St. Moritz Polo Magazin 2011 / 2012

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ST. MORITZ POLO MAGAZINE WINTER 2011/2012

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CONTENTS

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URS E. SCHWARZENBACH Hand made

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EXCERPTS FROM THE ENGADINE A combination of nature, tradition and sports

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NACHOS FIGUERAS Polo always comes first

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THE HOOF IS THE HORSE The important work of the blacksmith

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THE ST. MORITZ POLO WORLD CUP ON SNOW 2012 A top-class event on the frozen Lake St. Moritz

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HARMONY BETWEEN BODY AND MIND Handling horses calls for ethical competence

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A QUALITY ORGANISATION AND A UNIQUE CLUB Guards Polo Club is run on a solid business footing

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AN EXTENSION OF THE PLAYER’S ARM Polo Splice provides players with equipment of excellence

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EVERY STITCH A DECLARATION OF LOVE Helen von Albertini’s lovingly created gloves

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THE SECOND STAGE The Khan Polo club is established in Mongolia

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A JOURNEY OF DETERMINATION Nick Johnson wants to be a professional polo player

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THE GOLDEN BOOK All the winners of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow

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EDITORIAL

H

AND MADE

In this, the 28 year of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow, I am particularly proud of what we have th

achieved during the time that I and my organisation have been producing what is the oldest and is reputed to be the finest Snow Polo tournament in the world. However, we would be foolish to think that we cannot continue improving our tournament, striving to achieve an even greater quality of service and entertainment. Equally, we fully recognise that none of this would be possible without all our partners, both the local companies and of course my team at St. Moritz Polo AG. It goes without saying that one of the most important elements of this unique event are the world-class sponsors, partners and patrons of the teams that support us. We are truly delighted that they have shown us their commitment to be involved in what we all see as a unique, prestigious and compelling event.

Some of the highest-ranking polo players in the world will be competing for four teams, whose sponsors represent the values of quality, service and precision: Cartier, Ralph Lauren, BMW and Bank Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie (Switzerland) Ltd., a subsidiary of Deutsche Bank. As some of the finest and most renowned brands in the world, they are all greatly committed to our captivating tournament.

Whilst the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow is certainly a product that is locally produced in Switzerland, it is supported by an undeniably international array of world-class sponsors and partners. These partners demand products and services that should impress, in terms of both their quality and their precision. “Swiss Made” has become a world-renowned symbol of these very qualities. As a Swiss company, St. Moritz Polo AG guarantees these values in international polo. The corporation embodies extensive know-how, innovation, a global network and, in particular, traditional, often local craftsmanship.

Each year, the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow is, in the truest sense of the word, ”Handmade”, crafted with great care. It will be held for the 28th time, from 26th to 29th January 2012. In some ways, however, this is a new beginning, as we return to our traditional format of sponsor and patron led teams. This year I also want to reiterate my continued personal and lasting belief in and commitment to the event. As Chairman and now CEO of St. Moritz Polo AG I have become even more involved in the overall management of this wonderful sporting occasion.

When I think of the label “Hand made”, I also think of the numerous trades in the Engadine that are essential elements of the event’s success, of the highly skilled artisans that create the polo players’ equipment, and of the ponies, which require specialised horseshoes and intensive veterinary care for the lightning – quick game on snow and ice. This magazine is dedicated to this high-quality and precise undertaking.

I am hugely proud that St. Moritz Polo AG works so closely with its sponsors, players and partners, upholding the traditions, values and ethics of the event, the sport and their associated trades. Together, we aspire to create another top-class event: the 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. I and my team very much welcome you all once again to the frozen Lake St. Moritz, and sincerely thank you for having faith in our ability to put on what I hope and expect will be a thoroughly successful and exciting spectacle.

Let the games begin!

Urs E. Schwarzenbach Chairman of the Board of Directors of St. Moritz Polo AG

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I

N THE ENGADINE, a valley in the far east of Swit-

zerland, many traditions and wonderful customs have been both developed and preserved. Examples include the Alpine festivals with milk fairs, mountain sermons and the Alpine descents. Or the Schlitteda Engiadinaisa (sleigh procession), the social highlight of the Engadine winter, which takes place in January or February. And who can forget hunting, with 5,400 hunters ensuring that game in the Engadine remains at sustainable levels? The Hubertus festival marks the end of this special time, when the patron saint of hunters is thanked for a successful hunting season. It is held in midOctober in the St. Karl Catholic Church in St. Moritz Bad. * However, the Engadine public holiday on 1st March is pro-

Excerpts from the Engadine

bably the most famous of their celebrations: on this day loud cowbells and the sound of cracking whips can be heard throughout the villages – it is Chalandamarz. And on this day, the boys of the Engadine take the lead: walking through the village with their bells, the older boys head the procession, with the younger ones following. This delightful and important tradition has survived. The custom originates from a time when the former province of Rhaetia was

The region of St. Moritz combines breathtaking nature and tradition with modern lifestyle and high-class winter sports.

part of the Roman Empire, and it is said that at the beginning of the year, marking the start of spring, this celebration served to scare the evil spirits away. The boys taking part in the procession are traditionally dressed: on their heads they wear red pointed hats with black tufts, and their blue shirts are decorated with red scarfs, knotted at the throat.

This famous Engadine custom gained worldwide recognition through the book Schellen-Ursli (A Bell for Ursli) written by the author Selina Chönz and illustrated by Alois Carigiet: “High up in the mountains, far, far from here, lives a little boy like you, in this tiny village, poor and small, his home all alone below.”

The book starts with these verses. It is about Ursli, a small boy from the Engadine, who wants to take part in the

FROM COWBELLS TO POLO

The boys with their bells take the lead: not to scare the evil spirits away, but to impress the audience at the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow.

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FROM COWBELLS TO POLO

spring festival’s procession, carrying a big cowbell. After a

tryside. On sunny days – and sometimes, apparently, when

night-time adventure, during which he goes to look for a

it is raining – you can see farmers out working in their fields.

big cowbell in a snowed-in summer hut high up in the

They mow, make hay and plough their fields and meadows,

mountains, Ursli is allowed to lead the Chalandamarz pro-

with modern machines where possible, or traditionally with

cession with the enormous bell he returns with.

scythes when the slopes are too steep. The Engadine milk

* A beautiful story, which is set in an even more beautiful val-

and alpine industry has a rich and fascinating history. “Agri-

ley – the Engadine. The mountain valley in the canton of

wrote Martin P. Schmid in 1774, from Ftan in the Lower En-

Grisons was named after the Romansh name for the river

gadine, “In our country, it is also excellently cultivated and

Inn (En), which flows through it. The Inn issues from its sour-

of great significance.” Since the Middle Ages, a characteri-

ces at the top of the Maloja pass. It runs north-east out of

stic terraced landscape has been formed by the farmers’

the Engadine, through Austria and Germany, until it joins

work. From the floor of the valley right up to the alpine pa-

the Danube in Passau. From a geographical perspective, the

stures, the entire terrain was used for agriculture. The En-

Engadine, with its famed lake district in the Upper Enga-

gadine’s settlements are located at elevations ranging from

dine and its pine and fir trees, part of the famous Swiss pine

1,035 metres (Martina) to 1,815 metres (Maloja). In earlier

and larch forests, can be enjoyed the whole year round.

times, mainly grain was cultivated in the lower parts, whilst

Stags and deer in the forests, chamois and ibex in the

the higher areas served as pastures. Agricultural products

mountains, marmots on the alpine pastures: a rich fauna

have been exported from the Engadine to Northern Italy

that has shaped the valley for centuries lies hardly distur-

since the Middle Ages.

bed. Today, hikers and skiers form part of the picture, in the villages as well as in the natural environment. This also has

* Whilst the main agricultural labour is and was usually car-

its benefits: due to tourism, the once rather poor, remote re-

ried out by the men, the women have most certainly con-

gion has attained worldwide acclaim. This development

tributed in other areas, the perfect example being

began in the middle of the 19 Century, on the initiative of

hand-weaving, whose earliest origins can be traced back to

Johannes Badrutt, a native of Samedan, who in 1856 ope-

an imprint of a sleeve in the plaster of Müstair cathedral, in

ned the first hotel in St. Moritz, the Engadiner Kulm. More

the far south-eastern corner of the Engadine, dated around

than 150 years ago Badrutt provided the impetus for what

830 AD. It is believed, however, that the people from the

has become a huge global success story, that of Switzer-

Middle Bronze Age, who had settled in the valley around

land’s alpine tourism.

1500 BC, had already worn woven fabrics. In times gone by,

* Tourists will quickly notice that agriculture is an integral part

nearly every farmhouse in the hidden Engadine jewel that

of the Engadine landscape. Its origins lie in prehistoric times.

its own flax fields, and produced their own fabrics from the

Today, it shapes a substantial part of the surrounding coun-

stem of the flax plant. To ensure that the tradition would

th

culture is the most important of all the world’s trades,”

is the Münster valley had a weaving loom. Each family had

not be entirely lost, Tessanda was founded in 1928. The company instructed women in the craft of weaving. Today, at Tessanda, fabrics of different sizes are woven on 25 old weaving looms above the shop. Hand-weaving perfectly complements factory production. It preserves the historical

In times gone by, nearly every farmhouse had a weaving loom and today, new designs and products are offered.

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FROM COWBELLS TO POLO

techniques that were handed down from generation to

In the Middle Ages, the area already attracted visitors who

generation and creates an impressive variety of textile craft.

came to bathe in the springs during summer. In 1519, Pope

At Tessanda, many things have developed from being for-

Leo X promised every devout St. Moritz bather full absolu-

mer standards to now representing contemporary indivi-

tion. In the first half of the 20th Century, St. Moritz also be-

dualism. In addition to traditional originals, new designs and

came known for the Olympic Winter Games that were held

products are also offered in order to meet modern require-

there twice, in 1928 and 1948. The resort is home to the

ments and trends.

world-famous Cresta Run, an iced toboggan run that winds

* It is only a short step from weaving fabrics to traditional cos-

its way down from above the Catholic Church to the

tumes. The Engadine costumes made from scarlet-coloured

and skeleton world championships as well as other major

wool were influenced by the rococo style. It was probably

winter sport events have added to St. Moritz’s celebrity and

introduced to the Engadine by noblewomen and returning

prestige around the world.

military officers. The people came to like the style and imitated it, creating the clothes from local home-made wool-

* The St. Moritz website describes the area’s appeal as fol-

len fabrics. The red costumes were probably worn daily

lows: “The delightful harmony of the Upper Engadine land-

before 1800. Today, however, they are cherished at costume

scape with around 90 mountain lakes, the famous

associations and in folklore groups. Depending on the

‘champagne climate’ and the strong Engadine sun are the

wealth of the wearer, the costumes were decorated accor-

assets that really create the St. Moritz appeal. The spa cen-

dingly. Nowadays, costume associations combine tradition

tre, concentration of cultural offers, Switzerland’s only na-

with modern needs, which are often complementary.

tional park and – last but not least – the sophisticated

Nearly 20 years ago, the Grisons Sunday costumes were in-

clientele, 70 per cent from abroad, also play their part. They

troduced. They serve many occasions and are not as ex-

have a strong bearing on the cosmopolitan ambience for

pensive as the traditional costumes, but are attractive

which St. Moritz is so famous throughout the world. World-

nonetheless. The sewing of the costumes and the artistic

wide, the name St. Moritz is synonymous with chic, ele-

embroidery are done professionally, but can also be done by

gance and class. It is the embodiment of style, tradition and

the wearers themselves. There is still a lot of interest in this

quality. As confirmed by its success: St. Moritz keeps the

art. At official events and folk music festivals, in particular,

promises made by its name.”

the costumes make for a wonderfully colourful picture.

* Traffic links have also contributed to the Engadine’s huge

* Situated at the bottom of the Engadine lake district, St. Mo-

neighbouring village of Celerina. Numerous ski , bobsleigh

attraction: it is now exceptionally well connected to the rest

ritz is one of today’s most famous winter sport and spa re-

of the world. Despite the expansion of the road network

sorts in the Alps. The town owes its reputation to its mineral

and the Rhaetian Railway, no year-round access through pu-

springs, which have been renowned for nearly 3,500 years.

blic transport could be guaranteed until quite recently, when the Vereina tunnel to Prättigau opened in 1999.

Today, St. Moritz can also be reached by air. Samedan airport is Europe’s highest airport. It was opened over 70 years ago – and plans for its expansion have now been drawn up, so that the airport can also serve the Engadine region as an

At official events and folk music festivals the Engadine costumes make for a wonderfully colourful picture.

FROM COWBELLS TO POLO

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economic driving force into the future. The airport, which is

finish can be replaced by the subject. Its creation is a

open during daylight hours, is in operation throughout the

great art: first a chalky plaster is fashioned, coloured and

year, and even has a customs clearance facility for interna-

smeared to the facade. Then, wet on wet, three to four

tional flights. Its one downside: the runway is sometimes at

coats of chalk are applied, which can also be pigmented.

the mercy of the elements, as snow often has to be cleared.

On the final coat, objects and lines are etched using knives,

The fact that the runway is long enough to land large air-

nails, pins or scrapers. The underlying colours become visi-

craft such as the Boeing 737 and Super Constellation has

ble as lines or objects, and in this way each house dons its

astonished many.

unique appearance, which takes on different forms accor-

* Engadine houses, sgraffiti adorning the walls, furniture

ding to the ever-changing magical Engadine glow.

made from local pine: three attributes that account for an

* Whilst the facades of the Engadine houses enchant with

important and renowned part of the Engadine’s charm. Walk-

their artistic sgraffiti, rustic pine furniture influences the ar-

ing through the Engadine, the villages’ typical characteri-

chetypal character of the houses’ interiors, creating a won-

stics quickly become apparent. Great stone walls to the hou-

derfully warm and cosy atmosphere. It’s no wonder that

ses in which small, funnel-shaped windows are set. Below

more and more guests equip their own homes with furni-

the wide saddle roofs, the Engadine farmers once stored

ture produced in the Engadine. Several regional manufac-

their entire worldly goods – the living area, cattle and hay

turers specialise in this age-old trade. For generations, they

barns, cellar, storehouse and a roofed forecourt. The en-

have been producing unique pieces from this fragrant

trance is through an artistically decorated main gate into

wood, to which even healing qualities are attributed. Its ra-

the sulèr, a hall leading into the living area. It serves as a

diance is said to soothe the pulse – that sleeping in a pine

storeroom and a workspace and even as a dining room in

bed can ensure a quiet and relaxed night’s sleep. However,

summer. Walking up the steps, you enter the stüva – a sitting room that is usually clad in pine, the impressive showpiece of every Engadin house. * The houses are built close together, sometimes supporting each other, as if they didn’t have the strength to stand alone, and sometimes leaving a small space for narrow alleyways. The sgraffiti are striking features, adorning many of the houses’ walls. Scenes from daily life, animals, but above all geometric patterns abound. Circles that are gracefully decorated with flowers, or walls covered in triangles. But also crests and garlands, horse-drawn carriages or simply quotes proclaiming old Engadin wisdom in Romansh. They are more than mere folk art or decoration. These architectural decorations demonstrate how wall paintings and construction influence each other. The architecture can be complemented by the decorations, or the building’s surface

Funnel-shaped windows and sgraffiti adoring the wall are attributes for the Engadine's charm.

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FROM COWBELLS TO POLO

not only beds are made from pine. Everything from cup-

the 20th Century. As a sculptor, painter and modernist gra-

boards to entire kitchen units can be produced.

phic artist, he spent a large part of his life in Paris. Howe-

* “Bun di” or “allegra” are two expressions that every

ver, he regularly visited his native valley of Bergell to see his

newcomer to the Engadine will hear up and down the val-

famous Engadine artist. He was born in 1858 in Arco, north

ley and is quick to adopt: with “good day” and “hello”

of Lake Garda, which belonged to Austria at the time.

(these sunny words stem from the verb “allegrar”, mean-

Shortly before he turned 30, he moved to the canton of

ing to cheer someone up), guests are greeted, and they

Grisons and subsequently settled in Maloja in the Engadine.

quickly learn their first words in Switzerland’s fourth natio-

He was a painter of realistic symbolism and a master of

nal language. Romansh was granted this official status just

high-mountain scenery. He developed his own style of the

70 years ago. And only in 2001 has the recently formed

pointillist painting technique, with which he was able to il-

Grisons Romansh been adopted as the canton’s official

lustrate the unbroken luminosity of the high mountains, en-

language. Even though only just over 35,000 people con-

hancing the naturalistic effect portrayed by his paintings.

sider Romansh to be their native language (according to the Swiss census in 2000), its five dialects, Sursilvan, Sutsilvan,

* After some cultural, linguistic, artistic and other related

Surmiran, Putér and Vallader, are still spoken with great

themes, we now return to Lake St. Moritz, the venue of the

pride. In the Upper Engadine, the Putér dialect is spoken,

28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. This event is the

and visitors quickly become accustomed to the melodious

world’s only high-goal tournament held on a lake. Frozen

language. The Romansh language – linguists call it the Gri-

Lake St. Moritz (or “Lej da San Murezzan” in Romansh) is

sons Romansh – is classified, together with some languages

the most north-eastern and smallest of the Engadine’s lake

from Northern Italy, as a subgroup of the Rhaeto-Romance

district. In February, horse races are held on the lake, whilst

languages. Due to the growth of tourism, however, Ger-

the world-renowned polo tournament takes place as early

man and Italian are most regularly used, although one can

as January. It owes a great deal of its success to the charms

still hear Romansh being spoken in some of the most sur-

of its high-alpine environment: there is a truly unique at-

prising of places, even in the very centre of St. Moritz.

mosphere on the frozen lake when the four teams compete

* The region also boasts an array of native artists, of which

for the coveted Cartier Trophy on the snow and ice. Even

Alois Carigiet, the painter, illustrator, lithographer and au-

success of the event, the central focus of the four-day tour-

thor of children’s books, as well as beeing the older brother

nament is on polo. The organisers aspire to offer polo

of the actor Zarli Carigiet, has already been mentioned. Al-

games of the highest level, to delight polo aficionados, but

berto Giacometti’s work has also gained considerable in-

also to open up and familiarise a broader audience with the

ternational recognition. He was born in the municipality of

sport. Hardly anyone who has witnessed a game of polo

Stampa, high in the Upper Engadine, at the beginning of

can fail to be drawn to the fascination of the lightning

family and to gain inspiration. Giovanni Segantini is another

though this exceptional atmosphere plays a vital role in the

speed and superb skill and agility of the protagonists in this incredibly captivating and most powerful of equestrian sports.

Not only polo ponies spend the winter in the Engadine.

HANSJÖRG RUH

FROM COWBELLS TO POLO

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“Show me your horse and I will show you what you are.”

TRADITIONAL BRITISH SAYING

Sie suchen sattelfeste Lösungen. Wir setzen aufs richtige Pferd.

Die grösste Risikoquelle bei Versicherungen steht fest: aufs falsche Pferde setzen. Gut, dass Sie auf ein unabhängiges Beraterteam zählen können, das in allen Themen sattelfest ist: auf die UBV Lanz. Unser Name bürgt für Kompetenz, Erfahrung und Diskretion. Unsere Schlagkraft wird Sie überzeugen.

UBV Lanz AG, Alte Landstr. 128, CH-8702 Zollikon, www.ubv.ch Tel. 044 396 85 85

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Creating the unique experience of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow AROMA’S CREATIVE MINDS TAKE INSPIRATION FROM TRADITIONAL SWISS CRAFTS

As a leading manufacturer in the field of

patterns are milled onto wood with CNC

three-dimensional communications, Aroma,

machines, test prints are created on materi-

with its 52 employees and six apprentices,

als and full-scale models are produced.

creates individual productions for trade-fair

What follows is the implementation

presentations, event architecture and inte-

phase. All these artefacts, together with the

rior design – from the conceptualisation and

required infrastructure, are transported to

design to the planning and implementation.

St. Moritz by Aroma logistics specialists,

For events such as the St. Moritz Polo

project and production managers and their

World Cup on Snow, intensive planning and

teams, as well as stylists and florists, and set

close cooperation with all those involved is

up on the lake over several days at tempe-

essential. What used to be implemented by

ratures of around minus 20 degrees Celsius.

several different providers can now be deliv-

Thus, piece by piece, a whole site is creat-

ered by a single source. This development

ed, into which the guests are welcomed – a

is reflected in the new basic professional

space that lets them experience the event

education of the 3-D polydesigner. Here, a

through another dimension.

new and exceptionally varied profession has evolved: from conceptualisation, realisation and logistics right up to styling – all aspects are involved. Today’s 3-D polydesigners plan, organise and manage event spaces of brands and products at important customer contact points.

The hospitality area of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow, which Aroma is now managing for the third year running, is an example of one such individual production. For 2012, the creative minds take inspiration from traditional Swiss crafts, combining them in a new way. Whilst local roots are reflected in the use of sgraffito textures, traditions are represented through silhouettes, for once without cows. Although an ancient craft, for an event as exclusive as the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow, the event architects had to develop a suitable interpretation of this artistic form.

For this, they relied on the experience and equipment of their own production division:

For the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow a suitable interpretation of ancient craft is developed.

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NACHO FIGUERAS

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For Argentine player Nacho Figueras polo always comes first MODELLING FOR RALPH LAUREN IS THE PERFECT WAY TO PROMOTE THE SPORT

Nacho Figueras, you are very well known

edge off. When I’m playing polo, I’m not

in polo. How did you end up in the sport

really thinking about the action of riding on

and where did you grow up in Argentina?

the horse. People often think that, oh, I’ve

Having been brought up around horses

learned to ride, now I can go and play polo.

on a farm in Veinticinco de Mayo, I loved

No. Finding a horse that you really love

the game since I was a child. In fact I start-

makes things a lot easier.

ed playing polo when I was nine years old, thanks to my father's passion and dedi-

So horses are a critical component for?

cation for it. I was very lucky to have the

Yes. I’m most passionate about the po-

Monteverde family to learn from at the be-

nies. I love polo; it is my life. But the horses

ginning and Gonzalo Pieres as a mentor. My

are my great passion.

professional career began at age 17.

You are not only a polo player but also a Did you always want to be a professional

model. Tell us about your first introduction

polo player?

to modelling. How did that come about?

Yes. When I was 14, I decided that I

In 1999 I started playing Bridgehamp-

really wanted to pursue polo, so I asked my

ton polo in New York. There I got to know

parents if it would be okay for me to go and

Bruce Weber. He shot the Ralph Lauren

live on a farm. My mother said: “If you pro-

campaigns. At the time, they were using

mise your school duties will be completed,

Penélope Cruz for the women’s ads, and

then I’m fine with that.” Starting young

Ralph Lauren thought that it would be a

really helped, because it is very hard to re-

good idea to use an Argentine polo player

present any sport at a high level when you

in a campaign for the men’s ads. I wound

don’t have a very strong background.

up doing my first shoot with Bruce Weber for Ralph Lauren in November 2000, and

What do you feel are your greatest

right after that, I did a fragrance ad with

strengths as a polo player?

him and Penélope Cruz. I have been wor-

I am a fighter, and I always try to have

king for Ralph Lauren now for 11 years, and

the best horses possible. In general, good

I am honoured to be a spokesperson for

riding skills are very important. Riding is

such a great brand.

what eventually helps you and takes the Playing polo or modelling for Ralph Lauren: which do you enjoy more?

I have a lot of fun in both worlds. Modelling is a complement to my career as an athlete. In Ralph Lauren I have found the perfect brand to represent my sport.

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NACHO FIGUERAS

Is it sometimes difficult to be at your best as a player and as a model?

Not at all. Polo is really my passion and my full-time job. Polo always comes first, and I try to use the recognition that the modelling has given me to promote the sport that I love.

How do you manage the potential public perception that you are primarily a model, and secondly a polo player?

Polo is not about just showing up. It’s about preparing your horse, playing, and then taking care of your horse afterwards. I think that’s very important. So seeing the

fect bridge. There are many guys out there

sport of polo in that way, with responsibili-

who look like me, you know, with long

ties, is what I think will change people’s per-

dark hair. But I think the difference is that I

spective about what the sport of polo is

am a real polo player who does endorse-

about and will eventually make the sport

ments for Ralph Lauren on the side. So I

more understandable. For that, modelling is

really believe I can influence the perception

the bridge I was looking for.

of polo.

When you started modelling, what was

How would you like polo to be perceived?

the reaction amongst other players?

For me, polo is not elitist or a ritual or

In the beginning, I was getting all this

something that I feel is more important.

feedback from people saying, “What are

For me, polo is the relationship with the

you doing? What is this?” but I thought to

horse first, which is something that is very

myself, “This is a great opportunity. This can

down-to-earth. As I mentioned, polo is

be the perfect way to achieve my dream

about horses and responsibilities. That’s

and my vision of polo becoming a bigger

why I think polo is also a good thing for

and a more visible sport.” So I used the

kids to grow up with, in general and whe-

money that I got from modelling to buy bet-

rever they come from, to have a relation-

ter horses and to become a better player.

ship to a horse. It teaches you responsibility in a very natural way. My oldest son

Can you influence the perception of polo

plays polo, and I love that he does, for that

through your modelling?

reason, and not anything else. So I do

One of my goals in life is to make polo a bigger sport. For this, modelling is the per-

think polo is becoming ever more popular and not so out-of-reach.

NACHO FIGUERAS

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NACHO FIGUERAS

How important is Ralph Lauren for polo, and what do you think about the sponsorship at the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow?

I am very excited about Ralph Lauren’s involvement in polo. They are so representative of the sport, and it is great that they get so involved with the real sport. When I heard that Ralph Lauren was becoming a sponsor, I got really excited about the opportunity of visiting the Engadine. I played summer polo in St. Moritz in 1995.

And did you play winter polo as well?

Not in St. Moritz. But I’ve played snow

What are your next projects?

polo in Aspen before and also played beach

I am looking toward the future of polo.

polo, which is pretty similar to snow. On the

It has a great one and there are many kids

snow you depend a lot on the surface. If

out there that will be amazing players, like

they have done a good job with grading the

in every sport. Kids are starting out younger

pitch of the snow, it makes it faster, or har-

and taking it more seriously at a younger

der. So I have already experienced it.

age – so for me the competition in polo is getting tougher.

Have you alreday had the chance to try the shirts from Ralph Lauren’s collection for the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow 2012?

Not yet, but I have seen a lot of drawings and designs. It is a great collection, and there is no doubt about the quality. That’s for sure.

Nachos Figueras Where you live: Divided between the U.S. (Bridgehampton, New York and Palm Beach, Florida) and Argentina.

Best day in polo/Worst day in polo: Any day you play polo is a great day.

Not a bad thing about it.

Favourite movie: The Godfather

Number of countries where you’ve played polo: Around 20

Favourite band: The Rolling Stones

Handicap: 6

Favourite dinner after a match: Argentine asado

Age: 34 Married: Yes, to Delfina Blaquier Children: 3 Favourite polo ground: Palermo in Argentina

Favourite treatment after a match: A winning toast Favourite holiday hotspot and why: Punta del Este in Uruguay, the perfect combination of beach, nature, polo and friends.

NACHO FIGUERAS

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I

IN THE 21 ST CENTURY YOU WON’T FIND black-

smiths working by the flickering light of a red-hot coal furnace any more. Christian Lampert, from the winegrowing village of Jenins in Grisons, is no exception: he doesn’t work in front of a hearth blackened with soot in a dark smithy, as he takes the glowing horseshoe on the anvil and, with the clanging sound of precise strikes of the hammer, gives it a shape that is accurate to the millimetre. The days when horses needing alterations were brought into the workshop to “Hitsch” – as Christian Lampert is known – are long gone.

That would be impossible now, as his customer base covers half of Switzerland, stretching from Ticino right up into the canton of Aargau. His smithy, with a gas oven, small anvil and a workbench, is all stored in a van. Christian Lampert drives to the thoroughbreds at the Zurich racecourse in Dielsdorf, to the showjumping and dressage horses in Ti-

“The hoof is the horse”

cino and to the polo ponies in the Engadine. The fact that the approximately 350 horses he looks after are spread out across such a wide geographical area isn’t the result of excellent marketing, but is down to his master craftsmanship.

Every horse owner understands the age-old Arabic saying “The hoof is the horse”. And the hoof also includes the

Even the Romans understood the significance of the hoof. The skill of the blacksmith remains a crucial factor to this day in ensuring that a horse runs well.

shoe, which provides protection for the feet against all types of wear and tear on ground that is often hard – ensuring that horses are able to run 365 days a year.

Even in ancient times, people were looking for some form of protection for hooves. Alexander the Great (356– 323 BC) also experienced problems time and again during his military endeavours around the world when the hooves of his cavalries’ horses had worn away. The condition of horses’ hooves during warfare remained crucially important right up into the 20th Century. Large armies being forced to take long breaks incurred huge unnecessary costs, and could affect the strength and speed of an army at crucial times. The forerunner of the horseshoe was the “hippo sandal” made of straw and used by the Romans, especially during the time when they built road networks. But these sandals made from plant fibres soon proved to be unsatis-

The polo ponies in the Engadine are amongst the 350 horses Christian Lamper looks after.

factory, so that as early as 1 BC, horseshoes made of iron

owners the blacksmith remains as important today as he

were fixed to the hooves. The practice of nailing a form of

was in the time of the stagecoaches. Christian Lampert is

protection onto hooves is believed to have originated in the

full of praise for his “lovely” customers, who have been

Arab countries, arriving in Europe in the early Middle Ages.

loyal to him and have placed their complete trust in him for

The first written documentary evidence can be found in East-

many years. And with good reason: horsemen and -women

ern Switzerland, in the cloister records in St. Gallen. In the

who can saddle up a contented horse and are able to rely

year 824, taxes in the form of horseshoes are mentioned,

on its speed and agility at all times during, for instance, a

which, together with artefacts discovered from the period,

polo match know a good, serious blacksmith when they see

suggest that a form of hoof covering had been in use for

one. The basic requirements are a good eye and a steady

some time.

hand. This is because over the years the blacksmith’s craft has hardly changed at all – despite the disappearance of

Highly-prized craftsmanship

the soot-blackened fire and dark smithies and the arrival of

The effect of the introduction of the horseshoe on the econ-

new technology. For Christian Lampert, a blacksmith has to

omy and the military can be inferred from the respect that

be a true horse expert, even if other skills are required du-

society had for blacksmiths: for a good millennium or so,

ring the hoofing process. First and foremost the iron hor-

this profession enjoyed a very high status. Now that horses

seshoe has to provide protection for the horse’s hoof. This

have had to relinquish their once-dominant position in the

is because the tip of the hoof is only hard and resistant on

face of the inexorable rise of the motor, things have gone

the outside – similar to a human fingernail or toenail, which

quiet for the village blacksmiths. But for individual horse

has no feeling at its tip. The horseshoe also has to be cor-

A good eye and a steady hand are the basic requirements of a blacksmith.

rectly aligned to the position of the horse’s limbs, and the

part of his work. Without a doubt, for him there’s only one

type of shoe selected depends on its use by the horse con-

place where a horseshoe should be: where it doesn’t disturb

cerned.

a horse that’s running.

A horse wearing good horseshoes has always been a sign of good luck. Or, as the saying goes, do we not ‘make

No two hooves are the same

our own luck’? Only if we understand that we have to

A horse needs new horseshoes every seven to eight weeks.

‘strike whilst the iron’s hot’. Anyway, ever since blacksmiths

During this time the top of the hoof starts to grow, and the

have been making iron malleable with fire and hammers,

hoof wall begins to grow out over the edge of the shoe.

people have believed that the metal has magic powers. It

After removing the horseshoe, the growth on the top of

supposedly makes you invincible, protects you against evil

the hoof must first be removed using a curved knife, cut-

spirits and can even ward off natural disasters. Horseshoes,

ters, a hammer and a rasp. Not too much or too little, but

with their opening at the bottom, were placed above doors

just enough to ensure a flat surface for the new shoe on the

and fireplaces because the superstition held that neither the

sole of the hoof. The first time Christian Lampert kneels

devil nor evil spirits were able to pass through the iron curve

down next to a horse, things take a little longer. No two

of a horseshoe. In later times, finding a horseshoe was con-

hooves are the same, and they need to be treated with due

sidered lucky. This horseshoe would then be nailed to the

care. Just one or two millimetres too much, and the sensi-

wall with its opening pointing upwards to stop the good

tive horse can start to walk with a limp. “If I’m shoeing a

luck from falling out. Christian Lampert has been a black-

polo pony in the winter for the St. Moritz Polo World Cup

smith since 1977, and these beliefs obviously don’t form

on Snow, or a racehorse due to run in a prestigious race, I

The first time Christian Lampert kneels down next to a horse, things take a little longer.

OfďŹ cial Coffee of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow www.nespresso.com/magazine

do sometimes get a little uneasy,” Christian Lampert admits.

nailed into place. The heating process has made the holes

Things are different with horses of long-standing customers,

for the nails and studs smaller, and the edges also need to

whose hooves are all individually etched in the blacksmith’s

be filed down properly.

memory. Even when he’s at home, Christian Lampert already

When shoeing polo ponies, there are a couple of spe-

knows the size of horseshoes he’ll need to take with him, or

cial factors to take into account. “During a game,” Chri-

the things he has to watch out for when he’s fitting them

stian Lampert explains, “the horses come very close to each

on the horse. Acrid white smoke and the smell of burnt

other. To reduce the chances of injury, the fittings are re-

hoof engulf the horse, the blacksmith and the assistant re-

duced slightly.” But not too much, as the hoof mechanism

sponsible for holding the horse’s leg in the right position.

that a horse has from birth, which expands the hoof slightly

The horse doesn’t feel any pain during the procedure, alt-

towards the rear every time the horse puts its weight on it,

hough the shoe branded into the horse’s foot lets the

must not be affected. The highest level of concentration is

blacksmith know whether it fits or whether one or two

then required as the blacksmith finally nails the shoe into

more taps of the hammer are needed. The shoe is made to

place. How straight must the nail be kept so that it leaves

fit the hoof, not the hoof to the shoe – and it has to be ac-

the hoof wall at exactly the right place? It’s part of the pride

curate to the millimetre.

in his work that the riveted nails on a freshly-fitted hoof sit

When the blacksmith is happy with his work, he lets out

in a line as if a ruler had been used. But what you can see

a cry of “Away!” Happy that he can now take a breather,

is only one aspect of his craft. It’s more important that none

the assistant stands up straight again. A few finishing touch-

of the nails has come into contact with the internal part of

es are then required before the newly-adjusted shoe can be

the hoof, with its internal circulation. It’s much worse than

the human equivalent of having a stone in your shoe. The pain often only becomes apparent after a couple of days, and in many cases leads to an abscess.

The blacksmith can then check the results of 90 minutes’ work. If the horse is able to stand level on all four hooves, if the adjustment of the hooves fits correctly and if the horse is able to run on them continuously, the blacksmith has a clear conscience and can send the horse out, knowing it will be able to run well for the next seven or eight weeks.

THOMAS FREI

The shoe is made to fit the hoof, not the hoof to the shoe.

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Engadine St. Moritz: The home of winter THE ENGADINE ST. MORITZ REGION ENCHANTS BOTH AS A LANDSCAPE AND AS A MYTH, AS IT HARMONIOUSLY COMBINES NATURE, TRADITION, A MODERN LIFESTYLE AND WINTER SPORTS

Alpine region, southern sunshine: the Engadine St. Moritz

was the first Swiss town to be supplied with electricity,

region has always inspired with its breathtaking natural sur-

Europe’s first Palace Hotel is situated here, and it is here that

roundings. Mountains covered with deep snow frame the

new standards are set – such as those at the Skiing World

region – with sufficient space to indulge the inhabitants

Championships in 2003, the first large-scale alpine event

with fresh air and light, yet over 4,000 metres high, provi-

consistently geared towards sustainability. Creative minds

ding an impressive backdrop to the sun-spoilt valley.

ensure that there is no chance of boredom where the world spends its holidays.

Switzerland’s largest winter sports region

The St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow has certainly

With four main peaks, 350 kilometres of slopes, 200 kilo-

also made history. For 28 years, this event has been capti-

metres of cross-country skiing tracks and 150 kilometres of

vating visitors from all over the world. Magnificent ponies,

winter hiking paths, Engadin St. Moritz is one of Switzer-

fearless players and swirling clouds of snow – the fascina-

land’s most varied winter sports regions, not to mention one

tion of polo on snow has been attracting lovers of equine

of the most beautiful. This is also due to its 13 holiday ven-

sports to the frozen Lake St. Moritz for years. And every

ues, which could not be more diverse. Whilst glittering

year, the event is backed by people who are committed to

St. Moritz accommodates the world and celebrates gla-

turning this tournament into a highlight of the world’s spor-

mour, rural traditions are fostered in the surrounding villa-

ting and social calendar.

ges with their lovingly-restored houses, thriving village centres and cosy pubs and restaurants.

Nature as if sculpted by an artist’s hand In addition to its leading infrastructure with premium

Where great importance is attached to history

hotels, legendary events and an exclusive range of services,

Nature plays, and will remain to play, the leading role in En-

St. Moritz has preserved its origins and is set in natural sur-

gadin St. Moritz. It has all the space it requires to reveal it-

roundings that seem to have been sculpted by an artist’s

self in all its glory. And it rewards its visitors with unlimited

hand. And as if that were not enough, a plentiful amount

possibility and ways to indulge oneself. It is not a coinci-

of sunshine ensures that the elegant alpine style is always

dence that winter sports were invented here. This is where

presented in the right light.

history is made. This has always been the case: St. Moritz

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The 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow

The unique atmosphere offered by the world’s most renowned

premium experiences. Two top chefs, Reto Mathis of La Mar-

winter polo tournament on the frozen Lake St. Moritz allows

mite in Corviglia, high above St. Moritz and Franz W. Faeh

this unrivalled winter sports resort to play host to the four par-

of Le Vieux Manoir in Murten, will be preparing the culinary

ticipating teams of the 28 St. Moritz Polo World Cup on

treats, while Daniel Müller from the renowned St. Moritz

Snow tournament from 26 to 29 January 2012. Cartier,

restaurant Cascade will be responsible for running the bar. In

Ralph Lauren, BMW and Bank Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie.

addition, the organisers of the 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup

(Switzerland) Ltd., a subsidiary of Deutsche Bank, are the part-

on Snow are particularly proud that Joachim Wissler from the

ners, perfectly complementing this year’s top-class winter polo

Vendôme gourmet restaurant in the Grandhotel Schloss Bens-

event in the charming Engadine landscape, 1,800 metres

berg in Bergisch Gladbach near Cologne will be serving his

above sea level. Once more, we may look forward to superior

exquisite creations at the gala dinner.

th

th

th

polo. Urs E. Schwarzenbach, Chairman of the Board of Direc-

However, it should not be forgotten that the protagonists

tors of St. Moritz Polo AG, is delighted: “We are very happy

of the 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow are the polo

and proud that we can count on the support of such out-

ponies and their experienced riders. The well-being and health

standing partners. With their commitment, the sponsors vi-

of these top athletes takes priority, which is why St. Moritz

tally contribute to the success and reputation of the St. Moritz

Polo AG spares no effort to make their stay in the Engadine

Polo World Cup on Snow.”

St. Moritz region as pleasant as possible and to provide the

From a gastronomic point of view, the visitors to the 28

th

very best in accommodation for them all.

St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow may also look forward to

HANSJÖRG RUH

Schedule Thursday 26th January 2012 11.00 a.m.

Engadin St. Moritz Trophy

02.00 p.m.

Niarchos Trophy

BMW

–

RALPH LAUREN

SAL. OPPENHEIM

–

CARTIER

BMW

–

SAL. OPPENHEIM

Friday 27th January 2012 11.00 a.m.

Hertz Trophy

02.00 p.m.

Nespresso Trophy

RALPH LAUREN

–

CARTIER

11.00 a.m.

Kempinski Trophy

SAL. OPPENHEIM

–

RALPH LAUREN

02.00 p.m.

Swiss Jet Trophy

CARTIER

–

BMW

Saturday 28th January 2012

Sunday 29th January 2012 11.00 a.m.

Deutsche Bank Trophy / Subsidiary Final

3rd AND 4th PLACE

02.00 p.m.

Cartier Trophy / Final

1st AND 2nd PLACE

F

inest snow polo

The frozen Lake St. Moritz serves as a natural playing field for the world’s most renowned and most prestigious high goal tournament taking place on snow and ice. Over a quarter of a century of exciting matches and glamorous guests with the international spotlight clearly focused on St. Moritz and the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow shows that the tournament has become a firm fixture in the ever-growing world of polo.

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A

NYONE WHO GIVES A HORSE THE NAME

of a popular cold remedy must believe the animal has magnificent healing powers. A colt foaled in 1749 was given the name Whistlejacket, and, like the gin and syrup tincture, the flesh-and-blood namesake was also employed to great effect. The galloper won a series of major races for the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, and over 200 years later was the subject of a lucrative deal for Rockingham’s descendants.

In 1997, the National Gallery in London paid GBP 11 million for probably the most famous work by George Stubbs (1724–1806), Whistlejacket, this time not in flesh and blood, but in colour on canvas, as an oil painting. The Independent newspaper described the painting as “a para-

Harmony between body and mind

digm of the flawless beauty of an Arabian thoroughbred”, stating that George Stubbs had succeeded in capturing the powerful physical presence of the horse in an extremely lifelike manner.

The story behind why Stubbs became England’s most

In old times, horses had their anatomy studied in an attempt to understand their in infinite detail. Today, the correct way of handling horses also calls for ethical competence.

renowned horse painter is a special one, with the basis of such realistic work lying in his fundamental study of the anatomy of horses. At the time Stubbs had no option other than to work his way through the dissection of countless horses over a period of one and a half years. He made meticulous notes and drawings, which were collected together to produce his renowned book, The Anatomy of the Horse, published in London in 1766. Even today it still provides vivid illustrations of a horse’s interior, and how the skeleton is constructed and packed with muscles. The work attracts much more than merely artistic interest, given that anyone aiming to understand horses needs to know about how their bodies are built and how their musculoskeletal system functions.

The perfect running machine As a flight animal, the horse is born as the perfect running machine. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in just a few seconds, during which time it pumps, 300 litres of blood through the body, with a heart rate of more than 200 beats

W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E

John Fernand Marti works as an equine physiotherapist, identifying and analysing functional problems in the body of the horse.

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W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E

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per minute, and takes 2,000 litres of air into its lungs. Tho-

the ability to transport oxygen. On top of this, the biome-

roughbreds – in a sense the sprinters of the equine world –

chanical evolution of the horse has also helped to transform

are born with a high proportion of muscle fibre that con-

this animal into a first-class athlete. The greatest muscle

tracts extremely quickly and powerfully (also known as fast

mass is located in the rump, whilst this peripheral weight is

twitch muscle), whilst the muscular system of the Arabian

offset by the fine, long limbs, which fix in the stance phase

horses – known more as the marathon runners – consists

and function like a catapult when the horse strikes off.

more of muscle fibre that contracts slowly (slow twitch mus-

Just like any human athlete, for a horse to produce a

cle) and is therefore more conducive to endurance. From

first-class sporting performance, a whole range of require-

the lungs to the cardiovascular system and the skeletal mus-

ments must fall into place. This goes well beyond the mus-

cles, every organ system involved in the oxygen chain is

culoskeletal system and the individual organs – body and

structurally and functionally enhanced, and highly devel-

mind must be in harmony, and this calls for the right care

oped in comparison to other mammals. The lungs of a horse

and handling, appropriate feeding, optimal shoeing and nat-

have a huge surface area (1,700 square metres, equivalent

urally the best possible training. For this, anyone wanting to

to four tennis courts), guaranteeing a high diffusion capa-

get the best sporting performance out of a horse must take

city for breathable gases. The heart is impressive in both size

a holistic approach and understand the animal as a whole.

and efficiency, and the red blood cells stored in the spleen

Taking a step back in time can help. Horses previously lived

can be released into the bloodstream at short notice during

on the steppes, consumed small quantities of food several

periods of extreme exertion, in order to significantly increase

times throughout the day and were always in the open and

With different colours John Fernand Marti illustrates the horse’s powerhouse: the muscle.

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W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E

on the move, as herding and flight animals that formed

blems in the body of the horse and offering insights into

social bonds but were also on their guard and ready to flee

their individual potential for improvement and success, with

at any sign of danger. Today the animal’s entire behaviour

appropriate physical therapies for each and every animal

is still based on this concept; but with many of the horse’s

under consideration. The aim of his physiotherapy is optimal

original needs being neglected by some of today’s custodi-

movement and function, and is achieved, for example, by

ans, deficiencies in the performance of horses taking part in

means of pain management, the normalisation of muscle

elite sport are emerging. These are a result of musculoske-

tone and muscle strengthening in the correct posture. “The

letal, spinal, pulmonary and digestive disorders, as well as

muscles are the horse’s powerhouse,” says John Fernand

problems with social behaviour.

Marti, who attaches particular importance to treating the

In such a highly-differentiated athlete as the horse, the

muscular system.

focus in training should therefore not necessarily be solely

With this in mind, the physiotherapist applies passive

on the conscious improvement of performance, but on

treatment procedures and active movement therapies. The

maintaining a healthy and happy horse. This is a belief

passive procedures include automated techniques such as

shared by John Fernand Marti. Just like the painter George

electrical muscle stimulation and manual techniques such

Stubbs, John Fernand Marti is extremely familiar with the

as massage and trigger-point therapy. These procedures

inner workings of the horse, having originally trained to be

might sometimes appear to an outside observer to be some

a horse butcher. Today, however, he works as an equine

what severe, with the physiotherapist for example taking a

physiotherapist, identifying and analysing functional pro-

firm hold of one of the animal’s hind legs, bending it and

Once the first bending and stretching exercises have been carried out, the horse realises amazingly quickly that it is benefiting from this treatment.

W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E

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stretching it in order to improve the quality of mobility. Not

grooms,” he remembers. And success was to follow, with

every horse is immediately prepared to subject itself to this

the teams which had benefited from John Fernand Marti’s

treatment. “However, you must never let go, because

services winning in the 2009 and in the 2010 St. Moritz

otherwise it would be an uncomfortable situation for the

Polo World Cup on Snow.

horse and it might lose its willingness to cooperate,” says

So now to the question: do John Fernand Marti’s hands

John Fernand Marti. Once the first bending and stretching

also hold some kind of magical power, just like Whistlejak-

exercises have been carried out, the horse realises amazing-

ket in the past? The physiotherapist makes no mention of

ly quickly that it is benefiting from this treatment, and ac-

magic, focusing much more on the importance and effec-

cepts it. Active movement therapies are then used as a

tiveness of targeted stretching exercises, pressure or elec-

means to improve body awareness and coordination. This

tro-massages used to relax the horse’s muscular system, to

may sound very familiar, because physiotherapy is an area

promote blood flow and relieve tension and stiffness. “This

that is well known in human medicine. In veterinary medi-

helps to relax the horses: they are no longer so physically

cine, however, physiotherapists are often entering new ter-

tired and are less likely to have stocked-up legs and saddle

ritory. At the 2009 St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow polo

sores,” says John Fernand Marti, who sees his therapy as

ponies were treated by John Fernand Marti for the first time.

valuable support and prevention, in particular in the reco-

He treated around 40 horses in St. Moritz and was initially

very phase following a competition. Naturally, however,

met with scepticism. “But after the first treatment I imme-

there are also limits. “In each discipline the demands placed

diately started to receive excellent feedback from the

on the horses are different. In polo, for example, I have to

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W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E

make sure not to work too hard on the pony’s neck, be-

fortunately not yet needed to be deployed extensively.”

cause if it becomes too relaxed this can be a hindrance du-

Markus Müller cannot remember any serious accident ever

ring the game.”

having occurred over the last 25 years. “Since polo on snow

John Fernand Marti is also aware that there are some

is also somewhat slower than on grass, this minimises the

problems he cannot solve. Physiotherapy is a treatment in-

risk of accidents. Above all, however, the teams now travel

tended to complement mainstream medicine, an area

to the Engadin with well-trained and prepared horses,” says

which Markus Müller has been responsible for ever since

Markus Müller. “All those involved,” he goes on to say,

the beginning of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow.

“know what is expected of the ponies in St. Moritz and how

The experienced veterinary surgeon, who once ran his own

to prepare them for it.”

clinic near Zurich and an altitude recovery centre for horses in the Engadin, now works primarily for the Fédération

Setting new standards in equine welfare

Équestre Internationale (FEI), the international federation of

Together with St. Moritz Polo AG, veterinary surgeon Mar-

equestrian sports. In this role, he is active worldwide at

kus Müller goes one step further in ensuring the welfare of

major tournaments and championships, ensuring the wel-

the horses. He no longer simply carries out checks on site,

fare of the horses in top-class sport. In an interdisciplinary

but is also an advocate of a generally binding framework

comparison, he speaks highly of the St. Moritz Polo World

aimed at improved welfare conditions for the polo ponies.

Cup on Snow: “Veterinary resources are always extremely

Markus Müller says, “The world of equestrian sport recently

well organised, and we have enough personnel, who have

had a hard time drawing a line between medication that

Physiotherapy is a treatment intended to complement mainstream medicine.

W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E

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promotes the welfare of the horse and unauthorised treat-

does not always accompany the horse when it is on the

ment aimed at improving performance. The topic has been

move, though, a binding formula must be devised for de-

under intense discussion since the 2008 Olympic Games

legating responsibility to a team manager or a particular

and the cases of ‘banned’ medication that arose at the time.

specialist. “This is undoubtedly a sensitive subject because

Rules are now to be harmonised with the governing bodies

it involves legal issues, but delegation must be defined ac-

of human sports and the World Anti-Doping Agency or

curately in order to prevent responsibility from being attri-

WADA.This is a sensible approach. Uniform regulations are

buted to any random individual.”

needed, and what’s also extremely important are uniform

The new standard is intended for national implementa-

methods of measurement in doping laboratories. There

tion as soon as possible, in conjunction with the Swiss

must be a clear commitment to strict implementation of the

governing body for equestrian sport (the Swiss Equestrian

rules with a view to safeguarding the welfare of the hor-

Federation, SEF) and the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office

ses.” This is also the aim being pursued in polo by Markus

(FVO), to be transferred later to the international arena in

Müller, in a project group initiated by St. Moritz Polo AG

collaboration with the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA).

within the Swiss Polo Association (SPA). “We have to create

This ground-breaking initiative is receiving a warm welcome

uniform standards and resolve the central issue of who

in polo circles. “The status of the horse has changed dra-

bears responsibility for a pony in the game of polo,” adds

matically over the last 50 years,” says Markus Müller. “Pre-

Markus Müller. He believes that in polo it should be the

viously, a horse was primarily a working animal, but now

horse owner who bears responsibility. Given that this person

for many it is a partner with ethical rights, whose social,

49

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W E L FA R E O F T H E H O R S E

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physical and psychological well-being is respected. The

system they are able to withstand extreme weather condi-

same applies in top-class sport, where other criteria are also

tions, both in winter and in summer.

added to the mix. Here the horses are highly valuable, with

Some 200 years ago, George Stubbs attempted to un-

an additional financial interest underlying their welfare and

derstand the horse by way of its anatomy. Today, however,

sponsors investing large sums of money in return for a sport

the focus is on a much broader-based, holistic approach that

that is clean and fair to the horses.” More expansive legis-

encompasses not only mainstream and complementary

lation is also to thank for this evolved approach to horse

medicine but also ethical values. This is a fundamental

welfare. In September 2008, for example, a new animal

change that – when implemented consistently – results in

welfare act came into force in Switzerland with three cen-

the improved welfare of the horse. St. Moritz Polo AG has

tral tenets: horses must have social contact (see, hear and

embraced this principle wholeheartedly.

smell other horses) and be able to move freely (no chaining, minimum horsebox sizes), and the keeper of the horse must meet certain training requirements.

These specifications were taken into account by St. Moritz Polo AG when it purchased new boxes to accommodate polo ponies in the Engadine. The boxes opposite the airport at Samedan are considerably larger than mobile stalls were in the past; – and thanks to an ingenious double-roof

Today the welfare of the horse also encompasses ethical values.

PETER JEGEN

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G

UARDS POLO CLUB was founded on 25th Jan-

uary 1955 by His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who continues to be the Club’s President to this day. Steeped in British heritage, Guards Polo Club prides itself on its close association with the British Royal Family. Situated within Windsor Great Park, the Club enjoys the

A quality organisation and a unique club

outstanding natural surroundings of Smith’s Lawn, thought to have been named after a gamekeeper at the time of the Restoration in the 17th Century. The Club’s name was changed in 1969 from the Household Brigade Polo Club, under the 25-year stewardship of the Commander of the Household Cavalry Colonel William Gerard Leigh, to Guards Polo Club, deriving from the Guards Division of the British

Guards Polo Club is run on a solid business footing with significant potential to grow.

Guards Polo Club currently has over one thousand nonplaying members.

Army.

Guards Polo Club is one of the most prestigious private member’s clubs in the world. It is one of four polo clubs in the United Kingdom that stage elite high goal tournaments, the others being Cowdray Park, Royal Berkshire and Cirencester Park. Claiming to have the largest membership of any European polo club, Guards currently has over one thousand non-playing members and around 160 playing members, among whom are some of the highest-rated pro-

GUARDS POLO CLUB

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fessionals in the world. Approximately a quarter of the play-

ards as the new Chief Executive in June 2011 and, when

ers who visit Guards are from overseas, travelling from all

asked about taking up his new role, states, “It was an exci-

over Europe, the Middle and Far East, North and South

ting opportunity. Guards Polo Club is a quality organisation

America, Australia and New Zealand.

and is unique as a polo club, as it is run on a solid business

Guards prides itself on a strong sense of teamwork. As

footing with significant potential to grow both at home and

such, the addition of the stunning clubhouse on Smith’s

more importantly abroad in emerging markets.” Much like

Lawn blends members and staff harmoniously together

his predecessor, Neil Hobday recognises the importance of

with state-of-the-art offices for management and a restau-

international opportunity and has plans to travel to the

rant and bar for members. The team consists of twelve full-

Middle East, India and Asia, where the Club is looking to

time employees, which increases in number during the sea-

establish tailor-made and well-sponsored polo events at

son. With the untimely death of the Club’s previous Chief

new polo clubs. In addition, a number of polo develop-

Executive, the late Charles Stisted, Guards has undergone

ments are asking Guards Polo Club to advise them on ope-

an emotionally turbulent year. Nevertheless, it has been the

rational initiatives, marketing and events.

strong level of camaraderie which has pulled everyone through for another successful season.

With such prospects ahead, Mr. Hobday was the clear choice for the demanding role, acknowledging that “Polo,

The Club’s solidarity was manifested by the appoint-

as a sport, has a great deal of growth potential in a popu-

ment of Neil Hobday as the new Chief Executive, who

larity sense as well as a business sense.” Although he admits

states, whilst firmly clarifying his warm and professional

he is no polo aficionado, he is also no stranger to the sport,

welcome to the role: “I knew my predecessor well and was

and his diverse background in sport and event manage-

greatly saddened by his tragic loss. However, in his absence

ment, sponsorship marketing, private club operations and

the team here showed great professionalism and dedica-

business development equip him with the necessary skills

tion whilst a successor was found.” Neil Hobday joined Gu-

for the position. And with the selection of stunning fields at

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GUARDS POLO CLUB

Guards, it is no wonder the Club have appointed a new

the fields depending on the conditions. Shorter grass results

CEO with such an avid interest in agronomy. Mr. Hobday

in a faster game and, as such, grass length at Guards

states that his interest is based on “One simple objective,

is maintained at 18 millimetres on the principal grounds

which is that whatever the sport, the club should produce

throughout the season. During winter, however, the cold

the best playing surfaces possible.” He goes on to say that

damages the grass and, as a result, the grass is left longer,

the perfect polo ground must be well constructed and well

only being cut once a week. Understandably colossal funds

drained and have a safe and resilient playing surface, all

are put towards maintenance equipment. However, Guards

qualities which are resembled on the grounds at Guards.

is fortunate enough to be able to use Virginia Water, the huge lake in Windsor Great Park, to aid irrigation system.

Ten grounds and 130 acres

The ground is not irrigated in winter and the October ferti-

There are ten grounds extending over an area of 130 acres

lising programme adds protection from the winter weather.

at Guards Polo Club, beautifully maintained and set within

The team begins scarifying and aerating the lawns in au-

spectacular surroundings. Peter Svoboda is the Facilities Ma-

tumn, as well as conducting ground breaking and re-

nager and responsible for the upkeep of these phenomenal

seeding where needed. Fertiliser is applied in spring and

fields. Mr. Svoboda first came to Guards in 2005 as a ge-

autumn and all the grounds are sprayed with weedkiller be-

neral groundsman where he worked on all aspects of the

fore the start of the season, with treatment for leather jak-

grounds. In 2010 he was appointed Head Groundsman at

kets taking place in October.

a private ground at Les Lions before returning to Guards to

As Guards Polo Club hosts 400 matches from April

take up his current position for the 2011 season. He is clear-

through to September, ground maintenance is a team

ly delighted to have returned to the Club and to have taken

effort and Mr. Svobada confirms that he could not do his

up such a reputable position. When asked about his new

job without his colleagues, stating the team comes togeth-

role he states: “It is a huge challenge, and having been a

er “Like a jigsaw with all the pieces in the right place.” His

member of the team for several years I knew what to expect

partnership with the Polo Manager, Oliver Ellis, is vital to

and knew I was ready for a larger challenge.”

this stringent process as the team has to respect the lay of

Mr. Svoboda explains that ground maintenance is a full-

the land and organise the games schedule according to the

time operation with his team’s schedule throughout the sea-

state of the grounds. Guards has more polo played upon

son consisting of daily grass cutting, rolling the fields, pro-

its grounds than any other club in the world. Thus, the un-

vided they are not too wet or dry, and sanding or watering

derstanding between game scheduling and ground main-

Neil Hobday joined Guards Polo Club as the new CEO in June 2011.

GUARDS POLO CLUB

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tenance is imperative. With the vast amount of polo being

Further plans for a new ground at Flemish Farm are in

played, the Club has already started improving The Prince’s

progress to allow room for an expanded fixture list. An all-

Ground by removing 16 millimetres off the top of the field,

weather arena is also on the horizon, which will enable

reseeding and allowing the ground to rest in order to be

more polo to be played all year round. Guards Polo Club is

ready for play in 2012.

very proud of its position as a leading European polo club

In addition to ground maintenance and respect for the

and makes sure its expertise in polo club management and

stunning natural beauty of the surroundings, Guards has

polo pony welfare is unrivalled and respected throughout

ensured that it leads the way with polo pony welfare by the

the world. Oliver Ellis speaks proudly of Guards’ preoccu-

creation of a Pony Welfare Committee. As a result, Guards

pation with pony welfare, stating that “We are determined

sports a unique system providing covered pony lines where

that we retain our reputation within this increasingly popu-

ponies cannot dig whilst waiting to play. Therefore, the po-

lar sport.” Neil Hobday shares this opinion, and is also proud

nies do not damage their legs by unevenly distributing their

of the new facilities which have added such value to the

body weight. There is also a vet box, where vets and para-

Club both on and off the field.

medics are on duty for the duration of each game with the opportunity for mobile X-rays if needed during play. Reali-

Solid relationship with young members

sing the bilingual element of polo, Guards has created signs

Such conscientious developments are crucial to the next

in both English and Spanish so that language cannot be a

generation of polo, an element of the sport of which Gu-

reason for misunderstanding the rules of pony welfare.

ards is acutely aware. Guards offers various rates of playing

Due to its concern for pony welfare, Guards has built a

membership including a cost-effective junior membership

comprehensive equestrian facility at Flemish Farm. Situated

recognising that, in this economically tumultuous time, it is

across Windsor Great Park, less than four miles from Smith’s

particularly important to heighten opportunities for young

Lawn, Flemish Farm was originally a Victorian brickworks

players. Keen to show how seriously the Club takes youth

and now offers stables for over one hundred horses and

polo, Guards hosts several school and university polo days.

accommodation for 28 grooms. The facility also provides

The Eton School polo team is based at Guards Polo Club

permanent accommodation for twelve horses of The Ho-

and the Club is home to the Jack Wills Varsity Day, featuring

nourable Artillery Company. Additionally, there is a purpose

the traditional matches between Eton and Harrow and be-

– built indoor school, an exercise track, a practice field and

tween Oxford and Cambridge. Guards is well aware of the

grazing space comprising 15 large and 23 small paddocks.

importance of building solid relationships with its young

Shorter grass results in a faster game and grass length is maintained at 18 millimetres.

57

GUARDS POLO CLUB

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members and hopes its modern facilities will encourage the

Queen’s Cup, Guards always excels. Guards is a sensational

younger generation to play more polo. As Neil Hobday

polo club and one of which Brit-ish Polo is immensely proud.

rightly states, “The young players of today are the playing

The perfect polo club should incorporate all the assets

members of tomorrow, so it is vital that we have a very

and attributes of most other private clubs including high

strong base of young players who feel supported and en-

operational standards, comfortable and efficient facilities,

couraged.”

a warm welcome and a home- from-home atmosphere. Al-

In addition to the focus on up-and-coming players and

lied to that should be excellent polo facilities from pony wel-

the developments at home, Guards is well aware of its in-

fare right through to spectacular high goal grounds, all of

ternational opportunities. As such, the Club has a recipro-

which are qualities highlighted at Guards. With all the de-

cal agreement with many clubs around the globe offering

velopments that have been made and are yet to be com-

its players and social members the opportunity to enjoy in-

pleted, the team is very much looking to the future, making

ternational polo. One of these clubs is St. Moritz, where the

sure that the Guards Polo Club brand will grow in a subtle,

Guards Polo Manager often umpires matches at the St. Mo-

measured and appropriate way. When considering the fu-

ritz Polo World Cup on Snow. Guards is also heavily invol-

ture Neil Hobday states: “I would hope that the Club’s

ved in the Desert Palm Polo Club in Dubai, where the Club

brand, both domestically and internationally, is perceived as

runs the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, which

a high-quality, efficient and service-orientated polo club

will next be played in February 2012.

which has used its expertise and experience in promoting

The International Challenge is also an important event

polo worldwide.”

in the British polo calendar, taking the form of the Hurling-

With such exceptionally high standards, it is no wonder

ham Polo Association International Day, which celebrated

that Guards Polo Club is one of the most prestigious pri-

its 26 and final year of Cartier sponsorship in the 2011 sea-

vate clubs in the world and thus so greatly admired both at

son with England’s victory over Brazil. The International is a

home and abroad.

th

one-day exhibition match which annually attracts 20,000 spectators, providing logistical challenges for the Club. However, as both Mr. Hobday and Oliver Ellis agree, Guards stands out when putting on a spectacular event and whether it is a one-day game with an audience of 20,0000 or one of the world’s greatest polo tournaments like The

Peter Svoboda is the Facilities Manager at Guards.

OLIVIA JOHNSON

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I

MMERSED WITHIN THE STUNNING ENGLISH

countryside of West Sussex, Polo Splice is a rare find within the industry of polo craftsmanship. Immensely popular in the local area, Polo Splice is well known at home and abroad as an efficient, top-quality and intimately-run business.

Unlike many successful international enterprises, what is most striking about Polo Splice is not only the glorious location but the rustic, unassuming appearance of the workshop itself. Seeking it out down a discreet country lane one moves deeper into the idyllic English countryside of yesteryear. Within the serene setting of age-old pubs, stone brick churches, ivy-covered walls and country cottages resides the village of Little Todham. It’s the perfect location for Polo Splice, given its proximity to the world-famous Cowdray polo grounds, where the tranquillity of the area is overthrown during the summer months by the excitement of the British Open.

Polo Splice was founded by Greg Glue, who has been

An extension of the player’s arm

involved in polo for the majority of his life. His interest began at the age of five when his mother was grooming in America. Having left school at the age of 16, he spent most of the 1970s and 1980s following his mother’s footsteps by grooming at various yards in the US. It was not long until

Polo Splice shows us the importance of the art of craftmanship, providing players with equipment of excellence.

he was playing low and medium goal tournaments with a career revolving around breaking in young horses. He spent most of his youth following polo seasons across the Atlantic, spending summers in England and winters in America, reaching a handicap of three goals and primarily playing the defensive position of back.

INSPIRED BY NANO’S POLO STICKS It was during his time in the USA in 1988 that Greg gained his inspiration to start his craftsmanship company, Polo Splice. He was playing polo in Florida at West Palm Beach and working at the Saddle Club, where he began his friendship with Adriano Perez. Adriano had an unrivalled reputation for manufacturing and repairing polo mallets in Argentina and later established Nano’s Polo Mallets, Inc. in

THE PRODUCTION OF POLO MALLETS

The idyllic English countryside is a rustic location for an international enterprise like Polo Splice.

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THE PRODUCTION OF POLO MALLETS

1993. With Nano’s inspiration, polo craftsmanship became an avid interest for Greg and it was not long before he was repairing his own mallets and developing his own high standards.

Greg’s hobby rapidly expanded to include the repair requests of his friends. And as word of his ability spread, he quickly discovered there was a sizeable niche in the British market for repairing polo equipment – a discovery which proved to be far more profitable for him than playing the sport itself. It was at that moment that he took the initiative to discontinue his polo playing career and focus his attention on building a business on the sidelines of the sport. Indeed, with a sport such as polo, it is these sidelines which form the beauty seen during play. Without it, top professionals and amateur players alike would lack a key ingredient in the recipe for success: skill, world-class horses and quality equipment.

Greg formed Polo Splice in 1989 as a part-time hobby, whilst grooming and playing polo in England. As the business grew, Greg realised he had to focus his entire attention on his craftsmanship career. Thus, at the end of the British

THE PRODUCTION OF POLO MALLETS

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Over 8,000 mallets are repaired a year and 1,000 to 1,500 new mallets are created.

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THE PRODUCTION OF POLO MALLETS

season in 1993 he returned to the USA to work at the

the Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand and Australia, to

Saddle Club and refine his skills. A year later he decided to

name but a few!

fully dedicate himself to Polo Splice, which officially began manufacturing and selling new mallets in 1995.

RAW MATERIALS FROM MALAYSIA TO ARGENTINA

Originally a summer business repairing no more than a

As the predominant polo craftsmanship company in Eng-

few hundred mallets per annum, the initial team consisted

land, Polo Splice fulfils the requirements of each customer

of Greg and his wife Kim, whose quick wit and initiative

by maintaining sufficient supplies. The biggest challenge

were crucial to the development of the company. However,

within this field is making sure it receives its materials from

as their reputation grew, so did their figures, and it was not

abroad, whilst trying to overcome the language barriers and

long before Daniel Page joined the dynamic duo. Together

sustain a good relationship with its suppliers in South-East

they repaired over 8,000 mallets a year and created 1,000

Asia. They import top quality Manau cane from Malaysia

to 1,500 new mallets for sale. The team gained Scott

and Indonesia and Tipuana Blanca mallet heads and rubber

Thompson in 2002 and Polo Splice is now an all-year-round

grips from Argentina. Despite rumours that Manau cane is

business. Due to this rapid growth they now have a deluxe

in short supply, Polo Splice has a good relationship with its

trailer enabling them to travel to all English polo clubs, an

suppliers and has not found there to be a shortage. The

online shop and a retail shop alongside their workshop. Suf-

best Manau roots come from the virgin hillside forests of

fice it to say the appearance of the unassuming workshop,

Malaysia and can take up to 70 years to grow, reaching 100

hidden within the West Sussex countryside, conceals the

metres in length. Due to the use of such established mate-

epicentre for British polo craftsmanship.

rials, the quality of Polo Splice mallets is identical to those

Polo Splice is particularly proud of its long-standing re-

originally made in Argentina.

lationships with both competitors and clients. Over the years

In keeping with the traditional materials, Polo Splice also

the clientele has expanded enormously with mallet sales and

maintains the age-old method for mallet manufacturing.

repairs continuing as its central markets. However, the

On arrival at the workshop the root is still attached to the

attractive merchandise displayed in the workshop and trai-

cane, which is used to create the desired stiffness and taper

ler also proves to be very popular with all players. Often the

required by the handle. First and foremost the cane is sea-

repair service provides excellent advertising opportunities,

soned over a long period of time using a low-temperature

as many players are captivated by the range of merchan-

oven. As a result, moisture trapped inside the cane is re-

dise on sale. Such enthused clients have included some of

duced and the shaft is tempered in order to reach its opti-

the world’s top players as well as celebrities like Mike Ru-

mum tension. After straightening, sanding and trimming

therford, Kenny Jones and Jodie Kidd. In addition to its Bri-

the cane to the required length, a small piece of wood is

tish success, Polo Splice exports merchandise internationally.

attached to the strongest part of the cane, and is sanded

This includes English stirrup leathers, goggles and bits to Ar-

and shaped into a handle, where a sling and grip are then

gentina and to many high goal yards within USA, France,

added. Subsequently, the canes are weighed and balanced

THE PRODUCTION OF POLO MALLETS

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In keeping with the traditional materials, Polo Splice also maintains the age-old method for mallet manufacturing.

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THE PRODUCTION OF POLO MALLETS

The production and repair of natural cane mallets is the top priority of Polo Splice.

THE PRODUCTION OF POLO MALLETS

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in order to find the best Tipa head weight for each. Once

A GREAT VARIETY OF STYLES

the head weight is decided, the bottom of the cane is taped

Mallet production has become more refined over the years.

and the mallet head attached. The finishing touches depend

Each player has their preferred mallet style. Therefore, in

on the wishes of the customers as to whether they desire

order to satisfy a player’s taste, the craftsman has to un-

varnished, painted or initialled mallet heads.

derstand their needs exactly. This is why Polo Splice insists

The production and repair of natural cane mallets, with

on creating a personal relationship with each of its clients,

their natural flex acting as a highly efficient shock absorber,

remembering that the perfect mallet for one professional

is the top priority of Polo Splice. Mallet repairs vary depen-

may be disastrous for another.

ding on each incident, just as mallet production varies ac-

The most popular mallet lengths are 52 and 53 inches

cording to each player. Low goal is often far more

(132cm and 135.5 cm) and the most popular mallet head

destructive on mallets than high goal due to the difference

is the cigar-pattern, weighing between 160 to 240 grams

in quality of play. The most common need for repair is a

and 9 ½ inches (24 cm) in length with a centre diameter of

splice, where the cane has twisted and the ball travels in a

44 to 45 millimetres. Beginners of medium build are re-

different direction from where it was originally hit. The cane

commended to use a mallet head of between 185 and 195

is nearly always repairable; but being a natural product it

grams balanced on a medium shaft. If one has less than

can only stand so much. Thus, when a player hits a ball off-

average wrist strength a heavy mallet will cause injury, dis-

centre it will rotate the head a fraction and eventually twist

abling chances of improving one’s game. Therefore, it is im-

the mallet out of alignment. Polo Splice deals with thou-

portant to select a head weight which does not exhaust the

sands of mallet repairs every year and strives to return each

player but instead helps them to form the classic pendulum

mallet as if it were newly made, conveying its fast, profes-

swing with the mallet performing the majority of the work.

sional and reliable service.

To maintain the necessary balance it is advisable to re-

Polo Splice does not specialise in composite mallets as it

duce the head weight by at least 5 grams for each extra

strives to maintain the traditional use of natural cane mal-

inch in cane length. The most efficient way to measure a

lets and prides itself on its field of expertise. Nevertheless,

preferred mallet length is to have the player take up a strik-

it is aware that composite mallets are necessary for certain

ing position on their pony, holding their arm straight as if

versions of the sport, such as increasingly popular arena

holding a mallet. The distance from the ground to the top

polo. As with snow polo, speed, ball control and accuracy

of the player’s palm will be an accurate indication as to

are paramount in the arena. Thus, mallets tend to be lighter

which mallet length would be most suitable. In addition,

and stiffer with slightly larger handles to increase control in

one must not forget the importance of the handle size,

a shorter space of time. As a result, Polo Splice imports gra-

which, if too small, will spin the mallet out of control. The

phite mallets to satisfy the winter demand. In its experience

larger the handle, the more control there is with less strain

most arena players prefer graphite mallets due to their light

on the arm. As a result, 60% of players are satisfied with a

weight, which is favourable when striking a large inflatable

medium-sized handle whereas 30% prefer a larger size. The

ball. On arrival at the workshop the components for graphite mallets are already attached and generally machinemade, so all that remains to be done is to attach the mallet heads and contact the clients.

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THE PRODUCTION OF POLO MALLETS

preferred weight and balance of the mallet is a personal de-

made of natural products, the variety of mallet styles and

cision, but generally most completed mallets weigh bet-

player preferences lead to difficulties when attempting to

ween 470 grams and 550 grams with the heavier range

produce an identical copy. As a result, a large amount of

being used by professionals.

cane is used to create just ten or twenty mallets represen-

In addition to personal taste, the requirements for each

tative of the preferred original. To achieve such accuracy,

mallet depend upon variables such as the size of the pony,

the Polo Splice team search through hundreds of canes in

the strength, size and ability of the player, shot style, diffe-

order to find the exact match to satisfy each client.

rent playing positions and ground conditions. Individual re-

Thanks to the whole team at Polo Splice, Greg’s original

quirements dictate personal preference, and Polo Splice

high standards used for repairing his own mallets have not

works closely with its clients to provide mallets which re-

only provided the foundation for his long-standing crafts-

flect the needs of all players. Traditionally a mallet should be

manship career, but are also clearly seen through the dedi-

firm in the top three quarters of the shaft, with a small

cation and eminence of Polo Splice to this day. It is no

amount of flexibility at the tip. Above all, a good mallet

wonder, therefore, that Polo Splice enjoys an unrivalled sta-

should feel like an extension of the player’s arm without

tus as the only company in England to produce quality

being too heavy to flex from the wrist. Since the mallet is

handmade polo mallets.

The most popular mallet head is the cigar-pattern, weighing between 160 and 240 grams.

OLIVIA JOHNSON

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Every stitch a declaration of love ENTERING HELEN VON ALBERTINI’S ATELIER, YOU DISCOVER A WORLD OF COLOURS AND PATTERNS, REFLECTING THE DIVERSITY OF THE ENGADIN ARTISAN’S LOVINGLY-CREATED GLOVES

Over uneven cobblestones, past typical En-

with embroidery, adornments, embossed le-

gadin houses, along ancient terraces and

ather, pearls, shells, feathers and sequins. I

stables I reach a gnarled wooden gate in the

am immediately captivated by these delicate

narrow Brölet alley in the Lower Engadine

works of art.

village of Ardez. A tiny sign displaying the

There is an old wooden chest in one

name UNA is the only indication that I have

corner, over which blankets and scarves in

made it to the right address. This is Helen

various colours are draped. Here, too, pat-

von Albertini’s atelier, where the artisan

terns, colours and materials, which have

creates her wonderful gloves. Voices and

been expertly mixed and combined, catch

sounds can be heard from inside. After two

the eye. A wooden desk is located next to

knocks, the door is opened by a dainty

the chest, behind which an old chair has

woman with dark hair tied up in a ponytail.

been placed. It looks like an abandoned

“Helen von Albertini?”

throne. Is this the desk of the artist Helen

In response to my question I am invited

von Albertini? On it lies a mix of multi-co-

into a dark hall, where I am asked to wait.

loured stationery, boxes, small cards and

In the long, vaulted room, the floor is also

cases, as well as the atelier’s business cards.

of cobbles which are as uneven as they are

They are, of course, decorated with a pic-

outside in the street. One wall is decorated

ture of an elegant glove.

with old beams, to which numerous gloves

Suddenly a woman, again with her hair

are attached. These pieces are displayed in

in a ponytail, in a patterned brown scarf

all colours and sizes. They are decorated

and with watchful eyes enters the room.

She warmly welcomes me with a handshake and apologises for the delay. So this is Helen von Albertini. She is wearing a large silver ring set with a brown stone. What is interesting is the cut – a little coarse and cloudy, raw and rough, but reflecting a wonderful array of colours. Helen von Albertini apologises once more, as she has to attend to a customer. I am invited to have a look round and to explore the workshop behind.

The workshop, the actual glove-making atelier, is a world of its own. There are castiron sewing machines in green and black, standing on wooden tables. They obviously come from another era, their simple design contrasting with the contemporary models

The workshop, the actual glove-making atelier, is a world of its own.

GLOVES FROM ARDEZ

made from white plastic. Later I am told

cold the atelier, which was once a simple

that each machine is used for a different

sheep barn, can get in winter. Such as on

part of the manufacturing process. Holes

the day of my visit at the beginning of Oct-

and buttons are sewn on one machine-

ober, as thick snowflakes dance wildly in

neat, fine lines on another. Of course this

front of the tiny windows.

also calls for expert handling. They are gen-

As Helen von Albertini is still immersed

erally operated by skilled women from Hun-

in a conversation with her customer in the

gary and Portugal. In their countries,

room next door, I enter the room. Listening

stitching and sewing have a long tradition.

to the artist explain her work is fascinating.

Judging by the number of machines in the

However, before I can pay my full attention

UNA atelier, I would guess that three to four

to what she is saying, I am overwhelmed by

seamstresses must be working here.

numerous fabrics in various colours and

One wall is lined with cutting moulds.

patterns, almost filling the entire room.

They are used by the atelier’s cutter. He is

Glove patterns have been placed in jumbled

responsible for stretching the leather and,

piles – some in transparent bags, some lying

as the profession’s name implies, for the

around openly. Cobalt blue and pink stand

preparation of the glove patterns. The place

out between shades of brown; suede is cov-

is covered in bits of fabric, unfinished

ered by spotted leather; feathers stick out

gloves, wool, yarn, scissors, needles, thre-

from gaps; and leather cases are displayed.

ads and ribbons. A large kettle stands in the

In this room, creative chaos reigns, marking

middle of all this clutter. This hints at how

the beginning of every new collection.

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GLOVES FROM ARDEZ

There seems to be no end to Helen von Albertini’s ideas, and the customer has difficulty deciding which pair of gloves to choose. Finally, she settles for a pair of long black suede gloves, which are to be decorated with an artistically-stitched design in red that will be underlaid with blue leather.

Tiny onyx buttons will be sewn to the opening at the forearm. The customer will receive the finished gloves caringly wrapped in a beautiful box bound with a cobalt-blue ribbon, accompanied by a love poem.

“Where do all these fabrics come from, and where do you get the inspiration for your creations?” I ask Helen von Albertini as soon as the customer has left. “And what does the sign mean that can be found

Every pair of gloves is dedicated to a poem.

GLOVES FROM ARDEZ

on many of the models?”. The artist’s reply

bertini would like to complete the collec-

is elaborate. The fur for the gloves generally

tions with matching clutch bags suitable for

comes from deer, sheep, cows and goats,

carrying the gloves.

and is bought from local suppliers, unless

Of course I am also interested in how

special requests are made, such as orders

the gloves are produced. “First the leather

for reindeer leather, for example. This she

is moistened, stretched and then cut or em-

can acquire from traders and furriers she

bossed, before the actual sewing process

knows well. The many fabrics were collec-

can begin,” explains Helen von Albertini.

ted throughout the years, on her numerous

Here it is crucial to decide which sewing

travels. She has a fondness for Italian, Per-

method matches the chosen leather. The in-

sian and African fabrics, as she associates

clusion of wedges as shaping elements for

these with the cultures to which she has lost

the gloves to fit perfectly requires precision

her heart. This explains the sign that reg-

work. And of course the precision work also

ularly appears in the collections. It is from

includes the decorations. The duration of

the Persian love poet Hafes. Helen von Al-

the manufacturing process also depends on

bertini owes him a large part of her inspira-

whether the leather is embossed or ador-

tion. That is why every pair of gloves she

ned with ribbons, whether patterns are stit-

creates is dedicated to one of his poems.

ched onto the gloves or whether pieces of

Whether directly sewn onto the gloves or

fabric, feathers, shells and tufts are sewn

added to the gift box, together with the

on. Eventually, the gloves are ironed, neatly

gloves, the poems convey the art of love.

wrapped and prepared for sale. The gloves

But why gloves? Helen von Albertini has always been fascinated by fashion from the 1960s, by Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.

To the artist within her, the gloves embody the elegant and graceful look of that time.

And because no other fashion designers have dared to create their own glove collection, she has focused on this specialised field of work. Her range does not only include women’s gloves of all kinds; Helen von Albertini also produces children’s, men’s, riding, biking and driving gloves in various leather and manufacturing styles.

However, stylish gloves for women represent the core of her business, because they can be designed in such incredibly diverse and artful ways. In the future, Helen von Al-

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GLOVES FROM ARDEZ

then find their way to Helen von Albertini’s shop in Zurich, to Faoro Mode in St. Moritz and to Giovanoli Sport in Sils-Maria.

The company’s headquarters however, are the atelier in Ardez, where the artisan Helen von Albertini works and lives. It is well worth walking along the unevenly cobbled streets, past typical Engadin houses and ancient terraces and stables, to purchase a pair of gloves in the narrow Brölet alley in Ardez. Witnessing where the gloves come from, how they are produced and how they are created according to individual taste is what makes this artistic craft so special to the interested customers. In this respect, I even dare to compare the search for a pair of perfectly-fitting gloves to the search for the perfect man. For both, we women desire different traits, patterns and finesses in order to meet our expectations. However, there is one subtle but significant difference: whilst there will never be 'the perfect man', Helen von Albertini’s glove range provides several suitable candidates to choose from in your search for the perfect glove.

PETRA FAUSCH

GLOVES FROM ARDEZ

About Helen von Albertini Helen von Albertini studied at the Swiss Textile College in Zurich, where she graduated as a textile designer. She then went on to study oil painting and sculpture at the School of Fine Arts in Paris. In Zurich, she designed haute couture and prêt-à-porter fashion for the Brauchbar silk company. Subsequently, the artist went to New York, where she attended the renowned HB-Studio drama school. During that time, she designed her first foulard collection, and then for five years was commissioned by the Japanese Goldwin company to design a sportswear collection.

In 1998, she founded her own label UNA and opened her first shop in the Torgasse in Zurich, which specialises in gloves. In 2007, the second shop followed in St. Moritz, and since then she has also been creating foulards and various accessories under the UNA label. Since the end of August 2009, she has been producing small-scale artistic series and exclusive individual pieces in her small but exquisite glovemaking atelier in the Lower Engadine village of Ardez. www.una-fashion.ch

The company’s headquarters are the atelier in Ardez, where the artisan Helen von Albertini works and lives.

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Feuerstein Essentials Switzerland: magical power and science GENTLE CARE

What Domenic Feuerstein once recorded in

“Warm Stone” and “Good Earth”. The

poetic texts and pictures in numerous books

soaps are lovingly formed in a Swiss soap

on nature has been sustained spiritually in

factory. Like a top-class chef, the apron-clad

the concept created by his grandchildren

soap boiler stands beside her pans, adding

Madlaina and Nicola Feuerstein: pure na-

her secrets to the blend, crafting her elixir.

ture in its ancient beauty, the powers of a

From an arsenal of herbs, oils and spices,

variety of medical plants that have been

she concocts exquisitely fragrant creations which gently care for your skin and awaken memories of bygone times.

Alpine herbs and Edelweiss blossoms, which are regarded as anti-ageing elements in the field of cosmetic research, are combined with laboratory substances into silky soft

used for centuries and enchanting fragrances are captured in a skincare and accessory line which is finding its way into only the most exclusive hotels and spas, as well as into selected specialist shops.

By now the concept devised by the two members of the Feuerstein family has developed into a complete skincare product line which is traded as an insider tip within the beauty world. Many products are handmade in Switzerland – inspired, unique items far removed from mass-produced goods of anonymous origins. The soaps by Feuerstein Essentials, for instance, whose origin lives on in their names “Calm Lake”,

FEUERSTEIN ESSENTIALS

skincare and who wish to be enchanted by the yearning for limitlessness and untouched nature, as Domenic Feuerstein described in 1938 with the following words: “Suddenly, something inside of us sings and swings, a wondrous yearning for woods and mountains and solitude and peace.�

For further information, please visit us at: www.feuerstein-essentials.ch

creams and lotions. In addition to selected phytoextracts, pure vegetable oils, shea butter and honey, the skin is moisturised with hyaluronic acid, collagen and silk proteins.

Feuerstein Essentials relies on the combination of nature and science and, in line with the current spirit of our time, unites ancient knowledge from botanical medicine with discoveries from the latest cosmetics research.

Each individual jar and bottle made of elegant black Miron glass is fashioned by hand. Embellished with a silk ribbon, the Essentials start their journey, bound for people who focus on quality, who desire optimum

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I

T WAS A MOVING MOMENT. At the 2010

St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow, Urs E. Schwarzenbach was named the Honorary Consul of Mongolia in Switzerland. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of St. Moritz Polo AG continues to represent Mongolian interests in Switzerland, promoting bilateral relations between the two countries. The President of Mongolia, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, had travelled to the Engadin from Mongolia especially to attend the appointment ceremony. He had sent the Certificate of Appointment to Berne, where the President of the Swiss Confederation, Doris Leuthard, issued the exequatur.

Naturally the whole process was suitably formal, as is usual in the higher echelons of diplomacy and politics. However, the crucial basis for collaboration had been laid in a very uncomplicated and pragmatic way: thanks to polo. “My passion for polo has taken me to Mongolia,” says Urs E. Schwarzenbach, and President Elbegdorj proudly refers to the riding tradition and to the fact that in his country, at any one time 300,000 people will be on horseback every day. That means something: Mongolia is 38 times bigger

Polo in Mongolia: the second stage

than Switzerland but has less than half the number of inhabitants.

Tradition and passion – these qualities have come together at the Khan Polo Club. The club, founded by Luvsanvandan Boldkhuyag to take the sport of polo back to its

The Khan Polo Club is established.

Now work begins on improving the infrastructure to bring polo back to its roots.

roots, is supported by St. Moritz Polo AG with know-how and drive. “Polo is so wellestablished in so many countries, especially India, Argentina, Great Britain and the USA; but we should always remember that Mongolians played it a very long time ago. It is one of the ancient sports of our country, and one we certainly had to bring back,” says Luvsanvandan Boldkhuyag about the reasons behind the initiative, why he launched the club on a private basis and why he has taken over the presidency of the Mongolian Polo Federation. Together with his brother and two partners, Luvsanvandan Boldkhuyag established the Bodi Group in 1993. This has since grown to become one of Mongolia’s two leading diversified industrial and trading conglomer-

THE KHAN POLO CLUB

The layout of the Khan Polo Club, located in Terelj National Park.

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THE KHAN POLO CLUB

ates, controlling, amongst other things, the country’s largest insurance company and leading bank, Golomt Bank.

Now this entrepreneur with initiative is moving on to the second stage in polo, too. The structures are in place; the infrastructure at the Khan Polo Club will now be built.

Mongolia is a country of unique beauty. In the autumn, forests of larch trees cover the rolling hills and valleys around the capital Ulaanbaatar, as if with a golden veil. This is strongly reminiscent of the Engadin, so there is also a connection between Mongolia and Switzerland where the landscape is concerned. But as in every metropolis, Ulaanbaatar is not just a city full of idyllic picture-postcard scenery.

From the Zaisan Memorial, a monument on a hill in the south of the city to commemorate the unknown Soviet soldiers who fell during the Second World War, one’s view wanders to the prefabricated buildings and high, modern office blocks that dominate the new skyline of the Mongolian capital. And when your eye wanders across the range of hills of autumn gold that encircle the capital that is home to over a million people, it becomes clear that a significant part of the varied architecture is not made of metal, stone and steel, but of fur, wood and canvas. A large proportion of the population still live in gers, the traditional Mongolian yurts.

Ulaanbaatar has always stood at the crossroads between the past and the present. The history of the capital of what was once a kingdom of nomads stretches back into the early part of the 17th Century, moving through dependence on China, Russia and the Soviet Union, and on through the socialist and more recent democratic revolutions. Today, Ulaanbaatar profits from a welcome process of democratisation along with an increase in the standard of living. This is because under the barren ground of Mongolia lie many untapped reserves of natural resources: gold, copper, uranium and coal. These resources also bring people from the countryside into the city, in the hope that they can be part of an economic boom. President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj is quoted as saying that this doesn’t mean that the tra-

THE KHAN POLO CLUB

There will be space in the stables for between 40 and 50 ponies.

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THE KHAN POLO CLUB

The camp housing is designed as gers, the traditional Mongolian yurts.

THE KHAN POLO CLUB

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ditional nomadic lifestyle should be abandoned, even if the money for development in Mongolia comes from the mining industry for the time being.

At the Khan Polo Club, too, Luvsanvandan Boldkhuyag wants to bring together the past and the present. The club is located in the Terelj National Park, less than 100 kilometres away from Ulaanbaatar. It will be built to exhibit a combination of Mongolian and European styles. There will be space in the stables for between 40 and 50 ponies, where they will be trained by club trainer Ganbadral Sukhbaatar on two grass areas and one sand. “The stables are already being built,” says Boldkhuyag, “and so is the ger camp housing the traditional Mongolian yurts.” The work is not finished, though. “We are running slightly behind schedule because of the very hard winter here in Mongolia. As a result, the building work had to start later than planned.”

Yes, the hard winters: this is also something that Mongolia has in common with Switzerland.

Once the stables and the ger camp have been built, work will start on building the clubhouse for the Khan Polo Club. Then the second stage will be complete and the next phase can begin: in earnest the business of running the polo club. Clearly there are already big plans for the future.

“We want to put together our own polo team, and our ultimate goal is to stage an international polo tournament,” says Luvsanvandan Boldkhuyag. He is fully aware that polo tournaments have to be held at national level first. The inaugural match was planned for the spring of 2010, but here concessions to the hard winter also had to be made. Concessions caused by nature, which the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow also has to contend with. Nevertheless, on 11 July 2011, the Mongolian National Day, the Khan Polo Club organised a polo match at the Mongolian Naadam Festival. The festival is also referred to as “the three games of men”, as it features riding, archery and wrestling competitions.

PETER JEGEN

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N

ICK JOHNSON, a young and passionate polo

player, began riding at the age of two at a small riding school in West Sussex. Having developed a deep love for horses, he was given his first pony at four years old, which he rode every weekend around the beautiful countryside in Southern England. At five years old, Nick had his first major experience with competitive high goal polo whilst watching his uncle’s victory in the 1996 British Open at Cowdray Park Polo Club with his team C.S. Brooks. Nick was mesmerised by the speed, the exceptional agility of the ponies and the skilled team consisting of Eduardo and Ignacio Heguy, John Fisher and his uncle, Brook Johnson. Eduardo Heguy immediately became Nick’s idol with his incredible goalscoring ability, scoring eleven out of the 13 goals. It was whilst watching this final that Nick realised that a career in polo was the path he wished to follow. Like many players before him, there is a distinct moment in which the power of polo enchants the prospective player and for Nick this was that mo-

A journey of determination

ment. He was enthralled by the sport; and since that time Nick has dedicated his young life to achieving his goal.

Nick is now 20 years old and has lived in West Sussex near Cowdray Park his whole life. Surrounded by horses, polo and players, he has developed an unshakeable passion for every aspect of the sport. Having played his first chukka

Nick Johnson wants to be a professional polo player.

Despite severe setbacks, he is still pursuing his dream.

at Ambersham at the age of eleven, Nick has become renowned in the Cowdray area for his enthusiasm and determination. Now a valid playing member of Cowdray Park, Nick has had the opportunity to play at many of the principal British polo clubs. He played his first polo tournament at Knepp Castle with his father and a British professional, Charles Seavill. Charles became Nick’s first coach and coached him until he reached the age of 16, during which time they played together frequently at Knepp Castle and Cowdray Park. Nick was fortunate enough to have been mounted by his uncle with four retired high goal polo ponies when he was 14, which he kept at Charles’ yard. He spent every waking moment with his ponies, training with Charles and learning the key ingredients to running a successful yard.

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NICK JOHNSON

It was during this time working at Charles’ yard that

with Terry, he had to place a tenpound note in between his

Nick realised the importance of being selfsufficient and

knees and the saddle for the duration of the ride, to make

how, to be a successful polo player, you had to be aware of

sure he was constantly gripping tightly.

all equine eventualities both on and off the field. Conse-

No stranger to hard work, Nick immersed himself in

quently, at 16, whilst studying for his GCSEs, Nick joined

every aspect of polo from the excitement and skill of play to

the Ambersham Polo Academy, where he worked for Terry

the less glamorous behind-the-scene elements. In return for

Hanlon, a dear friend of the late Lord Cowdray and noto-

vigorous training on both the field and the wooden horse,

rious as the ‘Voice of Polo’ for his outstanding annual commentary of the British Open.

Since he has worked with so many aspiring players, it is un-

as well as playing chukkas with

“The ball had to be constantly moving for each shot, which imroved my hand-eye coordination enormously.”

usual to find a British player

professionals and patrons alike, Nick worked with Terry’s numerous ponies. He learnt how to break in and work with green ponies, as well as helping with

who is unfamiliar with the unique methods of Terry Han-

the general upkeep of the yard by mucking out, cleaning

lon. During training Nick recalls stick and balling on Terry’s

tack and grooming at games.

practice field with Terry following him closely in his car, gi-

Whilst working for Terry Hanlon, Nick acquired valuable

ving instructions all the way. Nick remembers: “The ball had

skills in how to manage a yard and how to prioritise pony

to be constantly moving for each shot, which improved my

welfare. In addition to this, he realised the value of being

hand-eye coordination enormously, and I can still hear Ter-

able to maintain his own polo equipment. As a result Nick

ry’s voice every time I play.” Another method Nick menti-

took up a position at Polo Splice, a renowned polo mallet re-

ons is that whenever he was schooling ponies or hacking

pair and manufacture establishment. There he was taught the necessary skills to create new mallets, understanding the effects of varying weights and styles as well as being taught how to re-splice and re-head broken mallets. With this breadth of experience Nick enriched his knowledge of all aspects of polo, making him a uniquely self-sufficient player.

Nick had his first break at 16 when he was offered a position to play in Andre Fattal’s eight goal team at the end of the 2007 season. So impressed was he with Nick’s skill that Andre Fattal introduced him to his Argentine professional, Marcelo Pascual. Nick and Marcelo developed a strong bond, and he was soon invited to Argentina to train at Marcelo’s estancia. On arrival in Argentina Nick recalls going through Customs and being greeted by a wall of television screens showing constant polo. It was in that instant that he knew he had come to the right place. Nick’s time in Argentina was invaluable, giving him the pheno-

With a ten-pound note between his knees and the saddle, Nick learnt to constantly grip tightly.

NICK JOHNSON

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menal opportunity to play high goal practices with estee-

on, with a steel plate implanted by seven screws to stabilise

med players such as Guillermo Terrera and Frankie and Edu-

his collarbone. Once out of hospital, Nick went straight to

ardo Menendez. As a result of this training, Nick was

the Ambersham Polo Academy, where Terry Hanlon insisted

offered a position with Andre Fattal’s team for the duration

he mounted immediately. As a result, Nick wasted no time

of the following season.

in getting back on a pony and into the saddle.

On returning to England Nick took up his new position,

Nick was resolute not to let his injury set him back. His

immersing himself in eight goal tournaments, and ended

determination to recover and get back in the game was un-

the season by winning the Brecknock Cup. “This was the

precedented, and he returned to Argentina shortly after his

first Cowdray tournament I had ever won,” he says. “I was

rehabilitation. He played his first team practice at Los Indios

ecstatic and couldn’t wait to play the next!” Whilst playing

Polo Club with his childhood idol Eduardo Heguy. Despite

medium goal, Nick kept up his work and training at the Am-

his nerves and his initially hesitant play, he trained vigorously

bersham Polo Academy as well as playing for Charles

with Eduardo and Pepe Heguy, who encouraged him to re-

McCowan’s twelve goal team, Lameri, alongside Santiago

gain his confidence and return to his previous level of

Gaztambide and Enrique Avendaño. The cross-continent ex-

strength. Having completed his training, he played the

perience Nick gained that year gave him the necessary ex-

twenty-two goal tournament with Lora Piana at Centau-

posure to take his first major step towards professional high

ros/La Picasa Polo Tour.

goal polo.

Despite the phenomenal comeback, Lora Piana chose

Nick turned professional at the age of 18 during his final

William Beresford, another up-and-coming player and one

year of school, whilst studying for his A Levels. He was

of Nick’s closest friends, too, to play with them in the British

asked to play for Loro Piana and invited back to Argentina

Open. Learning of his sudden availability, the manager of

to train with Juan Martin Nero in order to prepare for the

Sumaya contacted Nick and asked him to substitute for the

British Open the following summer. This was a dream come true for Nick, and he was overjoyed at the chance to play with and against some of the best players in the world. Nick spent two months in Argentina, where he experienced a speed of play that he had never felt before and thus improved tremendously under the influence of such quality players and ponies.

The pinnacle of the trip was when the manager of Loro Piana took Nick to play with David Stirling in an eighteen goal tournament at Adolfo Cambiaso’s farm, Cañuelas. However, it was during this tournament that an unforeseen eventuality occurred. When going for goal Nick received a hard ride off sending his pony careering into the goal post, an impact which threw him and the ball through the posts.

In shock and agony, he was rushed to hospital where he was told he had broken his collarbone and required surgery.

Within 24 hours Nick was flown to England and operated

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NICK JOHNSON

patron, Oussama Aboughazale, in The Queen’s Cup at Gu-

sure during the British Open, Nick was immediately invited

ards Polo Club. The one game Nick happened to play for

by Nicolas Espain to play with him in the medium goal in So-

Sumaya, the team won and beat La Bamba de Arecho, who

togrande. Nick left for Spain the day after the Quarter Finals

coincidentally went on to win the British Open.

of the British Open and took up a position with a new team

Following his success in The Queen’s Cup, Nick had a

called Seven Sevens. Nick explains how polo in Spain dif-

trial with Talandracas and was chosen to play for the 2009

fers from England as the terrain is more similar to that of Ar-

British Open. They beat Les Lions during their first match,

gentina. Spain and Argentina share the same Tifton grass,

playing against Eduardo Heguy, with Nick’s previous train-

which only grows in dryer climates and creates faster,

ing clearly having paid off as he scored a hat-trick. Ironically,

smoother surfaces for play. His experience in Spain was sen-

during their second league match, Talandracas beat Lora

sational: playing polo, living in a beautiful apartment in the

Piana by ten goals. Whilst recollecting this phenomenal

port with his teammates and working each day in Ayala

achievement Nick states enthusiastically: “Ali Agoté played

with the team’s ponies.

like a ten goal player, he just couldn’t miss!” Nick reached

Having had a phenomenal season in 2009, Nick was

the Quarter Finals of the British Open with Talandracas, but

awarded a polo scholarship to the Royal Agricultural College

the team unfortunately lost by one goal in the last seconds

at Cirencester to study International Equine and Agriculture

of the enthralling match. On remembering the game Nick

Business Management. During the winter months Nick re-

explains that “This was the most exciting game I had ever

presented the College in arena polo, which is a completely

played in England and the pace was completely different

different style of play and immensely useful for maintaining

from the preceding league games. Each player was compe-

ball skills off-season. Despite Nick’s constant playing, his stu-

ting to win and no one played half-heartedly, we all gave

dies ment that the beginning of the 2010 season was a little

one hundred percent.” As a result of the exceptional expo-

slower on the high goal front and he predominantly played as a substitute. However, he did play for Clare Milford Haven’s team Jaeger Le Coultre at Cowdray Park, as well as with Montana in the Gerald Balding at Cirencester Park.

Further into the season, Lora Piana once again asked Nick to play for them in the exhibition match for The Argentine Ambassador’s Cup as well as the fifteen goal Brian Bethal Cup at Cowdray Park, playing alongside Alejandro Muzzio and Agustin Nero. As a result of his skill in the tournament, Nick was asked to substitute for Lora Piana in the British Open. The day before the British Open was due to begin, Nick was playing for Charlie McCowan’s team, Lameri, in the Texaco twelve goal with Sebastian Gaztambide and unfortunately suffered a horrific injury. During a throw in mid-game, the pony beside him hooked the fold of his arm with its Pelham bit, ripping his skin apart so that his muscle was gruesomely exposed. “I remember the faces of the players around me and particularly the horrified look of

Nick’s knowledge of pony welfare and the business of polo give him a firm interest in polo management.

NICK JOHNSON

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the umpire, none of which filled me with confidence,” he

chance to work with Apes Hill Polo Club in Barbados. This

recalls. He was subsequently given 32 stitches and informed

was a fantastic opportunity to work for Sir Charles Williams

that not only was the injury millimetres away from a major

under his motivational management team of Jamie and Neil

artery but he could have lost the use of his right arm. On the

Dickson. Nick rode an average of 16 ponies a day and

way to hospital Nick remembers the paramedic telling him

played at the stunning Apes Hill Polo Club overlooking the

there was a possibility he might never be able to straighten his arm, and he was terrified that the end of his polo career had arrived far too prematurely. Nick

west coast of Barbados, an

“There are three things which make a great player; the quality of your skill with the ball, the quality of your riding but most importantly the quality of your pony“

experience he describes as “magical”. Having returned to England, Nick resumed his studies and took up a six-month work pla-

could not, therefore, take

cement at Ambersham

up the offer from Lora Piana

Polo Academy in order to

and was unable to play for any other teams throughout the

complete the requirements for the second year of his de-

remainder of the season, by which he was understandably

gree. In addition, he played professionally in low and me-

devastated.

dium goal tournaments at Cowdray Park, Burningfold and

Once again, though, Nick was not willing to let any in-

Hurtwood, with teams such as Montana and Lora Piana.

jury stand in his way. At the beginning of his second year at

Throughout the 2011 British Open, Nick also trained every

university, he underwent various sessions of physiotherapy

day with Nicolas Espain at Great Trippetts Farm.

and regained full use of his right arm. He wasted no time in

2011 was undoubtedly the most difficult year that Nick

getting back in the game and was subsequently offered the

has endured on his polo journey and, as a result, he could not afford to keep his ponies stabled for the duration of the season. He decided to turn them out in early August and fly to Spain in order to find work in Sotogrande, where the season was still in full force. In Spain, his determination and passion did not go unnoticed and he was chosen to play for Sotovila due to the patron being injured. Nick and his team mates went on to play in the Spanish low goal Gold Cup final, narrowly losing by one goal.

Owing to a lack of financial support, Nick has not been able to sufficiently fund his dream. As a result, he has had to rely on the generosity of others, including the donation of ponies, to help him along his polo path. As a result of this generosity and his knowledge of making and training young horses, Nick has begun breeding and building up his own string of ponies with the help of Nicolas Espain. Nick explains: “I feel honoured that Nicolas Espain has been so kind as to help me in this way and lend me his ponies, but above

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NICK JOHNSON

all I am grateful for his generosity of time.” In addition to

tact with La Varzea Polo Club in Lisbon and aims to boost

his focus on breeding, Nick continues to network at every

the status of Portuguese polo by encouraging British pa-

opportunity. Whilst not playing, he avidly looks after his po-

trons to escape from the cold English winter in Portugal.

nies alongside his studies and continues to work at the Am-

This will enable players of all levels to continue playing

bersham Polo Academy. Nick is determined to stay within

throughout the year, as well as heightening the popularity

the high goal circuit and earn money in all aspects of polo.

of Portuguese polo and increasing the status of La Varzea

As such he spends every available moment working at mat-

Polo Club to that of Santa Maria Polo Club in Sotogrande.

ches, assisting grooms with the ponies and renting his own

Above all, Nick’s principal focus has always been the po-

ponies to high goal umpires to cover costs.

nies. His fascination here and his experience of breeding

From a very early age Nick’s dream has been to be a pro-

and making young horses has given Nick a deep under-

fessional polo player; however, unlike many of his more for-

standing of this stunning animal. Horses are his great love,

tunate peers, he realises what a near-impossibility this is

a love that is clearly conveyed on the field through his cons-

without firm financial backing. Despite this, his determina-

cientious style of play and his awareness of how his play

tion has not foundered and he is still set on making the ne-

will affect the pony. He adores polo; but at the heart of this

cessary contacts and pursuing his dream. Nick is hoping to

is his love for the animal that makes the sport possible. For

have reached five goals by his mid-twenties and plans to

Nick, the ponies’ welfare is at the centre of all aspects of

become an established professional player. He is also eager

the sport. “There are three things which make a great

to bring more patrons to the sport by sharing his passion,

player,” he says. “The quality of your skill with the ball, the

stating that “Polo relies on patrons, without whom the

quality of your riding but most importantly the quality of

sport would not exist and could not continue, especially in

your pony. The first concern has to be the ponies, as the

such economically turbulent times.” Nick is currently in con-

game would not exist without them. Even if you’re the best rider in the world, you could not become a ten goal player on a donkey!”

Having realised the very real difficulties of becoming a successful professional polo player, Nick has used his experience to broaden his horizons. In doing so, his knowledge of pony welfare and the business of polo have given him a firm interest in polo management. In addition to his everpresent desire to continue to play polo professionally, it is now Nick’s ambition to become the manager of a prestigious polo club, utilising his personal and professional experience as well as his university education to achieve his goal.

Horses are Nick’s great love, and the ponies’ welfare is at the centre of all his polo activities.

OLIVIA JOHNSON

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Polo equipment THE IMPORTANCE OF ENSURING SAFETY FOR PLAYERS AND HORSES

Helmet

Mallet

Saddle

Snaffle bridle

Martingale

Braided tail

Knee pads

Boots

Bandages

Bandages

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The terminology of polo SOME BASIC DEFINITIONS AND RULES TO HELP SPECTATORS ENJOY WATCHING A POLO MATCH

At first sight, polo looks fairly simple. However, the written rules of the game, governing all the moves and rights of way, are voluminous. The safety of the ponies and their riders is accorded the very highest priority, in addition to balanced, competitive and fluid play.

Appealing. Claim by players for a foul, often expressed by the raising of sticks above the head (any action whilst appealing deemed to be excessive, particularly ‘helicoptering’ the stick above the head, can be penalised).

Backhand. Changing the direction of play by sending the ball in the opposite direction.

Bandages. The protective wraps the ponies wear on their legs.

Ball. Must be within the limits of 7.6 to 8.9 cm in diameter and 100 to 128 grams in weight. A polo ball is usually made of a hard, solid plastic.

The air-filled ball used on snow is bigger (16 to 19 cm in diameter) and heavier, approximately 170 grams.

Bump. When a player directs his pony into the side of an opponent’s pony to disrupt his shot.

Check and turn. To stop the pony and then turn (safely of course!).

Chukka (or chukker). Term used for a period of play in polo, derived from the Indian Sanskrit word chakra, meaning “circle” or “wheel”. Depending on the format of the tournament, a polo match consists of four, five or six chukkas.

In Europe, a low goal match normally consists of four chukkas, each lasting 7.5 minutes. The last chukka of the game lasts exactly seven minutes. A pony can be played in no more than two chukkas in any one match, and not in consecutive chukkas. This means that ponies are changed between chukkas.

Conformation. The outward appearance of the polo pony.

Cross-breeding. Refers to the cross-breeding of different types of horses. Polo ponies are sometimes a cross-breed between Criollos (an Argentine breed) and thoroughbreds (from Britain, Australia or New Zealand).

Direction of play. The game has one curious tradition, which always confuses newcomers to polo. Whenever a goal is scored, the direction of play switches. The rule traces its origin to the hotter climes of the British Empire. Playing against a low and dazzling sun put one team at

THE TIMELINE OF POLO IN ST. MORITZ 1899 The first polo field is laid out in St. Moritz Bad, after some British cavalry officers played polo as part of their military training and as a leisure activity. This makes St. Moritz one of the cradles of polo in

a decisive disadvantage. The rule also prevents excessive damage to the turf at the weaker team’s goalmouth due to one-way play.

Field. Usually 300 yards long by 160 yards wide (274 mx 182 m) and outlined by ’boards’ (wooden planking that acts as a boundary to the field).

The ground must be firm and constantly maintained. Polo on snow is played on smaller fields, as the physical strain of playing winter polo, mostly at higher altitudes, is greater for the ponies than in summer polo on grass. The goal has uprights but no crossbar, and is 7.3 metres wide.

Goal. Any time the ball crosses the line between the goal posts, regardless of who (including ponies) knocks it through.

Goal judge. An official goal observer appointed to signal by waving a flag over the head if a goal is scored, or under the waist if not a goal, and then pointing to one side or the other of the goal to signal a ‘hit in’.

Handicap. Depending on aptitude, each polo player plays with a handicap ranging from -2 to +10. Whilst the entry level of -2 denotes a beginner, very few players in the world hold the highest possible handicap of +10, and most of these are Argentinians. A player’s handicap is assigned annually by their peers and their federation, according to their performance. However, it can vary depending on which country he or she is playing in.

Helmet. A piece of protective headgear worn by all players and the umpires. The original polo helmet was reminiscent of the tropical helmet

continental Europe. Shortly before the first-ever alpine polo match is due to be held, the cavalry officers receive orders to sail for South Africa, where the Boer War is being fought. Interest in the sport of polo ebbs away in St. Moritz and no further games are played.

1959 The St. Moritz Polo Club is founded under the chairmanship of Dr. P. R. Berry. The founder members include Andrea Badrutt, Peter Kaspar and Colonel Lodi, from Rome.

1960 – 1964 A major international polo tournament is held in St. Moritz each summer, involving teams from Argentina,

GLOSSARY

worn by English officers in India during the colonial period.

High goal. Highest of the three levels of competition. High goal polo is considered to be for teams rated eighteen goals or over in total handicap.

Hit in. After the ball crosses the backline, the defending team hits the ball back into play from their own backline.

Hook. Catching an opponent’s stick in its swing below the level of the player’s shoulder, in order to ‘leave’, or so that he or she can turn the ball for a teammate.

Leave. To ride past the ball so that a teammate behind can hit it (often shouted during a passage of play).

Line of the ball. The fundamental and most important rule of the sport of polo is known as the ‘right of way’ (ROW). Whenever the ball is in play, a right of way exists and is always deemed

Italy, the USA and England.

The event attracts 3,000 to 4,000 spectators each year, from the Engadin and well beyond. The only player from the Engadin at this time – in fact from the whole of Switzerland – is Christian Mathis.

1965 The polo pitch is converted into a high-altitude trai-

ning centre for athletes competing in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. For the time being, this puts an end to polo in St. Moritz.

1985 On the 26th and 27th of January, the St. Moritz Polo Club organises and hosts the world premiere of the Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow on

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to be held by the player who is established on, or at the closest angle to, the line of the ball (LOB = the extended path along which the ball has travelled, or is travelling). No other player may enter or cross this ROW, unless this is done at a safe distance. Players may not position or check their ponies over the line if this poses the slightest risk of collision with the player who currently has ROW. Low goal. Lowest of the three levels of competition. Low goal polo is considered to be for teams rated at or under eight goals in total handicap.

Medium goal. Middle of the three levels of competition. Medium goal polo is considered to be for teams rated from thirteen to fifteen goals in total handicap.

Officials. Two mounted umpires do most of the officiating, with a ‘third man’ or referee, who places themselves on the side-lines at the middle of the field, having the final say in any dispute between the umpires.

Patron. A person (who usually also plays) who puts together the team and usually pays for the bulk of the expenses.

Pass. To hit the ball forward, backwards or laterally to a teammate.

Penalty. Numbered from 1 to 10, usually consisting of a free hit awarded to the team that has been fouled, from a set distance determined by the severity of the foul committed.

Polo. Derived from “Pulu”, the Tibetan word for “ball”.

Pony. The present-day polo pony, at a height of between 14.5 (more commonly known as 14.2, in other words, 14 hands and 2 inches) to 16 hands, or 155 to 160 cm, far exceeds a normal pony’s height. It traces its pedigree back to the crossing of the original Himalayan mountain ponies (13 hands or less – 125 to 135 cm), the Manipuris of Assam, with English or American Thoroughbreds, Arabians and others, especially South American stud horses. Although purebred thoroughbreds are also highly sought after, the Argentinian polo breed (Criollo) often crossbred with thoroughbreds, still dominates. These tough little horses are masters of the sudden burst of speed. Brave and pugnacious, they are

the frozen St. Moritz Lake.

The unique white arena on the lake passes its initiation as a polo field with flying colours.

1991 – 1995 After much hard work the Club lays out a new polo field, the “San Gian Equestrian Sports Field“ in St. Moritz Bad. In 1992 the Federation of International Polo

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GLOSSARY

second to none in agility and alertness.

Positions. There are four players on a team. The forwards are numbered one and two, and are primarily concerned with scoring; number three, the centre half, assists the scorers and aids in defence, and is often the most experienced member of the team; defence and counter-attacking opportunities are the responsibilities of the back, or number four.

Ride off. Two riders may make contact and attempt to push each other off the line of the ball to prevent an opponent from striking the ball Reins. Polo players ride with two sets of reins – to be on the safe side if one set breaks and also to increase the level of control the player has over their horse.

Safety. Also known as a Penalty 6, when a defending player hits the ball over his own backline.

Sideboards (or boards). Short boards along the side-lines of the field to help keep the ball in play.

Stick (or mallet). The implement used in polo to hit the ball. The wide face of the mallet head is used to strike the ball. All players must hold the mallet right-handed.

Stick and ball. Time set aside for individual practice.

Sudden death. Overtime play when the score is tied at the end of the last regular chukka. The first team to score wins.

Swing. Hitting at the ball with the mallet using one of four basic shots: forehand, backhand, neckshot or tailshot, all of which can be played on either the offside (right) or nearside (left).

Tack. All the equipment used on a pony.

Tapping. In principle the ball is tapped on the right side of the pony, known as the ‘offside’.

Tapping, or hitting the ball, takes place in a forward (offside forehand) or backward (offside backhand) direction. For a ‘nearside’ play, which takes place on the pony’s left side, the player has to twist in the saddle and, holding the stick in his right hand, bring it to the other side of the pony.

Nearside forehand and nearside backhand are the corresponding forward and backward plays.

‘Under the neck’ refers to strokes performed in front of, or under the neck of, the pony.

Amongst the trickiest manoeuvres are ‘tail’

(FIP) decides to hold the 1993 European Championships and the 1995 World Cup in St. Moritz. St. Moritz thus becomes the only place in the world where polo is played both on snow in winter and on grass in summer.

1996 Arrangements are made for the building rights to the

shots, performed around the tail or to the rear of the horse.

Team. Consists of four players on each team (see ‘Positions’). A team’s handicap is the total of its players’ goal or handicap ratings. Tournaments are held in handicap categories. High goal polo is considered to be for teams rated eighteen goals or over, and medium goal play is for thirteen to fifteen goals.

Temperament. Description of the pony’s mental constitution; strong nerves, composure.

Third man. The referee sitting on the side-lines; if the two umpires on the field are in disagreement, the third man makes the final decision.

Throw in. When the umpire starts or resumes the match, he rolls the ball down the centre of a line-up of players and horses.

Time. An umpire will blow the whistle (and may call ‘time’) when a foul is committed, an accident occurs, or at his or her discretion; a player may only call for time out if he or she has a broken tack that is deemed dangerous or is injured.

Treading in. At half-time (generally after two or three chukkas), there is a five-minute break, during which the public are asked to walk on to the field and ‘tread in’ the divots of turf carved up by the ponies’ hooves.

Umpires. Two mounted officials, one for each side of the field.

San Gian Equestrian Sports Field to revert to the municipality of St. Moritz. The site has proved unexpectedly costly to lay out and equip. This, and reinstatement work after the World Cup and other events, place the Club in dire financial straits. The reversion of the building rights is a help in

overcoming these problems.

1999 – 2004 Urs E. Schwarzenbach takes over the organisation of the Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow. In 2001 he is elected as the St. Moritz Polo Club’s new Chairman. In 2003 the Club stages a summer polo college.

2005 St. Moritz Polo AG is in-

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The history of polo FROM THE MISTS OF ANTIQUITY TO AN OLYMPIC SPORT, POLO REFLECTS ALL THE QUALITIES THAT MADE THE MONGOLIANS THE GREATEST OF HORSEMEN

The origins of polo are lost in the mists of

Club, the oldest polo club still in existence,

antiquity. History records that the ancient

was founded in 1862. In 1868, the Malta

Persians knew the sport as “Chaughan”

Polo Club was founded by British army and

and played it as far back as 2,500 years ago.

naval officers stopping off there on their

The Chinese also lay claim to a polo tradi-

way home from India.

tion dating back several thousand years. Be

In 1869, Edward “Chicken” Hartopp of

that as it may, in all probability these ancient

the 10th Hussars (a British cavalry regiment)

civilisations picked up the sport from the

read an account of the game in the maga-

Central Asian nomads whose home was the

zine The Field whilst stationed at Aldershot,

saddle and whose range ran from the Great

and, with fellow officers, organised the first

Wall of China in the east to the Caspian Sea

game in Britain – known then as “hockey

in the west.

on horseback.”The 1st Life Guards and the

Certainly, the game of polo reflects all

Royal Horse Guards were quick to follow

the qualities that made the Mongol horde

suit on grounds at Hounslow and in Rich-

the greatest nation of horsemen in the an-

mond Park, and then on a small ground

cient world – great equestrian skills coupled

near Earl’s Court known as Lillie Bridge. In

with a clear eye and stout heart remain the

1872, Monmouthshire, the first polo club

prerequisites of a polo player till today.

in England, was founded by Capt. Francis

Radiating outwards from the steppes of

“Tip” Herbert. The All-Ireland Polo Club

Central Asia, the game eventually spread as

was also founded in 1872 by Horace Roch-

far as Japan, China, Tibet and India. Over

fort of Clogrenane.

the ages, the aristocratic game developed

It did not take long for the sport to

to promote equestrian and military skills. It

catch on around the world. The first official

was ranked next to battle itself as the ulti-

match in Argentina took place on 3rd Sep-

mate test of the prowess of princes and

tember 1875: the game had been taken

warriors.

there by English and Irish engineers and

British tea planters in India witnessed

ranchers. Polo also achieved extraordinary

the game in Manipur in the early 1800s in

popularity in the United States, which was

but it was not until the 1850s that the Bri-

the first to introduce handicaps, in 1888. By

tish Cavalry drew up the earliest formalised

the 1930s polo was in the midst of a Gol-

rules. In 1862, the first polo club in the

den Age, and was even an Olympic sport

world was formed by British tea planters at

from 1900 to 1936. Today it is played in

Silchar, west of Manipur. Calcutta Polo

upwards of 84 countries.

corporated as a limited company and takes over the organisation of the Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow. Company President and Chairman of the Board of Directors is Urs E. Schwarzenbach.

2009 The World Cup on Snow is renamed the St. Moritz World Cup on Snow to em-

phasise its origins. A new allweather riding field is established and used for arena polo at the Stalla Bodmer in Samedan.

2010 The 26th Polo World Cup on Snow settles on the local region in the Swiss mountains as the central theme. The energy balance of the event is significantly reduced.

2011 Unlike previous years, when teams competed for the Cup unter the names of their sponsors, the 27th edition is a Nations Cup in which each team represents ist patron’s country of origin. The Cup drew to its climax with a victory for the French team and its patron François Le Barazer.

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Winners of the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow

1985 Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Cartier – St. Moritz 1 Reto Gaudenzi 2 Orazio Annunziata 3 Gianni Berry 4 Yvan Guillemin

1990 Revlon Polo World Cup on Snow Team Pommery – Milan 1 Colin Emson 2 Franco Pellegrino 3 James Lucas 4 Martin Orotzo

1995 11th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Trois Pommes – Las Leñas 1 Piero Dillier 2 Adriano Agosti 3 James Lucas 4 Tomás Fernández Llorente

2000 16th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Cartier – St. Moritz 1 Adriano Agosti 2 Cody Forsyth 3 Satnam Dhillon 4. Marco di Paola

1986 Belgian American Investments World Cup on Snow Europe Selection 1 Reto Gaudenzi / Orazio Annunziata 2 Vlad Antoniade 3 Yvan Guillemin 4 Paul Withers

1991 Revlon Polo World Cup on Snow Team Revlon – Palm Beach 1 Franco Pellegrino 2 Michael Tarnopol 3 Christian Laprida 4 Vlad Antoniade

1996 12th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Cartier – Royal County of Berkshire 1 John Manconi 2 Horacio Fernández Llorente 3 Piki Díaz Alberdi 4 Francis-Michael Claessens

2001 17th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Cartier – St. Moritz 1. Adriano Agosti 2. José Donoso 3. Cody Forsyth 4. Chris Hyde

1987 Audi Polo World Cup on Snow Europe Selection 1 Oliver Ellis 2 Orazio Annunziata 3 Franco Piazza 4 Ivan Guillemin 1988 Audi Polo World Cup on Snow Team Audi – St. Moritz 1 Mario Zindel 2 Reto Gaudenzi 3 Adrian Laplacette 4 Yvan Guillemin 1989 Audi Polo World Cup on Snow Team Audi – St. Moritz 1 Mario Zindel 2 Reto Gaudenzi 3 Alfonso Pieres 4 Adrian Laplacette

1992 Revlon Polo World Cup on Snow Team Bernie’s – St. Moritz 1 Reto G. Gaudenzi 2 James Lucas 3 Adrian Laplacette 4 Mario Zindel 1993 9th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Pommery – São Paulo 1 Piero Dillier 2 Adriano Agosti 3 James Lucas 4 Tomás Fernández Llorente 1994 10th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Pommery – Las Leñas 1 Piero Dillier 2 Adriano Agosti 3 Tomás Fernández Llorente 4 Martin Orosco

1997 13th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Cartier – Royal County of Berkshire 1 John Manconi 2 Horacio Fernández Llorente 3 Alejandro Díaz Alberdi 4 Francis-Michael Claessens 1998 14th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Cartier – Royal County of Berkshire 1 John Manconi 2 Horacio Fernández Llorente 3 Alejandro Díaz Alberdi 4 Bryan Morrison 1999 15th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Pommery – Ghantoot Abu Dhabi 1 Nasser Al Daheri 2 Luis Escobar 3 Hugo Barabucci 4 Thomas M. Rinderknecht

2002 18th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Dynegy 1. John Manconi 2. Satnam Dhillon 3. Carlos Solari 4. Alejandro Díaz Alberdi 2003 19th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Bank Hofmann 1. Piero Dillier/Thomas Rinderknecht 2. Lucas Labat 3. Ignacio Tillous 4. Christian Bernat 2004 20th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Larchmont 1. Marek Dochnal 2. Juan Martin Nero 3. Alejandro Díaz Alberdi 4. Jack Kidd

THE GOLDEN BOOK

2005 21st Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Maybach 1. Simon Holley 2. Chris Hyde 3. Nacho Gonzales 4. Alejandro Díaz Alberdi 2006 22nd Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Cartier 1 Adriano Agosti 2 Jaime Huidobro 3 Jack Baillieu 4 Johnny Good

2007 23rd Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Brioni 1 Charlie Hanbury 2 Eduardo Novillo Astrada 3 Milo Fernández Araujo 4 Guy Schwarzenbach 2008 24th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Brioni 1 Guy Schwarzenbach 2 Nacho Gonzales 3 John Paul Clarkin 4 Johnny Good

2009 25th Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow Team Bank Julius Baer 1 George Milford Haven 2 José Donoso 3 Pablo MacDonough 4 Richard Le Poer

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2011 27th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow Team France 1 François Le Barazer 2 Oscar Mancini 3 Oli Hipwood 4 Nacho Gonzales

2010 26th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow Team Cartier 1 Saeed bin Drai 2 Rob Archibald 3 John Paul Clarkin 4 Glen Gilmore

2011 winners Team France with Nacho Gonzales, Oli Hipwood, Oscar Mancini and captain François Le Barazer (from left to right).

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IMPRINT

ST. MORITZ POLO MAGAZINE Winter 2011/12 PUBLISHED BY

St. Moritz Polo AG Via Maistra 24, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland Phone: +41 (0) 81 839 9292 info@polostmoritz.com www.polostmoritz.com EDITED BY

Richterich & Partner AG Flattersatz GmbH AUTHORS

Peter Jegen is deputy sports editor on the Zurich-based “Neue Zürcher Zeitung”. He has reported for the paper on six Olympic Games. His main focus over the last two decades, however, has been on equestrian sport, and he does not mind whether it is show jumping, horse racing or polo.

Petra Fausch is working for Richterich & Partner AG and therefore as a co-chief editor responsible for the St. Moritz Polo Magazine. Originally from the Grisons, she is very passionate about the cultural heritage and the various artisians of the region. Her portrait of UNA is a case in point.

Hansjörg Ruh is a swiss journalist who says about himself «writing is my passion». He was in charge for various leading swiss news-papers and for radio stations. Besides this, he worked as a chief editor for a famous special interest magazine.

Thomas Frei is a passionate rider and hippologist from Switzerland. For decades he has been active as editor-in-chief, publisher and editor of various equestrian publications.

Olivia Johnson is a British journalist. She has lived close to Cowdray Park Polo Club most of her life and has thus been immersed in a polo environment for many years.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Unless otherwise credited, photos are supplied by courtesy of the authors. Every effort has been made to trace copyright holders and any who have not been contacted are invited to get in touch with the Publisher or Editor.

Giancarlo Cattaneo www.fotoswiss.com Pages 6, 8, 9, 10.

Filip Zuan Pages 2, 5.

CONCEPT AND DESIGN

Allessandro Della Bella www.dellabella.ch Pages 45 (bottom 2), 46 (bottom 2), 47 ( bottom 3), 48 (bottom 2), 49 ( bottom 3), 51 (bottom) Daniel Martinek Pages 32, 35, 39, 70, 80.

Tony Ramirez, www.imagesofpolo.com: Pages 11, 52, 55, 56, 57, 59 (2), 61, 62 (2), 63, 64 (2), 65, 66, 67, 68.

Frank Sorge www.galoppfoto.de Pages 12, 22, 100.

Marc van Swoll Pages 25, 26, 27 (2), 28, 30, 31, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51.

Patricia von Ah www.patriciavonah.com Pages 72, 73, 74 (6), 75 (2), 76 (3), 77 (2).

Clive Bennett Pages 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94.

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See you at the 28th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow 26th to 29th January 2012 29th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow 24th to 27th January 2013

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