PoloTimes May18

Volume 23 • Issue 4 • May 2018 • £6.50

USA ROUND-UP Valiente denied Triple Crown Glory HIGH GOAL GUIDE The 22 Goal Teams, Players and Latest Line-ups INTERVIEWS Jan-Erik Franck & Henry Porter PLUS: Dubai Cup Report & £350 necklace competition

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Contents

Contacts Publisher

What’s inside…

May 2018

Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk PR Manager & Editorial Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk

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Editorial & Subscriptions Sarah Flight office@polotimes.co.uk

Women’s Polo

Advertising Sales

60 61

Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk

Youth Polo

Advertising & Subscription Sales Rebecca Hastie sales@hinemarketing.co.uk James Morgan

Tony Ruddy

News 6 18

27 All the Latest News FIP Update

Comment Financial Controller

20

Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Features

Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors: Ross & Lucy Ainsley, Farida Rosso

Baldacchino, Stephen Biddlecombe, Kylie Bonthrone, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Lorna Edgar, Dr. Matthias Hahn, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Catriona Mackenzie BVMS MSc CertAVP (EM) DipECEIM MRCVS, Martín Perez, Nic Roldan, ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com & Tilda Woodd

Contact details

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

www.polotimes.co.uk

© Polo Times Limited 2018 and Database Right 2018 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

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Polo Times, May 2018

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All Aspects of Youth Polo

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Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Polo Series Horse Focus: The Perfect Fit Equipment Focus: Bits – Chewing and ‘Behind the Bit’ Breeding Polo Ponies: The Future of Polo Equine & Player Physiotherapy: The Edge Is Where You Cut It Polodoc: Lower Back Pain – One Stop Tactics Nutrition Focus: Balancers Fitness for Polo: How to Avoid Early Season Injuries Vet Insight: Equine Asthma

Knowledge

Principal Design

Additional Design

A Round-Up of Women’s Polo 5 mins with… Olivia Lamphee

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31 36

Your Views & Social Media

Big Picture Cover Story: ‘The Voice of Polo’ Goes Stateside Cover Story: The 22 Goal Handicap Explained Sidelines Cover Story: UK High Goal Guide 82 Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know!

Cover Story: Interview with 85 Cover Story: Exclusive Sylvia Kerr Henry Porter

£350 Competition 86 Sidelines: Social Pages

Reports 40

Cover Story: USA Round-Up

44

Cover Story: Dubai Cup 2018

Club Focus 47

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Military Polo 59

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Polo Directory 89

What’s On in May?

Final Bell 96

Passions: Nic Roldan

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES All subscribers receive an exclusive weekly newsletter and competition offers

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

Cover photograph: Action from The US Open between Valiente and Daily Racing Form. By ©David Lominska

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Polo Times, May 2018

Jorge Mac Donough passed away in a polo related accident on Saturday 24 March

USA Westchester Cup Team Announced On Saturday 28 July, the USA will play Flannels England for the historic Westchester Cup at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, having traditionally been played at The Hurlingham Club, pre-1939 and in more recent years at Guards Polo Club when on British soil. This illustrious Cup first took place in 1886 and has been played 17 times throughout history, with only four of these matches taking place since World War II. The Cup, designed and created by Tiffany & Co, was last retained by England, who defeated the USA, 12-11, in 2013. In the overall standings, the USA have won 10 Westchester Cups, whilst England currently have seven wins to their name.

The United States Polo Association (USPA) have announced the 2018 team, who will battle to recapture The Westchester Cup from their long-term British rivals. The team is as follows: Julio Arellano (8), Jeff Hall (7), Nic Roldan (8) & Costi Caset (5) with Carlucho Arellano on hand as the reserve player and coach. The last time the USA raised the trophy was in 1992, when Rob Walton, Owen Rinehart, Adam Snow and John Gobin defeated England in an overtime victory.

At the time of going to print, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) had yet to announce the proposed Flannels England

The last time the USA lifted high The Westchester Cup was in 1992, with Rob Walton, Owen Rinehart, Adam Snow & John Gobin representing their nation The last time the USA lifted high The Westchester Cup was in 1992, with Rob Walton, Owen Rinehart, Adam Snow & John Gobin representing their nation

team, and the format of the rest of the day, to include a youth match and a ladies’ match, is also yet to be confirmed by the HPA. The USA have also extended an invitation to the HPA, inviting England to compete for The Westchester Cup on American soil in 2019.

Polo Times will be on hand as Official Media Partners, keeping our readers up to date with all the exciting Westchester updates, so make sure you subscribe now to stay abreast of all the action.

German Polo Tour The dates for the 2018 German Polo Tour have been confirmed. Play is scheduled to take place between 31 August – 2 September at the Rennbahn Hoppegarten in Goetheallee. Six teams have been confirmed thus far with handicaps ranging from 2 to 6 goals. For players, livery is available on site for a fee and partner hotels in the region are available on request. For more information, please contact the tour on polo@poloevents.com

The dates for the 2018 German Polo Tour have been announced

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of the German Polo Tour

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Jorge Mac Donough, beloved father of polo powerhouses Pablo and Matias Mac Donough passed away on Saturday 24 March aged 73, following an accident during a playing practice at Centauros in Argentina.

Despite valiant attempts by the paramedics to revive him, Jorge died on the way to the General Rodriguez Clinic.

Jorge was a vet, polo player, Director of the AACCP and horse breeder, renowned across the world, and also owned La Irenita.

During his polo career, he reached 4 goals and alongside polo considered flying as a great passion. He leaves behind his wife Mercedes Arriola and their three children, Pablo, Matias and Sofía, as well as his beloved grandchildren. Across Argentina, a minute’s silence took place at all polo matches to honour his memory.

Photograph by ©David Lominska

Nick Hine, Publisher

Jorge Mac Donough Dies

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

As this May issue of Polo Times reaches our readers both home and abroad, Daily Racing Form have achieved the unthinkable and stopped Valiente in their Triple Crown tracks. With the formidable duo of Facundo Pieres and Adolfo Cambiaso, many predicted the duo would be unbeatable, and for much of the US 26 goal season it certainly looked that way. However, Daily Racing Form packed a punch from the start and despite a ball to the face for powerhouse Hilario Ulloa, the underdogs managed the unthinkable and crushed Valiente’s hopes of another US Triple Crown victory.

With the high goal across the pond wrapped up for another year, all eyes now focus on the UK’s 22 goal which begins in earnest with The Prince of Wales Trophy at The Royal Country of Berkshire Polo Club and Murus Sanctus Trippetts Challenge at Cowdray Park Polo Club in May. The teams for the pinnacles of the UK high goal, The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The King Power Gold Cup, have been finalised and this issue of Polo Times includes your High Goal Guide for 2018.

With the HPA’s introduction of a new handicapping system solely for the 22 goal and strict helmet regulations for all players, UK polo will certainly be under the global microscope this season.

This issue includes a play-by-play guide to the new handicapping system, outlining the reasons it has been decided upon and also comments from some of the UK’s top players.

However, as we all know, high goal isn’t the be all and end all of UK polo, with much of the community focused on the grass roots and lower levels of the sport – as our 22 Goal Handicap feature highlights, of the approximately 3,000 players in England, only around 50 of those participate in the high goal, with many players never reaching higher than 4 goals. Of course, these levels are no less competitive, as any Pony Club Polo participant will tell you! With this is mind, I look forward to what the 2018 season will bring across all levels, and hopefully with a united outlook, the sport we all love will continue to prosper.

News

News All Pro Polo League

Coworth Park Photograph by David Lominska

British Polo Day Photograph by Sam Churchill Photography

British Polo Day spent two weeks in the UAE holding their tenth annual Dubai event and ninth Abu Dhabi event during March.

On 24 March, British Polo Day celebrated its 65th global event at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, an event that saw four teams take to the field for the legendary Camel Polo. The Royal Salute British Exiles defeated Ghantoot I, 5-4, to take home Teams took to the field for the Camel Polo tournament in Abu Dhabi the title, after which VIP guests enjoyed a dinner and charity auction.

On 30 March, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club hosted the British Polo Day event which saw four teams battle it out for The VistaJet Cup and The Habtoor Plate. Nina and JP Clarkin took part in the event as well as the Habtoor Polo Captain, Rashid Al Habtoor. The British Polo Day Cup was played for between BPD and Gulf. The latter ultimately took home the title 7½-3, a score that didn’t reflect the hard-fought match by BPD. For more information about British Polo Day events, please visit the website www.britishpoloday.com

Photograph courtesy of Coworth Park

On Friday 23 March, the All Pro Polo League (APPL) USA came to a head at Outback, in Wellington, Florida with four exciting matches. Twelve up-and-coming American players and four 10 goal powerhouses took to the field to battle it out for the APPL Eagle Trophy. The APPL USA Final saw Open Polo and La Hache-Villa fight for the title in a great show of polo prowess. La Hache-Villa maintained a slight advantage throughout La Hache-Villa beat Open Polo to win the APPL USA title the match, but as the final bell sounded, Wesley Bryan tied the match with a goal for Open Polo. After several misses from both teams during the penalty shootout, Jason Crowder sent a 60 yard shot through the posts to finally give La Hache-Villa the well-deserved win. Following this tournament, the APPL turned their attentions to Argentina as it hosted its second Golden Age +40 tournament in La Esquina, Pilar, with the Pierrou Gassiebayle Cup between 12 – 14 April.

Four 18 goal teams battled for the title with high goal players from across the region taking part, as well as the first female player to take to the APPL field, Claire Payne. La Natividad and Los Machitos Cerro Pampa took to the field for the Final, which was a tight match from the first throw-in. At the end of the sixth chukka the scores were tied, forcing the match into extra time. Los Machitos Cerro Pampa were the first to break the deadlock, scoring a goal and taking home the title.

The APPL USA Final Teams: La Hache-Villa: Hilario Ulloa, Jason Crowder, Jared Zenni & Justin Daniels Open Polo: Gonzalito Pieres, Santi Torres, Nano Gracida & Wesley Bryan The Pierrou Gassiebayle Cup Final Teams: La Natividad: L. Castagnola, A. Weis, M. Bochino & J. Guerrero Los Machitos Cerro Pampa: M. Aguerre, A. Goti, A. Sporleder & N. Taverna

Coworth Park is now offering an Ultimate Polo Experience to its guests

Coworth Park, the Dorchester Collection’s country hotel, is the only UK hotel to feature its own polo fields, offering guests the opportunity to learn to play.

The hotel has released details of its new Ultimate Polo Experience, in time for the May to September 2018 season. The Ultimate Polo Experience will be available to guests of all levels and will include helicopter transfers to Coworth Park from Battersea, overnight accommodation and breakfast for two, a half day polo lesson at Guards Polo Academy, complimentary access to Guards Polo Club and a Michelin star dining experience at the Coworth Park restaurant. The Experience starts at £4,464 for two people and more information can be found at www.dorchestercollection.com

Westgate Labs The independent Westgate Labs is known for their promotion of targeting worming practices, centred on the best veterinary approved advice. Every year they help thousands of horse owners navigate the worming maze.

Westgate will be offering free 30 minute consultations for yard managers and 15 minute slots for horse owners, which will cover the age range and health status of each of the equines and take into account the way the horses are kept, the pasture maintenance and relative risks of parasite infection.

Sessions are limited, bookable up to two weeks in advance and allocated on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please visit www.westgatelabs. co.uk/news/free-equine-wormingconsultations/

The AAP, together with the Argentine Association of Polo Players (AAJP) has announced the creation of a new tournament set to be part of the autumn fixtures list. The Evolution Cup will be held at the Alfredo Lalor de Pilar Headquarters and will take place between 24 – 29 April and the tournament will welcome eight teams handicapped between 28-34 goals. For more information about the tournament, to enter or to read the updated AAP rules for this tournament, please visit the AAP website www.aapolo.com www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of Westgate Labs

New Tournament In Argentine Autumn Calendar

Westgate Labs will be offering free consultations for yard managers and horse owners to target worming practices

Polo Times, May 2018

7

News Cintron Pink Polo

IPC, USPA & USPAGL Partnership The International Polo Club Palm Beach, the United States Polo Association and the USPA Global Licensing Inc. have announced a three-year partnership between the three organisations, aiming to build and cultivate polo on a national and international level. The deal will provide a home for the USPA and USPAGL competitions throughout the year with the USPA becoming a major commercial sponsor for IPC. The 2017 decision to lower the premier high goal tournament level from 26 to 22 goal was the catalyst for this partnership, whose details were agreed on Wednesday 28 March. To find out more, please visit the USPA website www.uspolo.org

International Gay Polo Tournament Photograph by Phelps Media Group

On Saturday 7 April, players took to the field in Palm Beach for the ninth annual Land Rover International Gay Polo Tournament in front of a large crowd.

Goshen Hill first faced Team RSM in the Final, of the Founders Cup, with the former taking home the title with a 4-3 final score. In the feature match of the day, the Senator Cup, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and Cedar Crest Stables fought for possession, with swift goals from both sides in the first two chukkas.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek championed As the teams began the second half with a over Cedar Crest Stables to take home the title 1-1 scoreboard, it was all to play for. By the end of the final chukka, it was still an even scoreboard at 3-3 and the umpires decided to go into an extra chukka with the sudden death rule. Matt Coppola demonstrated his skill, quickly securing victory for Seminole Casino Coconut Creek in the final chukka and with it the title. Chip McKenney’s pony Pitucca was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug, whilst Gus Larrosa took home the Most Valuable Player Award.

Ninth Annual Land Rover Palm Beach International Gay Polo Tournament Final Teams: Seminole Casino Coconut Creek: Stacie Simpkins, Gus Larrosa, Chip McKenney & Matt Coppola Cedar Crest Stables: Michael Sahakian, Ken Mayer, Tiffany Busch & Joey Casey 8

Polo Times, May 2018

Photograph courtesy of Pink Polo

Grand Champions Polo Club and Valiente Polo Farm have joined forces to form the World Polo League (WPL), which will make its debut in 2019. Melissa and Marc Ganzi, alongside Robert and Bob Jornayvaz unveiled this exciting new format for American polo, preserving the 26 goal format for years to come. The series, referred to as ‘The New Polo Experience’ will WPL Commissioner Dale Smicklas with all-star players be headed by the Commissioner, and former and WPL co-founders Marc and Melissa Ganzi of Grand 8 goal player, Dale Smicklas, a well-known Champions Polo Club and Bob Jornayvaz of Valiente face on the US polo scene. He said following the announcement, “The League will be about team owners all working for the good of the sport. It will be about taking care of those owners, players, grooms and participants as well.

The exciting 26 goal league will run from 6 February to 15 April to fill the void in the 26 goal season following the announcement from the USPA in 2017 that from 2019 the 22 goal would be the maximum level of polo played in the USA high goal season, to include the C.V. Whitney Cup, USPA Gold Cup and the U.S. Open. Four tournaments are scheduled thus far and will fall as follows: All Star Challenge: 6 – 17 February 2019 The Founders Cup: 20 February – 2 March 2019 The Palm Beach Open: 6 – 24 March 2019 The Triple Crown: 27 March – 14 April 2019 A first of its kind, team owners will draw all-star players at the kick-off All-Star Challenge Draw party on 5 February 2019. The all-star players include Adolfo Cambiaso, Juan Martín Nero, Gonzalito Pieres, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, David ‘Pelón’ Stirling, Rodrigo de Andrade, Nico Pieres and Nic Roldan. Cambiaso said following the announcement, “I think it’s fantastic for us because we like to play 26 goal polo. It will be fun. After Argentina, the 26 goal in America is the highest level of polo in the world. The level shouldn’t go down. Melissa, Marc and Bob think that’s the way it should be.”

Thousands of spectators gather for the Cintron Pink Polo event at the Val de Vie estate in South Africa

The Cintron Pink Polo event, in aid of breast cancer, will return to South Africa’s Val de Vie Estate on 3 November 2018 for its ninth edition. This year’s event will be presented

by Vodacom for the first time in its history.

Tickets for this sought-after event are available now and are well known for selling out well in advance. For more information, please visit the website www.pinkpolo.co.za

Coolhorsesocks Photograph courtesy of Coolhorsesocks

Photograph courtesy of Grand Champions Polo Club

World Polo League

Coolhorsesocks have introduced a new range of socks

Coolhorsesocks has launched a new range of competition sock for the equestrian market – The Premigripp Competition Sock.

This range incorporates new technology called Premigripp which maximises the contact between the foot, the boot and the horse. For more information please visit the Coolhorsesocks website www.coolhorsesocks.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

News

The Organising Committee of the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018 has announced that Brooke, Action for Working Horses and Donkeys has been chosen as the official charity for this year’s games taking place in North Carolina, USA, between 11 – 23 September. The WEG takes place every four years and contains a multitude of equine disciplines, from jumping to dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting and reining. For more information about this partnership, please visit www.thebrooke.org

British Beach Polo Championships The British Beach Polo Championships have announced that this year’s instalment will not only see some of the greatest sand polo action in the UK but will also see the Sand Scrum. New for 2018, the British Beach Polo Championships are now in partnership with the Bournemouth Rugby Club, who will present a sand version of the sport in an exciting addition to the action. For more information, please visit www.sandpolo.com

The 13th Annual Polo Awards Voting is Open Voting is now open for the 13th Annual Polo Awards, due to take place at Guards Polo Club on Wednesday 30 May. This year’s Awards are divided into the sections below with the following nominees: The Most Outstanding High Goal Team: El Remanso, King Power, La Indiana, RH Polo & Sommelier The Most Outstanding High Goal Patron: Alessandro Bazzoni, Michael Bickford, JeanFrançois Decaux, Ben Soleimani & Aiyawatt (Top) Srivaddhanaprabha The Guards Polo Club Most Outstanding High Goal Professional (7-10): Adolfo Cambiaso, Agustín Merlos, Facundo Pieres, Gonzalito Pieres & Nic Roldan James Beim, Gonzalito Pieres, Nina Clarkin and Michael The Tally Ho Farm Most Outstanding Bickford are just some of the players nominated for this British Professional: James Beim, Ollie year’s Polo Awards Cudmore, James Harper, Jack Richardson & Luke Tomlinson The Most Outstanding Lady Player: Emma Boers, Nina Clarkin, Tamara Fox, Hazel Jackson-Gaona & Sarah Wiseman On the night, the following awards will also be presented to the lucky winners as well as the trophies for the seven Victor Ludorum categories: The HPA Lifetime Achievement Award The King Power Polo Recognition Award The Talacrest Young Player Award The Most Outstanding High Goal Pony Award Tickets for the social highlight of the year are available now from the Polo Awards website. The event, often referred to as the ‘Oscars of Polo’, is a prestigious black-tie event that welcomes players, patrons and guests to recognise the very best in global polo. The evening will see over 300 guests gather at Guards Polo Club to partake in a champagne reception, three course gala dinner, awards presentation, party and boundless conversation about the exciting season to come.

Tickets start at £195 and can be purchased on the website www.thepoloawards.com Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Brooke Becomes Official Charity

Win A Haygain Hay Steamer

Tally Ho Farm are offering one lucky customer a free Haygain HG 2000 worth £1,998.

Designed to feed four or more horses, fully strung bale, or 35kg of haylage can be steamed. The hay chest allows very high temperatures to be reached (in excess of 100°C / 212°F) which is critical to kill harmful mould spores and bacteria in hay.

Its cycle time from cold is 60 minutes. To be in with a chance of winning go online to: competition.tallyhofarm.co.uk and enter your details. Good luck!

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Anoutstanding architectural award-winning An Grade II listed househouse in magnificent with excellent equestrian facilities Capability Brown parkland with two cottages Principal Reception Rooms Polo | Stable Courtyard | Consent for secondary accommodation Guardshouse Polo with Club:8 bedrooms 9.8 miles||4Royal Berkshire Club: 5.5 miles Tennis Court | Gardens | Parkland | Swimming Pool | Lot 2: Detached 3-bed cottage | Lots & 4 - Arable|&Three Pasture land WCs | 6 Bedrooms | 7 Reception Rooms | Kitchen/Morning Room | Media Room | 6 3Bathrooms Guest ofStaff about 35 acres | Hemel Hempstead 5.4 miles (Euston 27 mins) | Central London 30 miles /SC Accommodation | Chef’s Kitchen | Wine Room | Indoor Swimming Pool | Grass Tennis Court | Gym | About 25 acres | Available a whole or lots Stables | Indoor School | as Garaging forin82 Cars

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News

Photography courtesy of Lipogems Equine

Lipogems Equine Success Story

Ellie being treated by Dr Tim Watson

Ellie showing off her Overall Supreme Champion’s ribbons

Winning Overall Supreme Champion was an accolade the owners of Ellie, the 13-year-old Exmoor pony, never dreamed of when Ellie was suffering from reoccurring stifle lameness. Dr Tim Watson, lead veterinary surgeon for Lipogems Equine treated Ellie with the hope that she would regain soundness. Ellie’s owners sent Lipogems these fantastic pictures of them winning the top title in 2017, their first outing 11 months after treatment. Meniscal injuries often present themselves as a sudden onset severe lameness following trauma, although some horses may have a subtler long-term lameness and have to date been unaffected by treatment. For more information on treatments for saving your champion and for a list of accredited equine vets visit www.lipogemsequine.com

Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Between 19 – 20 May, the 2018 Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup will be taking place in Sylt, Germany.

Since 2006, this prestigious event has been celebrating and showcasing both German and international polo. Jan-Erik Franck, ‘The Voice of Polo’, will be on hand to keep spectators entertained and informed.

Please turn to the Jan-Erik Franck interview.

Regional Meetings

On Tuesday 10 April, the HPA hosted its Regional Meeting South at Beaumont House whilst the Regional Meeting East took place on Thursday 12 April. The topics covered were: 2018 Rules, Pony Welfare, Coaching Development and Junior Polo, Hurlingham Polo 1875 brand, HPA as an organisation (including finances), Direct Membership platform, Handicapping, GDPR/Child Safeguarding and Regional Issues. For more information about what was discussed, please contact the HPA on enquires@hpa-polo.co.uk

Direct Membership

With the 2018 season upon us, the HPA is now welcoming members to pay their subscription fee directly to the HPA via the new direct membership platform on the HPA website www.hpa-polo.co.uk The website also features a useful Direct Membership FAQ page for member’s questions. For more information, please contact the HPA on enquiries@hpa-polo.co.uk

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Polo Times, May 2018

Points for the 2018 Summer Season

As the 2018 season commences, the HPA have noted a series of important points to take note on their website www.hpa-polo.co.uk.

These include: rule changes, the helmet rule change, visa updates, Victor Ludorum updates and insurance points to be aware of. Should any of your questions not be answered by the information on the website, please contact the HPA on enquires@hpa-polo.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk

News Start Safeguarding Yourself Whether a professional or an amateur, insurance is a necessity when it comes to playing polo and where better to start then ensuring you have adequate cover in place for yourself? Two areas that are worth taking the time to consider are Personal Accident and Public Liability insurance.

A comprehensive personal accident policy should not only provide lump sum benefits for serious injuries or illness, but also include weekly benefits, designed to supplement your income if you are temporarily prevented from working. Although there are many personal accident policies on the market, using an equestrian specialist will ensure that your requirements are fully understood and met.

Public Liability insurance protects you against claims made by third parties for property damage or personal injury. It is important coverage to have, as when a claim arises it is not uncommon for them to reach six and frequently seven figure sums, as aside from any compensation you may be liable for, due to the very nature of these claims there are also legal fees which have to be paid. With the involvement of solicitors and possibly the courts; if a claim is filed against you it can be a very daunting experience, not just financially.

Having Public Liability insurance not only provides financial benefits but will also mean that your insurer will deal with the claim on your behalf.

What’s more, it not only protects you if you are found liable, but it will also defend your position if a claim is filed against you for which you are not liable.

Should a claim be made against you then your insurer will act in one of two ways; in the event that you are not liable, the insurer will defend your position and cover any legal costs incurred. If liability is admitted then the insurer will settle any claims up to your limit of indemnity.

Public Liability insurance can be purchased for individual horses or can be included on a combined liability policy to cover your business activities, such as running a private or commercial yard where you might also need to consider additional coverage, for instance Employer’s Liability.

For further information on the products KBIS offer visit kbis.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of Basti Helmets

Polo Solidario

On 5 May, high goal players from across South America will be descending on Palermo for the Polo Solidario charity event, with the likes of Adolfo Cambiaso, Juan Martín Nero and David ‘Pelón’ Stirling taking part.

Basti Helmets will be donating two HPA approved gold helmets for the event, which will be signed by all the players taking part and auctioned off after the event, with all the proceeds going to the Basti Fund. This was set up in 2017 following Basti Fernandez’s very tragic accident whilst employed as a groom at the Legacy Polo Club. He fell from a horse and suffered major injuries to his fifth cervical vertebra resulting in diagnosed quadriplegia. The aim of the Basti Fund is to support Basti, focusing on his best possible recovery and Basti Helmets will donate two gold ensuring he leads a long and happy life. For more information please visit www.bastifund.org helmets to be signed by the Polo Solidario competitors which will be auctioned later on

Available at

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2018

13

News Easy Studs The search for a new and better stud all started when the mother of one of Chris Powell’s apprentices asked why studs were so difficult to use. He replied that he didn’t really know…

The first thing was to check the patent register and find out when they were first invented. He was quite surprised to find out that the threaded stud was patented in 1918 and has remained unchanged ever since. Chris had a chat with one of his exapprentices, Tom Smith, who qualified about 12-years-ago and when having problems with one of his customers who regularly cross-threaded studs, stripped the threads.

This meant that the studs would often come loose and fall out. Tom was very frustrated and also wanted to find a solution. They decided to put their heads together and come up with a solution that would be better than the present system.

It was a lot more difficult than they anticipated. They tried everything that they could think of and came up with several weird and wonderful ideas. Some fell by the wayside before they had even tested them and others fell at the first hurdle. Others, they discovered had already been patented and then they found out that two other companies had introduced their studs onto the market in the last few years. Both had solved one problem, which was the fact that both these new versions were much easier to put in then the old threaded studs.

However, neither would stay in during heavy work, so they solved one problem but created another. They needed something that would be easier to use and do the job while the horse engaged in whatever activity it was used for.

Chris realised that the threaded stud must be a good design because it had stood the test of time and thought that what they needed was a threaded stud that could

Photography courtesy of Easy Stud

We spoke to Chris Powell about Easy Stud, a game changer in stud use

Easy Stud have produced an improved stud, perfect designed for polo

The studs are accompanied by instructions for both the user and the farrier

Easy Stud have produced a range that will cater to all equestrian disciplines

not be cross-threaded. Sounded easy.

Surely with modern technology, that could be achieved. Nearly every country in the world uses a British Standard Whitworth (BSW) thread, but it is fundamentally flawed because its design has a sharp thread that will cut a new track if put in skewed. The Easy Stud thread has a flat top and bottom to it, which means that it cannot cut a new track and has to go in straight.

They subjected the new stud to rigorous testing, including torque tests and field tests where it performed better than they could have imagined. Various equine disciplines were used, including cross-country, polo and polocrosse. One polocrosse player, who is also a farrier, told Chris that he had only lost

two studs during the whole season… both he had dropped in the grass and couldn’t find them again!

Easy Stud now have six different sizes for a range of equestrian disciplines and are very excited by the opportunities that lie ahead for polo, as their Easy Stud conforms to HPA regulations on the shape and size of polo studs. They have two European eventers, one European show jumper and the King’s Troop all using Easy studs, as well as many other riders who use them in local competitions or for polo. Nobody who moved to Easy Studs has gone back to the old BSW system. Anybody who would like more information for polo can find it here www.easystud.co.uk

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Polo Times, May 2018

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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

Photography courtesy of FIP

FIP are delighted to have formed a scholarship agreement with the Regent’s University London, launching the newly re-named Filippo Corsini Polo Scholarship, in association with the Federation of International Polo.

Originally launched in 2016, the scholarship was the first of its kind in the UK, and links well with the Federation’s desire to both enhance the image and status of the game as well as broadening the scope of international polo. Successful scholars will take on the title of Federation of International Polo Youth Ambassador.

This new partnership with Regent’s sees the two organisations align perfectly. Both wish to promote the practice and stature of this great game of ours worldwide, as well as promoting the concepts of friendship, team spirit, equality, respect, integration and embrace the idea of fair play and safety while doing so.

At the end of the day, we would all like to see the number of polo participants growing both nationally and internationally, and we are thrilled that we will have FIP Youth Ambassadors from Regent’s to assist in these efforts.

Head of Student Recruitment at Regent’s, Neil Herrington, added, “We are delighted to build on our reputation as the go-to UK university for polo players, by partnering with the Federation of International Polo and are particularly grateful to Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, President of FIP, for his eagerness to work with us in this way.

As well as the monetary value of the award, we are confident that the title of ‘FIP Youth Ambassador’ will be of great benefit to Regent’s University polo scholars, both on and off the field. Our congratulations go to this year’s recipient of the scholarship award in 2018, James Taylor, who has worked hard to encourage other Regent students to get involved in the sport.”

The polo scholarship is named in memory of Regent’s student Prince Filippo Corsini, an accomplished equestrian and showjumper, in recognition of his sporting prowess and exceptional leadership skills.

Prince Filippo, the heir to a noble Florentine family, was in his first year of

FIP President Nicholas Colquhoun Denvers signs scholarship partnership with Regent’s University Head of Student Recruitment, Neil Harrington

The Federation of Company Sport The French Federation of Company Sport, which is IOC recognised, is organising the second of their World Company Sports Games from 23 – 27 May in La Baule, where some 6,000 employees from 40 different countries will compete in 25 sportive disciplines. This year, for the first time in history, the sport of polo will be included.

This international event is growing each year and is a unique occasion to marry sport and business, competition

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Polo Times, May 2018

Nicholas Colquhoun Denvers gathers with Filippo Corsini Polo Scholarship entrants at Regent’s University

study for the BA (Hons) International Business at the University when his life was cut short by a tragic accident in 2016. The scholarship celebrates Filippo’s life and the promise he showed, both on and off the field.

This scholarship is awarded through competition. To enter the competition for the 2018/19 Filippo Corsini Polo Scholarship in association with the Federation of International Polo, students must be holding an offer from Regent’s University London. Applicants must also submit: • a 500 word statement setting out their eligibility for the scholarship and what polo means to them • video footage of them playing polo • a reference from a registered Polo Club Find out more information or apply for the Scholarship here: www.regents.ac.uk/study/scholarships-funding-and-bursaries/thefilippo-corsini-polo-scholarship In other news, progress continues on the International Olympic Committee initiative and FIP currently have 19 member associations recognised by their respective National Olympic Committees, as listed below: Asociación Argentina de Polo – Argentina United States Polo Association – USA Australian Polo Federation Ltd – Australia Canadian Polo Association – Canada Federación Chilena de Polo – Chile Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri - Italy Federación Mexicana de Polo – Mexico Nigeria Polo Federation – Nigeria Real Federación Española de Polo – Spain Asociación Dominicana de Polo – Dominican Republic Asociación Nacional de Polo – Guatemala Federación Deportiva Peruana de Polo – Peru Associazione Polo San Marino – San Marino El Salvador Polo Association – El Salvador Egyptian Polo Federation – Egypt South African Polo Association – South Africa Royal Malaysian Polo Association – Malaysia Indian Polo Association – India Iran Polo Federation – Iran

and friendliness, and to represent your nations and companies.

During four days of competition, participants will attend the traditional opening and closing ceremonies as well as enjoy the social nightlife in La Baule city centre and the Palais des Congrès. France has entered two teams in this amateur 0-4 goal tournament and are hoping for two more teams to enter to play over the course of the Games at the Brittany Polo Club in Guérande. Ponies are available to be hired

from Chantilly Polo Club who will also be participating.

So, if you are looking for a unique event and fun sports party in one of the beautiful seaside resorts in France, where polo will be played and add yet another support to regaining polo’s place among Olympic sports, then look no further.

Finally, everything is prepared in Mexico for the 98th Ambassador Cup which will run from 8 – 13 May.

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@karimshahnizar Shandur polo, where polo is been played in its original @kensingtonroyal @jamesesq form, famous for its free style polo, Shandur Polo The bulletin has been What a superb location festival will start on 7-9 placed outside Buckingham to visit and photograph July this year between the Palace formally announcing with Thai Polo, love this teams of gilgit baltistan the birth of the The Duke place. #huahin #ridinginand Chitral. #polo #horse and Duchess of thesea #pololife #beachlife #horses #game #freestyle Cambridge’s new son. #beachpolo #beachriding #culture #travel #summer The Duchess of Cambridge #horsesea #horse #pony #camping #traditional #trawas safely delivered of a #polosport #polofashion ditions #sports #horseracson at 1101hrs. The baby #equestrian #equine #hors- ing #horseriding #emotion weighs 8lbs 7oz. The Duke esofinstagram #horse#adventure #blogger of Cambridge was present backriding #bareback #travelblogger #wanderfor the birth. Her Royal #polo #riding #captureolusting #wanderlust #travHighness and her child are nepro #capturededication eler #bloggers #blogging both doing well. #sonya7riii #photography Miles Underwood, Tidworth Polo Club “Hitting a polo ball beautifully and badly, is like the difference between the gentle, well cultivated stroke of Renoir and the dawbings of Jackson Pollock…” My 4pm client told me that… Blimey… I thought – he’s really thought that through!

The Overseas Players embrace the new helmet regulations with enthusiasm and exuberance on their return to the UK

Quick Question Q: In what year and at which Club was the first US Open played, and for a bonus point, after how long was The US Open resurrected after a long break?

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the new polo collection featuring the ladies polo chukka bracelet Available in sterling silver, gold, rose gold & platinum *

WWW.SYLVIAKERRJEWELLERY.COM *gentleman's version coming this summer

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Polo Times, May 2018

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Visit Rutland Polo Club this Season Tournament highlights include:

The Mobil Cup The Horsefeeds Cup The Bronze Horse - Sponsored by Marstons The Collie Cup The Rutland Ladies Day The Rutland Polo Club Summer Ball - Argentine theme The Rutland Cup The Twidale Cup The Westerby Group Assam Cup (VL) Sponsored by Westerby Management The Tony Gilks Trophy The MADE Trophy The Preston Lodge Bowl The Belvoir Cup - Sponsored by Sporting Designs The Masters Tournament (for players over the age of 50) The Escalina Ladies Day The Ruddles Cup The Wilkinson Sword

-2 to 0 goal -6 to -2 goal 0 to 2 goal -6 to -2 goal Restricted RAS, Oakham 0 to 2 goal -6 to -2 goal 0 to 4 goal 0 to 2 -6 to -2 0 to 4 -4 to 0 Open Open 0 to 2 goal -6 to -2 goal

12th and 13th May 12th and 13th May 26th and 27th May 26th and 27th May 28th May 16th June 16th and 17th June 16th and 17th June 26th June until 1st July 14th and 15th July 14th and 15th July 28th and 29th July 28th and 29th July 18th and 19th August 18th and 19th August 25th and 26th August 8th and 9th September

Rutland Polo Club is a warm and welcoming club, offering a high standard of low goal polo for all to enjoy.

For all enquiries, please contact

Polo Manager Mobile and Text Email:

Hugh Crouch 07885 399433 polomanager@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Tournament Manager Mobile and Text Email:

Website www.rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Tom Collie 07772 040668 tournamentmanager@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

facebook.com/rutlandpolo

@rutlandpoloclub

The Rutland Polo Club Summer Ball 2018 This year we have a brilliant, fresh Argentine theme and some fantastic, fun ideas. The ball will be held at Rutland Agricultural Society Pavilion

Saturday 16th June 2018

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Tickets ÂŁ70 for under 21s, ÂŁ80 for all others, and separate tickets just for after dinner dancing until 2am!

Please contact Marissa North, for any enquiries: treasurer@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk / polomanager@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk Photo Booth - Bucking Bronco - silent auction - tombola - disco until late

the

Big

picture

Cantering Camels It’s a well known fact that Dubai revels in doing everything bigger, better and more outlandish than the rest of the world, so it’s no surprise polo is any different. Forget Thoroughbreds and Criollos, Dubai’s steed of choice is camels.

British Polo Day Dubai reveled in this Arabian twist, with teams entertaining the crowds gathered for British Polo Day’s 10th event in 2018. British Polo Day began in Dubai in 2009 and has now hosted over 60 events in more than 16 countries.

This year’s Dubai event saw the British Exiles, featuring UK regulars Malcolm Borwick and John Paul Clarkin, after defeating Al Habtoor. To read more about British Polo Day Dubai, please turn to our News section. wP hotograph Sam Churchill Photography

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Polo Times, May 2018

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Feature

Interview Jan-Erik Franck

‘The Voice of Polo’ Goes Stateside Jan-Erik Franck, ‘The Voice of Polo’, has made the journey across the pond to sunnier climes, Jen Liggins caught up with Jan-Erik to hear about his American adventures and plans for the rest of 2018 How did you find yourself in Florida’s sunny climes?

It was a very last minute thing and a call that I wasn’t expecting. During the winter I spend my time commentating at the snow polo; first at the Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel, then at the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz.

Following the tournament in Kitzbühel, event organiser Tito Gaudenzi rang me and asked if I was available to come out and spend some time at Marc and Melissa Ganzi’s Grand Champions Polo Club, in the sunny haven that is Wellington, Florida.

How does the American circuit differ from the European circuit?

In all honesty, polo is polo regardless of where you are in the world (don’t say that to the Argentines!). The only difference I’ve found between the European and American circuit is the sheer volume of polo in a very small geographical area. In Florida, there are loads of great clubs playing some excellent polo, so you’re pretty spoilt for choice.

Photograph by Polo Times

Photograph courtesy of the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz

Jan-Erik Franck can be seen entertaining crowds at the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz every year

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Polo Times, May 2018

www.polotimes.co.uk

Interview Jan-Erik Franck

Feature

Photograph courtesy of Jan-Erik Franck

already packed my cowboy hat, cowboy boots, endless slogan t-shirts, family tub of peanut butter and general Floridian sunny disposition to bring back with me.

Where will the Polo Times readers hear you next?

I get back to the UK at the end of April, where I will only have three days to unpack and repack before heading off to the island of Sylt, off the Germany and Denmark coasts for the Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Sylt. This beautiful island is the perfect holiday destination and home to this truly exciting tournament. It’s amazing to see the different formats polo takes these days, from snow polo, to Segway polo and even beach polo. It feels great to be part of this polo evolution.

Photograph by ChiaroFoto/GCpolo.com

Have you found that you’ve had to adjust your commentating style to the American palate?

A little, but not too much. The rumours are completely true – the Americans love www.polotimes.co.uk

listening to an English voice, so I’ve been doing my best Queen’s English for the past few months. All my tongue in cheek comments, that my European listeners know so well, have gone down like a house on fire and I’ve received many nice compliments from players and spectators. It always makes such a difference to hear positive feedback when you’re in a new place.

Have you picked up any American-isms that you’re planning to bring back to Europe with you?

In terms of commentating itself, not really, but my aim is always to keep spectators as informed and amused as possible, so if there are any last-minute nuggets of commentating gold that I pick up before I come back, I wouldn’t shy away from them.

Without doubt, you can’t come back from the USA without a few mementos. I have

Photograph by ChiaroFoto/GCpolo.com

What has been your best experience across the pond?

I have only been here for a few months, but there have already been so many. From watching some of the best players on the globe practice and play on a daily basis, to attending my first ever rodeo, it has been a really exciting experience all round. One of my highlights was, of course, when my girlfriend came over to join me for a week and I was able to show her around my favourite Florida haunts. I can easily say that it wouldn’t be too much of a hardship to come here next season. I’d like to express my thanks to Marc and Melissa for this wonderful opportunity.

What is next for ‘The Voice of Polo’ – world domination?

It has been a very busy winter and I have a very busy summer season ahead. Thus far I have trips to the Netherlands, Germany, Azerbaijan and Dubai at the end of the year, booked in, all of which I’m very much looking forward to. From there, who knows, but you can be sure that my favourite joke about the difference between an Irish wedding and an Irish funeral will be safely stowed in my back pocket.

For more information about Jan-Erik Franck and ‘The Voice of Polo’, visit: @thevoiceofpolo @thevoiceofpolo Polo Times, May 2018

25

The 22 Goal Handicap Explained

Feature

The 22 Goal Handicap Explained The reasons for, against and the HPA rationale for introducing separate 22 goal handicaps for 2018

A

s Polo Times goes to press, the players and ponies taking part in this year’s 22 goal will be reaching the end of their preseason preparation and will no doubt be looking forward to their first performances of the 2018 UK season. Prior to any polo season there are rule changes to discuss and consequently feedback to be listened to and

this year, when regarding the UK 22 goal, one of the topics that stands at the forefront of conversation is the HPA’s new ‘Dual Handicap’ system.

The ‘Dual Handicap’ system sees players in the UK hold one handicap for 22 goal level, and another for 18 goal and below, essentially meaning that players can hold two different handicaps.

Before the action gets underway we thought it would be good to speak to both the HPA and also a selection of leading professionals. As a result, the HPA released the facts which led them to make this decision; the aims that they hope it will achieve, the other options that were considered, (and in one case are still being considered), and the rationale behind it, all while the players told us their thoughts on the introduction of the dual handicap and reveal whether they would have liked to see a different outcome.

The Players – Below are those who currently hold a different 22 goal handicap.

David ‘Pelón’ Stirling 9 22 Goal 10 2018 H’Cap

Cristian Laprida 7 22 Goal 8 2018 H’Cap

Agustín Merlos 9 22 Goal 8 2018 H’Cap

Alejandro Muzzio 7 22 Goal 8 2018 H’Cap

James Beim 6 22 Goal 7 2018 H’Cap

Max Charlton 6 22 Goal 7 2018 H’Cap

James Harper 6 22 Goal 7 2018 H’Cap

Chris Mackenzie 6 22 Goal 7 2018 H’Cap

Jack Richardson 6 22 Goal 7 2018 H’Cap

Tom Beim 3 22 Goal 4 2018 H’Cap

Thomas Brodie 3 22 Goal 4 2018 H’Cap

Byron Watson 3 22 Goal 4 2018 H’Cap

Edward Banner-Eve 2 22 Goal 3 2018 H’Cap

Jack Berner 2 22 Goal 3 2018 H’Cap

Sebastian Hancock 2 22 Goal 3 2018 H’Cap

Charlie Holley 2 22 Goal 3 2018 H’Cap

Max Hutchinson 2 22 Goal 3 2018 H’Cap

Hugo Lewis 4 22 Goal 3 2018 H’Cap

Rupert Lewis 2 22 Goal 3 2018 H’Cap

Thomas Severn 2 22 Goal 3 2018 H’Cap

Andrew Dechet 1 22 Goal 2 2018 H’Cap

Alessandro Bazzoni 0 22 Goal 1 2018 H’Cap

Adrian Kirby 0 22 Goal 1 2018 H’Cap

Spencer McCarthy 0 22 Goal 1 2018 H’Cap

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2018

27

Feature

The 22 Goal Handicap Explained

When looking at those who are rated 5 goals or above there is an even split between English and overseas players. It is considered entirely fair and legitimate to handicap players on the polo that they have actually played and not to make an assumption that every player is worth the same in both 22 goal polo and 18 goal and below, especially when a number of players have never played more than four chukka polo and do not have ponies suitable for high goal polo.

The HPA states that “It is not the intention to favour one nationality or age group but it is the role of a UK sport’s governing body to look after its particular sport in the UK (and in our case Ireland as well). The HPA recognises that there are many contributors to polo and that professional players from here and overseas make a significant contribution but they do not fund the sport.”

The HPA Stance

Facts • There are 3,000 people playing polo in England • There are usually around 50 playing at 22 goal level • Most players never play above 4 goals or more than four chukka polo • There are two players that are worth more than the upper limit i.e. 10 goals • There are teams that have significantly greater pony power The UK 22 Goal • The aim of the handicap system is to level off players and teams. Patrons want: o Freedom of choice o To feel that they have a chance of getting value for what they spend, of being able to compete, and of being fairly handicapped in comparison to others • Playing polo is expensive and always has been, but the cost and difficulty of putting together a team at a reasonable cost that can compete is considered to be discouraging patrons from playing the 22 goal • A healthy 22 goal is very important to English polo and the high goal clubs which are flagships for the sport • The ability of many players (of all nationalities) to be able to mount

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Polo Times, May 2018

themselves on ponies of high goal quality is difficult and high risk. As a result many are opting to play the lower levels. They therefore spend less, but get paid less and have to play more games • Handicapping starts at the top and works downwards. Handicaps of all those in the lower levels is dictated by the 22 goal and 6 chukka polo with handicap differences calculated against 6 chukkas • Players held down to be competitive for the 22 goal are then either underhandicapped for the lower levels and gain an advantage or push the other players down. In the first case they also cause an issue when used to substitute patrons at most levels The HPA’s Aims • To encourage more patrons to enter the 22 goal by ensuring that the teams without the big players and pony power feel that they can put together a competitive team with a chance; • Make players fairly but competitively handicapped for the levels of polo that they are playing without favouring them for one level The Options 1. Raise the upper limit for players to 12, 15 or 20. A definite option favoured by many, but also accepted by the same that persuading Argentine Association de Polo (AAP) to follow suit was not realistic 2. Restrict the pony power to which there are welfare implications and it is difficult to manage, but a possibility 3. Handicap the ponies as well as the players; in theory would be the fairest, but completely impractical 4. Limit the combined handicap of the best two players; favoured by many and being considered as would help to even things up and possibly reduce costs for the 22 goal. Teams are limited to 22 goals for four players and it does not seem unreasonable to have a limit for two players as well

5. Award different handicaps for the different levels; proposed by some Argentine 10 goalers but opposed by some of the English pros, although supported by the Handicap Committee and Steward Option 5 was thus put in place as a trial and Option 4 is under consideration for AAP, USPA and HPA 22 goal tournaments, probably with a maximum combined handicap of 17 goals for the two best players The HPA Rationale HPA Rationale for introducing the 22 goal handicap was: • Patrons might be encouraged to enter the 22 goal, if there were players below 10 on competitive/lower handicaps. This could include patrons.

• The 22 goal handicap would allow: o A player to be held down or lowered for the 22 goal only but raised or kept up for the other levels, in particular the 6 and 7s o Those below them, in particular the young pros, to be raised for the polo that they are playing, but left on a goal less for the 22 goal to give them a chance of a run o Those who have performed well in the 22 goal (because they were well mounted or in a very well organised team) to be raised for the 22 goal, but left on a lower handicap for the other levels where they might struggle if coming out of the 22 goal and having to play the lower levels on different ponies • 22 goal is a different game to low goal just as The Open in Argentina is a different game to the 22 goal in the UK; players are often better at one level or in one position than another. Players may be better mounted in one country or for one level than another; one handicap does not fit all or meet the aim of handicapping • There are already different handicaps for Arena Polo and Ladies Polo and a 22 goal handicap will apply to well under 100 players, probably nearer 50

SO WHAT DO THE PLAYERS THINK? Polo Times would like to thank the players who took the time to get back to us. It is great to hear their thoughts and no doubt each response will provide the HPA with some useful comments. When contacting the players we asked them two questions: 1. What are your thoughts on the HPA introducing a set of new handicaps specific to the 22 goal? Do you think it will achieve any of the HPA’s aims?

2. Would you have rather seen the HPA go with another option instead (listed 1-5)?

www.polotimes.co.uk

The 22 Goal Handicap Explained

Feature

Fred Mannix Jnr.

22 Goal H’cap: 7 goals 2018 H’Cap: 7 goals “I am not in favour of players having two handicaps. I think that the teams with the better players have been winning for a long time because they are better organised, more professional and spend the money on horses in order to be the best players.

I therefore think that they should be rewarded for continuing to invest in the sport through horses and professional ways.”

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Malcolm Borwick

22 Goal H’Cap: 6 goals 2018 H’Cap: 6 goals

James Beim

22 Goal H’Cap: 6 goals 2018 H’Cap: 7 goals “Firstly, I think the UK high goal has been in a good place for the last 10 years. There have been a consistent number of entries: 12 entries or more per season and it must be noted that that is a lot healthier than other countries at 22 goal level.

So therefore, I believe if it’s not broken then it doesn’t need fixing.

The less rules in polo the better.

However, over the past years the HPA have introduced various rules in order to get UK resident players more exposure to polo at high goal level. The only rule needed for me was to have those players competitively handicapped.

When the dual handicap system was first suggested by the leading Argentine pros, it was suggested for UK resident players only to be a way of making them competitive and therefore have a higher chance of getting picked, but without having any specific rules placed on the patrons/ teams as to whether they had to use UK resident players or not.

This original suggestion is how I believe the rule should be interpreted: for UK resident players only. This would achieve the goal of having more UK resident players playing at high goal level, and ultimately would help the growth of the national team.

At the same time it would also offer patrons the chance to put together competitive teams without there being restrictions on who they are allowed to use.”

www.polotimes.co.uk

“The polo handicap system is flawed due to lack of variance, there is too large a discrepancy between players on equal handicaps. The HPA’s intention to address this flaw was a good one, but my opinion is that we may have been better off with a wholesale reduction in players’ handicaps. If the 10 goalers are the problem, I say this as we cannot breach that ceiling, then make the sum of the other players greater than the advantage that a 10 has in not being 11 or 12 goals.

I appreciate that the argument for specific 22 goal handicaps was that certain players drop down into the medium goal and make a huge difference, but that again would have been addressed if the reductions in handicap were across the board and radical.

The conflict comes when professional players charge per goal or per day. A player playing off a lower handicap is therefore likely to have to charge less and many players are struggling to make their bills, (not that I am feeling sorry for them as nobody obliges anyone to become a professional polo player and it is an incredibly privileged lifestyle) and so the suggested reduction of handicap results in a dramatic fall in income, thus jeopardising livelihoods and families.

There are a whole raft of opportunities that this throws up, the idea of returning to monthly/ yearly deals rather than pay as you go, an adjustment in the tournament schedule to facilitate more economic polo for patrons including practices where their participation increases as would their enjoyment and skill level... but these are digressions and subject for another issue...

If 10 is to be our ceiling I think we could have looked at half handicaps first, this would at least give us more options. However, my preference on the HPA’s list would have been to see the sum of the two highest handicap players not exceeding 17 goals. This would encourage a more open style of play and create room for talent to force its way into the top teams and benefit from the experience of working with the world’s best players.”

Max Charlton

22 Goal H’Cap: 6 goals 2018 H’Cap: 7 goals “In my opinion I feel having two handicaps is so difficult.

Firstly, I am concerned about making more rules when polo already has so many.

Secondly, while I fully understand the HPA’s intentions, I feel that the timing of the introduction of two handicaps was not great. We are already taking a lot of criticism as a country.

I also feel it is very difficult to pick the players who should or shouldn’t have a second handicap.

In my opinion, there are still too many people involved in the setting of handicaps.

I think if 2-3 people had the responsibility this would produce consistency which is something I would very much like to see.

We all know how hard this game is but I appreciate that the HPA are trying new things with a view to improving polo in the long run.”

Polo Times, May 2018

29

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UK High Goal Guide 2018

Feature

UK High Goal Guide 2018 Katie Vickery

reports from England

I

still strong and drawing in the best players.

This year brings with it many changes to the season, including a new handicapping system just for the 22 goal level, new title sponsors in the form of King Power and plenty of new patrons, teams and line-ups ready to take on the challenge of the prestigious 22 goal English season. It seems last year’s reshuffling of teams has started off a trend and the lineups that emerged over the winter bring a few surprises. The two biggest changes on the team sheets come unsurprisingly from the moving of the two highest rated players. This year, Bob Jornayvaz will sponsor a Valiente team for both The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The King Power Gold Cup and his Valiente side will include world number one Adolfo Cambiaso, who has now settled with his long-term American patron after a brief dalliance with RH Polo’s Ben Soleimani last year and many years in the green and white of the Dubai organisation previously. Secondly, after an extraordinarily successful three-year roll at the top, high goal power organisation King Power exchange their presence on the field to a presence on the sponsors’ board, leaving superstar Facundo Pieres to find himself a new team with which to grace his presence. He has moved across to Michael Bickford’s, fan-favourite team, La Indiana, the team that has come so close to victory in the last two years, with no cigar.

With the Pieres powerhouse on their side, will this be the year that their place in the Final finally ends in celebration? Facundo Pieres is no stranger to that winner’s podium, so plenty of hopes are riding high on his ‘wow’ factor.

Other new teams to join the high goal fray this year include Les Lions/Thai Polo, Park

Cortium Adrian Kirby’s team (albeit with a different line-up) have tasted success in the past with a Gold Cup win against El Remasno in 2012 and a Queen’s Cup Semi place in 2013. Having been absent from the 22 goal since 2014, Cortium have confirmed 2018 warm-up action in The Murus Sanctus Trippetts Challenge, followed by The Cartier Queen’s Cup in June. Adrian Kirby tasted sweet success in 2017 alongside Borwick and Pieres when his team dominated in the 18 goal Indian Empire Shield at Guards Polo Club, (the only change for this year’s 22 goal being Juan Gris Zavaleta swapped in for Jack Hyde). The already tried and tested triumvirate of Nico Pieres, English stalwart Malcolm Borwick and the hugely experienced Kirby alongside the talented Zavaleta, will make this team one to watch. www.polotimes.co.uk

Place and Emlor. All familiar faces either from past high goal seasons or from the medium goal, it is great to see these teams up on the lists and joining in the fray once again. Whilst Les Lions/Thai Polo and Park Place will be participating in the whole shebang, for now Emlor is starting slow, competing only in The Cartier Queen’s Cup. The King Power Gold Cup will not be down a team though as two teams are set to play just that second tournament. F Polo Team, will try their luck at winning the British gold while French side Murus Sanctus will also be trying their hand at snagging the British Open.

So, whether you’re a fan of the old favourites, or you’re voting for a newcomer, we’ve got you covered with who’s who, team line-ups and what tournament they are playing in, as things currently stand.

The Big Ones: Cartier Queen’s Cup (Guards Polo Club): 22 May – 17 June King Power Gold Cup for the British Open (Cowdray Park Polo Club): 26 June – 22 July

Other 22 Goal Tournaments:

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

t’s been a long, hard winter in the UK for those of us who stuck around long enough to feel the chill and suffer through the wind, rain and snow, but for most of the world’s top players, the last eight months have been spent playing top tournaments in some of the most luxurious, beautiful and competitive polo destinations around the world. Every year, after the Final of The Gold Cup for the British Open in July, the polo exodus begins, and the players whizz off to far flung destinations. It could be Sotogrande, Colorado, St. Tropez or Greenwich first, followed by Argentina, Thailand, Florida, Dubai or the Dominican Republic. During the English winter, few players stick around to battle the weather and you can bet that there is a 10 goaler on almost any continent at any one time. But now comes our favourite time of year, when all those exotic and sunny climes give in to the enigmatic power of the UK season and the best players of the sport begin to return to Europe’s traditional home of polo to prepare for one of the toughest and most highly regarded seasons of the circuit. The areas around Ascot and Midhurst regain their ‘latino’ flavour as they fill up with players, grooms and high goal entourages, preparing for the start of the high goal in early May. There are 11 teams currently confirmed for The Cartier Queen’s Cup and 11 for The King Power Gold Cup. When compared with many other seasons around the world struggling to fill team sheets to more than four teams, it is a great achievement to have so many high-level teams for these tournaments and they never fail to produce a competitive few months. Only one player out of the top 15 in the world is not on the team lists, proving that British polo is

The summer is almost here and with it comes the high goal season, our favourite time of the year. Here is your guide for navigating the season with a look at each team and its players

Prince of Wales Trophy (Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club): 5 – 19 May Murus Sanctus Trippetts Challenge (Cowdray Park Polo Club): 8 – 20 May Warwickshire Cup (Cirencester Park): 19 – 24 June

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Adrian Kirby Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and (TBC) The King Power Gold Cup

Juan Gris Zavaleta Handicap: 7 World Ranking: 31

Nico Pieres Handicap: 9 World Ranking: 7

Malcolm Borwick Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 198

Adrian Kirby Handicap: 0 World Ranking: 305

Polo Times, May 2018

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Feature

UK High Goal Guide 2018

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Brittania El Remanso For the 11th consecutive season the iconic Brittania El Remanso side take on the high goal and this year they are back with the same line-up they have sported since 2016. The all-pro, allBrit team is a fan favourite around Guards and Cowdray, and the crowd support seems to be doing wonders as they gain in momentum each year. In 2016, they narrowly missed out on a place in the Gold Cup Semi Finals to King Power Foxes, the eventual winners. Last year saw them do extremely well with a place in The Cartier Queen’s Cup Semi Finals and a close defeat in the Final of The Gold Cup and this year, after a winter practising together in Argentina, we hope to see them at least in the Finals, if not on the podiums.

La Bamba de Areco Having made a comeback in 2016 after a two-year break from the high goal, it looks like Decaux is coming out all guns blazing this year. He’s pulled out all the stops and hired half of the fearsome La Dolfina quartet. With the power duo of Nero, often considered the strongest back in the world, and Stirling, the hardworking number two, combined with the tenacity of young South African player Watson, this team has become one to watch heading into this new season. Where separately Stirling and Nero have struggled to make waves in the English season in recent years, together they should prove a force to be reckoned with.

La Indiana Over the past two years La Indiana have made it to plenty of Finals, but that last hurdle has defeated them each time, losing The Queen’s Cup Final twice (both by just one goal to teams featuring the indomitable Cambiaso) and The Gold Cup to King Power Foxes in 2016. It has been a tough few years for the team that came out of nowhere, but it seems that Michael has tired of ‘almost’ and has brought in Facundo Pieres to finish the job. This year the world number two combines with La Indiana stalwart Nic Roldan and Australian young gun Alec White to form a very competitive side. Is this the year they finally turn silver into gold?

Les Lions/Thai Polo For this year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup, we see the return of Max Gottschalk and his Les Lions side – this is a team who over the years has played the high goal circuit a number of times and it is great to see them take on the 22 goal once again. The Les Lions team will feature professionals Guillermo Terrera, Joaquin Pittaluga and Jaime Huidobro. This trio will then go on to play The King Power Gold Cup under the captainship of Harald Link for his Thai Polo side.

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Polo Times, May 2018

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Major Christopher Hanbury Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The King Power Gold Cup

Charlie Hanbury Handicap: 4 World Ranking: 62

Ollie Cudmore Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 70

James Beim Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 88

James Harper Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 85

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Jean-François Decaux Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The King Power Gold Cup

Jean François Decaux Handicap: 0 World Ranking: 189

David ‘Pelón’ Stirling Handicap: 9 World Ranking: 5

Juan Martín Nero Handicap: 10 World Ranking: 3

Byron Watson Handicap: 3 World Ranking: 103

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Michael Bickford Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The King Power Gold Cup

Michael Bickford Handicap: 1 World Ranking: 44

Facundo Pieres Handicap: 10 World Ranking: 2

Nic Roldan Handicap: 7 World Ranking: 34

Alec White Handicap: 4 World Ranking: 40

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Max Gottschalk/Harald Link Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup (Les Lions) and The King Power Gold Cup (Thai Polo)

Max Gottschalk/ Harald Link Handicap: 0 World Ranking: 1008/ 450

Guillermo Terrera Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 28

Joaquín Pittaluga Handicap: 7 World Ranking: 37

Jaime García Huidobro Handicap: 7 World Ranking: 108 www.polotimes.co.uk

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Monterosso Last year saw this new team join the schedule and we are pleased to see them back once again. A slight line-up change sees young Brit Matt Perry swapped out for Argentine Juan Martín Zubia, but patron Alessandro Bazzoni remains faithful to his Toccalino twosome with whom he has also played the last two years in the Dominican Republic. In 2017 they were knocked out in the Quarter Finals of both tournaments, but with another season under their belts, they are looking to do better this year.

A familiar face in the medium goal, with 2017 wins including The Royal Windsor Cup, Duke of Cornwall Trophy, Apsley Cup and The Challenge Cup, Park Place move up in to the 22 goal this year and it looks like they are planning on starting their high goal with a bang. US Open winning powerhouse Hilario Ulloa will combine with two of the hottest young players on the scene at the moment, Juan Britos and Tommy Beresford, both quick, talented players who have done extremely well out in the USA this year. This will certainly be an enjoyable team to watch as power combines with effortless skill to create some exciting polo.

RH Polo With Adolfo Cambiaso moving across to Valiente, RH Polo has brought in another Argentine hero in the form of Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset. Ben Soleimani’s team, who won The Cartier Queen’s Cup last year, will be looking to repeat their performance this year with the help of an almost entirely new line-up. We await to see how the ever reliable, goal scoring machine Sapo, combines with de Andrade and young Mín Podesta, who played last year for Murus Sanctus. They may not have the world number one at their disposal for 2018, but they have a solid line up who should do well.

Talandracas This long-standing French team sees a refreshed line-up this year with Sapo moving to RH Polo after three years of service to Edouard Carmignac’s team. It seems that this year, youth wins out over experience, and a young and hungry line-up is the order of the day. Julian ‘Negro’ de Lusarreta, who debuted in the high goal in 2016 to great success, will be joined by Francisco Elizalde who has been making a name for himself in Argentine polo as well as out in Dubai. Finishing off the foursome is Alejandro Muzzio, also from Argentina who is debuting in the UK high goal. This is a young, pro-team who could do well as long as they can find a leader among the four.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Feature

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Alessandro Bazzoni Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The King Power Gold Cup

Alessandro Bazzoni Handicap: 0 World Ranking: 155

Park Place

UK High Goal Guide 2018

Ignacio ‘Cubi’ Toccalino Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 33

Santiago Toccalino Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 46

Juan Martín Zubía Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 38

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Andrey Borodin Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The King Power Gold Cup

Andrey Borodin Handicap: 0 World Ranking: 101

Hilario Ulloa Handicap: 10 World Ranking: 12

Juan Britos Handicap: 7 World Ranking: 57

Tommy Beresford Handicap: 5 World Ranking: 19

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Ben Soleimani Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The King Power Gold Cup

Ben Soleimani Handicap: 0 World Ranking: 55

Rodrigo de Andrade Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 11

Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset Handicap: 9 World Ranking: 13

Mín Podestá Handicap: 5 World Ranking: 21

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Edouard Carmignac Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The King Power Gold Cup

Edouard Carmignac Handicap: 0 World Ranking: 123

Francisco Elizalde Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 24

Julián ‘Negro’ de Lusarreta Alejandro Muzzio Handicap: 7 Handicap: 7 World Ranking: 15 World Ranking: 56 Polo Times, May 2018

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Feature

UK High Goal Guide 2018

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Valiente Many people’s favourite to win, Valiente will certainly be drawing in the crowds this year. Fresh from a strong US season, Valiente are set to take the UK by storm.

Accompanied by his long-term professional and world number one Adolfo Cambiaso, Bob Jornayvaz is looking to conquer what he can on both sides of the pond.

Christian ‘Magoo’ Laprida has been playing extensively in Robert Jornayvaz’s Colorado side and is no stranger to the Valiente organisation. Brit, Hugo Lewis who had a phenomenal 2016 with King Power joins another huge polo organisation set to do great things and will add his flair to the mix in what is surely the team to watch.

Emlor Having taken his La Indiana side to almost every Final over the last two years, this year the magic of Agustín Merlos will be seen at work for the Emlor side. A big goal scorer and forward-running player, he should combine well with strong patron Spencer McCarthy and his two team mates Diego Cavanagh and Nacho González.

Cavanagh has been playing non-stop since the last UK season, doing well in Colorado, Argentina and then the US high goal, so he has plenty of polo under his belt already this year. Nacho has been a team mate of Spencer for many years at various levels in the UK.

F Polo Team

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Bob Jornayvaz Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The King Power Gold Cup

Bob Jornayvaz Handicap: 1 World Ranking: 9

Adolfo Cambiaso Handicap: 10 World Ranking: 1

Christian ‘Magoo’ Laprida

Handicap: 7 World Ranking: 17

Hugo Lewis Handicap: 4 World Ranking: 26

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Spencer McCarthy Tournaments entered: The Cartier Queen’s Cup

Spencer McCarthy Handicap: 0 World Ranking: 544

Agustín Merlos Handicap: 9 World Ranking: 23

Diego Cavanagh Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 8

Nacho González Handicap: 5 World Ranking: 299

Team Handicap: 21 Patron: Alshair Fiyaz Tournaments entered: The King Power Gold Cup

This is Alshair Fiyaz’s first high goal season in the UK and the Polo Club Saint Tropez owner hopes to make a splash with his Pieres heavy line-up. Combining the forward running power of Polito Pieres and the defensive strength of Nico Pieres could be a stroke of genius and it will certainly make for an interesting dynamic to watch. The half-Ellerstina team is finished off with young Englishman Jack Hyde who has proven himself to be up to the high goal task both in the UK and Dubai where he has shone.

Alshair Fiyaz Handicap: -1 World Ranking: 448

Murus Sanctus After playing the full season last year, Corinne Ricard has decided to play just The King Power Gold Cup in 2018.

Once again, she is accompanied by Argentine sensation Facundo Sola who has formed part of her line-up for the past two years. This year joining the French side will be Gonzalito Pieres to add some defensive stability to the side. Gonzalito moves to the team from King Power where he has bossed the UK high goal since their debut in 2014.

Young Englishman Ed Hitchman completes the side and he will no doubt enjoy playing alongside two of the biggest and most successful names in Argentine polo.

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Polo Times, May 2018

Polito Pieres Handicap: 9 World Ranking: 10

Nicolás Pieres Handicap: 9 World Ranking: 7

Jack Hyde Handicap: 4 World Ranking: 132

Team Handicap: 22 Patron: Corinne Ricard Tournaments entered: The King Power Gold Cup

Corinne Ricard Handicap: 0 World Ranking: 75

Facundo Sola Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 14

Gonzalito Pieres Handicap: 10 World Ranking: 4

Ed Hitchman Handicap: 4 World Ranking: 824 www.polotimes.co.uk

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Interview Henry Porter

International Man of Mystery Henry Porter, England’s golden boy out in the USA spoke to Polo Times about his unconventional start in polo, the sacrifices of a seasonaire and how he copes with the pressure of the big time

Katie Vickery

W

reports from Wellington, USA

ith so many young homebred heroes rattling around the sport of polo at all levels, it is easy not to look outside our bubble of English polo, but there is one Brit player who has been flying the flag for British polo talent around the international polo circuit for a few years now. Henry Porter is 18-years-old and has already achieved great success across many continents.

Starting his polo life in Dubai where his family has been based for the last decade, Henry Porter was picked up by Dubai Coach and Manager Martín Valent and nurtured in the art of polo. Now with several seasons of playing high level polo out in Argentina under his belt, the talented young 2 goaler has been making waves in the US high goal where he has played for the GSA organisation and for Audi in the 20 and 22 goal tournaments at the International Polo Club, Palm Beach and Grand Champions Polo Club.

We caught up with Henry between games at his team stables out in Wellington, Florida to find out a little bit more about this unsung hero.

going out there when I was so young and learning it all their way. I think the English way is great, but it’s very different. They have a different way of doing things plus the level you start off playing in Argentina is completely different to England. I was playing three times a day, every day.

When did you first go out to Argentina?

I went five-years-ago for the first time with Marianela Castagnola – I did that for three years. I was very young and I lived with her and her husband and kids which was really good fun. Then a few years ago I moved to be based with Matias in Pilar.

POLO

How has your career developed since you started?

Martín Valent introduced me to Matias Magrini a couple of years ago. I went with Matias to Argentina and then three years ago I had my first season out here in the US and I played with Matias. Last year was my first official full season out here with Matias and his organisation. I played for GSA and in the medium goal. This is my first high goal season. Last year we played all the 12 goal and this year the 22 goal.

Is it a big leap going from 12 to 22?

There’s a huge difference between the two levels. In one you’re playing against Facundo and Cambiaso. When you go back down having played high goal it’s crazy. You have so much more time to think than you do in the 22. Playing high goal has definitely improved my polo a lot.

Is it difficult to bond with new teams all the time?

There are very few players that I can’t gel with. With the Audi team we didn’t even have a practice before our first game and we went in and played really well together. I’d never played with Nico Pieres or Marc Ganzi before, but I had played with Nic Roldan.

You either gel or you don’t, but I haven’t found a problem fitting into any team or gelling with teammates.

Do you enjoy playing with people who have a higher handicap than you?

I think it’s great playing with those higher handicapped players because you learn so much more from them. Playing with people like Matias Magrini, Mariano Gonzalez, Nico Pieres and Nic Roldan is amazing. I learn so much and it’s a great experience.

BEGINNINGS

36

Polo Times, May 2018

Photography by Hillary Oswald

How and when did you start out in polo?

I used to go with my mum to watch the snow polo in St. Moritz and then when we moved to Dubai we started going to the Cartier events out there and I tried it and just got hooked. I started with Martín Valent, the coach of Dubai, who began by giving me lessons and then became my coach.

I didn’t start my polo career in England, I came from Dubai with the Argentines so I guess I was a bit of an outsider when I came to England for the first time and to the Argentines I wasn’t another English kid going out there to play.

I didn’t grow up the traditional way doing Pony Club. I grew up the Argentine way in the sense that I was playing in Argentina before I was playing in England. I think one of the biggest advantages I had was www.polotimes.co.uk

Interview Henry Porter

Playing with Cambiaso and Facundo would be the dream. I’ve only played against them. We beat Facundo, but we couldn’t beat Adolfo Cambiaso.

How do you cope with the pressure?

I like playing with pressure. I find it’s what helps me get more of a game mind on. I find if there’s no pressure I struggle a bit. Before big games I always get a little bit nervous, but I find the less I focus on it the better. I always prepare the night before if I have a big game. So I’ll make my horse list the night before and make sure everything’s set, so www.polotimes.co.uk

when I wake up I don’t have to be thinking about the details and I can concentrate fully. I don’t want to be thinking about it overnight or thinking about how I’m going to do this or that in the morning.

What’s it like playing in front of a big crowd?

When you play in front of a big crowd it does feel different. After the first chukka you get used to it and your head’s in the game and you don’t notice it so much, but when you first step onto the field you can hear the commentator and you can hear everybody

Feature

talking so it is a different feeling. There’s more pressure. I get slightly more nervous in front of a bigger crowd. If you mess up a play you have more people watching. Plus, out here you have all those people in the crowd and they’re streaming it, so you’ve probably got another 5,000 people watching online. It’s not just your team mates who see you when you mess up. When you play well though, it’s great.

What are your strengths on the field?

From hearing what team mates say, I think my best ability is with the ball, which is why Polo Times, May 2018

37

Feature

Interview Henry Porter

I’m nearly always up front and I’m most comfortable up there. I know, however that if I want to go up the ranks I am going to have to start putting the man before the ball.

How much of your skill is hard work and how much comes naturally?

Some of it is natural and I think you have to start with some natural talent, but it’s also hard work, stick and balling, playing with the short mallets, hours of hitting penalties.

I have a personal trainer I see four or five times a week and we work on fitness and coordination, and I’m on a diet – so it’s all coordinated.

What would you say is your biggest weakness on the field?

My main weakness at the moment would be defence. I’m trying to work on it. Matias helps me a lot with coaching and working on it day-by-day.

What are your plans for the future?

My dream is to get to 10 goals, so hopefully I will get there in the next ten years. A goal a

year. I just want to play and play every day.

What is your favourite season?

The Florida season is definitely up there.

Everything is so close and everyone lives near each other. There’s so much polo and the social side is great. I love England as well because it’s basically home and there is so much polo. Spain is great because of the weather and the fields are amazing. I’ve been to Spain twice, once playing the low goal with Torreguitar and the second time playing the medium goal with GSA. Last year I went to New York with GSA to play the East Coast Open, which was amazing. We won that, which made it even more fun.

LIFE

Are you studying?

I was at an International school in Dubai up until my GCSEs and then I left school and started studying online.

As of last year, I have been doing the whole year round following the seasons and studying online. I’m doing my A-Levels at the moment, Spanish, Business and Computer Science.

Have you had to make any sacrifices to get to where you are today?

Now that I am used to this life I think I would find it so weird to go back to a normal lifestyle. I couldn’t live in the same place all year. I think of my friends and they’re heading to university or jobs and staying in one place for the year and I can’t imagine doing that. I really like the travelling. Any sacrifice I’ve had to make to live this lifestyle is worth it. Since I was nine I have been leaving the family for three or four months at a time. At the beginning it was hard because I’d be leaving all my school friends behind, but now they have all left school and spread out around the world. Plus, I have built a lot of new friendships in the polo world.

Do you enjoy the social side of polo?

It can be distracting at times of course, but I do think the social side is important in polo.

Most of my best friends are in polo and my school friends are spread out around the world. There is normally someone I know wherever I am.

What’s next?

After the US season my plan is to go to England and play all the low goal and some medium goal. This year I’ll be playing a bit for Dubai and then Nee Patterson in the low goal.

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Polo Times, May 2018

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Reports Powerhouses Adolfo Cambiaso and Nico Pieres tussled for the ball during the USPA Gold Cup Final

Toppling Titans The US season was all set to be a Valiente clean sweep, but the US Open had other ideas…

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he American season continued throughout March and April and the action never stopped out in Florida at the International Polo Club, Palm Beach. With high goal action taking place most days, there was always something to follow out in sunny Wellington for those avid polo fans.

This will be the last year that the International Polo Club, Palm Beach runs 26 goal level polo as 2019 will see the top level dropped to 22 goal as is the case in the UK. This strategic move seeks to encourage more teams to play these three Triple Crown 40

Polo Times, May 2018

Katie Vickery

reports from Wellington, Florida

tournaments and hopes to achieve a higher number of entries from patrons out in the USA. The number of entries has been dropping considerably in recent years with just six in this year’s USPA Gold Cup and US Polo Open Championship.

The competition was fierce out in Florida, with many of the world’s best players coming together to play. The Argentine presence is heavy in the USA, with all except two of the 10 goalers (Pablo Mac Donough and David ‘Pelón’ Stirling) gathering to play the Triple Crown, but there is also a good amount of homegrown talent taking part with players such as Nic Roldan and Mike Azzaro flying the flag for the USA. The competition started to really heat up in March with the USPA Gold Cup, the second leg of the triumvirate of trophies. www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

US High Goal Finale

The USPA Gold Cup Always one of the most exciting tournaments of the American season, this year’s USPA Gold Cup was even more fervently awaited after the announcement last year that the world numbers one and two would be combining forces for the first time in polo history. Valiente has always been a name to be reckoned with around the international polo circuit and, led by Bob Jornayvaz, they have had success wherever they go.

This year, not content to merely win but wanting to dominate entirely, Bob hired the competition itself. He brought Facundo Pieres onto the team alongside Valiente stalwart Adolfo Cambiaso to combine the power of the world’s two greatest players in what has proven to be a force to be reckoned with.

With the C.V. Whitney Cup, tucked safely away, they started their campaign for the Gold Cup glory and their eventual aim of a second consecutive Triple Crown. With the pairing of such a duo, complete with hardworking Brit player Tommy Beresford, they couldn’t help but breeze through the qualifying rounds, to land themselves unsurprisingly in the Final on Easter Sunday, 1 April. Tonkawa put up a good fight in the Semi Finals, a great comeback seeing them get within a goal at 9-8, but it was not to be and Valiente took their rightful place.

Up against them was Melissa Ganzi’s tough side Flexjet, whose journey to the Final was not quite as flawless, having been defeated

by Valiente in their first match of the tournament. But make it they did, managing to keep Daily Racing Form at bay in the qualifiers and in the Semi Finals, and they

Valiente defeated Flexjet to be crowned the USPA Gold Cup champions

took to the field on Sunday ready for their biggest challenge yet. Furthermore, with all three Pieres brothers on the field it was an explosive Final.

Valiente took the lead straight from the off with two quick goals from Facundo, dominating early as was expected. But the combined power of the elder and younger Pieres brothers and the hardworking Rodrigo de Andrade managed to keep the power duo in check and not fall too far behind in the first half.

However, Valiente always had the upper hand and Flexjet weren’t able to get closer than two goals difference until the last chukka. Although one wouldn’t say that Cambiaso was resting on his laurels throughout the run up to the Final, he was not shining as brightly as normal, sharing his stage with another 10 goal star, but he truly came alive in the Final. Deadly accuracy in front of the posts and ducking and weaving runs made him seem untouchable and led to five field goals. Beresford and Facundo scored two and three field goals respectively, Facundo’s total being bumped up by two successful 30 yard penalties. Once they got going this team was magic to watch, with effortless team plays which allowed for quick, open polo that pleased the Easter Day crowds up in the stands of the Club.

Flexjet worked hard to stem the flow of goals, taking every opportunity to steal the ball and turn defence into attack, but there was truly no competing with the seamless polo they faced. Nico was invaluable in front of the penalty line, missing just one 60 yard penalty and slotting

the other four home, while de Andrade’s three field goals kept them in the game. By the second half of the game, the polo had opened up dramatically allowing both teams to score repeatedly from the field, going tit-for-tat on the scoreboard. A heroic effort from de Andrade saw two goals bring Flexjet within touching distance at 12-11 in the last chukka, but the time was running low and the horn signalled the end of the match.

The reigning champions retained their USPA Gold Cup title by one goal and were well on their way to Triple Crown glory.

Deadly accuracy in “front of the posts and ducking and weaving runs made Cambiaso seem untouchable

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Where: International Polo Club, Palm Beach

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The USPA Gold Cup Final Teams: Valiente (26) Bob Jornayvaz (2) Tommy Beresford (4) Facundo Pieres (10) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Flexjet Melissa Ganzi Nico Pieres Gonzalito Pieres Rodrigo de Andrade

(26) (0) (8) (9) (9)

MVP Photography by Joel Auerbach

Nico Pieres

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www.polotimes.co.uk

Macarena, played by Adolfo Cambiaso and owned by Mariano Gonzalez

Polo Times, May 2018

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Reports

The US Open Championship There was only a brief pause in the action as our high goal heroes caught their breath ready for the next challenge. The US Polo Open Championship, the pinnacle of American polo, got underway just three days after the USPA Gold Cup Final. A slight reshuffling of teams saw Jeff Hildebrand’s Tonkawa out for Grant Ganzi’s US Polo Assn team and then it was back to the fast-paced action. Once again, Valiente showed themselves to be top dogs, whizzing through the qualifying stages to take their place directly in the Semis. This time it was the turn of Jared Zenni’s Daily Racing Form team to take their chances against Valiente, having defeated Flexjet in the qualifiers and moved straight into the Semis where they easily overcame US Polo Assn.

The big day dawned grey and rainy, not at all the customary blue skies and radiant heat of the sunshine state, but there was no question as to everyone’s determination to see the biggest Final in US polo played. A half hour delay to the start was all that was needed to allow the rain to abate and get the players on the field and ready to play. As the National Anthem rang out across the Engel & Völkers Field 1 of the International Polo Club, Palm Beach, the rain was forgotten in the excitement and anticipation.

was watching, “theTheballworld was thrown in and the battle commenced

”

With the world watching, the ball was thrown in and the battle commenced. It was no surprise when Facundo Pieres first found the posts, turning defence into attack as he whistled down the field to put Valiente on the scoreboard and start the match in earnest.

There was no gentle easing into the game, which started with a bang and continued at the same dizzying pace throughout and when Hilario Ulloa replied with a field goal to equal the scores it was clear to everyone that the underdogs weren’t going down without a fight. Daily Racing Form had come to play polo and were effectively shutting down the Valiente side’s attempts at an attacking onslaught. But Facundo and Cambiaso’s seamless teamwork left mouths open in the audience and goals wide open on the field, a fact which Valiente capitalised on whenever possible, ending the first chukka 2-1 up.

The play continued, neither team being able to press home an advantage. Daily Racing Form were playing the match of their lives to remain on top of Valiente and the boys in blue were unable to shake them in the first match of the season where they were feeling the pressure from the scoreboard. The second chukka ended at three goals apiece and the Daily Racing Form boys were on a high. A snappy goal from Ulloa, punched out of the air and straight through the posts, saw them take the lead for the first time, this lead was quickly expanded by another field goal, to roars from the crowd. As half-time was closing in Cambiaso

Daily Racing Form defeated Valiente to lift high the US Polo Open Championship Trophy

decided enough was enough, bringing his Valiente side to within a goal with his first score of the day.

The second half started with much to-ing and fro-ing, with big, open polo. A joy to watch but not an awful lot was added to the scoreboard. Cambiaso and Facundo started to work their magic with sneaky backhand passes to each other that had them running circles around their opponents while Bob worked tirelessly to take out Ulloa. Daily Racing Form were not to be subdued however, the fabulous fifth chukka dawned with Valiente down 5-6. It looked like all might be lost when an errant ball connected with Hilario’s face, but after a brief pause

Facundo Pieres came firing out the first throw-in for Valiente

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Reports for stitches to the right eye socket, the valiant warrior continued and with renewed fervour.

Cool as a cucumber the Obregon cousins worked hard together to put themselves on the scoreboard shortly to be joined by young Jared Zenni who was playing with the calm and quick thinking of a seasoned pro. Valiente, however, replied each time, with Beresford and Facundo keeping the scoreboard level.

The all-important last chukka loomed, and it was all to play for and the pressure mounted as Daily Racing Form stood to break the Valiente spell. An incredible goal from Zenni, from an almost impossible angle, gave them a little more breathing room as they went up by two, but Facundo was having none of it. He was everywhere at once and a mistake from Daily Racing Form resulted in a penalty which Facundo slotted through the

Hilario Ulloa

“It was the perfect match! Everything played out exactly as we had planned.

We were really solid and disciplined in defence and the boys all played the match of their lives with huge character and tenacity. It was, without a doubt, the best match we have played as a team in the season.”

Jared Zenni – Most Valuable Player

“It’s been a pretty crazy day.

The game was really tight from the first throw-in. I don’t think anyone got more than two goals ahead. For most of the game, one of us was up by one and then we would tie. The horses all went really well. Most of them have been playing since the first 20 goal and they’ve had some long tournaments. We only saved a few for the USPA Gold Cup and the US Open, but they felt great and I’m surprised they lasted this long, performing this well for the whole season – it’s amazing. To win the Open is a dream come true, especially against Valiente and the organisation that they have, moreover the year that Cambiaso and Facundo are playing together – it’s pretty surreal. I still haven’t wrapped my head around it. Getting the Most Valuable Player award was the icing on top of the cake.”

The US Open Championship Final Teams: Valiente (26) Bob Jornayvaz (2) Tommy Beresford (4) Facundo Pieres (10) Adolfo Cambiaso (10)

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posts to bring them within touching distance with just minutes to go. Everyone was on the edge of their seats as the seconds ticked by with the score at a tantalising 10-9 and neither team letting up for a second. With 20 seconds to go and Valiente in possession it looked like we might be treated to another nail-biting chukka, but even the best playing duo in the world were unable to overcome the defensive power of the determined Daily Racing Form

Horse Recognition Awards Daily Racing Form Jared Zenni Agustín Obregon Hilario Ulloa Mariano Obregon

(26) (5) (5) (10) (6)

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MVP Jared Zenni

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boys who had victory in their grasp. The final bell went to cheers, tears and whoops of delight as Daily Racing Form defeated Valiente 10-9, who hadn’t lost yet this season to take the biggest prize in American polo.

A truly exceptional spectacle of polo, it was the perfect way to end an exciting season of polo. I’m sure the glory was worth the post-polo headaches, celebratory and polo ball induced alike!

Where: International Polo Club, Palm Beach

Millonaria, played by Mariano Obregon

Giving recognition to those polo ponies who have worked so hard throughout the season in the US Best String: Hilario Ulloa Horse of the Year: Macarena, owned

by Mariano Gonzalez and played by Gonzalez and Adolfo Cambiaso American Bred Horse of the US Open: Tanita, played by Adolfo Cambiaso and owned by J5 Equestrian Wembley Award (Awarded to the horse showing excellence and longevity in high goal polo): Sultan, played by Rodrigo de Andrade American Polo Horse Association Award: Lufthansa, played by Adolfo Cambiaso and owned by J5 Equestrian

Polo Times, May 2018

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Reports

Habtoor Seal the Deal

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Third time’s the charm at Al Habtoor FINA

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Photography courtesy of Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

n Friday 13 April, the sun shone down on the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Dubai as undefeated home team Habtoor Polo rode onto the ground against rivals and the Dubai Gold Cup winning Bin Drai, in the final tournament of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. The buzz among the gathered spectators was bustling with trepidation, as they knew it was going to be a close affair between two powerhouse teams.

From the first throw-in, Habtoor Polo led the field, scoring goal after goal to take control, with Bin Drai hot on their heels. Habtoor Polo took advantage of their half goal handicap benefit, edging ahead of Bin Drai inch by inch. Santiago Gómez Romero displayed great skill, manoeuvring around the Bin Drai defence to keep Habtoor Polo ahead. As the teams rode into the half-time break, Habtoor Polo were leading 6½-2.

Bin Drai made the third chukka their own, catching up with Habtoor Polo to within half a goal’s reach, at 6½-6, but Mohammed Al Habtoor’s team weren’t done yet. The fourth and final chukka was the clincher for both these powerful teams, as they fought tooth and nail for possession. Habtoor Polo kept their cool, securing an initial goal to strengthen their lead, but after one in response from Bin Drai the scores were a little too close for comfort.

Two goals were all it took to seal the deal for the home team, Habtoor Polo, and with it The Dubai Cup title for the third consecutive year.

Mohammed Al Habtoor said after the match, “We are extremely happy to have won the last tournament in the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series and I would like to thank everyone who participated and made it the amazing tournament it is.”

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Where: Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Dubai

The finalists line-up with the magnificent trophy

The Dubai Cup Final Teams: Habtoor Polo (7) Mohammed Al Habtoor (0) Habtoor Al Habtoor (1) Justo Cuitiño (3) Santiago Gómez Romero (3) Bin Drai Polo (8) Khalid Bin Drai (1) Rashid Bin Drai (1) Ariel Ponzi (2) Andrés ‘Lala’ Laplacette (4) Chukka Scores: 3½-2, 6½-2, 6½-6, 9½-7 to Habtoor Polo

Tournament Top Scorer: Andrès Laplacette

Intense concentration as Al Habtoor focuses on the ball

MVP Santiago Gómez Romero

Habtoor Polo celebrating their Dubai Cup victory

Most Valuable Player Santiago Gómez Romero “As always the organisation by the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club was amazing. We had seven teams playing this season, which was great. Habtoor polo team feels like my home as I’ve played with them for the last four years and it is always a pleasure and honour to play with Mohammed and his son. The tournament was a fantastic experience for us as we won the four games we played. The first day we started a little slow, but luckily, we won that game and after that we played better and better and ended playing polo that felt like much more than 8 goals. The first two chukkas of the Final made all the difference for us as we were able to get a four goal difference. During the third chukka, they came with everything they had and tied the game, but we played the polo we wanted to play in the fourth and final chukka to get the tournament win.

Thank you to Mohammed Al Habtoor for once again giving me the chance to play with Habtoor Polo.”

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Polo Times, May 2018

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The Dubai Cup, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

Polo Times, May 2018

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Beaufort Polo Club

Cowdray Park Polo Club

Silver Fox patron Parke Bradley passed away this past week

The Warwickshire-based Dallas Burston Polo Club has been shortlisted in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Annual Awards 2018. The Club has succeeded in getting through to the final judging stages in the Excellence in Hospitality category.

In its aim to become one of the UK’s leading equestrian venues, the Club has made a significant investment in its equine facilities and stables in the past few years. With twenty 10ftx10ft stables, a large livery tack room, wash down area, pony lines, exercise track, all-weather arena and warm-up arena, as well as ample lorry and trailer parking facilities, the Club offers an abundance of facilities for both liveries and visiting competitors.

The stable block is part of the Club’s £122 million investment programme, set to turn the site into a major tourist attraction. Other plans in the pipeline include a boutique hotel and an extension to the Clubhouse.

The 2018 season will kick off at Cirencester Park Polo Club with the Polo Ball on Saturday 12 May at the Park. Tickets are £110 and include a champagne reception and dinner. After dinner tickets are also available for £50 each.

Guests will be treated to a three course meal, entertainment from the Chip Shop Boys to dance the night away to plus British Polo Gin’s delicious Chukka & Millionaire Cocktails. The dress code is black tie with a touch of polo and for more information, please contact the Club at info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

In the Final of the 12 goal Rossmore Cup at Eldorado Polo Club in Indio, California, USA, Twin Palms beat FMB/RH Polo 12-9 to secure the coveted trophy.

The Rossmore Cup Final Teams: Twin Palms (12): Graham Bray (3), Patrick Uretz (4), Mason Wroe (4) & Mike Kerley/Chris Maloney (1) FMB/RH Polo (12): Ben Soleimani (0), Dan Walker (2), Mariano Fassetta (5) & Santiago von Wenich (5) Photograph courtesy of Polo Europe

Cirencester Park Polo Club

www.polotimes.co.uk

DBPC has been shortlisted for the prestigious Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Annual Awards

Eldorado Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Cowdray Park Polo Club

The Club has sadly announced the passing of Silver Fox patron Parke Bradley. Although he gave up playing in 2016, he continued to spectate at the Club with his wife Caroline on a regular basis and will be sorely missed.

In other news, the Club has announced their new partnership with well-known champagne brand Perrier-Jouët who will become the Cowdray Champagne sponsor for the coming season. On top of this, the Club will be continuing their Weekend Membership offer for players this coming season, entitling players to participate in all weekened polo games during the season, excluding the King Power Gold Cup weekend and the weekend of the Westchester Cup. The membership starts at £2,340 and includes all the benefits of a social membership.

Cowdray Park has also announced the appointment of American International stalwart and Team USA Captain Nic Roldan as a Global Ambassador.

Please visit the Club’s website www.cowdraypolo.co.uk for more information.

Dallas Burston Polo Club Photograph courtesy of DBPC

The date for the 2018 AGM and First Aid Day has been confirmed as Saturday 28 April, as we go to press. The AGM will take place at 12pm for an hour, followed by the First Aid Training course from 1pm-5pm. The course will cost £45 per person, with an emphasis on polo related injuries and how to use the first stage of the Head Assessment Form. A Head Injury Seminar will take place between 6pm-7pm, to which everyone is welcome, and it is free of charge. Combining the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool test and the tests from the RFU and Rugby Players Association, the Seminar will combine knowledge from a UCLA Neurosurgeon, to produce the state of the art Head Injury Assessment Form, providing the most comprehensive assessment possible, following a head injury.

In other news, the Club will be hosting their annual Cocktail Party on Saturday 19 May, in the Clubhouse from 6pm onwards. Cocktails will be provided by British Polo Gin, champagne provided by Justerini & Brooks and canapés supplied by Eat Wild. Tickets start at £15 for members and £20 for members’ guests. Please contact the Club on events@beaufortpoloclub. co.uk for more information.

The Gloucestershire based Club has also announced that the first tournament of the season, the Badminton Cup, will be using an experimental new format, used at Plett Polo in South Africa.

Chukkas will be shortened to 4½ minutes with 30 seconds extra time per chukka.

The number of chukkas will be increased from four to six per match, thus ensuring the total playing time remains the same. The match will be separated into two halves with the side each team scores decided before the match begins. They will continue to score that end until half-time, after which they will swap.

In other news, the Club has announced that Eat Wild will be on hand as the caterers throughout the 2018 season.

Club Focus

Twin Palms won The Rossmore Cup Final at Eldorado Polo Club

Polo Times, May 2018

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

On Saturday 31 March, the undefeated La Indiana met CocaCola in the Final of the Carlos Gracida Cup Final. Adrenalinefilled from the first throw-in, Coca-Cola scored the opening goal, off Steve Krueger’s stick, but La Indiana quickly responded with a goal from Jeff Hall. This form of play set the tone for the rest of the match, as intense play ensued. At the end of the first half it was 4-4 with all to play for.

Coca-Cola took the Carlos Gracida The second half began with numerous fouls from both sides Cup title against La Indiana at IPC and back-to-back goals from La Indiana’s Toro Ruiz and Hall, quickly matched by Krueger, Gillian Johnston and Nacho Novillo Astrada. With seconds left in play, Coca-Cola held the lead 10-9, but La Indiana had not had their fill, as they took the opportunity to even the scoreboard and thus push the match into an extra chukka. Five seconds into the seventh and final chukka, Novillo Astrada was awarded a penalty 4, successfully converting the penalty and thus securing the Carlos Gracida Cup for Coca-Cola with an 11-10 win. Sugar Erskine was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award, whilst Gillian Johnston’s pony Fanta was presented with the Best Playing Pony Rug. The Carlos Gracida Cup Final Teams: La Indiana (20): Michael Bickford (2), Toro Ruiz Jorba (5), Facundo Obregon (6) & Jeff Hall (7) Coca-Cola (20): Gillian Johnston (2), Steve Krueger (4), Sugar Erskine (6) & Nacho Novillo Astrada (8)

Houston Polo Club La Dolfina Polo Club

Los Tapiales defeated La Dolfina Brava to secure the 16 goal Argentina Polo Tour 2018 title

In the Final of the 16 goal Argentina Polo Tour 2018 at the La Dolfina Polo Club on 24 March, in Argentina, Los Tapiales beat La Dolfina Brava 1110 in overtime to secure the title. In the Subsidiary Final, La Trinidad beat British team, Snake Bite, 9-8 in the dying moments of the match.

The Argentina Polo Tour 2018 Final Teams: Los Tapiales (16): Alejandro Elhordoy (0), Francisco Beláustegui (4), Alejo Taranco (8) & Byron Watcon (4) La Dolfina Brava (16): Federico Fariña (1), Agustin Marcos (3), Guillermo Terrera (8) & Bautista Arrastúa (4)

Singapore Polo Club Between 15 – 20 May, the Singapore Polo Club will be hosting the 8 goal Singapore Open. The tournament attracts players from across the world and will be accompanied by exciting social events.

Following the Open, play will continue throughout the summer with a brief interlude from outdoor play for the Arena Polo Challenge between 15 June – 5 July. In September the Club will host the Polo in the City 6 goal between 7 – 9 September, followed by the Women’s International between 25 – 30 September. For more information, please contact the Club on enquiry@singaporepoloclub.org 48

Polo Times, May 2018

HPC, The London Polo Club has now welcomed its new Chairman, Howard Davis, into the fold.

Howard has been involved in the management of HPC Howard Davis in the new since 1998. Playing Chairman of HPC, The polo at his adored London Polo Club HPC allows him to get away from the rigours of working with large global corporations on intricate and technically challenging projects and spend quality time with ponies, family and great friends in a special location.

Stewarton Polo Club Stewarton Polo Club have released their 2018 fixtures list.

Summer play begins on 1 April, Easter Sunday, and will continue through until mid-September. For more information about the 2018 season, or to enter a tournament, please contact the Club on info@stewartonpolo.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of HPC, The London Polo Club

Rocking F Polo took home the coveted USPA Centennial Cup Prize at Houston Polo Club

In the Final of the Bluebonnet Cup on Sunday 1 April, CW Petroleum/Prinsloo Brain Lab beat EEW Steel Trading LLC to take home the title with a 4-1 final score. The following weekend, EEW Steel Trading LLC reversed their fortunes, beating rivals CW Petroleum/Prinsloo Brain Lab 5-4 in the Final of the Spring Cup. On 8 April in the USPA Centennial Cup, high school players from across Texas gathered to play in the Final of the five team youth tournament. Rocking F Polo (Grayson Price, Joe Bob Lequerica, Bridget Price & Daniella Price) rode out the winners after a day of strong competition. Grayson Price was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award, whilst USA International Kristy Outhier’s daughter Madi Outhier’s pony Copenhagen was presented with the Best Playing Pony Rug.

HPC, The London Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Polo Europe

Photograph courtesy of Houston Polo Club

On Friday 23 March, 125 people attended the inaugural MHF Docklands Masterclass, with players ranging from the new to the experienced. The Club plans to hold another Masterclass at the beginning of the arena season at the end of the year, aiming to tie in with the Silver Leys arena opening. If you would like any more information about the Masterclass, please contact the Club on team@mhfpolo.com

International Polo Club Photograph by ©David Lominska/United States Polo Association

MHF Docklands Masterclass

The best players and teams around the world use our polo equipment. www.rjpolo.com

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Photograph by Jim Bremner

La Herradura beat Evergreen to take home the 8 Goal Champions Cup title and a $45,000 cash prize

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Polo Times, May 2018

In a perfect day of sunny, Florida polo, Valiente Farm took the Sterling Cup trophy and with it made history. Saturday 24 March saw the Valiente powerhouse Adolfo Cambiaso take to the field for the first time in history with both his son and daughter. The team knocked out pre-tournament favourites Audi, to win the ultimate prize as well as Mía Cambiaso picking up the game’s Most Valuable Player Award. Poroto’s pony Julieta was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug.

In a wild finish in front of a packed grandstand at Grand Champions Polo Club, Palm Beach Polo/Palm Beach Equine beat Travieso 8-7 to win the coveted John T. Oxley Memorial Cup. The six team 20 goal tournament far exceeded expectations, welcoming teams from across the Palm Beach Illustrated championed over Grand Champions to take home the USA and culminating in a nail-biting Final. 8 goal Christian $100,000 World Cup title ‘Magoo’ Laprida led his team to victory, scoring four goals including the game-winner with less than a minute left in overtime. For this action he was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award. Kate, owned and played by Travieso’s Tomas Garcia del Rio was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug.

On Sunday 1 April, Grand Champions/CrossFit El Cid beat Patagones in the Final of the Limited Edition 8 Goal Series. Going into the sixth chukka, the scores were tied at 10-10, but as the clock ticked down, CrossFit El Cid scored two goals to win the trophy. Carlitos Gracida’s pony Tramontana was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug, whilst he was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award. In other news, Skaneateles won its first tournament in five years as they picked up the Top Pony 12 Goal title against rivals Patagones, with a 10-9 final score. Mariano Obregon was awarded the Most Valuable Player prize.

In the Final of the $100,000 World Cup presented by Audi on Sunday 15 April, Palm Beach Illustrated defeated rivals Grand Champions to take home the trophy with a 10-9 final score. Grant Ganzi’s pony Chaja was awarded the American Polo Horse Association Best Registered Horse of the Game honours whilst Organica, played by Alejandro Novillo Astrada and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm was presented with the Best Playing Pony of the Tournament rug. Local youngster Tommy Collingwood was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award.

In other news, Team Kampsen beat Shamrock, 11-1 to take home the Halo Polo Trophy 6 Goal title. Loretta, owned and played by Mía Cambiaso, was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug, whilst Mía herself was awarded the Most Valuable Player honours.

The John T. Oxley Memorial Cup Final Teams: Palm Beach Polo/Palm Beach Equine (20): Henry Porter (2), Santino Magrini (3), Gringo Colombres (7) & Christian ‘Magoo’ Laprida (8) Travieso (20): Teo Calle (1), Tony Calle (3), Sebastian Merlos (9) & Tomas Garcia del Rio (7) The Sterling Cup Final Teams: Valiente (20): Poroto Cambiaso (1), Mía Cambiaso (1), Magoo Laprida (8) & Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Audi (20): Marc Ganzi (2), Henry Porter (2), Nic Roldan (8) & Nico Pieres (8) $100,000 World Cup Final Teams: Palm Beach Illustrated (20): Carlitos Gracida (4), Juan Monteverde (5), Peco Polledo (6) & Tommy Collingwood (5) Grand Champions (25): Grant Ganzi (2), Juancito Bollini (4), Juan Martín Nero (10) & Alejandro Novillo Astrada (9) Halo Polo Trophy 6 Goal Final: Kampsen (6): Poroto Cambiaso (1), Mía Cambiaso (1), Keko Magrini (1) & Nick Manifold (3) Shamrock (6): Kylie Sheehan (0), Hayden Walsh (1), Trevor Niznik (2) & Max Secunda (3)

Fifield Polo Club On Saturday 4 August, Windsor-based Fifield Polo Club will be hosting the 2018 Polo for Heroes. The event will welcome both serving and non-serving guests with the aim to raise money for Help for Heroes and support members of the British Armed Forces. Doors will open at 12.30pm with lunch and a polo tournament taking place in the afternoon. Later in the day, guests will be invited for Polo for Heroes will be taking place on Saturday 4 August a dinner at the Club, during which a raffle will take place.

Tickets start at £125 per person and more information can be found on the website www.poloforheroes.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of Fifield Polo Club

In the Final of the 4 goal Congressional Cup, on Sunday 18 March, La Herradura beat Prima Polo 7-5. Carlos Hernandez scored the most goals in the match, scoring five out of La Herradura’s seven goals. Robert Payne III was awarded the Most Valuable Award whilst his pony Renata was presented with the Best Playing Pony Rug. In the 8 goal USPA Constitution Cup, Evergreen beat REMAX 12-9 to take home the title. Peace, owned and played by Daylee Fargey, was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug, whilst Shane Rice was presented with the Most Valuable Player Award.

The Congressional Cup Final Teams: La Herradura: Gina Padilla, Meghan Gracida, Caroline Anier & Carlos Hernandez Prima Polo: Jenny Alter, Todd Randell, Robert Payne III & Toto Socäs The USPA Constitution Cup Final Teams: Evergreen: Tom Sprune, Juan Jo Gonzalez, Carlos Galindo Jr & Shane Rice REMAX: Gordon Ross, Dayelle Fargey, Jared Sheldon & Matthew Fonseca On Sunday 1 April, the Club welcomed teams to compete in the Final of the 4 Goal Lions Cup for an $8,000 cash prize and in the 8 Goal Champions Cup Final for a $60,000 cash prize. Both the cash prizes were divided between the first and second place teams. In the first Final of the day, the 8 Goal, La Herradura beat rivals Evergreen to take home the title, and with it $45,000, with a final score of 14-10.

Evergreen went home with $15,000 for their second-place finish. Shane Rice’s pony Midget was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug whilst Carlos Hernandez was awarded with the Most Valuable Player Award.

In the 4 Goal Final, The Buffalos beat Vancouver/Mother Chukkers 6-3 to take home the title. Felipe Sordelli was awarded the Most Valuable Player prize, whilst Robert Payne III’s pony Renatta was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug.

The 8 Goal Champions Cup Final Teams: La Herradura: Meghan Gracida, Carlos Hernandez, Memo Gracida & Catlin Dix Evergreen: Tom Sprung, Carlitos Galindo, Juan Jo Gonzalez & Shane Rice The 4 Goal Lions Cup Final Teams: Buffalos: Ross Adam, Tim Rudy, Felipe Sordelli & Riley Jordan Vancouver/Mother Chukkers: Jay Garnett, Nicolas Maciel, Robert Payne III & Sukey Forbes

Grand Champions Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Grand Champions Polo Club

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

La Aguada Polo Club

In the Final of the Copa de Oro 2018 on Saturday 31 March, Lechuza beat Monterosso 10-8 to be crowned champions. Lechuza beat Casa de Campo in their Semi Final, 7-6, to secure their position in the Final, whilst Monterosso narrowly beat Power Infrastructure 12-11 to secure their spot.

This tournament sees the end of the Dominican Republic season. Play will begin again later this year.

The Copa de Oro 2018 Final Teams: Lechuza (21): Luía Paniagua (0), Alfredo Vargas (1), David Stirling (10) & Juan Martín Nero (10) Monterosso (22): Alessandro Bazzoni (0), Gerardo Collardin (6), Ignacio Toccalino (8) & Santiago Toccalino (8)

Windsor Polo Club

Ranelagh Polo Club

Ranelagh Farmhouse and Polo Ground are for sale – the perfect polo property

Garangula defeated Ellerston White to win the Australian Open

Ranelagh Farmhouse and Polo Ground, in Windsor, Berkshire, has been listed for sale.

This exceptional polo establishment comprises of a detached five bedroom farmhouse, which has been recently extended and renovated.

Alongside this lovely house, the property boasts 28 permanent stables, temporary stables, designated yards, 12 tack rooms, a feed barn, a boarded arena (100 x 200) with viewing deck, pony lines, fenced corrals, a laser levelled stick and ball field with a 500m exercise track, irrigation, a purpose-built pony pool and, last but by no means least, a fullsized laser levelled HPA approved polo pitch, all set in 32.8 acres.

This property is perfectly located just 0.2 miles from the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, two miles from Ascot Racecourse and only five miles from Guards Polo Club. For more information about this amazing polo property, please contact Pike Smith Kemp on TomMcArdle@pikesmithkemp.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

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Polo Times, May 2018

Photograph courtesy of Suffolk Polo Club

The Suffolk Polo season is just beginning and after their AGM on Saturday 17 March, the Club gave a free pair of Peddies socks from their sponsor Noble Outfitters to the first two lucky members.

They’re getting really excited about the season ahead, especially the first tournament on 5 – 6 May, which will be held in the morning to allow everyone to go to the Guineas at the Rowley Mile course in Newmarket afterwards.

For more information about the 2018 season, please contact the Club on alex.h.lowe@pwc.com

The first two lucky members were presented with their Peddies socks from 2018 sponsor Noble Outfitters

Photograph courtesy of Windsor Polo Club

Casa de Campo Resort

On 7 – 8 July, the Club will welcome female players to take part in the Womens’ Festival Charity Weekend, which is part of the Women in Polo league, whilst the Bluejackets Weekend will take place from 18 – 19 August. This tournament will be included in the HPA’s 4 goal Victor Ludorum. Hugh Wheildon has been welcomed as the new Club Chairman and he can be contacted through the Club’s website www.newforestpoloclub.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of Pike Smith Kemp

On Sunday 25 March, the long-awaited Final of the Autumn Cup saw Los Nocheros defeat Los Cocos to win the coveted trophy 9-8 in an extra chukka, following a golden goal from Isidro Strada. Mackenzie Weisz was presented with the Most Valuable Player Award for the match, whilst the Best Player of the Tournament went to Felipe Pistone from the La Querncia team.

The Autumn Cup Final Teams: Los Nocheros (13): Sebastián Schneberger (1), Mackenzie Weisz (1), Valentín Novillo Astrada (6) & Isidro Strada (5) Los Cocos (14): Rafael Zubillago (0), Christian Nordheimer (4), Tomás Lalor (6) & Octavio Olmedo (4)

New Forest Polo Club

Over the Easter weekend, two International Test Matches took place at Windsor Polo Club, in Australia. In the ladies’ match, New Zealand beat the home side in an extra chukka, whilst in the 2018 Polo International, Australia took home the Test Match honours against their Kiwi cousins.

The matches were accompanied by an exciting event for all spectators and players, which included live music, food and beverages as well as entertainment for all ages.

In the Final of the 22 goal Australian Open on Sunday 1 April, Garangula beat Ellerston White by three goals to be crowned champions.

James Harper not only won the Most Valuable Player Award, but his pony was also named the Best Playing Pony.

The Ladies Test Match Teams: Australia (14): Julie MacIntosh (3), Indiana Bennetto (4), Billi Mascar (4) & Alessi Russo (3).

Reserve: Shannon Booth (3) New Zealand (14): Missy Browne (5), Georgia Burrows (3), Susie Hamilton (3) & Laura Harris Malone (3). Reserve: Harriet McKelvie (3) The 2018 Polo International Teams: Australia (22): Alec White (5), Dirk Gould (5), Matt Grimes (6) & Glen Gilmore (6). Reserve: Jake Daniles (5) New Zealand (22): Guy Kirkpatrick (5), Kit Brooks (5), Tom Hunt (6) & Sam Hopkinson (6) Australian Open Final Teams: Garangula (22): Guy Schwarzenbach (2), Ollie Cudmore (6), Patrick O’Dwyer (6) & Alejo Taranco (8) Ellerston White (19): David Paradice (0), Matt Grimes (6), James Harper (7) & Augustin Nero (6) www.polotimes.co.uk

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Photograph courtesy of Polo Europe

Santa María Polo Club

Cría PX-La Isla beat Sapphire-Bayswater to secure the Torneo de Apertura in Spain. Courtesy of Polo Europe

Moor Farm Polo Club Building on the success of last year, on Saturday 28 April, Moor Farm Polo Club will be welcoming players and spectators for their beginning of season party and polo match. Polo begins at 3pm, with the party following at 7pm until late. A hog roast and BBQ will be available for all those attending as well as a bespoke bar from the Polo Players’ Choice, British Polo Gin. Guests can dance the night away to live entertainment and revel in the start of the 2018 season. For more information, please contact the Chairman Hazel Timmis on polo@ moorfarmshop.co.uk 54

Polo Times, May 2018

Chantilly Polo Club

The Oak Brook Polo Club has announced the beginning of the 2018 season in Illinois, USA. The first tournament will take place on Sunday 10 June at the Prince of Wales Field, just 17 miles from Chicago, and the match will be themed the ‘Chicago Polo Day’ in the city’s honour. The Club is heading into its 96th season and is now one of the USA’s oldest polo clubs. The 2018 schedule will include a series of exciting tournaments that can be found on the Club’s website and will also see a series of international test matches against Mexico, Jamaica and Great Britain. Tickets for all tournaments are available from the Club’s website www.oakbrookpoloclub.com

Chantilly Polo Club have announced the key French summer fixtures for 2018 season, with a series of high goal players, such as Dario Musso, Pierre Henri Ngoumou, Martin Aguerre and Francisco Elizalde, taking to the field. The fixtures are as follows: Chantilly – Spring Trilogy (12): 5 May – 24 June Deauville – Polo Ladies Cup (10): 9 – 10 August Chantilly – Women’s French Open (16): 10 – 16 September French Triple Crown Deauville – Silver Cup (14-16): 1 – 12 August Deauville – Gold Cup (14-16): 13 – 26 August Chantilly – French Open (14-16): 1 – 16 September For more information about upcoming French fixtures, please contact Chantilly Polo Club on p.renauldon@rbpresse.com

Tidworth Polo Club Tidworth Polo Club has announced its 2018 Victor Ludorum date. The 4 goal Exton Park King Royal Hussars Cup will take place on 11 – 12 August, with all teams welcome to take part.

For more information, please contact the Club on info@tidworthpolo.com Turn to our What’s On pages for more Victor Ludorum dates.

Binfield Heath Polo Club The May Cup is scheduled for 28 – 29 April.

The 2018 fixture list is live on the Binfield website www.binfieldheathpoloclub.co.uk now and the Club team are on hand should members have any queries.

Polo Wicklow The 25th Anniversary of Polo Wicklow and its friendship with Yale Polo USA was celebrated between 14 – 15 April in a weekend of great action. Teams have been exchanged between the two Clubs Yale Polo USA came to Ireland to take annually and familiarity has driven the rivalry to great heights. part in the 25th anniversary International Plenty of spectators, many of whom had been guests of the Test Match against the Irish Americans in the USA the last time the match was played, came to support both teams. Umpire Colm Kelleher barely needed his whistle in this Clash of Titans, as all the players knew each other’s style well.

From the first throw-in the competition was fierce. Before a breath was taken, the USA scored their first goal, which turned out to be their easiest goal of the match. Tough marking and some spectacular nearside backhand shots ensured non-stop action. Brendon van Loon glided around the arena in the right place at the right time with the right shot, whilst his team mates supported him, moving the play up and down the arena in real end-to-end polo. The speed was ferocious but frustrating at times, as manoeuvres culminated in missed goals. As the teams went into half-time, the scoreboard read 4-3 in Yale Polo USA’s favour.

Ireland had the upper hand in the third chukka as the USA threw everything at them. A brilliant two-point goal off Liz Brayboy’s stick from outside the 25 breathed some hope into the American team and their supporters on the sidelines. So, with a very tight score, it looked like the Americans might take the title, but in the final throws, Ireland resurrected the home fans’ hopes, scoring a multitude of goals and taking the match 9-6. Brendon van Loon was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award, whilst Siobhan Herbst’s pony Zoe was presented with the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug.

For more information about Zoe, please turn to our Pony Power pages.

The International Test Match Teams: Yale Polo USA: Brendon van Loon, Yale’s Manager, Liz Brayboy & James de Angelis Ireland: Siobhan Herbst, Michael Herbst & Robert Patton www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of Polo Wicklow

In the Final of the Torneo de Apertura on 25 March at the Santa María Polo Club in Sotogrande, Spain, Cría PX-La Isla beat Sapphire-Bayswater 8-5 to take home the coveted title. In the Subsidiary Final, Don Carlos beat Inglesham 8-7. This tournament marks the beginning of the exciting 2018 season.

In the Final of the XVI Memorial Conde de Guaqui, Jolly Rogers Polo were defeated by rivals Sapphire-Bayswater who were crowned champions. The match marked the beginning of the summer season at the Santa María Polo Club in Sotogrande, Spain.

The Torneo de Apertura Final Teams: Cría PX-La Isla (8): Xerxes González (0), Rosendo Torreguitar (2), Pelayo Berazadi (5) & Pedro Beca (1) Sapphire-Bayswater (8): Carlos Piñal (1), Pablo Mora (1), Diego Gallego (5) & Cesar Miño (1) The XVI Memorial Conde de Guaqui Final Teams: Sapphire-Bayswater: Sapphire Bayswater, Pablo Mora-Figueroa, Lawrence Isola & Diogo Gallego Jolly Rogers Polo: Niclas Johansson, Anders Thulin, Jamie Le Hardy & Matt Evetts

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Costa Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club Careyes Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Costa Careyes Polo Club

Over 24 – 31 March, six teams participated in the Agua Alta Tournament at the Costa Careyes Polo Club in Mexico. The 7 goal tournament was the brainchild of Italian Alberto Ardissone in 2000 and has grown exponentially since then. Players from the UK, Portugal, the USA, Italy, Argentina and Mexico took part with the Final seeing Fortaleza take on Careyes.net for the title. At half-time, the scores read 7-3, but Careyes.net came into life in the fourth chukka with two quick goals.

However, it wasn’t enough, and Fortaleza took home the win with an 8-5 score. Gomez de Parada’s pony Nacha was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug, whilst the Professional Most Valuable Player was awarded to Brit, Sebastian Dawnay. The Captain’s Most Valuable Player Award was presented to both Guillermo Jimenez and Erick Cornejo.

The Agua Alta Tournament Final Teams: Fortaleza: Erick Cornejo, Pancho Aguilar, Valerio Aguilar & Guillermo Jimenez Careyes.net: Roberto Gonzalez Gracida, Miguel Gomez de Parada, Sebastian Dawnay & Juan Galan

Campo Argentino de Polo La Dolfina Brava defeated Chapaleufu, 14-13 in the 0-40 goal Final of the Copa República Argentina on 16 April. Clarita, played by Iván Lariguet was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug for the Final, whilst Oriental Doctora, played by David ‘Pelón’ Stirling, was presented with the Argentine Association of Horse Breeders Best Playing Pony rug.

Copa República Argentina Final Teams: La Dolfina Brava (25): Agustin Marcos (3), Guillermo Terrera (8), David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (10) & Bautista Arrastúa (4) Chapaleufu (16): Alberto Garzarón (3), Iván Lariguet (5), Santiago Goñi (3) & Andrés Lariguet (5)

Photograph courtesy of Polo Europe

Fortaleza defeated Careyes.net to win the Agua Alta Tournament

On Sunday 8 April, Team Saudi took on Team Jordan in the Arabian Polo Challenge at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club. HRH Prince Sultan Bin Khalid Al-Faisal’s team Saudi played fiercely for the win against HRH Prince Rashid Bin El Hassan’s Team Jordan, but despite a worthy two goals, Team Jordan were awarded for their strong attacking skills with a 4-2 win over their rivals.

In the Final of the AHPRC League at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Cowdray took on local team, Dubai. The tournament saw five teams participate, each representing a major club from across the world: Palm Beach, Cowdray, Palermo, Sotogrande and Dubai. In an exciting match, Cowdray took home the title 2-1.

La Dolfina Brava defeated Chapaleufu in the Final of the Copa República Argentina

This year marks Guards’ 63rd season and Guards will be welcoming players and spectators to their hallowed turf. Members and visitors have been notified that the speed limit within Windsor Great Park has been lowered to 24mph at all times. Due to heavy rain, members’ parking will be on Pony Lines 1 until further notice. For more information, please contact the Club on press.officer@guardspoloclub.com 56

Polo Times, May 2018

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Guards Polo Club Mad Dogs, winners of The Spring Amateur Tournament

Over the weekend of 21 – 22 April, the season got underway at Guards Polo Club, with the Spring Amateur Tournament as well as club chukkas. In the Final, Mads Dogs beat their rivals Porto Ronco to take home the first title of the season. The Club also welcomed members for the Start of the Season Drinks Reception in the Clubhouse, on Saturday 21 April. Guests were welcomed to the Club for the 2018 season with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne and Mosimann’s canapés as well as collecting their 2018 badges and a yearbook. Please turn to our Sidelines pages for social photos from the event.

As we go to press, the 6 goal Spring Tournament is getting underway, as well as the 12 goal Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy. www.polotimes.co.uk

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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Military

UOTC Polo Challenge As the ‘mini Beast from the East’ headed home, spring came out with a glorious sunny bang as six University Officer Training Corps (UOTCs) from across the country sent their future Army leaders to Druids Lodge Polo Club for tuition and the annual Arena Challenge Cup. Under the ever-observant eye of ex-Army Officer Giles Ormerod, these cadets were put through their paces, which culminated in the Challenge Cup. Of the six UOTCs represented, eight Photography by Sam Churchill Photography

Six UOTCs attended the Polo Challenge at Druids Lodge

Action from the UOTC Polo Challenge

www.polotimes.co.uk

teams were formed, and the Challenge Cup was keenly contested with instruction and polo tips never far away from Giles, as the chukkas progressed. Over the course of 16 chukkas (the most ever played in this Arena Challenge), Northumbria and London, with a mixture of talent and fine

leadership, were always going to meet in the Final. Northumbria ended up winning 3-0, but with over 80 percent of the players expressing serious intentions of joining the military or reserves, it would appear that the polo spirit, so in tune with the military ethos, is alive and well.

Polo Times, May 2018

59

Women’s Polo

International & Home

Supported by

Sunny Hale Legacy WCT Final Copa Apertura invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

Polo Park and Country Club Zurich is one of the oldest clubs in Switzerland and opened this season with a brand new clubhouse. Take your customers, friends or family to watch our games on Sundays.

We offer kids and adults polo school - discovery days - low and medium goal club chukkers.

More than 12 tournaments each season.

In the Final of the only women’s tournament of its kind, Chateau D’Esclans beat CrossFit El Cid, 7-3 to take home the coveted Sunny Hale Legacy WCT Tournament title at Grand Champions Polo Club on Sunday 8 April.

Chateau D’Esclans led the tournament rankings from the first matches and were, unsurprisingly, tournament favourites throughout the week. Brit, Nina Clarkin, led the team, scoring the lion’s share of the goals for this exciting side and was therefore awarded the tournament’s Most Valuable Player Award.

Mía Cambiaso was named the match’s Most Valuable Player, whilst Oro, played by Clarkin and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug.

Sarah Wiseman, another well-known British player, followed closely behind her usual Flannels England team mate, making her Florida WCT debut, choosing to usually spend her winters at Houston Polo Club.

The last time Wiseman played at Grand Champions Polo Club, was as a member of the winning England team, playing against the USA in November 2012.

For more information about upcoming women’s WCT fixtures, please visit the Grand Champions website www.gcpolo.com

Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

Photograph courtesy of the AAP

Photograph by Melissa Ganzi

PPZAddPoloTimesl.indd 2

La Aguada Why Not defeated El Rocío Matryoshka Polo Team to be crowned undefeated champions

20/06/17 15:11 I

Chateau D’Esclans, led by Nina Clarkin, won the Sunny Hale Legacy WCT Final at Grand Champions

The Sunny Hale Legacy WCT Final Teams: Chateau D’Esclans (21): Riley Ganzi (2), Mía Cambiaso (5), Mía Novillo Astrada (4) & Nina Clarkin (10) CrossFit El Cid (25): Paige Boone McCabe (6), Cecelia Cochran (5), Sarah Wiseman (8) & Tiffany Busch (6)

After two qualifying days came to an end, the ninth annual 14 goal Copa Apertura Final took place on Tuesday 17 April at the iconic Palermo grounds in Buenos Aires. La Aguada Why Not took to the field against El Rocío Matryoshka Polo Team and in an exceedingly close game, Brit Hazel Gaona-Jackson scored the winning goal for La Aguada Why Not in an extra chukka, to end the match 8-7. La Aguada Why Not ended the tournament as the undefeated champions, notching up six league points in the process.

Copa Apertura Final Teams: La Aguada Why Not (14): Luisa Lane (0), Beanie Bradley (1), Hazel Gaona-Jackson (9) & Hana Grill (4) El Rocío Matryoshka Polo Team (14): Clara Martínez Ferrario (1), Raya Sidorenko (1), Lía Salvo (9) & Sofía Lorenzo (3)

Hurlingham Polo 1875 Ambassador Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Fashion brand Hurlingham Polo 1875 has announced the appointment of a new Global Brand Ambassador. Women’s world number one, Nina Clarkin, has been welcomed into the Hurlingham Polo 1875 fold following years of success on the polo field. Nina is rated at 10 goals (ladies’ handicaps) and comes from a family steeped in polo history. She has represented her country numerous times as well as winning The Gold Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club. Now splitting her time between the UK and New Zealand, “Nina is the perfect Brand Ambassador for Hurlingham Polo 1875,” said David Woodd, Chief Executive of the HPA. “She embodies everything that the Hurlingham brand stands for – she is athletic, brave and skilful whilst also being effortlessly smart and stylish.”

Hurlingham Polo 1875 has appointed Nina Clarkin as their new Global Brand Ambassador

La Aguada Ladies’ Cup

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Polo Times, May 2018

The La Aguada Ladies Cup Teams: Las Tacuaras (14): Bianca Pagano (1), Ali Rohm (1), Samantha Eddy (3) & Lía Salvo (9) La Cañada (13): Verónica Posse (1), Ann Rodger (2), Sol López Llames (5) & Camila Rossi (5) Why Not (14): Luisa del Carril (0), Beanie Bradley (1), Hannah Grill (4) & Hazel Gaona-Jackson (9) La Aguada (14): Mora Aldao (0), Sofía Lorenzo (3), Mia Novillo Astrada (5) & Milagros Sanchez (6)

Photograph by Katerina Morgan

The 14 goal La Aguada Ladies Cup kicked off on Wednesday 11 April at the Novillo Astrada’s home Club. In the first day of play, La Cañada and Why Not rode out the winners in the 14 goal tournament, so following three days of strong play, Why Not met Las Tacuaras in the Final on Sunday 15 April. Why Not, consisting of two British players, Hazel Gaona-Jackson and Beanie Bradley, took home the title after a really strong match against their rivals, in front of an excited crowd.

Why Not beat Las Tacuaras to lift high the La Aguada Ladies Cup trophy

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

5 Minutes With... Olivia Lamphee

Supported by

Women’s Polo

invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

5 minutes with…

Polo Park and Country Club Zurich is one of the oldest clubs in Switzerland and opened this season with a brand new clubhouse. Take your customers, friends or family to watch our games on Sundays.

We offer kids and adults polo school - discovery days - low and medium goal club chukkers.

More than 12 tournaments each season.

Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

Olivia Lamphee Handicap: -1 mixed, 2 women’s

How did your polo career start?

It started when I moved to Kirtlington as a teenager – it is almost impossible to live in the community there and not become immersed in polo (and hunting in the winter!).

What’s your greatest achievement to date?

I am the youngest female to coach internationally, where I am supported by everyone from The Pony Club to HPA. This season I will be coaching at Beaufort Polo Club. When I was working at RoR, I produced the winning Best Playing Pony with Jonny Good in The Arena Gold Cup.

What’s your greatest ambition?

I would like to reach 1 goal (mixed) and see one of the ponies I have made play the high goal.

I am running a lower level ladies tournament this year, to run parallel with the Victrix Ludorum (27 July – 5 August) at Beaufort to reignite the enthusiasm to play in a less intimidating environment.

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

Although a fledgling and sensible idea in theory, I think the level of the Victrix Ludorum is not working and needs to be adjusted. I would like to see a lower handicap level of the Victrix Ludorum to encourage more entries and make it more accessible as there are so many amateur girls playing who are missing out.

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

Byron Watson – he practically killed himself and missed a holiday with his girlfriend to win our team a tournament in Plett, South Africa this winter.

Bautista Heguy – ultimate horseman, I could just watch him ride around.

Mark Tomlinson – he always lends me his beautiful horses and on a daily basis never fails to make me laugh.

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

The unabating patience of Jim Smith, mainly with me but also our horses! I also have to thank Phil Meadows, who has been a great support giving me many opportunities to play and coach.

He also works tirelessly at the grass roots end of polo and I have endless respect and appreciation for people in our sport who are trying to nurture new players. Of course, I can’t forget the Tomlinsons.

Which lady players do you admire? Why? Pippa Grace – for not only being 2 goals, which is an incredible achievement, but also for what she put back into the sport, especially for ladies. Her ladies tournament at Ascot Park is sorely missed.

Emma Wood – for being fearless on a pony as well as combining playing regularly with having a young family and a very busy veterinary career.

Fi Jacob – she is a young and highly respected female polo vet working at the highest levels in the industry.

What’s your favourite tournament/Club?

I love Accra Polo Club in Ghana. It is an incredibly friendly, different, diverse and chic place, led by the enigmatic Ricky Khubchandani.

I also really enjoy the extraordinary level and competitiveness reached at Plett Polo in South Africa.

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

No preference, but the prizes for ladies are often prettier!

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2018 Fixtures and Victrix Ludorum

Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography

The schedule for the 18 goal 2018 Victrix Ludorum series has been announced by the HPA. The proposed tournaments fall as follows: Knepp Castle – 18 Goal: 11 – 15 July Cowdray – British Ladies’ Championships: 13 – 21 July Cirencester – Cirencester Ladies’ Tournament: 24 – 29 July Beaufort – Beaufort Ladies’ Tournament: 27 July – 5 August RCBPC – Ladies’ Polo Festival: 5 – 13 August Guards – Ladies’ Charity Tournament for the Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy: 21 August – 1 September Other notable dates include: Cirencester – The Kings Head Hotel Ladies’ International (26): 24 June RCBPC – International Test Match for the Diamond Jubilee: 28 July For more information about women’s fixtures during the upcoming season, please turn to our What’s On pages.

The 2018 Victrix Ludorum series has been announced, alongside some other exciting women’s dates

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

Polo Times, May 2018

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Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

National Youth Tournament Argentina

Photograph courtesy of the AAP

After qualifying matches held on Saturday 14 April at the Alfredo Lalor de Pilar Headquarters, Sunday 15 April saw the Finals of the National Youth Tournament at Palermo, Buenos Aires. The tournament, sponsored by the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, saw 42 teams take part, made up of 168 future polo stars, who were grouped into six categories related to age. The final results of the tournament were as follows: Youth: Centauros defeated Tortugas, 4-3 Feminine Youth: Cuatro Vientos won the title by goal difference Older: Santa Águeda defeated Las Praderas, 5-3 Minors: Capilla del Señor defeated Magual, 3-1 Minis: Sao José defeated Trenque Lauquen, 2-0 Mini Minis: Pilarchico defeated Sol de Agosto, 2-1 The National Youth Tournament Winning Teams: Centauros: Arturo Negro Muñiz, Felipe Gallegos, Lucas Olgiati & Rafael Parra Morón Cuatro Vientos La Sofía: Azucena Uranga, Luz María Laborde, Mora Erdozia & Sofía Antín Santa Águeda: Ginés Bargalló, Manuel

168 future polo stars took part in the National Youth Tournament in Argentina

Bereterbide, Andrés Mendizábel & Julián Bottini Capilla del Señor: Tobias Ussher, Federico Pereyra Iraola, Juan de Narvaez & Cayetano Guzman

Sao José: Leon Donoso, Valentino Moretti, Enzo Goti & Felix Toccalino Pilarchico: Fermín Mac Donough, Mora Condomí Alcorta, Bartolemé Gaztambide & Justo del Carril

National University League Photograph courtesy of Druids Lodge Polo Club

On 24 – 25 March the Finals of the National University League was held at Druids Lodge. The Finals saw a lot of great polo, with the regional winners from Scotland, the North, Midlands and the South battling it out to become the new National University League Champion. The beginner’s category was won by Birmingham University, who represented the Midlands region, and the novice category was won by London University, who represented the Southern region.

The League was proudly supported by head sponsor UberSport, and the tournament also welcomed Hook Polo and The Polo Factory, who sponsored the prizes. Next year the Club is aiming to include an alumni section to bridge the gap between university polo and club polo.

Teams from across the UK gathered for the Finals of the National University League at Druids Lodge Polo Club

On Saturday 7 April, the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club welcomed men’s and women’s teams for the Finals of the 2018 National Intercollegiate Championships. In the Women’s Final, Texas A&M beat the University of Virginia 14-5, taking home their third national title after a 23 year dry spell! The Men’s Final proved a more challenging affair, as Texas A&M fought back in the fourth chukka to beat Southern Methodist University for the second year in a row, with a final 13-12 score. For more information about youth polo in the USA, please visit the USPA website www.uspolo.org 62

Polo Times, May 2018

Photograph by Jim Bremner/USPA

2018 National Intercollegiate Championship, USA The Texas A&M women’s team beat the University of Virginia to take home their third ever national title

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

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Photograph courtesy of Fenuhealth

On Sunday 22 April, Longdole Polo Club hosted the postponed SUPA Senior National Championships. The Open and Intermediate category matches took place, with an abundance of under-18 players in attendance. Cheltenham College won the Open Division, Seaford College won the Intermediate One Division and Tudor Hall won the Intermediate Two Division.

Denis Anatov was presented with the Most Valuable Player Award, whilst Ed Morris received the Most Promising Player Award. The SUPA Senior Novice and Beginners Divisions

Fenuhealth Photograph courtesy of Longdole Polo Club

SUPA Senior National Championships

Youth

Cheltenham College won the Open Division of the SUPA Senior National Championships at Longdole Polo Club

will be played for on Sunday 29 April at Longdole Polo Club.

SUPA Girls National Championships SUPA have made the decision to hold an Open Girls Arena Championships after the Easter holidays on a date to be confirmed by the participating teams. RCBPC kindly offered to host the tournament and players have been asked to contact SUPA here with their date preferences. Additionally, the Beginners, Novice and Intermediate SUPA Girls Arena National Championships will now be held on Sunday 14 October, at a venue close to Ascot. More details of this will be available at the Summer Championships. The Seniors will take place on 17 June whilst the Girls will take place on 24 June.

Kate & Annie Madden met with Foreign Minister Boris Johnson to outline their plans for Fenuhealth in a postBrexit climate

Irish producers of electrolytes, Fenuhealth, outlined how their company is going to overcome Brexit, as they continue to export to the UK market. They met with British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs recently to show how they will continue to boost the equine market through trade with polo yards, racehorse yards and eventing.

Kate (17-years-old) and Annie Madden (15-years-old) are prime examples of how the next generation is looking forward to expanding their businesses in a changing climate.

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

The Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers GROWING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Invitation to attend The APSPH AGM – 21st May – 12.30pm Guards Polo Club The APSPH will be clarifying the imminent changes to the law by DEFRA regarding Riding Establishment Licenses.

Outlining the impact this will have when licensing an establishment for polo.

Working closely with

Membership Benefit Partners

Please RSVP your attendance to enquiries@apsph-polo.org We will be holding elections for an additional Co-opted Director to join The APSPH. If you would like to apply please email enquiries@apsph-polo.org.

Lane Equestrian Consultants

Please visit our website www.apsph-polo.org.uk Our listed members have their Riding Establishment License expiry dates published on the website.

Polo Times, May 2018

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Knowledge

Life of Zen Height: 15.3hh Age: Six-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Played by: Mhairi Campbell Tournament: St. Andrews Charity Tournament – Personally Owned Best Playing Pony Award Where is she from/breeding? She is an English Thoroughbred, bred in Cheshire.

She initially raced in Scotland before being retrained for polo.

How long have you had her? We bought her in September 2017 and she’s settled in extremely well.

Tell us about her background? We bought her as an ‘off the track’ Thoroughbred and have spent lots of time retraining her for polo.

What are her strengths? She can go from 0-100 mph in a click of the fingers and is a really secure hitting platform.

How has she gone this season? This was her first time playing this year, but she has been amazing.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not yet, but hopefully it will be the first of many.

Does she have any special quirks? She always has to be the first in from the field – every time.

What are your plans for her in the future? Hopefully she will be playing with me and my family for a good bit of time. She will definitely be my go-to pony this season.

Describe her in three words? Fast, strong, kind.

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not that we know of.

Does he have any special quirks? None.

He is really lovely and very easy to deal with.

What are your plans for him in the future? He will continue as a school pony for a while, then I’d like him to retire with Grant from Offchurch.

Describe him in three words? Gentle, ginger, giant.

Alpampa Height: 15.3hh Age: 12-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Owned by Offchurch Polo Club and played by Rupert Warre Tournament: St. Andrews Charity Tournament – Pony Hirer’s Best Playing Pony Award Where is he from/breeding? He is an Argentine Thoroughbred who has been playing with the Offchurch Polo Club team for many years.

How long have you had him? Eight years, thus far.

Tell us about his background? Before playing more youth polo, Alpampa played the 18-22 goal tournaments with Ed Hitchman.

What are his strengths? He is powerful, laterally very good and has a really soft mouth. All the perfect attributes for a polo pony.

How has he gone this season? He has gone really well and we can’t wait to continue the season with him.

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Zoe Height: 15.1hh Age: Nine-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Owned by Michael Herbst and played by Siobhan Herbst Photograph courtesy of Polo Wicklow

Tournament: Ireland vs USA International Test Match at Polo Wicklow Where is she from/breeding? She is an ex-racehorse. Her name was Stratagem in her racing days. Her sire is Strategic Price and she is out of Queen’s Victory.

How long have you had her? Just a year.

Tell us about her background? She raced as a three-year-old seven times in total, then she was bought for polocrosse. I bought her last year for polo after having seen how well she did in the polocrosse arena.

What are her strengths? She’s an extremely fast mare, very quick to stop and turn. She is also really well balanced. As Mary Poppins would say, she’s practically perfect in every way!

How has she gone this season? This match was her first weekend back in after the winter break and she performed really well. We are looking forward to the summer with her at Wicklow.

with polo, she was used mostly as a spare pony, but this year she will be upgraded to the main string and played by either myself or our team’s professional.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? This is her first and hopefully not her last.

Does she have any special quirks?

She’s a bit of a ‘chestnut mare’ in the stable with the other mares. She prefers the geldings!

What are your plans for her in the future? Last year, as it was her first season

Describe her in three words? Fast, agile, sturdy.

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Polo Times, May 2018

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Knowledge

Horse Focus

Ainsley Polo is the creation of two brothers, Kel and Ross Ainsley. There isn’t a significant polo tournament anywhere in the world that hasn’t had an Ainsley Pony take part in it. Their natural talent as horsemen and sportsmen, along with their adaptability in the management and production of their horses and their deep understanding of the game has led to their success and won them worldwide respect in the polo industry.

They live, breathe and sleep polo, not only providing world class polo ponies at every level, but also offering polo holidays, lessons and unrivalled polo equipment worldwide

www.ainsleypolo.com

The Perfect Fit

Do your saddles fit you and your horse properly?

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very important within polo as so much time is spent out of the saddle in the half seat position, meaning a greater weight is put on the stirrup bars which stem from the start of the middle area of the tree. The middle area is made slightly wider than the front or back areas, to enable this larger concentration of weight to be more evenly distributed across this section of the horse’s back, as a larger surface area creates a smaller load per square inch for the horse and therefore applies less pressure. While the structure of the tree design is concentrated on weight distribution, the shape and contour of the tree will define the way that it sits on the horse’s back and the way that it moves with the horse. As the core skeletal structure, it also provides the pivotal starting block that the rest of the saddle will be built upon.

All polo players want to get over the front of the horse to play better, therefore the polo saddle must accommodate both the horse’s freedom of movement and the player’s ability to position themselves further forward, without the player losing the feeling of security and stability, enabling them both to reach their full capabilities.

In polo, the tree within the saddle should be slightly elevated at the front and back, yet extremely stable and secure in the middle, enabling the horse to have freedom of movement within the shoulder and loins to fully utilise their body, fulfilling all polo manoeuvres during play unobstructed, while also providing a solid secure seat for the player. The slight incline at the front of the saddle allows the saddle to sit up off the withers, ensuring room for movement between the saddle and horse if the player’s weight is more concentrated in this area, as well as keeping the player within the dimensions of the saddle. The two front points of the tree must sit behind the horse’s shoulder blades and the better polo saddles have additional soft panels that extend past the front of the tree, allowing shoulder free movement and the player more front saddle room to get over the shoulder of the horse, while maintaining the half seat. This slight incline in the front also works with the horse’s natural conformation, enabling the scapular to

Photography courtesy of Ainsley Polo

The saddle provides you with one of the most vital tools needed to play polo, a safe hitting platform, but should also give you a feeling of security on a horse and a comfortable driving seat when in control of the horse. This platform is as important to you in accurately hitting the ball, as it is to the horse who is having to carry it. Having a saddle that will work with you and your horse will always give you a better result when playing, as you are able to easily move around into different positions to play the ball and the horse is not inhibited with their movement, or put under any extra stress or discomfort as you move around into these positions. There is no equestrian discipline that requires a wider range of movements and variables than polo, and therefore although a polo saddle may look plain from the outside, the key components which make it are all vital to the important role that it has to play.

If you look at the basics of a saddle, its founding structure is the tree. The shape, contour and width of the tree is paramount to the end result of the saddle that you will have. It is only in recent history that more emphasis has been put into the importance of tree shape within saddles. For centuries they were designed in the same simple way with the same aim, to bridge the gap between the withers and therefore distribute weight and balance the rider. This general aim is still the same, but as equestrian sports have grown and what is asked and needed of the horses while in the saddle has changed, so has the design of the tree. So, what was once a ‘one shape fits all’, has grown to be a personalised innovation of the discipline, in shape, style, design and use.

An average sized horse has a four inch wide by 16 inch long saddle support area on both sides of their spinal column. You divide this area into three equal areas, a front, middle and back. The polo tree should be designed so that the front and back areas each carry 30 percent and the middle zone carries 40 percent of the saddle and rider’s weight. The middle area should be designed to hold slightly more weight as this is where the rider’s bulk is most concentrated. This is

The arrow show the clearance between the tree and the horse’s back

slide neatly and without interference under the forward-sitting side panel of the lower saddle.

These extended soft panels at the front of the saddle, provide the player with the added security and saddle surface area, as well as a larger unobtrusive saddle core to build the saddle from. With this extension on the solid tree structure, the saddle flaps that follow on from the tree can be larger to ensure grip and saddle contact from the groin to the knee, while being further forward over the horse’s shoulder, eliminates any inhibitions of the horse’s range of motion. Both these design differences are aimed directly at enabling polo players to be able to place themselves towards the front of the horse.

The slight incline in the back of the tree design, enables the back of the saddle to sit slightly higher off the horse’s back, to allow for the rise in the horse’s loins every time the horse lifts its hind legs. This enables full range of movement within the hind quarters. It is often when performing the most physically demanding manoeuvres that the horse’s feet are required to be fully underneath it and therefore the loin area is raised – this incline reduces the weight and pressure of the saddle felt in this back area by the horse.

The loins are a well-known sensitive area and minimising any pressure felt in this area reduces the chances of the horse having any negative reaction when under pressure in a game, such as leaping, not stopping, diving into the bit or even bucking. This clearance www.polotimes.co.uk

Horse Focus

As the back legs come underneath the horse, the loin simultaneously rises up behind the saddle

area between the loins and the saddle is a vital indicator to the performance that your horse will be able to give you. This pressure can often be amplified in mares given the proximity to the ovaries, even more so when they are in season.

A player’s seat position is vital when ensuring your horse hears your proposed command

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Polo requires a player to be able to have full swing potential and a turning range of 180 degrees on either side of the horse, therefore the tree should allow for diagonal movement of both the horse and rider. A static saddle with little to no give is like a rock sitting on the horse’s back rather than moving with it. Your saddle should be able to move with you in your seat to ensure security in your position, as well as flexibility to move with the ever changing line of the horse’s back. As with all things in polo, it is the flexibility and movement that is important.

Your saddles should have a slight spring in them, so they can move with you and your horse, but with a more solid foundation they should also be your strongest, sturdiest piece of equipment.

As important as the structure of the saddle is, so is a comfortable well-shaped saddle seat. As much as we want and need to be in the half seat for the horse and player’s performance while on the field, you will at times find yourself sitting in the saddle. The seat must provide a soft cushion for the three dimensional movement required by the spinal column, linked by the pelvis, legs, shoulder, bridle and neck. If a player is comfortable and stable, they are able to give the horse more direction through consistent controlled demands through the legs and hands. The correctly structured tree with added soft front panels works with this soft cushioning to allow

Knowledge

the legs to hang comfortably in the correct position, enabling maximum connection between the player’s groin, inner thigh and the knee on the largest portion of leather on the saddle. Closer contact between the player’s legs and horse will result in a better position and more accurate communication between horse and rider.

A correctly shaped and designed seat will have a balance point that sits in the middle or slightly towards the front of the middle of the saddle. If you have a piece of chalk and sit it on the seat it will roll to its natural balance point. This middle part of the seat, where the balance point is found, is the load zone and will direct your weight accordingly.

The interaction between horse and player is vital when playing polo and that interaction will always be at its best when both horse and rider are comfortable. An ill-designed saddle can put added strain on not only your horse’s performance and ability, but also your own. If your saddle is not working with you to make all your muscles and ligaments as comfortable as possible, it may well be doing the same for your horse. Polo is a sport with so many different and conflicting requests – the more you can do to ensure your horse is getting a clear, pain-free message, the better your horse will play for you. The more comfortable you are while asking for these requests, the clearer your message and the more relaxed you will be to concentrate on your game and enjoy our amazing sport.

A comfortable seat ensures both a happy, relaxed player and horse

Polo Times, May 2018

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Equipment Focus: Bits

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd offers a reader bitting advice

Chewing and ‘Behind the Bit’ Q. I have a new, seven-year-old mare, she’s a Quarter Horse/Argentine Thoroughbred cross, purchased from a contact of a team mate. However, I am finding her very behind the bit and over-collected, and at speed, too heavy in the hand. She also chews and sucks her bit (a gag) a lot. She is quite anxious on the field; she’s had her teeth checked by our local vet, who is also an EDT, and has been given the all-clear. Can you suggest another bit?

A. Essentially with a gag, the action the pony experiences is a ‘drawing up’ of the mouthpiece on the lips, combined with poll pressure. It sounds as if you should start from the ‘bottom up’, so a gag is your last port of call.

I’d recommend a Bomber Blue bit for your pony. This refers to the mouthpiece, which is ported for tongue relief, and is very light; the material used is made from a strong, rubber-nylon compound that’s moulded around a stainless steel core. The range is ideal for horses and ponies with sensitive tongues, or those that are sensitive to metal bits. The Bomber Blue mouthpiece eliminates squeezing pressure on the bars, as well as tongue pressure. Anxious types such as your mare often aren’t comfortable with tongue pressure, so if you can find a

The Bomber Blue Pelham (pictured here with 55mm shank version) produces effective results in most ponies

mouthpiece that she’s comfortable in, she should be more responsive to it, and should return to a better point of control at speed.

For your information, the Bomber Blue mouthpiece is available in mouthpieces including a gag and a curbgag; the latter uses the concept of a rope gag, but instead of applying poll pressure, it is used to apply curb pressure from the bottom rein. There’s also a nice 3-Ring Gag in the Bomber Blue range, which does create poll pressure and also mouthpiece leverage.

However, I am going to suggest the

3-Ring Happy Tongue Gag in the Bomber Blue range creates poll pressure and mouthpiece leverage

The Bombers Lock Up Snaffle 2.5 Ring is Stephen’s wildcard

Bomber Blue Pelham for your mare. It puts pressure on the bars of the mouth but limits poll pressure. The curb rein provides some leverage action on the poll, and also puts pressure on the curb groove via the curb chain.

The Bomber Blue Pelham generally produces amazing results for the majority of ponies.

Incidentally, as we mentioned in the last issue of Polo Times, although not a commonly used bit on the polo field, there’s a ‘wild card’ bit I can also suggest, as she’s behind the bit and over-collected. It’s the Bombers Lock Up Snaffle 2.5 Ring – this bit limits nut-cracker action, meaning it reduces bar pressure. It has a curved mouthpiece, which distributes pressure more evenly over the tongue and bars, and features an offset centre link. It will shortly be available in gag and three ring versions but again I’d recommend starting with the 2.5 Ring with your sensitive mare.

Bombers Bits include hundreds of off-the-shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using a ‘design your own bit’ service. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron – the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the pony’s mouth. This encourages the pony 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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Knowledge

Breeding Polo Ponies

The Future of Polo?

Are the most advanced breeding techniques reserved for polo ponies? Farida Rosso Baldacchino reports

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Photography courtesy of Farida Rosso Baldacchino

With a variety of breeding techniques available, understanding them could be the key to improving the quality of the horses produced. While many people understand the basics of a technique, knowing how and when it should be used could help improve the progression of British breeding. The Thoroughbred industry has always been at the heart of British equestrianism, but the persistence of breeding by natural covering is limiting the stallions available or, ensuring the availability and locality of a specific breeding match could incur great expense.

While the costs involved with breeding are widely recognised, relying on the proximity of a stallion to breed could mean compromising on quality or complementary nature of breeding stock.

Comparatively, the sports horse industry has inched forward by making extensive use of Artificial Insemination (AI). The option of selecting chilled or frozen semen has removed the need for locality and opened the doors to the European market, broadening the range of possible stallions and subsequent gene pool available.

Although many British breeders are still electing to use cheaper, British stallions, frozen semen allows for transportation worldwide. AI has given breeders significantly more options, but this technique needs to be considered carefully. Semen quality declines when chilled or frozen, so the need for high fertility and motility is paramount.

Breeders also need to consider that although frozen semen gives you maximum choice of stallion, the insemination process requires considerably more work and requires a veterinary practitioner or qualified stud.

Despite this, AI remains one of the most popular breeding techniques in the United Kingdom, however the logical next step, Embryo Transfer (ET), is yet to be fully embraced by the industry.

ET is a breeding technique that involves ‘flushing’ or removing an embryo from the biological dam and placing it in a recipient mare. The recipient mare will then carry the foetus through a normal gestation to birth

Polo is at the forefront of the AI and ET revolution

and would nurse the foal until weaning.

This breeding technique has been used to consistently produce quality sports horses, while allowing exceptional mares to produce multiple offspring each year and continue their competitive careers. First available in the 1970s, ET has become increasingly popular across the globe.

The Eventing superstar, Headley Britannia, made British headlines in 2008 with two foals born via ET. As a high-class competition horse in the public eye, this highlighted the benefits of ET to a much wider audience.

While a recognised breeding technique in the UK, ET remains far from common practice, with relatively few studs offering this service and even fewer clients. Cost may be preventing many breeders, as for each mare, breeders will need to own or hire a minimum of two potential surrogate mares.

This is because the oestrus cycle of both the biological dam and the surrogate mare must be synchronised for a successful pregnancy, sometimes taking two or three cycles before being successful. Looking beyond the UK, it is not uncommon to find Embryo Transfer Centres keeping herds of recipient mares, scanning 70-150 before lunch!

One equestrian discipline taking full advantage of ET is polo. It has been the choice breeding technique for the polo industry in Argentina for over 20 years.

This industry was one of the earliest adopters of breeding via ET and led to heavy investments into the advancements of breeding techniques. As a result, the Argentine polo industry has remained at the forefront of breeding technology, which filters worldwide within the polo industry, putting polo breeders at the forefront of advanced www.polotimes.co.uk

Breeding Polo Ponies

There are many advantages to cloning, the most obvious being to preserve exceptional horses

breeding techniques in Britain.

Cloning is the most recent and advanced breeding technique to become commercially available. Breeding in this way produces a foal that is genetically identical to the original horse. From adult cells, the nucleus, or ‘brain’, of the cell can be reprogrammed to an embryonic state and inserted into an egg. The embryo formed is then inseminated into a recipient mare who follows a normal gestation period to birth. In 2003, the first cloned foal, Prometea, was born in Italy and since then cloned foals have been born in a number of countries.

The earlier investments from the Argentine polo industry and private partners have helped setup research and breeding programme development centres like Kheiron Biotech in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The centre already has an impressive list of cloning achievements, including 12 clones of one horse born in a single breeding season.

This year, the lab anticipates a further 50 clones will be inseminated and begin normal gestation within a recipient mare.

The success of cloning at Kheiron Biotech has now reached beyond polo to producing jumping clones for Zangersheide, Belgium.

The high goal polo player Adolfo Cambiaso is known not only for his playing ability but for his ‘field of clones’. Having initially cloned his stand out mare, Cuartetera, www.polotimes.co.uk

Cambiaso is now playing her six clones.

Furthermore, the work at his own cloning centre, Crestview Genetics, has enabled him to clone a stallion, Aiken Cura, that died over a decade ago. Having cloned over 25 champions, the biotechnological process clearly works, but it is likely to be several years still before cloning is commercially available in many more countries.

There are many advantages to cloning, the most obvious being to preserve the genes of exceptional horses. Cloning enables breeding from high quality geldings that have overachieved in their competitive careers, such as the dressage phenomenon Valegro. The dressage superstar could follow in the footsteps of World Cup winning show jumper, ET and William Fox-Pitt’s ride, Tamarillo, whose clones were bred to stand at stud. Cloning could also be used for elite performance and breeding mares. In addition to egg harvesting and embryo transfer, genetically identical mares would make an elite mare’s breeding capacity potentially infinite.

These applications of cloning would be hugely beneficial to the breeding industry with strong commercial opportunities for open-minded investors and truly exceptional horses.

The progression of breeding techniques goes further still with Kheiron Biotech making ground-breaking advancements, far beyond traditional selective breeding programmes.

Knowledge

Their laboratory technicians are helping to develop a new tool for gene modification, altering the DNA of living organisms. Editing genes is a reproductive tool that, although still in its infancy, could speed up the evolution of the sports horse. Without this technology, the potential results would take decades to achieve through traditional cross breeding.

Interest in this new tool, the CRISPRCAS9, has risen lately following the suggestion that it is a more accurate, faster and cheaper option than previously explored techniques. The CRISPR-CAS9 design is based on a gene editing mechanism found in bacteria. Through binding to a target site, the tool is able to cut and modify a specific DNA sequence. To date, Kheiron Biotech has been able to select and successfully modify genes in an embryonic cell. However, the CRISPRCAS9 has the potential to modify any gene and as such, cure a host of genetic diseases, each stemming from a problem with a single gene. Despite the rapid advancements in this new biotechnology, it could take years before its commercial potential is realised. In the meantime, Kheiron Biotech continue to drive advancements in breeding technology and hope that the first genetically engineered horse will be born in 2019.

Early investment into the advancement of breeding techniques has no doubt helped Argentine polo breeders develop pioneering breeding programmes. The early adoption of advanced techniques for breeding polo ponies means they will soon be replicated throughout the discipline, worldwide.

Breeders from other disciplines have taken a more reserved approach, preserving the cloning process for a finite number of worldclass horses. For some, cloning may seem too extreme or costly, but with Zangersheide already investing, it will be interesting to see how the more universal disciplines choose to develop their breeding programmes over the next few years and where the future of polo breeding lies.

ET involves flushing an embryo from a biological dam and implanting it in a recipient mare

Polo Times, May 2018

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Knowledge

Equine & Player Soft Tissue Therapy

Kylie Bonthrone is an Equine Physiotherapist and Human Sports Massage Therapist with experience in the UK, USA and Africa. She has worked with elite level athletes across the equestrian sports and was the Resident Physio for Swanson Racing in Zimbabwe for three years where they experienced much success together. Her work has taken her to a private Thoroughbred training facility in USA and to the NZ Barbarians Polocrosse Team on their Tour to Zimbabwe. With the help of her husband Craig, a Strength and Conditioning Coach, working with competitive riders, they focus on key aspects of High Performance for Equestrians, aiming to gain the advantage through the aggregation of marginal gains. They are now based in Gloucestershire and are available for yard visits and also train equestrian athletes out of Crossfit Cheltenham

The Edge Is Where You Cut It Polo by nature is reliant on high speed, massive explosive power, rapid deceleration, very tight turns at speed and swift change of direction. This can result in large amounts of strain and frequent injuries for both horse and rider. While there is limited research regarding either polo ponies or players, those involved in the sport, know that it is demanding on both horse and rider, that injuries are prevalent and aches and pains common place.

Optimising Horsepower

Photography by Sophie Lefevre Photography

We believe soft tissue therapy is an essential tool in the management of polo ponies, because of the high demands of the sport.

At the very least, polo ponies experience high intensity effort during matches meaning that their muscles are going to fatigue, and soft tissue therapy will aid in recovery during tournaments and following games.

The high speed, rapid changes of direction and general demands of polo, can largely affect the distal limb joints and associated tendons and ligaments, because of their lightweight anatomical structure and the high force they are exposed to. Similarly, the muscles of the hindquarters particularly the hamstrings, glutes, abductors and adductors have a huge undertaking and are required to activate quickly and powerfully for polo.

Regular stretching is key for equine performance

There are maladaptive postures that impede optimal function in people, and horses are no different. The high head carriage of polo ponies can result in tightness along the top-line and this can affect the mechanics of the stride as well as cause pain and discomfort. This can cause a number

of other problems, but simply put, will limit their ability to sit behind and make tight turns which are crucial in the sport. Although polo ponies are usually trained to be highly sensitive to the player’s seat, there are times when there is a lot of force acting via the bit through the mouth, hyper-flexing the poll (closing the head/neck junction) which can result in localised tension along the muscles of the neck and jaw.

We aim to find areas of tightness in your pony before they become longstanding conditions that lead to more serious/ career limiting injuries.

Getting the most from the player?

Equine soft tissue therapy relieves areas of tightness

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Research suggests the majority of a high goal polo match is spent in the hard heart rate zone which indicates that polo evokes a high cardiovascular load and training should therefore include aerobic fitness alongside skill development and prehab. That is not where it ends, polo is also demanding on the musculoskeletal system. Players require good hip and spinal mobility to enable them to move each side of the pony, to gain the edge on the opponent. There are always those players who wow the crowds by achieving some level of flexibility previously

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Equine & Player Physiotheraphy

thought to be impossible, and our aim is to make those improvements through soft tissue therapy and conditioning.

Another key area for the player is the obvious need for shoulder strength and stability, because of the sidedness of the sport which predisposes players to overuse injuries. Research suggests the shoulder is a common site of injury in polo players which may include rotator cuff injuries, impingements and dislocations. Again, sports massage and stretching protocols can assist with releasing tightness, and then our specific training regimes will focus on strengthening the shoulders to help prevent injury and support movement.

Lastly, we can touch on the obvious danger associated with impacts and falls from your pony. Falling from height, at speed, raises the chance of serious injury quite dramatically. Research has shown that polo players who incorporate gym based programmes are at less risk of injury.

Improving your reaction, strength and fitness in the gym could help reduce the chance of falls, and focusing on strength and stabilisation could reduce the chance of injury – it’s why rugby players are in the gym, and it’s why you should be too.

Playing at an elite level in any sport is hard work, it can come down to small accumulations in performance that result in a win. For a sport that is so tough on its competitors, soft tissue therapy and strength and conditioning are an essential aspect of maintaining high performance, health and wellness.

Knowledge

Soft tissue therapy is an essential tool for polo pony management

Key Considerations

For polo ponies: • Highly specific fitness programming • Equine soft tissue therapy to relieve areas of tightness and improve performance • Baited stretches for spinal health • Farriery to support high performance

For the player: • Sports therapy/massage • Polo specific strength and fitness training • Regular stretching and mobility exercises to keep the player supple in the saddle • Reaction training

Website: Equestrianperformancephysio.com Email: equestrian.performance1@gmail.com Mobile: 074794 55545 Bibliography • Costa-Paz, M., Aponte-Tinao, L., Muscolo, D. (1999) Injuries to polo riders: a prospective evaluation. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 33, pp. 329–31 • Ferraz, G.C., Soares, O.A.B., Foz., N.S.B., Periera, M.C., Quieroz-Neto, A (2010) The workload and plasma ion concentration in a training match session of high goal (elite) polo ponies. Equine Veterinary Journal, 42, (Supplement 38), 191-195 • Hitchens, P., Blizzard, L., Jones, G., Day, L., Fell, J. (2011) Predictors of race-day jockey falls in jumps racing in Australia. Accident; Analysis and Prevention 43, pp. 840–847.

• Inness, C.M. and Morgan, K.L. (2015) Falls and injuries to Polo players: risk perception, mitigation and risk factors.

Sports Med Open (1), pp. 2-6 • Wright, L.R. and Peters, M.D. (2008) A heart rate analysis of the cardiovascular demands of elite level competitive polo.

International Journal of performance analysis in sport, 8 (2), pp. 76-81

Playing at an elite level can be challenging for both horse and player, and recovery is essential

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Medical Insight: Polodoc

Dr.med. Andreas KrĂźger 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

Lower Back Pain - One Stop Tactics Fast track return to riding

The lower back supports the weight of the upper body and provides mobility for everyday motions, such as bending and twisting.

During every move on a horse, the spine and its muscular stabilisation is exposed to massive forces. Muscles in the lower back are responsible for flexing and rotating the hips while performing the swing, as well as supporting the spinal column. Nerves in the lower back supply sensation and power the muscles in the pelvis, legs and feet. Most acute lower back pain results from injury to the muscles, whilst ligaments, joints or discs can also be at risk.

The body also reacts to injury by mobilising an inflammatory healing response.

While inflammation sounds minor, it can cause severe, disabling pain and there is a significant overlap of nerve supply, which means it can be difficult for the brain to accurately sense what the cause of the pain is.

and a discussion regarding pain coping techniques will be required, as well as the precise recording of symptoms as weakness or numbness is important.

The physician should enquire whether the player partakes in a generally more professional or amateur level of polo to make an accurate prognosis.

For example, the professional tends to have a perfect riding musculature and takes little time to recover, whilst an amateur or beginner may have bigger problems, and take more time to recover.

They will also ask what kind of gear feels comfortable or uncomfortable? And, does the patient typically sit upright or slouch?

The history of any injury in the past or more recent might be relevant.

Radiological examination

Conventional X-ray With the conventional X-ray, the basic configuration of the spine can be identified and massive fractures or instabilities/ deformities can be diagnosed while the body weight is maintained on the spine. Mild changes may be misjudged and soft tissue problems are not visible.

MRI With this method of diagnosis, all soft tissue problems, such as degenerative changes of the vertebral disc, which functions like a shock absorber between the vertebral bodies, can be pictured. A compression of the spinal cord or nerve root compression can also be identified.

Diagnosis

The first step following an injury is to look at your medical history and request a clinical examination from a musculoskeletal pathology-trained medical professional to define a working diagnosis The physical exam provides the most important information regarding symptoms and medical history. The exact pain location

The arrows mark a disk herniation and compression of neural structures

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Medical Insight: Polodoc

Treatments

Physical therapy Heat from a warm bath, hot water bottle, electric heating pad, or chemical or adhesive heat wraps can relax tense muscles and improve blood flow. In the case of lower back pain due to inflammation, ice or cold packs can be used to reduce swelling. It’s important to protect the skin while applying heat and ice to prevent tissue damage.

Alternatively, heat and ice can be especially helpful when returning to activity.

Applying heat before activities helps relax muscles, allowing for better flexibility and mobility, whilst applying ice after activity reduces the chances of an area becoming irritated and swollen.

Interventional radiological treatment Pain management can be performed with ultraprecise application of painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs through low dose radiation CT guidance. Pre-interventional planning can determine the exact position of the needle placement to administer the needed medication to the point of pain.

With this technique, selective positioning to the affected nerve root or facet joint can also be performed. In cases with multisegmental problems, where more general pain reduction is needed, a deeper puncture of the spine will reach the epidural layer.

Knowledge

Pain can be managed with ultraprecise application of painkillers through CT guidance, as seen above and below

Over-the-counter pain medications The most common over-the-counter (OTC) medications are paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen. Ibuprofen, and naproxen are anti-inflammatory medicines, which alleviate lower back pain caused by a swollen nerves or muscles.

Acetaminophen works by interfering with pain signals sent to the brain. Self-care treatments generally do not need guidance from a doctor but should be used carefully and attentively. Any type of medication carries possible risks and side effects.

An alternative treatment is myofascial taping/bandage. Pain around the spine in the lower back can be eased with elastic taping, providing subjective stabilisation. If more stabilisation is needed a specific bandage or brace can be used.

Lower back pain can be eased with myofascial taping in the area

“Acute lower back pain is an immobilising condition, which can be addressed within a millimetre of the pain location with exact administration of pain medication. With visualisation through contemporary high-resolution MRI or CT scans, all spine pathologies such as disc herniation, microfractures or arthritis of facet joints can be easily identified. With the combination of clinical examination through the orthopaedic surgeon and radiological examination with immediate intervention by the radiologist on a fast track and one-stop diagnostic, pain can be eased through successful therapeutic treatment.”

Dr. Matthias Hahn Head of Limmatradiology Zurich Swiss board-certified radiologist Specialist for interventional pain management

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When to return to play After a facet joint or nerve root infiltration, the player can move without any restrictions.

The patients with epidural infiltrations will need some rest for safety reasons. A 24 hour interval will be advised before returning to sport activities and should be respected to minimise the risk of a complication. Some of these complications include risk of bleeding a hematoma, an allergic reaction or a nerve root affection, which affects three patients in 100,000 cases. These treatments can be done consecutively and also in repetition.

If symptoms persist after adequate conservative therapy or an additional muscle weakness emerges, a surgical intervention should be considered.

For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com Polo Times, May 2018

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Nutrition

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Using Balancers Do you always need to use one?

On my recent travels to polo yards, I have been asked if a balancer is always required in a polo pony’s diet and what do they do, so I thought this would be an ideal opportunity to mention them and hopefully clear up a few myths.

Misconceptions • High protein will provide lots of energy

No! Balancer pellets are nutrientdense,

so you feed much smaller quantities

than traditional cubes and mixes, plus

protein is not an efficient energy source.

• Balancers will put on condition No! They contain minimal calories, but improvements in condition and top line typically seen when feeding balancers is a result of horses receiving

Photography courtesy of Lorna Edgar

What is a Balancer?

It is simply a nutrient dense pellet containing quality proteins, vitamins and minerals with minimal calories/energy, similar to protein shakes you may use after the gym!

There are many balancers on the market, such as Baileys Lo-Cal balancer, Baileys Performance Balancer, Blue Chip, Equilibra, Top Spec or Baileys Stud Balancer. They typically have various levels of nutrients with protein being the most wide-ranging, to support the horse in various workloads/ status, with higher protein for harder work, or broodmares and youngstock.

Using balancers in addition to a healthy diet can work wonders for your string

the correct balance of proteins, vitamins and minerals, aiding muscle development and general good health (especially if they had been receiving an unbalanced diet previously).

• They make the horse have too much energy Sometimes, when added to an unbalanced diet, and too quickly, balancers may cause excitable behaviour due to an increase in vitamins and minerals, enabling the horse to manufacture energy more efficiently and having a general feeling

Even when not in work, balancers can complement a balanced diet

of well-being, like us eating our five a day!!

They are typically...

• Fed as the sole concentrate to a

‘good-doer’, ensuring a nutritionally

balanced diet is being received • Added to a mix or cube when oats

are being used to ensure a balanced

diet is received – as the oats alone will

unbalance the ration • Used to top-up a ration if under the

recommended quantities are being

fed without significantly increasing

calories, energy or volume of feed • Fed to those not in work to ensure a

balanced diet is fed to complement grass/hay/haylage • Used for those on box rest, as they

are a great way to feed all nutrients

required to assist with the healing

process without providing energy

or calories • Chosen when low starch diets are

needed for problems such as tying-up,

laminitis and colic etc When using a balancer, always feed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations as over or under feeding is not of any benefit.

Furthermore, as with all other feeds, introduce a balancer into the diet gradually, over seven to 10 days. Every feed room benefits from a balancer, with such a multitude of benefits to the polo pony all year round, when in work or at rest.

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SAVING YOUR BEST FRIEND

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To find an Accredited Vet in your area www.lipogemsequine.com @LipogemsEquine www.lipogemscanine.com @lipogemscanine #savingchampions E: lucy_wilson@lipogemsequine.com Cutting Edge Regenerative Science Dr Tim Watson BVM&S, PhD, MRCVS Waterlane Equine Vets, tim.watson@mail.com Mob: 07557 857 793

Mr Murray Shotter BVSc MRCVS Shotter and Byers Equine Surgery, murray.shotter@shotterandbyers.co.uk Tel: 01306 627 706

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Mr Bruce Middleton MA Vet MB MRCVS Blackdown Equine Clinic, bruce.vet@hotmail.com Mob: 07766 993 085

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Dr. Jessica A. Kidd BA, DVM, CertES(Orth), Dipl ECVS, MRCVS Valley Equine Hospital kiddvet@gmail.com Mob: 07723 317 708

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RICHMONDS HORSE TRANSPORT LTD NEW MARSH FARM, HORSLEY ROAD, COBHAM, SURREY, KT11 3JX, UK • OUR HORSE BOX FLEET HAS THE CAPACITY TO MOVE OVER A 100 POLO PONIES THROUGHOUT EUROPE • WORLDWIDE SCHEDULED AND CHARTER AIR FREIGHT SERVICE TEL: +44 (0) 1932 864007 FAX: +44 (0) 1932 576483 EMAIL: martin@richmondsltd.com WWW.RICHMONDSLTD.COM

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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 How to Avoid Early Season Injuries

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 When it comes to injuries we all know that prevention is better than cure and the beginning of the season is the most important time to pay attention to this old adage. There is nothing worse than excitedly plunging into the new summer season, all guns blazing, only to injure yourself early on and either delay your start or have to deal with a niggling injury throughout the subsequent season.

I’m going to talk you through a couple of exercises for each of the most vulnerable areas that you can do to start working your muscles before you jump back in the saddle or pick up a stick, that should reduce your risk of injury as well as help you to increase your strength going into this new season.

Core:

Exercise One: Trunk Rotations Standing with your feet shoulder width apart, grab a polo stick, hold it with your hands as wide as you can and put it on the back of the neck behind your head.

The motion is a rotation of the upper body while the hips and legs remain facing forward. In this exercise all the muscles of the core start working at a low pace, in order to warm them up and stretch them before doing any more strenuous exercises.

Exercise Two: All Fours In this exercise you are going to work your core muscles adopting an all fours position.

Join the opposite elbow and knee at the middle of your body and the stretch them out, as high as you can. Do it very slowly to really work the core.

Core and Riding Muscles If you have spent the last few weeks or months getting ponies fit then you will have built up your riding fitness slowly which should help when it comes to stick and balling and playing chukkas, but if you haven’t ridden for a while, key areas such as your inner thighs and your core can be extra vulnerable at the start of the season and lack of strength in these key areas can lead to problems in other areas such as your back or hips.

Riding Muscles:

Exercise One: Adduction Kicks Standing sideways parallel to a wall, rest your elbow on it at shoulder level. Keep your spine straight, shoulders balanced, and then bend your outer leg and touch the wall with your knee. Hold it for two seconds and go back to the starting position.

Perform 10 times with the same leg and then switch.

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Shoulder:

Exercise One: Stick Shoulder Press Combo Standing with your feet shoulder width apart, grab a polo stick, hold it with your hands as wide as you can and put it on the back of the neck behind your head. From that position you’ll push up until you reach full extension of the arm, then go back to starting position.

Perform 10 reps of these and then do the same motion, but instead of placing the stick behind your head, place it in front at collarbone height. Extend your arms to their fullest and then back to starting position.

Repeat 10 times.

Exercise Two: One Leg Wiper Lay down on your back, with your arms stretched out to the sides and legs straight up at a 90 degree angle from your torso.

Tuck a small yoga ball or other squishy object behind your left knee and squeeze.

Hold that position, engaging your core muscles and quadriceps to keep your leg straight, for 10 seconds, and then open and close your right leg to the side maintaining the exact same position with the rest of your body. Repeat 10 times with that leg and then switch.

Back and Shoulders If you have taken the winter off from polo, it may have been several months since you last swung a polo stick and even that first stick and ball session can lead to aches and pains or even strains or injuries. Both of these areas can be particularly susceptible to injury, the intricacies of the supporting muscle structures making them vulnerable and poor swing technique or lack of strength can lead to avoidable injuries. It is important to warm-up and try and build the strength around these areas as much as possible in order to support and protect the joints and lower back.

Back:

Exercise Two: Supermans Using a yoga ball, lie on your front with your arms balancing you out in front, toes touching the ground.

Raise your upper body off the stability ball while keeping your arms fully extended.

Return to starting position slowly and repeat 10 times.

Exercise One: Swimmers Lie on your front with your arms stretched out in front of you. Keeping your forehead on the floor, lift your shoulders off the ground and perform a breaststroke motion with your arms. If this is easy, do the same but holding a small weight plate in each hand.

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Exercise Two: Stick Front Rise Standing with your feet shoulder width apart, grab a polo stick with overhand grip and elbows straight or slightly bent.

Raise the stick forwards and upwards until your hands are at the same height of your shoulders. Lower and repeat.

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Vet Insight

Catriona Mackenzie BVMS, MSc, CertAVP (EM), DipECEIM, MRCVS Catriona graduated from Glasgow University in 2006 and following a short spell in mixed practice moved to Kentucky where she undertook an Internal Medicine Fellowship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. She then returned to the UK to complete her internship at Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons in Newmarket. She remained there after her internship and joined the stud team where she worked for three years. In March 2014, Catriona went to Liverpool University to complete a three year residency in Equine Medicine. Following this, she returned to join the medicine team at Rossdales Equine Hospital and was awarded ECEIM diplomate status in 2018

Equine Asthma Cause and prevention for our equine friends Over the years, many names have been used to describe inflammatory airway disease in horses including heaves, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), inflammatory airway disease (IAD) and summer pastureassociated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD). The recognition that these conditions share many similarities with human asthma has led to the term ‘Equine Asthma Syndrome’ being proposed. This terminology provides an umbrella under which this diverse group of chronic, noninfectious lower airway diseases can be classified. The many shared characteristics with the human form of disease also means that the horse provides a natural model for important research into human asthma.

What causes Equine Asthma?

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How does the disease affect the airways?

Similar to the human form of disease, Equine Asthma affects the lungs and can result in difficulties breathing. Inflammation of the lower respiratory tract is associated with bronchospasm (constriction of the small airways), increased production of fluid and mucous, and inflamed, thickened airway walls. The overall effect is a reduction in diameter of the small airways within the lungs, otherwise known as airway

obstruction, resulting in reduced airflow and lung ventilation. Airway obstruction is reversible in the early stages meaning that horses can make a full recovery, however, in most cases the problem becomes recurrent and permanent, structural damage can result.

What are the clinical signs?

Under the ‘umbrella’ syndrome of Equine Asthma, clinical signs may vary and there is a broad spectrum of severity. In young horses with mild inflammatory airway disease (IAD), the most common clinical signs include poor performance and occasional coughing, or mild nasal discharge. These signs may be very subtle, for example prolonged recovery after fast work. In contrast, older horses with more severe RAO frequently show signs at rest. Signs include increased respiratory rate, flared nostrils, nasal discharge, frequent coughing and increased effort when breathing out. These horses may develop a characteristic ‘heave line’ caused by muscle hypertrophy of the external abdominal oblique muscles. In severe or chronic cases reduced appetite and weight loss may also be seen.

Photography courtesy of Catriona Mackenzie

Equine Asthma occurs as the result of an allergic reaction to inhaled particles. It has long been established that horses may develop respiratory diseases when stabled and fed hay, and that clinical signs can resolve with changes in the environment.

Episodes are triggered by exposure to allergens such as dust, feed material, fungal spores and other environmental allergens. Although indoor allergens are most commonly implicated, some cases (known as summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease) are triggered by outdoor, pasture-associated allergens. There is a large amount of evidence supporting the role of aerosolised allergens in the development of Equine Asthma, however the condition is multifactorial and other components, such as genetic influences, contribute to the development of disease. One study reported that all descendants of a particular stallion affected by RAO were found to be at increased risk of developing the disease.

In humans there has been a link reported between reduced exposure to pathogens and an increased risk of developing allergies.

This is known as the hygiene hypothesis.

More specifically in horses, a reduction in the development of allergic disorders has been reported in individuals infected with intestinal parasites. Therefore, regular worming and decreased exposure to parasites may

increase the risk of Equine Asthma and other allergic diseases. Another possibility is that there is a genetic link between Equine Asthma and reduced susceptibility to parasites. A recent study found that horses with a reduced susceptibility to parasites were genetically predisposed to RAO and shed fewer worms compared to those that were not predisposed to RAO. It was therefore postulated that the genes that are involved in the development of allergic disease may also be involved in protection against worms. Research into the contribution of these various risk factors is ongoing and there is much that remains unknown.

Flared nostrils and serous nasal discharge are two of the clinical signs sometimes seen with Equine Asthma

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Vet Insight

How is Equine Asthma diagnosed?

Severe cases may be identified by clinical signs alone. Horses with breathing difficulties associated with Equine Asthma demonstrate an improvement in clinical signs (i.e. improved respiratory rate and effort) when a bronchodilator (drug that ‘opens’ the airways) is administered. To confirm the diagnosis, particularly in more mild forms of disease, sampling of the cells from the lower airways is performed. This can be done using a bronchoalveolar and/or tracheal lavage.

Saline is flushed into the airways and drawn back up with a syringe. The ‘wash’ contains a suspension of cells and mucous from within the respiratory tract. The numbers and types of cells found in the airways aids the diagnosis as well as characterising disease severity. Diagnostic techniques such as X-rays and lung function testing can also be helpful. Lung function testing is particularly useful to identify mild forms of disease. In some cases, additional diagnostic tests may be required to rule out other potential causes of airway inflammation, i.e. infection.

or high pollen levels. Feeding good quality hay, hay alternatives (such as haylage or steamed hay) or complete pelleted feeds, using dust free bedding and removing horses from the barn during mucking out, can all help to minimise exposure to poor quality air. Methods of feeding are also important.

For example, feeding hay from a hay net will result in greater than four-fold increased exposure to dust in the breathing zone compared to feeding the same hay on the ground. Where possible, hay and bedding should be stored separately from where horses are housed. Air sampling techniques have recently been developed to allow environmental assessment. Such devices can be used for monitoring of air hygiene and to help develop strategies to decrease dust exposure.

Good ventilation is essential for management and turnout is often the best option. However, as previously mentioned, some horses are sensitive to outdoor allergens e.g. pollens and in these cases horses are better managed indoors or by moving the horse to a different environment.

Knowledge

act to minimise the bronchiole spasms (constriction of the small airways). The commonly used routes of administration include nebulised, aerosolised, injectable and oral. The nebulised and aerosolised allow drug delivery direct to the airways and lower dosages can be used which will reduce the risk of side effects. There are also reports showing that Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can help improve clinical signs when implemented in conjunction with environmental changes.

Nebulisers work by creating a mist to carry medication directly into the airways

Prognosis

This shows a typical example of dust and allergens that may be present in the environment

Treatment can be administered using a metered dose inhaler

Medications are typically used in the initial treatment until environmental control has been achieved and to manage ‘flare ups’. There are two main classes of treatment: corticosteroids and bronchodilators. The corticosteroids are used to reduce the inflammatory response within the airways whereas bronchodilators

Equine Asthma Syndrome has no permanent cure. However, in most cases disease can be well controlled using appropriate environmental management and affected horses can return to their normal function.

In more severe cases environmental control alone may not be enough and longer term medical therapy may be required. Chronic forms of disease with pronounced airway remodelling can be particularly difficult to manage. In such cases, complete resolution of clinical signs is more challenging, and persistence or recurrence of flare ups are common.

What is involved in the treatment of Equine Asthma?

Similar to the human form of the disease, Equine Asthma cannot be cured. However, most cases can be managed and horses lead relatively normal lives. Environmental factors play a fundamental role in the development of disease therefore maintaining optimal air hygiene is a key factor in the management of airway disease. In humans, dust exposure has been shown to have a long-term detrimental effect on respiratory function and can result in an increased prevalence of chronic lung disease. Such exposures are likely to have similar effects in horses.

Air quality is determined by sources of potential contaminants such as feed and bedding, activity within the barn, ventilation and external factors such as traffic pollution www.polotimes.co.uk

Rossdales Equine Hospital & Diagnostic Centre Cotton End Road, Exning, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7NN T: 01638 577754 F: 01638 577989 E: hospital@rossdales.com Large windows provide excellent ventilation

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Sidelines

Gossip

POLO BY ANY OTHER NAME Ever fancied trying a different form of polo – Segway, bicycle, foot, elephant – they’re all available if you know where to look. But the Mongolians have taken it to a new level, with their form of camel polo. Are you as keen as we are?!

MASTERFUL CHEF

Oxford University Polo Club’s PHD student Nawamin Pinpathomrat graced our TVs this month in the BBC’s Masterchef. He made it to the final three, but his lobster and scallop starter just wasn’t enough to beat his banker foe, Kenny Tutt. Commiserations Nawamin!

POLO PHOTOGRAPHER POPS THE QUESTION Renowned polo photographer and regular Polo Times contributor, Dominic James, known for his chatty demeanour and beautiful portraits, has asked his girlfriend Anna to marry him and, of course, she said yes. Congratulations to them both!

NOT SURE THIS IS FAIR… Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...

Recently, children of all ages have been taking to the iconic Palermo grounds for the National Kids Tournament. Whilst we agree this tournament is a wonderful exhibition of youth polo, we’re not sure the pony height regulation has been correctly enforced…

WEDDING BELLS!

Ebe Sievwright, Guards Polo Academy Polo Manager and British Polo Day regular has popped the question to his long-time love, and Guards team member Tissy Van Reyk.

Congratulations!

BRITS ABROAD

Flannels England regular Hazel Gaona-Jackson has been taking the Argentine Ladies’ circuit by storm this winter with her life-long pal and polo protégé Beanie Bradley. We’re loving the personal branded bags guys!

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Polo Times, May 2018

CONGRATULATIONS!

Rutland regular Neil Berry and his girlfriend Lucy McGarity have recently announced their engagement. Neil popped the question on Mothers’ Day with the help of their son Hugh and unsurprisingly, she said yes!

Congratulations guys!

#DITCHINGWINETOCLIMB

Olivia Hutchinson and a group of gal-pals have made the epic 13 day journey to Everest Base Camp in their bid to raise money for the Wheelchair Foundation UK and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. To date, they have raised a whopping £6,500 – well done girls! www.polotimes.co.uk

Sylvia Kerr Jewellery

Competition

A Beautiful Exclusive

Exclusive Polo Times reader competition to win a Sylvia Kerr Jewellery necklace worth over £350

Fine jewellery designer Sylvia Kerr Jewellery is a name synonymous with beautiful contemporary jewellery design, highlighted by the designer’s love of horses.

This lifelong love affair with horses has seen the creation of some beautiful collections, paying homage to the tradition, elegance and timeless grace of equestrianism.

The designer’s latest handcrafted collection launch coincides with their announcement that they have also appointed polo player Heloise Wilson-Smith as their polo face of the brand.

Wilson-Smith is a familiar face on the polo scene, having played professionally for many years all

over the world and represented England on home soil.

In collaboration with Polo Times, Sylvia Kerr Jewellery are thrilled to exclusively offer one lucky reader the opportunity to win the new Sylvia Kerr Polo Sapphire Necklace worth £368. This stunning piece is set with exquisite Marine Blue sapphire stones and finished with a freshwater pearl ‘ball’ detail.

The new collection, ‘The Polo Collection’ features six significant and elegant creations, taking influence from the player’s helmet, polo stick and ball, translating them into beautiful designs, each created to work seamlessly together or as breathtaking, stand-alone pieces.

Available in sterling silver, gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum, the helmet can be set with fine white diamonds, coloured gemstones to compliment team colours or birthstones for that genuinely bespoke gift for the polo lover. Prices start from £142 for the Sylvia Kerr Polo Stud Earrings.

If you love beautiful jewellery, then join the Sylvia Kerr Jewellery Newsletter. Be the first for.... New Arrivals, Exclusive previews, £300 voucher prize draws. Sign up at www.sylviakerrjewellery.com Enter the exclusive Polo Times competition to be in with a chance of winning this stunning necklace

Exclusive Polo Times reader offer To be in with a chance of winning this gorgeous necklace, you can enter via email info@sylviakerrjewellery.com Subject: Polo Times Comp. In the email simply specify the name of Sylvia Kerr Jewellery’s new polo ambassador and include your name, address and daytime contact telephone number.

Entries close: Friday 18 May, and the winner will be announced in a future issue of Polo Times.

Tom Morley plays with Ainsley Polo saddle and tack (and pony) - photo by www.imagesofpolo.com

Ainsley Polo saddles Perfect hitting position and unsurpassed grip for all shots See it at Tally Ho Farm and www.performance-polo.com www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2018

85

Spencer Atkinson & Mark Hough

Rachel & Martin Kidd

John Wheeldon & Tracy Jefferies

Amelia Rollinson & Jill Fairhurst

Cheshire’s 2018 Pre-Season Party; The Fox & Barrel, Cotebrook; Friday 20 April 2018

Cheshire’s Pre-Season 120 Cheshire Polo Club members came together at The Fox & Barrel in Cotebrook by the kind invitation of Mr. & Mrs. Tony Steele to celebrate the start of the 2018 season. Club members were welcomed by a veritable feast of culinary delights catering for all options with homemade lasagne, Thai green curry, chips, omelettes and vegetarian lasagne for vegetarians, followed by strawberry Eton mess and chocolate mousse. The evening was a great chance for new Club Chairman Martin Kidd and his wife Rachel to set the tone for the exciting season to come.

Jacky Priestner, Christina Burchell & Pamela Webster

Photography by Mark R. Heath

Howard & Pam Davies with Louise & Mark Farnworth

Henry Smith & Holly Jenkins

Tara Burrough & Jennifer Taylor

Anne, Tony & Lizzie Steele, Lizzie & Kirsten Cottrell with Betty the dog

Victoria & Nicky Mayhew

Yvonne & Alan Johnson

Susie Stoker, Emma Garner & Sarah Higgins

Karen, Charlie, Annabelle & Ged Kelly with George Smith

Paul Richards, Serena Williams & Peter Bibby

Luke Newman & Pat Hall

Charlie & Heather Walton, Jessica Martin & Simon Walton

Randall & Karen Davies

Eddy Arida

Philipp Mosimann

David & Kirsten Ashman

Tomas Palacios

Start of Season Drinks; Guards Polo Club; Saturday 21 April

Sizzling Season Start

Segundo & Mariano Darritchon

Guards Polo Club Members made their way back to Windsor Great Park for the Club’s Start of Season Champagne Reception, where they were welcomed back after the long, cold winter, with delicious Laurent-Perrier Champagne and delectable Mosimann’s canapés. The warm early-summer sun was a tempting sneak preview of what should be just around the corner, and members made the most of the unseasonable balminess to exchange tales and gossip from the winter season on the Clubhouse decking. As the afternoon wound down, members collected their badges, car passes and 2018 Yearbook, no doubt eager for the forthcoming season.

Neil Hobday & Roddy Kane

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Mary O’Dwyer & June Howell Jones

Charlotte & Kirsten von Wedel

Sean and Michael O’Dwyer, Simon Mace & Alan Morello

Tracey Abbots-Darbyshire & Pam Manku

David & Lucy Sharron

Sophie, Maxime & Sebastien Pailloncy

Gerry Charles Pandian & Dara Williams

John Collins & Jack Hyde

Members take advantage of the weather

Simon Mace & June Howell Jones

Members enjoyed catching up after the winter

Dates for Your Diary

What’s On

May UK Club Fixtures Coworth – Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy (6-12): 25 April – 12 May Guards – Spring Tournament (2-6): 24 April – 14 May Edgeworth – Isa Trophy (4-8): 2 – 3 May Burningfold – Plaistow Plate 4 Goal (0-4): 2 – 6 May Beaufort – The Badminton Cup (4-8): 3 – 13 May White Waltham – Recoleta Memorial Cup (-2-0): 4 – 7 May Cirencester – Tyro Cup (-2-2): 4 – 13 May Cowdray – Bryan Bethell Cup (12-15): 4 May – 17 June Guards – Queen Mother’s Centenary Cup (12-15): 4 May – 20 June Cheshire – Vladivar Cup (0-2): 5 – 6 May Druids Lodge – Aspiga Tournament (1-2): 5 – 6 May Suffolk – Mad May Hare Tournament (-4-2): 5 – 6 May Tidworth – Kingsett Cup (-2-2 & -6- -2): 5 – 6 May New Forest – Chaplin Cup (-6- -2): 5 – 6 May Rugby – The Primavera Cup (-6- -2): 5 – 6 May Silver Leys – The May Cup (-2-0 & -4- -2): 5 – 6 May Cheshire – Farewell Cup (-4- -1): 5 – 6 May Vale of York – Sabanasaurous Fancy Dress (Open): 5 May Rutland – The Spring Cup (-4-0): 5 – 6 May Rugby – The Why Not Cup (-4-0): 5 – 6 May Taunton – Committee Cup (-4-0): 5 – 6 May Binfield Heath – May Cup (-4-0): 5 – 6 May Edgeworth – The Edgeworth Shield (0-4): 5 – 6 May Cowdray – Petworth Cup (8-12): 5 – 16 May RCBPC – The Prince of Wales Trophy (17-22): 5 – 19 May Cirencester – a’Brassard Trophy (0-4): 8 – 20 May Wicklow – Friends and Family Tournament (0-2): 9 – 20 May Kirtlington – The Fewster Cup (6): 10 – 13 May Pangbourne – The Spring Tournament (0-4): 10 – 13 May Cambridge County – Frolic May Cup (-4-0): 12 – 13 May Cheshire – Tickled Pink Cup (0-2): 12 – 13 May Binfield Heath – The Coppid Cup (-2-2): 12 – 13 May HPC, The London Polo Club – Ham House Tournament (-2-2): 12 – 13 May Taunton – Chairman’s Cup (0-2): 12 – 13 May White Waltham – Spring Cup (0-2): 12 – 13 May Edgeworth – Field Barn Cup (0-2): 12 – 13 May Rutland – Mobil Cup (0-2): 12 – 13 May Cheshire – Argentine Cup (-4- -1): 12 – 13 May New Forest – Dunlop Cup (-6- -2): 12 – 13 May www.polotimes.co.uk

Rutland – The Horsefeeds Cup (-6- -2): 12 – 13 May Guards – Committee Cup (4-8): 12 – 27 May Cowdray – Cicero Cup (12-15): 12 – 28 May Dallas Burston – The Stoneythorpe Cup (2-6): 14 – 27 May Beaufort – La Ema Polo Mallet (0-4): 14 – 27 May Cirencester – Gerald Balding Cup (4-8): 14 – 28 May Cowdray – Dollar Cup (8-12): 14 May – 3 June Emsworth – 25 One Hundred (10): 15 May – 17 July Burningfold – Loxwood Cup (2): 16 – 20 May Tidworth – Maddison Cup (0-2): 19 – 20 May Edgeworth – Visitor’s Bowl (-4-0): 19 – 20 May Edgeworth – The 0 Goal Tournament (0): 19 – 20 May New Forest – Chairmanship Cup (-4-0): 19 – 20 May Silver Leys – Blue Ribbon Cup (-2-0 & -4- -2): 19 – 20 May Taunton – Hatchmoor Boomerang Cup (-4-0): 19 – 20 May Rugby – Faraday Cup (-4-0): 19 – 20 May White Waltham – Camelot Bowl Tournament (-2-0): 19 – 20 May Binfield Heath – Margaret Duvall (4-6): 19 – 20 May Suffolk – Graceland Tournament (-4-4): 19 – 20 May Cheshire – Cheshire Champion Cup (2-4): 19 – 20 May Blueys – Beginners Cup (Open & -6- -2): 19 – 20 May Rugby – The Toft Shield (-6- -2): 19 – 20 May Moor Farm – Club Tournament (-8- -2): 19 – 20 May Cirencester – CPPC Low Goal Tournament (-4-0): 19 – 28 May Guards – The Labrador Cup (0-2): 19 May – 3 June Vale of York – Greyhound Trophy (Open): 20 May Beaufort – Kernow Cup (0-6): 21 May – 2 June Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland’s Cup (15-18): 21 May – 10 June Guards – The Queen’s Cup (17-22): 22 May – 17 June Cowdray – Easebourne Cup (4-8): 22 May – 9 June Kirtlington – The Meyrick Cup (6-8): 24 – 27 May FHM – Polo Splice Tournament (-6- -2): 26 May Tidworth – Cholderton Cup (0-4 & -6- -2): 26 – 27 May Cambridge County – Hyde Pacific Tournament (0-4): 26 – 27 May New Forest – Spring Tournament (-2-0): 26 – 27 May Cheshire – Chairman’s Cup (0-2 & -4-0): 26 – 27 May Tidworth – Maddison Cup (-4-0): 26 – 27 May Taunton – Weston-Super-Mare Trophy (-4-0): 26 – 27 May

Polo directory

White Waltham – Esperanza Cup (0-2): 26 – 27 May Suffolk – Mansfield Advisors’/Terracotta Horse (-4-2): 26 – 27 May Cheshire – Club Plate (-8- -5): 26 – 27 May HPC, The London Polo Club – Mixed Doubles (0): 26 – 28 May Edgeworth – Edgeworth Challenge (0-2): 26 – 28 May Rutland – The Bronze Horse (0-2): 26 – 28 May Rutland – The Collie Cup (-6- -2): 26 – 28 May Vale of York – Victoria’s Birthday Match (Open): 27 May White Waltham – International Challenge (-2-0): 27 – 29 May White Waltham – The Mar del Plata Ice Bucket Challenge (-6- -2): 29 May Cirencester – Committee Cup (0-6): 29 May – 10 June Cheshire – Wirral Cup (4-6): 30 May – 3 June Vale of York – May Summer League Match (Open): 30 May

Youth Polo Longdole – Senior Schools Arena Nationals (Open): 29 April Tidworth – Kumar Cup (RN vs Eton) (Open): 5 May Tidworth – RN vs Cambridge University (Open): 9 May Kirtlington – Prep Schools Tournament (Open): 12 – 13 May Ranelagh – Junior Schools National Summer Championships (Open): 13 May Longdole – Junior Tournament (Open): 31 May Longdole – Rocket Rentals Kids Polo: 31 May Kirtlington – Stephen Towler Trophy (Open): 2 June Offchurch – Universities Summer Championships 2018 (Open): 8 June TBC – Senior Schools National Summer Championships (Open): 17 June TBC – Schools Girls National Championships (Open): 24 June Cirencester – Pony Club Polo: 30 – 31 July Longdole – Junior Polo Tournament: 31 August

Military Polo

Tidworth – Kumar Cup (RN vs Eton) (Open): 5 May Tidworth – WIP Military Ladies Tournament (Open): 7 May Tidworth – Intra RN Sacher Cup (Open): 7 May Tidworth – RN vs Cambridge University (Open): 9 May Tidworth – Queen’s Royal Hussars Cup (-2-2 & -6- -2): 12 – 13 May Tidworth – Royal Artillery Cup (Open): 28 May Tidworth – Heroes Day (Open): 28 May Polo Times, May 2018

89

Polo directory

Tidworth – WIP Military Ladies Tournament (Open): 7 May Rutland – Ladies’ Polo Day (Open): 28 May Dallas Burston – Ladies’ Day 2018: 9 June Cirencester – The Kings Head Hotel Ladies’ International (24-26): 24 June Cirencester – International Ladies’ Tournament (12-18): 24 – 29 July Guards – Ladies’ Charity Tournament for the Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy (12-18): 21 August – 1 September

Victrix Ludorum Knepp Castle – 18 Goal: 11 – 15 July Cowdray – 18 Goal: 13 – 21 July Cirencester – 18 Goal: 24 – 29 July Beaufort – 18 Goal: 27 July – 4 August RCBPC – 18 Goal: 4 – 12 August Guards – 18 Goal: 21 August – 1 September

Barbados

Holders – New Zealand Tour: 1 May Holders – President’s & Kearns Trophy: 19 May

Santa Barbara – The Belmond El Encanto Polo Cup (16): 7 – 9 July Santa Barbara – Robert Skene Trophy (16): 13 – 22 July Santa Barbara – USPA America Cup (16): 27 July – 12 August Santa Barbara – Pacific Coast Open (16): 16 August – 2 September

Villa a Sesta – XII FIP European Championships (6-8): 20 – 30 September August

Snow Polo Dates St. Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup 2019: 25 – 27 January 2019

Germany

Keitum – 21st Berenberg German Polo Masters: 1 – 5 August

France

America

Italy

Polo Club Saint Tropez – Sun Trophy (8-10): 17 – 27 May Polo Club Saint Tropez – Silver Whips (8-10): 31 May – 10 June Polo Club Saint Tropez – Golden Wave (8-10): 14 – 24 June Polo Club Saint Tropez – Women’s International (10-14): 27 June – 1 July Polo Club Saint Tropez – International Polo Cup (8-10 & 12-15): 5 – 15 July Polo Club Saint Tropez – Polo Master/ Open de Gassin (8-10 & 12-15): 19 – 29 July Polo Club Saint Tropez – Côte D’Azur Cup (8-10 & 15-18): 2 – 12 August Polo Club Saint Tropez – Open du Soleil (8-10 & 15-18): 16 – 26 August Polo Club Saint Tropez – Gold Cup (8-10): 30 August – 9 September Polo Club Saint Tropez – Indian Summer Polo (Open): 13 – 30 September

Social Events

White Waltham – Opening Season Meeting & BBQ: 29 April Kirtlington – Throw-In Opening Drinks Party: 29 April Cirencester – Summer Ball: 12 May Beaufort – Cocktail Party at 6.30pm: 19 May Dallas Burston – Open Season Party: 27 May Guards – The Polo Awards 2018: 30 May Leadenham – Summer Ball: Saturday 8 July

Something Different

Longdole Polo Club – Bicycle Polo in aid of RDA Watershed: 1 June Tidworth – Heroes Polo Day: 3 June London – Chestertons Polo in the Park: 8 – 10 June Longdole – Posh Car Boot Sale: 19 August Dallas Burston – Polo in the Park: 2 September

International Test Matches

Beaufort – Gloucestershire Festival of Polo: 9 – 10 June RCBPC – International Test Match for The Westchester Cup: 28 July

Quick Question Australia

Toowoomba – Carnival of Flowers Spring Polo: 23 September Victorian Polo Club – Melbourne Cup: 11 November 90

Polo Times, May 2018

Beach Polo

Hörnum – 11th Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Sylt: 19 – 20 May Sandbanks – British Beach Polo Championships: 13 – 14 July

Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page A: The US Open was first played for in 1904 at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, New York City. Following this match, the tournament was not played again until 1910. www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo directory 15 Goal

2018 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates 22+ Goal RCBPC – Prince of Wales: 5 – 19 May Guards – Cartier Queen’s Cup: 22 May – 17 June Cirencester – Warwickshire Cup: 19 – 24 June Cowdray – King Power Gold Cup: 26 June – 22 July

18 Goal Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland: 21 May – 10 June Cirencester – Apsley Cup: 13 June – 1 July Guards – Indian Empire Shield: 3 – 21 July Cowdray – Challenge Cup: 23 July – 5 August

Guards – The OUT-SOURCING Inc Royal Windsor Cup: 5 – 24 June RCBPC – Eduardo Moore Trophy: 26 June – 14 July Cowdray – Harrison Cup: 16 July – 4 August Cirencester – County Cup: 7 – 18 August Beaufort – Arthur Lucas: 21 August – 2 September

12 Goal Cowdray – Dollar Cup: 14 May – 3 June RCBPC – John Prestwich: 4 – 16 June Beaufort – Prince of Wales: 18 – 30 June Cirencester – Queen Mother Trophy: 2 – 15 July Guards – Duke of Wellington: 4 – 19 August Cirencester – Cheltenham Cup: 28 August – 9 September Cowdray – Autumn League: 10 – 23 September

8 Goal Cirencester – Gerald Balding: 14 – 28 May Guards – Archie David: 8 June – 1 July RCBPC – Hipwood Trophy: 4 – 21 July

Cowdray – Holden White: 23 July – 5 August Beaufort – Wichenford Bowl: 13 – 27 August

6 Goal Dallas Burston – Stoneythorpe Cup: 14 – 27 May Beaufort – Rojas Lanusse Trophy: 5 – 16 June Kirtlington – Budgett Everett Trophy: 2 – 12 August HPC, The London Polo Club – Roehampton Cup: 14 – 26 August Cirencester – Kingscote Cup: 28 August – 8 September

4 Goal Burningfold – 4 Goal: 5 – 10 June Rutland – Assam Cup: 25 June – 1 July Cheshire – Junior County Cup 4 Goal: 9 – 15 July Cambridge County – 4 Goal: 23 – 29 July Tidworth – Rundle Cup: 7 –12 August New Forest – 4 Goal: 14 – 19 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.

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Polo Times, May 2018 91

Polo directory Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Leadenham Polo Club

01400 318006

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

02890 727905

robert@hellomxb.com

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

polo@dbpoloclub.com

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07790 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

HPC, The London Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hpcpololondonpolo.com

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

Team Tristar (UK) Ltd

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 92

Polo Times, May 2018

www.polotimes.co.uk

Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

01462 701110

Marketplace Transport

PO1O RAT Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Tel: 07860 906032

7.5 T MERCEDES HORSEBOX Sale, 6 Partitions Price: £10,000 Call 07843 277774 pobert.tearle@roberttearle.com Location: near Berkshire Polo Club

POLO LORRY Good clean DAF lorry plated until November2018. Registered September 2004 mileage 253030 Automated ramp, battery isolater.

Partitioned for 6 ponies rubber mating.

Price: £15,000.00 Tel: 07740 774158 Location: Banbury

Equipment iPad

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.

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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

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Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

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04/12/2015 14:58

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Photography courtesy of Nic Roldan

The name Roldan is synonymous with polo. Born in Argentina, he was the youngest ever winner of The US Open, at the tender age of 15-years-old. Nic Roldan has proved his polo prowess, accumulating titles like they’re sweets in a shop. From The C.V. Whitney Cup and The Joe Barry Memorial to The Ylvisaker Cup, he has dominated the American scene for years and more recently, under the wing of La Indiana Captain Michael Bickford, his dominance has spread across the pond to our fair shores. This season will see Nic once again fly the La Indiana flag in the UK high goal season, but in a shake-up to the usual team sheet, he will be accompanied by 10 goal powerhouse Facundo Pieres.

Perhaps these two forces of nature will be the straw to break the Cambiaso camel’s back? We can only wait and see.

What is your biggest passion and why?

My horses for sure, I can’t do what I do or be where I am without my horses – horses are the most important part of the game for sure.

What is your all-time best polo memory?

I don’t have an all-time favourite, there are many, all at different stages of my life and for different reasons and I hope there will be many more.

Who were/are your favourite teammates and why?

I have had tonnes of great teammates beginning with my dad and then starting my career with the Heguy brothers and the Gracida brothers as they taught me the game growing up. I’ve been fortunate enough to play with some of, if not all the best polo players around the world learning from each different experience.

Favourite films?

Step Brothers, Talladega Nights or Wedding Crashers.

Favourite song?

Everglow by Coldplay – I have a very eclectic taste in music and like lots of different things.

Favourite hobby outside of polo?

As a sport and to disconnect, I love to play golf. I really enjoy doing interior design together with mother and renovating houses.

Photograph by George Kamper

96

Polo Times, May 2018

Best holiday destination & activity?

Aspen, Colorado, in the summer or winter.

It has so much to offer from summer grass polo to winter snow polo and arena polo, to all the different sports, great mountain biking, golf, rafting etc.

Favourite food/dish?

In Palm Beach a cheeky PDQ drive-thru on a Monday is a guilty pleasure, but in the UK a tuna jacket potato at Comestibles in Midhurst never fails to hit the spot.

Hardest opponent?

Kris Kampsen! We’ve been playing against and with each other since we were 10-yearsold and are very close friends, but on the field we both seem to see red, yet as soon as the game is over it’s like nothing happened.

Which sports do you like outside of polo? Golf – I’m a big fan. I follow F1 and then I watch (American) football, basketball and ice hockey.

Favourite celebrity and why?

Michael Jordan. He is the perfect role model in every aspect – how he was at the top of his game, how he behaved on and off the court and all he has done since.

Most prized possession?

It’s not really a possession, but I’m passionate about my family and they mean more to me than anything.

Best pony and why?

Open Afgana (Lo Viste x Chihita). I bought her in Argentina at the end of 2017 from Ellerstina, where I played her in the Copa Cámara de Diputados and then shipped her over to Palm Beach in January this year.

She’s super-fast, very agile and handles amazingly. She stops on a dime and is very complete – she has a perfect body type for polo. On top of that she had the most amazing character, very placid and kind.

Are you passionately superstitious?

No, not really, I used to be when I was younger, but as I grew older I grew out of them. I used to eat special things the night before games and wear special socks.

One thing which would surprise us about you?

I’m left handed! I love green tea and have developed my own special blend called ‘Sunset Polo’ together with Tregothnan made of tea grown in Cornwall!

Describe yourself in three words…

Passionate, driven, kind. www.NicRoldan.com www.polotimes.co.uk

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