PoloTimes May17 by Edit

Volume 22 • Issue 4 • May 2017 • £6.50

US ROUND-UP Valiente secure Triple Crown FAMILY FOCUS The history behind the Emersons KILL PEN PONIES The sad tale of equine slaughterhouses stateside PLUS: Armis Polo Helmet & Moor Farm Polo Club Feature

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Contents

Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside...

May 2017

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

Editorial Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk Jen Liggins PR Manager & Editorial editorial@polotimes.co.uk Editorial & Subscriptions Sarah Flight office@polotimes.co.uk Advertising Sales Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk Principal Design James Morgan

Additional Design Tony Ruddy

News Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk Accounts & Administtration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors:

Stephen Biddlecombe, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Lorna Edgar, Tony Emerson, Andreas Krüger, Rege Ludwig, Will Mawby, Louise Siggers, Robin Spicer Martín Perez, ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com

Contact details

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

www.polotimes.co.uk

35 8 16 18

All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update

Comment 20

Your Views: Letters

Features 22 24 26 30

Big Picture Cover Story: The Emerson Family Cover Story: Kill Pen Ponies Cover Story: New Kids on the Block, Moor Farm Polo Club

Reports 32 35 40

One Caribbean Estates Cheshire Tour Cover Story: US High Goal Season Round-Up Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series

Club Focus 42

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Military 57

UOTC Arena Cup

Knowledge 58 61 62 64 66 68 70

Nutrition Focus: Colic Case Study Equipment Focus: The Gonzalito Saddle Cover Story: Equipment Focus: Armis Polo Playing Tips with Rege Ludwig: Upper Leg Contact Fitness For Polo: Let’s Get to Work! Bit Focus: Parrot Mouth Advice Polodoc: The Powerhouse for the Hand

Sidelines 72 74

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

Polo Directory: 80

What’s On in May?

Final bell: 88

Passions: Harold Hodges

© Polo Times Limited 2017 and Database Right 2017 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

Cover photograph: Adolfo Cambiaso celebrates yet another US Open victory. By Hillary Oswald

Polo Times, May 2017

Women’s Polo 48

A Round-Up of Women’s Polo

Youth Polo

All Aspects of Youth Polo

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TheJewel Jewel in in the The Crown of of Polo Polo Crown

Watch the World’s best polo players and enjoy the finest hospitality at polo’s most exclusive club

Watch the World’s best polo players and enjoy the finestSocial hospitality atPolopolo’s mostaccess exclusive club members of Guards Club have unlimited to the Mosimann’s at Guards Clubhouse Restaurant. Be part of this sport’s number one club by calling us on 01784 434212 or emailing membership@guardspoloclub.com

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Where do the weeks between February (most notable for my birthday of course) and May go to? It seems that one moment, it is freezing cold and the intrepid are bringing their ponies into work and then, seemingly in the blink of an eye, the days are long and the summer polo season is getting underway. As I write, The Prince of Wales Tournament is set to start at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club heralding the beginning of the 22 goal season here in the UK. Frankly, it is a relief to see the high goal teams setting up their stall at all for 2017 – for it was dark days indeed, as the Hurlingham Polo Association was forced to lock horns with the Home Office over the dreaded visa issue. With a number of overseas players, grooms and their entourages refused entry as a consequence, most polo soothsayers darkly foretold of no high goal at all, so it is encouraging to see a healthy 11 teams provisionally announced (slightly down on last year). Although no high goal would have technically, only immediately affected a few teams, the long-term ripple affect would have undoubtedly created disarray across all levels of polo, not just the elite level. So, whilst we have been told that the HPA’s much-fought for armistice on visas is a temporary one, (in that change for the 2018 polo season is still on the cards), let us hope that polo’s standing as a legitimate sport which significantly contributes to the UK economy is understood and firmly recognised by the Home Office. Moreover, if change is really deemed to be necessary, let us hope that the mandarins in Whitehall, this time round, ensure that any proposed changes are properly debated so that the affects are fully thought through, before, rather than after, they have been implemented. Adopting my perennial ‘glass half full’ approach, despite dark days earlier in the year, from what I see, the 2017 polo season in the UK looks burgeoning and in a good place – testament to this being Shropshirebased Moor Farm Polo Club’s inaugural tournament which was played in front of over 1,200 spectators. In many ways, it seems as though, having nearly lost it all, that we are all appreciating the polo that we have. Working together, we can shoulder the depressing thought of endless election debates monopolising the media and instead enjoy the arrival of the summer polo season. Here’s to all that’s great about the UK in the summer – evening chukkas, summer coated ponies, a chilled glass of wine on the Clubhouse steps – it’s all to look forward to and all to play for. Long may the positivity continue. Enjoy. Nick Hine, Publisher 8

Polo Times, May 2017

News Friends Of Brooke On Tuesday 4 April Brooke – Action for Working Horses and Donkeys – launched Friends Of Brooke, a new initiative for its loyal supporters. Hosted by Patron Alastair Stewart at Surrey’s picturesque Loseley Park, the evening gave guests the chance to hear all about the programme which allows members to become more closely involved with the work in the field, receive invites to special events throughout the year and exclusive updates on the charity’s work across the developing world. Petra Ingram, Chief Executive of Brooke said: “We are so grateful to our donors for helping us reach so many animals in need. Friends of Brooke is the perfect opportunity for our most loyal and knowledgeable supporters to hear more

Photograph courtesy of Brook

from the Publisher

Friends of Brooke launched on Tuesday 4 April

about the details of our work, and actually get involved by meeting the staff that make it all happen”.

Strategic and Help for Heroes join forces Peter O’Rorke’s Strategic polo team will be playing the 2017 Victor Ludorum 8 goal season as Strategic Help for Heroes. As an authorised fundraiser for Help for Heroes, the Strategic Help for Heroes team will be playing in the 8 Goal Victor Ludorum tournaments around the country throughout the season, with Peter accompanied by a young team of British players. The team consists of: Peter O’Rorke, Matt Evetts, Archie Smyth-Osbourne and Ed Hitchman. The MOD’s Battle Back initiative – Para Polo – provides wounded, injured and sick

Peter O’Rorke’s Strategic Help for Heroes team

servicemen and women from all Forces, the chance to either get back up again, or even take it up for the first time and enjoy all of the benefits of being on and around horses. The Help for Heroes charity’s main Recovery Centre at Tedworth House is immediately adjacent to the main grounds of Tidworth Polo Club, itself the home of UK Armed Forces Polo.

BPG & RAF British Polo Gin, an artisan and 100% organic gin, has announced it will proudly be supporting RAF Polo and as such will be attending some key RAF Polo Dates. For this month’s military dates, please turn to our What’s On pages.

Aspall Polo on the Beach On 19 – 21 May, beach polo will return to Watergate Bay for the 10th year for the Aspall Polo on the Beach. With polo, Segway polo, horse jousting, beach parties, dog shows and fireworks, it’s set to be another weekend packed full of seaside fun. Watergate Bay will be celebrating its 10th anniversary

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News 22 Goal UK Season Teams As we go to press, the date for entries for The Cartier Queen’s Cup is almost upon us. However, that has not stopped the high goal rumour mill grinding on for months now and teams being provisionally announced ahead of an official list. It looks as though 10 teams will be entering The Queen’s Cup with Habtoor joining the ranks for The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for The British Open. Whilst this is not the longest list of teams (last year there were 13 entries at 22 goal level) it is a relief that the UK high goal season is looking comparatively healthy at all. We all remember those tense times earlier in the year as the Hurlingham Polo Association was locked in legal wrangles with the Home Office over visas for overseas players, their grooms and entire entourages. For now the situation has been temporarily resolved, so it is business as usual on the high goal circuit for this season; but the future is far from secure. Interesting changes of note for the 2017 season are that the world number one and 10 goal powerhouse Adolfo Cambiaso Monterosso 21 goal team

Alessandro Bazzoni (0)

Ignacio Toccalino (8)

Facundo Sola (8)

Santiago Toccalino (8)

Matt Perry (5)

Adolfo Cambiaso (10)

Hilario Ulloa (10)

Dirk van Reenen (4)

Jerónimo del Carril (6)

Rodrigo Andrade (8)

Tomás Beresford (4)

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Fred Mannix (8)

Facundo Pieres (10)

TBA

Jean-Francois Decaux (0)

Rodrigo Rueda Jnr (6)

Cristian ‘Magoo’ Laprida (8)

Diego Cavanagh (8)

Julián de Lusarreta (7)

Michael Bickford (1)

Nic Roldan (7)

Luke Tomlinson (6)

James Beim (6)

James Harper (6)

Francisco Elizalde (7)

Isidro Strada (6)

Agustín Merlos (8)

El Remanso 21 goal team

Guillermo Terrera (8)

Sommelier 22 goal team

George Hanbury (3)

Gonzalo Pieres Jnr (10)

La Indiana 22 goal team

Sifani 21 goal team (Queen’s Cup only)

Hilali Nordeen (0)

Top Srivaddhanaprabha (1)

La Bamba de Areco 22 goal team

RH Polo 22 goal team

Ben Soleimani (0)

UK 22 Goal Dates: RCBPC – Prince of Wales: 6 – 20 May Guards – Cartier Queen’s Cup: May 23 – 18 June Cirencester – Warwickshire Cup: 20 – 25 June Cowdray – Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup: June 27 – 23 July King Power goal team

Murus Sanctus 22 goal team

Corinne Ricard (0)

(fresh from his US Triple Crown win with Valiente) will not be playing for his long-term team, Dubai – in fact Dubai will not feature at all. Instead Cambiaso has opted to play with Ben Soleimani’s RH team. The Pieres fraternal duo of Gonzalito and Facundo will stay with King Power alongside patron Top Srivaddhanaprabha with a slot on the team still waiting to be filled by a young Brit player still to be announced. The patriotic amongst us will notice a relatively healthy crop of British players amongst the ranks. Worthy of a particular cheer on from the sidelines is the only all Brit line-up of El Remanso, with Charlie Hanbury being joined by England Captain James Beim alongside James Harper and Ollie Cudmore. A full guide to the British 22 goal season will follow in our June issue.

Charlie Hanbury (4)

Ollie Cudmore (5)

Habtoor 21 goal team (Gold Cup only)

Juan Gris Zavaleta (7)

Alec White (4)

Mohammed Al Habtoor (0)

Nicolás Pieres (8)

Polo Times, May 2017

News British Beach Polo Championships

More than $275,000 Raised for Brooke USA

2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the British Beach Polo Championships

Photograph by Alex Pacheco: 7ChukkerPolo.com

Photograph courtesy of British Beach Polo Championships

Preparations are well underway for the 10th anniversary of the British Beach Polo Championships at Sandbanks, Poole. This year, the event will be held on 7 – 8 July, with four teams battling it out to take the title. Alongside the main competition, there will also be university and junior matches, a polo pony vs 4x4 race and international beach volleyball – so plenty to keep the crowds entertained.

Action from Nic Roldan’s 2nd Annual Sunset Polo & White Party exhibition match

World Polo Tour

Photography by David Lominska

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Cambiaso & Lusarreta have both moved up the WPT rankings

Following the Copa Republica, RD Polo Challenge and USPA Gold Cup points have been updated for the World Polo Tour rankings. These changes have meant that Argentinean Julian ‘Negro’ de Lusarreta has made it into the top 10, jumping up from 11th to 10th and world number one Adolfo Cambiaso now leads over Facundo Pieres by 387 points. 12

Polo Times, May 2017

Nic Roldan’s 2nd Annual Sunset Polo & White Party, hosted by Mark and Katherine Bellissimo to benefit Brooke USA, was a success on Friday 24 March as the event raised more than $275,000 for working equines in some of the world’s most underprivileged countries. The sold-out event, held at The Wanderers Club saw an exciting sunset polo match with Nic Roldan leading Tito’s Handmade Vodka to a tie against Aithon Capital Management. The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award was presented to Darren Marotta of Aithon Capital, and Jessica Springsteen’s X-Box was named Best Playing Pony. Team Aithon Capital’s Brandon Phillips commented, “It’s really fun to participate and support Nic and the Brooke USA. We enjoyed the game more because it is for a good cause”. For social pictures from the event, please turn to our Sidelines pages.

England vs India at Chestertons Chestertons Polo in the Park have announced that England will face India on Friday 9 June. The Indian team will be led by HH Maharaja Padmanabh Singh (2) and will also include Shamsher Ali Khan (6) and Samir Suhag (5). The Spring issue of The Polo Magazine includes an interview with HH Maharaja Padmanabh ‘Pacho’ Singh, so to read more about the Captain of the Indian team – call 01452 730770 to subscribe. www.polotimes.co.uk

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News Trump’s Polo Connection Teddy Roosevelt might have been the last US President to play the game, but we have been surprised to learn that the now President of the USA Donald Trump fielded his own polo team during the heydays of the Atlantic City casinos. Whilst looking through the family polo archive Mary Hine was surprised to rediscover a clipping from The Times in 1989 referring to the Trump polo team here in the UK. It would seem that in that year Trump contributed to the funding of a polo team which took part in the Cowdray Gold Cup. The team consisted of Ricardo Mansur, Red Armour, Tommy Wayman and Nick Evans at back. We spoke to Nick Evans and his memories of the season were somewhat sketchy other than remembering the shirts as being (somewhat unsurprisingly) “Flamboyant”. It was a one season wonder as Brigadier Arthur Douglas-Nugent confirmed the Trump team were not back for the 1990 season. This ties in with reports that a Trump Polo Team toured the East Coast of America from 1985 to 1987, apparently the sponsorship was organised by Dave Hanlin who was the Manager of Trump’s casinos in Atlantic City. If you have any recollection of the UK Gold Cup team and more specifically Trump’s involvement (did his feet ever set foot on Cowdray’s hallowed Lawns) please do contact us as we would A clipping from The Times dated 5 July 1989, love to find out more. with a tantalizing Trump polo titbit

Polo Times, May 2017

New Faces at Polo Times The team here at Polo Times HQ has been bolstered by three recent new members of staff. Jen Liggins joins the team as PR Manager, tackling our social media and also joining the editorial team. Jen has joined us having spent the majority of her life involved in polo (early on finding herself attached by her toddler’s harness to the back of the family’s iconic yellow lorry). Following playing at school and uni, and two seasons as polo secretary at Kirtlington, she took some time to hone her editorial and PR skills in the ‘outside’ world, but was quickly and somewhat inevitably lured back into polo. Sarah Flight joins us to bring her excellent customer service experience and administrative skills to make our subscriptions department run with unparalleled efficiency. Rosalind Cutter is another administrative marvel and will be assisting with accounts, dispatch and logistics. Collectively this trio of enthusiasm and efficiency look forward to either meeting our readers in person at polo or at the very least at the end of the telephone here at Polo Times HQ.

Jen Liggins, Sarah Flight and Roz Cutter have joined the team at Polo Times

Royal Salute Coronation Cup Online ticketing for the Royal Salute Coronation Cup has been launched. So for the first time there is the ability for people to purchase online and also choose seats. Tickets can then be printed off or shown on a phone for admission. The Royal Salute Coronation Cup will be held on Saturday 29 July at Guards Polo Club and will see Flannels England take on GT Bank Commonwealth. Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk to purchase tickets which start at £25 for general admission.

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CMY

Saturday 20th May

Poloclub.uk or call 01344 890 060

HPA News

HPA News The latest news both home and abroad from the HPA

England face India in Mumbai On Saturday 11 March, the England team faced India in an International friendly at St. Regis Mumbai. It was a real fight and tussle and was always within one goal. The teams equalised in the last 30 seconds on the 4th chukka with a final score of 5-5.

at the FIP World Championship in October in Sydney, Australia. To coincide, Chantilly Polo Club have organised the 1st FIP Ladies European Championship with teams from England, France, Germany and Italy doing battle to be crowned Ladies European champion in the 7 May Final. For full team breakdowns, turn to FIP Update and Women’s Polo pages.

England (14) India (14) Will Emerson (5) Sunny Patel (1) Nacho Gonzalez (6) Abhimanyu Pathak (5) Terence Lent (2) Salim Azmi (3) James McCarthy (1) Dhruvpal Godara (5) FIP World Championships The HPA has announced that the Zone C Playoffs of the XI FIP 14 Goal World Championships will be held at Chantilly Polo Club between 29 April and 7 May. National teams from England, France, Germany & Spain will compete to see which two teams will represent the region Previous New H’cap H’cap NR 6

Surname

First Name

Arena Club

Girard

Olivier

RCBPC

Hyde

Chris

Westcroft Park

Gonzalez

Nacho

RCBPC

(9)

Webb

Peter

Emsworth Polo Grounds

(7)

Club Chief Umpires Meeting On Wednesday 12 April the HPA held the annual Club Chief Umpires Meeting. For the meeting minutes and more information, please visit the HPA website: www.hpa-polo.co.uk Emsworth Coaching Course On 19 – 20 April, the HPA held a 2017 training course at Emsworth Polo Grounds. Arena End of Season Handicap Changes These will be effective from Monday 1 May and can be found below. Previous New H’cap H’cap 1 2

Surname

First Name

Arena Club

Cadogan

Charlie*

Druids Lodge

Camus

Orlando

Fifield

Dove

Colin

Edinburgh

Hutchings

Harry*

Emsworth Polo Grounds

Morrison

Jamie

RCBPC

Mander

Lucia

Rugby

Williams

Roddy

RCBPC

Marsden

George*

RCBPC

Amaya

Matias

Offchurch Bury

(6)

Meakin

Abi

Druids Lodge

Otamendi

Daniel

Emsworth Polo Grounds

(6)

Milton

Christopher

Rugby

Collett

Grant

Offchurch Bury

Simpson

Charles

RCBPC

Donnelly

Niall

AEPC - Hickstead

Underwood

Miles

Tidworth Arena

Emerson

William

RCBPC

Hartwell

Nick

Rugby

San Roman

Nicolas

Emsworth Polo Grounds

Menshenina

Anna

Westcroft Park

Bustamante

Nelson

RCBPC/ Westcroft Park

Sherlala

Rayahan

Rugby

Lucas

James

Druids Lodge

Antanov

Denis*

RCBPC

Morris-Lowe Edward

Cambridge

Barker

Charlie*

Tidworth Arena

Ormerod

Robin

Druids Lodge

Byrne

Mindi

Emsworth Polo Grounds

Turner

Gavin

RCBPC

Fearn

James

RCBPC

Lent

Terence*

Sussex Polo

(3)

German

Guy*

RCBPC

Amoore

Michael

RCBPC

Sharp

Henry*

SWF

Tidsall

Sophie

Edinburgh

Niels

Fifield

(2)

Rugby

Hancock

Sebastian

Ranelagh Farm

Ross

Rosie

RCBPC

Sweeney

Charlotte

Westcroft Park

Van Der Hoeven

Cork

Ollie

Hertfordshire

(2)

Watton

Alexander

Willen

Johnathan

Druids Lodge

Winsor

Heather Ann RCBPC John

RCBPC

Corbett

John

Edinburgh

Fishley

Kalis

Dylan

Druids Lodge

Ives

Lisa

Tidworth Arena

Kang

Delwar

Rugby

Kay

Connor

Rugby

Reilly

Fiona

Westcroft Park

Mackay

Julie

Druids Lodge

Shah

Mohammed Westcroft Park

Dinham

Clare

FHM Polo

Appen

Eric*

Polo Times, May 2017

RCBPC

*Under 18’s, NS Not seen, NR Not rated

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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 as well as the resurgence of polo in France in preparation for the new season

Photograph by Antoine Delaporte

Eight international teams will compete in Sydney for the World Champion title, including a team from host nation Australia, and the current World Champions Chile. Argentina and New Zealand have already won their place through the World Championship Play-offs earlier this year. Two qualifying tournaments will be held at the end of this month to provide three more spots for the WPC final round. ZONE A – North & Central America Play-Off To be played at Wellington, Florida, USA. April 22 – 30. Hosted at the Orthwein Family’s beautiful Port Mayaca Polo Club and with the Finals to be held at the IPC, national teams from the USA, Mexico & Guatemala will be arriving in time to see the prestigious US Open Final on the 23 April and

then the real competition will begin to see who will get through to represent their country at the XI FIP World Polo Championship being held in Sydney in October 2017. Tournament Director: Lord Charles Beresford. Horse Master: Jose Maria Lartirigoyen. Participating Teams: Guatemala: José Miguel Aguilar (3), Fernando Beltranena (3), Sebastián Aycinena (2), José Ignacio Beltranena (2) & Enrique Neutze (2). USA: Jesse Bray (5), Remy du Celliee Muller (5), Felipe Viana (5), Gerónimo Obregón (4), Jared Sheldon (4), Patrick Uretz (4), Daniel Galindo (2), Robert Herndon Radcliff (2) & Kenneth Wright (2). Mexico: Valerio Aguilar Sotelo (5), Juan Jose de Alba Alvarez Morphy (4), Carlos Gracida Marin (4), Mariano Gracida Marin (4), Alejandro González Keil (3), Carlos Hernández Pérez (3), Santiago Holschneider Rincon (3), Diego Velarde Villareal (3), Benito Hernandez Perez (2) & Victor Setien Valenzuela (2). ZONE C – European Play-Off Festivities start with the 94th FIP Ambassadors Cup to be played at Polo de Paris and then on the new grounds at Chateau Courances 27– 30 April and then straight to the stunning Chantilly Polo Club for the start of the European play-off and the inaugural FIP Ladies European Championship

XI World Polo Championship - Zone A Playoffs ACTIVITY NOTES AM Teams arrive & welcome cocktail Wanderers Club Sunday April 23rd PM US Open Finals International Polo Club 9:30 AM Technical Meeting & equipment distribution Monday April 24th Port Mayaca Polo Club 10:30 AM Practice Round Robin Tuesday April 25th PM Dinner Cruise TBA 10:30 AM Game 1: Mexico vs. Guatemala Wednesday April 26th Port Mayaca Polo Club 12:30 PM Lunch @ Port Mayaca Thursday April 27th FREE 10:30 AM Game 2: USA vs. Loser Game 1 Friday April 28th Port Mayaca Polo Club 12:30 PM Lunch @ Port Mayaca Saturday April 29th FREE Sunday April 30th 3:00 PM Game 3: USA vs. Winner Game 1 International Polo Club Game 1 and 2 are free and open to the public. For game 3 at IPC you can purchase tickets at ipc.coth.com. All three games will be livestreamed on the USPA Polo Network, visit uspolo.org to watch live or for more information. Zone C Playoffs & 1st Ladies European Championship Place XI WPC - ZONE C PLAYOFFS Saturday April 29th Chantilly Polo Club Technical Meeting Sunday April 30th Chantilly Polo Club FREE Monday May 1st

Chantilly Polo Club

Tuesday May 2nd

Chantilly Polo Club

Wednesday May 3rd Chantilly Polo Club Thursday May 4th Chantilly Polo Club Friday May 5th

Chantilly Polo Club

Saturday May 6th Sunday May 7th

Chantilly Polo Club Chantilly Polo Club

Polo Times, May 2017

1ST LADIES EU. CHAMPIONSHIP Technical Meeting Game 1: France vs Germany - 2pm Game 2: Italy vs England - 3:30pm Game 1: Germany vs England - 2pm FREE Game 2: France vs Spain - 3:30pm FREE Game 3: France vs Italy - 2pm Game 4: Germany vs England - 3:30pm FREE FREE Game 3: Germany vs France -2pm FREE Game 4: England vs Spain - 3:30pm FREE Game 5: Germany vs Italy - 2:pm Game 6: France vs England - 3:30pm FREE Game 7: 3rd place match - 3pm Game 5: Germany vs Spain - 1:30pm Game 8: Final match - 11:30am Game 6: France vs England - 3pm

which will run from the 28 April – 7 May. In the play-offs National Teams from England, France, Germany & Spain will compete to see which two teams will participate in the XI FIP World Championship at the Sydney Polo Club in October 2017. Simultaneously on alternate days the Chantilly Polo Club have organised the 1st FIP Ladies European Championship which highlights one of the largest growth areas in polo at present. With Ladies’ Teams from England, France, Germany & Italy participating on the eight magnificent polo grounds that Chantilly has to offer culminating in the Finals on 7 May when we will know who will be crowned the Ladies European Champions for 2017 and which two teams have qualified for the World Championships in Australia. Tournament Director: Alex Taylor. Participating Teams: France: Clement Delfosse (5), Pierre Henri N’Goumou (5), Patrick Paillol (5), Edouard Pan (4), Robert Strach (4), Florent Garneau (3), Adrien Le Gallo (3), Julien Reynes (3), Conventin Mauler (1) & Alex Sztarkman (1). Spain: Pelayo Berazadi (5), Mario Gomez (4), Antonio Ayesa (3), Nicolás Ruiz Guiñazu (3), Jose Trenor (2) & Luis Benjumea (1). England: Satnam Dhillon (5), Will Lucas (c) (4), Mark Baldwin (3) & Henry Porter (2). Germany: Heinrich Dumrath (5), Thomas Winter (4), Maximilian Bosch (3), Caesar Crasemann (3) & Caspar Crasemann (3). ZONE E – Africa, Middle East, India & Pakistan Play-Off To be played in Teheran, Iran 29 June – 7 July. India, Pakistan, South Africa and Iran will compete to see which national team will participate in the XI FIP World Championship at the Sydney Polo Club in October 2017. ZONE B – South America Play-Off Played at Punta del Este, Uruguay. 22 – 29 January. Hosted at Punta del Este Polo Club with the participation of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay. Chile had already secured its place in Sydney as the championship title holder. On 29 January Argentina won their game against Uruguay and secured a place in Sydney. ZONE D – Oceania and South East Asia Play-Off Played on neutral ground at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Centre on 2 February 2017. The Final for the Asia-Pacific qualifiers for the Polo World Championship was between New Zealand and Malaysia. New Zealand finally defeated Malaysia and will be participating in Sydney.

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WATC H E S A N D J E W E L L E RY O F

B O N D

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A truly unique and stunning property, the Old Mill House and adjoining cottage sit in their own private grounds on the edge of Windsor Great Park just five minutes from Ascot High Street. Refurbished to a beautiful standard throughout, the accommodation comprises of master bedroom with en-suite and sun terrace, a second large bedroom with en-suite, third bedroom with en-suite shower room, one further bedroom and family bathroom. On the ground floor, there is a fully fitted kitchen with large dining area, high specification utility room, separate dining room and drawing room. The beautiful views from both properties look across private paddocks, water features and woodland. The separate detached and

self-contained cottage provides a further two bedrooms both with en-suite facilities. Access to the property is via an electronic gate and garaging is available for two cars. ● The property is available for a short or long term let on both a furnished or unfurnished basis ● Utilities, SKY television, broadband and phone line are all included ● Ascot – 5 Minutes ● Heathrow – 20 Minutes ● Windsor Great Park – 2 Minutes

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Comment

Your Views

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

Dear Sirs, Whoever thought of the 10 goal ceiling was wrong. They never realised the horses would improve to such a level and be worth £100,000 each and underhandicapped players on these horses is not fair. It is wrong world-wide. Please make the game fair and safe or lose what we have always had. Please all players, make this happen. You all have your vote; use it. Was the ceiling made in India, Buenos Aires or England? This cannot be correct; there doesn’t need to be a ceiling and the ceiling has proved to very financially beneficial to Buenos Aires and Argentinean players. If it is not fair, who is going to enter The Queen’s Cup or The Gold Cup? The helmet is to protect your head from the ball… make it safe please. ‘Polo classical, no mud or blood’ – Antonio Herrera. It’s not rugby on horseback. Players must get on their horses to play and get off in one piece. Other people play at things, but I shall play the game of kings. Umpires; keep up with the game – you only get one horse for four or five chukkas. This is incorrect. You came to play polo twenty years ago, you started at -2 and played for one season. The following season you became -1, then after another season, you automatically went to 0. You had to be 1 before you could play 15 goals. To play the high goal, you had to be 2 goal handicap. Now it is reduced to zero; this cannot be correct! Patrons of 2 goals in high goal make it impossible for two 10 goal players to be in the high goal team. Let’s make the high goal fair so when entering you have a chance to win. There must be no 10 goal ceiling handicap. If a player is playing above his handicap, he must automatically go up. The ceiling has always been wrong and it should be corrected now or risk losing the high goal game forever. Make it fair. This is not Buenos Aires, this is England! We took the game all around the world from India; so we must have the last word on this handicap system. Fondest regards, Sincerely yours, From the man who has taught 100 people to play.

Letters

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Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN

As the season gets underway mischievously frisky ponies take bets on how best to unseat and take revenge on their hapless human riders

Quick Question Adolfo Cambiaso has notched up another win in The US Open. How many times has he achieved this in his career? For a bonus point, with which teams and in which years?

A: Turn to page 82 to check your answer.

Polo Times, May 2017

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CARIBBEAN COOL DOWN This is certainly one way to refresh ponies! On Thursday and Sunday mornings after race days, racehorses are walked down from the historic Garrison Savannah Racetrack, Bridgetown, Barbados, which is just a few minutes from this glorious beach at Carlisle Bay. The balmy, crystal clear and gently shelving waters are the perfect way to relax the racehorses, and definitely beats the standard wash-down with a hosepipe. It certainly looks like the grooms enjoy it just as much as the horses, and indeed, who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really. Jealousâ&#x20AC;Ś us? w Photography by Louise Siggers/www.siggyphotography.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2017

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Polo Times, May 2017

Family Focus

Photography courtesy of the Emerson family archive

Feature

Polo at La Ema 1916. George Emerson (centre) is playing in a flat cap since he insists that a helmet irritates a head wound he had received in the Boer War

La Ema (Tony Emerson, Mark Emerson, Will Emerson & Gus Prentice) won The Assam Cup in 1996

The Emerson Family From Argentina in 1902, to England today, Polo Times hears all about the Emerson family’s deep roots in polo

n late 1902 George Emerson arrived in Argentina after service in the Boer War to develop a stretch of Pampa which his father had bought in 1884 five hundred kilometres west of Buenos Aires and which had been named “La Ema”. There he met and subsequently married Nelly, youngest daughter of John Brown, a neighbouring landowner. That landowner had put down Buenos Aires’ second polo field in 1880 at his wife’s estancia La Campana, close to what is now Ezeiza airport. His son Albert became a leading light in the Buenos Aires Polo Club, who played in Caballito, now a working class district in the centre of the city. Later, John and all his children became shareholders of The Hurlingham Club on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Before the First World War most estancias to the West of Buenos Aires were the property of North Europeans – the majority British and Irish, and these owners preferred to employ North European managers. With large acreages and no communications, except for a distant railway line, social life was not easy for them. It was largely achieved by an estancia inviting neighbours (often six hours ride away) for a Sunday asado and if they were lucky the host provided polo. 24

Polo Times, May 2017

By 1906 the casco (homestead) at La Ema was near completion and encouraged by Albert Brown, George put down a polo field two hundred yards from the main house. The casco was only eight kilometres from the nearest railway station, so guests from Buenos Aires could also enjoy their hospitality. Ponies for polo were not a problem, since all the work on the estancia was done on criollo horses and their temperament was excellent for the sport. Vivian Kennard, a neighbour of the Emersons, reckoned he could buy a good playing pony for ten pounds. “Camp” polo, as it was called, was played for social pleasure rather than competitiveness, and those wishing to take the sport seriously had to travel to Hurlingham. Although handicaps were introduced in Argentina in 1912, George never applied for one as camp polo was always played off the stick. George and Nelly had three polo playing sons, Malcolm born in 1908, Noel (known as Tiny) born in 1910 and Derick born in 1916. All of them were sent off to boarding school in England and in 1928 when the two eldest had returned, George registered La Ema as a Polo Club with the Argentine Association. In 1929 the first official AAP

tournament was held there. George had also become interested in breeding ponies specifically for the sport and when Malcolm and Tiny arrived at Hurlingham they were among the best mounted. When Tommy Hitchcock Junior, the best player ever to come from the USA, visited Hurlingham, the Emersons helped mount him, and he was so impressed with one pony that he bought it and took it back to the States. It was a gelding called John and became Tommy’s favourite. He had bronzes made of John and sent one to George as a present. When Derick returned from boarding at Harrow School there was the basis of a family team and the boys were considered promising enough for two of the great Argentine players, Jack Nelson and Lewis Lacey, to play in the La Ema team. In 1937, La Ema won The Hurlingham Junior Championship with Lewis Lacey at back. In the same year, with Eduardo Rojas Lanusse replacing an injured Malcolm and Jack Nelson at three, La Ema was selected to represent Argentina in a Test Match in Uruguay, which they won. World War Two separated the team as Malcolm and Derick volunteered for active service in the Royal Air Force. Malcolm www.polotimes.co.uk

caught tuberculosis in Sicily and returned a cripple and Derick was killed flying a Lancaster bomber. George decided to end polo Sundays at La Ema and bought a quinta on the edge of the local town, General Villegas, which he donated to form the La Lucila Polo Club. Tiny was Club Captain, and in 1949 his handicap reached 7 and La Lucila won the Copa Republica, the prestigious 0-40 Inter-Club Championship. Tiny was also a successful breeder and provided Colonel Humphrey Guinness with his favourite pony, Cigarette, when polo resumed in England after the War. In 1968 Derick’s son Tony was serving in Germany with the 17th/21st Lancers and was a member of their last team to win the Inter Regimental Tournament. That year he decided to revive the La Ema name and the team won the Kurhaus Cup at Bad Lippspringe. In 1971 Peter, Malcolm’s son, came over to England from Argentina to join Tony and with the great support of Arthur Douglas Nugent and Robert Graham, La Ema won the Gerald Balding Cup. With other supporting players that year La Ema also won The Junior County Cup, The 9th Lancers Cup, The Kirtlington Cup and The Kingscote Cup. In 1972 Tony went to Argentina to farm his inherited part of Estancia La Ema, but decided to sell it and return to England in 1981. While living at Culverthorpe in Lincolnshire he and his sons Mark, Edward and Will played out of Rutland. In 1990 Mark and Cameron Walton Masters re-introduced polo into the official sports played at Eton College and in 1993 Edward became keeper of polo there. In 1995 Peter’s son Gerald had come to school in England and he, with Mark, Edward and Hugh Humfrey won The Assam Cup. The next year Tony won it with Mark, Will and Gus Prentice. In 1999 Will, while still at school, was a member of the English team which won the European Championships. In 2002 at Beaufort Polo Club Tony had the pleasure of winning with Mark and Will the cup given by his father’s team mate, Eduardo Rojas Lanusse. In 2003 Mark and Will went to Argentina to represent British Universities in a Test Match on Ground One at Palermo. That year Will was voted London University’s sportsman of the year – the first polo player to receive such an award at a major university. Tony now keeps in touch with polo through his shop, SATS, his wife Jilly runs the Junior HPA tournaments, and Mark is a polo vet. Will is playing professionally off 5 goals and has been in teams that won the HPA Victor Ludorum at 15 and 12 goal level. He has also represented England at the FIP World Championships. www.polotimes.co.uk

Feature

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Family Focus

Will & Mark Emerson follow in the footsteps of their ancestors and continue to play polo

In 1937 La Ema won The Hurlingham Junior Championship

A bronze statue of John bred by George Emerson and played by Tommy Hitchcock Jr.

Noel ‘Tiny’ Emerson was a successful breeder and provided Colonel Humphrey Guinness with his favourite pony, Cigarette

Polo Times, May 2017

Feature

Kill Pen Ponies

Stella was sent to auction after a breeder ran into financial difficulties and was forced to sell several of his horses. She was purchased by a kill buyer in Louisiana

Katie Vickery reports

n 2007 the last two equine slaughterhouses in the US were shut down, deemed cruel, unsanitary and unethical. However as always, the cycle must continue and people found a way around the ban, namely, shipping horses over the borders of the country to slaughter facilities in Mexico and Canada. An average of 150,000 American horses a year are trucked over the country’s borders. Many of these horses are sold to slaughter by so called “kill buyers”, people who are buying up cheap horses from auctions, touting them to the public or selling them to the slaughterhouses in Mexico for human consumption as a cheaper alternative to beef. Mexico is the highest consumer of horse meat in the world averaging 78,000 tonnes a year. Recently this phenomenon has come to the public eye and more and more people are becoming aware of the crisis and the myriad of ethical dilemmas that surround it. A multifaceted debate, the issue of the so-called 26

Polo Times, May 2017

“Kill Pen Ponies” generates disaccord amongst many champions of their fate, unsure of the best ways to deal with such a complex problem. Polo Times spoke to one such champion of the cause, Pamela Flanagan, to find out more about the situation, process and possible solutions to the crisis. Pamela became aware of the problem when she was looking to buy a few young projects to turn to polo ponies without having to pay full price for made ponies. When looking online she saw Stella, a fully broken, healthy, four-year-old, 14.2hh paint pony in good shape and on offer for just $700. She looked like a perfect polo project. When she called the number online she spoke to the owner who explained the situation to her, explaining that he was the kill buyer. He had purchased Stella cheaply at auction and she was booked in to be shipped to slaughter the following week if he did not sell her first. A week later Pamela was introduced to her new pony and to the world of Kill Pen Ponies and one less pony was being sent to slaughter that year. Origins So where are these thousands of horses a year coming from and how do they end up in the system? The answers are as sad as they are simple. Some of the horses end up at auction because their owners can no longer care for them or because they are ill,

old or injured. Many of those that end up in the kill pen are young, healthy horses that simply need an opportunity to be something. Euthanasia is so expensive that many who have old or unwanted horses would rather make a couple of hundred bucks selling them at auction than spend the same amount to euthanise them. Many horses end up in the system due to unwitting owners who believe they are giving their ponies away to “good homes”, vague connections, a friend’s sister’s little girl or a co-worker’s cousin’s wife etc. Many have no idea that the horses they are donating to good homes are in fact being sold to auctions where they are at a high risk of being sent to slaughter. There are of course the more tragic cases of backyard breeders looking to earn a quick buck. People breeding horses cheaply with the sole purpose of selling them off to auction at a profit with no interest in what happens to them. A lot of horses in the system end up there straight from the racetrack. While there are regulations in place to stop this practice, punishments meted out to any trainer found to have sold to auction or kill buyers by revoking their licenses, most often they are not injured, just not fast enough so ponies are sold straight to the kill buyers at a reduced price in exchange for not being advertised to the public. Their lip tattoos may even have been burnt off to protect www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography by Pamela Flanagan

Kill Pen Ponies

Feature

Stella’s kill pen mug shot

A kill pen tag, the ponies are known only as these numbers while they are on sale and otherwise destined for the slaughterhouse

their trainer’s identity. These horses are then sold straight to slaughter without anyone questioning or identifying their origin. However they end up in the system, duped owners or knowing participants, the sad truth is that thousands of horses a year are sold at these auctions with many going to kill buyers who set a baseline price at auction, buying up any horses that don’t sell. The Process No matter their origin, their fate is the same. The ponies are brought to auction where they are sold to the highest bidder. If they are lucky it is a rescue centre or someone looking to pick up a good deal who will outbid the more sinister potential buyers. Those which are not so lucky, are bid on by the kill buyers. These kill buyers have worked out a win win business in which they buy the horses at low cost from the auctions typically ranging from $100-$400 and put them up for sale for a period of time dependent on when the next shipment is being sent to slaughter. Advertised on sites and across social media they are a tempting, if risky, option for many buyers looking to own horses without the initial huge cost. If they sell during this time, the kill buyer www.polotimes.co.uk

Pamela’s Story: “I think the generalization that “buying a Kill Pen horse perpetuates a vicious cycle” is so wrong. Too much time is spent trying to shut down the sale of kill pen ponies to the public and not enough time spent advocating for actually making a positive lasting impact. If they don’t get seen, they don’t get saved, they get slaughtered. “The issue is not the kill buyers it is the constant supply of unwanted horses – there shouldn’t be so many horses available. Control the breeding, regulate the resale and rehoming, and make euthanasia an affordable option for those in need. “There are 150,000 horses sent to slaughter each year. I don’t know what the best alternative is, I don’t have the answer. But I do know if kill pens no longer offer them to the public, these horses directly ship to be slaughtered. I think a better approach is to advocate for ending reckless backyard breeding, push the jockey club to establish a fund to help OTTBs that don’t make it. I know CANTER has done wonders, there should be more support for programs like this in the racing industry. “Organizations like the AQHA, APHA and even organizations like the USPA should also allocate funds to help advocate for the animals in their organization and to promote “surrender programs” where unwanted horses can be bought. Retirement/Surrender Funds should be included in registration and then allocated towards these, established programs, like CANTER, New Vocations, Polo Pony Rescue, Safe From Slaughter Equine Rescue, So-Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary, etc. Or as a last resort funding humane euthanasia for those in need. “More time and brain power should be focused on these alternatives rather than discriminating against kill pen ponies and discouraging people from saving them. The kill pen horses don’t choose to end up there. All kill pen horse purchases save a life. That’s an indisputable fact. “Had I never rescued my kill pen ponies, I’d be significantly less informed and less involved than I am now. I think that goes for many people. Both kill pen ponies and rescues benefit from this added attention and awareness.”

Polo Times, May 2017

Feature

Kill Pen Ponies However, those many more not lucky enough to come across a guardian angel are sold to slaughter, packed onto cramped trucks and transported the long trip over the border to Mexico “often times” without hay, rest or water, where they are slaughtered, often inhumanely, for human consumption. It is these journeys across the borders to the slaughterhouses that cause the most amount of contention amongst those trying to save them. The horses are packed tight on huge lorries, small ponies with Clydesdales, no food or rest and in poor conditions for days at a time. Tired truck drivers are a risk and there have even been cases of crashes that kill 20 horses at a time. Very often kill buyers will have quotas to fill with the slaughterhouses, a certain number of horses or pounds of horseflesh that they must send to slaughterhouses per month so it is a case of quantity over quality. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be difficult to fill these contracts with the seemingly never ending supply of horses readily and available to them.

Pamela also rescued a five-year-old gelding Bandit he too was sound and healthy, he was simply thrown away

pockets anything between $500 to $1000. The prices are often marked up to sell to the public in which case the kill buyers will pocket a more considerable profit. If they don’t sell s/he sells them to slaughter houses for anywhere between $0.40 -$0.65 cents/ lb. Either way, the kill buyers are making a profit with minimal expense spared on the keeping of the animal while it is in their care, the kill pens are not known for their primary level care facilities. Those lucky few who are bought by legitimate buyers, may go on to loving homes or fantastic careers such as is the case with Stella, Bandit and Sunny, the kill pen ponies rescued by Pamela in 2016.

Kill buyer purchases a horse from auction for $100 (which is low) and sells to public for $575. The going rate to slaughter is approximately $0.40-0.65 cents/lb which for a young, healthy horse of around 14-15hh would convert to around $360 to $585. By offering to the public they increase their profit margins by a maximum of $125 as opposed to selling to slaughter. $575 – public purchase price $450 – if instead sold to slaughter (for average price of $0.50 cents/lb) $100 – price kill buyer paid to acquire pony $575-$450-$100=$125 Sold to public profit = $475 Sold to slaughter profit = $350 Kill buyers stand to gain either way, the profit margin between the two options minimal enough not to warrant huge efforts or expenses being doled out to promote their sale. Figures based on Pamela’s kill pen pony Sunny who was purchased for $575

The Solution It is hard to see a solution to the problem. While many want to attack the problem at the demand end of the equation i.e. shut down the slaughterhouses or ban the exportation of live animals, others believe that the problem stems from the supply end and that better regulation of breeding and resale is the only way to help alleviate the issue by reducing the numbers of horses available to be bought and sold. Others still are of the opinion that it is the kill buyers who must be shut down, advocating the banning of all sites dedicated to resale and shaming those who are buying from them. A thorny issue, each hypothetical solution comes with its own long list of pros and cons. Whatever the solution, everyone is fighting for the same outcome, less suffering for horses across America.

Unlike many of the ponies at auction alongside her, Stella now has a second chance and is taking to polo like a duck to water

Polo Times, May 2017

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Feature

Moor Farm Polo Club

The future looks bright for the newest Polo Club on the UK scene as over 1,200 spectators welcomed polo to Shropshire

Photography by Steve Wall Equestrian Photography

New Kids on the Block

n Saturday 22 April, Moor Farm Polo Club opened its doors for the first time with an exhibition match and impressive welcome party. Based on a mixed arable and beef farm, with an award-winning farm shop on site, Moor Farm Polo Club is provisionally affiliated with the Hurlingham Polo Association and is planning to offer fun, safe, family friendly low-goal polo. The Club has very strong military connections and so will bring a little spirit of the Raj to the hills of Shropshire. The Opening Party was a huge success which saw over 1,200 spectators gather to watch the exhibition match between Polo Times and Moor Farm. The final score rested on 5-2 in favour of the hosts, Moor Farm, and after the match the spectators turned into party goers to christen the new Club. British Polo Gin were on hand to supply delicious Chukka CocktailsÂŽ as well as G&Ts to the thirsty supporters.

Polo Times, May 2017

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Moor Farm Polo Club Polo Times spoke to Will Mawby, Polo Manager, to find out more about the new Club on the block. When did you start playing polo? I am not from a polo or particularly horsey background. I started playing in the Army around seven years ago just before my son was born. I stopped playing rugby due to injury mainly and was due to go to Argentina on holiday and thought ‘well if I’m going to Argentina I’m going to learn to play polo’. I enrolled on a three-day course at Tidworth Polo Club and was hooked. What was it about polo that caught your interest? I have always loved horses and team sports. So I put two and two together and decided to start playing polo. No one shouted at me for not getting it right or talked about the technical stuff associated with other equine disciplines (which quite frankly bore me) but they said ‘if you can stay on you’ll do!’ Riding is vital in this sport and the better riders make better players, but there isn’t that Pony Club pressure with an overzealous riding instructor shouting at you. How many members does the Club have? As a new Club in a part of the country void of polo, we are looking to improve our membership all the time. We have lots of expressions of interest currently and with a very vibrant hunt scene, we aim to capitalise on the existing equine interest. However, we are realistic and at the time of writing we have 12 members on the books, but watch this space. When was the Club founded? The conception of a Shropshire-based polo

club came in May 2016 on a road trip to Scotland listening to the Wurzels complaining about all the travelling we had to do to play Army Reserve at that time. I am passionate about getting people into polo and I wanted to break down barriers and try and make it affordable and as accessible as possible, whether it was to watch, play or become the next high goal polo player. On top of this, the farm is always looking to diversify and encourage new revenue. Our gates officially opened in April 2017. Where is the Club located? We are in beautiful North Shropshire in a village called Baschurch. It’s really close to the Welsh boarder and an hour south from Chester and an hour west from Wolverhampton. With the Mid Wales hills as backdrop you can lose yourself just watching the vista. It is a beautiful place to play polo and with a pitch to match the best in the country I don’t think it will be a struggle going to work! How many grounds are there? Just one at the moment. But it is massive. Mike who owns the farm doesn’t do things by half, so he went to Guards and measured their ground. Then he laser levelled our ground flat, re-planted the seed and we have been watching it grow since early Sept 2016. What facilities are there? We offer lessons and pony hire, as we want to concentrate on beginner, grass roots polo. We are hoping to build up membership and our community from the bottom up.

Feature

Although we don’t yet have an arena, there is one at Walford College which is a mile away so we can run an arena programme from there if needed. When will you start to play matches? We have our first tournament scheduled at the back end of May and we will have other events and tournaments throughout the year. If the demand is there we will hold chukkas four times a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday as long as there are no tournaments on those days. Describe your club in six words Honest, fun, community low goal polo. What are the strengths of your club? The people. We may not have the strongest of polo pedigrees but from Terry, Elaine, ‘Massive’ Mike and Hazel our people are some of the most hospitable people you’ll meet. You can’t fail to have a good time when you come to Moor Farm. You may leave with a slightly fuzzy head and an award-winning Steak and Guiness pie from the Farm Shop (you did not intend on buying), but you will leave with memories and a huge smile on your face. It is almost impossible to leave without that smile – I certainly laugh every single day! Not forgetting the love we have for our ponies. If the people are the entertainers then our ponies are our stars! We love each and every one of them. Even Alan. In turn they will love you back. What are the long term plans for the Club? Currently we want to go through the first and second years in one piece to grow our membership steadily. Looking further into the future, it is hoped ‘Massive’ Mike put a full size international level pitch in for a reason. Stranger things have happened, such as two blokes deciding to start a Polo Club on the M1 listening to the Wurzels!

USEFUL INFO: Membership: Full membership is £400 Social membership £60 Individual lessons at £50 per hour Contact Details: Tel: 01939 262632 / 07494 114190 www.moorfarmpoloclub.co.uk Email: will.moorfarmpolo@gmail.com or polo@moorfarmshop.co.uk @moorfarmpoloclub Officials: Chairman: Mrs Hazel Timmis Polo Manager: Maj Will Mawby Secretary: Maj Terry Warburton Treasurer: Elaine Timmis Chief Umpire: Maj Will Mawby Welfare Officer: Mr Jim Tipp MRCVS

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2017

Reports

One Caribbean Estates Cheshire Tour

Cheshire vs Barbados 2017 Cheshire Polo Club once again made their annual pilgrimage to Barbados, this year for The One Caribbean Estates Cheshire Tour

heshire Polo Club made their first visit to Barbados in 1972 for what has been an annual pilgrimage ever since for one of the highlights of the Polo Calendar. The One Caribbean Estates Cheshire Tour saw the Cheshire Polo Team take on the One Caribbean Estates Barbados team in a series of first class polo. I arrived in Barbados with the tournament already underway and the first match having been played and won with a very convincing result for the home team of 9-3. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t quite as keen to play the game as the players were and despite trying to rearrange several times the rain won and a couple of the matches had to be cancelled leaving time for just one more before the Final. There are many beautiful places to play polo in the world and Holders Polo Club is no exception. Full of colonial charm and elegance it is clear to see why so many spend an evening watching polo here. I was met with a warm welcome by the Club Captain Richard Dean’s son Adam, the General Manager, who filled me in on the last result. A player from Barbados

“

Polo Times, May 2017

himself, but sitting this one out, he was clearly hoping for another victory for them. This wasn’t to be and the Cheshire Polo team reversed the result in spectacular style with an 8-3 victory over Barbados. “I chatted with Sir Charles Williams during the match and he proudly enlightened me that nearly all the ponies playing in the tournament were both home bred and trained. As the owner of the Apes Hill Polo Club and a keen polo player himself – and holding the record for being the oldest player – he clearly loves the sport with a passion, cheering and commenting as the match unfolded. I asked him how many ponies he owned himself, to which he replied “There are three questions I get asked all the time, one is how many ponies do you own? I don’t know. Two is how much land do you have? Not enough! Three how much has polo cost you? I don’t want to know!” Followed by a big smile and chuckle. For anyone in Barbados passionate about equestrian sport then the weekend didn’t disappoint. On Saturday 4 March The Garrison Savannah Racetrack was

Louise Siggers reports from Holders Polo Club, Barbados

awash with colour for a packed day of racing for the coveted Sandy Lane Gold Cup. Despite a steward’s enquiry that kept everyone on the edge of their seats, the result remained unturned and the race was won for the second year running by Dorsett, trained locally by Robert Pierce, ridden by Jalon Samuel and owned by Messrs Steve and Allan Madoo. Looking for his third win in the race was American racehorse owner Ken Ramsey whose horses finished second and third. Having won the race twice before, he makes no bones about the fact that he is hoping for another victory here. This year wasn’t to be and he has vowed to return next year saying, “I might bring some better horses. I’ll study the past performances and bring some down that I think might get the job done”. www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

Photography by Louise Siggers/www.siggyphotography.co.uk

One Caribbean Estates Cheshire Tour

One Caribbean Estates Barbados took this year’s title

Where: Holders Polo Club, Barbados One Caribbean Estates Barbados Teddy Williams Adam Deane Jamie Dickinson Harry Manning

The Sandy Lane Gold Cup was on display fresh from the racetrack

www.polotimes.co.uk

Cheshire Polo Club Lucy Coddington Will Padden Jonny Coddington Oliver Taylor

“Sunday 5 March bought the muchawaited One Caribbean Estates Cheshire Tour Final with lovely weather, a great crowd and hospitality from the sponsors One Caribbean Estates and Christies International Real Estate. The Sandy Lane Gold Cup was on display for all to see, with the proud winning jockey and many connections from racing enjoying the polo. The first match of the afternoon saw Team Courtesy Garage Limited win the Tony Archer Memorial Trophy. Due to the interim matches being cancelled there was plenty of time for the tension to mount for the feature Final of the afternoon. Both the Cheshire and Barbados teams were on fire and gave it everything until the final whistle which bought the match to a close with a score of 4-4. The home team were offered the option of playing another chukka and decided in true sporting style to put the welfare of the ponies first and settle on a draw. Both teams took to

26 5

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the podium with The Cheshire team receiving the Mickey Hutchinson Memorial Challenge Trophy presented by Frances Atwell and the One Caribbean Estates Barbados team the One Caribbean Estates Trophy presented by Dominque Silvera and Richard Hudson. “So as another year drew to a close and the after party began I sat back and watched, what is clearly a fabulous community, relax and unwind. One could picture the same scene many years ago when polo first started on the island and equally for many years to come and this is clearly a sport going from strength to strength. When what it meant for them to come here every year and play, the Cheshire team quite simply replied, “For any polo player it is an absolute privilege to play over here”. I couldn’t agree more!” Polo Times, May 2017

Official Equestrian Supplier to the England Polo Team

order online: tallyhofarm.co.uk or telephone: 01344 885373 or visit us at: Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4RZ

US High Goal Season Round Up

Reports

US Round-Up A review of the 2017 high goal season across the pond

Photograph by Hillary Oswald

With the US Open all wrapped up and once again in the hands of Adolfo Cambiaso, we take a look at the US high goal season results for 2017. From 26 goal to Gladiator Polo and a $100,000 prize pot, there has been a wide variety of polo played which has drawn in huge crowds to watch the top teams battle it out to take either the glory, the winnings, or in some cases both. 2017 marked the first year of the USPA Butler Handicap Final as a stand alone, 26 goal competition, which saw Gillian Johnstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coca Cola take a 12-9 win over Flexjet. Despite only having four team entries for the USPA Gold Cup and a meagre three teams for The C.V. Whitney Cup, the first 26 goal tournament in The US Triple Crown, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high goal season was still an exhilarating affair with plenty of overtime, action and thrilling polo. In a show of gusto and might this season, the undefeated Valiente have proved their worth, winning The C. V. Whitney Cup, US Gold Cup and US Open awarding them the ever-coveted US Triple Crown.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2017

Reports

US High Goal Season Round Up

USA 26 Goal Season Results

Triple Crown Qualifier: C.V. Whitney Cup – Valiente Triple Crown Qualifier: USPA Gold Cup – Valiente Triple Crown Qualifier: US Open – Valiente Hall of Fame Cup (US Open Subsidiary Final) – Audi Butler Handicap – Coca Cola Photograph by Hillary Oswald

USA 20 Goal Season Results

Joe Barry Memorial – La Indiana Ylvisaker Cup – Coca Cola Iglehart Cup – Equine Liquid Biocell Sterling Cup – Travieso Molina Cup – Travieso

Polo Times, May 2017

www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

Cavanagh Secures Triple Crown Despite the delays due to rain, the expertly mown fields were glistening in the Florida heat as the players took to the field for the 113th US Open Championship. Following a month of gruelling qualifiers, last year’s defending champions, Orchard Hill returned to this year’s tournament Final ready to defend their title against Valiente, who won the tournament in 2015. The field saw three of the world’s most famous 10 goalers, Adolfo Cambiaso, Polito Pieres and Facundo Pieres, keeping fans on the edge of their seats, all eager to witness the outcome of the most notorious rivalry of the past decade. As the teams lined up, an anticipatory hush fell over the excited crowd. Orchard Hill scored directly out of the first throw-in and by the end of the first half Orchard Hill held a comfortable 9-6 lead as the Pieres duo took control of the field. After a half-time team chat, Valiente came out on fire and Cambiaso seized control with his charismatic determination, taking charge of the game and bringing the score to 9-8. Valiente continued to dominate in the fifth chukka, replying to each Orchard Hill goal with one of their own, bringing the scoreboard to an even 11-11 at the end of the fifth chukka. With the scores tied going into what should have been the final chukka, the outcome was anyone’s guess as both teams tried to gain, and maintain the upper hand. As the pressure reached breaking point, the scores were once again tied at 12-12 as the clock started to countdown the last seconds of play. For the second year in a row the US Open Final was pushed into an extra chukka. After four minutes of play and several attempts at goal from both sides, Cavanagh stole the ball from a throw-in and slotted the ball through the posts to secure the 2017 US Open for Valiente, with a final score of 13-12. Coincidentally, 13-12 is the exact same score that Orchard Hill achieved against Dubai in 2016. Post-match, Cambiaso commented, “I think Orchard Hill played really well in the first-half, they won a lot of throw-ins. I think we were kind of asleep. In the second half we came out strong and we did it. I think we missed a penalty 3 with three minutes to go, which put them back in the game. Luckily, Diego scored the winning goal which he deserved.” The final whistle of the 113th US Open signalled the end the US High Goal season; three months of thrills, spills and record audiences. In an emotional turn of events, Cambiaso dedicated his win to Sunny Hale, who tragically passed away in February this year. Sunny and Adolfo won the US Open together in 2000 as part of team Outback.

Valiente (26)

Bob Jornayvaz (2)

Orchard Hill (26)

Matias Torres Zavaleta (6)

Polito Pieres (10)

Jota Chavanne (5)

Diego Cavanagh (8) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Facundo Pieres (10) Steve Van Andel (1)

37 Where: International Polo Club, Palm Beach

MVP Matias Torres Zavaleta

www.polotimes.co.uk

goals

Facundo Pieres: 37 goals (for the second year running)

BPP

The Hartman Best Playing Pony of the Open Award went to Cuartetera B09, a clone played and owned by Adolfo Cambiaso

Polo Times, May 2017

US High Goal Season Round Up

Photograph by David Lominska

Reports

Triple Crown Results There are three tournaments that make up the US Triple Crown. This year Valiente have won all three making them the undisputed Triple Crown holders for 2017.

C.V. Whitney Cup Final Chukka scores: 1-3, 4-5, 6-5, 7-6, 12-8, 14-11 to Valiente

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USPA Gold Cup

US Open

Chukka scores: 1-2, 1-4, 3-5, 5-6, 8-6, 9-6 to Valiente

FIN

Chukka scores: 2-2, 4-4, 6-9, 9-11, 11-11, 12-12, 13-12 to Valiente

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Valiente (26) Bob Jornayvaz (2) Matias Torres Zavaleta (6) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Diego Cavanagh (8)

Orchard Hill Steve Van Andel Polito Pieres Facundo Pieres Felipe Vercellino

Coca Cola (26) Gillian Johnston (2) Julian de Lusaretta (7) Julio Arellano (8) Miguel Novillo Astrada (9)

Orchard Hill Steve Van Andel Polito Pieres Facundo Pieres Jota Chavanne

Polo Times, May 2017

(26) (1) (10) (10) (5)

www.polotimes.co.uk

US High Goal Season Round Up

Reports

USA News In Brief Butler Handicap Final

Hall of Fame Cup Despite being knocked out of the 113th US Open Semi Finals, Audi raced to victory over Coca Cola in Wellington, Florida, for the second time in seven days, ending their 26 goal winter season on a high as the winners of the US Open subsidiary game, the Hall of Fame Cup, 13-11. Hall of Fame Final Teams: Audi (26): Marc Ganzi (2), Nic Roldan (8), Magoo Laprida (8) & Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8) Coca Cola (26): Gillian Johnston (2), Julian de Lusarreta (7), Julio Arellano (8) & Miguel Novillo Astrada (9)/Lucas Criado (8)

Molina Cup On Sunday 2 April at Grand Champions Polo Club, Florida, the Final of the Molina Cup was played following two weeks of 20 goal action, which saw Travieso going into a thrilling overtime 10-9 battle with Beverly Equestrian. In a spectacular finish, it was the experienced hands of Sebastian Merlos who secured victory and the 120-year-old handcrafted silver Molina Cup for his team as he scored the winning goal. Molina Cup Final Teams: Travieso: Sebastian Merlos (9), Teo Calle (1), Costi Caset (4), & Hugo Barabucci (6) Beverly Equestrian: Bill Ballhaus (0), Carlucho Arellano (5), Magoo Laprida (8) & Inaki Laprida (5)

Easter weekend saw the richest prize purse in Grand Champions Polo Club history won by Palm Beach Illustrated in front of the biggest crowd ever to witness a game at the Florida Club. The victorious team won the eight-day, winner-takes-all tournament with an impressive 13-7 victory over Valiente I. $100,000 World Cup Final Teams: Palm Beach Illustrated (21): Jared Zenni (4), Santi Torres (7), Agustin Obregon (5) & Tommy Collingwood (5) Valiente I (18): Bob Jornayvaz (2), Pablo Spinacci (6), Adolfo Cambiaso (10) & Bautista Panelo (0)

Photograph by David Lominska

$100,000 World Cup Final

Coca Cola’s Gillian Johnston in action

Gladiator Polo

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Butler Handicap Final Teams: Coca Cola (26): Gillian Johnston (2), Julian de Lussaretta (7), Julio Arellano (8) & Miguel Novillo Astrada (9) Flexjet (26): Melissa Ganzi (0), Rodrigo Andrade (9), Gonzalo Pieres (9) & Nic Roldan (8)

Photograph by David Lominska

In a series of evening matches, spectators were treated to the Roman-themed $250,000 Gladiator Polo as teams battled it out at the ‘Coliseum’, otherwise known as the Equestrian Village of Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Saturday 8 April. Entering the Final, undefeated Spartacus had accrued an impressive $72,000 in three games while Spiculus losing only to Spartacus in a previous match, had amassed $54,000. In the final showdown Spiculus defeated Spartacus 1710, earning themselves a further $34,500 for Are you not entertained? the winning team and Spectators enjoying the $15,750 respectively. ‘Coliseum’

As the days ticked down until the USPA Gold Cup, Coca Cola overtook a tenacious Flexjet team in the USPA Butler Handicap Final at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) on Sunday 2 April. Coca Cola took the title with a 12-9 win over Flexjet. The Butler Handicap was traditionally a 20 goal tournament, which has been played since 1954, however 2017 marked the first year of the tournament as a stand alone 26 goal competition.

Gladiator Polo Champions, Spiculus

Polo Times, May 2017

Reports

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series

Habtoor Polo Have It Habtoor Polo secured victory in the Dubai Cup, the fifth and final tournament of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series

he Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series was founded by Mohammed Al Habtoor in 2009. Now an 18 goal handicap competition, it is the highest handicapped event in the Middle East, Africa

Polo Times, May 2017

and Asia. It was first recognised by the World Polo Tour (WPT) in 2012 and three years later the WPT upgraded the tournament providing winners with 80 points. In 2017, the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series moved to

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series

2017 Winners McLaren Cup: UAE Polo Polo Masters Cup: Mahra

Julius Baer Gold Cup: Zedan Polo Challenge Cup: Bin Drai Dubai Cup: Habtoor Polo www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography by Gonzalo Etcheverry

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series

Habtoor Polo were victorious in The Dubai Cup, the fifth and final tournament of The Dubai Gold Cup Series 2017

Reports

its new home ground – The Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. This year’s series started with The McLaren Cup back in January which saw a somewhat democratic sharing of the victories between five teams during a season of strong competition. On Friday 7 April, it was the turn of Habtoor Polo to clinch the last victory of the series as they narrowly defeated Mahra 8-8½ at The Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club to take home the title of champions of the 2017 Dubai Cup, which is played at 8 goal level. Mahra, who had been unbeaten in the tournament until Finals Day had been fancied to give Patron Mohammed Al Habtoor´s team a run for their money. Al Habtoor had secured one victory in the qualifying rounds, but under the the rules of the tournament it was enough to qualify for a spot in the Final of The Dubai Cup. On Finals Day both opponents found strong form and were evenly matched. The competitive play was reflected in the scores which were within half a goal of each other at the end of each chukka. However, in the end, Habtoor Polo’s handicap advantage provided them with the edge and ultimately the win. Meanwhile in the Subsidiary Final, Dr. A-Bangash defeated Wolves, 10-5. Fresh from his success in The Dubai Cup, Mohammed Al Habtoor will be patron of a 21 goal team taking part in The JaegerLeCoultre Gold Cup for The British Open, alongside Nicolás Pieres, Francisco Elizalde and Isidro Strada.

Chukka Scores: 1½-2, 4½-4, 6½-6, 8½-8 to Habtoor Polo

FINA

Where: Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, Dubai

BPP

15 7 MA

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Bochinche, owned by Nicolás Pieres, and played by Santiago Gomez Romero

MVP Habtoor Al Habtoor

www.polotimes.co.uk

Habtoor Polo (6) Mohammed Al Habtoor (0) Habtoor Al Habtoor (0) Justo Cuitino (3) Santiago Gomez Romero (3)

Mahra Rashid Al Habtoor Tareq Al Habtoor Daniel Gariador Jero Del Carril

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Polo Times, May 2017

2nd – 3rd August 9th – 10th August

16th – 17th August 23rd – 25th August 30th – 31st September 6th – 7th September Based in Winkfield, Berkshire, Ranelagh Farm Polo Club 13th – 14th September is situated perfectly in the heart of UK polo. As a fully 20th – 21st September affiliated HPA club with excellent facilities we are ready to 27th – 28th September 4th – 5th October offer you everything you need for the 2017 season.

Club chukkas are played two evenings a week and tournaments and challenge matches are held every weekend so there is always plenty of polo to go around. We are also able to oﬀer a range of stables, sand corrals or paddocks to meet your horses needs.

Copa De Agosto 0-2 Chairman’s Trophy -2 - 0 Ranelagh Farm Ladies 0-2 Copa Argentina 2-4 Copa Corona 0-2 September Cup -2 - 0 Copa Familiar 2-4 Crouch Lane Copa De Otoňo 0-2 Winkfield Copa Ranelagh Farm -2 - 0 Copa Los Techos Windsor 2-4 Copa Fin De TemporadaBerkshire Open

Ranelagh SL4 4TN

Additional levels may be added according to demand. Tel 1:

Tel 2: Email: The club consists of 2 full sized pitches, a chukka ground, a stick and ball ground, a recently resurfaced all-weather exercise track and an all-weather arena. Additionally, the Club is home to a purpose made pony pool – the best way to May cool down after a hot summer’s day 17th-18th Founder’s Cup (2 - 4) of polo! 24th-25th Copa La Colorada (4 - 6)

01344 07957 polo@

www.ra

2014 Key Dates

June

7th-8th Copa Don Beni (2 - 4) 28th-29th Copa De La Estancia (2 - 4) Additionally, La Brava Polo is based here at 30th JuneLifeBook 12 Goal Trophy (10-12) Ranelagh Farm. Their team of experienced 6th July staﬀ can provide a full livery service, lessons and polo experience July days. Their 12th-13th wide range of horses also enablesPolo themManager’s Trophy (4 - 6) July Copa to provide a rental 26th-27th string suitable for allFin De Julio (2 - 4) players, from beginners to professionals.

Cor

August 16th-17th

Copa

September 6th-7th 27th-28th

Copa Copa

For enquiries, please contact the polo oﬃce on 01344 885697

Tidwo Tedworth Park Tidworth Wiltshire SP9 7AH Tel: Email:

0198 info@

www.tidworthpolo 2014 Key Dates April

26th/27th

Rabbit Cup (-2 to 2 & -6 to -2)

May

3th 3th/4th 10th/11th

RN v Eton (Kumar Cup) (Open) Kingsett Cup (-2 to 2 & -6 to -2) Queenís Royal Hussars Cup (-2 to 2 & -6 to -2) 17th/18th Maddison Cup (0 to 2 & -4 to 0) 24th/25th Cholderton Cup (0 to 4 & -6 to -2) 26th Royal Artillery Cup (Open) 31st RN v Taunton (Kemble Salver) 31st Sponsored Trophy (-2 to 0 & -6 to -2)

June 1st

Best of British Under 25’s (15 Goal)

www.polotimes.co.uk

1st 7th/8th

Cor

Duke of York Cup (RN V Queenís Royal Irish H (0 to 4 & -4 to 0) 14th/15th Mixed Doubles Tournam (-2 to 2 & -6 to -2) 21st/22nd Grenadier Cup (0 to 2 & 25th - 29th Tidworth Polo Week 25th 9th Lancers Cup 1st R 26th 10th Hussars Cup 1st 27th 9th Lancers Cup 2nd 27th Queen’s Royal Lancers 28th 10th Hussars Cup 2nd 28th Presidents Cup 1st Rou 29th Finals Day 29th 9th Lancers Cup Fina 29th 10th Hussars Cup Fin 29th Blakiston Houston Cu

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Three teams competed in the Club’s inaugural event

On Sunday 26 March, Brightwater Polo Club, Lagos, Nigeria, hosted the Final of its inaugural six-week long international BW Plate Polo Season. The aim of the tournament was to create an open and friendly event within the developing polo scene in Nigeria. Three teams participated in this inaugural event, each named after towns situated in the local area of the Brightwater Polo Estate: Lakowe, Igando and Ibeju-Lekki. Each team comprised of both Nigerian patrons (Obafemi Otudeko, Hon. Habeeb Fasinro, Kunle Tinubu, Tayo Awogboro, Kayode Awogboro, Bowale Jolaoso, Tobi Edun, Guy Janssens & Mustapha Fasinro) and international players Alastair Paterson, Lorenzo Larumbe, Nico Vinnet and Tomas Hope. At the end of the season-long tournament, it was Lakowe team (Guy Janssens, Tomas Hope, Lorenzo Larumbe & Kunle Tinubu) who secured victory and received The Brightwater Plate. After the event, UK 4 goaler Alastair Paterson, told Polo Times, “At the outset, a month in Nigeria did not sound like a standard job offer, however after spending over a month in Lagos and getting to know the city, it has definitely changed my opinion. I have never played with a group of guys who have so much fun on and off the field and I look forward to working with them going forward to develop both their polo and organisations.”

Desert Palm Polo Club

La Palmeraie Polo Club Photograph by Lucia Halabicová

Photograph courtesy of Brightwater Polo Club

Brightwater Polo Club

Club Focus

La Palmeraie, Tajine Cup winners

On 22 – 27 March, 15 players from California and Rhode Island based Clubs spent a week playing polo at PGH La Palmeraie Polo Club, Morocco, just an hour drive from Tangier. The Club is located on its own mini peninsula, comprises of three new fields and has beautiful views of the dunes and miles of beaches. The Club Manager, Ignacio Tejerena, organised a weekend tournament for the group with the San Diego Craig Venter Polo Team, the Newport PGH Polo Team, and the Morocco La Palmeraie Polo Team competing for the La Palmeraie Tajine Cup. Every game was a close battle with the Morocco La Palmeraie Team squeezing out a 1 goal advantage by defeating all of the other teams to win the Final on Sunday 26 March. La Palmeraie Tajine Cup Teams: San Diego/Craig Venter Polo: Nicole Deberg, Lamar Rutherford, Dean Daggett & Nacho Tejerena Newport/PGH Polo: Amy Rice, Laurel Howe, Todd Randall & Willy Lopez Morocco/La Palmeraie Polo: Imad Ounisi, Barbara Bowers, Alexander King & Nour-Dean Anakar

Photograph courtesy of Maserati Polo Tour

Ellerstina Polo Club Dubai hosted the second part of the Maserati 2017 Polo Tour

From 11 – 17 March, the second part of the Maserati 2017 Polo Tour, the Maserati Dubai Polo Trophy, was played at Desert Palm Polo Club, Dubai. The tour began in St. Moritz in January and will continue on Sunday 11 June at Beaufort Polo Club. Six teams competed in the Maserati Dubai Polo Trophy, with Abu Dhabi and AES International reaching the Final. A fast-paced Final saw Abu Dhabi secure the title 7-4, whilst in the Subsidiary Final, Ghantoot defeated Maserati. Maserati Dubai Polo Trophy Final Teams: AES International (11): Sam Instone (0), Ayaad Damouni (0), Matias Machado (4) & Jejo Taranco (7) Abu Dhabi (10): Faris Al Yabhouni (0), Kian Hall (2), Yousef Bin Desmal (0) & Alfredo Capella (8) www.polotimes.co.uk

On Sunday 16 April, the Finals of the fourth stage of the XII Argentine Polo Tour were played at the fields owned by Ellerstina Polo Club in General Rodríguez. Balanz Capital defeated Las Monjitas with a convincing 12-5 score, whilst a closer match saw Purity Vodka narrowly take victory over La Esquina 11-10 for the subsidiary cup. XII Argentine Polo Tour Final Teams: Balanz Capital (20): Claudio Porcel (1), Ignacio Acuña (5), Felipe Márquez Ochoa (6) & Alejandro Muzzio (8) Las Monjitas (20): Camilo Bautista (0), Gastón Máiquez (6), Eduardo Novillo Astrada (8) & Matías Fernández Llanos (6) Polo Times, May 2017

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Casa de Campo

Photograph by Xavier Saer Photography

Photograph by Matías Callejo

Inanda Africa Cup

The RD Polo Challenge has come to an end with The Caribbean Open

Action from the 2016 tournament

La Aguada On Saturday 8 April, La Aguada Polo Club hosted the Final of the First Argentine Amateur Championship between Araucaria and Zungas Amor. 10 eight goal teams across three leagues competed to reach the Final and in the end, the result was a resounding win for Araucaria who took the title with a final score of 10-3½.

Photograph by Belen Altieri / Espacio Fusion Producciones

The Inanda Africa Cup, previously known as the Land Rover Africa Cup, will this year be played on Sunday 20 August at Inanda Club, South Africa. The knockout polo championship offers an action-packed day with teams competing from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The 2016 tournament was a 6 goal match and saw teams from Kenya, Egypt, two Nigerian sides and four representative teams from South Africa, including a development team, compete for top honours. The crowd was treated to a gripping Final between Airbus Helicopters Kenya and Keffi Polo Ranch Nigeria, with team Kenya claiming the coveted trophy with a narrow 7-6 win.

Araucaria were the overall victors of the tournament

Club de Polo La Cañada

On Sunday 23 April, the Final of the La Cañada Open was played at the Club in Open Door. This year is the 30th anniversary of the tournament and the Final saw a battle between 10 goalers Hilario Ulloa and Juan Martín Nero as Washington La Hache and La Virgencita went head-to-head for the title. In the end it was a decisive 12-9 win for La Virgencita, although Washington La Hache’s Santino Magrini was named Most Valuable Player. La Cañada Open Final Teams: Washington La Hache (24): Carlos M. Ulloa (4), Santino Magrini (2), Hilario Ulloa (10) & Facundo Sola (8) La Virgencita (23): Simón Prado (3), Juan Calafell (5), Juan Martín Nero (10) & Manuel Calafell (5) 44

Polo Times, May 2017

On Saturday 26 March the Final of the Copa de Oro 22 Goal took place at Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic. Somewhat predictably, Lechuza Caracas and Cinque Terre reached the Final following some strong qualifying matches. Lechuza quickly took the lead, and by half-time led the scores 7-3. However, Cinque Terre were determined not to give in without a fight, and began to reduce the goal difference. Going into the final chukka, Lechuza Caracas still dominated 11-6 and the Nero, Stirling duo continued to dominate, aided by Vargas and Toccalino, which resulted in a final score of 12-8, securing the 2017 Copa de Oro for Lechuza Caracas. The following day, Sunday 26 March, the Copa de Oro 12 Goal Finals were played between Pitirri-El Palenque, winners of the Silver Cup, and La Potranca, winners of the Bronze Cup. La Potranca got off to a flying start and by half-time had a 6-4 lead. However, Pitirri-El Palenque demonstrated strong teamwork and in the sixth chukka scored four consecutive goals to bring the scores to 12-10 and secure the title. The Polo Challenge RD continued with The Caribbean Open, with the Final held on Friday 14 April between the undefeated Lechuza Caracas and Cinque Terre. Lechuza led the scoring from the outset, with Nero securing the first notch on the scoreboard for Lechuza. Cinque Terre battled the onslaught, and by half-time had scored two goals of their own to leave the scores at 4-2 in favour of Lechuza. The match continued to be a competitive display of polo, with Lechuza eventually securing the win with a score of 7-5 to bring the Dominican season to an end. Lechuza’s Lalo James was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Anastasia, played by Juan Martín Nero was awarded the Best Playing Pony accolade. The Caribbean Open Final Teams: Lechuza Caracas: Víctor Vargas, Lalo James, Pelon Stirling & Juan Martín Nero Cinque Terre: Alessandro Bazzoni, Cubi Toccalino, Santi Toccalino & Nacho Novillo Astrada

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

MHF

Photograph courtesy of MHF Polo School

MHF Polo School’s members took full advantage of the early signs of summer recently with 17 riders enjoying the 25 degrees of fabulous sunshine at Holkham Beach. 17 riders took part in total in the School’s Annual Beach Trip. The group were also heralded as ‘heroes’ by a local rider, whose pony was caught by the group after she fell from her pony.

Taking a break from the pre-season training

VI Torneo Criadores

On Saturday 22 April, the Final of the VI Torneo Criadores (Breeders Tournament) was played in Pilar with Basque Harrods defeating Abrojito Rayita 14-11. The tournament is all about the horses and the award for the Best Horse was presented to Dolfina Movida Tropical (Durazno & Dolfina Bailantera), owned by Federico Virasoro. VI Torneo Criadores Final Teams: Basque Harrods (32): Santiago Solari (6), Pelón Stirling (10), Agustín Merlos (8) & Marcos Heguy (8) Abrojito Rayita (30): Juan M. Echeverz (6), Juan I. Merlos (8), Francisco de Narváez (8) & Frederick Mannix (8)

Beaufort

Australian Open

Cowdray Park Polo Club

On Sunday 2 April, Windsor Polo Club, Australia, hosted the Finals of The 2017 Australian Open. After some intense qualifying rounds, in the Final, Ellerston, captained by Brit James Harper, defeated Windsor 12-9, whilst Town & Country defeated Timor 7-6 in the Subsidiary Final. Ellerston’s Glen Gilmore was presented with the Jim MacGinley Trophy for Best and Fairest, whilst Cuban, played by James Harper, was awarded the Wallace Horsley Memorial Trophy as Champions Pony. Australian Open Final Teams: Ellerston (19): Shane Finemore (0), Matt Grimes (6), James Harper (7) & Glen Gilmore (6) Windsor (16): Peter Huston (0), Dirk Gould (5), Max Charlton (7), Jake Daniels (4)

Hope for Tomorrow will be hosting a day of polo and fun at Beaufort Polo Club on Saturday 24 June. With an array of tickets available from VIP to day access, there is something for everyone. VIP ticket holders will enjoy a drinks and canapés reception plus a welcome by England team players, followed by a delicious lunch before taking to the grandstand to watch two teams battle it out in a fast-paced Prince of Wales Cup match. All ticket proceeds will help keep the wheels turning on Hope for Tomorrow’s Mobile Chemotherapy Unit project.

Cowdray Park Polo Club’s 2017 season launched on Saturday 29 April with the opening matches in the 8 goal Barrett Cup and 12 goal Tyro Cup. Despite the concerns voiced over the winter on visa restrictions for overseas players and grooms, the Hurlingham Polo Association has worked hard on behalf of all the UK clubs with the result that restrictions have been lifted pending further scrutiny. Polo at Cowdray Park is therefore set to be as exciting as ever; a total of thirty trophies will be contested with some 400 matches in prospect. Social membership is £175 per annum plus a one-off joining fee of £50. A Junior Membership is also available for £50 a year.

San Francisco Win Copa República

On Saturday 25 March, the Finals of the Copa República were played at Palermo. A total of 16 teams competed in the tournament, with San Francisco and Trenque Lauquen reaching the Final. Trenque Lauquen began with a three goal advantage on handicap and in an extra chukka managed to secure the victory with a score of 13-12. It was the first time Trenque Lauquen have won the title, although team mate Matías MacDonough won the tournament in 2011 with La Estrella Enigma. Copa República Final Teams: San Francisco (20): Tomás Leguizamón (1), Martín Podestá (5), Facundo Fernández Llorente (6) & Matías MacDonough (8) Trenque Lauquen (17): Juan Manuel García Grossi (0), Roberto Bilbao (5), Juan Jauretche (5) & Juan Agustín García Grossi (7) 46

Polo Times, May 2017

Longdole On Friday 26 May, the Gloucestershire based Club is once again hosting the Festival of Electric Bicycle Polo in aid of the Watershed RDA. With bicycle polo matches, bar, BBQ, raffle, cupcake store as well as an electric bicycle obstacle course there is something for everyone. Gates open from 5pm, with a dressage to music display demonstration by international grand Prix Dressage Rider, Pippa Hutton at 7.30pm. www.polotimes.co.uk

International Action

Grand Champions

Photography by Chukker.TV

Women’s Polo

CrossFit/El Cid won its second consecutive Women’s League monthly tournament at Santa Rita Polo Farm in Wellington, Florida on Wednesday 29 March. The team of Ashley Emerson, Anne Ahern, Slaney O’Hanlon and Ashley Emerson of CrossFit/El Cid defends Tiffany Busch of La Herradura Courtney Asdourain defeated La Herradura (Meghan Gracida, Sibone Gallagher, Alina Carta & Tiffany Busch) 5½-3 in the Final. Ahern was named Most Valuable Player and Samson, a five-year-old black gelding owned by former 10 goaler Memo Gracida was named Best Playing Pony. “I am extraordinarily happy,” Emerson said after winning her first major women’s tournament. “I have been playing polo for ten years, but never been properly coached which is why I am stuck at a -1 rating. I like them telling me what to do on the field, I have learned so much. I am over the moon with the win. I want to come back next year.” Asdourain, who was the League’s inaugural MVP winner commented, “This was an amazing, phenomenal idea. Next year I plan to set aside three or four horses of my own just to play in this League”.

European Championship

Between 28 April and Sunday 7 May, Chantilly Polo Club will host the inaugural FIP Ladies European Championship between England, France, Germany and Italy. The Championship will take place alongside the FIP Zone C European Playoffs between England, France, Germany and Spain, which will be played on alternate days to the women’s matches. FIP Ladies European Championship Teams: France (9): Léa Siboni (0), Caroline Anier (5), Charlotte Garaud (3) & Adéle Renauldon (1) England (10): Angela Robb (0), Suzannah Harvey (0), Lottie Lamacraft (5) & Lucy Coddington (5) Italy (11): Ginevra Visconti Bassetti (1), Maria Vittoria Marchiorello (3), Ginevra D’Orazio (3) & Constanza Marchiorello (4) Germany (12): Laura Gissler-Weber (3), Mike Hoelty (3), Naomi Schroeder (3) & Tahnee Schroeder (3)

Barbados Ladies Tournament

Polo Times, May 2017

On Friday 31 March, San Eugenio Polo Club in Lobos, Argentina, hosted the Final of the San Eugenio Ladies Cup, in which six teams had competed and in the end Escorihuela Gascón defeated El Metejón 10-9 in the Final, whilst Candelaria del Monte beat Howard Johnson 5-3½ in the Subsidiary Final. After the matches, an array of prizes were awarded, in which Brit player Hazel Jackson was named Best Professional Player, Fleur van Andel was awarded Best Amateur Player and Lia Salvo received the Best Player Award. The equine star of the show was named as El Toro, played by Marianela Castagnola. San Eugenio Ladies Cup Final Teams: Escorihuela Gascón (12): Lia Salvo (9), Joaquina Pla (2), Milagros Martinez (1) & Daniela Barreto (0) El Metejón (12): Marianela Castagnola (8), Fleur van Andel (2), Cornelia Haufele (1) & Alice Servales (1)

Copa de la Mujer

On Sunday 26 March, the Final of the Copa de la Mujer was played at Palermo in which Centauros La Maroma eventually beat Araucaria Mardeco by 5½-5. It was a close match as both teams had so far been unbeaten, however in the end Araucaria Mardeco’s half goal handicap advantage sealed the deal.

On Saturday 25 March, three thrilling matches were played at Apes Hill Polo Club to bring the Massy United Ladies International Polo Tournament 2017 to an end. Following a week of competitive polo, the winners of the Final were Cote d’Azur Polo Club (Rachael Hughes, Vicki Gonzalez, Chris Evelyn & Hazel Jackson), in second place were Massy United (Linda Williams, Ashleigh Deane, Lucy Coddington & Lottie Lamacraft), third place Diamonds International (Monique Archer, Zoe Archer, Tiva Gross & Izzy McGregor), in fourth place Mrs. B’s (Maxine Betteridge, Georgina Walters, Hannah Henderson & Heloise Wilson-Smith), fifth was La Candelaria del Monte (Zhanna Dandurko, Raya Sidorenko, Emma Wood & Emma Boers) with AR Aesthetics (Angela Robb, Camilla Williams, Sam Buckles & Sarah Wiseman) bringing up the rear. 48

San Eugenio Ladies Cup

Copa de la Mujer Final Teams: Centauros La Maroma (12): Sofía Rivas (1), Delfina Balzano (4), Fátima Balzano (3), & Jeanine Hugo (3) Araucaria Mardeco (12): Polina Nazarova (2), Verónica Guerrero (3), Verónica Magnasco (4) & Ginebra D´Orazio (4)

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All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

El Olivitio, winners of the Juveniles section

On Saturday 15 April, the eight edition of the Copa Valentín Caset took place at Santa María de Lobos Polo Club. The tournament is held in remembrance of the late Valentín Caset, and is making a name for itself as one of the most important youth tournaments in Argentina. All the players were born between 2001-2009 and the competitors were split into six age categories, Juveniles, Mayores, Menores, Amigos (for individual entrants), Mini & MiniMini. The winners of each section were: Juveniles – Estancia Gande-El Olivito: Luca Berardi, Ramón Cassino, Felipe Dabas & Benjamín Panelo. Mayores – S. M. L. Horse Casting: Fernando Hernández, José Riglos, Ignacio Rivarola & Miguel Tedín. Menores – Las Alazanas: Juan Guerrero, Benjamín Balzano, Marcos Rivarola & Facundo Panelo. Amigos – Equipo Verde: Benjamín Garciarena, Martiniano Garciarena, Santiago Mignaqui & Olivia Piñeiro. Mini – Sol de Agosto: Paco de Narváez, Gerónimo Gallo Terrera, Tomás Cullen &Santiago Gaztambide. Mini-Mini – Pedro Chavanne, Clara Soto & Vicente Pascual

Photography by ©Elizabeth Hedley

Courtesy of the AAP

Copa Valentín USPA National Intercollegiate Caset Championship

The victorious University of Virginia

SMU’s JT Shiverick and RWU’s Daymar Rosser

On Saturday 8 April, Santa Barabara Polo & Racquet Club, California, hosted the USPA National Intercollegiate Championship Finals. In the Women’s Final, Texas A&M challenged the University of Virginia (UVA) as they opened the scoring with two unanswered goals in the first chukka providing Texas A&M with an early lead. However UVA were undeterred and replied with four consecutive goals in the first few minutes of the second chukka, followed by a further two goals to Texas A&M’s one, meaning by half-time the lead had been flipped with the scoreboard reading 6-3 to UVA. Despite a strong comeback from Texas A&M, this half-time lead proved too tough to beat as UVA maintained their lead to finish the match 9-7. The week long National Intercollegiate Championship culminated in the Men’s Final between Roger Williams University (RWU) and Southern Methodist University (SMU). A fast-paced match saw each team eager to make their mark in intercollegiate polo history with the level of competition reflected in the close scores and overtime chukka penalty shootout. In the end, it was RWU who converted two whilst SMU only managed a solitary goal, which took the final score to 12-11 and secured the win for RWU. Post-matches, Jaguar, owned by George Dill was named as Best Playing Pony in the Men’s Final and Pablo, owned by Jeff Scheraga was named Best Playing Pony in the Women’s Final. USPA National Intercollegiate Championship Final Teams: University of Virginia: Mary Collins, Jessica Smith & Katie Mitcham Texas A&M: Kendall Plank, Marissa Wells & Alexandra Vaughn Roger Williams University: Pedro Cabrera, George Hempt & Daymar Rosser Southern Methodist University: Michael Armour, Barrett Coke, Manual Ituarte, Maxi Longlois, JT Shiverick & Ramon de la Torre

Photograph courtesy of Polo National University League

National University League

The 2016/17 arena season marked the first Polo National University League

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The 2016/17 arena season saw clubs across the UK take their turn to host the inaugural Polo National University League, with the Finals played at Druids Lodge Polo Club. The league was created by students, for students, with university polo clubs battling it out to reach the Finals. The results of 2016/17 Polo National University League are as follows: Beginner League: 1st: Durham University Polo Club, 2nd: University of Kent Polo Club, 3rd: University of Exeter Polo Club, 4th: University of St. Andrews Polo Club & Most Valuable Player was named as Junaid Safdar Novice League: 1st: University of Exeter Polo Club, 2nd: Durham University Polo Club, 3rd: University of Brighton Polo Club, 4th: University of St. Andrews Polo Club & Most Valuable Player was named as Sam Courtier-Dutton Polo Times, May 2017

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Photography courtesy of SUPA

SUPA Tri-Nations

Teams from England, Ireland & Scotland competed

Photography courtesy of SUPA

Following the weekend of youth polo fun at the end of March, Polo Times caught up with Alice Walsh who played on the SUPA England team during the Tri-Nations: “To say that all the players had incredible fun is a huge understatement. Not only did we manage to partake in excellent polo, we explored Dublin, Wicklow town and the beach during the few days we spent in Ireland. It is fair to say that the Irish live up to their stereotypes with regards to drinking gallons of Guiness and partying! The tournament took place at the idyllic Polo Wicklow Club, 30 miles South of Dublin, compromising of a beautiful Clubhouse with a view of the sea as well as exquisite facilities and wonderful hosts. The teams, England, Ireland and Scotland, played against each other twice over the two days, adding pressure to each chukka. The level of polo was so clean that it meant the umpire only interrupted the game a couple of times per chukka. On the first day, Friday 24 March, England started the tournament against Scotland. There were plenty of tough rideoffs as the Scottish showed off their strong riding abilities, however we managed to win 4-½, setting us up nicely for the next day. Afterwards, we played Ireland and we won 4-1 in an open game with plenty of clean runs back and forth down the arena. Jock Thompson displayed calmness and flawless technique, inputting greatly to the Irish team. After playing, everyone then had great fun at the beach during sunset. We put together a polo match on foot which turned into be a rough game with ride-offs sending people flying! No balls were lost as Rob Brough took one for the team and waded into the sea in his whites to retrieve them. For dinner, we enjoyed scrumptious home-cooked food at the Clubhouse. On the second day, each team fought extremely hard and the level of polo stepped up even further. Our first game against Scotland was great to play, James Whiteford defended well and shut us down whenever we tried to get away. The final between England and Ireland was insanely tense. Ireland had a strong, well-rounded team that worked like clockwork and being on their home ground, the audience was cheering them on. Two penalties executed beautifully by Jock, alongside 3 field goals brought the Irish up to a dangerous 5 goals against 6 with two minutes to go! It was a nail biting experience, however I scored with a penalty shot which was shortly followed by a lovely nearside backhand by Sam Boreham to win for England with the final score of 7-6. Team England maintained a high level of effort which shone over the days.” SUPA Tri Nations Teams: England: Sam Boreham (Captain), Alice Walsh, Rob Brough & Ara Shikhalislami Scotland: Amy Nizolek, Hannah Middleton-Cope & James Whiteford Ireland: Christopher Pritchard, Oliver Pritchard, Jock Thompson & Emmett Connolly

Torneo Nacional de Menores

Over the weekend of 1 – 2 April, 25 teams in four categories competed in the AAP Torneo Nacional de Menores at Palermo, sponsored by Thai Polo. The 25 teams were split into Seniors, Minors, Minis and Mini Minis and after two days of play, the winners of the tournament in each division were: Seniors – Indios Chapaleufú II: Silvestre Heguy, Antonio Heguy, Cruz Heguy & Luke Wiles Minors – Capilla del Señor Martindale: Justo Llorente, Franz Spurgin, Felipe Bargalló & Nicolás de Rosas Minis – Sol de Agosto La Mariana: Dante Castagnola, Lorenzo Chavanne, Paco de Narváez & Rufino Merlos Mini Minis – Cría Yatay V8: Pedro Chavanne, León Donoso, Rufino Laulhé & Artemio Figueras

News in brief La Martina Varsity Day The battle of the blues has continued since 1878, which makes the OxfordCambridge Varsity match the second oldest continuing polo match in the world. This year the age-old rivalry will be hosted by Guards Polo Club on Saturday 3 June. University Polo On Sunday 19 March Brighton University Polo Team and Sussex University Polo Team competed against each other in a weekend of fun-filled polo at both Beginner and Novice levels. Despite the friendly atmosphere of the weekend, there had to be a winner and Brighton returned home victorious with a double victory, winning the Beginner match 10-0 and the Novice match with a score of 15-3, plans are already afoot for a rematch. Portsmouth University The University of Portsmouth have been in touch with Polo Times to spread the news about their subsidised riding and polo lessons, the Club are fundraising with the aim to reach a goal of £1,000 in order to continue offering lower cost lessons for members, visit their GoFundMe page for more details. NO PIC Arena Youth Tournament On Sunday 19 March, the 2017 Arena Youth Tournament was played at Westcroft Park Polo Club with Nipas, Eton and Surrey Juniors asthe overall winners.

Action from the SUPA Tri-Nations at Polo Wicklow

Polo Times, May 2017

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

All Aspects of Youth Polo

High Summer Polo Triumph

On Friday 11 March, Druids Lodge hosted the Finals of the Druids Lodge University League, sponsored by Uber Polo, which began in back October 2016. The Subsidiary Final was between UWE and Dorset Nags. Dorset got off to a good start leading 5 goals to 2 at the end of chukka one, a gap that UWE never really caught-up. The score on the final bell was 9-7 in favour of Dorset. Next-up, Exeter took on Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in a close and thrilling match. Going into the last chukka, the scores were tied but an own goal by Exeter left RAU ahead with under a minute to go, yet to the crowd’s excitement RAU returned the favour with an own goal of their own! With the scores reading 7-7 at the final bell, the result was left to penalties and Exeter managed to slot one more in than RAU to secure victory. Lara Hopkins (Exeter) was named Leading Lady Player and the Leading Male Player prize was awarded to Haden Trueman-Greinke (RAU). Druids Lodge University League Finals Teams: UWE: Nadine Harris, Beau Banks & Natasha Ball Dorset Nags: Claire Graham, Georgina Polin & Sufi Harroon Exeter: Lara Hopkins, Freddie Sheehan & Jozsi Hbsburg RAU: Ben Malden, Miles Martin & Haden Trueman-Greinke

SUPA Ladies

High Summer Polo, winners of the Taj Hotels Beginners’ Tournament

The second Taj Hotels Beginners’ Tournament was held on 12 March at Moor Hall Farm. Eight teams made up of players who have newly taken up polo from Deloitte, Cambridge University, London Alumni, University of East Anglia and other MHF beginners battled it out. All in all it was a very successful day, with Shenis Kilicaslan, Hammad Gous Malik and Amy Kilmister-Bland making up the winning team.

Intermediate – Wellington: Ossia Montgomerie, Isabelle (Issy) Algar & Flo Evans-Thomas Novice – Seaford Ladies: Martha Crosdil, Izzy Anderson & Rosey Grant/Andrea Arandas Beginner – St Swithuns: Harriet Jowett, Laura Moravec & Phoebe Newburg Most Valuable Player – Victoria Schneider, Heathfield School Most Promising Player – Sonya Lebedeva, Wycombe Abbey B

Photograph by Andrew Hine

On Sunday 19 March West Wycombe Polo Arena hosted 48 players comprising of 16 girls’ teams for the National Schools Ladies Arena Championships. The hard work of SUPA organisers, Gill Glimmerveen and Caroline Grayson paid off as many parents and families who had attended to support the up-and-coming ladies school players were blessed with great weather and were certainly not disappointed by the standard of play across all four divisions. The Open Division was particularly exciting with four teams competing for the 2017 Ladies’ Open Title. This tournament has grown in popularity in the past few years, helped by the opportunity for individual players to find a place in combined teams. “Not all the schools have a complete team at the same level of play” SUPA Steward Gill Glimmerveen told Polo Times, “However, we are now able to find other players at a similar level and submit teams

into the Nationals. This enables all players to enter a national tournament. It is great for parents and supporters to see their children compete.” All players received copies of Polo Times and other prizes unique to the ladies’ tournaments. The opportunity for the young players coming through the ranks is helped by the continued and generous support of Richard Bucket at RJ Polo and HPA. Division Winners: Open – Downe House: Milly Hine, Millie Hughes & Emma Talbot-Rice

Photograph by Alec Banner-Eve

Photograph by Andrew Yates Photography

Druids Lodge University League

Action from the Final between Exeter & RAU

Youth

48 players competed in the National Schools Ladies Arena Championships

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

Polo Times, May 2017

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Photograph by Andrew Yates Photography

On the weekend of 18 – 19 March the Finals of the Druids Lodge Super League, sponsored by SATSfaction, were played at Druids Lodge. The Super League was created to provide university players with regular, competitive polo at 6-8 goal level and it has now been running for three years. This year’s tournament saw the Arena Gold Cup winners competing, although playing against one another with Harold Hodges playing for Exeter, winners of the 2017 Druids Lodge Super League London, Robin Ormerod for Bristol and Seb Hancock for Exeter. The Subsidiary Final took place between RAU and a combined team which replaced Harvard Alumni who were unable to field a team. RAU were awarded a 4½ goal advantage across the three chukka match, but got off to a slow start and gave away two penalties in the first chukka. However they soon rallied and going into the final chukka the score was 9½-6 in favour of RAU. Despite some good play from the combined team in the third chukka and an impressive two point goal from Will Penfold, the RAU stepped up their marking and the score on the final bell was 11½-9 to RAU. The Druids Lodge Super League Final was between Bristol and last year’s winners, Exeter. Exeter started the match with a three goal advantage which seemed to give them confidence as they went on to score another four goals in the first chukka, ending the chukka 7-1. The next chukka was a similar story with some good play between Exeter’s Seb Hancock and Charley Holley, combined with impressive marking and backing up from Karina Kaute-Brown, resulting in a 12-3 score going into the final chukka. Bristol rallied with Robin Ormerod putting away a couple of goals and Exeter lost some momentum, but unfortunately it was too little too late for Bristol and the score was 13-7 in favour of Exeter.

Photograph courtesy of Brighton University PoloTeam

Super League

Brighton Uni Going Strong

Brighton University Polo Team have enjoyed great success over the arena season

Brighton University Polo team has been making waves only one and half years after launching. In the SUPA Winter National University Arena Championships the Brighton Beginner 2 team came a respectable third in their section. The team went on to organise a new South Coast Varsity league with Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth with the four universities battling it out at the Beginner and Novice levels. Brighton’s Beginner team came second overall whilst their Novice team reached first place after defeating Winchester 5-1. Over 18 – 19 March the annual Brighton vs Sussex Varsity matches were played at FHM Polo Club, which after some competitive and high scoring matches, saw Brighton walk away victorious in both the Beginner and Novice sections.

07946 424 740

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Military

lead by Jonathan Myatt, in an excellent, well-natured competition with some very promising players. The UOTCs will next be hosted by the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Competition in July, for the UOTC Sandhurst Cup. For a full list of Military polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages Send all of your Military polo news to editorial@polotimes.co.uk

Action from the two day tournament

Photography courtesy of Harry Runnacles

etween 22 – 23 March the University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) participated in the annual Arena Challenge organised by the Army Reserve, which also marked the end of the 2016/17 arena season at Druids Lodge Polo Club. Twenty members from six UOTCs participated, with an increasing number of UOTCs registering interest in playing, which marks the start of what is hoped to be an exciting start to the 2017 summer season. This beginner polo proves polo is not only alive and well in the Army, but also demonstrates the UOTCs enthusiasm for polo. The two days combined several instructional lessons and ‘chukkettes’, under the tuition of Giles Ormerod and Polo Manager Abi Meakin, with the Arena Cup on the second day. The six teams were divided into two divisions; in the higher division some excellent competitive matches saw Birmingham UOTC, led by Harry Runnacles, come out as winners of the Cup, against Bristol and newcomers Northumbria. Division 2 saw a victory for City of Edinburgh UOTC,

Photography courtesy of Harry Runnacles

UOTC Arena Cup

Six UOTC teams competed in the UOTC Arena Cup

Quality is not expensive, it’s priceless POLO DIVISION

The Stephens Polo Saddle for Gonzalito Pieres “I really like the style and design. It sits very well on the horse’s back, doesn’t move and is very comfortable for both horse and rider. The light weight is a big bonus too”. Gonzalito Pieres

For all enquiries please contact your local Polo Equipment specialist or Equine Management Ltd., Email: info@equineman.com or Tel: 01825 840 002 Direct Sales: www.worldwidetack.com

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Polo Times, May 2017

Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Paddy just purchased in September 2013

Colic Case Study

‘Paddy’ (owned and played by Mrs Jo Stuart

since 2013), 11-years-old, Irish Thoroughbred

I first met Paddy in 2014, a recent purchase who was underweight and a poor-doer. He always benefitted from extra calories to maintain his condition and top line, he would also get quite tucked up and hollow – however, Paddy never lacked energy. For these reasons, he was fed All-Round Endurance Mix topped up with a balancer to ensure he was receiving a balanced ration, and good quantities of hay. We fed him a prebiotic, Digest Plus, to help the beneficial bacteria in his hind gut work more efficiently, thus help with

the hollowing. He always had a very good appetite and would often be ‘hungry’. In August 2015 Paddy had a severe episode of colic which needed surgery,

Paddy in Liphook in August 2015

Paddy eight weeks after his operation in October 2015

Polo Times, May 2017

most likely related to an undiagnosed liver disorder from which he has made a full recovery and had a strong season of playing again in 2016.

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Paddy in July 2016

Paddy at the start of work in May 2016

Post-surgery, Paddy needed to put on condition, but because of the inflamed liver we needed to avoid using oils as a calorie source and large quantities of cereals were to be avoided during these early days of recovery. So, Paddy was introduced to Performance Balancer, which has a higher protein content (but with ‘quality proteins’, again, to not put extra strain on the liver) and a balance of vitamins and minerals to

support his recovery. He had Fibre-Beet introduced into his diet to act as a digestible fibre source which would also increase his calorie intake and a soft leafy meadow hay was provided ‘ad lib’. As far as supplements were concerned, he was put on Succeed (for hind gut health) and Dandelion & Burdock (to aid liver regeneration). Paddy began to make good progress and in time was introduced to turnout and

grass over the winter months. He continued his diet above throughout the winter to ensure he maintained and continued to build his condition and top line. By the spring of 2016 Paddy was slowly brought back into work, still on Performance Balancer, which was then increased to four mugs per day (900g) to support him whilst coming back into work. He lived out on good grass, which was then supplemented with hay when stabled during the day. To ensure Paddy had enough calories in his diet as his workload increased he was slowly (over 10 days) introduced to No.2 Working Cubes, the balancer was reduced slightly and he began to play polo and maintain his condition throughout the season. Paddy was wintered again on the balancer and has come into the spring looking very well indeed! “I will always get bloods done on ones in unusually poor condition in future,” reflects Paddy’s owner Jo, “but it’s great to see him thriving now and thanks to all involved in that.”

Paddy in March 2017

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Polo Times, May 2017

Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

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Equipment Focus: The Gonzalito Saddle

Knowledge

Cutting Edge Saddlery Stephens polo division announces their first polo saddle, endorsed and used by Gonzalito Pieres

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The Stephens Polo Saddle

The saddle also holds benefits for the rider as the design allows for optimal freedom of movement, whilst the full suede seat provides grip for comfort. The suede of the seat is complimented by the Havana coloured saddle leather and white detailing to ensure that the saddle not only feels but also looks great! As if you needed any more persuasion to pick up the phone and order a Gonzalito saddle, Gonzalito Pieres himself commented of the saddle, fresh from playing the American high goal with Flexjet, “I really like the style and design. It sits very well on the horse’s back, doesn’t move and is very comfortable for both horse and rider. The light weight is a big bonus too”. High praise indeed from one of the players at the top of our sport! The saddle currently retails at £995 For more information and/or to order please contact Equine Management Ltd. on 01825 840002

Photograph by © www.imagesofpolo.com

Budding readers of Polo Times will be well aware of bitting guru, Stephen Biddlecombe’s keen eye for detail and longstanding commitment to help riders obtain the most out of their horses. Every month Stephen answers all manner of bit related questions from our readership. He’s exclusively sharing with Polo Times readers the news of an exciting, world-wide sponsorship arrangement with new brand ambassador, Gonzalito Pieres. Following intensive research and development, the latest product fresh from the workshop in Walsall, currently available in size 18”, bears all the key tenets of the Stephens range; these being high quality English craftsmanship twinned with a dedication to innovate where possible to improve the performance of both horse and rider. As such, whilst the new saddle is fashioned from English leather around a classical wooden tree, the gullet of the saddle is wider than that found in most polo saddles. This is done to ensure that the rider’s weight is more evenly distributed across the horse’s back. This, twinned with efforts to trim the weight of the saddle, eliminates equine spinal pressure, which the Stephens brand is prepared to guarantee. Across all of his ranges at Equine Management Ltd, which leads the field in equine gel technology with the internationally renowned Gel-Eze range and Stephens range of high quality English bridlework, Stephen consistently counsels the advice of leading professionals. In this case, the input of world-class player and winner of numerous high goal tournaments worldwide, including The 2016 Jaeger Le-Coultre Gold Cup, Gonzalito Pieres, was pivotal in the design, production and feel of the new saddle. “The obvious choice was to call the saddle the ‘Gonzalito’” says Stephen.

Gonzalito Pieres and his brother Facundo after winning The Jaeger Le-Coultre Gold Cup in 2016

Polo Times, May 2017

Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Armis Polo

Photography courtesy of Armis Polo

The Armis helmet has a range of safety features including a four point harness and flexible peak

Armis Polo

Re-inventing polo helmet design Robin Spicer’s Armis Polo has been keenly anticipated, with new concepts for helmet safety, design and functionality. With the 2017 summer season upon us, it made perfect sense to chat to Robin Spicer, CEO and the driving force behind Armis Polo to find out more about the revolutionary helmet design. Q: Can you tell us a bit about Armis Polo? A: Armis Polo is an independent studio committed to designing the future of polo gear. Working with industry leading helmet manufacturers and suppliers, we combine the latest design trends with the safest helmet technology to create a contemporary polo brand. It is our mission to re-evaluate priorities in high value polo gear. We will not sell you a logo or a history, simply an unparalleled depth of helmet quality and style. Q: When and why did you decide to set up your brand? A: Having fallen off countless times while playing polo and been knocked unconscious three times, with the most recent incident lasting for over 20 minutes, this sparked the fuel to the fire to take on the polo community. The rate of injury in polo is quite low and doesn’t have polo players queuing at hospital doors. However, the severity rate is extremely high and the consequences can be fatal. Armis is a creative outlet that has set out to inspire change. I’d like to see attitudes and behaviour towards helmet

safety in the sport be more progressive and encourage polo players to seek proper medical attention when suffering a dangerous head impact.

individuals who crave for something distinctive and exciting, not polo gear that makes them look as if they are on safari. There’s more space for individual style, and the Armis helmet is an art canvas to showcase their personality. The starting price for the Armis Shadow, Ghost or Ice is RRP £430 which includes one headband and a protective case. Any added customisation is a premium on top. Customisation now is more than just initials and logos, we offer a range of hydrographics. This is an advanced process of applying printed graphics directly over the whole helmet.

Q: Where do you manufacture and what materials do you use? A: We are very proud to be manufacturing in the UK certified to British Standards unlike so many other consumer goods we see today. This means we can offer a greater level of quality control and make the best product. Using the correct materials for the right application is crucial when designing a helmet, we boast having two shells of a carbon composite fibre to reduce penetrations combined with a lightweight expanded polystyrene (EPS) liner to absorb the energy from a crash. The liner is fitted with a thin polycarbonate MIPS layer (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) to reduce rotational acceleration. A flexible plastic peak covered in leather is incorporated with a four-point harness to reduce neck injuries. Q: What’s your price range and target market? A: At Armis we are designing for As well as safety, Armis also offer customisation

Polo Times, May 2017

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Equipment Focus: Armis Polo

Knowledge

protective materials perform and look great at the same time. Eventually I want to build a trust with our customers so they can buy something on looks alone with the knowledge everything has been thought through.

Q: Where does your aspiration come from? A: Polo has always been the family passion, the early years through Pony Club and SUPA to travelling around the world playing the sport I love. This importantly has allowed me to interact with so many cultures on a daily basis and see so many styles and this sets off the design juices. I want to apply my design flair to a sport that has been left behind in the safety industry and bring it into the 21st century. Q: Why do you think our readers should wear your brand? A: You want it because of how it looks, but you’ll buy it for the depth of consideration that goes into our design and engineering to comply to British Standards. My professional training is in Industrial Design, working with the world’s leading manufacturers, so I know how to make

Q: What part do the horses and polo play in your life and the creation of your brand A: There’s nowhere I feel more at home than on a polo field. It is the only outlet in my life where I can just get away from everything. I have been playing polo since I was six and Armis allows me to get closer to the sport and meet the world’s best players that I would have only dreamt of meeting before. Q: What has been best moment so far for you and your brand? A: To date, it must be the first custom helmet ever made that was commissioned for the England Polo Captain, James Biem. Extremely proud moment, when the leader of our sport here in the UK is behind the brand. Q: And last but not least, where can we buy one? A: So far, we have signed up an excellent range of polo specific retailers and we are proud that they are 100% behind the brand. To date our confirmed Bespoke Partners are Polo Splice in Midhurst, RJ Polo in Cirencester and Tato’s Mallets in Florida, US.

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Knowledge

Playing Tips

Playing Tips with Rege Ludwig Upper Leg Contact Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game

Unequivocally, the most significant and influencing factor in playing the polo horse is the gripping strength of your upper legs attaching you to your horse (Bolt through Knees). That is true because, your legs are the only direct contact you have with your horse, and they are the strongest attachment you have to your horse. The significance of that situation is, every movement of your upper body is transmitted into your horse through your upper legs, and the more strongly your upper legs are gripping your horse’s shoulders, the more readily your horse will feel your movement on its back. Consequently, it will better understand how, when, and to what degree to respond to you. The way control of your polo horse works is – your rein hand controls the front end (mouth and neck), your lower legs control and energise the hindquarters, while it is your upper legs that control the middle of the horse at its shoulders. A critical factor to be aware of relative to controlling your horse is – it is your upper body, which connects those three controlling parts of your body.

At the heart of the control issue is the fact that, it should be the whole of your body (rein hand, lower leg, upper leg, and upper body) that should be controlling and directing the movements of your horse; not just your rein hand alone. Consider an analogy I use when teaching the polo style of riding. I refer to your body (head to toe) as being a Joystick, or control arm. Imagine controlling a car on a screen with a control arm (Joystick). If you want the car to move forward faster, move the Joystick more forward. If you want the car to go right, move the Joystick right. Consider your body to be a Joystick, and if your want your horse to accelerate, move your Joystick upper body forward. That, in turn, should move your rein hand forward, releasing pressure on your horse’s mouth helping to indicate – accelerate. If you want the horse to go right, lean your Joystick upper body right causing your rein hand to move correspondingly.

Hopefully you have an understanding of how your Joystick body works. Now imagine the analogy of having a bolt passing through your knees and your horse’s shoulders. Consider how your Joystick body movement will affect the bolt passing through your horse’s shoulders. If you were to lean your upper body forward and down in an effort to indicate to your horse, accelerate, your upper legs will be pushing forward and down into your horse’s shoulders. The affect on the bolt will be to push forward and down into your horse’s shoulders urging it to move forward, or accelerate. If you were to lean your Joystick body right, your right leg will be pushing down on the bolt, which is effectively pushing down on your horse’s right shoulder. At the same time, your left leg will be lifting up on the bolt causing your horse’s left shoulder to be lifted. Those two movements, in effect, will cause your horse to tilt its body right; and as a consequence, move right.

Leaning Effect

Joystick

Bolt Through Knees

Polo Times, May 2017

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Playing Tips

Knowledge

Nutcracker (Gripping Strength)

If you were to lean your Joystick upper body up and back to decelerate your horse, the effect on the bolt would be to lift up and pull back; thereby, pulling up and back on your horse’s shoulders, indicating to decelerate. To drive the upper leg contact gripping strength home just a little more deeply, I use the analogy of comparing your upper legs to a nutcracker, which suggest that the greatest gripping pressure is at the fulcrum (groin) where your legs meet at the hip. Another comparison relative to the gripping strength of your legs can be discovered by lying flat on your back, or sitting in a chair, with your feet up off of the floor, and your legs stretched out straight. Next, place something similar in size to a football between your legs and squeeze until you realise twenty pounds of gripping pressure onto the ball. First place the ball between your legs at your groin, then your knees, and then your ankles, creating twenty pounds of squeezing pressure at each point. The difference is obvious; you will have to squeeze with a much greater effort at your ankles then at your groin. Additionally, your upper legs should be gripping the horse, in the Rider’s Groove, which is where your legs naturally fit when riding without a saddle, or with a saddle, and the stirrups are adjusted to a medium length. www.polotimes.co.uk

To maximize gripping strength with your upper legs, the forward, Half Seat, position in the saddle is the ideal position to be in. In the Half Seat position, your upper legs naturally fit in the Rider’s Groove creating the strongest possible

grip with your upper legs. With that strong upper leg grip, you can develop a secure riding, and/or, hitting platform. The most significant concern relative to playing the polo horse should be – sufficient upper leg gripping strength from which you can balance, stabilise and control yourself on the horse, while helping your horse balance, stabilise, and control itself under you.

Rider’s Groove/Half Seat

Polo Times, May 2017

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Knowledge

Fitness Focus

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

Fitness For Polo

Let’s Get to Work! We talk to leading physical coach for polo players and founder of Fitness for Polo, Martín Perez about getting fit for the game and exercises to improve your polo Coming back into the new season the right way is very important if you have had a long winter break from the stresses and strains of polo. We’ve all felt those leg aches and lower back pains at the beginning of the season usually reserved for people who play or ride a lot less than us. Often we can be so excited to get back in the saddle that we cause ourselves injuries or muscles imbalances before the season has even started (and that’s before you take into account the antics of fresh and overexcited ponies). No one wants to start the season with torn muscles or stiff backs and as with all things, prevention is better than cure. The ponies have been brought back to fitness slowly over the course of at least a month or two, and you should treat yourself the same way. If you are responsible for getting your horses fit, then use their fitness regime as guidance for your own. Get those muscles familiar once again with the rigours of riding through walk work, allowing the

muscle memory to work its magic and have you back comfortable in the saddle before you move on to anything more strenuous. Your walk work time may seem long and dull, but it is a great opportunity to spend time working on your own fitness. Use this time (if possible depending on the nature of your mount) to start moving around in the saddle. Stand up in your stirrups and hold this position, try touching your toes with the opposite hand or twisting around in the saddle to get those rotational muscles moving once again. All these exercises may seem foolish but they are a great way to start stretching the muscles you will be needing later on. Moving up to trot work will start to build your cardio vascular stamina once again as your body starts to work harder and those final fast work stages you use to finish off your horse’s fitness routine are great to help you rebuild those leg muscles that may have lost some of their strength over the off season.

So that’s a good start, work it up slowly and don’t try to start the season as you ended your last. Get your basic riding fitness back before you start to take a look at your fitness levels for polo. This riding fitness will re-establish your core strength and make it less likely that you will injure yourself when you start to push your body further with those first stick and ball sessions and springtime chukkas. Again, the key to regaining your fitness for polo is to start slow. Don’t rush out onto the field and stick and ball for an hour only to hobble back inside and not be able to ride for three days while your delayed onset muscles soreness wreaks havoc on your body. Below I have outlined a short exercise routine that you can do off the horse to help you build up the strength, flexibility and balance to start working those polo muscles once again without risk of injury or over work. Try to perform these exercises for at least a week prior to stick and balling and then throughout the first stages of the season. Remember to always warm-up and stretch after each stick and ball session and you should come back to this season fitter, stronger and more prepared than ever before.

Exercise One – Promotes balance Start lying flat on your back. As you sit up bring your knees up towards your chest and balance for a second before returning to the mat. This will start to warm up your core and back muscles. Forcing your body to find its centre of gravity promotes balance and is a good work out that focuses on many muscles used unwittingly in polo. 66

Polo Times, May 2017

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Exercise Two – Helps build rotational strength Lift one leg straight up from the matt and bring the other toward your chest. Rotate your trunk until both your hands touch the ground on the same side as your bent knee. Return to the middle and repeat on the other side. This will start to work your rotational muscles, used in almost every movement of polo.

Exercise Three – Promotes rotational stretching and flexibility Sit up, bending one leg and supporting your weight behind you on your hands. Place the other leg over the top supported by the bent leg. Keeping your shoulders facing forward, rotate at the waist until the supporting leg is flat against the ground (or as close as you can get it). Return to the start position, switch legs and repeat on the other side. This is a great stretch for your rotational muscles and obliques, muscles that are often overworked and overlooked in polo.

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Equipment Focus: Bits

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

Parrot Mouth Advice Q – I’m an amateur player and our ex-racer has a mild parrot mouth, confirmed this week by the equine dental technician; although nothing too severe. He tends to throw his head in the air so much that he just ‘flattens’ at speed; he’s ridden in a gag. My wife and daughter also jump him and use a Pee Wee bit, and he’s quite strong here too, ‘flattening’ over the jumps. Any advice? RD, Hants A – The mild parrot mouth confirmation means we will need to keep his bit on the thinner side, as he won’t have a lot of room in his mouth. Your horse is seemingly showing signs of disliking pressure on his tongue. Incidentally, the Pee Wee is quite a strong bit in my opinion, however it doesn’t create a pressure point on the tongue, due to its thin, curved bar mouthpiece. This is why some ‘tonguesensitive’ horses will go better in it, however it’s not actually relieving any tongue pressure, which is probably why he has decided that he’s had enough of it when he jumps! I am unsure what type of gag bit you currently play him in, however I have some suggestions. We do offer a McHardy mouthpiece, which is a combination of a jointed Happy Tongue with a Buster Roller, which allows space for the tongue. It comes in a Big Ring Gag style which you may prefer for polo, as it introduces poll pressure. The 2.5 ring version is a softer version of ring bit, as the half ring softens the leverage on the mouthpiece and poll; this would perhaps also suit the family to jump the horse in, as

The McHardy bit from Bombers comes in a Big Ring Gag style.

The 2.5 ring McHardy is softer than the Big Ring Gag

the horse should relax more into the contact, and his jump will likely become rounder instead of flattening out. Generally speaking, a Happy Tongue mouthpiece should also work – the shaped

The Happy Tongue comes in various cheekpieces, including the three ring continental style.

mouthpiece removes the pressure from the tongue, which will hopefully stop him throwing up his head. There are various cheekpieces available, including big ring, three ring (gag) and Pelham.

Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using a ‘design your own bit’ service. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron – the metal oxidises easily which creates a sweet taste in the horse’s mouth and encourages the horse to salivate. Visit www. worldwidetack.com. 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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Medical Insight: Polodoc

Photography courtesy of Polodoc

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

Tito Gaudenzi with supportive elbow tape and wearing a protective Casablanca elbow pad in Baku

The Powerhouse for the Hand absorb shocks. They are lashed into place with tough tissues called ligaments. And your tendons connect your bones to muscles to allow you to move your arm in different ways.

injury which reflect the sports in which it is often found. Golfer and tennis elbow are known in public as painful, sport disabling problems with a large number of treatments and external aids. Starting with soreness and slight reduction in performance in can escalate to immense pain and incapability to hold the racquet in tennis, club in golf or stick in polo. If you look closely into the pathology of tendinitis, a degeneration of the deceased tendon is the starting point called tendinopathy. Degeneration is the death of high quality tendon cells and turnover to lower quality scar tissue cells and inflammation. This inflammation is the cause of pain within this specific area and leads to a reduction in grip strength in the forearm and hand.

Problem One: Tendinopathy (aka Tendinitis and tendinosis) Pain around the elbow is present in all sports where athletes use racquets, throw or play contact sport. In many non-contact sports tendon pathology is the source of the pain. This fact led to names associated with the

Treatment and prevention The primary treatment goals for tendinopathy are to break the cycle, reduce ground substance, pathologic vascularisation and subsequent tendon thickening, and optimise collagen production and maturation so that the tendon regains normal tensile strength.

Stay in control when your elbow pain takes over The elbow joint is the powerhouse for nearly every hand action. At the same time it is the weak link between the forces resulting from the pendulum movement started in the upper body and shoulder transferred through the arm to the stick. The elbow is a joint formed where three bones come together – the upper arm bone, called the humerus, and the ulna and the radius, the two bones that make up the forearm. Each bone has cartilage on the end, which helps them slide against each other and 70

Polo Times, May 2017

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Medical Insight: Polodoc

Knowledge

Elbow pain can reduce grip and strength in the forearm and hand X-Ray indication of elbow dislocation

Elbow braces can be used to reduce movement and aid recovery

Elbow ligament UCL rupture

Elbow reconstruction using Arthrex LUCL

ACP Arthrex can be used to alleviate tendinopathy

The treatment therefore is strictly conservative due to the fact that 80% of the cases heal over time, with an average healing time of eight months. Conservative treatment consists of a multimodal approach. This includes stopping painful movements, adaption of the gear and physiotherapy with training of the forearm musculature. It is worth considering infiltration with PRP methods like ACP Arthrex. Avoid further impacts from mallet or ball with additional protection provided by ONA® or Casablanca® and help the muscle function and regeneration with underlying compression sleeves as provided by CEP®. Nutrition is very important. An intake of substances like Vitamin C, Manganese, and Zinc should be considered. All of these are important for the synthesis of collagen production. Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E have also been linked to tendon health. Antiinflammatory drugs like NSAR are discussed controversially. Problem Two: Bursitis Hard or repetitive blows to the tip of the elbow will traumatize the subcutaneous tissue called the bursa and lead to a full bursitis. This tissue sack contains liquid in different proportions and normally protects the bone and tendon from injury. An opening of the overlaying skin due to trauma can also lead to infection. Bursitis occurs from hard or repetitive knocks to the elbow tip

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Treatment and prevention In general a bursitis needs rest to recover in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAR, Vitamin C). Elbow pads as mentioned before are recommended to reduce the exposure of the tip of the elbow. In case of skin problems and infectious bursitis an immediate medical consultation is recommended and further surgical intervention may be indicated. Problem Three: Ligament injuries/ fractures/dislocations The upper extremity is often the first body part to touch the ground when falling off the horse. The impact will flow through the entire arm and stress the weak points until possible failure. Due to the construction of the elbow, the stabilisation of the joint is primarily given through the ulna, radius and humerus. The secondary stabilisers are the musculature and the ligamentous apparatus on the inner and the outer side of the elbow. Most prone to injury are the ligaments on the inner side of the elbow, as they restrain all power flowing through the joint from a hook or an incorrect swing. Elbow dislocations result from highenergy impact and are not common. Elbow dislocations typically occur when a person falls onto an outstretched hand. Due to the fact that the elbow is both a hinge joint and a ball and socket joint, rotation positions and manoeuvres to resist the fall will put the elbow on a higher risk for either fracture or dislocation. Treatment and prevention The focus should be to prevent injury from falling off the horse at all costs. A personalised muscle and falling training could be helpful to learn a landing strategy. These have a significant effect on reducing the impact load during a fall. If a fall occurs and persistent pain is present a medical examination should include X-ray in combination with Artho-

MR Imagining. In acute cases a CT can be indicated for additional bony lesions. In case of obvious dislocation seek immediate medical examination, with close reduction of the elbow movement and bracing is recommended. In the presence of ligamentous instability, early intervention with open repair and bone anchor stabilisation may speed up the recovery time with less reduction in the range of motion.

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR If you think you’ve fractured or dislocated your elbow, it hurts and doesn’t look right, go to the emergency room, long periods of elbow inactivity should be avoided. Early consultation of an elbow specialist is recommended. You should always seek medical attention if: l

Elbow pain that doesn’t go away with rest and ice, or pain that doesn’t go away even when you’re not using your arm Intense pain, swelling, and bruising around your elbow Pain, swelling, or redness that gets worse, especially if you have additional fever Problems using your elbow or losing grip strength in the hand as well as difficulty bending your arm

For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com

Polo Times, May 2017

Sidelines

Gossip

HAPPY HACKING

Brooke, an international charity dedicated to protect and improve the lives of working horses, mules and donkeys, has launched MyHackathon which aimes to encourage riders across the UK to take up the challenge of riding 100 miles in 100 days to raise £100. It’s totally free to sign up, so visit www.thebrooke.org/ myhackathon to get involved.

TAYLOR TIES THE KNOT

Leading lady player Lucy Taylor and 3 goaler Jonny Coddington got hitched against the glorious backdrop of the east coast of Barbados on Friday 24 February at The Atlantis Hotel. Turn to our Reports pages to read all about this polo playing duo in The One Caribbean Estates Cheshire Tour.

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

BARBADOS STYLE

No helmet? No boots? No problem! Grooming Barbados style has a somewhat laidback style, but with the glorious beaches, emerald pitches and rum aplenty, who can blame them!

FUTURE EQUINE CHAMPION

NAUGHTY NACHO

The latest in the Nacho Figueras trilogy has dropped onto the office doorstep and has had us all hot under the collar as the global polo player and model dives into a sizzling world of seduction and scandal in Ride Free.

Team Tristar (UK) Ltd

Congratulations to Laura (née Bechtolsheimer) & Mark Tomlinson who welcomed baby Wilfred Simon Tomlinson into the world on Saturday 18 March at the Queen Charlotte Hospital, London. Wilfred weighed in at a healthy 3.2kg and according to his equine athlete parents he loves a good post-milk snooze and at five-weeks-old is ready for his polo season debut! No doubt this Tomlinson tot will be in the saddle ASAP.

Manufacturers of Quality Horseboxes

For details of our current stock or for a new build, please phone or email or visit our website.

www.tristarhorsesboxes.co.uk Tel: 01570 422250 Email: sales@tristarhorseboxes.co.uk 72

Polo Times, May 2017

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Douglas Straughn, Megan Fields, Ashleigh Deane & Anya Wiles

Mr & Mrs Howard Henry

Danielle Williams

Cheshire Polo Tour; Barbados; 26 February – 5 March

Pilgrimage to Sunny Shores This spring, Cheshire Polo Club once again made their annual pilgrimage to Barbados to take on One Caribbean Estates Barbados team. Despite some rainy days, the tournament went ahead and didn’t disappoint with The Cheshire Polo team taking the first game and both teams agreeing a draw in the Final. After the victorious teams took to the podium, the after party went into full swing celebrating another successful tour in style. Lashings of rum punch and Banks beer with some great food and music meant Cheshire guests partied away in true Barbados style alongside Bajan residents. Photography by Louise Siggers/www.siggyphotography.co.uk

Janelle Cadogan & Dawn Yearwood

Tina Taylor

Teddy Williams

Sir Charles ‘Cow’ Williams

Ollie Taylor

Caroline Bowden & June Talbot

Victoria Roberts

Susanna & Edmund O’Reilly Hyland

Howard Taylor

Melissa Normandin-Roberge, Amelie Vallieres Steve Landry & Jonathan Lambert,

Sara Jackson, Chrissie Gray, Gemma & Ben Malasomma & Lenny Cunningham

Robin Sturch, Annette Sturch, Steve & Ann Whaley

Heather Walton

Cheshire Polo Club Annual Pre-Season Party; The Fox & Barrel, Cotebrook; Friday 21 April

Cheshire Pre-Season Kick Off

Grace Clisby, Jan Wilson & Jill Fairhurst

It was all smiles at the Cheshire Polo Club Annual Pre-Season Party as guests came together to celebrate the start of another exciting season. Following a rambunctious drinks reception, guests were treated to a delicious three course meal and charity raffle. Club Chairman Richard Thomas and Vice Chairman Martin Kidd presented the lucky winners with a multitude of prizes from tickets to Chester Races, to British Polo Gin, polo jackets and moreâ&#x20AC;Ś a sure way to keep spirits high as the season kicks off. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to a great season at Cheshire Polo Club! Photography by Mark R. Heath

Deryn Nichols & Spencer Atkinson

Simon Kidd

Jonny & Lucy Coddington, Maxine, Mark, Louise & Brett Farnworth

Stewart Wilson, Steve Jones & Nicola Frayling

Gemma Garside & Lee Foster

Richard Thomas

Henry Smith & Holly Jenkins

Tamara Chorokhova, Jagdeep Gill, Jennifer Taylor & Stewart Wilson

Martin Kidd with British Polo Gin Raffle Prize Winner Karen Kelly

Glynn Henderson & Jenny Doherty

Host Gary Kidd

Tunde Karim, Adebayo & family

Simon & Cathrin Mace with Neil & Lise Hobday

John Collins & Mark Hayden Kellard

Welcome to the Season Party; Guards Polo Club; Saturday 22 April

Guards Gets Going With Mosimann’s canapes on the menu, plus complimentary glasses of Champagne Laurent-Perrier, it was not surprising that Guards Polo Club’s Welcome to the Season event proved popular. Members were welcomed by the Club’s Chairman, Jock Green-Armytage and Chief Executive Neil Hobday, while several other Board Directors also attended the event. However, for many members, this was not just the ideal opportunity to collect their badges for the season, but also to see the new Clubhouse menus, devised by the Mosimann’s team. Philipp Mosimann, Executive Chef Rob Grandison and their team spent time chatting to members, while Rob also took the opportunity to introduce guests to one of Mosimann’s signature dishes, hot bowls of delicious mushroom risotto. Heather Lodder & Philipp Mosimann

Anna Germain, Carla Kyle & Anita Sajid

Harald Bamberg

Executive Chef Rob Grandison

Martine Curzon

Welcome to the Season with Champagne Laurent-Perrier

Bumble Hadden-Paton & Lt Col Howard Flood

Richard Laughlin, Freddie Huxtable & Jane Broadbent

David Howell Jones & Nirmala Sicka

Nigel Hadden-Paton & Elizabeth Grace

Anne & Paul Rayner

Lt Col Sean O’Dwyer, Vice President Guards Polo Club

Sophie Granchi

Susan Bailey & Pippa Jewitt

Clare Warrender & Dara Williams

Katie Cherubin, Hugh Treadwell, Denise Constantino & Liz Wellen

Lana Sukhman, Christina Sagmn & Rema Nagi

Jennifer Gates, Paige Bellissimo & Taylor Alexander

2nd Annual Sunset Polo & White Party; Wanderers Club, Wellington, Florida; Friday 24 March

Sunset Polo & White Party

Deborah Lenchus & Dr Lisa Palmer

Nic Roldan’s 2nd Annual Sunset Polo & White Party was once again held in Wellington, Florida to benefit Brooke USA, the American fundraising arm of Brooke. Among the glamorous guests were Bruce & Patti Springsteen, Jennifer Gates, Neil Hirsch and Kelly Klein. The live auction saw a multitude of bids from guitars autographed by Springsteen & painted by Miami artist Alex Mijares, as well as chances to explore the world famous Ellerstina in Argentina with four nights at the Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires. Guests danced into the small hours to beats provided by Miami superstar DJ Irie.

Gilles Silja

Photography by Phelps Media Group & Alex Pacheo:7ChukkerPolo.com

Katherine & Mark Bellissimo

Michael & Paula Bickford

Keven & Jennifer Shapiro

Sebastian Merlos, Silvina Neira, Wendy & Teo Calle

Pamela Allardice & Tracey Broxmeyer

Frank Ferrante & Frank Tighe

Marcia Kulak, David & Janet Jones

Julian Appleby & Jennifer Williams

Nic Roldan & DJ Irie

Rob Grey, Haylee Barnhill & Teddy Volck

Joe & Ashley Maguire

Paz Bachmann with her children

The victorious ladies team

Cha-om Ketusingha

Dr Kris Chatamra Founder & Chairman of Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation & Harald Link

The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo; Thai Polo & Equestrian Club; Saturday 11 March

Polo in Pink Thai Polo & Equestrian Polo Club’s 2017 edition of their annual Queen’s Cup Pink Polo event was once again another success, combining polo, kids putting their equine counterparts through their paces and fundraising. As is tradition, the event raised funds for the Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer at Chulalongkorn Hospital and all of the guests either dressed to impress clad in pink or donned pink ribbons in support of the day’s cause. The 2017 event was even more memorable as the tournament was held during the same week as International Women’s Day. For the polo action from the day, please turn to our Women’s Polo pages. Caroline Link & Finola Chatamra

Melanie Sirachindabhirom, Will Chatamra & Pailin Olsen

Rege Ludwig with Thai Polo team

Photography by Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com

Sona Pim Couling

Anna Wilhelmsson

unique and inspiring ZĂźrich â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St.Moritz www.hato-restaurants.com

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

What’s On May UK Club Fixtures

Emsworth – The May Cup (8): 30 April – 2 May Kirtlington – The Fewster Cup (6-8): 3 – 7 May Burningfold – Loxwood Cup (2): 3 – 7 May Beaufort – The Badminton Cup (4-8): 4 – 14 May Guards – Queen Mother’s Centenary Cup (12-15): 5 –21 May Druids Lodge – Aspiga Trophy (1-2): 6 – 7 May Suffolk – Mad May Hare Tournament (-4- -2): 6 – 7 May Wicklow – Friends and Family Tournament (-2-2): 6 – 7 May Dundee – Spring Tournament (0-4): 6 – 7 May Edgeworth – The Edgeworth Shield (0-4): 6 – 7 May Cambridge – Spring Tournament (0-4): 6 – 7 May Binfield Heath – May Cup (-4-0): 6 – May Rugby – The Why Not Cup (-4-0): 6 – 7 May Epsom – St George’s Cup (-4-0): 6 – 7 May Silver Leys – The May Cup (-2-0): 6 – 7 May Taunton – Committee Cup (-4-0): 6 – 7 May White Waltham – Recoleta Memorial Cup (-2-0): 6 – 7 May Hurtwood – Casey’s Cup (-2-0): 6 – 7 May Cheshire – Farewell Cup (-4- -1): 6 – 7 May New Forest – Chaplin Cup (-6- -2): 6 – 7 May Ranelagh – Asado Challenge Trophy (-2-2): 6 – 7 May Rugby – The Primavera Cup (-8- -4): 6 – 7 May Silver Leys – The May Cup (-4- -2): 6 – 7 May West Wycombe – Welcome Cup (Open): 6 – 14 May Westcroft Park – Spring Cup (-2-0): 6 – 14 May RCBPC – The Prince of Wales Trophy (17-22): 6 – 20 May Pangbourne – The Spring Cup (0-4): 9 – 14 May RCBPC – 4 – 8 Goal Open Tournament (Open): 9 – 14 May Cirencester – a’Brassard Trophy (0-4): 9 – 21 May Kirtlington – The Management Cup (4-6): 10 – 14 May Rutland – The Rutland Cup (0-2): 13 – 14 May Rutland – Twidale Cup (-6- -2): 13 – 14 May Rutland – Belvoir Cup (-6- -2): 13 – 14 May Epsom – Admirals Cup (-6- -4): 13 – 14 May Tidworth – Maddison Cup (-4-0): 13 – 14 May Fifield – Silver 15 Goal Tournament (12-18): 13 – 14 May Cheshire – Chairman’s Cup (-2- -1): 13 – 14 May New Forest – Dunlop Cup (-6- -2): 13 – 14 May 80

Polo Times, May 2017

Binfield Heath – The Coppid Cup (-2-2): 13 – 14 May Longdole – Zimbabwean Spur (2): 13 – 14 May Edgeworth – Field Barn Cup (0-2): 13 – 14 May Ham – Ham House Tournament (-2-2): 13 – 14 May Hurtwood – Bluebell Trophy (0-2): 13 – 14 May Taunton – Chairman’s Cup (0-2): 13 – 14 May Tidworth – Maddison Cup (0-2): 13 – 14 May Ranelagh – Copa La Reconquista (-2-0): 13 – 14 May Cambridge County – Frolic May Cup (-4-0): 13 – 14 May Eastwood – Polo Manager’s Trophy (-2-0): 13 – 14 May White Waltham – The Divot Trophy (-2-0): 13 – 14 May Cambridge County – Cambridge County May Cup (0-4): 13 – 14 May Guards – Committee Cup (4-8): 13 – 28 May White Rose – Presidents Cup (-6- -2): 15 May Knepp Castle – Dragons Plate 2 Goal Tournament (0-2): 15 – 16 May Beaufort – The La Ema Polo Mallet (0-4): 15 – 28 May DBPC – The Stoneythorpe Cup (2-6): 15 – 28 May Cirencester – Gerald Balding Cup (4-8): 15 – 29 May Burningfold – Blackdown Equine Clinic 4 Goal (4): 17 – 21 May Tidworth – Cholderton Cup (-6-4): 20 –21 May Cheshire – Cheshire Champion Cup (0-4): 20 – 21 May Ranelagh – Founder’s Cup (2-4): 20 – 21 May Fifield – The May Cup (2-4): 20 – 21 May Tidworth – Cholderton Cup (0-4): 20 – 21 May Westcroft Park – The Chobham Challenge (-2-2): 20 – 21 May White Waltham – Spring Cup (0-2): 20 – 21 May Cheshire – Visitor’s Bowl (-4-0): 20 – 21 May Edgeworth – The 0 Goal Tournament (0): 20 – 21 May New Forest – Chairmanship Cup (-4-0): 20 – 21 May Offchurch Bury – Spring Forward Cup (-4-0): 20 – 21 May Silver Leys – Blue Ribbon Cup (-2-0): |20 – 21 May Taunton – Hatchmoore Boomerang Cup (-4-0): 20 – 21 May Rugby – Faraday Cup (-4-0): 20 – 21 May Binfield Heath – Margaret Duvall (4-6): 20 – 21 May Rugby – The Toft Shield (-8- -4): 20 – 21 May West Wycombe – Spring Shield (-6- -2) (-2-2): 20 – 28 May

Cheshire – Chairman’s Plate (-4- -1): 20 – 21 May Vale of York – Greyhound Trophy (Open): 21 May Hurtwood – Lola’s Trophy (-4-0): 21 – 22 May Suffolk – Graceland Tournament (-4-4): 21 – 22 May Beaufort – The Kernow Cup (2-6): 22 May – 3 June Pangbourne – The Engelfield Trophy (6-10): 23 – 28 May Kirtlington – The Meyrick Cup (6-8): 24 – 29 May RCBPC – The Polo Managers Trophy (0-4): 25 – 29 May HPC – Mixed Doubles (-2-2): 25 – 29 May Tidworth – Almost Best of British Tournament (-6-0): 27 May FHM – Polo Splice Tournament (-8- -4): 27 May Vaux Park – May Tournament (2): 27 – 28 May Fifield – Pico Trophy (0-2): 27 – 28 May Beverley – RB 2000 Tournament (0-2): 27 – 28 May White Waltham – Coronation Cup (0-2): 27 – 28 May Cambridge County – Hyde Pacific Tournament (0-4): 27 – 28 May Epsom – Red Cross Trophy (0-4): 27 – 28 May Knepp Castle – 0 Goal Tournament (0): 27 – 28 May New Forest – Spring Tournament (County Galway & Little Poet Cup) (-2-0): 27 – 28 May DBPC – The Ian Donald Memorial Trophy (-4-0): 27 – 28 May Epsom – The NATO Cup (-4-0): 27 – 28 May Taunton – Weston-Super-Mare Trophy (-4-0): 27 – 28 May Westcroft Park – Westcroft Park Cup (6-8): 27 – 28 May Cheshire – Ashbrook Cup (-4- -1): 27 – 28 May Cheshire – Wirral Salver (-7- -4): 27 – 29 May Cheshire – 1930 Wirral Polo Cup (-2-1): 27 – 29 May Ranelagh – Copa Fin De Mayo (-2-0): 27 – 29 May Edgeworth – Edgeworth Challenge (0-2): 27 – 29 May Rutland – The Bronze Horse (0-2): 27 – 29 May Rutland – The Collie Cup (-6- -2): 27 – 29 May Hurtwood – Havilland Cup (0-2): 27 – 29 May Vale of York – Victoria’s Birthday Match (Open): 28 May Tidworth – Kingsett Cup (-6- -2): 29 – 30 May Vale of York – 2nd Crown Hotel Plate (Open): 31 May

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OUR CONTINUED RESEARCH AND DEVLOPMENT ALLOWS US TO PRODUCE TOP PERFORMANCE SURFACES FOR ALL DISCIPLINES

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

Military Polo

Tidworth – Military Ladies Tournament: 1 May Border Reivers – Cavalry Wallahs Polo Day: 6 May Tidworth – Queen’s Royal Hussars’ Cup (-2-2) & (-6-2): 6 – 7 May Vale of York – RAF at VYPC (Open): 14 – 15 May RAF Cranwell – RAF Cranwell Tournament: 20 – 21 May Tidworth – Royal Navy vs Taunton (Kemble Salver): 27 May Tidworth – RAF vs Cavalry: 27 May Tidworth – Heroes Day: 28 May Tidworth – WIP Ladies vs Hackett Army (4-6): 28 May Tidworth – Duke of York Cup (RN vs RAF): 28 May Tidworth – Royal Artillery Cup: 29 May

Chantilly Polo Club – Ladies’ European Championship: 28 April – 7 May Tidworth – Military Ladies Tournament: 1 May Cheshire – Wirral’s Ladies’ Cup (4-6): 25 – 28 May Cheshire – WIP Ladies Tournament (Open): 27 – 29 May Tidworth – WIP Ladies vs Hackett Army (4-6): 28 May DBPC – Club Ladies’ Day: 10 June Hurtwood– Junior Ladies’ Cup: 17 – 18 June Mongolia – The Ladies’ Polo Cup: 7 – 16 July Guards – Lord Beresford Cup/Ladies Charity Polo Trophy: 22 August – 2 September

Youth Polo

Kirtlington – SUPA Junior Schools National Championships: 14 May Longdole – Rocket Rentals Junior Tournament (Open): 31 May Longdole – Cheltenham College Polo Day: 10 June Beaufort – Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Cup: 11 June Offchurch – National Universities Jubilee Summer Championships 2017: 14 June Offchurch – SUPA Jubilee International Test Match: 14 June Chantilly – France International Test Match: 17 June Kirtlington – Senior Schools National Summer Tournament: 17 June TBC – Ladies Schools National Championships: 25 June Hurtwood – 2017 Jorrocks Championships: 9 August Cowdray – 2017 Pony Club Polo Championships: 11 – 13 August Accra – Polistas International Test Match Series: 11 December

to the question posed on

our Letters page A: Adolfo Cambiaso has now won the US Open a total of seven times: 1999, 2000 and 2001: Outback 2007, 2008 and 2010: Crab Orchard 2017: Valiente

Polo Times, May 2017

Sotogrande – Il Copa Patrick G. Hermes (10-12): 16 – 18 June Sotogrande – Tourneo Internacional Bajo: 26 July – 27 August

South Africa

Inanda – Land Rover Africa Cup: 20 August

America

Grand Champions – USPA Sun Cup: 5 – 7 May Grand Champions – The Spring Challenge Cup: 12 – 14 May Grand Champions – Polo Gear Invitational: 19 – 21 May Grand Champions – The Memorial: 26 – 29 May Santa Barbara – The Belmond El Encanto Polo Cup (16): 7 – 9 July Santa Barbara – Robert Skene Trophy (16): 14 – 23 July Santa Barbara – Engel & Völkers USPA America Cup (16): July 28 – 6 August Santa Barbara – Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open (16): 10 – 27 August

Quick Question Answer -

Spain

Kenya

Nairobi – Kenya International 6 Goal: 15 – 17 September

Snow Polo Dates

St. Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018: 26 – 28 February 2018

Social Events

France

Chantilly – PGH Cup (10-12): 5 – 14 May Chantilly – Bourbon Trophy (10-12): 19 May – 4 June

DBPC – Open Season Party:19 May Rutland – Members’ Lunch: 29 May Guards – The Polo Awards 2017: 30 May Edgeworth – Summer Polo Ball: 3 June Leadenham Polo Club – Summer Ball: Saturday 8 July Rutland – ‘Hollywood’ Summer Ball: 1 July Kirtlington – Kirtlington Park Polo Club Summer Ball: 5 August

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.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Dates for Your Diary

Polo directory

12 Goal Victor Ludorum

Beach Polo

Watergate Bay – Polo on the Beach: 19 – 21 May Newquay – Aspall Beach Polo: 19 – 21 May Sandbanks – British Beach Polo Championships: 7 – 8 July

2017 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates 22+ Goal

RCBPC – Prince of Wales: 6 – 20 May Guards – Cartier Queen’s Cup: May 23 – 18 June Cirencester – Warwickshire Cup: 20 – 25 June Cowdray – Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup: June 27 – 23 July

Something Different

Longdole – Festival of Electric Bicycle Polo in aid of the Watershed RDA: 26 May Kingweston Campus – Millfield Polo Invitational: 4 June London – Chestertons Polo in the Park: 9 – 11 June

England Internationals

Beaufort – International Test Match (England vs TBC): 10 June Guards – Royal Salute THE ROYAL SALUTE Coronation Cup C O RO N AT I O N C U P (England vs The Commonwealth): 29 July

18 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland: May 20 – 11 June Cirencester – Apsley Cup: June 14 – 2 July Guards – Indian Empire Shield: 4 – 22 July Cowdray – Challenge Cup: July 24 – 6 August

15 Goal Victor Ludorum

Guards – Bentley Royal Windsor: 5 – 25 June RCBPC – Eduardo Moore: June 27 – 15 July Cowdray – Harrison Cup: July 17 – 5 August Cirencester – County Cup: 7 – 19 August Beaufort – Arthur Lucas: August 22 – 3 September

Cowdray – Dollar Cup: May 15 – 4 June RCBPC – John Prestwich: 5 – 17 June Beaufort – Prince of Wales: June 19 – 1 July Cirencester – The Queen Mother Trophy: 3 – 16 July Guards – Duke of Wellington: 5 – 20 August Cirencester – Cheltenham Cup: August 29 – 10 September Cowdray – Autumn League: 12 – 24 September

8 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cirencester – Gerald Balding: 15 – 29 May Guards – The Hildon Archie David Cup: June 9 – 2 August RCBPC – Julian and Howard Hipwood Trophy: 5 – 23 July Cowdray – Holden White: July 24 – 6 August Beaufort – Wichenford Bowl: 14 – 27 August

6 Goal Victor Ludorum

DBPC – The Stoneythorpe Cup: 15 – 28 May Beaufort – Eduardo Rojas Lanusse: 5 – 17 June Rutland – Assam Cup: June 27 – 2 July Cheshire – County Cup: 10 – 16 July Cambridge County – The Cavendish Cup: 24 – 30 July Kirtlington – Budgett Everett Trophy: 3 – 14 August HPC – Roehampton Cup: 15 – 27 August Cirencester – Kingscote Cup: August 28 – 9 September

Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

CLUB

PHONE

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Ash Farm Polo Club*

ENGLAND 07901 792345

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

pedro@ravensbourne.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Barfold Polo Club Beaufort Polo Club Beverley Polo Club* Binfield Heath Blueys Polo Club*

THE COMMONWEALTH 01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

01964 INTER N AT544877 I O N A L P Oinfo@beverleypoloclub.co.uk LO Guards Polo Club, Windsor Great Park

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Saturday 23rd July | Tickets from £20

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com

Great Trippets Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippets.com

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

HPC, The London Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hpcpololondonpolo.com

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Inglesham Polo Club*

07818 508136

mattevetts@hotmail.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Leadenham Polo Club

01400 318006

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

will.moorfarmpolo@gmail.com

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

polo@dbpoloclub.com

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

07712 105780

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

For more information please visit coronationcuppolo.com or call +44 (0) 1784 437 797

Continued over page

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2017

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

CLUB

PHONE

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Northern Ireland Polo Club

02890 727905

robert@hellomxb.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07790 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs@supanet.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

ͻ ůŝŐŚƚĞƌ ͻ ƐƚƌŽŶŐĞƌ ͻ ƉŽǁĞƌĨƵů ͻ ĐŽŶƐŝƐƚĞŶƚ

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

ǁǁǁ͘ǁŽŽĚŵĂůůĞƚƐ͘ĐŽŵ

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

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

Country clothing & footwear collection Former racehorses excel in polo. Visit ror.org.uk to find out more. T: 01488 648998 84

Polo Times, May 2017

Registered Charity No. 1084787

0845 313 8167 thespanishbootcompany.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

Correct at time of going to press

2017 Key Dates 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.

April TBA Sunday

30th

May Sunday Sunday Sunday Monday

14th 21st 28th 29th

June Sunday

4th

The Club has a great history and we do hope you will join us at some point this season.

Sunday

18th

Pre season Cocktail Party Opening of the Polo Season Erskine Trophy Ham House Tournament Final Day H R Owen Trophy Social Committee Cup Mixed Doubles Tournament Final Day Goal Cup (Final)

Richmond Park Cup Doug Brown Plate Petersham Bowl Tournament Final Day John Player Plate (Sub Final) Thursday 22nd Laureus King Power Polo Cup Saturday 24th Armed forces Day Ham vs 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

www.polotimes.co.uk

July Sunday

2nd

August Sunday

6th

Sunday

13th

Sunday Sunday

20 27th

Peter Adams Agencies Summer Tournament Final Day Rerrieson Trophy (Sub Final) Sunday 9th Edward Tauchert Trophy Saturday 22nd Spring league Final - David Healy Trophy

September Saturday 10th Saturday 9th Sunday

10th

Sunday

17th

Sunday

24th

October Sunday 1st

Dubai Trophy Tournament Finals London Alumni/Inner Circle Polo Festival Stagshead - Young England Finalista Cup Indian Army Trophy Roehampton Trophy Tournament Finals The Chakravarty Charity Polo Cup Saraghari Challenge Cup / HAC 105 invitational Hunt Kendall Bowl Polo Challenge Jimmy Edwards Trophy David Brown Cup Billy Walsh Tournament Final Farewell Cup Season Finale After Party

Polo Times, May 2017

Polo directory Transport

Equipment

POLO RAT Marketplace Horses

Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Tel: 07860 906032

Transport Property

LORRY FOR SALE 7500 gross MAN 5/6 horse lorry. removable saddle rack, tack boxes. rubber matting, electric ramp. Plated to Nov 2017. £17,000 Tel Janie: 07843 273433 janie@ fossetillery.com Glos/Wilts border

GELDING Played PC polo last two years in Loriner and Langford. Has played low goal. Very kind and easy to play. Son giving up. £5,500 Tel: 07773 332990 for further info Bath MARE Played Langford PC polo. Very quick responsive,turns stops. Son giving up. £5,500 Tel: 07773 332990 for further info. Bath

SHORT OR LONG TERM PROPERTY TO LET A stunning property on the edge of Windsor Great Park along with garaging and additional self-contained accommodation above. 6 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms. Beautiful views across private paddock and woodland. Available furnished or unfurnished. Price: On Application Tel: 01344 623307 Ascot

SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217 BEN HASTIE PHOTOGRAPHY - Equine & Countryside Photography specialising in Polo www.benhastiephotography.com/ 07970 348883 Cheltenham

Located in the heart of the New Zealand Polo Scene we offer Polo for beginners and experienced players alike, together with an unforgettable Kiwi holiday experience.

IVECO 6 HORSE 18 TONNE Has living. 3 tack lockers with shelves and saddle racks and several skirts lockers 12 month plate £25,000 Tel: 07773 332990 for more photos and info Bath

17 HORSE ARTIC HORSEBOX FOR SALE

Chukkas, matches and tournaments at the famous Waimai Club plus farm chukkas trekking and beach rides. Holidays tailored to suite your requirements. Reduced rates for early bookings, Groups, Schools and Universities.

Check us out at www.newzealandpoloholidays.co.nz or call Ken Pitts – NZ +64 7 825 4535, Matt Pitts – UK 07721919465 or Toby Pitts – AUS +61 407 026 408 email – amberwood.nzph@gmail.com

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

Price: POA 2006 Renault automatic tri-axle tractor unit and trailer for 17 horses converted in 2014. Both tractor unit and trailer had all new tyres in 2015. Trailer has large storage lockers, large water tank with taps on both sides, fans, cameras for horse area, hydraulic back ramp and manual side ramp. Has certificate of full spec for EU travel. Nice and easy to drive, horses travel well. For more info call Emily: 07816830888 86

Polo Times, May 2017

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

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

Digital Only subscription (App & website access) 6 months £30

One year £55

SUPA/SAPA rate

One year £45

Two years £99

All subscribers receive an exclusive weekly newsletter and competition offers

Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Published by: Polo Times Ltd 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

www.polotimes.co.uk

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

One to watch, Harold Hodges, rose to fame this Arena season as part of the underdog team who defeated arena stalwarts to champion the Arena Gold Cup. Known for making his own horses, his commitment and passion for the sport fuels his continuing success. This season he will be playing out of Druids and RCBPC Best holiday destination & activity Plettenberg Bay Polo. Beaching and eating is the dream!

Favourite film and why? Forrest Gump, it’s got everything.

What is your biggest passion and why? Horses, they are the best part of polo for me.

Photography courtesy of Harold Hodges

Favourite song/ album? Sympathy for the devil, Rolling Stones.

Favourite food / dish? Anything Italian.

Who were/are your favourite teammates and why? My mates, it’s always more fun playing with friends.

Photograph by Cymon Skinner: People of Polo

What is your all time best polo memory? Winning the Arena Gold Cup this year with SUPA.

Photography courtesy of Harold Hodges

Hardest opponent? My girlfriend India because I’m not allowed to win! Which sports do you like outside of polo? Playing tennis and cycling. I love watching rugby and any other sport played to a good level.

Polo Times, May 2017

Favourite hobby outside of polo? It’s not really a hobby but outside polo I’m in the final year of a veterinary degree at the Royal Veterinary College and am hoping to become an equine vet eventually.

Best pony and why. Rosie, a retrained 10-year-old grey mare. She played the Arena Gold Cup and Bryan Morrison this year. She is the best pony I’ve made. She’s fast, balanced and fun to play.

Most prized possession? Diamente, 17-years-old Chilean dun gelding who’s still one of the best in my string, he taught me to play polo and is what I aim any pony I bring on to become.

Describe yourself in three words… God only knows.

Favourite celebrity and why? AP McCoy, he’s a legend and I can’t see anyone ever coming close to his record.

One thing which would surprise us about you All my ponies hunt and jump with my mum and I.

www.polotimes.co.uk

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