Polo Times September 2018 by Edit

Volume 23 • Issue 8 • September 2018 • £6.50

ELATED ENGLAND Victory at The Westchester Cup YOUTH SPECIAL: Pony Club Championships, Junior Westchester, British Junior Polo & More! PLUS: Victrix Ludorum Ladies Compete Across the Country

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Contents

Contacts Publisher

What’s inside…

September 2018

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

Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk

Advertising & Subscription Sales

Youth Polo

Rebecca Hastie sales@hinemarketing.co.uk

51 52 55

Principal Design James Morgan

Additional Design Tony Ruddy

Subscriptions

76 News 6 14

All the Latest News GA Polo Holidays

Lynne Berry admin@polotimes.co.uk

Comment

Financial Controller

Features

Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk Accounts & Administration Assistant

16 18

Your Views & Social Media Big Picture

Reports

Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk

21 26 28

Overseas Reporter

Club Focus

Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors: Stephen Biddlecombe, Lorna Edgar, Jilly Emerson, Sam Gairdner, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Martín Perez, ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com

Contact details

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

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Victor Ludorum Update Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup The Westchester Cup Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Military Polo 41

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Women’s Polo 44 45 46 48

A Round-Up of Women’s Polo 5 Minutes With… Rosanna Turk The Thai Polo Club Ladies International for The Diamond Jubilee Victrix Ludorum Rolling On

The Junior Westchester Cup The Flannels British Junior Polo Championships The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships

Knowledge 65 74 76 78 80 82

Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Polo Series Equipment Focus: Bits: Heavy in the Hand Nutrition Focus: Yard Focus with Luke Wiles Learn to Play: Lesson Three – Part Two Polodoc: Love Polo? Protect Your Elbow Fitness for Polo: Medicine Ball Blast

Sidelines 84 86

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

Polo Directory: 91

What’s On in September?

Final bell: 96

Passions: Facundo Pieres

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

Cover photograph: The victorious Flannels England team raise the historic Westchester Cup at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. By Cymon Skinner Photography

Polo Times, September 2018

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Polo Times, September 2018

On Wednesday 8 August, we received the following email from Michael Amoore, General Manager of The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club: “To All Members and Polo Friends, It is with the greatest sadness to be sending this email informing you that Greta quietly passed away last night with her family beside her. I am sure you will join me in sending your condolences to the family and, especially, to both Jamie and Karina. Warmest Regards, Michael” RCBPC announced the passing of its Our thoughts are with Jamie and Karina at this time. A President, Greta Morrison Memorial Service will be held on Friday 31 August at the Club. The service will take place in a marquee situated in the sponsors’ area with arrival at 2.30pm for a 3pm service, followed by tea and drinks.

HPA Handicap Changes

The Hurlingham Polo Association has announced the proposed changes for the 2019 Victor Ludorum and 22 goal handicaps. Most notable on the list of handicap increases, England Captain James Beim will be playing off a 7 goal 22 goal handicap for 2019, whilst USA Team Captain Nic Roldan will be raised to 8 goals both in the 22 goal and outdoor. England team member and Park Place back Tommy Beresford will be raised from 5 to 6 goals both outdoor and in 22 goal and South African Byron Watson will be raised to 5 goals both outdoor and in the 22 goal. Gonzalito Pieres will have his 22 goal handicap reduced to 9 goals, whilst Tincho Merlos will see his 22 goal handicap go down to 8 goals. These changes are awaiting ratification and will come into effect on 1 January 2019. For the full list of handicap changes, please visit the HPA website www.hpa-polo.co.uk

APPL World Tour Continues in Sotogrande

The All Pro Polo League has continued its World Tour, with the annual APPL Black Eagle showdown at the Dos Lunas Polo & Dressage Club in Sotogrande on Thursday 26 July. Facundo Sola led his La Esperanza team to victory against Dos Lunas after a competitive match. His team mate Pelayo Berazadi said after the match, “This year’s APPL was a lot of fun. Today’s match was dynamic and it was a pleasure to share the field with such a great group of players.” The APPL World Tour continued in Sotogrande with the Golden Age Tour, which kicked off on 16 August. In The APPL World Tour continued at the Dos Lunas Polo the Final for the Copa Prado on Monday 20 & Dressage Club in Sotogrande last week August, John Smith defeated Santa Quiteria, 4-4 (John Smith had won their first match by a greater goal difference, thus taking the title). The APPL Black Eagle Showdown Teams: Dos Lunas: Lucio Fernandez Ocampo, José Trenor, Pascual Vicuña & Juan Jauretche La Esperanza: Kevin Korst, Sterling Giannico, Facu Sola & Pelayo Berazadi The Copa Prado Final Teams: Santa Quiteria (12): J.M. Entrecanales (1), Diego Miguens (2), Nacho Domecq (3) & Lolo Castagnola (6) John Smith (13): Gabriel Aguirre (1), Tristan Miguens (3), Santiago Torreguitar (3) & Milo F. Araujo (6)

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Photograph by Gonzalo Etcheverry

RCBPC Announces the Passing of Greta Morrison Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography

2018 has certainly been a summer to remember, who could forget the seemingly neverending heat wave which challenged groundsmen, grooms and players across the country as pony welfare was brought to the forefront of everyone’s focus. I for one can’t believe the season is nearly over. Where have the last few months gone? Us Brits should be proud of ourselves, as we have well and truly ‘brought it home’ this summer, with El Remanso clinching The King Power Gold Cup, Flannels England showing the Americans how it’s done in The Westchester Cup and the Flannels England Ladies dominating in The Thai Polo Club Ladies International for The Diamond Jubilee. This year, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club took centre stage as they hosted The International. Despite the windy weather doing its best to curtail the day’s celebrations, the general consensus was that the Club and organisers had managed to pull off a day that has the makings of an event which will, with time I am sure, evolve to the nostalgic heights of The International in ‘the good old days’. With their first year behind them, we are all certainly looking forward to next year’s event. Despite the overall success of the day, questions are being asked whether the HPA will dip into their sponsorship funds to assist the Club in improving their ground to International standard. Only time will tell, but as the home of the HPA’s International Match for the foreseeable future, there is a strong argument that that is exactly what such funding should be used for. On the younger end of the spectrum, this September issue is also a celebration of British grassroots polo, which has seen hundreds of young players take to grounds across the UK for The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships, Junior Westchester Cup, Flannels British Junior Polo Championships, plus a variety of HPA Select matches. Huge congratulations are extended to all of the behind the scenes support teams, without whom, these feats of youth polo, from where the future of our sport is nurtured, would not be possible. As the 2018 season draws to a close, there is clearly plenty to be happy about – although never complacent. The multi-faceted grumblings about the state of the game are very real: from the HPA’s communication strategy and declining membership, to unpaid patrons’ bills and unfair umpiring, (to name but a few), all points need addressing coherently for the enjoyment of all and the betterment of the sport as a whole.

News

News Brooke Release Photo Mosaic

The board of directors of the AAP has finalised the fixture list and format for the tournaments that will make up the 2018 Triple Crown in Argentina this winter. The 125th Argentine Open in Palermo and The Hurlingham Open will welcome 10 teams, whilst The Tortugas Open will welcome eight teams instead of the usual six. The Argentine Open will begin on 10 November, with the Final scheduled for 15 December. The tournament will be split into two leagues of five teams, with two winning teams from The Torneo Remonta y Veterinaria Tournament to take the final two spots. The 125th Argentine Open Teams: League One: La Dolfina, La Aguada, La Dolfina II, Allegría-La Irenita & TBC 1 League Two: Ellerstina, Las Monjitas, La Albertina, Cría Yatay & TBC 2 The Hurlingham Open will commence on 9 October, with the Final scheduled to take place on 3 November. The format will be exactly the same as The Argentine Open, with two leagues of five teams. The Hurlingham Open Teams: League One: Ellerstina, La Aguada, La Dolfina II, Alegria-La Irenita & TBC 1 League Two: La Dolfina, Las Monjitas, La Albertina, Cría Yatay & TBC 2 The Tortugas Open will be played for from 25 September to 6 October with the eight teams playing a direct elimination format. The Torneo Remonta y Veterinaria Tournament will be played for to decide the final two spots in The Hurlingham Open and Argentine Open, between 24 September and 4 October. The winners of both leagues will qualify and go through to play in the Triple Crown. League One: Alegria II, La Cañada, Pilará EN & Puesto Viejo League Two: La Esquina, Chapaleufú & La Ensenada.

Polo Times, September 2018

Photograph courtesy of R&B Presse

The Triple Crown

Photograph courtesy of Brooke

To mark the anniversary of when Britain entered World War I, Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys has released a photo mosaic made up of 200 photos taken by horse lovers from across the UK who took part in the Brooke MyHackathon Challenge, to ride 100 miles in 100 days to raise £100. The photos make up a larger image depicting a WWI horse transporting Brooke’s photo mosaic ammunition at the Western Front. This is part of Brooke’s year-long campaign, Every Horse Remembered, marking 100 years since the end of WW1 and highlighting the heroic struggle of working horses, donkeys and mules then and now. The charity wants to raise £1 million to honour the millions of animals lost. For more information, please visit the website www.thebrooke.org

Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad

Banque Eric Sturdza secured their second consecutive title in Gstaad, defeating Clinique La Prairie in the Final of The Hublot Polo Gold Cup

Between 17 – 19 August, teams took to the pristine Alpine fields in Gstaad for the 2018 Hublot Polo Gold Cup. Following three days of play, 2017 winners Banque Eric Sturdza were set to come up against Clinique La Prairie in the Final on Sunday 19 August. Following a tense match, which saw the lead interchange a number of times, Joao Novaes secured the final goal, taking home the title for his Banque Erix Sturdza team 8-7. The 2019 dates for this exciting tournament have already been set, so make sure 15 – 18 August 2019 is in your diary! The Hublot Polo Gold Cup Final Teams: Banque Eric Sturdza (14): Cedric Schweri (0), Nico Lopez Fuentes (4), Marcelo Pascual (5) & Joao Novaes (5) Clinique La Prairie (14): Faris Al-Yabhouni (0), Gonzalo Bernal (3), Augustin Canale (6) & Hugo Barabucci (5)

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

Arena Challenge Trophy

17th - 18th

The Richmond Trophy

17th - 18th

The Metropolitan Trophy

20th - 2nd Dec

HPA National Club Championships

7 - 10 4 -6

26th - 27th 1-3 / 10-12

12th - 16th

The Paul Castle High Goal Challenge The Chairman’s Trophy

HPA New Year National Club Championships 4-6 / 13-15 Supported by The Hurlingham Polo Association

10 - 12

Supported by The Hurligham Polo Association

DECEMBER 4th - 9th

JANUARY Fri 4th - 20th

The Katie Tunn Trophy

4-6

29th Jan - 3rd Feb Winter VL Tournament

5-8

29th Jan - 3rd Feb FCT Invitational Challenge Trophy 12 - 15 4-6

12 - 15

FEBRUARY 12th - 17th

The Olin Trophy

7 - 10

Tues 12th - 23rd

The Arena Gold Cup

13 -15

19th - 24th

Ladies British Open Tournament

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News Thai Polo Club Wins in Malaysia

Photograph courtesy of Brooke

The Royal Selangor Polo Club Open 2018 Teams: Thai Polo (12): Harald Link (0), Juan Manuel García Grossi (1), Carlos Pando (5) & Rauli Laplacette (6) La Sarita (12): Ameer Jumabhoy (1), Agustín Andrada (4), Matías Torres Zavaleta (7) & Asad Jumabhoy (0). Reserves: Ali Jumabhoy (0) & Mohd Amirul Farhan (1)

Photograph courtesy of Malaysia Polo

The RMPA International League is a 12 goal league comprising of four tournaments – The Thai Polo Open, The Royal Selangor Polo Club Open, The RMPA Classic and The RMPA International League Final. The RMPA International League is in its 14th consecutive season and is sponsored by Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, MiCasa All Suite Hotel, M A L A Y A and Zack’s Tack. The RSPC Open 2018, the first Malaysian leg of the 12 goal that is part of the RMPA International League organised by The Royal Malaysian Polo Association (RMPA) came to Thai Polo defeated La Sarita in the Final of an end on Saturday 4 August, at The Royal The Royal Selangor Polo Club Open 2018 Selangor Polo Club, Malaysia. This year four teams were entered for The RSPC Open and the final score was 7-6 in Thai Polo’s favour against rivals, La Sarita. Following an exceedingly close match, Rauli Laplacette was presented with the Most Valuable Player award, whilst Pocket Rocket, played by Agustín Andrada was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug. Following the big Final, Royal Pahang defeated La Familia in the Subsidiary Final, 6-5. The next stop of The RMPA International League 2018 will be The RMPA Classic, which began on 16 August, with four teams of up to 12 goals participating. The tournament will be played at Taman Equestrian Putrajaya and Royal Selangor Polo Club with the Final being played on Saturday 25 August, as we go to press.

Brooke Responds to Guatemalan Emergency

Brooke, through its partner ESAP, was able to help 1,590 families and 30,000 animals

Following the eruption of the Fuego volcano in Guatemala in June, Brooke and its sister organisation Brooke USA have been on hand providing food, water and emergency veterinary treatment to over 300 working equines living in the worst affected areas. The volcano erupted twice in early June with 121 people killed and an estimated 1.7 million people affected. Thanks to a public appeal in the UK and USA, Brooke was granted £13,166 and through its partner ESAP was able to help 1,590 families and 30,000 animals, including poultry, cattle and pigs, following significant crop losses in addition to contaminated water.

On Wednesday 15 August, Australian Adrian Corboy and Brit Annabel Neasham were the first to cross the finish line of The 2018 Mongol Derby at 13:25 (Mongolian time), having received no vet penalties throughout their competition. The pair completed the race in six days of typical Mongolian weather – monsoon rain, fog, boiling hot sun, freezing temperatures and flooded rivers. Later on that day, Australian polo players Rob, Jack and Ed Archibald with their cousin Henry Bell completed the world’s longest and toughest horse race, having raised funds for MS in the process.

Photograph courtesy of The Mongol Derby

British and Australian Joint Victory in The Mongol Derby

Adrian Corboy and Annabel Neasham won the 2018 Mongol Derby on Wednesday 15 August

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News Watershed RDA Grand Opening

Ebony Horse Club Photograph courtesy of Ebony Horse Club

The Watershed Riding for the Disabled Group will host the grand opening of their new Mess Room on Sunday 2 September in Coates, Cirencester. The Mess Room will be opened by Cotswold Farm Park owner, and Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, who will cut the official ribbon. The event will take place between 1pm to 5pm, with a dressage demonstration to music showcase at 2.30pm. Tea and cakes will be served all afternoon with a number of traditional fair games and a raffle as well. For more information, please visit watershedrda.co.uk

The University of London Polo Club’s annual fundraiser in aid of Ebony Horse Club will take place at Ham Polo Club on Saturday 29 September. Following a lunch and auction hosted by Ronke Philips, Senior Correspondent for ITV and the patron of the charity, the young Ebony Horse Club riders will take to the field for the first match of the day. This will be followed by an exhibition match between Vendetta and the University of London team. All proceeds from the day will go to this worthy charity, which supports young people growing up in the most

Players from the Ebony Horse Club will take part in The University of London Polo Club’s annual fundraiser

disadvantaged areas of the UK. For tickets and more information, please visit www.tickettailor.com/events/ebonyhorseclub

2018 Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships

Tally Ho Farm Groom of the Month

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

George Pearson’s team were awarded the July Guards Tally Ho Farm Grooms of the Month award

The Guards Tally Ho Farm Groom of the Month award for July 2018 has been awarded to George Pearson’s team Alejandro Roldan, Leandro Roldan, Jorge Maidana and Jackie Wright. Guards Polo Club’s Vet, Holly Baird MRCVS, said regarding the award, “George’s grooms have stood out thanks to their outstanding attention to detail during a very busy polo season. It is a testament to their incredible care, that George and his Cowdray Vikings team won not only our Indian Empire Shield high goal fixture, but also won back-to-back 18 and 15 goal Finals just two weeks later. Here at Guards, George’s grooms are always observed to be exemplary in their cooling and hydration, allow ponies a period of rest before loading up the truck, and they are never without their hay nets for the ponies to nibble on the way home. The ponies are presented to show standard, and their on-field performance speaks for itself. Enormous congratulations to all.”

The team behind the ‘world’s greatest polo party’ have announced the musical line-up for the tenth annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, taking place at WestWold of Scottsdale, Arizona between 10 – 11 November. A quartet of The Phoenix Symphony will showcase Mozart, with the Phoenix Theatre featuring a selection of Broadway’s greatest showtunes and the Phoenix Opera performing some great hits. Jazz musician Doc Jones will perform all day on Saturday, with the Phoenix Boys Choir alongside. Finally, the world’s first mute rapper, Isaiah Acosta, with also perform. The weekend’s festivities will be continuing throughout the event with DJ-infused party tents across the grounds. Tickets for the event are available on www.thepoloparty.com now as well as more information.

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News Red Gum Run Officially Launched

On 10 September, four RoR classes will be held at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club for horses aged three, four, five and six-years-old. We have received the following entry requirements from RoR: “All horses have previously been registered in training or raced in Great Britain and be registered with RoR. If you have not yet registered with RoR, please send your horse’s passport details to loneill@ror.org.uk and RoR will register and enter your horse for you. All riders must be HPA members and be 15 or above years of age on 1st January 2018. The Judging: The competition will be judged primarily on performance with type and conformation taken into account. Each rider will be allocated one and a half minutes for their performance. Competitors will be judged on the range and execution of the general polo moves they choose to perform. Polo sticks are not required. To enter, complete the entry form from, www.ror.org.uk and return it to the RoR office. Entrants must provide their horse’s Weatherbys passport on the day.”

Australia’s first purpose-built indoor polo arena has officially launched with guests treated to an international high goal match, a celebrity polo match and competitive show jumping on 11 August. The RGR arena was commissioned by Inge Burke a polo The Red Gum Run arena has officially opened in Australia player of 25 years, enabling her to share her passion with the masses and keep polo in the region on the increase. For more information please email inge@rgrarena.com.au

GA Polo Holidays polo in beautiful surroundings in South America. They comprise for “We have one life and you have to live it the polo fanatics, stick and ball and penalty lessons, instructional and do what you love!” chukkas, practice matches, team tactics and mini tournaments. Last year an exciting new venture by There is time to refine riding and playing skills along with learning Nacho Gonzalez and Marcos Araya, about stable management and horse welfare. two famous names in the world of Between the polo, asados and farm life, there are a host of international polo, was launched. GA Polo Holidays creates fun-packed trips to Argentina for anyone with other activities to enjoy. Pilar in Argentina is near to Buenos Aires therefore city tours, theatre trips, Tango and football may be in the a passion for polo who wants to learn from the high goal masters. mix. Coronel Suarez, south of Buenos Aires and at the heart of The holidays are designed for the whole family, and friends, and polo history in Argentina, is ideal for hunting, kite-surfing, fishing, there is something for everyone. Dates and venues for 2018 and golf, mountain trails, cattle herding, vineyards and ‘gaucho’ life. 2019 can be found on the website (www.gapoloholidays.com) and Something for everyone! customised programmes are developed for each client. Nacho explains, “Relaxing over a bottle of wine with Marcos Visit www.gapoloholidays.com for more information or years ago, we started to reminisce about a polo holiday I organised email enquiries@gapoloholidays.co.uk in Chile and others Marcos arranged in Argentina. We both agreed they were among the most exciting things we had accomplished, showing our expertise with great people and experiencing new “We have one life and you have to live it adventures withand do what you love!” them. However, it– Nacho Gonzalez was the wrong time for us to pursue this dream due to our polo careers. We did however feel it was our destiny and now is the time to start this new adventure. Nacho Gonzalez and Marcos Araya We have one lifewilland youhosts have liveadventure it and do what love!” onto a polo where youyou will learn to refine your riding and polo skills; and be your The holidays, which cater for allenjoy levels of polo from -2 22 a host of other activitiestodesigned for you. goal and boast superbCatering accommodation, on-2key of polo holiday will include; for all levels of focus polo from up toaspects 22 goal, your

Polo Holidays

stick and ball lessons; penalty lessons; instructional chukkas; practice matches; and team tactics.

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

Nacho Gonzalez receives The Cartier Queen’s Cup Subsidiary Final prize from HM The Queen

Polo Times, September 2018

Nacho Gonzalez rides out for Emlor

Photograph by Alice Gipps

Photograph courtesy of GA Polo Holidays

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

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Photograph courtesy of RGR

RoR Classes at RCBPC

The world’s oldest, best and trusted source of polo news and knowledge Volume 23 • Issue 2 • March 2018 • £6.50

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Volume 22 • Issue 11 • December 2017 / January 2018 • £6.50

Volume 23 • Issue 1 • February 2018 • £6.50

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Playing Tips

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Plane of Swing and Direction of Hit

So, where does the horse store fat? Neck

The effect of the plane of swing concept is to establish and keep your hand and stick head moving on that same plane or the sheet of glass, so as to have both moving throughout 60

Polo Times, April 2018

Loin

Chester Polo Club

Croup

Hind quarter

The shoulder should be set at the correct angle to achieve the desired shot

Key muscle areas Key muscle & fat areas

Can the ribs be felt easily? As a general rule, if the ribs can be felt, being fat is not usually a problem and the area being focused on is most likely the ‘belly’, which stands out significantly when top line muscle is lacking. Being able to feel ribs easily is indicating a BCS of 4 – which is NOT FAT!

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Polo Times, March 2018

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Coronel Suarez Polo Club

3 - Thin Hips and ribs slightly covered. Some hollowness through quarters and tucked up. Top line undeveloped, angular appearance. 4 - Moderately thin Outline of ribs discernible although covered. Scapula and hips covered. Neck reasonably well covered with some top line. 5 - Moderate Ribs not easily distinguished but can be felt. Well muscled top line, shoulders and neck blend smoothly into body. Fat around tailhead feeling spongy. No hollowness through quarters. 6 - Moderately fat May have slight crease down back. Fat over ribs feels spongy. Fat around tailhead feeling soft. Starting to deposit fat down withers and behind the shoulder.

Polo Tech Knowledge

20/02/2018 12:16

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Polo Times, March 2018

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As part of a 12-year, £122 million investment programme, DBPC has announced that it will be moving ahead with extensions to its Clubhouse facility. With groundworks underway already, the new marquee is expected to be completed by April this year, in time for the beginning of the 2018 polo season, and will provide space for an additional 220 guests within a 450 square metre space. The planned investment programme aims to add to the unique ‘Olde World Colonial India style’ Clubhouse, which plays hosts to a wide variety of events from wedding receptions, dinners and family celebrations, to the all-important polo events. On Saturday 3 February, DBPC welcomed guests for the 12 and 2 goal Charlotte Trophy tournaments. To start the day, Catherine Varney’s Toasty Tips team beat Towcester Equine Vets, 9-8 in the 2 Goal Final, which was followed by the 12 Goal Final, where CANI took home the trophy 9-5 against DBPC. Grant Collett was awarded the Most Valuable Player award whilst his pony Maggie was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug. For social images of the event please turn to our Sideline pages.

Youth Polo NWA, USA – Middle School League: 30 September – 1 October Aiken, USA – Middle School League: 14 – 15 October Garrison Forest, USA – Middle School League: 21 – 22 October Bluewater Creek, USA – Middle School League: 28 – 29 October

Grand Champions Polo Club

Between 15 – 18 February, the Juan Carlos Harriott Cup took place at Coronel Suarez Polo Club. The international tournament was split into two categories, 16 goal and 10 goal. In addition to the tournament, a children’s tournament also took place for kids under 14-years-old.

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UK Key Arena Dates

Dallas Burston Polo Club

Key fat and muscle areas

How to score condition 1 - You need to touch them – not just stand and look at them, especially when they come in from the winter with thick, hairy coats! 2 - Look at them from different angles – from the side, standing behind, standing in front. 3 - Watch them move – riding ‘sets’ is a great viewing platform to look at the condition/top line of the lead horses. 4 - Taking photos regularly – especially if there is an individual you have concerns for – take at fortnightly intervals, from different angles to help you see their progression.

RCBPC – HPA National Club Championships (1-3 & 10-12): 21 November – 3 December RCBPC – HPA National Club Championships (4-6 & 13-15): 5 – 21 January RCBPC – Arena Gold Cup (13-15): 13 – 24 February

The DBPC Clubhouse will undergo further improvements before the 2018 season begins

Tickets and hospitality packages are now available for Chester Polo Club’s 2018 fixture list, including the LDF International Polo and The Boodles Roodee Challenge Cup. The season will begin on Friday 8 June, with the LDF International Polo tournament and will continue until The Boodles Roodee Challenge Cup Final on Saturday 8 September. A complete fixture list as well as ticket information can be found on the Club’s website www.chester-races.co.uk/polo

Ribs

Key fat areas

instead, forward and in, on an approximate 30 degree angle during the forward portion of the arm swing, and back and out on the same angle during the back swing. As a consequence of that natural arm movement, when you swing the stick, your right arm has the tendency to move in that same natural swing fashion. Furthermore, if your shoulders are perpendicular to your horse, your arm will move forward and in towards your horse on an approximate 30 degree angle, causing the stick to move in a similar manner. The stick will hit the ball to the left producing an approximate 30 degree angle offside neck shot. If a 45 degree angle neck shot is desired, your right shoulder should be rotated fifteen degrees from perpendicular, forward and in towards your horse to create a plane that is consistent with the desired fifteen degree increase in the angle of the neck shot. If you want to hit the ball straightforwards, then you must change the angle of movement of your right arm by rotating your right shoulder back approximately 30 degrees from perpendicular. That 30 degrees

Rugby – Toft Triathlon (Open): 30 September – 1 October Ranelagh – Copa Ranelagh Farm (-2-0): 30 September – 1 October Binfield Heath – Farewell Tournament (-4-0): 30 September – 1 October Hurtwood – Farewell Cup (0): 30 September – 1 October White Waltham – The Ultimo Polo Trophy (-2-0): 30 September – 1 October RCBPC – Club Weekend Tournament (-2-2): 30 September – 1 October Wicklow – Opening Day of the Season: 1 October Vale of York – First Beach Chukkas: 8 October Druids Lodge – First Club Chukkas: 26 October Rugby – Lagrima Trophy (-3-0 & 0-4): 28 – 29 October

Photograph courtesy of Cirencester Park Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Barbados Polo Club

Barbados Polo Club

On Saturday 10 February, the Canadian Polo Team travelled to Barbados to play the Barbados Polo Club team. Following an exciting match, the Canadians were victorious against the home team.

Between 1 – 14 April, the $100,000 World Cup will be returning to Grand Champions Polo Club, Florida. The tournament will feature 16 teams ranging from 0 to 26 goals and will continue its main aim to highlight young American talent. This tournament is unique to the USA because it welcomes such a variety of handicapped teams, with last year seeing entries as low as 4 goals. This year’s tournament will see Adolfo Cambiaso and his son Poroto play for the first time together in a USA tournament. In other news, on Saturday 10 February, Patagones won the Sieber Memorial 12 Goal Opener with an impressive 13-9 victory over Sebucan. Patagones led for most of the game and at half-time they broke away with a 5-2 lead. By the fifth chukka, they led by as many as nine goals, 11-2, before Sebucan came back in response. 19-year-old Benjamin Avendano was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Pablo Pulido’s pony Burbuja was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug. The Sieber Memorial 12 Goal Opener Teams: Patagones (12): Joaquin Avendano (1), Robi Bilbao (4), Benjamin Avendano (2) & Santi Wulff (5) Sebucan (12): Pablo Pulido (2), Marc Ganzi/Grant Ganzi (2), Jesse Bray (5) & Stewart Armstrong (3)

NWA, USA – Great Plains Circuit Women’s Challenge: 30 September – 1 October Timor, Aus – Timor Polo Club Ladies Tournament: 30 September – 1 October Virginia, USA – National Women’s Arena Championship: 19 – 22 October

Argentina America New Bridge – National Copper Cup (8-12): 15 September – 1 October Aiken – Southeastern Circuit Sportsmanship Cup (0-4): 19 September – 1 October Wagener – Southeastern Circuit Masters Cup (0-6): 19 September – 7 October Willow Bend – Regional President’s Cup (5-8): 27 September – 1 October Congressional – Eastern Circuit Arena Congressional: 30 September – 1 October Barrington – Central Circuit Arena Amateur Cup (0-3): 30 September – 1 October New Bridge – Regional Presidents Cup (4-8): 1 – 22 October Commonwealth – Challenge Cup (5-8): 5 – 7 October Aiken – Southeastern Circuit Players Cup (0-4): 5 – 22 October Aiken – Southeastern Circuit Officers Cup (4-8): 6 – 29 October Seneca – Eastern Circuit Arena Amateur Cup (0-3): 7 – 8 October Skull Valley – Border Circuit Players Cup (0-4): 7 October Barrington – Central Circuit Arena Delegate’s Cup (6-9): 7 – 8 October Wagener – Southeastern Circuit Constitution Cup (0-6): 10 – 28 October Honolulu – Hawaiian Islands Circuit Masters Cup (0-4): 11 – 15 October Denver – Rocky Mountain Circuit Arena Sportsmanship Cup (0-4): 13 – 15 October Club Polo Cabo – Border Circuit Arena Congressional Cup (4-6): 13 – 15 October Westchester – National Sherman Memorial: 14 – 15 October Orange County – National Arena Amateur Cup (0-3): 14 – 15 October Willow Bend – Oktoberfest (8-10): 17 – 29 October New Bridge – USPA Bronze Trophy (8-12): 18 October – 5 November Honolulu – Hawaiian Islands Circuit Governor’s Cup (0-4): 25 – 29 October California – Chairman’s Cup: 27 –29 October

La Aguada – Argentine Amateur Championship (0-4 & 4-8): 14 – 22 October La Aguada – Julio Novillo Astrada Cup (22): 16 – 27 October Tortugas – Tortugas Open (40): 19 September – 7 October Hurlingham – Hurlingham Open (40): 10 – 28 October

Australia

Scone – Wootton Cup: 7 – 8 October Scone – Beersheba Trophy (0, 4, 8 & 14): 14 – 15 October Kurri Burri – KH Marshall Cup (0, 4, 8 & 14): 14 – 15 October Sydney – XI FIP World Polo Championships: 21 – 29 October Eynesbury – Mount William Tournament: 28 – 29 October

France

Mariana – Challenge de France (-1-1): 7 – 8 October Chantilly – Coupe de l’Automne (0-4): 7 – 15 October Pays de Fontainebleau – Criterium de France (-4 - -2): 14 – 15 October La Tullianna – Coupe Cassoulet: 26 – 29 October

Kenya

North Kenya – Timau 8 Goal Open (8): 13 – 15 October

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Polo directory

What’s On

October UK Club Fixtures

An email was sent out at the beginning of February following a full review into the Cirencester office organisation and structure over the winter months. Apparently, the CPPC board has now concluded that a number of organisational changes need to be made to assist with cost saving and to bring stronger leadership. The Assistant Polo Manager and Sponsorship, Events and Office Manager positions will cease to exist with immediate effect. The new structure will introduce Kim Croutear (pictured left) and Gemma Potter (pictured right) the roles of Chief Executive Officer have been made redundant with immediate effect and Administrative Assistant with the intention to respond to the changing environment in which the Club operates.

The Canadian Polo Team beat the Barbados Polo Club team on Saturday 10 February

The ideal Body Condition Score? Personally, I like to see a FIT polo pony sitting between a Condition Score of 4 and 5, (using the American scoring system of 1-9). A polo pony coming in from a winter break should ideally be a 5, and I wouldn’t be upset if it was a 6, but coming in at 3 is going to mean a lot of food to put on condition whilst getting fit.

Behind Shoulder

If your shoulders are perpendicular to your horse your arm will move to hit the ball producing a 30 degree angle offside neck shot

Dates for Your Diary

Cirencester Park Polo Club

Conformation? Conformation always needs to be considered, as deep girthed, wide sprung ribs does not mean the horse is fat, as it is more likely a predominant ‘belly’ and lack of top line. So often the horse’s feed and forage is restricted in the hope they lose ‘The belly’ – they don’t, they lose muscle and top line. Those ‘herring gutted’ types can tuck up and look lean very quickly, and often are how the whole string are wanting to look, but this, of course, is not always skeletally possible! When they are short coupled, compact and deep in the girth they can often look like a ‘good-doer’, but do they have fat pads?

Back

Position the stick head in the correct plane to create the intended direction

Natural arm and shoulder movement An aspect of natural body mechanics to be aware of, relative to the plane of swing concept, is how your arms naturally move when walking. They do not move straightforward or straight back – they move,

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Spring is in the air and the ponies are coming back into work here in the UK, hooray! Hopefully they have wintered well, and hard feed has been introduced when necessary to minimise weight loss and reduce the uphill battle of having to feed them up whilst they come back into work. The common misconception, I feel, is that the horse has wintered well because it has a ‘big fat belly’. What is actually often the case, especially after a hard winter, is that the belly is present but the ribs can be felt/seen and the top line has diminished. The ‘belly’ is not a judgement of fat when the top line is lacking and the ribs can be felt – the ‘belly’ will generally be indicating the horse has lost muscle tone from not being in work and the hind gut is nicely full of indigestible forage!

the entire swing and hit process in the desired direction. To increase the chances of the stick starting on the correct plane at the top of the downswing, the stick head should be pointing in the exact direction the ball is intended to travel.

Use a mirror to place your swing like washing the window

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Club Focus

Nutrition Focus

Holidays are Over…

Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game

The Plane of the swing is the trajectory, or path, on which the stick head travels throughout the swing process. The plane should be straight and consistent with the desired direction of the hit. Therefore, no deviation from that straight line, or plane, should take place during the downswing, at point of contact with the ball or up to the end of follow through. More importantly, the Plane of Swing concept applies to all shots (offside, nearside, forward, back, neck, tail and open). I compare the plane of the swing to a huge sheet of glass. When considering the sheet of glass analogy, imagine having the palm side of your hand on the sheet of glass, not so dissimilar to your hand placement when washing the glass. That is essentially how your hand and the stick head should be positioned at the top of the downswing for all shots. As your torso is rotating during the downswing, your hand is turning over so at point of contact with the ball, the palm side of your hand is facing perpendicular to the plane. However, after contact with the ball, your hand and the stick head will have turned over to where, at the end of the follow through phase, you could wash the other side of the glass with the palm side of your hand and the stick head.

Photograph courtesy of DBPC

Knowledge

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Comment

Your Views

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

Letters

Mr. David Woodd Chief Executive Office The Hurlingham Polo Association Manor Farm Little Croxwell Faringdon SL7 7LW August 8 2018 Dear David, I write in response to an email issued by the HPA on Aug 2nd 2018, which was entitled “HPA Membership” sent from enquiries@hpapolo.co.uk, the body of which I copy here for your reference: Dear All, We have identified a considerate number of members who have played at clubs without having joined the HPA, players cannot join a club without being a HPA member, if clubs allow them to play they are: Depriving the HPA of an income. Depriving another club of a membership. The result of the above will mean the HPA membership subscription will have to be raised again in 2019. Please check your entries and make sure all those who are playing are valid HPA members. For players identified as playing without HPA membership the club they are playing/Played at will receive a fine of the players subscription fee plus £100. Please note chukka members cannot play matches or tournaments and must contact the HPA to upgrade their membership if they wish to do so. Ignoring, for a moment, how badly composed this message is as an external-facing communication and that the author has omitted to sign their name against their literary accomplishments, I find myself deeply concerned for the successful future of the HPA and the sport which our loyal, fee-paying members love and live for. I had always understood that ‘important’ decision-making within the HPA followed a committee process via the Stewards – it would seem I am mistaken as this message appears to indicate that a lone, anonymous despot has taken a firm grip on the reins and that that person alone is now steering the HPA in vital matters concerning increasing membership fees and the levying of fines against clubs. It would be a great pity indeed if this interpretation were to be true considering your years of service to the HPA and your ongoing efforts which many of us appreciate. This new approach implies that: those loyal members who persevered with the somewhat bumpy roll-out of the HPA’s new online membership portal should now be effectively penalised with increasing membership fees due to non-compliance of an (assumedly) small faction, and, that clubs, which themselves are composed of and funded by a majority of HPA fee-paying members will be fined for the non-compliance of that said small faction who are non-compliant. On both points, penalizing fee-paying members and their clubs whilst appearing to take no action against those who elect to or who are unwittingly non-compliant is absurd and bereft of imagination. Cast against the backdrop of significantly decreasing HPA membership subscriptions (the reasons for this

Polo Times, September 2018

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are multifarious no doubt, although in my view clubs should not now see themselves as HPA ‘police’) and a significant majority of the grass-roots and low-goal membership asking, indeed shouting, the question “What does the HPA actually do for us, anyway?”, implementation of the particular approach outlined in your Aug 2nd communication will ultimately prove harmful to the HPA and our sport. It will serve only to exacerbate the problem of decreasing member subscription whereas instead the HPA, with your leadership, ought to be working together with the clubs and members towards a mutually beneficial and satisfactory solution. I hope that the committee will at the very least be offered an opportunity discuss this in order to arrive at a more considered and imaginative approach; penalties need to be balanced by incentives – that is a fundamental principle of good management in any enterprise. Implementing the policy as laid out here will force me, and many others I imagine, to seriously consider joining the ranks of the non-compliant players or worse still to leave the sport. Moreover, I dare say that a number of grass-roots clubs faced with the choice of paying arbitrary fines might themselves instead consider an alternative future by disaffiliating from the HPA – an outcome that would not best serve our sport. Yours sincerely, Dr. Tahl Holtzman Low-goal patron and Chief Umpire at The Suffolk Polo Club c.c. original distribution list of club contacts Response from The Hurlingham Polo Association: Dear Dr Holtzman Thank you for your letter which is attached. I agree that our letter was less than satisfactory for which I take full responsibility. I had drafted it but not checked it properly before it was sent out. Last year, we were told that there could be up to 1000 people playing polo who were not members of the HPA. This represents not only a significant loss of income but also an increased risk to the HPA and to any club at which they might play as they will not be covered by the HPA’s public liability insurance. The Stewards and the Finance and Grants Committee are understandably concerned about this and in the HPA office we are very disappointed that some clubs allow non-members to play chukkas and non-members or chukka members to play in tournaments whilst others make a big effort to ensure that everyone has the appropriate membership. The HPA is an association of polo clubs and with limited manpower itself has always relied on clubs to check that players are abiding by the rules. The clubs, as the members of the HPA, do have to be the ‘policemen’. It was our hope that clubs would be encouraged to take the simple action of checking that everyone who plays at their club has the requisite membership. That should not be a huge task given that the majority will be members of, or known to, the host club. We would like to find ways of persuading players who have not joined the HPA to do so without having to resort to a Disciplinary Hearing. If we do go down the Disciplinary Hearing route, the rules dictate that the charge would be against the player and the club for failing to apply the rules.

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Your Views Clubs that fail to submit returns as required can be fined £100 but we have never implemented this in my time for the same reasons that we have not charged interest on unpaid bills as we appreciate that the majority of clubs are run by volunteers who are usually doing their best. However, we have a responsibility to ensure that the actions of the minority of clubs and players do not have a negative impact on the lawabiding majority. This applies not only to financial matters and is indeed probably the most important role of the HPA. There was a significant change to subscriptions for 2018 which was made possible by direct membership. The intention was to keep the subscriptions down for the low goal players, help those starting or playing a couple of days a year with chukka and day and membership, and to increase the contribution from the professional players. We are confident that the direct membership system will reduce a club’s workload when those running the clubs have got to grips with it and any glitches have been ironed out. Any rise in subscriptions will always be discussed first by the Finance and Grants Committee and then by Stewards with any recommendation made to Council before implementation. As the HPA office is funded mainly by subscriptions from clubs and members any shortfall will mean that there has to be some rebalancing which could include an increase in the subscriptions. The point that we were trying to make was that those persons not paying club membership are placing an extra and potentially unfair burden on those adhering to the rules. The role of the HPA is to further the interests of polo generally and to support the common interests of the clubs. We govern the sport through a structure of membership and committees, handicapping, umpire and rules, finance, discipline, welfare, development, coaching and others. We try to raise the public awareness of the sport with international games, television and publicity. The HPA deals with the various external organisations that are involved with polo, such as the Home Office for visas, DEFRA for passports, the FIP, USPA and AAP. The HPA also brings in sponsorship, mostly for the England team and young players but the Armed Forces, SUPA and The Pony Club have all benefited

Comment

considerably over the years. We are aware that many clubs and members do not really know what the HPA does or can do for them and the regional meetings during the spring were a way in which we were attempting to address this. The attendance at those meetings was somewhat disappointing but we did circulate a note which I attach. We need to do more in this area and any ideas would be welcome. So much of what the HPA does is not glamorous and is invisible until things go wrong but I believe there are many clubs and players who are aware of the value of the HPA because they have called on our help when they have a problem. Extract from Regional Meetings Apr-May 2018 Main Findings 07 June 2018 g. HPA Membership. HPA membership was discussed in terms of the new pricing structure and what it actually entitled members to. • The general consensus was that higher goal players should pay more. • The offer from Hurlingham Polo 1875 was covered by Jamie from ‘King of Games’. This will be sent with membership packs. • Other suggestions included encouraging bigger clubs, where there is an entry fee, to allow members half price entry on the production of an HPA car sticker. h. Membership platform. There is still some confusion about the membership platform. Clubs must be the first port of call for enquiries but the HPA office is on hand to assist where necessary. • Club members must be a member of the HPA first and then a club before they can play in matches.

As the end of the 2018 season approaches, mothers, grooms, players, goal judges et al drag themselves towards the ‘finish line’

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XXXXXXXXX Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Champions Ahead of the monumental Westchester match between Flannels England and XXXXXXXXXXXXX the USA at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club on Saturday 28 July, Pony w XXXXXXXXXXXX Club polo players from across the country paraded in front of a packed ground, showcasing their burgeoning talent. Following this exciting tradition, players from two Pony Club teams took to a half-ground (a full length ground would have been a bit much) for a mini-match, to the delight of the gathered crowd. It was the perfect way to showcase youth polo to some of its newer fans on the sidelines and cement in everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hearts the strength of our up-and-coming young guns. w Photograph by Sam Churchill Photography

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Victor Ludorum Update

Reports

Victor Ludorum Update T Series continue across the country he sun may have temporarily said farewell, but play is continuing across the country in the 2018 Victor Ludorum series with fervour. Across the board, teams are singling themselves out as the leaders of the pack, with Cowdray Vikings having ridden to 18 goal victory a whopping 110 points ahead of their rivals, but with competition rife and a number of tournaments still remaining, who’s to say who will go home with the trophies at next year’s Polo Awards – it’s too close to call!

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18 Goal Victor Ludorum

Guards Polo Club – The Indian Empire Shield Final – Saturday 21 July Number of teams: 13 Winners: Cowdray Vikings Points: 110 The Indian Empire Shield is one of the most prestigious tournaments played at Guards Polo Club each season. This year, the distinctive orange shirts of the Cowdray Vikings competed in the Final against Sebastien Pailloncy’s HB La Forge for the coveted trophy in the unprecedented heat. Cowdray Vikings, led by George Pearson, dominated the game from the first throw-in. They scored three goals to none in response from HB La Forge in the first chukka, including a penalty from Juan Gris Zavaleta, one of four he scored in this game. HB La Forge, although they had some flashes of brilliance, failed to score at all in three chukkas out of the five chukka match. The Vikings had a commanding 5-2 lead going into halftime and although HB La Forge brought themselves back into contention, trailing by only one goal after the fourth chukka, 6-5, they couldn’t continue the momentum. The Cowdray Vikings retained their advantage until the very last play of the game, winning 9-5. Cowdray Viking’s George Pearson lifted the sizeable Indian Empire Shield and his team mate Ollie Cork was named The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player. Meanwhile, HB La Forge’s Mark Tomlinson and his groom Lucas Alvarez were awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug for Pelusa, whom he played in the second and fifth chukka. In the Subsidiary Final, James McCarthy’s Emlor defeated Romila Arber’s Four Quarters Black, 8-5, in another exciting contest.

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Cowdray Vikings continued to dominate the 18 Goal Victor Ludorum with an Indian Empire Shield win at Guards Polo Club

The Indian Empire Shield Final Teams: Cowdray Vikings (18): Ollie Cork (2), George Pearson (2), Juan Gris Zavaleta (7) & Jack Richardson (7) HB La Forge (18): Luke Wiles (1), Mark Tomlinson (6), Ignacio Laprida (8) & Sebastian Pailloncy (3) Cowdray Park Polo Club – The Fortunis Capital Challenge Cup Final – Sunday 5 August Number of teams: Six Winners: Cowdray Vikings Points: 90 Sunday 5 August saw the culmination of the 18 goal Cowdray Park Challenge Cup, Cowdray’s oldest trophy first presented in 1911, and in 2018 supported by Fortunis Capital. A cracking goal from Jack Richardson opened the scoring for Cowdray Vikings, but a swift response from King Power saw two goals off Juan Martín Zubía’s stick. The talented South African Byron Watson put King Power 3-1 ahead before the chukka closed. The goals dried up for King Power in the second chukka, and an excellent combination of skills between Juan Gris Zavaleta and Jack Richardson saw Cowdray Viking equalise the scores on 3-3 at the chukka close. Tremendous attacking play from both sides during a fantastic third chukka saw spectators on the edge of their seats even though it resulted in just a goal apiece. The match resumed after the half-time break with 4-4 on the scoreboard and within seconds,

Zavaleta, for Cowdray Vikings, had raced away to score and take the lead. Richardson dashed away from the throw-in and scored again, but when the ball went out, King Power won the shot and Marcos Di Paola made his move with Zubía close behind. In came Zavaleta to steal the ball, he passed it forward to Richardson who finished the play with a super goal and 7-4 on the scoreboard in Cowdray Vikings’ favour. Zavaleta won the throw-in but a whistle stopped play and King Power were given a 40 yard penalty. Zubía sent the ball home to pull a goal back. A frantic piece of play resulted in Zubía battling to escape from Zavaleta. There was a whistle and a 30 yard penalty enabled Zubía for King Power to pull-up to within a goal of the Vikings on 6-7. The throw-in resulted in a foul against Zavaleta and a 60 yard penalty gave him the chance to send through a beautiful long ball to increase Cowdray Vikings’ lead to 8-6. An intense final chukka saw no let-up in the action with both sides fighting for advantage. Richardson fed a ball to Ollie Cork who saw it through the posts to take the scores to 9-6. Richardson won the ball from the throw-in, but Marcos Di Paola turned it and sent it to Watson. Chased by Cork, Di Paola held on and scored for King Power. Cowdray Vikings won the throw-in and managed to scramble with the ball to the King Power goal and take the score on to 10-7. Watson steered the ball from the resulting throw-in, but a swift ball steal by Richardson prevented his attack. In came Polo Times, September 2018

Reports

Victor Ludorum Update

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

Cowdray Vikings won The Fortunis Capital Challenge Cup Final against King Power

Marcos Di Paola to snatch the ball and pass to Zubía and despite hassling by Pearson, Di Paola re-positioned himself to receive Zubía’s pass, taking the ball through the posts for another fine goal. Thankfully for Cowdray Vikings a minute later the bell rang to signal the end of a thrilling Final and they had won the second big trophy of the weekend with a 10-8 final score. Mrs Emma McRae for Fortunis Capital presented The Challenge Cup to George Pearson and prizes to all players. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Nobu owned and ridden by Jack Richardson, whilst Richardson was presented with The Polo Magazine award for the Most Valuable Player. In the Subsidiary Final, Four Quarters Black beat Snake Bite 5-3.

scoreboard came from Michel del Carril, quickly answered by Will Emerson for Cowdray Vikings. A 30 yard penalty gave Jack Richardson an easy chance to add to Cowdray Vikings’ scoreline by the end of the first chukka, thus closing the chukka 2-1 in their favour. The fourth and fifth goals came from Will Harper for Cowdray Vikings to end the second chukka 4-1 ahead. In the third chukka, Juan Gris Zavaleta and Del Carril worked hard to bring the goals home for Northwood/Thai Polo and Del Carril was eventually rewarded with his second goal, and shortly afterwards a penalty which he accurately sent through from 60 yards

to pull up to within a goal of Cowdray Vikings. Richardson dashed away from the next throw-in, with Northwood/Thai Polo mounting a good defence, but Richardson intervened and sent a strong pass to George Pearson who obliged with a field goal, taking Cowdray Vikings ahead on 5-3 by half-time. The fourth chukka saw Del Carril’s fourth goal and just a one goal difference in the score line. But Emerson continued to make the most of every chance and was rewarded with a super goal and 6-4 in Cowdray Vikings’ favour at the chukka’s end. In the final chukka, there was some confusion in front of the Vikings’ goal and Northwood/ Thai Polo were awarded a spot penalty which Zavaleta saw through for a 5-6 score. The visitors increased the pressure to try and catch up, but great defence from Richardson prevented them scoring again. Having led all the way through the match, Cowdray Vikings had their third consecutive victory in The Harrison Cup with a 6-5 final score. Guy Williams, Sales Manager of sponsors Air Partner, presented The Harrison Cup to a delighted George Pearson and prizes to all players, with the award for The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player presented to Jack Richardson and the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Miami, owned and played by Juan Gris Zavaleta. In The Subsidiary Final for The Aotea Cup, Emlor defeated HB Las Monjitas 12½-8 and in The Subsidiary Maidensgrove Cup was won by Ballinger, who beat Sumaya 6-4½. The Harrison Cup Final Teams: Northwood/Thai Polo (15): Ned Hine (1), Manu Novillo Astrada (1), Michel del Carril (6) & Juan Gris Zavaleta (7) Cowdray Vikings (15): Will Harper (1), George Pearson (2), Will Emerson (5) & Jack Richardon (7)

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

The Fortunis Capital Challenge Cup Final Teams: Cowdray Vikings (18): Ollie Cork (2), George Pearson (2), Juan Gris Zavaleta (7) & Jack Richardson (7) King Power (17): Santiago Di Paola (1), Juan Martín Zubía (6), Marcos Di Paola (7) & Byron Watson (3)

15 Goal Victor Ludorum

Cowdray Park Polo Club – The Harrison Cup Final – Saturday 4 August Number of teams: 13 Winners: Cowdray Vikings Points: 100 Thirteen teams entered the 2018 Harrison Cup supported by Air Partner with Northwood/Thai Polo facing Cowdray Vikings in the Final. The first mark on the 22

Polo Times, September 2018

The Cowdray Vikings defeated Northwood/Thai Polo to win The Harrison Cup Final

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Victor Ludorum Update

Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography

Confido defeated Indubitable in the Final of The Intuition County Cup

Cirencester Park Polo Club – The Intuition County Cup Final – Sunday 19 August Number of teams: Five Winners: Confido Points: 90 On Saturday 18 August, Cirencester Park Polo Club flung open its gates for the Final of The Intuition County Cup on the Ivy Lodge ground. Indubitable came up against Confido in the Final, which was an exciting affair. Play was neck-and-neck in the first half, with Confido scoring a late goal to take the lead going into half-time. Indubitable’s Christian Badenhop evened the scoreboard with a goal in the fourth chukka, but a penalty in Confido’s favour, secured by Luke Tomlinson, put Confido in the lead again, which he followed with another two goals. Despite a real fight from Indubitable, Confido took home The Intuition County Cup honours 10-7. Luke Tomlinson was named The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player, whilst Twitter, owned by Jim Gilmore and played by James Harper, was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug. Snake Bite defeated Noon Giraffe in the Subsidiary Final for The Neil Haig Cup.

12 Goal Victor Ludorum

Guards Polo Club – The Duke of Wellington Final – Sunday 19 August Number of teams: 11 Winners: Twelve Oaks Points: 90 With a strong entry of 11 teams in the tournament, The Duke of Wellington Final had all the ingredients to be a memorable match. However, both teams struggled to find space in the first half, with the umpires’ whistles in regular use. Twelve Oaks’ Jacinto Crotto, later named the Most Valuable Player, produced some flashes of brilliance, but any flowing polo was regularly brought to a halt by a whistle following a foul from either team. At half-time, the score read 2-2 and it was clearly still anyone’s game.

Reports

Both teams, following a strong team talk at half-time, emerged revigorated in the second half. Crotto began the action by converting a penalty, with team mate Hugo Taylor delivering a fast run to goal. Jamie Morrison brought the Twelve Oaks score up to 5-2, while Taylor confirmed their dominance by scoring again – all within the first half of the third chukka. Asian Art/ Cool Hooves refused to let Twelve Oaks have it all their own way and Tom Brodie produced a big hit to score and his team found another goal before the end of the chukka. The fourth chukka began with both teams at full power and the scoreboard reading 6-4 to Twelve Oaks. Charlie Wooldridge’s team successfully converted a penalty at the start of the chukka and with Morrison also scoring, Twelve Oaks were way ahead with an 8-4 lead. Sebastian Dawnay was in fighting mode though and fired through two goals for Asian Art/Cool Hooves, so when his team successfully converted a penalty with only a minute remaining in the match, extra time could have been on the cards, especially when Asian Art/Cool Hooves were awarded another penalty with mere moments of the match to spare. Sadly, Brodie sent the hit wide and with no time left on the clock, Twelve Oaks took home The Duke of Wellington honours, 8-7. Hugo Taylor received The Images of Polo Best Playing Pony prize for his 10-yearold grey gelding Polaco and all the players received delicious goodies from Mosimann’s and armfuls of Roses Only roses. Charlie Wooldridge received The Duke of Wellington Trophy from Lord Christopher Wellesley and his son Oliver. The Duke of Wellington Final Teams: Twelve Oaks (12): Hugo Taylor (2), Charlie Wooldridge (2), Jamie Morrison (3) & Jacinto Crotto (5) Asian Art/Cool Hooves (12): Tom Brodie (4), Sebastian Dawnay (3), Nacho Gonzalez (5) & Chris Bruckner (0)

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The Intuition County Cup Final Teams: Confido (15): Creighton Boyd/George Deverall (0), Shaun Brokensha (3), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Luke Tomlinson (6) Indubitable (15): Dave Allen (4), Nina Clarkin (3), James Harper (7) & Christian Badenhop (1) It was a win for Charlie Wooldridge’s Twelve Oaks in The Duke of Wellington Final

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Polo Times, September 2018

Reports

Victor Ludorum Update

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

The Holden White Cup Final was won by Sea Breeze against Bamboleo/Madams Farm

8 Goal Victor Ludorum

Northwood beat Hascombe Stud to claim The Ambersham Cup and Katherine Smithwick’s Jet Set narrowly beat Strategic Help for Heroes 6-5 to take home The Ruins Cup.

Cowdray Park Polo Club – The Holden White Final – Sunday 5 August Number of teams: 17 Winners: Sea Breeze Points: 90

Polo Times, September 2018

6 Goal Victor Ludorum

Kirtlington Park Polo Club – The Budgett Everett Trophy Final – Sunday 12 August Number of teams: Four Winners: Thomson Local Points: 90 The 2018 Budgett Everett Trophy at Kirtlington Park Polo Club saw the teams in the qualifying stages jostle for position, sizing up their future opposition for the allimportant knockout stages of the competition.

The Budgett Everett Final Teams: Thomson Local (6): John Martin (2), Hector Worsley (1), Benjie Bradshaw (0) & David Ashby (3) CANI (6): Louise Jebson (-1), George Deverall (0), Phil Sellar (2) & Matias Amaya (5)

Photograph courtesy of KPPC

Glenn Sherriff opened the scoring for Bamboleo/Madams Farm in The Holden White Cup Final, but a goal apiece from Nick Pepper and Will Harper saw Sea Breeze finish the first chukka with a 2-1 lead. Bamboleo/ Madams Farm tried hard to convert play into goals in the second chukka, but several excellent saves prevented any addition to their scoreline, while Henry Fisher for Sea Breeze was able to add to his team’s score with the conversion of a 30 yard penalty and 3-1 by half-time. An early whistle in the third chukka gave Bamboleo/Madam’s Farm a chance to score from a 60 yard penalty, but Sherriff sent it wide. Fisher brought the ball in looking for Pepper and a great team effort saw the ball end up with Will Harper. Harper carefully slowed the ball down and sent a super shot between the posts to take the lead, 4-1. Sherriff had the chance to score from a 30 yard penalty and the third chukka ended at 4-2 in Sea Breeze’s favour. In the final chukka, goal attempts by both teams went wide. When the ball went over the boards, the new rule of a quick hit from the spot enabled Johnson to fly in and dash off with the ball to make goal number three for Bamboleo/Madams Farm and just a one goal difference between the teams. But luck wasn’t on their side as they soon gave away a penalty, which Fisher was able to convert from 30 yards for Sea Breeze. The Holden White Cup was theirs on a final score of 5-3. Sarah Millard presented the Cup to Will Millard on behalf of Wilf Fine and prizes to all players. Henry Fisher’s Sabine was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug and Will Harper was presented with The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award. In the Subsidiary Holden White Finals,

The Holden White Cup Final Teams: Sea Breeze (8): Will Millard (-1), Will Harper (1), Nick Pepper (4) & Henry Fisher (4) Bamboleo/Madams Farm (8): Christian Staubach (0), Jack Taylor (1), Nick Johnson (2) & Glenn Sheriff (5)

The top seeded team after the league stages was Thomson Local, who played CSC Polo Team in the first Semi Final and beat them convincingly 10-4½. This was as the form book had predicted, continuing the excellent winning streak that Thomson Local’s David Ashby has been on this season in the low and medium goal. The second Semi Final was a much closer affair with CANI taking the win over Quicksilver, 5-3. The Final lived up to its expectation with Louise Jebson’s CANI coming firing out of blocks, leading the first chukka 2-1, but Thomson Local came back, and at half-time they led 4-3. The next two chukkas saw some excellent interplay from both teams, creating overlaps and runs to goal that gave the spectators an exciting finale. What was brilliant to see was that it was four-man polo throughout the match, as contributions were needed from all the players on the field. Matias Amaya’s excellent ball control in the short quarters as well as George Deverall and Phil Sellers’ interlinking passes at times split the Thomson Local defence, but CANI just couldn’t complete their play. However, it wasn’t quite enough to break the familiarity of the Thomson Local team, who had lost the Final in 2017 and weren’t going to lose this year. They worked seamlessly together to make it second time lucky for Benji Bradshaw who raised the trophy, winning 7-6 at the final bell. John Martin was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award and the pony he played, Pin Up, owned by the Stanek family, was presented with the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug.

Thomson Local secured The Budgett Everett Trophy Final

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Victor Ludorum Update

Photograph by Michael Huggan Photography

CH Yachting defeated Coombe Place to win The Blue Jackets Tournament Final

4 Goal Victor Ludorum

New Forest Polo Club – 4 Goal Tournament Final – Sunday 19 August Number of teams: Six Winners: CH Yachting Points: 70 Over the weekend of the 18 – 19 August, The New Forest Polo Club hosted their biggest tournament of the year, the 4 goal Blue Jackets Victor Ludorum tournament. This was a fantastic tournament that drew a large local crowd who have over the season really got behind the Club and attended most weekends, bringing a picnic and the family. At the same time as the 4 goal, the Club also ran a -2 goal

R KS TIC YOU ! S N R G OU GIN EASO Y N S FIX E HA HIS T R FO UP BE OTS BO

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tournament played over both days. Saturday’s 4 goal tournament saw the six teams split into groups of three and two American-style tournaments were played. The first was played between Maiz Dulce, MK Chiro and CH Yachting. CH Yachting ran out the winners beating both Maiz Dulce and MK Chiro, with MK Chiro coming second also beating Maiz Dulce. The second American tournament of the afternoon saw St. Magnus take on Coombe Place and Propero. All three teams played some good strong polo, with Coombe Place beating both St. Magnus and Propero. St. Magnus then beat Propero to come in second and move to play in the Subsidiary Finals on the Sunday.

Reports

Sunday dawned grey, but the forecast promised sunshine that appeared later on. Polo started early as many players had to get away to other games in the afternoon. The Final for The Blue Jackets was played between CH Yachting and Coombe Place. This game was intense, with both teams desperate to win the large Blue Jackets trophy. With one chukka to go, there was only one goal between the two teams. But, by the time the chukka was over, the score was level and the match had to go to an extra chukka and golden goal. Both teams were evenly matched, and it was end-toend polo during the extra chukka. But three minutes in, CH Yachting broke away from Coombe Place and scored a brilliant field goal to run out the winners, 6-5. The Blue Jackets Tournament Final Teams: CH Yachting (4): Mikey Henderson (4), Farida Rosso Baldacchino (1), Hannah Henderson (0) & Charlie Hatfield (1) Coombe Place (4): Beanie Bradley (-1), Daisy Hatfield (0), Hazel Jackson-Gaona (2) & Grant Collett (3) read more about the Polo Times Best To Playing Pony winners, please turn to our Pony Power pages

BE FIX F BO ORE YOU OT HA R S S U NG TIC K PT I HI NG Y S SS EA OUR SO N!

Polo Times, September 2018

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Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Sunny Sentebale Success Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup

Polo Times, September 2018

Photography by Ian Jones Photography

s the seemingly never-ending heat wave continued, temperatures soared at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club as guests, VIPs and players gathered for The Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup. 2018 was a year of firsts, with ISPS Handa enjoying their first year as title sponsor, this year being the first time the event has returned to the UK since it’s foundation in 2010, as well as the first time many of ‘The Berkshire’ set had laid eyes on the newly-wed royal couple RH The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. To date The Sentebale Polo Cup has raised over £5 million for Sentebale, the charity created by HRH The Duke of Sussex and Prince Seeiso in 2006. The funds raised over the years have allowed the charity to provide care, education and pyschosocial support for young people and children living with HIV in Lesotho and Botswana. Over 300 guests descended upon The Royal

Sentebale secured the win with a final score of 5-4

County of Berkshire Polo Club, dressed to impress in St. Regis boaters and a variety of summer attire with cool and flowing being the name of the sunny game. As always, it was a close match between the two sides, which culminated in The Duke of Sussex sending up the winning pass for Sentebale Ambassador Nacho Figueras to finish off and secure a 5-4 win. With the Berkshire sun beating down on the and the action of the day behind them, the players, spectators and supporters were able to enjoy the best of the British sunshine and all in the name of philanthropy. Cathy Ferrier, CEO of Sentebale commented, “The funds raised through this annual flagship event remain key to Sentebale achieving our ambitious goals to reach as many young people as possible in Southern Africa with the tools and knowledge they need to know and manage their HIV status.” www.polotimes.co.uk

Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

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Where: Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Royal Salute Chet Lott Riley Ganzi Saad Audeh Malcolm Borwick

Sentebale St. Regis Ashley Van Metre Busch HRH The Duke of Sussex Nacho Figueras Miguel Mendoza

HRH The Duke of Sussex played for Sentebale St. Regis

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Polo Times, September 2018

Reports

The Westchester Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Elated England Jen Liggins

reports from The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

n Saturday 28 July, the polo world turned out at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club for the 2018 International Day. The event was a combination of pomp, polo and Britishness as spectators were treated to three polo matches, a dressage masterclass courtesy of three-time Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin and a plethora of sidelines entertainment, so there was plenty to keep even the most nonchalant polo fan entertained. As the thousands of spectators found their perfect spot for the day’s proceedings, a selection of Pony Club teams from across the country paraded around the ground with the Berkshire hounds, led by Mike Smith marking his 30 year anniversary with The Pony Club, to signal the beginning of this exceedingly special day. Following the colourful parade, two teams took to the field for a junior match, which took place across the centre of the field (as the whole field would have been quite a challenge for these youngsters). For those new to the sport, this match showcased the next generation of avid polo players, but it was at three o’clock that everyone’s attention really turned to the ground, as the national teams from Flannels England and the USA paraded out accompanied by The Scots Guards band. As the national anthems rang out, in true British fashion, the weather had taken a slight turn for the worse, with huge gusts of wind blustering across the ground as the teams lined-up, but on the dot of three o’clock, the first ball of The Westchester Cup was thrown-in. With a handicap difference between the teams, Flannels England began with a one goal advantage, but it didn’t take long for the USA to catch-up. Nic Roldan flew to goal from the first throw-in to even the scoreboard, but despite being slightly shaken, Flannels England came back hard. The play was ferocious and relentless, with the wind direction and speed causing a huge advantage in one direction, each team taking advantage when they could. Ollie Cudmore put Flannels ahead for the first time with a converted penalty 3 halfway through the first chukka and the boys in white held that lead for the rest of the match. Two more goals off 28

Polo Times, September 2018

Cudmore’s stick and one in response from Julio Arellano saw Flannels England leading the match 4-2 at the end of the first chukka. The English onslaught didn’t stop there, as James Beim and James Harper continued the Flannels England dominance in the second chukka, despite constant efforts from the USA’s Jeff Hall and Roldan to counteract their plays. The Flannels England side appeared to be continuously growing in strength and accuracy, leading 6-2 at the end of the second chukka. As the end of the third chukka loomed and another goal from Harper sailed through the posts, Flannels England led 7-2 with the crowd on their feet in elation. With thousands of people gathered around the sidelines, the half-time tread-in was swift and flawless, providing the perfect opportunity to catch-up with long, lost friends from the other side of the ground. As the field cleared and the spectators took their seats and refreshed their drinks the second half began. With a quick penalty conversion from the USA, our American friends put themselves back in the game, 7-3, but the cohesion of the Flannels England players, three of whom had been playing the 2018 high goal season together as The King Power Gold Cup winning side El Remanso, was too strong an opponent. Roldan scored his second goal of the match to make it 8-4 midway through the fourth chukka and in the following play he morphed into the classic Roldan we know from the high goal tournaments, seeming to be everywhere, doing everything. Unlike the English team, the Americans hadn’t had much time to practice before the match and as the second half continued through the fifth chukka, the cracks began to show. The Flannels England boys continued their control of the play and with the scores reading 11-4 to England at the beginning of the sixth chukka, it was going to take a miracle for the American’s to turn the game around. The USA found two goals in that last chukka, but with another goal from England, their fate was completely sealed.

Photograph by Ian Jones Photography

Flannels England take complete control at The International Day

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The Westchester Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Reports

Flannels England skipped away with The Westchester Cup 12-6, to the elation of the home crowd. The American contingent who had made the 4,000 mile journey across the pond to support their boys were left disappointed, but in no way disheartened, having won The Junior Westchester Cup and â&#x20AC;&#x153;enjoyed their time with their British friends immenselyâ&#x20AC;?, as Bob Puetz, CEO of the USPA told us after the tournament. This win for the Flannels England team brought the overall Westchester rankings to 10 Cups to America and eight to England. Before heading back to the States, the USPA representatives issued an invitation to the HPA for a Westchester rematch in the USA in 2019. Perhaps this will be the chance for the USA to once again emerge victorious after 31 years in second place? Watch this space!

Peke Gonzalez and Ollie Cudmore race for the ball

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Polo Times, September 2018

Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography

Reports

The Westchester Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Ollie Cudmore races forward for Flannels England with Gonzalez in hot pursuit

Post Match Player Interviews James Beim, Flannels England Captain

“Playing on home soil really helped us. The Americans weren’t badly mounted, but they were all on strange horses, and it’s another thing knowing your horse. The main advantage that we had is that three of us had been playing high goal together all season. We know exactly what we’re all doing, and Tommy [Beresford] fitted in really well at the back. We didn’t have to change much, we knew how we would approach the game and open the game up.”

James Harper

“The game couldn’t have gone much better really. We started exactly how we finished The Gold Cup Final, hitting the ball well and moving it quickly. The field was a bit of hard work and the Americans weren’t used to their horses, so we opened the play up and they struggled to keep up with us. Ultimately, it was awesome.”

Tommy Beresford

“I really enjoyed the match. I was asked beforehand if I was nervous about taking part but I always believe in enjoying what you’re doing, regardless of the pressure. I just tried to play simple and have fun. I don’t think I started very well, but I feel I got better towards the end. My team mates had been playing together all season, so to begin with I struggled with the speed. They had been playing four-man polo all season with Charlie Hanbury and I play a slightly different style, but I got there in the second and third chukka and we had the best result.”

Polo Times, September 2018

Ollie Cudmore

“I loved the match. It was really good fun playing with three mates. We played well, we were solid and hit the ball well – overall, a good game. We started a little weak, I think because of nerves, but then we settled in well and we won the first chukka. The first half we were in control and then it was just a question of holding onto it, which we did!”

Nic Roldan, USA Captain

“Any time you go into a match you feel like you have the chance to win. I was very positive beforehand, but at the end of the day, we had never really played together as a team and I think that was our downfall. We were on unknown horses as well, which was a little frustrating, but the English guys had been playing together all season, so we were really going to struggle to catch them. They have a rhythm that is a little different to ours and a more united front. All in all, I think this is a lesson to be learnt and hopefully we can improve and be way more competitive in the USA next time around and get that trophy back!”

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The Westchester Cup, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Reports

Chukka Scores: 4-2, 6-2, 7-2, 9-4, 10-4, 12-6 to Flannels England

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Flannels England (24) James Beim (7) Ollie Cudmore (6) James Harper (6) Tommy Beresford (5)

Where: Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

USA (28) Peke Gonzalez (5) Julio Arellano (8) Nic Roldan (8) Jeff Hall (7)

MVP James Beim

Julian Appleby & Peter Wright with Tim Bown third man

Salsita, a grey mare owned, trained and played by James Beim

Photograph by ©USPA/Helen Cruden

Photograph by Polo Times

The Ferguson Trophy The Ferguson Trophy, each year awarded to the Best Young British Player, who has made a real mark on the season, was this year presented to Jack Hyde by Park Place patron Andrey Borodin. Jack said after his receipt of the award, “It is amazing to win this award and I’m very happy that hard work and determination is finally starting to pay off. I’m playing in the high goal this year and there is still a long season yet to go, so hopefully I can keep playing well and end the season on a high.”

BPP

Mariscal, owned and played by Nic Roldan

Jeff Hall fights back for the USA

Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography

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Polo Times, September 2018

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

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Argentario Polo Club On Saturday 11 August, The Coppa Italia F.I.S.E came to an end at Argentario Polo Club. In the Final, La Mimosa El Porteño defeated La Nuova Poncia to take home the honours. These two teams are both from Milan and have created a strong rivalry over the years. La Nuova Poncia led the play for the majority of the match, but in the last two minutes of the game, La Mimosa took control with the help of Argentine player Matias Coria. This tournament marked the end of the Argentario Polo Club season.

Over the past month Ampurdan Polo Club in Spain has been hosting a series of tournaments. Early on in July, the Club hosted The I Liga Interclubes Catalanes en el Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, followed by The IV Welcome Cup, won by the Sharlau Team, at the end of the month. On 5 August, Les Mousquetaires won The III High Summer Cup, whilst throughout the summer, polo clinics are taking place at the Club.

Aspen Valley Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Aspen Valley Polo Club

La Karina picked up their third win of the summer in The Rocky Mountain Open

On Sunday 29 July, The Emma Challenge Cup Final took place at Aspen Valley Polo Club in front of a packed crowd. With four minutes to go, 9 goaler Nacho Novillo Astrada scored the winning goal for his La Karina team, ending the Final 8-7 against rivals Piocho Ranch. Novillo Astrada was named the day’s Most Valuable Player and Nacho Figueras’s 11-year-old mare Little Hawk was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug. The day was dedicated to player and groom Jesus ‘Chuy’ Baez who was tragically killed in an accident the week before at the age of 60. A moment’s silence was held in his honour before the Final and the Subsidiary Final and at the presentation of the prizes.

On Sunday 5 August, Aspen Valley Polo Club welcomed players for The High Alpine Cup. After falling behind 3-1 in the first chukka, Los Amigos Red managed to shut out their rivals Casablanca in the following two chukkas, to finally take the win 9-7. Paul Foster, who scored three goals, was named the Most Valuable Player whilst Matsu, a sixyear-old bay mare bred and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm and played by Lucas Lalor was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug. On Sunday 12 August, La Karina won their third tournament of the summer, The Rocky Mountain Open at Aspen Valley Polo Club. In front of a sold-out VIP tent, La Karina defeated Aspen Valley Polo Club with an easy 8-5 win. Nic Roldan was presented with the Most Valuable Player award whilst Rebecca, a 15-year-old mare played by Melissa Ganzi and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug. To end the presentation, Stewart Armstrong was named the Flexjet Defensive Player of the game. On Sunday 19 August, Tonkawa made their summer season debut at Aspen Valley Polo Club, winning their first tournament of the season. They defeated Mandarina 13-11 to capture The Mount Sopris Cup, sponsored by Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club.

Photograph courtesy of Argentario Polo Club

Ampurdan Polo Club

Club Focus

La Mimosa defeated La Nuova Poncia in the Final of The Coppa Italia F.I.S.E

Alejandro Novillo Astrada was presented with the Player of the Day award, sponsored by the Mexico Polo Federation, whilst Jeff Hildebrand was awarded the Flexjet Play of the Day prize for his goal in the sixth chukka. Paulina, a 14-year-old chestnut mare owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm and played by Alejandro Novillo Astrada, was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug. The Emma Challenge Cup Final Teams: La Karina: Alejandra de la Vega, Brian Boyd, Stewart Armstrong & Nacho Novillo Astrada Piocho Ranch: Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini, Nacho Figueras & Tom Barrack The High Alpine Cup Final Teams: Los Amigos Red: Alejandra de la Vega, Kris Kampsen, Nic Roldan & Paul Foster Casablanca: Alex Gooding, Grant Ganzi, Lucas Lalor & Juancito Bollini The Rocky Mountain Open Final Teams: La Karina: Brian Boyd, Marc Ganzi, Nic Roldan & Stewart Armstrong Aspen Valley Polo Club: Melissa Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Eloy Vallina/ David Valllina & Juan Bollini The Mount Sopris Cup Final Teams: Tonkawa: Jeff Hildebrand, Wesley Uys, Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset & Mason Wroe Mandarina: Alejandra de la Vega, Melissa Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada & Nacho Novillo Astrada

Deauville Polo Club

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Photograph courtesy of R&B Presse

As the French high goal season continues in Northern France, In The Wings defeated Talandracas 7-6 in the Final of The Coupe d’Argent. At the time of going to press, The Coupe d’Or was underway, with Barrière leading the charge. In The Coupe de Bronze, Polo Park Zürich and La Concepcion were holding two wins apiece at the time of going to press. The Coupe d’Argent Final Teams: In The Wings (16): André Fabre (0), Alfonso Pieres (4), Francisco Bensadon (8) & Rufino Bensadon (4) Talandracas (16): Edouard Carmignac (0), Joaquim Pittaluga (7), Francisco Elizalde (8) & Hugues Carmignac (1)

In The Wings won The Coupe d’Argent title

Polo Times, September 2018

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Beaufort Polo Club Prizes were very kindly provided by British Polo Gin with The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player going to Shibumi’s Mark Baldwin and Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug to Max Hutchinson’s Regal. The Subsidiary Final was claimed by Chester over Virgo Stone following an extra chukka decider, 5-6. To read more about Regal, please turn to our Pony Power pages. The Babdown Cup Final Teams: Senzaltro (10): Jules Van Vegchel (-1), Luke Wiles (1), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Olly Tuthill (4) Three Oceans (10): Tim Rose (0), Emma Wood (1), Luke Tomlinson (6) & Charlie Walton (3) The Bat Cup Final Teams: Shibumi (10): Peter Baldwin (0), Ben Wilson (2), Satnam Dhillon (5) & Mark Baldwin (3) Lodge Services (10): Dominic Lodge (1), Stuart Lodge (1), Will Lucas (4) & Dave Allen (4)

Photograph courtesy of Beaufort Polo Club

It was a family affair at Beaufort Polo Club for the Non-Playing Members Babdown Cup Final. Mark Tomlinson headed up Senzaltro to take on Three Oceans, which included Luke and Emma Tomlinson. Despite a strong start for Three Oceans, it was the combined effort of Luke Wiles and Tomlinson who drove Senzaltro to a 7-4 win. Shibumi won The Subsidiary Final against Lodge Services 9-5, which was played for The Bat Cup, which had been previously postponed. It was a tug of war between Silvertown Properties and Shibumi in The Sommerville Livingstone-Learmonth Trophy Final on Sunday 19 August. The match was close throughout despite an early injury to Mikey Henderson meaning Olly Tuthill had to switch from umpire to player. Shibumi had the edge at half-time, but they had to settle for second place as Silvertown Properties claimed a fiercely fought win of 4-3.

Senzaltro defeated Three Oceans 7-4 in the Final of The Babdown Cup

The Sommerville Livingstone-Learmonth Trophy Final Teams: Silvertown Properties (6): Stephen Hutchinson (0), Max Hutchinson (3), Mikey Henderson (4) & Henry Jodrell (-1) Shibumi (6): Peter Baldwin (0), Ben Wilson (2), Mark Baldwin (3) & Luke Wiles (1)

Photograph by J. Ridley Art & Photography

Photograph courtesy of Beaufort Polo Club

Shibumi defeated Lodge Services 9-5 in the Final of The Bat Cup

Silvertown Properties took home The Sommerville Livingstone-Learmonth Trophy

Cirencester Park Polo Club Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography

In the Final of The RJ Polo 2 Goal Tournament on Sunday 5 August, R&R defeated Lodge Services 6-5 to take home the coveted trophy. In the Subsidiary Final, Cirencester Park beat Virgo Stone 9-6. On Sunday 12 August, Los Chinos won The Jack Williams Cup, having scored 4-2 against Syreford Red, whilst in the Subsidiary Final, Coxwell defeated Syreford 4-1. The RJ Polo 2 Goal Tournament Final Teams: R&R (2): Janie Jackson (-1), Jack Aldridge (1), Rosanna Turk (0) & Oliver Jones (2) Lodge Services (2): Magnus Gilje (0), Patrick Lodge (0), Dominic Lodge (1) & Stuart Lodge (1) The Jack Williams Cup Final Teams: Los Chinos (4): Alison Clark (-1), Nicholson Boyd (0), Tom Coid (1) & Tom Beim (4) Syreford Red (4): Will Tobin (0), Archie Rutland (0), Sebastian Chialvo (2) & Hugo Tobin (2)

R&R defeated Lodge Services to win The RJ Polo 2 Goal Tournament

Druids Lodge Polo Club Druids Lodge Polo Club will be hosting a charity polo match on Sunday 2 September in aid of Cancer Research UK. The event is being organised by Natasha Ball, whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of the year. The day will be called Play For A Cure, and will feature three matches – the 0 goal Forest Edge Bowl Trophy Final, an 8 goal match (sponsored by Hook Polo) and the 17 goal Women’s Vera Cup (sponsored by WIP), named after Natasha’s mother. The day will also feature a raffle and a cake sale, as well as a bustling trade village. For more information, or to enter a team into the 0 goal, please contact office@druidspolo.co.uk

Polo Times, September 2018

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Club Focus Photography courtesy of Binfield Heath Polo Club

Wildcats defeated Belina to win The Polo Times 6 Goal

Binfield Heath Polo Club On 29 July, Binfield Heath Polo Club hosted their annual Festival Day, which saw matches played across 16, 6, 4, 2 and 1 goal levels. In the Final of The Emerson and Watson 1 Goal to begin the day, De Nada defeated RAF 8-1½ with the Best Playing Pony rug going to Scotty, owned by Tom Coid and the Most Valuable Player Award going to Benji Mancini. Next up, in The Equestrian World 2 goal, Hendon Way Motors defeated Scots Farm/Vantage 5-2 with the Best Playing Pony going to Gama, owned by Sarah Pozner and the Most Valuable Player award presented to Kate Manderfield. In the highest handicapped match of the day, HB Polo Team defeated Coppid Owls 6-5 to win The Savills 16 goal. Yolanda, owned by Alejandro Novillo Astrada, was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug, whilst Ludovic Pailloncy was presented with the Most Valuable Player award. In the Polo Times 6 Goal match, Wildcats defeated Belina 7-6 to win the title, with Chance owned by Pedro de Lamare awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug and Marzana Flick presented with The Polo Magazine Most Valuable

Hendon Way Motors defeated Scots Farm/Vantage in The Equestrian World 2 Goal

HB Polo Team defeated Coppid Owls in The Saviils 16 Goal

Player award. To end the day, Ausherra and King King/Home Farm drew 3-3 in The Forsters 4 Goal. Mano Owen owned by Toby Pejkovic was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug and Tom Swerling received the Most Valuable Player. To read more about Chance, please turn to our Pony Power section.

De Nada beat the RAF in The Emerson and Watson 1 Goal

Ausherra drew 3-3 with King King Home/Farm in The Forster 4 Goal

Edgeworth Polo Club

Photograph by Polo Times

Between 18 – 19 August, five teams competed in The Polo Magazine Cup, with 2018 celebrating the Cup’s 10th anniversary. The American-style tournament saw five 2 goal teams compete and despite the competitive play, in the end it was X-Country Medics who triumphed with a final 7-4 win over Cleargold. The finalists all received plenty of prizes, with The Polo Magazine trucker caps, magazines plus champagne and wine, dinner at the nearby Foston’s Ash Inn and not forgetting the trophy itself. The Polo Magazine Cup Final Teams X-Country Medics (2): Lucy Keen (0), Monte Swain-Grainger (0), Rosanna Turk & Ollie Jones (2) Cleargold (2): Kailish Parmer (-1), Mahesh Parmer (0), Austin Clarke (1) & Matt Simpson (2)

X-Country Medics, winners of The Polo Magazine Cup

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Polo Times, September 2018

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Photography courtesy of Fifield Polo Club

Moto rode out the winners in The Polo for Heroes Cup at Fifield Polo Club

The Household Cavalry, The Lifeguards, defeated The Blues and Royals, 8-3

Fifield Polo Club Each year, Fifield Polo Club hosts its annual Polo for Heroes day, raising money for injured service personnel from the British Armed Forces. This year’s event marked the ninth anniversary, with teams taking to the field on Saturday 4 August. The day saw five matches, with the results as follows: Moor Farm defeated Deloitte, 6-1 Household Cavalry, The Lifeguards defeated The Blues and Royals, 8-3. This match included four injured service personnel playing alongside The Household Cavalry players. JNR Polo defeated Polo Performance, 5-4½ Divot Divas defeated Harum Scarum, 4½-4 In the main match of the day, Silent Pool came up against Moto to secure the Polo for

any serious injuries, narrowly avoiding being trampled on by oncoming ponies and was able to get back on and continue playing. To make matters worse for Silent Pool, Hamza Mawaz then proceeded to score after a straightforward set-piece goal making the score 4-½ to Moto. The play continued in this fast-paced nature throughout the second half and as the teams rode towards the final bell, Silent Pool had only managed to get two points on the scoreboard. Despite a third goal from Silent Pool, Moto ultimately ran out the winners 5-3½. The day was rounded off with an asado and after-party, with all players and their supporters dancing the night away. The date for the 2019 event is yet to be announced, but more information can be found on the website www.poloforheroes.co.uk

Heroes trophy. The first chukka began with fast play and after an aggressive throw-in Federico Boudo battled for the ball against Tony Crittenden, and then proceeded to hit the ball through to Tony Edwards. As the first chukka intensified, Alex Hancock made an impressive steal, winning the ball whilst making a gallop passed Silent Pool’s defence. Despite efforts from Zach Chaudry to ride-off Hancock’s pony, he continued to find the goal where he then made the score 2-½ to Moto. The second chukka was introduced with a walloping effort by Edwards who passed between the mid-point of the goal posts making the score 3-½ to Moto. Disaster almost struck for Silent Pool as Chaudry suffered a serious fall from his horse following a foul by Edwards. Fortunately, Chaudry did not sustain

Guards Polo Club In the Final of The Town and County Championship at Guards Polo Club on Sunday 12 August, Tex8n Polo defeated Bridge House of Twyford 9-6 to take home the honours.

In the Final of The Cottington Cup on Sunday 19 August, Clarita took home the title 6-2 against Tex8n Polo, whilst in the Final of The Duke of Wellington Trophy the same day, Twelve Oaks were crowned the victors 8-7 against Asian Art/Cool Hooves Polo.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The Town & County Championship Final Teams: Tex8n Polo (8): Fabio Lavinia (3), Nico San Roman (3), Kian Hall (2) & Mindi Bynre (0) Bridge House of Twyford (8): Momin Sheikh (0), Daniel Otamendi (5), Jose Ramon Araya (3) & Louis Hine (0) The Cottington Cup Final Teams: Clarita (4): Freddie Horne (3), Cruz Novillo Astrada (2), Clare Mathias (-1) & Chris Mathias (0) Tex8n Polo (4): Nicolas San Roman (3), Chino Leiva (2), Mindi Byrne (0) & Jayne Rumsey (-1) The Duke of Wellington Trophy Final Teams: Twelve Oaks (12): Charlie Wooldridge (2), Jamie Morrison (3), Jacinto Crotto (5) & Hugo Taylor (2) Asian Art/Cool Hooves Polo (12): Tom Brodie (4), Sebastian Dawnay (3), Christopher Bruckner (0) & Nacho Gonzalez (5)

Tex&n Polo won The Town & County Championship at Guards Polo Club

Polo Times, September 2018

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Photograph courtesy of Ham Polo Club

The Flying Foxes defeated Hollywood in the Final of The Bannister Bowl

Ham Polo Club

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

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Photograph by ©USPA

Play has commenced in the 2018 Silver Air Pacific Coast Open at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

On Sunday 29 July, KPPC hosted their annual Bike Polo tournament fundraiser in aid of the Thames Valley Air Ambulance. The KPPC team (Josh Tuthill, Charlie Budgett, Charlie Peagram & Tom Baxter) rode to victory against Thunder Buddies (Nick Pain, Victoria O’Brien, Tom Budgett & John Blount) in the Final, with a 3-2 final score. There was a total of 10 teams, with each of the teams playing a minimum of twice, with the games and festivities going on for three hours into the evening, followed by pizzas courtesy of Oxford Fine Dining. In other news, Kirtlington Park Polo Club will be hosting its first ever Triathlon ‘Polo’ Tournament between 21 – 23 September. This tournament will invite teams of four to take part in a 0-4 goal polo tournament, a 160 cartridge shoot followed by either a two hour endurance karting experience or a bike polo triathlon. Following this exciting event, the Club will host their annual awards and an after party on 23 September. For more information, or to enter please visit the website kirtlingtonparkpoloclub.co.uk

10 teams took part in the 2018 annual Bike Polo Tournament fundraiser in aid of the Thames Valley Air Ambulance

Nairobi Polo Club

On Sunday 29 July, the 12 goal Connaught Cup Final took place at the Nairobi Polo Club. Royal Salute defeated White Cap, captained by Kenya’s highest handicapped player Jamie Murray, 9-8 with a penalty conversion in the final moments. White Cap had led the five chukka match with a two goal lead until the final chukka, when they conceded three penalties, all scored by Craig Millar. During the weekend’s polo action, teams also competed for The Lord Cranworth Trophy, which was won by Guards with a 7-6 victory against White Cap, and The Bwana Begg Trophy, which was won by Space and Style, 3-2 against Four of a Kind. Lastly, Kenya Nut defeated Ovidian 3-1 to win The OWT Bowl. Polo will continue in Kenya in a Royal Salute championed over White Cap to win the 12 goal fortnight’s time, at the Manyatta Connaught Cup at Nairobi Polo Club Polo Club in Gilgil. The Connaught Cup Final Teams*: Royal Salute (12): Craig Millar (3½), Archie Voorspuoy (3½), Mbu Ngugi (2½) & Raph Nzomo (2½) White Cap (12½): Mini Trappe (2½), Jamie Murray (5), Tarquin Gross (3) & Kimoi Moi (2) * To add more confusion to the already convoluted global handicap systems, Kenya have ½ goal handicaps

Polo Times, September 2018

Photograph by Marvin Mido

On Thursday 16 August, The Silver Air Pacific Coast Open commenced at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California. This year’s tournament will welcome five teams to compete in this high goal competition with the Final scheduled to take place on Sunday 2 September. For more information, please visit www.sbpolo.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

Photograph by Vanessa Whiteley

After being postponed for a week The Stepien Lake 2 goal tournament got underway, with the Final taking place on Sunday 22 July. Andina took on Tchogan in the Final, with noticably strong play from Tchogan’s Hamza Mawaz. Andina managed to bring back the score to an even keel, but Tchogan were just too strong and took home the title with a 9-4 final score. In the Final of the Sladmore Trophy, Edward Horswell’s team Sladmore defeated the Mavericks team to win the trophy. Between 4 – 5 August, Ham Polo Club welcomed teams for the inaugural 4 goal Argentine Club Cup. In the Final, Fast Fish came up against Vendetta, with the former proving no match for the controlled Vendetta line-up. With only a few consolation goals, Fast Fish lost out to Vendetta 9-3. Argentine Ambassador to the UK, R. Carlos Sersale di Cerisano presented The Argentine Club Cup to patron Garrie Renucci and the Vendetta Team. In the Final of The Bannister Bowl on Sunday 12 August, the Flying Foxes ran out the winners against Hollywood to take home the title.

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Santa María Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Santa María Polo Club

At the time of going to press reusults were coming thick and fast from Sotogrande, but this was the story so far... Sotoisolas, Brunei and La Esperanza used a penalty shootout to decide which team would take the remaining place in The 1892 Isolas Silver Cup Final. La Esperanza were the most successful team and faced Águilas in the Final on Thursday 16 August. La Esperanza’s luck continued into the Final as they secured the title with a narrow, but conclusive 9-8 win over Águilas. In the Subsidiary Final, Sotoisla defeated Brunei 6½-6. The Low Goal Gold Cup began on Saturday 18 August with five 6 goal teams taking part. Brunei kicked off the action with a 12-11 win over Sotoisola swiftly followed by La Isla securing a 7-6 victory over Águilas. The Semi Finals are scheduled for Thursday 30 August with the Finals set to be played on Saturday 1 September. On Friday 17 August The Appletiser Silver Cup Medium Goal Final came to an end. Ayala had stormed their way to the Final with a 15-9 win over Golden Goose in the Semi Finals, whilst Sainte Mesme had a much tougher journey to the Final with an eight chukka Semi Final against Brunei. In the end, Sainte Mesme managed to secure the win with a Final score of 15-14, and with it a place in the Final. On the day, it was Ayala who claimed a 16-10 victory over Sainte Mesme to secure The Appletiser Silver Cup. In the Subsidiary Final, Cotton House defeated Jolly Roger 11-8. On Sunday 19 August The Medium Goal Gold cup began in Sotogrande with seven 14 goal teams competing for a spot in the Final on Saturday 1 September. The High Goal Gold Cup kicked off on Monday 13 August. This year’s tournament has just five 20 goal teams competing for a place in the Final on Friday 31 August. The action began with a 9-6 win for Dubai over Bardon on Monday, followed by a convincing 15-10 victory for La Indiana over Dos Lunas A&G Banca Privada on Tuesday 14 August. Wednesday’s action saw a great match between Silver Cup champions, Lechuza Caracas and Bronze Cup victors, Dubai Polo Team. The teams did not disappoint, and the crowds were treated to a high goal polo spectacle with end-to-end goals throughout the match. In the end it was Lechuza Caracas who secured the win with a 12-9 win. La Indiana secured a narrow 12-11 win over Bardon on Thursday 16 August. The action continued over the following weekend with a

Ayala secured the Medium Goal Silver Cup Trophy in Sotogrande

9-7 win for Bardon over Dos Lunas A&G Banca Privada, and La Indiana’s winning streak continued with another 12-11 victory, this time against Lechuza Caracas. The Semi Finals are scheduled for Tuesday 28 August, with the Final due to take place on Saturday 1 September. A full report will follow in the next issue of Polo Times. 1892 Isolas Silver Cup Low Goal Final Teams La Esperanza (6): Fernando de la Infiesta (0), Daniel Gariador (2), Hernan Pieres (3) & Pascual Alvarez (1) Aguilas (6): Daniel Entrecanales (0), Juan Torroba (2), Ezequiel Zubiaurre (4) & Richard Duke Buchen (0) Appletiser Silver Cup Medium Goal Final Teams Ayala (14): Iñigo Zobel (0), Tomas Iriarte (4), Lucas James (7) & Santiago Gomez Romero (3) Sainte Mesme (14): Sterling Giannico (3), Robert Ström (4), Clemente Zavaleta (7) & Rafael Cabezas (0) Maserati Gold Cup High Goal Teams Dubai (20): Camilo Castagnola (4), Bartolome Castagnola Jnr (6), Rashid Albwardi (2) & Alfredo Capella (8) Bardon (20): Alejandro Muzzio (8), Andras Tombor (0), Matias Hector Machado (5) & Alejo Taranco (7) Lechuza Caracas (20): Juan Martín Nero (10), David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (10), Victor Vargas (0) & James Mann (0) La Indiana (20): Michael Bickford (1), Facundo Pieres (10), Santiago Laborde (6) & Santiago Gomez Romero (3) Dos Lunas A&G (20): Sterling Giannico (3), Facundo Sola (8), Pascual Sainz de Vicuña (6) & Lucio Fernandez Ocampo (3)

Stewarton Polo Club

Photography by Fiona Brims Photography

Burnfoot took home the upper division title

Across two divisions, eight teams entered The Dodson & Horrell Championships at Stewarton Polo Club earlier this month. In the higher division, Alasdair Archibald’s

Polo Times, September 2018

Burnfoot (George Middlemiss, Freddy Younger, Ben Humpries & Alasdair Archibald) took home the title, whilst in the lower division Kinross (Thom Bell, Elaine Tait, Ali

Kinross won the lower division title

Munnoch, Cath Wilson & Xander Younger) were the ultimate winners. The tournament showed the increasing popularity in Scottish polo with teams hailing from across the region to take part.

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White Waltham Polo Club Photograph courtesy of White Waltham Polo Club

In the Final of The Carpe Diem Polo Tournament at White Waltham Polo Club on Sunday 5 August, Dominic Cunningham’s Carpe Diem Polo Team (Dominic Cunningham, Tele Kyriacou, Heather Russell & Scarlett McCoy) pulled away in the final chukka to win 6-4 against Carlitos Polo. In a challenge match at White Waltham Polo Club on Saturday 11 August, JP Morgan Polo Team narrowly lost out to the HAC Saddle Club (Gearoid O’Connor, Sophie Morrison, Liz Young & Emily Puddifer), with a 4-4½ final score. The sun shone on the match, which saw an abundance of spectators and supporters on the sidelines. Between 18 – 19 August, White Waltham Polo Club hosted two tournaments. The Summer Cup came to a close on Sunday 19 August with Madeva (Nicola Davidson, Verity Roberts, Georgina Brittain & James Nicholson) taking home the title 4-3. Later on that day, in the Final of The Coronation Cup, Maple Leafs (Lt Col Howard Flood, Tariq Dag Khan, Dominic Cunningham & James Nicholson) defeated their rivals to win the title. Prizes from Clarence House and Buckingham Palace brands were presented to the winning team. Nicholson, who played for Ameba in The Gold Cup 20-years-ago was awarded the Player of the Weekend prize.

Carpe Diem pulled away in the final chukka to win The Carpe Diem Polo Tournament 6-4

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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

The HACKETT Rundle Cup 2018

The HACKETT Rundle Cup Teams: HACKETT Army (1): Capt Jess Wood RHA (0), Capt Mossy Hamilton IG (0), Lt. Rishi Aliuwalia LD (0) & Capt Paddy Selfe KRH (1) WL Gore Royal Navy (-2): Surg Cdr Harry Rourke (-1), Capt Dean Bassett (-1), Lt Cdr Steve Spiller (0) & Cmdre Adrian Aplin (0)

Photograph by Peter Meade Photography

The HACKETT Army team took back The HACKETT Rundle Cup from The Royal Navy at Tidworth Polo Club

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The HACKETT Inter-Regimental Finals Day - GPC Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

6,000 guests gathered on the pristine Fisher Ground for the hottest HACKETT Rundle Cup since 1976 on Saturday 14 July. Prior to the main event, the country had been baked by seemingly endless sunshine for what felt like an eternity. As if in answer to the groundsman’s prayers, the day before The Rundle Cup saw two hours of heavy rain, perfectly softening the ground for the main event. The exciting day was started with the Inspire Foundation Charity Match between a team of jockeys and a team of eventers. Under the leadership of Elspeth Talbot-Rice QC on one team and her husband General Robert Talbot-Rice on the other, the teams raced around the field. Baylis and Harding took the win 2-1 against Quilter Cheviot at the final whistle. Between matches, the Henchman two furlong dash was won by Alex Ferguson, a wheelchair race entertained crowds and the Army parachuted onto the pitch, so there was little to take spectator’s eyes away from the field, before the Pony Club took to the ground for a Jorrocks match. The next match on the main ground saw an international challenge for The Indian Cavalry Officers Association Trophy. An American touring side, ECUSPA lead by Hollywood actor Tommy Lee-Jones’ wife Dawn Jones, took on a local UKAFPA team captained by Lt. Johnny Sleaman. Quick play, air shots and quick end-to-end goals gave spectators an exciting match, with the home team taking home the win 5½-4. The main event, The HACKETT Rundle Cup, was next on the schedule and with the crowds packed in enjoying picnics around the ground, it was set to be an exciting game. For the first time since its creation in Malta, in 1909, a female player started for the HACKETT Army team in their annual skirmish with the Royal Navy. Capt Jess Wood took the field with her Army team mates and, as was evident from the first two chukkas, they were taking no prisoners. By the second chukka the Navy showed they were possibly in trouble and although still attacking strongly they just couldn’t work around the showman skills and mastermind brain of Capt Paddy Selfe who sat deep and just kept shutting the back door. He was letting no one through his line of defence and once with the ball on the end of his stick he was as quick firing into attack to his players, Capt Mossy Hamilton, Capt Wood and Lt Rishi Aliuwalia, leaving the Navy having to work out another strategy! As hard as the Navy side tried, they just couldn’t break through the Army’s defence. As the final whistle blew, the HACKETT Army took home the gleaming HACKETT Rundle Cup 6-2. Capt Selfe was presented with The Forensic Risk Alliance Most Valuable Player award, whilst Salsa, owned by Jessica Andrews and ridden by Capt Selfe was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug.

Military

The Foot Guards defeated The QRH to win the oldest polo trophy in the world, The Inter-Regimental Cup

The HACKETT Inter-Regimental Trophy is the oldest polo trophy in the world and has been contested for every year, apart from the war years, since 1869. A large crowd had assembled for this unique encounter on Sunday 15 July as supporters of both teams gathered on The Duke’s Ground at Guards Polo Club for a great day of polo. The Foot Guards defeated the Royal Navy last year and this year were attempting to overcome the stronger Queens Royal Hussars (QRH) team, who had travelled from Germany for the occasion. This was the highest handicapped Final for 25 years and the first time the QRH had reached it in modern times. All the players were Army players and knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses well. The match was therefore very hard fought and low scoring, as marking was tight and riding-off hard, but fair. First blood went to the Foot Guards with Lt Giles Bromley-Martin striking from a long range, but the second chukka saw some strong play by Lt Johnny Sleeman who found the goal on two occasions with one in response from Lt Jamie Drummond-Moray. In the 30 seconds before the half-time, a bad foul just outside the 60 yard line saw the Foot Guards line up for a 60 yard penalty, a turning point really, as Lt Drummond-Moray executed a penalty a professional would have been proud of, as it sailed through, still climbing. The QRH were now on the back foot as the Foot Guards’ number three, Lt Billy Aprahamian started to find his range, and despite some forays deep into their half, no goals were forthcoming for either side. Lt Sleeman found his range assisted by Lt Col Nick Cowley and Ct Henry Amor to score a fine goal to put them half a goal adrift, but with confidence growing the Foot Guards’ number one, Capt Mossy Hamilton made no mistake and put the matter beyond doubt with a fine goal, ending in a win by 4½-3 to the Foot Guards and a repeat of their victory last year. The Pringle Cup Most Valuable Player award went, for the second year running, to Lt. Drummond-Moray. Next year is the 150th Anniversary of this Trophy as well as the anniversary of the first ever polo match in UK, which was between the 9th Lancers and the 10th Hussars. The HACKETT Inter-Regimental Cup Final Teams: The Foot Guards (4): Capt Moss Hamilton IG (0), Lt Giles Bromley-Martin IG (1), Lt Billy Aprahamian IG (2) & Lt Jamie Drummond-Moray SG (1) The Queen’s Royal Hussars (5): Lt Col Nick Cowley QRH (0), Ct Henry Amor QRH (2), Lt Jamie Fry QRH (1) & Lt Johnny Sleeman QRH (2) Polo Times, September 2018

Military

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

The Leadership and Excellence Day Leadership and Excellence Cup went to RMAS B and the Most Valuable Player award went to OCdt Jon Perry of the RAF team. Prizes were presented by Simon Ledger, Director of both British Army Polo and RMAS Polo. In the Staff vs Cadet challenge chukkas, the Staff won with two fine goals from Maj Umaar Farook. The Leadership and Excellence Cup Teams: The Royal Navy (-4): Sub Lt Jack Carlisle (-2), Lt Cdr Tom Burrows (-1), Capt Dean Basset (-1) & Lt Cdr Steve Spiller (0) The RAF (-4): Flt Lt Sara Darby RAF (-2), Flt Lt Dan Rose (-1), Gp Capt Mark Smith (-1) & OCdt Jon Perry (0) RMAS A (-3): OCdts Will Addison/Hannah Good (-2), OCdts Nathan Turner/ Lucy Henry (-2), OCdt Rufus Camm (1) & OCdt Seb Pudney (0) RMAS B (-4): OCdts George Lane-Fox/Tom Fortescue (-2), OCdts Billy Richardson/Anthony Hill (-2), OCdts George PackDrewery-Lowe/Alex Humphries (-2) & OCdt Oli Powell (2)

Photograph by Peter Meade Photography

Following some challenging weather, the ground at RMAS had no relief from rain and the decision was made to relocate the Leadership and Excellence Day to Tidworth Polo Club on Sunday 5 August. Chris and Jess Andrews were very accomodatiing and the planned four-team American-style tournament saw two RMAS teams alongside an RAF and a Royal Navy team. Furthermore, the RMAS staff challenged the remaining cadets in the Club not already playing to a two chukka ‘matchette’. Teams were put together for RMAS by Capt Chris Pyman, Scots Dragoon Guards, who has coordinated the coaching from Greenpoint Polo. Almost all the -2s had been taught the game in the last two months! Umpires kindly came from Tidworth Polo Club and friends and families enjoyed the champagne bar, the Tidworth facilities and a commentary for all matches. The first Semi Final was a conclusive affair between the Royal Navy and the RMAS A team, 5½-1. Particularly effective was Lt Cdr Steve Spiller, who scored two very well taken 60 yard penalties. The second match was much closer between RMAS B and the RAF, with the RAF scoring early and holding their two goal lead until the last minute of the last chukka. OCdt OIi Powell for RMAS turned on the afterburners and scored twice in 45 seconds, thus at two goals apiece an extra 30 seconds was played and once again OCdt Powell found the goal in fine style to put his team through – just. The third and fourth place play-off was a one-sided affair with the RAF running away with it and some fine play by OCdt Jon Perry, who scored from 80 yards out. The RMAS team never really got in gear, despite multiple chances to score. The Final between the Royal Navy and RMAS B was weighed in the Royal Navy’s favour and they certainly started stronger with Lt Cdr Tom Burrows scoring well. RMAS though, under the expert guidance of OCdt Powell, started to put themselves in the right place at the right time and OCdt Tom Fortescue and OCdt George Lane-Fox, did well to latch onto some passes and score. Thus, The

Four teams gathered at Tidworth Polo Club for The Leadership and Excellence Cup on Sunday 5 August

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Women’s Polo

International & Home

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The Guards Ladies’ Polo Tournament for The Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

Nine teams have entered the second edition of The Guards Ladies’ Charity Polo Tournament for The Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy, set to take place between Tuesday 21 August and Saturday 1 September. The Final Day will be held in aid of Breast Cancer Haven and the Club will open its doors to non-members for the special occasion with tickets starting at just £25. This entry includes access to the grandstands, the Clubhouse bar and the La Martina Lawn Retail Village, as well as the opportunity to enjoy a sundowner cocktail hour on the Clubhouse terrace to the sounds of a live DJ. To find out more, or to book your tickets, please visit www.guardspoloclub.com PPZAddPoloTimesl.indd 2

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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

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Guards Polo Club will welcome female players for The Guards Ladies’ Polo Tournament for The Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy

New Forest Charity Tournament Over the weekend of 7 – 8 July, New Forest Polo Club welcomed 25 female players for the annual women’s Charity Tournament, with all proceeds going to The Women’s Trust. Two levels were played, 0-9 goal and 10-14 goal. Four teams competed in the lower level vying to win The Mwaz Kahn Cup. The Semi Finals were played on the Saturday with Aveda defeating Pro Fit, and the New Forest Team beating New Forest Polo School to progress through to the Final on Sunday. With three teams entered into the 10-14 goal, an American-style tournament was played to ensure that all teams played each other. Plenty of spectators turned up on the sunny Sunday to enjoy the Club’s fantastic setting, whilst the committee ran a cake and Pimm’s stand to raise more funds for The Women’s Trust. The 0-9 Goal Final was played between Aveda and the New Forest Team. After a tough game, and New Forest having to fight their way back from a large

deficit, Aveda ran out the winners and took home The Mwaz Kahn Trophy. The second half of the 10-14 goal round-robin saw Maiz Dulce, Coombe Place and Akuma battling out in the glorious sunshine. Akuma played hard, but Maiz Dulce and Coombe Place proved too strong for them, with the former running out the winners of the 10-14 goal. The Subsidiary Final was played between Pro Fit and New Forest Polo School. This game was lovely and open with plenty of good runs and incredible skill showed by the players, the youngest of whom was only 12-years-old! Pro Fit ran out the winners and took home The West Country Shield. This weekend’s sponsors were Women In Polo (WIP). They provided some fantastic prizes for all our players and provided rugs for the best playing pony in each level.

Polo Times, September 2018

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

Photograph courtesy of New Forest Polo Club

25 female players took part in the annual Charity Tournament

International & Home

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Women’s Polo

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

5 minutes with…

Rosanna Turk How did your polo career start? I have just played in my last ever Pony Club Championships, which is where it all began 12-years-ago. My older brother, Danno, played before me and I thought it looked much more fun than other disciplines and very competitive! What’s your greatest achievement to date? Of course, playing twice for Flannels England this year was pretty incredible, I still can’t really believe it! I think keeping all the horses happy and sound when playing this much has been very rewarding as well. It’s certainly a challenge to manage them, but running the yard at home has been a great learning curve. What’s your greatest ambition? It would be very cool to play some high goal! Even better if I could play a pony that I had made myself. Eden Ormerod at Druids Lodge Polo Club has helped me with a couple this year and I massively

developing as it is at the moment. I think there is still room for improvement in the shape of the game however, so for the moment I prefer mixed, as the horses tend to go better in it.

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.

Ladies’ handicap: 3 Mixed handicap: 0

respect his way of thinking with young horses. Which lady players do you admire? Why? Lottie Lamacroft is always very hard to play against and has had a storming season. She has worked so hard for what she has. It is always so tough to come up against Nina Clarkin in mixed polo of course as well – she’s very tough! Tamara Fox has helped me out hugely as well, and always stays calm on the pitch. What’s your favourite tournament/Club? This year the grounds at Cirencester Park Polo Club have been superb and the horses have gone really well there. However, my favourite tournament was playing in the 10 goal at Beaufort Polo Club with the Tomlinsons. It was epic to play at that level and I learnt so much. PPZAddPoloTimesl.indd 2

Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? Ladies’ polo is definitely more ferocious and it is such an exciting area of the sport,

Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? I think prize money at some tournaments could help to bring in more competitive teams and bring it in line with other equestrian disciplines. If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? Facundo, Cambiaso, Gonza and me spare holding for Ollie Jones, just so I could watch him getting creamed! “I couldn’t have done it without. . .”? My mum. She’s a rock star and the hardest working person I know. Not only does she work in the NHS as a surgeon, but she also runs a medical event cover company whilst finding time to help me with the mucking out! She rarely gets to watch me play as she is often working, but her dedication and support is hugely appreciated. Also, the Tesco’s garage in Tetbury on the way to polo has been a life saver!

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Deauville Ladies The Escalina Ladies Polo Cup

Between 18 – 19 August, ladies’ teams took to the Rutland grounds for The Escalina Ladies Tournament. In the Final, Broadgate Ladies took on Los Salvajes, with the former coming out the victors. Unfortunately, in the third chukka, Broadgate Ladies’ Sophie Wesche had a bad fall, potentially breaking her back. Ida Thore substituted in for the injured Wesche and helped the team go on to victory 6-3½. Wesche, lying on the sidelines awaiting treatment insisted the prize-giving take place around her. The Escalina Ladies Tournament Final Teams: Broadgate Ladies (-4): Diana Blackwood (-2), Rosie Richards (-1), Sophie Wesche/Ida Thore (-1) & Emma Sanderson (0) Los Salvajes (-5): Adele Abbott/Leslie Maxfield Gullett (-2), Amanda Hawthorne (-2), Alice Squire (0) & Amy Leggett (-1)

In the Final of the Ladies Polo Cup, Brok Café defeated Charlo 5-2 to take home the title. The Ladies Polo Cup Final Teams: Brok Café (10): Adèle Renauldon (1), Lía Salvo (9), Marguerite Percheron (0) & Margaux Perruchot (0) Charlo (10): Françoise Okala (0), Jeanine Hugo Menendez (5), Caroline Anier (5) & Margaux Havel (0)

Photograph courtesy of Rutland Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of R&B Presse

Brok Café defeated Charlo to win The Ladies Polo Cup

Broadgate Ladies went on to win The Escalina Ladies Tournament despite Sophie Wesche potentially breaking her back in two places

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

Polo Times, September 2018

Women’s Polo

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The Thai Polo Club Ladies International for The Diamond Jubilee

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.

20/06/17 15:11 I

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Photograph by J. Ridley Art & Photography

Lía Salvo races ahead with Tamara Fox close behind

Flannels England Ladies Dominate O Second consecutive win for the Brits

n Saturday 28 July, the polo world’s eyes were firmly on The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, for what was set to be a day of international excitement, world class polo and truly British pomp. Following the primary match of the occasion, The Westchester Cup, the Flannels England Ladies team took to the spectator-ringed ground for The Thai Polo Club Ladies International for The Diamond Jubilee Trophy against a Rest

Polo Times, September 2018

of the World team. Going into the match, Flannels England Ladies had the upper hand, with ladies’ world-number-one Nina Clarkin both captaining the team and bringing up the rear. However, the Rest of the World Ladies refused to go down without a fight. Argentine 9 goaler Lía Salvo, opened up the scoring with a field goal for the Rest of the World Ladies, but Flannels England Ladies took their time and came back with a vengeance. Clarkin secured England’s

first goal, and in combination with the Most Valuable Player Hazel Jackson-Gaona, showing her immense skill, helped their team to secure a further three goals before the half-time bell, to end the half 4-1. If it was possible, Flannels England Ladies came back even stronger in the second half, with an initial goal from Rosanna Turk and another from Jackson-Gaona, 6-1. Sarah Wiseman broke away from the intense play in midfield to put another goal on the board for the Rest of the World Ladies, trying to bring her team back into the game. The play became even more ferocious in the final chukka, but despite countless attempts to convert their goal attempts into goal victories, the Rest of the World Ladies just couldn’t catch the England side. The final score rested at 8-2 to the home side, to a rousing cheer from the assembled crowd and as the ladies lifted the monumentally heavy Diamond Jubilee Trophy, the teams reflected on a fantastic day of international polo in Berkshire.

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

The Thai Polo Club Ladies International for The Diamond Jubilee

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Post Match Player Interviews

Rosanna Turk

Tiva Gross

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

“It was an incredible match. It was so fast – much faster than I’m used to, but it was great fun and an incredible opportunity for me. These people are my idols and I can’t believe I was able to play with them. I couldn’t do it without the support of everyone at home, with special mention to my mother who does so much work to get me to where I need to be.”

Nina Clarkin

“It was a fantastic experience and really great to be out there with the best girls in the world. We didn’t ultimately get the score we wanted, but next year we’ll be out there stronger and better.”

Sarah Wiseman

“It was a good match. We started really well. In the first two minutes of the first chukka we were playing well and then we lost a little bit of mojo in the middle, in chukkas two and three, and then we came back again in the fourth. They are a very tough British team who are very well mounted. They have had the practice time to organise their set plays in the midfield and we were just caught out being a little slow at times. It was a lot of fun to play.”

“I really loved the match today, it was fantastic. They started really well whilst we started a little slow, but once we settled into it and played together as a team, we really combined well together. Everyone played really well. We went out with a game plan which we stuck to and ended with the result we wanted.”

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Hazel Jackson

Lía Salvo

“I had an amazing time today. It was an fun game and the horses were a pleasure to ride. The ground was a little bit bouncy and we’re not so good at the air shots, but that didn’t hinder us too much. It was wonderful to win the MVP award for the second year running, but more importantly to win the Best Playing Pony rug with Black Mamba. I rode horses from Spencer McCarthy and the UAE Polo Team today, which made such a difference and made my life so easy. Thank you to them!”

“It was a really nice match. I was playing with a good team, against a good team and you can’t ask for more. It’s just a shame about the result!”

Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography

The Thai Polo Club Ladies International for The Diamond Jubilee Teams:

Flannels England Ladies secured The Diamond Jubilee Trophy for the second consecutive year

BPP

Flannels England Ladies Rosanna Turk Tamara Fox Hazel Jackson-Gaona Nina Clarkin

2U8LY J

(28) (3) (7) (8) (10)

Rest of the World Ladies Philippa Fitz-Henry Tiva Gross Lía Salvo Sarah Wiseman

(28) (6) (6) (9) (7)

Where: Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Black Mamba, owned by HH Sheika Maitha and played by Hazel Jackson-Gaona

MVP Hazel Jackson-Gaona

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

Polo Times, September 2018

Women’s Polo

Victrix Ludorum

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Victrix Ludorum Rolling On

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Ladies compete across the county PPZAddPoloTimesl.indd 2

Beaufort Polo Club On Sunday 5 August, in the Final of the 18 goal Beaufort Ladies Tournament Victrix Ludorum, Dodson & Horrell defeated Coombe Place 6-2½ to win the coveted title. Saffron Oliver, who had displayed some excellent play, was presented with The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player award, with Nina Clarkin’s pony Nipas awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug. Tarantula defeated Maiz Dulce 4-2½ in the Subsidiary Final. In the 8-12 goal Sports HAI tournament Final, Areda defeated Sports HAI 6-1½. It was a hardfought game in which Lucy Coddington and Rosie Ross proved their power, with some impressive goals. Lucy Coddington was presented with the Most Valuable Player award, whilst Olivia Lamphee’s pony Poppy was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug. Pro Fit defeated Beaufort in the Subsidiary Final.

Polo Times, September 2018

as attracting some of the world’s best lady players. Play continued this month, with tournaments at Cirencester and Beaufort. Unfortunately, the last tournament in August, The Polo Festival Victrix Ludorum at The Royal County of Berkshire, had to be cancelled due to weather conditions.

Photograph by John Hankin

s the summer rolls on, female players are travelling the length and breadth of the British Isles to compete in the Victrix Ludorum. Having been created last year, this season’s series has proved to be exceedingly popular, with a record number of teams entered into each tournament, as well

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Dodson & Horrell swept the board at The Beaufort Ladies Tournament this weekend

The Beaufort Ladies Tournament Victrix Ludorum Final Teams: Dodson & Horrell (18): Cicely Colthurst (1), Hannah Henderson (4), Saffron Oliver (3) & Nina Clarkin (10) Coombe Place (17): Beanie Bradley (1), Daisy Hatfield (3), Hazel Jackson-Gaona (8), & Lottie Lamacraft (5)

The Sports HAI Final Teams: Areda (11): Angela Robb, (0) Ann-Marie Cavanagh (0), Rosie Ross (6) & Lucy Coddington (5) Sports HAI (10): Olivia Lamphee (2), Aurora Eastwood (2), Kiki Severn (2) & Lucy Keen (4)

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

Victrix Ludorum

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Coombe Place defeated Monterosso to win The Cirencester Ladies Tournament

Black Bears Polo Club On Sunday 19 August, La Rosada came up against the UAE Polo Team in the Ladies 18 Goal Victrix Ludorum at Black Bears Polo Club. The UAE Polo Team took control from the first throw-in and held the game until the final bell, despite valiant attempts from La Rosada to get onto the scoreboard. Milly Hine took a tumble, taking out a goal post, but following a short break, recovered and recommenced the match. The UAE Polo Team finally took home the win with a resounding 7-0 final score. Hazel Jackson-Gaona was presented with the Most Valuable Player honours, whilst HH Sheika Matha’s pony Black Mamba was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug. The Black Bears Ladies Victrix Ludorum Final Teams: UAE Polo Team (18): HH Sheika Matha (3), Katie Vickery (3), Milly Hine (4) & Hazel Jackson-Gaona (8) La Rosada (18): Amanda Fontanarrosa (1), Sam Buckles (4), Sarah Hughes (4) & Lía Salvo (9)

Photograph by Katie Vickery

The Cirencester Ladies Tournament Final Teams: Coombe Place (17): Beanie Bradley (1), Daisy Hatfield (3), Hazel Jackson-Gaona (8) & Lottie Lamacraft (5) Monterosso (18): Siri Evjemo-Nysveen (2), Rosanna Turk (3), Emma Wood (6) & Tamara Fox (7)

Women’s Polo

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Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography

Cirencester Park Polo Club On Sunday 29 July, the Final of The Cirencester Ladies Tournament took place, with Coombe Place coming up against Monterosso. Coombe Place defeated their rivals 11-5½ after an exciting match. Hazel Jackson-Gaona was presented with the Most Valuable Player award, whilst Gadly, owned and played by Lottie Lamacraft was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug. In the Subsidiary Final, Dodson & Horrell defeated La Rosada 6-4. Later on in the day in the Final of the 6 goal Doug Brown Cup, R&R defeated Senzaltro/Limitless 6-5 in extra-time.

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The UAE Polo Team defeated La Rosada with a resounding 7-0 win at Black Bears Polo Club

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

Polo Times, September 2018

The Junior Westchester Cup

USA Youth Victorious

Photography by ©USPA/Mark Beaumont

Visitors conquer the Flannels England Team in the final second

Youth

from the Flannels England sticks. As the third chukka ended, the score remained tied at 1-1 with an extra chukka looking more and more likely. Cool as a cucumber, Hine secured a much-needed goal for Flannels England as the fourth chukka began and with a missed penalty and a goal attempt flying wide from Escobar and Bossom, an England victory was in sight. However, the USA team were out there to win and in the final three minutes of this exciting game, the Flannels England fortunes fell by the wayside. With 45 seconds on the clock, Bossom racked up a huge hit from midfield through the posts to make it 2-2 and in a truly frustrating moment for the Flannels England supporters, the England team gave away a penalty 4 with mere seconds left on the clock. As the final second ticked away, Escobar made it 3-2 to the USA and with it, took home The Junior Westchester Cup. The Junior Westchester Cup Teams: Flannels England (4): Charlie Townsend (1), Luke Wiles (1), Milly Hine (1) & Will Harper (1) USA (4): Hope Arellano (1), Bayne Bossom (1), Lucas Escobar (1) & Tenzin Tognini (1)

The USA defeated Flannels England in the final seconds of The Junior Westchester Cup at Black Bears Polo Club

On Friday 27 July, the International excitement began with The Junior Westchester Cup at Black Bears Polo Club, to mark the beginning of The International weekend. This precursor to The Westchester Cup, saw eight young players from England and the USA come together to compete for the coveted trophy and international honours. In front of a gathering of friends, families and international representatives from both nations, and as the first rain in 51 days began to fall, the two young teams began their International careers with a very fast first chukka. The play was quick from

the word go, with both teams vying for possession. Despite a goalless first chukka, the competition was exceedingly fierce. Flannels England opened up the scoring with a field goal at the beginning of the second chukka, but the USA’s Lucas Escobar wasn’t far behind as he made it even stevens going into half-time. The play at the beginning of the second half was extremely close, with Luke Wiles and Milly Hine continuously trying to move the ball from the crowded midfield into open play. Hope Arellano was having the game of her life and it was now that Bayne Bossum began to come into his own for the USA, constantly trying to pry the ball

Lucas Escobar on the ball closely marked by Will Harper and Milly Hine

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Polo Times, September 2018

Youth

The Flannels British Junior Polo Championships

The Flannels British Junior Polo Championships We catch-up with Jilly Emerson following three thrilling junior Finals – The Buckmaster, The Rocksavage and The Hipwood

Buckmaster – Under 19

The Buckmaster Final Teams: Beaufort (3): Ed Walker (0), Luke Wiles (1), Freddie Jodrell (0) & Cruz Novillo Astrada (2) La Mariposa (1): Tom Jodrell (-1), Octavio Pintom (0), Eric Appen (1) & Segundo Darritchon (1)

Photograph by Polo Times

The Final of the Buckmaster took place on Friday 27 July at Black Bears Polo Club, alongside The Junior Westchester Cup, kicking off the illustrious International weekend. Following the league matches, the Final was set with Beaufort taking on La Mariposa. With two goals separating the two teams, La Mariposa started the match with a one and a half goal handicap advantage, but despite this, the match began as a very closely fought affair. Despite continually fighting throughout, Beaufort’s Cruz Novillo Astrada proved too strong at back for the La Mariposa team, refusing to allow many goal opportunities through. At the end of the exciting four chukka match, Beaufort defeated La Mariposa 10-4½. Luke Wiles’s pony Good Woman was named the Polo Times Best Playing Pony. Please turn to our Pony Power pages for more information about Good Woman.

Beaufort defeated La Mariposa to win The Buckmaster Final at Black Bears Polo Club

Rocksavage – Under 17 On Tuesday 7 August on the Castle Ground at Guards Polo Club, the Rocksavage Finals were played in front of a crowd of supporters and players’ families. Following a closely fought match, Oxford Polo came out the winners against Neston Park 3½-3. Alfie Hyde’s pony Cashew was presented with the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug. Please turn to our Pony Power pages for more information about Cashew.

Photograph courtesy of Oxford Polo

The Rocksavage Teams: Oxford Polo (-2): Alfie Hyde (0), Zac Beim (0), Kiki Severn (-1) & Ben Fleming (-1) Neston Park (-1): George Deverall (0), Archie Fuller (-1), Jasmine Stanhope-White (0) & Monte Swain-Grainger (0) Cheshire (-5): Oliver Conway Johnson (-1), Connor Kay (-1), George Smith (-1) & Augustin Mancini (-2) Aspect Polo (-5): Harrison Murphy (-2), Myles Murphy (-1), Barney Hughes (-2) & William Drewitt (-2) Watling Polo (-5): Alex Telfer (-1), Harry Fuller (-1), Bea Fair (-1) & Ralph Robson (-2) Rutland (-5): Ben Mancini (-1), Ed Morris (-1), Ollie Heard (-1) & Carragh Norris (-2)

Oxford Polo secured The Rocksavage title against Neston Park

Polo Times, September 2018

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

The Flannels British Junior Polo Championships

Youth

Hipwood – Under 14 Teams gathered for The Hipwood Finals on Thursday 9 August at the Ambersham grounds at Cowdray Park Polo Club. The Smail Cup was won by Oxford Polo 3½-0, in their match against the Cowdray Park Polo team. Toby Bradshaw’s pony Chispa was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug. The Emerson Tankard was won by Park Place/Northwood against Ranelagh Polo, whilst in The Daily Mail Trophy, Imperial Polo defeated Aspect Polo. Please turn to our Pony Power pages for more information about Chispa.

Photograph courtesy of Oxford Polo

The Hipwood Teams: Oxford Polo (-7): Jemima Walker (-2), Toby Bradshaw (-1), Ollie Davis (-2) & Hector Rogberg (-2) Cowdray Park Polo (-6): Beanie Bradley (-1), William Drewitt (-2), Rufus Uloth (-2) & Wilbur Millard (-1) Aspect Polo (-8): Elicia Murphy (-2), Tallulah Murphy (-2), Ruby Hickment (-2) & Lucy McLaughlan (-2) Imperial Polo (-8): Josh Hyde (-2), Max Hyde (-2), Ollie Drewitt (-2) & Finlay Turner (-2) Park Place/Northwood (-5): Varvara Borodin (-2), Indi Hine (-2), Louis Hine (0) & Fred Thame (-1) Ranelagh Polo (-6): Ollie Heard (-1), Catalina Lavinia (-2), Benjamin Mancini (-1) & Robbie Slatter (-2) Oxford Polo continued their winning streak with a Hipwood Trophy win

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Polo Times, September 2018

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All Aspects of Youth Polo

Young Guns Unite The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships This summer has so far been blessed with abundant glorious sunshine, but as 144 children and their families gathered at Cowdray Park Polo Club for the three day extravaganza that is The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships, the magnificent weather took a turn for the worse and incessant rain set in. Despite the less than perfect conditions, these youngsters were not to be deterred, donning their Pony Club’s colours and riding out in search of victory. The Surtees, Langford, Loriner, Rendell and Gannon series were all in attendance, whilst The Jorrocks Final took place the previous Monday, 6 August, at Hurtwood Park Polo Club. 36 teams had travelled from far and wide to take part in this iconic event, with tents, caravans and Winnebago’s gracing the side of the fields in the aptly coined ‘Village’. The quality of the polo being played by these young guns was truly impressive, with plays akin to something you’d find from a national tournament regularly making appearances. The Gannon Final, ultimately won by the Heythrop Hunt, was an outstanding four chukka match, with impressive teamwork from both sides. Lorna Fleming’s beautiful chestnut mare, Easy, who

had been passed down through her family, was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug, to a cheer from her team. Awards and prizes were given out to all the section winners and respective runnersup at the two presentations, split to allow those cold and wet players from the earlier sections the grace to pack up and head home to warmer climes. Amongst these awards, The Handley Cross Polo Times Best Playing Pony went to Sweepy, owned and played by Robbie Slatter from the Beaufort, who took his pony with him onto the podium to collect his prize! Scarlett Picksley and her pony Esta were awarded the 2018 Jambo Trophy and given the honour of parading round Lawns 2 with the beautiful Crawley and Horsham hounds as this year’s parade was cancelled due to continuous rain. This unique change of events was a delight to behold and one Esta really seemed to enjoy, bringing a wave of laughter through the crowd as she tried to keep up with the huge Hunters. To round it off, Lola Barlow was awarded The Sylvia Shepherd Trophy for the Most Promising U16 Girl and Jasmine Stanhope-White was awarded The Catherine Yates Prize for the Most Promising U21 Girl,

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Jen Liggins

reports from West Sussex

Photography by Michael Chevis, Midhurst, official Pony Club photographer. Galleries at www.michaelchevis.com

following in her sister, Lolly’s, footsteps, whilst the Pony Club Player of the Year, winning a beautiful SATS saddle, went to Rosanna Turk from the Heythrop. Jaz said after her receipt of the award, “It feels amazing to have won the award as there were so many other great players who could have won it. I wasn’t expecting it. I’ve worked really hard to improve and develop this season. My parents have been really supportive and I now have a great string – the whole combination has worked perfectly.” Prior to this year’s Championships, these young players also got the chance to parade at The International Day at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club before The Westchester Cup. The Pony Club is well known for producing excellent, home-bred players, with all four of the Flannels England side playing against the American team in the ‘big match’ having risen through Pony Club’s ranks, but it is with the work behind the scenes that the Pony Club instils a sense of pride and accomplishment. Through reward and general encouragement, the Pony Club has always focused its attention on and off the field, something we hope will continue for years to come. Polo Times, September 2018

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The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships

Charles Whittington Pony Club Polo Chairman

Charles Whittington introduces The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships “The lovely summer posed many challenges, with the need to find watered grounds or find alternatives in an arena. Our thanks must go to all the clubs and tournament organisers for pulling out all the stops for us. We didn’t miss a single day! Sadly, when the rain finally came it spoiled our parade at The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships at Cowdray, but it didn’t stop the parade of the Crawley and Horsham hounds and the presentation of The Jambo Trophy (for a pony which hunts and plays polo) to Esta and her rider,

Jorrocks Number of chukkas played: 1 (6 minute duration) Player age limit: 11 years and under Height limit of pony: 13.2hh Type of pony: No polo ponies allowed, should be all-round Pony Club ponies which have attended rallies Section Manager: Jenny Blake-Thomas Entries for 2018: Seven Jenny Blake-Thomas, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Jorrocks Section: “The Jorrocks Championships for 2018 were held at Hurtwood Park Polo Club on Monday 6 August. In contrast to 2017, which will be remembered as one of the wettest Championship days in history, 2018 will be remembered as one of the hottest. The Championships began with the customary parade of teams around the field, a wonderful spectacle for teams and spectators alike. All teams were closely inspected for turnout and The Texaco Trophy (Best Turned Out Team) was awarded to the Hampshire Hunt team. This was the second year running that the Hampshire

Scarlett Picksley of the West Hants. This was followed by a highly entertaining Gannon (U21 four chukka polo) Final in which the teams went flat out round and round the Lawns 2 ground, practically without stopping. Are we Brits now the masters of four man polo I hear your ask? There was a slightly reduced general entry this year, but we did allow some crossover between sections to give everyone some polo. In fact, the Rendell (U21 with one pony) was one of the closest competitions, even though it only had two teams! We continue to be very grateful to our sponsors, Flannels, the Hurlingham Polo Association and Thai Polo, together with Polo Times, SATS, RJ Polo and Polo Splice. All our players had to change the branding on their shirts and many took advantage of Hurlingham 1875’s offer to make new ones for branches at a reduced rate. If you haven’t already, do try the Hurlinghampolo1875.com

website – it is fantastic for designing team kit. It is the Chairman’s job to thank all our supporters all the time, and I hope it doesn’t sound too repetitive, but we have a small army of volunteers and supporters without whom we simply couldn’t do our job, a good part of which is to find new families and players from The Pony Club’s grass roots. I would like to thank them for their continued efforts. Finally, we are looking to play arena polo through the winter, so if you would like to keep a pony in and practice, with a tournament in the Easter holidays, we encourage you to play Pony Club and Schools and Universities polo (SUPA) in an arena. For more information about Pony Club Polo, please contact Laura Armstrong at Pony Club Headquarters or via Facebook page Pony Club - Polo.”

Hunt had won The Texaco Trophy, but once again the children were immaculate in their matching hats, saddle cloths and bandages, as they had been throughout the qualifying tournaments and the ponies were all wellgroomed with plaited or hogged manes. For the matches, seven teams were divided into two divisions, based on their performance at qualifying tournaments held over the previous few weeks. Division Two consisted of four teams and was won by Cotswold Hunt. Wilf Copcutt and Hector McPherson were the main goal scorers for their team with Hector’s brother Valentine and Elizabeth Clarkin supporting them. In second place were the Royal Artillery Hunt team in which Jack Phillips and Rosie TalbotRice had featured strongly. Third were Crawley & Horsham Hunt Burgundy team which included Fred Frampton from the South Dorset branch of The Pony Club and fourth were the Cotswold Vale Farmers Hunt in their smart black shirts. The winners of Division One were Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt who had a very successful Pony Club season which included a couple of close battles with Crawley & Horsham Purple. Their team

worked well together with Ava Greenland, Matias Maldonado and Bruno Bradshaw all contributing to the goals scored with back up from Jasmine Speed. Crawley & Horsham Purple came a very close second, with their all-girls team of Suzannah Clark, Sienna Nightingale, Annalise Maurice-Jones and Georgia Stephens. Third were Hampshire Hunt which featured Bartholomew Bell on his pony Higgins. At 34-years-old, Higgins a dunn gelding and all-round Pony Club pony has brought on many young players over his playing career and is very well known in Pony Club polo. Bartholomew’s team mates were Alice and Lara Gregory, and Olivia Allan. The Thorneloe Trophy for the Most Improved Player was awarded to Hector McPherson from the Cotswold Hunt who had made a good contribution to his team’s success on his coloured pony. The Jorrocks Cup for the Most Improved Girl was awarded to Suzannah Clark from the Crawley & Horsham Purple team who had been one of the main goal scorers for her team. The Most Promising First Year Player was also from Crawley & Horsham Purple. Sienna Nightingale is very new to the game of polo, but played a major part in her

The Jorrocks Division One winners, Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt

Polo Times, September 2018

The Jorrocks Division Two winners, Cotswold Hunt

The Most Promising First Year Player, Sienna Nightingale

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The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships team’s success and was awarded a polo handstick. The Tic Tac Trophy for the Best Pony/ Player Combination was awarded to Jack Phillips and his chestnut pony Topic. They had been seen throughout the tournament making a strong contribution to the Royal Artillery Team and working well together. The Polo Times Best playing Pony Rug was awarded to Beano, a 15-year-old bay gelding ridden by Ava Greenland for the Old Surrey & Burstow team that won Division One. Beano played brilliantly for Ava

throughout all their matches and had helped Ava score many goals for the team. Originally from Northern Ireland Beano is equally at home with jumping, mounted games and trekking. The Championships were a great success and we would like to thank Flannels and Jayne and Kenny Jones for their continued support in allowing The Championships to be played at Hurtwood Park Polo Club once again and for making facilities available for anyone who wished to camp overnight, which is always great fun for those concerned.

Youth

Following on from the fierce competition of The Championship day, Jorrocks teams were invited to enter friendly tournaments at Cowdray this year for the first time. Six teams took part over two days and although the first day was played in driving rain the teams were still smiling when they left the field! Several of the children had never played in a polo tournament before, but they certainly seemed to enjoy themselves, so we look forward to seeing them for the full season in 2019.” For more information about Beano, please turn to our Pony Power pages.

Handley Cross Number of chukkas played: 1 Player age limit: Nine-years-old and over, but under 14 on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: 14.2hh Type of pony: No polo ponies allowed, should be all-round Pony Club ponies which have attended rallies Section Manager: Amanda North Entries for 2018: Five Amanda North, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Handley Cross Section: The Handley Cross section of this year’s Pony Club Polo was somewhat unpredictable, with the results changing each time they played. This year a new Pony Club joined the polo circuit in the form of West Hants. The team had three new players and were joined by a Poole and Dorset player to finish off the foursome. They played really well and kept improving as they neared the Cowdray finals. Scarlett Picksleys pony Esta won The Jambo Trophy for the Best All-Round Pony Club Pony that’s hunts regularly as well as competes in all other disciplines. The Royal Artillery Pony Club sent out a young team and they were paired up with a new player from the Taunton Vale, under the

The Handley Cross Division winners, Cowdray Hunt

guidance of Elspeth Talbot-Rice. They grew in confidence and proved to be a team to watch out for next year. The Cottesmore had a slow start and had to change players a few times, but that didn’t put them out of the competition. Each time they met their opponents they would come out with determination to improve on the last game that they had played before. Again, they had a fourth player from another team, the Hampshire Hunt. This was a bit like history repeating itself as previously the Cottesmore had a player from the Hampshire Hunt going through the sections until they all reached an age when they could no longer

play for the Pony Club. The Sunday saw the Final of the Handley Cross Trophy between the Beaufort and Cowdray who had been playing well all summer, in an exciting two chukka match. After a well-fought second chukka, Cowdray ran out the winners. Robbie Slatter’s pony Sweepie was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Handley Cross Pony rug. The parents and children are always a pleasure to be with and the children showed great sportsmanship and respect. Thank you to the committee and the Handley Cross section – the summer wouldn’t be the same without all of you.”

Surtees Number of chukkas played: 1 Player age limit: Under 14-years-old on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Jo Whittington Entries for 2018: Nine

The Surtees Division One winners, Meynell

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Jo Whittington, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Surtees Section: “Nine teams entered the Surtees section this year, which allowed a division of four and one of five. Leading up to the Championships these divisions were strongly contested with some exciting and excellent chukkas. But consistently throughout, the Meynell showed their strength as a good four-man team and came out as top Polo Times, September 2018

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The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships

seed. The Cowdray Branch, who field a great group of under-14 players, had both their Orange and Blue teams knocking at the door, as did the Beaufort. These teams contested Division One at the Championships, with The Royal Artillery, Taunton Vale, Old Berkshire, Grafton and South Oxfordshire Hunt South fighting it out in Division Two. The Meynell were taken to the wire on the Friday and Saturday with, once again, a lot of draws, and really close scores, but just hung onto the top place with the Cowdray Blue coming out second on goals scored, to play in the Final against them. In the first chukka before lunch on Sunday, the Meynell again showed their strength and were two goals up going to into the final on Lawns 2 in the afternoon. This was a much closer battle, but the Meynell finally slotted another goal through and this clinched The Cooper Cup for them. Both these teams, together with the Cowdray Orange and the Beaufort in their playoff, showed that we have some brilliant and exciting young players for the future.

The Surtees Divison Two winners, Taunton Vale

Division Two was also hotly contested throughout, with great play and excitement. But with The Royal Artillery and the Taunton Vale showing they were two really wellmatched teams, ending up with the same points and then goals in the Final, the result of which was a pony club decider – the classic run down! The Taunton Vale, with excellent hitting by Billy Cooper, ran out the winners. The final three placings were equally close,

ending on equal points, but the Old Berks and the Grafton came out equally on top. So, another run down! The Old Berks ultimately ran out winners of the Surtees II Trophy. The Telegraph Award for the Most Promising U14 Player for the Surtees and Handley Cross sections was awarded to Robbie Slatter from the Beaufort for his outstanding team play, with his Surtees team and Handley Cross team.”

Loriner Number of chukkas played: 1 Handicap limit: 0 Player age limit: 12 years and over, but under 16 on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Jo Whittington Entries for 2018: Five Jo Whittington, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Loriner Section: “In the Qualifying tournaments, as soon as one team improved, the others also improved, so the placings were fairly consistent. On the Friday and Saturday at The Championships, a League was played, all against all. The first and second went to The Royal Artillery (RA) and The Meynell, so they went through to the Final. The Meynell ran out the winners of The Loriner Challenge Trophy with their strong four-man team. This was well deserved as they played consistently well throughout. The South Oxfordshire Hunt South (SOHS), Heythrop and Cambridgeshire contested Loriner II with the SOHS winning a very close American tournament to take home The Hillingdon Hall Cup.

Langford Number of chukkas played: 2 Handicap limit: 0 Player age limit: Under 17-years-old on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Bethan Hitchman Entries for 2018: Five 58

Polo Times, September 2018

The Loriner Division One winners, Meynell Hunt

The Loriner Division Two winners, South Oxfordshire Hunt (South)

The Loriner Challenge Trophy winning team, Meynell Hunt

The Cambridgeshire branch, managed by a Jane McDougall, won The Ledner Trophy for the highest placed team at The Championships, with all players members of

a single branch. Lola Barlow won The Sylvia Shepherd trophy for the Most Promising Loriner Girl.”

Bethan Hitchman, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Langford Section: “The Langford section this year was played similar to last year with each team playing two-chukka matches, two on each day of the Qualifiers and the Championships. These two-chukka matches were limited to six minutes, so it would be possible for teams to play three games on one day if

necessary. There were five teams, four teams of -5/-6 goal handicap and one stronger on paper with -2 goal handicap. However, from the start it was clear there was a division between the teams, with two stronger teams and three slightly weaker teams. The League was contested at the Qualifiers, with matches being played at Cirencester on day two and day four and For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages

The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships

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The Langford Plate awarded to Beaufort by Bethan Hitchman

The Jack Gannon Trophy was awarded to the Cotswold Hunt

The Langford Division Two winners, Cambridgeshire Hunt

down at Hurtwood this year as well. The hard ground made organisation more difficult, but in the end the decision was made to hold the Longdole qualifier at Cirencester. This meant seven of the ten league games were played at Cirencester, on a good, well-irrigated ground. The Beaufort team won all their league matches including a closely contested match against the Cotswold and so won The League Trophy. The three slightly weaker teams were all very close in ability, leading to some very hard-fought games. After the Qualifiers, the Cottesmore came third in the league, followed by Cambridgeshire in fourth and OS&B in fifth. At Cowdray, all teams played each other over the first two days, the first and second place to play each other in the main Final, and the third, fourth and fifth place to play-off

for The Martin Trotter Trophy in a round-robin competition. As expected, the Beaufort and Cotswold beat the other three teams and Beaufort beat Cotswold in their preliminary match 4-3, with Zac Beim missing a long drive in the last play of the game to equalise. These two teams went into what was going to be a Final to watch. Over the course of the Qualifiers, all the teams started to work better together, but this was particularly noticeable for the Cambridgeshire, a team made up of four individual players, two of whom had come from SUPA. In the round-robin Final, they really came into their own and ended up beating the Cottesmore and OS&B to win The Martin Trotter Trophy. Cottesmore came fourth and OS&B came fifth. The main Final was played over four chukkas on Lawns 1, separated into two

chukkas followed by a break before the last two chukkas. The Cotswold team started strong and managed to add two goals to their two goal handicap head start to finish the first half four goals up, with goals from Zac Beim and Kiki Severn. Beaufort had left themselves just a bit too much to do and couldn’t make up the difference in the second half, with The Cotswold running out the winners by 5-1. Zac Beim was the star of the show with two goals scored and some excellent defensive work, and so was awarded The Andrew Older Memorial Trophy for Most Promising Langford Player. I would like to say a huge thank you to all the players who participated in the Langford section this year, and especially to the Branch Managers who worked so hard to organise their teams and umpire ponies for each game.”

The Rendell League winners, The Heythrop Hunt, with Rendell Section Manager Brigadier Christopher Price

The Bank of Ireland Trophy winners, The Heythrop Hunt, with Rendell Section Manager Brigadier Christopher Price

final chukka, the scores were equal and the winner was decided in a rundown, ultimately won by The Heythrop. At the Championships the two teams played a six chukka match over the three days at Cowdray and the Heythrop won by

5-3, but up until the final two chukkas on Sunday, the scores had been even between the two teams. The two teams were a great credit to Pony Club polo, with all chukkas very competitive, but played in a very friendly way.

Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Gannon Section: “The Gannon this year was contested for by four teams – Beaufort Hunt, Cotswold Hunt, Heythrop Hunt and The Royal Artillery Hunt. The teams were able to play each other during the qualifiers, an intense four days of polo at Cirencester Park Polo Club, which was the league competing for The Jaguar Trophy. On day one, Heythrop set down a marker with some excellent team

play, beating the Royal Artillery 8-½. On day two The Royal Artillery bounced back, beating The Cotswold by 8-2 and the Beaufort were narrowly defeated by the Heythrop by 5½-4. On day three, Beaufort settled as a team and ran out comfortable winners against an improving Cotswold Team, 12-½ and on the final day of the Gannon qualifying stages, Heythrop beat the Cotswold 8-½, and in a very hard fought and close match The Royal Artillery beat the

Rendell Number of chukkas played: 6 Player age limit: Between 17 and 20-years-old on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Christopher Price Entries for 2018: 2 teams Brigadier Christopher Price, Section Manager, reviews this year’s Rendell Section: “Sadly for 2018 there were only two teams in the Rendell Section – a Heythrop Hunt team and a Royal Artillery Hunt team. For the Rendell League, playing for The Bank of Ireland Trophy, each team played each other in a total of nine chukkas (three at each Qualifier). At the end of the ninth and

Gannon Number of chukkas played: 4 Handicap limit: Minimum handicap of 0 goals, no maximum Player age limit: Under 21 on 1 January of the current year Height limit of pony: No restriction Type of pony: Polo ponies Section Manager: Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White Entries for 2018:

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Polo Times, September 2018

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The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships

The Gannon Division One winners, Heythrop Hunt, presented by Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White

Beaufort by 5-5½. The Heythrop Hunt ran out the winners of The Jaguar Trophy, with The Royal Artillery in second, The Beaufort third and The Cotswold fourth. These results gave the seedings for the Semi Finals of the Gannon section, which were played at the Championships at Cowdray Park Polo Club on Friday 10 August. In the Semi Finals, played on a superb Lawn 3 at Cowdray, Heythrop beat the Cotswold and the Beaufort beat The Royal

The Gannon Division Two winners, Heythrop Hunt, presented by Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White

Artillery, setting up a Heythrop versus Beaufort Final for Sunday. The Subsidiary Final on Sunday between The Royal Artillery and The Cotswold was a fast-flowing game, with both teams having improved considerably over the tournament. Despite continued pressure The Royal Artillery were the victors scoring 8 goals to The Cotswolds 1½. The Gannon Final saw the impressive teamwork of the Heythrop (Jonty Barlow,

Mike Smith

Frequently asked Questions:

Mike Smith was yet again the organiser of all the administration at The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships this year, but few people at the Championships realised that this year marked his 30th anniversary doing that work. Not only has he been responsible (as “Camp Commandant”) for the administration of the Championships over that time, but he has acted as the Financial Accountant and Health & Safety Officer for Pony Club polo throughout those 30 years. He has ‘served’ under five Chairmen and has seen the children of

How do I start my child off playing polo? Contact Pony Club Head Office on 02476 698300 and ask for Laura Armstrong who will put you in touch with a nearby Branch Manager. Can I play with my Pony Club pony? Yes! There are two divisions that cater for those with one small pony.

Tom Barlow, Magnus Gilje & Rosanna Turk), pitted against the dynamic young team from the Beaufort (Edward Walker, Marcus Speed, Louis Heard & Lorna Fleming). The match lived up to expectations, with open, free flowing polo and a display of effective team work from both sides, with the Heythrop Hunt coming out on top, winning 4½3. Congratulations to all, especially The Heythrop Hunt, the 2018 Gannon winners.”

those who played many years ago come to play Pony Club polo today. Without his outstanding work and attention to every detail of administration, Pony Club polo and, particularly, the Championships at Cowdray would not be possible. As quoted by Rendell Section Manger Brigadier Christopher Price, “He fully deserves the heartfelt gratitude of the past and present members of the Pony Club Polo Committee, past and present branch and team managers, parents and players over the past 30 years. Thank you Mike!”

Where do I find an instructor or coach? Either the HPA website (www.hpa-polo. co.uk) or the Pony Club instructor database. Instructors with Polo expertise should be on both registers.

What will my child learn? Teamwork, how to win and lose, physical coordination, mental analysis for individual and team tactics, respect for animals and humans alike. Is it social? Pony Club Polo is very social and your child will make lifelong friends in the Pony Club. For more information about Pony Club Polo and how to get involved, please visit www.pcuk.org

Polo Times, September 2018

Photograph by J Ridley Art & Photography

Can I start playing if I don’t own a pony? Yes, contact either the Pony Club or the HPA and they will put you in touch with one of the many Polo Academies around the country.

For the past 30 years, Mike Smith has led every Pony Club polo parade at The International

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

The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships

Youth

Pony Club Polo Championships 2018 Results: Gannon: The Daily Telegraph Trophy (Gannon I) 1st Heythrop Hunt 2nd Beaufort Hungt 3rd Royal Artillery Hunt 4th Cotswold Hunt The Jaguar Trophy (Gannon II) 1st Heythrop Hunt Rendell: The Frank Rendell Cup 1st Heythrop Hunt 2nd Royal Artillery Hunt The Bank of Ireland Trophy (Winner of Rendell League) Heythrop Hunt Langford: The Jack Gannon Trophy 1st Cotswold Hunt 2nd Beaufort Hunt The Langford Plate (Winner of Langford League) 1st Beaufort Hunt

Individual prizes: The Tony Gilks Branch Manager Award: For the most organised Team Manager – Emma McLaughlin, Beaufort Hunt The Ledner Trophy: For the highest ranked Langford or Gannon team that is not a mixed team – Jane MacDougall, Cambridgeshire Hunt Ledner Awards: For highest ranked team that is not a mixed team, Surtees – Peter Bradley, Cowdray Hunt & Handley Cross – Peter Bradley, Cowdray Hunt Young Telegraph Award: For the most promising player in the U15/14 Sections – Robbie Slatter, Beaufort Hunt The Andrew Older Memorial Trophy: For the most promising Langford Player of the Year – Zac Beim, Cotswold Hunt

The Martin Trotter Trophy 3rd Old Surry & Burstow Hunt 4th Cambridgeshire Hunt 5th Cottesmore Hunt Loriner: The Loriner Challenge Trophy (Winner of Loriner Division I) 1st Meynell Hunt 2nd Royal Artillery Hunt The Hillingdon Hall Cup (Winner of Loriner Division II) 3rd South Oxfordshire Hunt (South) 4th Heythrop Hunt 5th Cambridgeshire Hunt Surtees: The Cooper Cup (Winner of Surtees Division I) 1st Meynell White 2nd Cowdray Hunt Blue 3rd Cowdray Hunt Orange 4th Beaufort Hunt The Surtees II Trophy (Winner of Surtees Division II) 1st Taunton Vale 2nd Royal Artillery Hunt

The Sylvia Shepherd Trophy: For the U16 girl who shows most promise – Lola Barlow, Heythrop Hunt

3rd 4th 5th

Old Berkshire Hunt Grafton Hunt South Oxfordshire Hunt (South)

Handley Cross: The Handley Cross Cup (Winners of Handley Cross Division I) 1st Cowdray Hunt 2nd Beaufort Hunt Credit: The Art of Polo

The Pardy Cup (Winners of Handley Cross Division II) O F F I C I A L S P O N S O R O F T H E E N G L A N D P O LO T E A M 3rd Royal Artillery Hunt W W W. F L A N N E L S .C O M 4th Cottesmore Hunt 5th West Hants Jorrocks: Division I 1st Old Surry & Burstow Hunt 2nd Crawley & Horsham Hunt Purple 3rd Hampshire Hunt Division II 1st Cotswold Hunt 2nd Royal Artillery Hunt 3rd Crawley & Horsham Hunt Burgundy 4th Cotswold Vale Farmers Hunt

SATS Saddle Award: For The Best Player of the Season – Rosanna Turk, Berkeley Hunt

Catherine Yates Prize: For the U21 girl who shows most promise – Jasmine StanhopeWhite, Beaufort Hunt

The Jambo Trophy: For the best pony/player combination to both hunt and play polo – Scarlett Picksley and her pony Esta, West Hants

Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Handley Cross Pony – Sweepy, owned and played by Robbie Slatter

Tic Tac Trophy: Best Jorrocks Pony/Player Combination – Jack Phillips and his pony Topic, Royal Artillery Hunt

Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Jorrocks Pony – Beano, owned and played by Ava Greenland, Old Surry & Burstow Hunt

Most Promising First Year Player: Sienna Nightingale, Crawley & Horsham Hunt

Polo Times Rug: For the Best Playing Gannon Pony – Easy owned and played by Lorna Fleming, Heythrop Hunt The RoR Prize: For the Best Playing Pony – Crescendo, owned and played by Tom Barlow, Heythrop Hunt

To find out more about the Polo Times Best Playing Ponies turn to our Pony Power section Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!

Thorneloe Trophy: Most Improved Jorrocks Boy – Hector McPherson, Cotswold Hunt Jorrocks Cup: Most Improved Jorrocks Girls – Suzannah Clark, Crawley & Horsham Hunt The Texaco Trophy: For Jorrocks Turnout – The Hampshire Hunt

Polo Times, September 2018

Youth

The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships

The Jorrocks Cup for the Most Improved Girl, Suzannah Clark

The Thornloe Trophy for Most Improved Jorrocks Player, Hector McPherson

Zac Beim, winner of The Andrew Older Memorial Trophy, presented by Bethan Hitchman

The Tony Gilks Branch Manager Award winner, Emma McLaughlin, Beaufort Hunt

The RoR rug winner, Crescendo, owned and played by Tom Barlow

Rosanna Turk wins The SATS Saddle Award, presented by George Amor

Polo Times, September 2018

Jack Phillips and his pony Topic was awarded The TicTac Trophy

The Hampshire Hunt winners of The Texaco Trophy, presented by Jenny Blake-Thomas

The Ledner Trophy awarded to Jane MacDoougall, Cambridgeshire Hunt, by Charles Wittington

Robbie Slatter, winner of The Young Telegraph Award, presented by Jo Whittington

Scarlett Picksley and her pony Esta, winner of The Jambo Trophy, presented by Handley Cross Section Manager Amanda North

Lola Barlow wins The Sylvia Shepherd Trophy

Jasmine Stanhope-White wins The Catherine Yates Award, presented by Bethan Hitchman

For Youth polo dates, please turn to our Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On pages

Pony Power

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Aguara Height: 15hh Age: 16-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Guillermo Terrera Tournament: The Apsley Cup Final at Cirencester Park Polo Club

Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography

Where is she from? I purchased her from Tomàs Lalor. How long have you had her? I have had her for seven years so far. Tell us about her background? I bought her in 2012 and I will try to take her back home next year for breeding so that I can play her fillies in the future. What are her strengths? She is very quiet and loyal to a point. How has she gone this season? She has gone really well so far. It’s been a great season.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, not yet! What are your plans for her in the future? I will take her back to Argentina in 2019 to breed from her.

Does she have any special quirks? It’s not really a quirk, but since I got her, she’s never missed a game. Describe her in three words? Amazing grey mare.

Ratonera Height: 15.1hh Age: 15-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Patrick Heffron Tournament: 6 goal Tournament at Polo Wicklow Where is she from/breeding? She is from Argentina. Photograph courtesy of Polo Wicklow

How long have you had her? Nine seasons so far. Tell us about her background? She was bought as a six-year-old by Tommy Morgan on my behalf and then exported to the UK. She has played at all levels from 0 to 15 goal. What are her strengths? She is very fast and a real winner. She has the heart of a lion.

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

How has she gone this season? She is older now and a little slower at the gallop, but is still a great pony to have in your string.

What are your plans for her in the future? I plan to continue playing her in low goal for as long as she is still enjoying the

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sport, then I will retire her. Does she have any special quirks? She always likes to play fast and is no fun to stick and ball.

Polo Times, September 2018

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Chance Height: 15.1hh Age: Eight-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Pedro de Lamare Tournament: The Binfield Heath Festival (Charity Day) at Binfield Heath Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Binfield Heath Polo Club

Where is he from/breeding? He is from Argentina and was bred by Valiente (Durazno x Bolilla Ruleta). How long have you had him? Only a few weeks and look how well he has done! Tell us about his background? He was brought over to the UK by the Valiente Polo Team, but I’m not exactly sure when. What are his strengths? He is very easy, has great balance and his action is very close to the ground, making him an easy platform off which to hit the ball. How has he gone this season? So far, so good, but I’m still getting to know him. So far, I really like him!

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? I’m not sure, but this is the first one with me! What are your plans for him in the future? Play, play and play some more!

Does he have any special quirks? He likes to sleep a lot… Describe him in three words. A good horse/Um bom cavalo [in Portuguese].

Miami Height: 15.3hh Age: 14-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Juan Gris Zavaleta Tournament: The Harrison Cup Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Cowdray Park Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She is from South Africa. How long have you had her? For four years. Tell us about her background? She came from Nachi du Plessis and is one of my best mares. She has played at the highest levels in Europe including Sotogrande, The Queen’s Cup and The Gold Cup. She won The Gold Cup with Nachi du Plessis in 2011 and I have had her since 2014. What are her strengths? She has amazing sides and balance. She is also very soft and comfortable to hit the ball off. How has she gone this season? Really well! She always goes well and never has a bad game.

Polo Times, September 2018

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, this is her first award. What are your plans for her in the future? She will stay in England and keep playing until she retires. Then I hope to breed from her.

Does she have any special quirks? No quirks. She is a super easy horse and all the guys on the yard love her. Describe her in three words? Incredibly big heart!

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Nobu Height: 15.1hh Age: Nine-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Jack Richardson Tournament: The Fortunis Capital Challenge Cup Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Javad

Where is he from /bree

ding?

He was bred by Jim Gilmore at Ellerston, Australia and came over to the UK as a four-year-old. He is by the prolific sire Norman Pentaquad , out of an Ellerston mare, Java. His sire Norman Pentaquad has produced many high goal ponies in Austr and Argentina. alia

How long have you had her? I have had her for six years.

How long have you had him? Since he was four-y ears-old (2010). Tell us about his background? Javad was bred and broken by Jim Gilmo in Australia and came re over to the UK to be used as a breeding stallion. He is an export status stallion, mean ing his semen can be sent anywhere in Europe, but this also restricts him to be based at Beaufort Embryo Transfer. However, he is too good not to play

Tell us about her background? She was found by Milo Watson out of racing as a three-year-old. She has played all levels with me during her career from 6 to 22 goal.

so I sneak him out to play matches as much as I can. He is one of my favourites and I feel very lucky to have him as part of my playing string. What are his stren gths? Speed, agility and balance. He has a great temperament and is loved by everyo ne who works with him. He has Tilly (who looks after him) wrapped aroun d his little finger, so always has the best equip ment and the most attention! How has he gone this season? He’s been going from strength to streng th and is now playing the best he has ever done.

Has he won any other Best Playi ng Pony Awards? Not yet! What are your plans for him in the future Continue to play ? him as much as possi ble, within his very busy breeding commitmen ts. Does he have any special quirks? He is food obsessed – he always has to be fed first! Describe him in three words? At hletic, clever, awesome.

Nobu

What are her strengths? She has extreme acceleration and a big heart.

What are your plans for her in the future? To keep playing her.

How has she gone this season? Only one word for it – amazingly!

Does she have any special quirks? Her head carriage is a little high. Describe her in three words. Fast, crazy, legend.

Height: 15.1hh Age: Nine-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and playe d by: Jack Richa rdson Tournament: The Duke of Wellington at Guards Polo Club Where is she from /breeding? She is a Thoroughbred How long have you had her? I have had her since she was three-years-old, so six years. Tell us about her b ackground? She came from Tim Easterby who trains racehorses Yorkshire. She raced in a few times, but was good so I bought no her as we made her at home a three-year-old and with us. What are her streng ths? She has amazing acceleratio n, great to both sides and a big heart. How has she gone this season? This has been her best seaso n for me, she’s been amazing.

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

Height: 14.3hh Age: 11-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Stallion Owned and playe d by: Owned by Jim Gilmore and Emm a Tomlinson, and played by Emma Tomlinson Tournament: The Lord Patrick Beres ford Trophy at Guards Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She came out of racing from a yard in Yorkshire.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? She won two Best Playing Pony awards last year – The Coworth Park Challenge and The Duke of Wellington.

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Pony Power

Has she won any other Best Playi ng Pony Awards? Yes. She won the BPP in the Final of the Cowo rth Park Challenge 15 Goal at Guards Polo Club this year and also the Duke of Wellin gton last year, so we’re on a roll! What are your plans for her in the future? To play her even more than I already

do and hopefully in the high goal next season. Does she have any special quirk s? She is quite a nervous horse and very alert! Describe her in three words? Energ etic, athletic, speedy.

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

Height: 15hh Age: Six-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Sex: Mare Owned by: James Harper and John Fisher Played by: Henry Fisher Tournament: The Holden White Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She was homebred in the UK. How long have you had her? James and John have owned her from birth. Tell us about her background? She was homebred in the UK and this is her first proper season. She has played in the 8, 12 and 15 goal and has gone very well. What are her strengths? She is very easy with lots of handle and power.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, this is her first award.

Does she have any special quirks? She is a very sweet mare, with a lot of character.

How has she gone this season? From strength to strength.

What are your plans for her in the future? Hopefully she will progress to play in the high goal with James!

Describe her in three words. Small pocket rocket!

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Polo Times, September 2018

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Pony Power

El Overo Z7 Mechi Height: 15hh Age: Six-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned by: HH Sheika Maitha and Team Z7 Played by: Lucas Monteverde Tournament: The Guards La Aguada Youth Tournament at Guards Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is out of Merceditas and Chalo Compinche, and was bred by Lucas Monterverde Snr. How long have you had her? From birth. Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Tell us about her background? She played The Argentine Open in 2016 with Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset. She was exported to Dubai in December 2016 following The Open and is now playing for the UAE Polo Team with me.

Beano Height: 13.2hh Age: 15-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Owned by: Clodagh & Jeremy Greenland Played by: Ava Greenland Tournament: The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships Jorrocks Division Photograph by Michael Chevis Photography

Where is he from/breeding? He is from Northern Ireland and came over to the UK with Ryan Conroy. How long have you had him? Three years. Tell us about his background? Beano came over to the UK with Ryan Conroy from Northern Ireland about three and a half years ago from his mum’s riding school where he was jumping, doing cross country, games and trekking. Ryan began schooling him for polo and since then, Ava and Beano have been learning together. He’s also a super jumper and Ava can now fly around 80 and 90cm courses with him. What are his strengths? He is completely honest and forgiving. He adapts for his rider and totally looks after Ava.

How has he gone this season? He has been super for Ava this season and has stepped up to her level as she’s grown in size, strength and confidence. Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, this is his first. What are your plans for him in the future? We plan for Ava and Beano to

continue growing their partnership in polo and jumping. Does he have any special quirks? He is sometimes surprised to see a little white ball in front of him! Describe him in three words. Best. Pony. Ever.

Polo Times, September 2018

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Nipper Height: 15.3hh Age: 10-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Sex: Mare Owned by: Owned by John Paul and Nina Clarkin Played by: Nina Clarkin Tournament: Beaufort Ladies 18 Goal Victrix Ludorum Tournament Photograph by John Hankin Photography

Where is she from/breeding? She is a New Zealand Thoroughbred by Rough Nipper out of Astro Girl. We bought her from friends of ours, Gary Vickers and Missy Browne. How long have you had her? We bought her four-years-ago in New Zealand and she came to England last year. Tell us about her background? She is a New Zealand Thoroughbred that never raced and was produced solely for polo. Gary and Missy made her and she came to us as a six-year-old, ready to go. What are her strengths? She is a really strong and powerful mare with a very soft mouth and lots of speed. I play her at all levels and she always gives 100 percent and can adapt to any speed of polo, but the faster the better for her!

How has she gone this season? She has gone brilliantly and is getting better and better in every game. She always gives me a great chukka and is very reliable. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? This is, hopefully, the first of many! What are your plans for her in the future? To keep playing her and keep her in

the best possible shape so she can continue to play amazingly. Does she have any special quirks? Elin tells me her stable is like a bomb site in the morning and you can’t get anywhere near her when it is feed time! Describe her in three words. Fast, strong, persistent.

Pitufo Height: 15.2hh Age: 14-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Owned by: Jemima Brockett Played by: Captain Paddy Selfe Tournament: The Sassoon Cup at Druids Lodge Polo Club Photography by Andrew Yates Photography

Where is he from/breeding? He is originally from Argentina. How long have you had him? Three seasons so far. Tell us about his background? We bought him from a friend who was thinning out his string and as soon as we tried him, we knew he was great – we just clicked. What are his strengths? Pitufo is very agile and well balanced. He also has a good turn of speed and is very honest. How has he gone this season? Great. He is always consistent.

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not with us. What are your plans for him in the future? He is a mainstay of our string and always very popular at the Club, so we’ll keep playing him for as long as we can.

Does he have any special quirks? He is an escape artist. He can open any stable door in seconds and then thinks it’s very funny. Describe him in three words. We just clicked.

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Polo Times, September 2018

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Pony Power

Easy Height: 15.3hh Age: 19-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Lorna Fleming Tournament: The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships Gannon Division

Photograph by Michael Chevis Photography

Where is she from/breeding? She was originally played by a high goal player, then she went to Josh Tuthill, where we found her. How long have you her? Four years. Tell us about her background? She used to play with my brother Robert, but he has now passed her down to me, which is great. What are her strengths? She’s just a great all-rounder and knows exactly what she’s doing. How has she gone this season? She suffered a bit at the beginning of the season with lameness, but she’s come back really strong. This softer ground post-rain is really helpful.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? I don’t think she has. What are your plans for her in the future? To play her as long as we can. She is just such a great horse.

Does she have any special quirks? She can nip when we do her rug up, but that’s about it really. Describe her in three words. Easy, easy, easy.

Sweepy Height: 13.2hh Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Robbie Slatter Tournament: The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championships Handley Cross Division Where is he from/breeding? He was born and bred in Leicestershire. How long have you had him? Four years.

What are his strengths? He’s basically a human in a horse’s body. He’s a great all-rounder and a very strong showjumper. He has been part of the winning NSEA showjumping team. How has he gone this season? He has been fantastic. Robbie has played him in The Handley Cross, occasionally in The Surtees and also The Hipwood.

Polo Times, September 2018

Photograph by Polo Times

Tell us about his background? He has been playing Pony Club polo with at least four or five families. He was with Milo Sweet before he came to us and with Valentine Hutley before that. He is great as he does all The Pony Club disciplines with Robbie. Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No. He has been overlooked until now! He did win The Jambo Trophy though with Valentine. What are your plans for him in the future? Robbie is now sadly out of Handley Cross, but he’d like to keep him forever. We’re not sure that will work, so he might need to have a new jockey.

Does he have any special quirks? He is absolutely perfect, although he will not stay alone in a lorry. He will climb out if he has to! Describe him in three words. The perfect pony.

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Chispa Height: 15.1hh Age: Nine-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned By: Oxford Polo Ltd Played By: Toby Bradshaw Tournament: The Flannels British Junior Polo Championships Hipwood Section

Photograph by Michael Huggan Photography

Where is she from/breeding? She was born and bred in Uruguay. How long have you had her? We have had her for three years. Tell us about her background? Sadly, it is largely unknown to us. We just know that she is great now. What are her strengths? She is handy, pretty (very important) and accelerates well. How has she gone this season? Fantastically well – we couldn’t be more pleased. Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? No, not yet!

What are your plans for her in the future? She will have two months off following the summer rush, then potentially come back into work for the arena season.

Does she have any special quirks? No, she is superbly straight forward.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? She won the Best Playing Pony rug in The Bryan Bethell Cup with Jake Daniels this year.

Does she have any special quirks? No, she’s just easy.

Describe her in three words. Lara Ashby’s favourite.

Twitter Height: 15hh Age: Six-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned by: Jim Gilmore Played by: James Harper Tournament: The Intuition County Cup Final at Cirencester Park Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She was bred by Jim Gilmore from the Ellerston lines in the UK and is out of Twiggy by Livingston. Photograph by Tom Reynolds Photography

How long have you had her? I have been playing her for the last 10 days, but I’ve known her for her whole life. I was playing a load of Jim’s six-year-olds this month to see which ones can step up to the high goal next year. This is one of many! Tell us about her background? She’s been playing a few Cowdray 15 goal tournaments with Jake Daniels before I took her on. What are her strengths? She’s like a kids’ pony to deal with – very easy in every way. The more you ask of her, the more she gives. How has she gone this season? She has been getting better and better all season. www.polotimes.co.uk

Describe her in three words. A future champion!

What are your plans for her in the future? Hopefully she will play with us in the high goal next season. Polo Times, September 2018

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Cashew Height: 15.1hh Age: 17-years-old Colour: Dark bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Alfie Hyde Tournament: The Flannels British Junior Polo Championships Rocksavage Final Where is she from/breeding? She is an Australian Thoroughbred.

Photograph by Oxford Polo

How long have you had her? We have had her since 2014. Tell us about her background? She came over from Australia in 2010 with Ruki Baillieu and was sold soon after to the high goal team, Enigma’s patron, who then kindly gifted her to me. proven to be my best horse. She’s very consistent and such a special pony to play.

her and I would love to take an embryo from her because she is just an awesome pony.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? She won the Best Playing Pony rug with me in the 2016 Stagshead Trophy match at Ham Polo Club.

Does she have any special quirks? No, she’s just the perfect pony to have on the yard. She is loved by everyone – a true legend.

What are your plans for her in the future? My younger brother Noah will play

Describe her in three words. Fun, fast, faithful.

What are her strengths? She is a bit long, but she makes up for that with her power.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? This is her second Best Playing Pony award and hopefully there will be more!

year as an eight-year-old.

How has she gone this season? She’s getting sharper and this year she has improved a lot.

What are your plans for her in the future? The idea is to make her and sell her, so she will be available for sale next

What are her strengths? Her strengths are her agility, speed and steadiness when going into a ride-off and sticking to the ball. Also, she is great when performing for both myself and my younger brother Noah at the different levels and needs we expect of her. How has she gone this season? Cashew has gone really well this season and has

Pin Up

Photograph courtesy of Kirtlington Park Polo Club

Height: 15.1hh Age: Seven-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned by: The Stanek Family Played by: John Martin Tournament: The Budgett Everett Trophy Final at Kirtlington Park Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is an Irish Thoroughbred. How long have you had her? This is her third season with me. Tell us about her background? She was bought in Ireland and then trained for a year in Spain with the Stanek family.

Does she have any special quirks? She can untie herself! Describe her in three words. Quick, grumpy, clever!

Polo Times, September 2018

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Regal Height: 15.1hh Age: 13-years-old Colour: Dark bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Max Hutchinson Tournament: The Sommerville LivingstoneLearmonth Trophy at Beaufort Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is a South African Thoroughbred.

Photograph by J. Ridley Ary & Photography

How long have you had her? I bought her in 2013 and have had her since then. Tell us about her background? She was produced by Stonefield Polo in South Africa and was eventually brought to the UK to play with Tom de Bruin where she played all levels, up to The Coronation Cup. What are her strengths? Her biggest strength has to be her immense power. I have never played a horse which accelerates off the mark quite like Regal. How has she gone this season? Really well! She has been great all season and I’m delighted with how she is performing. She is coming with me to Italy to play in The FIP European Championships in September which will be amazing!

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not with me. However, I’m not sure if she won any previous awards with Tom – I will have to ask him sometime! What are your plans for her in the future? The plan is to continue to enjoy playing Regal for the next few seasons before she retires. I

definitely would like to breed from her if I can, as she is such a lovely mare. Does she have any special quirks? Not really! Describe her in three words. Grunty little machine.

Kitty Height: 15hh Age: Seven-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Alfie Hyde Tournament: The Colts Cup Final at Cowdray Park Polo Club Photograph by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

Where is she from/breeding? She is from South Africa. How long have you had her? We bought her in July this year, so she’s relatively new to the string. Tell us about her background? She came over from South Africa as a five-year-old and was sold by Ruki Baillieu to the patron of La Indiana polo team, Michael Bickford, who then kindly gave her to me this season.

enjoyable. I cannot wait to see what next season brings for us both!

What are her strengths? Due to her height and petite build she is very quick during short plays.

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

How has she gone this season? As I have only owned her for such a short time it’s hard to answer this, but I can say that every time I ride and play her it becomes more and more

What are your plans for her in the future? Because she was only given to me in July, it will be exciting to get her in at the start of next season and get to know her

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properly from the beginning after wintering her with my string. She is definitely going to be one of my best ponies, so there will be fun times ahead for us. Does she have any special quirks? Not really, but she is so small she’s like a little toy! Describe her in three words. A mini machine. Polo Times, September 2018

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Equipment Focus: Bits

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd offers a reader bitting advice on a mare who is too strong

Heavy in the Hand Q. I play polo on a mare that is currently in a McHardy Polo Pelham. She is generally good in it during schooling sessions at all gaits. During play, when she is put under pressure and the speeds increase, she becomes very strong and checking or fully stopping her becomes a real challenge – she leans on the bit, and becomes incredibly heavy. She has a fairly neutral head carriage with this bit. Is there another bit that you would recommend I try with her?

roller, and its associated bar pressure), by leaning. The leaning is often a pony’s way of trying to ‘numb’ or blank out the pressure, thereby creating some relief. It could be that as you have the Pelham version, the curb is also playing a part in her leaning. This isn’t uncommon in polo ponies. There’s a lot going on here so I recommend a simpler, Polo 3-Ring Happy

Photograph courtesy of Bombers Bits

A. The McHardy is a marvellous bit – it is essentially a combination of a jointed Happy Tongue bit, with a Buster Roller mouthpiece. For polo, it is generally great when more control is required, allowing some space for the tongue thanks to the port, which relieves pressure in this area. Actually, it can often help with leaning, in the case of a horse with a sensitive tongue. The roller in the middle also increases bar pressure and as a result lifts the pony’s head, giving more control. However in this mare’s case, despite the reduction in tongue pressure, she still seems to be objecting to it (perhaps to the central

The Polo 3-Ring Happy Tongue is useful for reducing tongue pressure hopefully allowing the horse to relax

Tongue from Bombers Bits. It’s also useful for reducing tongue pressure with its medium port that has no roller, creating space for the tongue, relieving pressure and hopefully allowing the horse to relax. The 3-ring cheekpiece adds some poll pressure as well, creating the leverage on the mouthpiece that you may seek for control.

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

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Knowledge

Nutrition

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Photography courtesy of Lorna Edgar

Yard Focus with Luke Wiles

Lorna focuses on four of Luke Wiles’ ponies in this article

Luke is 15-years-old and is currently playing off a 1 goal handicap whilst keeping his 12 horses at Beaufort Polo Club. Luke plays in all levels of polo, at Cirencester, Beaufort, Guards and Cowdray, so a lot of travelling is involved throughout the season and they have so far played over 50 games, with still three weeks to go, as I write! Luke has three grooms working for him – José Montenegro has been with him for five years and Alcides Rojas and Nat Barrett both two years. They are all great at allowing the horses ad lib forage throughout the day and night and they don’t use muzzles as Luke would rather have the horses eating as and when they want. José has found the horses self-regulate their forage intake and are often found resting and not eating. Those greedy ones that do enjoy their food are restricted by having small holed haylage nets, and one inside another, to slow them down. When the horses travel they always receive water on arrival at the grounds and they will also have a scoop of alfalfa chaff 30-40 minutes before they play. After playing, they all have hay nets in the lorry to travel home and are offered water as soon as they have finished playing. Luke has found that during busy times the horses hold their weight better as they are not away from their haylage for so long during the day. The great news is, that the above management has not 76

Polo Times, September 2018

Cevilana Cevilana is an 11-year-old, 15hh, Argentine mare bred by Fede Von Wenich, who came over to England four years ago as a seven-year-old after having her in Argentina for a year. She is quite a character in the stable and quite cheeky but she thrives off routine. We have to keep an eye that she doesn’t drop condition or get picky with her food as the season progresses and her had any negative impacts on how the horses play and José , Alicides and Nat have found it works in their pre-game routine without any problems or hassle.

work increases, but this year she has done really well. Diet

2 scoops of Baileys All-Round Competition Mix per day 2 measuring mugs of Baileys Performance Balancer per day Pre/probiotics

The four horses Luke decided to focus on are all quite different in their needs but are all mainstays in his string.

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Knowledge

Cracker

Cracker is a 13-year-old, 15.3hh, Australian mare. She is by Norman Pentequad out of a mare called Crackle. Cracker has been with Luke for three years and is one of his ‘go to’ horses. She is quite quiet in the stables and likes to be left alone. During last winter she was diagnosed with Gastric Ulcers (EGUS), they were treated successfully, but as the season became quite busy Luke’s vet, Fi Jacob from Tomlinson Equine, and I had a meeting to discuss management changes we could make to help Cracker maintain condition, reduce the risk of the ulcers reoccurring, but still maintaining her energy levels on the polo field as she still had a lot to play. • Firstly we wanted to reduce the starch in the diet as much as possible, so we removed the Competition Mix and introduced Baileys Ease & Excel. We were concerned that she may become a bit fussy with the Ease & Excel as she can back off her food quite quickly, especially mid-season, and she is not keen on chaff in her feed. However, she has enjoyed it and the alfalfa has not been a problem at all. She did however start to lack a bit of energy so two scoops of Ease & Excel were removed and two scoops of the Competition Mix were re-introduced. • Ensuring she was eating enough fibre – even though she has free access to her haylage we wanted to make sure she was eating

plenty and we spoke about the possibilities of using Fibre-Beet in a separate feed bowl for her to graze on, or using a freeze-dried grass such as Ultra Grass. • Alfalfa before she works to act as a ‘mat’ in the stomach and reduce the ‘splashing affect’ of gastric acid. • Continuing to use pre and probiotics to aid the digestion of fibre in the hind gut as we both felt they were beneficial to Cracker’s management. Diet 2 scoops of Baileys All-Round Competition Mix per day 2 scoops of Baileys Ease & Excel Mix per day 2 measuring mugs of Baileys Performance Balancer per day Pre/probiotics

Carlos

Tania

Tania is an eight-year-old, 14.2hh, mare bred by Luke Tomlinson out of Trinchera (one of Luke’s favourite mares) by Open Maestro. She has been with Luke about two seasons, and this is her first season in England. She is the friendliest horse you could meet and full of character and thus far she has held her condition well this season. Diet

1 ½ scoops of Baileys All-Round Competition Mix per day 1 scoop of Baileys Top Line Conditioning Cubes per day 2 measuring mugs of Baileys Performance Balancer per day Tania has some Conditioning Cubes added to her diet to give her the extra calories in her diet, and she is partial to the cubes as well! www.polotimes.co.uk

Carlos is an eight-year-old, 15.2hh, gelding bred by Roddy Williams, out of a mare called Santana by Crafty Politician. He is very inquisitive and loves his food; he is also known on the yard as ‘Goofy’! He holds his weight well, but his rations haven’t had to be reduced this season. Should Carlos hold his condition too well at any point during the season we would remove

the Conditioning Cubes and some of the Competition Mix, replacing it with more balancer, to ensure the diet is balanced but the calorie intake is reduced. At this point Carlos may also benefit from having his forage double netted to encourage trickle feeding. Diet 1 ½ scoops of Baileys All- Round Competition Mix per day 1 scoop of Baileys Top Line Conditioning Cubes per day 2 measuring mugs of Baileys Performance Balancer per day

When possible the above rations are split over three meals so the meal sizes are not too big and the feed is not wasted by passing through the digestive tract too quickly. During this hot summer the horses have had electrolytes every day to ensure they remain hydrated and their performance is not hindered. When the horses come in from their winter break they begin work on Top Line Conditioning Cubes or a high fibre cube, and once they begin chukkas they start to have All-Round Competition Mix added to their diets for the quick release energy that Luke feels they benefit from. Polo Times, September 2018

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

Lesson Three – Part Two, Notes for the Instructor In Lesson Three – Part One (July 2018) we developed riding skills by teaching the rollback and then introduced pupils to backhanders. In Part Two we discuss how consistency and angle are the primary aims when playing them. Once they have confidence, you can introduce them to competition with a simulated chukka on a small ground. When you are off the horses, use a whiteboard to teach the zones of preference. This will help pupils to really understand the rights of way (ROW) on the polo ground and what you can or can’t do depending on your position relative to the ball and the ROW.

Hitting

Photograph by Stephen Mowbray

Backhander angles give your team the opportunity to turn and run on the ball

Lesson Structure • 30 minutes: Riding – Demonstrate, work through and practice the rollback. • 30 minutes: Hitting –Teach the offside and nearside backhanders, working on approach, correct leg position, body position and good rotation. • 20 minutes: First simulated chukka on a small field with few rules, concentrate on safety and fun. • 20 minutes: Get off horses, draw a diagram of the zones of preference and work through what you can and can’t do in each zone starting with zone one.

Polo Times, September 2018

Backhanders – Part Two In Part One, we worked through how to hit a backhander, while in this part we discuss the main aims of the backhander in a game situation. Backhanders are used in a defensive situation and therefore what you want to achieve is slightly different from a forehand. Consistency and angle are much more important than power. • Consistency – it is more beneficial to your team mates if they know you are 90 percent likely to hit a tail backhander that goes 30m every time, rather than 60 percent likely to go 100m, because every miss can give the opposition an opportunity at goal. • Good angle – here we are practicing straight backhanders, but in a game situation it is rare that you should play it straight. Angles give your team an opportunity to turn and run onto the ball and makes the opposition play a defensive shot. We will go into the dynamics of how to put angle on your shots later on in the course. To practice your skills, start by lining up five balls in a straight line, 10m apart. Walk in a straight line hitting each ball as you come to it. After you have done this successfully try in a trot with the balls 15m apart, then in a canter with the balls 20m apart. It is particularly good practice to keep the pony in a straight line once you have played each shot and this exercise makes you do this.

Strategy

Zones of Preference On the polo field the ball is continuously moving and therefore the line of the ball (LOB) and ROW are continuously changing in a fluid www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Learn to Play

Zone One Right to play the ball on the offside Zone Two Right to play ball on nearside Can hook player in Zone One Can ride-off player in Zone One to become in Zone One Zone Three Right to meet the ball on offside provided only one player in Zone One Wait for the ball to pass and become in Zone Two Zone Four No direct right to play ball May proceed into Zone One (ROW) only if there is space to do so May ride-off player in Zone One to become in Zone Two Zone Five No play whatsoever Figure one

situation. At any particular moment the LOB and ROW create zones of preferences which are shown in the list above (figure one), with zone one being the best place to be and zone five the least preferable. Each zone has very different opportunities to make a play or not. I find that learning the concept of zones, how they are defined and the

As you develop your skills on the polo field you will learn how to control the zones in order to give you more right to hit the ball than the opposition, but initially it is very important for your enjoyment of the sport that you understand what you are allowed to do at any given moment during play.

impact they have on the game, gives you a head start when you get onto the polo field and start to play the game for real (this is best understood with the help of your instructor, so once you have understood the diagram, get your coach to work you through different scenarios on the practice field).

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Playing Tips

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Plane of Swing and Direction of Hit

Volume 23 • Issue 2 • March 2018 • £6.50

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So, where does the horse store fat? Neck

Photograph courtesy of Cirencester Park Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Barbados Polo Club

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NWA, USA – Middle School League: 30 September – 1 October Aiken, USA – Middle School League: 14 – 15 October Garrison Forest, USA – Middle School League: 21 – 22 October Bluewater Creek, USA – Middle School League: 28 – 29 October

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Polo News, Fixtures & Reports

Gossip

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On a twinkly Saturday evening, guests gathered at Beaufort Polo Club to celebrate the fast approaching end of the summer season, with lashings of Justerini & Brooks champagne, canapés and most importantly, glitter! The glitter theme was subtly incorporated throughout the beautiful venue with shimmering table decorations, glimmering flower jars and a starlit ceiling. Each guest came to the evening suitably ‘glittered-up’ ready to dance the night away to local band the Chip Shop Boys, after tucking into a deliciously delectable three-course meal. It’s safe to say, the party carried on until the wee small hours of the morning!

CPPC has teamed up with local tailor Barrington Ayre to produce a Club blazer in CPPC’s iconic colours. Those lucky enough to be awarded the Cirencester MVP award will be in with a chance of wearing one of these unique pieces, useful at all polo, tennis, rugby and rowing events.

Polo Times, October 2017

Norman Bellone

Congratulations to their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who announced the imminent arrival of their third child. Will the third addition to the family grow up to play polo? Will he or she be left-handed like their father or allergic to horses like their mother? Time will tell!

HIGH GOAL RUMOURS On Wednesday 30 August, Rugby Polo Club donned their finest pink outfits for a day of Pink Polo in support of Breast Cancer Now. Even the Club’s Polo Manager, Jeremy Pidgeon, got involved.

Photography by Jocelyn Ridley Photography

THERE’S A THIRD CAMBRIDGE ON THE WAY!

CONGRATULATIONS! Tom Morley & fiancée Tessa Foot have welcomed a baby girl into the world. She was born on Monday 11 September and both mother and baby are doing well.

PRETTY IN PINK

Karen Chung, Christopher Sokol, Niul Wood & Kitty Sokol

Beaufort Glitter Ball; Beaufort Polo Club; Saturday 26 August

The rumours are true! It has now been confirmed that Facundo Pieres will be riding out for La Indiana for the 2018 high goal season. The full team lineup is yet to be confirmed, but we’ll keep you in the loop! In other news, Pablo Mac Donough is set to move to Talandracas for 2018 whilst, according to the rumour mill, Guillermo Caset will be donning the black shirts of RH Polo.

WEDDING BELLS!

Stephanie Shewry & Micheal Barlett

Olivia Castle & Looby Wright

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Chrissy Marshall

Nina Clarkin & Olivia Clowes

Annie Monaghman, Chloe Taylor & Lolly Stanhope-White

Cicely Moore & Frankie Barnes

Congratulations to Jay and Harriet Jones who were married on Saturday 26 August in St Nicholas Church, Itchingfield, West Sussex. Guests were then invited to Shiprods Manor for a downright knees-up with Jay’s father Kenney Jones (of The Who fame) taking to the stage with some famous friends! www.polotimes.co.uk

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Shannon Stephenson & Rosie Hutchin

Gwynn Bucket, Nettie Young & Jacob Kirby

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Jono Smail, Edgeworth Polo Club’s Polo Manager tied the knot with Rachel Newman on Saturday 9 September, followed by an evening of revelry at the Gloucestershire Club and bleary eyed matches the following day, luckily held late to allow recovery time!

Photograph by Big Love Photography

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FESTIVAL HEN DO

Hazel Jackson celebrated her Hen Do at well known, laid back music festival, Bestival. It was the first time the event has moved off the Isle of Wight and with a peace and love theme, it was the perfect backdrop for the celebrations.

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After 14 years of royal service, The Queen’s carriage harness horse, Windsor Grey, Daniel, has announced his retirement from public life. He has taken part in events including state visits, The Queen’s birthday parade and the opening of parliament during his career and has even featured in a 2014 Royal Mail stamp collection. He will now join his harness horse friends Flint, Marsa and Big Tom at the Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire. Happy retirement Daniel!

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October UK Club Fixtures Rugby – Toft Triathlon (Open): 30 September – 1 October Ranelagh – Copa Ranelagh Farm (-2-0): 30 September – 1 October Binfield Heath – Farewell Tournament (-4-0): 30 September – 1 October Hurtwood – Farewell Cup (0): 30 September – 1 October White Waltham – The Ultimo Polo Trophy (-2-0): 30 September – 1 October RCBPC – Club Weekend Tournament (-2-2): 30 September – 1 October Wicklow – Opening Day of the Season: 1 October Vale of York – First Beach Chukkas: 8 October Druids Lodge – First Club Chukkas: 26 October Rugby – Lagrima Trophy (-3-0 & 0-4): 28 – 29 October

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On Saturday 10 February, the Canadian Polo Team travelled to Barbados to play the Barbados Polo Club team. Following an exciting match, the Canadians were victorious against the home team.

Croup

Hind quarter

Use a mirror to place your swing like washing the window

The effect of the plane of swing concept is to establish and keep your hand and stick head moving on that same plane or the sheet of glass, so as to have both moving throughout

Loin

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The Canadian Polo Team beat the Barbados Polo Club team on Saturday 10 February

Behind Shoulder

If your shoulders are perpendicular to your horse your arm will move to hit the ball producing a 30 degree angle offside neck shot

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Back

Position the stick head in the correct plane to create the intended direction

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

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Club Focus

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Holidays are Over…

Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game

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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

Love Polo? Protect Your Elbow Pulling the reins – when braking gets painful

Photograph by Kathrin Gralla/DerRoteDrache Fotografie & Kreativeberatung

Introduction

A horse is born to resist and can go in six different directions: up, down, forward, back, left or right. Due to the fact that some horses resist more than others, your horse can potentially pull the reins through your hands and make you work very hard. The extra strain to the muscle itself can lead to temporary soreness, but the connective tissue, tendons and the fascia, or the joint itself may be overloaded in a way that leads to a wide range of problems. A light hand and a responsive horse with direct reaction would be the ultimate goal, but not necessarily the reality. Other adjacent structures that are also associated with elbow pain include the shoulder, upper arm, forearm, and wrist and hand joints. For most players with elbow joint pain, if treated quickly and appropriately, the prognosis is very good. The prognosis decreases if the joint pain is allowed to become chronic or is due to an underlying problem that may be progressive if not treated.

What is elbow pain?

Elbow pain is a sharp, dull, burning or pressure discomfort or pain that can be intermittent, constant, or shooting, due to a strain, sprain, fracture, dislocation, infection, 80

Polo Times, September 2018

Control of the reins and riding-off can be hard work

autoimmune condition, cancer, or trauma to the structures in and adjacent to the elbow joint. Although some causes of elbow pain may produce a predominance of one type of pain versus another, it is not unusual for patients to notice several types of pain. Elbow pain may lead to players utilising other joints to compensate for the loss of movement. This may result in discomfort or pain in other joints or muscles, such as the shoulder, wrist, forearm, or hand.

What causes elbow pain?

The two main risk factors for elbow pain are the overuse of the joint and too much stress at a given point in time on the elbow joint. Overuse is seen in people who produce excessive numbers of identical elbow movements (gripping, pulling) during work, sports or similar activities. For example, individuals whose work requires many repetitive motions of the elbow during product assembly may develop one or more types of elbow pain (bursitis, tendinitis). Similarly, other risk factors for elbow pain include sports and gym exercises (such as push-ups and weightlifting) that require repetitive strenuous actions that involve the

elbow. Too much stress on the elbow joint at a given point can lead to joint component irritation or even destruction, such as a ligament or tendon tear, or even a dislocation or fracture of one of the bones in the elbow joint. Work accidents, contact sports such as polo, and auto accidents can lead to irritation and occasionally to severe elbow injury. Trauma to the arm and/or elbow may result in vascular compromise. Trauma and/ or repetitive stress may also result in swelling and nerve compression or entrapment. A rare entity is chronic compartment syndrome which needs an elaborate testing procedure to diagnose. Even sleeping on one’s side with the elbow bearing chest weight may result in daytime elbow pains. Inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases can cause joint pain or joint destruction so problems such as rheumatoid arthritis place players at risk for elbow pain. Similarly, infections of the elbow structures increase the risk of elbow pain.

What are risk factors for elbow pain? The two main risk factors for elbow pain are overuse of the joint and too much stress at a given point on the elbow joint. Overuse is seen in people who produce excessive numbers of elbow movements (gripping, lifting) during work, sports, or similar activities. For example, individuals whose work requires many repetitive motions of the elbow during product assembly may develop one or more types of elbow pain (bursitis, tendinitis). Similarly, other risk factors for elbow pain include sports (such as baseball and tennis) and gym exercises (such as push-ups and weightlifting) that require repetitive strenuous actions that involve the elbow.

How do healthcare professionals diagnose elbow pain? Diagnosis of elbow pain is made from the player’s history and a physical examination. Especially important in the patient history is the onset of the pain and its type. For example, a long onset of increasing pain usually suggests an overuse problem, while an immediate onset suggests a tendon, ligament or bone problem, such as a sprain, strain, or fracture. X-rays can help diagnose some bone or tendon problems, such as calcification or fractures. Bone scans can help diagnose hard to detect stress fractures, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help diagnose soft-tissue injuries

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Knowledge

or areas of nerve compression. Angiograms can help diagnose vascular problems in the elbow. Depending on the extent and severity of the elbow pain, players should consult an orthopaedic specialist early.

What is the treatment for elbow pain?

Depending on the extent and severity of the elbow pain, the player should consult an orthopaedic specialist to diagnose and manage elbow pain. Minor strains and sprains are usually treated with ice packs, compression and rest, along with elevation and medications (mainly non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs). Some clinicians may recommend ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and friction/myofascial release massage. Some players may also benefit from physical therapy or the use of braces or splints. Assistive devices can help reduce pain when the elbow joint produces pain when straightened and an ultrasound or CT guided infiltration with anti-inflammatory drugs (cortisone or non-steroid anti-rheumatic medication) and/or PRP (platelet enriched plasma). In cases of comminuted fracture, tendon or ligament rupture an operative procedure may be indicated.

The hook test is a simple and reliable clinical sign to identify a rupture of the distal biceps tendon

Are there any home remedies for elbow pain?

For relief of elbow pain, the home remedies of rest, ice packs and compression of the joint area are usually recommended. Ginger tea, heating pads and massage may be used to relieve symptoms of elbow pain. More elaborated devices like Compex (electrotherapy) and compression and/ or cold therapy machines (Normatec and Gameready) can be an adjunct treatment.

Is it possible to prevent elbow pain?

It is possible to prevent some types of elbow pain, but it is unlikely that one can completely prevent traumatic, work-related or sports-related elbow pain. It is possible to reduce or prevent elbow pain by simply reducing the amount of stress placed on the joint over time, with riding only responsive horses on limiting the chukkas to play. In the case of tendinitis, an analysis of the hitting biomechanics should be performed. A change of gear to a personalised lightweight stick may make a significant change, with a specific stretching procedure pre and postgame to help increase the flexibility of a tight musculature.

What is the prognosis for elbow pain? The prognosis for elbow pain due to minor strains and sprains is good if the joint is allowed to heal (rest and not stressed). Chronic elbow pain has a good to fair prognosis if the player takes the extra time to rest and follow the treatment plan from their specialised physician. www.polotimes.co.uk

A total biceps tendon rupture needs to be reattatched which can be performed with the Arthrex Distalbicepsbutton

Biceps tendon tear: a common elbow injury

A tear or rupture of the biceps tendon at the elbow is a fairly common injury. The bicep muscle lies superficially in the anterior aspect or front of the arm. It originates in the shoulder area and inserts on the radius just below the elbow and functions to flex or bend the elbow and supinate or rotate the forearm. The mechanism of injury is usually a forced extension of a flexed elbow resulting in an eccentric contraction of the bicep muscle and avulsion of the tendon from its insertion on the tuberosity of the radius. Diagnosis of a bicep tendon rupture can be made with careful history, physical examination and radiographic studies. Players commonly report a forced extension injury to a flexed elbow resulting in a sharp pop or tearing sensation and the immediate onset of pain in the anterior elbow. Pain typically resolves in a few days. Physical examination usually shows an obvious deformity of the bicep muscle as it retracts superiorly in the arm. Tenderness is noted over the anterior elbow and a palpable defect is usually present. Swelling and bruising are commonly seen over the front of the elbow. Muscle weakness is found in supination and to a lesser extent in flexion. Plain radiographs (X-rays) are usually normal and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the elbow is often unnecessary to diagnose a complete biceps tendon tear, but may be helpful in the

diagnosis of a partial tendon tear. Treatment of a complete bicep tendon tear is surgical when full strength in the arm is required. Surgery involves reattachment of the torn tendon to the radius with fixation using suture anchors or suture through bone tunnels. With patients in whom the diagnosis of a bicep tendon rupture is delayed for four to six weeks, the use of a tendon graft may be necessary for repair and a full return to playing may take between three to six months. In order to properly diagnose and treat a bicep tendon problem, an evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon is necessary.

Ultrasound guided infiltration of the bicep tendon

For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas KrĂźger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com www.polodoc.ch +41 764 790330 Polo Times, September 2018

Knowledge

Fitness Focus

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

Medicine Ball Blast Warm-Up Like A High Goaler

We talk to leading physical coach for polo players and founder of Fitness for Polo, Martín Perez about getting fit for the game and exercises to improve your polo Ever wondered how the best of the best prepare themselves for battle? I have been training high goal teams for the last 10 years and for me the warm-up is one of

the most crucial parts of the training regime. Of course pre-season training and recovery are important, but it is that time from when the player arrives at the field to when that first whistle goes to start the game that can make a huge difference to their performance on the field and on the day. The warm-up is important not only physically, but also mentally and a team warm-up is the best way I have found to get players in the zone and 100 percent ready for the challenge ahead. Here I will share my number one top tips and tricks to help you prepare yourself before a match. 1) Dynamic Warm-Up The first thing I do when my players are ready to start their warm-up is to get them moving together. I make sure that all four are ready to go and we start with a dynamic game of throw and catch with quick changes of direction and speed. I never go anywhere without an American football – but a tennis ball, rugby ball or anything really is fine. The benefits of this exercise are numerous: - It distracts the players from whatever was going through their minds before

and gets them focused on the activity at hand - It promotes teamwork and team bonding - It gets their ‘eye’ in and gets them working on their hand-eye coordination and reaction times - It gets the body temperature and heart rate up, increasing the blood flow around the body 2) Area Specific Exercises Now it is time to concentrate on those key areas of the body that will come under significant stress. The idea is to warm-up all the parts of the body that will be worked on and seeing as polo is one of the best total body workouts out there it is important to not to neglect this part of the warm-up. My favourite exercises to include in this section of the warm-up are: - Butt kicks - High knee runs - Glute bridge (lie on your back with feet on the boards and knees bent. Lift your bum until you create a straight line from shoulders to knees)

Photography by Helen Cruden

Throwing and catching exercises are a great way to start working on hand-eye coordination and reactions as well as promoting team bonding before a match

Polo Times, September 2018

The players start to engage their core muscles, an area that is worked hard in polo

www.polotimes.co.uk

Fitness Focus

Knowledge

overhead and with a squat for extra power. - Mimicking all the types of shot they throw a tennis ball to each other balancing on one leg (forehand, backhand, under the neck balancing on the right leg. Nearside forehand and nearside backhand balancing on the left leg) This is how I get my players physically and mentally prepared for a game. It gets them in the zone, loosens them up, helps to avoid injuries and help them to make the most of their strength and flexibility and they are such easy exercises that you can do on the side of the polo field.

Stretching is key before playing any match or practice

- Skipping - Roll backs (lie on your back and slowly bring your legs up and over your head rolling back on to your shoulders to touch your toes behind your head â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or however far you can get them!) - Rotator cuff exercises (using resistance bands) There are plenty of other exercises that you can incorporate in to this part of the warmup and remember to cater to specific needs such as injuries or weaknesses. 3) Polo Specific Movements Once my players are warmed up I get them to start mimicking the movements they will

make on the field. At this point I make my team work in pairs to start working their polo specific muscles.

If you want more information on how to get fit for polo, more exercises to help you warm-up properly before matches or are interested in a tailor made online training plan head to www.fitnessforpolo.com

We work on swing and rotational movements: - Back to back they rotate to pass a medicine ball to each other, first one way then the other. - Moving further apart they repeat the above but with a pass. - With a medicine ball they face each other and perform a bounce pass, smashing the ball in the middle between them to bounce up to the other. This should be done from

Players throw a weighted ball to each other in a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;swinglikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; motion

Working in pairs the players start to work their rotational muscles by mimicking polo specific movements

www.polotimes.co.uk

The players mimic the swing action to warm up the correct muscles

Polo Times, September 2018

Sidelines

Gossip

WEDDING BELLS

Matt Perry has proposed to his girlfriend Liv Mallach, who unsurprisingly said yes! Congratulations and we look forward to the wedding photos.

FOOLING AROUND IN THE OFFICE

Longdole Polo Club invited a furry friend into the office recently. Poor Ginger is suffering from laminitis and was very bored on his box rest, so he popped in to say “Hi” to the office staff. If you were playing chukkas that day, apologies, as Ginger wrote the list.

GET WELL SOON Photograph by Ian Jones Photography

PERRY POPS THE QUESTION

Cartier Queen’s Cup winning Alec White’s girlfriend said a big, fat yes to the Aussie high goaler when he proposed in early August. Congratulations to the beautiful pair!

At the beginning of August, American 8 goal player Julio Arellano, who was part of the American line-up for The Westchester Cup, suffered a head injury whilst out riding at Flying H Polo Club, when his horse flipped over backwards and knocked him unconscious. Julio is on the mend and best wishes go to him as well as his family for a speedy recovery.

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

CYMON SAYS… WILL YOU?

RCBPC Photographer and year-round RCBPC regular Cymon Skinner has asked girlfriend Vicky Dewhurst to marry him and unsurprisingly she said yes. Now the big question… who will be the wedding photographer?!

THREE’S NOT A CROWD

Bruce Merivale-Austin and his partner Dee have welcomed three new faces into their family. William Grey Howick, James Harold Piercy and Maximus Willoughby Yoenram were born on 28 July and are said to be doing very well. Congratulations!

Polo Times, September 2018

SPOTTED!

Spotted at Ham Polo Club… spot the difference!

CLASSIC CARICATURE

The Snake Bite team has been honoured at the end of a busy season with a caricature by the brilliant artist Debbie Obied. Suffice to say, I think we all want one of these now! www.polotimes.co.uk

FOSTON’S ASH INN Under new ownership from 20th July’18

• A beautiful country pub, ideally located in the

Cotswolds… an idyllic ride away to Edgeworth & Longdole Polo Clubs… and only a short drive to Cirencester Park & the Beaufort

• All dishes freshly produced using only the finest ingredients from local suppliers

• Extensive gardens with play area in the summer • Open log fires in the winter • Dogs welcome

• Please call to make your reservation: 01452 863262

POLO SUMMER 2018 OFFERS – Free British Polo Gin G&T with any starter or main order purchased*

– (*Over 18’s only) Offers valid until 31st August’18

THE CAMP, NR STROUD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL6 7ES

01452 863262

Sam Buckles & Tom Peterson

Lou Parker & Paul Oberschneider

Grant Collett

Josh Tuthill

Archie Smyth-Osborne

The Hollywood Summer Ball; Kirtlington Park Polo Club; Saturday 4 August

Film Star Glamour

Sarah Hughes & Phil Coombes

The Oxfordshire polo contingent were out in force for this year’s KPPC Summer Ball, with everyone dressed up to the nines in their best Hollywoodesque attire. Now being considered one of the best KPPC balls to date, guests were treated to a champagne reception on arrival, with seemingly endless canapés courtesy of Oxford Fine Dining and the fun didn’t stop there. With a huge Hollywood sign gracing Ground One, all took the chance for their five minutes of fame, with a snap in front of the iconic sign. The evening was blessed with glorious sunshine accompanied by delicious food and a real social buzz. As the dinner drew to a close, and before everyone took to the dancefloor to the sound of The Shadow Monkeys, Marcus Collie and Mandy Fontanarrosa hosted a 14 lot auction which raised £5,000 for the Club’s irrigation fund. It’s safe to say, the 2018 KPPC Summer Ball was a resounding success and an evening that few will forget in a hurry.

Seb Petragallo, Augstin Scott, Fran Bonessa & Mike Milligan

Diana Jenson, Juanchi Rojas & Lía Salvo

J Ridley Art & Photography Alicia El Haj, Nick Hoare, Sally Jenkins, Richard Patterson & Simon Powell

Pumpkin Haigh, Becky Stafford-Allen & Jess Fuller

Lucy & Jonny Coddington

George Gemmel

Victoria Woods, Charlie Budgett, Tom Budgett, Emily Rowe, Lucy Budgett, Allison Presse & Paul Glancey

Martin Foneman, Zelda Defreitas, Nicole Canot, Ginny Faulkner, Nikita Canot, Augustin Scott, Megan Grandi, Mike Milligan, Ciara de la Cour & Fran Bonessa

Dave Masson & Lynne Patmore

Ben Eeley

George Amor & Guy Verdon

Lucinda Rose, Charles Whittington & David Woodd

The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championship Finals; Cowdray Park Polo Club; Sunday 12 August

Can’t Rain on Our Parade

The Beaufort Hunt Handley Cross team with Polo Times Best Playing Pony Sweepy

Saskia Meadows Jilly Emerson

Even without the glorious sunshine we have experienced for the majority of the summer, The Flannels Pony Club Polo Championship Finals was still the pinnacle of youth polo excellence, as 144 children gathered in West Sussex for three days of competition. The rain, instead of the sun in this case, seemed endless, as it continued throughout the weekend, but as the teams took to the Cowdray Lawns for their Finals, it was nothing but smiles on the field and the sidelines. Instead of the usual sea of fanning programmes, Sunday 12 August was awash with umbrellas and caps from polo clubs across the county, who’s young players had made the annual pilgrimage to Cowdray’s fine fields to take home the silverware. Soaked through, but brimming with pride, the teams were presented with their cups and rosettes in a makeshift marquee before loading their lives back into their trucks and heading on home to sunnier climes.

Lesley Sweeney

Teams fought hard in the Final of the Gannon Section

Photography by Polo Times & Michael Chevis Photography

Jeremy Barber

Piers Plunkett & David Morley

Greg Glue & Amanda North

Jane McDougall

Olly Hughes & Brigadier Justin Stanhope-White

Nina Clarkin & Tamara Fox

Sophie Loya & Nico Roberts

Serge Pizzorno & Amy White

Vincent & Emily Chun

The International Day; The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club; Saturday 28 July

International Prowess Lauren Connolly & Hannah Fillingham

Zac & Tom Beim with Prue Wright

Karl Ude Martinez

Luke Tomlinson, Tommy Severn & Mark Tomlinson

2018 saw the first instalment of the new International Day at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. Having been awarded this iconic tournament eight months prior, the Club set about transforming their Number One ground into a haven for polo fans and newbies to the sport. Amongst a bustling trade village and perfectly placed grandstand seating from which to witness the thrilling action on the field, VIPs mingled in various newly erected marquees, from the fashion faces of the Flannels tent, to polo VIPs from across the globe making their annual pilgrimage for this iconic match. Firstly, the Flannels England men saw off their USA foes in an exciting battle of wills, followed by a victory for the Flannels England Ladies, so there was plenty to toast as the sun went down on the Berkshire grounds. After-parties galore revelled into the early hours, with all involved praising Jamie Morrison and his teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts for such a great event. olo Times, J Ridley Art & Photography & Sam Churchill P Photography

Kenney Jones

Charlotte Dujardin

Abbey Clancy

Piers Plunkett & Alan Kent

Tom McCulloch, James Kirkpatrick, Jake Hutchinson & Will Black

Doina Ciobanu

Melissa Jenni, Richard McAlisterMartin & Enrica Biodesan

Olivia Lamphee

Dara Williams

Tom Morley & Jack Richardson

Max Evans

Neil Hobday

Sue & Ollie Cudmore

Vanessa White

Amber Le Bon & Betty Bachz

Alicia Cecchini & Joyce Yiu

Robert & Fred Thame

Sarah Gairdner & Victoria Thame

Nigel Horner & Louise Rambaut

Charlotte & Georgia Sweeney

Genevieve Meadows & Jack Hyde

Countess Bathurst & Andrew Tucker

Carl Tallents & Zara Tindall

Charlie Tighe & Ollie Cork

Charlotte Hutchinson & Sir Charles Williams

Nick Hallam & David Morley

Luci Todd & Jamie Morrison

Chris & Maggie Hyde

Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

01462 701110

Polo directory

What’s On – September’s UK Club Fixtures Club Cowdray DBPC Guards Cowdray Guards Cirencester Cowdray Beaufort Guards Vale of York Burningfold Kirtlington Longdole Blueys Silver Leys FHM Taunton Emsworth Binfield Heath Edgeworth Tidworth Cheshire Suffolk Druids Lodge New Forest White Waltham Bluey’s Farm Tidworth Silver Leys Longdole Tidworth Rugby Binfield Heath Cheshire Druids Lodge Rutland Tidworth Cambridge County Ciencester Edgeworth Taunton New Forest White Waltham Rutland Tidworth Rugby Beaufort Cowdray Vale of York White Rose Cowdray Guards Cirencester Burningfold Cirencester Cowdray Emsworth

Tournament Name West Sussex Cup DBPC Polo in the Park Flemish Farm Trophy September 4 Goal Park House Cup President’s Trophy Cheltenham Cup PSI Trophy Solitaire Salver Autumn Nations Trophy August Summer League Match Ifold 4 Goal Colquhoun Cup Junior Tournament Autumn Cup Print on Demand Mad Aid Wickham Trophy Arber Extravaganza Polo Manager’s Trophy Hayden-Tovey Trophy Frost Cup Polo Player Trophy Raging Bull Tournament Forest Edge Rose Bowl Holly Hill Cup The Moungerald Polo Tournament Summer Cup Frost Cup Print on Demand Cup End of Season Tournament Grooms Instructional Tournament The Spring Hill Bronze Corney & Barrow Cup Lovatt Claret Jug Polo Art Trophy Seavill Bowl Full Swing Polo Trophy

Handicap 0-6 Open 2-6

Start Date 14/08/18 02/09/18 21/08/18

End Date 01/09/18 02/09/18 02/09/18

0-4

21/08/18

02/09/18

6 - 10 8 - 12 4-8 0-4 10 - 12 Open 4 4-6 Open Open -2 - 0 -6 - -2 Open 10 4 - 6 & -4 - 0 0-4 0-4 -4 - 2 -4 - 2 -2 - 0 -4 - 0

21/08/18 28/08/18 28/08/18 28/08/18 29/08/18 29/08/18 29/08/18 30/08/18 31/09/18 31/08/18 01/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18

08/09/18 09/09/18 09/09/18 09/09/18 16/09/18 29/08/18 02/09/18 02/09/18 31/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18 02/09/18 02/09/18 02/09/18 02/09/18 02/09/18 02/09/18 02/09/18 02/09/18

-6 - 0

01/09/18

02/09/18

-6 - 0 -6 - -2 -4 - -2 Open

01/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18 01/09/18

02/09/18 02/09/18 02/09/18 02/09/18

Open

07/09/18

0-4 -2 - 2 -4 - 2 1-2 0-2 0-2

08/09/18 08/09/18 08/09/18 08/09/18 08/09/18 08/09/18

09/09/18 09/09/18 09/09/18 09/09/18 09/09/18 09/09/18

Farewell Tournament

-4 - 0

08/09/18

09/09/18

CPPC Low Goal Tournament The Second to Last Chance Cup Sarafand Cup Farewell Cup Summer Cup The Wilkinson Sword Full Swing Polo Trophy The Turnock Rogers Cup The Sidebottom Cup Farewell Cup Prestige Plate End of Season Tournament Autumn Cup The Chairman’s Cup Gouldsmith Bowl Chiddingfold Shield Associates Trophy Ham vs Cowdray The Impresionate Cup

-4 - 0

08/09/18

09/09/18

08/09/18

09/09/18

-2 - 0 -4 - 0 -2 - 0 -6 - -2 -6 - -2 -6 - -2 0-6 0-6 Open Open 8 - 12 0-2 4-8 2 -2 - 2 0-4 4

08/09/18 08/09/18 08/09/18 08/09/18 08/09/18 08/09/18 08/09/18 08/09/18 09/09/18 09/09/18 10/09/18 11/09/18 11/09/18 12/09/18 14/09/18 15/09/18 15/09/18

09/09/18 09/09/18 09/09/18 09/09/18 09/09/18 09/09/18 16/09/18 23/09/18 09/09/18 10/09/18 23/09/18 16/09/18 23/09/18 16/09/18 23/09/18 15/09/18 16/09/18

www.polotimes.co.uk

Club White Waltham Wicklow Edgeworth Tidworth Taunton Tidworth Silver Leys Emsworth Druids Lodge Emsworth Emsworth FHM White Waltham Binfield Heath Rugby Ham Beaufort Vale of York Vale of York Tidworth Binfield Heath White Waltham Tidworth Moor Farm

Tournament Name The Adamas Polo Tournament End of Season Tournament The Merry del Winter Tournament Polo Captain’s Trophy End of Season Tournament Polo Captain’s Trophy Survivors Cup 0 Goal Clock Tower Trophy 6 Goal 2 Goal FHM Rose Bowl Youngs Farm Polo Tournament BHPC Tournament Toft Triathlon Billy Walsh Tournament EOS 2 Goal Tournament September Summer League Match Caunton Bulls Match Valete Cup Farewell Tournament Don Carlos de la Serna Memorial Cup Valete Cup Closing Tournament

Handicap -2 - 2 0-2

Start Date 15/09/18 15/09/18

End Date 16/09/18 16/09/18

15/09/18

16/09/18

0-2 -4 - 0 -4 - 0 -2 - 0 0 Open 6 2 -6 - -2 -2 - 2 -2 - 2 Open 0-2 -2 - 2

15/09/18 15/09/18 15/09/18 15/09/18 15/09/18 15/09/18 21/09/18 21/09/18 22/09/18 22/09/18 22/09/18 22/09/18 23/09/18 23/09/18

16/09/18 16/09/18 16/09/18 16/09/18 16/09/18 16/12/18 23/09/18 23/09/18 22/09/18 23/09/18 23/09/18 23/12/18 23/09/18 24/09/18

Open

26/09/18

Open -2 - 2 -4 - 0

29/09/18 29/09/18 29/09/18

29/09/18 30/09/18 30/09/18

-4 - 0

29/09/18

30/09/18

-6 - -2 -8 - -2

29/09/18 06/10/18

30/09/18 07/10/18

Military Dates Club Taunton Guards Tidworth

Tournament Faulkner Cup (RN v Taunton) Major Generals Trophy Cavalry Cup

Handicap Open 0-2 -2 - 2 & -6- -2

Start Date 02/09/18 07/09/18 22/09/18

End Date 02/09/18 09/09/18 23/09/18

Tournament Puddleduck Trophy Junior Club Tournament

Handicap

Start Date

End Date

Open

17/09/18

Handicap

Start Date

End Date

12 - 18

21/08/18

01/09/18

Open 16 TBC

08/09/18 10/09/18 01/10/18

09/09/18 16/09/18 02/10/18

Youth Polo Club White Rose

Women’s Polo Club Guards Ranelagh Chantilly Ham

Tournament Guards Ladies Charity Tournament for The Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy WIP Ladies League Women’s French Open HPC Ladies Trophy

2018 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates Club 15 Goal Beaufort 12 Goal Cirencester 6 Goal Cirencester

Tournament

Start Date

End Date

Arthur Lucas

21/08/18

02/09/18

Cheltenham Cup

28/08/18

09/09/18

Kingscote Cup

28/08/18

08/09/18

Polo Times, September 2018

Polo directory Kenya Social Events Cowdray Dallas Burston Tidworth

End of Season Party End of Season Party Summer Ball

23/09/18 23/09/18 29/09/18

Snow Polo Dates Kitzbühel St. Moritz

Snow Polo World Cup 2019 Snow Polo World Cup 2019

Open Open

17/01/19 25/01/19

20/01/19 27/01/19

Nairobi Nairobi North Kenya Polo Club North Kenya Polo Club Manyatta Manyatta

NBI Kenya International (Low Goal) NBI Kenya International (High Goal) Timau

Open

14/09/18

16/09/18

Open

21/09/18

23/09/18

Open

12/10/18

14/10/18

Timau

Open

19/10/18

21/10/18

Gigil Manyatta Xmas Gigil Manyatta Xmas

Open Open

07/12/18 14/12/18

09/12/18 17/12/18

Open

09/09/18

Open Open

23/09/18 28/09/18

23/09/18 30/09/18

Vecinos Cup 4-8 San Francisco de Asis Polo Cup -2 - 2

9/1/2018 9/1/2018

02/09/18 02/09/18

South Africa Something Different Dallas Burston

Polo in the Park

02/09/18

Johannesburg Johannesburg East Rand

Argentina Tortugas County Club Hurlingham Club Palermo

Switzerland

Tortugas Open

Open

24/09/18

04/10/18

Hurlingham Open

Open

25/09/18

06/10/18

The Argentine Open

Open

10/11/18

15/12/18

Polo Park Zürich Polo Park Zürich

Quick Question

Australia Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Spring Polo Open Victorian Polo Club Melbourne Cup Open

23/09/18 11/11/18

France Polo Club Saint-Tropez Chantilly Polo Club Saint-Tropez

Johannesburg International Polo Prince of Wales Cup Highveld League

Gold Cup

8 - 10

30/08/18

09/09/18

French Open Indian Summer Polo

14 - 16 Open

01/09/18 13/09/18

16/09/18 30/09/18

Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page A: The Pony Club was founded in England in 1929 and granted independent charitable status in 1997. There around 345 Branches and 480 Centres in the UK alone, with The Pony Club represented in no less than 27 countries worldwide.

Editor’s Note All dates are correct at the time of going to press. Polo Times takes no responsibility for fixtures moved, cancelled or altered. Always check wth the Club(s) for the most up-to-date fixtures lists.

PO1O RAT Marketplace Transport

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Polo Times, September 2018

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Livery

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

POLO PONY WINTER GRAZING. 150 acres of fantastic chalk drained pasture. Hedgerow edged with secure electric fencing £25 per horse per week. Call Dave on 07549 308617 for details Location: Wiltshire.

www.polotimes.co.uk

WHY GO ANYWHERE ELSE TO IMPROVE THE HANDICAP AND TOP UP THE TAN?

FACILITIES: Private fields, ponies, pros and lovely, comfortable accommodation for up to 16 guests in our beautiful 18th century Great House. Chef, barman and full staff to give you a unique experience.

TYPICAL DAY: Yoga, swim, breakfast, supervised stick and ball, beach, lunch, tactics, match in the afternoon, sunset Bellevue rum chukka punches and asados under the stars. With 365 days of tropical sunshine, miles of white beaches and warm Caribbean seas, wonderful restaurants, golf, fishing, diving and as much or little polo as you wish.

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Polo directory Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

CLUB

PHONE

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Leadenham Polo Club

01400 318006

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

02890 727905

robert@hellomxb.com

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

polo@dbpoloclub.com

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07790 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

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Polo Times, September 2018

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Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Facundo Pieres – the man needs no introduction. He is polo’s mecurial talent and world number two. We chatted to Facundo Pieres out in Sotogrande, Spain where he is playing for the American team La Indiana first time I won The Argentine Open in 2008, plus when we won in 2012 with Nico [Pieres], Mariano [Aguerre] and Gonzalito. Who were/are your favourite teammates and why? My current Ellerstina team, with my family. Hardest opponent? Adolfo Cambiaso.

ominic-james.com

Which sports do you like outside of polo? Golf, tennis and football – in that order.

Photograph by Dominic James | www.d

Most prized possession? My family.

What is your biggest passion and why? Playing polo! I enjoy everything about it and the feeling of playing. I love the adrenaline and the competitiveness. If I’m ever not playing polo for very long I don’t have fun. I would rather travel all over and be playing than stay in one place and not be able to play. If I don’t play or compete for more than two weeks I start to really miss it and need to play again.

Best pony and why? I can’t have just one – Open Galactica and La Chequera.

Favourite song/album? Anything by Coldplay. Photograph by Helen Cruden

What is your all-time best polo memory? The first time I played The Argentine Open in Palermo. I played with my father and brother Gonzalito and Pablo MacDonough. That is an incredible memory. Then the

Favourite food/dish? Milanesa with rice and salad. Favourite hobby outside of polo? Playing golf, spending time with friends at chilled out asados and not thinking about polo.

Are you passionately superstitious – what and why? I have a few routines, but luckily none of them are obligatory. If I don’t do them it doesn’t really matter. Describe yourself in four words… Sincere, humble, family-orientated. One thing which would surprise us about you? I’m sure there are many things…

Polo Times, September 2018

www.polotimes.co.uk

RURAL CHARTERED SURVEYORS, LAND AGENTS, VALUERS & PLANNING CONSULTANTS BERKSHIRE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE & OXFORDSHIRE

FOR SALE - WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE, BERKSHIRE MAIDENHEAD - 5.8 MILES

WINDSOR - 9.5 MILES

M4 JUNCTION 8/9 - 6.2 MILES ROYAL BERKSHIRE POLO CLUB - 6.9 MILES

ASCOT

- 9.6 MILES

M3 JUNCTION 3 - 12.4 MILES ASCOT RACECOURSE - 9.4 MILES

READING - 10.3 MILES

LONDON - 33.5 MILES

M25 JUNCTION 13 - 16.2 MILES GUARDS POLO CLUB - 12.1 MILES

A WELL LOCATED EXTENT OF LEVELLED AND WELL DRAINED RESTORED EQUESTRIAN PASTURELAND EXTENDING TO 22.87 ACRES U-SHAPED COMMERCIAL EQUESTRIAN BUILDING EXTENDING TO APPROXIMATELY 6500 SQ.FT CONSISTING OF 18 STABLES, 3 TACK ROOMS, MACHINERY STORE, MACHINERY WORKSHOP, FEED STORE, GROOM/CLIENT WASHROOM WITH W.C. AND SELF-CONTAINED GROOMS ACCOMMODATION ALONG WITH THE USE OF THE ENTIRETY OF THE LAND FOR UNRESTRICTED COMMERCIAL KEEPING OF HORSES. BENEFITTING FROM A RECENTLY GRANTED PLANNING CONSENT FOR A

THE LAND HAS BEEN RESTORED AND LEVELLED AND DRAINS WELL MAKING IT IDEALLY SUITED AND IS ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE A FULL SIZE BOARDED POLO PITCH ALONG WITH SUITABLE REMAINING PASTURELAND FOR LAYING OUT AS PADDOCKS AND CORRALS. THE LAND BENEFITS FROM MAINS WATER AS WELL AS TWO PONDS WHICH OFFER POTENTIAL FOR IRRIGATION USE. LOCATED IN THE VERY POPULAR POLO AREA OF EAST BERKSHIRE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY SEVERAL HIGH GOAL POLO TEAMS AS WELL AS POLO CLUBS INCLUDING THE ROYAL BERKSHIRE POLO CLUB, GUARDS POLO CLUB. GUIDE PRICE - Â£995,000

01628 777666