
3 minute read
Polo Equipment
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

