90th Anniversary Polo Ball: 30 July Editor’s Note – All dates are correct at time of going to press. Polo Times takes no responsibility for fixtures moved, cancelled or altered. Always check with the Club(s) for the most up-to-date fixtures lists. Polo Times, MAY 2016

Kirtlington Park Polo Club Polo Office Park Farm Kirtington Oxon OX5 3JQ Tel: 01869 350138 Fax: 01869 351639 Email: info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Chairman: Polo Manager: Treasurer: Chief Umpire: Welfare Officer:

John Tylor Josh Tuthill Frances Maksinski Josh Tuthill Amanda Fontanarrosa

www.kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk 2016 Key Dates 1st 1st

8th 29th 30th

June 12th 19th 26th

12 goal Challenge Final KPPC Open Day & Throw In Drinks Party Highclere Castle Fewster Cup 8 Goal Varsity Polo Day and after party Kirtlington Cup 4 goal

Barlow Trophy 6 goal SUPA national senior schools Summerfield’s school invitational Day

July 16th 17th 30th

August 7th 27th 29th 29th

Armed Forces Polo Weekend Dent Cup 4 goal 90th Anniversary Polo Ball Budgett Everett Final Air Ambulance Charity Ball Lousada Trophy 4 goal Thorneloe Ladies Open

Archive photography by Kirtlington Park Polo Club

May

Correct at time of going to press

Join us celebrating our 90th birthday this season

Changing ponies pre World War 2 at the end of Ground 1. The photo shows the trees were still covering what is now Ground 2

POLO PONIES FOR SALE

BRETT POLO Ponies suitable for all levels Can be tried in chukkas at Trippetts Farm GU30 7JX near Cowdray West Sussex Practises played at 10am Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday every week throughout the season on irrigated sanded fields

Contact Henry 07970 029927 www.brettpolo.com Email henry@brettpolo.com

STONEHURST POLO & STUD SPECIALISTS IN POLO BREEDING

• Embryo transfer (ET) • Artificial insemination (AI) – Fresh, chilled & frozen • Natural Covering • Hormonal treatment and reproductive management • Treatment for mares with decreased fertility

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To find out more please contact us at nico@stonehurstfarmstud.com Or visit our website www.stonehurstfarmstud .com

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

From £65 per set www.red-anvil.co.uk charlie@red-anvil.co.uk

+44 (0) 7834 551 357

Polo Marketplace

Classifieds

Marketplace

Polo Arena Construction

Transport

FORD IVECO,3.5 TONNE, 03, TRI STAR BODY Partitioned for 5, manual, 12month MOT, aluminium flooring, rubber matting and sides throughout, very easy ramp, living space,Luton and tack lockers, internal door from cab to horses, isolator switch. Very good condition throughout £14,000 Contact 01672 562413 or 07971 107259 Wiltshire

C o n t r a C to r s

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Manege Construction Pony Lines & Wash-Down Areas Lunge Rings & Exercise Tracks Equestrian & Stock Fencing Roads & Tracks Hard Standings & Concrete Slabs Special Projects

for more information please contact: tel: 01483 894 888 • mob: 07836 356714 • fax: 01483 892 497 email: jeremy@jcfc.co.uk web: www.jcfc.o.uk

Y REG LEYLAND DAF, NON-HGV, 6 HORSES For sale as giving up. Drives really well. Just had 3 new tyres. Will come with a year’s plating and tax. £5,750 ono Contact 07795 567757 Crewe, Cheshire

7.5 TON MERCEDES LORRY WITH ELECTRIC RAMP Excellent condition converted lorry with electric ramp. Driven by female driver, drives like a car. 3 stall with large tack room that can be further converted to 6 stall lorry or living. isolator switch. £9,500 ono Contact 01798 872833 for more info West Sussex

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6 PONY 7.5 TONNE POLO LORRY 2004 DAF 181,000 miles, excellent condition, aluminium floor w/rubber, new ramp w/light, cctv in box, spare tire w/jack+tools, fire extinguisher, el. windows. £16,000 Contact 07747 778822 or t_h_t@btinternet.com Salisbury, Wiltshire

MERCEDES 814 HORSE LORRY FOR SALE **REDUCED FROM £6,995** 2 axle, 7.5 tonne, 6000cc turbo. Immaculate box with aluminium frame and galvanized partitions with full height opening tack area. Carries 4-6 ponies. 11 months test. 218,500 miles. Reg H976 HJF. £5,000 Contact Chris Crawford on 07762 069492 Kirtlington, Oxfordshire

ĂŶĞ ŵĂůůĞƚƐ ĂůƐŽ ŵĂĚĞ ƚŽ ŽƌĚĞƌ 'ƌĞĂƚ ƐŚŝƉƉŝŶŐ ƌĂƚĞƐ ĚŽŽƌ ƚŽ ĚŽŽƌ

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5 PONY MAN 7.5TON Regularly used lorry, basic living with large luton. Rubber flooring and ramp. Serviced and maintained to high standard,12 month MOT, DEFRA certificate for domestic journeys. VAT added to selling price. £5,000 Contact 07831 365194 Central Scotland

Polo Times, MAY 2016

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4/5 PONY POLO LORRY 7.5T DAF 45 Very clean condition lorry, tested, new tyres, barn stored, meticulously maintained-ready for 2016 season. On air-shallow load and smooth ride. £10,500 ovno Contact Ellesha on 07557 781057 Suffolk

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Marketplace

Classifieds

POLO RAT

N1 OUO

Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer £750 Contact 07860 906032

Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer £1,250 Contact 07860 906032

One year £55 One year £65 One year £80 One year £90 One year £55

DEALS STOCKGREAT TO CLEAR DUE TO SEMI RETIREMENT AVAILABLE NOW!

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2006 IVECO EUROCARGO ML180E21/P 18 Ton, 11 Horse, 2001 SCHMITZ SK020L 40ft Artic Cab, Trailer, Water 17 Horses, New conSleeper Tank, Fans, version fitted withFULL fans, TEST. water tanks Sold with Passed with to carry horses (ADEFRA CHOICE) over 8 hours. Full Test. With or without Unit

Print and digital subscription (inc App & Website access) UK (direct debit only) UK EU WW SUPA/SAPA

Equipment

Two years £90 Two years £110 Two years £140 Two years £160 Two years £99

2006 IVECO EUROCARGO 17 Horse 40ft Artic Trailer NewVOLVO Conversion MERCEDES ATEGO 1823 2004 FM9 30018 Ton,2004 ML180E21/P 11 Horse, With Water Tanks, Lockers 2005 MAN 8.155 7.5 Ton,Ramp 5/6 11 Horse, Day Cab, Hydraulic 11 Horse, Day Cab, 26 Ton Axle Lift Sky Lights, Fans Horse, Newly Painted, Test Until Large Tack Lockers, 12 Months MOT Hydraulic Ramp, Body allWater alloy Sleeper Cab, Tank, Fans, FULL March 2016. Bottle Green In Paint Shop to be painted On Air, TEST Full Test Sold with FULL TEST. (A CHOICE) To view our stock visit our website www.tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk Email: enquires@tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk To see our range of Horseboxes Tel: 01325 332 649 Mobile: 07901 857960 Fax: 01325 333554 Eddlethorpe Farm, Stockton Sadberge, Darlington, Co Durham DL2 1TB please visit ourRoad,website: ALL VEHICLES ARE PLUS VAT FINANCE AVAILABLE www.tsharkercommercialshorseboxes.co.uk TNS Quarter page portrait.indd 1

Two years £99

SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS ESPECIALLY 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

18/09/2013 18:46

Equestrian/Polo Centre Development Opportunity

Digital Only subscription

(App & website access) 6 months £30 One year £55 SUPA/SAPA rate One year £45

2006 MAN 12.183 FRC/C 4.5 2006 MAN 12.183 FRC/C 4.5 Carry 8 Large Horses, 12 Ton, To carry 8 Large Horses, 12 ton, Automatic, New Alloy Body Automatic, New Alloy Body, with With Water Tank, Certifi Water Tanks, Fans.Fans, Certificate to cated to Horses carry horses over 12 Carry over 12 hours hours, Sold with FULL TEST 74000km warranted. Full Test. (A CHOICE)

48.95 acres (19.81ha) Hogshead Lane, Sandiway, Northwich, Cheshire CH8 2ET

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

For Sale by Private Treaty Full planning consent for Equestrian/Polo Centre (ref: 06/2046/FUM) to comprise club house, 32 stables, living accommodation, polo pitch, ménage, cross country course and grazing land. Guide Price: Offers in excess of £650,000

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

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times Limited 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

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

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

Just in CASE you need a new tractor; consider this Case Maxxum 125 with turf tyres. Ideal for all ground care work. Front PTO, Front linkage, Clutchless forwardreverse shuttle, Air-conditioning. Call for price - Hire option available.

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

Kawasaki 4010 Mule & others in stock. We stock a range of RTV / UTV / ATVs as well as electric buggies. Speak to our customer support team to ﬁnd out more.

Massey Ferguson 1540 compact tractor in excellent condition. Perfect all round compact with rear PTO. Contact our ground care team to discuss your requirements.

Kubota L4240 a 4x4 4cyl 44hp little workhorse. Hydrostatic gearbox & independant rear 540 PTO.

Best paddock sweepers on the market. Several PC1800s in stock. Prices start at £5750 + VAT

MAJOR TDR 1600s - Choice of almost new to ex-hire. Prices starting at £5000 + VAT, Hire option available

John Deere 1545 Ride-On mower. Fully serviced April 2016! This 31HP 4WD mower makes all the difference when you want the job done properly. Yours for £9000 + VAT. Rental option

With 6 rotors and full width rollers front and rear. Meaning ground contours are followed accurately and ensures unbroken striped effect on turf / sports pitch. Ex-hire machine from leisure park. £6000 + VAT

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

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

Polo Times, MAY 2016

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Cowdray based 7 goaler Joaquin Pittaluga talks to Polo Times about his passions for polo, ponies, Forest Gump and the Beatles What is your biggest passion and why? My biggest passion is good polo ponies. Investing in breeding, bloodlines, following through with their training, in fact everything to do with producing good polo ponies. What is your all time best polo memory? It would have to be when Magoo Laprida, Tomas Garcia del Rio and Diego Cavanagh and I won the Municipalidad de Pilar and the Camara de Diputados as a 25 goal team. Who are your favourite teammates and why? I have been lucky to play with a lot of really good teammates, but I especially enjoy playing with Magoo Laprida and Rodrigo Rueda Jr. It’s an even better scenario when I play in a team with both of them together.

Favourite films? Forest Gump and About time. Favourite song? While my guitar gently weeps by the Beatles. Favourite food? It has to be Ceviche. Most prized possession? My farm in San Ignacio. Favourite celebrity and why? Messi because I have never seen anyone play football like he does.

Best pony and why? Carpeta, has played amazingly for me over the past few seasons and seems to be great for breeding as her offspring are showing that they will be as good as her. Are you passionately superstitious – what and why? Yes really. I don’t know why, but I know I shouldn’t tell. One thing which would surprise us about you? Probably that I was good at school.

Best holiday destination & activity ? A farm in La Patagonia called Arroyo Verde.

Hardest opponent? Facundo Pieres and Cambiaso.

Polo Times, MAY 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk

Safety at Play Safety at Play

Stylish, practical, comfortable & safe •

BSI PAS 015 Kitemark

Totally flexiblepractical, peak Stylish, comfortable & safe •

Tally Ho Farm

• •

Metal retention clip and leather four-point harness BSI PAS 015 Kitemark

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Removable andpeak machine washable hat liner and a handy hat bag. Totally flexible Spare liners can also be purchased separately Metal retention clip and leather four-point harness Fiberglass outer shell with a final finish which can be of either cotton or leather, in a variety of colours andwashable a bespoke service is available designs and Removable and machine hat liner and a handy for hatpersonal bag. embroidery Spare liners can also be purchased separately

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• EUROPE’S LARGEST POLO SUPPLIER • • • • •

Available at:

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Edition Hats are tested by the British Standards Institute, who cotton are Fiberglass outer shell with a final finish which can be of either or leather, an body specialising in the testing of safetyfor products in aindependent variety of colours and a bespoke service is available personal designs and embroidery Designed, made and tested in the UK Edition Hats are tested by the British Standards Institute, who are an independent body specialising in the testing of safety products Designed, made and tested in the UK

UK: Tally Ho Farm Ltd, Crouch Lane, Winkfield, Windsor, Berkshire. SL4 4RZ. www.tallyhofarm.co.uk Available at: Mainland Europe: PERFORMANCE POLO, +41-76-382-5512 info@performance-polo.com www.performance-polo.com

Official Equestrian Supplier to the England Polo Team

UK: Tally Ho Farm Ltd, Crouch Lane, Winkfield, Windsor, Berkshire. SL4 4RZ. www.tallyhofarm.co.uk

Mainland Europe: PERFORMANCE POLO, +41-76-382-5512 info@performance-polo.com www.performance-polo.com

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