Polo Times November17

Volume 22 • Issue 10 • November 2017 • £6.50

ADRENALINE IN ARGENTINA Triple Crown Guide & Tortugas Open Report CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Polo Times’ present picks VICTOR LUDORUM FINALE 2017 Results & Winners’ interviews PLUS: FIP World Cup Warm-Up & Brixton Polo Charity Focus

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Contents

Contacts Publisher

What’s inside…

November 2017

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 Editorial & Subscriptions

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42

Sarah Flight office@polotimes.co.uk

Military Polo

Advertising Sales

Women’s Polo

53

Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk

55 55

Advertising & Subscription Sales

59

All Aspects of Youth Polo

63

Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Polo Series Equipment Focus: Bits – Lightening Bit Leaners Vet Insight: Bandages, Boots & Tendon Damage Equipment Focus: How to Properly Fit a Gag Polodoc: Pelvic Injury – Breaking The Ring Performance Horses: Hero Pony to Second String Playing Tips with Rege Ludwig: Open vs Fist

Knowledge

Principal Design James Morgan

64 Tony Ruddy

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

Contributors: Dr Hannah Anderson BS, BVM&S,

MRCVS, Carolina Beresford, Stephen Biddlecombe, Kelly Cochrane, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Dr. Andreas Krüger, Ainsley Polo, Rege Ludwig & ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com

Contact details

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

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© Polo Times Limited 2017 and Database Right 2017 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or

A Round-Up of Women’s Polo 5 minutes with… Olivia Clowes

Youth Polo

Rebecca Hastie sales@hinemarketing.co.uk

Additional Design

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

66 News 6 12

14 16

66 All the Latest News Obituaries: Willie Hancock & John Tylor HPA News FIP Update

Comment 18

Your Views & Social Media

Features 22 24 30 32 34 36

Big Picture Cover Story: Christmas Gift Guide Charity Focus: Ebony Horse Club All Pro Polo League FIP Focus: World Cup Warm-Up Triple Crown Guide

Reports 40 42

70 72 74

Sidelines 76 78

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to know!

Sidelines: Social Pages

Polo Directory 83

What’s On in November?

Final Bell 88

Passions: Max Kirchhoff

Victor Ludorum Finale Cover Story: The Tortugas Open

Club Focus 47

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

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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, November 2017

Cover photograph: Action from the 2017 Tortugas Open Final. By © Eduardo Grunberg/www.imagesofpolo.com

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News from the

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Polo Times, November 2017

Jockey Club Open The Jockey Club Open Final was played on Saturday 16 September between La Dolfina Valiente and Tortugas. It was a battle between top names in polo on La Dolfina’s side versus youth for Tortugas. La Dolfina swiftly asserted their dominance and by half-time held a convincing 10-2 lead. In the second half, Tortugas began to close the gap, however in the end, experience prevailed and La Dolfina Valiente secured a 12-8 win. Adolfo Cambiaso La Dolfina Valiente win the Jockey Club Open and Bob Jornayvaz are no strangers to victory, having won the 2017 US Triple Crown (US Open, USPA Gold Cup & C.V. Whitney Cup Final), whilst this is the seventh consecutive Argentine season Cambiaso, Mac Donough and Nero have played together. This familiarity was displayed on the field and no doubt contributed towards their success.

Jockey Club Open Final Teams: La Dolfina Valiente (31): Bob Jornayvaz (1), Adolfo Cambiaso (10), Pablo Mac Donough (10) & Juan Martín Nero (10) Tortugas (24): Facundo Fernández Llorente (6), Isidro Strada (6), Juan M. Zubía (6) & Jerónimo del Carril (6)

Gladiator Polo In the final Gladiator Polo instalment for 2017, the $50,000 ‘Battle for the Carolinas’ Final, Team Asheville presented by Ingles Markets took a surprising lead against Team Greenville presented by Greenville Turf & Tractor. Team Asheville won 14-10 against their Team Asheville won the $50,000 Battle rivals to clinch the title, after a long fought series. for the Carolinas Team Greenville started strongly against the Team Asheville young guns, but the veteran group were outpaced and couldn’t make the later comeback required. Gladiator Polo will resume in Wellington, Florida, in January 2018 and will feature 13 league games, culminating in a series Final in April. www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by ©TIEC

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The USPA has announced that the US Open will now drop from 26 goals to 22 goals in 2019. There will also be a 17 goal limit on the two highest handicapped players on the team, thus preventing a 10 goal pro competing alongside another 10 goaler, a 9 goaler or an 8 goaler. The decision has sent shockwaves through the polo world, with players like Adolfo Cambiaso and Diego Cavanagh reported to have come out against the proposed change. Cambiaso said, “I don’t think it’s the right decision and it’s not the solution.

[With the 20 goal set to disappear Action from the 2017 US Open, will the handicap decrease see a rise in entires? in January you’re going to have the same problems.” Both players refer to the changes that have been made in Spain and Santa Barbara.] “In Spain they lowered the tournament to 20 goal and they’ve had about the same number of team entries, possibly less. Undoubtedly, this change will cause problems as teams will jump directly to the 22 goal, missing out the 20 goal entirely,” said Cavanagh. As we move forward into the US season, it will be interesting to see the impact of the proposed changes on the level of entries.

In other news from the USA, Tony Coppola has taken over as President of the USPA in recent days whilst Chip Campbell has been newly elected as Chairman. The current acting CEO Bob Puetz will take on the position permanently as of the beginning of the 2018 season.

Photograph by Matias Calléjo

Nick Hine, Publisher

US Open Drops from 26 goal to 22 goal

Photograph by David Lominska

As I write, we are battered by yet another flurry of hurricane force winds and it seems that winter is well on its way.

In the polo world there are also stormy times ahead as it would seem that the polo ‘visa crisis’ rumbles on. The HPA have announced that there is no clear directive yet for 2018. However, frustration and tensions continue to escalate.

At the end of September, Eduardo Novillo Astrada, Chairman of the Argentine Polo Association, published an open letter to the Federation of International Polo. It stated, “The Argentine Polo Association, through its Executive Board, has decided to grant the professional foreign players that would like to practice polo in Argentina a ‘reciprocity’ treatment following international standards adopted by polo associations worldwide”.

Whilst there has been much speculation about what the content of the letter will actually boil down to, it is rumoured this would mean a £3,600 charge for UK professionals wanting to play in Argentina and £1,800 for those playing club tournaments. This is obviously not an ideal scenario whichever way you look at it. Some pros feel that it is a relatively small amount in comparison to a large vets bill for example and are somewhat ambivalent – whilst others are extremely unhappy and have decided not to play competitive polo in Argentina this winter.

Although this conceivably would not have been the desired result that the AAP was hoping for, I believe that Eduardo issued this statement in order to gain a response and clear directive from the HPA in the absence of anything so far. In response, David Woodd has been quoted as finding Eduardo’s words, “Irritating”. Clearly this is not a great situation for the whole Argentine / English polo community. We will keep you posted as things progress as objectively as we can.

For those finding the whole thing somewhat depressing, we hope this issue of Polo Times will fill you with festive cheer as you peruse our Christmas Gift Guide. If a bottle of British Sloe Polo Gin, a La Martina jacket or a feathery wreath from the marvellously named Plucking Fabulous does not raise a smile, then nothing will.

Until next time.

THE HOME & HEART OF ARENA POLO

Principal Photography by Gillian Hughes

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club invites you to play in the: NOVEMBER 2017

JANUARY 2018

Sat 11th - 12th

Arena Challenge Trophy

7-10

Fri 5th - 21st

HPA National Club Championships

4-6 & 13-15

Sat 18th - 19th

The Richmond Trophy

4-6

Sat 27th - 28th

Ladies Tournament

0-4

Sat 18th - 19th

The Metropolitan Trophy

10-12

Tues 30th Jan - 4th Feb

Winter VL Tournament

5-8

Tues 21st Nov - 3rd Dec

HPA National Club Championships

1-3 & 10-12

Wed 31st Jan - 4th Feb

FCT Challenge Trophy

12-15

DECEMBER 2017

FEBRUARY 2018

Tues 5th - 10th

Paul Castle High Goal Challenge

12-15

Tues 13th - 18th

Olin Trophy

7-10

Wed 13th - 17th

Chairman’s Trophy

4-6

Tues 13th - 24th

Arena Gold Cup

13-15

Tues 20th - 25th

Katie Tunn Trophy

4-6

Find out more about the social events across the Winter season at: w. poloclub.uk f. facebook.com/rcbpc t. twitter.com/rcbpoloclub 01344 890060

News Guards Polo Club Groom of the Month

Photograph courtesy Tally Ho Farm

Photograph courtesy of Armis Polo

Robin Spicer spoke to The Discovery Channel about the next generation of Armis Helmet

The Armis Polo Helmet Robin Spicer, the lead designer and founder of Armis Polo, whose helmet design is one of those that has achieved the new HPA standard, spoke to The Discovery Channel about the importance of protection systems in polo helmets and why he believes a change is required.

In Armis Polo’s words, “Modern technology has enabled us to produce helmets that are strong, lightweight and extremely comfortable to wear. The main part of the helmet that protects your head is the protective liner made of highgrade polystyrene, EPS (like microscopic bubble wrap that acts in the same way as the crumple zone on a car), which is in turn protected by a hard carbon fibre shell.” The Armis Polo Helmet also features a one-of-a-kind MIPS system, which has been developed to reduce rotational impact on the brain when receiving an impact from an angle.

Armis Polo has also now introduced a customisation service enabling clients to design their own helmet to their unique design specifications. This service can be taken advantage of at all participating retailers.

Matt Perry’s grooms, Ada Nunez and Kelsey Hamblin were awarded the Guards Polo Club Groom of the Month award

The winners of the September Guards Polo Club Groom of the Month, sponsored

by Tally Ho Farm were announced at Guards Polo Club on Sunday 17 September.

The lucky winners were Matt Perry’s grooms, Ada Nunez and Kelsey Hamblin.

Congratulations to them both!

The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships On 11 – 12 November Arizona’s Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships will be roaring back in action. New for 2017, The Polo Party event will now incorporate a delicious brunch, with pitch-side seating and admission included in the ticket.

Guests will be treated to steak, fried chicken and champagne as well as a plethora of other accompaniments. Brunch tickets start at $80 per person whilst general admission to the event starts at $25 per person. For more information, please visit www.thepoloparty.com

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Polo Times, November 2017

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Official Equestrian Supplier to the England Polo Team

News Lipogems Equine Share A Past Success Story

New Horse Assessment Device For the moment, daily horse care relies principally on visual assessment and gut feeling, which can be very limited. The new Trackener device can be worn by a horse 24 hours a day, seven days a week, enabling owners and carers to access continuous insights on their mobile app at the word go. The device and associated app allow early detection of health problems, but also help improve the horse’s wellbeing thanks to insights during exercise sessions, general behaviour and the onset of anxiety. The Trackener, enclosed in an anti-rub horse bib that can be worn under the rug, gathers data about all the horse’s movement, activity, location and heart rate. For more information and to pre-order, please visit www.trackener.com

Photography courtesy of Trackener

Back to Badminton for this 4* 14-year-old eventer following treatment for a suspensory branch desmitis in the forelimb on 11 May 2016. 12 weeks after treatment this sports horse was back in training which progressed to full work 20 weeks after treatment. Seven months later this horse qualified for Badminton by coming second in a 3* event in Portugal.

Lead Lipogems veterinary surgeon Dr Tim Watson, who was on the course at Badminton, was impressed to see this horse back competing at this level over a demanding new course. For more information on treatments for saving your champion and for a list of accredited equine vets visit www.lipogemsequine.com

The Trackener is available for pre-order now The ultrasound scan pre-treatment showing the injured suspensory tendon tissue

The British Beach Polo Championships Photography courtesy of Lipogems

The post treatment ultrasound scan 12 weeks later showing regeneration of the tissue

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Polo Times, November 2017

Limited edition pre-sale tickets are now on sale for the 2018 British Beach Polo Championships in Sandbanks. The event will take place from 13 – 14 July 2018 and is home to a plethora of exciting activities, from beach polo to beach volleyball to music until the wee hours.

Prices start from £22.50 and for more information or to purchase tickets please visit the website www.sandpolo.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

News Obituary John Tylor 1 July 1942 – 9 September 2017 Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club legend John Tylor passed away on Saturday 9 September whilst shooting in Scotland with close friends. A lifelong polo aficionado, John’s early years were spent riding ponies and shooting rabbits all around their small farm in Iping, Midhurst. His first ventures into polo were through the Pony Club and he would ride the eight mile round trip to Cowdray Park Polo Club from home on his mother’s hunter. Once John started at Eton, polo took a temporary back seat to cricket and boxing.

However, after a degree at Trinity College Dublin, Lord Cowdray assisted and supported his development back into polo in West Sussex. Considered one of the best amateur players of his day John reached 3 goals and played high goal with the Pimm’s team and Jersey Lillies team.

After marrying Heather he moved to Kirtlington in 1975 where he continued his lifelong love of polo by winning the Royal Windsor, Junior County Cup, Holden White and County Cup amongst others.

He was Chairman of the HPA between 1991 and 1995 and was awarded the HPA Lifetime Achievement Award by his peers in

2014 for his outstanding work and commitment to the sport. During his time with the HPA, John took great pride in carrying forward Arthur Lucas’s idea to provide bursaries to young players to travel and play abroad. He also chaired the board at Kirtlington Park Polo Club and it became a large part of his life as he drove its growth into the success it is today. In more recent years, John continued as an HPA Steward and enjoyed many days shooting and fishing in England and Argentina. He will be fondly remembered by all those in the polo fraternity.

Obituary Willie Hancock 31 May 1940 – 10 September 2017 Photograph courtesy of the Hancock family

Willie Hancock passed away on Sunday 10 September with his family by his side. After 20 years of keeping bladder cancer at bay, it finally took control and spread to his bones. The fact that it took 20 years to get the better of him is a testament to his tenacity and joie de vivre.

Born in Staffordshire in 1940, Willie lived an extraordinary life.

Educated at Yarlot and then Stowe, he had a hunger for enterprise and adventure, which he implemented as soon as he was freed from the constraints of school life. Fiercely independent and proud, he set off to make his own way without relying on his father’s wealth to help him.

In 1966 he married Ninanne and together they shared a love for horses, which led to Willie being MFH of the West Shropshire Hunt.

He also enjoyed the thrills of team chasing but his true passion was polo. As a 2 goal patron, he and Ninanne had their Woodhill team and were hugely successful travelling around the country to play all of the major 8 goal tournaments – from Cheshire to Rutland, HPC, Toulston, Tidworth, Taunton, Cowdray, Guards and Cirencester, racking up trophies along the way. He won The Holden White, The Chairman’s Cup, Junior County Cup and the Caterham Cup amongst others. He also ran a successful medium goal team.

A staunch supporter of young players, he chose to play with many up and coming stars: Andrew Hine, Charles Seavill, Tyrone and Charles Beresford – to name just a few. He also enjoyed his years playing with many overseas pros who were always welcomed as part of the family. Polo took Willie around the world, but he particularly enjoyed his time playing in Argentina and Chile.

Playing into his mid 70s, he thought nothing of getting onto youngsters, risking life and limb with passion and an intrinsic competitive nature. Industrious, creative, adventurous, charismatic, dapper, kind, generous, unique – there are many ways to describe Willie, but the most important would be as a family man. His life was his children, Marcus and Abi, and his grandchildren Sebastian, Imogen and Baltasar.

Instantly recognisable by the trilby that always adorned his head, the ‘Man in The Hat’, as he was affectionately referred to, could always be seen pitch-side, proudly supporting Marcus and Sebastian on the field and Abi behind the lens.

In the words of Patrick Fullerton, Steward at Guards Polo Club, “He spoke and joked with me as if I was a King, millionaire or pauper, it didn’t matter to him, always with an outstretched hand in friendship and warmth. He was one of those guys that just had to be present”.

‘The Man in The Hat’ will be missed.

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News New Zealand Open

Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

Photograph courtesy of Olivia Radford PR

For the eighth year running, Veuve Clicquot alongside Nacho Figueras welcomed more than 6,000 guests to Will Rogers State Historic Park to watch the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Los Angeles on Saturday 14 October.

The crowd, consisting of polo enthusiasts with a smattering of famous faces, enjoyed a day of fast-paced polo, picnicking and champagne sipping in support of the event’s longstanding beneficiary, Action from the 2017 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Los Angeles the park itself. Figueras captained Team Veuve Clicquot who took on Team Will Rogers, captained by Sterling Giannico. Team Veuve Clicquot went on to win 11-8 with Figueras being named Most Valuable Player, followed in second place by his wife, and teammate, Delfina Blaquier.

The Polo Classic was founded in New York in 2008 and in Los Angeles in 2010 with Veuve Clicquot’s support. Since then, it has aimed to bring the thrill and glamour of the sport to as many spectators as possible, whilst highlighting a series of important causes.

Action from the 2017 Land Rover NZ Polo Open

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Polo Times, November 2017

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Photograph courtesy of Veuve Clicquot

The date for the 2018 Land Rover NZ Polo Open Final has been announced. The highlight in the nation’s summer sporting calendar will take place in the picturesque Clevedon countryside on Sunday 18 February and will feature New Zealand’s best players as well as professionals and players from around the world. Six teams will be competing for the trophy in the run up to the Final and the day itself will include a Land Rover versus polo pony race, a fashion show, a parade and a plethora of refreshment stalls. The whole day will be filmed by Sky Sport and will be available for live streaming. Tickets are available from www.aucklandpolo.co.nz

HPA News

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

Photograph courtesy of FIP

HPA National Arena Tournaments There will be three HPA National Championship Tournaments held at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club with two at Westcroft Park Polo Club this winter.

• The HPA National Club Championship – (1-3 & 10-12): 21 November – 3 December • The HPA Christmas National Club Championships (Westcroft Park Polo Club) – (5-8): 2 – 16 December • England Test Match (Westcroft Park Polo Club) – (Open): 16 December • The HPA New Year National Club Championships – (13-15 & 4-6): 5 – 21 February • The Arena Gold Cup – (13-15): 24 February 2018

Action from the X FIP Championships qualifying rounds

every other day for the last three weeks. The idea was to get to know each other and try different positions on the field. Henry and Satnam have been playing a lot together this season. We wanted to also give Pete and Josh a few practices with the team. The plan was to play a tournament in Sydney as soon as we arrived so we could get a bit of rhythm and also to adapt to the Australian fields. All the players are very excited and looking forward to representing England.”

Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography

Action from the 2017 Arena Gold Cup

Winter Victor Ludorum The 2018 Winter Victor Ludorum dates will be as follows: • Westcroft Park National Club Championships – (5-8): 2 – 16 December 2017 • Druids Lodge Polo Club – (5-8): 23 – 28 January 2018 • RCBPC – (5-8): 30 January – 4 February 2018 • AEPC (Hickstead) – (5-8): 7 – 11 February 2018 • Rugby Polo Club – (5-8): 20 – 25 February 2018 The XI FIP World Championships, Sydney, Australia From Tuesday 10 October, the FIP England team have been preparing for the upcoming XI FIP World Championships in Sydney, Australia. The tournament will be held at the Sydney Polo Club between 17 – 29 October. The England team will be as follows: England (14): Henry Porter (2), Josh Cork (2), Satnam Dhillon (5 – Captain) & Peter Webb (5) Reserves: Ed Banner-Eve (2), Sam Gairdner (4), Jack Berner (3) & Adolfo Casabal (4) Adolfo Casabal spoke to the HPA about the England FIP team’s preparation to play in Australia, “We have been playing practices

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Polo Times, November 2017

Welfare The HPA Welfare Committee would like to remind all members that they have a responsibility year round for the welfare of their horses.

Please ensure they receive the necessary care this winter and if you have any concerns for pony welfare or queries relating to welfare please contact the HPA on 01367 242828.

Regional Meetings We are looking at holding one day/half-day meetings/seminars in the early part of next season (April/May 2018) to cover umpiring, discipline, welfare, handicapping and any other issues or concerns. Scotland, Toulston and White Rose have already expressed an interest. Please contact the HPA if your club would like to host one. We would like to set dates and locations in the diary as soon as possible.

Upcoming Meeting Dates Cavalry and Guards, 127 Piccadilly: Polo Charity – Wednesday 25 October Cavalry and Guards, 127 Piccadilly: Council Meeting – Monday 11 December Visa Crisis Update During the season, the HPA and others have been heavily involved with the visa issue and the HPA is in the process of trying to address the various concerns with the government, including with the Home Office. This process involves consultations with the various departments and officials involved, and is complex and time consuming. The outcome of such consultations is as of yet uncertain. As we have reported, the Home Office gave an extension for grooms for EEA players only for one season (2017). Thus, as it stands, the new endorsement regime for non-EEA players and grooms is still in place.

www.polotimes.co.uk

FIP News

FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world As I write this we are on a slow countdown to the Opening Ceremony of the XI FIP World Polo Championships on the 21 October.

With the Finals falling on the 29 October at the Sydney Polo Club in Australia, by the time you read this we will probably know which of the eight teams competing will be the new World Polo Champions, a title which they will hold until the next World Championships in Florida in 2019.

The Australian polo community have come together in true Australian sporting spirit and done a remarkable job. Supported by the APF and their Associations around the country, their players have lent over 290 ponies from as far afield as Perth in Western Australia. Currently the FIP Horsemaster Jose Lartirigoyen, Anto White and Jim Gilmore are grading them and I am told that with the quality of the ponies there will be very few Australian horses in the `C’ category (the lowest category) for the Tournament.

This is a great achievement and a tribute to the strength of Australian polo.

The competing national squads will be made up as follows: Zone A Australia: Jack Archibald, Alec White, Jacob Daniels, Daniel O’Leary, Jack Kiely, James Lester, Lachlan Gilmore, George Hill & Alexander Barnet Spain: Pelayo Barazadi, Mario Gòmez, Antonio Ayesa, José Trénor, Jaime Serra & Ricardo Trujillo Argentina: Tomás Panelo, Valentín Novillo Astrada, Ivan Maldonado, Ignacio Bello, Hector Guerrero, Lucio Fernandez Ocampo, Estanislao Grahn & Gernonimo Fanello USA: Jesse Bray, Felipe Viana, Daniel Galindo, Kenneth Wright, Matías González, Cari Scherer, Carlos Arellano II & Wesley Finalyson

Zone B Chile: Pablo Villela, Francisco Martinez, Antonio Eguiguren, Jose Miguel Pereira, Ignacio Vial, Romano Vercellino, Andrés Vial, Jose Ignacio Martinez, Martín Arrau & Agustín Von Unger New Zealand: Glenn Sherriff, Kim Brooks, Guy Higginson, Cody Forsyth, Nick Jeure, Henry Jones, Sam Martin, Jonny Jones, Adam Harvorth & Mark Duncan England: Satnam Dhillon, Henry Porter, Peter Webb, Josh Cork, Ed Banner-Eve, Sam Gairdner, Jack Berner & Adolfo Casabal India: Ravi Rathore, Dhruv Pal Godara, Angad Kalaan, Siddhant Sharma, Padmanabh Singh, Panav Kapur & Uday Kalaan On other fronts congratulations must go to the new Chairman of the USPA, Chip Campbell, who has taken over from Joe Meyer. Joe will now be heading up the USPA International Committee and will remain as the USPA’s representative on FIP’s Executive Committee. Also, congratulations to Bob Puetz who has been confirmed in his post as the new CEO of the USPA. In Iran we understand that the Iranian Polo Federation will shortly

be announcing its new President after the resignation of Dr. Golnar Vakilgilani. We will update readers on this news in due course.

ENGLAND TEAM

Satnam Dhillon (5)

Henry Porter (2)

Peter Webb (5)

Josh Cork (2)

Reserves: Ed Banner-Eve, Sam Gairdner, Jack Berner & Adolfo Casabal

Photograph by Felipe Goga

Fast paced action from the X FIP World Championships in Chile

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Polo Times, November 2017

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THE ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY AT POLO VALLEY SOTOGRANDE

Join us at Polo Valley Sotogrande for world class polo, ponies and coaching, just ten minutes from the beaches and the high goal games. Watch the world’s top players and soak up the sunshine and unique polo buzz for a Summer experience that will keep you coming back for more.

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Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk wL etters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane,

Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN

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This pup is really enjoying his Friday night chill time We follow them to save you the scrolling:

@singaporepoloclub During her time in Singapore for the 2017 BMW Women’s International, the world’s best female polo player Nina Clarkin shared with BBC’s Sharanjit Leyl on what it’s like to play polo as a female. #bbc #womensinternational #bmwwomensinternational #femalepoloplayers #internationalpolo #polo #poloforwomen #ladiespolo #champagne #energy #sports #bbc #news #tv #interview #tvinterview #newsinterview #media #lifestyle #fashion @ ninaclarkin @bbcnews @bbcsport

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Polo Times, November 2017

Proposed charges for British players in Argentina cause concern

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Quick Question Who were the winners of the 18 Goal, 15 Goal, 12 Goal and 8 Goal Victor Ludorum in 2007 and for a bonus point, how many points did they each receive?

A: Turn to page 84 to check your answer.

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POLYTRACK ECOTRACK POLYTRACK A CTIV-TRACK ECOTRACK C LOPF POLYTRACK A CTIV-TRACK ECOTRACK C LOPF ACTIV-TRACK

Property Focus

Property market remains strong The November issue welcomes back a beautiful rural rental property located in the Cotswolds... think open log fires with your nearest and dearest and romantic strolls a stone’s throw from the historic Sudeley Castle. Tucked away in a quintessentially Cotswold village, this property could quite literally have been the location for an all-time Christmas favourite movie, ‘The Holiday’ with Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jack Black. Less than 10 minutes drive from the shopping hub of Cheltenham, book a mid-week, or long weekend away whilst there is still availability.

Speaking with agents, the biggest problem in the Winter months is a lack of properties coming to the market. Equally however, as with the classic car, wine and art market, house hunters are prepared to pay a premium for a quality and sound investment.

Therefore, should you wish to showcase your property in this section, be it equestrian, country or townhouse, please do get in touch for a discrete, and of course confidential, conversation. Alternatively, please speak to your agent who can organise coverage in the magazine on your behalf.

Tel: 01452 730 770/07969 456 214 Email: richard@polotimes.co.uk

PERFECT FOR POLO 3 Vineyard Street is a charming two bedroom Grade II listed Cotswold stone cottage located just 300m from Sudeley Castle Gatehouse, in the ancient AngloSaxon town of Winchcombe.

Following a full, yet sympathetic refurbishment in June 2016, the cottage is full of historic charm combined with country chic, plus the rear garden is just perfect for post-polo BBQs and lazy afternoons lounging on the outdoor sofas.

With Gloucestershire polo clubs such as Cirencester (21 miles), Beaufort (35 miles), Edgeworth (20 miles) and Dallas Burston (39 miles) within easy driving distance and polo pooches more than welcome, 3 Vineyard Street is an ideal country retreat.

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Polo Times, November 2017

Price: £495 per week/ £295 for long weekends Tel: 07792 422209 Email: 3vineyardstreet@gmail.com Web: Owners Direct Property Ref: 6750257

www.polotimes.co.uk

Berkshire A beautifully presented equestrian jewel in Berkshire’s crown Ascot 5 miles, Bracknell 2 miles, Windsor 7 miles, Reading 12 miles, Central London 33 miles 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 receptions rooms, extensive outbuildings. Equestrian facilities with ménage, tack room, stabling, rug room, horse solarium/wash box, hay barn and grooms’ accommodation. Garden, outbuildings and swimming pool. About 5.5 acres.

KnightFrank.co.uk/ASC160121

Knight Frank, Ascot neil.maclean@knightfrank.com +44 1344 588068

the

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Polo Times, November 2017

picture

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Vintage Horsepower NovemberNovemberX On 14 – 16 September, The Wolseley Car Club of Ireland held its 22nd annual NovemberNovemberNovemberX event at Polo Wicklow. 55 pre-war cars, including Alvis, Austin, Bentley, Invicta, Lagonda, Lancia, Lea Francis, Riley, Rolls Royce, Talbot, Vauxhall and, of w NovemberNovemberNovember course, Wolseley, took to the arena in an opportunity to test not only their car skills, but their ball skills as well, for the hotly contested title of Polo Champion!

The quintessentially British Bentley duo topped the score sheet and left the arena with the trophy held aloft, leaving the Riley duo in a close, if not slightly disgruntled second place. w Photograph by Teri Cano

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Polo Times, November 2017

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Feature

Christmas Gifts

We have picked some of our favourite gift ideas, polo and not polo inspired, for your nearest and dearest this Christmas, putting you at the top of the nice list in the run up to the Festive season

Ladies Guards Polo Club bi-colour jacquard jacket from the Royal Box Range, La Martina, £769 www.lamartina.com

For Her Snake print shoulder bag, La Martina, £166.80 www.lamartina.com

The Suffolk Fedora in Olive Green with Pheasant Feather Wrap, Hicks and Brown, £85 www.hicksandbrown.com

Touch Wood Tassel Earrings, Annoushka, £9,500 www.annoushka.com

Churchill at the Gallop, Brough Scott, £25 www.racingpost.com/shop

The Electra in Royal Blue Velvet, Fairfax & Favor, £255 www.fairfaxandfavor.com

8x10 Cock Pheasant Feather Photo Frame, Wingfield Digby, £85 www.wingfielddigby.co.uk

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Polo Times, November 2017

Phone Cover, Hettie, £40 www.hettie.co.uk

Verbier Padded Jacket Black, Holland Cooper, £299 www.hollandcooper.com

Rajastani Decorative Metal Horse, Ibbi Direct, £625 www.ibbidirect.co.uk

Christmas Gifts

Feature

Get Started Set, Tabitha James Kraan, £59 www.tabithajameskraan.com

Moda Leather Boots, £275 www.pampeano.co.uk

Giggile Jacket, Protest, £149 www.protest.eu

The Stanley Jumper, Mistamina, £90 www.mistamina.com

Wreath, Plucking Fabulous, £45 www.pluckingfabulous.co.uk

Velvet Flora Coat, Alice Krait, £195 www.kraitlondon.com

Carmack Pants, Protest, £129.99 www.protest.eu

Hunting Macleod Wash Bag, Harris Tweed, £50 www.britishmuseumshoponline.org

Gold Burghley Bracelet, Sylvia Kerr, £3,990 www.sylviakerrjewellery.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

Paloma Picasso Melody Five Band Ring, Tiffany, £2,800 www.tiffany.co.uk

Alice Leather Handbag, Grays Equestrian, £125 www.tallyhofarm.co.uk

La Caballeria Bespoke Boot, The Spanish Boot Company, £265 www.thespanishbootcompany.co.uk

Polo Times, November 2017

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Feature

Christmas Gifts

For Him

Classic Merino Half-Zip Sweater, Snow Finel, £255 www.snowfinel.co.uk

Pink Shirt, Dundas, £110 www.dundaslondon.com

British Polo Sloe Gin, £39.99 www.britishpologin.co.uk

Empresa Leather Briefcase, £285 www.pampeano.co.uk

Oliver Brown for Royal Ascot Tie, Oliver Brown, £65 www.oliverbrown.org.uk

Finding My Virginity by Richard Branson, £25 www.penguinrandomhouse.co.uk Traditional Shaving Bowl and Travel Brush, Dr Harris, £75 www.britishmuseumshoponline.org

Berkeley Fleece, Schöffel, £159.95 www.schöffel.com

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Polo Times, November 2017

Hurlingham Croquet Set, Wood Mallets Ltd, £265 www.woodmallets.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

Christmas Gifts

Feature

Stag Glass Tumbler, English Pewter Company, £27 www.britishmuseumshoponline.org

Half-Day Experience, Polo Experiences, £145 www.poloexperiences.com

Mount Jacket, Protest, £179 www.protest.eu

Leather Drinks Case, Life of Riley, £695 www.lifeofrileyonline.co.uk

Selfridges Exclusive Hardy Amies Burgundy Velvet Jacket, Selfridges, £500 www.selfridges.com

Tartan Printed Tee, La Martina, £139 www.lamartina.com

G Oweny Pants, Protest, £79.99 www.protest.eu

Personalised Polo Silhouette, Atlas & I, from £55 www.atlas-and-i.com

HP Active Men’s Ultra Light Gilet £130 www.hurlinghampolo1875.com

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Pair of Political Playing Cards, Oliver Preston, £12 www.oliverpreston.com

Polo Times, November 2017

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Feature

Christmas Gifts

For Everyone

10 x Christmas Cards, Brooke, £4.25 per pack www.thebrookeshop.org

Polo Times gift subscription, 11 issues from £65 www.polotimes.co.uk/01452 730770

British Polo Gin, £39.99 www.britishpologin.co.uk Silver Decorated Tea Bag Box, SATS, £55 www.satsfaction.com Personalised Polo Boot Bag, The English Room, £86 www.theenglishroom.com

Commissioned Pastel Portrait, Imogen Man, POA www.imogenman.co.uk

No32 Simply Matcha Green Tea, The Tea Leaf Company, £4.99 www.thetealeafcompany.co.uk

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Polo Times, November 2017

Edition Polo Helmet, Charles Owen, £295 www.tallyhofarm.co.uk

www.polotimes.co.uk

Feature

Christmas Gifts

Oakley Jawbreaker with Pink Lens, RJ Polo, £210 www.rjpolo.com

10 x Polo Correspondence Cards, Armorial Paris, £48 www.armorial.fr/en/

Large Polo Chalkboard, Melissa Hillman, £25 melissahillman@btinternet.com

Hand Sliced Smoked Salmon, UIG Lodge, £19.99 www.uiglodge.co.uk

Ankole Cattle Horns, East African Trading Company, £350 www.eastafricantrading.co.uk

Shetland Wool Luxury Waxed Dog Coat, from £52.99 www.teddymaximus.com The Pol gazine

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The Polo Magazine

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Macwest Gloves, RJ Polo, £30 www.rjpolo.com

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The Polo Magazine gift subscription, four issues from £30 www.thepolomagazine.com/01452 730770

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Polo Times, November 2017

29

Feature

Ebony Horse Club Charity fundraising at HPC

Kelsey, from Ebony Horse Club, goes for goal

H

The team, all regular riders at Ebony Horse Club, honed their skills over the summer with help from polo coach Mikey Goodwill. The youngsters faced off against a team of Ebony Horse Club staff and volunteers, also all polo novices. Cheering them on was pint-sized Pedro the Shetland pony, who came out of retirement especially for the event. ITV broadcaster and Ebony

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

PC, The London Polo Club hosted an unusual day of polo on Saturday 23 September to raise funds for Ebony Horse Club in Brixton. The charity day featured a match between established teams Vendetta and the University of London, but also the debut of a team of youngsters from one of the country’s most deprived areas.

The Charity Match teams stand proudly with their rosettes, presented by ITV’s Ronke Phillips

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Polo Times, November 2017

Horse Club Patron Ronke Phillips was on hand to throw in the first ball.

Khadijah, 16, from Brixton commented, “Polo is a team sport, which is different to other riding we’ve done, like dressage.

You’re working together and there’s one aim – to score goals!”

After two action-packed chukkas, the final score was 2-1 to the staff and volunteers’ team. Grace, 14 from Brixton, playing at number one, said, “Where I live, people don’t really know about horses, let alone polo. So it was amazing to be able to play. I’d love to do it again!”

Following the charity match, two teams of polo regulars took to the field in an exhibition match as Garrie Renucci’s Vendetta took on the University of London team. The long-standing rivals engaged in a fast-paced match that produced a final score of 5-4 in Vendetta’s favour. The event organiser, and University of London Polo Club’s President, Natascha Hedegaard said, “Thank you to all who watched and supported such a deserving charity. We hope to see many of you at the rematch next year!

The event not only gave Ebony Horse Club members a taste of polo, it also raised thousands for the Brixton charity. Sue www.polotimes.co.uk

Charity Focus

Feature

Pint-sized Pedro the pony cheers on the Ebony teams!

Collins, Chair of Trustees said, “2017 marks Ebony Horse Club’s 21st year, so it was the perfect time to launch this new fundraising event and we hope to make this a regular summer fixture. It’s been a thoroughly enjoyable day for spectators and players alike and every penny we raised today helps young people to build better futures.” The annual event is due to take place in September next year, once again shining a light on the extremely worthy charity.

To find out more about Ebony Horse Club please visit www.ebonyhorseclub.co.uk Ebony Horse Club uses horses to raise the education and life skills, well-being and aspirations of young people growing up in some of the most disadvantaged communities in South London. ITV’s Ronke Phillips, Patron of Ebony Horse Club says, “As a crime correspondent, I see how things can go wrong in a community. It’s why, 12 years ago, I became a patron of Ebony Horse Club.”

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Vendetta and University of London teams with Ronke Phillips

The Charity Match Teams: Ebony: Khadijah Mellah, Abdus Mellah, Grace Mpungi, Kelsey Powell & Mikael Muhammad Volunteers: Naomi Howgate, Kim Lomax, Heather Penney & Cory Adams The Vendetta vs UoL Match Teams: University of London (0): Mame-Yaa Bonsu (-2), Sufi Haroon (0), Natascha Hedegaard (-1) & Juan Cruz Martelli (3) Vendetta (-1): Garrie Renucci (-2), Marco Vignali (-2), Stephen O’Kane (-1) & Ali Paterson (4)

Polo Times, November 2017

31

Feature

All Pro Polo League

All Pro

Polo League The world’s 10 goalers head-to-head

Carolina Beresford

T

reports from Buenos Aires

hose avid subscribers who read all about the All Pro Polo League (APPL) in the October issue of Polo Times will be completely au fait with Javier Tanoira’s creation, but for those who haven’t had the pleasure, you really need to get with the ‘polo times’. Over the past two years, the League has hosted tournaments around Europe, the United States and South America, with the objective of presenting a different type of polo to the one we have grown accustomed to.

The APPL has done away with the messy throw-ins, the blocking, the time wasting and the tapping. No more does a shrill whistle fill the air. In fact, most APPL matches average only one foul per game. How? Through a set of new rules that encourage fast, open polo.

Fouls are only blown on dangerous plays, and anything that slows the game down is penalised.

This year has been pivotal for the APPL. After a successful tournament at Wellington’s International Polo Club (IPC), the League travelled to Europe to host matches in France, England and Spain. The first major breakthrough came in August in Sotogrande, when two 10 goalers participated in the League for the first time. The support of

Facundo Pieres and Pablo Mac Donough validated Javier Tanoira’s vision and their response led the way for the next crucial development – action from the Argentine Polo Association (AAP). In September, the AAP announced a set of new rules to be trialled throughout the Argentine spring season. Many of these rules directly reflect those enforced by the APPL, such as the elimination of the throw-in after the ball goes over the boards. Tanoira’s intention has never been to change all the rules of polo, but rather to start a conversation on the structure of the game. The changes put in place by the AAP prove that this crucial dialogue has begun.

The All Pro Polo League has made its mark and the conversation is about to become a celebration – a demonstration of what polo could look like in the future.

On 1 November, all eight 10 goal players will take to the field at Pilarchico Polo Club to play a match with the complete set of APPL rules. Adolfo Cambiaso, David ‘Pelón’ Stirling, Pablo Mac Donough, Juan Martín Nero, Facundo Pieres, Gonzalito Pieres, Nicolàs Pieres and Hilario Ulloa have all voiced their support of the League and have agreed to participate in what will be an historic 40 goal match.

Facundo Pieres is an exponent of the APPL Series. He can be seen here playing in the APPL in Sotogrande

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Polo Times, November 2017

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Feature

Photography courtesy of the APPL

All Pro Polo League

Pablo Mac Donough has been part of the team spearheading the APPL Series around the world, from Spain to Argentina

“It’s a great development and it comes at the perfect time,” says Tanoira. “All eight 10 goal players have agreed to be a part of the APPL because they see the potential it has and that is the most important thing. The players have realised that the only way to create a spectacle, or to transform polo into a spectator sport, is to get good players to play among themselves and that is what we are trying to do. This is a unique opportunity for us and a real privilege, as we will be able to try our rules out on the best players in the world.

But, the real validation of what we are doing comes from them wanting to be involved and committing to play a serious match.”

Ellerstina frontman Facundo Pieres was quick to voice his support. “My experience with the APPL in Spain was very positive.

The League has a lot of interesting aspects and I particularly like the focus on not losing rhythm. There is never a moment of ‘dead time’ – the game never stops and that is fundamental for what we are trying to achieve in polo. I see a lot of potential in the League and hopefully polo as a whole will turn towards this direction in a few years.

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I don’t think we will end up playing with all of these rules, because there are a lot of changes, but I think there are a few which could permanently make their way into the game. Players will have to adapt and as a result polo will be more fun to play, more dynamic, more entertaining for spectators and simpler to understand. The game will be a great experience and very positive for polo as a whole.”

Polo is at a crossroads and the APPL presents one possible way of moving forward. “Change is needed,” says La Dolfina’s Pablo Mac Donough. “Anything that makes polo more dynamic, easier to commercialise and improves the spectacle as a whole is great and should be supported by everyone. We then have to decide which changes are best.” Indeed, the APPL rules are not set in stone. After the high goal match played in Sotogrande, Tanoira sat down with players like Pieres and Mac Donough to see how the game could be improved further.

Tanoira listened and as a result, introduced a new rule into the League – after a goal is scored, the defending player resumes the

game with a hit in from the back line (ends don’t change). After this 40 goal match, it is likely that the rules will evolve further following feedback from the 10 goalers and spectators. In fact, this is Tanoira’s plan – to keep polishing the rules so that the end product reflects polo in its purest form.

The APPL is set to feature prominently in the Argentine spring season, with the first official AAP tournament with APPL rules taking place just prior to the big 40 goal exhibition match. The All Pro Polo League Argentina, which sees the best upand-coming young players go head-to-head, will also be held at Pilarchico Polo Club throughout November. From then on, the League will follow the main polo circuit across the world, in a bid to professionalise the sport. With the support of the world’s major polo associations and the best players in the game, the APPL has nothing left to prove. The speed and skill and sportsmanship of the game we fell in love with will return – it’s just a question of when.

Polo Times, November 2017

33

Feature

FIP Groom’s Focus

World Cup Warm-Up W A Groom’s Perspective

ith the XI FIP World Polo Championships being played in Sydney between 21 – 29 October, there is a huge amount of pre-event preparation going on behind the scenes. Jess Rea, Newcastle University Polo Club alumni turned polo groom for Malcolm Pursehouse down under, spoke to Polo Times from a groom’s perspective of the World Cup warm-up.

Miles ridden on set, uncountable metres of tape used on tails and of course the endless hours spent grooming, bathing and clipping.

This is the life of a groom. As many of you know, we very rarely get to watch the game, though we may catch a minute here and there. We have the length of a chukka to strip and water one horse, possibly tack up and warm up another. And if you have a half chukka horses, well you can really get yourself in a tizz. The adrenaline back at the pony lines is just as high as on the field.

Grooms are the cogs that keep the wheels turning. Behind the scenes of the polo world, grooms work incredibly hard to keep everything on track.

As Sydney prepares for the upcoming World Polo Championships, to be hosted at Sydney Polo Club, behind the scenes it is all systems go as grooms and ponies prepare for the upcoming competition.

My name is Jess and I have been working with a team of ponies as they train for the World Cup. They emerged from their winter break rather hairy and it took a month’s worth of light, to medium, to full work to get them ready for play. After a few weekends of country polo, they were ready for the big move to Sydney. A five hour trip took its toll, stopping for plenty of checks and water along the way, the ponies finally arrived in their home for the next six weeks at Arunga Polo Club.

The tournaments played in the weeks around the World Cup will keep the ponies match fit and ready for the world class 14 goal play they will face over the championship.

The ponies will be divided equally across eight international teams, with thirty horses placed into each pool. They are assessed on their play and ability and will be spread across the pools evenly. They are also branded with a number on their hooves, so teams can keep track of their ponies.

Grooms are continually advised on how best to keep their horses fit and sound before they head into the big competition. The 14 goal game may be testing for some of them, but it is sure to also bring out the best of their talent also.

Over 260 ponies will finally find a place in the polo clubs on the outskirts of Sydney. Richmond and Windsor are the hub of Australian Polo, and the World Cup organisers have made absolutely sure that there is plenty on offer for players, grooms and the public alike. Grooms are encouraged to get as involved as possible, with weekly updates from organisers offering accommodation in the Athlete’s Village amongst other offers.

We look forward to our horses finding their teams and getting stuck into practice before the World Cup kicks off on 21 October. Although the weeks will be hectic and chaotic for us, the competition will showcase the best Australian polo has to offer and will also put our hard work on centre stage.

Daily Routine

Match day 7am: Feed 8am: Light work 15mins on exercise track 1-2 hours before game pony prep includes bandaging, tail plaiting, tacking up, finishing touches Post game care includes ice boots and clay poultice to protect the ponies’ legs from injury 6pm: Rug up and evening feed Everyday 7am: Morning feed 8am: Set working at least 10 horses for approximately 30mins 9am: Bathing 12noon: Lunch hay 1pm: Stick and ball/schooling 3pm: Tack cleaning and tidy horses, i.e clipping manes and tails etc.

6pm: Rug and evening feed Article author Jess Rea on sets

Legend in both name and character

Legend

Unfortunately during the preparations, Legend, one of the horses earmarked for the World Cup pool passed away due to a very rare form of colic. It was a sad loss for the team, especially as he would have been amazing in the World Cup. 34

Polo Times, November 2017

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What about playing polo in Switzerland ?

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.

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

Feature

Argentine High Goal Round-Up

Argentine High Goal Guide Katie Vickery

reports from Argentina

2

The Argentine season is upon us once again and with The Tortugas Open over (for the full match report turn to page 42) and The Hurlingham Open underway we take you through the tournaments, the teams and the ones to keep your eye on during the season

017 has been a year of change for the Argentine Polo season.

A new President in the form of long time and well respected player Eduardo Novillo Astrada has brought new rules, new tournament formats and new ideas to the biggest and highest level season of the high goal circuit. The greatest impact these new rules have had is to include an extra two teams in the Hurlingham and Argentine Opens, bumping the numbers up to an all-time high of 10 teams including the two that qualify to play from the Classification Tournament.

Three major tournaments make up the Argentine 40 goal season – the only season in the world where perfect 40 goals teams are possible. The first major tournament of the season is The Tortugas Open, played with six teams, and this year was won, for the fifth consecutive year, by La Dolfina. While this tournament takes place, four teams battle in the Classification Tournament. In previous years they would have been battling for the two remaining places in the Hurlingham and Argentine Opens, however this year all four qualified automatically, thanks to the format change, and they were playing to determine their placings and therefore their zones.

With these 10 teams decided it is on to the two biggest and highest level tournaments in the world, The Hurlingham Open and the most prestigious of them all The Argentine Open, played on the sacred Palermo fields in the middle of the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires.

While for the last decade it has been predominantly rivals Ellerstina and La Dolfina in the Finals, this takes nothing away from the teams that are playing the zone stages. The level is incredible, the speed unbelievable and the talent and horsepower truly enviable as the best players in the world play each other throughout October, November and December in fast paced and furious matches. This year the biggest event in polo, the Final of the Argentine Open, takes place in early December and will be the culmination of three months of hardcore, high goal polo. Saturday 2 December should be a ‘not to miss’ date in all polo lovers calendars as the leaders of the top 10 teams in the world come together to play the most highly attended and anticipated Final of the year.

So here is your guide to who’s who and who to look out for, as you follow the finest players in Argentina (and even a few from elsewhere in the world this year) through the toughest polo challenges out there.

The Tortugas Open

The Hurlingham Open

The Argentine Open

Where: Tortugas Country Club & Palermo, Buenos Aires When: 19 September – 7 October What: Open Ranking: World Polo Tour (WPT) Masters WPT Points: Winner – 100, Finalist – 50, Semifinalist – 0, Players – 25

Where: Hurlingham Club When: 10 – 28 October What: Open Ranking: World Polo Tour (WPT) Masters WPT Points: Winner – 200, Finalist – 100, Semifinalist – 70, Players – 50

Where: Palermo, Buenos Aires When: 4 November – 2 December What: Open Ranking: World Polo Tour (WPT) Masters WPT Points: Winner – 300, Finalist – 150, Semifinalist – 100, Players – 70

The Tortugas Open is the first rung on The Triple Crown ladder. This year, there was some uncertainty over the Final venue, with the Final ultimately decided to be played at Palermo.

For a full report on The Tortugas Open, which took place on Saturday 7 October, turn to page 42.

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Polo Times, November 2017

The Hurlingham Club is the birthplace of Argentine polo and hosts the second most important tournament in the Argentine high goal calendar – The Hurlingham Open. This tournament is the second stage of The Triple Crown as well as a prestigious title in its own right.

As the most sought after title in the Argentine season and the cherry on The Triple Crown cake, everything culminates in the long awaited Final of the 124th Argentine Open Championship, with the best of the best battling it out to take the title.

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Argentine High Goal Round-Up

LA DOLFINA

As ever, La Dolfina reign supreme. Although they were unable to lock down their fourth consecutive Triple Crown last year, pipped to the post in The Hurlingham Open by their toughest rivals Ellerstina, they still took away two of the titles and are by no means on the down.

Very much the contrary, as they took home their fifth consecutive Tortugas Open title on Saturday 7 October after beating Ellerstina 12-5. This fearsome foursome have played together for the last six years and their chemistry and team symbiosis is almost otherworldly.

They play as one body, very rarely making any errors and proving time and time again to be the perfect combination of defence and attack.

The only 40 goal line-up in the tournament and with world number one Adolfo Cambiaso at the helm, you don’t get much closer to polo perfection than this power combination of players. Watch and learn!

Feature

ELLERSTINA

For the third consecutive year, Ellerstina counts four Pieres boys in its line-up. This combination has proven to be the only team able to nip at the heels of the dominant La Dolfina quartet and last year proved victorious in The Hurlingham Open. So, we know they can do it, but they cannot afford to have a single off day if they are to triumph over their rivals. A slight reshuffling of handicaps sees youngest Pieres brother Nicolás go up to the heady heights of the 10 goalers, while cousin Polito is back down to 9 after a year at 10. The Ellerstina organisation is one of the largest and most sought after polo breeding set-ups in the world and horsepower at its finest is on display throughout the Triple Crown. Will this year be the year for them to assert their dominance and finally topple the La Dolfina organisation?

1 Adolfo Cambiaso 10

1 Facundo Pieres 10

2 David ‘Pelón’ Stirling 10

2 Pablo ‘Polito’ Pieres 9

3 Pablo Mac Donough 10

3 Gonzalito Pieres 10

4 Juan Martin Nero 10

4 Nicolás Pieres 10

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One To Watch: David ‘Pelón’ Stirling

One To Watch: Nicolás Pieres

ALEGRÍA

LA AGUADA LAS MONJITAS

Last year’s Argentine Open Most Valuable Player David ‘Pelón’ Stirling has earned his place as the one to watch this year. While it is hard to drag ones eyes away from the mesmerising moves of Adolfo Cambiaso, it is certainly worth it as behind him, working tirelessly, is the Uruguayan 10 goaler most commonly known as Pelón. His stickwork is flawless and he reads the game and his teammates seamlessly, always in the right place and the right time to receive or send out a deadly accurate pass. Although his goal scoring was not as high as Cambiaso’s (38 field goals in the 2016 Triple Crown to Cambiaso’s 52) he can certainly claim a huge hand in every victory La Dolfina have claimed so far and will form a vital part of the line-up this year as they move in to the second stage of the Triple Crown.

Alegría is a crowd favourite, one of the most enjoyable teams to watch, made up of young, powerful and most of all hungry players, eager to show their worth and play with the heavyweights. This year’s line-up sees the wonderboy of Washington, Facundo Sola, join the ranks of the boys in pink and this addition will lend even more flair to an expressive and talented team. With the solid play of Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset and Fred Mannix combined with the talent and pizzazz of the powerhouse number 1 Hilario Ulloa and the quick thinking Facundo Sola, this is most certainly a team to watch. Just missing out on a spot in the Tortugas Final, Alegría have everything they need to get to the top and if they can keep the pressure at bay their style could be what mixes up a hitherto predictable season. Watch this space!

1 Hilario Ulloa 10 2 Facundo Sola 8 3 Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset 9 4 Fred Mannix 8 35

One To Watch: Facu Sola

Facundo Sola has grown massively as a player as well as in popularity over the last few years and this big move from his hometeam Washington to join the Alegría side is a testament to this. Most comfortable in a forward running position due to his talent with the ball, his biggest strengths are his attacking style of play and his accuracy in front of the goal, last year achieving a field goal accuracy of 67.5 percent – the highest out of all 40 players with 27 goals made out of 40 shots. He will be bringing something new to this team and it will be great to see how he develops playing with some of the world’s biggest polo powerhouses. www.polotimes.co.uk

The youngest of the three Pieres brothers ‘Nico’, is the newest member of the prestigious family to join the heights of 10 goal stardom and it is a well-deserved move. Although only at 8 in the UK, Argentina has recognised his potential after a stellar season last year saw him joining his brothers in impressing the crowds. He changed position from 2015 and started to play at back last year, a change which clearly suited him and has enabled him to go from strength to strength, his defensive skills and huge backhands are a major asset to the Ellerstina boys.

An injury upset has ruffled the feathers of this team, with brother Eduardo Novillo Astrada out for Alfredo Bigatti in The Tortugas Open. The young 6 goaler filled the spot admirably throughout the tournament, but an unfortunate fall saw him replaced by Juan Britos as the Hurlingham Open got underway. We wait to see if brother Eduardo will take his place alongside his brothers on the field for any of The Triple Crown matches, but for now we look forward to seeing what the young and upcoming Britos has to offer. La Aguada is a very well respected name in Argentina and has formed part of the high goal scene for many years and if they are missing a little bit of that spark that could put them back on top (in 2003 they became the first all brother team in history to win the Triple Crown), they make up for it in disciplined play, determination and a solid organisation.

1 Alejandro Novillo Astrada 8 2 Juan Britos

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3 Miguel Novillo Astrada 8 4 Ignacio Novillo Astrada 8 31

One To Watch: Miguel Novillo Astrada

This is one of the most evenly spread teams out there, not only in terms of handicap but also in terms of what they bring to the team. The second eldest of the brothers Miguel is the playmaker and works effortlessly with his brothers to control the team and the play, feeding the ball forwards to his more attacking teammates. He is a clean, neat player and scores solidly alongside his brothers.

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Feature

Argentine High Goal Round-Up

LA IRENITA

La Irenita played Tortugas with the same line-up as they debuted in last year’s Hurlingham and Argentine Opens, but they suffered a loss when the experienced leader of the team Matias Mac Donough, brother of La Dolfina 10 goaler Pablo, suffered a fall in a 20 goal which sees him out for the season. He has been replaced b Guillermo “Temy” Willington, making this a young and new combination. This year taking on The Triple Crown in its entirety, they will hope to achieve the same success, having just missed out on a Semi Final spot to Alegría in The Argentine Open. Matias Mac Donough will surely lend his experience to the younger team from the sidelines and it will be interesting to see how this last minute change affects the line up and the dynamic of the team.

CRÍA YATAY

Cría Yatay took the Argentine season by storm last year, destroying the competition in the Classification Tournament to work their way through the ranks to do battle in the Semi Finals of The Argentine Open. The little team that could, proved that there can still be some surprises in the Argentine season, even if they didn’t make it over that final hurdle. Another young and upcoming team, these four players proved to be a recipe for success, combining together to play stylish and punchy polo and playing for the spectators in some explosive manoeuvres that surprised the opposing teams as much as they did the appreciative audience. While last year Guillermo Terrera stepped in for the injured Zubiaurre, this year Zubiaurre takes his rightful place and it will be interesting to see how the team dynamic changes.

1 Juan Ruiz Guiñazú 8

1 Valerio Zubiaurre Jr 7

2 Juan Gris Zavaleta 8

2 Christian ‘Magoo’ Laprida 8

3 Guillermo Willington 7

3 Joaquin Pittaluga 8

4 Clemente Zavaleta 7

4 Ignacio ‘Iñaki’ Laprida 8

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One To Watch: Juan Ruiz Guiñazu

One To Watch: Ignacio ‘Iñaki’ Laprida

LA ALBERTINA ABU DHABI

LA DOLFINA POLO RANCH

More commonly known as Tito, Juan Ruiz Guiñazu is a great player to watch. A strong forward player, he is a big goal scorer for his team not only from the field, where he scored 21 times in last year’s Classification, Hurlingham and Argentine Opens, but also from the penalty line, an unusual trait for a forward. Sharing the penalties with back Matias Mac Donough, he scored 17 out of 22. He always gives 100 percent on the field and is a dynamic forward running player.

This is a new name to the Argentine season and an interesting line-up. With each player talented in their own right, they bring something new to the table. The Toccalino brothers played last year together on the El Paraiso side and bring a solid core to the team.

Capella is a big gun, best at back to make the most of his huge hit and impressive backhands. The well-balanced combination of the four players should make for a strong side. Although new line-ups often suffer against the more tried and tested teams, this team may have the power to surprise.

While last year’s One To Watch Joaquin Pittaluga did not disappoint and is certainly worth keeping an eye on again this year, Cría Yatay’s back Iñaki has much to add to the team that surprised everyone last year. A disciplined yet punchy defensive player, Iñaki also runs the ball for his team. He is an impenetrable defensive resource at the back, spending a huge amount of his time on the field turning the direction of the play, having played the most amount of backhands throughout The Triple Crown at 205.

This might be a new line-up to the Argentine season, but these players have been friends and teammates for many years, playing together through the La Dolfina organisation. It will be interesting to see how they perform now with the world watching and the level raised to 40 goals. Mounted by one of the biggest organisations in the world, they should certainly have no issue competing on horsepower and if they can find themselves a leader amongst the four talented players they have a good shot at competing with this new line-up.

The new tournament format has given them a chance to play and we look forward to seeing what they do with this opportunity.

1 Francisco Elizalde 8

1 Diego Cavanagh 7

2 Ignacio Toccalino 8

2 Guillermo Terrera 8

3 Santiago Toccalino 8

3 Alejandro Taranco 7

4 Alfredo Capella Barabucci 8

4 Ignatius Du Plessis 8

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One To Watch: Santiago Toccalino

Another very strong player to watch is Santi Toccalino who combines well with his elder brother Ignacio. Not a big goal scorer his strengths definitely lie in creating a final hurdle for any aspiring attacker and this he does with a relaxed, but disciplined style, making it difficult for opposition to break through. He is strong on the man and his backhands are long, powerful and reliable, easily changing the direction of play towards his teammates as they run forward.

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One To Watch: Diego Cavanagh

A very busy year sees Diego Cavanagh arrive to Argentina ready for the challenge that is the 40 goal season, especially facing this challenge with a new team. He has led teams in Wellington, the UK and Colorado throughout the year and his clever thinking and lightening quick reactions make him an interesting player to follow on the field. He will have to take the reins (the metaphorical ones as well as the physical) and lead this team from the front where he is playing number 1 as he was last year for the Washington line-up. This is a change from the number 3 position he tends to play elsewhere.

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Argentine High Goal Round-Up

CHAPALEUFÚ

Feature

LA ESQUINA LOS MACHITOS

‘Chapa’ has formed part of The Triple Crown roster for many years and is a familiar name, with scores of Heguy fathers, sons and brothers writ across the scoreboards. This year sees brothers Alberto ‘Pepe’ Heguy and Eduardo ‘Ruso’ Heguy combine their years of polo experience with the young talents that they have been mentoring, Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario (who played last year for Washington) and Julian ‘Negro’ de Lusarreta, the talented young gun who took the high goal by storm in 2016. This year is his first year playing the Argentine high goal season, but he has plenty of support from his Heguy mentors and he may well be able to offer the fresh look that this team needs to bring it back to greatness.

This is a very interesting line-up, combining the lowest handicapped player of the roster – the Spanish Pascual Sainz de Vicuña at 6 goals, with one of the world’s most respected and experienced players Mariano Aguerre. Finishing the line-up are the two Rodrigos, Andrade and Rueda, both Argentine season stalwarts, if not as experienced in The Triple Crown as some of the other players.

The combination should make for interesting watching if they can synchronise well and play to each other’s strengths.

1 Alberto Heguy Jr 7

1 Pascual Sainz de Vicuña 6

2 Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario 8

2 Rodrigo Andrade 8

3 Julian de Lusarreta 7

3 Mariano Aguerre 8

4 Eduardo Heguy 8

4 Rodrigo Rueda Jr 7

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One To Watch: Julian ‘Negro’ de Lusarreta

Julian de Lusarreta hit the bigtime in high goal polo after a huge high goal debut in 2016 saw him win The US Open and reach the finals of both The Queen’s and Gold Cups. Since then he has proven time and time again to be an awesome player to watch, with his skill and horsemanship placing him way above his handicap. This is his first year playing in The Triple Crown tournaments, but he has yet to fail to be up to a challenge. A very disciplined player, he goes in to each play 100 percent and is as solid on the man as he is with the ball. His debut in The Hurlingham Open has already seen him score two huge goals from way outside the 60 yards and knowing that this is not unusual for him, we look forward to seeing what more this young, fresh and passionate will bring to the table.

Richmonds Horse player Transport.qxd:Layout 1 3/3/10 10:10

One To Watch: Mariano Aguerre

With years of experience playing at the highest level of polo, ex-10 goaler Mariano Aguerre is the one to watch on this team. Playing a clever game, he is a tactical thinker, always several steps ahead of the play and reading the game with ease. He is a pleasure to watch as he leads his team from the middle of the field and as a mentor to many, he is exactly the right player to be leading this young team in their first Argentine 40 goal season.

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Reports

Victor Ludorum Finale

Victor Ludorum Finale All good things come to an end

2017 VICTOR LUDORUM RESULTS FINAL 18 GOAL RESULTS 1st = Park Place – 280 points Andrey Borodin (0), Alfredo Bigatti (6), Juan Britos (6) & Chris Mackenzie (6) 2nd = Marchfield – 150 points 3rd = Cortium – 130 points FINAL 15 GOAL RESULTS 1st = Armis Snake Bite – 180 points Max Kirchhoff (0), James Harper (6), James Beim (6) & Tom Beim (3 – substituting for David Ashby) 2nd = Emlor C – 130 points 3rd = Apes Hill – 120 points FINAL 12 GOAL RESULTS 1st = Foxcote – 300 points Darko Horvat (-1), Tom Beim (3), Ollie Cudmore (5) & Jacinto Crotto (5) Joint 2nd = Beaufort Black Hound & Emlor C – 200 points FINAL 8 GOAL RESULTS 1st = Limitless/Silvertown – 300 points Olivia Clowes (-1), Jake Rigby (0), Mikey Henderson (4) & Matias Amaya (5) 2nd = Snake Bite – 270 points 3rd = Strategic Help for Heroes – 200 points FINAL 6 GOAL RESULTS 1st = Thompson Local – 320 points Benjie Bradshaw (-1), Phil Seller (2), John Martin (2) & David Ashby (3) 2nd = Maiz Dulce – 200 points 3rd = Sefton Lodge Racing – 165 points

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s the summer drew in, the leaves began to fall and leaving the house without a jumper and Mackintosh seemed sheer madness, the last Victor Ludorum tournament concluded at Cowdray Park Polo Club. Gardenvale clinched The Autumn Cup title from rivals CPG in a fierce match of wills, but unfortunately for them, it wasn’t enough to win the overall 12 Goal title. This honour went to The Dollar Cup winning Foxcote, who trumped their nearest rivals by a whopping 100 points. This season has been a resounding success for some of the top teams in the country.

In the 18 Goal, Park Place eclipsed their closest rivals by the largest margin of the year, 130 points, winning both the Cirencester Park 18 Goal and the Challenge Trophy. Max Kirchhoff ’s winning Armis Snake Bite had another fruitful season, this time taking the home the 15 Goal Series. Foxcote beat their closest competitors Beaufort Black Hound and Emlor C to hold aloft the 12 Goal Series trophy whilst Limitless/Silvertown, new to the Victor Ludorum Series, rode to victory at Beaufort for the 8 Goal win. And, the most well attended series, the 6 Goal, was ably won by Benjie Bradshaw’s Thompson Local. The lucky top title team winners will all receive their series trophies at the 2018 annual Polo Awards at Guards Polo Club in May 2018.

12 Goal Victor Ludorum Cowdray Park Polo Club – Autumn Cup Final – Sunday 24 September Number of teams: 7 Winners: Gardenvale Points: 90 Cowdray Park’s polo season came to an end with the Final of the Autumn Cup. Sally Turner’s CPG team and Shane Finemore’s Gardenvale made it through the qualifying stages to the Final with Finemore’s 11 goal

side receiving a half goal advantage on the scoreboard to start the match.

Gardenvale took the lead early on with a 30 yard penalty put through the posts by Matt Perry, swiftly followed by a 40 yard penalty by England Captain James Beim.

George Meyrick, for CPG, raced away from the throw-in to score their first goal of the match, but Gardenvale answered quickly with another 40 yard penalty scored

by Beim and the first chukka ended with Finemore’s team leading 3½-1. The second chukka opened with Gardenvale piling on the pressure with fast paced goals from Perry and Beim, taking the score to 5½-1. Tommy Beresford and Meyrick teamed up for the next goal for CPG, with Beresford placing the ball delicately through the post. Perry saved another attempt at goal by the

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Gardenvale won the final Victor Ludorum trophy of the season, The Autumn Cup

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Victor Ludorum Finale

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The Autumn Cup Final Teams: CPG (12): Sally Turner (-1), Tommy Beresford (4), George Meyrick (6) & Roddy Williams (3) Gardenvale (11): Shane Finemore (-1), Jimbo Fewster (1), Matt Perry (5) & James Beim (6)

After a great season of 6 to 18 goal polo, we spoke to some of the Victor Ludorum champions to get their thoughts on their winning 2017 summer. What was their highlight? What won it for them? Will they be back next year?

Andrey Borodin, Park Place – winners of the 18 Goal

“For the Park Place Polo Team it has been an incredible season! I’m really proud of my team, and when I say “team” I mean not only the incredibly talented players, who I have really enjoyed playing with, and our very experienced and knowledgeable coach, Andrew Hine, but also every single member of staff who has supported us and who has been involved in the training and care of the horses. We are a very hard working and ambitious team - and we are extremely excited about next season. Our motto is: “Win as if you are used to it; lose as if you enjoyed it for a change.”

Park Place (18): Andrey Borodin (0), Alfredo Bigatti (6), Juan Britos (6) & Chris Mackenzie (6)

Max Kirchhoff, Armis Snake Bite – winners of the 15 Goal

“I am extremely happy with how Armis Snake Bite’s 2017 Victor Ludorum campaign went. Having focused mainly on the 6 and 12 Goal last year, I decided to change things up a little and compete for the 8 and 15 this year.

For me the VL series adds an extra element to your season by giving it an additional quantifiable goal and trophy to strive for. With a prolonged focus beyond individual games and tournaments, it really allows you to blend as a team on and off the pitch. This year we were extremely lucky, as across both levels everything just clicked at the initial practices. Sadly, we were not able to continue our strong run in the 8 Goal, struggling to replace Jimbo Fewster and then the injured David Ashby mid-season. However, careful team selection, lots of practices, horse purchases and tactics paid off in the 15 Goal allowing us to win the series overall and take home several cups along the way.”

Armis Snake Bite: Max Kirchhoff (0), James Harper (6), James Beim (6) & Tom Beim (3) – substituting for David Ashby

Parko Horvat, Foxcote – winners of the 12 Goal

“The 2017 12 Goal Victor Ludorum was amazing and we were thrilled to win it on our first attempt. We put the team together with Ollie Cudmore, Jacinto Crotto and Tom Beim and made sure we were all really well mounted. The highlight of the season was winning the Dollar Cup, which is a very competitive tournament. Thank you to everyone involved who made this amazing win happen!”

Foxcote (12): Darko Horvat (-1), Tom Beim (3), Ollie Cudmore (5) & Jacinto Crotto (5)

Olivia Clowes, Limitless Silvertown – winners of the 8 Goal

“Winning the 8 Goal Victor Ludorum has been an incredible new experience, full of highs and lows, strategising and travelling. To even be able to compete in every tournament at so many different clubs has been fantastic. Jake, Mikey and Matias were totally in behind it and we started the season with our target in mind. I couldn’t have done it without my family support and also my business partner JP Ledwidge.

He’s even managed to get hooked on polo himself in the process!

Bring on the next season. Is there a 2 Goal Victor Ludorum yet?!”

Limitless Silvertown: Olivia Clowes (-1), Jake Rigby (0), Mikey Henderson (4) & Matias Amaya (5)

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Photograph courtesy of Benjie Bradshaw

CPG team, but a foul by Jimbo Fewster opened up the field for Beresford to score from a 30 yard penalty with the chukka ending in Gardenvale’s favour 5½-3.

Gardenvale continued their attacking play in the third chukka, CPG came back fighting with some excellent clearances, but Gardenvale closed ranks and the ball finally went over the line. Fewster placed the ball through the posts to make the score 6½3. CPG took the ball from the throw-in, but with a whistle blown, Beresford sent through the 30 yard penalty closing the chukka 6½-4 in Gardenvale’s favour.

There was still a match to play for as the teams went into the final chukka. Meyrick and Beresford combined well, cutting Perry out and allowing Beresford to send through a lovely shot for his fourth goal. Following a missed 60 yard penalty from Beim, the ball came in from the back line, Beresford tapping it forward, but suddenly Perry swooped onto it and raced forward to shoot a huge long ball accurately through CPG’s goal and Gardenvale moved on to 7½-5. Gardenvale won the next throw-in, but lost the ball to Beresford, who turned and galloped off to score again. Beim backed the ball away from the throw-in and passed to Fewster, good teamwork ensuring a well-placed Perry raced away again to score a brilliant goal and secured the final result of 8½-6 for Gardenvale.

Lady Beresford presented The Autumn Cup to a delighted Shane Finemore and individual prizes to all players. Matt Perry was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award and his pony Vasca Irlandase won the Polo Times Best Playing Pony prize. To read more about Vasca Irlandase turn to our Pony Power pages.

Reports

Benjie Bradshaw, Thomson Local – winners of the 6 Goal

“Our team has had a cracking season – comfortable with our roles and strengths.

The start of our season was strong, which gave us the points required to get ahead early. David, John and Phil have all been brilliant to play with, showing consistency all summer. They have all, at some stage, acted as a coach on the field, which was invaluable as a newcomer to the national circuit of polo.

It’s been a terrific season.”

Thompson Local (6): Benjie Bradshaw (-1), Phil Seller (2), John Martin (2) & David Ashby (3)

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The Tortugas Open, Argentina

La Dolfina Decimate First title secured in 2017 Argentine Triple Crown

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Photography by Eduardo Grunberg/©www.imagesofpolo.com

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fter one of the most controversial beginnings to an Argentine tournament in recent history, the sun shone brightly on Palermo Ground 1 for the Final of the Tortugas Open. The AAP took the decision to move the Final of the tournament to Palermo, from its usual home Tortugas Polo Club, after a series of match cancellations due to poor weather. Coincidentally, the Semi Finals were cancelled due to rain, but the AAP and Tortugas agreed to end the tournament on the scheduled date of Saturday 7 October, taking the teams’ points into account. 7,000 people turned up at the Buenos Aires home of polo to watch the two teams of Titans take to the field.

After an exceedingly close first chukka, ending 1-1, La Dolfina stepped up a gear outplaying and outscoring the Ellerstina side. Wherever Ellerstina gave an inch, La Dolfina took a mile, racking up goal after goal, proving that their game plan was watertight. As the final bell sounded in the seventh chukka, the roar went up from the La Dolfina lines as their team rode home with a 12-5 win. The huge goal difference was surprising as Ellerstina had a successful run up to the Final with wins over Cría Yatay and Alegría. Post-match, the critics and no doubt the Ellerstina management, were busy trying to figure out how this polo powerhouse could lose by so much. It wasn’t any single factor which caused the Pieres’ failure, but rather a combination of factors including the tight marking of La Dolfina which restricted the flamboyance and verve of Facundo. It seemed Ellerstina were unable to adjust to this close attention, which resulted in fractured and disjointed action. Despite this, the boys in black managed to push the mighty La Dolfina into five fouls in the last three chukkas, from which Facundo managed to convert three goals.

This win marked the fifth consecutive Tortugas win for Cambiaso’s team and a milestone for Pablo Mac Donough, who lifted the enormous silver trophy for the tenth time. He is now only one title away from Alberto Heguy’s record 11 wins. Cambiaso’s Clone Cuartetera 05 was awarded the Best Playing Pony Award.

Although Ellerstina may have not started their 2017 Triple Crown campaign in the style they were hoping for, the Pieres duo of Facundo and Gonzalito proved their ability to bounce back in the UK earlier this year after being knocked out of The Cartier Queen’s Cup they came back to win the Jaeger-Le Coultre Gold Cup. As all attentions turn to The Hurlingham Open, will Ellerstina be able to turn things around or will La Dolfina continue to dominate the Triple Crown?

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Reports

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Polo Times, November 2017

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Reports

The Tortugas Open, Argentina

The Tortugas Open Final teams: Ellerstina Johor

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La Dolfina

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Pablo ‘Polito’ Pieres 9

Adolfo Cambiaso 10

Facundo Pieres 10

David ‘Pelón’ Stirling 10

Gonzalito Pieres 10

Pablo Mac Donough 10

Nicolás Pieres 10

Juan Martin Nero 10

Chukka scores: 1-1, 2-1, 4-1, 6-2, 8-3, 9-4, 12-5 to La Dolfina

R S TA

19 SE

FINI

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PT

7

SH

OCT

Top Goal Scorer: Adolfo Cambiaso

Federico Martelli & Martín Aguerre

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MVP Pablo Mac Donough

Team Entries

Best Playing Pony: Clone Cuartetera 5

1st Triple Crown Tournament

Third man: Esteban Ferrari

8 10 Goalers took part in the tournament

Where: Buenos Aires

The results of the qualification games Tuesday 19 September: La Aguada Las Monjitas beat La Irenita, 17-8 Tuesday 19 September: Alegría beat Cría Yatay, 16-13 Monday 25 September: La Dolfina beat La Irenita, 20-6 Monday 25 September: Ellerstina beat Cría Yatay, 15-3 The Semi Finals were cancelled due to poor weather To read more about each of the teams playing in The Triple Crown turn to our Argentine Triple Crown Guide.

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Bramham Polo Academy Photograph by ©Agence RB Presse

There’s a new Club on the horizon in North Yorkshire! Bramham Polo Academy is a friendly Club offering lessons, training programmes, instructional chukkas, corporate days, chukkas and tournaments with their professional HPA instructor. All ages and abilities are welcomed, from those who have never ridden before to those with more experience keen to improve their game. Their aim is to introduce, encourage and promote, the great sport of polo.

The Club will be open throughout the winter with polo sessions starting on Monday 15 January 2018 at the nearby Ledston Hall Equine Centre. The Club kicked off their polo journey with a match which saw Bramham Polo Team meet their rivals Polo Times in a closely fought match with Polo Times narrowly taking victory with a final score of 4-3. James Farrell, for PT was first to score, closely followed by another from Josh Jackson. BPT retaliated in the last 30 seconds of the first chukka with a great goal from Hugo Suarez. With fresh ponies into the second chukka, the game picked up speed with hard ride-offs from Penny Dixon for BPT against Freya Lygo for PT. With no goals scored in the second chukka, the score was still 2-1 entering half-time. After a short break, the ponies and players returned to the field to continue the match. Quickly into the third chukka, Fran Stuven Ortelli, coach at Bramham Polo Academy, was able to pass the ball through the BPT defence and score a goal. Shortly after Will Westwood also made a break and was able to drive the ball down the field and through the goal. The score now, going into the fourth and final chukka, was 3-2. BPT did not give up hope with great runs from mother and daughter duo Penny and Daisy Dixon. However, it was Hugo Suarez who again managed to slip past Freya to score his second and equalizing the score at 3-3. With the score now even and only a few minutes remaining on the clock, Thomas Wainstein made a break but was knocked off the ball by Ortelli who passed the ball into an open space where Farrell was ready on his fast pony. He rode off Penny firstly and then took the ball with the nearside straight through the goal posts – the winning goal! Polo Times were the victors with a final score of 4-3. Josh Jackson was named Most Valuable Player and Tordo, owned by Bramham Polo Academy, was awarded the Best Playing Pony prize. For more information on the academy, visit their website www.bramhampoloacademy.com

Cibao La Pampa won The Paprec French Open

Chantilly Polo Club

The First Tournament Teams: Bramham Polo Team: Hugo Suarez, Will Westwood, Penny Dixon & Daisy Dixon Polo Times: Fran Stuven Ortelli, James Farrell, Josh Jackson & Freya Lygo

Photograph courtesy of Bramham Polo Academy

Sunday 17 September saw the end of the French polo season as the 17th Paprec French Open came to an end. Six teams took part in the 16 goal tournament, hailing from across the world for the event.

The Argentine Cibao La Pampa team rode to victory against In The Wings in an exceedingly close match. In The Wings led the field throughout the first three chukkas, but as the fourth chukka began, Cibao La Pampa evened the scoreboard and in the last throws of the sixth chukka, rode ahead to win The Paprec French Open 11-10.

The Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Juan Pepa’s Moroccan born pony La Boxaderia, played by Manu Elizalde, whilst the Most Valuable Player Award was presented to In The Wings’ 15-year-old, Rufino Bensadon.

This ended Cibao La Pampa’s perfect season, having already won the Coupe d’Argent and Coupe d’Or in Deauville and the Polo Masters/Open de Gassin in St. Tropez.

The Paprec French Open Final Teams: Cibao La Pampa (16): Juan Pepa (2), Carlos Ulloa (4), Pato Cieza (4) & Manu Elizalde (6) In The Wings (16): Rufino Bensadon (3), Juan Zubiaurre (5), Pancho Bensadon (8) & Lavinia Fabre (0)

The teams were awarded with Polo Times and The Polo Magazine prizes

Cirencester Park Polo Club The Associates Trophy Final Teams: Inglesham Polo Centre (2): Henry Arkell (-2), Ben Reisima (-1), Michael Howe (3) & Matt Simpson (2) Noon Giraffe (2): Siobhan Fagan (-1), Chris Fagan (0), Patrick Lodge (0) & Martin ffrench-Blake (3) The Gouldsmith Bowl Final Teams: Lodge Service (8): Patrick Lodge (0), Stuart Lodge (1), Lucho Aguirre (3) & Dave Allen (4) Los Chinos (8): Alison Clark (-1), Henry Jones (2), Tom Beim (3) & William Lucas (4)

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Photograph courtesy of Cirencester Park Polo Club

In the Final of the Associates Trophy on the Meadow ground at Cirencester Park Polo Club on Sunday 24 September, Inglesham Polo Centre won the Los Pinguinos Plate against Noon Giraffe in a close fought Final, winning 4-3. Later on in the day, Los Chinos won the 8 goal Gouldsmith Bowl having beaten Lodge Service 7-6, ending an extremely successful season.

Los Chinos won The Gouldsmith Bowl Final

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Cowdray Park Polo Club Photography by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Cowdray Park Polo Club’s season came to an end with the Finals of the 12 goal Autumn Cup and 6 goal Farewell Cup on Sunday 24 September.

The Autumn Cup is the last of Cowdray’s six HPA tournaments played annually and there was a good entry of seven teams. Making it through to the Final were Sally Turner’s CPG team and Shane Finemore’s Gardenvale, his 11 goal side receiving a half goal advantage on the scoreboard to start the match. A strong match of end-to-end action saw Gardenvale beat CPG 8½-6 in the Autumn Cup Final, ending Gales secured the Farewell Cup title after defeating a very successful season. CPG’s Matt Perry Maiz Dulce 5-3 was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player prize and his pony Vasca Irlandes was named the Polo Times Best Playing Pony – to read more about Vasca Irlandes, turn to our Pony Power pages.

In the Final of the Farewell Cup, Will Harper kicked off the scoring for Gales, who continued to build upon the early lead and ride to victory against Maiz Dulce with a score of 5-3.

Bringing the season’s prize-giving to a close, Chairman Peter Barfoot presented the Pimm’s Cup for the Most Improved Young Player to Will Harper for a second year and the Millenium Plate for Umpiring Services to Adrian Wade. The Large Cup which rewards excellent pony management went to James Beim and his delighted crew.

Autumn Cup Final Teams: Gardenvale (12): Sally Turner (-1), Tommy Beresford (4), George Meyrick (6) & Roddy Williams (3) CPG (11): Shane Finemore (-1), Jimbo Fewster (1), Matt Perry (5) & James Beim (6) Farewell Cup Final Teams: Gales (6): Will Emerson (5), Segundo Darritchon (0), Rhys Cold (1) & Will Harper (0) Maiz Dulce (6): Millie Cooper (-2), Matt Pitts (2), Jack Berner (3) & Derreck Bratley (3)

Dallas Burston Polo Club Stormy weather failed to dampen the public’s enthusiasm at one of the most popular Polo Days in Warwickshire. The much-loved Polo in the Park returned to Dallas Burston Polo Club early in September for a sixth year and featured an impressive line-up of family fun entertainment including a display of vintage cars, stalls and even kids riding motorbikes through flaming ramps! The highlight of the day was the polo, which saw Inglesham Polo Centre pick up the prestigious Gold Cup. The Burma Bowl was won by Lauren Stone No.1 and the Inter Clubs Trophy by Rutland Specsavers.

Finally the Ostick Bowl was won by the Offchurchbury team. Director of Operations at DBPC Major Richard Carney MBE said: “This year’s Polo in the Park was a fantastic day of entertainment. Despite the fact that the weather was against us, the public showed true British spirit and made this sixth annual event a major success.” For all the social pictures from the day, turn to our Sidelines pages.

Polo Times, November 2017

Epsom Polo Club

On Saturday 30 September, Epsom Polo Club hosted the first ever Langman Cup in memory of Roy Edward Langman. The last Saturday of the month held dry for the inaugural event which was supported

by Taittinger Champagne, Group Solanet and Artumes & Co. It was a magnificent occasion with a number of classic cars, polo ponies, equine art, champagne and all the trimmings. The day started with Bauti the 8-year-old Argentine gelding vs an Alfa Romeo, Targa Floria, 1923 race from the back line to the half way line. The car stalled on the first go giving an easy victory to Callum Anderson’s Bauti. The second go was off to another slow start for the car which felt the rather wet conditions more than the famous Bauti. It was Bauti who again accelerated to top speed in half a second to win the Pony vs Classic Car race.

The first match saw a tough game between the Honourable Artillery Club and Epsom Polo Club. Goals from Anderson and Langman ensured a comfortable win for the Epsom Polo Club on their home ground with a score of 6-2½. Exceptional play from both sides gave the crowd a really exciting match. Bowman, her father Bowman, Louise Brown and Will Shadbolt, were superbly defensive but could not quite keep Jason McCreight and Kate Eadie back. The second match of the day was a round-robin tournament, which saw team Joyce triumph.

Photograph by Luru Wei

Photograph courtesy of Dallas Burston Polo Club

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Action from the HAC vs Epsom Polo Club match

The Langman Cup Teams: Honourable Artillery Club: Will Shadbolt, Julian Bowman, Louise Brown & Lucy Bowman Epsom Polo Club: Katie Eadie, Charlotte Langman, Jason McCreight & Ryan Anderson Joyce: Lance Anderson, Jason Turner, Izzy Gathercole & Helen Gilman/Nick Palmer

The Polo in the Park Teams: Inglesham Polo Centre: Ed Walker, Russell Barker, Matt Simpson & Matt Evetts Lauren Stone No.1: Clare Hocking, Lenny Cunningham, Hannah Henderson & Ben Malasoma Rutland Specsavers: Guido Basile, Mike Zurwaski, Jamie Potter & Tom Collie Offchurchbury: Suzy Denby, Fran Chappelow, Sam Banks & Tessa Collett

Kids jumping flames were just one part of the day’s entertainment

Photograph by Stuart Nice

Club Focus

A one of a kind 1953 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante was on display as part of the classic car display

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

On Friday 15 September, to mark the last weekend of this season’s play for the Club, Guards Polo Club hosted its annual Chairman’s Awards Evening with over 150 Guards’ members, players and friends welcomed into the Clubhouse for an Indian-themed evening – for all the social pictures, and list of winners turn to our Sidelines pages.

The season officially came to a close with the Tempus Autumn Nations Cup on Sunday 17 September. In the Final, it was Emlor C who won 7-4 against Park Place, with Henry Fisher awarded the Most Valuable Player Award. Jack Richardson also played excellently, showing why he has been increased in handicap to 7 (but staying at 6 for the 22 goal) next year, his pony Lucky won the Best Playing Pony Award. In the Subsidiary Final – the final match of the huge Guards season – Four Quarters Orange gained victory with a narrow 7-6 win against Oakley Court Polo Team. With the 2017 season now complete at Guards Polo Club, all eyes turn to 2018.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Guards Polo Club

Polo or ping-pong in the Tempus Autumn Nations Cup Final?

Tempus Autumn Nations Cup Final Teams: Emlor C (12): Emma McCarthy (0 – substituted by Will Harper on Sunday 17 September), Jose Ramon Araya (2), Jack Richardson (6) & Henry Fisher (4) Park Place (12): Andrey Borodin (0), Jack Hyde (3 – substituted

by Sebastian Dawnay on Sunday 17 September), Juan Britos (6) & Nicolas Roberts (3)

HPC, The London Polo Club

Photograph by Robert Piper

An opportunity for a Head Coach/Professional Player has arisen at HPC, The London Polo Club. The Club is the last remaining polo club in London, with a very vibrant and social air, and as such, there is a growing demand for coaching and instructional chukkas. The successful candidate will head up a busy coaching programme as well as taking part in a plethora of Club activities. For more information about this excellent role, please turn to our Classified section.

In other news, the Club’s traditional season finale is the quite extraordinary fancy dress chukka. Players arrive in a multitude of different costumes from the quite sweet to the down right bizarre for the parade in front of the Clubhouse before the ball is thrown in to start the last chukka of the summer. The grown-ups section included Bavarian maids, Donald Trump, a wolf (riding a pony called Wolf!), an out of season Father Christmas and a rather lonely looking Minion. The junior’s section was extremely well attended, with all sorts of fairies, early Halloween outfits and Donald Trump Junior. A special mention goes to Masters Prentice, Prentice and Teroerde who won a prize for their Three Musketeers costumes.

HPC, The London Club ended their summer season with a fancy dress chukka.

Kahala Hotel & Resort Hawaii International of Polo

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Over the weekend of 16 September, the Berkshire saw more great polo with Comland taking home the Lambourne Trophy, whilst Asian Art won the Derrick Plaice Mixed Doubles. On Saturday 23 September, the Club held their annual End of Season Awards celebrating all the players, their grooms and their noble steeds. The Club’s members were in attendance, full of beans for an end of season party and the evening didn’t disappoint. Turn to our Sidelines pages for all the social pictures from the evening.

Photograph courtesy of RCBPC

The Kahala Hotel & Resort Hawaii International of Polo Teams: Team Kea: John Paul Clarkin, Simon Keyte, Santi Torres & Gaston Gassibayle Team Ele’Ele: Luis Escobar, Jeff Hall, Mariano Gracida & Inaki Laprida

Photograph by Cecil Davis

The biggest tournament of the Hawaiian season took place at the end of the September as Team Kea took on Team Ele’Ele in the 2017 Kahala Hotel & Resort Hawaii International of Polo. The match was another example of the growing popularity of All-Pro Polo. Team Kea were in control of the match from the first chukka scoring the first goal after some great team play from New Zealand internationals JP Clarkin and Simon Keyte.

Team Ele’Ele quickly responded with a Action from the 2017 Kahala Hotel & Resort Hawaii goal, but by the end of the second chukka, International of Polo Team Kea held control 3-1. Despite pressure from Team Ele’Ele through the third chukka, it took them until the fourth chukka to break the score stalemate and the score didn’t budge in the fifth chukka. Team Kea took home the trophy with a score of 3-2. All the proceeds from the event were distributed back into Hawaii’s International Polo Association’s charitable missions.

RCBPC

Asian Art, winners of the Derrick Plaice Mixed Doubles

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Newport Polo Club

Hurtwood Park Polo Club

Photography courtesy of Hurtwood Park Polo Club

On Sunday 17 September, Blackstone Gate Farm took on El Venado on the Club’s number 1 ground. El Venado appeared to have the trophy in the bag at half-time, but Blackstone Gate Farm turned it around to take home the Virgo Cup with a close score of 6½-5. The following weekend, after a fierce couple of days of polo El Venado/Los Diablos beat Amadeus Aviation/ TLC Unlimited and Team Tonic to win the Colins Cup in an American Style Tournament, by goal difference.

Blackstone Gate Farm, winners of the Virgo Cup

El Venado/Los Diablos won the American Style Colins Cup tournament

La Aguada

The Glorious 4 won The Gold Cup

On a sunny Sunday afternoon on 10 September, the Final of the 8-10 goal Gold Cup was held at the Polo Club Saint Tropez. Four teams competed to reach the final stage with The Glorious 4 ultimately playing Dark Ice/Los Nocheros. Both teams played a very close match, with The Glorious 4 narrowly coming out the winners with a score of 6-5. The Most Valuable Player Award was presented to Eva Brühl from The Glorious 4, whilst the Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Prenda, owned and played by Juan-Martin Garcia Laborde.

The Gold Cup Final Teams: The Glorious 4 (10): Lea Siboni (0), Eva Brühl (2), Juan-Martin Gallego (3) & Pedro Fernandez Llorente (5) Dark Ice/Los Nocheros (10): Helen Goddard Watts (-1), Sebastian Schneberger (1), Valentin Novillo Astrada (5) & Juan-Martin Garcia Laborde (5) 50

Polo Times, November 2017

Rugby Polo Club On Sunday 17 September, Onley Equine Vets rode to victory in the American Style Turnock Rogers Cup at Rugby Polo Club, the last tournament of the summer season. Because of challenging weather conditions, the matches were played in the arena and after some very close chukkas Onley Equine Vets came out the winners. The Most Valuable Player Award was presented to Lauren Widman.

Photograph courtesy of Rugby Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Polo Club Saint Tropez

Polo Club Saint Tropez

Photograph by Matías Callejo

On Tuesday 21 November, the XII La Aguada Horse Selection Sale will take place at La Aguada Polo Club in Open Door, Argentina.

The event is a must-attend bloodstock event for those in Argentina and it is expected that horse breeders and players of the high goal, both in Argentina and abroad, will attend. The La Aguada will be hosting their annual Horse Selection sale will feature 12 foals and three embyro Sale this year strings, meaning it will be a short event. Of those, there will be seven fillies of O. Honor, a stallion that has been sold in a sale at Ellerstina for a record price. He’s a brother of O. Medallón, O. Pugliese, O. de Oro, and the recent winner at the Exposición Rural, O. Emblema; as well as a filly of River Slaney, two of Rayo Gringo and one of O. IPhone.

All of which are playing the Triple Crown.

Top players from across New England, USA, gathered at the Newport Polo Club for the annual NBC-10 Newport International Polo Series XXVI on Saturday 23 September. Portsmouth took on Newport in a closely fought match with the latter ultimately coming out the victors 10-5. Newport led the charge from the off with two quick goals in the first chukka, but Portsmouth responded to tie the scoreboard in the second chukka, only to be thwarted by a goal from the Newport team just before the bell. Newport made a strong start in the second half but Portsmouth weren’t finished yet, as they responded time and time again.

But, by the end of the sixth chukka, Newport reached double digits, putting the final nail in the coffin for Portsmouth.

Spectators from across the State descended on Newport for the match, the first in the series that will feature eight national teams this season, from France, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, Jamaica, England, the Dominican Republic and Peru, as well as regional teams from across the USA.

The Onley Equine Vets won the Turnock Rogers Cup

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Photography courtesy of Suffolk Polo Club

Oak Brook Polo Club

Club Focus

On Sunday 10 September, Oak Brook Polo Club, Illinois, saw a visiting Wales Polo Team defeated by the local team 8-6 in the International Cup. Oak Brook Polo Club opened the scoring, with a goal from Mariano Gutierrez in the first chukka, swiftly answered by the Welsh team.

As the match continued, Oak Brook Polo Club strode ahead, but the Welsh weren’t far behind, eventually finding their stride on their borrowed mounts, but it was too little too late and Oak Brook Polo Club held the lead for the win.

The Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Vera, owned and played by Horacio Onetto, whilst the Most Valuable Player Award was presented to Peter Webb of the Welsh Team.

The Club ended their season the following weekend on Sunday 17 September with a charity tournament consisting of two matches and a popular tailgate event. The event drew over a hundred vehicles and 400 hundred spectators, helping to raise almost $25,000 in support of local player Tony Sekera’s long-term care.

What better way to end a polo match than with a dip in the hot tub?

QB Polo, winners of the Raging Bull Tournament

Suffolk Polo Club

The Raging Bull Tournament, the final tournament for the Suffolk Polo Club took place as usual with sausages, live music, a hot tub and – oh yes – polo!

QB Polo won on points, beating Angry Wasps into second place. The winners received the famous pewter plate with the bull’s head impressed on it and the runners-up received the oval dish with the charging bull on it, as well as some bull themed prizes and some Musk’s Newmarket sausages for all players.

The day finished with the players retiring to a hot tub with a barbecue and live music.

The International Cup Teams: Oak Brook Polo Club: Jim Drury, Mariano Gutierrez, Tomas Obregon & Horacio Onetto Wales Polo Team: Victoria Grace, Orlando Camus, Niall Donnelly & Peter Webb

Oak Brook Polo Club and Wales Polo Team faced each other in the International Cup

Photograph courtesy of EEC Fair

British Polo Gin supports ABF The Soldiers’ Charity at Tidworth Polo Club

Tidworth Polo Club

Christmas came early to the Wiltshire club as the hoards descended between 26 – 27 September for the Early, Early Christmas Fair. Brands from across the British Isles delighted guests with their interesting and unique gift ideas, from Sophie De R’s beautiful cashmere pieces to British Polo Gin’s botanical, 100% organic gin.

The event raised £37,000 for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which will make a huge difference to the UK’s servicemen, women and their families. Next year’s event will fall on the same Tuesday and Wednesday in September, so be sure to pop it in your diary now! www.polotimes.co.uk

Blueys won The Young’s Farm Polo Tournament on Sunday 24 September

White Waltham Polo Club

Over the weekend of 23 – 24 September, the Club hosted the Final of the Young’s Farm Polo Tournament and a match between the Royal Artillery and Army Reserves. In the Final of the Young’s Farm Polo Tournament at White Waltham Polo Club, Blueys took home the trophy with a score of 6½-6. For the Royal Artillery and Army Reserves match, please turn to our Military pages.

The Young’s Farm Polo Tournament Final Teams: Blueys (1): Franco Mancini (-1), Gemma Craig (0), Kirsty Craig (1) & Tariq Dag Khan (1) Young’s Farm (2): Tele Kyriacou (-1), Georgina Brittain (0), Martin Young (0) & Sebastian Alexandra (3)

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Photograph courtesy of White Waltham Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Oak Brook Polo Club

Raging Bull Tournament Final Teams: QB Polo (0): Marie-Clare Thomas (-1), Mel Waters (-2), Alice Servaes (1) & Stuart Beetles (2) Angry Wasps (0): Emma Darrington (-1), E Keymer/K Jordon (0), Will Hopkins (1) & Tony Camplin (0)

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Taupiri Polo Club Photography courtesy of Lucy Ainsley

Although the New Zealand season hasn’t quite begun yet, there is still plenty going on and Lucy Ainsley from Taupiri Polo Club got in touch with Polo Times with an update: “After a super wet winter and summer season last year, we are really looking forward to the upcoming season which starts over the next few weeks. We start our season out on the West Coast with beach chukkas, the deep sand is fantastic for fitness and gets the horses in great shape for our first games that are played in The deep sand at the beach gives the December. The highlights of our season include horses a real workout The New Zealand Polo Open, The Saville Cup, The International, our own Waker Tournament and The Nina Clarkin Women’s Tournament.

The Urban Polo Series debuted last season and is back again expanding to four major cities now, which will be great fun. We were lucky enough to have half the Irish Team base with us last year for the International and this year sees the England Team heading over, so it should be another great season with lots going on! Will New Zealand keep the trophy for another year or will the Brits take it home? Watch this space!”

Beach chukkas are a fun and effective way to get horses in shape for the season ahead

Rutland Polo Club The Leicestershire based Polo Club has announced that Polo Manager Tom Collie will not be returning for the 2018 season. This will allow him more time to concentrate on his business of bringing on young polo ponies and developing his own polo infrastructure.

He will retain close involvement with the Club however, in the years to come.

The Committee will now start the process of seeking a new Polo Manager and any suggestions from Rutland members are welcome. Please contact the Chairman or Committee with suggestions. The Club can be contacted on 07870 212902.

Photograph by Teri Cano

Club Focus

A different kind of horsepower took to the arena at Polo Wicklow

Polo Wicklow

The Wolseley Car Club of Ireland held its 22nd annual event from 14 – 16 September. Each year a different part of Ireland is selected and this year saw the participants tour approximately 300 miles in counties Wicklow and Wexford. The event has become known for the eclectic mix of experiences it offers to entrants and this year was no exception. The start at Polo Wicklow provided everyone with the opportunity to test the skills of both drivers and navigators with a hotly contested tournament for the title of Polo Champion. In the end, it was a Bentley duo who topped the score sheet and left victorious, leaving a Riley a close, if slightly disgruntled, second!

After a sumptuous feast in the Clubhouse, a short speed test in the grounds of Polo Wicklow saw the crews depart for the first afternoon of competition. The Wicklow mountains provided a spectacular backdrop for the road sections and a hill climb in a private estate gave some more thrills to the teams. The sunny southeast lived up to its reputation for most of the weekend and in an area rich in history, most notably the rebellion of 1798, there was plenty for everyone to see and enjoy over the next two days. Many interesting places were included on the tour and a garden theme was the focus for much of the Wexford route with Wells House, Kilmokea Gardens and the JFK Arboretum all featuring. There were more novelty tests and speed trials in unusual locations along the way and after three days of non-stop motoring and socialising the crews all returned home exhilarated and exhausted! Many are already contemplating a return match next year.

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Polo Times, November 2017

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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Military

White Waltham Polo Club

Photography courtesy of White Waltham Polo Club

The Army Reserves beat the Royal Artillery in a close match

Over the weekend of 16 – 17 September, two Finals were played at White Waltham Polo Club. The first of these Finals was the RAF’s End Of Season showdown between the Spitfires team and the Hurricanes team. The Spitfires narrowly won 2-2½ after an exciting match. An instructional chukka before the match also gave some recent polo converts the opportunity to take to the field with their RAF teammates.

After the match, guests were treated to refreshments and an asado.

The Club also hosted a match between the Royal Artillery and the Army Reserves over the weekend of the 23 – 24 September. The Reserves stormed ahead by two goals in the first two chukkas but the Royal Artillery came fighting back, scoring a goal in the last chukka.

Unfortunately for them, they missed a penalty in the last minutes

The RAF Spitfire team won the End of Season Showdown

and with it the match. The final score settled on 4-3½ to the Army Reserves ending a great weekend of polo.

The RAF End of Season Final Teams: Spitfires: Sqn Ldr Ed Whitechurch, OC George Linfield-Brown, Flt Lt John Sweet & Sqn Ldr Vicky Woodhead Hurricanes: Fg Of Winnie Draper, Lex Waldron, Flt Lt Andy Waldron & Ocdt Jon Perry The Military Match Teams: Army Reserve: James Hobday, Col Simon Goldstein, Maj John Morgan & Capt Dan von Barloewen Royal Artillery: Lt James Billingham, Lt Andy Woods, Maj Robert Skeggs & Col Dickie Winchester

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International & Home

5 minutes with…

year with the Victor Ludorum challenge playing at five other clubs and chit-chatting to new people. Our defining moment was getting to win the Wichenford Bowl Final at Beaufort to win the whole thing. We were flying!

Olivia Clowes Handicap: 1 ladies, -1 mixed How did your polo career start? My parents have been playing since before I was born, so polo was always around us. I played tennis to a fairly high level before I started polo, but realised quickly enough it was quite a lonely sport and I was envious of all my siblings playing polo together and really enjoying it! I got going properly about five years ago. Before that I was good at the parties and the cheering!

I am completely hooked now. Nightmare.

What’s your greatest achievement to date?

I think being able to compete as Silvertown Properties, the property company I am part of, is a big achievement for me. It takes a serious amount of organising and getting a lot of people on board apart from just me to make it happen. I managed to half a team with Rigby & Rigby this year and Jake, myself, Mikey Henderson and Matias Amaya won the 8 goal Victor Ludorum. We got properly into the competition and the points system and I really enjoyed playing for a bit

Women’s Polo

more than just one trophy. Watching my dad and brother [Stephen and Max Hutchinson] win the European Championships for Ireland in Berlin was also a great achievement for us (and I wasn’t even in it).

What’s your greatest ambition? I’m quite competitive and like to keep moving forward, so I’d like to have a go at higher level polo if possible. I also love playing and being around my family, so as long as we keep it all going together I am happy!

Which lady players do you admire and why?

I’ve played a few matches with Nina Clarkin and enjoyed it. She’s cool as a cucumber and I quite like that. In general, it’s great to see more girls playing now and playing competitively. I also love seeing a female patron of course!

What’s your favourite tournament and Club? Beaufort obviously! We’ve had an amazing run with Caspar [West] and all the gang over the years. It’s good fun and I love spending time there. I have enjoyed this

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

I haven’t really played ladies polo. The men get so competitive they couldn’t care less if you’re a woman or not, it’s great.

There’s no one holding doors open for you out there!

Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? I’ve just about learnt the rules so…

If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? Myself, my two sisters Gina and Saffron and my dad or brother Max. Things get vocal…

“I couldn’t have done it without...”?

Stephen Hutchinson, Charlotte Hutchinson, Martin Rodriquez, JP Ledwidge and Max Hutchinson. They have all been brilliant and behind me the whole way. In fact a lot of family and friends have cheered our season along.

It’s been epic.

Chantilly Ladies Open

Between 30 September and 1 October, Timor Polo Club in NSW, Australia, held the Timor Polo Ladies Open Cup. The Herd Store Team were the champions, after defeating their rivals Fiola Rose in a hard-fought Final. The teams were presented with a whole host of prizes including Moët champagne, bottles of rosé and Waterford Crystal – the perfect pink trophies!

The Timor Polo Ladies Open Cup Teams: Herd Store: Indi Benetto, Alessia Russo, Whitney Warren & Chloe Warren Fiola Rose: Treen Osborne, Fiola Labron, Lirsty Sulliven & Treen Murphy

On Sunday 17 September, some of the world’s best female players came together at Chantilly Polo Club for the Women’s French Open.

In a rather one-sided game, Académie de Polo beat Engel & Völkers 8-1. This match marked the resounding increase in the popularity of women’s polo in recent years.

The Women’s French Open Teams: Académie de Polo: Pearl Venot, Lucie Venot, Elena Venot & Naomi Schröder Engel & Völkers: Charlotte Garaud, Lea Siboni, Adèle Renauldon & Romane Jamet

Photograph courtesy of Timor Polo Club

Photograph by ©Agence RB Presse / P. Renauldon

Herd Store Succeed

Herd Store were the winners of the Timor Polo Ladies Open Cup

The Académie de Polo and Engel & Völkers teams take to the podium for the presentation

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

Polo Times, November 2017

55

Women’s Polo

International & Home

Photograph courtesy of the AAP

Slippery in Singapore In the Final of the 2017 BMW Women’s International at Singapore Polo Club on Sunday 1 October, the Tatler team picked up the coveted trophy following a close, and exceedingly soggy, two chukka match with a final score of 5-3 against the Veuve Clicquot team.

Prudential placed third and Jet Airways fourth. In the Final, the Most Valuable Player Award was presented to Lia Salvo, whilst the Best Playing Pony rug went to Conej, owned

by Tan Hock and played by Nina Clarkin. Both of the matches were reduced in length, due to torrential rain. Throughout the tournament, every team was lent 17 horses from the Club and a bevvy of generous owners. The popular event welcomed guests to enjoy an afternoon of great polo with lashings of Veuve Clicquot champagne as well as a pop-up sushi bar, a Lush Spa, the Hask/Miss World Singapore Finals with clothing from acclaimed Indian designer Malini Ramani and a charity auction for the Club’s outreach programme.

The 2017 BMW Women’s International Singapore Final Teams: Tatler (18): Nina Clarkin (10), Bryony Taylor (5), Isabelle Larenaudie (2) & Stephanie Masefield/Louisa Lim (1) Veuve Clicquot (18): Lia Salvo (9), Tiva Gross (6), Lynly Fong (2) & Elaine Parnell/Diane Goldbery (1)

Ladies gathered at La Paz-San Fernando Polo

Ladies Polo in Tucamán

Over 29 September to 1 October, ladies gathered at the newly AAP affiliated La Paz-San Fernando Polo for a polo clinic and motivational talk, followed by a women’s exhibition match between La PazSan Fernando and La Bauguala Polo.

Top Performance from Summers Performance NWA Polo Club hosted the USPA Women’s Arena Challenge over 30 September – 1 October. The Final saw Summers Performance Horses Team defeat St. Louis 12-10 with Karen Summers named Most Valuable Player. CJ Haulcy and NWA Polo Club President, Kevin Gardner, presented trophies to Kelly Coldiron, Roxy Keyfauver and Karen Funk Summers.

Photograph courtesy of Izzy Parsons

Photograph courtesy of NWA Polo Club

Summers Performance Horses Team, winners of the USPA Women’s Arena Challenge

The four teams celebrated in style

Richard A Garvin Memorial Trophy

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Polo Times, November 2017

Photograph by Steve Wall Equestrian Photography

A wet weekend of polo between 30 September – 1 October saw soggy whites all round, but it didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of the two ladies teams who fought ferociously to take home the honours and lift The Richard A Garvin Memorial Trophy. Low scores on day one mirrored the very competitive spirit, with some intense ride-offs and excellent team play. On day two, the intensity didn’t die down and with the rain holding off, both teams gave it their all to lift the trophy. Fittingly, the tournament was decided in the dying minutes of the fourth chukka, with the visiting Blueys team taking the honours by half a goal. The weekend was a great end to the Club’s first season for Moor Farm Polo Club.

Despite damp conditions, there were smiles all round

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

International & Home

Argentine Women’s Open For the first time in history and with the full support of the Argentine Association of Polo, a ladies category has been introduced into the prestigious Argentine Open tournament, the biggest polo competition in the world.

This year open teams will compete for the first ever Ladies Argentine Open after the Subcommittee created by the AAP, introduced this exciting new project. The committee is made up of fierce supporters of ladies polo with the aim to grow and innovate the sport in Argentina and comprises of the following professionals: Verónica Guerrero (President), Mumy Bellande, Clelia Crespo, Lía Salvo, Verónica Magnasco and Milo Fernández Araujo.

The tournament gets underway on 21 November and will take place at the same time as the men’s Argentine Open, when the world’s eyes are turned to Argentina, and best of all the Final will be played prior to the men’s Final on the sacred grounds of Palermo.

So far four teams have been confirmed for the inaugural Argentine Women’s Open. There are also potentially two more teams yet to be confirmed at the time of going to press. The two main teams have been confirmed as La Dolfina and Ellerstina and are made up as follows: La Dolfina: Nina Clarkin, Mia Cambiaso, Candelaria Fernández Araujo & Milagros Fernández Araujo Ellerstina: Hazel Jackson, Lía Salvo, Sarah Wiseman & Clara Cassino

Women’s Polo

VIII Circuito Femenino On Monday 16 October the Final matches of the high and low goal handicaps were played in Pilar for the VIII Circuito Femenino. In the high handicap, four 18 goal teams competed, which eventually saw Centauros La Aventura take the title after defeating La Varzea Rei do Caviar 9-7. The lower handicap level saw seven teams, between 4-6 goals, go head-to-head. The Open title went to La Varzea after defeating Martindale Las Tacuaras 7-4.

VIII Circuito Femenino Final Teams: Centauros La Aventura (18): Delfina Balzano (4), Fátima Balzano (4), Mía Novillo Astrada (4) & Candelaria Fernández Araujo (6) La Varzea Rei do Caviar (18): Milagros Sánchez (4), Camila Rossi (5), Annabel Mc Naught Davis (6) & Ginevra D´Orazio (3) La Varzea (6): Katherina Courreges (1), Elina Braun (1), Jazmín Dupont (1) & Alexia Laprida (3) Martindale Las Tacuaras (6): Clara Heguy (0), Alejandra Rohm (1), Martina Gadea (2) & Verónica Guerrero (3)

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

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Polo Times, November 2017

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All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

Kids Spring Cup Photograph courtesy of Press Polo

On Saturday 30 September, the Kids Spring Cup was played at the Varzea Polo Club in Buenos Aires Pilar. The kids tournament was organised by Delfina ‘Fuchi’ Donovan and Victoria Bayugar and involved more than 80 children in four categories: Seniors, Minors, Minis and Mini Minis. After a series of matches, the results were as follows: The Indios team won the Seniors category, The Alazanas won the Minors category, whilst La Dolfina won the Minis category. The Mini Minis category was won by the Yatay team.

After the awards presentation, Sebastián Pistone, AAP Advisor and President of the Subcommittee on Minors stated, “At the AAP we are convinced that the format of our children’s tournaments is very good. It is the best way for the children to get to know each other. Their friendships must be fostered above all other things”.

The Kids Spring Cup Teams: Indios: Antonio Heguy, Matías Pistone, Carlos Guillani & Alma Uranga.

Las Alazanas: Juan Guerrero, Amadeo Tanoira, Benjamín Balzano & Aurora Figueras.

La Dolfina: Dante Castagnola, Juan Cruz Guiñazú, Gerónimo Gallo & Manuel Gallegos.

Yatay: León Donoso, Artemio Figueras, Alberto Buller & TBA.

La Dolfina won the minis category of the Kids Spring Cup

Harvard vs Oxford University Polo Challenge

Edinburgh University Polo Club

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

Before La Dolfina and Ellerstina took to the field for the Final of the Tortugas Open, the Junior Open welcomed the players of tomorrow onto Palermo’s Ground Two. The match saw Tortugas take on La Mancha, a format that spectators have watched for the last two years.

Tortugas, looking for their fourth consecutive win, rode strongly onto the field, but both teams played quite erratic polo for the first half of the match. As play progressed, Tortugas took control of the field, reaching Jero del Carril flies up the field for a 5-1 lead by half-time. La Tortugas in the 2017 Junior Open Mancha managed to close the gap in the second half, but couldn’t quite even the scoreboard before the final bell. Tortugas took home the trophy with a 7-6 win.

The 2017 Junior Open Final Teams: Tortugas (24): Segundo Bocchino (6), Juan Martín Zubía (6), Bartlito Castagnola (6) & Jero del Carril (6) La Mancha (24): Mín Podestá (6), Lucas Díaz Alberdi (6), Santiago Loza (6) & Bautista Bayugar (6) Polo Times, November 2017

Photograph by Matías Callejo

Photograph courtesy of NWA Polo Club

Congratulations to the NWA Youth Polo Team who beat St. Louis/ Tulsa at the Texas based NWA Polo Club. Both teams were made up of girls from the local state.

Tori Summer’s pony Charlene was The sun shone on the USPA Middle awarded the Best Playing Pony rug School League match at NWA Polo Club whilst Winnie Branscum and Kelsey Bray were presented with the All Stars Awards on the day.

Oxford University were victorious against Harvard University

2017 Junior Open

Edinburgh University Polo Club will be hosting an inter-university tournament between 17 – 19 November. Chukkas will run on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There will be beginners, novice and intermediate spaces available and anyone is invited to participate. For more information, please contact the Club on Facebook.

USPA Middle School League

Photograph courtesy of OUPC

Two of the oldest and most historic universities on either side of the Atlantic, Harvard and Oxford, met on the polo field on Sunday 17 September. They congregated at the Myopia Hunt Club in South Hamilton, MA, for their 5th annual skirmish, which proved to be an exciting match.

The teams came up against each other for the third time in as many months, having met at Guards Polo Club for the 119th La Martina Varsity Polo match and in China for the Atlantic Cup. The Oxford squad came into this match in the midst of a winning streak and in this instalment, it was Harvard who hosted the match, one that opened their college season for the year.

Following a celebratory dinner the night before, the match, played on the historic Gibney Field in front of 500 spectators, was a close fought affair, but OUPC pipped the Harvard players to the post, ultimately winning the match 3-1.

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Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

VIII Copa Novillitos

Swinging into the New Season

At the time of going to print the FIP XI World Championships in Sydney, Australia was getting underway. Around 290 polo ponies travelled from as far afield as Perth, Western Australia, to take part in the global tournament, but the biggest news on everyone’s lips as the Lachlan ‘Lachie’ Gilmore is tournament began was that of Lachlan the youngest ever player to ‘Lachie’ Gilmore. At 17-years-old, he is take to the field for Australia the youngest ever player to represent his home nation, Australia, on the field. Lachie comes from polo stock being the son of former Australian Captain Glen and his wife Karen.

He will be taking to the field alongside the squad of Alex Barnet, Jake Daniels, George Hill, Jack Kiely, James Lester, Daniel O’Leary and Alec White, firstly against Argentina, Spain and the USA in the Pool A qualifiers and then potentially onto the next round.

Unfortunately for ‘the Fresh Prince of Scone’ as he’s known by his teammates, during this epic tournament, he will have to fit in his HSC exams (A-Level equivalent in the UK), so good luck to him at this busy time!

14 teams from across the region came together for the VIII Copa Novillitos

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Australia’s Youngest FIP Player

Photograph by Matias Calléjo

“The University of Reading Polo Club is just getting into the swing of our new season. With over 130 people signing up at the university sports fair and over 30 new members already training with us, there are plenty of enthusiastic newcomers ready to immerse themselves into the world of university polo! This year we are excited to be joining a university polo league allowing us to participate in more competitive matches as well as holding friendly matches against fellow universities and attending SUPA National Championships. Finally, we are incredibly thankful to Polo Times for supporting us by giving us a regular spot in Polo Times, we look forward to the academic year ahead!”

Sophie Wall (President of University of Reading Polo Club)

On Monday 16 October, a plethora of children aged between seven and 14-years-old had their special polo day in the sun at the VIII Copa Novillitos, the opening tournament of the 2017 HSBC Season presented by Río Uruguay Seguros, at La Aguada Polo Club.

The children’s tournament, now in its eighth year and already established as one of the most important junior competitions within the Argentine season, was a huge success, that showcased great talent from 14 teams. It was divided into three leagues of 12 to 14-years old, under 11-years-old and under seven-years-old. La Campana were the winners of the 12 to 14-years-old section, with a 2-1 score against El Caburé; Martindale beat Las Monjitas 5-2 in the under 11-years-old league and Los Indios won the under seven-years-old league on goal difference. A Most Valuable Player Award was presented in all three leagues with Antonio Heguy winning the top league; Franz Spurge winning the under 11-years-old league and Nico Tomasevich the under seven-years-old league. Congratulations to everyone involved.

The VIII Copa Novillitos Final Teams: 12 to 14-years-old: La Campana: Antonio Heguy, Joaquin Bosch, Francisco Cavanagh & Santiago Mignaquy El Caburé: Matias Uranga, Tomás Delfino, Estanislao Vidal & Felipe Virasoro Under 11-years-old: Martindale: Franz Spurgen, Justo Calafell, Francisco Moretti & Victoria Mihanovich Las Monjitas: Nicolás De Rosa, Paco de Narvaez, Miguel Novillo Astrada Jr. & Dimas Uranga Under seven-years-old: Los Indios: Ricardo Mihanovich, Pedro Heguy, Catalina Tomasevich & Jerónimo Penna

Exeter University Polo Club Photograph by Andy Steele Photography

Exeter University Polo Club travelled the length of the British Isles over the weekend of 7 – 8 October to play a weekend of beach polo with the St. Andrew’s University Polo Team.

The weekend was a great success and is set to be repeated in April 2018.

Exeter University Polo Club travelled to St. Andrew’s for a weekend of beach polo

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Polo Times, November 2017

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

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Knowledge

Pony Power

Le Paz Height: 15.3hh Age: 11-years-old Colour: Liver Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Jamie Grayson Tournament: Chairman’s Cup at Guards Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is from Argentina and came to England with Manu Plaza.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

How long have you had her? Only a year.

Tell us about her background? She was bred by Pepe Heguy from Polo Nevadito, in Argentina.

What are her strengths? She is very fast and agile, with an amazing temperament.

How has she gone this season? Very well.

She has been one of my most reliable horses throughout the season.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? I don’t know if she has won

any before I bought her, but this is her first with me and hopefully the first of many!

What are your plans for her in the future? She is one of my favourites, so she will be staying with me!

Does she have any special quirks? Not particularly, she is a very quiet pony, always watching what is going on around her.

Describe her in three words? Fast, powerful, gentle.

Vasca Irlandes Height: 15hh Age: Eight-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Matt Perry Tournament: The Autumn Cup Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Pony Power

Photograph by Tara Smith

We got to know Belle, who won Polo Times Best Playing Pony at Guards Polo Club for her performance in the Chairman’s Cup Final

Bellemere “Belle”

Age: Eight-years-old Colour: Bay

.co.uk

We spoke to Matt Perry about his mare Vasca Irlandes, who won Polo Times Best Playing Pony in The Autumn Cup Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Age: Eight-years-old Colour: Bay Height: 15hh Sex: Mare Owner: Matt Perry

What is her breeding? She was bred out of a mare called Ramona and a Stallion

called Vasco Chamuyo. They both played the Argentine Open with Ruso Heguy.

Tell us about her background? I bought her from Ruso Heguy’s in Argentina where she had mainly been playing chukkas and had done one or two tournaments with myself. I flew her to England at the start of last year where she played everything with me up until August when I turned her out.

Knowledge

Tell us about her background?

I bought her from Milo Watson as a three-year-old off the track in York and retrained her for polo. This is her second season playing competitive match polo.

Has she won any other awards?

No – This is her first!

What are her strengths? She is a fast and powerful mare, very sharp, with great acceleration and will never lose a ride-off.

How has she gone this season?

Better and better.

What are your plans for her future?

I am hoping that she will play high goal polo.

Does she have any special quirks? She likes her own space!

Describe her in three words? Fast, powerful, robust.

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

This is not the first Best Playing Pony Award Vasca has received from Polo Times, last year she was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug in the 2016 Autumn Cup Final at Cowdray.

So if you want to know more Vasca Irlandes about her, dig out your archive issues and turn to page 61 in Polo Times November 2016 issue!

Height: 15.2hh Sex:Mare Owner: Andrew Hine

What is her breeding? Belle is an American TB by Ad Valorem (USA), out of Five Lakes (USA).

Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures

Military

What are her strengths? She has a great mouth, is amazing in the short game and recuperates well each time she plays, so she can always give her all next time out. She has a great head on her which I think is key in a polo pony.

How has she gone this season? This year she played virtually every game with me and was one of my most solid horses throughout the season.

What are your plans for her future? At the moment the plan for her future is to help me become as good as I can get and hopefully she can get a chance to prove herself in the higher level polo, as I believe she is now ready for it.

Does she have any special quirks? Her main quirk is that when she does go out she is impossible to catch again! (Typical Argentine horse that smells freedom!) Other than that she is very easy in every other aspect and was my girlfriend’s favourite horse to play as a five-year-old when she persuaded me it was a good idea to get her!

Describe her in three words? Chilled, agile, reliable.

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JOHN TINSLEY INTERVIEW A reflection on a lifetime in polo NEW HELMET Your must-have REGULATIONS guide for 2018 ACTION IN AZERBAIJAN The 5th CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup

JOHN TINSLEY INTE A reflection on a lifetim RVIEW e in polo NEW HELMET REGU Your must-have guide LATIONS for 2018 & Victor Ludorum Sotogrande Finale PLUS: HPA Select, ACTION IN AZER The 5th CBC Sport BAIJAN Arena Polo World Cup

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PLUS: HPA Select,

Sotogrande Finale

& Victor Ludorum

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Polo Times, November 2017

63

Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

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

Lightening Bit Leaners Q: My retrained racehorse gelding is quite strong and prone to leaning – I ride him in a single jointed snaffle with Bombers’ T-bars, but I want him to lighten up and stop more quickly, to gain more accuracy. Any suggestions?

D. Maxwell, South Queensferry A: You could try the Corkscrew Big Ring Gag from Bombers – it offers a mouthpiece that is tightly grooved, to offer extra control over strong horses, and it could be worth a try if you’re confident that you have a consistent and soft hand as a rider. The groove in the Corkscrew mouthpiece causes edges that result in pressure points in the horse’s mouth. The edges amplify pressure on the mouth, especially the bars and tongue, and also act on the lips. This offers the rider more control than a smooth mouthpiece, and can help to prevent the horse from leaning. This type of pressure can be ideal for equines that need to ‘sharpen-up’ in the mouth, or that lean on the bit and become strong during general exercise, or polo matches. This bit has a centre link, which your horse should be used to.

The metalwork of this bit has a twist shape throughout the length of the mouthpiece with tight, spiral-like turns resembling a corkscrew pattern. The Corkscrew Big Ring Gag, like all of our bits, is made from blue sweet iron. As alluded to, it should be borne in mind that twisted bits should not be used in novice hands on the polo field, as they place more pressure points on the tongue and the bars of the

The Corkscrew Big Ring Gag is tightly grooved and offers control over strong horses

Bombers Snaffle T-Bar 3 Ring is a good transition bit from the Corkscrew Big Ring Gag back into a less powerful bit

horse’s mouth. A twisted bit is a highly beneficial tool to lighten the forehand of the horse or pony, so if the horse works in a way which is heavy on the forehand, the twisted bit design can help educate the equine to carry themselves, and avoid the rider having to be rough with their hands.

You may find that when the horse lightens in your hands, you can transition back into a less powerful bit again. Perhaps you may like to try the Bombers Snaffle T-Bar 3 Ring if this is the case – this introduces poll pressure as well as creating leverage on the mouthpiece, and is very popular with polo players.

Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using a ‘design your own bit’ service. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron - the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages the horse to salivate. Visit www. worldwidetack.com. Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.

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Polo Times, November 2017

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Polo Holidays

If you have a passion for polo, there is nothing in the world like being taught by high goal players.

“We have one life and you have to live it and do what you love!” – Nacho Gonzalez Nacho Gonzalez and Marcos Araya will be your hosts on a polo adventure where you will learn to refine your riding and polo skills; and enjoy a host of other activities designed for you.

Catering for all levels of polo from -2 up to 22 goal, your polo holiday will include; stick and ball lessons; penalty lessons; instructional chukkas; practice matches; and team tactics.

Pilar, Argentina Coronel Suárez, Argentina Punta Del Este, Uruguay Berkshire, England Sotogrande, Spain Ibiza, Spain Depending on your choice of venue, your holiday will also include mountain trails; cattle herding; wine tasting at local vineyards; golf; fishing; beach trails; and city tours.

Fun for all the family!

For more information and dates, and a chat about how we can customise your perfect trip, please email enquiries@gapoloholidays.com or visit www.gapoloholidays.com

Knowledge

Vet Insight

Photograph by James Fullerton

Dr Hannah Anderson BS, BVM&S, MRCVS joined Waterlane Equine Vets in July 2017 after graduating from the Royal (Dick) Veterinary School in Edinburgh. Her special interests include sports horse medicine, poor performance, and reproduction. Prior to her veterinary degree, Hannah trained horses and competed internationally up to 1.50m level in show jumping alongside Olympic medalists. She also holds a Biology degree from Berry College in Georgia, USA and has a certification in veterinary acupuncture. Hannah has spent time at the Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, USA, where she was involved in lameness and pre-purchase examinations. In her spare time she is an avid polo player, runner and still enjoys producing young show jumpers

Bandages, Boots & Tendon Damage The most common cause of lameness

Photograph courtesy of KPPC

Bandages used during play can cause overheating of the superficial digital flexor tendon

Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries are among the most common causes of lameness in performance horses, especially polo ponies. It is thought that tissue damage chiefly occurs due to chronic (i.e. long-standing) overheating of tendons during and after exercise, rather than an acute injury.

There is debate as to the relative merits of boots and bandages in protecting tendons and preventing build-up of heat during and after exercise. I have studied these effects and report on my findings below.

As a tendon stretches, it stores energy that is subsequently released as heat when it recoils to the rest position. In one study it was shown that, with five minutes of galloping, the core of SDFTs heats to 45°C and this is sufficient to damage cells that make up the tendon.1 Importantly heat accumulates and is retained for a period after exercise stops, with the result that tendons progressively degenerate over time.

Heat is believed to accumulate in tendons because of their lack of blood vessels and this makes them particularly susceptible to changes in temperature.

Additionally, once damaged, the SDFT is shown to repair itself with tissue that is even 66

Polo Times, November 2017

less vascular than before2 – leading to a higher likelihood of re-injury.

Heat produced from tendons during exercise is transferred to the skin via blood vessels so that it can be lost by radiation, convection, conduction or evaporation. The effectiveness of these four methods of heat loss is altered when we place bandages or boots on the distal limbs. Anecdotally polo bandages are chosen over boots because fleece is widely used as a moisture wicking material to allow for greater heat evaporation than other materials.

Modern boot designs are, however, focused on increasing airflow to allow for higher convection and more effective cooling of the lower leg. To better understand the effectiveness of such boots and appreciate whether fleece bandages are detrimental, we used thermal imaging to compare skin temperature in the region of the SDFT in polo ponies (Figure 1).

For one summer season, thermal images were taken using a FLiR One camera from Thermavet, of 27 polo ponies before and immediately after they played a full chukka.

The study was organised in such a way that data was recorded from the same ponies when wearing fleece bandages or boots.

Temperature differences before and after exercise were recorded for each pony and analysed statistically.

The results showed that fleece polo bandages caused a significantly greater increase in temperature than boots statistically, suggesting that modern day boot designs are superior to polo bandages in regulating the extent to which heat accumulates in the lower limb (Figure 2). On average, wearing boots led to a 2°C lower temperature, which could be critical in terms of the effects on tendon cells.

While we did not specifically measure the core temperature of tendons, other research has shown skin temperature parallels of the tendon3 and so it is reasonable to suggest that the core temperature would be higher when using fleece bandages.

The study also highlighted the importance of ensuring horses’ tendons are cooled as quickly as possible after strenuous exercise in order to prevent heat accumulating. This can be done by removing the bandages or boots immediately after exercise and applying cold water, ice or cold therapy boots.

I concluded that it may be beneficial to use modern boots designed for increased airflow instead of bandages to keep the distal limb as cool as possible, prevent heat build-up and protect against tendon damage.

Figure 1. Post-chukka thermal image of the right forelimb from behind with a temperature gradient on the right hand side (black being cold, white being hottest). Sp1 is placed at a clipped patch and gives the highest temperature reading from that area (31.1°C in this case)

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Vet Insight

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Temperature change (‘after’ minus ‘before’) during a period of exercise (chukka) Polo Bandages

Boots

Mean (°C)

Mean (°C)

+6.73

+4.58

Averages of All horses The HPA Rules & Regulations Part 2: HPA Regulations and Supplementary Rules for Polo, Ponies, Tack and Shoes, 2.5.c state, “ Ponies must be protected by bandages or boots on all four legs and must have their tails put up.”

Figure 2 – Mean values from statistical analysis measuring skin temperature difference between pre- and post-chukka from 27 polo ponies

Waterlane Equine Vets Fourways Farm, Waterlane, Oakridge, Stroud GL6 7PH T: 01452 770268 / Out of Hours: 07796 338979 W: www.waterlaneequinevets.co.uk

1 Wilson, A.M. and Goodship, A.E. (1994). Exercise-induced hyperthermia is a possible mechanism for tendon degeneration. Journal of Biomechanics. 27(7): 899 – 905. 2 Stromberg, B. (1973). Morphologic, thermographic and 133 Xe clearance studies on normal and diseased superficial digital flexor tendons in race horses. Equine Veterinary Journal. 5(4):156 – 161. 3 Petrov R., MacDonald M.H., Tesch A.M., Van Hoogmoed L. Photo credit: Figure 1 – M. (2003). Influence of topically applied cold treatment on core temperature and cell viability in equine superficial digital flexor tendons. American Journal of Veterinary Research. 64(7): 835 – 844.

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Equipment 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, breath and sleep polo, not only providing world class polo ponies at every level, but also offering polo holidays, lessons and unrivalled polo equipment worldwide.

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The Gagging Order Photography by Ainsley Polo

The Gag and Barry Gag are the go-to bits for the majority of polo players and ponies, throughout all levels in the world of polo.

A top quality, properly fitted Gag or Barry Gag is perfectly designed for the continually changing commands and requests of the players while playing polo. With such a huge demand, there is a vast variety of Gag bits on the market. But the elements that make the Gag the perfect polo bit, can be forgotten, meaning that the majority of Gags being used are in fact not able to effectively perform the job that they are designed to do.

The ultimate objective of a bit is to give clear, concise, immediate communication between horse and rider, any interference or discomfort on this line will affect your results and your horse’s performance.

As part of an ongoing series of articles, Ainsley Polo will focus on different pieces of polo equipment. In this second instalment of the series, Ainsley Polo take a look at how to properly fit a Gag

The most common and obvious signs of a poor quality Gag is lack of control of your horse, bleeding from the mouth, cuts on the tongue or cheek, head shaking, head turned slightly to one side or the other, head plunging into the ground or the head held too high. All of these are symptoms of some sort pain or discomfort felt by your horse.

If your horse suffers from any of the above, there are two quick tests you can carry out to check your bits: 1. Mouth Pressure – Pressure is the basis of how a bit works, but the amount of pressure and where the pressure is felt, is the difference between pain and communication.

Imagine carrying a bucket of water with your bit as the handle, how would it feel in your hand? If the pressure is concentrated too

Smooth soft edges and curved mouthpieces, enable the bit to sit comfortably within the natural curve of the horse’s mouth

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much in one spot as opposed to spread evenly throughout the mouth, the message is either miscommunicated or too painful to be understood. Continued miscommunicated messages not only confuse horses, but teach them bad habits and can cause lasting damage to the mouth, leading to ongoing problems as the mouth becomes more sensitive in selected areas and desensitised in others. The pressure being even is the most important factor in the results you get when asking anything of the horse.

2. Bit Movement – The bit moves continually across the tongue while in use, even though polo players only use one hand. As the horses frequently change their head carriage, up, down and from side to side, depending on the horse’s body shape and the manoeuvre they are performing, the bit must constantly move to adjust to that as well as your hand position and requests. If you pull the bit across your hand and it catches, it will do exactly the same thing within the horse’s mouth. If a certain manoeuvre or request causes this ‘catch’ horses react negatively to the pain and therefore their response to your commands will be fought with.

The design of the bit also plays a major role in its effectiveness, and in the above two factors. If we break down the design of the Gag we can easily pin-point possible issues your horse might be facing, or variations that you could make to improve your horse’s performance: 1. Surface area affects the strength of the message being received by the horse.

Thinner Gags or Barry Gags have less surface area and therefore increase pressure, resulting in a stronger message, while thicker Gags will provide a softer message. However, www.polotimes.co.uk

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Here we can see nicely made Gag rings, with centralised smooth holes for the Gag rope runners and also a smooth free moving hole for the rings, allowing for smooth pick up and release of pressure for flawless communication between horse and rider

if the gag is very thick or tapers out at the ring end of the mouthpiece, this can cause excess pressure on the teeth through the cheek, causing discomfort. Perfect teeth are paramount with the use of any Gag, but are even more vital with the thicker gags, because of this additional pressure.

A medium thickness mouthpiece is a safe and good place to start. It will provide the horse with a soft, yet firm message as well

as allowing for enough surface area for the message to be clear. If you start with this you can tell by the feel of the horse if you require any increase or decrease in pressure, and can alter the thickness of your gag accordingly.

2.The width of the mouthpiece can also vary between Gag bits and this is often overlooked. The average polo pony will fit a width of 5¼ inches, but a too narrow or too wide Gag will either pinch or sag within the mouth. With a correctly fitting bit you should be able to fit one index finger only, either side of the horse’s muzzle, between the mouth and the ring piece.

3. The feel of the Gag is also important, curved, smooth, soft edges will decrease the chances of any catches or excess rubbing, enabling the bit to move freely across the tongue and within the mouth itself.

Currently there are lot of bits on the market, trying to stand out and to catch the eye of potential buyers, feigning innovation, that have lightweight mouthpieces with right angles or sharp edges, these should be avoided. The mouthpieces should always be curved to reduce the chances of the ‘nutcracker’ effect and enable the Gag to sit comfortably and naturally within the curve of the horse’s mouth.

4. The weight of the metal should be considered, the lighter the bit, the slower the release of pressure when you release

your hold on the reins, as the bit does not automatically drop down in the mouth.

Without a good weight to the bit, the horse must either open its mouth, or wait for it to drop back down in the mouth. The release of the bit is essential during schooling to give immediate reward to the horse, or when playing to release for acceleration, without this reward or a delayed one, communication between horse and rider is muddled.

5. The type of metal is important to keep the mouth wet and the horses salivating.

Copper, brass and sweet metal all have distinct flavours, which can encourage some horses to salivate more than regular stainless steel which has no taste.

Now that we have covered the Gag itself, the last thing to ensure is that you have fitted it correctly. There should be one small crease on either side of the horse’s mouth, the horse is able to pick up the bit itself and is happy and comfortable, when you apply pressure it is felt evenly throughout the mouth and when you release the pressure, the reward for the horse is instant.

A happy comfortable horse will always perform better than an uncomfortable, sore one. If a horse is not working for you in the way that you want, nine times out of 10 it is because it doesn’t understand what is being asked of them.

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

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Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc

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

Pelvic Injury – Breaking The Ring High impact to the body and how to fix it

Andi Kruger speaks to Professor MJB Keel, leading surgeon in pelvic and spine injuries at Trauma Zentrum Hirslanden Zürich International The human body consist of about 200 bones, starting with little soft bones in your ears and the large masses on the pelvis. The strong pelvis bone has a bow-like structure to hold the internal organs and acts as a link between the upper thorax and the thighs. The structure of the bone is massive in a healthy individual and it needs a lot of force to fracture it. Highspeed injuries and crashes are the type of injuries when a life-threatening situation can evolve quickly. Major nerves, blood vessels and portions of the bowel, bladder and reproductive organs all pass through the pelvic ring. The pelvis protects these important structures from injury. It also serves as an anchor for the hip, thigh and abdomenal muscles.

Anatomy The pelvis is a ring of bones located at the lower end of the thorax – between the spine and the legs. The pelvic bones include the: • Sacrum (the large triangular bone at the base of the spine) • Coccyx (tailbone) • Hip bones Each hipbone contains three individual bones – the ilium, the ischium and the pubis – that are separate during childhood but fuse together as we grow older. These three bones meet to form the acetabulum, the hollow cup that serves as the socket for the ball and socket hip joint. Bands of strong connective tissues called ligaments join the pelvis to the sacrum, creating a bowl-like cavity below the rib cage.

What are the common types of injuries?

There are four different types of common injuries each with a different degree of instability.

1. Open book An open book fracture of the pelvis results from an antero-posterior compression injury to the pelvis with a rupture of the symphysis, the connection between the two hemipelvis.

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2. Lateral compression A lateral compression force, which causes an inward rotation of the pelvis, could lead to fractures of the sacrum or iliac wings and pubic rami.

3. Vertical shear An axial, or vertical, shear force with disruption of the sacroiliac joint or a fracture of the sacrum, combined with cephalic displacement of the hemipelvis.

4. Combined mechanism A combination mechanism injury is a combination of two of the above injuries, which leads to a pattern of differing pelvic fractures.

Why is it a severe injury?

The pelvis is a complex network of ligaments, tendons and muscles in proximity to major blood vessels and organs. Pelvic fractures may cause extensive bleeding and are associated with intraabdominal injuries, 30 percent of which require urgent treatment. Haemorrhage is a major

cause of death in patients with pelvic injuries and most commonly occurs with unstable fractures from disruption of the presacral and paravesical venous plexus, mostly seen in open book or axial shear injuries. In less than 20 percent of patients, internal arterial injury is responsible for haemodynamic compromise, but associated thoracic, abdominal, extremity and external haemorrhage may also be present.

Which treatment is necessary?

Treatment is based on a number of factors, including: • The specific pattern of the fracture • How much the bones are displaced • The overall condition and associated injuries 1. On the field Saving a life – a pelvic binder system should be used immediately in case of suspected unstable pelvis to reduce the pelvic volume by lateral compression and internal rotation.

Any instability of the pelvic ring needs further examination off the field. www.polotimes.co.uk

Medical Insight: Polodoc

One year after a symphysis plate

One year post accident when the plate has been implanted

Symphysis rupture with pelvic binder in place

C-Type illium and pubis fracture

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2. In the hospital Nonsurgical Treatment – your doctor may recommend nonsurgical treatment for stable fractures in which the bones have not been displaced or just minimally displaced.

Nonsurgical treatments may include: Walking aids To avoid bearing weight on your leg, the doctor may recommend the use of crutches or a walker for up to three months, or until your bones are fully healed. In case of injuries above both legs, the use of a wheelchair for a period of time may be recommended so that weight bearing on either leg is avoided.

Medication Painkillers may be a prescribed medication to relieve pain, as well as an anti-coagulant, or blood thinner, to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the veins of the legs and pelvis (thrombosis).

Surgical treatment Patients with an unstable pelvic fracture may require one or more surgical procedures.

3. External fixation In some cases the use of an external fixation to stabilise the pelvic area may be helpful.

In this operation, metal pins or screws are inserted into the bones through small incisions into the skin and muscle. The pins and screws project out of the skin on both sides of the pelvis where they are attached to carbon fibre bars. The external fixator acts as a stabilising frame to hold the broken bones in a proper position. In some cases, an external fixator is used until healing is complete. In patients who are unable to tolerate a lengthy, more complicated procedure, an external fixator may be used as a temporary treatment until another procedure can be performed.

4. Open reduction and internal fixation During this operation, the displaced bone fragments are first repositioned into their normal alignment. They are then held together with screws and/or metal plates attached to the outer or internal surface of the bone. There are different approaches for the fixation of the anterior pelvic ring. For the posterior pelvic ring, including disruptions the sacroiliac joint or simple sacral fractures, the gold standard is the percutaneous fixation with a screw in the first sacral body. In more complex sacral fractures, or in cases with lumbar spine involvement, spinopelvic fixation with an internal fixator similar to the standard procedures in spinal surgery is the perfect choice of surgical treatment.

The decision of the time of fixation and the choice of the fixation technique depend on the condition of the patient and the state of the soft tissue around the pelvis as well as the associated injuries. An experienced and specifically trained pelvic trauma surgeon should do the surgery.

Knowledge

Outcomes Stable pelvic fractures tend to heal well.

Unstable pelvic fractures sustained during high-energy incidents, may result in significant complications, including severe bleeding, intraabdominal organ injuries and infection. If these injuries are addressed successfully, the fracture usually heals well.

Additional care must be taken to strengthen the hip muscles so that a limp is avoided after immobilisation. These muscles may take up to one year to become strong again. Subsequent problems, such as pain, impaired mobility and sexual dysfunction, may result from damage to nerves and organs associated with the pelvic fracture.

Returning to the saddle Aquatic rehabilitation, elastic tubing and unloaded treadmills will allow normal muscle firing patterns to be reinforced, even before the patient is able to fully load the limb.

However, full sign off to return to sport must be provided by a physician. Clear movements done under sport specific workloads are advised, providing a speed or acceleration/deceleration component.

These are measured during different physiological states during the training period. Regardless of the sport, the skills most required for a return to activity include squatting, running, jumping, landing, cutting, kicking and twisting. The decision to return to play should include objective clinical and functional testing, objective clinical exam, subjective sport specific testing, athlete feedback and interaction.

Prevention of injury It is integral that players warm up before starting any sport or heavy physical activity.

You should also: • Maintain good balance skills. Balance problems can increase the risk of falling and thus increase the risk of incurring a pelvic fracture When to see a pelvic trauma specialist • When an injury incurs complex fractures patterns • When incurring a pelvic fracture in combination with fractures of the hip joint (acetabular fractures) • If you are subject to a combination injury with other complex wounds

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

Polo Times, November 2017

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Performance Horses

Kelly Cochrane – Equine Transeva and Sports Performance Therapist Kelly was trained by Beth Shaw at the BSET Academy in South Africa, which specialises in the use of the Winks Greene Transeva to improve muscle function. To date, she has had six years experience treating performance horses from all disciplines, initially in Zimbabwe and for the past year she has worked with high goal polo teams in both Dubai and in the United Kingdom

Performance Horses Is your top horse not performing as well as he used to? Or do you have a horse that pulls left, or is not stopping like it did before?

Maybe its whole behaviour has changed, or it leaps or gets heavy mid-chukka. Now you have a horse that you are less likely to enjoy playing, so you either play them less or replace them. Maybe it has started acting up before it gets on the field so you may think it doesn’t want to play anymore. But...

This is not stubbornness or outright resistance; this is your horse trying to tell you that it has a problem. It knows that going onto the field is going to hurt, so it plays up beforehand, the basic instinct is to run from pain. Most horses don’t decide to just not go in a certain direction when you ask. By nature horses do try to please and it is either pain causing this reaction or muscle tightness and restriction – your horse can not physically do what is asked of it. The common reaction of the rider is to then ride a horse harder on the side that they are resistant to go, which makes the situation worse.

Why or how could your horse get sore if it has not had an injury?

I am often asked if it is normal for a horse to be sore, especially backs and the answer is yes, it is a very common problem especially in sport and performance horses. Muscle tightness can be the result of an injury. With horses, anything can happen when you’re not around, such as a slip or fall in the paddock or stable. It is also very common with all athletes who do repetitive and strength training, and this is evident in all equine disciplines. Many strings only do sets one way, this builds the outer hindleg (the left hind if the sets are done to the right) as this side has more ground to cover with each stride and they will be pushing off from this side the whole time. Horses are flight animals and therefore are designed to hide pain, lameness and illness for as long as possible to avoid being targeted by predators.

Polo ponies are incredible athletes on the field, they can turn on a dime, stop from the full gallop, accelerate from a halt to a full speed gallop, ride-off another horse and get bumped in the process. It is therefore very common for muscle tightness to occur which leads to a higher incidence of injuries.

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muscles checked regularly through the season for two main reasons: 1) Increased performance 2) Prevention is better than post-treatment!

The first sign of a muscle problem is a drop in performance. This can also include a lack of power as circulation is restricted and lactic acid builds up in the muscles. The iliopsoas is a very important deep structure muscle whose job is to round the back and bring the hindleg forward. As it is the main muscle in movement it is commonly injured. A simple slip or overextension of a hind leg can strain this muscle.

With continued work, a problem will get worse and further symptoms will present themselves such as cold/ sore backs, stiff on one rein, tying up, or changing leads. These problems result from the compensation of surrounding muscles being used instead, instinctively to protect the injured one.

Compensation can become a habit and if left for too long will become permanent and can result in a shortened or incorrect gait, as well as affecting their natural talent and soundness.

So if my horse has a muscle injury or tightness can I just rest it?

This is a common mistaken belief. If you put a horse to rest with a problem you are not

Photography by Lucy Broderick

Hero pony to second string

Working the horse’s muscles with the Winks Greene Transeva along the topline and the iliopsoas attachments

fixing or getting to the root of the issue. Yes, your horse may seem better when he first comes back into work, but the tightness will soon reappear when they return to full fitness. Why, because the problem is still there and was not addressed. Also, when on rest a horse will compensate with other muscles to protect that tight muscle and this compensation will become the norm with time. It is best to get rid of the tightness, then rest them, especially after a long, hard season.

This image demonstrates the range of stride length and power needed to get to the ball

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Performance Horses So what can I do to fix the problem?

Get your horse checked out by a recommended and qualified equine muscle therapist or equine therapist. We should be able to pinpoint the injury and release muscle tightness. Our job is to improve circulation throughout the muscles, release muscle tightness for freedom of movement and help the body heal itself. Tight muscles have a restricted range of motion and will tear when forced beyond their full potential, causing pain and a knock-on effect. For example, a horse with tight shoulders can develop tendon and lower leg problems. The muscles also control the movement of joints. If the muscles are not functioning correctly, there will be strain on the joints.

As with all athletes though, prevention is the best cure, so get your horse onto a regular maintenance programme to keep them supple and flexible. Regular maintenance work will also help you pick up on any problems that may be starting and prevent a worse injury, just as you do when servicing your car regularly. A horse with free motion can perform to its best ability and correct muscle elasticity allows them to stretch or turn with a much lower risk of injury, saving you both time and money.

Knowledge

Other tips: • A good warm-up is needed for your horse’s muscles before they play, this will also help prevent injuries. A warm muscle is more flexible than a cold one.

• When mounting or changing horses many riders land hard in the saddle causing their horse to tense his back or dip with the weight, take one extra second to lower yourself down gently and protect their backs.

• When you finish with a horse and it comes off the field blowing, this is its body screaming for oxygen. The horse needs to walk until they stop blowing to replace the oxygen supply to the muscles and prevent the lactic acid build up.

• Magnesium is a very useful mineral that aids in muscle recovery and relaxation of the muscle. Magnesium oxide is best absorbed by the body, so research the best supplements and pay attention to the quantities specified.

• Keep your training even, sets and singling in one direction will make your horse onesided and uneven.

• Get your horse walked before you get on and not just standing on the sidelines to keep the muscles warm and blood moving for good circulation.

The muscles on your horse’s body make up 60 percent of its body weight and yet these are what we neglect the most. For a human athlete, physios are the first ones called to get them right. Horses can’t tell us outright that they have a pull or strain and most of the time we don’t realise what they’re trying to tell us.

To perform at your best, you need your horses performing at their best, with ease

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

and efficiency of movement, no pain or muscle restriction and therefore a lower risk of injury. So don’t lose your horses to muscle tightness, instead, achieve your goal of being the best mounted on the field!

For more information, visit Kelly Cochrane’s website www.equineperfomancetherapy.com

OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE FOR HEAD COACH/ PROFESSIONAL PLAYER AT HPC. The Role: You will head up a busy coaching programme (approx. 500 lessons per season) from early April to end of September.

You will play club chukkas, league matches and club matches.

You will have three of your horses kept at the club livery free of charge and will have the ability to earn by playing club tournaments and Sunday matches.

A salary and accommodation will be provided.

The Club: HPC is the last remaining polo club in London. As such it is very vibrant and social with a high and growing demand for coaching including Instructional Chukkas.

Former racehorses excel in polo.

Visit ror.org.uk to find out more.

T: 01488 648998

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Requirements: Ideally a handicap of 2 or 3 goals. An HPA coaching qualification is preferable although training can be provided.

The Polo Office, Petersham Road, Ham, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7AH Tel: 020 8334 0000 / 020 8940 2020 Email: office@HPCLondonPolo.com www.HPCLondonPolo.com

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Playing Tips

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Open vs Fist Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game

Illustrations by Jean Abernathy

Photography by Šwww.imagesofpolo.com

The way your hand holds the polo mallet handle produces a direct effect on how you swing the mallet, which influences how your mallet strikes the ball.

The ideal position for holding the mallet is to have the handle lay diagonally across your hand and laying flat on the palm, while the bottom of the handle should be positioned between the pads of muscles at the base of the little finger and thumb. The remainder of the handle should be held with the fingers up to and including the tip of the index finger (Figure 1).

The perfectly executed Pistol Grip

Figure 1

Open Handed Grip (Pistol Grip) This style of holding the handle is often referred to as a pistol grip. However, I prefer referring to it as an open handed grip, because the middle finger, index finger and thumb should be extending down the mallet handle, creating an open-handed effect.

Consistent with the description of a pistol grip, the narrow edge of the handle should fit where the trigger of a pistol fits on the index finger, i.e., the front edge of the first knuckle.

Relative to the middle finger, the narrow edge of the handle should fit between the first and middle knuckles. The third finger should have the narrow edge of the handle fit in the bend of the middle knuckle, whilst the little finger should lay across the flat side of the 74

Figure 2

Polo Times, November 2017

handle, while pressing down onto the top edge of the widest portion of the bottom of the handle. The thumb should be pressing on the back and inside edge of the handle, while extending down the handle, with the tip of the thumb pointing toward the mallet head. (Figure 2).

Unfortunately, the thumb is seldom considered when it comes to holding the handle. Yet, the thumb is the second most important digit for holding the handle, because it should be pressing, or pinching, the handle onto the most important finger, the index finger, throughout the swing process.

The strongest pinching action you can create is between the tip of your thumb and the middle knuckle of your index finger.

That form of pinching provides the most secure way of holding the mallet handle in your hand, while allowing for sustaining the stability of the mallet head. Additionally, the strong pinching grip between your thumb

and index finger allows for a softer grip with the third and little fingers. That softer grip is conducive to a supple wrist, which produces much more effective use of the wrist than can be realised with the closed and tight fist grip.

The Fist Grip The Fist Grip’s perpendicular positioning causes the mallet head to be pushed, or moved, away from the plain at the top of the swing, only to have to be brought back to the plain during the downswing (Figure 3). Unfortunately, when the mallet head is being moved back during the downswing, it typically does not stop its outward movement, but continues moving past it. At that point, the mallet head must be brought back in line before reaching the ball, and that is difficult to accomplish when your wrist is tight and restricted from the affect of the Fist Grip.

To prevent the horse from being hit by way of an outside to inside swing, it is not uncommon to try and move the mallet head out and away from the ball at point of contact with the ball, thereby, causing the mallet head to travel out of kilter.

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Figure 3 10 Goaler Pablo Mac Donough shows a perfect Pistol Grip in action

Because of the inside to outside movement of the mallet head during the swing, you will have no idea as to the direction the ball will be going when it leaves the mallet head. When considering all of the negative effects created by the Fist Grip, it does not make sense for the handle to be held in a weaker and less effective manner.

When the strength and intensity with which the mallet must be used at times is taken

into consideration, it must be realised that a strong and secure grip on the mallet handle is essential. There are other negative effects associated with the Fist Grip, the most significant being the mallet handle coming out of the hand perpendicular to the hand instead of diagonally across it.

Unequivocally, the strongest, most secure and effective way of holding the handle is with the pinching action of an Open

Handed Grip. The off-season is the ideal time for using a foot mallet to practice developing the use of the pinching action of the open handed grip. One of the objectives should be that of developing the gripping strength between your thumb and index finger, while maintaining a supple wrist by way of a softer grip with the third and little fingers.

H E B R O 1 5 . 2 H P O L O S TA L L I O N S TA N D I N G I N C A M B R I D G E / L O D E N AT U R A L C O V E R I N G A N D S T R AW S AVA I L A B L E Played: Argentine & Hurlingham Open Javier Novillo Astrada (2007 & 2008) USA Open with Las Monjitas (2008) Hurlingham & Tortugas Open (2009 to 2012) Retired from High goal in 2013 for breeding Now playing medium & low goal in UK Breeding: Sire is Blue Blood by Rivadeo (TB) Dam is Matuza Brace (Polo Argentino) Â Nature: Very easy and reliable with amazing stamina For details and info please contact Jontidswellpretorius@gmail.com Or fmlavinia@hotmail.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, November 2017

75

Sidelines

Gossip

WEDDING BELLS!

DING DONG ON HIGH!

Congratulations to Cowdray Park Polo Club’s General Manager Matt Petersen who married Emma Weston on Saturday 23 September at Penn Street Church, Amersham. Guests then partied the night away at Matt’s family’s vineyard, Dropmore Vineyard, until the wee hours. Congratulations Matt and Emma!

Former-England Captain Henry Brett tied the knot with bride Laura Sharpe on Saturday 16 September in Sussex.

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Brett!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Many congratulations to Swarovski England Women’s Player Hazel Jackson and her new husband Ivan Gaona on their nuptials on Saturday 23 September. The sun shone on their wedding in the New Forest with a plethora of polo players in attendance.

We can’t wait to see the photos!

POLO FAMILIES UNITE!

Congratulations to Richard Tyrone and Flora Richardson who were married on Saturday 30 September in front of family and friends in West Sussex.

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

IGO ADVENTURES

WEDDED BLISS! MONARCH AIRLINES POLO LINK

News broke at 4am on Monday 2 October that Monarch Airlines went into administration. Andrew Swaffield has been the Chief Executive of the airline since 2014.

Swaffield is the patron of Alcedo polo team, a regular on the Cowdray circuit. Will the team be back in 2018?

SINGAPORE SLIP ‘N SLIDE

Druids Lodge Polo Manager Abi Meakin married Edward Vigors on Saturday 30 September in Stapleford.

After the ceremony, guests headed back to Druids Lodge Polo Club for a partyfilled reception. Congratulations Abi and Edward!

In the midst of some epic ladies polo at the BMW Ladies International in Singapore (check out the Women’s Section for more news) the heavens literally opened – whites and monsoon worthy downpours don’t really mix!

76

Polo Times, November 2017

Over the past year, IGO Adventures has welcomed trailblazers on three IGO Adventures – N60° Norway, W114° Montana and most recently NW05° Morocco. Passionate about adventures, they have tested the participants with some of the most challenging expeditions on the planet.

Talk about a sense of achievement!

Here’s to next year guys!

WELL DESERVED BREAK

Brutus, Polo Times’ resident four-year-old ‘chief of cheekiness’ (especially when it comes to autumn apple consumption) is taking a well deserved winter break, one he insists on reminding everyone about with his enormous yawns – Zzz Zzz! www.polotimes.co.uk

unique and inspiring www.hato-restaurants.com

Crispian Matthews

Fran Chappelow, Lady Suzy Denby, Sam Banks & Tessa Collett

Domingo Curreta & Henry Sharpe

Paul Erhamiem

Polo in the Park; Dallas Burston Polo Club; Sunday 3 September

Nothing Will Rain On Our Parade!

Stormy weather failed to dampen the public’s enthusiasm for DBPC’s Polo in the Park event which returned to the Club early in September for a sixth year. It featured an impressive line-up of family fun entertainment. As well as motorbikes and a display of vintage cars, visitors were treated to a range of stalls and exhibitors who braved the wet weather to support this popular event. There was even a range of fairground rides for younger visitors. And for those looking to make the most of this fun-packed day there was an assortment of gourmet street foods and vending stalls as well as a selection of picnic packages and mouth-watering afternoon teas.

Tom Collie, Jamie Potter, Guido Basile & Mike Zurwaski

Mike Zurwaski & Major Richard Carney

Andy Thomas

Tom Able-Smith with Angus & Miles Marlow-Thomas

Josh Clover & Ed Morris Lowe

Ed Walker, Mary Hall, Russell Barker & Matt Simpson

Cameron Whitehouse

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Guests walking down the Avenue at Polo in the Park

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Henry Brett, Victoria Barfoot, Jemima Taylor & Laura Lew-Williams

George Meyrick

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End of Season Party; Cowdray Park Polo Club; Sunday 24 September

Another Golden Season Max Bethell, Howard Guy-Harding & Nick Johnson

Cowdray Park closed another busy season with the Finals of the Autumn and Farewell Cups and the presentation of their annual awards – the Pimm’s Cup for Most Improved Young Player went to Will Harper, the Millenium Plate for Umpiring Services to Adrian Wade and the Large Cup for Pony Welfare to James Beim. Then it was time for everyone to let their hair down and party on until VERY late! The evening was a combination of plenty of drinks, great music and sad, but fond, goodbyes all round. Cowdray has assured us that, before we know it, the sun will be shining brightly on the Sussex grounds again for the 2018 season.

Have a great winter everyone!

Ed Hitchman & Henry Fisher

Photography by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk Charlotte Ayliff, Fleur Turner & Alex McAvoy

Chris Bethell

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John Collins & Hissam Ali Hyder

Nick Hine, Vivien Mackintosh, Beverley Robb, Richenda Hine & Andrew Robb

Major Iain Forbes-Cockell & Becky Simpson

Neil Hobday

Chairman’s Awards Evening; Guards Polo Club; Friday 15 September

Chairman’s Honours

Robert & Victoria Thame

The end of another epic season at Guards was celebrated in style as over 150 members, players and friends were welcomed with a Chukka Cocktail®, courtesy of British Polo Gin, followed by a fantastic Indian themed feast and entertainment, whilst reclining on super-chic white sofas in the Clubhouse.

As the Laurent Perrier champagne flowed, Guards Chairman, Jock Green-Armytage confirmed that Cartier have committed to another three years of Queen’s Cup sponsorship and he thanked those responsible for the 532 matches played this season. Alongside, Guards Chief Executive, Neil Hobday then went on to confirm the 2017 Chairman’s Awards: Best Team: Park Place Best Professional Player: Nicolas Roberts Most Improved Player: Temur Nadeem Best Off Handicap: Emma Boers Best Umpire: Tomas Palacios-Bacque Best Staff Member of the Year: Saskia Meadows

Most Improved Player of 2017, Temur Nadeem

Adolfo Casabal & George Meyrick

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com Vieri Antinori & Antony Fanshawe

Indian dancers entertained the guests

Andrey Borodin’s Park Place squad, named Team of the Year in 2017 and featuring the Guards Top Pro for 2017, Nico Roberts

Mindi & Hugh Byrne

Genevieve Meadows & Jack Hyde

Robert de By & Siobhan Barney

Ebe Sievright & Tissy van Reyk

Jock Green-Armytage with Best Handicapped Player Emma Boers

Jock Green-Armytage with Umpire of the Year Tomas Palacios Bacque

Saskia Meadows, winner of the Staff Trophy for 2017

Mikey Goodwill & Hugo Davis

Jimmy Wood & Sophie Gardner

Hannah Firman & Rebecca Drake

Annie & Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers

Annual Players Dinner; HPC, The London Polo Club, Friday 22 September

Awards Aplenty To mark the end of the season HPC, The London Polo Club held its annual players’ dinner in the Clubhouse. Members arrived to a champagne reception followed by a delicious four-course gastronomic extravaganza. The evening was held in aid of Polo Pastures and included an auction of delightful prizes to raise funds. Chairman Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers gave his address as Chairman, awarding Steven O’Kane with the Most Improved Player Award and Will Healy with Player of the Year Award. The famous Billy Awards followed with prizes being given out for naughty behaviour on and off the field.

The final award went to Max Stacy who’d been bucked off the most times in 2017, he was presented with a giant pink ‘my little pony’ balloon as it was probably safer to ride than most of his horses!

Will Healy, Lucy Dowie & Joyce Yiu

Lizzi & Patrick Teroerde

Siobhan Barney & Robert de By

Sara & Riccardo Paganelli

Andrew & Pat Harrison

Photography by Robert Piper Photography

Ann d’Arth, Freddie & Nastassia Ventura

Benjie, Rachael, Hugo & Quentin Davis

Juan Cruz Araya Martelli & Ali Paterson

Rebecca Stegman & Geoffrey Godbold

Steven o’Kane, Clara Gibson, Natalia Sartor & Sebastian Tarnowski

Rebecca Stegman, Will Healy & Geoffrey Godbold

Erika Stasiuleviciute, Garrie Renucci, Marco Vignali, Natasha Murray & John Alexander Santos

Andrew Harrison, Mark Hallam, Guru Johal, Raenu Johal, Clara Gibson & Natalia Sartor

Jinni Featherstone-Witty & Simon Chamberlain

Julia-Caroline Rizos & Katharina Pakendorf

Nell Jacob, Sara Hale & Phil Meadows

Seb Dawnay

Sophie & Michel Granchi

Suzie Meadows & Maggie Hyde

Segundo Darritchon

End of Season Awards; Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club; Saturday 23 September

Award Winning Berkshire Michael Amoore & Richard Sayer

After an extremely successful season, full of laughter, fun and large shiny trophies, the good and great of the Berkshire gathered for their annual awards. Alongside the silverware, guests were treated to delicious food and drinks and the unique tones of Cordelectra, the famous string trio who have graced the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest, the MTV Music Awards and now the Main Stage at RCBPC. Kitted out in the themed black, white and blue, the award winners each took their turn on stage, thanking their friends, families and ponies for what has been a great season. Capi Granchi picked up the Most Valuable Female Player Award, Seb Dawnay the Most Valued Player Award, whilst Segundo Darritchon won the Most Improved Player Award. The Best Club Team was awarded to Celine Lawrence’s Tarantula and the Own Goal Trophy went to Gavin Turner. Cheers to a great summer!

Bruce Fraser, Shanley Heseltine & Paul Knights

Photography by Cymon Skinner Photography Nacho Gonzalez, Sara Hale & Sarah Gonzalez

Capi Granchi & Jamie Morrison

Paul Whyman, Greta Morrison & Lisa Whyman

John Houghton

What is a party without a vodka luge?

Hannah Matthews, Georgia Sweeney, Alex Jacob & Leeo Libertini

Charlotte Elliot, Luci Todd & Stephanie Elliott

String trio Cordelectra entertain the crowdsÂ

Dates for Your Diary

What’s On

November UK Club Fixtures Westcroft Park – Arena Opens 50% Off Challenges (Open): 1 – 5 November Ash Farm – Challenge Matches (Open): 4 – 5 November DBPC – The IXL Cup: 4 – 5 November Rugby – T-Bone Challenge: 6 November Ash Farm – Challenge Matches (Open): 11 – 12 November RCBPC – Arena Challenge Trophy (7-10): 11 – 12 November Rugby – The WPPG Cup (-2-2 & 2-6): 11 – 12 November Westcroft Park – Westcroft Park Pro-Am League (4-10): 11 – 12 November Druids Lodge – Club Match for Poppy Sunday Trophy: 12 November Ash Farm – Winter Warm Up Cup (1-3): 18 – 19 November RCBPC – The Metropolitan Trophy (10-12): 18 – 19 November RCBPC – The Richmond Trophy (4-6): 18 – 19 November Westcroft Park – Westley Green Farm Plate (5-8): 18 – 19 November RCBPC – HPA National Club Championships (1-3 & 10-12): 21 November – 3 December Ash Farm – Challenge Matches (Open): 25 – 26 November Westcroft Park – Westcroft Park Pro-Am League (4-10): 25 – 26 November Rugby – Amateur Challenge Match: 27 November

Druids Lodge – Druids Lodge Novice National League (Open): 4 November – 25 March 2018 Rugby – University Challenge (Open): 18 – 19 November Druids Lodge – Exeter vs Bristol Varsity Weekend (Open): 25 – 26 November Druids Lodge – Christmas Pudding University Tournament (Open): 13 December Druids Lodge – Druids Lodge Beginner National League (Open): 2 December – 25 March 2018 Rugby – SUPA University Nationals (Open): 8 – 11 February Druids Lodge – Easter University Tournament (Open): 14 March Rugby – SUPA Senior Schools Tournament (Open): 14 March Westcroft Park – SUPA National School Girls Championship (Open): 10 – 11 March

Youth Polo Druids Lodge – Druids Lodge Novice National League (Open): 4 November – 25 March 2018 Prestonwood, USA – Middle School League: 4 – 5 November Central Coast, USA – Middle School League: 11 – 12 November Rugby – University Challenge (Open): 18 – 19 November Houston, USA – Middle School League: 18 – 19 November Gardnertown, USA – Middle School League: 18 – 19 November Druids Lodge – Exeter vs Bristol Varsity Weekend (Open): 25 – 26 November

Polo directory

Windsor – Windsor Spring Tournament: 4 – 5 November Houston, USA – US Open Women’s Polo Championship: 7 – 12 November Houston, USA – US open Women’s Handicap: 8 – 11 November The Villages, USA – Women’s Tournament (6-8, 12-14 & 20-22): 15 – 19 November

Argentina La Aguada – La Aguada Challenge (10): 4 – 12 November Palermo – 124th Argentine Open (0-40): 4 November – 2 December La Aguada – Julio Novillo Astrada Cup: 5 November El Remanso – El Remanso Cup: 5 November La Aguada – La Aguada Cowdray Park Polo Trophy (16): 15 – 24 November Pilar – Municipalidad del Pilar: 19 November La Aguada – La Aguada Spring Cup (14): 26 November – 1 December La Aguada – La Aguada Guards Polo Trophy (16): 26 November – 1 December

UK Key Arena Dates RCBPC – HPA National Club Championships (1-3 & 10-12): 21 November – 3 December Westcroft Park – HPA National Club Championships (5-8): 2 – 16 December Westcroft Park – England Test Match (Open): 16 December RCBPC – HPA National Club Championships (4-6 & 13-15): 5 – 21 January 2018 RCBPC – Arena Gold Cup (13-15): 13 – 24 February 2018 Hickstead – International Arena Test Match, Bryan Morrison Trophy (Open): 3 March 2018

Arena Youth Key Dates Druids Lodge – Exeter Cup University League (Open): 20 October – 16 March 2018 Druids Lodge – Druids Super League (Open): 28 October – 11 March 2018 www.polotimes.co.uk

America New Bridge – USPA Bronze Trophy (8-12): 18 October – 5 November Grand Champions – USPA North American Cup (16-20): 27 October – 5 November Grand Champions – USPA National 20 Goal: 8 – 19 November Grand Champions – Polo Gear Challenge Cup: 10 – 12 November Grand Champions – National Twenty Goal (16-20): 14 – 22 November Grand Champions – Carlos Gracida Memorial Legends of Polo: 25 November Grand Champions – International Cup: 25 November

Australia Victorian – Alfa Romeo Melbourne Cup (12 & 4): 4 – 12 November Windsor – Windsor Spring Tournament (4 & Ladies): 4 – 5 November Killarney – Killarney Spring Tournament (4): 11 – 12 November Victorian – Victorian Premier League (8-10): 15 November Eynesbury – Eynesbury Tournament: 18 – 19 November Willo – Spring Tournament (4): 18 – 19 November Victorian – Victorian Premier League (8-10): 22 November Victorian – D Grade 0,4 & 6 Goal: 25 – 26 November Windsor – Riverlands Spring Tournament (4): 25 – 26 November Polo Times, November 2017

83

Polo directory

Quick Question

Something Different

Miami – Miami Beach Polo: 4 – 7 Januaury 2018 Poole – British Beach Polo Championships in Sandbanks: 13 – 14 July 2018

Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page A: Ten years ago, the Victor Ludorum winners were: 18 goal: Longdole, 210 points 15 goal: Wildmoor, 380 points 12 goal: Wildmoor, 210 points 8 goal: Vampire Bats, 360 points

Snow Polo Dates

Kitzbühel – 16th CORUM Snow Polo World Cup: 11 – 14 January 2018 St. Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz: 26 – 28 January 2018

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.

Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

All Ireland Polo Club All England Polo Club Hickstead*

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Inglesham Polo Club*

07818 508136

mattevetts@hotmail.com

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmailc.com

Leadenham Polo Club

01400 318006

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

will.moorfarmpolo@gmail.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Blueys Polo Club*

07712 105780

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917 wwwbramhampoloacademy.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

02890 727905

robert@hellomxb.com

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

polo@dbpoloclub.com

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.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@supanet.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

84

Polo Times, November 2017

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Polo directory Volume 22 • Issue 9 • October 2017 •

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JOHN TINSLEY INTERVIEW A reflection on a lifetime in polo NEW HELMET REGULATIONS Your must-have guide for 2018 ACTION IN AZERBAIJAN The 5th CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup

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Sotogrande Finale

& Victor Ludorum

EY INTERVIEW JOHN TINSL lifetime in polo a A reflection on S REGULATION NEW HELMETguide for 2018 Your must-have AIJAN Cup ACTION IN AZERB Arena Polo World The 5th CBC Sport & Victor Ludorum PLUS: HPA Select,

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JOHN TINSLEY INTERVIEW A reflection on a lifetime in polo NEW HELMET REGULATIONS Your must-have guide for 2018

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Polo Times, November 2017

ACTION IN AZERBAIJAN The 5th CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup

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Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Photography courtesy of Max Kirchhoff

Max Kirchhoff, Armis Snake Bite’s 6ft 4 leader, has been a regular on the Victor Ludorum stage for nigh on 10 years. He and his team have swept the board, winning some of the brightest and biggest trophies low to medium goal have to offer. As we announce that Armis Snake Bite has taken home the 2017 15 Goal Victor Ludorum silverware, after an extremely successful season, Max tells us a little about what makes him get out of bed in the morning What is your biggest passion and why?

I would be silly not to say polo...

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

I grew up in Munich, so I’ve been an F.C Bayern Munich fan forever and I try to watch as many games as possible.

A little known fact is that I boxed for several years at university. I still enjoy training, though I’m a long way off fighting weight...

What is your all time best polo memory?

This is a really tough one as I’ve been extremely lucky to experience polo all over the world. Obviously, playing in remote locations, winning individual tournaments and the Victor Ludorum at various levels has been amazing. But, playing in the last ever Elephant Polo World Cup at Tiger Tops in Nepal has to stand out. Elephants are such majestic beings and over the week of the tournament set in the Chitwan National Park, you really got to immerse yourself in their life and bond with them.

Favourite film and why?

Everyone who knows me is aware of my penchant for box sets and films. In fact when joking around with teammates we often quote them (and not just Anchorman!). I’m a big fan of Brando, Nicholson, Al Pacino and De Niro. However one film, I struggle to switch off is About Time. It has got a great cast, is directed by Richard Curtis and wouldn’t it just be wonderful if you could travel in time, if only to appreciate the little things a bit more!?

Favourite song?

I’m a big fan of single-track repeat until I can’t stand the song any longer...

Hardest opponent?

I can’t really highlight one individual. I actually enjoy it when my opposite number is a lot better than me and pushes me. For me, polo isn’t about staying in your comfort zone and in my opinion this is the only way to improve.

88

Polo Times, November 2017

Photograph by Gordon Lindsey

Who are your favourite teammates and why?

I tend to put together teams with players I actually want to go for a beer with after matches. Given that we have played together for over ten years, I really should also mention David Ashby.

Favourite food/dish?

Salad with lots of different things chucked in, ideally served in a very large, trough like, bowl.

Favourite hobby outside of polo?

I’m a very keen shot, both with the shotgun and the rifle, which keeps me very busy when I’m not playing polo.

Most prized possession?

A fairly recent addition, but my puppy Moritz.

Best holiday destination & activity?

Going home to the Tegernsee just south of Munich in the Bavarian Alps. From here I love heading into town for the Oktoberfest, just after the UK polo season is over, as I tend to spend most of September there.

Best pony and why?

Porteño, an argentine gelding bought from the Novillo Astradas several years ago as a six-year-old and he just keeps on improving every season.

Are you passionately superstitious?

Not really, yet I tend to get into pre-match routines to help me focus.

Describe yourself in three words…

Dry German humour. www.polotimes.co.uk

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