Polo Barbados 2013

2013

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EditorsWelcome

POLOBARBADOS

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We live in a fast-moving world where the increasing demands of daily life add much to our stress and anxiety. Our friends from overseas envy us as they feel the greatest therapy for stress is a relaxing holiday in Barbados and we already have it on our doorstep. Perhaps they have it right as our lovely little island is a haven of peace and tranquillity that sometimes we take it too much for granted.

With this in mind there can’t be a more relaxing place to be than watching polo on a Sunday afternoon in Barbados. This is one sport that has it all when it comes to fast and exciting action on the field and convivial socialising off it. There is a certain decorum about a polo match that sets it apart from contemporary sports and a sense of occasion that combines the sporting and social aspects into a feast of fun and enjoyment.

We sincerely hope the 2013 edition of Polo Barbados adds to your enjoyment.

This publication gives you an insight into the local game and features many of the characters, who combine to make polo such a fun sport on the island. It is primarily produced for the spectator’s enjoyment so we hope it adds to your knowledge of the game and the people involved on and off the field.

This publication is available free of charge and that would not be possible without the support and patronage of a number of people. We would like to thank the advertisers in particular, and the contributors, the photographers, the Barbados Polo Club members and Julie at 809 Design whose contribution goes far beyond design.

Relax and enjoy another beautiful afternoon at polo.

Pamela Hiles Editor

Hiltop Publications Ltd, 11 Cottage Ridge, St George, Barbados BB19071 email: sportingb@caribsurf.com www.sportingbarbados.com www.barbadospropertynews.com www.caribbeanpropertymag.com

Contents

POLOBARBADOS

2013 Fixture List Polo People BPC Players Handicaps StickWork Hit Job At The Villages Stick To The Rules Polo Handicaps Out & About Polo Essentials Getting Into Polo Battle Of The Sexes Social Polo Argentina The Mecca Of The Polo World Roll Out The Red Carpet Cheshire Are Here Who Is... Jeff Evelyn Polo 1.1 Brazilians Samba Into Town Social Polo News & Views Colours, Numbers & Fancy Helmets One In A Million - Keith Melville Second Chance Open Play And the Winner Is...

Living Her Dream Monique Archer Nu Edge Gallery A few of Our Favourites

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Did You Know - Polo Ponies People at Polo The Challis Family LimeBar Harmony Cruising The Ultimate Relaxation Sponsors In Action Britta Pollard The Dressage Connection Behind The Scenes 3 Generations Of Art Down At The Garrison How To Get There & Clubs Contact Information 2012 Memories

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Polo Barbados 2013 is published by Hiltop Publications Ltd. Production - Hiltop Publications Ltd, 11 Cottage Ridge, St George, Barbados Tel (246) 228-9122, Email - sportingb@caribsurf.com, Editorial - Clarence Hiles Advertising - Pamela Hiles Photography - Lisa Davis, Joanne Spencer, Nicola Atwell, Clarence Hiles. Design - 809 Design Thanks - The Editors would like to thank advertisers, the polo members and everyone who helped to produce this publication.

Unless specifically detailed, all the editorial is attributed to the editors and accuracy was deemed correct when going to print.

No part of this publication should be reproduced without the permission of the publishers.

Copyright Polo Barbados 2013 COVER: Richard Gooding by - Lisa Davis 10

Read Polo Barbados online at: www.sportingbarbados.com

2013 Barbados International Polo Season DATES

TOURNAMENT

FIELD

FEBRUARY Tuesday Thursday Sunday Sunday Tuesday Thursday

5 7 10 24 26 28

February February February February February February

BPC USA (The Villages) Tour BPC USA (The Villages) Tour BPC USA (The Villages) Tour FINAL BPC Cheshire Tour BPC Cheshire Tour BPC Cheshire Tour

Holders Holders Holders Holders Lion Castle Holders

HORSE INC. CHARITY EVENT - SATURDAY 23RD MARCH - 3PM Jumping & Polo Match followed by Live Band and DJ. at: Whitehall Equestrian Centre, St. Peter

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DATES

TOURNAMENT

FIELD

MARCH 3 Sunday 5 Tuesday 7 Thursday 10 Sunday 12 Tuesday 14 Thursday 17 Sunday 17 Sunday 19 Tuesday 21 Thursday 24 Sunday 30 Saturday

March March March March March March March March March March March March

BPC Cheshire Tour FINAL BPC Barbados Open 10 Goal Tournament BPC Barbados Open 10 Goal Tournament BPC Barbados Open 10 Goal Tournament BPC Barbados Open 10 Goal Tournament BPC Barbados Open 10 Goal SEMI FINALS BPC Barbados Open 10 Goal FINAL BPC Ladies Tour BPC Ladies Tour BPC Ladies Tour BPC Ladies Tour FINAL Apes Hill Indian Tour

Holders Apes Hill Lion Castle Lion Castle Holders Holders Apes Hill Apes Hill Holders Holders Holders Apes Hill

APRIL 2 Tuesday 4 Thursday 7 Sunday 14 Sunday 16 Tuesday 18 Thursday 21 Sunday 28 Sunday

April April April April April April April April

Apes Hill Indian Tour Apes Hill Indian Tour Apes Hill Indian Tour Lion Castle Brazil Tour Lion Castle Brazil Tour Lion Castle Brazil Tour Lion Castle Brazil Tour FINAL Club Matches

Holders Apes Hill Apes Hill Apes Hill Holders Lion Castle Lion Castle Holders

Club Matches Club Matches

Lion Castle Holders

MAY 5 May Sunday 12 May Sunday

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POLOBARBADOS 2

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Polo People Some captured moments from the 2012 Barbados Polo Season...

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Alex Cole & his daughter Scarlet Andy Dowding Kelsey Bayley Sir Charles Williams Anouska Fabes, Nicola Atwell & Maxine Twamley Harry Manning Dick Neil Dickson & Danny Atwell Monique Archer & her children Joshua & Zoe Team Brazil with Kent Cole & Roddy Davis Luis Clerici & Roddy Davis Philip Atwell with his grand daughters Cheyanne & Cameron Lucy Taylor Jeff Evelyn & Vicki Gonzalez Lisa Venezia with Scarlett & Isabelle Ella Gooding Joy & Bjorn Bjerkhamn Santiago Clerici & Mariano Galban Reif Gooding Keith Melville

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POLOBARBADOS

BARBADOS POLO CLUB

Players’ Handicaps

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Jamie Dickson 3

Danny Atwell 3

Pablo Crespin 3

Teddy Williams 3

Wayne Archer 2

Marc Atwell 2

Alex Cole 2

Adam Deane 2

Salvador Duggan 2

Jeff Evelyn 2

Richard Gooding 2

Lucas Nicolao 2

Philip Tempro 2

Ramon Alvarez 1

Philip Atwell 1

Bruce Bayley 1

Luis Clerici 1

Richard Deane 1

George Gemmell 1

Steven Williams 1

Roddy Davis 0

Stewart Gill 0

Vicki Gonzalez 0

Damian Luke 0

Rhys Odle 0

Sir Charles Williams 0

Angelique Bjerkhamn -1

Bjorn Bjerkhamn -1

Jason O Selmo -1

Gary Shepherd -1 Missing Playing Members: Ollie Taylor 4 Douglas Schneider -1

Joshua Archer -2

Jake Bayley -2

Ashleigh Deane -2

Christansia Evelyn - 2

Non Playing Members: Jack Kidd 4 Harry Manning 2 Lucy Taylor 1 Oliver Williams 1 TJ Davis 0 Monique Archer -1

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POLOBARBADOS

stickwork

TJ Davis & Luis Clerici

Pablo Crespin & Steven Williams

Luis Clerici & Alex Cole

Philip Tempro

Alex Cole Wayne Archer

TJ Davis

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POLOBARBADOS

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Jeff Evelyn & Oliver Butterworth

Hit Job at The Villages Barbados polo has a close affinity with polo at the Villages and the exchanges between the two clubs and on a personal basis have been in existence for decades. Club tours either way have been just as lively off the polo field as on it and tales of ribald parties and long nights have lasted longer than memories of close encounters and tight matches.

Understandably both clubs are strong on home territory and with little success over the past five years there were modest expectations when Wayne Archer, Jeff Evelyn, Luis “Guille� Clerici and big Roddy Davis headed up to Florida last November.

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The Winning Barbados Team: L to R - ‘Greg Hinkson’ Luis Clerici, Charlie Smith, Senior Vice President of The Smith Buie Prevatt Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Wayne Archer, Jeff Evelyn and Roddy Davis.

The Villages Polo Club is a unique place and many Barbados polo players have played there down the years. Their hospitality is exceptional, bearing in mind this is an active club with a long list of visiting clubs and tournaments combined into two busy seasons in Autumn and Spring. The setting is majestic with several polo fields and excellent stables all centred on the impressive three-tier double-sided clubhouse with bar/restaurant, changing facilities and shops. The facilities and the ambience are complimented by a keen polo following from within the Villages residential community and all matches are keenly attended. This was particularly so when the Barbados team participated in the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney International Polo Week in a tournament that included a team from South Africa and two strong teams from the Villages Club representing the USA. Some familiar names were in the Villages teams including old favourites Jim Parr, Andy Moran, Lord Lyall and the delightful Paige Boone, granddaughter of

It all came down to a head to head between Barbados and Villages “D” on the final day and nothing separated the teams after the final chukka.

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Villages owner Gary Morse. The action was spread over two days and all the matches were keenly contested with the Barbados team winning against the odds. It all came down to a head to head between Barbados and Villages “D” on the final day and nothing separated the teams after the final chukka. The match and the tournament went to a penalty shootout after Wayne and Guille scored their goals, Jeff Evelyn fired home the all-important winner after the locals missed. Not surprisingly the happy scorer was also named MVP for some sterling performances on both days, but overall it was a great week for the Bajans and the icing on the cake was winning the tournament.

The only negative was a back injury to big Roddy Davis in the second chukka and he had to be replaced by Greg Hinkson.

Greg is a good friend of Barbados polo and didn’t look out of place in Bajan colours!

The Villages Polo Club is set within the huge Villages residential complex, which offers a wide range of property and a unique lifestyle where there is plenty of action 24/7. Polo is just one of the many attractions on offer and if you are a golfer then you will have over 40 courses to choose from. The Barbados team stayed at the Villages and both the players and the supporting team enjoyed both the facilities and some warm hospitality from a great bunch of polo people.

POLOBARBADOS

STICK TO THE RULES First-time visitors to polo always ask about the rules and many find it confusing. But the game is built around several basic rules and once they are understood everything else falls neatly into place. The custodians of the rules are the two referees in the black and white shirts on the field, and when they can’t agree then the third referee in the stand has the final say. Most players offer the referees plenty of advice on the field but at the end of the day their decision is final.

Teams consist of four players and scoring is similar to most team sports in that a goal is scored when the ball is hit through the posts at any height. Once a goal is scored the teams switch direction and play towards the other goal.

Matches are played in short periods called chukkas. Most of the matches in Barbados consist of four chukkas of seven minutes each. This may sound short, but the clock stops every time there is an infringement or when a player falls or leaves the field.

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Richard Gooding

Players may change ponies at the end of each chukka or if they feel their pony is not performing they can do it during a chukka. The game stops until they return.

There are several key rules that govern play during a game, but the most important rule is the right of line. This basically means that a player chasing a ball has the right of line and no player is allowed to cut across it. When top class players are in action this rule is rarely broken, but players of lesser ability and dexterity tend to break it regularly. Infringements result in

POLOBARBADOS penalties being awarded and free shots at goal. The distance to the goal is determined by the gravity of the offence and not necessarily where it took place.

Players on each team are numbered from 1 to 4. The numbers distinguish the players, but have little other significance although traditionally number 1 plays up front and number 4 at the back. The best players normally wear numbers 2 and 3 and tend to chase the ball everywhere.

Polo can sometimes look robust and unsporting, but in many instances the players are playing within the rules if not the spirit of the game. Riding off an opponent looks bizarre and occurs when two players are chasing the ball, but one player can ride

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his opponent off line and allow his teammate to chase the ball.

Another strange rule relates to hooking the mallet and occurs when a player coming from behind stretches forward and hooks his opponent’s mallet just as they are about to hit the ball. It looks like a foul in any sport, but not so in polo.

Like most sports etiquette is an integral part of polo and although games are played hard, they are played in a sporting manner. Teams normally line up before a match and adhere to the decisions of the referees. It is rare for a player to be sent off for foul play. Chukkas are ended by the sound of a hooter followed by handshakes and drinks in the clubhouse.

The perfect end to an afternoon’s polo.

Roddy Davis

POLOBARBADOS

POLOhandicaps

Rhys Odle & Jake Bayley

The integrity of polo is protected by a handicap system, which essentially tries to level the playing field for the majority of players. It is estimated that 70-80% of polo players are at the lower end of the ability scale and one way of ensuring these players are not in competition with the best players is through the handicap system.

Henry Lloyd-Herbert, the first President of the United States Polo Association created polo handicaps in 1890 so that players of similar ability would play against each other. The system rates players at the top of the scale at 10-Goal down to -2, which is the entry point for newcomers. To reach 10-Goal status is a huge achievement and there are relatively few players in this category and they mostly come from Argentina. Players with a handicap above 5-Goal are usually professional players.

Many people believe a player’s handicap reflects the number of goals he or she is expected to score in a match, but this is not the case. A high handicap reflects a player’s overall ability in every aspect of horsemanship and match play. The handicap is set by the governing body of the sport in that country or club and it can change over the years as emerging players improve, or the form of established players declines. The bulk of polo matches are played at a particular level and the match-maker will aggregate the total handicaps of the four players on each team to get them as close to parity as possible. Where there is a numerical difference, the team with the lower total handicap will get the difference as a start. This sometimes creates the confusing situation where a team has a half goal advantage before the start of play.

The handicap system allows tournament organizers to control the level of the competition. If a tournament is 2-Goal it will be for novices and players of lesser ability than for example a 16Goal tournament, which could involve some professional players. At the very highest level of polo the matches are open and no handicaps are involved.

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POLOBARBADOS

Christansia Evelyn

Lucas Nicolao Christian Chavez

Stephen & teddy Williams

The handicaps in Barbados are set by the Barbados Polo Club Committee under the jurisdiction of the international governing body the Hurlingham Polo Association. A player’s handicap is an important statement of their ability and aspiring players try to improve their status at each annual review. A the other end of the scale some players move down the scale due to playing less, 32

getting older or simply not playing as well as they used to play.

The best players in Barbados are in the 3-4 Goal category these players are Jamie Dickson, Pablo Crespin, Danny Atwell and Teddy Williams. Several of the island’s players have had their handicap moved up. These include Stewart Gill, Rhys Odle, Oliver Williams, Philip Tempro and Luis Clerici. Some young

Harry manning

players have taken up the game in the last two years and received the standard -2 Goal entry handicap so it will be interesting watching their progress up the ladder in years to come.

The handicap system is dynamic and it evolves irrespective of whether a player’s rating moves positively or negatively.

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POLOBARBADOS

Out & About The 2012 Polo Season still saw large crowds of spectators come out to enjoy the popular tours.

They patronised the 3 different fields and the sponsors although slightly scaling back in their grandure still put on wonderful outings for their guests with drinks, food and front views to all the on field action.

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POLOBARBADOS

poloessentials Blanket Available in a variety of colours and designs.

Its use is to absorb sweat, cushion the saddle & protect the ponies back.

Saddle Can be made from leather or suede. Polo saddles are English style. They are a supportive structure and designed to balance the rider in the centered position on the horse’s back.

Reins Mainly made from leather.

Attaches to the bit. Rider uses these to control their horse with stopping and turning. Polo bridles have two sets of reins. Top rein (snaffle reins) and then the bottom reins are either straight reins or draw reins depending on your horse and bit selection.

Breast plate Attaches to the saddle.

Its purpose is to keep the saddle from sliding back.

Electrical tape Used to keep tail braided up so no danger in getting tangled in mallet.

Stirrups Made of metal. Attaches to stirrup leathers.Holds the riders foot. Used for balance and helping with leg control and allowing the player to come out of the saddle.

Girth Keeps the saddle in place on the horses back. Attaches on both sides by two or three leather straps.

Bandages or wraps Usually made of fleece. Used to protect the horse’s leg from the ball and mallet.

Over Girth Used to provide additional security in holding saddle in place. Wraps over saddle seat and around the horses belly.

Bridle The name for the entire headgear the horse wears which includes the bit and reins. noseband Made from leather or Rawhide.

Has several uses. such as keep horses mouth closed, aiding in stopping and can also be an attachment for martingales.

Protective eye gear Protect the players eyes from polo balls, mallets and also help with the glare of the sun.

Bit Made from metal or synthetic materials. Placed inside the horses mouth on top of the tongue. Connects to the reins.

Aids in the rider communicating with the horse. Most common types used in polo are Pelham and Gag bits.

Martingale used to control head carriage and stop horse from tossing their head.

Glove Optional but provides the player with slip free, firm grip and protect from blisters.

Most players use only on their right hand.

Stick or mallet The stick is made from flexible manau-cane and the head is made from white Tipa. Sticks generally range in length from 50� to 54� and can weigh between 160 grams and 240 grams. The top has a rubber wrapped grip and strap.

Boots Made of leather, traditionally came in various shades of brown but recently there has been a trend towards black. Function is to protect the players leg from balls, in ride offs and also provides a surface to grip the sides of the horse.

Helmet Fiberglass shell covered in either leather or cloth.

Cushioned on the inside with a high density foam liner for comfort and protection.

Polo Shirt Traditionally made from 100% cotton but performance fabrics such as DriFit and Coolmax more frequently used. Custom designed with Team names, sponsors and players position number.

Whip Used to reinforce riders leg aids or as a training aid.

Knee Pads Used to protect players knees in ride offs and contact from ponies.

Made from prime leather and lined with closed cell foam or wool felt for shock absorption.

Polo Ball Made of white plastic. In the past they were made of wood. Weighs about 4 ounces and is about 3� diameter. When hit can travel at speeds of up to 100mph.

Spurs Attaches to the heel of the boot and used by riders as an aid to encourage the horse to move forward or laterally.

Getting into POLO It looks a great sport, but getting into polo is not easy. This is one sport that requires ownership or access to polo ponies and unless you have the buying power to own your own stables, you need the support of a well-stocked Patron or a family connection.

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The Barbados polo players generally fall into two categoriesthose who have grown up around stables owned within the family or by friends, and those who have made enough money to satisfy their polo passion. Owning polo ponies is not cheap and while most of the expense falls at purchase, there is also high maintenance during the playing season when grooming and vet bills are at their highest.

The future of polo in Barbados will always have its challenges on simple economic grounds. You need ponies to play and pony owners aren’t in the business of providing them to everyone and anyone. This means young players coming into the sport tend to be the off-springs of established polo players and while this has served the sport well in the short-term, it offers no real opportunity to aspiring young polo players from outside the family ring, unless they work or win support from a wealthy polo patron.

But don’t despair if you are an equestrian enthusiast and would love to learn the basic skills and test yourself at polo. The opportunity exists at Apes Hill Polo Fields where the vast Williams’ Stables provide tuition, training and ponies for the rookie. Under the stewardship of 3-Goal player Jamie Dickson

the Apes Hill Equestrian Centre offers excellent facilities for aspiring polo players of every age and sex, and Dickson’s expertise and experience in this field is unrivalled. The Centre will work with complete rookies and partially experienced horse riders and provide an opportunity to play the sport if not enter the arena. Unfortunately you will need your own ponies or the support of an owner to be able to participate in club chukkas.

Polo in Barbados is organized and administered by its governing body The Barbados Polo Club. New members are welcome and they can participate in weekly chukkas organized to develop the game and improve skills. However, there are no club ponies so a new member must provide or seek his/her own mounts. There are at least five other active polo fields in Barbados. They are owned privately and chukkas often take place amongst their owners and their friends and family. This is another potential route into polo as befriending an owner has many advantages.

In short, Apes Hill may provide an excellent centre where the skills of polo can be taught and manicured, but to play the game seriously you have to secure mounts and that’s not easy anywhere in the world.

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POLOBARBADOS

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E L T T A B E H T F O S E SEX

ell Marc Atw

et more g o t y l l o j ut th e ed as a b t r , a o t l s o e P v s a e It may h d interest in Ladi art of p l a r g n e t a n i n recognitio he Sexes is now an for many visitors Battle of t Polo Calendar and ason! dos he se the Barba s the highlight of t it i Wayne Archer & Lucy Taylor

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POLOBARBADOS

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TJ Davis ici Luis Cler

er siege cher und Wayne Ar

es pitch l exchang a u n n a e e th a week er a decad hes over v tc o a r m fo e d e re th lish oes not ies polo d lture Now estab e men in d a th L t s l. il in a H u ag r’s rt of the c the ladies finishing at Holde so a big pa t of several n e d n m a e g th startin itmen match the recru umbers to ad. This have the n ue tournament is oost the ladies squ niq to b e playing of this u ired Guns levelled th H d s n a a e lo rs o e ov gp inated the attractive xhilaratin who dom e s e e ll m e o s B e d ce s th ventually has produ t that it wa ust play. E e their n b te ro x e d n n a a c ch ey set asid nthusiasti field to su ith their e essage and once th d some very w rs a e y early t the m deck an o men go matched. hands on ll a s the Mach a rsals were there’s w e v it re s y o rl g a e e tarnished s until the in the series and gain. exchange e p v er a u ti ti e e n p o com ome togeth c rrently y u e c th n re e a is year wh The men play for th to g in th ry eve

POLOBARBADOS

Alex Cole

onnelly & Claire D

George Gemmell

Unashamedly most of the support has gone to the Ladies, but their sporting opponents accept this as fair play.

Odle or & Rhys Lucy Tayl

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Monique Archer and Diamonds International’s Jacob Hassid were the visionaries who set up this popular tournament, which has gone from strength to strength. Of course, there was never any doubting the competitive nature of the polo once the players faced off on the polo field, but a huge part of the success of the series has been the way the spectators have embraced it. Unashamedly most of the support has gone to the Ladies, but their sporting opponents accept this as fair play.

Well done everyone as it takes everyone to make a great polo tournament and the Battle of the Sexes is a great tournament!

POLOBARBADOS

Social Polo Some captured moments from the 2012 Barbados Polo Season...

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POLOBARBADOS

Whether it is the King of Games or the Game of Kings, polo has enjoyed an unrivalled position amongst the nobility and the rich and famous for centuries. Its origins may be obscure, but there is little doubt it was the first team sport known in history and played with fierce rivalry amongst the warrior tribes in the Far East, perhaps as long as 2,500 years ago. The British army discovered it in India in 1859, fell in love with it, re-branded, structured it with clubs and rules, and then carried it all over the world.

Looking back at the origins of modern polo it is surprising that the Mecca of the sport now rests in Argentina, which is without doubt the greatest centre of modern polo excellence. All this from such humble origins in the 1870s when it is reputed Irish ranchers brought the game to South America as they looked for work. The Irish ranchers played their first match at David Shennan’s Estancia in 1879 and the popularity of the sport took off. It is not difficult to see why, given the love and passion the Argentines held for their horses and the wide flat farmlands, which made ideal settings for ranches and polo fields. The gauchos were hooked and within a short time polo clubs sprung up all over the country. The polo community not only developed

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exceptional playing skills over the years, but they improved the breeding of the best polo horses and eventually established top quality breeding lines. This led to exports to other countries and greatly increased the status of Argentina as an international polo giant.

British and American polo teams dominated the early decades of the sport, but the balance of power shifted decisively in the 1920s. In 1922 a team from Argentina won the US Open and two years later Argentina won the Olympics. The US teams bounced back, but Argentina won again at the infamous 1936 Olympics and then defeated the US to capture the prestigious Cup of the Americas. In 1926 over 30,000 spectators watched a match between Argentina and the Hurricanes. The Second World War and its aftermath greatly disrupted international polo, but despite what was happening around the world, polo in Argentina developed internally into a strong sport matched only by the popularity of soccer. This is reflected in modern polo as Argentina is accepted as the Mecca of the sport. It has produced a virtual monopoly of the top international players and currently boasts all ten of the 10-Goal players. The next 16 players rated at 9-Goal also come from Argentina.

In 1975 an amazing match took place to celebrate 100 years of polo in Argentina. It was held at the Palermo Polo Fields and featured the El Trebol and Vernando Tuerto teams, each with a perfect 40-Goal handicap.

The Argentina polo season features the best matches in world polo and the Argentina Open is regarded as the best tournament in the game. It is held over several weekends in November at the Buenos Airies Polo Club and features teams of

Argentina:

The Mecca of the Polo World at least 28-Goal handicap. There are over 100 polo clubs in the Buenos Airies region alone and hundreds more scattered all over the country. At the end of the polo season many Argentina players travel all over the world playing as professionals in highpowered exhibition games and prestigious tournaments.

Many of the great dynasties in world polo hail from the Pumas.

They include the Heguy family, the Pieries, the Merlos, the Novilla Astrades and the Harriotts. Juan Carlos Harriott is

regarded by many as the greatest player of all time and held a 10Goal handicap for over 20 years, while 19 –year-old Adolfo Cambiaso was the youngest player to attain a 10-Goal handicap.

Cambiaso went on to become the glamour boy of Argentina and world polo and remains the highest paid player in the sport.

In recent times many leading personalities have campaigned for a return of polo to the Olympics. Should that happen there would be one overwhelming favourite to win!

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Adam Deane

Jake Bayley

Lucy taylor & Danny Atwell

Ollie Taylor & Jonny Coddington move in on Philip Tempro

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Roll out the red carpet

Cheshire are here!!

If there is one club that is always assured of a huge welcome to Barbados then it is Cheshire. Every February the English club travels in strength to the Caribbean and their trips seem to be getting better and better.

The Cheshire Club epitomises the sports tourism element of polo and the important contribution travelling groups make to the economy of Barbados. Tourism is the most important industry in the Caribbean economy and within tourism the ever-

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POLOBARBADOS

Jonny Coddington Jamie Dickson

growing niche market of sports tourism continues to expand.

Long gone are the days when the Barbados sports tourism product was cricket, watersports and more cricket. These days our little island can offer excellent facilities for motorsports, golf, rugby, hockey, football, racing and of course-polo.

Visionaries Sir Charles Williams and the late Mickey Moseley were well before their time in the 1960s when they started this unique tradition and down through the years the members on both sides have done their utmost to protect, preserve and enhance its camaraderie and enjoyment. None more so that the evergreen Howard Taylor whose son Oliver and daughter Lucy continue to be such integral parts of the action on and off the polo field.

Winning is for bragging rights and the short-lived plaudits that go with a snapshot in time. The long-term benefits are there for all to see and the large crowds that gather for the Cheshire matches confirm the popularity of the series. Last year the attendees included the Right Honourable Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados, and who better to witness the

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benefits of polo to sports tourism than our First Minister.

The PM certainly picked the right match to attend as it was the last game in the Nissan-sponsored four-match tournament and although 2-0 down in the series Cheshire played a terrific game against the odds.

Earlier in the Week Barbados had handed out 12-5 and 7-4 trouncings with one game rained off. Pablo Crespin was in terrific form in the first game scoring nine gaols and there were also cameo appearances from the veteran Sir Charles Williams and the feisty Jack Kidd. The Under-21 match went along similar lines with a 6-1 win for the locals so when Phillip Tempro, Teddy Williams, Danny Atwell and Jamie Dickson ran up and early 5 ½-1 lead in the final match at Holder’s it looked liked much of the same. But Cheshire were undaunted and spurred on by their vociferous supporters, Jonny Coddington, Tarquin Southwell, Ollie and Lucy Taylor produced the comeback of all time to win 7-5 ½ win.

It was a stunning back to the wall Roy-of-the-Rovers win and epitomised everything that is good about the Cheshire-Barbados Series.

POLOBARBADOS

WHO IS

Jeff Evelyn?

Twenty things you didn’t know about Jeff Evelyn How many years have you been playing polo?

I have been playing polo for over 20 years.

Who introduced you to the game?

I always wanted to play polo from a very young age, but I could not afford to and I did not come from a horse family. Kent Cole was very instrumental in helping me, and he encouraged me to come to his house every Saturday morning to practice. I guess he saw how crazy I was about playing the game, so he asked the late Andrew Phillips if I could use his ponies for a year. At the time Andrew was not playing due to illness and he kindly agreed. Looking back, I was very lucky to have people like Kent and Sir Charles Williams, who also gave me one of his older ponies to help get started.

Favorite polo field to play on?

That is a hard one as all the fields have different qualities that make each one special to play on. I really don’t have a firm favourite and enjoy them all.

Worst polo experience?

I would say the worst polo experience was seeing a friend die on the field of a massive heart attack. You can never forget that.

Person you least like playing against and why?

I hate playing against a bad sport or sore loser. In Barbados we will never make any money playing this game so what or how do we justify keeping these beautiful animals other than our love for the game and the friendships we have made with the people that we have met and played against. And I am pleased to say I have met some very nice people in Barbados and all over the world.

Your dream polo team in Barbados with you as captain?

My dream polo team in Barbados would include playing in one of our higher goal games with my daughter Christansia.

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Best match you ever played in and why?

The best match that I played in was a couple of years ago with Howard Hipwood, Jamie La Hardie and Richard Deane. We were the underdogs in the tournament and we were up against all the big guns of Barbados polo. At the time we only had horses taken off the racetrack and later trained to play polo. We went very close to winning a very hard fought match that came down to the dying seconds, but we eventually lost a cliffhanger to the Teddy Williams team. However, it was a great experience playing with Howard and you could see why at one time he was one of England's best players. He was fearless and got the most out of every player on the field. What a player and what a memory.

Favorite visiting team?

It is hard to limit to one team. Over the years we have had some great visiting teams from all over the world. I have particular fond memories of my friends from Jamaica, England, Mexico, Canada, USA, Ireland and India.

Your favorite polo pony?

My favorite polo pony is Koku, who is a playing stallion. I am not only fortunate to be still playing him, but also some of his offsprings.

One thing you can’t stand about polo?

The bickering! We don’t need it.

Favorite restaurant in Barbados?

My favorite restaurant in Bim is Zen at the Crane.

Who would you invite to sing at your special birthday party-Rihanna or Emile Straker?

Emile is a great singer, but Rihanna is much more pleasing to the eye!

Favourite meal?

I love Sushi, but you cannot beat a good old Bajan-baked chicken with stuffing, white rice and heart-stopping gravy!

What are you most passionate about?

I would say I am most passionate about my daughters.

What is your biggest polo ambition?

To play and enjoy the game as long as Sir Charles. He’s just amazing.

Person you would most like to meet in life?

The person that I would most like to meet in life would have to be Nelson Mandela as I believe that he is a most outstanding individual, after all the things that happened to him to still have such a positive outlook on life.

Favourite film?

I love action films so I guess it would be the Bourne Identity Your biggest superstition?

I try not to have them but I am superstitious.

Favourite place in the world and why?

I have travelled to some very nice and beautiful places all over the world and stayed with some of the nicest people you could ever meet, but my favourite place is home. You just cannot beat this little rock we live on.

If you had a magic wand and could change one thing in Barbados-what would it be?

If I had a magic wand and could only change one thing in Bim then it would be to change the lazy attitudes of our youth. I know we live in Paradise, but the youth need to have a different outlook on work. You are owed nothing in life. Earn it.

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POLO 1.1 Every year new people come to polo and they come with apprehension, intrigue and confusion. After all, this elite sport has essentially developed behind closed doors in the sanctuaries of the rich and famous and at prestigious clubs that might not be the popular haunts of many people. Some of the elitism has evaporated in recent years, but polo still remains at the top end of the sporting hierarchy and a day at polo is as much social as it is sporting.

A crude form of polo was played amongst wild horsemen in Persia and on the British as English tea and polo clubs were springing up everywhere. Initially polo was played within army barracks, but the dashing young cavalry officers soon got tired of their own company and introduced the sport into the wider community. In Barbados the Garrison area was cleared by the army to accommodate a polo field within the racing track and in 1884 the Barbados Polo Club was formed. The sport grew slowly in Barbados, but not so across the world. Dozens of clubs were formed around the Empire and it seemed it had no geographical bounds. But it was a participation sport, and although spectators attended the big tournaments the bulk of polo was played with and amongst horsemen for their own entertainment.

So what will a newcomer expect when attending their first polo match?

Well, it certainly won’t be the same as a football match back in England! Polo may be played on a rectangular pitch similar to other team sports, but there’s as much action off the pitch as on it during the big tournaments. Polo is very social and the hub of a polo field is the clubhouse where friends and supporters met before, during and after the game. Dress varies according to taste, but similar to the racing set, many lady spectators show a lot of style, elegance and unashamed beauty irrespective of age.

Fashion sits comfortably with polo people and sponsors tend to be from the higher echelons of business. Champagne and quality wines are the preferred drinks and afternoon tea replaces hamburgers and hot dogs as cuisine. Many spectators line the boundary in their cars and picnic with family and friends from well-stocked boots. There are more four-wheel drives at polo matches than any other sport.

It almost seems as if a visitor to polo could have a very enjoyable day without seeing any polo action, but this is not the case. Much as the social activity is congenial and entertaining, the fast pace and thrust of the on-field action is exhilarating and at times riveting. Polo is played at a fast pace and getting too close to heavy thundering horses is not advisable. A low board surrounds the polo field and spectators are urged to keep their distance from it.

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Lucas Nicolao

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Simon Crotto

Jamie Dickson

Polo teams consist of four players and matches are played in short sessions of seven minutes called chukkas. The teams are evenly balanced on ability through a handicap system, which aggregates the total of each team’s handicaps to make them comparable. This skill lies in the hands of the matchmaker and ensures matches are evenly balanced. The highest polo handicap is 10-Goal and ...but the real heroes are only the very best attain the polo ponies. Their such lofty status.

Argentina has the highest speed, strength and number of 10-Goal players dexterity are a joy to and is widely accepted as behold and many first the Mecca of polo in the modern times. time visitors are amazed The players and their at the skill on view ponies are normally presented to the gallery in front of the clubhouse before the first chukka and special guests are often introduced to the teams by the Club President. On many occasions a band plays background music prior to the game and then the National Anthems of participating teams at international matches. The resident Padre usually says prayers and after the players are individually named and ride off the resident commentator takes over proceedings. The commentator is one of the most important components of a polo match as he keeps everyone informed what’s happening on the pitch from his elevated position in the clubhouse, and invariably he captures the spirit of the occasion with his witty,

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provocative and mischievous observations. Barbados is fortunate to have an outstanding commentator in Jonathan Simpson and his captivating commentary adds much to the enjoyment of the spectators, players and ponies.

The players display outstanding horsemanship in polo, but the real heroes are the polo ponies. Their speed, strength and dexterity are a joy to behold and many first time visitors are amazed at the skill on view. The hooter sounded by the Timekeeper ends chukkas and the Presentation of Awards takes place in front of the clubhouse a short time later. The action on the field may be concluded at this stage, but the action off it runs for hours as social polo lasts as long as the clubhouse bar stays open. A day at polo can be a long and rewarding experience.

In Barbados the International Season is the highlight of the polo Calendar and it runs from January to May. Teams from all over the world travel to the island to make new friends or renew old acquaintances. Most of the action is centred on Holder’s Hill where the Barbados Polo Club is based, but there are two other active polo centres at Apes Hill and Lion Castle.

Polo is played in late afternoon and visiting teams usually play a series of games over the week culminating in a Sunday afternoon final. There is a small entrance fee, but after that there are few constraints on spectators who are welcome into the clubhouse and can take seats within it or park around the perimeter in the designated areas. Polo may seem strange to the first time visitor, but after an hour in the ground everything will be easily understood and enjoyed.

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Brazilians

‘Samba’ into town

The Brazilian team of Lucia. Fernando and Marcos Junqueira plus Laerte Meirelles, put in several stirring performances in the inaugural Sagicor Asset Management Cup Tournament last April.

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The three-match series was tightly fought throughout each game with only one win and one goal separating the teams after the final encounter at Lion Castle.

Brazil lined up as Productive Business Solutions Brazil and Barbados as Sagicor Asset Management Barbados when the opening match produced a thrilling 4-4 tie. This was followed by a 7-6 cliff-hanger in midweek to set up an intriguing last match at Lion Castle. In the deciding game Barbados fielded the strong team of Richard Gooding, Teddy Williams, Stewart Gill and Alex Cole. The opening chukka finished all square at one goal apiece before the crowd rose to acclaim Luica Junqueira’s goal. Lucia was the only lady player on the field and she gave a fine account of herself in all the exchanges.

But Barbados bounced back and goals from Cole and Gooding left them 3-2 up at the half way stage. Laerte Meirelles was in tremendous form for the visitors and in the

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It set up a thrilling finish, which could have gone either way as both teams were thwarted by solid defence and lady luck.

final chukka he brought the two teams level with a tremendous strike. It set up a thrilling finish, which could have gone either way as both teams were thwarted by solid defence and lady luck.

In the end a draw was probably a fair result and it was enough for the local team to claim the trophy albeit by the narrowest of margins.

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Social Polo Some captured moments from the 2012 Barbados Polo Season...

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News & Views THE 2013 BARBADOS POLO CLUB COMMITTEE PRESIDENT - Keith Melville VICE-PRESIDENT - Michael Stoute CLUB CAPTAIN - Richard Deane VICE CAPTAIN - Danny Atwell SECRETARY - Wayne Archer TREASURER - Roddy Davis COMMITTEE MEMBERS - Bruce Bayley, Alex Cole Philip Tempro, Teddy Williams, Stewart Gill and Richard Gooding

Harry Manning

IN THE WARS BACK IN ACTION Great to see Vicki Gonzalez and Jason O’Selmo back in action after a year out. Vicki sustained a serious shoulder injury and required surgery as the Badea Medical Centre in Florida. Happily Dr. Badea and his team did a great job and Vicki is now well down the road of a full recovery and looking forward to the 2013 season.

On the negative side the promising TJ Davis is taking a year out from competitive polo.

ONE TO WATCH

Two of the game’s most popular stalwarts are currently out of action and Barbados polo is the poorer for it.

The quiet Real Estate Agent Harry Manning has been an integral part of Barbados polo for nearly two decades and has many admirers for his horsemanship and sportsmanship. It was a huge disappointment to everyone last year when Harry suffered a bad fall and serious injuries. It has been a slow and painful fight to regain full fitness so Harry will sit out the 2013 season to give him more time to recover.

The effervescent Stephen Williams is no stranger to injury, but this time he’s out of action because of a hip replacement operation. Stephen is one of the nicest guys on the planet and like Harry, he’ll be missed until his return.

Watch out for Joshua Archer, son of Monique and Wayne, this season. Joshua was born into equestrian sport and has been riding virtually since birth. But this year he has graduated to Holder’s and is one of the Polo Club’s most exciting new members.

Stephen Williams

80 AND STILL GOING STRONG He’s been called an Institution, a business tycoon, a magnate, a maverick, and much worse, but there’s no doubting the stamina and ebullience of Sir Charles “Cow” Williams. The doyen of Barbados polo has just passed the 80 milestone and looks terrific. He’s also looking forward to the new season and certain to be amongst the winners when the tournaments run their course over the next few months.

Looking around world polo there can’t be a more enigmatic and enthusiastic player and patron.

Congratulations Sir Charles!

Stewart Gill

WORK COMMITMENTS Work commitments overseas will see Stewart Gill miss some of the 2013 polo season but he plans to participate in some of the tournaments scheduled and especially in the Barbados Open where he will try to defend his win with Team CIBC First Caribbean.

Sir Charles Williams

CONGRATULATIONS A BIG congrats to Danny Atwell and his lovely wife Nicola on the safe arrival of their beautiful baby girl. Isla Rose Atwell was born on December 5th, 2012, weighing a healthy 7lbs 7 oz. Congratulations!

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Damian Luke, Pablo Crespin & Jamie Dickson

Colours, numbers & fancy helmets!

Philip Tempro

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Players cut some style in polo and although everyone wears kneepads, and carries a mallet it is the colours, numbers and helmets that set each player apart.

Team colours vary from match to match and shirts are custom-made for each tournament. Some of the most active players have wardrobes and drawers full of polo shirts as each match sponsor wants to have their name emblazoned on their team or in some cases their corporate colours in the public eye. Some clubs have their own corporate shirts, while the national teams representing Barbados usually play in the national colours of blue and gold. Polo shirts have become very fashionable off the pitch in modern times with Polo Ralph Lauren and the US Polo Association setting the pace in the fashion stakes.

“What’s with the numbers” many visitors ask, but they do help distinguish Who’s Who on the field and make life much easier for both spectator and commentator. Polo teams are number 1-4 and the significance within the game is that the number 1 is the striker and the player who plays forward most of the time and is expected to score most of the goals. By contrast number 4 players at the back and is the team’s best defender in the absence of a goalkeeper. The numbers 2 and 3 generally do the most running around and are usually the team’s best players. Number 2 is often called the Hustler because of the all-action nature of the position, while number 3 plays the pivotal role and is the often the team’s strategist and captain. Of course these are only traditions in the game and anything and everything goes in the heat of battle.

Helmets are personal and unlike shirts, players can wear any colour or style they chose. The real posers tend to go for bright colours that distinguish them from other players, while the modest and conservative players stick to dark colours and traditional styles. Barbados has its own blue/gold helmets and these are worn by players with strong patriotic feelings while the ladies look good in any helmet, any shirt and wearing any number.

Sorry guys, they just look good!

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ONE IN A MILLION Club President, Keith Melville of course our sponsors and patrons. Without them, Barbados polo would be a very different place.

Are there any major plans afoot for the club going forward?

Not at present. We have developed at a rapid pace in good times and some members have opened excellent polo fields all over the island. Now times are a little tougher and we need to consolidate for a few years and make the most of what we have.

All sports development reaches a plateau and we have reached ours for the time being.

Polo Barbados caught up with the busy President of the Barbados Polo Club and fired some interesting questions to the dapper Mr. Melville…

You are entering your 39th year as Club President and 63rd as a Polo Club member. This is a phenomenal record in any sporting environment. Do you still get the same buzz as you enter the 2013 season?

Yes, I certainly do! Every season is different and although we have faced some tough challenges in recent times, we have a very healthy sport and many lovely people still come to play and watch polo in Barbados.

Will the game in Barbados continue to develop or has it reached a watershed?

Virtually the whole world reached a watershed in recent times so it is not surprising that the knock-on effect of recession and tough global economic times should filter down to sport. We enjoyed a great run in the past decade and lifted the image of polo to amazing new heights, but we recognize the changing landscape and we must adapt to it going forward.

What do you look forward to most every season?

For me personally it is meeting people, some old acquaintances, and some new. I’ve spent a lifetime in polo and I’ve met many lovely people through the medium of sport. It is a pleasure every year to welcome polo friends to beautiful Holder’s and to see the enjoyment on their faces to be part of our unique atmosphere. We especially welcome old friends and

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Have the new polo clubs diluted the Barbados Polo Club or ultimately strengthened it?

I feel they have strengthened it enormously. The new clubs brought a different dimension to the sport with exciting new grounds, new sponsors and new tournaments. They enhanced what we had previously and they have allowed more people to play and more teams to visit. At the same time the Barbados Polo Club at Holder’s has remained the home of Barbados polo and where all the members can come to play, practice and have a few drinks with friends in the clubhouse. It is also extremely popular with visitors and has its own special ambience, tradition and atmosphere. It remains the Mecca of Barbados polo going forward.

Where has polo taken you over the years and are there a few destinations still on your bucket list?

Apart from the Caribbean I’ve been fortunate to travel to the UK, United States and Canada, where the hospitality and welcome has been wonderful. I’m always keen to broaden horizons and high on my list would be visits to Argentina and Australia. Both are huge polo destinations and it would be a privilege to visit them.

What would you like to see change in Barbados polo going forward?

I’d like all the clubs to work closer together and build camaraderie not a rivalry. We can be competitive on the field, but off it we must look at the bigger picture and see that we can achieve much more by working with each other than against each other. We can’t sustain matches at different venues on the same day and it only takes a little consideration to work out the best for everyone. Working together we can ride the current crisis and keep Barbados polo at the forefront of local sport and make a significant contribution to sports tourism in the country.

We are in control of our own destiny and a great future lies on the horizon.

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Second Chance Luis Guillermo Clerici, better known as “Guille” was born in Argentina where he worked with Eduardo 'Gordo' Moore's brother Sonny Moore for several years before leaving to work in Barbados. It was only meant to be for a year but ten years later he is still with Roddy Davis and playing an important role in the development of polo ponies. Guille answers some interesting questions on Second Chance horses…

WHAT MAKES A RACE HORSE OWNER DECIDE THE HORSE WILL NOT MAKE IT AND WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL FAULTS AN OWNER PERCEIVES? The basic reasons are because the horse is either too slow, or has an injury such as a bowed tendon. But some horses have also raced for several years and are then retired after a successful racing career.

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WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR THE RACE HORSE OWNER? Unfortunately there are not many options, and very rarely can an injured horse be sold. If it is a good mare or stallion then they could keep them for breeding.

Otherwise the options are to retire the horse to pasture if you have the paddock space or the trainer/owner can try and find it a good home where it can be re-trained for polo, show jumping or dressage.

HOW QUICKLY IS THIS DECISION TAKEN? AFTER A YEAR, TWO YEARS OR WHAT? Some horses develop later so do not run as two-year olds but as three-year olds.

After a season or two you can usually tell if the horse is going to be any good.

We usually get retired horses that are between three and four years old.

IF GOING TO POLO IS THE PREFERRED OPTION DOES THE HORSE’S VALUE DROP CONSIDERABLY? IF SO, BY HOW MUCH? I would say the value does drop, but it is impossible to determine by how much. There is no real market for the resale of horses trained on the island for polo. My boss Roddy Davis and I have taken up the challenge of training some ponies for re-sale and we have sold a few, but the market is

very limited. There is a perception by some players that you cannot get a good polo pony that is not from Argentina. This is far from true. There are some very good locally-bred polo ponies on the island.

WHEN YOU GET A RACING REJECT IS IT MORE DIFFICULT TO TRAIN THAN A PONY THAT HAS NEVER BEEN TRIED ON THE RACETRACK? Yes, it is more difficult. The racehorses have already been trained and have a very different mindset to a polo pony. Polo Ponies when broken in are initially trained to stop and turn.

Races horses are trained to run. They also run on their foreend while polo ponies must use their back-end to stop.

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I throw them out into the paddock for a few months to forget and rest if they have any injuries.

TJ Davis playing Baby Bird

Guille playing Starburst

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IS IT A HUGE CHALLENGE TO CONVERT TO POLO AND WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE SUCCESS RATE? It is a challenge and takes longer, but if the horse has a good brain and the right temperament for polo it can be done. For me the success rate is about 80% for mares and 10% for geldings.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CONVERT A RACING HORSE TO POLO? I would say two years from the time you get them to the time when I would consider them a polo pony. You can stick and ball after a month or two, but it takes much longer to prepare them to play in matches.

HOW MANY HORSES ARE SENT TO POLO FROM THE RACETRACK IN THE AVERAGE YEAR? On average we get between six and eight horses a year in the stables where I work.

From there about four on average will work out. It takes more time to train the racehorses, so when I get them I usually ride them for a week or two to see how they move and how quick they learn. Then I throw them out into the paddock for a few months to forget and rest if they have any injuries. After a few months have passed I will then bring them back to work and begin the process of re-training them.

If they do not stay we try to find them a good home or send them back to the trainers we got them from.

WHAT ARE YOUR SECOND CHANCE SUCCESS STORIES? In our stables 70% of the ponies are ex-racehorses so we have a high success rate. All can play polo, but at different levels. I would say my best success stories would be Baby Bird and Starburst. But I do have some good up and coming young ones.

IS THIS A SPECIALIST AREA OF TRAINING? Not if you have an understanding on how to train young horses for polo, then it should be part of your skills base and should come naturally.

I do enjoy the challenge and get great satisfaction helping the horse get a second chance.

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Marc Atwell & Simon Crotto

Open Play CIBC First Caribbean team carried off the 2012 First Citizens Barbados Open. The ebullient English player Jack Kidd joined forces with Ollie Taylor, Team Captain, Teddy Williams and Stewart Gill to defeat Sir Charles Williams’s Bulova team 5-4 in an exciting tussle and then led the celebrations in a packed Lion Castle bar.

Five teams contested the 10-goal tournament, which was played on a Round-Robin basis with the top two teams contesting the final. There were several changes from previous competitions.

In addition to a new sponsor, the final was switched from the traditional Clifton venue to Lion Castle and the new Buttals polo field was used for the first time in the early rounds. There were a bevy of quality sponsors including First Citizens Bank, Courtesy Garages, Bulova, Range Rover, Heineken Beer, CIBC First Caribbean Bank, Colombian Emeralds, First Group and Piper Heidsieck.

The early exchanges proved very competitive and there were two sudden death wins in tight low-scoring games. CIBC First Caribbean’s 7-6 win over Bulova also proved a form indicator when both teams reached the final at the end of the week.

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Pablo Crespin

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Simon Crotto

Philip Tempro

Stewart Gill goes for the ball

Bulova did have the consolation of Dave Allen picking up the MVP Award after several stirring performances during the week and in the final.

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Left to Right: Umpire richard Deane and Team First Caribbean Stewart Gill, Teddy Williams, Jack Kidd & Ollie Taylor

The Subsidiary Final was also a keenly-fought match and despite four goals from the energetic Max Charlton, First Group was narrowly defeated by Range Rover 5-4 just before the main final. The Bulova team in the final CIBC First featured 6-goal player Dave Jamie Dickson, Jeff Caribbean that Allen, Evelyn and Sir Charles, and edged home 5-4 they gave a great account of themselves against the favourites. However, it was CIBC First Caribbean that edged home 5-4 to start some ribald celebrations in the packed clubhouse. Bulova did have the consolation of Dave Allen picking up the MVP Award after several stirring performances during the week and in the final.

Popular St. Barth’s DJ Patis Gero led the clubhouse entertainment with many impromptu cameos from happy players and their supporters as another Barbados Open finished in a jovial celebratory atmosphere at Lion Castle.

Bruce Bayley

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and the winner is...

A lot of Polo got played during the Barbados 2012 polo season... with that came lots of presentations and celebrations...

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1. Villages Tour - Winners Team Barbados being presented Trophy by Dick Moran - Wayne Archer.

Richard Gooding, Teddy Williams, Harry Manning & President of Barbados Polo Club, Keith Melville.

2. Team Cheshire - Lucy Taylor, Johnny Coddington, Oliver Taylor & Tarquin Southwell 3. Barbados Open Winners: Stewart Gill, Teddy Williams, Jack Kidd & Ollie Taylor.

3. Visiting Brazilian Team 4. Battle of The Sexes Tour - Ladies Team: Lucy Taylor, Claire Donnelly, Hazel Jackson & Christansia Evelyn with the Hon, Richard Sealy, MP, Minister of Tourism and Ciaran Burke from Digicel.

5. Team Mango Bay: Rhys Odle, Luis Clerici, Richard Deane & Harry Manning.

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Living her Dream Just over a decade ago Monique Archer was one of the leading lights in revitalizing Barbados ladies polo and a driving force in the birth of the popular Battle of the Sexes Series. Her marriage to Wayne Archer is one of the integral parts of the Barbados polo social scene, but in recent times Monique has not been as prominent as in previous years. Polo Barbados caught up with this dynamic equestrian visionary, businesswoman, wife and mother…

Has polo lost Monique Archer?

Definitely not, as the passion for polo will always be in my veins. Polo is such an adrenaline filled, fast paced fun sport that I won’t give it up that easily!! I still enjoy farm polo at home as both of my children have entered the sport and are always happy to have the use of my ponies!

What prompted your switch in direction?

Purely by chance as we were clearing some land at home about five years ago and while riding one of my polo horses, Vent De Caribe, I decided to jump one of the trees we had cut down. I had forgotten how much fun jumping was. Jumping was where I began at age seven, but when I went off to school at 16 it took a back seat. From there I purchased a jumper in Argentina to compete in the FEI Jumping Challenge with the intention to compete up to a maximum of 1.10m. I was badly bitten by the bug again and went on to buy a great mare out of Sweden, Irco Jeppie, and she and I have worked hard together for the past three years. We understand each other very well. I have my current goal of competing for Barbados in the CAC Games at some point. Recognizing that to be able to get proficient at jumping big courses, you need at least two horses, I recently purchased my second mare from France, Pin Up De Courcy.

She is a well-bred mare, who was competing big classes before I purchased her. She has a tremendous heart, power and scope.

The CAC Games in 2010 had the final round at 1.45m, which is Grand Prix level – big fences! Unfortunately, polo encourages a forward body position on the horses and when jumping this is the complete opposite of what is needed and can be quite dangerous. If you lean forward on the approach to a jump, the likelihood is that your horse will stop with you at the fence and you may end up being the one to go over it or through it all on your own. This isn’t much fun!

Could we describe you as a genuine equestrian allrounder these days?

Yes, I think equestrian sport is firmly in my veins.

Bring us up-to-date with your showjumping exploits in the last 12 months.

The highlight for me was making a dream come true this summer. I flew both of my mares to the USA where I competed

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in Kentucky primarily, but also in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and Wellington FL. It was not easy on home life as I ended up relocating and with my family and business based in Barbados there were many challenges to overcome. My husband, children, close family and friends supported my dream and many came to visit me and encourage me while away. This was an incredible experience in many aspects. Firstly, I learned the intricacies of taking my horses overseas for competition, which in itself is a huge logistics challenge. I

“Unfortunately, polo encourages a forward body position on the horses and when jumping this is the complete opposite of what is needed and can be quite dangerous.” also had to become familiar with the American system and the classification of jump heights etc.

Locating a base and coming up with a network of vets, farriers and countless additional aspects. We also had to handle the weather, which was 44 degrees Celsius. It was a big change for me as the classes we compete at home have at the most four entries whereas I was competing with between 50 and 80 riders in the USA. I also had not competed Pin Up before leaving Barbados and it was good getting to know her in that setting.

On average we compete maybe ten rounds per year in Barbados, but in the States I competed over 40 rounds in seven weeks of competition. My highlight was competing in a 1.30m Classic in the Rolex Arena in Kentucky. I competed this on Jeppie, which was especially rewarding as she has been based in Barbados with no international exposure for over three years.

I completed my competition rounds with Pin Up at 1.25m.

There were many rounds where I was competing against experienced professional and Olympic riders. It was a very

different world from what I had experienced in my lifetime in showjumping. I have now made some great contacts in many different areas of showjumping and have already had one of the Grand Prix riders come back to visit Barbados and give a clinic to local riders. I place a huge value on the development of the sport in Barbados and think it is more important to focus on making it possible for our local riders to become proficient at home rather than having to move away for most of their lives to be able to follow their goals.

The summer away did make me realize that I will need to spend time each year overseas competing.

What are your ambitions in this discipline?

My goal is the CAC Games, but I have realized that I have to be extremely proficient at every level and currently that means working to become a competitive 1.30m rider. When I master that level I will move up to 1.35m and eventually to 1.45m.

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I have always been a firm believer that gender is irrelevant, whether it is in business or sport, and I will always push for the equality of women.

You were the driving force in creating the Battle of the Sexes-will you be involved in the future?

The Battle of the Sexes is hugely important to me and it warms my heart to see more and more young girls joining the sport. I have had many challenges with this tour over the years, as there were some big male egos involved, who weren’t too keen to be beaten by a team of ladies. Nevertheless, it did what I had hoped and it encouraged women and it opened the minds of the men too! Well, most of them!

I have always been a firm believer that gender is irrelevant, whether it is in business or sport, and I will always push for the equality of women. I am currently taking a backseat as it seems to be a well-oiled machine now and as it is one of the two biggest tournaments for the club I don’t see it being abandoned any time soon. I am sure my daughter will be playing on a team shortly. I do have a few good ideas to watch out for in the not too distant future!

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PHOTOS BY: SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY

How is the future looking for Ladies polo compared to Ladies showjumping in Barbados?

We need more men in Barbados showjumping! Showjumping here is almost exclusively a sport competed by women whereas it is largely men throughout most of the world. The polo scene is building women rapidly and I am hoping we can attract some of the men to give jumping a try. However, it would mean learning to ride well and for some men that may be a tough pill to swallow!

Sorry guys I couldn’t resist being a bit cheeky!!

Will husband Wayne follow you into showjumping?

I think it could be said I followed him! His family has been in horse sport for generations and his dad Tony Archer held the record for jumping the highest jump on his horse Winston.

Both Wayne and Josh can jump and recently Wayne competed at a show at Whitehall. I think he has also had his interest reawakened.

As they say in the press…watch this space!

Well done the visionary Archers.

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NuEdge Gallery Gallery NuEdge Fine Arts Ltd is the newly opened branch of Galerie NuEdge Fine Arts International L.P., S.E.C. located in Montreal’s prestigious Quartier du MusÊe at 1480 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Gallery NuEdge Fine Arts Ltd. In Barbados

Gallery NuEdge, located within the beautiful Limegrove Lifestyle Centre in Holetown, St. James is a dynamic space that exhibits art in the form of multi-media, sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, and art installation. We acquire artists from all corners and corridors in the field of art with a primary focus on Contemporary Art from up and coming to established artists sought out from the local and international market. Our collection boasts a diverse selection of genres and styles that will be sure to please the modest art lover or avid art collector.

Currently on display are works from local artists Terrence Rupert Piggott and Allison Chapman-Andrews, Cuban artists Kadir Lopez and Alexander Poll Doval, photography from Amel Chamandy, paintings from Dennis de Caires, Charles Richard, works on paper by Corno and Hannah Alpha, and sculpture by Danielle Barbeau, John Clement, and Lyman Whitaker to name a few. To see a full list of our artists please visit our website: www.galerienuedge.com We have an exciting calendar of exhibitions coming up in 2013. If you would like more information on our upcoming exhibitions or wish to attend the opening receptions please contact us at (246) 621-0067 or email us at gallerynuedge@galerienuedge.com to join our mailing list.

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Julian Opie and Danielle Barbeau

Wind sculptures by artists Lyman Whitaker on display around the Limegrove Lifestyle Center.

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A few of our favourites Wine World offers Polo Barbados a few recommendations from their extensive Selections of Wines available from their stores island wide.

Henderson Forde Manager of Rockley Store

Lucy Niles Manager of Holetown Store

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough, New Zealand

William Fèvre Chablis 2011 Burgundy, France

This Sauvignon Blanc is explosively rich, with aromas and flavours of exhilarating gooseberry, pineapple and citrus.

Herbaceous notes linger and lead to a fresh and zesty finish.

Kim Crawford has certainly set the benchmark for Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough.

An outstanding white wine produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, William Fèvre Chablis will be a great choice for any polo match. With a very refined boquet, this wine has flavours of developing citrus, white-fleshed fruit and floral notes.

A fresh and supple Chablis with distinct mineral notes.

We choose this as a great outdoor wine for sunny polo days! This Sauvignon Blanc is delicious on its own or makes a great match summer salads and salmon. It’s so approachable it will soon be a favourite amongst your friends!

This wine loves food – plan accordingly! Anything from crackers and cheese to scallops and salmon make a great pairing for this Chablis.

Estancia Pinnacles Pinot Noir 2010 Monterey, California An easy drinking Pinot Noir perfect for outdoor affairs. Estancia Pinot Noir has ripe blueberry, black cherry and plum flavours all balanced by a rich creamy vanilla finish.

Enjoying a variety of cheeses while you take in the polo match?

Pinot’s versatility makes this a great pairing which brings out smooth and intricate flavours of Estancia Pinnacles Pinot Noir.

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Winston Drakes Manager of Warrens Store

Catena Malbec 2009 Mendoza, Argentina Malbec is Argentina’s big, bold red wine grape and Catena produces a well rated Malbec internationally known. This wine is supple and rich with dark berry flavours. The mouthfeel is bold, with raspberries and blueberries, spice notes and a touch of mocha.

Catena Malbec is great for sipping around sunset with savoury hor d’oeuvres or barbecued meats.

La Scolca Silver Label Gavi 2010 Rovereto, Italy Gavi originates from the Piedmont area of Italy and is made primarily from the Cortese grape. This typically Italian wine is very acidic with a delicately balanced palate and dry finish.

For wine drinkers who enjoy a dry white wine, La Scolca Silver Label Gavi is a great selection. Allow the flavours to come out while enjoying a seafood dish.

Lanson Rosé Champagne Champagne, France Lanson Rosé Champagne has a beautiful pure colour with pale salmon touches. On the nose you will notice aromas of roses and crushed red fruit predominate. This Champagne is well rounded and fresh with harmonious balance and good length.

No polo match is complete without a glass of Champagne and Lanson Rosé is the perfect selection for such an occasion.

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Did You know...

Polo Ponies The mounts used are called 'polo ponies', although the term pony is purely traditional and the mount is actually a full-sized horse.

They range from 14.2 to 16 hands high at the withers, and weigh 900–1100 lbs.

The polo pony is selected carefully for quick bursts of speed, stamina, agility and manoeuverability.

Temperament is critical; the horse must remain responsive under pressure and not become excited or difficult to control.

Many are Thoroughbreds or Thoroughbred crosses.

They are trained to be handled with one hand on the reins, and to respond to the rider's leg and weight cues for moving forward, turning and stopping. A well trained horse will carry its rider smoothly and swiftly to the ball and can account for 60 to 75 percent of the player's skill and net worth to his team.

Polo training generally begins at age three and lasts from about six months to two years. Most horses reach full physical maturity at about age five, and ponies are at their peak of athleticism and training at around age 6 or 7. However, without any accidents, polo ponies may have the ability to play until they are 18 to 20 years of age.

Each player must have more than one pony, so tired mounts can be exchanged for fresh mounts between or even during periods, called chukkers, chuckers or chukkas. A player's "string" of polo ponies may number 2 or 3 in Low Goal matches (with ponies being rested for at least a chukker before reuse), 4 or more for Medium Goal matches (at least one per chukker), and even more for the highest levels of competition.

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PEOPLE AT POLO…

The Challis family Mike and Pippa Challis and their nine-year old cricket loving son Cameron are regular visitors to polo and readily answered some questions from our roving reporter as to what entices them to an afternoon at polo How long have you been going to polo and what attracts you most?

Mike-“We are relative new comers to Polo and have only been attending matches for the last eleven or so years. However, during that time polo in Barbados has come a very long way with new facilities and sponsorships. The sport has thrived and the attendances have reflected this new injection of funds. I love to listen to the likes of Lady Margaret Leacock and Sir Charles Williams talk about polo in the "old days" to appreciate just how far it has come. It has a fascinating history and for such a small island is a great asset for locals and tourists alike to enjoy.”

Pippa-“When we first arrived on the island 15 years ago, polo was never part of our weekly agenda. To be honest in the U.K it is considered an elitist sport, so at the time we tagged Barbados polo as being the same, and it was only following one of those invitations that we couldn't turn down, that we attended our first match. Looking back we are so glad we did! We now bring as many guests as possible to polo and expose them to this great sport. We both work full-time and have Saturday sports commitments so Sunday is our Polo Day. The bonus is that Sundays are normally Finals Days, but we willingly take what we can get!

It is a great afternoon to enjoy in Barbados! Fast and skilful sport, wonderful settings and a good time to be with friends - a perfect way to end a weekend. Its makes us smile, because to our son Cameron, polo is part of our Sunday routine and perhaps not the exclusive glamorous sport of princes, we were both raised to believe!”

Cameron- “I Love watching the polo - it is sooooo fast and the players are so skilled to be able to score at such speed.

I love watching the match and hanging out with my friends on a Sunday afternoon. I like it too when the sponsors hide prizes in the field and we get to hunt for them at the break and then at the end of the match we all get to play football on the field until its dark. Unfortunately, we never get to

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Wayne Archer

Philip Tempro & Lucas Nicolao

“We now bring as many guests as possible to polo and expose them to this great sport..�

POLOBARBADOS stay for the after party because I have school the following day, but it is still a cool afternoon.”

Have you favourite teams, grounds, and players?

Mike - “Its difficult to choose a favourite tournament - they are all different and all enjoyable. Being able to recognise the players now makes the sport even more attractive Jonathan Simpson does an amazing job with the commentary, he is not only informative (his commentary taught us about the game to start with) but also fast, accurate and very funny. He is a great asset to polo in Barbados because he helps the visitors understand this unusual game and makes it very personable to the rest of us.”

Pippa - “My favourite tournament is the "Battle of the Sexes" - Girls versus Boys - It is taken very seriously and has become very intense. Some years the matches have been extremely close and fought out to the bitter end. These were really exiting games.”

Cameron - “My favourite player is “Uncle Cow” of course - how does he do it? He is sooo old and yet he still plays tournament polo.”

Pippa adds - “Now he’s 80 and playing again this season – he’s a wonderful role model to the kids and future players. I would love a bottle of whatever energy drink he takes.... it’s an amazing feat.”

Is there anything you don’t like or would like to see improved?

Mike - “The new polo facilities are fabulous - Apes Hill and

Lion’s Castle have built fantastic clubhouses and there are much better viewing and seating arrangements. As always there is room for improvement, and if they could increase the capacity at Holders Polo Field, we would all be happy. The only other improvement or changes I would welcome is to stretch out the season - have a few more "off" weekends and keep the matches going until well into May. All the big matches are based around a tight short "season" so a few late games would be appreciated.”

Pippa - “As a mother I always worry about the unsupervised young children watching the matches so close to the side lines.

The game is potentially dangerous and parents and children alike should respect the danger. Apes Hill has a very small enclosed playground area, which can accommodate these tiny tots and helps entertain them for the afternoon. It is a wonderful idea that I believe should be expanded and introduced to all of the polo fields. They all have the space and it would adds a new dimension that could help eliminate potential accidents.”

Cameron -“There are two things I would change. I would build another pavilion on the other side of the field. There never seems to be enough seats so why not watch from the other side too? Secondly, I would also make the goalposts standout more - they should use different colours or the sponsor’s flags or even have them decorated for the seasons. They are difficult to see, so it would help the tourists and us if they were more visible.

Why not build a cricket pitch on the side as well? (Ha, ha-just joking!)

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Limebar

Everyone knows the Lime Bar is the place to be and to be seen in Barbados these days, but not everyone knows it is also a highly-rated restaurant called CafĂŠ Zoola and it can be a great setting for that special event.

Lime Bar is now the Premier Bar on the exclusive West Coast of Barbados.

It offers a friendly and personal service in a unique setting with the best selection of drinks at the best prices.

The bar is located in the Caribbean Courtyard of Limegrove's luxurious shopping complex and is the perfect spot to mingle, have fun and meet friends. Every week there is live entertainment that caters for all musical tastes and features some of the best musicians, artists and DJ's on the island. You can always check out the activity program on Facebook and receive the special event invitations.

Cafe Zoola has a menu will satisfy all your taste buds. Open from 9am you can order breakfast, a healthy snack or enjoy

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lunch and dinner later in the day. They even have specials late in the evening for the party goers! Featuring an international chef, their culinary team has been acclaimed by many customers so you will not be disappointed.

Cafe Zoola, offers excellent freshly roasted coffee which has been rated as one of the finest coffee roasts in the world. They also have highly trained barristas, who deliver the perfect cup every time, accompanied by a fresh homemade desert. Pure class!

All in all the Lime Bar is a very special place and if you have something very special to celebrate you should give them a call and allow their management team to customize a package to meet your unique needs.

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HARMONY Fashion is not defined by price, material, colour, or design, it is defined by personal taste. All the great fashion designers pride themselves on their innovative, visionary and creative skills, but at the end of the day it is you, the sophisticated client, who decides what and what not to buy.

Just like the great fashion houses of the world, Barbados too has a wonderful range of fashion and at prices everyone can afford. One gem in the fashion business is Harmony in Swan Street, arguably the busiest retail street in Bridgetown and a great place to source something different, something original and something special.

Harmony has an established reputation for luxury fashion wear, but in recent times they have expanded into day wear with immediate success. Customers love their range of dresses and marvel at the exciting and exotic colours that have been added to their range. The glamour and sophistication remains, but the move into day wear has opened up new horizons for the discerning customer.

Harmony offers a special shopping experience and at affordable prices. The store also offers a wide range of fashion necklaces, earrings, broaches, bracelets, tiaras, bags, hats and just about everything and anything to not only make a woman look beautiful, but to feel beautiful.

If you are serious about fashion, this is a store you must visit.

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Cruising The Ultimate relaxation It has been described as the fastest growing segment in the hospitality industry and there is no doubt the cruise business has jumped by leaps and bounds over comparable holiday options.

In stark contrast to many struggling hotels, huge cruise ships now offer superb modern luxury facilities and travel to exotic destinations all over the world.

The growth in the cruise business has been phenomenal in the past decade and strategic pricing has brought the cruising option within the reach of most holidaymakers. Just like conventional holiday packages on land, cruise packages have moved with the times and can offer budget holidays as well as the ultimate in luxury and pampering.

Foster and Ince Cruise World have been involved in the cruise business for almost 50 years and offer a wonderful selection of cruises worldwide. They have also been a catalyst in pushing the local cruise business to greater heights and with the support of a number of local institutions and government agencies, Barbados is now second only to Puerto Rico in the Caribbean as a cruise homeport. This means that

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many of the cruise lines not only call at Barbados, but also use the island as a regional base. The economic spinoff is huge and also involves airlift as many passengers fly to Barbados to begin their cruise.

The endless sea has no bounds for the potential cruiser and the depth of luxury is mind-boggling when it comes to selecting the ultimate experience. Foster and Ince Cruise World staff are masters of their trade and they have arranged thousands of cruise holidays all over the world for local clients. Experience and expertise in this business is paramount to answer all the intricate questions new customers bring to the table, and to enlighten seasoned travellers on what’s new in the business.

Foster and Ince pride themselves on the high level of repeat customers, the ultimate compliment to a company that knows the business back to front.

Cruising caters for all pockets and all ages. Long gone are the days when ships were geriatric in culture and customer. Party Ships like the Carnival Cruise Line offer a wide range of entertainment and activities with the added advantage of boarding in Barbados. Other cruise lines offer similar options and this has been a huge attraction to local and visiting holidaymakers. There is also the flexibility of travelling when you want as the cruise industry has moved away from being seasonal and now offers packages all year round.

Foster and Ince Cruise World can tailor the perfect cruise to meet the highest expectations, but they have one piece of advice that has stood the test of time-book early! Last minute deals are part and parcel of the hospitality industry, but they are getting fewer and fewer as many people are switching to the sea for their preferred holiday and a lot of them are boarding in Barbados.

The polo season runs from January until May, but the cruising season runs for 12 months a year. Call Foster and Ince Cruise World to learn what’s available and then relax watching your polo in the knowledge that a wonderful cruise will follow.

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Sponsors ‘in Action’ Even though marketing budgets were once again cut. Sponsors still threw their support behind the 2012 Polo Season; sponsoring all the major Tournaments. They pulled out all the stops to make sure VIP guests were treated to everything from Samba girls, Madonna singing competitions and tents flowing with champagne, special cocktails and delicious food.

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BRITTA POLLARD‌

The Dressage Connection As the busy General Manager of Southern Palms Hotel on the South Coast, Britta Pollard has encouraged many of her guests to visit polo matches and on certain occasions she joins friends and business associates at the big matches.

But Britta is no ordinary spectator and with a strong equestrian pedigree she takes an avid interest in the sport and the performances of the horses. Who better than Britta to tell us more‌ What is your equestrian history?

I rode as a teenager and always had a keen interest in all equestrian sports, although I didn't ride for a number of years, other than the occasional trail ride. During that time I was busy with young children and work, and my boys were more into surfing, so weren't able to do the horsey things as a family.

When and why did you get into local riding?

Although I got married and came to live and work in Barbados in 1980, I didn’t have the time until my sons had grown up. It was not until the late Nineties that I had more time for myself. At first I just intended to ride on borrowed horses and had little interest in owning a horse and competing. However, I caught the equestrian bug again and eventually bought my first horse. He was a tall chestnut thoroughbred ex-racing horse called Garnet, but he had some challenges and after a fall in 2006 my vet suggested that riding him was too dangerous. We eventually retired him and I bought Rocky, and we hit it off immediately.

What attracted you to Dressage?

I find all the equestrian disciplines interesting, and although each is different, most are similar at the basic levels of training. You have to develop the horse's ability and muscle strength to allow him to move in comfort, whatever the discipline. Dressage is ultimately seen as the

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ballet of equestrian movement, but basic Dressage is asking the horse to perform certain simple movements, but to do so with ease. As horse and rider develop and move up the ladder of more demanding movements it then becomes noticeable to the general spectator that the horse is performing with that ease and elegance. The most noticeable difference from one discipline to another is the way the horse is framing and moving over the top line, from the hind and over the back, as well as the positioning of the head. My ability as a rider in Dressage is like most other performing disciplines-two steps forward and one step back. But we are forever learning, training and trying to improve to achieve perfection. I find jumping exciting, but Dressage gives me the satisfaction of the perfect picture of being at one with the horse and it is hard to describe to a non-rider what it is like when a horse is moving correctly and in rhythm with its rider.

How has Dressage developed and what part have you played in that development?

As active riders we have all contributed to the sports, by dedication and determination to develop the sport. Many people have worked hard to establish the Barbados Equestrian Association (BEA), as an active association, assisting in the planning of shows and hosting visiting trainers, coaches and judges providing that exposure to ensure the development to international standards.

Both Dressage and jumping have developed to the extent that the levels of competition in Barbados are now very high. We have representation at the major events, like the Pan Am Games and CAC Games, with the support of the Barbados Olympic Association and Corporate Barbados. It is also much more popular for kids and therefore the future is bright. I think many people were surprised and amazed at the Dressage seen at the London Olympics, so maybe they will come along and boost our spectator numbers.

Rocky is a beautiful Swedish warmblood and he came to Barbados as a 12 year-old in 2003. He was part of the Barbados Dressage Team at the Pan Am Games in the Dominican Republic in 2003, so very capable to compete at a high level.

My personal challenge was to rise to another level to match him and after a lot of time and training I was able to compete at the FEI Prix St. George test level in 2009 and 2010. I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to learn from such a gifted animal. Rocky is now a mature horse and following a hoof injury, I no longer compete with him at the PSG level. I still ride him and also allow others to learn from him, as he is deservedly considered a School Master.

You have to be dedicated as a horse owner, as it is not a piece of equipment you can play with when you feel like it. You have to ensure that your horse is exercised in the same way as any

top athlete. I currently have two horses being exercised and it takes a lot of time to care and bond with them. After Rocky along came a young locally bred colt Faraoh, only four years old at the time, and only ridden for about six months. Faraoh had a fantastic bloodline (Florestan out of Germany) and although young and untrained, I felt he had the potential to develop into a fantastic ride. I was also thinking ahead and felt this acquisition would be good for my granddaughter Tiffany, so in partnership with Tiffany's other grandparents we bought Faraoh.

Although young he had a very good disposition, very calm and willing to learn, and Tiffany also rode him for a while, but my instructor Akoele Roachford-Shorey and I felt it was better to focus on his development and let Tiffany ride other horses until she is a little older and stronger. Faraoh was gelded and his training is moving in the right direction, but it is a long road that needs dedicated training to ensure the necessary muscle growth and development happens. In Dressage, like many other sports, you have to move gradually to your main objective, so horses would typically be around 12 years old before they perform to Olympics standard.

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I thoroughly enjoy the time spent at Akoele’s stables, situated at Cleland Equestrian Club in the beautiful St. Andrew hillside, with lovely views and cool breezes. I have lots of daily responsibilities and commitments at Southern Palms, but the serenity surrounding the stables in St. Andrew keeps me sane and at peace with the world.

Tell us more about your granddaughter and her equestrian interests Tiffany is now ten years old, and has been riding for six years as I took her to the stables and organized riding lessons from an early age. I love the bonding and sharing the sport with her as she has developed into a very good young rider, with a natural talent and great potential. She loves horses and is very confident and assertive as a rider, so with time, dedication and training, I hope she goes on to ride at international competitions. She has already competed in a Dressage Show judged by international judges at eight years of age and she continues to improve and keep her focus.

What do you like about polo?

I enjoy watching the horses, especially the speed of polo play is very exciting for a spectator. It is amazing to see how well the horses know the game and follow the ball in sync with the players. I go as often as my time allows as the game is great to watch, and the social side is also very enjoyable!

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Rocky is a beautiful Swedish warmblood and he came to Barbados as a 12 year-old in 2003. He was part of the Barbados Dressage Team at the Pan Am Games in the Dominican Republic in 2003 It was suggested recently that I should give it a try and I probably will, but I’m not sure it really suits me. I like a big horse with a rhythmical and balanced movement, not so much the chase.

Do you go to the races?

I go to the races, but not very often. I find them exciting, but the thrill is too short and then you have to wait around for the next race. I would really like to watch the horses all the way round the racetrack and I would love to see Dressage and Jumping shows inside the track between the races. What a spectacle and what great exposure for the lesser-known equestrian sports. I am sure it would add to the enjoyment of spectators as well.

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Behind the Scenes

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From small beginnings in November 1975, has grown a family owned business called Best of Barbados Gift Shops.

It was founded by artist, Jill Walker and her architect husband, Jimmy, who set out to encourage local craft by selling only things made or designed in Barbados. Today, 37 years on, the family tradition is proudly continued by the Walker’s youngest daughter, Sue Trew and her husband, Chris.

3 Generations of Art Their five locations provide customers with the largest variety of attractive and imaginative craft, quality giftware and art on the island in a happy shopping environment with a warm, friendly Bajan smile.

Since settling in Barbados in 1960, Jill has been painting her colourful surroundings, becoming best known for her local scenes and her attractive giftware designs. Although now retired, she still paints daily and is delighted to have been joined by her daughter, Sue and her granddaughter, Holly, both of whom now sell their art and designs in the family gift shops.

To celebrate their unique three generations of art, the family exhibited together in March 2012 in a vibrant and colourful ‘Three Generation Art Show’, hosted at the Gallery of Caribbean Art in Speightstown. The show – surely a first for Barbados – was a huge success and a happy family event. Jill, a very private person, was 118

delighted at the appreciation so many visitors to the exhibition showed of her art and her historical record of what is fast becoming a disappearing way of life.

All three artists displayed their own unique style, demonstrating the enthusiasm and love for art - and Barbados - that shines from their gifted family.

Holly, growing up in Barbados, developed a great passion for the sea and her love for everything oceanic is reflected in her paintings.

Inspiration also came from her exciting nine months aboard a Norwegian tall ship. As early as age 17 she was making a name for herself in the Canadian art world, where she completed her last two years of school. She was invited to exhibit in ‘Youth Group of Seven’, an exhibition of paintings by talented youth of the area.

Now, age 21, Holly is presently in her third year at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia studying Marine Biology. She

continues to demonstrate she’s a remarkable young lady with a strong vision and zest for life which shines from her bold art.

With her daughters now grown up, Sue is able to spend more time painting and what began as a tentative hobby in October 2008, is today a full blown passion! Living in Barbados, Sue is continually inspired to paint – taking inspiration from many simple events like a walk on the beach or trips to buy fish – and is a versatile artist who enjoys changing her canvas size, her palette and her subject with every painting. Her love of turtles in particular, has inspired a beautiful range of merchandise now featured in their gift shops including trays, beach towels, placemats, coasters, mugs, napkins and chopping boards.

Jill knew she wanted to be an artist from a very early age and pursued her passion tirelessly. Born in England in 1927, she was determined to break away from the hard post-war years and borrowed money from her father for a one-way ticket on a freighter to visit a friend in South America. Travelling simply, with an atlas under one arm and her paints under the other, she set off to make her fortune as an artist and happily, on her very first night, fate would have it that she was introduced to a young bachelor, Jimmy Walker. The Caribbean, in the 1950’s, was an idyllic place for this young couple, setting out together, she the gifted artist, he the ambitious architect. Jill soon fell in love with the people and the culture and has been recording life in the Caribbean ever since. She continues to be inspired by everyday events - whether it is fruit vendors chatting in Speightstown or children climbing on a cannon in the Garrison - a new canvas takes its position on her well worn easel and she’s off again!

It is a thrill for her to see the continuation of her life’s passion in the work of her daughter and granddaughter and they, in turn, are happy to be able to offer encouragement to a grand master whose hand maybe isn’t always quite so steady, but whose love and talent for painting is as strong as ever.

We invite you to visit a Best of Barbados Gift Shop near you and see for yourself the extensive selection they offer or browse on their website www.best-of-Barbados.com. Whichever way you choose, you’ll be sure to discover that this chain of Barbadian gift shops is a truly family affair!

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Down at The Garrison 120

There has always been a close affinity between polo and horseracing and it doesn’t take Albert Einstein to work out the common denominator!

Many polo visitors also go to the Garrison for a Day at the Races and if you don’t then you are missing something special.

The Barbados Racing Calendar is spread over three seasons and the biggest day of the year is the Sandy Lane Gold Cup Day on the first Saturday in March. Nothing compares with Gold Cup Day and the Garrison is packed to capacity around 5 o’clock when the big race takes place.

The Sandy Lane Gold Cup was first staged in 1982 and almost immediately it became the darling of the local racing fraternity.

Everybody wanted to win it, not least because it offered the

biggest purse in the Southern Caribbean to the winning connections! Over the years it has grown in status and it is now the recognized premier race in the region. The event has also grown in status as it embraces a wide variety of social and cultural events that make it a festival as much as a major horse race. These events include polo and normally coincide with the visit of the Cheshire Club. Their bright scarlet club shirts are seen everywhere around our polo fields and not surprisingly, at the Racetrack on Gold Cup Day.

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The Gold Cup Race was inaugurated in 1982 at the Cockspur Five Star Gold Cup with a total purse of $51,000 from which $30,000 went to the winner. One of the prime aims was to attract overseas entrants and from the outset it captured the imagination of many The Cockspur Gold Cup racing enthusiasts. The sponsorship ended in 1996. original entry list included 17 horses from Thankfully well-known Trinidad, 16 from international horse owner Barbados and one from and co-owner of the Sandy Martinique! International Lane Hotel, Derrick Smith television came on board, the local tourism chiefs came to the rescue embraced it, over 400 Trinidadians booked their flights and the impressive Gold Cup Trophy was flown in from England and publicly displayed in the window of Cave Shepherd in Broad Street.

Race Day was a magnificent sight with a packed arena and an estimated crowd of over 20,000. People were stationed around the Garrison from early morning and just before the big race there was a parade led by the Royal Barbados Police Band. The starter also paraded in front of the grandstand in an antique car with local champion jockey Chally Jones on board, in what was to be his last race and the end of a wonderful racing career.

The race itself was a thriller and a personal triumph for visiting Irish jockey Declan Gillespie on Bold Lewis, who pulled away from 100/1 outsider Precision on the home stretch to win. Our first female jockey Sonia Perkins finished a memorable third.

Hanschell Inniss and Cockspur Rum sponsored the Gold Cup

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for 15 years and by 1994 the winner was receiving $100,000 and international media was beaming pictures of the races to over 25 million people worldwide. It was phenomenal growth by any standard, but it needed a new sponsor as The Cockspur Gold Cup sponsorship ended in 1996. Thankfully well-known international horse owner and co-owner of the Sandy Lane Hotel, Derrick Smith came to the rescue and a happy and mutually beneficial patronage resulted and has remained ever since. Today the race is just as popular as ever and with a winner’s purse of over $200,000 it remains the most prestigious race in the South Caribbean.

The race has produced its share of successes and disappointments over the past 31 years and inevitably some fairytale stories. The amazing Blast of Storm owned by Sally Arbib won three times and who can forget the love affair the late Bill Marshall had with the race over many years? Jockey Jono Jones wrote his own piece of history with four wins in the saddle, but perhaps the biggest achievers have been Sir David and Lady Anne Seale and Hopefield Manor Stables at Four Square. The current President of the Barbados Turf Club Sir David has savoured victory on six occasions including a memorable 1-2 last year with Dancing David and John Brian.

Barbados Polo is well represented at the racetrack where Sir Charles Williams, Bruce Bayley, and Richard Deane have important roles and have enjoyed tremendous success down the years. Also, we should never forget that some of the polo ponies started off at the racetrack before switching allegiance to the polo fields.

Inevitably the two sports will always be linked together because they have a joint love of horses.

POLOBARBADOS

How To GetThere & Clubs Contact Information

Holders Polo Field

Holders Polo Field Telephone: 432 1802 (Landline with recorded updates) Should you not receive the information that you require from this recording please Email: Clubmanager@barbadospoloclub.com

Lion Castle Polo Field

Lion Castle Polo Field Telephone: 622 POLO or 622 7656.

(Landline with recorded updates) Should you have any further queries related to Lion Castle Clubhouse such as rental information for Weddings, private parties etc. Email: Clubhouse@Lioncastlepoloestate.com

Apes Hill Polo Field

Apes Hill Polo Field Telephone: 262 3780 Sara Dickson.

Should you have any further queries related to Apes Hill Polo Clubhouse such as rental information for weddings, private parties etc. Email: Info@Apeshillpolobarbados.com 124

POLOBARBADOS

2012

Memories Some unforgettable moments from the 2012 Barbados Polo Season...

ON AND OFF THE FIELD

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