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Welcome Note from Don Pennycook President of The Canadian Polo Association
from History of Polo
by MediaEdge
Sport of Kings
A Welcome Note from Don Pennycook
Polo has been called “the Sport of Kings”, but for me it is “the King of Sports”. The level of teamwork required between players and ponies, and the four players on each team, is incredible! This book is for polo fans young and old, but it’s dedicated to youth polo in Canada. After all, today’s young players are the future of our beloved sport.
Canadian weather contributes to a relatively short outdoor season, making indoor arena polo a popular alternative in the colder months. Our short summers and long winters have also inspired many players to travel to other countries for the enjoyment of polo. As Winston Churchill said, “A polo handicap is a passport to the world.” Several of our Canadian players have even gone on to play professionally, including Fred Mannix Jr., one of the world’s highest rated players.
Polo is an ancient game, and some may be surprised to learn that Canada has hosted matches since the early 1880s. It’s an exciting, energetic sport fuelled by passionate players and fans. This book delves into that rich history, reflecting the polo community’s collective love for its equine teammates, the families engrained in the sport, and the friendships that have developed both on and off the field.
Many people contributed to this book, and I thank them all—Mike Egan, Melinda Brewer and all those who submitted memories and photos. Special mention and thanks goes to Karen White who worked tirelessly on coordinating the content and making this beautiful book happen.
I hope you enjoy it, and feel our enthusiasm for the sport of polo reflected in its pages.
