H O U S T O N
PO LO
2 013 M AG A Z I N E
THEHOUSTONPOLOCLUB.COM
Table ofContents
Welcome to the Houston Polo Club
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Scene at Polo
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Letter from the President
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Junior Polo
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2013 Polo Schedule
15
2012 Tournament Results
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a Salute to Sponsors
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Regional Polo Center
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Houston Polo Staff
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U.S. Open Women’s Polo
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Polo’s Top Ten
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Meet the Players
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Essential Equipment
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Arena Polo: the Inside Story
68
Texas Open
33
Future Best Playing Ponies
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Seniors Rule the Fields
38
Houston’s Polo Pros
73
Margarita Polo League
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
Welcome to the Houston PoloClub! The Houston Polo Club is the city’s oldest sports
franchise, ideally situated on 26 acres in the heart of the metropolitan zone. Every year, the Houston Polo Club welcomes more than 10,000 visitors to its metropolitan location, adjacent to Memorial Park, just inside West Loop 610. Founded in 1928, the Houston Polo Club is proud to celebrate 86 years of polo tradition. Join us for exciting polo events through the 2013 Spring and Fall polo seasons!
S p r ing S eason 2 0 1 3 March 31 – June 9
Fall S eason 2 0 1 3 September 6 – November 10
Please consult the 2013 Schedule on page 15 for tournament dates. Join us for
• International polo • Champagne divot stomps • Holiday events • Sunday polo tournament finals Come for the day, bring your VIP guests, or invest in box seating for your family, friends or corporation for the season! General admission, VIP seating and sponsor boxes available. The Polo Club is the perfect location to host corporate, private, fundraising or social events. For more information about visiting the Houston Polo Club for a game or special event, visit www.thehoustonpoloclub.com, or call 713.681.8571.
Welcome to the #1 Polo Club in the United States!* *Source: USPA, based on playing members
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277 ACRES CALDWELL COUNTY
•Regulation Polo field, practice field, log cabin barns, 3 houses, windmill, and always a breeze •Newly remodeled barns can comfortably stall up to 36 horses •Property is in 17,000 acre watershed with irrigation for fields
Paul Hornsby/Broker (512) 970-0883 spencewoodranch.net
Publisher Megan Kozminski megan@poisepublicatons.com Editorial Director Lisa Muirhead lisa@poisepublications.com
Art Director Shane Garrett www.stg54.com
Director of Business Development Allee Messina Contributors Rebecca Bollenbach, Stephanie Burton, Penny Dillingham, Tammi Galloway, George Georgiades, Danielle Kennedy, Melanie Kent, Allee Messina, Pam Mudra Photography Rebecca Bollenbach, Kaylee Scherbinski Cover image Lacey Winterton Photography
© 2013 Houston Polo Club Printed in Canada by Transcontinental Published for the Houston Polo Club by:
here’s to a
winning
season we’ll see you on the field! lockton is proud to be an official sponsor of the houston polo club 5847 san felipe, suite 320 houston, tx 77057 | 713.458.5200
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A Letter from the President On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to welcome you to the 86th season of the Houston Polo Club. From first-time spectators to veteran polo players, the Houston Polo Club offers something for everyone. We are excited to be the home of the Sport of Kings here in Houston, one of the nation’s most dynamic and flourishing metropolitan areas. Throughout 2013, we look forward to continuing to improve the polo experience for all of our members and guests. With over 140 playing members in 2012, HPC has become the largest USPA club in North America, offering multiple levels of polo for players of all ages and abilities. Our youth and Interscholastic programs, which have shown tremendous growth in 2012, provide a fantastic venue for involving the entire family in the sport of polo. For tournament players, we host a variety of Spring and Fall leagues, from 2-goal to 14-goal on sixteen magnificent club-maintained and private polo fields, all within an hour’s travel of the city center. We are also proud to host national-level USPA events, including the prestigious U.S. Open Women’s Championship as well as the 2013 Intercollegiate National Finals. As we enter our third year as a designated USPA Regional Polo Center, we are also excited to continue our “Step Up” program, which advances newcomers from their first swing of the mallet to competing in front of the Sunday fans on HPC’s historic Flanders Field. In addition to polo, our riding lessons for children and adults provide another way for equestrian enthusiasts to enjoy HPC’s 23 spectacular acres. Located in the very heart of Houston, our 100-stall boarding facility and riding trails provide a perfect setting for horse lovers of all ages to develop their riding skills. As always, we wish you a fun, competitive, and safe season.
George Georgiades President, The Houston Polo Club
2013 Houston Polo Club Board of Directors George Georgiades Steven Armour Rebecca Bollenbach
Tommy Dorsey Jeff Hildebrand Paul Hobby
Tim Kelly Colleen Marks Kristy Outhier
Carl Price Wesley Sinor Scott Wood
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2013 Polo Schedule spring
fall
march 31 Spring Classic
september 8 Snowdrop Cup 15 G.H. Mumm Cup 22 Fall Classic 29 Crosby Cup
april 7 Van Conover Memorial 14 Malbec Cup 21 Modern Luxury Cup 28 Prairie Cup may 5 Range Rover Houston Central Cup 12 Hats On To Polo: Salute to Mothers Day 19 Wild West Cup 26 Red Oak Cup june 2 Vaquero Cup 9 Junior Polo /Andrews Kurth Cup
October 6 Cartier Cup 13 Bayou City Invitational 20 Texas Open 27 Harvest Cup November 3 Seniors Tournament/Carlton Beal Cup 10 USPA U.S. Women’s Open Championship & 19th Annual Ladies Tournament
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
Houston Polo Club Salutes Our 2013 sponsors!
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
Houston Polo Club Staff 2013
Pam Mudra
Melanie Kent
Merrily Quincoces
Amy LeRoy
Executive Director
Riding Director/ Barn Manager
Penny Dillingham Senior Polo Assistant
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Business Manager
Allee Messina
Stephanie Burton
Tammi Galloway
Paige Flanders
Director of Business Development
Associate Director of Business Development
Assistant Riding Instructor
RPC Manager and Senior Polo Instructor
Mark Prinsloo
Barlee Flanders
Danielle Kennedy
Esteban Gonzales
Marty Salinas
Assistant Polo Manager
Grounds Supervisor
Senior Polo and Riding Instructor
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Exceptionnayl Polo Pon Stallio
HOUSTON POLO CLUB
Polo’s Top Ten
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Polo’s Roots
Originally referred to as Choughan, meaning “mallet,” polo was played as far back as 2,500 years ago in the ancient Persian Empire, where it was practiced as a training game for military cavalry units. The Sport of Kings spread and evolved from old empires to new continents primarily by way of colonization and military rule, traveling to India in the 15th century, where it became the national sport for two centuries. In the second half of the 19th century, army officers, tea planters, and civil officials in British India took to polo and brought it back to England. In 1859, Lt. Joseph Sherer played his first game, and helped to found the oldest active club in the world: Calcutta Polo Club. Polo historican J.N.P. Watson refers to Joseph Sherer as “the Father of Western Polo.” The first polo match in the United States took place at Dickel’s Riding Academy New York City. In 1876, the first formal American polo club was established: Westchester Polo Club.
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United States Polo Association
The United States Polo Association (USPA) is the governing body of polo in North America. Originally founded in 1890, the USPA is responsible for sanctioning polo clubs and tournaments; managing and publishing rules and handicap ratings; and organizing, promoting, and supporting polo across North America.
By the Numbers
CHUKKERS (PERIODS OF PLAY): 7½ 1/2 minutes long, with 4 minutes in between to change horses. Average number of ponies per player, per match: four in low or medium-goal polo, six to ten for high-goal polo Size of the field: 300 x 150 yards—slightly larger than nine football fields! Average height of a polo pony: 15.2 hands high, or 62 inches from the ground to the top of withers (the base
of the pony’s neck) Average weight of a polo pony: 1,000 lbs Average length of a polo mallet: 52 inches
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Goals, Scores, and Handicaps There are many uses for the term “goal” in the sport of polo. On the field, a goal is scored each time a ball fully crosses between the goal posts at any height. Every time a goal is scored, the teams switch directions to equalize playing conditions. The second common use for the term “goal” refers to a player’s handicap, or goal rating. A player’s handicap is a rating between -2 (or C) and 10, with a 10-goal player being the very best in the world. Club-based rating committees decide the handicap of each player based on playing ability, horsemanship, team play, horses, and knowledge of the game. Players’ goal ratings are used to build equal teams. The handicap of a team is the sum total rating of all of its players, and the final score of a match is adjusted according to discrepancies in the two teams’ handicaps. So, if you are attending a 4-goal match, teams are composed of players whose sum goal rating equals four.
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Safety first! Polo is a high-intensity, high-speed sport. With ponies pounding down the field, it quickly becomes clear why most rules are in place to protect the ponies and players. When a foul is called by one of the two umpires on the field, the severity of the infraction and resulting penalty is judged on a scale of 1 to 9, based on how dangerous the infraction was to the horse or player.
THEHOUSTONPOLOCLUB.COM
Stick and ball Though it may look like a high-end croquet set, the polo mallet and ball are specialized to the high-speed nature of the sport. The mallet is a flexible shaft with a hardwood head, ranging in length from 49 to 54 inches, depending on the size of the horse. A player uses the side of the mallet head to hit the polo ball. The modern outdoor polo ball was at one time made of willow or bamboo, but is now made of solid hard plastic measuring 3 to 3-1/2 inches in diameter. Spectator Participation While the high-speed action remains on the field, there is a lot of fun to be had on the sidelines! Polo is a very social sport, with many ways for non-athletes to be involved. Join us on the sidelines to watch polo every Sunday. Heighten your experience by buying a corporate box to entertain clients and reward employees. Join the crowd on the field for the Divot Stomp: a long-held polo tradition that takes place during half time of a game. Spectators are invited onto the field to replace pieces of turf dug up by the horses during play. A great complement to the Divot Stomp is a tall glass of Champagne!
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One concept that is especially important for player safety is respecting the “line of the ball.” Once a ball is hit, the player who is closest to the ball with the narrowest angle has the right of way. Opposing players cannot cross the line too closely to the player who has the right of way, nor can they approach the “on line” player at too sharp an angle, or they risk a foul and subsequent penalty.
Get in the Game When you get tired of sitting on the sidelines, it’s time to check out the offerings of Houston Polo Club’s Regional Polo Center. Polo players come from all backgrounds—some bring riding experience, others bring a great golf swing. Regardless, the adrenaline of combining horsemanship with hand-eye coordination hooks hundreds of players each year. Lessons can be a rigorous start to your polo career or a casual weekend pastime for family and friends. No matter your level, interest, or ability, no one ever regrets their first polo lesson, and rarely do they show up for just one!
The speed and angle at which a player approaches an opponent is also important. When approaching an opposing player to initiate a ride-off (or bump—akin to a body check in hockey), with horses pressing shoulder-on-shoulder, the approach must happen at no more than a 45-degree angle, or a foul is called.
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Player Positions On the field, player positions are represented by the numbers on their polo jerseys—from one to four. The Number One player primarily assumes an offensive position on the field and is responsible for neutralizing the opposing team’s Number Four player—their primary defense. The Number Two is the mover and the shaker, a transition player who backs up the Number One player, and aggressively seeks to move the ball upfield. The Number Three player is the quarterback, who focuses on game strategy, field advantage, and moving the ball. This player is often the highest rated player on the team. Finally, player Number Four is primarily responsible for guarding the goal, and preventing the opposing team from scoring.
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Ponies Polo ponies are thoroughbreds or part thoroughbred and part quarter horse, selected for their agility, speed, endurance, and intelligence. It takes two to three years to train a green pony, whose polo careers can last over 15 years.
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Essential Equipment 1 2
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1 POLO MALLET
7 BANDAGES & Boots
2 HELMET
8 RIDING BOOTS
Polo mallets have bamboo or plastic shafts that are flexible and can make a complete arc under the pony’s neck or tail. Hard, lined helmets protect players’ heads from swinging mallets and balls traveling up to 100 mph.
3 BREECHES
Polo players always wear white breeches.
4 SADDLE
Polo saddles have little padding under the leg, allowing for maximum movement.
5 PLAITED TAIL
Polo ponies have plaited tails so they don’t get tangled in the action around them.
6 girth
A leather strap that fits behind the horse’s front legs to secure the saddle in place.
These protective wraps shield the pony’s legs against contact with the ball or other ponies. Leather polo boots provide protection for the player’s lower leg.
9 KNEE PADS
Protection for the player’s knees.
10 BREAST PLATE
This leather strap prevents the saddle from slipping back during the game.
11 POLO MARTINGALE
This leather strapping encourages proper head carriage.
12 DRAW REINS
These leather straps enhance control over the pony.
13 BRIDLE
This series of leather strapping, metal bit, and supports gives the player steering and stopping control.
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Texas Open
One of the highlights of the Houston Polo Club’s fall season is the Texas Open. In 2012, six teams vied for the prestigious prize: Texas Open spurs, handmade by Chris Kerley. In a dayby-day tournament overview, we recount and share in the wins, losses, ponies, and people that came together to make the annual tournament unforgettable.
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
O c to b e r 2 4 , 2 0 1 2
In the first tournament game, Kelly Beal’s BTA team faced off against Rene Campos’s Eureka Polo team. It was a close battle, with BTA claiming a 9–7 win. BTA’s Steve Krueger had a great game with a total of 6 goals, followed closely by Eureka’s Robert Orthwein who scored a total of 5. The next game saw Jeff Wood’s 7 Bar W face off against the Lockton/Rocking P team. 7 Bar W were up by 3 goals at the half, and took that lead to 4 goals by the close of the game.
O c to b e r 2 6 , 2 0 1 2
Friday afternoon saw ERG, the Texas Open defending champions, take on BTA. It was a battle of Gracida against Galindo, with Julio scoring 6 goals for ERG and Hector scoring 5 for BTA. ERG was victorious with a final score of 10–6. In their first game in the 2012 Open, Tonkawa faced off against Lockton/Rocking P. The game was tied at half-time and was close throughout all 6 chukkers, but a couple of late game goals by Carlucho Arellano sealed the 9–7 win for Lockton/Rocking P.
O c to b e r 2 8 , 2 0 1 2
A late-morning Sunday game for ERG and Eureka kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Tied at the half, the result was a narrow win for ERG in the final chukker. Later that afternoon, Tonkawa faced 7 Bar W for a great afternoon of polo and Halloween fun! As the teams lined up for a hard fought battle, dozens of young ghosts and goblins went in search of polo club treats to satisfy their Halloween cravings. As the game progressed, it became clear that it was to be one of the most exciting of the tournament. Tonkawa entered the second half with a 2-goal lead; however, 7 Bar W fought back and by the end of the sixth chukker, the score was tied at 9. In an exciting, sudden death overtime chukker, Chris Nevins answered back for Tonkawa, and closed the game with a win.
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
THEHOUSTONPOLOCLUB.COM
O c to b e r 3 1 , 2 0 1 2
Halloween Day arrived to see Tonkawa face off against BTA. Great team work from both teams made for a close game, but BTA’s Krueger and Stimmel were almost unstoppable, securing the win with a final score of 9-7.
N ovem b e r 2 , 2 0 1 2
The Texas Open finals were set: Scott Wood’s ERG team, in unmistakable orange, faced off against Jeff Wood’s 7 Bar W in brilliant blue. Keen to defend their title, ERG took an early lead, but 7 Bar W did not allow it to last long. By half-time it was tied, each team with 5 goals apiece. The second half saw ERG pull away with another lead, with Torres scoring 4 goals and Blake scoring 2 goals in the second half. Despite their valiant work, 7 Bar W could not match ERG’s momentum. ERG was victorious, claiming the 2013 Texas Open, and celebrating their role as defending champions. Best Playing Pony was awarded to Dixie, owned by Mark Prinsloo, and played by Julio Gracida. MVP for the game was awarded to Brad Blake.
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2 012 T e x as O pen T eams B racket A
B racket B
ERG Scott Wood Julio Gracida Miguel Torres Brad Blake
0 4 4 4
Lockton/Rocking P Carl Price Marcos Villanueva Carlucho Arellano Hernon Tejera
0 4 5 3
Eureka Rene Campos Robert Orthwein Agustin Tolinas Jorge Ceianades
0 3 5 4
Tonkawa Jeff Hildebrand Horacio Onetto Chris Nevins Mason Wroe
0 4 4 4
BTA Kelly Beal Jake Stimmel Steve Krueger Hector Galindo
1 2 3 6
7 Bar W Jeff Wood Martin Munoz Stewart Armstrong Jeff Blake
0 2 3 6
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
Seniors
Tournament
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THE F IRST WEE K E N D OF N OV E MBER 2 012 saw the first annual USPA Houston Polo Club Senior’s Tournament, presented by Ferrari of Houston and supporting sponsors Cartier and St. Regis. The Senior’s Tournament was one of the most popular events of the season; camaraderie and sportsmanship were high as old friends and players came together to compete and collaborate on the field. Four teams took to the field to battle it out for glory: Propaganda, Over the Berry Hill, Amigos Viejos, and San Antonio Viejo. The tournament finals saw Propaganda pitted against San Antonio Viejo, for an exciting afternoon of Seniors’ Sunday polo. It was a close game throughout, but San Antonio Viejo came out victorious, clinching the first annual Senior’s Tournament trophy.
Propaganda Jeff Hildebrand Bubba Morrison Paul Hobby Wayne Kvalsig
0.5 1 1 2
San Antonio Viejo Bob McCan 1 Miguel Silvestre 2 Tom Gose 1 Joe Fitzsimons 0.5
Amigo Viejos Tommy Dorsey George Georgiades Carlos Galindo Tim Kelly
0 1 4 0
Over the Berry Hill Jeff Anon 0 David Crea 1 Hugo Nunoz 3 Steven Armour 0
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Margarita League THE MA RGA R ITA P O L O L E AG U E is a beginner league that transitions graduates of the polo school into league play. This league meets twice a week during the polo season, and polo instructors play on each team to offer coaching and assistance. The environment is friendly and welcoming–it’s a great way to improve your game! Horses are available for lease for this program, as required. For more information on Margarita League, contact Mark Prinsloo at mark@hpcstepupprogram.com.
2012 Margarita League Players Emilio Acosta Bonnie Baldwin Lucia Benton Barrett J. Bergez Iona Brown Andrea Brucculeri Kate Champion Debbie Daspit
Meredith Gregory Aaron Hall Nicola Hasling Joe Holzer Nick Stefanakis Clare Sullivan Jackson Tracy Kam Catherine Keen
Sabrina Lahiri Julie Mackay Cynthia Madole Liz Magyar Edith Miller Mike Moore Nora O’Neill Julie Rae
Lauren Rae Allison Riordan Anson Russo Debbie Shelton James Steen Nadia Tajalli Sergio Tuberquia
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
Scene at Polo 4
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8 1 Bea and Wayne Kvalsig at the Polo Under the Pecans benefit 2 Carl Price and Liz Lary at the St. Regis party 3 Polo fans admire a Bentley at the Horses and Hats benefit 4 Aggie Cup fundraiser winners Drew Richardson, Cristi Payan, and Shane Rice pose with Alex Molina from Texas A & M Intercollegiate polo 5 Brooks Diesel and Kelly Price at HPC’s Spring Kickoff party
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6 Philip Limon shows off his true colors with Cynthia Mason at the 2012 Kickoff party at Tango and Malbec 7 Colleen Marks with a pair of special equine guests at the Polo Under the Pecans benefit 8 Injured BTA 4-goaler Mason Wroe with teammates K.C. Krueger, Chris Nevins, Chrys and Kelly Beal, Hector Galindo, and Steve Krueger 9 Ladies’ day out at Sunday polo
THEHOUSTONPOLOCLUB.COM
Scene at Polo 4
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8 1 David Andras 2 David Cray, Rebecca Bollenbach, and Jeff Anon 3 Kristy Outhier and George Dodge at the 2012 Kickoff party 4 Umpire George Olivas greets a couple of polo fans during half time 5 Young polo fans trick or treat during the Sunday match on Halloween 6 Jenny Sharrock and her new husband, Allen Archer
9 7 David and Colleen Marks with HPC President Geroge Georgiades 8 Rodrigo Moran, Carlucho Arellano, and Agustina Arellano with Fair Play sponsor Esther Kane 9 Andrea Russo, Jenee Stefanakis, Sloan Stefanakis, Kendall Plank, Lance Stefanakis, Pablo Spinnaci, and Miguel Torres show off the Polo Under the Pecans trophy
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
Scene at Polo 4
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Jesse Weaver, Drew Luplow, and David Andras fall in line during the Governor’s Cup Joe Chandler gets mobbed by young fans after a Sunday win John Dagley and Kari Gonzalez Julio Gracidas makes a quick change at the endline Members enjoyed dishes at the Spring Kickoff party
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6 Susan and Michael Plank with daughter Kendall at the Spring Kickoff party 7 Matthew Macadoh serves champagne during a half time divot stomp 8 Announcer Marty Salinas gets serious about the Sunday game, with Drew Luplow and Horacio Onetto 9 Polo Under the Pecans guests pack the dance floor 10 Paul Hobby in front of a packed house at Sunday Polo
THEHOUSTONPOLOCLUB.COM
Scene at Polo 4
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1 Renee Campos defends as Rodrigo Moran goes for the ball 2 Ray Stainback and Tiffany Clifton 3 Scott Wood during the Spring 14 goal series 4 Ameer Jumabhoy and Wesley Sinor in the 2012 Governors Cup 5 Jesse Weaver, Drew Luplow, Charles Haston and Oscar Acosta celebrate a win with Elizabeth Wood during the 2-goal Spring Cup 6 Mom Sheila Lequerica with future polo stars Lily and Joe Bob
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7 Tim Kelly, Cathy Frietz, Esther Kane, and Crystal Cassidy present Joy and Ralph Lily with a special recognition award at the Polo Under the Pecans event 8 Robert Maurice with HPC’s Allee Messina 9 Crystal Cassidy takes the field with the rest of the Taco Bell 14-goal team—Miguel Torres, Sugar Erskine, and Martin Munoz 10 Carlos Galindo and Tommy Dorsey during the Seniors Tournament 49
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
Junior Polo IN THE BL AZING S U N OF T H E T EX A S S PRI N G H E AT, 50 kids from around the country converged in Houston for a weekend of polo, pool parties, and pizza in the Houston Polo Club’s first annual kid’s polo weekend. Children of all ages and abilities participated in everything from leadline to an Advanced League finals match that preceded the 14-goal playoff on HPC’s Farish Field on Sunday afternoon. Several of Team USPA’s players were on hand for the weekend’s festivities, acting as umpires and coaches to the Advanced League teams, while professional players Billy Mudra and Harley Stimmel acted as umpire and coach to leadline, walk/trot, and intermediate-level teams. HPC staff, families, and sponsors teamed up to organize 10 games in two days. The American Quarter Horse Association provided additional support, awarding Best Playing Pony and Best Playing Quarter Horse in each division. The weekend culminated in a pool-side pizza party, which was graciously hosted by Rocking P Ranch after Saturday afternoon games were complete. Players from Texas to Pennsylvania socialized and enjoyed pizza courtesy of Russo’s New York Pizzeria.
Awards by Division
Leadline
Intermediate Division
“Buster,” played by Ace Outhier, owned by the Outhier Family
Emilio Acosta, LA Quarter Horses Team
Best Playing Pony
Best Playing Quarter Horse
Steel San Bar “Skeeter,” played by Alex Messina, owned by Ardum Farm
Walk Trot MVP
Ali Sardar, Horsegate Ranch Team Best Playing Pony
“Melody,” played by Bridget Price, owned by Rocking P Ranch Best Playing Quarter Horse
CWR-Hefa “Superman,” played by Lily Lequerica, owned by Vintage Polo Ponies
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MVP
Best Playing Pony
Dun It Double Time, “Hollywood,” owned by Horsegate Ranch Best Playing Quarter Horse
Dun It Double Time, “Hollywood,” owned by Horsegate Ranch
Advanced Division MVP
Loretto Natividad, MEGA Energy Team Best Playing Pony
“Cowboy,” played by Grayson Price, owned by Rocking P Ranch Best Playing Quarter Horse
Steel San Bar “Skeeter,” played by Kendall Plank, owned by Ardum Farm
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Fall Tournament Results USPA Centennial Cup (4 goal) winner Chandler Ranch
Hernan Tejera, Joe Chandler, Ameer Jumabhoy, Remy Muller
USPA Keleen & Carlton Beal Memorial Trophy (12 goal) winner 7 Bar W
Stewart Armstrong, Julio Gracida, Brad Blake, Jeff Wood
USPA Western Challenge (12 goal) winner ERG
Julio Gracida, Miguel Torres, Brad Blake, Scott Wood
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
Fall Tournament Results USPA U.S. Open Women’s Championship (6 goal) winner AF Pony Farm
Karen Reese, Dayelle Fargey, Abby Riggs, Tiffany Busch, Lia Salvo
USPA U.S. Women’s Handicap (2 Goal) winner Lyos M.D.
Beverly Greenwood, Stephanie Massey, Tiamo Hudspeth, Dayelle Fargey
USPA Senior’s Tournament (5 Goal) winner San Antonio Viejo
Bob McCan, Miguel Silvestre, Tom Gose, Joe Fitzsimons
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THEHOUSTONPOLOCLUB.COM
Spring Tournament Results USPA Governor’s Cup (6 Goal) winner Pegasus
Tom Gose, Steve Krueger, Drew Luplow, David Andras
USPA Officer’s Cup (8 Goal) winner Cinco Canyon Ranch
Kristy Outhier, David Andras, Nicolai Galindo, Bryan Middleton
USPA President’s Cup (8 Goal) winner Arroyo Escondido/Alpheus
Paul Hobby, Bill Mudra, Shane Rice, Cristi Payan
USPA South West Regional Classic (14 Goal) winner ERG
Jeff Blake, Julio Gracida, Brad Blake, Scott Wood
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Regional Polo Center THE HOUSTON P O L O C L U B’ S R E G I O N A L P O L O C E N T ER is one of the most active training facilities in the U.S. The Polo School runs 12-week series in the spring and fall that introduce new players of all ages and riding abilities to the Sport of Kings. Requiring only boots and a helmet, the school focuses on horsemanship, rules of the sport, and basic hitting skills. Polo horses, tack, and equipment are all provided. Instructors Barlee Flanders and Mark Prinsloo, who have been recognized by the USPA as two of the nation’s best polo instructors, provide individual coaching based on decades of experience in the sport. With classes conveniently located at the club on Tuesday evening and Saturday morning, the Polo School has introduced dozens of HPC’s playing members to the sport, including many current and former members of the HPC Board of Directors. Once players learn the basics in Polo School, the Margarita League and 2-goal tournament league help transition players into competitive polo through coaching chukkers offered twice a week in a fun, easy-going environment. HPC fielded three teams in the 2012 Interscholastic season, the most of any club in Texas. On February 4 and 5, the Central Regionals were held at the ERG Arena, and drew teams from Dallas and New Mexico to compete with the Houston-area teams for the regional title.
2012 INTERSCHOLASTIC POLO TEAMS • COACHES Mark Prinsloo, Barlee Flanders • HOUSTON POLO CLUB Lara Straussfeld, Nick Lyos, Casey Woodfin, Dalton Woodfin • PECAN ACRES POLO Courtney Price, Grayson Price, Sloan Stefanakis, Alt: Bayard Stratton • ERG POLO Kendall Plank, Luisa Stainback, Meredith Gregory, Alts: Barrett Bergez, Aaron Hall • Additional Alternates: Nora O’Neill, Anson Russo, Emilio Acosta For more information on HPC’s Interscholastic Polo and Polo School programs, please contact Mark Prinsloo at (713) 681-8571 or by email at mark@hpcstepupprogram.com.
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship In November 2012, 67 of the world’s best women polo players from Canada, Argentina, and all over the United States traveled to Houston Polo Club to compete in the nation’s only nationallevel USPA title in women’s polo: the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship®. The title tournament was resurrected in 2011 after a 21-year hiatus, marking the continuing growth of women’s polo and the Houston Polo Club’s commitment to developing the sport in the United States and internationally. Range Rover, St. Regis Hotels, Hendrick’s Gin and several other corporate sponsors joined presenting sponsor, Luchesse Boot Co., in supporting the week-long tournament leading up to the Championship finals. Two USPA-recognized women’s polo tournaments ran concurrently: the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship (6 Goal) , and the U.S. Women’s Handicap (2 Goal). In the Open Women’s final on November 11, San Saba (Dawn Jones, Caroline Anier, Clarissa Echezaretta and Lesley Ann Masterton Fong-Yee) and A-F Pony Farm (Karen Reese, Dayelle Fargey, Tiffany Busch and Lia Salvo, replacing the injured Abby Riggs) battled back and forth, with the first two chukkers ending in a 3-3 tie. San Saba took a 5-4 lead into the final 30 seconds of regulation play when Lia Salvo broke through to score the tying goal and force overtime. The two teams returned to the field for the overtime period and played just over two minutes when AF Pony Farm’s Tiffany Busch drove a well-executed neck-shot through the goal posts for an exciting 6-5 overtime win over San Saba.
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Immediately following the 6-goal finals, Reese and Busch got right back out on the field with Lockton sponsors Courtney Price and Rebecca Bollenbach in the finals of the 2-goal USPA U.S. Women’s Handicap. Lockton faced off against 6-goal winning teammate Fargey, with Lyos MD sponsor Beverly Greenwood and Team USPA members Tiamo Hudspeth and Stephanie Massey. Lyos MD defeated Lockton 7-3 in another physical 4-chukker match that entertained the Houston Polo Club Sunday crowd, which was in full force with over 1,000 spectators. Lyos and Lockton made the USPA US Women’s Handicap finals with the only two undefeated records during the week’s elimination play, knocking out six other strong teams in the 2-goal division, also headed up by big-stick pros, including Caroline Anier, Kristy Outhier and K.C. Krueger. In addition to lots of action on the polo field, participants enjoyed Texas hospitality, including two cocktail parties, an asado, gift bags, team jackets, and prizes for each team. All of the teams not resting up for Sunday’s finals celebrated at the Consolation Finals Western party, complete with dummy steer roping and a mechanical bull. “This week was a great mix of competitive polo and camaraderie,” said Melanja Jones, manager at Santa Barbara Polo Club, who traveled in to play in the 2-goal division. “The Houston Polo Club really goes all out for this week. I’m heading back to Santa Barbara with a lot of enthusiasm to keep growing women’s polo on the West Coast.” The USPA U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship® also marked a historic starting point of Sunny Hale’s American Polo Horse Association’s (APHA) efforts to formally recognize the use of American Quarter Horses in polo through an awards program. George Georgiades, President of Houston Polo Club, helped to present the Special Recognition awards to Hickorys Dollanna, a registered American Quarter Horse played by Goose Creek’s Carin Middleton and owned by Colleen Marks.
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
Meet the Players
Oscar Acosta, B
Emilio Acosta, B
Anne Andras, B.5
David Andras, 1
Hunter Andras, 1
Jeff Anon, A.5
Pierce Anon, AM
Laurance Armour, B.5
Steven S. Armour, A.5
Felipe Bayon, B
Chrys Beal, A
K.C. Krueger, 1.5
Kelly Beal, 1
Fox Benton, B.5
Rebecca Bollenbach, B.5
Andrea Brucculeri, JM
Crystal Cassidy, A
Joe Chandler, B.5
Tiffany Clifton, A
Debbie Daspit, AM
Brooks Armour-Diesel, A
Tommy Dorsey, A
Tom Earl, B
Joe Fitzsimons, 1
Charles Fridge, A
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Meet the Players
Cathy Freitz, A
George Georgiades, 1
Austin Gilbert, B
Vicki Greene, A
Aaron Hall, JM
Wil Harris, 1
Maria Hartley, B
Charles Haston, B.5
Mike Heitmann, B
Paul Hobby, 1
Clare Jackson, AM
Josie Jones, B
Ameer Jumabhoy, 1
Saeed Kahkeshani, B
Esther Kane, B
Tim Kelly, A
Liz Lary, B.5
Philip Limon, B
Andrew Lyos, A
Nick Lyos, A
Julie Mackay, B
Shuman Majumder, AM
David Marks, A
Colleen Marks, B.5
Wick McKean, A 65
HOUSTON POLO CLUB
Meet the Players
Mary Austin Moody, B
Anson Moore, JM
Kristy Outhier, 2
Cristi Payan, A
Kendall Plank, CM
Carl Price, A.5
Courtney Price, JM
Grayson Price, JM
Sarah Prinsloo, A
Andrew Richardson, AM
Marty Salinas, 1
Jenny Sharrock, B.5
Will Shoppa, B
Wesley Sinor, 2
T.J. Slocum, B
Luisa Stainback, JM
Raymond Stainback, A
Nick Stefanakis, B
Sloan Stefanakis, B.5
Bayard Stratton, AM
Stan Stratton, A
Lara Straussfeld, A
John Tasdemir, B.5
Cynthia Weyler, B
Christopher Williams, A.5
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Meet the Players
Colleen Williams, B.5
Jeff Wood, A
Scott Wood, A.5
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HOUSTON POLO CLUB
Arena Polo: The Inside Story What has twelve legs, six arms, six heads, and loves to play in the dirt? An arena polo team! Although most polo fans associate polo with sipping Champagne and stomping divots on Sundays, the growth in popularity of arena polo in Houston has created a new and exciting opportunity for players to build their polo skills year-round, particularly during the winter and summer months in which traditional grass polo is not played in Texas. Although the concept is similar to traditional grass polo, the arena version of the Sport of Kings differs in several ways from outdoor polo. Arena polo is played with only three players per team instead of four, and most experienced players carry a separate arena polo handicap in addition to their grass polo rating. The regulation size for a polo arena is 300 feet by 150 feet, enclosed by walls of four or more feet in height. The polo ball used indoors is similar to a small soccer ball, and is larger and softer than the hard plastic ball used on grass. Polo arenas may be covered or uncovered, and most are equipped with lights, allowing for year-round play in almost any weather conditions. The Houston area has several private arenas in which games are played in the off-season when weather conditions are not ideal for outdoor polo. The level of play varies by league and is structured to accommodate beginners and junior members as well as veteran players.
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As the game of polo moves very quickly within the more limited space of an arena, indoor games can be high-scoring and very exciting to watch. Players frequently hit the air-filled ball out of the air and even bounce it off the arena wall during plays. The dirt and sand surface of the arena provides sure footing for the horses in tight quarters, and the riding skills required for higherlevel arena polo are equal or greater than outdoor polo, due to the frequent change of direction. The arena polo format is also the starting ground for many young polo players, as all USPA-sanctioned Interscholastic and Intercollegiate polo is played indoors. During 2013, ERG’s new state-of-the-art arena, located just west of Houston, is excited to host the prestigious USPA Intercollegiate National Finals. For adults who are learning the sport, arena polo provides an excellent training ground, in which many riders who are new to the sport can build up their confidence before venturing onto the “big field.” HPC’s instructors offer private lessons as well as coaching chukkers in our local arenas during the off-season months. For more information about arena polo in Houston, contact the HPC office at 713.681.8571.
HOUSTON POLO CLUB
Future Best Playing Ponies Like other equine sports such as racing and cutting, it is important for top polo ponies to pass their talent and genes on to the sport’s next generation. Although raising a foal is a major commitment of both time and money, many players in the Houston area choose to breed their own prospects, and have enjoyed the unique experience of producing an equine polo athlete from start to finish. Here, we introduce just some of the future polo stars in the making, bred and raised by local players.
E volution
Owned by Tim Kelly One of Pecan Acres’ many polo prospects is Evolution, a foal whose friendly disposition at 5 months old has already made him a favorite of owner Tim Kelly and trainer Hernan Tejera. His sire, Aplauso, is a rare example of an actively playing polo stallion. Aplauso was born and raised in Argentina by Jose Tejera, Hernan’s father, and at the age of 9 has already fathered many other playing horses in the Houston area. His bloodlines reach back to the famed Argentine stallion Ytacual Caracol, who has sired many veterans of the 40-goal Argentine Open—the polo equivalent of the Kentucky Derby. On the dam side, Evolution comes from Naomi, an American TB bred by Bob McCann of the McFaddin Ranch in Victoria, TX. “Evo,” like most polo prospects, will begin training at 2 or 3 years of age. He will not be considered “made”—a fully trained polo horse—until he reaches at least four years old and has played a full season or more of tournament polo.
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Z eus an d Athena
Owned by Anne and David Andras Full siblings Zeus and Athena were bred by David and Anne Andras at their ranch in Brenham, TX. Their dam, Baby Doll, has American TB bloodlines reaching back to Bold Ruler (dam of the legendary Secretariat) and was purchased by David in 1999 in California. She played for ten years for the Andras family before an injury retired her from tournament polo. Baby Doll, whose name is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to her feisty temperament, displayed great talent and heart on the field—traits that David hopes will be passed on to the next generation. Both were fathered by Finance the Cat (TB), who is owned by the Andras family and stands at stud at the Pegasus Ranch. He is a popular choice for local players when choosing a polo stud, and has sired several promising prospects.
THEHOUSTONPOLOCLUB.COM
Chili
Owned by Martha and Tom Gose Chili is also sired by the Andras’ Finance the Cat, and is by Kahlua, an American TB mare who played for Tom Gose for two years. Prior to playing for Gose, Kahlua was part of 3-goaler Bryan Middleton’s string. The Gose family hopes that her athleticism and easy temper, along with the proven track record of Finance the Cat’s polo prospects, will make Chili a top quality polo pony when she’s grown.
Bu c kwheat
Owned by C.J. and Sheila Lequerica C.J. and Sheila Lequerica’s Buckwheat was named by their kids, Lily and Joe Bob, after the Lil’ Rascals character of the same name. Buckwheat’s dam, Delite, was one of the first polo prospects that Sheila bought and trained. An American TB, Delite played under 4-goaler Danny Juarez for many years until an injury moved her to the Lequerica’s broodmare string. “She is one of the handiest and well balanced horses I’ve ever played,” says Sheila. The sire is My Man Kipper, an American TB owned by South African high-goaler Sugar Erskine, that stands at Currie Equine Clinic. “Kippy’s” blood lines go back to Clever Trick and Valid Appeal, both wellknown polo pony bloodlines.
Ro c ket
Owned by Kristy and Mike Outhier Rocket is a New Year’s baby, born at the Outhier’s ranch in Utopia, TX on January 1, 2013. His dam, Josephine, played for famous American high-goaler Adam Snow and won multiple best playing pony awards, including some in the 20-goal league in Palm Beach, FL. “Josephine is still the fastest and handiest mare I’ve ever played,” says Kristy, who owned her prior to Snow. “She is a tiny thoroughbred, so we crossed her with our bigger TB stallion, Cool Pappa Bell, who has a fabulous disposition as well as top speed breeding. I am really looking forward to raising him and we can’t wait until he’s old enough to train—if he’s anything like his parents, he’ll be an incredible prospect.” Cool Pappa Bell is the grandson of TB racehorse Northern Dancer, who is recognized as one of the most successful racing sires of the 20th century.
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Houston Polo Club Pros 2013
NAME Trevor Allen Carlucho Arellano Stewart Armstrong Agustin Arrayago Joe Wayne Barry Brad Blake Jeff Blake Chad Bowman Charly Cendoya David Crea Sugar Erskine Americo Fernandez Taylor Freeman Carlos Galindo Carlitos Galindo Hector Galindo Nicolai Galindo Julio Gracida Sunny Hale Jeff Hall JW Hall Tiamo Hudspeth Brandon Kircher Steve Krueger Pedro Lara C. J. Lequerica Sheila Lequerica
RATING HOMETOWN 2 Ocala, Florida 5 Wellington, Florida 3 San Antonio, Texas 2 Pierce, Texas 4 Brookshire, Texas 4 Wellington, Florida 6 Wellington, Florida 1.5 LaGrange, Kentucky 4 Wichita, Kansas 1 Houston, Texas 7 Wellington, Florida 3 Houston, Texas 1.5 Aiken, South Carolina 4 Thermal, California 3 Thermal, California 6 West Palm Beach, Florida 3 Thermal, California 4 Wellington, Florida 3 Lake Worth, Florida 7 Sealy, Texas 4 Sealy, Texas 1 Wharton, Texas 2 New Ulm, Texas 3 Argyle, Texas 1.5 Miami, Florida 1.5 Sealy, Texas 0.5 Sealy, Texas
NAME Drew Luplow Wayne Kvalsvig Bryan Middleton Rodrigo Moran Billy Mudra Remy Muller Martin Munoz Christopher Nevins Robert Orthwein Neil Osburg Kristy Outhier Mark Prinsloo Herndon Radcliff Shane Rice Jimmy Seward Jared Sheldon Josh Shelton Nick Snow Hernan Tejera Miguel Torres, Jr. Santi Torres Whistle Uys Jorge Vargas Marcos Villanueva Jesse Weaver Cody Woodfin Mason Wroe
RATING HOMETOWN 1.5 Banner, Wyoming 2 Brookshire, Texas 3 Waller, Texas 3 San Saba, Texas 3 Cat Spring, Texas 1.5 Lockeford, California 2 Brookshire, Texas 4 Cat Spring, Texas 3 St. Louis, Missouri 1 Clearwater, Florida 2 Utopia, Texas 3 Brookshire, Texas 1 Point Clear, Alabama 4 Bellville, Texas 3 Brookshire, Texas 3 Poway, California 2 Witchita, Kansas 4 Ipswich, Massachusetts 3 Fulshear, Texas 4 Houston, Texas 6 Houston, Texas 5 Nashville, Tennessee 1 Fulshear, Texas 4 Fulshear, Texas 1.5 Peoria, Illinois 3 Wharton, Texas 4 Bryan, Texas
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