Polo Times November 2018 by Edit

Volume 23 • Issue 10 • November 2018 • £6.50

80 GOAL PERFECTION Triple Crown Guide & Tortugas Open CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Polo Times Feeling Festive INTERVIEW Fran Townend PLUS: FIP European Polo Championships, Lawyers Polo & Power Polo League

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Contents

Contacts Publisher

What’s inside…

November 2018

Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Manager Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk Operations Manager

Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Advertising Sales

Women’s Polo

Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk

53 54 55

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

Youth Polo

Principal Design

James Morgan

42 Additional Design Tony Ruddy

Subscriptions Lynne Berry admin@polotimes.co.uk

News 6 7, 13 14

All the Latest News Obituaries FIP Update

Comment 16

Your Views & Social Media

Features

Overseas Reporter

18 20 23 26 31

Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

Reports

Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors: Stephen Biddlecombe, Connie Bowkett-Pritchard, Nicholas ColquhounDenvers, Terry Dockley, Lorna Edgar, Sam Gairdner, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, ©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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38 41 42

Cover Story: XI FIP European Polo Championships Eighth Annual Lawyers’ Polo Cover Story: The Tortugas Open Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Military Polo 52

57 58 60 62 64 66 68 70

Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Polo Series Polo & VAT: Everything You Need to Know Equipment Focus: Bits: How to Prevent Mouth Rubbing Polodoc: Painful Rendezvous Learn to Play: Lesson Four – Part One Nutrition Focus: Starch – Friend or Foe? Vet Insight: Impaction Colic Coaching: HPA discusses

Big Picture Power Polo League Announced Cover Story: Interview – Fran Townend Cover Story: Argentine High Goal Guide Sidelines Cover Story: Christmas Gift Guide 72 Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know! 74 Sidelines: Social Pages

Club Focus 47

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Knowledge

Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Cover Story: FIP European Ladies Polo Championships 5 mins with… Rebecca Walters A Round-Up of Women’s Polo

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Polo Directory: 77

What’s On in November?

Final bell:

80 Passions: Michael ‘Mikey’ Henderson

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Polo Times, November 2018

Cover photograph: Juan Martín Nero races along the line for La Dolfina in The Tortugas Open. By Helen Cruden Photography

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Polo Times, November 2018

US Open Polo Championship Alumni Match On Sunday 23 September, Oak Brook Polo Club hosted a match to mark the 40th anniversary of the US Open Polo Championships, which were last held at the Chicago Club in 1978. The 16 goal match saw Abercrombie & Kent take on Tulsa Polo Team as part of the USPA Board of Governors and Annual Member Meetings with hundreds of spectators in attendance. The Butler Handicap Trophy was presented to Abercrombie & Kent by Oak Brook Polo Club Paul Butler’s son Michael, as they defeated Tulsa Polo with a 7-6 win. Pac-Man, owned by John Greene and played by Carlucho Arellano was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug, whilst Del Walton was awarded the Most Valuable Player honours.

The US Open Polo Championship Alumni Match Teams: Abercrombie & Kent (16): Joe Muldoon (2), Delmer Walton (3), Carlucho Arrellano (5) & Martin Ravina (6) Tulsa (16): Joel Baker (1), Mike Azzaro (6), Martín Estrada (4) & Luis Escobar (5) Photograph by Tim Stops Photography

This time of year, with the clocks back an hour, British Summer Time is over and the UK polo season has of course, transitioned from grass to arena polo – and yet, further afield, the Argentine season is in full swing. To celebrate this, the November issue of Polo Times includes our Argentine High Goal Guide, where you can find all that you will need to know about this year’s Triple Crown teams. With The Tortugas Open already at a conclusion, I hope that you will enjoy our report on the results in the first step in the 2018 Argentine Triple Crown on page 26. Polo Times not only strives to bring you the latest polo news and match reports both at home and abroad, but also, insightful information on equine management, player performance and tack advice in the monthly Knowledge section. This issue in particular, is absolutely packed with features, including: a focus on Polo and VAT, Impaction Colic, How to Prevent Mouth Rubbing and is Starch – Friend or Foe? We hope that our readers enjoy these knowledgeable insights into this side of polo, which, all-too often, is considered the less glamorous and enjoyable side to playing polo, yet is arguably, equally as important. Whilst looking ahead to the next polo season, the worldwide polo community reflects as it mourns the tragic loss of three polo figures who all passed away in recent weeks: US 4 goal lady player Lauren Biddle, UK 1 goal player Christian Betz and King Power patron Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. On Saturday 27 October, King Power patron, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha tragically died in a helicopter crash at the King Power Stadium in Leicester. Vichai was of course a staunch supporter of British polo, and his King Power teams enjoyed wins in The Gold Cup in 2015, 2016 & 2017, moving to sponsorship of The Gold Cup itself in 2018. Not only has polo lost a pillar of its community in Vichai’s passing, but also a champion of young British talent.

News

Abercrombie & Kent defeated Tulsa in the US Open Polo Championship Alumni Match

Argentine Umpires Hired in the USA At the beginning of October, there was controversy surfacing regarding the hiring of Class A Argentine umpires for the upcoming 26 goal World Polo League Series in the USA. The AAP have sent FIP and its members a letter stating that they be contacted before any Argentine umpires are hired for overseas tournaments, so they can provide a shortlist of candidates and manage the hiring process. In reality, the AAP have no legal right to enforce this rule as the umpires are not contracted exclusively by them – in layman’s terms, if the umpire is hired through the AAP

the fee received by the umpire will be smaller than if hired directly by the tournament. The AAP contacted the World Polo League Series directly stating their terms, to which the committee responded with a resounding “No”. Coincidentally, the same situation occurred this season in Spain. The situation remains unresolved, but the AAP are yet to take further action.

US 2019 Season & Handicap News When the USPA announced that the 2019 season would see the high goal season tournaments lowered from 26 to 22 goal due to the low number of teams registering to take part in the series, there was general concern that the measure would not work. However, a recent announcement has confirmed that the series so far has 15 teams registered to participate in the 2019 Palm Beach season, with a further four or five teams expected to vie for the $1 million prize money – also a new addition for the 2019 season. The season begins in December with The Herbie Pennell Cup swiftly followed by The Joe Barry Cup in January 2019. The following teams are expected to participate: Patagones, Las Monjitas, Tonkawa, Coca Cola, Goose Creek-Iconica, SD Farms, Villa del Lago-DRF, EFG, La Indiana, RH Polo, Park Place, Postage Stamp, Equuleus, Prestige Worldwide, Dutta Corp, Travieso, Lucchese, GSA, Faraway, Mt. Brilliant and Clearwater. The season will end with The USPA US Open Polo Championship Final on 20 April. For more information about the season,

please visit www.uspolo.org In other news, on 9 October, the USPA released their 2018 Annual Handicap Changes. There have been a number of significant changes across the board, with Brit Tommy Beresford leading the charge, following his handicap change in the UK, with a move from 5 to 6 goals. Juan Britos, Cartier Queen’s Cup finalist and La Ensenada player, has seen his handicap raised from 7 to 8 goals, whilst Fred Mannix Jnr has been raised by two goals from 7 to 9. Adolfo Cambiaso has seen two of his children’s handicaps raised, with Mía raised to 2 goals and son Poroto raised from 1 to 3 goals. Amongst the increases, there are a number of demotions, the most notable of which sees 2009 Westchester Cup player Adam Snow move from 5 to 4 goals and well known Brit player Malcolm Borwick reduced from 6 to 5 goals. For the full list of handicap changes, please visit www.uspolo.org www.polotimes.co.uk

News Obituary Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha As we went to press, we learnt of the sad news of the tragic death of King Power patron and Leicester City Football team owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Over the past decade, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and his King Power team have made an ineffaceable mark on polo in the UK. From their famous wins of The Gold Cup in 2015, 2016 and 2017, to his continued support of young British players in recent years, boosting the careers of celebrated young guns Jimbo Fewster, Hugo Lewis and Hugo Taylor. Vichai made a home for the King Power organisation at the state-of-the-art Billingbear in Berkshire, from where his sons Aiywatt (Top) and Apichet (Tal) led the team to victory on countless occasions. The below obituary was kindly submitted by FIP Chairman, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers: “Both the sporting and the commercial world are a poorer place after the tragic death of Khun Vichai in a helicopter accident at Leicester City Football Club on Saturday night, 27 October 2018. His commercial acumen as the Founder and Chairman of the extremely successful King Power Duty-Free conglomerate at all the airports in Thailand allowed him to indulge his passion for international sport both in the polo and football world with remarkable success. Three times winner of the coveted British Open, the Gold Cup at Cowdray Park in 2015, 2016 & 2017 as well as the Queens Cup/Gold Cup double in 2015, Vichai was also a keen polo player himself, as were his two sons Aiyawatt (Top) and Apichet (Tip) who played in the King Power High Goal teams. He also founded the VR Polo Club in Bangkok and was credited as one of those who brought polo back to Thailand. “Khun Vichai’s remarkable success over just the last decade in two such diverse sports as polo and football is a tribute to his passion, vision and entrepreneurial flair which, combined with a slightly shy and reserved demeanour, endeared him to so many in the world of sport. He was always happy to help young players in their pursuit of improvement or generously lend his grounds and facilities to support a good cause. In 2008 he was made President of Ham Polo Club in London for four years as a tribute for all he had done for the sport and in 2012 the late King of Thailand, H.M. Bhumibol Adulyadej, at the time the world’s longest reigning Monarch, honoured the family by granting a change of name from Raksriaksorn to Srivaddhanaprabha in recognition of his

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

3 April 1957 – 27 October 2018

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha celebrating the 2016 Gold Cup win at Cowdray Park Polo Club with his team and sons Aiyawatt and Apichet

well-known charity work and his outstanding success in business. In 2016 he was honoured by the world governing body of polo by being made an Ambassador of the Federation of International Polo for his contribution to the development of the sport. “However, it was his remarkable success at Leicester City Football Club that became ‘the stuff that dreams are made of’ and eclipsed even his passion for polo. Having purchased the ailing Club, then appointed his son Aiyawatt as Vice-Chairman, many expected it to be yet another ‘overseas owner’ with a view to making a profit from the re-sale. This was not to be the case at Leicester City, Khun Vichai brought what he called “Thai values and Thai culture” to the Club and made staff, players and fans part of an extended family, setting about investing in the Club, clearing its debts and even introducing Buddhist monks to bless the grounds and players before important matches. Leicester City’s fairy-tale victory in 2016 winning the coveted Premier League against all odds (at 5,000 to 1) can be directly attributed to his flair for man-management and his methods in bringing staff, players and fans together to achieve the impossible. Few Club Chairmen or Owners are held in such high esteem by the fans and players alike as can be attested to by the outpouring of grief at his tragic passing and a remarkable tribute to all that he had achieved.”

On behalf of the polo community, photographer Richard Mobbs placed a polo stick, polo ball and letter of condolence at the King Power Stadium.

Photography by Richard Mobbs

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Polo Times, November 2018

News The Patagonia Trail

Photograph by Reinhardt & Sommer Photography

Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel

Polo Times and our sister publication The Polo Magazine will once again be heading out to Kitzbühel for the Snow Polo World Cup

Polo Times and our sister publication The Polo Magazine will be heading to the mountains once again this January, as we head out to the snowy vistas of Kitzbühel as Official Media Partners for the 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup between 17 – 20 January 2019. With between six to eight teams of international stars set to participate, as well as a plethora of world class entertainment, the tournament is going to be a snow polo

highlight. Tickets for this exciting event are available now from www.kitzbuehelpolo.com, with prices starting at €200 for VIP entry. What’s more, spectators are able to witness the action free of charge arena side, so make sure to bag your space early! Later in January, the Polo Times and The Polo Magazine road trip will continue to Switzerland for the 35th Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz.

Horseware Groom of the Year Ollie Cudmore’s groom Tamzin Nesbitt, has been shortlisted for The Horseware Groom of the Year Award by Horse & Hound. 27-year-old Tamzin has been nominated for her hard graft, attention to detail and passion for the string of 15 horses. In her own words, her 2018 highlight was, “Ollie winning The British Open for The Gold Cup with his team, El Remanso, in July in front of a crowd of nearly 15,000 spectators. So much effort and hard work was put into this by so many people. It was an incredibly special moment for me.” The winner will be announced at the Horse & Hound Awards Dinner on 8 November – good luck Tamzin!

Carlos ‘Polito’ Ulloa will be hosting a three-day clinic in Patagonia between 25 November – 1 December. ‘Polito’, father of 10 goal powerhouse Hilario Ulloa, is one of the best horse breakers in Argentina with more than 40 years experience working with well-known horses such as Dolfina Cuartetera, Dolfina Buenaventura and Open Guillermina. The Clinic will teach pupils about all the key factors of horse breaking, from the biomechanics of the horse to round yard work and the first ride. For more information about the Clinic, please visit jakotango.com

Saudi Polo Federation to Join FIP On Tuesday 9 October, FIP Chairman Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers and Amr Zedan Chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation met in London to sign a memorandum of understanding, the first step towards the Saudi Polo Federation becoming an active member of FIP. This event marked an important step in Saudi Arabia’s polo progression, having only formed their national association mere months ago.

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News Hall of Fame 2019 Inductees

Photograph courtesy of the Museum of Polo

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Juan Martín Nero Returns to St. Moritz

Juan Martín Nero will be heading back to St. Moritz in January

On Thursday 18 October, The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz announced that 10 goal powerhouse Juan Martín Nero will be heading back to the Alps for the 35th edition of The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2019. Having last taken home the trophy in 2004, Nero will be returning to the ‘Home of Snow Polo’ as part of the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel team, alongside Captain Melissa Ganzi and Argentine dynamo Juan Bollini. Taking place between 25 – 27 January, the exclusive Alpine mecca of St. Moritz will once again be buzzing with polo action as Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, Cartier, Maserati and Azerbaijan Land of Fire compete for the coveted Cartier Trophy. Organiser Reto Gaudenzi proudly states, “We are thrilled to be able to count on so many top players, who, year after year, want to take part in the

world’s only high-goal tournament on snow. At the same time, we are pleased to report a steady rise in attention and demand from sponsors and guests around the globe. This is a great compliment for St. Moritz and the outstanding efforts of all partners involved.” The 35th edition of the tournament will also be once again welcoming sponsors Deutsche Bank Wealth Management and La Martina, as well as team sponsors Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, Cartier, Maserati and Azerbaijan Land of Fire. Tickets are available on www.snowpolo-stmoritz.com/tickets now and are selling fast, so be sure not to miss out. Polo Times and our sister publication The Polo Magazine will be on hand as an Official Media Partner, so make sure you keep an eye on our social media feeds for more exciting news!

Gerald Balding will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, amongst others, on Friday 15 February 2019

The Museum of Polo, in Florida, has announced its 2019 inductees to the Hall of Fame. On Friday 15 February 2019, Daniel Gonzalez, Gerald Matthews Balding, Karlene Beal Garber and John B. Armstong, as well as ponies Mr Polo and Conover will be inducted into the Hall of Fame amongst friends, family and fans at the annual blacktie event. For more information about the Museum of Polo, please visit www.polomuseum.com

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Polo Times, November 2018

News The Eighth Annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships Between 10 – 11 November, thousands of polo fans will gather in Arizona for the eighth annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships and Polo Party. This year’s event will host six matches, including the debut of famous player Nacho Figueras. He will be playing for the Aspen Valley Polo Club team, who will take on Centtrip Wales for The Molina Trophy. Alongside the polo, the event will host the world’s longest fashion show, a canine couture fashion show and previews of Barrett-Jackson’s car collection. In addition, guests will be treated to a huge array of tasty treats. Gates open at 10am on Saturday 10 November with the first match commencing at 12.15pm. For more information, please visit thepoloparty.com

Photograph courtesy of Pololine

#TodosPorBastian

High goal players gather for the #TodosPorBastian event in Pilar

On Monday 15 October, a charity event was held at the AAP headquarters in Pilar, Argentina, in aid of the recovery of 26-year-old Bastian ‘Basti’ Fernandez, a groom who suffered a life-changing injury when he fell from a horse on 11 August 2017 at The Legacy Polo Club in Switzerland. He was left with irreversible damage to his fifth lumbar vertebra, paralysing him and thus incurring extensive medical fees in Switzerland where he is undergoing treatment. While the Club’s insurance covers a share of the medical fees, Basti’s friends have teamed together to form www.bastifund.org to raise funds. Triple Crown players, such as Adolfo Cambiaso, David ‘Pelón’ Stirling, Hilario Ulloa and Facundo Sola, were present at the event which also saw a kids’ exhibition game, between La Dolfinita and Santa María de Lobos La Taquera, in which Viviana Cruz Archer defeated Hyundai Polo Team 9-8.

125th Hurlingham Open At the time of going to press, Argentine Triple Crown players have been battling for wins in The 125th Hurlingham Open, the second tournament in the Triple Crown Series, ahead of The Argentine Open. On Saturday 20 October, Ellerstina continued their tournament domination with a 14-7 win against young guns La Ensenada. The boys in black led from the off, but the 2018 newbies La Ensenada didn’t give up, coming back up the scoreboard from the third chukka onwards. Later in the day, La Aguada defeated Alegría-La Irenita’s brand new 2018 line-up. Alegría-La Irenita began the match with two goals on the board but following some narrow tussles in the second and third chukkas, and an even 5-5 score at half-time, La Aguada raced forward to take the match 12-7. On Sunday 21 October, The Tortugas Open winning La Dolfina, unsurprisingly, defeated La Cañada by a huge 22-6 final score, securing their spot in the Semi Finals, but in the second match of the day, Las Monjitas took home a 13-8 win against La Albertina Abu Dhabi, who up to this point, had only lost out to La Dolfina. Following these matches, there was a week’s delay until the Semi Finals, which were set to take place between 27 – 28 October, with the Final falling a week after, on Saturday 3 November. A full report will follow in the next issue of Polo Times but for now, check out our High Goal Guide on page 26 for who to follow in this year’s Triple Crown Series. The 125th Hurlingham Open Semi Final Teams: La Dolfina Sancor Seguros (40): Adolfo Cambiaso (10), David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (10), Pablo Mac Donough (10) & Juan Martín Nero (10) La Aguada (33): Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8), Alfredo Bigatti (8), Miguel Novillo Astrada (8) & Ignacio Novillo Astrada (9) Las Monjitas (37): Facundo Sola (9), Hilario Ulloa (10), Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset (10) & Santiago Toccalino (8) Ellerstina (40): Polito Pieres (10), Gonzalito Pieres (10), Nico Pieres (10) & Facundo Pieres (10)

HPA Winter Fixtures

Polo Times, November 2018

Photograph by Matias Calléjo

The HPA has released the 2018-2019 winter arena fixtures list, with highlights including The Arena Gold Cup, The Bryan Morrison Trophy and The HPA National Club Championships. Play commences in clubs across the country in the coming fortnight, with the first of the HPA National Club Championships taking place at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club between 20 November – 2 December. In further news, the HPA has also released the Arena Membership form on their website. Members can join the HPA for the winter season as an extension to their 2018 outdoor membership by logging onto their account on the membership platform. Members are reminded that HPA membership is now paid for directly from the HPA, not as part of a Club’s subscription fee. For more information about the winter tournaments ahead, please visit the HPA website www.hpa-polo.co.uk

Juan Britos, in his usual acrobatic form, fought valiantly against Facundo Pieres

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B. Grimm Polo Masters

League Three: La Ensenada Power Horse La Trinidad Balanz Capital

League Two: Las Tapias El Milagro Los Nocheros Real Time

League One: Twenty 20 Amadeux Mumbai El Paisano ALFI Investments

Photograph by Matias Calléjo

The draw for The B. Grimm Polo Masters, the first of the four tournaments organised by Minuto Siete in Argentina this season was held on Monday 15 October at The Thai Polo Club in Argentina. Representatives from the 12 teams, between 12-14 goals, were present at the draw with the tournament due to commence on 5 November until 15 November. The tournament has been split into three leagues, with the teams falling as follows:

The draw for The B. Grimm Thai Polo Masters took place on Monday 15 October

La Aguada Lavinia Win The Evolution Cup

Photograph by Matias Calléjo

On Tuesday 23 October, The Evolution Cup, the brainchild of the AAP and AAJP came to an end at the AAP grounds in Pilar. The tournament, which featured a series of proposed rule changes and offered $100,000 prize money, was composed of four matches, with each team playing two. The principal rules being tested were as follows: • Each team could only field one 10 goal player, whilst the minimum handicap for a player was 6 • Each team had to have one substitute • Each player could have a maximum of nine horses, declared in writing before the match • If a player commits six single fouls, they must be removed and replaced by the substitute • Ends were not changed after every goal and the match was restarted from the 60 yard line after a goal • Each goal scored from a distance greater than 80 yards was doubled In the Final, La Aguada Lavinia defeated Las Praderas 12-10. There is no word yet as to whether these rules will be utilised elsewhere throughout the Argentine season. The Evolution Cup Final Teams: La Aguada Lavinia (33): Salvador Ulloa (7), Alfredo Bigatti (8), Hilario Ulloa (10) & Miguel Novillo Astrada (8) Las Praderas (32): Agustín Merlos (8), Juan Gris Zavaleta (8), Cubi Toccalino (8) & Sebastiàn Merlos (8)

Miguel Novillo Astrada races to goal for La Aguada Lavinia

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News Municipalidad del Pilar Cup Teams

Obituary Christian Michael Betz

The AAP has released the team lists for the upcoming Municipalidad del Pilar Cup which kicked off as we went to press. The tournament will come to an end on 26 November before the start of The Camara de Diputados Cup. The twelve teams are as follows: Zone A: La Esquina (31): Pascual Sáinz De Vicuña (6), Rodrigo de Andrade (8), Mariano Aguerre (8) & Rodrigo Rueda (7) La Quinta (25): Lucas Lalor (6), James Beim (7), Luke Tomlinson (6) & Mark Tomlinson (6) La Natividad (25): Lucas James (7), Camilo Castagnola (6), Santiago Laborde (6) & Bartolito Castagnola (6) Zone B: Alegría Fish Creek (29): Julian Mannix (6), Jaime García Huidobro (7), Agustín Merlos (8) & Tito Ruiz Guiñazú (8) La Ensenada Octavia (25): Peke González (5), Toro Ruía Jorba (6), Mariano Gonzalez (7) & Matias Magrini (7) La Irenita (25): Juan Jauretche (6), Santiago Loza (6), Jacinto Crotto (7) & Min Podestá (6) Zone C: Pilará Etiqueta Negra (28): Segundo Bocchino (6), Matías Torres Zavaleta (7), Alejandro Muzzio (8) & Juan Agustín García Grossi (7) La Dolfina (26): Gringo Colombres (6), Tomasito Fernández Llorente (7), Joao Paulo Ganon (7) & Isidro Strada (6) La Mariana ONA (25): Juan Cruz Merlos (6), Paco O’Dwyer (6), Nicolás Recaite (6) & Pite Merlos (7) Zone D: La Aguada (26): Benjamín Urquiza (6), Juan Ambroggio (6), Valentin Novillo Astrada (6) & Eduardo Novillo Astrada (8) Chapa Uno (26): Nicolás Corti Maderna (6), Marcos García Del Río (6), Bautista Heguy (7) & Ignacio Novillo Astrada (8) Betania (25): Manuel Calafell (6), Felipe Vercellino (6), Juan Calafell (6) & Gonzalo Deltour (7)

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The following statement was released by Team USPA member Lauren Biddle the USPA regarding the loss of 22-yearpassed away in New Zealand old Lauren Biddle: “The tragic loss of Team USPA member Lauren Biddle has shocked and saddened our polo family to the core. When the USPA first learned of her passing on Sunday, October 21, Lauren was in New Zealand for a working and playing opportunity, yet her passing was non-polo related. Lauren was a promising young player who will be lovingly remembered by the polo community as a passionate horsewoman, animal lover, adventurer and friend who lived life to the fullest. Her fun-loving spirit has left its impact on many, and her legacy will live on through those who play the sport that she loved so much. Our hearts go out to the Biddle family. Please know that you are not alone in your grief and the entire polo family is here for you during this difficult time. A full tribute to Lauren will be published at a later date.”

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Obituary Team USPA Player Lauren Biddle Passes Away

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Christian Michael Betz passed away in October after a short battle with cancer. A 1 goal player at Ham Polo Club and West Wycombe Polo Club, he began his polo career in Pony Club with the Vale of Aylesbury Hunt before going to Harrow. A service of thanksgiving and celebration for the life and time of Christian Michael Betz will be held on Friday 9 November at 2pm at The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire (HP16 0QH). For more information about the service, or if you wish to attend, please contact James Croft on james@alpinefx.co.uk

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FIP News

FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world

Photography by Cymon Skinner Photography

FIP Chairman Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers and Piero Dillier with The FIP Ladies European Champions, Germany

Congratulations to England on their convincing win over Team USA to retain the historic Westchester Cup and also to the HPA and The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club who managed an impressive and smooth transition from the previous HPA International venue, and brought back some of the past enjoyable grass roots polo event for clubs. Hopefully the HPA International will continue to grow and prosper to the benefit of all players and clubs in the Association. The spectacle was particularly enjoyed by the members of The Regent’s University Polo fraternity whose two latest FIP polo scholarship winners, Georgie Pask who previously played at Royal Holloway and Clara Forstner from Germany, were among the group of spectators from Regent’s University at the HPA Day and were amazed to see polo being played at such a level! FIP and Regent’s University are keen to see the number of young polo players grow around the world. As FIP Youth Ambassadors, Georgie and Clara will play an important role in helping us spread the word even wider. At the time of going to press, in Buenos Aires, the FIP Office were working closely with the AAP for The Youth Olympic Event in

Polo Times, November 2018

Argentina at the end of October with young players flying in from all over the world to attend the event. The XII FIP European Championships, which was held 20 – 30 September in the beautiful setting of Riccardo Tattoni’s Villa a Sesta Polo Club nestled in the Tuscan Hills

team in the tournament was generally acknowledged as being the Ireland Team, led by HPA Chairman Stephen Hutchinson, but sadly in the Semi Final, although they peppered the backline throughout the match, they regrettably failed to find the posts. After every competition FIP always analyse the event to look for ways of tightening the tournament rules to try and prevent incidents being repeated, but likewise players always seem to then try and find a way around the new rules – all in the game I guess but not always in the spirit and ethos of FIP! Well done to our long-suffering Tournament Director, Alejandro Taylor and Felipe del Sel for a great job, as well as the three respected and experienced ‘A’ Grade umpires Jose Diaz (J.J.) Alberdi, Nicolas Scortichinni and Martin Pascual. Also, special thanks go to FIP’s Zone C Director Piero Dillier and Alessandro Giachetti the FIP Italy representative, as well as Marco de Paola, the President of The Italian Equestrian Federation for Sport and its Secretary General Simone Perillo, and of course the owner of the Club, Riccardo Tattoni and its Manager Juan Bozzi, who have both worked extremely hard on the Club’s impressive expansion over the years. FIP are delighted to announce that the new Saudi Arabia Polo Federation, with their new Chairman Amr Zedan who is well known to International Polo, have now signed an MOU with FIP to help them progress polo in Saudi Arabia and Peter Prendiville the FIP Zone D Director is working with Peter Abisheganaden the Assistant Zone Director to encourage the Philippines back into the International Polo community.

always seem “to players then try and find a way around the new rules – all in the game I guess but not always in the spirit and ethos of FIP

”

close to Sienna in Italy was, as with many tournaments, a hotbed of grumblings and mutterings prior to the start but, as usual, as soon as the players were in the saddle and competing these miraculously seemed to die out. Complaints over the FEM Handicap conversion, players with dual passports and inexperienced goal judges all added to the anticipation of the tournament. The strongest

2016 winners Ireland missed out on the trophy this year

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

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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,

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To the HPA on 2 October 2018:

Response from the HPA on 5 October 2018:

Mr. David Woodd Chief Executive Office The Hurlingham Polo Association Manor Farm Little Croxwell Faringdon SL7 7LW

Dear Paul,

Dear David,

Handicapping is not easy and there has been an increasing unhappiness with the minus goal players gaining an advantage. If a team can include a 3 rather than 2, or a 5 rather than a 4, or two 5s rather than two 4s, it gains a considerable advantage, albeit that it costs considerably more. This tends to be at the bigger clubs for obvious reasons but it is not good for polo as the ‘smaller’ players and teams are reluctant then to play at those clubs where such minus goal players have used the system.

I am writing to you about the HPA’s recent guidance to clubs about lower goal player handicaps. I do understand what has happened with handicaps over the past number of years and as a regular player in lower goal tournaments often remark about the very high standard of, for example, -2 goal tournaments. However, please note that it is well known that the further south we travel, the better the standard of teams at a certain level of low goal seem to be. Also, the further north we travel, the less competitive teams would generally seem to be. The tournament levels at low goal clubs have been dropping in recent years. Rutland’s handicap committee members did not have sufficient time to understand the reasons, nor to feedback the potential problems to the HPA. It has caused our Polo Manager, Hugh Crouch, to spend considerable time on the issue with some players upset with their proposed new handicap level. At a low goal level, player handicaps are much more important than at higher levels. If a team has two 0 and two -1, unless the handicaps are correct relative to other teams it will be an unfair competition. Conversely, one 0 goal player in a high goal team will have less effect on the team in general if his/her handicap is not ‘correct’. Polo is a competitive sport and we all want tournaments to be fair. We as a club, always post ‘recommendations’ for a player we see from another club if we believe that their handicap is too low. Up to the present time, I believe that player handicaps have generally been fair relative to each other. Any changes would have to be replicated by all clubs evenly.

Thank you for your letter which is much appreciated. Rutland is one of the clubs that adhered to our guideline. Others did not and are still resisting doing so, which is one reason why we are having another meeting this month [took place on Tuesday 23 October].

The half goal has been tried in the US as well as Kenya and has largely been abandoned in the US. Kenya of course has fewer players but, whilst there is a need to handicap a number of players who are close in standard, it is also important that they are not over handicapped internationally, so it does appear to work for them. We have looked at the half goal and can do so again, perhaps as a club handicap. The -2 and -1 were introduced as a temporary measure to help restart polo after the war. They were never intended to be permanent but that is no reason for getting rid of them now but surely someone who has been playing for five years regularly and has a reasonable chance of hitting the ball in the right sort of direction should be and want to be 0 goals. It is perhaps what we do then between teams that could be worth changing. It has always seemed to me that the difference should be taken from between the best two or possibly three players of each team, and not all four. If the solution was easy we would have cracked it by now. I agree we need to keep trying but getting things changed is not easy and the decision is usually to form a committee, write a paper and then have a debate and then have further discussions. A representative from Rutland should attend the meeting at Guards on 16 October. Yours sincerely, David Woodd, Chief Executive

One suggestion would be to have players’ handicaps going up by ½ as some other countries do (Kenya is an example). The handicap would go -2, -1½ -1, -½, 0, +½. This method would spread out the bottleneck at the lower levels, encouraging beginners whilst not affecting higher levels. When travelling abroad, or for visiting players, the ½ could be ignored. Whatever happens, it is essential that clubs have sufficient time to discuss and adjust to the proposed changes by the HPA. Twelve months is sufficient time. I look forward to your reply,

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No Space to Get XXXXXXXXX the Hump XXXXXXXXXXXXX

w XXXXXXXXXXXX The HACKETT Army team throw caution to the wind each year and take their polo prowess across the globe to Mongolia to coach a young local side. Alongside the changeable environment (at one point the thermometer fell from a temperate 20 degrees to the snowy minus numbers within a mere hour), the team were treated to a few local customs, from delicious Mongolian cuisine to the somewhat challenging camel riding! No one got the hump at the change in mount, and some even found themselves mastering the technique at record pace, but it’s safe to say, our armed forces won’t be going into battle with these furry friends any time soon. It’s a shame really… the spitting could be handy. w Photograph by Sam Churchill Photography

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Polo Times, November 2018

Feature

The AAP is planning to introduce the tentatively named Power of Polo League

Time to Join the Big Leagues The Power Polo League announced

Carolina Beresford

F 20

reports from Buenos Aires

rom the moment his candidacy for AAP President was announced, Eduardo Novillo Astrada has insisted on the need for polo to look

Polo Times, November 2018

beyond its boards and take cues from other professional sports. Now, after meetings with the R&A, who organise The Open Championship, with the RFU in London, the NBA, MLB, NFL, and ATP in the USA and with Liberty Media, owners of Formula One, as well as with the founders of T20 Cricket in India, the AAP has taken a crucial step towards modernisation. The recent announcement of an International Polo League in the making is a mighty move towards the popularisation that the sport so desperately needs. Precise details of the

League are still being consolidated, but for the AAP, one thing is clear â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the future of polo depends on franchising. The Power Polo League, as it has been tentatively named, is set to be a 34 goal series where 12 to 16 franchised teams compete in different countries around the world. Players must have a minimum handicap of 5 goals in order to play, and, crucially, a maximum of two 10 goalers are allowed per team. These limitations, which prevent the best players from fusing together, hark back to the salary caps and luxury tax www.polotimes.co.uk

Time to Join the Big Leagues

Feature

enforced in sports like basketball, American football, and baseball. “We have a high level of professionalism in our sport, but we don’t regulate anything: the clones, the number of horses or the teams,” explains Novillo Astrada. “All professional sports have some type of cap – polo cannot be exempt from that. Spectators don’t enjoy watching the same team win all the time.” The objective, therefore, is to establish a new playing format that will appeal to international businesses. “We are thirty years behind,” he continues. “We have done a lot of research into the models of different professional sports and we are going to try and apply what we have learnt as best we can to this League, which will be a joint venture between a private company and the AAP. Every sport is moving towards franchises. I absolutely believe that this is a necessary change.” The AAP originally planned to introduce the League in next year’s Argentine Triple Crown, but players insisted on a trial period first. The League will be broken

down into three stages, with the first tournament scheduled to be played in Argentina in 2019, between The Tortugas and Hurlingham Opens. In a bid to move away from the notion of a Triple Crown, these two tournaments will have a shorter format. The League would go global in 2020, with the top four Power Polo teams playing in one location – hopefully China – while another four play elsewhere, and so on, before finishing back in Argentina with a tournament where all twelve teams compete. If we can get more than four teams to play at any given stage, then we will do so, but this is the format we aim to start with,” tells Novillo Astrada. “Professionals will be paid to play, and the top four teams will receive prize money, as well.” The promised polo revolution, it would seem, has well and truly begun. And about time, too.

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

the promised polo revolution, it would “seem, has well and truly begun ”

AAP President Eduardo Novillo Astrada is spearheading the idea

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Interview: Fran Townend

From Write-Off to Ride Off Dedication, determination and downright stubbornness – one woman’s journey from tragedy to triumph

hen you become accustomed to the extraordinary it becomes ordinary. For those who play polo at Tidworth Polo Club, the sight of Fran Townend taking to the field to play chukkas, tournaments or just to train has ceased to become something to be marvelled at. She is just another team mate to be encouraged, opponent to be defeated and friend to be joked with. In 2013, Fran was involved in an accident that first threatened, and then changed her life. Having been told she would never walk again, she now plays polo on a regular basis, driving her trailer to the Club, sorting out her two horses and smashing out four chukkas. It is a testament to her and all those who have helped on her journey, that she is no longer

a shining, inspirational example held up to show the world what can be achieved with determination and hard work – she is a team mate, competing on an even footing with all those around her. Every inch the Tidworth clientele, Fran is a self-professed ‘Army brat’ with a horsey background. Having ridden all her life she took up polo at St Andrews University where she was studying medicine with the aim of serving her country as a medical professional. “I wanted to join the Army as a doctor doing pre-hospital emergency medicine or emergency medicine and at that time it was when there were a lot of people being injured in Afghanistan and therefore many medical evacuation teams and emergency response teams. If people were prepared to give everything in service

Feature

Katie Vickery reports

to their country and for their colleagues and friends, then why should they not have the absolute best medical care that could be provided?” When she moved to Bristol to continue her training, she joined Tidworth Polo Club, a move that would soon prove to be instrumental in her journey and recovery. It was while she was doing her training in Bristol that her life was flipped 180 degrees. Having played against Fran over a weekend tournament, I delved into her story to find out more about her, her accident and her road back to the saddle. She told me her tale with all the candour and black humour in keeping with the true manner of anyone raised in an Army environment and matched with her laughing and unerringly upbeat personality.

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Photograph by Peter Meade Photography

Fran plays with the Help For Heroes team

Polo Times, November 2018

Feature

Interview: Fran Townend

The Accident

The Injuries

Fran’s injuries were extensive and debilitating, and when asked to give details she tells me with a laugh, to take out my pen and paper. The list is almost unbelievable, especially when sitting drinking coffee with a girl you have just seen feeding and rugging her horses after a tough four chukkas. “I broke my back in two places, broke my pelvis in three places and I broke both my lower legs below the knee so badly they threatened to amputate them. Also, I broke all my ribs, collapsed both my lungs, ruptured my aorta, liver and right kidney, had duodenal and pancreatic hematomas and I also discovered three weeks later that I had broken my left shoulder. “I have since found that my memory and my concentration are really poor and there is a question as to whether I had a traumatic brain injury and to what degree. If I have more than one thing to do at a time I find it 24

Polo Times, November 2018

very difficult to cognitively process it. “I was in ITU for three weeks, then I went to HDU (High Dependency Unit) and then I spent another five months in hospital getting to a point where I could go to Hedley Court and learn to walk again. “My medical background made it a lot easier to understand why things were happening and how my injuries affected me. It made it easier to understand, but also made me a really bad patient. Just terrible – all doctors are.”

The Prognosis

The prognosis was crushing, leaving little room for hope. “I was told I would never walk again. I had been badly injured, I had damaged my spinal cord and damaged nerves that connected my legs to the spinal cord. The hope was that at some point I could go home in a wheelchair and be able to make myself a cup of tea. “It’s really devastating. You actually grieve for all the things that people say you will never do again and you think, how is life in a wheelchair going to be any comparison to the life that you have just been living? It is indescribable. You are so far removed from the person you were the day before. It is the case of, you give up and you accept it, which obviously I was never going to do, or you fight every single day. If they told me I would never do something I would say ‘watch me’. It is part of my stubborn personality.” It was this stubborn personality that had Fran walking and practicing medicine again all in under five years. She overcame the devastating prognosis to surprise everyone, finishing her medical training and moving on to practice as a doctor within years of her accident and help those going through similar traumas. “I had to take two years out of my medical training in order to get back to the point where I could cope with the demands of working in the hospital and getting around the wards. I haven’t been in the training programme this year, but I have been doing some locum shifts just to stop me from losing my skills. I would like to continue to be able to be a doctor, but I found the NHS a really hard place to work with all the difficulties of staffing rotas etc. I found that I was turning up to work to do my job with my own difficulties, to then find that they were two or three doctors short. Having to bridge that gap was too much. I love working in A&E though. It’s not just about making people more stable and getting them better, it’s actually about getting them to know they are somewhere safe and that we are going to do our absolute best to get them back into the position they were in before they’d had this disaster happen to them.”

Back in the Saddle

Getting back to work was not Fran’s only aim. Within days of being hospitalised, a new dream had started to form. “I figured I was never going to be playing netball or running

Photography by Peter Meade Photography

“I was on my way back on a Wednesday night to the hospital where I worked at in Swindon, from a training night the military unit in Bristol. As I was travelling down the M4 I was overtaken by a vehicle which I then saw swerve onto the hard shoulder on the left. It kicked up a load of dust and there were suddenly headlights on my side of the carriageway. It took me a couple of seconds to realise what was going on and to understand that the vehicle had crashed. I had enough time to stop, get out and check my car was safely off the carriageway. Then I ran from my vehicle to the one that had been involved in the accident. I almost stepped on a body. I looked down and realised it was a young man. He had obviously gone through the windscreen of the vehicle. I stopped with him to provide First Aid and call an ambulance. As I was on the phone to the ambulance I heard another smash. I remember thinking that some idiot had hit my car and when I looked up to the right I saw the headlights of a lorry coming down the hard shoulder. I thought to myself, “I don’t have time to move the guy next to me and I haven’t got time to move either. We’re both going to get hit.” And then we both did. “The next thing I remember was lying on my back, trapped, lying underneath something, with the guy who I’d been providing First Aid to on his front next to me, with his arm over my chest and there was a police officer and I just couldn’t breathe so I asked him to move the guy off my chest. It actually didn’t help because what I’d done was puncture both my lungs and ruptured my aorta so my lung spaces were filling up with blood and collapsing my lungs. “We were both airlifted to Frenchay hospital to ITU (Intensive Therapy Unit) to have emergency surgery. The guy who went through the windscreen had some very bad internal injuries and had some of his gut removed. When you’re 21-years-old that’s not great.”

Help for Heroes has been a huge part of Fran’s recovery

even within the first four “days of being in hospital I was determined to ride again

”

or doing any of the sports you need your own legs for basically. I remember seeing my godmother in hospital when they were talking about amputating my legs from the knee down. Obviously, I didn’t really want them to do that, but I said to my godmother if they do I’d just have to become a Paralympic rider or something. Even within the first four days of being in hospital I was determined to ride again. “Later that year I went with a military charity called Battle Back to ride at Thorney Island in West Sussex. I wasn’t even sure how I was going to get on the horse, but they basically said if I wanted to do it, they would get me doing it. It took a couple of attempts, but they got a really tall mounting block and then someone lifted me over onto the horse. It was amazing.” Watching others who had suffered debilitating injuries or had physical disabilities compete in the Paralympics inspired Fran to www.polotimes.co.uk

Interview: Fran Townend seek the same opportunities. “Having watched the Paralympics you can see that equestrian sport is such a great equaliser. It’s one of the only sports in which men and women compete against each other on a level playing field for example. Obviously, Paralympians don’t compete with Olympians, but I find when I’m riding, other than the tape, you can’t really tell that there’s anything wrong with me. A couple of times when I’ve got off a horse, picked the crutches back up and hobbled off people look at me and can’t work it out.” With her new goal and determination, Fran stopped at nothing to find the way forward. “I went to see Jess Andrews at Tidworth just to see if I could play polo. I just wanted to see if I could do it. It was step-bystep. Can I sit on a horse? Can I sit on a horse and canter? Can I sit on a horse and swing a stick in walk? That was how we progressed from using Velcro on my feet to using tape. The more I found I could do, the quicker I found I could progress. Jess got me in touch with Elaine Corner who manages the Help for Heroes team and they had me along to an arena session in the November. I remember thinking I’m never going to be able to hit the ball in canter again. So that was in 2015 and now we’re in 2018 and I can play. It’s great because you get the freedom of movement, you get the speed and with polo you get the chance to form part of a team and you are as much part of it as the rest of your team mates. It’s been so great to play with and against able-bodied people.” Fran continued to develop her riding and her methods, travelling to New Zealand to hone her skills. “I went out to New Zealand to stay with the Pitts family in Amberwood. Matt had mentioned using a stock saddle and I wasn’t keen. I didn’t even know if it was legal to use it in polo. So, I spent the whole season trying to ride without it. He managed to convince me to give it a go and it made things so much more secure and stable. I found I could suddenly ride a lot faster and not have to worry about losing my balance. The knee rolls gave me much more proprioception. Where my hamstrings don’t work, and my quads try to overwork, the knee rolls stop my legs from coming forwards, but I can still come forwards to hit the ball and things. It just stops me falling off, which is always a positive I find.”

of people who come who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other problems which are less visible. They find it incredibly difficult to live their normal daily lives. One of the guys I met recently said that the best thing about polo was that when he was playing, he didn’t have time for all the stress that was going on in his head because he had so many other things to think about. He didn’t have time for PTSD for that hour that he was on the horse. It was so great to hear that. “I benefit hugely from the training that H4H offer and I am able to supplement it with lessons and playing tournaments that are not H4H funded or associated. It’s given me the biggest leg-up to get back to doing something that I did pre-injury, that is completely the real thing, as good as ablebodied polo. Midway through the season I thought that if I wanted to do it properly and fully commit I had to invest. So, I now have two lovely chestnut geldings. “Heroes Day has been going for five years at Tidworth and I have played in the last two. It’s an absolutely fantastic way to show people that you have this group of guys who are missing bits and who have bits that don’t work, who are able to do this incredibly fast-paced, highly skilled, contact sport. It takes a lot of courage to get on a horse in the first place, even for the able-bodied. To get on a horse and gallop at 35 to 40 miles per hour down a field while trying to hit a ball that’s three and half inches with a 53 inch stick takes crazy courage. “I would like as many people as possible who are interested in doing it to have the opportunity to have a go. I would like for it to be seen that people with disabilities are just as capable as the able-bodied when you take away the element that holds you back.

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“Help for Heroes do a lot of fund raising, Heroes Day being one of their biggest events. Peter O’Rorke who runs the Strategic Shipping Company does a lot of funding for the Help for Heroes polo and his support is paramount to our continued training. “There is another charity called Polo For Heroes who hold a fundraising day at Fifield Polo Club and they basically raise funds in order to take injured service veterans away to places like Las Vegas. We went to India last year and I spent two weeks riding round Rajasthan which was the most amazing experience. I never thought, with the injuries I had, that I would be able to go to India, let alone ride around the desert for two weeks. It was just amazing.” As the UK polo season draws to a close, Fran will be heading to New Zealand once again, chasing the sun as she follows her dreams and that little white ball around a polo field. After a successful season it is hard to imagine what happened just a few short years ago, but now on the field, in the saddle and on the sidelines cheering on friends, she is the embodiment of perseverance and determination. “I think not giving up is the most difficult thing to do, but it is the most important thing, to never be defeated. Winston Churchill said ‘Never, ever, ever give up’, so I’m kind of taking that to the extreme. You are the only person who can help yourself so you have to make the most of every single opportunity you are given. There are days that you don’t want to get out of bed, you don’t want to do anything, but you cannot let something terrible that’s happened to you ruin the rest of your life. It is something that happened to you, it is not who you are. Don’t let it define you.”

let something terrible that’s happened to you “ruinyouthecannot rest of your life. It is something that happened to you, it is not who you are. Don’t let it define you ”

Help for Heroes

The military charity Help for Heroes (H4H) has played a huge role in Fran’s return to polo and got her back into competing on the polo field. “We started training sessions with the Help for Heroes team in the November 2015 and I had my first tournament, a Captains and Subalterns tournament in 2016 and we won the division. It was great motivation. There were about eight or nine of us on the squad back then and now there are at least 20 of us. It’s really taken off. It isn’t just for people with injuries or physical disabilities. There are a lot www.polotimes.co.uk

Fran is the embodiment of perseverance and determination

Polo Times, November 2018

Feature

Argentine High Goal Guide

Argentine

High Goal Guide Everything you need to know about this year’s Argentine Triple Crown

Katie Vickery

t seems that it wasn’t long ago that we were basking in the English summer, enjoying the thrills and spills of high goal polo on our own territory, but once again it is that most magical time of the year when all eyes turn across the seas to (mostly) sunny Argentina. With the winter turned spring and the ponies and players shedding their winter coats, the Argentine Triple Crown got underway in late September with The Tortugas Open. The Argentine Triple Crown is comprised of the three biggest and most prestigious tournaments in the world, where 40 goals meet 40 goals on a regular basis. Although there are tournaments beforehand, these are often seen as warm-ups to the main attraction. The Triple Crown kicks off

The Tortugas Open

The Tortugas Open is the first rung on The Triple Crown ladder. For a full report on The Tortugas Open, which took place on Saturday 7 October, turn to page 42. Teams: Eight When? 24 September – 4 October Where? The Tortugas Country Club Winner? La Dolfina

Polo Times, November 2018

trophy for the sixth year running in the Final on Sunday 7 October (for the full match report head to page 42). So, with The Hurlingham Open Final imminent at the time of going to press and the all-important and globally revered Argentine Open on the horizon, we take you through the teams that will be battling it out on the fields of Palermo for this most sacred title. Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

reports

with The Tortugas Open, followed by The Hurlingham Open and The Argentine Open. Eight teams qualified directly from 2017 to play The Tortugas, while seven teams played the ferocious and highly contested Classification Tournament throughout September to earn the two remaining places in The Hurlingham and Argentine Opens. This year saw youth triumph over experience in the Classification Tournament and it was La Ensenada and La Cañada Angiocor DRF that took their turn to challenge the big boys. Last year’s Triple Crown was full of surprises and we look forward to another exciting season, but for now (at the time of going to press) it seems that it is business as usual, as La Dolfina triumphed over Ellerstina to take home The Tortugas Open

The Argentine Triple Crown is comprised of the three “biggest and most prestigious tournaments in the world, where 40 goals meet 40 goals on a regular basis ”

The Hurlingham Open

The Argentine Open

Teams: Ten When? 9 October – 3 November Where? The Hurlingham Country Club

Teams: Ten When? 10 November – 15 December Where? Palermo

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 125th Argentine Open Championship, with the best of the best battling it out to take the title.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Argentine High Goal Guide

LA DOLFINA

It would seem that things really do get better with age. This experienced La Dolfina side are more complete and impressive every year, and are the epitome of high goal class and panache. They rarely make mistakes and it is this that saw them become five-time champions of The Argentine Open last year and winners of three consecutive Triple Crowns. However, a chink in their armour was exposed last year with their loss to Alegría in The Hurlingham Open Semi Finals. Is this the year that the mighty dynasty shall fall or is their easy win in The Tortugas Open the sign of more victories to come?

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ELLERSTINA

Now off a perfect 40 goal handicap, the combination of the indomitable Pieres brothers has proven themselves time and time again to be a foursome to be reckoned with, but it has been five long years since they have completed their mission and captured the elusive Argentine Open title. This year we hope to see them able to seal the deal. They were winners of The Hurlingham Open last year when up against Alegría, but La Dolfina proved too much for them to conquer once again at The Tortugas and Palermo, and this year seems to be going the same way as they were forced to admit defeat in The Tortugas Open. Unlike La Dolfina, who even on a bad day are almost unbeatable, Ellerstina need to be firing on all cylinders and have luck on their side to defeat their mighty rival and take home the gold.

1 Adolfo Cambiaso 10

1 Facundo Pieres 10

2 David ‘Pelón’ Stirling 10

2 Pablo ‘Polito’ Pieres 10

3 Pablo Mac Donough 10

3 Gonzalito Pieres 10

4 Juan Martín Nero 10

4 Nicolás Pieres 10

One To Watch: Pablo Mac Donough

One To Watch: Facundo Pieres

LAS MONJITAS

LA AGUADA

Often overlooked as people are mesmerized by the magic of Cambiaso or the defensive skills of Nero, Pablo Mac Donough has started the season incredibly, playing an integral role in the team’s easy run through Tortugas. A complete player and clever number 3, he works expertly within the team to bring them together from the back to their attackers in the front. He has now won The Tortugas title a record number of 11 times!

Some of our favourite Argentine players are back and no less bright, having swapped fuchsia for fluorescent orange. The powerful and successful threesome of Facundo Sola, Hilario Ulloa and Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset take to the field together once again having defeated the legendary La Dolfina in last year’s Hurlingham Open Semi Finals. This year they have powered up, pouring resources into pony power with the backing of the extensive Las Monjitas string at their disposal. Having brought in Julian ‘Negro’ de Lusarreta for The Tortugas Open, a shock announcement before The Hurlingham Open saw them drop him for the remaining two tournaments and bring in experienced Santiago Toccalino. It would seem this was a tactical move as they needed a strong back to support their attack-heavy line-up. This may give some much-needed balance to this exciting line-up and help them play up to expectations.

The middle Pieres brother’s flair on the field is famous around the world, from the grandstands of Guards to the Floridian fields of the International Polo Club, but it is on his home turf where this magician really shines. Palermo is Facundo’s stage and watching him perform against the best in the world really shows you what he can do. The ball seems stuck to his stick as he performs unbelievable feats of skill and trickery to score eye-popping goals. Keep a close eye on ‘Facu’, if he’s not going too fast for you to keep up with.

La Aguada had a strong year in 2017, and this year they have made the permanent change of Alfredo Bigatti in the place of eldest Novillo Astrada brother and President of the AAP, Eduardo. They put up a fantastic fight in last year’s Hurlingham Semi Finals only to lose a spot in the Final to Ellerstina by one goal. This year they have started well and show signs of success. Although we have our doubts they will be able to overcome the big boys, they are a solid team and play strong, disciplined polo.

1 Hilario Ulloa

1 Alejandro Novillo Astrada 8

2 Facundo Sola

2 Alfredo Bigatti

3 Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset

3 Miguel Novillo Astrada 8

4 Santiago Toccalino

4 Ignacio Novillo Astrada 9

One To Watch: Hilario Ulloa

Hilario is one of the toughest and most complete players out there. He puts his life and soul into every play and you will never see him do anything half-hearted on the field, giving his all for his team mates and his horses. Phenomenally strong, he is the powerhouse of this team and runs them seamlessly.

www.polotimes.co.uk

One To Watch: Alfredo Bigatti

Stepping in last year to replace Eduardo, Alfredo earned his place on this longstanding team through clever and solid play. He is a young player, with the enthusiasm and sparky playing style befitting his age, but with an experienced and wise head on his shoulders, he is the perfect fit to complete this team and with their support he can go far.

Polo Times, November 2018

Feature

Argentine High Goal Guide

ALEGRÍA-LA IRENITA

La Irenita are back, but with a facelift! They have taken on Alegría’s patron/professional player Fred Mannix Jnr to become the newly minted Alegría-La Irenita. We hope this mix-up to the line-up has the desired effect of making this a slightly more competitive team who have struggled to make big waves in recent years. While the two Zavaletas will be forward running players, Matias Mac Donough now has support in defence and this should even the playing field somewhat. Mannix is a strong defensive asset to this team and although they haven’t had much success so far; they seem to be gelling more and more each game.

CRÍA YATAY

Sporting the same line-up as last year, Nacho Figueras’ Cría Yatay side will be hoping to improve on their 2017 performance. Each year gaining in experience and confidence, they have all the makings of a great team, but struggle to stand up to the challenges of the more established organisations. They have flashes of brilliance, but will need to work on their consistency if they are to fulfil their true potential. When allowed to play an open style, they are a brilliant four-man combination with some great team plays, but they are not always able to play in their preferred style and once shut down, lose their rhythm.

1 Frederick Mannix Jr 9

1 Valerio Zubiaurre Jr 7

2 Juan Gris Zavaleta 8

2 Christian ‘Magoo’ Laprida 8

3 Clemente Zavaleta 7

3 Joaquin Pittaluga 8

4 Matias Mac Donough 8

4 Ignacio ‘Iñaki’ Laprida 8

One To Watch: Juan Gris Zavaleta

One To Watch: Christian ‘Magoo’ Laprida

LA ALBERTINA ABU DHABI

LA DOLFINA POLO RANCH

Playing with a maturity belying his years, Juan Gris Zavaleta is an experienced high goal player. Although he can be a little hot headed at times, when in the zone he is quick and agile, and has an uncanny knack of getting himself out of tight spots. He is skilled with the ball and disciplined with the man. A true all-round player.

A little shake-up from last year’s line-up, American superstar Nic Roldan makes his debut with this purple clad side in the place of Santiago Toccalino. This could be a tactical move that works in their favour, rebalancing their team. Last year both Santi and Capella Barabucci played strong defensive games, but trading in one for a known attacking lynchpin, like Roldan, could be what the team needs to give them that extra push. Last year they got stronger with each performance, so it may be that they start slow once again and gain momentum throughout the tournaments.

Laprida has been playing a huge amount this year and comes into this Argentine season primed and ready. Look for him to make some excellent plays from his brother Iñaki’s big, accurate backhands. A dynamic player, ‘Magoo’ works hard on the field to make space for others or is happy to assume the role of playmaker himself. Watch him adapt to situations quickly and effectively.

This team’s line-up remains the same as last year and although they came out strong in The Tortugas, defeating La Aguada, they were unable to stand up to their big brother team, La Dolfina. No surprises there. It is a solid team, but I think we are unlikely to see magic from the slightly sporadic foursome. They are somewhat lacking a leader, and this can be seen sometimes as they lose discipline. However, they are well-mounted and flashes of great team play could seal them a few wins as they head into the two bigger tournaments. Especially with some slightly weaker teams joining the fray.

1 Nic Roldan 7

1 Guillermo Terrera 8

2 Francisco Elizalde 8

2 Diego Cavanagh 7

3 Ignacio Toccalino 8

3 Julian ‘Negro’ de Lusaretta 7

4 Alfredo Capella Barabucci 8

4 Ignatius Du Plessis 8

One To Watch: Nic Roldan

Nic Roldan will be making his Argentine Triple Crown debut this year and we look forward to seeing how his unique style of play translates to these different tournaments. Nic is an awesome player to watch in both the USA and UK where he makes power plays on a regular basis. It may be that he struggles to shine so bright in such a big pond, but being one of only four non-South Americans in the tournament series, there is every hope that this little fish will show those Argentines what he’s made of.

Polo Times, November 2018

One To Watch: Ignatius Du Plessis

The success of this team could depend on the effectiveness of their back, South African Captain ‘Nachi’ Du Plessis. He has been the sub for Ellerstina on many occasions and in the last couple of years had his own time to shine. He is a solid back with a huge backhand, who gives his team plenty of chances to turn defensive plays into attacking onslaughts.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Argentine High Goal Guide

THE QUALIFYING TEAMS: LA ENSENADA

Feature

LA CAÑADA ANGIOCOR DAILY RACING FORM

This is a hugely exciting team and it is great for Argentine polo that such a young team will be getting the chance to compete in this arena. With an average age of about 20, this team is made up of feisty, talented players who will no doubt be the future 10 goalers of the sport. The fact that they are playing together means the team could lack some direction and experience, but with all to play for and nothing to lose, even reaching the Opens has them on a win they will no doubt ride throughout the season. While the young pups may have some way to go before they are nipping at the heels of the bigger organisations and the older players, everyone has got to start somewhere, and we look forward to seeing how this team, so full of potential, copes on the big stage with the world watching.

This is an interesting team dynamic that mixes the old with the new in equal measures. With two young and relatively inexperienced 6 goalers in the form of Jared Zenni and Agustín Obregon, Argentine season stalwart Sebastian Merlos is going to have to work hard to keep the team on track. Helped out by fellow 8 goaler, Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario of past Washington success, this could be a team that pulls out some surprises along the way. However, making that leap from 28 goal polo to 40 goal polo, may well prove too much of a challenge for the newly minted La Cañada side.

1 Juan Britos 7

1 Jared Zenni 6

2 Facundo Fernandez Llorente 7

2 Agustín Obregon 6

3 Juan Martín Zubia 7

3 Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario 8

4 Jeronimo Del Carril 7

4 Sebastian Merlos 8

One To Watch: Juan Britos

One To Watch: Jared Zenni

This player has wowed in the USA and UK and is certainly a favourite to watch. He is not only a powerful and punchy player, but also clever and quick. Having worked his way to where he is today, he leaves everything on the field when he’s playing to make sure he stays there. He goes 100 percent into every play and like many younger players, his lackadaisical take on self-preservation leads to some exceptional and exhilarating plays. Those who were present at The Cartier Queen’s Cup Final will recollect this! Richmonds Horse Transport.qxd:Layout 1

3/3/10

10:10

He may be the lowest handicapped player in the tournament (alongside team mate Obregon), but the fact that he has got through this far is proof that he is well up to handling himself in this speed of polo and that he is able to keep his head as the pressure inreases. This American player is no stranger to the high goal, having formed part of the team that defeated Cambiaso to win The US Open earlier this year. Falling in the pro/patron category of some of our favourite players such as Charlie Hanbury and Fred Mannix Jnr, he is a clever Page 1 player and further proof of what hard work can achieve.

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Polo Times, November 2018

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Polo Times, November 2018

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Polo Times, November 2018

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Polo Times, November 2018

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Polo Times, November 2018

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Reports

XII FIP European Polo Championships, Villa a Sesta Polo Club

Molto Bene! E

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SEP

Italy become European Champions

Photography by Cymon Skinner Photography

very few years, polo teams from across Europe congregate for The FIP European Polo Championships in a show of European celebration and cohesion. This year there was great anticipation across the board, with XI FIP European Champions Ireland fielding the same team that won them the title in 2016 in Berlin, under the captaincy of HPA Chairman Stephen Hutchinson and as unfortunately, England were unable to put together a team, the United Kingdom’s hopes rested on their shoulders. The 10 teams were divided into two groups: Group A, consisting of Azerbaijan, Ireland, The Netherlands, France and Slovakia, and Group B, with Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Spain. Going into the tournament, Ireland held the European Champions title with few putting their money on anyone else this time around, but as play commenced on 20 September, the strength of the home nation, Italy and the newest European Championship members, Azerbaijan, was undeniable. As the only two teams that remained unbeaten in the group stages, Italy and Azerbaijan came together on Sunday 30 September in the Final to battle for the title of European Champions. Having last won the title in 2005, it had been thirteen years since Italy last lifted the trophy, but with the expert trio of Nicolas Lopez Fuentes, Tomas and Martín Joaquin, supported by number four Eduardo Menendez, there was little doubt that the home nation would take home the title going into the final match. Italy led from the off, scoring three goals to none in response from Azerbaijan in the first chukka. Before half-time, both teams scored a goal apiece, leaving the scores at 4-1 in Italy’s favour going into the break. Italy came back even more motivated in the third chukka, extending their lead to 7-2 and as the play went into the final quarter,

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Home nation Italy secure the FIP honours

going into the tournament, Ireland held the European “Champions title with few putting their money on anyone else this time around ”

there was no doubt that Italy had the momentum and Azerbaijan would not be able to catch their rivals. Despite two quick fire goals in the final seven minutes, another goal from Italy sealed the XII FIP European Championships deal and with Italy’s eighth goal, the 2018 honours. In the battle for the bronze medal, XI FIP European Polo Championship winners Ireland defeated Germany 5½-5 to take the Subsidiary Final honours.

The tournament was a showcase of great European polo talent, with 10 teams and 350 polo ponies competing over 10 days of action. Villa a Sesta Polo Club and the surrounding region embraced the teams with daily celebrations taking place in local towns and excellent spectator numbers throughout. The next Championships are scheduled to be played in Azerbaijan in 2020 and there is hope an English team will manage to be fielded next time around.

The FIP European Championships Teams:

Italy (8) Martin Joaquin (4) Edoardo Ferrari (3) Lucas Bertola (0) Gualterio Gioro (1) 38

Polo Times, November 2018

Azerbaijan (8) Fabian Bolanteiro (3) Elchin Jamalli (2) Rashad Hasanov (0) Agustin Kronhaus (3)

Slovakia (7) Pepe Santamarina (3) Justo Santamarina (0) Felipe Kelly (4) Ivan Weiss (0)

Ireland (7) Creighton Boyd (0) Stephen Hutchinson (0) Mikey Henderson (4) Max Hutchinson (3)

Germany (8) Niklas Steinle (1) Caspar Crasemann (3) Niclas Sandweg (1) Caesar Crasemann (3) www.polotimes.co.uk

XII FIP European Polo Championships, Villa a Sesta Polo Club

Newbies Azerbaijan gave Italy a run for their money

MVP

was little doubt that “thethere home nation would take

Martín Joaquin

home the title going into the final match

”

Switzerland (7) Sascha Pictet (1) Martin Lugin-Buhl (2) Simon Lugin-Buhl (2) Tito Gaudenzi (2) www.polotimes.co.uk

France (8) Ludovic Pailloncy (1) David Amar (1) Louis Jarrige (3) Florent Garaud (3)

Reports

Where: Villa a Sesta Polo Club, Italy

Austria (8) Diego Braun (4) Robert Kofler (1) Martin Bleier (2) Walter Scherb (1)

The Netherlands (6) Maurice van Druten (2) Aki van Andel (2) Philip de Groot (1) Philip van der Kloot Meyburg (1)

350 ponies participated from 10 nations

Spain (8) Xavier Cunill (0) Antonion Ayesa (3) Tuki Ruiz Guiñazú (4) Alfonso Figar (1) Polo Times, November 2018

Sats Polo

For all your polo needs Call George Amor: 07786 095088 Follow us on; Facebook: Sats Polo Instagram: @satspolo Twitter: @Sats_Polo Email: sales@satsfaction.com www.satsfaction.com

The Eighth Annual Lawyers’ Polo, Morocco

Reports

Eighth Annual Lawyers’ Polo Morocco welcomes international lawyers

Photography by Snoopy Productions

he 2018 edition of The Lawyers’ Polo tournament took place at the end of September in Tangier, Morocco, marking the tenth anniversary of this unique occasion. An annual event, the tournament is designed to bring together polo lawyers from across the world for a week of polo, exchanging ideas and professional experiences in an idyllic setting. The tournament was held at PGH La Palmeraie Polo Club, the exclusive Club owned by Patrick Guerrand-Hermès that has three polo fields on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. After three days of four polo matches each day between the eight teams and 32 players, the Finals took place under the watchful eye of the Royal Household and under the blessing of Haut Patronage from the King Mohammed VI of Morocco. The Final marked the end of the exciting tournament with the international lineups of Cortijo and Mena Legal battling for the coveted trophy. After a close match of end-to-end polo, Cortijo narrowly took home the victory 6-4. Cortijo’s star player Alfredo Vargas was named Most Valuable Player following a spectacular performance in the final match and as Patrick GuerrandHermès finished handing out the prizes, the final prize for The Most Gentlemanly player was presented to Eduardo Bérèterbide from the Quantocoin team. Bérèterbide received an artistic piece by Alejandro Moy, the renowned polo artist. The event finished with an evening of festivities in the presence of The Royal Family including a banquet of Moroccan food and an Argentine asado.

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FINAL

Play took place in front of a bustling crowd of royals

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MVP MVP Alfredo Varjas

Where: PGH La Palmeraie Polo Club, Morocco

Most Gentlemanly Player Eduardo Bérèterbide

The Eighth Lawyers’ Polo Final Teams:

32 international players participated

www.polotimes.co.uk

Cortijo: Luis Nieto (Colombia) Alfredo Varjas (Venezuela) Elspeth Talbot-Rice (England) Filipe Mendes de Almeida (Portugal)

Mena Legal: Sidi Mohamed El Mhamdi (Morocco) Dinyar Madon (India) Philip Saame (Germany) Luca Frontini (Italy)

Polo Times, November 2018

Reports

The Tortugas Open, Tortugas Country Club

80 Goal Perfection La Dolfina lift The Tortugas Open trophy high for the sixth consecutive year

Katie Vickery

reports from Argentina

he Tortugas Open is the first leg of the most anticipated tournament series in the world, The Argentine Triple Crown. Since last year’s format changes, this tournament now has eight teams competing and is a fiercely fought and sought-after title in its own right and no longer the ‘warm-up’ for the bigger events. The ponies may be a little fluffier than when they grace the Palermo stage, but success in this tournament sets teams up and running with confidence and fire in their bellies, ready to take on the rest of the season. It is a fairly short tournament with just seven matches and a subsidiary section, so every win is important. Although springtime rain did its best to wash away the tournament, with delays throughout the zone stage matches, there was no dampening of enthusiasm as the teams started their seasons with fervour. Unsurprisingly La Dolfina and Ellerstina proved their dominance early on with huge wins (La Dolfina beat Alegría-La Irenita 21-5 in their first match!) and carved easy paths to the Final on Sunday 7 October. The day of the Final dawned clear and bright at The Tortugas Country Club just an hour outside of the Argentine Capital, Buenos Aires. It was the perfect match with 80 goals of pure bred Argentine talent on the field (with just a little sprinkling of Uruguayan in there in the form of David ‘Pelón’ Stirling). The two 40 goal teams lined up once again, taking their customary places opposite one another before the whistle signified the start of another epic battle. It was the eighth consecutive year that these two legendary teams have faced each other in this Final and as always, there was all to play for. Ellerstina suffered a three goal deficit in the first chukka, with La Dolfina racing

had seemed a sure“firewhat win for La Dolfina became a hotly contested battle of stamina and trickery

”

Polo Times, November 2018

Adolfo Cambiaso leads La Dolfina to victory

ahead. Two goals off the stick of hotshot Stirling showed signs of what was to come and a spot penalty in from Juan Martín Nero with no answer from Ellerstina left little question as to which way the wind was blowing that day. Despite being able to hold them on three goals, they were unable to bounce back with their own attacks. La Dolfina led throughout the match and possession was most consistently theirs, but the relatively low scoring affair was a testament to Ellerstina’s defensive powers.

Despite a push in the fourth chukka, which saw two field goals from Polito Pieres, Ellerstina was not able to get close enough to put any real pressure on the reigning champs. Adolfo Cambiaso truly showed his skill and his ability to control the game and the result in the fifth chukka. Every time Ellerstina came close to threatening the La Dolfina lead, Cambiaso simply put his foot down, upped his game and helped La Dolfina speed away once more, leaving the Ellerstina boys, back in their customary

The Tortugas Open Final Teams:

Where: The Tortugas Country Club La Dolfina (40) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (10) Pablo Mac Donough (10) Juan Martín Nero (10)

Ellerstina (40) Polito Pieres (10) Gonzalito Pieres (10) Nicolás Pieres (10) Facundo Pieres (10)

Bárbara, played by Adolfo Cambiaso

Chukka Score: 3-0, 3-1, 5-2, 5-4, 9-6, 9-7, 11-9 to La Dolfina www.polotimes.co.uk

The Tortugas Open, Tortugas Country Club

Reports

It was the eighth consecutive year that “these two legendary teams have faced each other in this Final and as always, there was all to play for

”

26 7

FINAL

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MVP David ‘Pelón’ Stirling

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, November 2018

Reports

The Tortugas Open, Tortugas Country Club

Photography by Helen Cruden Photography

David ‘Pelón’ Stirling scores his fifth, MVP earning, goal

La Dolfina win at Tortugas Country Club

the relatively low scoring affair was a testament to “Ellerstina’s defensive powers ” 44

Polo Times, November 2018

black, trailing once again. The penultimate chukka started with a four goal shortfall for Ellerstina, but they weren’t going down without a fight. An exhilarating chukka ensued with rapid back and forth action between the two sides. All of a sudden it was anyone’s game and what had seemed a sure-fire win for La Dolfina became a hotly contested battle of stamina and trickery. With both teams working in perfect harmony, it was magic to see all 80 goals out on the field, showing their grit, determination and talent. Each team pushed their mounts to the limit and it was a showcase of pony skill and speed. By the end of the final chukka, Ellerstina had found themselves within one goal of their long-time rivals, only to watch as Stirling put his fifth goal of the day through the posts to secure an 11-9 win and raise The Tortugas Open trophy high with his team mates for the sixth year running. A terrific fight and a great sign of battles to come this Argentine season, The Tortugas Final failed to disappoint once again. As top goal scorer of the day, Stirling quite rightly took home the Most Valuable Player award, while Bárbara, the American Thoroughbred owned by Valiente Polo Team and played by Adolfo Cambiaso was awarded the Best Playing Pony prize. www.polotimes.co.uk

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Beaufort Polo Club

All England Polo Club, Hickstead

Niall Donnelly is taking over the running of AEPC

Photograph courtesy of Aspen Valley Polo Club

Aspen Valley Polo Club

Photograph by George Gunn Photography

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Irish international polo player Niall Donnelly has taken over the running of the All England Polo Club at Hickstead from Sarah Wiseman, who will be focusing on playing internationally as part of the Women’s Tour. AEPC Chairman John Bunn said of the appointment, “Niall has been closely involved with the Club for several years and we are looking forward to a fantastic 2018/2019 winter season under Niall’s stewardship.” For more news about the season to come at AEPC, please visit www.hickstead.co.uk/polo

Club Focus

Beaufort has asked members to get in contact after a great season

As the season draws to a close, the Beaufort Polo Club team are asking their members to share their thoughts on the 2018 season – what worked well, what they would like more of, and improvements that could be implemented for next season. If you would like to share your thoughts, please contact the Club. In other news, the Club is looking for an Events Assistant for the 2019 season. If you are interested in the role, please contact the Club on events@ beuafortpoloclub.com

Black Bears Polo Club Snow polo will return to Aspen in December

Aspen Valley Polo Club has announced the dates of the 2018 St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship. The highly anticipated tournament will be held between 17 – 22 December in the depths of Colorado and will, for the first time, feature the inaugural Snow Polo Gala. The week’s activities will commence with the team presentation and draw on Monday 17 December at the St.

Regis Aspen Resort Hotel with polo action beginning on Tuesday through to Thursday at Aspen Valley Polo Club and Rio Grande Park, and the Final falling on Saturday 22 December. 2017 champions U.S. Polo Assn. with return to defend their title, as well as 2016 champions Flexjet, with more teams to be announced soon. For more information, please visit www.aspenvalleypoloclub.com

Oxfordshire-based Black Bears Polo Club will be opening for their inaugural arena season this year and have put together a draft fixtures list with play commencing in November with practice chukkas. For more information about the proposed winter season and fixtures, please visit blackbearspolo.com

Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club has commenced their season with the Polo Season Opening event. The Club welcomed 400 guests and dignitaries for the day’s polo action, as well as live entertainment and bespoke hospitality. The tournament marked the beginning of the season, which will include three 18 goal tournaments as part of The Dubai Polo Gold www.polotimes.co.uk

Cup Series (Silver Cup, Julius Bär Gold Cup and Dubai Challenge Cup). Habtoor Polo defeated UAE Polo Team 5-3 in The Opening Tournament, kicking off the season on a high for a home team. The Polo Season Opening Event Teams: Habtoor Polo: Rashid Al Falahi, Raja Albujabain, Tariq Rashid Al Habtoor & Tomás Iriarte

UAE Polo Team: HH Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum, Mohammed Khalaf Al Habtoor, Habtoor Mohammed Al Habtoor & Alejandro Gowland Polo Times, November 2018

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Druids Ghantoot Polo Club Lodge Polo Club On Friday 2 November, Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club will welcome guests and players for the Pink Polo event, raising awareness about breast cancer in the UAE. Gates open at 1pm, with all spectators encouraged to wear pink. Those dressed to impress will be automatically entered into a best dressed competition and best hat competition with a plethora of prizes up for grabs. Alongside the polo, the event will host a variety of family attractions as well as the Pink Clinic, where guests will have the opportunity to

talk to medical experts and undergo a free screening at the mobile mammography unit. For more information, please visit pinkpolo.ae

On Saturday 3 November, Druids Lodge Polo Club will be hosting a Fireside Polo Arena Open Evening. Gates will open at 5pm and tickets start at £5 per person. The event will mark the beginning of the 2018/2019 winter arena season, so wrap up warm and head down to celebrate this exciting event.

Ham Polo Club

In an overtime thriller match, Travieso defeated Audi 14-13 in the Final of The USPA North American Cup on Saturday 27 October. Former 10 goaler Pite Merlos was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Bliss, owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm and played by Pablo Spinacci, was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug. In the Final of The Fall Classic on Sunday 28 October, Sebucan defeated Audi 10-8 to take home the trophy. It was Sebucan’s second consecutive win having won The US Trust Cup the weekend before. Pablo Pulido was named Most Valuable Player, whilst his 10-year-old grey mare Alexa was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug. The USPA North American Cup Final Teams; Travieso (18): Tony Calle (3), Grant Ganzi (2), Juan Cruz Merlos (5) & Pite Merlos (8) Audi (16): Wes Finlayson (4), Brandon Phillips (4), Pablo Spinacci (6) & Marc Ganzi (2)

Photograph by Chukker TV

Grand Champions Polo Club

Travieso rallied in extra time to win The USPA North American Cup

The Fall Classic Final Teams: Sebucan (14): Pablo Pulido (2), Whistle Uys (4), Mariano Gracida (4) & Julio Gracida (4) Audi (12): Santos Bollini (1), Justin Daniels (2), Brandon Phillips (4) & Pablo Dorignac (5)

Quadriga rode out the winners against Polo Pirates in The Asprey Red Cross Trophy

To mark the end of the 2018 season, Ham Polo Club hosted the annual Dog Show on the Jubilee Ground. Members brought along their waggiest friends, who competed for the Best Puppy, Prettiest Bitch, Handsomest Dog, Most Obedient, Best Junior Handler and Dog the judge would most like to take home. Later on that day, the Club hosted The Asprey Red Cross Trophy in which Quadriga defeated Polo Pirates to take home the honours. 48

Polo Times, November 2018

In the Final of the 2018 USPA Keleen & Carlton Beal Cup, Tonkawa took on BTA to secure a third straight win. Early on, the game remained tight, with both teams trading goals, but as the third chukka got underway, Tonkawa pulled ahead with goals from Mason Wroe, Matt Coppola and Joaquin Panelo to make the score 7-3 at halftime. The score extended to 10-5 as the second half began and Tonkawa continued their strong play. Despite BTA mounting a comeback with four goals from Steve Krueger, and one apiece from Jeff Hall and Toly Ulloa, time ran out and Tonkawa took the win 14-12. Matt Coppola was awarded the Most Valuable player honours, with his pony Veleta securing the Professional Best Playing Pony honours. Jeff Hildebrand’s pony Mechita was awarded the Sponsors’ Best Playing Pony rug.

Photograph courtesy of Houston Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Ham Polo Club

Houston Polo Club

Tonkawa secured a third consecutive win in The USPA Keleen & Carlton Beal Cup

www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

La Aguada Polo Club

XV Julio Novillo Astrada Cup Teams: El Milagro (22): Federico Tomasevich (1), Francisco Irastorza (6), Santiago Solari (6) & Ignacio Novillo Astrada (9)

Polo de Paris

Power Infrastructure (22): Miguel Mendoza (1), Lerin Zubiaurre (8), Alejandro Muzzio (8) & Tommy Beresford (5) Los Cocos (20): Rafael T. Zubillaga (0), Valentin Novillo Astrada (6), Miguel Novillo Astrada (8) & Tomas Lalor (6) La Ensenada (22): Ernesto Gutierrez (0), Christian Laprida (8), Jeronimo Del Carril (7) & Juan Martín Zubía (7)

Palm City Polo Club Palm City Polo Club in Florida has announced their 2018-2019 season schedule. The Club will host a series of 8-12 and 4-6 goal tournaments, with the Club also introducing a -1 goal league this year. The first matches will begin on 1 November with the 4-6 goal Fall Classic Tournament. The season will continue into May 2019, ending with the 6-10 goal Sun Cup Final on 26 May.

Photograph courtesy of Polo Club Saint Tropez

Polo Club Saint Tropez

The annual Concours International d’Attelage de Tradition took place at Polo Club Saint Tropez

Between 29 – 30 September, Polo Club Saint Tropez held the annual Concours International d’Attelage de Tradition, welcoming driving horses from across the region to participate. The competition was split into three sections, the presentation, the road course and the manoeuvrability. As well as competing in these three areas of expertise, the 16 competitors also had to dress the part, with the majority choosing to sport traditional dress which reflected their carriage or trap’s heyday.

Photograph courtesy of Polo de Paris

The 2018 season is well underway at La Aguada Polo Club, with the premier tournament, the 22 goal XV Julio Novillo Astrada Cup which began on Monday 22 October and ran until Wednesday 31 October. At the time of going to press, teh Final was being played between El Milagro and Power Infrastructure.

Club Focus

Jivaro defeated Land Rover in The Championnat de France Final on Sunday 30 September

The Championnat de France came to an end on Sunday 30 September, with the Final taking place in Bagatelle at Polo de Paris. The tournament saw 12 teams at 6 goal level compete over the fortnight from across the Parisian and Chantilly regions. Jivaro defeated Land Rover 6-3 in Sunday’s Final, with Sam Sztarkmann taking home the Most Valuable Player honours and Rulo Trotz’s 11-year-old pony Irenita Flama awarded the Best Playing Pony rug. In the Subsidiary Final, Sainte Mesme defeated Le Pommeray 7-5½. The Championnat de France Final Teams: Jivaro (8): Christophe Allemandou (0), Sam Sztarkman (0), Edouard Pan (4) & Rulo Trotz (4) Land Rover (8): Alexandre Sztarkman (1), Justine Caux (-1), Jota Chavanne (5) & Clément Gosset (3) In other news, after a very successful season, Polo de Paris has announced the dates for its 2019 season. The dates will be as follows: Tournoi ‘Members Games’ (4-6): 27 – 28 April Tournoi de Printemps (8-10): 4 – 19 May Tournoi de la Ville de Paris (8-10): 25 May – 9 June 125th Open de Paris (8-10): 15 – 30 June Open des Jeunes & Open des Dames (TBC): TBC Tournoi d’Automne (6-8): 7 – 22 September Chpts de France de Polo (6-8): 28 September – 6 October For more information, please visit www.polodeparis.com

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Polo Times, November 2018

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Polo Club Wicklow

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Polo Club Wicklow are looking for a new Club Instructor for the winter season. The applicant will need to be enthusiastic and happy working in a team. The role comes with accommodation and stabling for the applicant’s horses as well as chukkas most weekends. For more information, please visit www.polowicklow.com

White Waltham Polo Club

Photograph by Royston Prisk

Photograph courtesy of White Waltham Polo Club

The Four Horsemen took home the last title of the 2018 outdoor season at RCBPC

Cedar Polo Team took home the last title of the 2018 season, The Carlitos Polo Pony Trophy

The final tournament of the season was played between 22 – 23 September for the Carlitos Polo Pony Trophy which has been played for since 2005. Cedar Polo Team and Young’s Farm played in the Final, with the score resting at 3-3½ to Cedar Polo Team going into the last chukka. Bilal scored a great goal and even though Young’s Farm scored a goal in the last few seconds, it was not enough to win. Cedars Polo Team (Bilal Shaykj, Tele Kyriacou, Major Robert Adams & Carlito Gonzalez) took home the win 4½-4. The Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Martin Young’s pony Chileno and players and spectators enjoyed an asado and refreshments after the match. Members and grooms also enjoyed an end of season dinner at El Gaucho’s in South Kensington in mid-October to reminisce on the great summer of polo at White Waltham Polo Club.

Polo Times, November 2018

To mark the end of the season, The Four Horsemen defeated Amber 6-5 in the Final of The John Houghton Trophy at RCBPC. The Club will now turn its attention to the winter season. The John Houghton Trophy Final Teams: The Four Horsemen (4): Royston Prisk (2), Sebastian Dawnay (3), Denis Antonov (-1) & Yaroslave Chichvarkin (0) Amber (4): Josh Clover (2), Mark Deacon (1), Pedro de Lamare (3) & Domingo Cuatra (-1)

www.polotimes.co.uk

Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

01462 701110

Military

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

HACKETT Army Head to Mongolia

Photograph by Sam Churchill Photography

Simon Ledger reports from Mongolia; “The HACKETT Army Polo Team, along with the Army Coach, Gaston Devrient, made the long journey to Mongolia to coach a group of novice players at the Kaan Polo Club, Ulaan Baatar, between the 17 – 22 September. This was the third such tour with the intent of improving pony schooling, striking of the ball and team play. The Kaan Polo Club is in a hidden valley with stables and gerts surrounding the boarded pitch and makes a great backdrop in a most unique setting. “Assisted by Gaston Devrient, the days were split in into two sessions in the morning and afternoon, with team members coaching small groups in polo exercises and schooling of the very small 12½hh ponies. Much progress was made by the seven Mongolian players under instruction, as being good horsemen they just needed to be clear on striking techniques and team play. This was not always easy as language interpretation was required, but as the coaching went on this got easier and easier. Timing was not always perfect by the Mongolian players, they tended to take the ball late and their habit of going flat out all the time had to be tempered. By day three the group had improved hugely hitting the

Four army players, with their coach and Simon Ledger

ball and playing a better tactical game, but a snowstorm and -7 temperatures, after 30 degrees and sun, made things tricky. The big match planned for Saturday had to be curtailed, but the snow melted away by early Saturday morning and a three chukka match was played at an agreed gentle pace. “The HACKETT Army Team won by 3 goals to 2 and presentations were made that evening at an Embassy Reception, with polo sticks and helmets presented to the

Mongolian polo group. “The stunning Mongolian scenery makes this tour, seeing polo in its original form – small ponies, great horsemanship and skill that has potential, and Army polo has been invited to return, perhaps at a different time of year, to continue the good work.” The HACKETT Army Mongolian Tour Team (-3): Col Dickie Winchester (-1), Maj Janet Johnston (0), Capt Arthur Purbrick (-1) & Lt Paul Erhmanian (-1)

RAF Festival of Equitation Photograph courtesy of RAF Polo

For the third year running, the RAF Cranwell Polo Club hosted a match as part of the RAF Festival of Equitation, with a -3 Army Reserve side against a -6 RAF Cranwell side for a fast, open and friendly game. The Army Reserve team levelled the handicap with two quick goals, but then RAFCPC came back fast. The score increased tit-for-tat to finally finish a narrow 7-6 in the Army Reserve’s favour. The RAF Festival of Equitation Teams: Army Reserve Team: Brig Simon Goldstein, Maj Will Mawby, Capt Dan von Barloewen & Amy Mawby RAF Cranwell: Flt Lt Georgie Harwood, Rob Shearman, Richard McAlister-Martin & Flt Lt Sara Darby

The Army Reserves narrowly defeated RAF Cranwell

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Polo Times, November 2018

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II FIP European Polo Ladies’ Championship

Supported by

Women’s Polo

FIP Ladies European Polo Championship 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.

Germany defeat Italy to win title

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Photography by Cymon Skinner Photography

Alongside The XII FIP European Polo Championships at the Villa a Sesta Polo Club, four ladies teams gathered for The II FIP European Polo Ladies Championships, showcasing ladies’ polo at its finest. With four teams competing from Italy, France, Germany and The Netherlands, the competition was intense. Following a week of close-fought qualifying matches, Germany took on I FIP European Polo Ladies’ Championship winners, and the home nation, Italy for the title. Despite both having very strong runs to the Final, defeating all their rivals and the favour sitting strongly on Italy’s side, Germany came out the stronger team. The Final saw a battle of wills, to-ing and fro-ing across the pristine Villa a Sesta field, but as the teams rode into the last chukka, there was too much space between the two sides and Germany ran out the victors 9-4½. In the Subsidiary Final, The Netherlands defeated France 9½-3 to take home the bronze medal. This second instalment of The FIP European Polo Ladies’ Championship was a real reflection of the increase in popularity of women’s polo across the globe, suffice to say in the next instalment, we hope to see a British women’s side taking to the field for the European title.

Germany were victorious against home nation Italy

this second instalment of The FIP European Polo Ladies’ “Championship was a real reflection of the increase in popularity of women’s polo across the globe ” Where: Villa a Sesta Polo Club, Italy

MVP Eva Brühl

Competition was fierce in Italy

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The FIP European Polo Ladies Championships Final Squads: Italy: Germany: Constanza Marchiriello Sabrina Bosch Ginevra D’Orazio Marie-Luise Haupt Maria Vittoria Marchirello Eva Brühl Ginevra Visconti Laura Gissler-Weber Alice Eleonora Coria Maike Holty Svenja Holty Steffi von Pock

Polo Times, November 2018

Women’s Polo

International & Home

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Rebecca Walters Ladies’ handicap: 6 Mixed handicap: 0 How did your polo career start? I first experienced polo at university at The Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester. I thought I’d give it a go in Freshers’ Week. I had a few lessons at Longdole Polo Club for fun, but didn’t try again until a year later when I attended the academy with Jason Dixon at Cirencester Park Polo Club – this was eight years ago. What’s your greatest achievement to date? It has to be winning The Ladies British Open with Lila Pearson’s Cowdray Vikings in 2017. This was my first win playing as a professional. I am also proud of my work outside of the UK in Asia, mainly China, where I am helping to introduce more women to the sport through coaching and education. What’s your greatest ambition? My greatest ambition is to play the mixed 22 goal. I was so close this year, having been a sub for La Bamba de Areco, but as I am a first generation polo player and woman, it would have been a great achievement. Which lady players do you admire? Why? I admire all of my peers because I know PPZAddPoloTimesl.indd 2

how hard it is to get where we are. I look up to Nina Clarkin as a player and rider, we are a similar build and think I can learn a lot from her style. I have a lot of respect for Hazel Jackson-Gaona too because she has a fire in her belly and a work ethic that I think few women and even male players have – she will stop at nothing! What’s your favourite tournament/Club? My favourite Club is of course my local Club, Cowdray – it is home and always will feel so. My favourite tournament in the UK this year was probably The Guards Ladies Charity Tournament for The Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy. Not only did my team do well, playing with Celine Lawrence’s Tarantula, but it was my debut at the Club and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a great organisation! Abroad though, The King Power Ladies Tournament in Thailand was a real highlight of my season, just spectacular! 20/06/17 15:11 I

Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? Ladies polo of course would not exist without mixed polo, so I love to play the mixed and it’s where we gain our skills to transfer into the ladies’. However, the ladies’ gives me a platform to show my skills and control the game a lot more. Also, the sisterhood that can form when you gel in a ladies’ team is amazing – such a great feeling.

Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? I would like to see a better coaching system in the UK for young talent, both male and female. SUPA are really doing a great job at the grass roots level, but what happens after that? There should be more coaching of teams right the way up to high goal. Professional players could either lend or charge their time to coach teams or players on the sidelines. I would also like to see more equal opportunity in general. I don’t believe that a lack of physical strength hinders women from being as successful as men. If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? I would want to play with this fantasy team, so I’d like to put myself at Number One; I’d have Gonzalito Pieres at back, because he is an amazing horseman and under pressure he can perform magic; Hilario Ulloa because he is just a genius with the ball, and of course, Adolfo Cambiaso so I could just have the chance to pick his brain for five minutes and learn a few things. “I couldn’t have done it without. . .”? My mother! Her support financially, emotionally and always getting stuck in by grooming or helping at the drop of a hat. I also have my partner Miguel Diaz to thank for giving me opportunities to travel with my polo and helping me transition into a professional on and off the field. A special thanks to Mahesh Parmar too – he let me ride his horses whilst at university and taught me a lot.

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Polo Times, November 2018

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

International & Home

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Women’s Polo

USPA Women’s Arena Open and Handicap Tournaments

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

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Photography by USPA/©Mike Ryan

Between Friday 5 to Sunday 7 October, female players gathered at Virginia Polo Center in Charlottesville, Virginia for the 2018 USPA Women’s Arena Open. The tournament hosted two 20 goal teams and four 12-16 goal teams who competed over the three days. 2017 USPA Women’s Arena Open champions, Ace Sportswear, were up against Marlan Farm in the 2018 20 goal Final, with both teams fielding USA and National Intercollegiate team members. Marlan Farm dominated from the first throw-in, holding the lead throughout and ultimately taking the title with a 16-6 final score. Sophie Grant was named Most Valuable Player, having scored six out of Marlan Farm’s 16 goals. Later on, in the Final of The USPA Women’s Arena Handicap, the Grant sisters, riding for Drumcliffe, prevailed over The University of Virginia to win 17-9 and take home their second consecutive title. Responsible for nine of the Drumcliffe’s 17 goals, Maddie Grant was named Most Valuable Player, whilst her seven-year-old mare Sydney was awarded the Best Playing Pony honours.

20/06/17 15:11 I

2018 USPA Women’s Arena Handicap Champions 2018 USPA Women’s Arena Open Champions

The USPA Women’s Arena Open Teams: Marlan Farm (20): S. Grant (5), K. Wells (7) & M. Wells (8) Ace Sportswear (20): D. Hajmihalis (4), M. Grant (7) & J. Smith (9)

The USPA Women’s Arena Handicap Final Teams: University of Virginia (13): S. Bryant (4), J. Riemann (5) & D. Hajimihalis (4). Reserve M. Milligan (5) Drumcliffe (16): S. Grant (5), A. Grant (4) & M. Grant (7)

2018 End of Season Ladies’ Handicaps

Photograph by J Ridley Art & Photography

The Hurlingham Polo Association released the End of Season Ladies’ Handicap Changes on Thursday 4 October, with a number of prominent handicap changes taking centre stage. With 555 players registered on the ladies’ handicap list in comparison to the 525 playing registered members in 2017, the rise in popularity of women’s polo is undeniably on the way up. Whilst the handicaps of a number of ladies’ polo’s most prominent names remain unchanged, such as Nina Clarkin at 10 and her sister Tamara Fox at 7, Flannels England young player Milly Hine will be raised from 4 to 5, with Argentina’s Mía Cambiaso set to play the 2019 season off 7 goals. England International and Diamond Jubilee Most Valuable Player Hazel Jackson-Gaona, will be raised to 9 goals following a very successful season on both the national and international circuit. Her Flannels England team mate Rosanna Turk will go up to 4 goals. A number of visiting players have also had their handicaps raised with the likes of HRH Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum rising from 3 to 4 goals and Kenyan Tiva Gross set for a great 2019 season at 6 goals following her impressive play at the Kings Head Hotel Ladies International at Cirencester Park Polo Club.

Flannels England International stalwart Hazel Jackson-Gaona has been raised to 9 goals, amongst a plethora of other well-known players

With the ladies’ handicap system differing greatly from the standard handicap system, these changes are set to have little impact on mixed team line-ups for the 2019 season, but with, for example, two out of four of the 2018 Victrix Ludorum winning Dodson & Horrell team players moving

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

up by a goal apiece, the 2019 Victrix Ludorum series line-ups will no doubt see considerable change. For more information about the End of Season Ladies Handicap changes and to view the full list, please visit the HPA website www.hpa-polo.co.uk Polo Times, November 2018

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympics Showcase

SUPA 2018/2019 Arena Dates SUPA have announced their 2018/2019 arena dates, with the fixtures as follows: Rugby – Uni Challenge: 15 – 18 November TBC – Junior Schools Arena Championships: 3 February 2019 Rugby – Universities Winter National Championships: 7 – 10 February 2019 Rugby – Senior Schools National Arena Championships: 3 March 2019 TBC – Ladies’ Schools National Arena Championships: 10 March 2019 For more information about the upcoming season, please visit the SUPA website: www.supa.org.uk

Photograph courtesy of FIP

The Youth Olympics took place in Buenos Aires between 6 – 18 October, with almost 4,000 of the world’s best young athletes competing for the coveted gold medals. During this international event, youth polo players were invited to showcase the sport of polo to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) including Gerardo Werthien, President of the Organising Committee. 28 athletes from 12 countries took part in the showcase on 10 October at the Campo de Argentino de Polo, organised by the FIP. Polo has not been featured in the Olympics since 1936 in Berlin, but the hope is that this showcase will be the first step to a reintroduction of the sport.

28 youth players from 12 countries took part in the Polo Showcase at The Bueno Aires Youth Olympics

USPA Aids Graduates Entering the Workplace Marc Ganzi, co-owner of Grand Champions Polo Club in Florida has taken steps to introduce five members of the Team USPA Polo Team Executive Branch to internships in the business world. The idea behind this move, is to acknowledge the need for business opportunities for those who are transitioning from a full-time polo focussed career to the greater working world, whilst continuing to play as an amateur. Ganzi has commented, “This is a real USPA success story. We need to see these kids become successful business men and women, so they stay in polo and pursue their passion.” Further information about this scheme can be found on the USPA website www.uspolo.org

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Polo Times, November 2018

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

Pony Power

Knowledge

Good Woman Height: 15hh Age: Eight-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Luke Wiles Tournament: The Buckmaster Final at Black Bears Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is from Argentina from Lucas Criado. She is out of Good Year and by Machitos Libano. How long have you had her? I bought her in Argentina in 2017 and brought her over this year to play the season. Tell us about her background? She was bred by Lucas Criado and made by him, then sold to us last season. What are her strengths? She’s really handy and quick – she can gas anyone! But, the main thing is she is super handy and I have always got control. How has she gone this season? She’s been a machine! I’ve been playing her in the 15 and 18 goal with HB Polo, as well as in the kid’s polo.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not that I know of.

from polo or try and wash her off post-match because she’ll go crazy. Plus, you can’t put travel boots on her either. She doesn’t like anything on her tendons.

What are your plans for her in the future? To play her more and more, and hopefully she will become an even bigger part of my string.

Describe her in three words. Fun, reliable machine.

Does she have any special quirks? You can’t put ice on her legs on the way back

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Polo Times, November 2018

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Knowledge

Polo & VAT

Polo & VAT Clubs need to ensure their VAT is in order

Everything you need to know

When did your Polo Club last have a VAT visit? Make sure to commission a VAT review before HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) comes knocking on your door. Terry Dockley from Terry Dockley & Co asks the important questions about Polo Clubs and the VAT they may owe What is your biggest headache as the Treasurer of a Polo Club? What keeps you awake at night? Is it the ponies and public liability insurance, the people (members, caterers, spectators) or is it the VAT man? There are many reasons for the VAT man to be at the top of the list, as one of my clients recently discovered. Two officers called on a routine VAT visit. One of their questions related to the liability of the stabling made available to members. The Club realised that it needed guidance on how to respond to this query, as the cost to the Club would have been significant had it been required to account for VAT on four years’ income from liveries. This Club’s experience demonstrates that the VAT rules for polo clubs are more complex than you might have expected. There are a number of exemptions that can be relevant including those for: • Sports facilities • Education • Land and buildings, including catering facilities and stabling If a VAT exemption applies, it can have a knock-on effect on how much you can claim back of the VAT you incur on your costs. In the case of certain categories of capital expenditure, this can involve a requirement to make adjustments over a 10-year period under what is called the ‘Capital Goods Scheme’. Sports facilities and education Clubs should be aware that the education exemption only applies if either: 58

Polo Times, November 2018

(a) The Club qualifies for exemption as a non-profit-distributing ‘eligible body’ (b) Coaching is supplied by somebody other than the Club and falls within the private tuition exemption Similarly, sports facilities will only be exempt if the Club is a non-profit distributing body and is free from ‘commercial influence’. It can be costly if you get it wrong There are three main consequences of getting your VAT liabilities wrong: • You can face a four-year bill for not accounting for enough VAT on your income or claiming too much on your costs. Normally you cannot go back to members or customers to pay for your past mistakes, which can shoot a hole in your budgeting • HMRC will usually charge interest • HMRC may impose penalties for inaccuracies in your VAT returns. These can be as much as 30 percent of the tax lost to HMRC because of ‘careless’ errors. You won’t want to have to break this sort of news to your management committee Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to limit your penalty exposure. Seek professional advice Seeking professional advice should reduce the risk of making any errors. By taking advice where you have had doubts or

difficulties, you also demonstrate that you have taken all ‘reasonable care’. So, for example, if you commission a VAT specialist to carry out a VAT review, HMRC will find it harder to argue that you have been careless. If you do commission a review, make sure the specialist takes a close look at your Club’s website. Marketing spin can sometimes inadvertently describe what a VAT-registered person does in such a way that they make their activities sound as if they are on the wrong side of a relief, such as exemption or zero-rating. For example, in the case described earlier, by itself, the Club’s website would have been unhelpful to the Club’s case, but I was able to satisfy HMRC that the Club was correct to treat its livery as VAT exempt. Broadly speaking, where a Club grants a licence to a member to occupy a specific box, the charge should be VAT exempt unless the Club has opted to tax or provides special purpose stabling. Take the initiative and disclose errors If you do commission a VAT review and discover that you – or your predecessors – have made errors, then make sure to tell HMRC about the errors before they pay you a visit and find them. That way you have the opportunity to seek a reduction in the penalties to nil, whereas the minimum penalty is 15 percent where HMRC finds a careless error (a ‘prompted disclosure’). Suspension of penalties If you are stuck with a penalty for carelessness, HMRC may suspend the penalty if you can show that you are putting in place appropriate steps to ensure you don’t make the same mistakes again. This is easier to demonstrate if you have been proactive and sought professional advice and carried out a VAT review. Do you still think VAT is simple? If you still think VAT is simple, take a look at the following Notices, which are just some of those relevant to Polo Clubs: 701/15 Animals and animal food 701/30 Education and vocational training 701/45 Sports supplies that are VAT exempt 706 Partial exemption 706/2 Capital goods scheme

Terry Dockley has provided VAT advice and assistance to businesses, clubs, and charities for over 30 years including many involved in equestrian activities: www.terrydockley.co.uk or telephone 07787 576783.

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Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd offers a reader bitting advice for how to prevent mouth rubbing

How To Prevent Mouth Rubbing?

A. The ‘size’ of a bit is the actual size of the bit mouthpiece, when measured; however different mouthpieces and cheekpieces do fit differently in the mouth; for example, a loose ring type cheek piece will fit differently to a

Photograph courtesy of Bombers Bits

Q. My youngster is ridden in a loose ring, running gag made from soft plastic, but he does suffer from mouth rubs. He’s a sensitive boy, but forward going; he’s going well and is carrying himself forward into the contact, but the inside of his mouth is very soft, and getting rubbed. Unfortunately, potions like bit-butter don’t work, as it’s the inside corners of his mouth that are getting rubbed. He’s in a 5” running gag with a straight-bar and a loose ring – it has the soft plastic mouthpiece, and also bit rubbers, but I wonder if the bit moves too freely in his mouth, making the rubbing worse, or if the sizing is wrong? K. Wayans, Northants

The Bombers Happy Tongue Big Ring Gag has a medium size port that suits most ponies’ mouth conformation

fixed ring cheek piece. Loose and fixed are determined by whether the pony’s lip can reach the hole the ring goes through, and a solid mouth piece like yours will likely need to be a little smaller than a jointed bit, to fit correctly. Rubbing can be caused if the bit is too large or too small. (Check out the bit sizing advice I wrote for customers at worldwidetack.com and search for ‘measuring your horse’s mouth’, or click on the bitting section.) Rubbing can also be caused by the horse resisting the bit, but it doesn’t sound as if he is evading. Anecdotally I have heard that some of the

soft, plastic type bits do cause rubbing or sores, probably due to moisture levels in the mouth; so you could try switching to a metal version, to encourage salivation – I advocate sweet iron as it oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the pony’s mouth and promoting salivation. If you’re keen to continue with a nonjointed mouthpiece, and get on well with a running gag, you could try the Bombers Happy Tongue Big Ring Gag – it has a medium port that suits most ponies’ mouth conformation. Our polo groom recommends zinc oxide cream in the short term to help heal mouth sores.

To find a range of Bombers Polo Bits 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, or Tweet us at @WorldwideTack with your bitting question.

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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

Painful Rendez-Vous Better not to kiss the ball

Everybody who plays polo has experienced a fall from the horse in his or her career, but being hit by the ball is reported on more rare occasions. When hit by the ball it is the equivalent of a high-speed missile with massive energy potential hitting you. This hit may not only be painful, but will also have impact on your game and your future, as reported by Inness and colleagues in their research article in Sports Medicine – Open (2015). In this study, about 12 percent were minor injuries to the head, but with a high rate of hospital treatment required due to the vulnerable soft tissue structure around the lips.

Anatomy

Injury Mechanism

Early on, we distinguished the difference between crack avulsions, impact and sharp cut injuries. In the present case, it was a heavy impact of an extremely high-speed ball. This speed was absorbed by the lip, and if the underlying teeth or bones (maxilla or mandibular) do not ‘yield’ (which would cause a fracture), the impact is completely focused on the soft tissues of the lips.

Treatment

If possible, these injuries should be treated by a plastic surgeon, who should have experience (high case numbers) in the assessment and operation of facial injuries and have mastered the overall functional and aesthetic concept. In addition, such injuries must be supplied with microsurgical routine and under a magnifying glass. If the

lip artery is severed, it should be urgently anastomosed, which requires microsurgical experience. The muscle becomes round and the mucosa facing the teeth is flooded with resorbable fine thread material, the red of the lips with non-absorbable very fine thread material. These threads must not be able to retract the skin in the moustache and the mucous membrane areas. These nonabsorbable sutures are removed under a magnifying glass after 14 days.

Photography courtesy of Polodoc

Anatomically, the lip is composed of mucous membrane, skin, muscles and a strong blood-vessel complex, and the upper and lower lip are differentiated. Between the right and left upper lip lies the ‘heart’ and, in extension to the nose, the philtrum – both of these are of high aesthetic value. Around the entire mouth, lying directly under the skin is the oral round muscle which is of great importance for mouth and lip function (symmetrically harmonious guidance around

the lips is important for functions such as drinking, kissing and more). This muscle is directly related to the red of the lips. In the patient presented in this article, the skin beside the lips, the transition skin around the lips, the lip artery (A. labialis) and the oral round muscle (M. orbikularis oris) was severed.

According to Hurlingham Polo Assocation regulations, the ball is 76 to 89 millimetres in diameter and within the limits of 120 to 135 grams. The modern outdoor polo ball is made of a high-impact plastic. Historically they have been made of bamboo, leather covered cork or hard rubber, and for many years willow root. Originally the British used a white painted leather covered cricket ball. The regulation outdoor polo ball is 3 inches (7.6 cm) to 3½ inches (8.9 cm) in diameter and weighs 99g to 130g. Plastic balls were introduced in the 1970s as they are less prone to breakage and much cheaper. The indoor and arena polo ball is leathercovered, inflated and is about 11cm in diameter. It must be no less than 32cm or more than 38cm in circumference. The weight must be not less than 170grams or more than 182grams.

The patient was hit by a ball at extremely high speed

Polo Times, November 2018

The impact severed the lip from the red of the lips to the nose

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Medical Insight: Polodoc basis of the injury and the period since the trauma. A single shot during plastic surgery is recommended.

Aftercare & Rehabilitation

Players are increasingly using face masks for protection

Results

For aesthetic as well as functional reasons, structures need to be surgically cleaned (debrided) and cared for. Whether the injury is a short or very long time ago, it must be cleaned after the initial assessment otherwise a pseudo Cleft Lip arises. Whether antibiotics have to be prescribed is decided on the

Aftercare is very important for a good result. In the early phase i.e. in the first five days after surgery, only liquid food (through a straw) and few movements (little talk, laughter, etc.) are allowed and a tape dressing above the upper lip helps to move across from one nasolabial line to the other. After the sutures are removed, scar massage physiotherapy will follow. My recommendation for three weeks is as follows: • Gentle pressure massage and no pulling forces. For this massage, prepare with hyaluronic acid, zinc, argan oil and vitamin C + E are suitable (e.g. www. vcosmetic.com). The use of zinc tablets (30mg / d) is recommended for better wound healing • If an early return to play is required, an individual should use adequate protection gear

Expert Search

In Europe and North America, the number of skilled plastic surgeons is very high, so it is in the interest of the patient to be treated by a specialist for plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery for such injuries, for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Every

Knowledge

university hospital or other major teaching hospital has this specialty. In addition, the Association of National Plastic Surgeons with the Medical Register of the respective regions via the internet makes these practitioners very easy to find.

Dr. Volker Wedler Zentrum für Plastische Chirurgie Bellevue Bodensee www.wedler.ch • Initial correct treatment is essential. • Rule out additional injuries to jaw bone and set of teeth. • Scar tissue treatment can improve the cosmetic result. For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com or www.polodoc.ch

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Knowledge

Learn to Play

In this series Sam Gairdner provides a course of polo lessons for the complete beginner. Although for many readers, this may be too basic for their level of polo, the sport is always welcoming newcomers and it’s never too late to take it up. Sam Gairdner’s series will be looking at every aspect of polo.

Play Polo Riding

In this lesson we teach you about changing direction (turning), how to use your seat in the canter and give you a basic understanding of leg changes in a canter. This should help a massive amount in getting you around the field quickly and effortlessly. Changing direction In polo we are not too interested in what you look like while riding, it is about getting the most amount of work done, quickly, while expending the least amount of energy. So, become supple in your riding, be less rigid than, say a dressage rider and start to move with your horse.

Lesson Structure • 20 minutes: Polo riding – Understand the three riding positions in a canter, and work on changes in direction and speed. • 20 minutes: Hitting – Teach the neck shot, then explain the importance of reducing the difficulty of shots. • 20 minutes: Finish the ridden section with a simulated chukka if there are enough people, if not, a game of keep away works well. • 30 minutes: Get off horses and go through what sort of fouls an umpire would blow and what penalties would be awarded explaining how an umpire may move the ball forward for a defensive foul.

Photography courtesy of Sam Gairdner

Lesson Four – Part One, Notes for the Instructor In Lesson Four we work through the three different riding positions in a canter, and when we should use each of them on the polo field. We then teach you neck shots in the hitting section (Part One) and then introduce you to the theory behind reducing the difficulty of shots (Part Two). Finally, a short practice chukka, get off the horses and be introduced to Fouls and Penalties, this will also be further explained in Lesson Five.

Canter positions – rising, sitting and risen

Polo Times, November 2018

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Learn to Play Changing direction is about planning where you want to go, then communicating it to the horse. This is done through your body movement which we briefly covered in Lesson One. In this lesson, practice the concept of looking at a point (to start with you could ask for a 20 degree turn), the rest of your body (head, shoulders, hips, and legs) then follow and catch up to that point. You will be very surprised just how precise this becomes as your horse follows to this direction accurately. Continue practicing this using all angles up to 180 degrees and increase the speed from a walk through to a trot and eventually a canter.

Leg Changes in a Canter It is important to understand when the horse is on the left or right leg and that when you ask your horse to travel around a corner on the wrong leg it will be slow and awkward. Practice with your instructor and get him to demonstrate a flying change.

Your Seat in a Canter: There are three different seats that you would use on a polo pony in a canter. These are: • Sitting – used whenever a change of speed or direction is required, and also used in a ride-off. Sit deep in the saddle and create energy in your horse by driving it around using your hips. This position uses a lot of energy for both you and your horse • Risen – a risen canter is the position you use for 70 percent of the time the ball is in play and whenever you approach to hit the ball. Set the speed and direction of your horse, get in the risen position and cruise around the polo field. You can be going very fast, but it is energy efficient and you should be able to hold this position for long periods of time without getting tired • Rising – this position is only used when the ball is out of play and its effect is to relax the horse. It is about giving the horse a signal to catch its breath and replenish its energy. Study the photos and ask your instructor to show you these important seat positions to help you understand their importance and when to use them. Moving Forward: Lesson Four – Part Two In Part Two we will learn how you can reduce the difficulty of shots by making constructive decisions which will increase your probability Hitting Neck Shots Neck shots are all about technique, timing and practice. The plane of the swing needs to be coming from vertical, but at an acute angle to the direction of travel so that the plane of the swing takes the stick head in front of the pony’s front legs and your followthrough wraps the stick round the horse’s

Knowledge

The perfect neck shot can be a game changer

of success when hitting the ball. We will also introduce you to Fouls and Penalties.

neck. The aim is to hit the ball really early from in front of the pony’s right front leg and for the ball to travel left at an angle between 45 and 90 degrees from straight. Start at a walk and practice making a vertical swing under the pony’s neck, making sure the stick head brushes the ground

evenly, rather than with the heal coming in contact with the ground as you swing through. A simple practice is to set up a line of five balls and try and hit each 30m at a walk. When you think you have got it right try individual balls at a canter.

The process of the neck shot from vertical to follow-through

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, November 2018

Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Starch – Friend or Foe?

Polo Times, November 2018

A diagram illustrating the equine digestive system

Photography courtesy of Lorna Edgar

Although traditionally starch, in the form of oats, is used a lot in polo, there is a general feeling in the equestrian world that starch is a nutrient that is becoming feared. It doesn’t suit all horses, but it does, however, have a place in many diets and doesn’t need to be feared. Whilst horses have evolved to digest and thrive on forage alone, since their domestication and use as work and performance animals, forage alone is often not enough to fuel their work expectations whilst maintaining body condition. Cereals have been the traditional ‘go-to’ source for energy and calories. Cereals provide readily available, ‘quick release’ energy in the form of starch, which is made up of chains of glucose molecules, tightly packed in granules in the grains. It is a food source for the growing seedling, as the grain (seed) germinates and grows into a new plant, rather than being harvested. Grains, such as wheat, barley and maize, often yield more energy/calories from their starch content but they need to be cooked to make the starch digestible. Starch is digested and absorbed in the horse’s small intestine, being broken down into glucose molecules. The starch in oats is more digestible than other cereals without the grain being cooked, hence being the traditional choice of grain to increase energy or calories. After digesting a starch based meal, large amounts of glucose hit the bloodstream,

The starch in oats is more digestible than other cereals without the grain needing to be cooked

from absorption in the small intestine, triggering the release of insulin, which starts the glycaemic response – moving glucose out of the blood and into cells. Within two hours of a meal there is a rise in glucose in the horse’s

blood and a gradual drop is seen over the next four hours. Insulin and glucose work on a parallel, mirroring the rise and fall in the bloodstream after the eating of a starch or sugar based meal – such as grass for example. Glucose is used as an energy source by body tissues, primarily the muscles. Increased glucose levels can also have a negative effect on the brain of some horses and make them more excitable, as glucose is the only energy source that passes the blood-brain barrier. Those increased levels of glucose in the brain can be associated with an increase in production of dopamine, thus causing heightened awareness in some, and over-excitability for others! In a sport such as polo, this can be of great benefit, however, ensuring feed is based on individual needs will ensure the right horse has the right quantities of starch in its ration. Problems arise when undigested starch reaches the hindgut, bacteria ferment it, as www.polotimes.co.uk

Nutrition

cause ulceration of the stomach lining. Starch-containing feeds can cause the gastric environment to become even more acidic, which exacerbates the problem. It’s not hard to see, therefore, why starch can, rightfully, get bad press and yet there’s certainly still a place for it in many diets.

or ‘natural’ energy a starch-based diet may not be aiding performance, instead look for a concentrate lower in starch • When calories are needing to be reduced if an individual is holding too much condition C ontact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

How to use with success?

It is important to ensure the diet is also balanced

they would fibre but, in doing so, produce lactic acid and thereby increasing the acidity of the hindgut. This leads to disruption of the bacterial population and the release of toxins as bacteria die; at best the horse may experience discomfort from hindgut acidosis, at worst colic, ulceration or laminitis are all an increased risk. Adding to the concerns is the fact that the stomach constantly produces acid which, if not ‘mopped up’ by food, can

Knowledge

• Use concentrate feeds that are ‘cooked’ – micronized or steamed • Feed smaller meals LITTLE and OFTEN spread out through the day whenever possible – reducing the glycaemic response, rather than creating big peaks & troughs • No more than 1½ round bowl scoops PER FEED of concentrates, oats, chaff or beet – maximising digestion in the small intestine and reducing starch reaching the hind gut • Consider timings of meals to maximise the use of energy from the concentrate feed • Ensure the diet is balanced – just feeding a lot of oats doesn’t mean energy levels will increase if a balance of vitamins and minerals are not available

Feed smaller meals little and often to maximise digestion

Avoid when....

• Diagnosed with Gastric Ulcers (EGUS), Equine Metabolic Syndrome (laminitis, Cushings), Insulin Resistance, or for those susceptible to tying-up, seek other energy sources such as digestible fibres and oils • When an individual has too much nervous

WINTER ARENA SEASON 2018/19 NOVEMBER 10th - 11th

Weekend Tournament

10th - 11th

Arena Challenge Trophy

17th - 18th

The Richmond Trophy

17th - 18th

The Metropolitan Trophy

20th - 2nd Dec

HPA National Club Championships

20th - 24th

Ladies Nations Tournament

1-3 7 - 10 4 -6 10 - 12 1-3 / 10-12 4-8

DECEMBER 4th - 9th

The Paul Castle High Goal Challenge

8th - 9th

Weekend Tournament

12th - 16th

The Chairman’s Trophy

19th - 23rd

The Chrismas Open

JANUARY Fri 4th - 20th

HPA New Year National Club Championships

12 - 15 0-4 4-6 10 - 12

4-6 / 13-15

23rd - 26th

Minuty Ladies Cup

26th - 27th

The Katie Tunn Trophy

4-6

29th Jan - 3rd Feb Winter VL Tournament

5-8

29th Jan - 3rd Feb FCT Invitational Challenge Trophy

1-3

12 - 15

• Membership Stabling Available • Club Chukkas 4 days a week • Tournament Polo every week

FEBRUARY 9th - 10th

Weekend Tournament

12th - 17th

The Olin Trophy

Tues 12th - 23rd The Arena Gold Cup 19th - 24th MARCH Sat 2nd

0-4 7 - 10

• Cantina & Clubhouse Facilities

13 -15

Ladies British Open Tournament

The Bryan Morrison International Trophy

• Challenge Matches

4-6

Open

@ AEPC Hickstead

Polo Office – 01344 890060 – polo@rcbpc.com www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, November 2018

Knowledge

Vet Insight

Dr Connie Bowkett-Pritchard BVSc PG Cert (VetMed) MRCVS Connie graduated with distinction from The University of Liverpool in 2017 and then completed an internship at Oakham Veterinary Hospital. During this time, she also undertook a post graduate certificate in equine medicine and surgery with the University of Nottingham. She now works for Field Equine Vets, a busy practice in the West Midlands and is particularly interested in colic, orthopaedics and imaging

Impaction Colic As we are approaching the winter, it is important to consider the conditions we are likely to see in our equine population and how these can be prevented. This article focuses on pelvic flexure impactions which are commonly encountered at this time of year.

What is impaction colic?

An impaction refers to a ‘blockage’ somewhere in the gastro-intestinal tract, meaning that the intestinal contents cease to move as they should. Certain sites are more pre-disposed than others to impaction due to their anatomy. The most common site is in the large colon at the pelvic flexure. This is a ‘hairpin bend’ in the large colon between the left ventral (lower) colon and the left dorsal (upper) colon. At this point the intestinal diameter also narrows, increasing the likelihood of the intestinal contents becoming impacted. Large colon impactions constitute five to 12 percent of medicallytreated colics1.

What are the risk factors?

How to recognise colic

Pelvic flexure impactions are commonly seen in the autumn and winter months, when horses are stabled. Abrupt changes in management can affect intestinal motility, for example, in winter, horses move from grass onto drier forage. This also applies to horses that are suddenly box-rested. Movement helps to stimulate intestinal movement, so an abrupt change could facilitate an impaction. Horses stabled on straw with a tendency to eat their bed are also at risk. Dental routine is important – horses with poor teeth are not able to correctly grind their food down, so they ingest larger forage particles than they should. These are more likely to become impacted as they pass through the intestinal tract. A spell of cold, frosty weather can also cause a rise in the number of impaction colics. With water buckets and troughs frozen, horses drink less and their intestinal contents are less hydrated2.

Colic signs depend on the severity of the pain the horse is experiencing, varying from flank watching and pawing, to lying down, to continual rolling and thrashing in more severe cases. Horses with pelvic flexure impactions tend to show mild to moderate colic signs. Colic means abdominal pain; there are many different types of intestinal colic some of which can be serious. All horses showing colic signs should be treated as an emergency. 21 to 24 percent of cases seen in first opinion practice are critical and potentially require hospital admission3,4.

Photograph courtesy of Claire Brown MRCVS

Horses with poor teeth cannot grind their food

Polo Times, November 2018

How to recognise an emergency

Pelvic flexure impactions can happen when a horse is suddenly box-rested

How is it diagnosed?

Impaction colic is diagnosed by rectal examination. Impacted intestine feels doughy to firm and the location of the impaction is determined by anatomical knowledge. The pelvic flexure is found in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen. The clinical examination and history conducted by your vet will also provide clues. Pelvic flexure www.polotimes.co.uk

Vet Insight

Knowledge

impactions often have a gradual onset with horses showing mild to moderate colic signs, for example pawing the ground, flank watching and lying down.

How is it treated?

Photography courtesy of Connie Bowkett-Prtichard MRCVS

Most pelvic flexure impactions can be treated medically. The aim of treatment is to alleviate the colic signs through administration of painkillers and to ‘soften’ the impaction to allow it to continue to pass through the intestinal tract. This is done by administering fluids into the intestine via a stomach tube, which is passed through the nose and into the horse’s stomach. Around five to six litres of fluid are used each time for an average 500kg horse and electrolytes are added to the fluid to provide osmotic balance, ensuring that the fluid remains in the intestinal tract where it is needed. Horses may need to have several administrations of fluid before the impaction clears. Some horses will be sent to a referral hospital for monitoring and fluid administration, as in occasional situations this is more successful in a hospital environment. Horses with colic should be closely monitored, as they can show colic signs when the impaction is moving. Droppings can initially be very loose as the impaction begins to clear because of the large volumes of fluid the horse is receiving. Horses with impactions should not be fed, as this will add to the impaction. Horses can be starved for several days if necessary while they are treated. In very few cases the horse’s pain may not be controllable, particularly if the impaction is very large. Occasionally impactions will require surgical intervention after medical therapy has been unsuccessful. A pelvic flexure enterotomy is performed, in which the pelvic flexure is opened and

In more severe cases, a pelvic flexure enterotomy is required

Prevention

the impaction is physically removed from the large colon. Horses that have had colic surgery require more intensive care, beyond the scope of this article, and require prolonged post-operative rest to allow healing of the abdominal incision.

Prognosis

The prognosis for pelvic flexure impactions is very good with the majority of cases managed medically. Once an impaction has resolved it is important not to feed the horse as normal straight away. The horse should be re-fed gradually over the course of at least a day initially, with frequent handfuls of grass or soaked hay which is then increased. The horse should be monitored for any further colic signs and that it continues to pass droppings normally.

With pelvic flexure impactions, the best supplement a horse can have is water. Soaking hay and feed can be beneficial to increase water intake. In cold weather ensuring that horses have continued access to water is very important. Making any changes to a horse’s management gradually, over the course of several days is also advisable. If a horse is prone to impactions this should be investigated further. Field Equine Vets New House Farm Belbroughton Rd Blakedown Worcestershire, DY10 3JH 01562 701334 www.fieldequinevets.co.uk

References 1. Pinchbeck G. Epidemiology of Equine Colic. Lecture presented; 2016; University of Liverpool. 2. Bowden A, England GCW, Burford JH, Mair TS, Furness W, Freeman SL. Early indicators of ‘critical’ outcomes in horses presenting with abdominal pain (colic): Prospective study of ‘out of hours’ first opinion emergency cases from two practices over a three year period (2011-2013). Equine Vet Educ 2017;29(S8):34. 3 & 4. Douglas EL, Smith E, Archer DC. Investigation of colic cases in a first opinion practice in the UK. Equine Vet Educ 2017;29(S8):17.

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Polo Times, November 2018

Knowledge

The Most Important Role in Polo

The Most Important Role in Polo The HPA discusses coaching The Hurlingham Polo Association is responsible for issuing coaching and instructing licenses in the UK, but what do you need if you want to become an HPA registered teacher? Polo Times spoke to The HPA who have all the answers below:

these HPA licensed “Coaches and Instructors are the gatekeepers to our sport...

”

Polo Times, November 2018

Photography courtesy of the HPA

We all have to start somewhere in polo. For some lucky individuals they are born into polo, they have been swinging a stick for as long as they can remember and have learnt from parents and siblings. But for the majority of us, we need to be taught by somebody. These highly influential people are so often the guardians who guide the complete beginner through their initial steps into the baffling world of polo. These HPA licensed Coaches and Instructors are the men and women who teach us how to hold our sticks, tell us when we should buy knee pads, tell us we must buy our first polo helmet and are often there when we get our first handicaps. They are the ones who have the power, influence and knowledge to turn a student into an aspiring 1 goal player and the ones who can take a successful businessman and turn them into a successful patron bringing real investment to the sport. They are vital for the growth of our sport and influence all aspects of it. But what qualifies that someone to instruct and coach? What are the prerequisites? Who regulates them? And importantly, what happens if things go wrong? In the UK and Ireland, the HPA regulates and awards coaching licences. All UK and Ireland instructors and coaches, if they are qualified and hold a current license, will

All coaches and instructors must be certified by the HPA

appear on the HPA website. In order to be qualified they will have been assessed on their knowledge and their ability to deliver that knowledge. The assessors will then make a recommendation as to which of the four instructor/coach levels an individual should be. That level will then be ratified when the individual attends a coaching seminar. Once they have been awarded a qualification they will need to be licenced. For this there are a number of prerequisites: • They need to hold a Safeguarding Certificate • A current First Aid Certificate • Have paid the HPA coaching sub, which includes public liability insurance All licensed coaches and instructors are then listed on the HPA website. If an individual is not listed on the website, then they do not hold a current HPA Coaching or Instructing License and therefore are not allowed to teach polo at any HPA affiliated Club. For those who play other sports, or who enjoy other equine disciplines, this should come as no surprise. Gaining coaching qualifications and licences is common place in other sports, in fact you would be hard pressed to find a sport in the UK that does not require its instructors to be suitably qualified and current to instruct and coach.

HPA Coach Badge

HPA Instructor Badge

You often hear of ex-international football players in this country having to complete their ‘badges’ before undertaking any level of coaching role. Coaching and instruction occur at all levels of all sports and yet it is something that remains unusual in polo, as we often think that once we have the basics then coaching is no longer required! What may surprise you is that the HPA and USPA are the only two polo organisations that regulate instructors and coaches. Without regulation, there are no accepted standards and practises, and this could allow anyone, on any pony, to instruct without the assurances and insurances the HPA licence affords them. Of course, not all HPA clubs will have their own instructors and coaches or need them, but it is important to note that it is now www.polotimes.co.uk

The Most Important Role in Polo

Knowledge

Coaching should continue throughout the early stages of a polo career

gaining coaching “qualifications and licences is common place in other sports

”

an HPA regulation that anyone coaching or instructing for gain at an affiliated Club must hold an HPA Coaching Licence. This is centred on the promotion of safe and competent practice within the sport and is in line with other disciplines. Importantly for the student, it has the support of one of polo’s major insurers. The HPA qualification is recognised round the world but cannot be licensed for use outside the UK. We hope like helmets, where the HPA leads, others will follow and the HPA will act as a catalyst for the promotion of safe and current practice in polo. As a governing body we want the sport to follow best practices in all aspects, and we want those individuals currently qualified and licensed to be recognised for their professionalism; it is hoped that their efforts will be reflected by the respect they receive within the sport and ultimately the earning potential they have. They deserve it. They have the most important role in polo, and without them the sport will not grow, something that we ALL want. www.polotimes.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I find out if my coach/instructor is licenced or not? The HPA website—www.hpa-polo.co.uk/coaching-2/find-a-coach Is there a minimum handicap to enrol on the qualification pathway? You must be or have been 0 goal mixed or 2 goal ladies. What are the prerequisites to become a coach or instructor? • Safeguarding, either proof of attendance or certificate. If you intend to instruct Pony Club this must be done face-to-face initially. (A good one is a child safeguarding course run by the NSPCC). • A valid First Aid certificate. Please note, it is an individual’s responsibility to keep these qualifications in date and inform the HPA accordingly. • Two assessments by HPA coaching assessors. Is there a coaching code of conduct? Yes, which can be found on our website: www.hpa-polo.co.uk/coaching-2/coaching-courses I’m a coach/instructor but don’t appear on the website—what do I do? If you don’t appear on the HPA website, please call the office or email coaching@hpa-polo.co.uk You may either need to update your records or we may need to start the formal process of gaining your coaching or instructing licence. I coach in my own country – how can I be accredited by the HPA? Email coaching@hpa-polo.co.uk and we can help further. We deal with this on a case-by-case basis. Is there an age limit to coaching? There is no age limit, but the individual must be confident enough to fulfil the role. Who do I contact at the HPA about coaching? In the first instance contact coaching@hpa-polo.co.uk I think my coach/instructor does not have an HPA licence, what should I do? If you have any concerns about a coach or anything in polo, email enquiries@hpa-polo.co.uk All correspondence is dealt with in the strictest confidence.

Polo Times, November 2018

Sidelines

Gossip

PUT A RING ON IT! SEALS THE DEAL

Ed Hitchman and his Cowdray fiancée Pip Menzies have tied the knot! They said their vows on Saturday 8 September amongst family and friends at Pip’s parents’ farm in East Sussex. Congratulations guys!

Regular Polo Times contributor and daughter of HPA Chief Executive, Tilda Woodd, has said yes to boyfriend Dougie Gittins, who popped the question in late September. What exciting news you two!

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

WELCOME BABY HARPER

Westchester winning James Harper and his wife Shannon have welcomed their third son, Thomas James. He was born on 19 October in what Shannon has described as a “rollercoaster entry”. We wish the Harper family well and look forward to meeting the little man.

WELCOME BABY ASHBY!

David and Clare Ashby have welcomed a third ray of sunshine into their family. Baby William Frederick Orson Ashby was born on 27 October and joins sisters Lara and Florence. Congratulations!

CONGRATULATIONS! POLO GETS EVERYWHERE!

One of our eagle-eyed readers, whilst taking a stroll around Lower Manhattan in October, spotted the best urban form of polo, bike polo, taking place on a basketball court. Good work New Yorkers!

Polo Times, November 2018

On Monday 15 October, Kensington Palace announced the impending arrival of a little bundle of joy for HRH The Duke of Sussex and his wife The Duchess of Sussex. The baby is due in spring 2019 and we can’t wait to welcome this new royal into the polo fold. Whether a girl or a boy, we’re sure this exciting arrival will inherit Prince Harry’s polo-playing genes!

www.polotimes.co.uk

John & William Tobin

Malcolm Borwick

John Medina, Ismael Serralie Martinez & Tanya Stagnetto

Jamie & Shefki Le Hardy

Le Hardy Polo Sotogrande Launch; Sotogrande; Thursday 29 August

Le Hello Le Hardy British polo player Jamie Le Hardy, threw a luxurious launch party for Le Hardy Polo Sotogrande, a polo lifestyle and concierge service based in Spain in late August as the world’s eye turned towards Spain’s Costa del Sol. Old and new friends from England and around the world gathered at Jamie’s home in Sotogrande to enjoy the high goal season and dance under the stars to International DJ Charts, as well as sipping delicious cocktails and discussing the impending finals of the 47th International Polo Tournament at the nearby Santa María Polo Club. As the evening drew to a close, guests shared their excitement about the future of Le Hardy Polo Sotogrande. Pascual Alvarez & Isabel Bobon

Lt Max Cosby & Lt Cdr Steve Spiller

Alina Kastner

Liam Butterworth & Launa Giezot

Photography by Snoopy Productions

Stevie McCraith

Allie & Martin Stegman

Katy Plaitford, Naomi Thomas, Katie Vickery, Felicity Townend & India Ringer

Suzie & Mike Vickery

End of Season Ball; Tidworth Polo Club; Saturday 29 September

Au Revoir Amis!

Sarah Glover, Capt Paddy Selfe, Helen Spiller & Lt Cdr Steve Spiller

Saskia Swift & Jessica Andrews

The End of Season Ball proved to be a fitting end to another wonderful season at the historic Tidworth Polo Club. Guests were greeted with some phenomenal cocktails courtesy of British Polo Gin before sitting down to a sumptuous three course meal. After dinner – and prior to the serious business of partying (!) – Roger ‘Chicken Dinner’ McElroy collected The Scarlett Lancers Trophy for his Canonbury team who had dominated at Tidworth all season. Stevie McRaith (A big night for ‘Mcs’ as it turned out) was presented with The ‘Joe Alan’ Award for Most Helpful Member and Henry Sharpe was the stand out choice for Most Improved Player. 150 revellers danced into the night to the sounds of the ‘West Coast Heroes’ and come the following morning, there were some very sore heads and some tales to be told… Until next year folks! Photography courtesy of Tidworth Polo Club

Charlotte Fraser & Lolly Stanhope-White

Lucy Rodwell

Cameron Ellis & Faye Streeter

Sophie Kenna & Matthew Kenna

Aidan Monk, John Martin, Ed Hitchman & Matt Sim

Pip Hitchman

Nick Clague & Andrew Blake-Thomas

End of Season Party; Cowdray Park Polo Club; Sunday 23 September

Farewell Friends Cowdray Park Polo Club celebrated an outstanding 2018 season with its annual End of Season Party at the Ambersham Clubhouse on Sunday 24 September with friends and players uniting for one last evening of revelry. The chilly temperatures did nothing to deter social members, players and grooms from gathering together for a final catch up, a few drinks and some dynamic dancing. The familiar faces of players Glenn Sherriff, Nick Clague, Andrew Blake Thomas, John Martin and Ed Hitchman ardently propped up the bar whilst the Cowdray girls including Lottie Lamacraft, Jammy Taylor and Millie Cooper, energetically led by Pete Walters of the legendary Midhurst polo bar Faustino’s, dominated on the dance floor. Not a bad way to end a summer season! Charles Cooney & Ed Banner-Eve

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

Tommy Beresford & Tom Brodie

Millie Cooper, Alex Drake & Fran Townend

Will Harper, John Barstow & Alfie Hyde

Victoria Barfoot & Pete Walters

Daisy Scott-Barnes, Alex Fowler & Claire Bailey

Telmo Maidana, Kayley Smith & Charlie Torres

Chris & Max Bethell

Harry Revell & Ollie Cork

Jack Taylor, Josh Cork & Ralph Richardson

Lydia Taylor & Steph Blything

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C H R I ST M AS

AVA I L A B L E F 2 6 N OV E M B E R U N T I L 2 RO M 3 DECEMBE 2 C O U RS E S R 2018 £19.50 / 3 C O U RS E S £ 24.95 PRE-ORDER O N LY

Join us in wonder Enjoy Christmas party menus fully festive with friends, family or colleagu homemade dishes surroundings to pile into es. the with ingredie nts sourced from best Christmas fayre featurin g British seas, shores and fields. our great The First Chukk a: Starters Grilled Goat’s Cheese on a bed of pickled beetroot The Third Chukk salad (V) a: Puddings Foston’s Homem Game Terrine on dressed leaves ade Christmas with watercress brandy butter or vanilla custard Pudding served with mayonnaise Winter Vegetab le Broth served Chef’s Christm bread (Vg) with Foston’s homemade as winning Organic Panna Cotta infused with award British Polo Gin served with a Salmon Gravlax and delicate elderflow homemade hazelnut home cured with er British Polo Sloe shortbread hedgerow foraged gin, Festive Foston’s served with homema with a mustard and dill sauce Chocolate Black and de brown bread with white chocolat Cherry Roulade slices e sauce

The Second Chukk

a: Mains Cotswold Bronze Free Range Roast festive trimmin Turkey with gs: Cranberry all the and free range pigs in blankets, roast chestnut stuffing, sprouts and honey potatoes, Brussels vegetables. Served and mustard glazed carameli sed root sauces and Foston’swith homemade cranberry and bread rich gravy Lentil and Bean Roast with a rich balsamic served with new onion gravy, potatoes and fresh leek leaf green beans (Vg) wrapped Fillet of Seabass served with new tomatos, wilted potatoes, sun pak choi and dried crispy capers Haunch of Local Venison, cooked horseradish mash, pink caramelised shallots served with wrapped green and leek leaf beans

Stilton and Biscuits served with celery, homemade apple black grapes and chutney Apple and Cinnamo

n crumble served

with fruit sorbet

The Final

Chukk House blend coffee, a: £3.50 tea, mini mince winning British pie and award Polo Gin infused truffle petit fours handmade chocolat e The Prizegiving:

Bored of plastic tat in your cracker? Ash we like to Here at The Foston’s mix things up. EVERY cracker prize worth winning will have a the cracker free pints or pinot to complim pull for. Ranging from entary meals There will also and discounts be FOUR golden . to WIN YOUR tickets with the OWN BODYWE chance other prizes. IGHT IN BEER All in all, it’s a lot more exciting amongst telling fish!* than fortune *T&Cs apply. “Win your own bodyweight in exceed 85kgs, beer” cracker including weight prize, not to may not to be used in conjunction of beer keg. Christmas Menu Pricing is a Free House with any other and prides itself offer. business. We on being a privately Foston’s Ash Inn no longer have owned an affiliation therefore please with the Cotswold family-run note that its Food Club, vouchers are not accepted as payment.

V indicates suitable

for vegetarian s Vg suitable for vegans

T H E C A M P, N R B I R D L I P, G L O U C E ST E w w w. fo s t o n RS H I R E , G L sash.co.uk 6 7ES 01452 8632 62

T H E C A M P, N R B I R D L I P, G L O U C E ST E RS H I R E , G L 6 7 E S w w w. fo s t o n s a s h . c o . u k 0 1 4 5 2 8 6 3 2 6 2

(Vg)

Polo directory

What’s On – November’s Fixtures Club

Tournament Name

Handicap

Start Date

End Date

Druids Lodge

Fireside Polo Arena Open Evening

Open

03/11/18

Westcroft Park

Arena Opening Chukkas

Open

03/11/18

04/11/18

Houston

Delegate’s Cup

4-8

23/10/18

03/11/18

Ash Farm

Challenge Matches

Open

03/11/18

04/11/18

Palm City

Fall Classic Tournament

4-6

01/11/18

04/11/18

AEPC

Club Chukkas

Open

03/11/18

04/11/18

Grand Champions

National Twenty Goal

16-20

03/11/18

17/11/18

Rugby

T-Bone Tournament

Open

05/11/18

Grand Champions

International Cup

24/11/18

Westcroft Park

Club Weekend

Open

10/11/18

11/11/18

Grand Champions

USPA Fall Plates

Medium

01/11/18

04/11/18

Ash Farm

Challenge Matches

Open

10/11/18

11/11/18

Grand Champions

03/11/18

17/11/18

RCBPC

Arena Challenge Trophy

7-10

10/11/18

11/11/18

USPA National 20 Goal Championship Polo Gear Challenge Cup

Medium

08/11/18

11/11/18

AEPC

Club Chukkas & Challenge Matches

Open

10/11/18

11/11/18

Aspen Valley

Open

10/11/18

11/11/18

Rugby

The WPPG Cup Upper & Lower

2-6 & -2-2

10/11/18

11/11/18

St. Rita Polo Farm

Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championship The Triple Crown of Polo

Medium

14/11/18

Druids Lodge

Poppy Sunday Trophy

Open

11/11/18

Grand Champions

Pedro Morrison Memorial

Medium

15/11/18

18/11/18

IPC, Palm Beach

Herbie Pennell Cup

28/12/18

31/12/18

IPC, Palm Beach

Joe Barry Cup

03/01/19

21/01/19

IPC, Palm Beach

Ylvisaker Cup

24/01/19

25/02/19

IPC, Palm Beach

C.V. Whitney Cup

28/02/19

04/03/19

IPC, Palm Beach

Iglehart Cup

28/02/19

15/03/19

America

Grand Champions

Vaux Park

Autumn Challenge

2-6

17/11/18

Ash Farm

Winter Warm-Up Cup

1-3

17/11/18

18/11/18

Westcroft Park

Westley Green Farm Plate

5-8

17/11/18

18/11/18

RCBPC

The Richmond Trophy

4-6

17/11/18

18/11/18

Rugby

University Challenge

Open

17/11/18

18/11/18

IPC, Palm Beach

Butler Handicap

07/03/19

11/03/19

AEPC

Club Chukkas & Challenge Matches

Open

17/11/18

18/11/18

IPC, Palm Beach

Carlos Gracida Cup

14/03/19

31/03/19

IPC, Palm Beach

USPA Gold Cup

14/03/19

01/04/19

RCBPC

The Metropolitan Trophy

10-12

17/11/18

18/11/18

IPC, Palm Beach

U.S. Open Polo Championship

04/04/19

22/04/19

RCBPC

HPA National Club Championships

1-3 & 10-12

20/11/18

02/12/18

Vaux Park