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Polo Equipment

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Beyond Malbec

Beyond Malbec

A

I

G C

E

B D

F

H

Photo by Katie Roth

Players: Players are rated on a handicap system from -2 to10; 10 being the best in the world. Players are not limited by gender or age.

Polo Pony: Polo “ponies” are usually Thoroughbreds (14.2 to 16.2 hands) selected for their speed, agility, endurance and intelligence. Most players believe their polo pony accounts for up to 75% of their game.

Polo Ball: The ball is 3” in diameter and made of hard, white plastic that dents after continuous hits.

A: Helmet Helmets are required equipment for protection against swinging mallets, flying balls and spills. B: Mallet Mallet lengths range from 49” to 54” to best fit a player’s swing and size of pony. They are constructed of bamboo cane with a tipa wood head.

C: Roached Mane Manes are clipped to prevent them from getting tangled with the reins and out of the player’s face.

D: Bridle Leather bridles are customized to fit each pony. The most common bits used in polo are the gag, snaffle and pelham.

E: Draw Reins A second set of reins for better control extends from the girth, through the bridle to the rider’s hands. F: Boots/Wraps: Used to protect the pony’s legs from the ball and mallet while providing additional support.

G: Boots/Knee Pads Leather boots protect the rider and knee pads guard again injury in a “ride-off.”

H: Shoes Give the pony better traction.

I: Tied tail Tails are taped or tied to eliminate interference with the mallet.

Pictured: Tommy Huber making it look easy on his favorite mare, Passion.

USPA BRONZE TROPHY® 12 GOAL

WINNERS: Hit Air

Jack Whitman, Justin Pimsner, Alan Martinez, Pelon Escapite MVP: Pelon Escapite | BPP: “Ruby” Pelon Escapite

Photos by Katie Roth

USPA NORTHRUP KNOX CUP® 12 GOAL

WINNERS: SD Farms

Aiden Meeker, Trevor Niznik, Carlitos Gracida, Peco Polledo *Trevor Niznik played for Sayyu Dantata MVP: Peco Polledo | BPP: “Paragua” Peco Polledo

USPA NATIONAL COPPER CUP® 12 GOAL

WINNERS: Foxdale Equine Veterinary Services

Nachi Viana, Adam Snow, Julian Daniels, Hugh Worsham MVP: Nachi Viana | BPP: “Paragua” Peco Polledo

USPA ASSOCIATION CUP 8 GOAL

WINNERS: Out East

Hope Arellano, John Humphreys, Lucas Arelllano, Tommy Biddle MVP: Tommy Biddle | BPP: “Maleficent” Tommy Biddle

COPA DE PLATA 8 GOAL

WINNERS: Upatoi Green

Jake Flournoy, Josh Escapite, Jason Wates, Eddy Martinez MVP: Josh Escapite | BPP: “Victoria” Marcos Onetto

USPA NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S CUP 8 GOAL

WINNERS: Bottega

Joe Post, Nachi Viana, Adam Snow, Hope Arellano *Joe Post played for Frank Stitt MVP: Nachi Viana | BPP: “Cautiva” Nachi Viana

USPA MASTERS CUP 8 GOAL

WINNERS: Cooper Home and Stable

JD Cooper, Tommy Huber, Trevor Niznik, Ruben Coscia MVP: Tommy Huber | BPP: “Baby India” Ruben Coscia

Photos by Katie Roth

USPA GIRLS’ NATIONAL INTERSCHOLASTIC CHAMPIONSHIP (ARENA)

WINNERS: Aiken Polo Club

Sophie Grant, Summer Kneece, Reagan Leitner, Robyn Leitner

USPA REGIONAL PRESIDENT’S CUP 8 GOAL

WINNERS: Peachtree

Randy Rizor, Hope Arellano, Marcos Onetto, Lucas Arellano MVP: Lucas Arellano BPP: “Mischevious” Matt Coppola

PETE BOSTWICK MEMORIAL 8 GOAL

WINNERS: LBL

Alison Patricelli, Winston Painter, Alan Martinez, Trevor Niznik MVP: Malia Bryan BPP: “M and M”Willie Hartnett

TOMMY HITCHCOCK MEMORIAL 8 GOAL

WINNERS: LBL

Alison Patricelli, Winston Painter, Alan Martinez, Trevor Niznik MVP: Alan Martinez BPP: “Cinco de Mayo” Hope Arellano

At Cooper Home & Stable, in addition to being dedicated horsemen, we are also professional builders and can share your vision for the dream home/equestrian environment you desire. In Aiken, two hats are better than one and we are ready to show you why.

Call today and let’s talk about taking your vision from dream to reality.

J.D. Cooper

General Contractor Telephone 502.417.2307 www.cooperhs.com

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