PQ international | Summer Issue 2013 #84

Summer Issue 2013 - # 84 - Year XXI

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PQ Staff Publisher

PoloLine Inc. info@pololine.com

Editor in Chief

Aurora Eastwood aurora@pqinternational.com

Lifestyle Editor

Sara Rotman sara@modcocreative.com

Design & Production

Tomás M. Garbers tomas@pqinternational.com

PR and Marketing Aurora Eastwood Editor

María Noel Raffo Antin noel@pqinternational.com

Contributing Writers

Alex Webbe Alejandra Ocampos Gonzalo Echeverry Daniela Dini Keep Rolling Eduardo Amaya Julio Oriol Amelia Latham Wake Nadine Mentior

Contributing Photographers

PoloLine Media Ana Clara Cozzi Matías Callejo

Summer Issue 2013 - # 84 - Year XXI

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Westchester Cup US Cowboy & UK Knight Photo by imagesofpolo.com

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Summer Issue 2013

Editorial

Finally after several miserable years, we had an English summer to be proud of. Weeks of sunshine and record temperatures meant that watching polo was a pleasure. Playing was also a pleasure, provided you had the privilege of irrigated pitches. For those who didn’t, hard ground made playing damaging on the horses, and in many cases impossible. Grass roots clubs can’t absorb the cost of irrigation, and some clubs can’t get a licence at all which makes things difficult. In an ideal world all polo fields wold be heavily sanded and irrigated to allow play in most conditions, but that comes at quite a significant cost.

The weather certainly made the Gold Cup a particularly pleasurable experience. The semi finals were great games and the final was a superb showdown between the two best ten goal players in the world. Zacara triumphed and culminated an extarordinary 18 months for Lyndon Lea and Facundo. Facundo’s quest goes on as he is now in Sotogrande. Can he add the Gold Cup with Ellerston to his haul?

The International at Guards was incredibly well organised and got significant media coverage. But there was some controversy surrounding the USA team that included patron Mark Ganzi, as it was not a true international side. It seems the USPA were unwilling to fund the team so luckily Mark stood up to the plate - but what does this say about international games if national federations won´t bankroll their own side?

The mass exodus of players to Europe has begun - polo moves on to France, Spain and more and more countries in Europe. Sotogrande seems to be the biggest draw in August with more teams than ever, perhaps at the expense of Deauville. The pull of guaranteed sunshine and dozens of incredible fields is a strong one.

Aurora Eastwood Editor 6 | PQ

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PQ #84

Calendar

August

September

October

2_ Sotogrande Bronze Cup Final 22 goal Santa María Polo Club, Spain

1_Pacific Coast Open Final 20 goal Santa Barbara Polo Club, USA

13_Tortugas Open Final 40 goal Tortugas CC, Argentina

3_Jaeger-LeCoultre Harrison Cup Final 15 goal Cowdray Park Polo Club, UK

7_San Jorge Open Final 23 goal San Jorge Polo Club, Argentina

15_Hurlingham Open 40 goal Hurlingham Polo Club, Argentina

4_Jaeger-LeCoultre Holden White Cup 8 goal Cowdray Park Polo Club, UK

8_Arena Polo World Cup Final 15 goal Elite Horse Club, Baku, Azerbaijan

16_President´s Cup 15-20 goal AAP Pilar, Argentina

4_Jaeger-LeCoultre Cowdray Park Challenge Cup 18 goal Cowdray Park Polo Club, UK

15_Polo Gold Cup Final 12 goal Polo Club St Tropez, France

18_Campaña del Desierto Cup 21-24 goal AAP Pilar, Argentina

15_Autumn Nations Cup Final Guards Polo Club, UK

25_Juan B. Miles Cup 24 goal AAP Pilar, Argentina

11_Warwickshire Cup Final 22 goal Cirencester Park Polo Club, UK 11_Duke of Wellington Cup 15 goal Guards Polo Club, UK 11_USPA Piaget Silver Cup Final 20 goal Santa Barbara Polo Club, USA 16_Sotogrande Silver Cup Final 22 goal Santa María Polo Club, Spain 25_Coupe d`Argent Final 8 goal Deauville Polo Club, France 31_Sotogrande Gold Cup Final 22 goal Santa María Polo Club, Spain 8 | PQ

15_Hurks Polo Championship Final De Paardedokter, Netherlands 21_Women´s French Open Final 12 goal Polo Club Chantilly, France 22_Jaeger-LeCoultre Autumn Cup Final 12 goal Cowdray Park Polo Club, UK 22_Jockey Club Open Final 40 goal Jockey Club, Argentina 24_Tortugas Open 40 goal Tortugas CC, Argentina

BRINGING POLO HOME ARENA POLO WORLD CUP AZERBAIJAN BAKU, ELITE HORSE CLUB, 06–08 SEPTEMBER 2013 ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING ARENA POLO TOURNAMENTS IN THE WORLD WITH PROFESSIONAL TEAMS FROM ARGENTINA, USA, GREAT BRITAIN AND GERMANY WWW.WORLDPOLO.COM

PRESENTED BY

PRODUCED BY

OFFICIAL HOTEL:

PQ | 9

Summer Issue 2013 Price £6

Tournaments

Off the Field

14

40

Queen´s Cup Zacara on top again to take the Queen´s Cup for the first time

20

Gold Cup for the British Open The two best players in the world do battle, but there can be only one…

26

74

80

50

British Beach Polo The 6th annual British Beach Polo Championships

La Martina Catwalk Show La Martina showcase their latest collection

82

Features on Saddles Biomechanics: The importance of good girths and good saddles

87

Agualinda Open Championship 2013 Caracas Polo and the lynchpin of polo in Venezuela

Embryo Transfer Centre Lovelocks Polo Stud adds genetics...

Azerbaijan Polo in Azerbaijan – “Back to the roots”

76

44

Westchester Cup England retain the trophy in sudden death with Golden Goal by JP Clarkin

La Aguada + Guards PC La Aguada Polo Club in England Kids Polo Day at Coworth

High Goal Pony Review 2013 Best ponies of the British Season

88

World Polo Tour Facundo Pieres, the new runner-up. Adolfo Cambiaso remains steadfast at the top of the ranking

#84

Contents

Interviews

Lifestyle

36

90

Oakwells Manor Brian Stein´s spectacular restoration project

56

HRH Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum

92

Zero polo to 20 goal polo in under six months

58

Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polo Icons Mr Summerfield “Skee” Johnston Mr Lester Armor

Urban Hunter Project Test of Time

96 Travel

A Brazilian winning everything in England

64

Editor´s Profile Sara Rotman

Island Hopping

100

Our Global Table Cinc Sentits

102

Savoire Vivre The Season Ahead

104 Captured Puesto Viejo

120

Up & Away Party dresses to lift your spirits

Opening Season Party

The place where the English Season starts

By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by www.imagesofpolo.com Generous host Brian Stein once more invited polo’s glitterati to his annual party at PJ’s bar and grill. The Guards patron and restauranteur holds his popular cocktail evening in May of each year - attendance is much coveted and it´s always a fun night.

Brian Stein thanks all the guests

PJ’s 12 | PQ

Christian Langaard and Stefan Sund

Amrita Bilimoria and friends

Mr and Mrs Alan Morello Karina Audeh and Mr and Mrs Michael Amoore.

Nicholas and Annie Colquhoun-Denvers

Katrina Thomas, James McNiel from John Taylor Partnership and Bridget and Marcus Hancock

HPA’s Chairman John Wright and Claire Tomlinson

Louise Thomas, Jodie Kidd and Karina Audeh

Lise and Neil Hobday

Flora Richardson, Johnny Lynn, Richard Le Poer and Ella Etheridge PQ | 13

Queen´s Cup

Zacara on top again to take the Queen´s Cup for the first time

By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi

Lyndon Lea has had the year to end all years: 2012 US Open, 2013 US Open, 2013 Queen’s Cup. Both finalists were brand spanking new: Zacara and El Remanso. Both teams had battled their way to the semifinals undefeated, both beating the legendary Adolfo Cambiaso’s Dubai on their way up.

The two semi finals, played in “summery” (cold/wet) conditions on Wednesday 12th, saw Zacara beat Dubai by 12 goals to 8, against a slightly off-form Cambiaso – perhaps he’s fed up of getting wet.

El Remanso had the worst of the rain, but didn’t let it dampen their spirits, beating Cortium Jaeger-LeCoultre, last year’s Gold Cup winners, by 15 goals to 10.

El Remanso got off to a strong start, after the superbly talented Guillermo Terrera scored the opener, a 30 yd penalty, quickly followed by a superb field goal from Pelon Stirling, all alone at the front of the field. Facundo Pieres then took off like a rocket from the lineout, his desperately quick pony even jumping the white lines on the field and it ran, absolutely unstoppable, to goal. 2-1 to El Remanso.

The second chukka saw the tables turn and stay turned. Matt Perry mis-hit a neck shot and Terrera 14 | PQ

swooped on the loose ball faster than a TOWIE cast member to some fake tan, carrying it triumphantly to goal and dropping it neatly between the posts – 3-1.

Pieres then made polo look simpler than swingball, beating four players and taking a huge neck shot to score so far out he was practically in the next county.

Pieres then took a 60 yarder for Zacara, stopped in the air by Stirling but it still went through. 3-3.

Pieres started the third with possession, being harried by the bold George Hanbury. Pieres then scored yet another 60, taking Zacara into the lead for the first time – and there they would stay. Pieres then picked up the most impossible ball and passed it to Rodrigo Andrade who scored; 5-3 to Zacara, their momentum increasing. Facundo then repeated his earlier feat of a neck shot from the next county, and scored again, 6-3.

Ali Patterson stole the ball in the subsequent lineout and ran for goal, then checked hard to avoid a legitimate rideoff resulting in Lyndon Lea nearly knocking him off his horse, so a 5b was awarded against El Remanso.

Andrade picked up a pass from Pieres to score once more, and then a frightening looking foul by Pieres and Andrade against Stirling at high speed resulted in Terrera converting the 60. 7-5. Pieres then flew to goal, running past everyone in the dying seconds to score again, 8-5.

Juan Martin Nero

The fourth chukka saw Zacara’s lead widen inexorably, but El Remanso were playing hard and the scores did not reflect the game. A valiant attempt

by Patterson was thwarted by a pony’s foot, with some superb play by Stirling who almost went all the way, and Pieres scores on the superb Sheltie, having stopped the ball, turned faster than anyone else, and then cantered leisurely to goal. 9-5. Sheltie turned so fast she almost unseated him! Terrera then scored an incredible goal, tapping the ball in the air like a ping pong player.

Perry opened the scoring in the fifth, following a pass from Pieres, and despite the ball bouncing was able to drag it between the posts, 10-7. Perry then a perfect tail shot to Pieres that almost went to goal – but no matter, Pieres scored a few moments later from a 40 yarder, 11-6, then again from 30 yard, 12-6.

El Remanso were staring into the abyss of defeat but did not give up for a moment, with a superb goal from Pelon, running flat out on a pony that would do well at Royal Ascot, ending the chukka 12-7.

Any hope El Remanso might have had was killed in the last chukka. The brilliant Andrade scored for Zacara, followed by a defiant goal by Stirling, but doused by Pieres scoring his 10 th goal of the game. Although Pelon then scored a penalty, Pieres’s subsequent field

Top Scorer list - Professional Facundo Pieres

50

Pelon Stirling 47 Agustin Merlos

40

Lucas James 31 Adolfo Cambiaso

28

Guillermo Terrera

28

Nachi du Plessis

26

Nicolas Pieres 24 Lucas Monteverde

23

Facundo Sola 20 Sebastian Merlos

20

Luke Tomlinson 19 Juan Martin Nero

18

Jaime Garcia Huidobro

17 PQ | 15

10 goal coaching The legendary Eduardo Heguy, multiple winner of the Argentine Open, is the El Remanso coach. Coaching has certainly come to the fore in recent years, as Milo Fernandez Araujo (also ex 10 goals) is the coach for Sumaya. The Novillo Astrada boys also dabble, and Howard Hipwood coaches and manages Aravali.

Perhaps that’s the future for players “of a certain age”? No disrespect fellas!

Jaime Garcia Huidobro and Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade 16 | PQ

goal was celebrated by some ecstatic fist pumping – he knew that even if he got off his pony and went and had a coffee for the remaining minutes the game was theirs; the gap too large to fill. 15-9 to Zacara.

MVP: Facundo Pieres Best Playing Pony: Facundo Pieres’ Galactica Zacara: 1 Facundo Pieres (10), 2 Lyndon Lea (1), 3 Rodrigo Andrade (8), 4 Matt Perry (3). Total 22 El Remanso: 1 Alastair Paterson (2), 2 George Hanbury (3), 4 David Stirling (10), 4 Guillermo Terrera (7). Total 22

Pony Power Both the AACP and the newly founded PoloStudBook in the UK are promoting and recognizing the achievements of ponies playing high goal here. It’s about time and maybe the value of British bred youngstock will rise. Here’s hoping…

Luke Tomlinson and Guillermo Caset PQ | 17

QUEEN´S CUP 2013 AWARDS Winner: Zacara MVP: Facundo Pieres Best Polo Argentino Bred Awarded by the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Association (AACCP): Close Up (Facundo Pieres) Best Playing Pony: Galactica (Facundo Pieres) Top Scorer of the final: Facundo Pieres (11 goals) Top Scorer Pro of the tournament: Facundo Pieres (50 goals) Top Scorer Amateur of the tournament: Adrian Kirby (5 goals) Subsidiary Winner: Talandracas

HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Facundo Pieres and the BPP: Galactica

Facundo Pieres and Guillermo Terrera

18 | PQ

SEMIFINALIST TEAMS FOR THE QUEEN´S CUP 2013 El Remanso (22) 1. Ali Patterson (2) 2. George Hanbury (3) 3. Guillermo Terrera (7) 4. David “Pelon” Stirling (10)

Talandracas (22) 1. Juan Jauretche (5) 2. Lucas James (7) 3. Juan Martin Nero (10) 4. Edouard Carmignac (0)

Les Lions (22) 1. Henry Fisher (4) 2. Agustin Merlos (9) 3. Sebastian Merlos (9) 4. Joaquim Gottschalk (0)

Zacara (22) 1. Facundo Pieres (10) 2. Lyndon Lea (1) 3. Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade (8) 4. Matt Perry (3)

Matt Perry

PQ | 19

Gold Cup for the British Open

The two best players in the world do battle, but there can be only one…

By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by www.imagesofpolo.com

They are One and Two on the World Polo Tour Rankings…one is ten years older than the other and has been the best player the world has ever seen. Has the younger man finally beaten his great rival?

Facundo Pieres and Adolfo Cambiaso 20 | PQ

SEMI FINALS Unbeaten, were Zacara...

Their semi was against Talandracas, the game got off to a steady start, with play looking pretty even on both sides. Gradually, Zacara began to draw ahead on the scoreboard, despite some truly spectacular runs by Juan Martin Nero, who was being brilliantly helped by the under handicapped Lucas James. Facundo turned on the gas, and fantastic defensive play by Matt Perry, at one stage mounted on supersonic jet of a pony (retrained racehorse) who literally ran past the entire field. Facundo’s goals came thick and fast. 14-8 to Zacara.

Dubai didn’t have an unbeaten run to the final.

Despite winning most of their league games, they lost to Enigma.

Dubai vs El Remanso was tipped to be a tight semi final. However it turned into a firm drubbing, as Cambiaso re found his form (or desire) and was his usual unstoppable, unpredictable (if you were the opposition) self. Switching this way and that on his unbelievably handy ponies, he stopped, zigzagged, went backwards, forwards and sideways all over the field and took his team to a 17-7 victory over a shocked El Remanso. Pelon Stirling and Guillermo Terrera both deserve a mention for determined play and classic polo, as do George Hanbury and Ali Patterson, who both played extremely well.

Gold Cup Final Zacara vs Dubai, Pieres vs Cambiaso + Pieres – as none other than Nico Pieres, up and coming youngest brother of the Pieres trio (and 9 goals in Argentina) was playing with Cambiaso.

Adolfo Cambiaso opened the scoring for Dubai, but the ultimately invincible pairing of Facundo Pieres and Andrade showed its brilliance after a play from Facundo to Andrade resulted in a goal to Zacara, amid heavy rideoffs between the two 10 goalers.

The second chukka saw Rashid Albwardy run to goal but not quite make it. Nico Pieres then picked up a loose ball and ran to goal, far out in front, took a relaxed swing and… the ball bounced off the post. Halfway though the first chukka the field was

deserted as every single player went to change ponies, and then Facundo shot to goal like an exocet and scored, 2-1. Superb, open play so far.

The third chukka had more goals on the board. In more running, fast play, Rashid put one on for Dubai, then Facundo scored for Zacara. A penalty to Dubai tied the scores at 3-3 and then Facundo slotted another in to end the chukka 4-3. Nico seemed a bit rattled in that chukka, missing three easy shots at goal – perhaps his earlier miss had knocked his confidence somewhat.

After the crowd of thousand had colourfully trodden in at half time, Matt Perry scored a truly superb under the neck shot for Zacara on a big thoroughbred, 5-3.

Cambiaso then hit a huge shot at goal and as it curled lazily back the earth, a slight breeze moved if left and it bounced off the post. Facundo stormed down on it and passed to Perry, who couldn’t quite replicate his earlier feat and missed. Cambiaso, trusting his team mate, went up for a pass and scored easily, Zacara all caught napping. Facundo then scored a penalty to make it 6-4, and then Andrade won the ball in the lineout and took off to goal before anyone could blink, much to the chagrin of a furious Cambiaso chasing him down – Andrade missed just in front of the goal, Cambiaso hit a hard tail backhand which was picked up by Facundo coming down the line at 100mph to score at an acute angle. 7-4.

The fifth chukka saw Perry working harder than a spaniel with ADHD, twice Cambiaso hit the ball upfield and twice the pass was thwarted. Finally he got cross and did it himself, storming past everyone to score. 7-5.

He then converted a penalty to close the gap further, 7-6. Zacara won the next lineout and Facundo coasted up the field to score with a neckshot, 8-6. Facundo won the next lineout and tussling hard with Cambiaso managed to pass to Andrade, ran past him still surgically attached to Cambiaso, Andrade hit him the ball and he scored from a neckshot, 9-6. Cambiaso retaliated by winning the next lineout himself and scoring to end the fifth 9-7.

The final chukka was tense, exciting polo. Facundo displayed some air tapping that would put Murray to shame, but Cambiaso pocketed it and ran all the way

PQ | 21

back up the field but to no avail. Facundo picked up the ball and ran absolutely pedal to the metal all the way to goal but missed by mere millimeters – the resulting battle for the loose ball resulted in a 5b (centre) to Dubai, Facundo stopped the ball and was running free when the whistle sounded – Cambiaso was rolling around on the ground in seeming agony, accompanied by utter fury from Facundo who knew showboating when he saw it. Theatrically limping around, Cambiaso remounted and was awarded a spot penalty, who took a shot at goal but didn’t find the posts. The Facundo/Andrade combo took the ball in attack, were fouled by Nico and Facundo converted the 30 to increase the lead to 10-7. Cambiaso got his own back when Facundo fouled him and converted his 30, 108. Cambiaso made a run to goal, still with time, when he was met in the opposite direction by Andrade who hit the ball half the length of the field, picked up by Facundo who scored. Cambiaso pulled up his pony and looked glum, knowing then 11-8 lead was a bridge too far with a minute of the match left.

Rashid Albwardy and Matt Perry 22 | PQ

Incredible success for Zacara and Lyndon Lea Gold Cup for the British Open 2011 US Open 2012 US Open 2013 Queen’s Cup 2013 Gold Cup for the British Open 2013 That is success on an unprecedented level.

As for Facundo Pieres All of the above plus: Tortugas Open 2012 Argentine Open 2012 Top of the WPT rankings And his year isn’t over yet!

Ponies on the podium Ponies are now getting ever more recognition and deservedly so. The PoloStudBook now has listed the best ponies playing in the UK, such as Facundo Pieres’s Moscu, Open Top Model, Galactica, together with Adolfo Cambiaso’s Dolfina Boeing and Dolfina Milenaria and many many more. These ponies are at the pinnacle of their game and now players and fans can have access to details of their pedigree online. www.polostudbook.org Facundo Pieres won Best Playing Pony with Open Top Model.

The Queen’s Cup/Gold Cup double is an elusive duo who has done it?

2010 - Dubai by the mighty Cambiaso and Pablo McDonough 2000 - Geebung again with Cambiaso plus the great Bautista Heguy 1998 - Ellerston 1980 - Stowell Park 1978 - Stowell Park 1977 - Foxcote

Commentator John Kent (a professional player himself) was at pains to call the ponies by name when the players were on the field and executed a particularly impressive play.

1973 - Stowell Park 1967 - Woolmers Park

PQ | 23

St Regis Test Match 2013

South America beat England in the

first International of the summer

By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by imagesofpolo.com Nacho Figueras took a crashing fall and broke his pelvis and Bauti Sorzana showed that age equals experience!

England made a superb start to the game but the guns were turned on them after Nacho’s fall; Pieres, wearing more layers than a polar explorer due to a bad cold, threw away his scarf and proceeded to dominate proceedings to secure victory for South America.

England won the first line-out and putt a goal on the board right away thanks to James Harper. South America responded immediately with a goal from Ale Muzzio, flying down to goal on an eerily silent field Silvestre Grahn, Facundo Pieres, Ale Muzzio and Bautista Sorzana

24 | PQ

– the mark of a good ground. No thundering of hooves at Cowdray, just a supersonic whoosh as the ponies gallop past on perfect going.

Facundo Pieres then just floated off to goal as if he was going to buy the Sunday paper: 2-1 to South America. James Beim swiftly levelled things for England only to be answered by Muzzio once more, who toyed with the ball through some heavy traffic to score again. 4-3.

The second chukka began with Beim taking the ball around in a huge, fast circle and hitting to goal, right past a surprised Muzzio who was facing him to

stop the ball. England were very much in possession, a goal shot hit wide by Harper. Pieres then began a run to goal, only to be fouled by Max Charlton. Pieres unerringly converted the penalty. Tomlinson converted a penalty for England to put England ahead by two – but then Nacho Figueras took a heavy fall, his horse going down at full gallop and rolling over him, then peppering him with hoofprints. Figueras was substituted by the uber-experienced Bauti Sorzana. Sorzana’s effect was immediate; Argentina were in control from there on in despite some superb play by England.

The third chukka saw a bit of a rally between the teams, some superb play from Muzzio to Pieres resulted in another goal to South America. England had another missed chance, with Pieres taking the subsequent hit in, dribbling, tapping and hitting the entire length of the ground to score. 10 goals in every single way. 6-6.

The fourth began with Pieres scoring straight away having nicked the ball off Tomlinson. Another goal to South America, followed by a foul converted by Tomlinson with an effortless, textbook 60yd penalty.

Pieres got revenge by converting a 30 yarder, 7-8 and South America’s Ale Muzzio, the diminutive but highly talented 7 goal player (8 in Argentina) only found out days before that he was to play. Things worked out for him; his pony Zest won best playing

was then literally running circles around everyone, an unstoppable scoring machine, ending the fourth 7-9.

The final chukka was looking rather terminal for England. Muzzio opened with a massive shot that went so far and so high it bounced off the stratosphere, landing very close to the goal, Sorzana then did an impossible nearside tailshot to score, despite seemingly unable to see either the ball or the goal.

Beim retaliated by scoring on a flying chestnut, and despite more excellent team play by England Pieres continued to dominate, scoring again. Harper then scored for England but there just wasn’t time and the game ended 11-9 to South America.

South America 11 vs England 9 South America 1 Silvestre Grahn (3) 2 Alejandro Muzzio (7) 3 Facundo Pieres (10) 4 Nacho Figueras (6) (Bautista Sorzana).

Total: 26 ENGLAND 1 Max Charlton (6) 2 James Harper (6) 3 James Beim (7) 4 Luke Tomlinson (7) Total: 26

pony under Facundo Pieres.

“We were really unlucky with Nacho’s injury, this was supposed to be fun.

Luckily we won, and we dedicate this win to Nacho” said Muzzio.

James Beim and Silvestre Grahn PQ | 25

Westchester Cup

England retain the trophy in sudden death with Golden Goal by JP Clarkin

By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi Despite some controversy in the team offered by the USA (a 1 goal patron playing in an International side) the game was very fast and incredibly even, with England only securing a win in extra time.

The first chukka started with a foul within the first two seconds which somewhat set the tone for a messy first couple of chukkas. The USA had started with a two goal advantage which they soon added to, with England offering two in response, the first chukka ended 3-2 to the tourists.

The second chukka saw some fairly even play and lots of flat-out runs with Mark Ganzi not looking like a mere one-goaler.

By half time, despite being on strange horses, the Americans had very much held their own at 8-7, the four man England team not finding things quite as easy as they might have thought against a less balanced opposition.

After half time whatever pep talk England had apparently received from coach Novillo Astrada had worked, as team play improved and England players

James Beim, Mark Tomlinson, Jon Zammett , JP Clarkin and Luke Tomlinson

26 | PQ

had several runs out in front to goal. Every member on the team was working incredibly hard.

It was the fourth chukka that really saw a tremendous effort from England as they prevented the USA from scoring a single goal while securing 3 for themselves to take the lead, ending the chukka 10-8 up.

The final chukka saw England pepper the goal with shots, but all went wide. The Americans in the dying seconds managed to claw back two goals to tie the score and force the game into an extra chukka. 11-11.

Mark Tomlinson

Marc Ganzi and Luke Tomlinson

Into sudden death – colossal pressure and nail-biting atmosphere in the stands After a few frenetic plays, New Zealand captain JP Clarkin pounced on a loose ball and amid hysterical shouting from the crowd, and scored the golden goal to secure the Westchester Cup for England. The rule that permits the inclusion of a Commonwealth player proved to be advantageous for England.

Polito Pieres

PQ | 27

Who scored?

Polito Pieres x5 James Beim x4 Luke Tomlinson x3 Mark Tomlinson x3 Nic Roldan x2 Mike Azzaro x2 JP Clarkin x2 * (USA received two goals on handicap)

James Beim 28 | PQ

Comment Who was the day for? Arguably not the fans. …

It certainly felt as though if you hadn’t arrived in a long wheelbase Audi A8 you were a second class citizen. No access to the clubhouse (even after the game), no access to the marquees unless you’d bought a ticket or been invited by Audi.

Fans could therefore only hang out at the small bar behind the clubhouse grandstand, or the shopping village at the end of the pitch. Audi’s stronghold on the day has arguably gone too far.

The HPA have taken these concerns on board and are taking steps to ensure that things improve for next year’s event.

After all, the International should be about the highest level of polo played in the UK, not about the highest heels worn by various models and actresses.

PQ | 29

Will Bowers, Ben and Mark Vestey and James Beim

Tom Goldbarg, Guy de Nicolay, Nina Fruehauf, Dreide Lipsicas, Francois de Nicolay and Antonia Peart

Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum

Pancho Marin Moreno and wife Angie

Tippy and Vichai Raksriaksorn (King Power) and Robin Lourvanij (Polo Escape)

Slava and Patrick GuĂŠrrand-Hermes

Sir Charles and Lady Williams

Philippe Perrier and Edouard Carmignac

Martin Valent, UAE Polo and Dubai Polo Manager Monica Ulloa and Lila Pearson

Nicci Bethell and Janey Delow

Nacho Gonzalez, Joaquin Pittaluga, Spencer and James McCarthy

Veterinarian PJ and Black Bears general manager Doug

Pita Rosati and Daniela Ribeiro Andrade with Luisa

Luisa Lopes Silveira and Anna Diniz Junqueira

Lucchese’s John Musse

El Remanso with friends and family

America in England Mike Azzaro, Nic Roldán and Marc Ganzi

The happy Enigma people

Louisa and Bob Jornayvaz, Gonzalo Pieres, Ali Albwardy and Nico Pieres

Matt Perry and his family

UAE Polo Team and friends

The Sumaya people

Enrico Roselli, Daniela Cabuche, Neil Hobday and daughter - La Martina Fashion Show

Black Bears’ polo secretary, Michi Gracida

Khalaf Al Habtoor with sons and grandsons

Jodie Kidd and Andrea Vianini with son Indio

Cala Willington and Ines Borwick

Gillez Bennetto, Emily and Garl Herbert, Indi Bennetto and Coco Clevely

Gonzalo Pieres and Marc Ganzi

Jean Francois Decaux, Jaime Garcia Huidobro, Rodrigo Rueda and Charles Beresford

Alejandro and Maria Moy, James Whisenand and Luis Estrada

Ali Albwardy, Urs Schwarzenbach, HH Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum and Francesca Schwarzenbach

Guy Schwarzenbach and girlfriend

Ivor Dickinson, Charlie Gordon Watson and James Beim

Mohammed Al Habtoor Jr, Habtoor Al Habtoor, Mohammed Al Habtoor and Guillermo Cuitiño

Team USA with James Whisenand

Agustin Merlos and his father, Héctor, known as Cacho

Jerome Wirth, Stephanie Brown and Adrián Kirby

Jim Gilmore and Gonzalito Pieres

Facu Pieres and the Gold Cup

Gonzalo Pieres talks about his son Facu’s win at the Queen’s Cup to PoloLine TV

Caroline Anne Filmore and Natasha Shafi

Habtoor Al Habtoor and Guillermo Cuitiño

Clare Tomlinson in the Royal Box with HRH Prince Charles

A stylish looking Nicole Caset

Kolin Dhillon, Robin Lourvanij and HH. Maharaja of Jodhpur Gaj Singh

A happy Lyndon lifts the Gold Cup

Josefina Nero, Juan Jauretche, Capocha James with Lorenzo Nero, Cecilia Pieres jr and Lucas James

Hugo Porta, President and founder of Laureus Argentina presents the trophy to Mohammed Al Habtoor

Andrew Chance, Hennie Hargreaes, Brad Mallet, Leighanne Swan and David Fussell

Yoanna Otto, Princess Helena Oettingen, Harald Link, Princess Anna Oettingen and Marina Jehle

Chris Bethell, Martin and Stephanie Brown

Daniela Ribeiro de Andrade and Agustina Wernicke

Trainer Martin Perez

Mark Tomlinson and his wife Laura Bechtolsheimer

Santiago and Veronica Gaztambide

Max Thurlow,Tom Malfarlane, Kolin Dhillon and Richard Britten-Long

George Gemmel

Ludo Pailloncy and Ahmed Aboughazale

Javier Novillo Astrada, England’s Coach

Mr. Khalaf Al Habtoor

Max Routledge, Henry Fisher, Jack Richardson and Jack Berner

Tommy Beresford in the British High goal

Liu Nan, Liu Shilai, Vichai and Tippy Raksrianksorn Lila Pearson, Rupert Clevely and Liz Higgins

Pablo MacDonough wearing his Richard Mille watch is greeted by Boris Becker and Olympic Medallist Edwin Moses

Christopher Hanbury, Gonzalo and Cecilia Pieres and Bridget Hanbury

Nick Evans at work

Gonzalo Pieres receives the big hug from his son Facundo

Jack Kidd and son Lupe Roldan, Alice and Jack Eve

The meeting of the stars - Dolfi Cambiaso with Boris Becker and his cool looking son

Julian Appleby and Dale Schwetz

Dominic Cunningham Lise Stokes and John Guarino

Alex Leininger, Mike Azzaro and wife Amy, and Grant Ganzi

Sapo Caset

Gonza Pieres, wife Maria Rapetti and their lovely Violeta

Maria Cambiaso

Malcolm Borwick and wife Alejandra

Al Habtoor Group’s Paul Rayner, Guards CEO Neil Hobday and Mohammed Al Habtoor

Special Feature

Ockwells Manor - Brian Stein´s spectacular restoration project

By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi

Historic houses are not usually something I connect with the less than salubrious sprawl that is Maidenhead, just off the M4. However nestled just a hop and skip from the town is the spectacular Ockwells Manor – home of Guards member and restaurateur Brian Stein.

The entrance is instantly engaging. A peacock fixes us with a typically peacockish look of disdain and wanders off, squawking. A Porsche speedster peeks out from under a cover. A sweet little stable yard sits next to a beautiful old barn, currently the focus of extensive restoration. A dovecote sits to one side.

Behind that is what is the prettiest swimming pool I have ever seen, surrounded by old stone, abundant flowers and bushes, and a coat of arms decorated on the bottom.

36 | PQ

The garden of the house is immaculate without being fussy, and a life size chess board with topiary as chess pieces completes the quirky look.

Facing the house and garden is Brian’s beautiful polo field, framed at the bottom end by century old trees and pasture beyond. Only the occasional drone of aircraft reminds the viewer that we are indeed in 2013.

As for the house – well. The most important medieval secular building in Berkshire, dating from the 1400’s, Brian has been meticulously restoring it for decades. At one stage the great hall was used as stabling for livestock – easily accessed as the front door is absolutely vast (and original). The inner courtyard is also very special – incredibly unusual in a house like this.

Extensive history surrounds the house and the site. The present manor house was built in the mid15th century by John Norreys, however the site of the

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original house of his ancestors may be indicated by a rectangular enclosure in a copse on the estate. It was this house which was given to the Queen's (Eleanor) Cook, Richard Le Norreys in about 1280. A few generations of Norreys later and it was in the hands of Sir John, keeper of the wardrobe to Henry VI. Sir John started the rebuild in 1446.

Ockwells (also known as Ockholt, name of Brian’s Polo Team) was one of the earliest non-fortified manor houses. However a wall remains in the grounds with arrow slits – so it still needed defending from the perimeter. Those were violent times…

It has a timber frame with herringbone brick infill – a frame that in the great hall was collapsing inwards.

Brian brought in some very ingenious engineers who were able to support the wall laterally whilst all the while hiding the supporting struts so the building lost none of its historic appearance. At over 40ft long and galleried, the hall is full height and just breathtaking in its silent, watchful history.

The house is famous for its stained glass- the most complete set of non-religious medieval stained glass windows in the country. These were inserted by Sir John, as a nod to his Lancastrian connections. Each window depicted the coat of arms of a personal friend and comprise: The King and Queen The Duke of Warwick The Duke of Somerset The Duke of Suffolk The Bishop of Salisbury The Earl of Wiltshire Baron Wenlock Baron Mortimer of Chirk Sir Richard Nanfan Sir John Langford John Purye Richard Bulstrode Abingdon Abbey The furnishings inside have been painstakingly collected by Brian over the years – from suits of armour to a bear rug and everything imaginable in between.

A keen artist, Brian’s studio is opposite the great hall and is filled with various pieces in various states of progression. Next to his studio is an enthralling gunroom. The manor certainly doesn’t need any extra fortification now!

Sir Nikolaus Pevsner CBE called Ockwells "the most refined and the most sophisticated timber-framed mansion in England". He’s quite right.

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La Aguada + Guards PC

La Aguada Polo Club in England

By Alejandra Ocampos • Photos by www.imagesofpolo.com La Aguada Polo Club hosted an event held at Guards Polo Club called La Aguada Match during the Queen´s Cup and together with the game between Cortium Jaeger-LeCoultre and HB Polo, Queen’s Cup. Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr. and Javier Novillo Astrada were in attendance, as well as Will Emerson, Polo Manager Thomas Hume and Lodge Manager Delfina Van Thienen, who greeted the guests with a cocktail at the clubhouse.

Will Emerson, Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr, Javier Novillo Astrada, La Aguada Lodge Manager Delfina Van Thienen and La Aguada Polo Manager Thomas Hume

Kids Polo Day at Coworth

By Alejandra Ocampos • Photos by www.imagesofpolo.com La Aguada Polo Club and Guards Polo Club joined together to host La Aguada Children’s Trophy, a kids competition that was held on ground 2, at Coworth Park, in Ascot. La Martina sponsored the prizes and Coworth Park laid on a barbecue after the matches.

The kids had a lot of fun in their great polo day in England, in teams lineups comprised by the children of many of the high goal players that are currently taking part in the season in England.

Adolfo Cambiaso, Eduardo, Miguel & Javier Novill Astrada, Agustín & Sebastián Merlos, Glen Gilmore, Lucas Monteverde, Andrew Hine, Marcos di Paola were among the proud daddies who watched their sons and daughters in their first steps in this fabulous sport.

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THE PARTICIPATING TEAMS Teams 1: Cy Busson, Mía Cambiaso, Lachie Gilmore , Erik Appen.

Team 2: Ned Hine, Dennis Antonov, Adolfo Cambiaso, Manuel Novillo Astrada.

Team 3: Luca Fasal, Mía Novillo Astrada, Saskia Mathias, Santi Di Paola.

Team 4: Rufino Merlos, Lucas Monteverde (n), Indi Hine, Sheikha Maitha.

Team 5: Matteo Dressman, Louis Hine, Santos Merlos, Marianela Castagnola.

Team 6: James Mc Carthy, Segundo Merlos, Max Rumsey, Cruz Novillo Astrada.

Team 7: Flynn Busson, Tom Brodie, Charlie Pidgley, Justo Novillo Astrada.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Series

Cowdray Park Polo Club and the Reference in Fine watchmaking

Jaeger-LeCoultre announce new partnership for 2013 2013 marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Cowdray Park Polo Club and High Watchmaking Maison Jaeger-LeCoultre, which this year celebrates its 180 th anniversary of leading invention in fine watchmaking.

Official Time Keeper to Cowdray Park for six years, in 2013 Jaeger-LeCoultre is also named title sponsor of Cowdray Park Polo Club’s HPA series of tournaments which this year will also see the century-old Cowdray Park Challenge Cup reinstated in the fixture list.

The Official Time Keeper sponsorship was the first of its kind and stems from Jaeger-LeCoultre 80 year-long preoccupation with the accuracy of timing chukkas. Keen to find a time piece which was robust, yet elegant enough to survive the rigours of such a demanding sport; in 1931 Jaeger-LeCoultre master watchmakers invented the Reverso, which remains the most iconic watch in polo.

By supporting a club synonymous with tradition, Jaeger-LeCoultre focuses on the true integrity of the sport of polo in taking on the sponsorship of all six Duke of Sutherland Trophy

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Cowdray Park HPA tournaments which will be known as the Jaeger-LeCoultre series. These tournaments include:• The Jaeger-LeCoultre Dollar Cup (12 goal) 11th May-26th May • The Jaeger-LeCoultre Duke of Sutherland Cup (18 goal) 21st May - 7th June • The Jaeger-LeCoultre Holden White Cup(8 goal) 15th July - 4th August • The Jaeger-LeCoultre Harrison Cup (15 goal) 20th July - 3rd August • The Jaeger-LeCoultre Cowdray Park Challenge Cup (18 goal) 15th July- 4th August • The Jaeger-LeCoultre Autumn Cup (12 goal) 9th September- 22nd September

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Holden White and Harrison Cups are amongst the most popular tournaments in UK polo season with the Holden White regularly attracting entries of up to 40 teams.

Zahra Kassim-Lakha, Director, UK Market and Global Brand Strategy for Jaeger-LeCoultre comments: ‘We are incredibly excited to be part of these prestigious tournaments. As Official Timekeeper, it’s even more thrilling to see them played at the heart of British Polo, Cowdray Park Polo Club. Jaeger-LeCoultre will be offering a Reverso watch for the prize of ‘Best Playing Patron’ to be awarded at the end of the 2013 Season.’

Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. The Inventors of the Vallée de Joux. A leading player in watchmaking history since 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre is celebrating its 180 th anniversary. At a time when the Swiss horological industry was still built around home-based workshops,

Antoine LeCoultre and his son Elie decided to unite under one roof the many forms of expertise involved in making a watch. LeCoultre & Cie thus become the first Manufacture of the Vallée de Joux. It now houses the over 180 skills required to develop and produce the most prestigious timepieces. Committed to a constant quest for excellence and supported by a uniquely inventive spirit, Jaeger-LeCoultre perpetuates the tradition of Grande Complication models introduced by the Manufacture through a succession of extraordinary creations: Atmos Mystérieuse (2003), Gyrotourbillon 1 (2004), Reverso grande complication à triptyque (2006), Master Compressor Extreme Lab 1 (2007), Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2 (2008), Duomètre à Grande Sonnerie (2009), Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication (2010), Reverso Répétition Minutes à Rideau (2011) and Duomètre Sphérotourbillon (2012) and Master Grand Tradition Gyrotourbillon 3 Jubilee (2013). www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

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Embryo Transfer Centre

Lovelocks Polo Stud adds

genetics to their stallion portfolio One of the most interesting aspects people find in sending mares to work at Lovelocks Polo Stud Embryo Transfer Centre is the great diversity of blood lines they can choose when they plan their embryo production.

In this way Lovelocks brought stallions from almost all the best polo breeding organizations.

Today we are going to talk about the stallions brought from Ellerston Australia. These stallions came to Argentina in different moments. First of all, they bought Atlantic, this is a dark bay stallion that was broken and played in UK and he also bred some mares there, so his first foals are already broken and playing in UK, and they are doing very well so far. Then they brought him to Argentina where Atlantic played with Ollie Cudmore and was retired to stay as stallion at Lovelocks Polo Stud ET Centre.

Then they bought three more stallions, from Ellerston also chosen from the best blood combinations they could find there. And this is how they have Nutbush, Botox and Christian, three four year old stallions, that came

already broken, arriving at the age of three years old and showing their first offspring’s last breeding seson.

Nutbush is son of Hermitage and Tango. Hermitage is a Sire bred at Ellerston out of Revenue and Pinky, Claret’s mother. Revenue is out of Monty and Sold, so Nutbush has a very interesting blood combination, because he has Monty, Pinky, Sold, and Tango, all of them very important progenitors. It is a bay stallion with a strong physique.

Botox is another stallion bought from Ellerston. He is also a bay stallion, but out of Revenue (same father as Atlantic) and Wrinkle. His mother is a great polo mare who was ridden by Pelon Stirling and he told us she was great as a polo pony.

Christian is the fourth and last stallion the Hanbury’s bought from Ellerston. He is also a bay stallion out of America and Angel. America is a full brother to Noumea and Canada, and all of them out of Suva and Norman Pentaquad (One of Ellerston’s famous stallions).

These blood lines, not so known in Argentina or the United States, are very famous in England and of course in Australia, where this genetics comes from.

Atlantic 44 | PQ

The main characteristic these four stallions show is the smoothness of their movements, I am really impressed by the way the four of them gallop and turn to the sides. So working as the man in charge of Lovelocks Breed I am convinced that using these stallions and combining them with good mares we will be able to get interesting polo ponies showing these skills on the polo field.

Nutbush

The polo business is saturated with four or five stallions, and needs a change. Personally I think this is a good alternative for those who have donors out of all those stallions that are commonly found in Argentina and want something new, and something different.

Botox

The good thing is that Lovelocks Polo Stud is the only Embryo Transfer Centre that can offer such variety of blood lines, and allows clients to choose from other breeds.

These stallions will ensure people to get excellent polo ponies, with lots of skills and easy to ride and play, characteristics that almost every polo breeder wants for his animals.

Christian PQ | 45

Season 2013

Cirencester Park Polo Club Round Up

By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by Tom Reynolds and Ana Clara Cozzi

Gerald Balding Fresh from their Coutts International win Chester Polo went home with the Gerald Balding Cup for the second year running.

Cirencester were delighted to welcome the Balding family out in force for what proved to be yet another fiercely contested tournament from the off, it was Apache who met Chester Polo in the final on Peddington in front of a substantial crowd enjoying the sunshine.

Named after our most recent 10 Goal player Gerald Balding it was

fantastic to have Gerald’s son Ian, daughter Gail and niece Judith all in attendance at Cirencester to watch the final and to present the golden cup. Judith Balding also kindly judged the Retraining of Racehorses prize, which went to Christian Chaves for his stunning mare Marlena.

Earlier that morning Balaclava/Ridgebacks had beaten Lodge Service eight goals to five to take The Spring Cup subsidiary.

Apsley Cup La Indiana, having won all their league games, went on to beat home team Cirencester Park seven goals to six in the final on Ivy Lodge in glorious sunshine.

It was La Indiana who took the lead initially making it 2 – 0 very early on, which made it look as though the un-familiar Cirencester team may have a little too much to do. However, Cirencester settled into the game and soon enough the two teams were level-pegging. The game 46 | PQ

eventually staying so close that it was only in a sixth chukka that La Indiana managed to clinch the victory. Spectators were treated to an open, flowing, fast game which provided fantastic polo to watch.

It was lovely to have Lord Apsley and all the family in attendance to present the trophy, also in attendance were The Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club and all their fabulous old Rolls Royces.

The Shivraj Singh Jodhpur Cup An exquisite event hosted by Cirencester Park Polo Club on July 5, 2013.

Cirencester Park Polo Club organized the Shivraj Singh Jodhpur Cup, a fantastic event that included a polo match between two 6-goals teams, Jodhpur Polo Team and Cirencester Park. The club was honored to greet His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur, as the cup is a tribute to his son, Shivraj Singh.

Cirencester Park won the four-chukkas match by a 5-3 score. However, Jodhpur Polo Team, who did not play their own horses, showed a very good performance. Colin Dhillon, Cirencester Park Polo Club Chairman, was completely happy with the results of the event. “We didn’t allow

them to win, so that way they can come next year for the rematch!”, he said with a touch of humor.

THE TEAMS Cirencester Park: George Sunderland 0, Ludo Ephson 1, Tamara Fox 2, Chris Crawford 3. Total: 6 Jodhpur Polo Team: Kr. Vishwaraj Singh Bhati 0, Kr. Dhananjay Singh Ratore 1, Maharaja Rahavraj Singh 2, Kr. Bhawani Singh Kalvi 3. Total: 6

Queen Mother Trophy Fantastic Amount Raised for Charity at Cirencester Park Polo Club The Queen Mother Trophy Final on Ivy Lodge ground at Cirencester Park Polo Club set the scene for a charity lunch in aid of Starlight Children’s Foundation on Sunday 7th July and raised an incredible £175,000 for the worthy cause. Chairman George Hanbury and the Committee did a fantastic job to organize the event and some generous auction donations including flying lessons, a week in a luxury ski chalet and sky diving, helped boost the funds to such an extraordinary amount.

150 guests including Starlight Co-Founder and actress Emma

Samms, impressionist Jon Culshaw and novelist Plum Sykes enjoyed a champagne reception followed by a sit-down lunch and a charity auction, which was conducted by Sotheby’s UK Chairman, Lord Dalmeny.

Martin Ephson’s Poulton team defended their 2012 title to take The Queen Mother Trophy for the second year running, 5 - 4 final score. It was Max Hutchinson’s Tayto team they faced this year in completely contrasting conditions to 2012!

Thunderbirds then beat Indubitable 5 - 4 ½ to take the Corinium Bowl.

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UK Season 2013

Guards Polo Club Round Up

By Diana Butler • Photos www.imagesofpolo.com

Royal Windsor Ferne Park took all the chukkas The Rothermere family’s Ferne Park won the prestigious Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup, defeating Kassem Shafi’s Shalimar 9-8. Eighteen teams had entered this 15-goal tournament, the country’s leading medium-goal competition and Ferne Park were on form from the first throw-in, taking the lead in the first chukka and never relinquishing that position. It took Shalimar a little longer to get into their stride and although they had closed the gap to just one goal by the end of the fifth, this surge came too late. Ferne Park’s Vere Harmsworth, the Eton

schoolboy who was playing in place of his father Viscount Rothermere, received the Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup from HM The Queen and Mr Khalaf Al Habtoor. Vere’s team-mates Joaquin Pittaluga was named Most Valuable Player and Dirk Gould, collected the Best Playing Pony Rug for his favourite pony Jesus, an eight-year-old bay gelding.

The sub final for the equally impressive Mountbatten Trophy was won

by Mo Sheikh’s Newlands of Stow. They defeated Karan Thapar’s EFG Bank Aravali 8-6 in another close game.

Archie David Cup Windmill Farm best of the 24 team-list of 2013 Paul Knights’ Windmill Farm added their name to the historic Archie David Trophy for the first time, after defeating Jonathan Munro Ford’s Black Eagles 5-4 in the final. Windmill Farm now joins an illustrious list of winning teams dating back more than 50 years, including Jersey Lillies, Ellerston Pink, Black Bears and Maple Leafs. In fact this competition is so tough that only two teams have won it more than once – Tayto and Les Lions are on the winners’ board twice.

With 24 quality teams taking part in the UK’s leading tournament this year, teams cannot afford a bad match or players an off day, especially 48 | PQ

the final. The Black Eagles were probably favourites considering their current form, but they struggled to get into their stride. They were 3-0 down at half-time and although they came back in the second half – incredibly scoring all their goals in the third chukka – they still couldn’t get ahead. Windmill Farm had better fortune. Their young star, 16-year-old Ed Banner Eve, who was later named Pommery Most Valuable Player, was on great form, playing well above his age and handicap. He scored the opening goal and was responsible for several more. Team mate Max Charlton picked up the Pommery Best Playing Pony Award for Sarah Bradley’s Raisin.

GCC Cup Great play by the Sheikha The 17th GCC Polo Trophy took place in June during Royal Ascot week at Guards Polo Club.

The two teams were lead onto the field by the band of the Blues and Royals. Playing for the GCC Team captained by HH Sheikha Maitha bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum were Amr Zedan,Habtoor Al Habtoor and Adolfo Cambiaso the best player in the world.

For the Guards team captained by Clive Reid, Saad Audeh, Peter Webb ans Manuel Plaza. Both teams at 10 goals played a four chukka match.

The Sheikha´s team won 7-5 in an exciting closely fought match. The Sheikha having scored three goals for her team.

The Queen who had come from Royal Ascot presented the Trophy to the delighted Sheikha accompanied by Basil Ghalayini Chairman of the BMG foundation which organised the event, and Jock GreenArmitage Chairman of Guards Polo Club.A presentation was made by the Queen to Basil Al Ghalayini in gratitude for his magnificent support over the last seventeen years.

The Sheikha´s 8 year old mare Baraja was named Best Playing Pony.

Early in the day Basil Al Ghalayini spoke at a luncheon about the latest BMG foundation initiative “Safe Driving...” Life Campaign promoting safe driving in Saudi Arabia.

Committee Cup Black Eagles has a new trophy Jonathan Munro Ford added the Committee Cup to his collection after an 8-5 win over Clive Reid’s AFB team. Although the Eagles won by three goals, the first half was close, with the scores level at three apiece at half-time. The Black Eagles became more cohesive in the second half, with some great play from both Jonny Good and Jack

Hyde. Jack was only 15 at the time of this final, but he played with courage and maturity and is a player to follow in the future. Anthony Fanshawe and Pete Webb worked hard to keep AFB’s hopes alive in the second half, but they struggled to find the flags and were 8-5 adrift at the final bell.

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L a M artina Catwalk Show

La Martina showcase their latest collection

By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi Hosted by Florencia Cavalieri and Becky Simpson, La Martina presented an exclusive catwalk show at the La Martina Store at Guards Polo Club.

The event had many special guests in attendance, including Neil Hobday, Guards Polo Club CEO. The worldwide renowned brand presented a collection designed for both men and women, including La Martina’s signature smart casual Florencia Cavalieri and Becky Simpson

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trendy style in a mix of soft and bright colours.

The catwalk featured jeans, shirts, dresses and the famous La Martina polo jumpers as well as the Guards Polo Club collection and leather accessories: belts, bags, shoes and boots.

Following the catwalk show, the guests enjoyed a cocktail and afternoon tea.

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L adies Polo at Cowdray

Cowdray Vikings take the spoils from Los Hamblinos

By Liz Higgins • Photos by Clive Bennett Lila Pearson’s Cowdray Vikings made it through to the Final of the BLOOM British Ladies Open Polo Championship to face Jo Stuart’s Los Hamblinos on Saturday 20 th July.

Playing for Lila in the Cowdray Vikings side was Louisa Evans, 0 goals, Hazel Jackson, 1 goal, and 2 goal Argentine player Lia Salvo. The 3 goal team received a half goal advantage on the scoreboard against Los Hamblinos’ team handicap of 4 goals, with Marianela Castagnola, 2 goals, Rose Ross, 2 goals, and Lucy Taylor, 1 goal, completing Jo Stuart’s team.

In a pacey and exciting match, first to score was Louisa Evans with a bold field goal for Cowdray Vikings.

Lucy Taylor was next to snatch up a loose ball and

Lila Pearson and Lila Carinthia

52 | PQ

carry it off without opposition down the field for Los Hamblinos’ first goal. A penalty saw Cowdray Vikings in the lead at 2½-1 by the end of the first chukka.

The second chukka saw goals from Lucy Taylor and Lia Salvo before a scrum in front of the Vikings’ goal resulted in a penalty shot for Los Hamblinos which Castagnola shot through the posts to bring her side within half a goal of Cowdray Vikings.

Following the tread-in, Los Hamblinos were rewarded them with goals from Marianela Castagnola and Lucy Taylor to take their side into the lead for the first time, but Salvo scored from a penalty and a terrific field goal to take Cowdray Vikings ahead once again, the chukka closing at 5½-5 in their favour.

The fourth chukka opened with an amazing run by Salvo and the ball niftily picked up by Louisa Evans who popped it between the posts to take Cowdray Vikings further ahead 6½-5. A great pick-up by Lucy Taylor saw her galloping down the field and passing to her Patron who tapped the ball through to close the gap once more. A foul on Hazel Jackson enabled Lia Salvo to score from a penalty again for the Vikings. Within a minute Castagnola had also capitalized on a 30 yard awarded to Los Hamblinos. With two minutes to go and the score at 7½-7 in favour of Cowdray Vikings, Hazel Jackson took possession of the ball and raced away with it to score from an excellent cut shot giving Cowdray Vikings an 8½-7 in the 2013 BLOOM British Ladies Open Championship.

MVP - Lia Salvo who was presented with a beautiful bouquet from The Real Flower Company.

Best Playing Pony went to Lila Pearson’s ‘Joe’ whose groom Jackie Wright has been with the Cowdray family for 40 years.

Los Hamblinos 1. Jo Stuart

Cowdray Vikings -1

1. Louisa Evans

0

2. Marianela Castagnola

2

2. Hazel Jackson

1

3. Rosie Ross

2

3. Lia Salvo

2

4. Lucy Taylor

1

4. Lila Pearson

0

TOTAL

4

TOTAL

3

Udos Choice

RJ Polo

1. Amy Guy-Jovy

-2

1. Maimie Powell

2. Sarah Wiseman

2

2. Isabelle McGregor 0

3. Claire Donnelly

1

3. Emma Boers

0

4. Tamara Fox

2

4. Bryony Taylor

1

TOTAL

3

TOTAL

1

0

Udos Choice 1. Stephanie Haverhals

1

2. Charlotte Sweeney

0

3. Izzie Parsons

2

4. Rebecca Walters

0

TOTAL

3

Los Hamblinos Polo Team

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L aureus Charity M atch

World´s Top Stars play ìn Laureus Polo Cup

...and the winners are the children

By Dara Williams. Photos by www.imagesofpolo.com

Adolfo Cambiaso, Juan Martin Nero, David Stirling and Jonathan Munro Ford

WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM, June 22, 2013 – Many of the greatest players in the world produced a feast of thrilling polo at the highly successful Laureus Polo Cup which raised funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Argentina.

Staged at the historic Guards Polo Club, Windsor, Laureus Ambassador Adolfo Cambiaso, currently ranked #1 player in the world, lead an exceptional group of international stars including Pablo MacDonough, Juan Martin Nero and David Stirling.

Cheering them on was a celebrity audience which included members of the Laureus World Sports Academy: among them was chairman Edwin Moses, tennis legend Boris Becker, England cricket hero Ian Botham and rugby giants Sean Fitzpatrick, the former All Blacks captain, and Hugo Porta, Argentina’s greatest player who is President of the Fundación Laureus Argentina.

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Also present as a spectator was polo great Eduardo Heguy, now a Laureus Ambassador, who played a key role in creating the event. He said: “To be able to give back to children through sport is an incredible opportunit y for someone that has experienced the positive impact which sport can have“. The Laureus Polo Cup is one of the annual fundraising events which the Fundación Laureus Argentina hosts to generate funds in order to support its growth.

“The possibility of raising funds in the UK makes a real big difference back home and we have been able to incorporate and expand different projects which we fund. Also, it gives the polo players a concrete chance to support the charity in an active manner, something which is more difficult back home given the playing schedules,” he added.

Hugo Porta, who was the founder of the Fundación Laureus Argentina in 2003, said: “Everyone at Windsor

Jonathan Munro Ford, Mohammed Al Habtoor, David Stiling and Juan Martin Nero

has contributed to an important humanitarian cause, this will help to improve the lives of so many young people in my country. I w ould like to thank all the great polo players who took part and to thank all the individuals and companies who supported us in one way or another. They all share with Laureus the belief that sport can help to improve young people’s lives. You just cannot exaggerate what good the money that has been raised here today will do for the youngsters we are trying to help.”

In a spirited contest, the victors were a team representing Mercedes-AMG, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz, who won 5 ½ - 4 against a team sponsored by IWC Schaffhausen – but the real winners were disadvantaged children all over Argentina, who benefit from the help they receive from Laureus.

Mercedes-Benz and IWC Schaffhausen are both Global Partners of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

The teams were: IWC Schaffhausen: 1. Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum, 2. Shilai Liu, 3. Pablo MacDonough, 4. Adolfo Cambiaso.

Mercedes-AMG: 1. Mohammed Al Habtoor, 2. Jonathan Munro Ford, 3. David Stirling, 4. Juan Martin Nero.

In addition to sponsoring one of the teams, renowned Swiss watch-maker IWC Schaffhausen donated a special Laureus edition Portofino Chronograph watch in stainless steel, only 2,500 of which are being manufactured, which was auctioned to raise additional funds. An engraving entitled ‘Time to Inspire’ appears on the back of the watch, designed by seven-year-old

Kumara Wadu Parami Apsara from Sri Lanka, who attends the Laureus supported Seenigama Sport for Life project. Kumara was born exactly a month before the devastating tsunami in 2004.

The mission of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is to utilise the power of sport to address social challenges through a worldwide programme of sports related community development initiatives.

Laureus supports almost 140 projects worldwide and since its inception in 2000 has raised over €60 million for projects which have improved the lives of more than one-and-a-half million young people.

The Fundación Laureus Argentina was founded in May 2003 by Hugo Porta. The headquarters are in Buenos Aires with the Foundation's work extending to distant Argentine provinces that greatly benefit from its backing. Currently, the Foundation supports six projects: Unión y Amistad de San Isidro, Club Deportivo Barracas, A Ganar, Club Platense, Fundacion El Desafio and Virreyes Hockey Sean Fitzpatrick, Vice Chair of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, said: “Everyone at Laureus is delighted to be able to support this great day out at Windsor. It has become one of the highlights of the Laureus year, where we can combine great sport with the opportunity to raise funds for a good cause. I must compliment Hugo Porta on the passion which he has demonstrated in his work in Argentina which has seen the Foundation there becoming an increasingly important element in the life of the country.”

PruHealth is the Country Patron of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in the United Kingdom.

PQ | 55

HRH Sheikha M aitha A l M aktoum

Zero polo to 20 goal polo in under six months

By Aurora Eastwood • Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi and www.imagesofpolo.com To go from never having swung a mallet to playing high goal polo in five months is a remarkable achievement – and not one that this writer has heard of before. What makes this all the more remarkable is that the player in question is a girl – so I know how hard it is initially to gain respect on the field.

With such good tutelage and unequivocal support from Ali, Maitha went from strength to strength.

By July of 2012 Maitha was in the UK playing the 20 goal Warwickshire Cup. Rumours abounded among the polo world that this was a prelude to a high goal campaign in the 2013, and for once the rumours were true.

However Sheikha Maitha is no stranger to challenge or making her presence known in the sporting arena. An Olympian, she took part in the 2008 Olympics in Tae Kwon Do. It was indirectly this that led to polo – a back injury forced an early retirement, and while recuperating from multiple surgeries she looked for something else to set her mind to.

Having been brought up around horses (her father, Sheikh Mohammed, is the most prolific racehorse owner in the world), Maitha decided to ride as part of her recovery. Her showjumpers were a bit sharp to hop on post surgery, so Ali Albwardy suggested she get on a polo pony instead. In February 2012 she did just that.

Cut to 2013 and Maitha’s UAE Polo Team are playing the Queen’s Cup and the Gold Cup. They won their opener against defending champions Cortium with a resounding win – and Maitha scoring no less than two goals, much to the crowd’s delight.

Naturally, having a background in horsemanship is a colossal benefit.

“I’ve ridden all my life, it’s the family past time. I had a go at Endurance Racing but found it really boring – that said I appreciate the skill that goes into it. I took part in an amateur flat race last year in Dubai – that was amazing.

Racing is the closest thing to polo.”

“Polo ponies are quiet whereas my showjumpers are a bit

A competitive sporting history also has its benefits, and Tae Kwon Do specifically helps Maitha’s polo:

mental! A week after getting on a polo pony I was stick and

“They are both full contact sports! You need very good

balling. I was so lucky to just step into such a good facility –

proprioception like in Martial Arts; knowing where your

the horses, the fields and even Nachi Heguy was there.”

opponent is in relation to you. It all helps.”

56 | PQ

Maitha’s goals are practical ones. “ I want to fulfill my potential on a personal level. In terms of what other polo I will play this year, from here we go to Sotogrande to play both the medium goal and the high goal. I think I have a game every single day!

Then back to Dubai, where there is some work with the young horses, and then hopefully on to Argentina.”

When asked about the UK season in 2014, Maitha had a twinkle in her eye.

“That’s plan. Oh, and to win!”

One can’t not like Maitha. A decent rider, she knows her horses and that instantly commands respect in my book. On top of that, she’s charming and unaffected, and prepared to put the hours in. Her journey in this sport will be an interesting one to watch, and I wish her the very best.

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Rodrigo Ribeiro de A ndrade

A Brazilian winning everything in England

By Alejandra Ocampos • Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi & www.imagesofpolo.com He is defined as sincere, humble and relaxed.

That is Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade, the talented Brazilian player who is in the UK for the first time in his career. The country that fascinates him is host to his first full season in the tough and competitive British polo season. He’s not done badly for his debut; playing with Zacara, alongside none other than Facundo Pieres, with whom he gets along perfectly, and winning the Queen’s Cup, one of the most coveted trophies in the world. This is an achievement that fills him with pride, not only for himself but for his team and his country.

Rodrigo with wife Daniela and daughter Luisa 58 | PQ

Things haven’t always been easy for Rodrigo, but bit by bit with effort and dedication he reached his objectives. One of these was to play in the Triple Crown in Argentina, something that he himself said he never thought he’d achieve.

PQ international meet up with Rodrigo in England, in the spectacular backdrop in Windsor, for an interview where he spoke about his past, his present and his plans for the future. And also, a little bit about his personal life.

How did you start playing polo in Brazil?

I started with my family. My father and uncle both played, but not professionally.

What where the first tournaments you played and won in Brazil and how did your career progress over there?

In Brazil I started playing tournaments in the interior, till I was about 3 or 4 goals. That’s when I started going to Helvetia. After that I started getting invitations for better tournaments. To start with, medium goal, then once I was playing 22 goals my polo started improving. It was with Jose Eduardo Kalil and Sao Jose that I won the most important tournaments in Brazil, the Sao Paulo state Open, the Helvetia Open, the Copa de Brazil (18 goal), the Brazilian Championships that is medium goal but very important, a lot of people come to watch it. I also won the Giorgio Moroni, 22 goal.

There was nothing left to win in Brazil then!

Well, I haven’t won the Gold Cup. I’ve played it three times, lost the final once and been knocked out in the semis twice. It’s the only one left to win.

Who did you admire when you started?

At the beginning I watched videos, I liked Bauti Heguy for being such a goal scorer, Gonzalo Pieres for his intelligent play and ability to make a tram.

Nachi Heguy for his determination on the field. I went to watch the Open only once, and then came back when I was 7 goals. In the meantime I watched every video I could, to learn.

When you watched them all, did you think one day you’d play at Palermo?

No, I never thought I’d get there. I’d watch the videos I think how far I was from them. They play so well, I’ll never reach them.

What was your first opportunity outside Brazil?

The first was in Argentina with Jose Eduardo, to play the Gold Cup at Ellerstina, we went a few times. I went to the USA with Audi and the Pieres’s. I was a bit late, maybe I should have played abroad when I was younger, but I didn’t have many opportunities. It depends a lot on your organisation, plus not many Brazilian players travelled. You need money and I didn’t have much to buy horses and play. Plus it was complicated to take horses from Brazil to the USA to play.

What can you tell us of your experiences in Argentina?

The first time I went I was invited to be the reserve for La Dolfina, in 2007 I think. We were going to pay the Jockey Club Open with Lolo and Lucas, but it was called off due to rain. I was the 2nd reserve, meaning I was never going to start in the tournament, but the fact they’d called me made me happy. I then had another invite to play in the Camara with Martin de Narvaez, who I knew through his brother Paco.

None other than Chapa Uno – how was that experience?

It was the first time I’d played the Open. It started brilliantly but was just one game – I got a red card in the Silver Cup that stopped me playing any more.

How did your relationship with Lolo go?

I never really had much of a relationship with Lolo as he was in Canuelas and I was in Pilar, so after the Chapa Uno run in 2010, I was invited to play the qualifiers with Sao Jose with Nico and Polito Pieres and Jaime Garcia Huidobro. We qualified.

The following year Sapo took Nico’s place and we qualified again. Afterwards, when some of the Open teams changed, I got back in touch with Lolo, who was with Nachi, and they invited Polito and myself to play with La Natividad. That was last year.

What is your main career objective in Argentina?

The first was to get to Palermo, but once you do you want to win. Get on the field and think about winning, despite the fact it’s hard and that the team to you confront may be better that yours, be it their players or the organisation. But you always have to intend to win.

La Natividad is a good team, third placed in handicap...

Yes, we are good, with 33, 34, 35 goals the teams are very even, a goal here or there. The difference is the horses.

What goes through your head when you are at Palermo, playing on field 1? Do you think you are the only Brazilian to play there in recent times?

No, I only thing about winning. When you are on the field you don’t think about those things. You might think it before or after, but not on the field, at least not in my case. I just want to concentrate and focus on the game.

Let’s go to your present, in England with Zacara. How did you get here, how did you meet Lyndon Lea and realize the possibility of playing with Facundo?

Facundo called me last year, it was a great surprise.

He said he needed an 8 goaler to play with them, and asked if I was available. I said yes, but as I’d never played in England I didn’t have any horses.

He said that wasn’t a problem as Lyndon would mount me. Lyndon, who I knew from playing against him in the USA had a very good setup in the UK. In the USA when you ere playing for Audi with Nico and Gonzalito, had you played with Facundo?

No – only some practices, no games. This was the first time.

Now you’ve played with Facundo and won the Queen’s Cup, how is it to play with with him?

Very good, he makes things easy for me and we complement one another very well. Sometimes PQ | 59

Rodrigo with Windsor Castle behind 60 | PQ

there are very good players but they don’t make things easy and the plays don’t come off. With Facu it’s all so easy. Not only that, he has “buena onda” on the field, something that is very important to me, the good feeling we had was throughout the team with Lyndon and Matt. It all helps the team.

What was your role in the team? What did Facu say you had to do?

He gave me freedom, told me to play my own game and that everything would work out. That was key.

Last time I wasn’t here for long and didn’t get to see much. But I’m really enjoying England.

What’s your life off the field and when you aren’t at the stables?

I’ve been to Windsor, London – beautiful places.

We’ve eaten at pubs which is a great programme, I’ve been to watch football with friends which is really fun also.

You

Q ueen, which not many players have Q ueen say to you when she gave you the prize ?

She congratulated me and said it was a great game.

I was so surprised, not many people get the chance to be so close to the Queen. She seemed really nice in the prize giving and in great spirits, she spoke to everyone. She asked Facundo about his mare. I was astonished by her, the good mood she has. met the

done .

Now that some time has passed since winning the Queen’s Cup, what does it mean for you, your career and for polo in Brazil?

It means a lot to me, I’m the only Brazilian playing the high goal in England. Winning those tournaments is a huge satisfaction, for Brazil also. I’m the second Brazilian to win the Queen’s Cup (the first being Silvio Novaez in 1984) so for polo in Brazil it’s fantastic.

They’ve all gone crazy over there, I got messages from all over, they are very happy.

This was your first season in the UK. Will you come back?

Yes, I’ve loved it. Outside of polo this is a great place. It’s the second time I’ve come in reality, the first was to play the Coronation cup with Brazil.

What

did the

Aside from Brazil, Argentina and England, is there anywhere you’d like to go and play?

I’ve played in Chile and Uruguay, but I’d really like to pay in Sotogrande. I think the mixture of polo and beaches is great. I haven’t been but everyone says its lovely. Paris, Chantilly as well. Although the polo isn’t such a high level, it must be great to be so near Paris.

PQ | 61

Rodrigo playing the Queen´s Cup 2013

What’s your organisation in Brazil?

I don’t breed much at all. I buy TB mares. Aside from that its hard to start breeding abroad, so I buy. I buy what I can and improve my string. In Argentina I am breeding a few, helped by Kalil, who lets me use his place there. I don’t have a big organisation, but what I have, I try to do well.

Do you think it is harder for you, given that here are so many Argentines and you are Brazilian? That is to say there are so many Argentines in the same situation as you but they have bigger organisations than you in

Argentina?

It’s more complicated, the organisation, because at the start you know no-one. Luckily I have lots of friends now who have helped me a lot in this. When you first arrive its impossible as no one knows you.

No matter how well you play in your own country, its not the same when you go abroad, it all changes.

Luckily I got the opportunity to go to Argentina many times, I started going when I was 24, now I am 34, its been ten years. My polo improved and for that I had the chance to go. If I’d stayed playing in Brazil the opportunities to go elsewhere wouldn’t have been many.

62 | PQ

Ping Pong

Where to live: Brazil Where to go on Holiday: England Football Team: Corinthians Another sport: Football Hobby: Being in the country with my horses Your biggest personal achievement: My daughter Your biggest polo achievement: Winning the Gold Cup in the USA and the Queen’s Cup in the UK. It means a lot; winning in Brazil is great, but winning abroad is greater still.

A player you admire: Various – I’d say every 10 goaler. Each one I watched I took something from.

The most complete is Adolfito.

Your dream team: Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres, Adolfo Cambiaso.

Horse: Victoria, she was my best. I played her with Jose Eduardo.

Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade A sincere, humble, tranquil family man and a friend of my friends.

PQ | 63

Jaeger-L eCoultre Polo Icons

Mr. Summerfield "Skee" Johnston

Polo: A way of life PERSONAL DATA Skee Johnston is an American player born in 1932. He was an outstanding high goal player from Tennessee and polo director: he was President and Chairman of the United States Polo Association in 1980-84 and 1984-88, respectively.

Skee, who is married and the father of two children, is one of the few registered left handed players, was inducted into the Polo Museum and Hall of Fame in 2001, and awarded with the Hugo Dalmar Trophy for exemplary sportsmanship. He is currently one of the most enthused proponents of the return of polo to the Olympic Games.

What has been your most memorable moment in polo?

One was when I played with Cacho Merlos in the Palm Beach handicap.

The second is when Gillian won the 2002 US Open with Coca Cola.

And your most memorable moment on the personal side?

Well, it should be that I have played all over the world as a left handed. Somebody let me play like that!

Which was your best horse? Why? I remember a mare I got from Taio Novillo Astrada, named Blaze. You know, I never name a horse, because I don't think horses understand their names, so it can be Taio's horse, Cacho's horse. But this one was a great, wonderful mare. Taio rode her and played her too. I played her too a long time ago, I think late 80's, early 90's. Then, when I quit playing, Gillian played her too. She was really wonderful, she never had a fall, she could do anything.

Who did you have real pleasure to play with during your career?

I was fortunate to play with a lot of wonderful players.

I played with Alfredo Harriott, Cacho Merlos, Taio Novillo Astrada. I've also played with many wonderful American players, but I have to say that Taio maybe was the best, because we played together for a long time and we remained good friends, both in and out of polo.

What values and qualities does polo have, that other sports don't have?

I think polo combines most of the values of sports: teamwork, the spirits, the association between men and horses and riding, which makes a difference with other sports. Polo combines everything other sport has, and probably has courage, as it's faster.

What's the best thing polo has given to you both as a player and life in general?

I should say it gave me confidence.

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Which is the story or memory which you would like to capture ever or engrave on the back of the Reverso?

Very good question! I spent most of my life in polo, involved with the polo players and the United States Polo Association, with all the ups and downs, so I'd say my life in polo would say it all.

10-15 SEPTEMBER 2013

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Jaeger-L eCoultre Polo Icons

Mr. Lester Armour

Respect & Integrity

PERSONAL DATA Red Armour is an American former 9-goal player. He is married, and among his achievements during his polo career, he won the US Open (1974), Coronation Cup (1974), US Gold Cup (1975), Gold Cup and Silver Cup in Sotogrande, and he was inducted to the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame in 1999. He also served as a governor and chairman of the Handicap Committee of the United States Polo Association (USPA).

What has been your most memorable moment in polo?

I guess one of them has been the end of my career, when I played with Kerry Packer, Gonzalo Pieres, and Gonzalo Tanoira in Palm Beach. Also, when we played with Bautista Heguy at the Gold Cup. The 20-goal season with Tanoira and 26-goal with Bautista.

We won the first 20-goal and then we didn't play in the second because they raised Tanoira's handicap. He was 10 and we played the Gold Cup after that, but it was about playing with two other great players. Quite a thrill - Gonzalo Tanoira, Gonzalo Pieres and Bautista Heguy.

I guess another great moment was when we played the Americas Cup, not in Argentina, because we were not prepared at all, had no idea about what we were getting into. Then we played in Texas. I don't think we were more prepared, but it was a totally different game: 40-goal vs. 26, which was all we ever played. It was a totally different game. We played very well, and we were very competitive against one of the greatest teams. The two Heguys. So I have to list that one too.

Those were two memorable experiences that I was fortunate enough to live.

Which was your best horse and why?

I don't know what other people answered to that question but I've played for 30-35 years; 35 years as a professional.

So I was fortunate enough to have more than one great 66 | PQ

horse. I would say probably one of the best horses I had was one called Matthew. He was the first I’ve ever bought when I went to England. I didn’t have money so I would play him in three chukkas at every important game.

I used to have six or seven horses, but I only had one Matthew. Actually, I was being mounted while in England.

But then this horse came along and I could buy him. He was very tall, like a monster! Matthew came from New Zealand, I played him for many years.

Then I shipped him back to the US and I played him all the American polo, like six or seven years. Then, he got arthritis and I had to stop playing him. Matthew probably meant much more to me because he gave me many good things at a time when I didn’t have enough money to buy the horses I needed to play the level of polo I was playing back then.

For me, Matthew was the one I had when I was starting and with him I raised from 4 to 7 goals.

Who did you have real pleasure to play with in your career?

First person would be Tommy Wayman. We worked for John Reardon "Hap Sharp", we had a very good chemistry on the field and we always know where the other one was.

I would have to say Tommy, and then as I mentioned earlier, Bautista, Gonzalo Pieres, Gonzalo Tanoira, and Gonzalo Heguy as well. A real honour for me, we did so

well, and we had a great chemistry right from the very first match. We all knew each other so well, we almost didn't make any mistakes on the field.

What

values and qualities does polo have as a sport

that other sports don't have?

Anytime you combine an animal with a human being, the relationship is based on controlling two minds. Polo is definitely very different to other sports. I’ve played American football, soccer, tennis, golf. Some of them are team sports, and other just about your individual ability. When you play polo, you have to combine two abilities, you and the horse.

If you take Cambiaso or any other of the great players, and put them to ride horses that aren’t that good, their abilities are not the same. I mean, their abilities are great, but the horse is so much a part of the sport, and you can be able to show your abilities if you have great horses. But you are competing against other teams in the same position, and maybe you were strong in the second and weak in the third chukkas. That’s when you play your best horses in the fourth, fifth and sixth chukkas. However, today there is not such a thing as a weak chukka. It’s a weak chukka, and the game is over, because these teams are all so well mounted, all four players in basically all levels of polo. But it’s just remarkable how many good horses are in polo. When we used to play, you could count the good horses on your fingers in the whole United States. And now, is really impressive to watch the horses, I love to watch the horses and how far they came.

What is the best thing that polo has given you both as a player and in life in general?

If you enjoy doing what you are doing, they say it never feels like work. You enjoy every day, and any sport that involves a horse is a seven-day work. There’s no day off, and if you really don’t enjoy it, it becomes a hard work. I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy what I was doing. Otherwise, I’d feel it as going to work every day.

What story or memory you would like to capture for ever and engrave on back of the JLC Reverso watch?

I think the word I would use could be integrity. I think this sport and race car driving, think of high danger, there are between respect and integrity. Maybe I'll put both.

Without the respect for your fellow player, you can cause damage. It’s permanently risky; it’s what they taught me, respect for my team mates, fellow players and the horse. There is a huge part of this game. You learn very quickly that without them you are nothing. And the integrity includes sportsmanship; taught me lessons that are useful every day. If you live your life with respect and integrity, on and off the polo field, I think you live a better life, a happier life.

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Atlantic Polo Team

Polo players down sticks

and pick up oars for charity

By Aurora Eastwood Four pros – Bobby Dundas, Jamie Le Hardy, James Glasson and Henry Brett, will row almost 3000 miles across the Atlantic to raise money for Right to Play.

All four are more commonly found with reins in one hand and a mallet in the other, and usually play against one another, not with. In December they will find themselves with an oar in other hand, and quite literally pulling together as a team. All living in cramped conditions, in hostile seas, they will test their limits of patience, endurance, fitness and friendship to the utter limit.

We are seeking sponsorship of various values and of course all donations and support in any kind will be most welcome.

We are really excited about this challenge not only for our own sense of personal achievement and putting polo on the map as four professional polo players but doing something that really makes a difference”.

Said Bobby Dundas of his epic challenge: “On December 3rd I will be rowing across the Atlantic as part of The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge! I will be doing this with Jamie Le Hardy, Henry Brett and James Glasson in aid of Right To Play – a charity enabling children in disadvantaged countries the right to access sport.

As you can imagine this is not a small undertaking and the 2,900 mile row record so far has been done in 32 days – which of course we hope to break. We will be joined by 21 other teams from all over the world and start in La Gomera, finishing in Antigua.

Launched in 2012 and organised by Atlantic Campaigns, The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is the world’s toughest ocean rowing race where 30 teams from all over the world participate. The biennial challenge starts off from San Sebastian de La Gomera, Spain on December 3rd 2013 and finishes in the beautiful Caribbean island Antigua. 22 teams will race against one another 3000 miles across the Atlantic in a 7 meter by 2 meter specially made rowing boat.

68 | PQ

To find out more and to donate: www.atlanticpoloteam.com

www.ompremium.com

An event by

Organized by

The final countdown The 42nd Land Rover International Polo Tournament, which will take place this upcoming July 28th – September 1st in Sotogrande (Southern Europe), is the most exciting and elite sporting event in Spain. Santa María Polo Club will become the epicenter of polo worldwide in August, exceeding last year’s impressive figures (28 teams and more than 60.000 visitors). As usual, some of the best teams and players in the world will take part. Santa Maria Polo Club thus offers an attractive calendar for the Summer Season, full of great polo, a magnificent commercial area and grand social events, which will make this Club a landmark on the international polo circuit one more year.

FREE ENTRANCE Except Finals (Charity Tickets) For further Information: www.santamariapoloclub.com T.: +34 956 610 012 - info@santamariapoloclub.com

Bronze Cup Sponsor July 28th - August 2nd

Silver Cup Sponsor August 3rd - August 16th

Gold Cup Sponsor August 17th - August 31st

Follow us in:

Main Sponsor

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Evolution in Polo

The Evolution of English Polo

By Victoria Elsbury-Legg • Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi & BlackLocks Polo Books & Prints The English love affair with Polo, like the sport itself is one of passion, personality and pure pony power. Despite its nomadic warrior roots dating back two thousand years and the fact it is now played in over eighty countries worldwide, the image of the game is frequently perceived as very traditional and quintessentially English.

Looked at from the side-lines, this view of the sport is hardly surprising, given the ancient acres of beautiful English countryside which surround many Clubs, combine with the noble bloodlines of some of the more well documented players. Those held responsible for originally bringing the ‘galloping game’ to the West however, could hardly have discovered it in less English surroundings, as it was whilst they were stationed in Manipur, India in 1859 that Captain Robert Stewart and Major General Joe Sherer (who was later referred to by J.N.P. Watson in his book The World of Polo, as ‘the Father of Western Polo’) encountered their first Polo match.

Rather ironically, the English connection with Polo continued in India, not only because the British Army adopted it as a sport ideally suited to improve the riding ability of their cavalry units, but also because of that most iconic of English beverages – tea. As the British tea planters in India also took up the sport and in 1863 the Calcutta Polo Club was founded, which is still the oldest active club in the world.

The first ball which is said to have been officially struck in a game on English soil was on Hounslow

Heath in 1869, in a match organised by Captain Edward ‘Chicken’ Hartopp from the British Cavalry 10 th Hussars.

Over the next few years the sport, originally known as ‘hockey on horseback’ became well established in England, with the first English Polo Club being founded in Monmouthshire in 1871 by Captain Francis ‘Tip’ Herbert. Subsequently the English governing body of Polo, The Hurlingham Association, created official rules for the game in 1874, which included limiting the number of players on each team from eight to five and the offside rule, these were followed by the introduction of handicaps and player ratings in 1910.

As Polo evolved in England in the 19th century however, its style was notably different from the faster game played in Manipur. English players and their ponies were not trained to play a non-stop, fast game, so subsequently there was little passing between players in matches where play was slow and methodical and lacking in aggressive methods and equestrian skill. Consequently during 1800’s – 1910 it was Indian teams who led the field at an international level.

With the outbreak of The Great War in 1914, Polo went into a sharp decline in England as understandably its large military base of players’ attention was turned to conflicts overseas to which they were commissioned.

This, combine with the onset of motorisation in the military, and the motor car becoming a necessity rather than a luxury in the lives of many, meant the traditional, military-based English style of Polo was forced to evolve to survive.

Prior to The Great War there were nine British regiments stationed in India, (which became known

1972 England Team: Left to Right; Ronald Ferguson, Julian Hipwood, Paul Withers and Howard Hipwood.

70 | PQ

as ‘the Home of Polo’) from which great British players emerged, as many officers were able to experience nine years of Polo in ideal weather conditions, enabling them the time to source great ponies and hone both their own and their ponies techniques. Post war, commissions to India were shorter and the Army began questioning the need for great horsemanship as four-legs were replaced by four-wheels in many areas of the military.

In an article written in The Polo Monthly, March 1937, entitled: ‘Has the standards of English Polo deteriorated?’ by ‘an old Polo player’, he notes that ‘When Polo was restarted in 1919, never before in the history of the game were there so many beginners and so few with actual experience, either at Polo or training ponies. So it is no wonder that the art of schooling ponies deteriorated and the pre-war standard of training has not yet been regained, even though it is nearly twenty years since the war was over’.

He also comments on how the motor car has adversely affected the Polo world, ‘Motor cars have made the world faster, given players more distractions, pre-War, I would often see eight or ten players on a London practise ground before breakfast, now this is uncommon until later in the day. This is due to motor cars allowing them to socialise more and have later nights, which is not good for a Polo player’s eye’. He further goes on to suggest that ‘even military players in India have been affected by the motor car, as previously players were stuck where their regiment was stationed, frequently with only a wooden horse and Polo as a distraction, the motor car however now gives them the opportunity to get away and indulge in other activities’.

With reflection, he does seem to realise that the car can also be useful for those players who have limited time to play and need its speed to get to a game and that to maintain the quality of English Polo at home, the sport must embrace the efficiency in travel that mechanisation brings, so that home players can continue to improve their game by playing against top international visiting players.

Indeed in the years before the War, English players had already begun to take Polo around the globe. On 3rd September 1875 the first official match in Argentina took place at Shennan's Estancia, where it had been introduced by English and Irish ranchers. This was followed in 1876 by a British Military game in Australia.

Highly significantly it was in the same year that General Custer infamously rode against the Sioux Indians at Little Big Horn, that American newspaper tycoon James Gordon Bennett watched a game of Polo at Hurlingham, England and decided to take the sport home to America with him. It would be here, in 1886

Captain Edward Hartopp from the British Cavalry 10 th Hussars

Paul Withers cites the 1980's as a truly significant period in the recent history of English Polo, as 'Before the game turned professional in the early 80's teams were made/played with a totally different spirit.

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that one of the founding fathers of English Polo - John Watson would lead Britain’s victory over USA in the first Westchester Cup. There was little any traditionalist could do to prevent the inevitable changes that would occur in English Polo as travel opened up the World. In January 1930, in the passionate style evoked by Polo, four unknown, dashing players called the Ashton Brothers (who themselves had been inspired to take up the sport by a retired British Artillery Officer who introduced Polo to their local town of Goulburn, as there were not enough men on farms in such a remote area to take up football or cricket) sailed from Australia to compete in the English Polo season.

Bringing with them 26 home bred ponies (who became renowned for their strength, calmness and endurance as every Friday prior to the trip, they would be trotted 90 kilometres to the local town of Goulburn to play weekend Polo, then trotted the return journey each Monday) they embarked upon an epic three month sea voyage across 13,300 miles to play against the best players from England, American and India. Rather unsurprisingly, with English Polo at its lowest ebb during this period, their adventures captured the imagination of the British Press, who stated even before they had left Australian shores, they would never complete the trip and set foot or hoof on British soil. With the ponies stabled in specially installed loose boxes, ridden around the ship’s deck and trained and exercised daily in a small round sand yard on deck, the players and ponies not only defied the odds and arrived in England, but within two weeks they had won their first game.

Following their success in England, the Ashton brothers were invited to play in the States (all expenses paid) and not only embarked on a successful trip, but managed to sell all their ponies and return home to Australia as rich men. The imminent onset of the looming war did not prevent the brothers returning to England in 1937, where they enjoyed not only triumph

Manipuri Polo Team

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on the pitch, but once again sold all of their ponies.

The influence of these entrepreneurial brothers in English Polo is still very much in evidence today. In the devastating post World War II years, when English Polo almost disappeared into extinction, it was to his friend Bob Ashton that Lord Cowdray turned to help the British Polo Association re-establish the game, and it is in recognition of his support, that even to this day, the winner of the subsidiary final of the Cowdray Park Gold Cup holds aloft The Ashton Cup.

Rather ironically, the English connection with Polo continued in India, not only because the British Army adopted it as a sport ideally suited to improve the riding ability of their cavalry units, but also because of that most iconic of English beverages - tea.

Once again, English Polo had to redefine itself postwar, in a climate of great change, with many players killed in distant battlefields, a distinct lack of horse power and the military investing significantly less in the sport, it again needed to dramatically evolve to ensure its survival. The post-war revival of the game was highly influenced by the passionate work of John, Viscount Cowdray, who not only used his surviving ponies to build up a leading string of English Polo ponies, but also loaned ponies to potential players to increase a much needed interest in the sport.

Cowdray Park Polo Club, originally established in 1910, pioneered Post-war polo and was subsequently emulated on a smaller scale by other clubs across the Country.

Despite losing his left arm at Dunkirk, John Cowdray was still able to participate in the game, fitted with an artificial hook arm he continued to control the reins and the revival of the sport he loved.

Around the globe, the sport which had originally been introduced by the British to a number of countries continued to grow and have a significant influence on English Polo. From 1930-1936 it even revelled in Olympic status - although maybe as an early indicator as to what was to occur in more modern times Argentina beat Great Britain 11-0 in the last Polo match in Olympic history in Berlin in August 1936. Nowadays the sport is dominated by Argentine players and pony power, which many believe has greatly impacted on the development of English professional players and breeding programmes; however the close relationship between Argentina and England has been of significant importance for years. In 1948, Argentines, Jack Nelson and Luis Lacey were so impressed at the re-invention of English Polo that they invited John Cowdray and his team to compete in Buenos Aires. This visit in 1949 was a major turning point in the recovery of English Polo on the international stage.

Paul Withers, HPA Assessor and Assistant to Robert Graham, HPA Chief Umpire, first started playing the game in 1958, reaching 7 goals and playing as a

professional for Lord Cowdray for 22 years and Prince Philip for 4 years. He explained that ‘When Argentines started playing in England they weren’t professionals, to finance their trip they would sell four or five horses, they were proud people who didn’t want to be professional players - and no money would change hands’.

With the ever increasing improvements in international travel through the 1960’s and 70’s and the change in social and economic conditions in a rapidly modernising English society, it was almost inevitable that a country such as Argentina, who could produce top players and ponies at a fraction of the cost, would rise to such dominance on the English Polo scene. Traditionalists sought to preserve the exclusivity of the sport, despite the increasing expense to play at a top level. Many English polo players however realised that for the game to continue and indeed improve it needed more public participation in the sport. Corporate sponsorship and large budgets were required to finance the high-goal teams and enable English based Polo teams and professionals to compete at international level. ...TO BE CONTINUE ON PQ AUTUMN ISSUE #85

Highly significantly it was in the same year that General Custer infamously rode against the Sioux Indians at Little Big Horn, that American newspaper tycoon James Gordon Bennett watched a game of Polo at Hurlingham, England and decided to take the sport home to America with him. It would be here, in 1886 that one of the founding fathers of English Polo - John Watson would lead Britain's victory over USA in the first Westchester Cup.

Ashton brothers

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A zerbaijan

Polo in Azerbaijan – “Back to the roots” “Chovgan”, the centuries-old traditional form of polo, is still played in Azerbaijan, while the modernday version of the sport remains largely unknown.

But polo in Azerbaijan is about to enter a new era: under the leadership of M. Ahadpur Khangah, the 1st Arena Polo World Cup Azerbaijan will take place in Baku in September. The country will also apply to become a member of the World Polo Association FIP at the beginning of December and an Azerbaijan national polo team will be established over the coming months.

Central Asia is the birthplace of polo. “Chovgan” – a centuries-old traditional form of polo – is still played in many places in Azerbaijan, but polo in its modernday form has not really taken hold in this country on the edge of the Caspian Sea. But now polo is returning to its roots and Azerbaijan is looking forward to hosting its first polo tournament. Under the motto “Bringing polo home”, four international teams will go head to head for the 1st Arena Polo World Cup Azerbaijan from 6-8 September 2013. The matches will be played in the newly built outdoor polo arena at the Elite Equestrian

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Centre in Baku. M. Ahadpur Khangah has invested 4 million euros in promoting the sport in this country: in addition to the arena with high-definition lighting systems, 40 horseboxes are also provided and there are plans to build two full-size playing fields.

Highlights of the event will include a friendly match aimed at shining a spotlight on the Azerbaijanian roots of polo, made up of mixed teams from the Azerbaijan chovgan team and one of the participating teams. The three-day tournament is sponsored by the Azerbaijan food company Milla, as well as team sponsors Chopard, Bentley, Montblanc and Baltika 7. World Polo and local partners Tatyana Sulzenbacher (Event Organiser for Milla Az FPCo.), Etibar Quliyev (Manager Elite Horse Club) and Bahruz Nabiyev (Secretary General ARAF) are responsible for the production and organisation of the event.

The aim of the Arena Polo World Cup Azerbaijan is a grand one: to establish polo as a sport in this country.

A far-reaching vision that is being spearheaded by one man in particular: M. Ahadpur Khangah. The 60-year-old engineer and businessman discovered a passion for polo while studying in the English town

of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, became a successful player and has been hooked on the fast-paced sport ever since. This is why M. Ahadpur Khangah, who is also a fan of Manchester United, has set himself the task of ensuring polo enjoys the same growth in popularity in Azerbaijan as football is currently experiencing. ‘Our visions are really ambitious. We need polo players who can represent Azerbaijan on international playing fields and teams that are of national and international standard. We are also working towards improving the polo infrastructure so that we can host tournaments the whole year round. Given that we experience a lot of sunny days in Azerbaijan, there is a lot of potential here.

Polo also offers the perfect opportunity to promote our famous Karabakh horses, which are known for their stamina, toughness and sure-footedness and have already won numerous prizes and medals. It is high time we made these superb horses better known outside Azerbaijan’.

The country’s application to become a member of the Federation of International Polo (FIP) is currently in preparation and a national polo team will be established immediately following the 1st Arena Polo World Cup Azerbaijan, which will be attended by Dr Richard Caleel, President of the Federation of International Polo. As M. Ahadpur Khangah explains, ‘We will carry out an application and selection process for potential polo players from Azerbaijan. Ten players will be chosen and they will then go and train in Argentina for six months with professional Argentinian polo player Adrian Laplacette and his team at the Alegria polo farm near Buenos Aires. After that, the Azerbaijan players will then play in Europe over the coming season. The aim is of course for the Azerbaijan team to participate in the Polo European Championships 2015. The new polo nation of Azerbaijan will officially request membership of the Federation of International Polo when the Federation meets in Argentina on 5 December’.

Teams in the 1st Areno World Cup Azerbaijan in Baku Team Chopard Adrian Laplacette Jr (7) Manuel Fernandez Llorente (7) Agustin Kronhaus (7)

Team Bentley Satnam Dhillon(7) Simon Crotto (5) Andres Laplacette (5)

Team Montblanc Matias Vial Perez (7) Pablo Miguens (7) Tito Gaudenzi (3) Christohper Degano (3)

Team Baltika Thomas Winter (6) Heinrich Dummarth (4) Raul Laplacette Jr (7) Niffy Winter (7)

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Agualinda Open Championship 2013

Caracas polo and the lynchpin of polo in Venezuela

By Gonzalo Etcheverry | Photos by Matías Callejo Victor Vargas’s team, Caracas Polo, took the title of the 20 goal Agualinda Open, the Silver Agualinda Cup and the Agualinda Open (26 goal) to finish off a dream season.

The Falcon district saw a superb polo season in May, with three high level tournaments played. A total of nine teams took part in the club owned by Venezuelan patron Victor Vargas.

Agualinda Silver Cup

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26 Goal Tournament

The first tournament was the Agualinda Open Victor Jose Vargas Santaella Championship, for six 20 goal teams. Caracas Polo, comprising Vargas, Gaston Lisoli, Juan Jose Brane and Jorge Rodriguez beat Subucan 9-7.

The second trophy lifted by Vargas’s team was the 26 goal Agualinda Victor Jose Vargas Santaella Open. Caracas Polo, comprising Victor Vargas, Tomas Pieres, Juan Jose Brane and Diego

Victor Vargas PQ | 77

Carlos Avenda単o and Gaston Lisioli 78 | PQ

Above :Aereal view of Caracas Polo Right: All the players for the last photo

Araya beat Tucacas Polo (Jose Rivas, Tomas Franco, Juan Harriot and Gaston Urturi) in the final by 10-6 in a superb game.

Finally, Caracas Polo ended the great season by winning the Silver Agualinda trophy for six 20 goal teams.

The lineup for this tournament was: Victor Vargas, Gaston Lisoli, Martin Espain and Jorge Rodriguez, who beat Los Samanes 13-8 in the final to take their third trophy in Caracas.

Patron Victor Vargas was the key protagonist in the season, winning highest goal scorer with an incredible 103 goals scored throughout the season.

He scored 31 in the Silver Cup, 13 of them in the final against Los Samanes, beating his won record of 12 goals in one game.

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British Beach Polo

The 6th annual British Beach Polo

Championships at Sandbanks Photos by www.imagesofpolo.com Taking place over the 12/13th July, on Sandbanks Beach, Britain’s `Monaco´ of the South Coast, the 2013 Championships saw England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales polo teams come together again to compete for the title over two days. England proved to be the toughest, winning on both days to take the title.

Aside from polo, the Oakley International Beach Volleyball series between England and Scotland saw Olympic athletes perform in front of the largest audience since last year’s games.

Playing in the sand was certainly a challenge, as the ponies felt like thier were wading through treacle, but

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it was highly enjoyable and being in the thick of the action was great fun.

The British Beach Polo Championship also featured the Charity Audi Q7 V Polo Pony Race, ‘Have a Go’ polo sessions, beach fashion shows and the Beach Retail Village.

This year the event proudly supported Variety, the children’s charity. Celebrity guests included Nicola Roberts (Girls Aloud), Gemma Merna (Hollyoaks), Ray Quinn (X Factor and Dancing on Ice), Stephen Bowman (Blake), Emma Crosby (Newsreader) and Debra Stephenson (Impressionist/Comedienne).

Guests enjoyed the event from the exclusive Sandpolo Hospitality lounge, the Amika VIP marquee or as general admission guests. A vast number of spectators also gathered in the free view area along the water’s edge on the purpose built sand banks. The weather could not have been better for spectators; however, at times the length of chukkas was reduced due to the effect of the heat on the polo ponies.

Jack Kidd who is a regular for England at the Championships said: “I have been lucky enough to play polo all round the world – Sandbanks is still one of my favourite weekends of the year. The polo is insanely competitive, the guests are always on great form and the beach party’s well – they are simply the best. 2013 was one to remember!”

England (11) 1. Charlie Woodridge (3) 2. Roy Prisk (3) 3. Jack Kidd/Jamie Morrison (5)

Ireland (7) 1. Lloyd Jones (1) 2. Aurora Eastwood (3) 3. Sean Wilson-Smith (3)

Wales (9) 1. Ricky Cooper (0) 2. Roddy Matthews (4) 3. Seb Dawnay (5)

Scotland (11) 1. Martin Young (2) 2. Sebastian Alexander (4) 3. Adolfo Casabal (5)

The ideal summer event, the British Beach Polo Championships 2013 was a thrilling, action-packed and distinctly glamorous event.

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Features on Saddles

Biomechanics: The importance of good girths and good saddles

By Aurora Eastwood There is unfortunately no disputing that we in this fantastic sport are guilty of not paying much attention to an aspect of horse management and welfare that is held in the very highest importance in other horse sports.

Comfort!

There are two main culprits – saddle fit, and over girthing/poor choice of girth.

Polo saddles are invariably cheaply made Argentine saddles, often with trees that spread over time, narrow gullets, and cheap foam “flocking”. In no other sport would a saddle that cost £300 be put on a horse that cost £100,000.

Girths used (almost all hideously over tightened) are often too narrow, too tight and with no give whatsoever.

Why is this happening?

The problem is two fold: First: Polo is a sport that requires the ownership of multiples of horses, and the associated cost. Plus there is often a reasonable turnover – in that one player is unlikely to keep the same pony for several years.

This means that having saddles made for individual

ponies is both wasteful (as the pony might get sold) and prohibitively expensive.

There is also a culture and accepted practice of using cheap saddles from South America.

Second: Players like to sit up over the ponies’ shoulders, and saddles (and horses’ backs) aren’t designed to be placed in this position and slip back.

Therefore the girth is tightened to the absolute limit to try and keep the saddle in place. (image below) Poorly fitting saddles are responsible for a host of problems due to back/muscular pain, resulting in asymmetry, reduced stride length on one or both sides, lameness, loss of performance, irritability and so on.

A narrow, and/or over tightened girth will have a similar effect. Intense pressure on the muscles over the sternum causes reduced stride length of the forelimbs and loss of range of motion, resulting in an immediate loss of performance, not to mention constricting the breathing. (image on the right) What is the solution?

• Treat the symptoms • Eliminate the cause • Implement the solution

OUTLINE OF SHOULDER BLADE

WHERE THE FRONT OF THE POLO SADDLE SITS: THE TIPICAL FORWARD POSITION AND PLACEMENT OF THE POLO SADDLE

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THE FRONT OF THE SADDLE SHOULD NOT SIT FURTHER FORWARD THAN THIS POINT: APPROX. 2 INCHES BEHIND SHOULDER BLADE TO ALLOW FOR THE SHOULDER BLADE TO ROTATE WHEN THE FORELIMB MOVES FORWARD

Serratus Ventralis Cervicis

Shoulder Blade (Scapula)

Brachiocephalus Pectoral

MUSCLES THAT MOVE THE FORELIMB AND THE SHOULDER BLADE Treat the symptoms Once a polo pony is sore, what therapies are available?

Who is qualified and who isn’t?

What therapies are condoned by vets?

PQ Spoke to Mr David Robert Mountford VetMB MA MRCVS, Chief Executive of The British Veterinary Association (BEVA): As far as advice for owners goes these are the key points from BEVA’s perspective: 1 The first port of call should a full, holistic diagnosis from an RCVS veterinary surgeon.

2 The recommended treatment based on this will be given based on this by the surgeon and may or may not include one of the 3 legally recognised paraprofessionals.

3 When it comes to choosing a professional, ask for a recommendation from your veterinary practice as they will often have practitioners they regularly work alongside.

4 This goes for the therapies such as acupuncture and the non-invasive therapies as well; vets are becoming more open-minded and some are even dual-qualified ie a veterinary surgeon and veterinary homeopathy practitioner so if that is a route you wish to take, your vet should still be the one to consult with on who to use.

The problem the industry is currently having stems from the outdated nature of the law. All treatment of any animal should stem from a correct and detailed diagnosis by an RCVS registered vet (a vet’s credentials can be checked at (http://www.rcvs.org.uk/registration).

From here, there are three BEVA recognised paraprofessional groups: A Physiotherapists B Chiropractors C Osteopaths These titles are protected by law to tie the practitioner to certain regulatory practices, such as not being allowed to treat an animal without veterinary referral following diagnoses. However there are some grey areas in the law, which is where the confusion can be created by practising ‘professionals’ for the horse owner. To use

Serratus Ventralis Thoracis physiotherapy as an example, the term ‘physiotherapist’ is protected by law and any ACPAT registered physiotherapist will call themselves as such. However the term’ specialist equine physiotherapist’ holds no legal weight and anyone can call themselves as such without ANY formal training. But as an owner, you are perhaps more inclined to use the ‘specialist’ over the physiotherapist as it sounds more appropriate to what you need. To then move on to therapies such as Reiki, crystal healing, and magnet healing, the confusion only increases as these non-invasive therapies don’t require veterinary referral. This may mean they aren’t doing any harm to your horse but you may be handing money over to someone not benefiting your animal either.

There are murmurings of changes happening particularly within the physiotherapy community to provide a much needed overarching regulatory body to paraprofessionals. A model is currently being independently headed up by ACPAT registered physiotherapists who are looking to try and create a model for musculoskeletal paraprofessionals to be registered or regulated in some way. This is in place in human healthcare in the form of the Health and Care Professionals Council. They describe themselves as a regulator set up to protect the public and include *arts therapists, biomedical scientists, chiropodists/ podiatrists, clinical scientists, dietitians, hearing aid dispensers, occupational therapists, operating department practitioners, orthoptists, paramedics, physiotherapists, practitioner psychologists, prosthetists/orthotists, radiographers, social workers in England and speech and language therapists*. This overarching body provides an umbrella for those professionals that have a recognised qualification as well as members of the public to refer back to make sure qualified professionals are being recognised and promoted and members of the public know they are dealing with a professional all times.

BEVA are keen to see something similar in the veterinary industry as the root of everything is the welfare of any animal that needs treatment.

*http://www.hpc-uk.org/aboutus/

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Eliminate the Cause There are three ways to eliminate the cause of back/ muscular pain/reduction in stride length: 1 Stop using saddles that don’t fit 2 Stop using girths that are too narrow/inflexible 3 Stop over girthing

Implement the Solution 1 2

Saddle Fit Girth comfort

Saddle Fit Saddles made in Argentina are plentiful and cheap.

However there is no formal training for saddle makers in Argentina plus the saddles tend to be very heavy, a standard width and the trees often spread in time.

Saddles should be fitted to the individual horse and made by a master saddler.

1

2

3

4

1 2 3 4

English saddle in a normal position on the horse. ...and showing the panel sitting just behind the shoulder.

Now see what happens if the saddle is put too far forwards: It not only obstructs the shoulder but the saddle absolutely doesn't fit.

The panels don't even make contact with the horse.

Polo Saddles The Dawnay Pro is a polo saddle made by Berney Brothers in Ireland. Saddlers for generations, the saddle is carefully made from high quality materials and is completely customizable. From £800 upwards.

Keith Bryan saddles (see sidebar) are very well made and legendary in the game. From £1300.

The Polo Gear/Nick Roldan Elite saddle is described as being the most advanced saddle ever made, with a unique cut to allow shoulder movement. (picture here) The saddles are only available to buy in the USA via PoloGear and cost $4675 (or £3,000) which is quite a hefty investment to make, but the saddle is certainly revolutionary in its shape and cut.

Both Calcutt & Son in Hampshire and Polo Splice in West Sussex stock new English made polo saddles and Calcutt’s in particular always have a good selection of used ones. New from £765.

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Chukker saddle (Argentine made) on left and 20 year old Keith Bryan saddle on right. Note difference in gullet width - the English saddle has a much wider gullet throughout to avoid pressure on the spine.

Chukker saddle on left and KB one on right. Note difference in size of the panels (that spread the weight of the saddle out).

Which players have embraced this ethos?

Sebastian Dawnay has long been a proponent of Berney saddles – his grandfather played in them, as did his father, as does he. Three generations of Dawnay all playing in the same saddles.

Tom Morley and Richard Le Poer have both been playing in English saddles bought from Greg Glue, but are both switching to saddles made by Ross Ainsley, famous polo pony producer from New Zealand.

George Meyrick, one of England’s best young players, has been wise to the importance of good saddles for years.

“I’d always had issues with the weight of the Argentine saddles and I’d had horses with back problems. I started using the Jaguar saddles that Greg Glue used to sell, and when they got old I started looking around again. I had a conversation with Ian from Calcutt & Son and he put me in touch with a guy who made racing seats and had made an incredibly light carbon fibre tree for endurance racing. We made up a batch of saddles with a carbon fibre tree, based on the Jaguar saddles, but we’d actually gone too far in terms of trying to save weight – the leather we’d used for the flaps was riding

PQ Spoke to Keith Bryan, the most famous polo saddle maker there is – but you probably haven’t heard of him.

Why? Read on.

Keith is a Master Saddler and was president of the Society of Master Saddlers in the UK. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Having learnt his trade in Switzerland and the UK, Keith started his own company in 1983, and has been supplying saddles to the world’s best ever since. “Claire Tomlinson has been using my saddles for years, as has Adolfo Cambiaso. He has 24: A set in the UK, a set in Florida and a set in Argentina”.

Keith originally sold his saddles through the Lodsworth polo shop near Midhurst, but when that closed he continued selling them to David Morley and Chris Bethell. Keith got a phone call one day from Greg Glue in the late 1980’s.

up a bit. By chance I got chatting to Jane Sleeman one day and she put me in touch with a master saddler in Walsall who had made some superb saddles for her.

He made me some and they are excellent.”

George’s choice of saddle is driven by comfort for the horse, reducing weight and being close to the horse.

“Traditional polo saddles are bulky, and then with a pad underneath you can be several inches above the horse’s back. Mine are very close contact so I don’t need to put them too far forward.”

Sofia Garcia Ladera is an Equine Structural Integration practitioner and has developed the Polo Perfect “Free Motion” Saddle in conjunction with Palmita Polo. As yet no images are available as it is in prototype stage, but it can be bought once launched later this summer from www.palmitapolo.com. The Polo Perfect "Free Motion" Saddle has been designed with the anatomy of the horse and its biomechanical movement at the forefront for optimum performance on the field. This has been achieved by a change in design of the saddle tree (the saddle is not built on a traditional English tree shape), panel shapes and the build of the player’s seat. The result allows a player to locate the saddle forward where he wants to play his/her game and at the same time to avoid the performance problems that poor saddle fit can lead to.

Girth Comfort A comfortable girth that does not compress the sternum and the muscles that band across it is absolutely vital.

Extensive research by Fairfax saddles showed that tight girths cause reduction in stride length and performance. They went so far as to say that the girth they developed in time for the Olympics (that was indeed kept secret until afterwards) had a part to play in the success of the team.

"We recorded up to 33% improvement in forelimb protraction and general range of motion of every elite horse we tested”, (compared with using the horse’s own girth) said Russell Guire of Centaur Biomechanics.

“Greg called and said Kerry Packer wanted to see me, so I went down to Berkshire and there he was. I had a saddle to show him and he said he liked it and was interested. Just joking, I pointed to a nearby helicopter and said if it was his he could have them the next day. The following day I though I better get in to work early, and the next thing I knew the phone rang and it was Packer asking where he could land his helicopter!

Well I was on an industrial estate north of Birmingham so he ended up landing it on a football field. He became a customer for many years and was a really good guy. He used to send the helicopter to pick the saddles up!”

“I make a dressage quality tree and use the best leather but can only charge half the price I would for a dressage saddle as people just won’t pay what it’s really worth”, says Keith, matter of factly. "I’ve noticed that in the male dominated horse posrts, they spend the least money. In the sports where women are competing at the top level they want the best and will pay for it. Dressage, Eventing, Showjumping. In polo and racing the guys don’t give a monkeys and will happily ride around on a pile of junk.”

It seems though, that this problem is happening on the other side of the pond, “The Americans will pay and that is my big market. KB polo saddles have been sold in the USA for decades, via Texas Polo and the Tackeria.

In the UK people don’t want to spend the money. Its an education issue – they don’t realise the damage they are doing to the horses”.

“I’ve never stopped developing the saddle and have something that is comfortable for the horse even though the players insist on putting the saddle in the wrong place. I went to Les Lions years ago and met one of the 10 goal players. He said with the saddle far forward he was 10 goals, with it further back he was 3. It’s about money for those guys, so I had to set about making the saddle comfortable for the horse even when positioned on the shoulder” said Keith. “You read a lot of rubbish about new saddles that free up the shoulder. You can’t free up the shoulder if you put a saddle on the shoulders, It’s just not meant to go there.”

Keith Bryan PoloMaster saddles aren’t cheap but they are very good. You won’t get much change from £1400. www.keithbryansaddlery.com or buy via Casablanca in the UK.

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Sofia Garcia Ladera summarises the way that poor saddle fit compromises performance: The ways that a polo pony with a sore back and/or clamped down shoulders may interfere with a player’s game include: • Accelerating and galloping much slower that the pony’s natural ability.

• Significantly reduced flexibility and manoeuvrability.

• Getting off the ground or leaping through the air when the player attempts to stop the pony in a straight line (due to pain).

• Travelling with its head held high up in the air and with the back muscles tense leading to an inverted back –a pony with a sore back will move this way because by raising its head, this position shortens the back muscles taking the stretch off of those muscles, which in turn eases the pain in its

Le Tixerant girth next to a professionals choice girth

back– compromising both speed, rhythm and the player’s ability to cleanly hit the ball.

• Refusal to stop at all or becoming harder to stop (usually meaning a player has to increase the severity of the bit used).

• Running “blind” up the polo field (a pony will often attempt to run away from pain).

• Bucking or “bunny hopping”/”broncing”, especially whilst being warmed up before the adrenaline response kicks in.

Polo is an incredibly challenging game requiring great skill with the ball and horsemanship. No player would actively choose to make that task harder by playing ponies that display the above mentioned characteristics and yet we have all seen and no doubt played on a very regular basis ponies that move in these ways or do these things.

An English saddle custom made for George Meyrick

What girths are comfortable for the horse and don’t hinder performance?

GOOD: Professional’s Choice Neoprene girth At 4 inches wide, this girth has some give and is wide enough to help spread the pressure. At about £50 they are good value. www.profchoice.com

To summarise, there really is no excuse to continue to use poorly fitting saddles and narrow girths. Saddles can always be found

BETTER: Barnsby sell the Le Tixerant girths – with moulded non slip alveolar rubber, the girth doesn’t need to be tight and the saddle wont slip.

They aren’t cheap but the difference in how the horse goes is remarkable (I use one myself) £190 www.barnsby.com

second hand if cost in an issue, and girths

Fairfax’s Performance Girth uses similar principles to the Le Tixerant girths and are also not cheap. £249 http://www.fairfaxsaddles.co.uk/products/19-performance-girth

Polo is light years behind in terms of the uptake of decent craftsmanship and technology in the equipment we use. It’s time to catch up!

too. Plus, you don’t need a girth for every pony, two or three will suffice.

Saddle Stockists Keith Bryan http://www.keithbryansaddlery.com/

Roldan Elite http://www.pologearusa.com/

Berney Brothers http://www.berneybrossaddles.com/store/

Calcutt & Son http://www.calcuttandsons.co.uk/

86 | PQ

Polo Splice www.polosplice.co.uk

High Goal Pony Review 2013

Best ponies of the British Season PQ international choose the best horses of the UK High Goal Season.

Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi.

Name: Close Up Played by: Facundo Pieres Owner & Breeder: Ellerstina S.A. Sex: Mare Age: 8 year old Colour: Red Chestnut Sire: Ellerstina Picaro Dam: Shape Up

CLOSE UP

FACUNDO PIERES QUEEN´S CUP 2013

Name: Dolfina Primicia Played by: Adolfo Cambiaso Owner & Breeder: Adolfo Cambiaso Sex: Mare Age: 7 year old Colour: Chestnut Sire: Open Chimento Dam: Noticia

DOLFINA PRIMICIA ADOLFO CAMBIASO

GOLD CUP FOR THE BRITISH OPEN 2013 Name: Oli Chicha Played by: Juan Martin Nero Owner: Juan Martin Nero Breeder: El Cabure S.A.

OLI CHICHA

Sex: Mare Age: 10 year old Colour: Red Chestnut Sire: Fax Banquero (Louvre x Banquera) Dam: Yasmin (Pucara x Cascarita)

JUAN MARTIN NERO

AACCP AWARD / BEST POLO ARGENTINO OF UK SEASON PQ | 87

World Polo Tour

Facundo Pieres, the new runner-up

Adolfo Cambiaso remains steadfast at the top of the ranking

By Alejandra Ocampos • Photos by Ana Clara Cozzi Ahead of the final of the Gold Cup, the struggle for the number one slot on the WPT between the two powerhouses of polo, Facundo Pieres and Adolfo Cambiaso, raged on. The margin was infinitesimally small, whoever won would take top spot.

The victory of Zacara at Cowdray park, becoming super champions of the UK season having just won the Queens Cup weeks earlier, kept Facundo on the top spot with 1117 points, followed by Cambiaso with 1032.

The top ten, from first to 9 th, remains the same, aside from Rodrigo Andrade who neatly seals it, pushing Mariano Aguerre from 10 th to 12th.

The top 20 has seen more movement. Hilario Ulloa stays at 11, but the ingress into position 10 by the talented Brazilian has caused a reshuffle. Eduardo Novillo Astrada moves from 12 to 13, Polito Pieres from 13 to 14. Everyone has dropped by one position, apart from new entrant Matt Perry, who jumps from 38 to 20.

In the Amateur category, Lyndon Lea leads with 720 points (7th in the overall ranking) as the best of the amateurs, with Victor Vargas following with 366.

The global season moves on to Sotogrande and Deauville, and the WPT continues on its quest to rank the best of the best.

World Polo Tour Top 5 Points 1117 1032 895 815 730

Player 1. Facundo Pieres 2. Adolfo Cambiaso 3. David Stirling Jr 4. Juan Martín Nero 5. Gonzalo Pieres Jr August , 2013

MVP AM MAY 2013

MVP AM JUNE 2013

MVP AM JULY 2013

QUEEN´S CUP 2013

FINALIST QUEEN´S CUP 2013

FINALIST GOLD CUP 2013

GUY SCHWARZENBACH

MVP PRO MAY 2013 GUILLERMO TERRERA QUEEN´S CUP 2013

88 | PQ

GEORGE HANBURY

RASHID ALBWARDY

MVP PRO JUNE 2013 MVP PRO JULY 2013 RODRIGO ANDRADE WINNER QUEEN´S CUP 2013

FACUNDO PIERES WINNER GOLD CUP 2013

PQ | 89

Editor's profilE s a r a roT M a n

The play

Maker

pQ Enlists thE unExpEctEd forcE of

lu x ury Br anding guru and dark Horse polo aTHleTe

sara rotman

for a rEvampEd lifEstylE sEction

W

By erika Mehiel

hen Sara Rotman speaks of polo, it’s with a wistful passion that’s shared by all who love the sport. “I love the speed of the game and I love the quiet moments in the barn with the horses… I love the way the saddles smell and being around all the tack… I especially love thinking about the lineup and all the time spent strategizing the game.”

We’re sitting in Sara’s office on New York’s Madison Avenue, at the world headquarters of her luxury branding agency MODCo Creative, talking about her many passions, including her new role as Curator for PQ’s revamped lifestyle section. Today she wears a killer pair of Sergio Rossi sky-high turquoise stilettos (her Spring must-haves); but last year when she and Polo Line’s Javier Herrera met up for a mate and a chat in Argentina about opportunities for the magazine, she was likely wearing a dusty, well-worn pair of custom riding boots, designed for her by master cobbler Eduardo Fagliano out of Buenos Aires. Sara had long been a reader of PQ, and like Javier, who acquired the glossy publication seven years ago, knew that the magazine’s well-established position as the leader in polo sporting coverage could be updated and complimented by a new lifestyle section — one that reflects the tastes and pursuits of our community.

“Polo is a niche market, and not many people fully understand it,” explains Javier, who was spot on in

90 | PQ

choosing to collaborate with Sara, a woman who has her well-heeled feet planted firmly in both the luxury and polo worlds. She plays a Number 4 for her team Dark Horse, named for the unexpected force that earned them an undefeated Argentine season last year. In some ways, Sara relishes the art of surprise. In business she’ll appear a Number 1, gutsy and with an eye towards the win, but she’s a back through and through. The ultimate strategist, she is a controlled risk taker who loves to see the whole game unfolding before her. It’s precisely this expertise and foresight that her clients rely on.

According to Javier, “What I liked about Sara is that she understands Polo from the inside, and her company is among the best in the business.” As Founder and Chief Creative Officer of MODCo, Sara defines, launches and repositions a broad range of leading luxury brands, like Tory Burch, Vera Wang, Hunter Boot and Thompson Hotels, to name just a few.

For PQ’s re-imagined lifestyle section, Sara brings her creative chops and love of the game to bear, delivering content that is both familiar and surprising. “We want to portray an authentic sense of our nomadic lifestyle… we are a group of people who travel to some of the most spectacular places in the world, and we always see our friends there,” she explains. “There’s a beautiful community in that regard. The polo world has a unique perspective on luxury. We’re just as comfortable at a black tie affair as we are sitting on a hay bale having a

mate with friends… you have to remember that every polo player spends time with shit on his boots in a barn.”

The new lifestyle section will feature stunning fashion and beauty spreads, shot on location, plus inspired travel stories and international cultural happenings, all that echo polo’s unbridled spirit.

A time-honored sport, polo is nothing if not dynamic.

It stays true to tradition while evolving every year. It only makes sense that the industry’s leading publication should lead the way — with a lifestyle section that explores new territory and ideas. And who better to strategize content than a true Play Maker? “Polo isn’t something you dabble in or take lightly,” Sara reflects, counting broken arms and a broken back among her battle scars, “I want to play the best game I can play.”

And for Sara Rotman, this is true both on the pitch, and on the newly-curated pages of PQ International.

Sara photographed by Walter Chin (above) and Alex Pacheco (below).

PQ | 91

urBan huntEr T es T of T i M e

TesT of timE explore anciEnt

mystical

placEs THaT sTill encHanT and aMaze

i

92 | PQ

By daniela dini n this edition of Urban Hunter, we have left the modern metropolis behind to go deep into the heart of ancient civilizations. We explore mystical cultural sites that continue to fascinate scholars and travelers alike, centuries after their creation.

PQ | 93

urBan huntEr T es T of T i M e

ciT y:

cappadocia, turkEy

experience :

soar aBovE, dWEll BEloW If you, like countless others, dream of seeing the moon up-close, then waste no time in visiting Cappadocia, Turkey. Dappled with dormant volcanoes — which erupted millions of years ago to create a remarkable topography of valleys, canyons and hills — this ancient region might just be the closest thing we have to an earthly moonscape. Reaching a whopping 3916 meters at its highest peak and spanning 400 km from its eastern most point to its western most point, Cappadocia is hailed as one of the world’s most impressive geological formations. Cappadocia is also renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because its landscape retains not only a geological history of the region, but also the intriguing history of its former inhabitants, who sculpted dwellings, churches and monasteries out of the soft volcanic rocks. Today, some of these former abodes have been converted into luxury “cave hotels,” many of which are situated in the city of Göreme. For those lucky enough to visit this popular Cappadocian city, an early morning hot air balloon ride is a must: Hands down, this is the best way to see the region in all of its astral splendor.

Cappadocia Cave Suites: www.cappadociacavesuites.com

Angkor, Cambodia

Cappadocia, Turkey

ciT y:

angkor, camBodia experience :

savour thE journEy When visiting the Angkor temple complex outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia, the experience should be about the journey just as much as the destination. With ruins of all sizes and conditions scattered over a sprawling 400 square kilometers, it’s best to take your time. The most iconic structure is undeniably Angkor Wat, or “Temple of Angkor,” which was constructed in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II. The majestic five-towered structure, which sits atop an elevated terrace, pays homage to Mount Meru, a symbolic mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, and is something that no tourist should go without seeing. Just as spectacular is the “City of Angkor,” Angkor Thom. This fortressed compound includes the stunning Bayon Temple, with its labyrinthine maze of corridors and 216 hypnotizing faces sculpted in stone, plus acres and acres of other religious and secular sites just waiting to be explored. The years have taken a cinematic toll on Angkor — the ruins are simply stunning in all their overgrown glory. You might opt to tour the grounds on the back of an elephant like ancient nobility, or go for the less romantic — but perhaps more practical — three-wheeled “tuk-tuk.” Or maybe take a cue from the Buddhist and Hindu religious philosophies venerated here and walk “slowly and with reflection.” Whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed to be astonished.

La Residence d'Angkor by Orient-Express: www.residencedangkor.com

94 | PQ

ciT y:

thE atacama dEsErt, chilE

experience : The Atacama Desert, Chile

ciT y:

tEotihuacan, mExico

experience :

mEditatE in thE mystEry No less than 365 steps sit between the base and apex of the Pyramid of the Sun, the tallest pyramid in Teotihuacan, Mexico. But rest assured, the view from the top justifies the climb. It is speculated that the pyramid was inhabited between 150 b.c. and 650 a.d., but the origin of its earliest settlers remains a point of contention among historians.

Thus, the Pyramid of the Sun has launched many a myth. One asserts that whomever stands in the center of the pinnacle platform will receive cosmic energy. Another legend states that if a wish is made atop the pyramid, it will come true. A final fable suggests that meditating at the zenith, with a view of the entire sacred site, will bring about spiritual enlightenment. Perhaps the pyramid remains so shrouded in mystery because so little is known about its first inhabitants: History suggests that Teotihuacan is neither Aztec nor Mexican nor Olmec, but rather it belonged to an earlier civilization that predates all three. What is known is that Teotihuacan was a major pre-Hispanic city where different Central American ethnic groups later converged. The energy of this sacred civilization is still palpable today and can only truly be experienced in person. For those robust climbers with energy to burn after scaling the Pyramid of the Sun, a visit should be paid to the Pyramid of the Moon, the second largest pyramid at Teotihuacan, which offers superb views and maybe even greater insight into the history of the city. The latest round of excavations beneath this area revealed a tunnel system that was closed 1800 years ago, containing over sixty thousand precious objects. Once studied, these artifacts could potentially provide clues about the origin and secrets of this mythic citadel. For now, though, we are content to relish in the great mystery of it all.

Tours from Mexico City: www.turibus.com.mx

WitnEss rEcord-sEtting natural WondErs The Atacama Desert holds the (somewhat amusing) distinction of being the driest desert in the world.

Spanning 1,000 km along the Pacific coast through Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, this plateau is also home to another record holder: Laguna Piedra, or Stone Lake, which happens to be the saltiest lake in the world. Boasting an even higher salt concentration than the waters of the Dead Sea, Laguna Piedra acts as a liquid raft, enabling adventurous swimmers to float effortlessly upon its surface. Los Flamencos National Reserve is yet another must-see in the region.

Located in northern Chile, this area is rich in flora and fauna, especially the namesake flamingos. Visitors can admire up to five breeds of rare flamingos in their natural habitat along Laguna Chaxa, all while taking in the crystal waters, which are said to resemble frozen waves. For early risers, El Tatio, also in northern Chile, is a phenomenon worth seeing up close. The largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere, El Tatio is best frequented at sunrise, when it is ice cold outside and the steam from the waters condenses midair.

Kunza Hotel & Tours: www.hotelkunza.cl

Teotihuacan, Mexico

Photos by Daniela Dini. More secrets of world cities can be found at urbanhunterproject.com.

PQ | 95

travEl i s l a n d Hoppi ng

island

hopping

sElEct

y

cariBBEan dEstinations f or THe discerning Tr av eler By ariane Marder & erika Mehiel

ou can travel the world over and you’d still be hard-pressed to match the tropical beauty and paradisiacal atmosphere of the Caribbean Islands.

With cerulean seas, powder-soft beaches and picture-perfect sunsets, the question isn’t when to go — those chasing an endless summer will find it year round in this region — it’s where to go.

And with upwards of 700 islands to choose from, each as gorgeous as the last, deciding can be a challenge.

We’ve endeavoured to make it a tad easier, highlighting our top picks, what makes them unique and where you should stay once you arrive. From St. Martin to Jamaica to St. Vincent, there’s an island to suit every type of traveler, whether you’re seeking rest and relaxation, cultural stimulation or adrenaline-inducing adventure! One small disclaimer: After catching the vibe of each isle, you might not be able to pick just one. A Caribbean vacation truly is paradise, so, might we suggest island hopping?

st. martin: By land and By sea While all the islands in the Caribbean are steeped in history, none remains as characterized by its European heritage as St. Martin. Still the province of both France and the Netherlands, St. Martin boasts two distinct “sides” and a rich cultural bounty. Known as the “melting pot” of the Caribbean, it is home to about one hundred different nationalities, and dozens of languages are spoken. The result is an island abound with world-class shopping, gourmet restaurants and a sophisticated art gallery scene. Of course, it also has miles of powdery beaches and plenty to do on (and in) the water. St. Martin is renowned for its vivid and bountiful reefs, making it one of the top destinations for snorkeling and scuba diving 96 | PQ

in the Caribbean. Venturing out a bit further, sport fishermen can enjoy the thrill of deep-sea fishing. St. Martin also happens to have the largest international airport in the region, making it an easy place to visit whether you’re seeking a culturally-oriented holiday, thrilling water sports or a bit of both.

Given St. Martin’s multi-country context, there is no more fitting hotel than La Samanna, owned and operated by the experts on intercontinental hospitality: Orient Express. Located on 55 acres of shoreline, the Mediterranean-inspired resort is dramatically perched atop a stunning sea cliff formation, affording sweeping ocean views from every guest room, and near-private access to the beach, Baie Longue, below. La Samanna was designed with both luxury and effortless island living in mind — as evidenced not just in the accommodations, but also in the attentive, personalized service guests receive in all aspects of their stay. The guest rooms, suites, cottages and villas are flooded with light, decorated in luxe, natural materials, and thoughtfully appointed right down to the L’Occitaine products in each bath. And while the island has countless dining options, you shouldn’t miss the outstanding offerings on-site. La Samanna’s wine cellar is legendary, and fresh provisions flown in from France daily ensure truly impressive fare. For an especially memorable dinner, book a private experience at La Cave, and custom create a tasting menu with wine pairings. La Samanna is also home to a full-service spa, perfect for unwinding after a day spent enjoying all the island has to offer.

la saManna’s wine cell ar is

legendary,

and frEsh provisions floWn in from

francE daily ensure

Truly iMpressi ve fare.

Photos courtesy of La Samanna by Orient-Express.

PQ | 97

travEl i s l a n d Hoppi ng

to truly ExpEriEncE

jaM a ic a “unplugged” you nEEd to gEt aWay from thE BustlE of spri ng Br eakers and spr aWling all-inclusivEs.

Hotel photos courtesy of Jamaica Inn (above and below). Underwater photo by Jordane Ruzi (middle right). Galloping horse photo by JMG-Riva (lower left).

98 | PQ

jamaica: unplugged or Electrified Home to postcard-worthy beaches, reggae music and lush landscapes punctuated by dramatic waterfalls, Jamaica has long provided an idyllic escape. In this tropical paradise time slows down, stress melts away, and everything is just irie. While the beaches are a major draw, Jamaica boasts breathtaking natural beauty inland. As seductive as the prospect of doing nothing for a week is, the island’s lush (and diverse!) tropical terrain is the perfect setting for a variety of adventure sports. Canopy tours, rock climbing and trekking will take you through the South Coast’s towering limestone cliffs and the panoramic Blue Mountains, or explore Jamaica’s many scenic rivers and waterways by white-water rafting or hiring a private canoe and guide. Mountain biking and horseback riding are two more heart-pumping modes of transportation. Finally, Jamaica’s glowing river phosphorescents and healing mineral baths will appeal to all visitors, whether you’re seeking exhilaration or relaxation.

To truly experience Jamaica “unplugged” you need to get away from the bustle of spring breakers and sprawling all-inclusives. Luckily, on the north side of the island in Ocho Rios lies the oasis that is Jamaica Inn. Built in the heyday of the ‘50s, when no smartphones or computers vied for our attention, the Inn still eschews radios, clocks and TVs in lieu of the rhythmic sound of the crashing waves. Cornflower blue and white buildings are set on a pristine stretch of sand or on the dramatic cliffside, and interiors are tastefully decorated in Indonesian and Jamaican styles. Each suite and cottage features an outdoor veranda or terrace that serve as extensions of the living space, perfect for enjoying breakfast or a book in the evening. Known for their warm Jamaican hospitality, the staff provides that rare kind of service that is as invisible as it is superior, from the concierge to the spa to the open-air dining room. Chef Maurice Henry has put his stamp on the delicious offerings — the dinner menu changes nightly and always includes a perfectly prepared catch of the day. More than a hotel, the Jamaica Inn is a gracious vacation home for guests to return to year after year.

st. vincEnt: Easy Breezy The journey to St. Vincent, and the 32 smaller islands that make up the Grenadines, is well worth the (not inconsiderable) effort. For with the trek to the southern-most Caribbean islands comes the reward of empty beaches and glimpses of true island life unimpeded by crowds. Thankfully, once you’ve arrived, you’ll be able to banish logistical planning from your mind, courtesy of Buccament Bay Resor t — recently named the Caribbean’s Leading New Hotel by the World Travel Awards.

The breathtaking beauty of this archipelago is best

explored via day trips, and Buccament Bay is perfectly situated and well equipped to make this possible with a variety of enticing excursions. A scenic two-hour boat ride and you’re at the horseshoe reef-enclosed Tobago Cays for snorkeling, scuba diving and sea turtle sighting. Or take a quick jaunt to the celeb-inhabited island of Mustique for lunch.

Catamarans are also at guests' disposal to explore the neighboring island of Bequia, where dolphins lie in wait to show off their skills.

Home to lush jungle, a breathtaking active volcano and miles of secluded shoreline, you may choose never to leave St. Vincent, and the Buccament Bay property offers plenty in terms of amenities — tennis coaching, a soccer fi eld and performing arts center to start. Given that the island is far less developed than many other Caribbean destinations, Buccament Bay’s all-inclusive accommodations ensure a convenient, tranquil and stylish holiday. On-site dining options provide something for every palate, including Bamboo for relaxed al fresco dining, and the upscale Safran, for fine Indian cuisine. Ideal for families or groups, each elegant one-, two-, and four-bedroom villa boasts a spacious living area and private deck complete with plunge pool. Those looking to strike a balance between gallivanting and unwinding need look no further than Buccament’s spa, or one of the plush, attended lounge chairs by the terraced infinity pools overlooking secluded white sands. Above all, an island escape should be relaxing, and Buccament Bay Resort has amenities and services that will make this island holiday a breeze.

Interior photo courtesy of Buccament Bay Resort (above) and sailboat photo by Kate Richardson (below).

PQ | 99

our gloBal taBlE c i nc s e n T i T s

a family a ffa ir at this i n tim atE

Barcelona EatEry, fa M ily is a k e y ingredienT i n success

by Marissa d’onofrio

W

ith a name like Cinc Sentits (Spanish for “Five Senses”) it should come as no surprise that a culinary experience at Jordi and Amélia Artal’s Barcelona restaurant is as nuanced as it is varied. What might come as a shock to their epicurean patrons is that prior to opening the Michelin-starred eatery, neither Jordi nor his sister Amélia had ever worked in a professional kitchen.

Cinc Sentits opened its doors in Barcelona’s posh Eixample district in May of 2004; a mere two years prior, Jordi and Amélia were worlds away, living in San Francisco and working in hi-tech. While they spent their days in Silicon Valley, by night the siblings cultivated a reputation among their friends for their elaborate 100 | PQ

six-course dinner parties, complete with exotic wine pairings. Despite their zeal for entertaining, the Artals were quick to dismiss the frequent suggestion that they should open a restaurant of their own. Jordi remembers thinking, “We had our careers and the last thing we could imagine was being attached like a slave to a stove.”

Flash forward to the turn of the millennium and the burst of the dotcom bubble. The Artals wasted no time waiting to see which way the tech wind would blow — instead, they seized the opportunity to take a year-long culinary tour through Europe and rediscover their Spanish heritage. Between the pull of family (their mother is Catalan) and food, the Artals decided to stay in Barcelona. Evidently this cultural immersion was the jolt Jordi needed to overcome his aversion to turning

pro, because one year later Cinc Sentits was born. With Jordi as head chef, Amélia as manager and sommelier, and their mother anchoring the front of house team, the restaurant is a true reflection of Jordi’s prime sources of inspiration: Food and family.

The concept of Cinc Sentits may have evolved organically, but Jordi’s cuisine reflects a great deal of thought and preparation. A self-proclaimed “obsessed” foodie, he prides himself on a fresh and modern approach to cooking, which sets him apart from the vast majority of his molecular-gastronomy-trained contemporaries.

Jordi sources almost all of his ingredients locally which, whenever possible, means from within the district of Barcelona. He is especially proud of his Mediterranean fish, which is often “so fresh it hasn’t even gone into rigor mortis.” With three assorted prix-fixe tasting menus, the Gastronomic for lunch and the Sensacions or Essencia for dinner, Jordi offers his clientele a sampling of dishes ranging from his signature Iberian suckling piglet with apple and ratafia, to foie gras “coca,” accented with a stripe of chive and Pedro Ximenez grape syrup.

The 130-bin list at Cinc Sentits is the ultimate compliment to the cuisine. And, harkening back to their dinner party days in San Francisco, Amélia curates wine pairings designed to enhance the flavors of each dish.

The assortment is predominately Spanish, representing each region in Cataluña, plus a selection of international wines for balance.

As passionate as Jordi is about what he puts on the table, he is equally invested in the ambiance of Cinc Sentits. The dimly-lit, 30-seat restaurant is intimate to be sure, enabling Jordi to provide each patron with an individuated experience. Despite the fact that he serves nearly 200 customers during a six-day week, he feels a constant motivation to fire on all cylinders, likening each table to a “stage in itself” and his diners to a captive audience. He recognizes that “as a foodie, you might want to know that the pig takes us four days to make,” whereas “a table of business men may not care.” It is this level of consideration and attention to detail that makes a meal at Cinc Sentits feel less like a formal dining experience and more like an exquisitely-catered dinner party among family and friends.

Photos courtesy of Keep Rolling Publishing.

PQ | 101

savoir vivrE T H e s e a son a H e a d

The

sEason aHead

a pr ivaTe

proMises

c

frEnch chalEt THaT to dElight

By Marissa d’onofrio

ome winter, we’re setting our sights on Eleven Experience’s sumptuous Chalet Pelerin in the Savoie region of the French Alps. Tucked into the remote hillside village of Le Miroir, Chalet Pelerin is the ultimate in private luxury. In fact, feel free to call this majestic six-bedroom mountain hideaway your very own après ski sanctuary – complete with courtesy ski rentals and head-to-toe insulating accouterments. If, like the majority of guests, you count yourself a skier, prepare for some decision-making. Chalet Pelerin offers easy access to no less than five world-class alpine mountains along with gloriously crowd-free, off-piste terrain. And heli-skiers, rejoice! Chalet Pelerin offers front-door pickup service.

For those less inclined to take to the slopes, fear not. Chalet Pelerin is a lavish experience in and of itself. Take a dip in the saltwater pool, luxuriate in the Finnish sauna, or read a book in the living room in front of a roaring fireplace. At the end of a long day, wander into the dining room and enjoy an authentic French meal prepared by your personal chef. Even if you are not typically a wine enthusiast, we urge you to take advantage of your chalet’s personal sommelier, who is always on hand to recommend a delicious accompaniment to your meal. It's never too early to start planning your winter retreat, especially when it promises to be this luxurious.

102 | PQ

Photos courtesy of Eleven Experience.

For more information visit elevenexperience.com.

PQ | 103

capturEd pu esT o v iejo

a picture is worth

a thousand

words...

puEsto viEjo Estancia a n d polo cluB is stEEpEd in tradition

and surroundEd By

104 | PQ

naTur al BeauT y

The estancia’s lodgings are adorned with locally-sourced antiques.

Relax in the library, have afternoon tea in the drawing room, or – if you must – check your emails in the living room by the fireside.

Settle into life in the campo with all the comforts of a world-class resort.

PQ | 105

capturEd pu esT o v iejo

106 | PQ

Guests often dine outdoors, enjoying Argentine favourites such as empanadas and, of course, asado prepared by our beloved chef. The menu is also inspired by the flavours of the local farmer’s market, and can be modified to suit individual needs.

The intimate lodging has only 10 rooms, each individually decorated and named after the owner’s favourite champion horses.

PQ | 107

capturEd pu esT o v iejo

An afternoon is well spent relaxing by the infinity pool.

Photos courtesy of Puesto Viejo Estancia & Polo Club.

108 | PQ

Nature lovers delight in the sweeping views, as well as up-close encounters with verdant greenery and diverse wild life. Bird watchers in particular may spot churrinches, chimangos or types of owl such as lechuza and caburĂŠ.

Those seeking a bit of action can find it horseback riding through the countryside, partaking in a professional stick and ball lesson or better yet, taking part in a polo game alongside club members.

PQ | 109

capturEd sc a r p r i d ge lod ge

rElaxation and rEcrEation

in THe wilds of

color ado courTesy of

d

a BEspokE holiday

eleven exper ience

By Marissa d’onofrio

on’t be fooled by the stately Victorian façade. Eleven Experience’s Scarp Ridge Lodge, situated in downtown Crested Butte, Colorado, saw past lives as a miners’ club, a dance hall and a saloon. Today the storied manor house is a splendid, seven-bedroom, luxury rental. An ideal outpost for travelers looking to strike that rare balance between luxe and laidback, Scarp Ridge Lodge has cultivated a well-earned reputation for its exceptional service and thoughtful amenities. Sure, the rental fee is Rocky Mountain-steep, but you will be so well attended that you might forget about it altogether. Along with free run of the grounds, the rental rate includes a personal lodge manager, transportation, all activities, equipment, gear and guide service, plus a personal chef to boot.

While Crested Butte is known as a ski town, Scarp Ridge Lodge offers a seemingly infinite array of diversions, both on- and off-site, year round. From the

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rooftop hot tub, to the rejuvenating saltwater lap pool, to fly-fishing or kayaking in one of the three nearby rivers, the possibilities are endless. If water isn’t your element of choice, consider taking advantage of the surrounding Rockies. Take a leisurely hike or opt for a challenge: an adrenaline-inducing bike ride up the 12,000-ft Scarp Ridge tower. You can even channel your inner extreme athlete and attempt some serious rock climbing – with the support of your on-call guide, of course.

After an exhilarating day out, cool off in the library with a well-deserved cocktail, or retreat to the oak dining room and savour a gourmet meal courtesy of your personal chef, Ashley Odom. Whether it’s wild Colorado game or a slice of salmon fresh from the Taylor River, count on Chef Odom to cater to your culinary desires (and dietary restrictions). We hear her homemade Palisades peach and cardamom ice cream is to die for.

an idEal outpost for Tr avelers looking to sTr ike THaT r are Bal ance BEtWEEn luxe and l aidBack.

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capturEd capturEd scaar dge lodge sc r pp rriid ge lod ge

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Photos courtesy of Eleven Experience. For more information visit elevenexperience.com.

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Medals necklace, Prada. prada.com.

Lifestyle Editor: Sara Rotman

Big Bullion Makes a stateMent Photographed by Jay Zukerkorn Styled by Cristobal Melendez 114 | PQ

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This page: Rose gold cuff with moonstone and brown quartz. sidneygarber.com.

Opposite page: Fendi gold cuff. fendi.com.

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This page: Louis Vuitton Lock Me Necklace.

Opposite page: Louis Vuitton Lock Me Manchette. louisvuitton.com.

In this story: Art Direction, Kimberly Brower. Production, MODCo Creative.

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Dress, Randi Rahm. bergdorfgoodman.com.

Bracelet, Ben-Amun. ben-amun.com. Earrings, Robert Sorrell Originals. houseoflavande.com. Shoes, Calvin Klein. calvinklein.com.

Lifestyle Editor: Sara Rotman

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Part y Dr e sse s t o L i f t y ou r sP i r i t s

PhotograPhed by Chiun-Kai Shih Styled by jamie graCe PQ | 121

This page: Dress, J. Mendel. jmendel.com. Necklace, Robert Sorrell Originals. houseoflavande.com. Opposite page: Dress, Randi Rahm. bergdorfgoodman.com.

Black and Gold Metal Cuff, Kara Ross. karaross.com.

Gold Cuff, Donald Huber. donaldhuber.com. Earrings, Donald Huber. donaldhuber.com.

Shoes, Moschino. moschinoboutique.com.

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Dress, CD Greene. bergdorfgoodman.com.

Jacket, Adrienne Landau. adriennelandau.com.

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This Page: Dress, Marc Bouwer. marcbouwer.com. Bracelet, Robert Sorrell Originals. houseoflavande.com. Earrings, Donald Huber. donaldhuber.com.

Shoes, Nanette Lepore. nanettelepore.com.Opposite page: Dress, Carmen Marc Valvo. carmenmarcvalvo.com.

All Jewelry, Donald Huber. donaldhuber.com. In this story: Models, Britt Bergmeister and Nika Lauraitis at Next. Hair, Eric Jamieson. Makeup, Kumiko Hirose. Art Direction, Lindsey Ricci Choo. Production, MODCo Creative. Post Production, Mark Montalvo at Skin Digital. skin-digital.com.

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right hErE, right noW alainn Bailey

right Here, right now

Alainn photographed by Juan Lamarca.

alainn Bailey sharEs hEr hamptons sEcrEts my rEstaurant

Almond in Bridgehampton for French/American cuisine and great fun.

my snack

Almond almondnyc.com

Shrimp Nachos at Bobby Van's in Bridgehampton.

my Bar

The Bridge Golf Club for the best views over Long Island.

my night cap

Ardbeg Islay Malt.

my gallEry

Christy’s in Sag Harbor.

Blue & Cream blueandcream.com

my salon

Elizabeth's in Noyak, Sag Harbor.

my BoutiQuE

Blue & Cream in East Hampton.

my dEsignEr

Helmut Lang.

my sunglassEs

Ray-Ban Aviators, steel & mirror.

Falcon Polo Helmet falconhelmets.com

my Watch

Toywatch Jelly in red.

my Boots

Giribet polo boots from Buenos Aires on the field and Sergio Rossi ankle boots off the field.

my hEadgEar

On the field, I always wear my Falcon polo helmet. Off the field, I love a white fedora.

Jicky by Guerlain guerlain.com

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my statEmEnt piEcE

Anything red.

my haircarE

Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream.

my skincarE

Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+.

my scEnt

Jicky by Guerlain.

Bobby Van's bobbyvans.com

my nail polish

Black, on my toes only.

my lipstick

Burt's Beeswax Lip Balm.

my anthEm

Beethoven's 9 th.

my pEts

2 Weimaraners (Blue & Jimmy), 1 cat (Cleo), 8 ponies (Windy, Nena, Bienvenida, Perla, Magnolia, Marianito, Piola, and Patchy).

Toywatch Jelly toy-watch.com

my floWEr

Magnolias.

my curE-all

Haggis.

my latE night snack

Hot toast with butter & Marmite.

my caffEinE

Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+ kiehls.com

Tetley Tea.

my magaZinE

The New Yorker, especially the Borowitz Report.

my car

Fiat 500.

my dEstination

Edinburgh, to see my family.

Burt's Beeswax Lip Balm burtsbees.com

T HERE ARE STORIES THAT DESERVE TO BE CAPTURED FOREVER.

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