Polo Development

Special invite

Kids travel to Argentina for playing experience

By Hayley Heatley

The Argentine Polo Association extended an invitation to three young American players to join six Argentine players and three English players for a week-long experience held in conjunction with the FIP Women’s Nations Cup. The 12 players, all age 15 or under, will mix teams throughout the week during practices in Pilar and games at Palermo.

Meet the junior players traveling to Argentina!

Summer Kneece Age: 14; Handicap: -0.5 Aiken Polo Club What are you looking forward to most about the Junior Nations Cup event in Argentina?

I’m looking forward to the experience to play in a different country and play different horses and to meet new friends. I have never been to Argentina before!

What is the name of your favorite horse? Why do you like him or her?

My favorite horses is Ginger. Ginger is a 9-year-old chestnut mare Quarter Horse. She is small and very handy.

Hailing from a well-respected polo family, Summer Kneece is quickly making a name for herself in the polo world. Last year, Summer was named MVP at the Girls’ NYTS National Championship. She is a regular on the NYTS circuit and recently qualified for the National Interscholastic Championship by winning the Southeast regionals with the Aiken Youth Polo Girls’ interscholastic team.

Summer Kneece

UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION

What is a funny fact about yourself? I love the show “Friends.” I watch it everyday.

If you could create a dream vacation, where would you go and what would you do?

I would go spend the week in Hawaii, play polo and go to the beach.

Finn Secunda Age: 12; Handicap: -1 Port Mayaca Polo Club

Finn Secunda, a third-generation polo player based in Florida, began playing at 5 years old. Apart from polo, he enjoys reading and science. Finn is dedicated to improving himself as a polo player. He is logging hours in the saddle, playing in the 4, 6, 8 and 10 goal at Port Mayaca, International and Vero Beach Polo Clubs.

What are you looking forward to most about the Junior Nations Cup event in Argentina?

I am looking forward to playing in Palermo most ... and eating the empanadas!

What is the name of your favorite horse? Why do you like him or her?

My favorite horse is Aixa because she is my first powerful horse. She takes me into plays quickly and bumps with no fear. She was lent to me by Juan Martin Nero.

Finn Secunda

What are you looking forward to most about the Junior Nations Cup event in Argentina?

I am excited to go to Argentina for the first time and get to play on the best fields in the world.

What is the name of your favorite horse? Why do you like him or her?

[My favorite] is Greyhound because she goes anywhere and follows the ball. She takes you to plays and she gives me confidence when I get on her.

What is a funny fact about yourself? I am quiet around new people, but once I get to know someone I joke around a lot.

If you could create a dream vacation, where would you go and what would you do?

I would go to Argentina and play polo every day, ride horses all the time and help out around the barn. •

DAVID LOMINSKA/POLOGRAPHICS

Piers Bossom

What is a funny fact about yourself? Two of my favorite foods are Jell-O and applesauce.

If you could create a dream vacation, where would you go and what would you do?

I would like to go to Titan, one of Jupiter’s moons because I love space. I would like to go to Titan specifically because it supposedly has a great view of Jupiter from very close up. I’d love to take a boat ride on one of its many liquid methane and ethane lakes and rivers, not to mention the low gravity.

Piers Bossom Age: 14; Handicap: 0 Eldorado Polo Club

Piers Bossom strives to improve his game whenever possible. Based in California, he plays in the desert regularly, as well as in Santa Barbara. During the summer, Piers spends time at Memo Gracida’s ranch, learning from the former 10-goal player.