Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

2019 Rising star Cory Williams

Cover

Engel & Volkers

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2019 / ENGEL & VÖLKERS POLO STADIUM

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CONTENTS

16… Letter from the President 18…Contributors… Meet the people who make it happen.

23… Polo Club… The Polo Academy, boutique, the 411 on how to watch and what to wear to a match, and more.

39… Polo People… Rising star Cory Williams, Klentner Ranch wins the Pacific Coast Open, Farmers & Merchants Bank’s polo-playing families, and last year’s tournament winners.

A Glittering Prize

50… … The history of the Pope Challenge and its continued family legacy at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. W R I T T E N B Y J O A N T A P P E R 58… Double Vision… Polo player Zinta Braukis at Cancha de Estrellas.

ST YLED BY GINA TOLLESON. PHOTOGRAPHED BY COURTNEY ELLZEY

66… Power of the Pony… Pro tips on purchasing your finest string of horses.

WRITTEN BY MEGAN KOZMINSKI. PHOTOGRAPHED BY COURTNEY ELLZEY

73… Polo Scene… Movers, shakers, spectators, and the season’s social calendar.

80…Tournament Schedule… The 2019 season ahead.

Behind the Scenes Left to right: ZINTA BRAUKIS and photographer

COURTNEY ELLZEY ; Braukis takes the CANCHA DE ESTRELLAS field; photographer MEGAN SOREL with CORY WILLIAMS ; Ellzey and a string of ponies.

Horsing Around

WHO Santa Barbara Magazine teams up with photographers Courtney Ellzey and Megan Sorel for the 2019 Polo edition.

WHAT Zinta Braukis, a professional model and polo player, pulled double duty at Cancha de Estrellas for our feature “Double Vision” (page 58).

A star string of Argentine horses from Sarah Siegel-Magness’s team for “Power of the Pony” (page 66) and collegiate player Cory Williams (“Ones to Watch,” page 39).

LOOK FOR

Braukis wearing Rocio G. and Lucchese; Williams wearing Whistle Club.

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COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

Ramsey Asphalt

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

www.RamseyAsphalt.com

Lic# 881030 A/C12/C32

CHAIRMAN 1999-2003

Robert N. Smith Magazine

PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

TRUSTEES

Jennifer Hale

Tom Barrack, Glen Holden Jr., Charles Lande, Pat Nesbitt, Geoff Palmer, Pat Ringer, Wesley Ru, Michael Sheller, Daniel Walker, Henry Walker

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Gina Tolleson

MANAGING EDITOR

Gina Z. Terlinden

TRUSTEES OF DISTINCTION

Ambassador Glen Holden, Dr. Norman Ringer, Kenneth Walker

C R E AT I V E C O N S U LTA N T

James Timmins

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A RT P R O D U C T I O N M A N A G E R

President John Muse Vice President Rhys Williams Treasurer Cindy Sapienza Secretary David Sigman Daniel Walker, Leigh Brecheen, Kevin Nimmons, Justin Klentner A F F I L I AT E S

Charlotte Bryant

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Megan Kozminski Joan Tapper

Masthead

Charles Ward, Idea Works, Inc. Managing Partner Jennifer Zacharias, JZPR

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Courtney Ellzey Megan Sorel Coral von Zumwalt

S TA F F

General Manager David Sigman Polo Manager Melanja Jones Field and Facility Manager Sergio Jaramillo Polo Academy Director Jeff Scheraga Barn Manager and Field Director Judith Baker Polo Manager Assistant Mia Bray Director of Operations Kerri Ramgren Food and Beverage Manager Molly Quigley Food and Beverage Manager Assistant Miz Aguirre Ticketing and Operations Manager Veronique Easley Ticketing Coordinator Monica Pappas VIP and Group Specialist Isaac Graham Tennis Director Bart Hillock Tennis Clubhouse Manager Joanie Bear-Otero Head Tennis Pro Lance Kronberg Tennis Pro Stephanie Baker Stone Tennis Pro Sara Scott Controller Susana Banda-Avila

PUBLISHER

Sarah McCormick CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Nicholas Hale

A D V E R T I S I N G & M A R K E T I N G C O O R D I N AT O R

Ashley Nelsen

A D V E RT I S I N G P R O D U C T I O N M A N A G E R

Amy Lipson CONTROLLER

Adele Hagar INTERNS

Ciara Gilmore Skylar Sorkin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

David Lominska, Shannon Jayne Miller Cormac O’Brien www.sbpolo.com • 805-684-6683

www.sbmag.com •

805-965-5999

Bryant & Sons

16

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to the 2019 Polo Season Resilience. Determination. Collaboration. These characteristics are integral to any successful organization. In 2018, our polo community showed these—and above all, compassion—in caring for people and animals during some dreadful natural disasters. The silver lining to a rough winter was the kindness our community showed in the face of dreadful adversity. The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is grateful to everyone around the world who supported us through some tough times last year, who enabled us to support the local equestrian community, and who helped us achieve a successful summer season following an eventful winter.

We have always enjoyed the family spirit of our polo players who return to the club year after year, and going through the events of 2018 only emphasized how fortunate we are to enjoy polo in such a tight-knit community. This year is shaping up to be a more “normal” year with surfboards and beach sandals alongside great polo ponies and barn barbecues. We are completing a major renovation of Field 1 to return it to our impeccable standards, and we are preparing for a fabulous summer season of polo in paradise.

As I write this, our fields are freshly green from the latest rain. We are looking forward to another summer of perfect weather with a renewed sense of appreciation for our beloved club. Once again, we thank everyone who supported us last year and look forward to introducing new people to the pure fun of polo in Santa Barbara.

From the President

JOHN MU SE President, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club Board of Directors

2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RHYS WILLIAMS Vice President

CINDY SAPIENZA Treasurer

DANIEL WALKER

LEIGH BRECHEEN

KEVIN NIMMONS

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JUSTIN KLENTNER

DAVID SIGMAN General Manager

Belmond El Encanto

800 ALVARADO PLACE SANTA BARBARA, CA 93103 805 845 5800 • reservations.ele@belmond.com

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CONTRIBUTORS

Tomiko Taft

Courtney Ellzey

“The lush fields of the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club lent a stunning backdrop for this photo shoot,” says the Texan shutterbug who captured model/ polo player Zinta Braukis in her element for “Double Vision” (page 58) as well as Cancha de Estrellas’s string of horses for “Power of the Pony” (page 66). “It was imperative that I captured the beautiful tension that exists between the tender spirit of the horse and the elegance of the polo player, while honoring this historic setting.”

Megan Sorel

“It was so much fun combining high fashion with the regal sport of polo,” says the makeup artist who touched up Zinta Braukis for “Double Vision” (page 58) and Cory Williams for “Ones to Watch” (page 39). “I feel so lucky when my day working is spent on our magnificent polo fields.”

Contributors

“There is just something so empowering about watching a woman mount her horse, grab her reins, and canter off into the distance,” says the photographer who shot rising polo star Cory Williams for “Ones to Watch” (page 39). “Cory does so with such grace, style, and respect. She no doubt was born to ride.”

Joan Tapper

“In researching this article, I went to the polo clubhouse to take a close-up look at the Pope Challenge Cup itself,” says the locally based writer who penned “A Glittering Prize” (page 50). “It came to my waist. That’s one impressive trophy!”

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Melanja Jones

“Every year, I look forward to the family atmosphere of the club. We ride together, argue about fouls together, survive natural disasters together, and plan barbecues together while taking sets on the track.

There is nowhere else like this in the world,” says the club’s polo manager, who wrote the Polo People profiles (page 39). “This year I am particularly looking forward to seeing the results of our polo development over the years. I really enjoy seeing players like Cory Williams, the Klentner boys, Grant Palmer, and Sarah Siegel-Magness—all of whom came up through the ranks of our development programs—step up to success in higher levels of polo.”

AMERICAN AMERICAN ICON

Ashley Collins

ASHLEY COLLINS ASHLEY

Patioworld

Patioworld

On behalf of the

Antelope Polo Team

Antelope Club

Geo & Grant Palmer congratulate the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club on its 2019 Polo Season.

POLOClub The Grass is Always Greener The Sport of Kings in paradise

PHOTOGRAPH: CORMAC O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Polo Club

An aerial shot of the SANTA BARBARA POLO & RACQUET CLUB .

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game, there are 10 horses running, stopping, and turning, which creates “divots” in the ground.

Every Sunday throughout the season, the fields are treated to glamorous maintenance in the form of the divot stomp, a halftime ritual where spectators come on to the grass and replace the divots. However, because of the intense levels of play, the fields are scalped and undergo a complete renovation after the end of 12-goal polo to ensure a fresh carpet of grass at the start of the high-goal season.

Nestled between the Santa Ynez mountains and Pacific Ocean, our venue is unlike any other—on any given day, players and spectators alike can look out beyond the storied fields in front of them, soak in the views of the sea, and enjoy polo in paradise.

Polo Club Did you Know?

Spectators sitting on the sidelines has been a tradition since the opening of the club in 1911. This year, you can take in a polo match field-side by TAILGATING at the Pacific Coast Open final on September 1. Tailgating can be as simple as sitting on the back of a pickup truck on the field opposite the clubhouse or enjoying a more elaborate catered picnic lunch. For more information, e-mail tickets@sbpolo.com.

DAVID LOMINSKA, POLOGRAPHICS.COM

The FIELDS at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club bring together a world-class facility with a rich history. The first matches were played at the club at the turn of the century after an exhibition polo match was first played at the Santa Barbara Agricultural Park’s 1894 Flower Festival. Polo in Santa Barbara took a brief hiatus from 1942 to 1946, as the fields were temporarily closed, being used for training operations for American soldiers during World War II. The training efforts were so extensive that the fields became bare, requiring substantial renovation before they could be used for polo again.

Today, the club boasts three turf fields, each 300 yards long and 160 yards wide—the size of approximately nine football fields. In any given

PHOTOGRAPH: CORMAC O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY; POLO ACADEMY,

POLO CLUB

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PHOTOGRAPH: MEGAN SOREL

POLO CLUB

Learn the Game Polo Club The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is home to the POLO ACADEMY , a multilevel school under the direction of United States Polo Association (USPA) certified instructor Jeff Scheraga. The academy is designed to teach entry-level private and group lessons and clinics to polo fans of all ages, with opportunities for players as young as 6 years old.

Those interested in deepening their polo experience can also sign up for coaching chukkers and tournaments. No experience is needed, and the Polo Academy supplies the horses and equipment for a turnkey experience. Riding experience is a plus, but beginner riders are welcome.

The club is also home to the UCSB WOMEN’S POLO TEAM , which is open to UC Santa Barbara students and WESTMONT COLLEGE polo team athletes. Riders on the team have the chance to participate in official games and tournaments against local and regional schools in the USPA intercollegiate program. Tryouts are in September but students who are interested can contact Jeff Scheraga. Scholarships are also available to team members.

The Polo Academy utilizes the same worldclass facilities as the professional teams at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, giving students unbeatable experience and opportunity. In addition, lessons with our all of our experienced staff are available six days a week. It’s never too late to dive into the Sport of Kings, so book your lesson now. For more information on lessons and the Polo Academy, e-mail Jeff Scheraga at jeff@sbpolo.com or call 315-256-5797.

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Join the Club

POLO CLUB

The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is the premier destination for polo on the West Coast. In addition to its world-class polo facilities, the club is equipped with a historic polo clubhouse and tennis, swim, and fitness facilities.

One of the clubs most popular memberships, the SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP , offers access to the polo clubhouse where members are able to experience the glamorous action that comes with the club.

Along with free admission to Sunday polo matches at the Engel & Völkers Stadium, social members enjoy complimentary valet, discounts at the club’s luxury boutique, discounts on cabanas and all other seating options, access to reserve a seasonal box, club-wide social events, and more. For more details about becoming a social member at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, visit sbpolo.com.

Perks of membership at the club.

Polo Club

Wine Time

Top to bottom: The new FOLDED HILLS

tasting room in Montecito was designed in collaboration with fellow club member/ interior designer Amanda Masters; Folded Hills rosé; KIM and ANDY BUSCH .

The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is thrilled to welcome back FOLDED HILLS WINERY . Returning for the second year as the club’s official winery sponsor, owners Andy and Kim Busch have a long tradition of polo and wine, which continues to make them the perfect pairing for the club. Folded Hills wine is a tribute to family—past and present. Andy and Kim found their place at Folded Hills after falling in love with the Santa Barbara lifestyle. They both decided they wanted to raise their family on the California coast and share with their kids the hard work and joy that comes with ranch life. They poured their love into their land, and in 2014, after walking their hills and studying their soil and microclimate, they planted their first grapes: Grenache, Syrah, and a collection of Rhône whites.

In addition to providing Folded Hills wine at Sunday polo this year, they have opened their first tasting room in Montecito. Next up is their estate tasting room, set to open this summer, for those looking for an adventure in wine country.

“Our goal was to make a great wine that was easy to drink and pair with food—a wine made naturally in the French style so it would not overpower whatever dish you were serving,” says Kim. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously. No wine snobs here, just absolute best practices, with lots of heart and soul.” Polo guests can look forward to sipping these subtle and delicious wines all season long. Be sure not to miss the Folded Hills Pope Challenge on opening day Sunday, May 5.

1294 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-694-8086.

F O L D E D H I L L S .CO M

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POLO CLUB

PHOTOGRAPH: DEWEY NICKS

BEACH DAY

The Sport of Kings has a unique schedule. Players travel from Southern California, Argentina, Florida, and many stops in between. However, when polo season comes to Santa Barbara, players and their families are treated to a work environment like no other.

Polo is a high-intensity sport, requiring team practices, exercising horses, and of course, game days. Players and their polo ponies who come to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club compete in a series of tournaments, with matches taking place twice a week. Due to the fast-paced schedule and the physically demanding nature of the sport, both humans and horses find idyllic relaxation on their days off in Santa Barbara.

The club is located near one of the region’s best beaches—Loon Point. Polo players and their families take advantage of days off to take their ponies from our barns to the beach. On especially nice days, players and their horses cool off by going for a swim together in the ocean.

Polo Club

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POLO CLUB

POLO 411 Welcome to the insider’s guide to polo in beautiful Santa Barbara. It is fast, riveting, elegant, and utterly entertaining. It can also be confusing to be field-side and not understand the game.

Here’s the breakdown.

BASICS The object of the

game is to move the polo ball downfield, hitting the ball through the goal posts for a score. There are two teams (each made up of four players) and two referees, all on horseback.

The teams switch directions after each goal is scored so that neither team has a wind, sun, or field advantage. After each goal, the teams come back to the center of the field for a “bowl in,” similar to a face-off in hockey.

the field to participate in the traditional divot stomp

to help replace clods of turf kicked up by the horses during play, helping to smooth the field for the next half. The divot stomp is often done with a glass of bubbly in hand.

Polo Club

HANDICAPS Polo handicaps result from players

ranked yearly by their peers. The United States Polo Association has a scale of -1 to 10 goals (10 being the best) that are then assigned as the player’s

A polo field is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide

(approximately the size of nine football fields), making it the largest field in organized sports. All players must swing their mallets with their right hand, regardless of their natural preference.

CHUKKERS A polo match lasts about two hours

and is divided into six periods called chukkers.

Each chukker runs seven and a half minutes long.

A bell or horn is sounded at the seven-minute mark to let the players know 30 seconds remain. If the ball goes out of bounds or is scored during that time, the chukker ends. The team with the most goals at the end of the six chukkers is the winner.

In the case of a tie after six chukkers, the teams play a sudden death overtime period where the first goal scored wins the match.

During half time, spectators are invited onto DIVOT STOMP

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POLO CLUB

handicap. The handicaps are comparative and don’t necessarily indicate the amount of goals a player will score. If a tournament is a 16-goal tournament, the four players’ aggregate handicaps cannot exceed 16.

Low-goal polo is considered 0 to 8 goals. Mediumgoal polo is considered 8 to 16 goals.

PHOTOGRAPH: TOP RIGHT, MEGAN SOREL

High-goal polo, or professional polo—that most exciting and rare of sports—is 16 to 26 goals in the United States.

TEAMS AND PLAYERS Each team is a mix of professional and amateur players. At the highgoal level of play—such as the teams competing in the Pacific Coast Open—there is typically one amateur player and three professionals. In medium and low-goal polo, the teams are a mix of amateur and professional players. These teams are unique because the teammates can change depending on the makeup of the team and the handicap of the tournament being played.

Each player has a string of 6 to 10 horses they use throughout the game, switching

mounts between chukkers.

Polo Club PLAYER POSITIONS Each of the four players

are given an area of responsibility designated by a jersey number that indicates that area. The forward is #1; the most defensive player is #4, or the back. (There is no goalie.) The middle players

The #3 is usually the highest-rated player on the team and the de facto captain. This is the player who leads the are #2 and #3.

offense and coordinates the defense.

laid-back luxury reigns supreme. Match ATTIRE In Santa Barbara,

attire can vary among tournaments, with highgoal season hosting dressier matches. More festive occasions offer ladies an opportunity to show off their style. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with khakis and a button-down shirt (for men), and women can always don a classic sundress—with a hat of course.

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Saddle Up

POLO CLUB

Supermodel and designer Erin Wasson leads the luxury cowboy reboot with Lucchese WHO Erin Wasson, supermodel, designer.

WHAT Known for her provocative rock and roll

meets surfer meets Lone Star style, Wasson never thought she’d have the opportunity to work with the grande dame of the cowboy boots—Lucchese, which is based in her home state of Texas and an ever present brand/sponsor at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. It’s a true solesup design partnership between Wasson and Lucchese, not just a trendy collaboration. “When you understand the Western world, it’s a luxury beyond,” says Wasson. “This is their first ‘fashion’ project and the most important thing is the quality, materials, process, and knowledge of how this is being made.”

WEAR “I wanted to create a collection that incorporates Western silhouettes with fashionforward subtleties—the gold zipper, patent leather detail. I had this sort of ‘Ranch Tropez’ concept when I started designing—a little grit and a little glam. Perhaps a way to live life!”

MUST-HAVES The patent leather bootie, a 17-inch-high midnight blue ostrich boot, a black-andwhite crocodile boot, and a 1960s mod boot with a rounded toe.

Polo Club

GINA TOLLESON

One-Stop Shop

The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club’s luxury BOUTIQUE offers a selection of chic apparel for both men and women and is open to the public every Sunday and for special events throughout the season. There’s something for everyone; the boutique showcases everything from casual and elegant women’s apparel, handbags, and accessories to sporty and sophisticated men’s brands and logowear, making it the perfect place to shop in between the match and stomping divots. In addition, club members can enjoy discounts on merchandise.

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POLO CLUB

“I wanted to create a collection that incorporates Western silhouettes with fashion-forward subtleties. I had this sort of ‘Ranch Tropez’ concept when I started designing—a little grit and a little glam. Perhaps a way to live life!”

Top to bottom: Alexandra

booties, $2,495; Laurelie boots, $295. All boots available at LUCCHESE.COM . Opposite, left to right: A display of boots

at the club; Wasson sporting Alexandra booties with John

Polo Club

PHOTOGRAPH: ADAM SECORE

Muse of Lucchese.

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FIELD REPORT

POLO CLUB

Grandstand Style Summer staples for cabana days and divot stomps

Polo Club

Clockwise from top left: Earrings, $280, Casa Chiqui; Oliver Peoples sunglasses, $380, Occhiali Fine Eyewear; Aline mini bag, $1,875, Hermès; sandals, $72, Valia Gabriel; skirt, $495, Lisa Marie Fernandez; Cartier watch, price upon request, Bryant & Sons; hat, $1,420, Louis Vuitton; Pacha wrist wrap, $215, Kendall Conrad; wedge sandals, $765, Jacquemus; belt, $350,

Sienna Miller in Valentino

Johanna Ortiz; dress, $1,958, ChloĂŠ.

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POLO CLUB

SILV ER A I R Silver Air continues title sponsorship of the Pacific Coast Open at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club SILVER AIR , the private jet management and charter company with executive offices in Santa Barbara, is returning as title sponsor of the 2019 Silver Air Pacific Coast Open at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.

“Everyone at Silver Air is excited to be back and supporting the premier polo event on the West Coast—the Pacific Coast Open at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club,” said Chuck Stumpf, Silver Air’s president of business development. “The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and the Pacific Coast Open are great partners and friends, and we look forward to being a part of this wonderful Santa Barbara tradition again this year.”

Just as the Pacific Coast Open and the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club have become synonymous with the highest level of competition and polo tradition on the West Coast, Silver Air has earned a stellar reputation by providing the highest level of white-glove service within the private aviation industry.

Silver Air celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2018 and has expanded to become a worldwide and world-class operator with bases across Southern California, the Bay Area, Washington, Texas, Florida, and New York.

Silver Air made history at the 2018 USPA Pacific Coast Open with a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) flyover, and is already working on new ideas to uniquely celebrate this year’s grand event.

More than 100 years old, the Pacific Coast Open polo tournament is the most prestigious polo trophy in the Western states. Some of the best polo players in the world have competed for and won the Pacific Coast Open. To celebrate the 2018 championship, Silver Air flew its managed BBJ 737 jet over the field during closing ceremonies.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Silver Air as our title sponsor of the Pacific Coast Open,” says Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club general manager David Sigman. “And we are looking forward to a most exciting season.”

“To our knowledge, the Silver Air BBJ is the largest nonmilitary jet to fly over a sporting event like the Pacific Coast Open, creating a historic moment for our club,” says Charles Ward, who directs the club sponsorship program. “We’re so happy to have Silver Air back, and we look forward to sharing more wonderful polo experiences with them and our polo teams and fans all year.”

Through the sponsorship, Silver Air promotes

its unique jet-management program called PURE Jet Management, which takes an owner-advocate approach to private jet management, ensuring jet owners’ interests are put first. With PURE Jet Management, Silver Air’s talented, professional, and experienced team employs a proprietary process of building strategic plans for each aircraft based on the owner’s goals—all resulting in the highest level of service and an alternative jetmanagement program that’s better for jet owners.

Through PURE Jet Management, Silver Air manages and charters its fleet of more than 30 light to large-cabin jets, including the GV, Citation X, Falcon 2000, Hawker 4000, and the world’s only Boeing Business Jet with unrestricted charter availability. The BBJ is a VVIP-configured aircraft offering the ultimate private jet experience with global reach and seating for 16.

The 2019 Silver Air Pacific Coast Open will be played August 15 to September 1, 2019, culminating with the final match on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.

Polo Club S I LV E RA I R .CO M

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

Top to bottom:

Silver Air’s Boeing Business Jet; (left to right) David Sigman, Jason Middleton, and Charles Ward; Silver Air Pacific Coast Open trophies.

heartstone ranch

Berkshire Hathaway - Kogevinas

4188 Foothill Road, Carpinteria

$7,250,000

HeartStone Ranch is a 12-acre coastal property that is versatile and dynamic with a 5 bedroom estate, 2 bedroom guest house, 2 barns, an arena and round pen, green pastures for horses or an ideal location for an orchard or vineyard, all irrigated with a private well and 2-inch agricultural water meter.

Nancy Kogevinas | 805.450.6233 | MontecitoProperties.com DRE: 01209514

SBIFF

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COLDWELL BANKER

Montecito Coastal Ranch ~ 84+/- Acres | $15,995,000

Santa Ynez Ranch Estate 120+/- Acres | $12,500,000

Mediterrenean Picacho Ln Compound | $7,495,000

Montecito Mediterranean Estate | $5,495,000

Barbara Koutnik & Andrew Templeton 805.895.6029 | CalRE#00809916 & 01397847

www.CrystaMetzger.com 805.453.8700 | CalRE#01340521

Susan Conger & Charlie Petersen 805.565.8838 | CalRE#00545024 & 01742017

Teresa McWilliams 805.895.7038 | CalRE#00285016

Private Picacho Sanctuary | $8,500,000 www.CrystaMetzger.com 805.453.8700 | CalRE#01340521

Sophisticated Montecito Contemporary | $4,999,000

Susan Conger & Barbara Koutnik 805.565.8838 | CalRE#00545024 & 00809916

Coldwell Banker Corporate

Haven in the Hedgerow | $4,950,000

Montecito Tuscan Country Villa | $4,750,000

Private Spanish Home | $3,300,000

Immacualte Centrally Located Home | $2,395,000

Ocn Breezes, Island Views at Miramar Beach | $1,895,000

Mountain Views in Birnam Wood | $15,000/mo unfurnished

Lori Bowles & Dana Zertuche 805.403.5520 | CalRE#01961570 & 01465425

Ann Rasmussen 805.705.3865 | CalRE#01818392

Barbara Koutnik 805.565.8811 | CalRE#00809916

Maurie McGuire & Scott Westlotorn 805.403.8816 | CalRE#01061042 & 01875690

www.CrystaMetzger.com 805.453.8700 | CalRE#01340521

www.CrystaMetzger.com 805.453.8700 | CalRE#01340521

COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM Montecito 805. 969.4755 | Montecito Upper Village 805.969.0900 Santa Barbara Residential & Commercial Divisions 805.682.2477 The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations.

Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. Š2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. CalBRE# 00616212

Glen Hodlen Family Painting by Kenneth Daly 1994

To All Gehache Polo Wives’ in the World

The Polo Wife’s Oath

I promise to attend every game in which my husband is playing. w I will have his whites spotless on game day. w My first priority will be Polo. w The care of polo ponies must come before the needs of my family. w I will be ready to drive a horse-filled trailer home if my husband is too tired or indisposed after celebrating his victory. w I will always state that I was watching the game every minute, and that each and every shot made by my husband was amazing. w I will act thrilled to attend the same event at the same place with the same people every Sunday afternoon, for the entire season, regardless of how I really feel. w I will attend the Polo Ball with the same people that I see every Saturday and Sunday at the same place all season long. w Although polo players enjoy riding their horses hard and putting them away wet, DO NOT, I repeat, allow this same tawdry behavior to happen to you. w Finally, and most importantly, I will never wear trousers whiter than my husband’s polo whites.

Best Wishes for a Wonderful Season The Holden Family

POLOPeople

PHOTOGRAPH: MEGAN SOREL

Polo People

Ones to Watch

The next generation of talent and the families keeping the tradition alive Rising polo star CORY WILLIAMS .

40

R ising STAR

In a sport and a club known for family dynasties passing the mallet from one generation to the next, CORY WILLIAMS met the challenge to be the first generation to enter the Sport of Kings (and Queens, with women now the fastest growing segment of United States Polo Association memberships).

Williams first took up the polo reins at a Sunny Hale clinic in 2013 and never looked back, progressing from owning one horse that she rode in clinics and the Coaching League to a string of polo ponies that she played in the 8-goal Rincon League last summer, multiple appearances at Intercollegiate and Interscholastic National finals, and a USPA National Youth Tournament Series MVP award for grass youth tournaments and Polo Training Foundation Female Player of the Year for arena youth tournaments in 2018.

The late Sunny Hale was the highest-rated female player of a generation and the first woman to win the U.S. Open of polo. Williams credits Hale’s influence as well as that of John Wesley, Geannie and Mike Sheller, and Megan Judge at the Central Coast Polo Club in developing her polo talent. “Originally, the drive to play came from my love of horses. But from there, my competitive nature came out and made me want to practice consistently, watch game footage, improve quickly, and play at a higher level,” says Williams. Before she took up polo, Williams trained with Corrine Bevis at San Marcos Training Center and was active in horse shows. Now schooling her four polo ponies and preparing for polo tournaments takes up most of her riding time. “Sunny Hale first taught me the basics of schooling polo ponies by explaining the mechanics of the important things

to ask them and teach them. However, my jumping background probably made me the most successful at reaching the ponies. Corinne taught me to be very sensitive to what is happening with the horses and how they respond to leg and hand, especially centering on staying soft with the horses and not being overly aggressive with getting them to do what you want. I also learned a lot from my groom, Tiburcio Britta. He has been working for my family since we got our first polo pony. He has always had my best interests at heart and helped me learn proper horse care for polo ponies and how to make sure that they are at peak performance.”

Last year was a big year for Williams. Besides her polo achievements, she graduated from Bishop Garcia Diego High School and started studying public policy at University of Southern California.

Looking ahead, she will take part in a USPA internship to develop her management skills at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club’s polo office, and she’ll be playing her horses in tournaments in Santa Barbara. Her family has become involved in the sport as well, albeit from the ground level. Her father, Rhys, does not ride but was inspired by the passion of the players who participated in the youth tournaments with Cory to take the leadership of the nonprofit Polo Training Center Santa Barbara and generate support for the Santa Barbara Polo Academy.

Despite the accolades of the USPA and Interscholastic polo awards, a 2015 trip to Argentina, and the MVP award at a Polish snow polo tournament in 2017, when asked about her favorite polo memory, Williams recalls the magical summers at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. “Each summer with a group of other polo-playing kids, we would ride all day and just spend the whole day at the club hanging out, taking the horses to the beach on Mondays, and working with them the rest of the week,” she says. “This is definitely my favorite memory from playing, because I made amazing friendships and attribute some of my success in the sport to the amount of time I got to spend in the saddle practicing during the summertime.”

Polo People

MELANJA JONES

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

CORY WILLIAMS in

her element at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and with GOOSE .

(Below photos, top from Whistle Club.)

PHOTOGRAPHS: MEGAN SOREL

POLO PEOPLE

Sotheby’s - Stahl

42

POLO PEOPLE

The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club has 109 years of tradition behind it, one of which is familythemed polo teams. FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK POLO aims to take an old tradition to a new level with double-trouble father/son duos taking the field for the 2019 12-goal season. Danny Walker and his son Matt will team up with Lucas Criado, Danny’s pro of seven years, and Lucas’s 15-yearold son, Lucitas, for the 2019 12-goal series, playing together in the historic FMB jerseys.

“We came up with this idea over a glass of wine a couple years ago, but then this year we realized with the handicaps, it would be possible,” says Lucas, a 7-goal player. “I have played with Danny for the last seven years, and with the relationship between our families, I am really happy that my son’s first tournament in the United States will be on this team.”

The team will consist of Danny Walker (2 goals), his son Matt Walker (2 goals), Lucas Criado (7 goals), and Lucitas Criado (1 goal). Matt, a fourthgeneration player at the SBPRC, is also looking forward to playing on the team. As a child running around the club grounds with the “motley crew” of polo players’ children, he recalls doing pony races with Coco and Applesauce around the track after hours. Now, Matt will be racing thoroughbreds in front of a Sunday crowd at the Engel & Völkers Stadium and playing #4 for FMB. He recalls when he got serious about learning to ride, “That was all Dad. He was always a great rider.”

Dan Walker is a third-generation SBPRC player who recalls winning his first 12-goal IntraCircuit at age 16 with an all-Walker team, the USPA Silver Cup three times, and the Pacific Coast Open in 2017. But this year will be a whole new adventure for him. “I have predicted that this FMB Team of father/son, father/son will be a competitive winning team or a simple disaster,” he says. “Either way, we promise to enjoy and smile and entertain.

We are coming with 32 top horses and anticipate that our speed and talents will complement each other. We are looking forward to the excitement and believe that this historic event of the Criado/ Walker family team will be a moment for us all to remember.” M . J .

Polo People Top to bottom: DANNY WALKER in action; NICO PEIX at work.

Behind the Scene WHO Nico Peix has worked for Henry Walker and Farmers & Merchants Bank Too polo team for seven years.

WHAT Peix was awarded the United States Polo

Association’s Owen O’Hanlon Best Groom award at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club for 2018.

FROM WHERE A small town outside of 25

de Mayo, Argentina, called Pedernales.

EXPERIENCE “I’ve been grooming for 20 years, 16 years in the United States.”

TYPICAL DAY “I start my day at 5:30 am and ride around 15 horses on a regular day. After a tournament game, it takes about two hours to care for the horses— wrap their legs, cool them down, tend to any injuries, and normal barn chores.”

PHOTOGRAPHS: DAVID LOMINSKA, POLOGRAPHICS.COM

Family Traditions

POLO TRAINING CENTER SANTA BARBARA

Polo Training Center Santa Barbara (PTCSB) is a charitable organization that encourages the growth of polo by operating and supporting programs for players of all levels. PTCSB will encourage the development of goodwill and sportsmanship as well as teaching the skills necessary to participate successfully in the game of polo..

Polo Training Center Santa Barbara would like to thank our 2018 supporters.

Polo Training Center

DIAMOND $20,000 OR HIGHER SB Members, LLC.

PLATINUM $10,000 OR HIGHER Gary Magness Family Foundation, Muse Family Foundation GOLD $5,000 OR HIGHER Farmers & Merchants Foundation, Jef and Katie Graham, Juan Carillo and Dominique Miele, Sarah Magness, The Williams/Ruffing Family, The Amgen Foundation, Ambassador Glen and Gloria Holden, Dan and Linda Walker, Geannie and Michael Sheller SILVER $1,000 OR HIGHER The Muse Family, The Bossom Family, Amgen Foundation, Asiri de Silva, Jason Middleton, Chuck and Margarita Lande, Elisabeth Smith, Patrick and Ursula Nesbitt, Marie McGee, Leigh Brecheen, Laura Ball, Henry and Erin Walker, Glen and Sharon Holden BRONZE $100 OR HIGHER

Joe and Cindy Sapienza, Ed and Sarah Hurd, Tommy Lee and Dawn Jones, Jennifer Hansen, Uretz Family, Chuck and Lisa Stanislawski, Justin and Amanda Klentner, Jin Ricci, Nico Pollero, Heather Diehl, Morten Wengler, Lisa Smith, Alexandra Bongaerts, Charlie Peterson, Andrew Beck, Stephanie Lempres, Central Coast Polo Club, Sheri Vincent, Robert Diaz, Peter Jikov, Nolan Nicholson, Alison Kronberg, Miles Eberhard, Paige Beard, Richard Mineards, Jessica Keneally, Bill Gumma, The Friedman Family, Lance and Alison Kronberg, The Klentner Family, Ashley Fickel, Chris and Mindy Denson, Shannon McGraw, The Heatley Family, David Sigman, Melanja Jones, Jeff and Naima Scheraga, Jesse Bray, Hayley Heatley

WWW.POLOTRAININGCENTER.COM

44

POLO PEOPLE

2018 TOURNAMENT WINNERS Polo People

Silver Air USPA Pacific Coast Open KLENTNER RANCH

Remy Muller, Mariano Obregon, Justin Klentner, Jake Klentner, and Jesse Bray

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

45

POLO PEOPLE

Top to bottom: JUSTIN KLENTNER

congratulating MARIANO OBREGON on the

win; KLENTNER RANCH ; Jesse

Bray’s winning mare, VENICE .

The 2018 season started out slow as the team members learned to trust each other. They missed out on the first two finals of the 16-goal season.

But something clicked at the start of the Silver Air Pacific Coast Open. “We were close in the first two tournaments, losing in the semifinals of each by just one goal, so we knew we weren’t too far away,” says Bray. “You always need a little luck to win any tournament. Although it would have been nice to play the other finals, our horses definitely benefitted from the rest going into the PCO.” Klentner Ranch powered through bracket play and then faced Sol de Agosto in the semifinals.

The Sol de Agosto team had years of big game experience in multiple U.S. and Argentine opens, and they were neck and neck with Klentner Ranch through the fourth chukker. But then, Justin’s right hand—his mallet hand—was struck by a clearing shot out of goal that fractured his hand. With no substitute close at hand, Klentner valiantly played out the remainder of the chukker with a broken hand, playing without a mallet while blocking and taking a man for his teammates. But at the end of the fifth chukker, Klentner stepped off the field so that Alonso Andrade Cruz could take his place. The last two chukkers were neck and neck, but in the closing moments of the sixth chukker, Cruz scored the winning goal to send Klentner Ranch to the PCO final against perennial powerhouse Lucchese.

But there was one mammoth obstacle to winning the final: Klentner, the heart of the team, was not able to play. His broken hand was swollen and he was unable to grip a mallet. As a one-goal player, he would not be easy to replace. Fortunately, Klentner had been building a family dynasty along with a polo team and was able to fly in his son Jake for the PCO final. Jake, a student at Southern Methodist University, was slated to play the USPA youth finals in Denver, Colorado, but jumped on a plane to arrive for the PCO final.

In the PCO final, Klentner Ranch took the roster change in stride, keeping pace with Lucchese on the score through halftime and then steadily pulling away in the second half, aided mightily by goals from supersubstitute Jake and unselfish team play.

Lucchese made several attempts to rally and kept the score close, but in the final chukker, Klentner Ranch finally vanquished the memory of the previous year’s overtime loss and took the victory from Lucchese 8-6.

Remy Muller earned MVP in the final for his stellar team play, and Bray’s mare Venice was selected as Best Playing Pony.

Muller declared, “Playing the sport you love and being able to win this tournament with friends is the absolute best.”

Justin Klentner won his first ever PCO title while watching from the sidelines, but he was thrilled to share the title with his son. “Watching Jake play and win the finals was a dream come true.” M . J .

PHOTOGRAPHS: DAVID LOMINSKA, POLOGRAPHICS.COM

Polo People A Winding Road

Championships are by nature difficult to win.

Sometimes there are so many huge obstacles on the road to a title it seems impossible to achieve victory.

But when the road gets tough, the tough get going.

Two years ago at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, the KLENTNER RANCH polo team played an epic final in the 2017 Pacific Coast Open Championship (PCO) that went to double overtime. It was a thrilling game that took all eight players and their horses to the limit of their endurance and kept the sold-out crowd on their feet for the last three chukkers.

Klentner Ranch lost that final. But they regrouped. They spent the winter finding new horses, developing new strategies, and discovering their team chemistry. When two members of their 2017 team departed, they brought in Remy Muller and Mariano Obregon to join Jesse Bray and the eponymous Justin Klentner. Team owner Klentner spent 15 years learning the sport of polo, working his way up the ranks from his start, playing arena polo at the California Polo Club in Los Angeles, and as the owner of Western Built Construction, he knows a thing or two about rebuilding.

46

POLO PEOPLE

Belmond El Encanto Robert Skene Trophy LUCCHESE

Jeff Hall, Facundo Obregon, John Muse, Toli Ulloa, and Luke Klentner

16-GOAL Polo Winners SERIES

Maserati of Santa Barbara USPA America Cup RESTORATION HARDWARE

Geronimo Obregon, Santi von Wernich, Ben Soleimani, and Inaki Laprida

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

47

POLO PEOPLE

12-GOAL SERIES

Folded Hills Pope Challenge KLENTNER RANCH

Geri Pope Bidwell, Lucy Bidwell, Santi Wulff, Jesse Bray, Luke Klentner, Justin Klentner, Vivi Klentner, and Brooke Truman Bidwell

Polo Winners Lisle Nixon Memorial ANTELOPE

Jason Middleton, Herndon Radcliff, Pipe Vercellino, Jim Wright, and Grant Palmer

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals USPA IntraCircuit KLENTNER RANCH

Vic Graber Cup

Santi Wulff, Jesse Bray, Luke Klentner, and Justin Klentner

ANTELOPE

Antelope celebrates

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

48

POLO PEOPLE

Travel Associates USPA Wickenden Cup FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK Matt Yonally, Danny Walker, Warwick Prendiville, and Santi Wulff

8-GOAL Polo Winners SERIES

JHHE Presidents Cup ANTELOPE

Matt Walker, Agustin Molinas, John Muse, and Conrad Kissling

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

49

POLO PEOPLE

Malibu Cup KLENTNER RANCH

Jesse Bray, Luke Klentner, Melanja Jones, Danny Walker, Jake Klentner, Elizabeth Humphreys, and Jemma Contreras

Carpinteria Cup WHITEHALL RANCH

Polo Winners

Bill Lane, Facundo Obregon, Mariano Paz, and Piers Bossom

Summerland Cup

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK

Charlie Walker, Joaquin Avendano, Santi Wulff, and Leigh Brecheen

RINCON LEAGUE Colt Classic WHY NOT

Jeff Graham, Santi Wulff, Santi Trotz, Hana Grill, and Jim Wright

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

50

A GLITTERING Pope PRIZE The Pope Polo Challenge Trophy is intertwined with an interesting family history

WRITTEN BY

J O A N TA PPER

The impressive silver cup was commissioned by San Francisco society doyenne EDITH TAYLOR POPE

(opposite) in the early 1900s.

PHOTOGRAPH: SHANNON JAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

Pope

The first Pope Challenge was decided on April 4, 1909, when Burlingame beat England Pope 6 to 5, a result etched onto the silver cup.

Engraved in silver, the Pope connection is reflected on the cup itself (top left), which holds pride of place at a SANTA BARBARA POLO & RACQUET CLUB match (top right) and is flourished by a victorious team on the field (above). Carrying on the tradition that goes back to her great-grandfather GEORGE POPE and his mother, Edith (right), LUCY BIDWELL (far right) plays polo on DĂŠjĂ Vu.

Pope

Santa Barbara’s 2019 polo season kicks off with the 12-goal Folded Hills Pope Challenge, and when the winners step onto the podium on May 12, they’ll be lifting the Pope Polo Challenge Trophy in triumph. It’s elaborately crafted of sterling silver, an impressive two-handled urn—more than three feet from the bottom of its wooden base to the tip of the finial that crowns its acanthus-wreathed cover. And though its yearlong home is a glass-fronted case at the clubhouse of the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, the cup’s beginnings go back to San Francisco, where it was commissioned by society doyenne Edith Taylor Pope—after that city’s devastating earthquake and fire—as part of her efforts to lure polo-playing friends west. Eventually it honored her son George A. Pope Jr., a noted California player in the 1930s.

We owe stories and lore about the trophy to Edith’s great-granddaughter, Hope Ranch resident Geraldine “Geri” Pope Bidwell, who relates that the trophy was created at Shreve & Company, San Francisco’s preeminent firm of silversmiths, which not only dates to the Gold Rush era but is still thriving today. Why so large a cup? Well, according to Geri’s father, “Nana”—his name for Edith—“never did anything half way.”

The first Pope Challenge was decided on April 4, 1909, when Burlingame beat England 6 to 5, a result etched onto the silver cup. At the time, George Jr. was not yet 8, but Geri is sure he was watching from the sidelines, thrilled by the pounding hooves and the action. George grew up watching polo, loving horses, and learning the sport. By the age of 17, she says, he was an 8-goal player, and his win as the number-one player for San Mateo on March 22, 1934, is also inscribed on the trophy.

George was evidently a well-known figure in San

Pope

A LOVE OF HORSES is a shared family trait for Lucy Bidwell (opposite), her twin sisters—Alexandra (petting Rocket) and Brooke—and her PHOTOGRAPHS: THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE, CORAL VON ZUMWALT

mother, Geri.

Pope

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

Pope

Francisco-area polo circles—renowned enough to serve as a guide to a writer exploring the scene in 1938 for a story in Country Life and the Sportsman. And he’s said to have played numerous matches with and against polo legends like Charles Howard, Bill Gilmore, Robert Driscoll, and Bob Skene. He kept a low profile, however, preferring to let his prowess show up on the field.

When World War II broke out, George served in the army; and after he returned, he refocused his equestrian pursuits on breeding racehorses—with great success. He was the owner of Decidedly, the gray that won the Kentucky Derby in 1962, setting a Churchill Downs

track record for one and a quarter miles in the process.

George died in 1979, and the trophy eventually moved permanently to Santa Barbara.

A love of horses continues to run in the family.

George’s son, Peter Talbot Pope, played polo at Princeton, though he denigrates his horsemanship: “We were terrible,” he claims. Geri herself show-jumps and trail rides. “One of the best things about riding a horse,” she says, “is that it puts us fully in the moment. Horses can give us power, wings, and a connection that feels timeless.” The only recent polo player has been her daughter Lucy, who competed in the Artie Cameron

57

A GLITTERING PRIZE

“May the winners of the Pope Polo Challenge Trophy be the riders who have worked the hardest to know their horses, to honor and care for those horses well, to love this sport for the wings it gives them and the grace Pope of God that blessed them with their horse.”

—GERI BIDWELL

A formal portrait of GEORGE POPE depicts the polo player

in his heyday (left). One of his broodmares gave birth to Smokejumper, which became a favorite horse for GERI BIDWELL (right).

Memorial Polo Tournament for Juniors at the Santa Barbara polo club a few years ago.

The family restored the trophy, and it shines more brightly than ever. The name of 2018’s tournament winner—Klentner Ranch—is on the cup. The next to hold that honor is still to be determined. But Geri’s wishes extend to all the teams who will take the field: “May the winners of the Pope Polo Challenge Trophy be the riders who have worked the hardest to know their horses, to honor and care for those horses well, to love this sport for the wings it gives them and the grace of God that blessed them with their horse.” ●

DOUBLE VISION Polo player, professional model, and Instagram It girl Zinta Braukis strikes a pose at Cancha de Estrellas

Zinta

Zinta

PHOTOGRAPHS BY

CO U RT NEY EL LZEY

60

DOUBLE VISION

Zinta

Zinta WHO Zinta Braukis, often called “Z” by family and friends.

WHAT Working as a professional model by day with

such brands as Ralph Lauren and Lucchese, Braukis— who has been playing polo since the age of 14—is at her happiest in the saddle with her horses in Los Angeles and Indio.

DOUBLE DUTY Dubbed the equine Instagram It girl,

@zintapolo has more than 80,000 followers and is in demand for her lifestyle posts of horses and polo.

TRIPLE THREAT Athletic, adventurous, and adrenaline

seeking, Z recently earned her helicopter pilot license.

PASSION PROJECT “As with people, each horse’s personality is unique. It is truly a special relationship that develops. I teach them to trust me and that mutual respect is possible. It is an immense joy to see them flourish as a result—both in their personality and as an athlete.”

WORDS TO PLAY BY “To paraphrase Alexander the

Great (one of the first polo players in history), ‘The world is the ball, I am the mallet!’”

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

Zinta

Zinta

64

DOUBLE VISION

Zinta “There is a fantastic, relaxed pace to life in Santa Barbara—it’s a great balance to my career and the adrenaline rush of racing down the fields on a galloping horse.”

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

HAIR AND MAKEUP: TOMIKO TAFT

Zinta Throughout: Tops, ROCIO G. , rociog.com; boots, LUCCHESE , lucchese.com;

hats, VANNER , vannerhats .com. Special thanks to SARAH SIEGELMAGNESS and JOE HENDERSON of CANCHA DE ESTRELLAS for use of

horses and location.

Power of Investing in polo

horses is crucial to getting into the game WRITTEN BY

MEG A N KO Z MI NSKI CO U RT NEY ELLZ EY

PHOTOGRAPHS BY

Cambiaso

the Pony

Left to right: Gitana,

Kiwi, Dolca, and Floppy photographed on location at SARAH SIEGELMAGNESS ’s ranch, CANCHA DE ESTRELLA .

Cambiaso

Groom JUAN CRUZ with (left to right) Pistera, Crota, Plumita, and Duraznito.

Cambiaso

Cambiaso

Some people jump in and purchase a string of half a dozen ponies straight away; others buy just one to start, testing out their new passion (and pocketbook). Shopping for that perfect first pony can be complicated. Polo horses have personalities, habits, strengths, and weaknesses, just like people. There’s also a lot to learn about the sport of polo, the horse industry, and even basic equine science.

1

Find people in the industry who you trust. Determine your budget and gather information from seasoned coaches, players, or professionals who can help you navigate.

2 Next comes the fun part: Ride as many polo ponies as possible. Try a pony at least twice—a stick and ball session, and if that goes well, a practice or game chukker. If you are trying dozens of horses, keep notes on the age, conformation, and under-saddle details for each, and always have a reputable veterinarian conduct a prepurchase equine health exam.

3 The most important advice to any polo shopper is buy the pony that makes you a better player based on your current skill and handicap. You want to feel like a million bucks every time you walk onto the field. Always keep in mind that after the purchase, it costs the same to feed a mediocre horse as it does to feed your perfect equine partner.

“This year, I realized the power of the pony.

It took me four years to understand exactly what that means. For me, upgrading to the first-class breeding program of La Dolfina Valiente and purchasing the nextlevel string will give me the tools to take my Cambiaso game to the next level.

This means compact, speedy, handy horses that stop and turn on a dime. When you’re really new to the game, you don’t realize how important that is.

Then one day you do!

Polo is 70 percent horse, 30 percent rider.”

—SARAH SIEGEL-MAGNESS

Cambiaso

R

W H E R E

S A N TA

B A R B A R A

COMES TOGETHER

SB Public Market

Quick bites, drinks, candy, chocolate, and more!

38 West Victoria Street

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(805) 770-7702

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POLOScene Danny and Linda Walker with Wagner

Marc Fialip of Belmond El Encanto

Andy Busch

Nico Escobar, Lucas Criado, and Danny Walker

Payton and Shannon McGraw with David Lominska

Kata and Marcos Bignoli with children

Polo Scene Lisa and Morten Wengler and Carolyn Montgomery

Geoff Palmer and Leigh Brecheen

Jason Middleton and John Muse

Kalei, Brian, and Danielle Burkitt, and guests

John and Lyn Muse

Guests, Carrie Quattlebaum, and Dana Hansen Kris and Jennifer Zacharias

Juana Criado, Georgette Escobar, Cristina Criado, and Camila Criado

Claudia Uretz and Amanda Masters

Rocio Gonzalez de Narvaez (middle) and guests

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHANNON JAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

The Cosentino family

Sam Carey and friend with Katie and Jeff Graham

David, Jayne, and Lincoln Sigman

Kim and Andy Busch lead the Pony Parade in a Maserati GranTurismo convertible

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

Deb Richards, Jerry Cupit, and guest

Santi Trotz and Justin Klentner

74

POLO SCENE Toby Mayer and David Sigman

Sol de Agosto polo players Francisco de Narvaez, Adam Snow, Paco de Narvaez, and Nico Escobar

Ambassador Glen and Gloria Holden

Christine Gaskin and guest Santi Trotz, Herndon Radcliff, Santi Wulff, and Jeff Graham

Bob and Robin Fell Kim and Andy Busch Josefina Trotz, Kata Bignoli, Luli X, Mia Bray, Hayley Heatley, and Kiki Hiller Gilbert and Paul Delagnes Guests, Brian Fagan, and Nigel Gallimore

Polo Scene

Shannon McGraw and Andrea Rodriguez

Chuck and Margarita Lande

Melanja Jones and Judith Baker

James and Sarah Hurd

Lisa Amador, Danielle Gerbracht, and Mindy and Chris Denson Guests with Art Montano

Gene McKnight, guest, Michael Kramer, and Veronica Hansuld

Joe and Cindy Sapienza with David and Mary Bremner Karen Burka, guests, and Mary Stark

Glen Holden III, Glen Holden Jr., and guests

Lucas, Georgette, and Nico Escobar

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

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POLO SCENE Ben Soleimani wins Franck Dubarry watch

Jeff Scheraga

Nico Escobar and Danny Walker with the Tara Gray Fine Jewelry PCO championship ring

2019 SOCIAL CALENDAR

Ambassador Glen Holden and Remy Muller

FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club returns on May 3 (open to members as well as the public). Guests can enjoy deals on drinks ($5 margaritas) and bar bites every Friday from 4 to 6 pm May through August. With complimentary admission, guests can enjoy refreshments while watching the matches in a fun and casual environment.

Victoria, Morgan, Wesley, and Teddy Ru

Chris Denson and Brian Fagan Curt Whiteman and guests Mary Stark and Deb Richards

The club’s popular AFTER-PARTY continues this year (beginning immediately following the trophy presentation at Sunday polo). Keep your Sunday Funday rolling with drinks for purchase and dancing. Come for the match, stay for the after-party, which is complimentary to attend with your Sunday polo admission.

Polo Scene

Geoff and Grant Palmer

Dan de Meyer and Chuck Lande

Get in an island state of mind at our TROPICAL NIGHTS summer soiree on July 12. Sway to the sounds of a steel drum band, sip mai tais, enjoy a tropical-inspired dinner, and dance the night away to the Brian Titus Trio! For details, please e-mail events@sbpolo.com.

Don’t miss the inaugural SANTA BARBARA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL on September 7. Join us for a full day of live country music from today’s top country stars along with great food, drinks, entertainment, and fun for the whole family. For details, please e-mail lauren@ homegrownevents.com.

Kiki Hiller, Emilia Wulff, and Jimmy Wright

Justin and Luke Klentner with Linda Walker

Santiago von Wernich and fan

Katie Turpin, Camryn Middleton, and Charles Ward

Teresa McWilliams and guest

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

What better way to ring in the season than at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club’s annual HOLIDAY PARTY on December 7? Enjoy a festive dinner, music, dancing, and more. For details, please e-mail events@sbpolo.com.

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POLO SCENE

Cassie Walker and guests

Linda Walker, Nolan Nicholson, and Sarah Hurd

Jim Wright, Jason Crowder, Herndon Radcliff, and Jeff Graham Jeff, Michelle, Eli, and Luke Hall Katie and Jeff Graham Bob Fell and Geoff Palmer

Sol de Agosto support crew

Pat Nesbitt and Dr. Richard Caleel

Greg Sharp and guest

Kim Garsed, Paige Beard, and guest

Mariano Paz, Juan Martin Obregon, Facundo Obregon, and Geronimo Obregon Henry and Erin Walker

Polo Scene Peke Gonzalez, Mariano Gonzalez, Santiago Trotz, and Marcos Bignoli

Joel and Doreen Ladin, Jason Crowder, and guests Hayley Heatley and Jesse Bray

Guest and Trudy Baumgardner Santiago Trotz, Julio Zavaleta, and Hana Grill

Mary Stark, Scott Campbell, Deborah Richards, and guest

Matt and Linda Walker

Bob and Robin Fell, Mariano Gonzalez, and Justin Klentner

Annette Caleel

Inaki Laprida, Santi von Wernich, Tomy Alberdi, and Geronimo Obregon

Amelia Llambias, Indy Llambias, Inaki and Emilia Wulff, Lou Llambias, and Luna Bignoli

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

77

POLO SCENE

Santiago Wulff, Jesse Bray, Luke Klentner, and Justin Klentner

Emilia Wulff and Begonia de Narvaez

Joe Lambert, Dana Hansen, and Pat Ringer Ed and Sarah Hurd

Paige Beard, Michael Butler, and guests

Guest, Kerri Schwartz, Kitty Sendra, Greg Attig, and Christine Gaskin

Danny Walker, Pete Ewing, Charles Ward, and Chuck Stumpf

Guest and Shannon Jayne Miller

Georgia Caesar

Guest, Richard Mineards, Judith Baker, and Brian Fagan

Remy Giannico, Claudia Uretz, Cindy Giannico, Knox Farahnak, Rita Longcore, Tara Farahnak, Alfonso Giannico, and Sam Farahnak

Polo Scene Chris Denson, Jerry Cupit, Veronica Hansuld, Cindy Dobyns, BK Atul Rai, Michael Kramer, Bernard Kelmenson, Mona Leigh Rose, Mindy Denson, Nancy Schaak, Lisa and Michael Amador

Tommy Lee and Dawn Jones with guest

Juan Monteverde and Lucas Criado

Geronimo Obregon, Santi von Wernich, Tommy Alberdi, and Ben Soleimani with friends

Antelope players and friends

Amelia Llambias, Inaki Wulff, and Indy Llambias

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

Liza DiMarco with Chris and Mindy Denson

78 129

POLO SCENE SCENE Debby Bernal, Cindy Sapienza, and Carol Marsh

Vivi, Amanda, Luke, and Justin Klentner

Camilla, Lucas, and Lucitos Criado

Jason Crowder, Luna Bignoli, Marcos Bignoli, Indigo Bignoli, and Herndon Radcliff Mike, Claudia, Tony, and Wiley Uretz with guest

Piers Bossom, Grant Palmer, Costi Caset, Dan Walker, Marcos Bignoli, and Hilario Figueras

Beverly and Ron Singer

Gimena Soleimani

Tara Gray of Tara Gray Fine Jewelry and Charles Ward

Mia Bray with Shelley, Hayley, and Phil Heatley

Polo Scene

Kenny Berry, Santi Trotz, and Pipe Vercellino

Cindy Sapienza, Kevin Nimmons, Joe Sapienza, and Glen Alger

Matt Richardson, Pat Nesbitt, Theresa McWilliams, and Ursula Nesbitt

Santi Trotz, Jesse Bray, Jim Wright, Kiki Hiller, guest, and Hayley Heatley Nolan Nicholson and Henry Walker

Ron Macleod

Joel Mallet, Gene McKnight, and DJ Fab

Nachi Viana, Bautista Bello, Tommy Alberdi and friend, Kata and Marcos Bignoli and their children

Veronique and Felipe Viana, Olivier Climaud, and Jesse Bray

Gimena and Ben Soleimani and twins

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

Sheri Vincent, Gene McKnight, Bruce Vincent, guest, and Linda Phillips

Sunset Polo Condo 3375 Foothill Road, Unit 1012 Ground floor in the Sunset Building, this west facing one-bedroom condo offers an updated kitchen and a large private patio.

Offered at $549,980 SUNSETPOLOCONDO.COM

TARYN MARTIN

Taryn.Martin@sothebyshomes.com 805.636.6442 | tarynmartinrealestate.com

Enjoy an exclusive horseback ride on one of Santa Barbara’s spectacular beaches. Meander through canopied oak groves, creeks, and orchards for an unforgettable horseback adventure. Add a picnic!

www.LosPadresOutfitters.com

Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Taryn Martin DRE: 1995581

805-755-TOUR (8687)

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2019 SEASON OTHER LEAGUES

12-GOAL SERIES

Folded Hills Pope Challenge May 3-12 KOPU Lisle Nixon Memorial May 17-26 Ramsey Asphalt Vic Graber Cup May 31-June 9 Lucchese USPA IntraCircuit June 14-23

Early Bird Chukkers April 18-28 Pro-Pool League May 3-June 24, September 8-October 6 Rincon League (6-8 goal, pro-am) July 4-August 24

Fields closed June 24-July 4

Miguel Torres/World Gym July 6 Linfoot Memorial August 10

YOUTH TOURNAMENTS

16-GOAL SERIES (July and August)

High Goal Challenge July 7 Belmond El Encanto Robert Skene Trophy July 12-21 Farmers & Merchants Bank USPA America Cup (with semifinal) July 26-August 11 Silver Air Pacific Coast Open (with semifinal) August 15-September 1

Last Chance Tournament (0-1 goal) October 12-13

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , P L E A S E C O N TA C T P O L O M A N A G E R M E L A N J A J O N E S AT

Fields closed September 7

MELANJAJ@SBPOLO.COM.

8-GOAL SERIES (September and October) Bella Vista Designs USPA Presidents Cup September 14-22 USPA Wickenden Cup September 28-October 6

POLO HOTLINE: 805-684-5819.

THE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE AND FIELD ASSIGNMENTS (INCLUDING OUTSIDE FIELDS) A R E S U B J E C T T O C H A N G E AT T H E D I S C R E T I O N O F T H E M A N A G E M E N T.

Polo Schedule

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9

Jackie Walters & Deborah Richards

Combined Expertise • Seasoned Real Estate Professionals Jackie has over 30 years’ experience serving buyers and sellers along the coveted Santa Barbara South Coast. She is an expert on market statistics/trends & is a feature writer for the SB News Press.

Deborah, a life-long equestrian & Polo Club Member, is a ranch & land specialist servicing the South Coast & the pastoral Santa Ynez Valley.

Contact us today for a tour of selected properties, including off-market offerings.

Jackie Walters 805.570.0558 jackie@villagesite.com Lic.# 00835438 Deborah Richards 805.570.1762 deborah@villagesite.com Lic.# 01104375

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REALTOR®

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CalRE# 02055048

805.895.9338

For all your Real Estate needs, use a local expert with an international network.

SUGARING

WAXING

AIRBRUSH TANNING

LASH LIFTS

James.Darnborough@camoves.com www.JamesDarnborough.com Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Luxury for all. Step into beauty.

21 WEST ORTEGA STREET, SANTA BARBAR A, CA

805.705.1501 | @TANNAR AESB | TANNAR AE.COM

Polo Map

S A N TA B A R B A R A P O L O 2 0 1 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Polo Club House

Cabanas

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

Via Real

Polo Lounge & Bar

Boutique

Grandstands

Member Entrance

Visitor Check-in

Polo Grill & Bar

Private Tent

Mountain Lounge

Foothill Road

101

Visitor Entrance

Visitor Parking

MAP

82

Nidever Road

Blue Star Parkiing Valet Parking | Private Driving Event Attendant Service | Guest Shuttle Service

Santa Barbara’s Premier Valet Parking Service 805.819.0527 • bluestarparking.com

Farmers and Merchants