December 2018 Polo Players' Edition by United States Polo Association

D E C E M B E R 2 01 8

Rocking P secures U.S. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open

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CONTENTS D E C E M B E R 201 8

VOL. 22,

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

26 Family Affair by Gwen Rizzo

United States Polo Association

12 Instructors Forum

Rocking P nabs title in U.S. Women’s Open

by Adam Snow

34 Connected by Gwen Rizzo

14 Usefuls

Network brings together women worldwide

by Dana Fortugno

16 Equine Athlete

38 Lauren Biddle by Gwen Rizzo Polo community remembers rising young star

18 22 24 40

D E C E M B E R 2 01 8

Rocking P secures U.S. Women’s Open

Association News USPA Bulletin Club Spotlight

Welles, Grants dominate arena action

30 Price of Silver

NO. 4

OUR COVER Rocking P’s Lara Lamacraft stops Midland’s Izzy Parson’s efforts in the final of the U.S. Women’s Open. Photo by Kaylee Wroe

by Heather Smith Thomas Polo Scene News, notes, trends & quotes

Team USPA Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Polo in the Pampas by Ernesto Rodriguez

42 Polo around the Globe 60 Yesteryears 64 Calendar 46 Polo Report Mountain View tops in Carra Memorial

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OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN SIGNED COLUMNS ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLISHERS OF THIS MAGAZINE.

2 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

THE

OFFICIAL MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE

UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION

Editor & Publisher

GWEN D. RIZZO

Contributing Editors

HEATHER SMITH THOMAS, ERNESTO RODRIGUEZ, ALICE GIPPS, CHRIS ASHTON, TOM GOODSPEED

Editorial Board BOB PUETZ, TONY COPPOLA, TOM BIDDLE, DAWN WEBER, AMI SHINITZKY Art Director DAVID BEVERAGE Prepress PUBLISHERS PRESS Advertising & Editorial Offices USPA Member Subscription Inquiries (800) 232-8772 OR FAX (888) 341-7410 ldolan@uspolo.org

General Subscription Inquiries 6008 REYNOLDS RD LAKE WORTH, FL 33449 (561) 968-5208, FAX (561) 968-5209 www.poloplayersedition.com

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©Copyright 2018 by USPA Global LLC. No part of this issue may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic or electronic process without written permission of the publisher. Paul Brown illustrations are ©2018 and are reprinted by permission of Paul Brown Studios, Inc., P.O. Box 925, Hedgesville, WV 25427. Subscription rates: $45/one year, $78/two years. Other countries (air mail), $78 drawn on U.S. bank/one year, $144 drawn on U.S. bank/two years. (GST:134989508). Subscription problems call (561) 968-5208. VOL. 22, No.4 POLO Players’ Edition (ISSN #1096-2255) is published monthly by Rizzo Management Corp. 6008 Reynolds RD, Lake Worth, FL 33449 for U.S. Polo Association, 9011 Lake Worth RD, Lake Worth, FL 33467. Periodicals postage paid at West Palm Beach, FL and additional mailing offices. (USPS: 079-770). POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Polo Players’ Edition, 6008 Reynolds RD, Lake Worth, FL 33449. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement No. 40612608. Canada Returns to be sent to Imex Global, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2.

4 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

Award Nominations The USPA Equine Welfare Committee has opened nominations for the 2018 Clint Nangle Equine Welfare Award to the USPA membership. Nominees are required to be current USPA members who demonstrate excellence in the field of equine welfare. Established in 2014, this national award is presented annually and aims to highlight an individual who dedicates his or her time and energy to caring for and being an advocate for our equine partners. To nominate a member, please contact Lindsay Dolan at ldolan@uspolo.org. Nominations are now open for USPA Woman of the Year. Despite the USPA’s 128-year history, it has only been in the last 46 years that women have been officially accepted as playing members of the association. The USPA Women’s Committee recognizes the many female influences throughout the sport of polo and now annually identifies one woman within the sport. Both the Polo Training Foundation and the USPA Intercollegiate/Interscholastic programs award female player of the year awards. The USPA Woman of the Year award is not just for players. Members of the USPA Women’s Committee feel polo is not only about the players but those who support and help grow the sport. The committee members hope to see women nominated that serve as role models—women whose selflessness, passion and drive have contributed to the sport for the greater good of the polo community. The USPA Women’s Committee is opening up nominations for the 2019 Woman of the Year Award to the entire membership. To nominate a member, please contact Lindsay Dolan at ldolan@uspolo.org. Membership Renewal It is that time of year again! Renew your USPA membership for 2019. The fastest and most efficient way to renew your membership is through the USPA 6 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

ated must send a recommendation via email to handicaps@uspolo.org. This recommendation is then sent to the circuit handicap chairman and national handicap chairman for approval. How long does it take to obtain a handicap? A handicap takes up to two weeks to be obtained. If you plan on playing in a USPA tournament, please make sure to allow sufficient time to receive a confirmed handicap.

Why can’t two members use the same email? Our membership database uses e-mail addresses as a unique identifier. All information, such as handicap, member status and club affiliation is tied to an email address and cannot be used for another member.

2019 Tournaments Now is the time to plan for 2019 USPA tournaments at your club. Submit applications as soon as possible, and no less than one month prior to the event for processing, approval and to ensure timely delivery of awards. Download tournament applications at uspolo.org by going to the “Association” tab, then clicking on “Programs” and scrolling down to the “Forms and Documents” section. Applications may be emailed to tournaments@uspolo.org or faxed to (888) 391-7410. The USPA offers several benefits for hosting a USPA tournament: •Awards provided for circuit and national tournaments •Promotional assistance provided through electronic mail, web and social media •Umpire reimbursement through USPA Umpires, LLC. For more information, contact Maggie Mitchell, umpire manager at mmitchell@uspolo.org. •Published results in USPA Bluebook •Arena Incentive Program for select USPA arena events Any questions regarding the tournament process may be directed to tournaments@uspolo.org.

How do I obtain a handicap? To obtain a USPA handicap, the delegate at the club with which you are affili-

Exclusive Discounts The USPA is pleased to announce two trophy suppliers, Sterling Cut Glass and

Nominations are open for Equine Welfare Award and Woman of the Year.

website (www.uspolo.org). To ensure your membership benefits continue uninterrupted, please renew no later than December 31. When renewing, please ensure your contact information, including your email and mailing address is current. If you require a paper renewal, please send a request to membership@uspolo.org. Frequently asked questions: Why can’t I pay my membership by phone? The USPA requires every member to accept the “Terms and Conditions.” This can be done quickly by logging onto the member portal on uspolo.org or by mailing in the completed membership renewal forms.

ARGENTINE POLO ASSOCIATION

Prize Possessions, offer an exclusive benefit available to all members and clubs. Each company is offering a 50 percent discount on listed prices for trophies. Please email the contact person listed below to request a discount. Sterling Cut Glass www.sterlingcutglass.com Contact: Hayley Hill Email: hhill@sterlingcutglass.com Prize Possessions www.prizepossessions.com Contact: Nick Tedeschi Email: nickt@prizepossessions.com

2018 Youth Olympic Games proudly wearing gear from U.S. Polo Assn., the official apparel supplier for the event. Coached by Lucas Criado and Santiago Trotz, test matches in Pilar and Buenos Aires led up to the showcase game on Oct. 7 on Palermo’s Field 1. Demonstrating the international reach of polo, junior competitors from 10 countries including the United States, Colombia, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, England, Scotland, Australia, Argentina, Pakistan and Switzerland mounted up for the exhibition match. “I have learned so much, not only about polo but the different cultures involved in polo. And getting to come together with people from these different countries was an amazing experience that I am so grateful to have had,” Mudra said. “I had a blast the entire trip. We played together a few times as a team and also got to mix it up with players from other countries,” said Price. In addition to time spent in the saddle, Adolfo Cambiaso and the Pieres family opened up their farms for the group of young players to get a glimpse of the inner workings of a high-goal operation and breeding program. Painter enjoyed every aspect of the trip, and was especially thrilled to tour Ellerstina and La Dolfina. “The trip as a whole has made me come to appreciate the sport so much more. To see this side of profesARGENTINE POLO ASSOCIATION

Youth Olympic Games The United States Polo Association and U.S. Polo Assn. proudly supported four youth players as they traveled south of the equator to the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires, host of the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, in October. The Youth Olympic Games serve as an innovative platform in testing new disciplines. Being accepted as a showcase sport is a step forward for polo as it positions itself for another Olympic bid in the future. The Argentine Polo Association organized a week-long program in conjunction with the Youth Olympic Games Committee to highlight the sport of polo and provide a training opportunity for international junior polo players. Grayson Price, Grant Palmer, Grace Mudra and Winston Painter attended the

USA’s Grace Mudra, Winston Painter, Grayson Price and Grant Palmer played in the Youth Olympic Games on Palermo’s Field No. 1 in Argentina.

USA’s Grace Mudra, center, met players from all over the world.

sional polo was truly sensational. My favorite part was definitely getting to visit Ellerstina and La Dolfina. Getting to see players and horses of that caliber was unforgettable.” The kids attended other events including the Tortugas Open final, lectures from Diego Uranga and Eduardo “Ruso” Heguy and a tour of the Olympic village. “We had a lot of fun every day and the group got along really well,” said Palmer. “I was able to meet and become friends with a lot of young players from around the world that I would have never met otherwise.” The official bid for polo to join the extensive list of Olympic games for Tokyo 2020 was not accepted, but Argentine Polo Association President Eduardo Novillo Astrada is confident polo is going in the right direction to be accepted as an Olympic sport in the future. “This is a great little window that is open and we need to get the best out of it. It’s something very good for our sport and our country. We are going to work hard to be in international sports events and if, at some point, we get to be [in the Olympic games] that would be great,” he said. Published by the United States Polo Association Offices at 9011 Lake Worth Rd. Lake Worth, Florida 33467 (800) 232-USPA Chairman: Chip Campbell President: Tony Coppola Secretary: Stewart Armstrong Treasurer: Sam Ramirez Chief Executive Officer: Robert Puetz

POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 7

National Youth Tournament Series Planning your 2019 season calendar? Schedule your National Youth Tournament Series Qualifier for the upcoming season. NYTS qualifier tournaments are a fun way to incorporate junior members into your club and encourage camaraderie with other players in the region. For more information, please contact Amanda Snow at asnow@uspolo.org.

Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Attention teams: Reminder, your I/I entry fee deadline was Dec. 1, and interscholastic paperwork deadline is Dec 13. Congratulations to the following teams that were awarded I/I Start up and Enhancement funding and fundraising funds for 2018: The University of Kentucky, University of Idaho, University of Virginia, TCU, Texas A&M, Point Loma Nazarene, Georgetown, UCSB, USCAiken, University of Arkansas, Yale, Oregon State, USC, Stanford, Cal Poly, Emory, Skidmore, University of Texas, Oklahoma State, and Virginia Tech.

Certified Polo Instructor Program

thank you to Jenny Schwartz of Garrison Forest for the use of impeccable horses and facilities. For more information about the CPI program please contact Justin Powers at jpowers@uspolo.org.

Intern Program Are you interested in pursuing a career in polo? Have you just graduated from college with a desire to get involved in the polo industry? Do you want to learn more about running a club or polo school from knowledgeable professionals? If any of these sound like you, the USPA intern-

ship program might be a great fit! We are here to help connect young aspiring polo professionals with successful clubs and managers. There are opportunities available at various-sized clubs across the country for individuals with almost any level of experience. If you are interested, email Ali Davidge at adavidge@uspolo.org to learn more about the many opportunities available.

Team USPA

CLICK POLO

New Team USPA members Grant Ganzi, Justin Daniels and Tony Calle are Garrison Forest School in Owings making the most of their Mills, Maryland, hosted a fall season playing at the USPA Certification Field Grand Champions Polo Test Oct. 26-28. Certifiers Club in Wellington, Florida. Paul Kuhn of Haviland HolTeam USPA members low, and Erik Wright of Julia Smith, Geronimo Wrightway Polo, evaluated Obregon, Remy Muller, four instructors on their Jesse Bray and Nico Escofinal phase of testing. The bar traveled to Argentina to USPA is proud to announce train with Alfonso Pieres at the addition of Mike Denby Estancia Don Urbano. Mia of Arizona Polo Club, Kaycie Bray and Tiamo Hudspeth Campbell of Garrison Forest, saddled up for the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eduardo Amaya of Houston Open and Handicap, respecPolo Club and Stephen Littively, in Houston, Texas, tlechild of Toronto Polo Club the first week of November. to the CPI program. Congratulations all! A special Team USPA members trained at Estancia Don Urbano. 8 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION

Conrad Kissling, center, competing in the semifinal of the NYTS Championships

Sheryl Sick Pacific Northwest Circuit Governor

hether she is scaling a mountain in Washington, shredding the snowy slopes of the Cascade Mountains, or fishing in Wyoming, USPA Pacific Northwest Circuit Governor Sheryl Sick is always on the move. Vibrant and outdoorsy, Sick’s Instagram account (@sherylsick) is a vivid expression of her wanderlust, showcasing trips to idyllic polo destinations and adventurous excursions around the world. By trade a technology sales executive rooted in Seattle, Washington, Sick intentionally aligned her career path to suit her polo lifestyle, enabling her the freedom to pursue her passion while growing professionally. Assuming the responsibility of circuit governor unexpectedly after the passing of her good friend Rob Petersen in 2017, Sick has continued to immerse herself in the polo community, spending the past two summers traveling across the circuit’s seven states (and Canada) visiting and playing at as many clubs as possible. An intercollegiate polo alumna, Sick has competed nationwide and around the world including Canada, Argentina, Ireland, Jamaica and Mexico. Now with five horses of her own and based out of the Seattle Polo and Equestrian Center in Enumclaw, Washington, she enjoys an active schedule of polo adventures yearround. Recently reelected during the USPA circuit governor election, Sick shared her polo journey and discussed what she has learned over the past year representing the Pacific Northwest. What is your equestrian background and how did you become involved in polo? I started riding at age 7 when my father was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army. I was infatuated with

that founded the club, was instrumental in my introduction to the polo world, and I’m grateful for their guidance. How did your love for polo affect or influence your career choice? My family always encouraged that if I loved something I should pursue it. They would be supportive; however I would have to work hard to support it financially on my own. It has been a labor of love to be able to do what I do today and travel. My career choice to pursue sales was driven by my desire to play polo. Depending on what I did, I knew the sales path would allow me to make unlimited income and have a flexible schedule. I knew that if I worked smarter within my profession, that effort would afford me more opportunities to play the sport I loved.

horses as a child so my mom took me to a local German riding school where they taught the basics of horsemanship. When my dad was relocated to Fort Riley, Kansas, I started three-day eventing and fox hunting. During my freshman year of college at Washington State University, I was introduced to polo after seeing an ad in the college paper for team tryouts. If you could stay on the horse, you were on the team! I continued to play arena polo all four years and had the opportunity to become team captain and club president my junior and senior year. I spent my summers grooming and playing outdoor polo at the Spokane Polo Club in Spokane, Washington. The Dix family,

What are your favorite hobbies outside of polo? I’ve been snowboarding since I was 12 years old, longer than I’ve been playing polo; the mountains are my second passion outside of horses. The Pacific Northwest has a beautiful range called the Cascades running from Canada down to Oregon. I had an awesome opportunity to summit Mount Rainier in July this year. It is the tallest peak in Washington at just over 14,400 feet and is a beautiful backdrop for several of our member clubs. It is covered in glaciers and snow year round and weather patterns can turn extreme in minutes. We physically trained for five months and our team made it to the summit with 40-pound packs and 40 mph winds swirling around us. It was an incredibly amazing, beautiful and scary experience and one I checked off the bucket list!

POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 9

CANDANCE PHOTO

Sheryl Sick has five horses of her own and is based out of the Seattle Polo and Equestrian Center in Enumclaw, Washington.

Sheryl Sick with Black Diamond Polo Club NYTS Qualifier champions Grace Tanton, Micaela Saracco, Chet Nelson, Mackenzie Brown and Will Schneider.

10 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) for promoting what they offer. It is the easiest and most affordable way to target a wide audience and create a portal to the sport. We have a dedicated Pacific Northwest Circuit Facebook page (Northwest Circuit Polo) where clubs can post their tournament dates and details, as well as horses, tack and equipment for sale. This has helped to keep our members connected and supports the polo community in many ways. What are some of the biggest goals you hope to accomplish for your circuit? Introducing and cultivating new players to the sport and keeping it fun

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHERYL SICK

What are some unique challenges your circuit faces? From my travels, I have learned that the challenges various clubs face are not incredibly different from one another. Some have more or less resources than others, however the way their members handle their challenges varies across the board. There are so many unique personalities within the sport and everyone has their vision of what their polo experience should be. I frequently hear from people that they didn’t even know there was polo here or there. Growing a local awareness is important so I encourage many clubs to use and take advantage of social

Sheryl Sick has enjoyed taking part in club events throughout her circuit and getting to know the clubs’ members.

throughout their journey is always the main goal. Whether they want to play 0goal or 12-goal polo, we have clubs within the circuit that offer this and everything in between. Many of our players travel and support each other’s annual tournaments and support one another. These exchanges create new perspectives and a reciprocal relationship between clubs. This is a tradition to continue as I think it is beneficial to share experiences, best practices and ideas based on what is being done at each of their clubs. What is something that you’ve already been able to accomplish that you are most proud of? We had a goal in 2017 to promote youth polo and host the first National Youth Tournament Series Qualifier in Western Canada. In July 2018, this was hosted by the Black Diamond Polo Club in Alberta, Canada. It was great to see this come together. The level of sportsmanship displayed by our youth players was incredible. They were super competitive, well rounded and fun to watch. I am excited to see them grow as players. Another initiative was to educate clubs on the USPA’s PUMP8 program. The ability to have affordable access to professional umpiring has helped improve the polo experience at many clubs. In my opinion, this is one of the best USPA programs many of our circuit clubs have taken advantage of the last two polo seasons. What have you enjoyed about traveling to clubs throughout the circuit? Each club is unique and has their own traditions and personalities, so for me it’s been fun to take part in these events and get to know the members. Everyone in polo has a special story to tell and there is never a dull moment. It has been an amazing experience to dive into our polo community and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it all. If you'd like to get in contact with Sheryl about your club she can be reached at sherylsick@gmail.com. POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 11

BY ADAM SNOW

SHAKE YOUR SHADOW Don’t let a persistent opponent keep you out of the game

ave you ever been a few minutes into a game (or practice) and realize the same opponent is around you constantly? It might not show up with a big bump, but someone on the other team is definitely keying in on you. On closer observation, it is apparent the player is not even looking for the ball, just watching your rein-hand and trying to keep you out of the play. Ugh, someone is man-marking me wherever I go. This could be a long day! It is hard not to get deflated when you find yourself the recipient of a man-toman shadow assignment. We all have an easier time executing plays when afforded time and space. But challenges are good, and with adversity also comes opportunity. The trick, rather than to fight against it, is to figure out a way to go with the flow and turn this tactic towards both your personal, and team’s, advantage. Here are some strategies (both do’s and don’ts) that have proven effective for me when it comes to shaking that shadower: Find an opponent Go to someone else on the opposing team. I am accustomed to being the target, not the hitter, for most of my team’s knock-ins, so this strategy didn’t always come naturally but it is effective. By going to one of the opposing team’s better players on the field (particularly on your team’s knock-ins and free hits), you are simultaneously taking your companion with you and, at least for a few seconds, can occupy fully half of the opposing team. Allowing your teammates to play three vs. two, even for a brief period, is usually enough for them to complete a 12 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

DAVID LOMINSKA/POLOGRAPHICS.COM

If someone is marking you consistently, resist the urge to outrun the opponent. It is usually not worth it. Look and anticipate. Turn faster, don’t run faster.

pass and give your team the advantage. If you are like me, you will still want to receive the ball. But be patient, let this advantage play itself out, and be ready to receive your teammates’ second or third pass off the back-line, instead of their first. Because the opponents can’t afford to have one of you occupying two of their players, they typically adapt by pulling the man-marker off of you--and now you can go back to your normal game strategy without having that opponent trying to share your saddle. Get the ball Getting the ball is another strategy that can work. Any defender has an easier time keeping me out of the play before

I receive the ball. Once I am in possession—of course assuming that I am well mounted—-it is a different dynamic! First, the defender now has to worry about not fouling, while still playing strong D. Since I am coming with the right-of-way, my shadower now has to give me a little space. If the opponent gets too tight, I may be able to pass him with the ball. If his angle or timing is not just right, he may foul. In both cases, he is giving up a scoring opportunity. Sure, that all sounds fine, but what if you’re not able to get open in order to receive the ball in the first place? Come behind for it, maybe on your team’s set plays. Talk with your teammates, be creative and find a way to get on the ball.

NANO’S POLO MALLETS Don’t run away If you get desperate to free yourself of a man-marker, sometimes your instinct—like the knight in “Monty Python and The Holy Grail”—is to run away! It is the worst thing to do. You are using up your horse and committing yourself. Even if you are able to outrace your opponent, the chances of getting open, receiving the perfect pass and hitting that bouncing ball (because you are extended, and usually going away from your teammates) are slim. Trying to outrun a well-positioned marker is usually not worth it. In this case, less is more. Find a way to work less, use your head more, and be ready to anticipate the transition quicker than your shadower. If you are aware of the play on the ball, and your shadower has eyes only for you, you should be able to gain some advantage on every single transition play. Look and anticipate. Turn faster, don’t run faster. Play rope-a-dope Muhammed Ali coined this phrase for his technique of covering up and letting his opponents exhaust themselves by punching him (harmlessly) off the ropes. For polo, I think of it as lulling my defender to sleep. Have you been in the situation when, after hitting a pass downfield, you realize your marker (somewhere up in front of you) is diligently trying to block you from getting back into the play. Rather than trying to charge by him in a straight line—that would be playing straight into his hands—try playing rope-adope. Lope along behind him for a spell, like you’re just going for a canter in the park. You can see the ball on the other side of the player who is waiting to mark you. He has to have his head on swivel, switching back and forth and only seeing ball or you in one frame of vision, but never both at the same time. Your job is to sell him on the idea that your happy to hang-out behind him. You are not even trying to go anywhere! And, when that

offensive opportunity is about to present itself, choose the moment—just when your defender’s head swivels away from you and back to the ball—to dart by his blindside and get involved in the play. You obviously can’t pull this off repeatedly or your marker will get savvy to it, but the decoy can work effectively at least a couple times during a match. And sometimes that’s enough to make the difference. Pick them off If nothing else works, and the other team is gaining an advantage by shadowing you, send one of your teammates to the player going to you and use that pick to get free. I treat this as a last resort, because it is like playing double defense, and often the other team responds in-kind. At least for me, everyone picking everyone just doesn’t feel like the essence of the sport. And, if your man-marker can still get a piece of you, he is now occupying half of your team. Have it in your arsenal, but I’d rather have two of them than run the risk of their having two of you. When you find yourself being manmarked, treat it as a good challenge. It is an obstacle you can overcome, a hiccup to be figured-out. And it’s also a compliment to your abilities that your opponents feel it is worth it to send someone to try to keep you out of the action. I hope you find something above that fits for your game, but this list is certainly not exhaustive. Innovate and develop your own strategies for shaking that shadow. If you find a new one that works, please let me know! A former 10-goal player, Adam Snow is currently rated 4 goals. He has played all around the world and counts notable wins in the U.S., Australia, England and Argentina. He won the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2006 and was elected to the Polo Hall of Fame in 2014. He and wife, Dr. Shelly Onderdonk, coauthored a book, “Polo Life: Horses, Sport, 10 and Zen” in 2016. They are based in Aiken, South Carolina.

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BY DANA FORTUGNO

COACHING SECRETS Learn from some of the better coaches and keep it fun

ou can do something for a long time in the wrong way and be very experienced at doing it wrong. I have had people tell me they have been playing polo for 40 years, and I think, and your still zero goals? But really, don’t be that guy or gal that thinks you are correct simply because you have experience. The first thing I learned in my Master of Laws program was to remember you are not the best at everything, probably not at anything so learn, borrow and steal things from others who are better than you (as long as it’s not under a copyright or patent!). Really? Can you do that? Absolutely, and you’re a fool if you don’t. True Story: Custody modification case, late afternoon, downtown Nashville, Juvenile Court bench trial into the sixth and final hour, opposing counsel defending the modification says in her closing statements, “Your Honor, if this were a perfect world then yes, my client’s recent behavior is unacceptable but we don’t live in a perfect world, so although his actions are imperfect, they don’t rise to the level of modifying the current orders.” I watched the judge make note of that and sure enough 10 days later those words came back to me in the court order. Two weeks later, different judge, different county, different clients, different opposing counsel, same issue but I’m now defending the modification and in my closing statement I used the same perfectworld argument and it worked. I like it because the judge liked it and I know she liked it because she used it in the order. The new judge put it in his order as well. I stole it, plain and simple. Later the same month, I saw the first 14 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

opposing counsel in a different court on motion day and I joked with her about stealing her closing statement. She laughed and told me she stole it a year ago from another lawyer she was up against. That theft made us both better lawyers. So, if it’s not something legally protected and you like it—take it—whatever it is. Make yourself better, you can always be better. Start today, right now, right here. I’m going to spill all my coaching secrets. If you like any of them, take them and make them yours. Coaching college polo can be great fun and a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the sport by developing lots of young talent. I picked up a few things along the way during my five-season run with Virginia Polo (UVA). We won a bunch of national championships between the men and women and had arguably one of the best programs in the country. Yup, you guessed it, I stole lots of things from the other coaches and programs (I rejected things as well). This is what I learned if you’re interested in coaching college polo or starting a program and you want to be good, really good. Have a clear mission. Take some time and think about your mission or the mission of the program. Do you want to win as many championships as possible? Do you want to provide a place where the students can de-stress and make friends? Whatever you are trying accomplish, write it down and be very clear about it. Every six months, review the mission and be certain that you are following it. Develop funding Yes, funding is not a bad word and it is a reality. How are you going to pay the bills? First get clear on your costs and

know your bottom line. Figure out where your money is going to come from (donors, grants, player dues, benefit games etc.). Look into creating a nonprofit tax exempt organization or possibly piggybacking off the non-profit status of your university. Get a lawyer to do the paperwork, keep immaculate records, understand the rules and follow them (it can be jail time if you slack on the rules). Get organized You must be the master of all that is before you if you want to succeed with a polo program. Get organized, completely organized, from the tack to the barn to the horse lists to the equipment— everything must in order. This will help you keep up with the horses’ schedules (feed, shoes, teeth, clipping, meds, supplements, de-worming) and the safety of the equipment (girths, billets, stirrup leathers etc.). The players will feel safe and secure knowing you are on top of it and they will respect you when you give advice or make requests. This will also help you make a positive impression on donors, future members and even your insurance guy. If you are a sloppy pig (and I know a few too many) you will not get the respect you need to be successful. Here’s a little saying I stole from one of the greats: organization in the barn leads to organization on the field. Get your act together and keep it that way. It helps to be in shape too. At some point you may want to add supportive programs to the agenda like strength training and nutrition—you will be expected to practice what you preach, plus, you’ll look more professional (honest moment, the only professions where a big belly is accepted as

Dana Fortugno, center, coached UVA for five seasons. In that time, he learned a lot from other college polo programs and their coaches, and his teams won several national championships.

professional is chef, sumo wrestler and opera singer). Recruit Recruiting is probably the most important part of coaching. You have to attract the talent if you want to win. Not only will these kids put points on the board in the games but they will help teach the developing players and make your job much easier. The younger players will copy them, so choose wisely and cultivate a good relationship with your recruits. They can be of great help. Never ego battle with your stars—pump them full of sunshine and guide their success. It also helps to have some kind of inside track with the school. Try to develop a good relationship with the dean of admissions. Don’t do it alone, it’s a political game and you need some backing. Find a prominent donor to the university or a member of the nearby polo club who has some political clout (state governors are good with state schools, really good) but use who you can to make the introduction. Work that relationship just short of being obnoxious, it’s worth it. Get the dean on a

horse if you can, send him tickets to the games, whatever you can do, do it. Pay attention to the high-school polo programs and who is playing well. Talk to them and their parents. Sell them on what you can offer. That’s why you need to be organized and respected and have an inside track with admissions so you have something to offer. People talk and they will talk about you whether it be positive or negative. Make sure it’s positive. Coach Now it’s time to coach. Keep this part super simple. Don’t get fancy, the kids aren’t there yet. Teach the basics and teach them very well. Get your kids to become masters of the basics, including tailshots and turning for them; hooking, riding off and the right of way. That’s all they need to win games but they need to do it well, every time and on different horses in different arenas. Teach basic horsemanship, very basic and that will be useful. If you get fancy, you’re wasting their time. I read somewhere that to be great at anything, learn the fundamentals and get good at them, really good at them and the rest will follow. Once your players are getting

good at the basic shots and basic plays, now it’s time for you to watch them and place them in the right spot to naturally bring out their best. If you have an explosive runner, put her in front. If you have a player that’s good at tailshots, yup, you guessed it, put him in back and so forth. It’s not rocket science but you would be surprised how proper placement can improve a team. Just a little thought can go a long way. One piece of advice I took from my father: pick a penalty shooter and make him practice taking penalty shots on different horses (many penalty shots, like hundreds and hundreds) and one day he will win the game for your team, I promise. It’s shocking that even some of today’s high-goal players don’t bother practicing penalty shots It is really shocking but many don’t. Make sure your players understand where to line up for penalty shots in a game and know why. As an umpire, I get asked by players where they should be and the coach is watching. Nice job coach, I’m so not impressed! Make it fun. At the end of the day, remember why we play polo. We play because it’s fun, and college kids are no different. They want to have fun as well. You are not paying them and they don’t have to come out and play. Often, the games are at times when their friends are having beers and going to parties. They could easily choose to be with their friends instead. Have some fun with the kids and don’t take yourself too seriously—it could make all the difference. Dana Fortugno is a USPA Umpire. He is a former 5-goal player as well as a former trial lawyer. POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 15

BY HEATHER SMITH THOMAS

STRESSED OUT Anything from work to weather can effect a horse’s health

tress is a part of life—for horses or humans. Adversities challenge our minds and bodies and different individuals deal with it in different ways. Physical and mental stresses in small doses can make us stronger. Stress can be insignificant if temporary and short term. How the body reacts to stress (with production of cortisol and other hormones) can be helpful in the short term, helping the horse (or human) focus on the problem at hand. The horse stressed by fear of a predator can run faster, for instance. If he’s stressed by a winter storm his body goes into survival mode and he can go without feed a bit longer, until the blizzard ends and he can go back to grazing again. If stress is prolonged, however, the very things that enable the body to endure the short-term adversity start to become detrimental instead of helpful. Cortisol production (a natural steroid) triggered by stress begins to hinder the immune system. Prolonged stress can lead to illness (opportunistic diseases take advantage of the depressed immunity), ulcers and other bad things. In nature, stresses for the horse were usually temporary. The herd sensed danger, became alarmed and fled, outrunning the predator, and then they relaxed and went back to grazing again. The wind-whipped rain or snow drove them to shelter behind a hill, out of the wind, lasted for part of a day and then subsided. Only a long-term stress like severe drought or a bad winter and subsequent starvation was truly detrimental. Our domesticated horses, however, have more to deal with than what Mother

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Nature throws at them, and stress can often be a negative factor in their lives. Sometimes the effects of stress are obvious (the horse gets “shipping fever” after a long transport, or a group of newly weaned foals—stressed by the weaning--get sick with influenza), but often the effects of stress are subtle; we may not always recognize them unless they result in poor performance, stereotypic behavior, or ulcers. There are many stressors in our horse’s lives, and not all horses react the same way in how they deal with stress. Weather Stress Horses adapt to changes of season, growing longer, thicker hair for winter and putting on a layer of insulating fat under the skin. In summer they’ve shed out and grown shorter hair and the circulatory system adapts—bringing blood closer to the skin surface to help dissipate core body heat and help facilitate sweating. In natural conditions horses can usually handle the stress of cold weather, or summer’s heat. When humans enter the picture, however, we often add to these stresses by how we use and manage our horses. We may haul horses from a warmer southern climate to a colder northern climate and they have trouble making a fast adjustment, not having had a chance to grow a winter hair coat. Horses moved from Florida or Texas to Minnesota or Wyoming may have a tough time that first winter (and be more vulnerable to illness). It may take a year before they fully adapt to the seasons in their home. The same is true for horses going from a colder climate to a warm one; they may suffer heat stress or lose the ability to sweat properly (anhidrosis). How we use our horses may also

increase the effects of weather stress. If we keep horses blanketed in winter, or clip them so we don’t have to dry a long winter coat after exercise and sweating, they may chill more readily. Likewise, if we use them hard in summer, they may suffer heat stress due to fatigue and dehydration. Transport Stress All horses are stressed by travel, especially if it involves a long time in transport, but some are stressed more than others. The circumstances of shipping may make a difference in the level of stress, and the physiological impact of that stress. Horses that are stressed too much are more likely to become ill. Multiple studies have shown that confining horses to a trailer for long periods of time has detrimental effects on the respiratory system. The longer the trip, the more likely the horse may end up with a variety of problems--infections like shipping fever or pleuritis, or impaction. Horses generally don’t drink well when traveling. Many of them are too stressed, even though it might not be obvious that they are stressed, and won’t relax enough to drink, or might not want to drink strange water at a rest stop, and thus dehydrate during travel. Some won’t eat well during a long trip because they are stressed. Several studies have shown that transport in itself is a stressful event for horses. Two indicators of stress are a rise in heart rate and blood cortisol concentrations. The neutrophillymphocyte ratios change; there is usually a decrease in lymphocytes when horses are transported. These are the cells necessary for a good immune response. Carolyn Stull, PhD (University of

California-Davis) and Dr. Anne Rodiek (California State University-Fresno) worked on several research projects involving transport, one of which was to study physiology of horses during 24 hours of transport and the 24 hours of recovery after transport. The results of this study were publicized in 2003. The horses’ physiological responses during travel and during recovery (resting in individual stalls) were documented to see how quickly they returned to normal. Body weight, rectal temperature, white blood count, hydration and other factors were measured. The horses lost about six percent of their body weight during transit due to sweat loss and decreased gut fill (eating less than normal), but they all recovered about half of this weight loss during the 24-hour rest period after transit. Hematocrit and total protein concentrations increased during transit, which is an indication of dehydration, but these measurements returned to normal during the 24-hour recovery period. Stress levels can be also be measured by checking cortisol levels in the blood. This hormone (produced by the adrenal glands in response to triggering mechanisms originating in the hypothalamus and passed to the adrenal glands via the pituitary) is generally a good indicator of stress. The concentration of cortisol in the 15 study horses increased during loading into the transport van and continued to rise during the 24-hour travel, peaking at the end of the trip. After the horses were unloaded, their cortisol levels dramatically dropped. Since cortisol hinders the immune system, its influence can be measured by the ratio of two types of white blood cells (neutrophils and lymphocytes) instrumental in fighting disease. This ratio in the study horses increased during transit and did not return to normal by the end of the 24-hour rest period. The fact it takes longer than this to recover from the effects of stress may be one reason why horses are susceptible to illness following long transport.

Not all horses are made for polo. If a horse is incapable or unwilling to do the job you are asking, it can lead to stress. Horses that are overworked can also burn out and become stressed.

In newer studies, investigators continued to look at markers of stress such as increased heart rate during transport. Increased heart rate is probably an indicator for stress, but horses are all different. Some of them travel well and some don’t. One study showed that horses can be habituated to travel, and that the horses accustomed to traveling have lower heart rates than the ones that were inexperienced. Social Stress Horses are social creatures and herd animals. In the wild they lived and traveled in groups. A fine-tuned social structure was essential to their daily lives, and part of their defense against predators--relying on each other to be alert to danger. Horses are mentally healthiest and happiest when they have herdmates/buddies they can hang out with. With domestication, we have thwarted a normal herd existence. We often confine horses and isolate them in individual stalls or pens, denying their natural need for social interaction. Some individuals adapt better than others to an artificial existence and some are more stressed. This stress often shows up in horses that are confined or living alone. The innate need for moving and living in a group is frustrated and the resultant stress may be exhibited in different ways.

Some horses develop stereotypies like stall walking, weaving or cribbing, or channel their anxiety into pawing or kicking the stall walls. Being social animals, horses also experience stress if forced to live with or next to an individual they don’t get along with. In a stall, for instance, if the horse next door is incompatible, this can be a stress. If two horses share a paddock and don’t get along, this can be stressful for both of them. You might have to change the living arrangements and for the stalled horse find a neighbor that the stressed horse can get along with better. In a group situation, a new horse may get picked on and chased around, and this can be a stress. A horse at the bottom of the pecking order may also be socially ousted, constantly bullied or chased away from the feed. To alleviate this type of stress you may have to put that horse in another pen or pasture with one or two horses he gets along with or won’t be bullying him. Work Stress Training and conditioning always result in physical stresses but these can usually be handled (helping the horse become more fit and capable of doing the work required) unless overdone. Work can also become a mental stress (continued on page 58) POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 17

POLO SCENE N E W S

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NO T E S

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Q U O T E S

CHUKKERS FOR CHARITY Riverview Farm raises funds for two programs

HE 22ND ANNUAL NISSAN CHUKKERS FOR CHARITY polo match was held at Riverview Farm in Franklin, Tennessee, Sept. 8. The signature event, hosted by Lee Ann and Orrin Ingram, raised more than $220,000 for Rochelle Center, a program for adults with disabilities, and Saddle Up!, a therapeutic riding program. The theme for this year was Diamonds & Divots. This year’s polo match featured all-female teams, sponsored by a brother and sister. John and Crispin Menefee sponsored the Ironhorse Farms team with Martha Bennett, Virginia Ingram, Hope Arellano and Gillian Johnston. John’s sister Eleanor Menefee Parkes sponsored the Colonial Hill Farm team with Gracie Brown, Lexie Armstrong, Dawn Jones and Allie Henderson. Country music artist Curtis Braly sang America the Beautiful and Sweet Tea Trio performed prior to the match. Ironhorse Farms prevailed 6-5 over Colonial Hill Farm. Jones was MVP and received a watch provided by King Jewelers for her efforts. Aside from polo, guests enjoyed a classic car show, cabana decorating contest, best dressed contest, silent auction, petting zoo and signature Jack Daniels “Diamond in the Rough” cocktails.

Gracey Donahue and Margaret, Hazel and Steve Orthwein catch a ride on one of the classic cars.

John and Crispin Menefee, Eleanor Menefee, Orrin and Lee Ann Ingram, Matt Paco and Nina Lindley

18 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

Kathy Follin, Robert Lipman and Gracey Donahue

Josephine, Willow and Zulu Scott Barnes

HIGH POINT Season league culminates with banquet and awards ceremony

Chuck Stanislawski won overall high-point winner in the over-55 age group.

LOVIVE LAVERDURE

Claire English earned the most sportsmanship points in the B Flight.

LOVIVE LAVERDURE

Katy Wong, Petra Teixeira, Kim Foy and Ethan Bankhead won the most MVP points in the B Flight. Kirsten Ludwig is far right.

Martin Perez was overall high-point winner in the under-18 age group. LOVIVE LAVERDURE

LOVIVE LAVERDURE

Marco Meier received MVP high-point award for Flight C. He was also overall high-point winner in the 19-54 age group. LOVIVE LAVERDURE

MVP high-point award in Flight A went to Kailey Eldredge

LOVIVE LAVERDURE

HE PACIFIC COAST ARENA LEAGUE season awards were held at the Angeles National Golf Club in Los Angeles, California. The league is a collaboration between six polo clubs, including California, Poway, Lakeside, Central Coast, Orange County and Santa Barbara, all located within a 150-mile radius. Each club hosts a weekend throughout the summer, with play at three levels. Participants earn points for winning games, MVP, Best Playing Pony and Sportsmanship. Points are tallied throughout the summer and players with the highest points are recognized at the end of the season. Kirsten Ludwig presented the awards. Molly Agee, who had the highest sportsmanship points in A Flight, was unable to attend the banquet.

Krystal Westcott earned the most sportsmanship points in the C Flight.

POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 19

TALENTED STUDENTS PTF presents intercollegiate/interscholastic awards

POLO TRAINING FOUNDATION

HE POLO TRAINING FOUNDATION presented its intercollegiate/interscholastic awards during the USPA annual meetings held in Chicago, Illinois, in late September. The Russel A. Sheldon Interscholastic Player of the Year went to Brennan Wells from Maryland Polo Club in Jarrettsville, Maryland; Female Interscholastic Player of the Year went to Cory Williams from Central Coast Polo Club in Los Osos, California; Intercollegiate Male Player of the Year went to J.T. Shiverick from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas; Daniel J. Wallace Jr. Intercollegiate Female Player of the Year went to Jessica Schmitt from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia.

J. T. Shiverick, Jessica Schmidt, Brennan Wells and Cory Williams

WORK TO RIDE Benefit match raises money for at-risk kids’ program

TINICUM

PARK POLO CLUB in Upper Black Eddie, Pennsylvania, held its annual Work to Ride Benefit, Sept. 15. Young players from Philadelphia’s Work to Ride program for at-risk youth faced off against club members in a match. In addition, silent and Chinese auctions featured items from polo and WTR supporters. Tables of gift baskets, trips and horse-related items were given by supporters including local tack shops and Wellington, Florida-based The Tackeria. Spectators also enjoyed a Wild, Wild West-themed tailgate competition. The Work to Ride team included Kareem Rosser, Daymar

20 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

Rosser, Gigi Velásquez, Mosiah Gravesande, Marc Harley, Marisol Jimenez, Malachi Lyles, Esteban Penados, Julian Penados and Tinicum’s Ann Oniskey. The Tinicum team had Talha Chaudhry, Carol Hails, Bill Thomas, Audrey Van Luvanee and Val Washington. The match fell on one of the few dry weekends in an unusually rainy season. The annual benefit provides a view of the complex support system orchestrated by program founder Lezlie Hiner for the young people who make their way to Chamounix Stables in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, and pick up a pitchfork and polo mallet.

POLOWEEN Club celebrates Halloween polo style

T THE LAKESIDE POLO CLUB in Lakeside, California, the Saturday before Halloween is reserved for Poloween! That’s the day when players of all ages and their ponies get costumed and painted to parade and play polo. This year, Oct. 27 was no exception as two dozen club members rode in and lined up for the photo shoot. The rules are that you must play in your costume (or most of it) and helmet for at least one chukker. Following 10 chukkers of spirited play in costume, the horses were tacked down, washed, given their treats and the players retired to the Pepper Tree Cantina to mingle, sample and judge the chili cookoff. After serious consideration, the judges announced the results of the costume and chili competition: •Best Costumed Lady winner was Laura Lilly as the Headless Horseman who was cut some slack so she could wear her helmet on the field. •Kip Hering, the Gladiator, was Best Costumed Dude with a feather plumed helmet that spooked his horse Machito. •Kim Foy, the green Praying Mantis (I thought she was Kermit the Frog) rode her decorated pony, Berrendo (it’s Spanish for a Prong Horned Antelope), who won Best Dressed Pony. •The Greg and Norah Hanson Family with their cute little girls, Liv and Lila, were named the Best Costumed Kiddos. Three-year-old Liv said I was old. She’s right! •The tastiest Poloween chili cookoff prize went to Nancy Kral by popular acclaim. Also by popular acclaim, the Bankhead family was thanked for carrying on the Poloween tradition and maintaining the Lakeside Polo Club for us all to enjoy. We’re looking forward to next year! —Kip Hering

Kip Hering, as a gladiator, won Best Costumed Dude, while Laura Lilly, the Headless Horseman, won Best Costumed Lady.

Greg, Liv, Norah and Lila Hanson. Liv and Lila were named the Best Costumed Kiddos.

Kim Foy, dressed as a praying mantis, rode her pony, Berrendo, who was named Best Dressed Pony.

Lakeside Polo Club members line up for the annual Poloween photo. Later they competed in 10 spirited chukkers, took care of their ponies then retired to the Pepper Tree Cantina for the Chili Cookoff.

POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 21

Need for speed Players compete in faster polo in Argentina The United States Polo Association established Team USPA in 2009 to grow and sustain the sport of polo by identifying talented young American players and providing opportunities to grow their abilities. By Hayley Heatley • Photos by Click Polo/USPA

Jesse Bray (6), Geronimo Obregon (4), Remy Muller (3) and Julia Smith (A.5) traveled south to the mecca of polo for a two-month training program created by Alfonso Pieres at Estancia Don Urbano in Pilar, Argentina. Obregon was replaced by Nico Escobar (3) for the first few weeks while he fulfilled playing commitments in Houston, Texas. Pieres, a former 10-goaler, played a significant role as a mentor for Team USPA co-chair Adam Snow during his ascent to 10 goals. “He took me under his wing and gave me opportunities to play his second or third string in Argentina when I was coming up as a professional. He was the first 10-goal player I ever got to play with. Our playing relationship continued over the years and we played together in the 22 goal for Airstream and CS Brooks,” Snow said. Pieres and Snow agree that playing consistent practices outside of the pressures of tournament polo allows players to really hone their skills on the field. While playing fast, open practices against other professionals in Argentina seems like a logical step for young players to take, the financial and organization hurdles can be difficult to overcome. Team USPA partnered with Pieres to create an entry point for these four players to break into the Argentine scene while focusing heavily on improving their individual play. Muller reflected on his experience thus far, “Honestly I wish I had done this 15 years ago, but it is better now than never. It’s a blast down here. I just want 22 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

Nico Escobar, Jesse Bray, Remy Muller and Julia Smith with coach Alfonso Pieres

to play practice every day and go full speed. I wish I was around this all the time,” he said. As part of the program, each of the four players play six to eight chukkers several times per week against a myriad of professionals in the area. Being centrally located in Pilar allows for a total immersion in the vibrant polo community and culture. When talking to the four players, the one word heard repeatedly is “speed.” Muller just finished playing the Pacific Coast Open in Santa Barbara, California, and has played in the 20 goal in the past but found the constant speed and need for anticipation in Argentina to be more demanding of the players on the field. “It makes you much quicker. All of my friends from Argentina talk about how much faster they feel going back to the USA after playing in Argentina. They feel faster, like they have more time, quicker.

Here you have no time to think, you have to make the right decision immediately. When you are back in the USA that gives you a lot of time on the field,” Muller explained. Smith, the only female player participating in this unique opportunity, is exceptionally experienced playing in women’s and arena polo and is eager to continue improving in mixed polo. “The level of polo here is awesome—watching it and playing it. It is pretty remarkable. I definitely need this to get to the next point in my career. I am very grateful to be a part of this opportunity. I need to be faster—faster with the ball and faster with the man. I play more with women, substantially more with women, so this is quite a bit more difficult. I believe playing in this type of polo will help me in the long run in both womens’ and mixed polo,” she said.

Jesse Bray powers off a neck shot while being challenged by Lucas Diaz Alberdi.

Julia Smith, left, said she is learning to be faster with the ball and the man.

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Remy Muller, left, says he wishes he had an opportunity to play in Argentina 15 years ago. Marcos Heguy Saddle

The players will continue to improve over the next six weeks as they become more accustomed to the Argentine style of play and each other as teammates. The organization provided by Pieres has

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POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 23

College polo 101 Collegiate team reps attend club development weekend BY AMY FRASER

arning a college degree is no easy task. Running a polo club is not a walk in the park. Combine the two and you have yourself a scene out of the latest Marvel comic book movie (I can’t keep up with which one is the rave right now. Thor? Wonder Women?) We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, your typical collegiate student athlete is a force to be reckoned with. The weekend of October 5-7, student representatives from Oregon State, Texas Tech, the University of Michigan, the University of Texas, the University of Connecticut, the University of Arkansas, Texas State, USC—Aiken and George Washington University Polo Teams took time off from their class and polo schedules to attend the 9th annual USPA College Polo 101 mentoring clinic in Wellington, Florida. The event was a weekend of workshops and networking, focusing on sustainability of polo programs and how to grow clubs through membership retention and community outreach. Workshops included Social Media Do’s & Don’ts, Tack Safety, Arena Rules, A Guide to Fundraising, Helmet Safety,

The Tackeria taught students about tack safety.

Equine Health & Nutrition for the Collegiate Polo Pony and a Skilz & Drilz session. Each team representative met with staff during one-on-one consultations broken into club overview, fundraising and social media. Club overview focused on each club’s structure, finances and issues or concerns the club is facing, as well as USPA support and guidance. Fundraising broke down each club’s fundraising plans for the year, and staff worked with them on developing their plan, getting the most out of their

fundraiser and how they can apply for the USPA I/I fundraising grant. In the social media breakout sessions, teams were walked through specific items on their social media and given suggestions to engage more followers, grow the community around their social media and how to better reach their audience in a positive light. Included in the weekend of events was a tack safety demonstration provided by the Tackeria and mallet basics by Tatos Mallets. The event wrapped up with a Skilz & Drilz session held at the new

USPA I/I Tournament Manager Emily Dewey, Anna MacCarthy (UCONN), Kyliegh Cummings (UMICH), Marietta De Julio (GWU), Hannah Smith (UT), Robson MacCartney (UARK), Isabel Brinck (OSU), Charlie Caldwell (USC-AIKEN), Abi McVaney (TEXAS STATE), Hiram Gandara (TTECH), USPA I/I Program Coordinator Ali Davidge and USPA I/I Program Director Amy Fraser

24 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

Participants enjoyed getting to know each other and sharing ideas.

arena at International Polo Club. “I thought CP 101 was absolutely invaluable for our club,” said Hannah Smith (University of Texas). “Speaking to the leadership of the USPA provided great insight for the process of running an intercollegiate polo team, and being given the opportunity to compare notes with the leaders of other teams really gave me new perspectives on how to run the Texas Polo Team.” The University of Texas has been going through some growing pains over the last few years and is now settled in to play out of County Line Polo Club for the 20182019 season. Texas Tech, a primarily student-run club, focuses on keeping members engaged to sustain the club for future generations. “Texas Tech Polo Club and I are extremely grateful to the USPA for hosting and inviting me out to the annual College Polo 101. The club has been dealing with some obstacles but with the aid of this program we have been able to resolve a multitude of these obstacles,”

said club president Hiram Gandara. “The structuring of the club and the ideas for fundraising were definitely the highlights of the weekend. They have already been implemented and shown a positive impact for TTPC. I must say that it was a great experience for myself as I was able to interact with officers from clubs around the nation and exchange ideas while

expanding our knowledge about the sport we all love.” We would like to thank the student representatives who took the time out of their school schedules to attend this event. A special thank you to the Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame, Tackeria, Tatos, Dr. Stephanie Colburn and USPA staff in making this a terrific event.

#LIVEAUTHENTICALLY | USPOLO.ORG | @uspoloassn POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 25

Family Affair Welles, Grants dominate arena action by Gwen Rizzo • photos by Mike Ryan

arlan Farm victorious in USPA Women’s Arena Open, while Drumcliffe tops Women’s Arena Handicap.

The U.S. Women’s Arena Open and Handicap were played for the second year at the Virginia Polo Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, Oct. 5-7. The Arena Open had two 20-goal teams battling it out, while the Arena Handicap had four teams. In the Arena Open, mother and daughter, Kelly and Marissa Wells teamed up with 15-year-old Sophie Grant for the Marlan Farm team. The Welles were fresh from competing together in Australia, first in the Queensland Gold Cup, then in the Queensland Women’s Spring Polo Tournament. The pair also helped instruct at a polo clinic there. 26 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

Kelly Wells taught Grant and her sisters, Maddie and Abbie, to play polo and is their polo coach. In fact, the sisters won the Girls’ National Interscholastic Championship this year. Facing Marlan Farm was Ace Sportswear with Maddie Grant and last year’s Arena Open winners Demitra Hajimihalis and Julia Smith. Maddie Grant, aboard her favorite pony, Paz, jumped out of the initial throwin and passed to Smith but the neckshot didn’t connect. Maddie grabbed the ball and shot to goal for the first tally. Ace won the next throw-in but Marissa Wells got the ball and shot to goal. The teams

traded penalty shots but neither connected. The teams continued to battle until Sophie found the mark. Marlan kept knocking and Smith was whistled by the goal giving Marlan a Penalty 2. Marissa Wells hit the target to give Marlan the 3-1 lead. Soon after, Marissa backed the ball to goal for the three-goal lead, ending the first chukker, 4-1. Maddie made another run early in the second but Marlan took the ball away, Kelly passing to Marissa. A tussle ensued but Kelly slipped the ball into the goal. Sophie Grant followed up with one of her own to take a five-goal lead. Ace missed on a Penalty 2 opportunity

Opposite page: Maddie Grant puts the pressure on Marissa Wells in the final of the Women’s Arena Open. This page: Marlan Farm’s Kelly and Marissa Wells share a hug. Sophie Grant is left.

before the teams played a tug-a-war with the ball. The teams were marking each other closely and teammates continually circled back around to help each other out. As the chukker was nearing its end, Ace got called for sandwiching an opponent, setting Marissa up for a Penalty 2, which she easily scored. The half ended with Marlan in control, 7-1. Ace came back out with renewed energy as Maddie made a big run out of the bowlin but Marlan was able to stop the drive and send the ball in the other direction. Sophie held off an opponent, allowing Marissa to hit the target. Smith shot back, running to goal but the ball bounced just wide. After a melee, Smith got the ball back but Marissa stole it and passed to Sophie for the score. Moments later, Marissa backed the ball to Sophie, who sent it through on her nearside for a 10-1 lead. “I’ve always played with my mom, Kelly, and we make a great pair because she is great on defense and I’m great on offense,” Marissa Wells said. “I’ve never played with Sophie before, but I loved playing with her and hope to do it again,

[rather] than play against her!” Ace wouldn’t back down and fought even harder. Maddie stole the ball from Marissa, got past Kelly and sent the ball into the goal. She made it two in a row when she scored moments later. Just when it seemed like Ace was finding its groove, Sophie sent the ball into the goal with another nearsider and Marissa followed with a two-pointer, ending the third with Marlan on top, 13-3. Marissa was called for reaching early in the fourth, giving Maddie a Penalty 2, which she easily scored. Marissa responded with a tally after carrying the ball along the wall. Maddie got the goal right back. Ace missed another Penalty 2 opportunity and to make matters worse, Sophie flipped the ball into the goal to give Marlan a 10-goal spread, 15-5. The teams continued to battle. Marlan missed on a Penalty 3 opportunity and another Ace attempt went wide. Smith finally found the mark on a backshot to goal. With time winding down, Kelly Wells shot in the last goal for the 16-6 Marlan victory.

Sophie Grant, with six goals for the winners, was named MVP. “Marissa’s passes were amazing,” Sophie Grant said. “She put them right in front of the goal so I was just able to pop them in.” Best Playing Pony honors were awarded to Sophie’s third chukker horse, Bombita, a grey Argentine mare Grant purchased from Liv Stringer-Berube three years ago. Having the opportunity to play with her coach, the experience was special for Sophie Grant. “Kelly has been my only coach my whole life and I’ve learned everything from her, from riding to the basics so it’s really amazing to play on a team with her and win.” Echoing her sentiments, Kelly Wells was grateful for the opportunity to play with two young women so close to her. “It means a great deal to me so I’m very happy and blessed to be able to do this.” Arena Handicap Sophie joined forces with her two sisters on the Drumcliffe team in the U.S. Women’s Arena Handicap. “This is a great opportunity to play with my sisters again,” POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 27

Women’s Arena Open Ace Sportswear: Demitra Hajimihalis Maddie Grant Julia Smith

Marlan Farm: Sophie Grant Marissa Wells Kelly Wells

17 4 4 9

15 5 5 5

Women’s Arena Handicap Guardian Horse Bedding:

3 2 9

Drumcliffe:

Maddie Grant Sophie Grant Abbie Grant

4 5 4

Texas A&M:

Alexandra Vaughn Hannah Reynolds Marissa Wells

University of Virginia: Demitra Hajimihalis Sadie Bryant Meghan Milligan Jessica Riemann

Sisters Maddie, Sophie and Abbie Grant defeated University of Virginia in the U.S. Women’s Arena Handicap final.

Abbie said. “Since Maddie went off to school, it’s just Sophie and I at home now, so to have all three of us play together again is a really great experience.” Drumcliffe was defending champion as Sophie and Maddie, along with Julia Smith, toppled UVA, 15-3, in last year’s final. Aside from Drumcliffe, three teams filled the roster including University of Virginia, Texas A&M and Guardian Horse Bedding. In the semifinal, University of Virginia defeated Texas A&M, 14-9, while 28 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

Drumcliffe got the best of Guardian Horse Bedding, 17-12. This set up a rematch of last year’s final. Drumcliffe gave up a three-goal handicap to start the match but it didn’t take long for the team to overcome the deficit. Sophie managed to find the goal in the opening minutes. After several minutes of back and forth, with runs from both teams, Demitra managed to slip the ball into the goal in traffic to end the first with UVA holding onto the three-goal handicap, 4-1. In the second chukker, Drumcliffe was

Sheila Everett Grace Burgert Julia Smith

2 5 5

13 4 4 5 5

finding its rhythm and soon had not only tied the score, but took the lead. Maddie led the way on her grey horse Paz, scoring a total of five goals. Sophie added two more while holding UVA to one from Sadie Bryant. The half ended with Drumcliffe holding an 8-5 advantage. Drumcliffe only got stronger as the game went on. UVA put up a valiant effort, but the Grant girls were working like a finely-tuned machine. While Maddie was being marked more closely, Abbie, on a pretty Palomino named Bella, hammered in four goals. Maddie also managed to get two more, including a two-pointer. Bryant again scored UVA’s only goal, ending the chukker with Drumcliffe ahead 15-6. Bryant came out hot in the final period, shooting in three goals in a row. It briefly caught the Grant girls off guard, but they shot back with Sophie finishing off a drive by Maddie. A Penalty 2 late in the chukker gave Maddie another opportunity. With a half shot, she put the ball right into the goal for her eighth tally, and thanks to her

Above: MVP Maddie Grant leads the pack on Best Playing Pony Sydney in the Women’s Arena Handicap final. Left: Marlan Farm’s Kelly and Marissa Wells and Sophie Grant won the Open.

earlier two-pointer, her ninth point. Drumcliffe had done it again, defeating UVA, 17-6. Maddie’s efforts earned her MVP honors and her fourth chukker horse, Sydney, a 7-year-old chestnut mare, was honored as Best Playing Pony. Maddie was unsure if the horse would be a good fit at first. “She has the biggest personality in the barn,” Maddie Grant told USPA. “She eats everything; she even ate Sophie’s phone once! And she loves to be pet and be fed treats.” It was refreshing to watch the Grant girls displaying unselfish, disciplined polo throughout the match. “You see a lot of brothers playing together because the big polo families are all men,” Abbie Grant said. “We are a team of all women, three sisters, who can play together, perform well together and accomplish goals together and that is really powerful for little girls to see.” POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 29

Price of Silver Rocking P nabs title in U.S. Women’s Open United States Polo Association • Photos by Kaylee Wroe

ast year’s runner-up, Rocking P overcame Midland Polo Club in the final of the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship at Tonkawa in Brookshire, Texas, Nov. 11.

Significant rainfall led to the U.S. Open Women’s Handicap (played simultaneously) to be moved to the arena, while Open Championship games were played on back-to-back days with remarkable upsets in preliminary play. The week was a whirlwind of unexpected activity and the superbly

staffed and well-organized Houston Polo Club pulled off an outstanding tournament, each game bringing forth fast, competitive polo at the highest level. Hungry for a tournament win after losing in overtime to San Saba in 2017, Courtney and Bridget Price’s Rocking P team worked as a well-oiled machine to

dominate the Women’s Open final 10-2 after four chukkers of commanding play. Midland (Molly Smith, Tiamo Hudspeth, Dayelle Fargey, Izzy Parsons) was looking forward to the rematch after falling to Rocking P (Prices, Tia Gross, Lara Lamacraft, Hazel Jackson), 6-1, in the opening match.

Midland’s Izzy Parsons reaches out to hook Rocking P’s Hazel Jackson in the U.S. Open Women’s final.

30 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

Rocking P’s Bridget Price, Courtney Price, Tiva Gross, Lara Lamacraft and Hazel Jackson are congratulated by Paul Jornayvaz, far left, David Yurman’s Nene Soumare and Land Rover Houston Central’s Jason Lacher, center, and Steven Armour, far right.

With both teams willing to lay it all on the line, players arrived to the field slightly overzealous, leading to fouls early in the first chukker. Rocking P’s Hazel Jackson quickly capitalized on a Midland error, converting the ensuing penalty, followed closely by a field goal from teammate Lottie Lamacraft for an early lead. Midland Polo Club’s efforts to score fell short, resulting in a shutout first chukker. “We played the same team before and [didn’t want] to come in underestimating them,” said Jackson. “We saw them play against Nina [Clarkin] the other day and they were phenomenal. We watched back their games, and came in super prepared.” Midland Polo Club managed one goal in the remainder of the first half off the mallet of Tiamo Hudspeth, but an unstoppable Jackson continued to shoot on goal, Rocking P leading the charge at halftime 4-1. Playing in the first half and splitting a man with her sister Courtney, 15-year-old Bridget Price, last year’s Handicap champion, remarked on her first Open experience. “It was definitely faster and so exciting to play. There was more man-to-man contact and it’s more open,” she explained. Plays and strategies were discussed during the divot stomp and, hungry for a comeback, Midland Polo Club reorganized its team under the direction of coach Corky Linfoot. Izzy Parsons worked hard

to create goal shot opportunities for her team, but Midland Polo Club struggled to hold back Rocking P’s Jackson, as she hammered in three consecutive shots. “We were playing some really clean, classic polo, going in pairs. That was really our game plan going in at the beginning, play a lot of defense so we could open up the field and let Hazel play her game,” said Courtney Price. The gap widened though Midland Polo Club put up a solid fight until the bitter end. It was unable to overtake the seasoned Rocking P team. Hudspeth managed one more goal for her team, a neckshot off grey mare Pringa before the final horn sounded, signaling Rocking P’s 10-2 victory. Rocking P’s Tiva Gross was happy with her first year of Women’s Open competition. “It’s a huge honor. I’ve been trying to come here for many years and to finally get a chance, and win, is an added bonus,” she said after the game. “I had a great team, they made it an absolute pleasure, it was so fun. Some great opposition too, I don’t think the score really reflected how well they played.” Hazel Jackson was awarded Most Valuable Player, contributing seven of her team’s 10 goals on the day. “I love the team I chose,” exclaimed Jackson. “Karl [Price] gave me the mission of finding our team and I am so pleased I chose these girls.

They are massive team players, they always take one for each other and we’ve had a super fun week as well.” Her third chukker chestnut mare, Maxima, owned by Marcos Villanueva, was presented with the Professional Best Playing Pony blanket. Amateur Best Playing Pony honors were presented to Emma, owned by the Price family and ridden by Courtney Price in the fourth chukker. “She was a little machine today,” said Price. “She was giving it her all—we were flying.” The tournament got under way on Nov. 6 with BTA, armed with the formidable English 10-goaler Nina Clarkin, challenging the women of San Saba. Firing hard on its opponents’ goal posts, BTA maintained the lead throughout four chukkers to claim the first win of the day, 7-4. In the next match, Rocking P met Midland Polo Club. Rocking P was eager to start off solid with its newest team member, Kenyan 6-goaler Tiva Gross. Three unanswered Rocking P goals in the first chukker set the tone for the remainder of the game, Midland Polo Club adding only one to the scoreboard off the mallet of Molly Smith. Rocking P players combined for an additional three goals to finish the day strong, 6-1. The next day, Rocking P faced off against rival San Saba, eager for redemption after suffering a disappointing overtime loss in POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 31

Above: Paul Jornayvaz, Jason Lacher, MVP Hazel Jackson, Texas Polo’s Vinnie Meyer, Nene Soumare and Steven Armour Below: Dr. DeCillo of DeCillo Equine Clinic with Courtney Price, Jose Roman and Courtney Price’s Best Playing Pony Emma

last year’s final. A Penalty 3 conversion from San Saba’s Lia Salvo early in the first was the only goal to make it on the board before a unfortunate trip by her horse during play sidelined her from continuing. Only half a 32 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

chukker played and 3:04 remaining in the first, San Saba decided to forfeit. Rocking P advanced with a 2-0 record. BTA then met Midland Polo Club for the other final spot against Rocking P.

BTA’s Lucy Coddington put the first tally on the board, the only goal in the first half, as BTA led 1-0 after two chukkers. A double yellow called on a dangerous riding play at the top of the third sat

Clarkin out for two minutes, providing Midland with a pivotal opportunity for two penalty conversions. Dayelle Fargey and Smith perfectly executed both penalties to gain the lead. The teams traded goals once more in the third to end the chukker, 3-2, Midland holding a narrow advantage. BTA equalized the score but an offensive push by Midland Polo Club enabled Izzy Parsons to score back-to-back goals, sealing the 5-3 win. The highest level of women’s polo in the country, teams were rapidly formulating their final strategies following their qualifying matches. The women’s Open has been played at Houston for the past eight years. It will move to International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida, in 2019 and will be played in the spring rather than the fall. In the U.S. Open Women’s Handicap, nine teams filled the roster in the singleelimination tournament. With the rain forcing the matches to be played in the arena, four-man teams were paired down to three-man teams. The change meant the tournament no longer qualified as a USPA event. The first-round games were played on

Women’s Open BTA:

Chrys Beal KC Krueger Nina Clarkin Lucy Coddington

3 7 10 6

Midland:

Molly Smith Tiamo Hudspeth Dayelle Fargey Isabelle Parsons

Rocking P: Courtney Price/Bridget Price Lottie Lamacraft Hazel Jackson Tiva Gross

San Saba: Dawn Jones Mia Bray Sarah Wiseman Lia Salvo

3 5 6 6

22/23 3/2 5 9 6

26 6 4 8 8

Nov. 7 with Stick and Ball topping Icon Global 10-8; Sullivan Group topping Texas Monthly 10-6; EEW Steel Trading defeating Bearsden 15-6; and Woody’s

Furs edging W-S Horse Farm 7-1 and Listo Polo/Kanthaka 3½-2 in a round robin. In the semifinals played two days later, EEW Steel Trading defeated Stick & Ball 10-8 and Sullivan Group edged Woody’s Furs 14-13 in a shootout. In the final, Sullivan Group (Joanie Jackson, Marissa Wells, Kelly Wells, Megan Rahlfs) got the best of EEW Steel Trading (Roxy Mounter, Cara Kennedy, Kendall Plank, Hazel Jackson), 13-11. The mother-daughter duo of Kelly and Marissa Wells were fresh off their U.S. Women’s Arena Open victory. Marissa Wells was named MVP and Nikita, owned by Nick Cifuni and played by Marissa Wells was Best Playing Pony professional. Best Playing Pony amateur went to Jackie, owned and played by Megan Rahlfs. AQHA Best Playing Pony awards went to Cash, owned and played by Carol Farnsworth and Taxi, owned and played by Kendall Plank. In the subsidiary semifinals, Listo Polo/Kanthaka defeated Icon Global 13-4 and Texas Monthly defeated Bearsden 8-6 and W-S Horse Farm 6-1½. In the subsidiary final, Listo Polo/Kanthaka defeated Texas Monthly 11-7.

POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 33

Connected Network brings together women worldwide by Gwen Rizzo

he Women’s International Polo Network launches its website this month, providing a central location for women around the world to access detailed tournament and player information.

The Woman’s International Polo Network aims to be a one-stop source for women’s polo. It will offer a calendar of worldwide events, player profiles, lists of female umpires and certified instructors, news and other resources. The idea came about last year during the Women’s Argentine Open when polo player Dawn Jones spent some time with USPA Women’s Committee chair Erica Gandomcar-Sachs, discussing women’s polo. Jones also had discussions with La Dolfina coach Milo Fernandez Araujo, whose two daughters won the inaugural Women’s Argentine Open. “We all came to the conclusion that there really wasn’t a comprehensive calendar available for worldwide women’s tournaments to understand who is doing what, when,” explained Jones. “[USPA Executive Committee member] Maureen Brennan had also sent out a letter to clubs last year encouraging them to create a schedule to build a women’s circuit, particularly in the United States.” At Gandomcar-Sachs’ request, Jones sought out advice and feedback on ideas for having a comprehensive way of organizing women’s polo, including having player profiles, a global calendar and ways to connect with others around the world. In the meantime, Jones, at the urging of friend and teammate Clarissa Echezarreta, hosted fast practices at a polo facility in Wellington, Florida. The 34 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

purpose was to offer them as a learning tool for young women wishing to play in England or Argentina so they would have a better understanding of the speed experienced in women’s polo in those countries. “I spoke with a lot of different women that play polo at the higher levels ... and different organizations that host women’s polo, like Melissa Ganzi with her Santa Rita League she and Alina Carta host,” Jones said. After the practices at her field, Jones would take the time to ask the 16-18 players about women’s polo, including what they felt worked, what didn’t work, what they’d like to see improve and what benefit, if any, they saw in having the fast practices. In the U.S., women’s polo is the fastest growing segment of the sport, and it is being seen at every level. This past summer, two of the four patrons in the East Coast Open were women. According to Jones, women’s polo has become more professional with the level of horses being used at the highest quality

and the competition becoming more intense. Sunny Hale, who was 5 goals in mixed polo, obtained the highest rating of any woman in the U.S. to date. Only one other player, Claire Tomlinson in Britain, reached that rating worldwide. Prior to her death from cancer in 2017, Hale was a promoter of women’s polo, creating the WCT championship series, authoring instructional books on polo, giving polo clinics around the world and in 2014, developing the women’s handicaps in the U.S. The WCT helped increase the level of women’s polo and largely jump-started professional women’s polo. Women’s handicaps were important, particularly in the U.S., because there was too much compression between minus-2 goalers and 2 goalers with a vast difference in abilities between those handicaps, said Jones. “There are some players listed at 1 goal in mixed polo, but they have never really played women’s polo. In women’s polo, everybody has got to work,” explained Jones. “You can go from 8-goal mixed polo to 16-goal women’s polo and it is night and day in the amount of effort, exertion and athletic ability you have to demonstrate and implement to play the game.” The Argentine Polo Association, created separate women’s handicaps in 2012 and has hosted more and more top women’s tournaments in the past few

March, Mia played and won the 20-goal Sterling Cup with her 12-year-old brother, Poroto, and her dad. She was named MVP. The children also competed in the Rural Exhibition in Palermo this past August. There they demonstrated their riding ability and showcased some of the young horses from the family’s breeding operation. The exhibition generally sees some of the best polo organizations’ top trainers, nearly all of them men. It is great to see talented young women participating in these types of events and as Salvo said, the hope is more women will get opportunities like these. Jones agrees, pointing out that if there are more highgoal women’s events in the U.S., we can build some 18-goal teams that will be able to play together multiple times, allowing them to be more competitive when traveling abroad. The highest-rated American women (outdoors) are 7-goalers Kristy Waters Outhier, who just retired to spend more time with her kids, and KC Krueger, who is just getting back to playing after having her second child last spring. “The best we can field on any given day in the U.S. is a 25-goal team. We have to cultivate up-and-coming players like Malia Bryan, Hope Arellano, Marissa Wells, Mia Bray and Kendall Plank by giving them

opportunities,” explained Jones. While associations generally offer tournaments and handicaps, according to Jones, the women she spoke with want a place to access more detailed information such as if players have horses and if so, how many; what position they prefer to play; do they have access to horses oversees; can they travel to play; and what level of polo do they want to play. “We want the website to be as userfriendly as possible. It will provide players searches as comprehensive as possible. If you want to search for a player from a certain region of the world, you can do it. If you want to search for a player based on their handicap, you can do that. If you want to search for a player based on the best position played, you can do that,” explained Jones. “These are things they were interested in knowing about and seeing. And they want to be able to see a calendar of all the most important events around the world,” she said. “We’d like to list as many as possible, including charity events, youth polo and collegiate polo.” Ideally, there will be a cooperation between clubs and even countries so that women’s events won’t conflict with each other, allowing for the most participation. “We are trying to help encourage and

SERGIO LLAMERA

years. This may have to do with the number of higher-rated players who have teenage daughters interested in riding and playing. Players like Fernandez Araujo, Adolfo Cambiaso and Miguel Novillo Astrada have daughters who are excellent riders and players. The players have nurtured their daughters’ love of the sport and supported them as they compete in not just women’s, but mixed polo. Cambiaso, who was close to Hale, has long supported women players. In fact, he won the 2000 U.S. Open with Hale and more recently, invited Lia Salvo to play on his team in the 2016 Jockey Club Open. The 32-goal team with 10-goalers Cambiaso, Pablo Mac Donough and Juan Martin Nero won, making Salvo the first woman to win a high-handicap tournament in Argentina. At the time Salvo said, “I’m [living] a dream. Two months ago I would have never imagined being here. Now, I can barely stand because of the joy. I hope this achievement enables the more than 500 girls who play in Argentina to have more opportunities to show their skills and even more girls are encouraged to play.” Cambiaso’s daughter, Mia, won the first Women’s Argentine Open last year with the Fernandez Araujo sisters. And in

The WIPN hopes to create circuits of women’s polo so pros can travel the circuit without having conflicts. The more events we can build in the U.S., the more competitive our teams will be internationally.

POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 35

UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION

Jones believes we have to cultivate talented young players like Malia Bryan (left) by offering them opportunities. The WIPN hopes to establish a scholarship fund for young players to play abroad.

create circuits of women’s polo to have blocks of time and specific places in the world so women pros can travel that circuit, participate and not have conflicting dates,” said Jones. “This Florida season we are working on organizing a 2019 Women’s Florida Circuit with the U.S. Women’s Open Polo Championship as the keystone between women’s tournaments schedule before and afterward,” she explained. “You will have Vero Beach at the end of February to honor Sunny Hale. Then the first week of March, Sarasota will host a women’s tournament combined with a charity match. Port Mayaca will host its Tabebuia Cup the second week of March, combined with its Molly’s House benefit. Then you’ll have the Women’s U.S. Open, followed by the Sunny Hale’s Legacy WCT Finals. After that, The Villages will host its Women’s Challenge.” Once the Women’s Argentine Open was introduced into the calendar, it conflicted with the U.S. Women’s Open played in Houston in the fall. It will now be played in Florida beginning in the spring of 2019. “This year, players like Nina Clarkin, Sara Wiseman, Lia Salvo and Hazel Jackson made an extra effort to do it 36 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

because they love the competition, and they wanted to help support [the U.S. Women’s Open’s] final year in Houston. We all wanted to make a real showing of support the best we could. We had four teams participating (see page 30). I invited two young women from Kenya—Izzy Parsons and Tiva Gross—to join and they happily came here to play,” Jones said. “That is part of this network because a lot of women didn’t even know there were women that played polo in Kenya, much less knew about Tiva Gross, whose mother was 4 goals and played against Claire Tomlinson in the day. And it’s not just their polo. For instance, Izzy is involved in conservation in Kenya with elephant and rhino rescue. It’s really admirable,” she said. To build the website, Jones and Gandomcar-Sachs enlisted the help of Gandomcar-Sach’s good friend Kim DeLashmit, a beginner polo player who also owns Orange Marketing in Denver, Colorado. DeLashmit recently helped Denver Polo Club rework its online presence and marketing efforts. Working from a wishlist of functionality from WIPN’s core volunteers, Orange Marketing began mapping a plan for the site. Over the next

nine months, her company, along with their development partner ByteJam, designed WIPN’s brand identity and built the organization’s online platform from the ground up. “Their biggest challenge was to layer together the site’s sophisticated functionality in a way that would be simple and intuitive for players and clubs to use. There was no existing template, so they designed a user experience that was unique to WIPN, including club and player accounts, player-to-player messaging, printable list and calendar views of upcoming tournaments and events, and more,” explained Jones. The WIPN will be a welcoming place, free for everyone to use. Jones points out it is a non-profit so no one is going to make any money off of it. A GoFundMe page set up five months ago raised its goal of $40,000, which went to build the site, and will help keep it running. Fundraising will still continue in order to help with ongoing management costs of the website, and also help the WIPN try to establish a scholarship fund for young players to travel to other countries to experience polo in other parts of the world. “This idea was based on a program

created by Tamara Fox in England where she matched funds provided by the HPA to send two young ladies from England to South Africa to play polo. One ended up being invited to play on an eight-goal team,” said Jones. The WIPN will also raise money through the sale of products, such as Tshirts, hats, hoodies and vests. Each player is responsible for maintaining their profile and including information about polo, as well as other interests they may have. Clubs will also be tasked with keeping their calendars up-todate. And promotional club videos can be posted as well. Additionally, the USPA and the Argentina Polo Association has given WIPN permission to post some of their videos related to women’s polo. There will be links to polo associations around the world as well as FIP. Jones said, “My colleagues and I believe the WIPN will help promote the sport, the associations and encourage new memberships around the world. I think clubs can really benefit too. WIPN visitors can learn about each participating club, their player members, their events, and their polo schools if available. The WIPN can provide a platform for each club to promote itself as a desirable travel destination.” “Our ultimate goal is to provide every visitor with relevant information about players, up-and-coming events, clubs, and their polo schools ... certified female instructors, and certified female umpires all under one roof,” said Jones. “In addition, there will be plenty of room for polo businesses to advertise, such as polo equipment sales, horse sales and rentals, horse transport, health and wellness ... and [travel companies]. “It is really beautiful to see such an influx of women wanting to participate, coming from collegiate programs, women who are just getting into the game and the veterans of the game that are all really energized by this. It’s been very gratifying. “The WIPN has the potential to unify women’s polo for the better. Collectively via the website, women could have a stronger position at the table to offer valuable suggestions on how best to improve tournaments, clubs, associations, and the game in general.”

10-goaler Facundo Pieres only uses Texas Polo Luxe Edition saddles

DALLAS

Texaspolo.com 214 - 720 - 0233 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 37

Lauren Biddle 1996-2018 he polo community is mourning the loss of rising young star Lauren Mikaila Biddle.

of Life Nov. 18 in Wellington, Florida with hundreds of friends and family. Prior to going to New Zealand, Biddle had been in Australia competing in the Queensland Ladies Spring Tournament at Ainsley Polo in Australia. She had planned to stay in New Zealand playing and training horses until March. Biddle is the daughter of Tommy Biddle and Yvette Biddle. A thirdgeneration polo player, Lauren caught the polo bug early in life. She was a

natural horsewoman and, having grown up around the barn, she was a true lover of not just horses, but all animals. She also always had a love for elephants. She learned to ride shortly after learning to walk. She began in the Junior polo program at an early age, starting in the lead-line division aboard her dun paint pony Lollipop, who doubled as her show pony. As she got older, she played polo in the summers and concentrated on showing hunters and jumpers during the winter. As an

UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION

The tragic, sudden death of Lauren Biddle, who was working in New Zealand, came as a shock to those who knew and loved her. She was allegedly found unresponsive at a home in the early morning hours of Oct. 22 in the seaside suburb of Clifton, just outside Sumner. According to news reports, when paramedics arrived, a friend was performing CPR on her to no avail. At press time, an investigation into her death was continuing. In the meantime, her family held a Celebration

38 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

KAYLEE WROE

adult she focused more on polo, at first working for her dad and then for others. “I was really proud of her. She got her own jobs. She did everything herself to get on Team USPA, she wanted to be an ambassador for polo everywhere,” said Tommy Biddle. Aside from the U.S., New Zealand and Australia, she played in tournaments in Jamaica, Canada and China. An excellent horsewoman who could ride just about anything, she was known as a fierce competitor on the polo field and a great teammate. “She did more in her 22 years than people do in two lifetimes,” said Tommy Biddle. “We were really close. She was Daddy’s girl.” In May, she was selected to join Team USPA and she interned this summer at the Denver Polo Club in Sedalia, Colorado. She held a .5 rating in mixed polo and 4 goals in women’s polo. Numerous tributes from her many friends throughout the equestrian community have been posted on social media. The common theme throughout them is what a bright light she was to everyone who had the pleasure to know her. She was a friend to everyone. She always had a smile on her face, treated people well and was full of life. “We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support by people all over the world. It is amazing how many people she touched,” said Tommy Biddle. “It’s like a bad dream. It is tough to realize she won’t walk through the door again.” Hook Polo launched a line of limited edition polo gloves to honor her, with $10 of every purchase benefitting the Lauren Biddle Remembrance Fund. The funds will be divided equally between Polo Players Support Group and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to support orphaned elephants. In addition to her mother and father, she is survived by her sister Bailey; stepbrother Curtis Moore (Kenzie); niece Whitley Moore; grandparents Tom and Linda Biddle and Bob Knutson; aunt Tracy Heron (John); uncle Bradley Biddle (Katie); cousins Helena and Marley Heron and Chloe and Lily Biddle.

POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 39

BY ERNESTO RODRIGUEZ

FAMILY TRADITION SERGIO LLAMERA

Familiar names win most important high-school tournament

t. Catherine’s Moorlands A, a team made up of children and grandchildren of Argentine Open champions, won the Santa Paula Cup, the most important highschool tournament in Argentina, at the Cathedral, Palermo’s Field No. 1. The Argentine Open champions include Eduardo “Ruso” Heguy who raised the Argentine Open trophy four times in Palermo as a member of Indios Chapaleufú II. Ruso’s father Alberto Pedro raised it 17 times between 1963 and 1981 as part of the immortal Coronel Suarez team. In the first of Ruso’s conquests, in 1996, one of his companions was Alejandro Díaz Alberdi. For his part, Miguel Novillo Astrada lifted the trophy at the Cathedral in 2003 to complete the Triple Crown with his brothers on the La Aguada team. And while Alejandro Agote never lifted the most desired cup in the polo world as a player, he was the coach who guided Ellerstina to its last three celebrations (2008, 2010 and 2012). Experience celebrating in the world’s most famous field was ensured as their offspring took to the field. Mía Novillo Astrada (Miguel’s daughter, 17 years old), Alejandro Agote Jr. (Ale’s son, also 17), Cruz Heguy (the son of Eduardo and grandson of Alberto Pedro, the youngest at 14) and Nicolás Díaz Alberdi (Piki’s son, 17) formed the quartet of the St. Catherine’s Moorlands A that won the Santa Paula cup, the most important intercollegiate tournament of Argentina. The tournament has been celebrated since 1951, when brothers Diego and

40 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

The winners—Nicolás Diaz Alberdi, Mia Novillo Astrada, Cruz Heguy and Alejandro Agote Jr.—celebrate with their parents.

SERGIO LLAMERA

Alejandro Reynal donated the trophy in memory of their mother, Mrs. Paula Albarracín de Reynal. In the last two seasons, this trophy known for churning out aces had been in

Ruso Heguy coaches Alejandro Agote Jr. during the final of the Santa Paula Cup.

the hands of Las Cañuelas, with the contribution of the brothers Camilo and Bartolomé Castagnola, sons of former 10goaler Bartolomé “Lolo” Castagnola. But they decided not to participate in the 2018 edition. Instead, a dozen quartets from 0 to 8 goals started the road on April 17, on the first of three qualifying dates. The four teams that earned a ticket to the semifinals were Los Robles Azul (Lucio Gallegos, Tomás Schwencke, Candelaria Fernández Araujo and Javier Guerrero), winner of Bracket A; Fasta San Jose (Facundo Frayssinet, Alberdi Bautista, Santiago Harriott and Marcos Harriott), the best of Bracket B; St. Catherine's Moorlands A, the top in Bracket C, and Oakhill (Tomás Allende, Ciro Riveiro, Riglos Bautista and Enrique Martín), the only undefeated squad in Bracket D. The semifinals, held on Friday, April 27, made it clear which were the two most powerful crews: Los Robles Azul beat Oakhill 12-5½ after conceding 1½ goals, while St. Catherine’s Moorlands A, that

St. Catherine’s Moorlands A: 6

Oakhill:

St. Andrews:

Mía Novillo Astrada Alejandro Agote Jr. Cruz Heguy Nicolás Diaz Alberdi

0 3 1 2

Tomás Allende Ciro Riveiro. Bautista Riglos Enrique Martín

1 0 2 2

Mateo Fiorito Iván Grozovsky Luca Moretti Francesca Moretti

1 0 0 0

Los Robles Azul:

Fasta San José:

Colegio del Pilar:

Lucio Gallegos Tomás Schwencke Candelaria Fernández Araujo Javier Guerrero Alt. Lucas Criado

1 2 0 4 1

Facundo Frayssinet Bautista Alberdi Santiago Harriott Marcos Harriott

0 1 1 2

Bianca Pagano Hilario Gallegos Tomás Bayugar Felipe Gallegos

0 0 0 0

Los Robles Bordeaux:

Cardenal Newman B:

Miguel Di Gerónimo:

Máximo Lanz Salvador Arrastúa Ignacio Arbelbide Juan de Giovanángelo

0 0 3 0

Santiago Adaro Joaquín Llambías Matías Mac Donough Jr. Federico Martín

0 0 0 1

Juan de Ezcurra Luca Martignone Pedro Bosch José María Díaz Herrera

0 0 0 0

Cardenal Newman A:

St. Catherine’s Moorlands B: 0

Escuela del Alba:

Facundo Solimano Santiago Barbieri Teodoro Lacau Teo Antonio

0 0 1 0

Fernando Balmaceda Enrique Miralles Javier Uranga Santiago Di Paola

0 0 0 1

Lucas Ferrari Torres Fernando Hernández Santiago Mignaquy Facundo Goti

win this trophy. Camila Rossi won it in 2010 with the same school. “It was a beautiful sight to see so many buddies in the stands. The school authorities allowed them to miss and they came to give us their support,” acknowledged the young woman who, along with Javier Guerrero, received Fair Play awards. The subsidiary Copa Zeus capped off the competition. Miguel Di Gerónimo school (Máximo Lanz, Salvador Arrastúa,

Ignacio Arbelbide and Juan de Giovanángelo) clashed against Escuela del Alba (Teo Antonio, Teodoro Lacau, Facundo Solimano and Santiago Barbieri). The Miguel Di Gerónimo school—based in the city of Trenque Lauquen, one of the main producers of talents in Argentina–won 5-3½ despite having given 1½ goals to the city of Lincoln’s Escuela del Alba, thanks to the leadership of Ignacio Arbelbide, the highest-rated player on the court.

Cruz Heguy outpaces the opponents in the final of the Santa Paula Cup.

POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 41

SERGIO LLAMERA

gave equal difference to Fasta San Jose, beat it 9-4½. The autumn rains generated in the closing of April and the beginning of May forced to defer the final five months until Monday, Sept. 10 when Palermo opened its doors to almost a thousand teenagers to witness the final of this event. In the main event, Los Robles Azul—located in Pilar, the navel of Argentina’s polo—presented a change to its original line up when Lucas Criado Jr. entered in place of Candelaria Fernández Araujo, raising the team’s valuation a goal (8), which should have given 1½ goals to St. Catherine’s Moorlands A. The team from the high school based in Belgrano (one of the classic Buenos Aires neighborhoods) knew how to keep the advantage and extend it during the match’s five chukkers. When the final bell rang, St. Catherine’s Moorlands A won 5½-3, giving the school its 12th title in its history, the first since 2010. “It is a great joy to witness this historic game together with my dad, in which Cruz maintains a family tradition together with the children of good friends. It is an unforgettable day for all,” acknowledged Eduardo Heguy, one of the best backs in the history of this sport. After the match, Mía Novillo Astrada was recognized as the second woman to

0 0 0 0

For the second time, the French Sainte-Mesme team added its name to the prestigious winners of the Paprec French Open, robbing In The Wings of the French Triple Crown after an insane game that kept the 2000 spectators on the edge of their seats. On the women’s side, Sainte-Mesme wins French Open DS Automobile, led by PHOTOS BY R&B PRESSE British Nina Clarkin, seized the trophy after the most competitive line-up of the tournament’s seven-year history. The games between Sainte-Mesme and In The Wings are becoming a classic in France, a saying affirmed by Robert Strom, and which we could hardly argue.

DESTINATION: FRANCE

The two teams face each other regularly, especially in this French Open, just like in 2009 where Sainte-Mesme won its first final. During the zone games, the two teams played against one another and once again, In The Wings had to bow down to its French opponent, with only one goal difference after a spectacular game. “This time, the match was a bit less open,” acknowledged the young SainteMesme captain, Robert Strom, one of the best players in France with a 5-goal handicap. “A final is always more hooked, it was a more violent, a closed game of polo. In The Wings is one of the great teams in France and when we face them, it always leads to very good games. “Santiago Cernadas and Pelayo

In the Wings’ Pancho Bensadon reaches out to stop Sainte-Mesme’s Robert Strom in the final of the French Open.

42 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

S P O T L I G H T

DS Automobiles’ Nina Clarkin, Lucy Coddington, Angela Robb and Suzanne Rosenkranz took the Women’s French Open.

Berazadi played really well. We were aware of the competitiveness of our opponent. The players won together in Deauville whereas on our side we never played together before. But, we knew each other very well and we get along perfectly outside of the field. I was convinced that this team [would] work!” Strom and his teammates took In The Wings to the throat, starting the first part of the game perfectly, which they dominated entirely. After the third chukker, Cernadas accidentally hit Pancho Bensadon in the hand with his mallet. Cernadas had to sit out for two minutes, an action that allowed In The Wings to score a goal and equalize the points. The end of the game was a harsh battle where Sainte-Mesme took back the advantage. Pancho and his son Rufino Bensadon fought hard and multiplied the hard shocks against the French

players who pushed back one at a time on the defensive. Once more, the Clásico ended with a small difference: 10-9. “This victory is important for us because it has been too long since we won this tournament,” said Strom. Since 2009, year of our first win, we only played one other final in 2014, and lost in an additional period. We were starting to get impatient!” Venuziana, an 8-year-old Argentine mare, ridden by Pancho Bensadon and bred by Javier Tanoira, was Best Playing Pony. On the way to the final, Saint-Mesme qualified after winning all three preliminary matches. In The Wings had a more difficult time. It met Saint-Mesme in the first round, going into overtime before falling. Needing the win over another French team, Kazak, it took no chances. Motivated by the prospect of a second victory in the French Open and

its first French Triple Crown after two wins at Deauville in August, In The Wings jumped out front early and kept the pressure on to finish 13-5. At the same time, the women battled. Never has a women’s tournament been played at such a high level in France: eight teams, the three best players in the world, a final just as hard-fought as the men’s and won (9-7) by the only 10-goaler within the women players, the British Nina Clarkin. “[Clarkin plays] perfect polo, always in a forward movement, but mostly, she never commits any faults,” explained Lia Salvo, who was eliminated by the British in the semi-final. This match was also a more private duel between the two best British players—Nina Clarkin for DS Automobiles and Hazel Jackson for Engel & Völkers-Why Not. The ladies who face one another regularly in direct confrontations without any concession, POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 43

American team takes subsidiary

EVELINA JAKOVLEVSKAJA

Bernard Uechtritz’s Icon Global Group sponsored the Icon Global team in the Women’s French Open. Uechtritz explained the reason behind it was to promote the Women’s International Polo Network (see page 34) with a team competing against some of the top female players in the region, across Europe and from around the world. The team included Argentine 9goaler Lia Salvo, American 4-goaler Slaney O’Hanlon, up-and-coming 2goaler Olivia Uechtritz and poloobsessed actress and supermodel Sonia Couling, a 0-goaler from Thailand. Bernard Uechtritz explained that in the team’s first match, fresh off the plane, it fell short by four goals against Engel & Volkers-Why Not, a team captained by an aggressive and wellLia Salvo gets out front in Icon Global’s first match against Engel & Volkers-Why Not. Fresh horsed Hazel Jackson. off the plane, Icon Global fell in this match but defeated Vernet Paris, 12-2, in its next match. The teammates than adjusted to each other and the foreign horses to come out firing against Vernet Paris, soundly beating it, 12-2. The next game was for a spot in the final, with the team facing its biggest challenge yet. It took on the 16-goal DS Automobiles team captained by the No. 1 female player in the world, 10-goal Nina Clarkin. The match played on the No. 1 field at Chantilly Polo Club was fast-paced, action-packed and played at a very high caliber as both teams exhibited strategy, drive and passion. Bernard Uechtritz said the team remained hopeful as it entered the final chukker down by just a goal. However, several high-pressure runs to goal by Salvo and Olivia Uechtritz barely missed the posts and penalty opportunities went unconverted while Clarkin sealed the win for DS Automobiles with two additional goals. Icon redeemed itself in the subsidiary as it edged Shu Uemure-Bella Matata, 6-4. “Icon Global was and is really proud to help support the initial awareness and fundraising campaign of WIPN. In my opinion, it is a very important initiative, launched at a critical and appropriate time both in culture and in context of the overall development of polo. I know firsthand that Dawn Jones and the founding group of WIPN gals have all worked extremely hard to action a great vision that I believe will continue to lead, grow and morph into something really stable and significant for polo,” said Bernard Uechtritz. “The short version of our French team’s performance was exemplary, first class and nothing Icon Global’s Sonia Couling, Olivia Uechtritz, Slaney O’Hanlon short of professional all round, and all these ladies held and Lia Salvo took the subsidiary over Shu Uemure-Bella Matata. The the banner high for both ICON and WIPN on and off team is being sponsored by Bernard Uechtritz’s Icon Global Group to the field.” promote the Women’s International Polo Network.

44 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

Sainte-Mesme’s Santiago Cernadas, Robert Strom, Rafael Cabezas and Pelayo Berazadi won the French Open over In the Wings.

didn’t disappoint. Clarkin was logically named the best player of the final. “It was my first time playing in

Chantilly and I thought the fields were fantastic and the experience great. Really good to have the top three women players

Open de France-Femine

in the world playing and a really great standard of polo. The final was really tough but a great game with end-to-end runs and lots of goals. They played really well but we managed to take back the lead at the end of the second and hold on. Phew! My team went great and we stuck to our game plan and stayed focus,” said Clarkin. To get to the final, DS Automobiles edged Icon Global in a semi-final pitting the team, led by Clarkin, against the U.S.-based team led by Argentinian Lia Salvo. Despite Salvo’s impressive play, Clarkin was able to overcome the Icon Global team, 7-4. The other semi-final pitted Engel & Völkers and Shu Uemura. The latter’s Heloise Wilson Smith kept the team even with Engel, led by Hazel Jackson, until the last 30 seconds when Jackson sunk a penalty to take the win. It was a great tournament thanks to Benoit and Philippe Perrier, the masterminds of these two particularly competitive French Opens.

Open de France

Vernet Paris: Laëtitia Macaire Lavinia Fabre Charlotte Garaud Romane Jamet

12 3 3 3 2

RB Presse: Adèle Renauldon Lucia Venot Pearl Venot Elena Venot

12 1 2 2 4

Barralina Daniel Crasemann Casper Crasemann Adrian Laplacette Gaston Maiquez

16 1 3 6 6

Le Brok Cafe: Margaux Perruchot Siobhan Herbst Lucy Bowman April Kent

12 0 4 4 4

DS Automobiles Lucy Coddington Susanne Rosenkranz Angela Robb Nina Clarkin

16 5 1 0 10

Kazak: Sébastien Aguettant Patrick Paillol Clément Delfosse Matias Vial

16 0 5 5 6

Engel & Volkers—Why Not: Hana Grill Zavaletta Hazel Jackson Lea Siboni Sabrina Bradley

15 4 8 2 1

Shu Uemura—Bella Matata: Heloise Wilson Smith Alice Servaes Dominique Thoenes Stephanie Haverhals

15 6 3 2 4

In the Wings: André Fabre Rufino Bensadon Pancho Bensadon Alfonso Pieres

16 0 4 8 4

Icon Global: Sonia Couling Slaney O’Hanlon Lia Salvo Olivia Uechtritz

16 1 4 9 2

Land Rover: Alexandre Sztarkman Pierre-Henri Ngoumou Jota Chavanne Martin Joaquin

16 1 6 5 4

Hungaria—Los Floreales: Maike Hoelty Svenja Hoelty Clarissa Marggraf Jasmin Bumanowski Tahnee Schröeder

12 3 3 3 3 3

Sainte-Mesme: Birger Strom Robert Strom Santiago Cernadas Pelayo Berazadi Rafael Cabezas

16 0 5 6 5 0

POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 45

POLO REPORT DISPATCHES FROM THE WORLD OF POLO

EASTERN

MOUNTAIN VIEW TOPS IN CARRA MEMORIAL

Mountain View’s Shamsiya Shervani, Reid O’Connor, Kija Wilson and Laura Goddard won the Carra Memorial. With them is Best Playing Pony Windy, owned by Laura Goddard.

ountain View dominated the three-team round robin Karen Carra Memorial women’s tournament at Mountain View Polo Club in Charles Town, West Virginia, Sept. 16. Mountain View (Reid O’Connor, Kija Wilson, Shamsiya Shervani, Laura Goddard) flexed its muscle early and never relinquished control. It took on Flaming Flamingos (Amelia Shaw, Sierra Goff, Willow Longerbeam) in the first round. Goff added to Flamingos handicap goal in the first period, but a

46 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

pair of goals by Goddard and one from Shervani gave Mountain View the advantage. Goddard turned up the heat in the second with five goals, including a two-pointer, while Flamingos was held to single goals by Goff and Longerbeam. Mountain View won 10-4. Mountain View held its momentum in the second round as it took on Pinksburgh (Akemi Tinder, Kate Dougherty, Claudia Tobler). Tinder scored twice and Tobler once in the first chukker, but those goals were matched

by Goddard. Dougherty found the mark in the second, but Goddard stole the show with five goals to take the 8-4 win. With Mountain View securing two wins, the last round was for second place honors. Flamingos began with a handicap goal, which it managed to hold onto through the first seven minutes as Longerbeam and Dougherty traded goals. Shaw added a goal in the second chukker but Tinder fired through three goals to give Pinksburgh the narrow 4-3 advantage.

R E P O R T DEBRA NAPP

P O L O

Flaming Flamingos takes on Pinksburgh for second place honors in the Karen Carra Memorial Women’s Tournament.

Aliano Realty’s Pedro Gutierrez, Nick Aliano and Esteban Scott won the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship.

STEPHEN ECONOMOU

Scott was honored a MVP and Gutierrez’s Polito was Best Playing Pony.

PAC I F I C C OA S T

MANY WINNERS IN PCAL AT OC POLO

Aliano Realty’s Esteban Scott manages to reach the ball while being covered by Hart Agency’s Johnny Redlich in the U.S. Open Arena Championship in New York.

Mountain View was the winner with 18 total goals. Pinksburgh was runnerup with nine goals and Flaming Flamingos was just behind with eight goals. Akemi Tinder was named MVP and Windy, Laura Goddard’s chestnut Appaloosa, was Best Playing Pony.

NORTHEASTERN

ALIANO REALTY IS OPEN ARENA CHAMP Country Farms Polo and Equestrian Center in Medford, New York, hosted the prestigious U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship, Sept. 29, with two 12goal teams competing. Aliano Realty (Nick Aliano, Pedro Gutierrez, Esteban Scott) took on Hart

Agency (Agustin Bottaro, Fausto Trino, Juan Redlich). The Hart Agency held a one-goal advantage, 4-3, after the first seven minutes thanks to the hot stick of Bottaro, who tallied three times including a two-pointer. Gutierrez scored twice for Aliano and Scott added one. Aliano shot back in the second chukker with Scott sinking two goals, including a two-pointer, and a pony kicking the ball into the mark while Hart came up empty for a 7-4 Aliano lead at the half. Aliano was awarded a Penalty 1 in the third chukker and Scott sunk a Penalty 4. Redlich matched the goals to keep Hart in the game, 9-6. The last period had Bottaro sink a pair of Penalty 2s, but Gutierrez had the answer with a Penalty 2 and a field goal for the 11-8 win.

Orange County Polo Club in Silverado, California, hosted its first tournament at its new location, Sept. 15-16. The tournament was part of the Pacific Coast Arena League, featuring cooperation between various clubs throughout the summer all playing for year-end high-point awards. Nineteen teams competed at Orange County from several southern California polo clubs including Central Coast, Lakeside, California and Poway. The first match was an exciting B Flight round robin between Central Coast Polo (Taylor Olcott, Claire English, Petra Teixeira), OC Polo (Bekah Segien, Andy Perkins, Kelli Newton, Heather Perkins) and Lakeside Girls (Paige Kufahl, Kylie Kufahl, Thalia Postins, Franchesca Johanneson). All three teams fought hard but Central Coast came out on top. Teixeira took MVP, Postins won best sportsmanship and Newton’s speedy little pony, Dublin, won Best Playing Pony. Game two (also B Flight) pitted Bush League (Quinn Kyle, Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson) against Lakeside

POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 47

P O L O

R E P O R T

Bush League/Apex’s Ryan Robertson, Virgil Kyle and Forest Smith won A Flight in a shootout over CPC.

OC Polo’s MVP Denny Geiler, Shelley Geiler, Dave Schuberth and Blake Bertea won B Flight over Polotariat.

Trust Me Poway’s Gillian Young, Sean Cochran and MVP Sydney Morris won C Flight over Lakeside.

3M’s Martin Perez, Monica Soucy and MVP Marco Meier won the final C Flight match over LA Training Center.

(Kim Foy, Nicole Bankhead, Frankie Questel). The match was neck and neck with tie scores at the end of all four chukkers but Robertson came alive with two goals in the last chukker to take the win. Foy won best sportsmanship, Kyle MVP and Bankheads’s pretty paint, Adam, was Best Playing Pony. The third game in B flight was Polotariat (Brenda Phillips, Laura Kingsley, Susan Harris) vs. OC Polo (Dave Schuberth, Blake Bertea, Denny Geiler, Shelley Geiler). OC Polo was able to get the better of Polotariat. Harris was best sportsman, Shelley Geiler’s big grey La Perla was Best Playing Pony and Denny Geiler was match MVP. The A Flight match was a nail-biter between CPC (Chuck Stanislawski,

48 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

Megan Judge, Danielle Travis) and Bush League/Apex (Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Forest Smith). In true A Flight fashion, the buzzer sounded with a tied score. A goal in the shootout by Kyle rewarded Bush League/Apex with championship honors. Travis was MVP, Robertson’s Hibrow was Best Playing Pony and Stanislawski won best sportsman. The next B Flight match pitted Family Affair (Andy Schnoebelen, Ethan Bankhead, Garrett Bankhead) against CPC (David Chun, Katty Wong, Kirsten Ludwig). It was another tight game decided by shootout with Family Affair taking home the hardware. Ethan’s Justino was Best Playing Pony, Chun was MVP in his debut tournament and Schnoebelen won the sportsmanship award.

The final game of Day 1 featured C Flight action between Trust Me Poway (Sean Cochran, Sydney Morris, Gillian Young) and Lakeside (Abigail Purdy, Davey Kral, Ethan Bankhead). In the end, Trust Me Poway defeated Lakeside with MVP being awarded to Morris, Best Playing Pony going to Bankhead’s trusty pony Togo and sportsmanship going to Purdy. Sunday morning started off with the student match between OC Polo (Mark Calayag, Sofia Chamberlain, Ella Horton) and Rancho Silverado (Brandon Nunez, Mary Linares, Dylan Smith). OC Polo was victorious over Rancho Silverado. Nunez rode Aveluz to Best Playing Pony honors (with and without a bridle), MVP honors went to Chamberlain and Best Sportsman went to Smith.

P O L O

Central Coast Polo’s Claire English, MVP Petra Teixeira and Taylor Olcott won a B Flight round robin in the PCAL.

The next C Flight match was OC Polo (Joanna Faulkner, Lauren Helpern, Sy Zahedi, Blake Bertea, Colleen Newton, Clare Boals) prevailing over CPC (Maritza Johnson, Cara Stechmann, Nora Kahn). Johnson took the sportsmanship award, Bertea was MVP and Stechmann’s Danny was Best Playing Pony. The final match featured LA Training Center (Frank Li, Laura Mommicchi, Rob Marshall) taking on 3M’s (Martin Perez, Monica Soucy, Marco Meier). 3M was unbeatable with Meier as MVP. Mommicchi’s Garota, was Best Playing Pony and Li was best sportsman. The weekend tournament marked the end of the PCAL tournament season. The year-end award banquet ceremony was hosted by California Polo club on October 21 (See page 21). —Kelli Newton

HARBOR HOUSE ACES USPA MASTERS CUP IN CA Harbor House, led by MVP Erik Wright, topped a six-team roster to win the silver in the 0-6 goal USPA Masters Cup at Cerro Pampa Polo Club in Petaluma, California, Aug. 24-25. The tournament is also known as the Oyster Cup. Harbor House (Wright, Megan

R E P O R T

Harbor House’s Megan Judge, Rafael Hernandez, Edmond Jin and MVP Erik Wright won the Masters Cup in California.

Judge, Rafael Hernandez, Edmond Jin) got off to a great start, edging Tevis Ranch (Richard Mansfield, Hassan Khan, Micheal Dawson/ Rebecca Clark, Sohrab Darakshan) 41, then tying PoloSF/ Papa Polo (Leandro Floccari, Vladimir Rivkin, Linda Vegher, Erin Nagle) 3-3 to advance to the final. The other finalist was Mother Chukkers (Ignacio Del Tour, Suzannah P. Forbes, Oliver Jin, Michael Mizrahi), which tied with Pedras Wine (Marcial Seguno Sag, Will Harris, Jason Valdez, Akinayo Sotomi) 3-3, then defeated JRD Saddlery (Collin White, Mehrdad Baghai, Gregory LeBlanc, Jack Ziegler), 3-1. Other preliminary matches included Papa Polo downing Tevis Ranch 4-2, JRD Saddlery edging Pedras Wine 3-2, Tevis Ranch slipping Pedras Wine 6-5 and Papa Polo defeating JRD Saddlery 6-4. In the final, Harbor House got the best of Mother Chukkers. Wright went home with the bulk of the trophies. Aside from MVP, his Gatita was named Best Playing Pony.

FMB DOMINATES WICKENDEN CUP Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club culminated its fall tournament season

with a busy early October weekend with 8 goal, ladies polo and pro pool. The four-team USPA Wickenden Cup was played with a single elimination format. UCLA (Remy Muller/Claudia Uretz, Joel Baker, JW Hall, Matt Walker) and Farmers & Merchants Bank (Dan Walker, Warwick Prendiville, Santi Wulff, Matt Yonally) beat Barrossa/STG (Jack Zeigler, Jef Graham, Max Menini, Francisco Guinazu) and Klentner Ranch (Bayne Bossom, Luke Klentner, Jesse Bray, Piers Bossom), respectively, in the first round played on Saturday to put UCLA up against Farmers & Merchants Bank in the final. Prendiville played his best game of the season, scoring three goals from the field and earning MVP honors. His aggressive offensive efforts pulled Farmers & Merchants Bank forward as he consistently received passes from Wulff and carried the ball downfield. Wulff added five goals to the tally and Walker scored two. FMB dominated the field from the first throw-in, driving the score to 5-1 after two chukkers of play. UCLA fought to defend against the strong momentum carried by FMB. Two penalty conversions by UCLA brought the score to 6-2 at halftime. The match continued to tilt in favor of FMB throughout the second half. Muller stepped in for UCLA, breaking up the strong forward push of FMB. Walker and Yonally continued to

POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 49

DAVID LOMINSKA/POLOGRAPHICS

R E P O R T

DAVID LOMINSKA/POLOGRAPHICS

P O L O

Farmers & Merchants Bank’s Matt Yonally, Dan Walker, MVP Warwick Prendiville and Santi Wulff won the Wickendon Cup.

capitalize on the momentum created by teammates Prendiville and Wulff, ending the game with a final score, 10-4. Wulff’s Soledad was Best Playing Pony. In the Ladies Invitational, Central Coast Polo defeated Stick & Ball Co., 63, in an exciting final played on the main field. The Central Coast team featured a mix of local players including Megan Judge, Cory Williams, Danielle Travis and Hanna Heitzig. The team’s first match against Sotheby’s (Kirsten Ludwig, Melanja Jones, Dayelle Fargey, Jessica Dubin) ended in a tie after regulation play and the fate of its standing was laid in the hands of Travis on the penalty line. After winning the penalty shootout, Central Coast focused on its next opponent, Stick & Ball Co. (Elizabeth Welborn, Leigh Brecheen, Kendall Plank, Mia Bray), that had defeated Team Jack Maher (Geneva Kashnig, Roxy Keyfauver, Michelle Huber, Erin Brittin) in first-round play. Central Coast team’s strategy seemed reminiscent of an arena game, with each player following behind a teammate. It proved to be successful as a majority of its goals were scored when a Central Coast player picked up a loose ball that popped out from a defensive scrum. Travis was awarded MVP. Best Playing Pony honors went to Chicory, owned by Leigh Brecheen. In the consolation final, Sotheby’s defeated Jack Maher Polo.

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Paige Beard presents trophies to Central Coast’s Hanna Heitzig, Danielle Travis, Cory Williams and Megan Judge.

The fall pro pool season came to a close with Marshall Allen earning the most wins throughout the fall season. The pro pool is one of the most popular and fun leagues for amateur players to compete in at the polo club. The following weekend, World Gym (Melanja Jones, Claudia Uretz, Tony Uretz and Tom Shurman) came away the ultimate winner of the Last Chance Tournament, named after the Last Chance Bar in Big Horn, Wyoming. The tournament is the last hoorah of the grass season. Eight teams comprised of players from across California and beyond showed up to compete. With a horse show taking place on the grounds and a lively asado on Saturday night, there was plenty of activity to close out the season. The teams were divided into two playoff brackets, with the winners advancing to a four-team round-robin final. The winner of the first two chukkers and the winner of the third and fourth chukkers played against each other in the final seventh and eighth chukkers to determine the winner of the tournament. On Saturday, Ask Abby (Andrea Rodriguez, Dayelle Fargey, Nico Piex, Luke Klentner) defeated Continental Polo (Torrey Ripinsky, Troy Crumley, Domingo Questel, Erin Brittin); Pacific Polo Tour ( A. Nordheimer, R. Varavetta, Matias Doom, Antonio Juarez) defeated

Brisa Mare (De Meyer, Lolo Payan, Kirsten Ludwig, Jaime Stone); HYT Polo (Ernie Ezcurra, Alexis Payan, Gustavo De Grieff, Richie Merluza) defeated Sandalford (Andrew Broeren, Matteo de Paolis, Warwick Prendiville, Sheryl Sick); and World Gym advanced by defeating LV Polo (Soheil Goel, Jessica Dubin, Juan Gonzalez, Riley Jordan). After defeating HYT Polo, World Gym faced Pacific Polo Tour for a competitive final two chukkers, dubbed the “Ultimate Final.” The exemplary teamwork displayed by World Gym set the foursome apart. Pacific Polo Tour had the benefit of one of the highestrated players in the tournament, but Melanja Jones and Claudia Uretz shut down his attempts at an offensive rally. Combined with the efforts of Tony Uretz and Tom Sherman, World Gym pushed ahead, relying on each other to keep the ball moving forward. World Gym focused on scoring one goal at a time, and its strategy paid off as the teammates rode off the field with megawatt smiles. Canuela, played by Melanja Jones and owned by Central Coast Polo Club, was awarded Best Playing Pony. MVP Tony Uretz had the privilege of playing and winning alongside his mother. He said, “The best part of this Last Chance Tournament wasn’t winning, or even winning MVP, but rather being able to play polo with

R E P O R T

DAVID LOMINSKA/POLOGRAPHICS

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Paige Beard and Joel Baker present trophies to World Gym’s Tom Shurman, Claudia Uretz, Tony Uretz and Melanja Jones.

my mom.” The four players of the World Gym team unanimously agreed that part of the fun was playing four-man polo. Luke Klentner was recognized at the trophy presentation for playing in all levels of polo from 16 goal to the Last Chance Tournament this season.

LIS-PLANELLS TAKES FIRST THREE TOURNEYS Miguel Lis-Planells made it to the trophy stand in the first three tournaments of central Florida’s The Villages Polo Club’s fall season, including one with his daughter. The season opener on Oct. 7 saw United Healthcare (Paul Wadsworth, Miguel Lis-Planells, Charly Quincoces, Francisco Llosa) edge Fross & Fross (Belden Hoskins, Casey Hoskins, Doug Hoskins, Nick Johnson) in the last three minutes to win The Villages Health 6 goal. Llosa overcame the half-goal deficit given to Fross & Fross in just three minutes but a defensive battle ensued with neither team able to reach the goal until almost six minutes into the third period when Johnson scored for Fross & Fross. The half ended with Fross & Fross holding on to its half-goal handicap, 1½-1. Johnston scored another just 30

UnitedHealthCare’s Paul Wadsworth, Miguel Lis-Planells, Charly Quincoces and Francisco Llosa won The Villages Health 6 Goal.

seconds into the fourth. Quincoces responded for UnitedHealthcare but Johnson and Doug Hoskins gave UnitedHealthcare the one-two punch in the closing minutes of the chukker to take a 4½-2 advantage. Goals by Wadsworth and Quincoces early in the fifth brought UnitedHealthcare within a half goal. Johnson increased the spread with a penalty conversion but Llosa shot back to bring the teams within a half goal, 5½-5. The last chukker was an all out battle with both teams fighting for control. A costly mistake by Fross & Fross gave Llosa an opportunity with an undefended Penalty 2, which he seized upon to take the narrow lead with 2:51 left. That would be the end of the scoring, leaving UnitedHealthcare ahead 6-5½. Charly Quincoces, who scored three goals, was named MVP. “It feels amazing to win today and it’s always nice to come back here to The Villages. The wind made it a little difficult before you got used to it, but we had a nice team and it feels good to be able to pull it out at the end,” he said. The following weekend, Galaxy Home Solutions (Monica LisPlanells/Jenny Pascarella, Miguel LisPlanells, Paige McCabe, Francisco Bilbao) stole the show in the UnitedHealthcare 6-goal, sweeping a three-team round robin.

With scores carried over from Friday’s preliminary action, Galaxy Home Solutions claimed a 7-5 decision over Citizens First (Sue Doyle, Paul Wadsworth, Nick Johnson, Francisco Llosa), before taking down UnitedHealthcare (Sheri McQuown, Casey Hoskins, Charly Quincoces, Luis Saracco), 9-5, to seal the tournament championship late on Sunday afternoon. “I think we had an outstanding team on the field and that really opened up the game for us,” said Miguel Lis-Planells, who tallied three goals over the weekend. “Paige (McCabe) and Frankie (Bilbao) make a great team, and really it was just about running behind them and picking up the loose balls to score. When we were able to do that, things really worked out for us.” Galaxy defeated UnitedHealthcare, 5-4, to open its weekend sweep, before toppling Citizens First, 3-2—with both victories on Friday setting the squad up in good position for Sunday’s action. Galaxy started the final day of play with three opening-chukker tallies against Citizens First, featuring back-toback goals from Bilbao registered within 30 seconds of each other. After Citizens clawed back within two, 6-4, entering the final chukker, a McCabe one-timer from a Bilbao feed found its way through the pipes to

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Galaxy Home Solutions’ Francisco Bilbao, Paige McCabe, Miguel Lis-Planells, Jennifer Pascarella and Monica Lis-Planells

seal the victory. In Sunday’s championship match, a scoreless opening chukker gave way to a goal from Miguel Lis-Planells to open the second period of action—a threegoal chukker for Galaxy en route to the victory—which concluded with a goal from Miguel’s daughter, Monica. “I was commenting with her and my wife this morning about getting a chance to play with her again today,” Miguel Lis-Planells said of his daughter, Monica. “Whether we won or lost, it didn’t matter … I was already a winner. Just getting to share the field with her was a great experience. But we both scored and had fun, so what else can I ask for?” Miguel Lis-Planells slipped on a The Villages Insurance jersey for the Properties of The Villages 6 goal on Oct. 21. The Villages Insurance squad (LisPlanells, Jimmy Wetter, Luis Saracco, Francisco Llosa) delivered a masterful comeback performance, erasing virtually a four-goal deficit and withstanding a stellar individual effort from the opposition in the process, during its 10-9½ victory over Galaxy Home Solutions (Sue Doyle, Casey Hoskins, Nick Johnson, Tony Vita). No. 4 Francisco Llosa led the way for Insurance, tallying five goals on the day after scoring twice in Friday’s preliminary action. “We all played good and we all put a

52 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

Miguel Lis-Planells, Jimmy Wetter, Luis Saracco and Francisco Llosa won the Properties of The Villages 6 goal at The Villages.

little bit of extra work in it today,” Llosa said. “You never know how it’s going to go with that half of a goal in play—you can be up or you can be down very quickly.” After allowing the day’s first three goals to compound the half-goal deficit they opened with (due to player handicap), Insurance rattled off three unanswered tallies in the third chukker to get back into the weekend finale before scoring three more in the sixth to steal away the tournament crown. The comeback for Insurance also included improved defensive marking on Galaxy No. 4, Tony Vita, who was named Most Valuable Player after an impressive six-goal performance. “We just needed to do a better job of marking Tony Vita,” Llosa said. “We didn’t really do that the first four minutes or so. Sometimes when you get behind early, you get a little nervous and you don’t start to do the right things but it turned out good for us in the end.” Galaxy built a 3½-0 advantage through the early part of the second chukker, behind two first-period tallies from Vita and a rebound goal from Hoskins. Insurance rallied on the strength of the three consecutive Llosa goals in the third chukker to seize a 5-4½ lead at the divot-stomping intermission. Galaxy fired back by recording four of the first five goals in the second half,

putting Insurance back down 8½-6 early in the fifth chukker. But from there Insurance played its best polo of the afternoon, outscoring Galaxy 3-1 over the final chukker of play. Saracco broke away from the pack for the go-ahead goal with less than a minute to play, receiving a nice feed from teammate Wetter just out in front of his pony Cowchita, who was named Best Playing Pony. “Jimmy (Wetter) made a beautiful play, and I trusted him 100 percent that the pass was going to come,” Saracco said. “He hit a beautiful neckshot exactly in front of my horse for me to just hit the last two taps and put it in and that was it. We’re really happy with how we played and how we got the win.” In Sunday’s earlier consolation match, Arden’s Jewelers and UnitedHealthcare dueled to a 7-7 draw. The month’s action finished with the Fross & Fross team (Kelly Beck, Paul Wadsworth, Luis Saracco, Stuart Campbell) capturing the Fross & Fross 6-goal over Arden’s Jewelers (Ken Williams, Midge Ellison, Alfredo Guerreno, Charly Quincoces). Campbell recorded a hat trick, including the go-ahead goal with less than two minutes to play, to lead Fross & Fross. The team benefited from Arden’s struggles as it went 4 for 17 when shooting at the goal.

P O L O

Fross & Fross’ Paul Wadsworth, Kelly Beck, Luis Saracco and Stuart Campbell won the Fross & Fross 6-Goal Cup.

“You’ve definitely got to capitalize and jump on it when a team struggles a little bit like they did today,” Campbell said. “Fortunately, we got lucky they missed a lot and that kept us in the game after our slow start. But we finished strong and we were able to get it done for the Fross & Fross team today.” It was the weekend’s Most Valuable Player, Midge Ellison, who got the finale off to a fast start, as she cashed in on offensive rushes for two goals and the early 2-0 Arden’s lead through a chukker of play. Fross & Fross got back on its horse after the early deficit, responding with four of the next five goals to close the first half, including two by Campbell, to claim a 4-3 lead at the halftime divotstomping. After seven goals in a wide-open first half of action, the defensive marking tightened over the final three chukkers of play with the two teams combining for just four tallies in the second half. Saracco streaked ahead of the pack and carried possession more than 100 yards, before slicing the ball between the pipes for the lone goal of the fourth chukker to give Fross & Fross a 5-3 advantage. Guerreno tallied the fifth chukker’s only goal, as he cleaned up a rebound opportunity to bring Arden’s Jewelers back to within 5-4 entering the sixth and final period of play.

R E P O R T

UK Polo’s Ben Lynch, Eva Crossman, Maggie Holloway and Anastasia Vialov won the Arena Challenge Cup in Kentucky.

A goal by Arden’s Jewelers’ Charly Quincoces with 2:49 to play knotted the score at five goals apiece before Campbell’s breakaway dash on the game-winning tally. Fross & Fross’ Back rushed to a loose ball, just beating out a sharp defensive angle of the hard-charging Quincoces, before slapping it through the pipes to earn the victory. “A lot of pressure right there going to goal,” Campbell said. “I knew I had to keep my head down and give it my all. My horse, she’s the one that got me the ball there in the nick of time just before Charly (Quincoces), and fortunately, it had just enough to cross the line.” Ellison finished with three goals of her own to lead Arden’s Jewelers in the losing effort. —Cody Hills

MIDSTATES

UK POLO TRIUMPHS IN ARENA CHALLENGE CUP UK Polo overcame two tough teams in the Arena Challenge Cup, played in a round-robin format, this past summer. In the first round, UK Polo (Anastasia Vialov, Eva Crossman, Maggie Halloway, Ben Lynch) took on Three Trees (Stuart Boland, Brent Boland, James Boland).

James Boland struck first but Lynch responded with a two-pointer to give UK Polo a quick lead. Neither team could find the target the rest of the chukker. In the second, Crossman hit the mark to increase the lead. Holloway extended it further, while Three Trees came up empty. UK took the firstround win, 4-1. UK Polo then sat out while Three Trees took on Commonwealth (Meg Campos, Donald Nickou, Maximilliano Reynoso). Nickou drew first blood. Stuart Boland answered back with a penalty conversion to knot the score, 11. In the second, Reynoso sunk a twopointer to take the lead. James Boland found the mark for Three Trees but Campos responded with two. Brent Boland got in one last goal but it was not enough and Commonwealth took the 5-3 win. The final round was for all the marbles. UK Polo quickly got on the board with a goal from Lynch. Campos shot back but Crossman gave UK Polo back the lead. Vialov sunk a goal early in the second and Holloway followed with another to take a convincing 4-1 lead. Commonwealth was not ready to concede. Reynoso found the mark with a two-pointer to bring his team within one, 4-3, but it ran out of time and UK Polo held on for the win. Meg Campos was MVP and Columbia, owned by UK Polo and played by Ben Lynch, was Best

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P O L O

Anderson Commercial’s Meg Campos, Abby Jones and Donald Nickou won Noches de Polo. Juan Valerdi is not shown.

Association’s Two Wishes polo facility in Lockhart, Texas, to play the opening matches of the SW Circuit’s Central Region Governor’s Cup qualifier. The first game had Kanthara (Sylvia Kampshoff, Cuatro Tolson, Phillip Kampshoff, Ariel Rodriguez) taking on McAllen (Morgan Tennant, Nacho Estrada, Lalo Ramirez, Juan Gonzalez). The match started after a short delay due to lighting within five miles. Sylvia Kampshoff was the first to score with what was the only goal of the chukker after a long run. In the second chukker, both teams put points on the board, with McAllen scoring two and Kanthara adding three

more. After a long halftime and another storm delay the game continued with McAllen adding one and Kanthara adding two more. The final chukker had McAllen playing hard and adding two more goals while holding Kanthara to one goal. Kanthara’s 7-5½ win earned it a place in the final on Sunday. The second game was between JD Polo (Taylor Morris, Max Beuck, Agustin Arrayago, Thomas Phelps) and Texas Military (Joshua Rodriguez, Gal Shweiki, Karl Hilberg, Glen Voorhees). In a rout, JD polo, led by its high-scorer Thomas Phelps, defeated Texas Military 7-0. As the game ended, the rain resumed, putting in doubt if Day 2 of ANDY MAHR/MAHRIMAGES.COM

Playing Pony. Later in the summer, Anderson Commercial (Abby Jones, Meg Campos, Donald Nickou, Juan Valerdi) edged Commonwealth Black (Meghan Shader, Willie Jumez, Joe Post, Jorge Vasquez) in the Noches de Polo. Valerdi found the goal first but Post and Shader responded to give Commonwealth Black the narrow edge. A two-pointer by Campos briefly put Anderson Commercial on top. Jumez scored and a two-pointer by Vasquez gave Commonwealth the 5-3 advantage at the half. The action heated up in the second half. Valerdi scored a hat trick and Nickou added another. Shader and Post responded, combining for three goals to get back on top, 8-7. In the final period, Jones scored two in a row to put Anderson on top. Nickou increased the lead before Jumez tallied twice, leveling the score at 10-all. With time ticking away, Valerdi scored the golden goal to give Anderson the 11-10 lead. Jones was named MVP and Abeja was named Best Playing Pony.

JD Polo’s Taylor Morrison Austin, Max Beuck, Agustin Arrayago and Thomas Phelps won the Governors Cup qualifier in Texas.

SOUTHWESTERN

JD POLO TOPS GOVERNORS CUP On an overcast and cloudy Oct. 7, four teams met at the Central Texas Polo

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Kanthara’s Ariel Rodriguez gets off a backshot under pressure from JD Polo’s Taylor Morrison Austin in the final of the Governors Cup qualifier at Two Wishes in Texas.

P O L O the tournament would be played. With only a little rain overnight, the field managers cleared the field for play. The consolation match was between Texas Military and McAllen. Again, Texas Military lost in a landslide as McAllen scored two goals in both the first and second chukkers and one in the third to win 5-0. For the championship, JD Polo took on Kanthara in a hard-fought match where the final score would not reflect the play by both teams. First points on the board included a Penalty 1 and a converted midfield penalty, both in favor of JD Polo. Philipp Kampshoff then converted a Penalty 3 to put his team on the board, but Arrayago’s third score of the chukker kept JD Polo ahead. The second chukker was all JD Polo as it kept Kanthara scoreless while Arrayago and Phelps added three more goals. Phelps scored a beauty of a backshot when Arrayago shot at goal only to have Sylvia Kampshoff block the shot out to the right of goal. Just when it looked like Kanthara would run with the ball, Phelps hit a the backshot across and through the goal posts. Starting the third chukker, JD Polo was leading 6-1. Kanthara tried to stop the bleeding, playing strong defense and it was working. Philipp Kampshoff scored the only goal with a Penalty 4. The defensive battle continued into the final chukker. Philipp Kampshoff narrowed the deficit to three, 6-3, but Beuck matched it to increase the spread, 7-3, and ensure the win. JD Polo’s Thomas Phelps was MVP. Kanthara didn’t go home empty handed as Phillip Kampshoff’s Soberana was Best Playing Pony and Cuatro Tolson was Best Sportsman. The results will be recorded in the USPA Blue Book. Thanks to all the supporters who ensured a great weekend of polo, including Robin Sanchez, Karl

Hilberg, Holly Wood, Javier Insua, John Greening, Two Wishes Ranch and event sponsors South Padre Island Polo Club and Pud Nieto. H AWA I I A N I S L A N D S

NAVY CLINCHES PATTON CUP IN HAWAII The Honolulu Polo Club in Honolulu, Hawaii, hosted the Gen. George S. Patton Cup, Sept. 21. The club’s tradition of honoring the area’s military culture and horse legacy comes alive each season with its Military Challenge Tournament, played this year as the Patton Cup. For a quarter century, it has celebrated Hawaii’s polo legacy with a tournament honoring polo greats, such as Gen. Patton, who played in Hawaii in the 1930s as a major with the infantry at Schofield Barracks. Some say it was the Golden Age of polo. The Army and military moved by

Navy’s Sydni Tobin, Blandon Pitzel, Sarah Miller and Ronnie Tongg won the Gen. George S. Patton Cup in Hawaii.

horseback and every accomplished officer found it almost a requirement to play this ancient sport. In fact, polo was introduced to the area in 1880 by a group of British naval officers off the HMS Gannett following a deployment to Asia. Traditionally, given the historical rivalry between the Army and Navy, the matches have usually been between those two. This year, the club was able

R E P O R T to field a match between Navy and Air Force teams. Navy included Sydni Tobin, Blandon Pitzel, Sarah Miller and Ronnie Tongg, while Air Force included Khai Agon, Mark Becker, Christine Devlin, Rebecca Johnson and Cristina Pitzel. Naval Reserve Capt. Blandon Pitzel captained the Navy team while Devlin, a retired Air Force major, captained the Air Force crew. Navy prevailed 4-1 in a spirited match, not reflected by the score. The match was preceded by loud, raucous noise from special guests in attendance off the Navy ship USS Preble and fans supporting the Air Force.

OBITUARIES

SPENCER SMITH Spencer Smith was born on May 23, 1963 and grew up alongside his three brothers on a family grain farm outside of Kindersley, Saskatchewan. Spencer first found his love for horses when visiting his uncle’s cattle farm nestled in the Speedy Creek Hills. Spencer convinced his three brothers to pitch in to buy a pony, named Duke, who never missed an opportunity to kick at a passerby or spill whichever rider was on his back. Nevertheless, Spencer’s passion for horses grew strongly from then on. Upon graduating with a degree in commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, Spencer first took a seven-month trip to Australia to ride horses on a cattle station at which he happily logged many hours in the saddle. He returned home and in 1987, Spencer’s work selling x-ray contrast media brought him to Winnipeg where he was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Blake McClarty, a radiologist. McClarty introduced Spencer to the incredible

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sport of polo. While boarding his two horses at McClarty’s acreage, the two of them would ride the few miles down the road to Ross Fargey’s sheep pasture to join in on the ‘game of neighbors’ with several other locals. Spencer found polo brought his passion for riding horses together with his love for competitive sport. He took a chukker on any horse he could get while he trained his two young quarter horses to play at the same time he was learning. With the help of Guy Kling, a realtor and member of the Springfield Polo Club, Spencer found his dream property on the edge of the 10,000-acre Birds Hill Provincial Park, just a few miles from the polo fields. Without a truck and trailer, Spencer would ride three miles to Sunday polo while evening practice chukkers required a five-mile ride in each direction to Fargey’s field. With an ever-burning desire for progress and improvement of the club, Spencer rallied a few other key members in the early 1990s to bring in Springfield’s first professional player, Alan Friedman of the Sarasota Polo Club, to raise the level of play and teach members a better way to play polo. This introduction of pros spurred the club’s development towards bigger and better times. Professionals Rafael (Canelo) Silvestre and Isaias Palma Franco followed shortly after and they have been improving the level of horses and polo for the past 22 and 21 years, respectively. Spencer also spearheaded the push to start cutting manes, putting up tails and wearing whites. In 1994, Spencer married his wife, Susan, and together they established the Rocking S Ranch and began their family of soon-to-be polo players. They had three children—Garrett, Katie and Regan. The children were strapped into car seats for long trips to neighboring clubs across Western Canada before they were 8 weeks old! By the time they were 5, they were learning to ride and play.

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Spencer purchased a 12.2-hand Welsh Cobb pony. With 40-inch mallets made by Canelo, Garrett and his pony Bullet learned the game together and opened the era of the ‘Smith kids on their ponies’. In total, the siblings had five durable ponies that were ridden to and from the fields every game day, each doubled most every game, and they often scared any other horse that played on the field with them! As the years rolled on and his children improved, Spencer had developed his own team of ‘pros’ with excellent horses. Rocking S Polo would always provide a competitive, fastrunning and clean game. Spencer and his family made it a tradition to embark on annual polo trips throughout the Western Canadian prairies and upper United States to visit tournaments at other clubs and catch up with old friends. Spencer could be counted on to embrace the travels and show up ready to play—no matter what the weather forecast looked like. Over 25 years, Spencer’s family logged a lot of hours and created a multitude of great memories on the road. Destinations such as Grande Prairie, Saskatoon, Calgary/Black Diamond, Kelowna, Edmonton, Minneapolis, Duluth and South Dakota are all home to many dear friends. With a focus on family, Spencer was a Canadian polo icon who embodied the spirit of polo in the prairies, both on the Canadian and American sides of the border. In his later years, he served as a USPA club delegate. Nothing

brought Spencer greater joy than playing polo as a family event alongside his children, and with much support from his wife and eldest daughter Paige. He believed polo was the only sport you could play at a competitive level with your kids, and many times over the years he expressed how thankful and proud he was to have a family that shared his passion for polo. During the harsh Manitoba winters, Spencer got his horse fix by hitting the trails in his western saddle or hooking up his team of Percherons for a drive through the park. The team is used to pull both a wagon in the summer and a sleigh in the winter. Among many others, annual New Year’s Eve sleigh rides provided many cherished memories with family and friends along with a few stories of some epic runaways in the early training years! Of course, this was all part of living a life so deeply involved with horses. Kling said the Springfield Polo Club would most likely have folded over two decades ago if Spencer hadn’t come along, admitting they really didn’t have a clue what they were doing until Spencer took the initiative to move the club in a progressive direction. Ensuring his children would always have somewhere to play summer polo, Spencer developed the Rocking S Polo School. Just as the early club members had done for him, Spencer provided horses for those learning how to play. Spencer and his family, with the support and direction of the USPA, finished their second summer of teaching lessons and providing coaching chukkers to new members at the club. Spencer also continued his field manager duties, which he stepped into over a decade ago. Spencer and his family spent endless hours moving sprinklers, often multiple times per day or night, mowing the field, setting it up for game play, and so on. Spencer took great pride in the amount of rain the fields could handle.

P O L O Spencer also found the time to form competitive teams for Sundays—games rarely decided by more than one goal. Club president Bruce King said, “He was the heart and soul of polo here in Springfield.” In his memorial procession, his wife and children, along with one mounted player from each of the many clubs Spencer frequently played, as well as a group of his western riding friends, followed a riderless horse led by his son Garrett to his final resting place. His 30-plus years of polo and his entire 55 years life ended far too early by cancer. Spencer lived life to the absolute fullest and made an enormous and positive impact on the sport of polo and in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will live on forever in the hearts and actions of his family and the entire polo community of Springfield.

MIKE FLANNERY Polo lost one of its most colorful characters, Mike Flannery, on Oct. 3. Mike grew up in Detroit, Michigan. After relocating his car business to Colorado, he was introduced to polo on a visit to Detroit by his good friend and fellow car dealer, Jerry Spitler. After Mike’s first introductory game on borrowed horses, Spitler sent him to the barn the next morning with instructions to walk the six horses he played for one hour. Never one to turn down a task, Mike, with his backside too sore to ride, led the horses around the track on foot for exactly one hour. Following this experience, Mike bought a string of horses and drove them to San Antonio, Texas. He showed up with 10 horses and no groom. The morning after he arrived, he was found cleaning stalls at 7 a.m. Mike had just turned 60 years old. He loved the horses, the camaraderie and the game. Not long after his arrival in San Antonio, he introduced his future wife, Margaret Williamson, to polo. Mike and

Margaret partnered on their polo and jumping horses. They developed a first class facility, M&M Ranch, in Larkspur, Colorado, to house their growing number of horses and entertain their many friends. An Irishman through and through, Mike and Margaret enjoyed frequent trips to Ireland where they kept a farm and enjoyed foxhunting. Although he started playing polo late in life, Mike won his share of tournaments. Their M&M Ranch team went undefeated two straight years in San Antonio’s Prima Vera League. Mike finished his polo career in style when M&M Ranch won the National President’s Cup in 1994. At 65, Mike was perhaps the oldest player to ever win the President’s Cup. Mike Flannery made many friends during his polo years and he sure put a smile on a lot of faces.

SETH HERNDON

Seth Woodruff Herndon, Jr. passed away on July 15, 2017. Seth was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and graduated from Tulsa University with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. He had a very

R E P O R T successful career in the oil and gas industry and a polo career that extended over 40 years. Seth was a member of Eldorado Polo Club, and the patron of the Southern Hills polo team. At his peak, he achieved a rating of 4 goals, and in 1980, he won the U.S. Open with the Southern Hills team of Jake Sieber, Tommy Wayman and Ruben Gracida. Seth also won the North American Cup in 1981, the C.V. Whitney Cup in 1982 and the America Cup in 1988. Seth served as the USPA Pacific Coast chairman for eight years. He had a true passion for polo and was known for his spirit, sportsmanship and passion for ponies. Fred Mannix remembers Seth as a tough competitor and a great contributor to polo. He was on the rating committee on the West Coast for many years and did a sterling job. Corky Linfoot recalls playing both with and against him: “Seth Herndon was a solid 4-goal player who played for the love of the game. He was an honorable man both on and off the field, and always came well mounted.” One of Seth’s favorite ponies, Electric Charge, was the winner of the Hartman Trophy in 1981 and was inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame in 2005. Seth played Electric Charge, an Oklahoma-bred mare, in numerous high-goal tournaments, including two chukkers in both the final and semifinal of the U.S. Open. Seth was married to the love of his life, Margaret “Muggy” for over three decades. They lived in the Indian Wells, California, area for their entire marriage and were almost inseparable. Muggy was Seth’s biggest fan and supporter, in polo and throughout life. As his polo career slowed down, Seth enjoyed golf and fishing. Muggy, who now resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma, said, “It’s been well over a year, but I still miss Seth terribly. He was such a wonderful man, and a wonderful husband.” —Megan Kominski u

POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 57

(continued from page 17) for the horse if he is overworked or being asked to do something he isn’t capable of doing or doesn’t like doing. Not every horse has talent for every discipline. Trying to make a jumper out of a horse that can’t jump, or a gaited horse into a reined cow-horse may be stressful for both the horse and the trainer! Not every horse can be trained for polo. Any horse that is being pushed into trying to do something it can’t or doesn’t want to do will be miserable for the horse, causing physical and/or emotional stress. One of the most common stresses related to work, however, is simply asking too much of the horse. We often do this to our best horses. They have talent and athletic ability and we may use them too hard. Overwork can create physical and mental burn-out, and the horse quits trying. He may not only drop off in performance, but may also go off feed, lose weight and become vulnerable to illness. This type of stress may take some time and layoff to resolve. Change in Circumstance Horses are very adaptable but they are also creatures of habit. They get used to a certain routine and find comfort and security in what they can trust and expect. Drastic changes can be very stressful for most horses, and even minor changes can be a stress for some individuals. This is why it’s best to make major changes gradually, if possible. Young horses coming to a training stable from the farm they grew up on, horses going to a new home, etc. may do better if some of the things they are accustomed to (the type of feed, living arrangements and other facets of their lives) can be somewhat similar at first in their new environment and circumstance. Even the horses that are accustomed to traveling and going to competitions often do better if you take feed and water from home, or bring a buddy they get along with. If something in the new 58 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

stress that finally made the horse sick or resulted in ulcers. At other times, it’s easy to see the big change that did it, but there may have been additional stresses that were part of that picture that the horse owner was unaware of. This might be one reason some horses handle stressful events better than others; the horse that got ulcers after a trailer trip may have had some underlying stresses before that—and the transport was simply the last straw (that broke the camel’s back, so to speak). Horses that are confined too much or isolated can become stressed and anxious.

environment and situation is the same as what they are familiar with and comfortable with, the stress of the change is not as severe and they may be able to handle it better. Horses may become bonded with another herd mate. If they are separated, one or both horses may become stressed. Some horses also become bonded with a certain person (like they would a herd member) and feel most comfortable when handled or ridden by that person because he/she is someone they trust. The “one man horse” may feel ill at ease, insecure and stressed when handled or ridden by someone else. Other things that cause stress include pain, injury, illness, etc. Anything out of the ordinary that disrupts a horse’s health or comfort level is a stress—which can lead to a cascade of detrimental effects. If a horse is stressed by one type of infection (such as a viral respiratory disease), for instance, this may hinder the immune system and open the way for another opportunistic infection (such as bacterial pneumonia). Good health depends on many things, and the way we manage our horses (trying to reduce stresses of all kinds as much as possible) can make a big difference. Small stresses may never be recognized; some horses are stoic and seem unflappable. Yet multiple small stresses can be cumulative and push a horse over the edge. Sometimes you can’t put your finger on any one thing that causes the

Stress and Ulcers Stress can lead to higher incidence of ulcers in horses. In humans, stress can result in production of more gastric acid, which can lead to stomach ulcers. In horses, stress can interfere with a horse’s normal eating habits, which in turn can hinder proper digestion. The horse is a grazing animal, programmed to eat more or less continually, and his stomach is designed to have some food in it at all times. Some horses, like some humans, handle stress better than others and keep eating. Something that might cause ulcers in one horse may not be a problem in another horse. A few years ago, Truman Prevatt, PhD (a Florida horseman and research scientist with a PhD in mathematics and physics) and Olin Balch, DVM, MS, PhD (an endurance ride veterinarian in Idaho) worked together on a project looking at equine ulcers, with input from many sources and studies. In humans, the act of eating stimulates release of gastric acid. In horses, hydrochloric acid is produced continuously because under natural conditions they are eating forage continuously. “If they have to go without food, acid builds up in the stomach. The longer they go without food, the more acid buildup,” says Prevatt. “In horses, especially athletic performance horses, ulcers show up primarily in the top ⅓ of the stomach, which is not protected by mucus. Therefore diet management is essential, lifestyle management is essential, and

when you put horses in a trailer for long periods of time and they don’t eat while traveling, they may be at risk for ulcers. Many performance horses go for long periods without food,” says Prevatt. A French study of 30 high-level endurance horses showed that most of them after a competitive event were diagnosed with ulcers. “Ulcers are prevalent in endurance horses and all types of performance horses, especially racehorses. But ulcers are also prevalent in broodmares at pasture. This leads us to believe that we really don’t know how abnormal it is for horses to have ulcers,” says Prevatt. Balch says the French study looked at gastric ulcers in endurance horses during their off season and during the competition season—two to three days following competition in 60- to 100-mile rides. None of the horses had been treated for gastric ulcers within two months, or received NSAID medication within one month of the examination, and none received electrolytes. The prevalence of ulcers during the off season was 48 percent, compared with 93 percent during the competitive season. Horses competing at longer distances showed greater severity of ulcers, visualized by scoping. “Despite the fact that scoping these horses showed that competing endurance horses had more visible ulcers, there was no correlation to performance. So we are not sure how clinically relevant the scoping actually is,” says Balch. “It would be interesting to do more studies in performance horses and correlate how the horse actually does, as an athlete, with the presence of ulcers that are seen. Then we might get a better feel for what’s involved,” says Balch. “What’s interesting is that the equine stomach rapidly undergoes changes in the epithelium. We see development and healing of ulcers as a relatively normal event in any horse. It’s simplistic to say that if you’ve scoped and found an ulcer, the horse has a problem. It’s better to try to correlate this with clinical signs and

then make a judgment, and also realize that damage to and healing of the epithelium is normal for many horses,” says Balch. Epithelial cells have a high turnover rate and can usually heal quickly. Some level of gastric ulceration may be normal, and it might be reasonable to expect that ulceration will resolve under good management. “Up to 93 percent of competing racehorses have been shown to have ulcers. Dr. Barney Fleming’s study in endurance horses showed about 50 percent. Most endurance horses are managed differently than racehorses. Most endurance horses live in pastures and have a high-fiber diet—and are not as confined when they are not working,” he says. An individual horse’s risk will also vary, depending on temperament and lifestyle. Prevatt and his wife had two endurance horses they rode for many years. “Mine was in his mid-20s and still going. As far as I could tell, he’d never shown any of the classic symptoms of an ulcer. We trailered all over the country, but if you put a flake of hay in front of him in the trailer, he ate it. When you stop a few hours up the road, you had to put another flake in front of him; he kept eating. By contrast, my wife’s horse was a picky eater and also more readily stressed. Whenever his buddy left him, he got upset. We had to treat him for ulcers at one point,” says Prevatt. There’s great variation among horses regarding risk for ulcers. “Horses trailered long distances that do not eat and drink while in transit are probably at higher risk. Riders who take a sport seriously do a lot of traveling. If the horse doesn’t have the personality to eat while traveling, I think this is a big risk factor,” he says. Balch agrees, and says any advice about ulcer prevention has to be general. “It’s just a place to start. We are always looking for a way to tailor advice for a specific horse to get the very best performance, and this also applies to ulcer prevention,” says Balch. What

works nicely for one individual may not work for another. “Ulcers are present in many horses— not just high-level performance horses. Many horses with endoscopically observable ulcers do not show clinical disease and do not need medical treatment. For preventing or mitigating the effects of ulcers that are already causing clinical disease in a horse, management is the key,” says Prevatt. If a horse is managed in a way that is most like his natural environment, taking into consideration his own individual tendencies, ulcer problems can be minimized. Stress (from pain, illness, etc.) also predisposes horses to ulcers, or even a horse being away from its friends. “Some stress is inevitable with performance and competition, but you can minimize stress by having feed in front of the horse at all times when he’s not in competition, and bringing his best buddy along to stay in an adjacent stall,” says Balch. “I wondered how long it would take for a normal horse’s stomach (when that horse is exposed to stress), to produce clinically-relevant ulcers with the horse showing symptoms. Two studies looked into this. One showed that ulcers could appear within eight days after light-toheavy training. The other study showed it only took five days for ulcers to appear after shipping, stall confinement and light exercise. These studies suggests that when horses come to competitive events with healthy stomachs, a 48-hour period of stress should not be enough in itself to initiate ulcers.” The horse can go home after competition and relax again in his familiar environment, and whatever ulceration may have begun will likely start to heal. “There are many things we can do as horsemen and riders, to minimize some of the stress that horses experience. It is very important for horse owners to realize that management procedures are paramount, in terms of making horses more comfortable. Then they are less apt to have ulcers,” says Balch. POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 59

D E N N I S J . A M AT O

FULL CIRCLE, PART 2 Back to the future: arena polo in the Midwest

ast month, the origins of arena polo in the United States and its development along the East Coast were summarized in considerable detail. This month I continue the story with the game’s spread to other parts of the country, principally to the Midwest as well as to several of the northern tier of western states. Turning first to the Midwest, not surprisingly, Chicago would become a major participant on the indoor scene with a number of facilities, including two big armories as well as a large riding hall and one outdoor arena. The first to take up the baton was the Chicago Riding Club, which played its first game in 1924 in its brand new riding hall, which measured 305 feet by 130 feet surrounded by a generous balcony section for the viewing public. The building could also accommodate an astounding 500 horses. Among the teams that played at the Chicago Riding Club were the elite Chicago Black Horse Troop (106th Cavalry) and the 122nd Field Artillery Battalion as both had active polo programs. Initially, the troop rented space at the Chicago Riding Club, while the battalion was stationed at the original part (the eastern section) of the Chicago Avenue Armory. Unfortunately, around 1936, the Chicago Riding Club fell victim to hard times and its complex was converted to an ice skating rink known as the Chicago Arena, thus leaving the Black Horse Troop without a home. At this point the Illinois Armory Board stepped up to the plate by constructing a major addition

60 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

Pansy Elisabeth Ireland, one of the pioneers of women’s polo, played an indoor match at Troop A Armory in Cleveland, Ohio in 1930. Ireland is in the white shirt.

(the western wing) to the Chicago Avenue Armory so that both the troop and battalion could be housed there. This greatlyexpanded facility was formally dedicated in February 1940 at which time the Chicago Black Horse Troop and the 122nd Field Artillery Battalion played their last polo game before the war. After the war, the armory enjoyed a very strong comeback in indoor polo that lasted from about 1948 to 1982. Leslie Struggles provided this amusing recollection from that era when she and her husband Kirk regularly attended matches there: “Apparently, there was no heat at all, so the place was literally freezing. You had to be bundled up with winter coats plus hats, gloves and scarves!” In addition to play at the Chicago Riding Club and the Chicago Avenue Armory, the 122nd Field Artillery Battalion during these interwar years super-

vised matches at the Lincolnwood Arena, which were advertised as “indoor polo outdoors.” Another driving force for arena polo in the Chicagoland area was the 124th Field Artillery Armory on the south side of the city (52nd Street and Cottage Grove Avenue), which would emerge not only as a significant hub for the game in the interwar years regionally but also as a major presence nationally. Completed in January 1931, this Art Deco gem proclaimed itself as “the largest and finest armory in the world.” Certainly, its size claims were no exaggeration as the facility possessed one of the largest playing fields anywhere (330 feet x 140 feet) complemented by a seating capacity for 6000 patrons and some 3,000-4,000 standees! The armory may also very well have been the busiest in the country. Its well structured Metropolitan Polo League

alone oversaw Senior and Junior Divisions of five teams each that competed regularly throughout the winter season. These games were augmented by many others such as those that pitted local teams against visiting ones (e.g. Cleveland, Detroit and Des Moines), an annual Invitational tournament that started in 1931, various college competitions (e.g. a Harvard-Yale encounter in 1939 organized by the respective Harvard and Yale Clubs of Chicago) and an East-West challenge in 1936. Evenings at the armory soon evolved into fairly elaborate affairs with the program consisting of a band concert at 8 p.m. concluding with the national anthem. Around 8:30 p.m. two polo matches would commence separated by a colorful military artillery drill exercise at intermission. Besides its own jam-packed schedule, the armory also won the rights to host the prestigious National Indoor Championships on several occasions, including at least a three-year consecutive stint from 1934-1936. These exciting games would pull in some 10,000 to 15,000 enthusiasts for the series. One further interesting tid-bit: periodically, the 124th Field Artillery Armory would arrange what was then termed a “juvenile polo game.” One program from March 1939 listed a contest between the Wildcat Girls and the Rough Rider Boys! It was noted that these youngsters were all from the Junior Polo Farm in Lake Forest, Illinois. Probably the second most important center for indoor polo in the Midwest was Cleveland. The city had bragging rights to two major facilities: the castellated-gothic style Troop A Central Armory on the east side of town, which took up the game in 1922 and the Equestrium on the west side, which was inaugurated in 1929 with a playing field measuring 260 feet by 90 feet along with some 4000 seats. Like its Chicago neighbor, Cleveland had a broad mix of polo activities ranging from hometown teams taking on

124th Field Artillery Armory was located on 52nd Street and Cottage Grove Avenue on the south side of Chicago. It was completed in January 1931 with one of the largest indoor playing fields.

out-of-town ones, college competitions and a polo league of area teams. Among the local squads were Troop A, the Pessimists, the Cleveland Riding Club and even one with corporate sponsorship (Fisher Foods), which was quite unusual

An advertisement from a 1935 edition of “Polo.” Indoor polo referred to a type of polo played mostly indoors, but outdoors as well.

for the period. One indication of the appeal of arena polo in Cleveland was the fact that in 1933 the Equestrium alone had fielded 14 teams of three players each and had attracted an aggregate audience of some 54,000 that year. Also of note was that Cleveland apparently had a fairly active women’s indoor polo program at the time which counted among its adherents the redoubtable Pansy Elizabeth Ireland (see PPE, June 2013). One distaff encounter that in fact was recorded was between Cleveland and a blended visiting team with players from Washington, D.C. and Asheville, North Carolina. (As an aside, indoor women’s polo was much more prevalent during the 1920s and ‘30s than has generally been recognized but unfortunately, its documentation has been fragmentary at best.) Beyond Chicago and Cleveland, arena polo was actively pursued elsewhere in other Midwestern locales such as in Cincinnati at the Riding and Driving Club of Cincinnati and in Detroit at the Detroit Riding and Driving Club and at the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum. The game also took root at the Gross Point Hunt Club and Bloomfield Open Hunt Club rings in Michigan; at Fort Sheridan in Illinois; at the Mill Creek Riding Club in POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 61

Youngstown, Ohio; at the Crystal Horseshoe ring in Columbus, Ohio; and at the Pastime Riding Pavilion in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. It should be stressed that the foregoing survey of prewar polo arenas in this month’s issue of Polo Players’ Edition and last month’s is not intended to be a definitive review of such facilities but rather a selective sampling of them. Certainly, there are many more examples that could have been detailed, if space had allowed. Illustrative of this point are the countless articles in the old “Polo” and “The Sportsman” magazines from the 1920s and ‘30s chronicling how extensive the reach of indoor polo was but at generally lesser-known locations (e.g. in Hartford, Connecticut, at the State Armory and Arsenal; at the Southern State Riding Academy in Hempstead, Long Island, New York; in Ramapo Valley, Ridgewood, Oreworth, Tenekill and Saddle River, New Jersey, where a cluster of five clubs operated five fields and two huge riding halls; at the Armory in Pikeville, Pennsylvania,; in Chicago at the Pavilion, which held an annual International Livestock Tournament; at Fort Thomas, Kentucky: at the Wakarusa Polo Club near Topeka, Kansas; at the Colorado Springs Riding Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado; at the Riding Hall of the 124th Field Artillery in Cheyenne, Wyoming; at the Oregon Agricultural College Armory in Corvallis, Oregon; and at the Olympic Riding and Driving Club arena in Seattle, Washington). One additional note: what made prewar arena polo so different from its outdoor cousin—beyond the three versus four player configuration and the larger ball—were the sizes of the arenas, which varied quite significantly and the wide range of surfaces being played on (e.g. tanbark, clay, a mix of clay and coarse beach sand, rock dust, loam, dirt and grass!). After the Second World War, the road to recovery for polo as a sport was quite difficult. For indoor polo the challenges were even greater, particularly as the many armories and their military players started 62 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

The Chicago Riding Club played its first game in 1924 in its new riding hall, which measured 305 feet by 130 feet. It had a generous balcony section for the viewing public and could accommodate an astounding 500 horses.

Girls and boys play a practice match at the Black Horse Armory in Chicago in 1936.

to fade away. As a result, in these postwar years “indoor polo” slowly began to morph into today’s more encompassing version of the game known as “arena polo.” The settings were quite wide-ranging and included experiments in stadiums (e.g. the popular Orange Bowl run from 1947 to 1950 (see PPE, November 2015); a charity event at the Babe Ruth Stadium in 1948 in Baltimore, Maryland (see PPE, August 2016]; a special match-up between the Rock Hill Elks Club and the Camden Polo stars, also in 1948, at the Legion Memorial Stadium; and a number of high-goal matches at the Houston Astrodome in the 1960s) as well as play in specifically constructed enclosed or outdoor arenas (e.g. the aforementioned Joy Farm, which reprised its prewar role (see PPE, November 2018); Windsor T. White’s Harpst Farm field utilized by the Springbrook Polo Club in Toledo, Ohio; the Fox Lea Farm arena in Rehoboth, Massachusetts; the University of Virginia arena in Charlottesville, Virginia; the West Hills Polo Club facility in Huntington, New York; the Country Farms Equestrian Center arena in Medford, New York; the Ox Ridge Hunt Club arena in Darien, Connecticut; and the Los Angeles Equestrian Center Equidome where professional arena polo was tried). However, the recounting of the postwar period, which has produced the Second Golden Age of Arena Polo, is well beyond the scope of this two-part series and is a story for another day! Many of the armories and arenas referenced in this month’s article and last month’s went under a number of different names. Also, various sources gave different statistics on the size of the facilities themselves and on their overall seating capacity as well as on the dates for the inception of play. Further, it should be noted that prior to World War II, “indoor polo” referred to a type of polo that was played mostly indoors but sometimes outdoors as well. When the broader term “arena polo” was first used is not known, but it was probably sometime in the early 1950s. POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N 63

DECEMBER/JANUARY

N OV E M B E R 10 - D E C E M B E R 15 Argentine Open (40) Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Will the Argentine Open final feature the only two 40-goal teams battling for the most prestigious polo title in the world? Or will one of the other eight teams manage to topple one of the powerhouse teams? No matter, the final always promises to be an action-packed thriller featuring the world’s best polo players on the best horses. Two Americans are competing this year: Jared Zenni on La Cañada Daily Racing Form and Nic Roldan on La Albertina Abu Dhabi

D E C E M B E R 2 7 - 31 Stephen Orthwein Memorial Cup (4-6) Port Mayaca, Port Mayaca, FL D E C E M B E R 2 9 - JA N UA RY 6 Stagecoach Challenge (4) Empire, Indio, CA DECEMBER 30 Herbie Pennell Cup (20) International, Wellington, FL JA N UA RY 2 - 13 USPA Governors Cup (4) Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, FL JA N UA RY 4 - 27 Challenge Cup (4-6, 8-12) 1-Goal League Arena League Palm City, Boynton Beach, FL JA N UA RY 3 - 13 Joe Barry Cup (20) International, Wellington, FL

NOV E M B E R 2 8 - D E C E M B E R 2 3 8-10 Goal League Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, FL

D E C E M B E R 21 Women’s Challenge WCT Eldorado, Indio, CA

DECEMBER 1 Victory Cup ATX, Manor, TX

DECEMBER 22-23 Holiday Cup (4) Empire, Indio, CA

DECEMBER 1-2 Desert Challenge Arena Tourney Empire, Indio, CA

DECEMBER 7-30 USPA Kay Colee Memorial (6, 10) 1-Goal League Arena League Palm City, Boynton Beach, FL

Middle School League Buffalo, Wainfleet, ON, Canada DECEMBER 2 Amateur Cup (0-4) Mauna Kea, Kamuela, HI DECEMBER 8-9 Coyote Cup Arena Tourney Empire, Indio, CA DECEMBER 9 Players Cup (0-4) Mauna Kea, Kamuela, HI D E C E M B E R 1 5 - 16 Jackalope Cup (4) Empire, Indio, CA Linfoot Clinic Eldorado, Indio, CA

64 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N

DECEMBER 8 Christmas Polo Cup Dallas, Red Oak, TX WCT Juniors Arizona, Casa Grande, AZ DECEMBER 9 The Pony Cup Arizona, Casa Grande, AZ D E C E M B E R 19 - 2 0 World Snow Polo Championship Rio Grande Park, Aspen, CO D E C E M B E R 21 Holiday Party Poway, Poway, CA

JA N UA RY 5 - 13 Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial (8) World Gym Tournament (4) Eldorado, Indio, CA JA N UA RY 8 - 27 Cypress Cup (4-6) Live Oak Challenge (8-12) Port Mayaca, Port Mayaca, FL J A N U A R Y 11 - F E B R U A R Y 1 0 Ylvisaker Cup (20) International, Wellington, FL JA N UA RY 12 - 27 USPA Sportsmanship Cup (4) Empire, Indio, CA J A N U A R Y 16 - 2 7 Wayne Brown Memorial (4-6) Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, FL J A N U A R Y 19 - 2 7 USPA Officer’s Cup (4,8) Eldorado, Indio, CA JA N UA RY 2 5 - 27 Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, Switzerland JA N UA RY 2 8 - F E B RUA RY 3 Ringling Cup (6) Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, FL