Calgary Polo 2009

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One of Calgary’s finest inner city estate homes situated on a 29,306 sq. ft. double lot. This grand 3 storey French Chateau style home offers a total of 6 bedrooms & over 7,200 sq ft of opulent living space

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BEL-AIRE: ATTENTION DEVELOPERS Potential to sub-divide a 44,813 sq. ft. lot in prestigious Bel-Aire into two or three building lots with unobstructed river valley and mountain views. Offered at $4,500,000 FOR EXCELLENT SERVICE & RESULTS CALL THE

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Megan Kozminski Editorial Director

Lisa Muirhead Creative Director

Kendra Roberts Photographer

Lawrence De Pape, Accent Photography Contributors

Sue Bird, Denice Hansen, Kyle Fargey, Rachelle Painchaud-Nash Cover image by

Kerri Kerley Published for The Calgary Polo Club by Poise Publications Inc. 101-478 River Ave, Suite 707 Winnipeg, MB R3L OB3 www.poisepublications.com Š 2009 Calgary Polo Club

Printed in Canada by Friesens

Calgary Polo Magazine

.. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . ... . ... . ... . ... . ... . ... . ... . ... . ............................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Publisher and Marketing Director

Calgary

Polo Club

FIELD LOCATIONS

Calgary Polo Magazine

CONTENTS

13

welcome to the 2009 season

Executive Message

14

an introduction to the polo club

16

plan your summer

20

24 27

35

Welcome

Calendar

supporting calgary polo

2009 Sponsors learning the game

Polo Terms and Rules 2009 season

Our Players the winners’ circle

Tournament Results

24

Calgary Polo Magazine

43

Patrick, Matt, Dayelle, and Diego

Player Profiles

46

recognizing achievement

48

the horses

50 60 62 65 44

2008 Awards

2008 Best Playing Ponies the social side

The People the champions of tomorrow

Pee Wee Polo

supporters, spectators, sponsors

Ranch House Members where to look

Advertiser Index

60

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EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

T

he Board of Directors would like to welcome new and returning players, social members, and eager spectators to the 2009 season at the Calgary Polo Club. The club kicks off its playing season in mid-June with Arena and Low Goal polo. The summer promises many exciting game opportunities for all players, with four High Goal tournaments, five Low Goal tournaments, Ladies League, Pee Wee polo, as well as coaching and instructional chukkers for players keen to learn the sport. We are also pleased to announce the return of the Barbados team, for the annual Barbados Challenge Trophy in mid-August.

We would like to welcome our new Polo Manager, Scott Cunningham, who brings his years of polo experience to the Calgary Polo Club. Our returning club staff includes Sue Bird, Events/Marketing Manager; Darlene Cox, Accountant; Tim Mills, Facilities Manager, and his crew. Kyle Fargey returns as Polo School instructor, providing individual and group lessons, and special clinics for the next generation of Calgary Polo: our Pee Wee players.

Summer days at the Polo Club lead into summer nights, and we have an exciting roster of social events planned. The social season launches with a casual Season Opener BBQ on Canada Day, followed by the ever-popular Lobsterfest on July 17.

The pinnacle of the polo season, the annual Polo Ball, will be hosted at the Ranch House on August 21.

The Calgary Polo Club Executive is very pleased to work with several generous sponsors for the 2009 season, including: After Eight Interiors, Big Rock Brewery Ltd., Barbados Tourism Authority, J. Vair Anderson Jewellers, The Mill Store, Royal Bank of Canada – RBC, and Triangle Steel Ltd. We welcome new and returning players, members, and guests from across Canada, the US, Barbados, and South America. With our new management team, 2009 promises to be an exciting summer for both players and fans. Enjoy being a part of this thrilling polo season!

Sincerely, The Calgary Polo Club Board of Directors.

John Rooney, President • Cam Clark, Vice President • Scott Hunt, Treasurer Anne Evamy, Director • Fred H. Mannix, Director

Calgary Polo Magazine 13

WELCOME

E

stablished in 1890, the Calgary Polo Club is recognized as the oldest polo club in Canada. Its legacy is a testimonial to the dedication and strength of the local polo community, and to the multitude of opportunities the club offers to its members and spectators.

The Facilities Located just 10 minutes from the city, the club occupies 200 acres of land nestled on the doorstep of the Rocky Mountain Foothills, in the heart of Alberta ranch country. The dedicated staff maintains seven full-size playing fields, an outdoor polo arena, a training ring, and a hitting cage.

The club is committed to supporting all aspects of polo culture. It takes the development of upcoming players very seriously. The club’s Polo School provides new players with a horse and the equipment they need to learn and develop their skills. Group and private lessons are offered to meet the individual needs of participants. Pee Wee polo gives the children of

14 Calgary Polo Magazine

members and supporters the opportunity to nurture their skills and love for the sport.

The Game Polo is a thrilling sport that showcases the skill of the players and their specially trained horses. Players participate in league play at the Low Goal or High Goal levels, according to their handicap rating, and the combined rating of their team. Handicaps are determined by a club committee, in conjunction with the United States Polo Association. Low Goal games are perfect for the beginner or intermediate player, as they provide an opportunity to learn the rules and strategies of game play.

High Goal polo takes the level of play to a professional level. Skilled players navigate the vast playing field—an area the size of nine NFL football fields—at speeds reaching up to 40 km/ hour. High Goal games will get your adrenaline pumping as players display athletic skill, finesse, and courage at break-neck speeds. These feature games are played every Sunday: we welcome you to come share in the excitement—it’s free to visit the club as a spectator!

The People You do not need a string of horses to enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Calgary Polo Club. Every season, social membership makes an important contribution to the club’s success and longevity. The Calgary Polo Club regularly hosts social events, fieldside and at the historic Ranch House, for anywhere from 100 to 1,000 spectators.

As a Ranch House member, there are a variety of social events to enjoy, both formal and casual. Season highlights include the annual Barbados Challenge Trophy, Lobsterfest, Friday night dinners, and the annual Polo Ball.

With its sweeping facilities, established reputation, and long-standing traditions, the Calgary Polo Club welcomes everyone to come and enjoy the thrill of the game this summer season. For more information on upcoming tournament play and social events, contact the polo club administration office.

Where we are

THE CALGARY POLO CLUB PO Box 17, Site 9, RR2 Okotoks, AB T1S 1A2 Phone: 403-938-0182 Chukker Hotline: 403-938-7260 Fax: 403-938-8205 Email: info@calgarypolocub.com Website: www.calgarypoloclub.com

1. Take Macleod Trail South to Highway 552 - Turn Right (Follow highway directional signs) 2. Follow this road for 10km to 306 Avenue West - Turn Left 3. At the stone gate on your right hand side - Turn Right 4. Drive straight in and the Ranch House will be ahead OR 1. Take Deerfoot Trail South to Dunbow Road - Turn Right 2. Drive till you cross Highway 2A (Follow highway directional signs) 3. Take your first Right - Drive North to Hwy 552 - Turn Left 4. Follow this road for 10 km to 306 Avenue West - Turn Left (and follow the above last directions 3 and 4 above) Calgary Polo Magazine 15

CALENDAR

sunday

monday tuesday wednesday thursday june

26

GILGIT CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

28

29

GILGIT CUP 2 - 4 GOAL final

5

12

30

july

1

AMERICAN DAY CUP 14-16 GOAL

Practice Chukkers

Season opener BBQ

6

7 Practice Chukkers

J.VAIR ANDERSON CUP 8 - 12 GOAL

13

14 Practice Chukkers

8 J.VAIR ANDERSON CUP 8 - 12 GOAL

15 J.C. PALMER CUP 8 - 12 GOAL

3

MIKE FRANCIS CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

J.VAIR ANDERSON CUP 8 - 12 GOAL

MIKE FRANCIS CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

16

27 GILGIT CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

2

9

saturday

10 J.VAIR ANDERSON CUP 8 - 12 GOAL final

4 MIKE FRANCIS CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

11 MIKE FRANCIS CUP 2 - 4 GOAL final

17

18

MOUNTBATTEN ROCKY PLATE MOUNTAIN 14 - 16 GOAL CUP 2 - 4 GOAL Lobsterfest Ranch

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

House Event

19

20

26

J.C. PALMER CUP 8 - 12 GOAL final

21 Practice Chukkers

J.C. PALMER CUP 8 - 12 GOAL

16 Calgary Polo Magazine

25

friday

27

28 Practice Chukkers

22 J.C. PALMER CUP 8 - 12 GOAL

29 ROENISCH MEMORIAL CUP 8 - 12 GOAL

23 ROCKY MOUNTAIN CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

30 HULL CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

24 J.B. CROSS HIGH GOAL MATCH 14 - 16 GOAL

31 ROENISCH MEMORIAL CUP 8 - 12 GOAL Ranch House Dinner Event

25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

sunday

monday

tuesday

wednesday thursday

friday

saturday a u g ust

1

HULL CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

2

3

High Goal Match Game

9

4

ROENISCH MEMORIAL CUP 8 - 12 GOAL

Practice Chukkers

10

HULL CUP 2 - 4 GOAL finals

5

11

12

6 HULL CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

ROENISCH MEMORIAL CUP 8 - 12 GOAL final

8 CHINOOK DOWNS CUP

Ranch House Dinner Event

13 BIG ROCK CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

Practice Chukkers

7

14 BIG ROCK CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

15 CALGARY CUP BARBADOS Challenge Trophy CPC Auction & Barbados Event

16

17

18 Practice Chukkers

FISH CREEK CUP 8 - 12 GOAL

19 FISH CREEK CUP 8 - 12 GOAL

20 BIG ROCK CUP 2 - 4 GOAL

Barbados Rain Date

23

21 FISH CREEK CUP 8 - 12 GOAL consolation game

22 BIG ROCK CUP 2 - 4 GOAL final

Polo Ball Ranch House Event

24

25

26

27

28

29

FISH CREEK CUP 8 - 12 GOAL Season Wrap Up Barn Party

30

31

Fields remain open for polo through September.

Calgary Polo Magazine 17

Supporting Calgary Polo:

20 Calgary Polo Magazine

Our 2009 Sponsors

Calgary Polo Magazine 21

PO LO SC H O O L P r o f e s s i o n a l I n s t r u c t i o n b y Ky l e F a r g e y

“I really enjoy helping new players progress into the game.

I encourage everyone to come experience the exhilaration of polo. My only warning is that the sport is very addictive – after only one game, you can become hooked for life!” ~Kyle Fargey

Come try polo at the Calgary Polo Club...

• Lessons available June through September • Horses and equipment provided • Private and group lessons • Hitting cage and foot mallet polo • Coaching League Kyle Fargey is a 3 Goal professional player based out of Calgary, Alberta and Indio, California. Kyle played for Team Canada at the FIP World Cup in Mexico City in 2008, and has also played polo in Florida, England, Africa, and China.

Kyle is involved in every aspect of polo, from playing and instructing, to training young horses to play. Kyle customizes his instruction to fit the needs of each of his students, whether it is in individual or group lessons.

Whether you are a seasoned rider or player, or a determined athlete looking for an exciting new sport, Kyle can teach you the skills, rules, mechanics, and strategies of the game.

Start your polo career today!

Contact Kyle Fargey: Office: 403.938.0182 • Cell: 403.998.7260 • kyle.fargey@calgarypoloclub.com

POLO terms & rules Handicap A player’s handicap is a rating between -2 (or B) and 10. A rating committee will decide the handicap of each player based on playing ability, horsemanship, team play, horses, and knowledge of the game. 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.

Hook A defensive technique in which a player uses his or her mallet to interfere with an opponent’s swing.

Knock-in Chukker

When a team in an offensive drive hits the ball across the opponent’s backline, the defending team resumes play with a free hit from their back line.

Similar to a period in hockey. There are four chukkers in Low Goal games and six chukkers in High Goal games in regulation outdoor polo. Each chukker is This is an imaginary line that the ball creates each time seven-and-a-half minutes long, and players have four it is hit. The trajectory of the ball creates a line that minutes between each chukker to change horses. separates two lanes. These lanes determine the right-ofway of each player. Interfering with this line is a foul.

Line of the ball/Right-of-way

Divot stomping

Spectator participation! At half time, spectators are invited onto the field to replace pieces of turf dug up by the horses during play.

Mallet

The side of the mallet head is used to hit the ball.

Mallets are made of a bamboo stick, hardAny infraction of the USPA rules, ranging from danwood head, and gerous riding to interrupting the line of the ball. range in length from 49 to 54 inches, dependAny time the ball crosses the line between the goal ing on the size posts. Teams change ends after each goal to equalize of the horse. playing conditions.

Foul

Goal

24 Calgary Polo Magazine

Near-side

The left-hand side of the horse, also the side of the horse that players mount.

Off-side The right-hand side of the horse.

Penalty

An infraction of the rules of play. A penalty is given a rating between one and nine by the umpire, with the severity of the infraction determining the level of penalty awarded.

Ride-off

A defensive move in which a horse is pressed into the horse of another player in order to prevent him or her from taking a shot or to drive the player off the line of the ball.

Throw-in

The games begin when the umpire bowls the ball between the two teams.

Umpires

Two mounted officials are on the field ensuring safety and enforcing rules. In the case of a disagreement between the umpires, the Referee (also known as the “Third Man�) on the sidelines has the final say.

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OUR PLAYERS

Calgary Polo Magazine 27

Marcelo Abbiati

Susan Abbiati

Cam Bailey

Catherine Butler

Blake Clark

Cam Clark

Scott Cunningham

Scotty M. Cunningham

Diego Cossio

Jason Crowder

Dayelle Fargey

Kyle Fargey

Rating: 5

Rating: A

Rating: A

Rating: 2

Rating: 2

Rating: B

Rating: 5

Rating: A

Rating: 5

Rating: B

Juan Curbelo Rating: 4

28 Calgary Polo Magazine

Martin Estrada Rating: 5

Anne Evamy Rating: A

Rating: 2

Rating: 3

Rob Foster Rating: B

Nicolai Galindo Rating: 4

Fergus Gould Rating: 4

Frances Harley de Urtasun

Joe Henderson Rating: 4

Rating: B

Scott Hunt Rating: A

Megan Kozminski Rating: B

Deidre Lake Rating: B

Bill Lloyd

Rating: A

Dyan LeyshonPettigrew Rating: B

Fred H. Mannix Rating: 6

Julian Mannix Rating: 1

Deborah Nickel Rating: B

Lee Nilsson Rating: 1

Tomas Obregon Rating: 4

Calgary Polo Magazine 29

Pedro Orellana

Scott Palmer

Felipe Paradela

Abby Riggs

Matt Robinson

Daniel Roensich

Julie Roenisch

Rob Roenisch

Alyson Rooney

Donna Rooney

John Rooney

Gordon W. Ross

Kaylee Scherbinski

Rating: B

30 Calgary Polo Magazine

Rating: B

Rating: B

Rating: 5

Rating: 1

Rating: B

Pat Powell

Rating: A

Rating: 1

Rating: 2

Aidan Pettigrew

Rating: 4

Rating: A

Rating: B

Rating: B

Rating: 1

Rating: B

Peggy Schultz

Barry Siebel

Darcia Siryjenko

Bryan Thomas

Claudia Uretz

Hank Uretz

Patrick Uretz

Tony Uretz

Wiley Uretz

Mike Uretz

Sue-Anne Wearmouth

Reg Whyte

Les Wilson

Rating: B

Rating: B

Rating: B

Rating: 1

Rating: B

Rating: C

Rating: A

Rating: A

Rating: A

Rating: 1

Rating: B

Rating: A

Rating: B

Calgary Polo Magazine 31

2008 TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Calgary Polo Magazine 35

TOURNAMENTS

Gilgit Cup Cam Clark Ford

Osler Cup Cam Clark Ford

(L to R) Cam Clark, Shannon Peters, Dayelle Fargey, Blake Clark with Husain Umar presenting

(L to R) Diego Cossio, Cam Bailey (C. Maldonado sub), Blake Clark, Dayelle Fargey with Joanne Eslingar of Servus Credit Union presenting

J. Vair Anderson Cup Hawks

Mike Francis Cup Hawks

(L to R) Reg Whyte, Joe Henderson, Juan Curbelo, Julian Mannix with Anne Kendall of J. Vair Anderson Jewellers presenting

(L to R) Rob Roenisch, Julian Mannix, Patrick Uretz, Julie Roenisch with John Rooney presenting

Mountbatten Plate Hawks

J. C. Palmer Cup Hawks

(L to R) Reg Whyte, Joe Henderson, Juan Curbelo, Julian Mannix with Larry Carter of Lexington Marketing Group presenting

36 Calgary Polo Magazine

(L to R) Reg Whyte, Joe Henderson, Juan Curbelo, Julian Mannix with Laura and Byron Palmer presenting

Rocky Mountain Cup Hawks

(L to R) Rob Roenisch, Julian Mannix, Patrick Uretz, Julie Roenisch with John Rooney presenting

Heart Cup Cam Clark Ford

(L to R) Cam Bailey (C. Maldonado sub), Blake Clark, Dayelle Fargey, Diego Cossio with Kelley Abbey of Charton Hobbs presenting

Big Rock Cup Tekarra

Fish Creek Cup Tusk Energy

(L to R) Marcelo Abbiati, Juan Jose Gonzales, Abby Riggs, John Rooney with Bruce MacKenzie of RBC presenting

Calgary Cup Palmer/Ivanhoe

(L to R) Rob Foster, Bill Lloyd, Bryan Thomas, Kyle Fargey with Linda and Ed McNally of Big Rock Brewery presenting

(L to R) Scott Palmer, Pedro Orellana, Martin Estrada, Bryan Thomas with Jan and Gary Moore of After Eight Interiors presenting

Hull Cup Blizzard

Roenisch Memorial Hawks

(L to R) Scott Hunt, Juan Jose Gonzales, John Rooney (F. Molina sub), Donna Rooney with Marjorie Thomas presenting

(L to R) Reg Whyte, Joe Henderson, Juan Curbelo, Julian Mannix (J. Roenisch sub) with Jan Roenisch presenting Calgary Polo Magazine 37

Canadian Open Hawks

Canadian Open Runners Up Zenas

(L to R) Reg Whyte, Joe Henderson, Juan Curbelo, Julian Mannix with John Burns of Gowlings Barristers & Solicitors presenting

(L to R) Juan Jose Gonzales, Marcelo Abbiati, Abby Riggs, John Rooney with John Burns of Gowlings Barristers & Solicitors presenting

Barbados Challenge Canada

Barbados Challenge Runners Up Barbados

(L to R) Daniel Roenisch, Kyle Fargey, Julian Mannix, Shannon Peters with Cheryl Carter of Barbados Tourism Authority presenting

38 Calgary Polo Magazine

(L to R) Nick Snow, Martine Juaragi, Jeff Evelyn, Vicki Gonzalez with Jennifer-Anne Brathwaite of Barbados Tourism Authority presenting

Kimo Cup Bracket A

Mario Basaldua, Wally Gallup, Jamie Holliday with Bev Jarvis presenting

Kimo Cup Bracket B Runners Up

Kimo Cup Bracket A Runners Up

David Gadd, Megan Kozminski, Matt Robinson, Danny Fernandez

Kimo Cup Bracket C

Kimo Cup Bracket C Runners Up

Les Wilson, Andrew Goodwin, Barry Biebel, Rob Foster

Unknown, Loretta Swalding, Phoebe Smith, Lee Tyme

Ladies Challenge

Ladies Challenge Runners Up

Coaching League Playoffs

Coaching League Playoffs

Trish Fitzgerald, Susan Abbiati, Donna Rooney, Dayelle Fargey with Darlene Cox presenting

Canada Red: Kyle Fargey, Sue-Anne Wearmouth, David Gadd

Kimo Cup Bracket B

Pablo Vicente, Danny Fernandez, Saul Torres with Cathy Butler presenting

Jessica Schneider, Anne Evamy, Cybele Jordan, Cathy Butler

Chukkers: Jonathon Gonzales, Dawn Godard, Les Wilson

Florencia Muttoni, Vicki Hernandez, Kiersten Hussey, Antonio Palma

Coaching League Playoffs

Tekarra: Andrew Goodwin, Barry Siebel, Rob Foster, Deidre Lake

Coaching League Playoffs

Blizzard: Wally Gallup, Megan Kozminski, Alyson Rooney, Deborah Nickels Calgary Polo Magazine 39

w w w. t h e s h o o t i n g e d g e . c o m

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PLAYER PROFILES

Patrick Uretz

RATING: 1 Goal Occupation: Student Hometown: Malibu, California

Q.

When and how did you get started in polo?

When I was really young, my parents introduced me to polo. I started in the Pee Wee program at the Eldorado Polo Club in Indio, California. My three brothers, Wiley, Tony, and Hank, also play polo.

Q.

What is your most memorable game or win?

I played with the Hawks in the 8 Goal this last season at Eldorado. We clinched our third 8 Goal title against Casa Blanca at the end of March—it was a great win.

No one has ever won all three 8 Goal tournaments in one year!

Q.

Who is your favourite pony and why?

Hi-Lita, a six year-old mare. We bought her mother, Hilight, without knowing she was pregnant. We were all surprised when Hi-Lita popped out, and now she is one of our family’s top mares.

Q.

What is the most challenging aspect of the game for you?

Finding enough time to practice and play. I am in school and am active in several other sports, and there is a long off-season. It’s a challenge to stay sharp and always keep my game up!

Matt Robinson

RATING: B Occupation: Business Development Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Q.

When and how did you get started in polo?

A family friend, Megan Kozminski, invited me out to the New Members Day at the Calgary club. Prior to coming out to the polo grounds, I had ridden maybe four times.

Being as green as green comes, I struggled to control my horse, but was able to see the potential of the sport. Determined to make a go, I signed up for the Polo School where Kyle has coached me to a playable level.

Q.

What is your most memorable game or win?

So far I have only played in one tournament—the 2008 Kimo Cup. I guess by default that game would be my most memorable game, and as it turns out my Robinson Lighting and Bath team won the B flight!

Q.

Who is your favourite pony and why?

I was recently down in California where I rode what seemed like hundreds of horses. My riding is so poor that I require a fairly tolerant and patient horse. While I was down there I found the perfect horse (for me): Flurry!

Q.

What is the most challenging aspect of the game for you?

Riding!! I am horrible! This year I will be spending a few days a week out at the club practicing my riding. The trouble is, I would way rather stick and ball than focus solely on my riding. Look for me doing lots of laps on the track!

Calgary Polo Magazine 43

Dayelle Fargey RATING: 2 Goals Occupation: Professional Polo Player Hometown: Dugald, Manitoba

Q.

When and how did you get started in polo?

I started when I was 6 years old on my first pony at our family’s farm near Oakbank, Manitoba.

My dad got me started and I loved it immediately. Polo has been my passion ever since.

Q.

What is your most memorable game or win?

I was on the first team to win the Governor’s Cup in California for two consecutive years.

There were well over 20 teams and the second year I won it, one of my teammates was another good female player. It’s always nice to beat the boys!

Q.

Who is your favourite pony and why?

I have been lucky to have many wonderful horses. At the moment, Tequila is my best pony because he can do anything I can imagine—his ability far exceeds mine. My sentimental favourite is a retired pony named Badger, whom I have had for 20 years. Badger was never the most talented pony but she was all heart on the field—she gave me her best.

Q.

What is the most challenging aspect of the game for you?

Polo is a wonderful game and there are many different elements involved. Maintaining intensity and focus over the course of 6 chukkers is very challenging. Things happen very quickly on the field, and you always have to be ready to make changes with your strategy, horses, positioning, etc.

Q.

Who is your favourite pony and why?

My favourite pony is Secretario. I have had her since 1999. She is not the fastest pony in the barn anymore, but she is the most reliable and I just love playing her.

Last year, she won best playing pony in the Heart Cup at the Calgary Polo Club.

Q.

What is the most challenging aspect of the game for you?

Polo is a lot of work. I care for and travel with my horses all on my own. It takes a lot of time to maintain their physical condition and good health. I am in very close contact with my horses all of the time. It is a lot of work, but I love it.

Diego Cossio

RATING: 5 Goals Occupation: Professional Polo Player Hometown: Tucuman, Argentina

Q.

When and how did you get started in polo?

I started playing polo for fun when I was 13 or 14 years old. My dad used to play, so he taught me the basics of the game. I took up polo professionally in 1997, with the help of Steve Crowder in California.

Q.

What is your most memorable game or win?

I won the Governor’s Cup at the Eldorado Polo Club about 10 years ago.

My team was Bob Bradley, Jessica Bailey, and Dayelle Fargey—it was a fun team and a great win!

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2008

CALGARY POLO CLUB

AWARDS

Each year, at the annual Polo Ball, the Calgary Polo Club recognizes players, members, and polo staff who make their mark on the summer polo season. Award recipients are determined by vote of the Awards Committee, and their contributions are recognized by the Board of Directors with plaques and prizes.

Most Improved Player

Rookie of the Year

Sportsmanship

In his second year of tournament polo in Calgary, Reg Whyte displayed significant improvement in his polo skills and game strategy. In recognition of his determined accomplishments over the course of the polo season, Reg was presented the Billy Linfoot Award for Most Improved Player for 2008.

Rob Foster made his debut in the Low Goal league at the Calgary Polo Club in 2008. As part of the Tekarra team, he was the winner of the Big Rock Cup in August. Rob is recognized for his competitive enthusiasm for the sport both on and off the field throughout the summer season.

The Sportmanship Award for 2008 was awarded to professional player and polo instructor, Kyle Fargey. Kyle is recognized by the Calgary Polo Club for his integrity in the game, his consideration of the rules of play, and his sense of fairness towards his fellow players.

Horsemanship

Groom of the Year

Darcia M. Siryjenko presented the 2008 Horsemanship Award to Martin Estrada of Florida. Martin exhibited an exemplary understanding, commitment, and respect towards his horses throughout the season.

The Groom of the Year Award for 2008 was presented to Mario Basaldua. As a professional groom for Marcelo Abbiati, Mario showed a high level of dedication to horse care, presentation, and health.

Calgary Polo Magazine 47

BEST PLAYING PONIES

J. Vair Anderson Cup Crack owned by Julian Mannix Sponsor: J. Vair Anderson Jewellers

Mountbatten Plate Oasis owned by Fred P. Mannix Sponsor: Lexington Marketing Group Inc & F.M. Shaw Building Design Ltd.

Heart Cup Secretario owned by Diego Cossio Sponsor: Rolling Mix Concrete

Fish Creek Cup Dry Dock owned by Scott Palmer Sponsor: RBC - Royal Bank of Canada

48 Calgary Polo Magazine

Big Rock Cup Mercy owned by Kyle Fargey Sponsor: Big Rock Brewery

Canadian Open Nortena owned by Marcelo Abbiati Sponsor: Gowlings Lafleur Henderson LLP

Calgary Cup Joyita owned by Bryan & Marjorie Thomas Sponsor: After Eight Interiors

Barbados Challenge Trophy Minuet owned by Triangle Bar Sponsor: Barbados Tourism Authority

Calgary Polo Magazine 49

THE PEOPLE 50 Calgary Polo Magazine

Clockwise from top left: Scott & Laurie Cunningham; Cam Clark, Steve Benediktson, Susan & Marcelo Abbiati; Gordon Ross, Bev Jarvis & Bill Lloyd; Leslie McDaniel, Martin Estrada & Scott Hunt; Trish Fitzgerald, Dayelle Fargey & Donna Rooney; Gary & Sarah Eakin.

Opposite page clockwise from top left: Fred P. Mannix, Larry Carter & John Rooney; Li-Anne Mannix with Mandy Nelsen; Vanessa Mannix & friend; Rob Roenisch, Marjorie & Bryan Thomas, Byron Palmer; Mario Basaldua, Alejandro Gonzales, Sue Bird, Balthazar Gonzales & Miguel Gonzales; Kyle Fargey, Reg Whyte & Megan Kozminski; Albert Ellis with Linda McNally & Anne Seymour-Ellis.

Clockwise from top left: Alyson Rooney with Alyson Hannas; Campbell Wilkinson, Megan Kozminski & Pat Wilkinson; Pedro Orellana with daughter Sol; Frances Harley de Urtasun with Marjorie Thomas; Graham Mitchell, Rob Foster, Jen Foster & Sam Mitchell; Cam Clark, Jeff Stanbury & Susan Abbiati; Scott & Scotty Mac Cunningham with Martin Estrada.

Calgary Polo Magazine 53

Opposite page clockwise from top left: Kyle Fargey; the Ranch House berm; the Coaching League Blizzard team.

This page clockwise from top left: Bev Jarvis & Marjorie Thomas; Gordon Ross; Warren Hall; Rob & Jen Foster, Barry Siebel, Toby Dinter & Deidre Lake; Zenas in the Canadian Open; Tim Mills, Facilities Manager; Ed & Linda McNally; Lisa Muirhead & Megan Kozminski.

Calgary Polo Magazine 55

Clockwise from top left: an umpire prepared for play; the Identity Ladies team of Anne Evamy, Cybele Jordan, Jessica Schneider & Cathy Butler; Martin Estrada & Bryan Thomas celebrate teamwork; showertime with Derek Dalton; mallets ready for the game; Tekarra team meeting.

56 Calgary Polo Magazine

Proud Sponsors of the 2009 Mountbatten Plate

Clockwise from top left: Phoebe Smith; Delfina Abbiati & Lucy Bailey; Scotty Mac Cunningham & Gordon Ross; Rob Roenisch, Colin Field & Juan Curbelo; Jazz & Blues Singer Cici with Cheryl Carter from Barbados Tourism Authority.

PEE WEE POLO 60 Calgary Polo Magazine

Pristine Beauty.

Low Impact.

Sustainable Living.

This is Holmes Homes living. This is Clear Lake.

Mike Holmes, Canada’s Most Trusted Contractor, is taking home renovation and construction to a new level. He has developed the first community of Holmes Homes, in Southwest Alberta, just one hour south of Calgary. This unique community of beautiful, eco-friendly and sustainable homes will set a new standard for residential construction and design.

Exclusive offering of 8 one-acre premium lakefront lots is available now starting at $300k.

For more information, visit www.makeitright.ca/holmes_homes or contact our real estate representative for pricing and tours of the site.

Michael Dundas Royal LePage michaeldundas@shaw.ca 1.403.589.8177

The most remarkable home you will ever live in.

Calgary Polo Magazine 61

RANCH HOUSE MEMBERS

Marcelo & Susan Abbiati

Doug & Marge Fraser

Felipe Paradela

Julie Adair Rowney

Bob Gibson

Aidan Pettigrew

After Eight Interiors

Fergus Gould

Pat Powell

Terry & Joan Allwarden

Frances Harley de Urtasun

Abby Riggs

Ken Anderson

T.J. (Jake) Harp

Rocky Mountain Pools & Spas Ltd.

R. William (Bill) Andrew

Brian Hearst

Matt Robinson

Lynn Arsenault

Joe Henderson

James Cameron & Beth Bailey

Roberta S. Higgins

Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre

Alfred & Phyllis Balm

Scott Hunt & Leslie McDaniel

Daniel Roenisch

Bar None Ranches Ltd.

Warren Hunt

Julie Roenisch

Sue & Greg Bird

Byron R. Hussey

Rob Roenisch

Ivan Bishko

Sheila Irving

Alyson Rooney

David & Leslie Bissett

J. Vair Anderson Jewellers

John & Donna Rooney

Brewster Adventures

Bill Jones

Monica & Steve Brown

Anne Kendall

Gordon W. Ross & Richard Cote

Rosemary Bruus

John (JK) Kidd & Cynthia Swensen

Catherine Butler

Andrew B. Kondi

Chris & Lisa Buzzell

Megan Kozminski

Cheryl Carter

Deidre Lake

Larry A. Carter & Sue Hebenton

Dyan Leyshon-Pettigrew

Blake Clark

Dr. Susan Lea

Cam Clark

Bill Lloyd & Bev Jarvis

Triss Cooper

Duncan McKillop

Diego Cossio

The Mill Store

Darlene Cox

Bruce MacKenzie

Bryan Thomas & Marjorie Bekaert Thomas

JR & Linda Cox

Fred H. Mannix

Sandy Tidswell

Donald & Shan Cross

Fred P. & Li-Anne Mannix

Town of Okotoks Tourism

Jason Crowder

Julian Mannix

Triangle Steel

Scott & Laurie Cunningham

Mayfair Diagnostics

Mike & Claudia Uretz

Scotty Mac Cunningham

Ken & Gaye McLennan

Hank Uretz

Juan Curbelo David & Brenda De Gagne Cameron & Sharon Diggon David & Frances Dover Harris & Lynette Dvorkin Edmond & Maureen G. Eberts Martin Estrada Anne Evamy & Rick Stelmachuk

Ed & Linda McNally R.S. (Bob) Millar Tim Mills & Karen Rawlyk Gary & Jan Moore Deborah Nickel Lee W. Nilsson Grainger Nimmo Sonja E. Norgaard

Dayelle Fargey

Tomas Obergon

Kyle Fargey

Pedro Orellana

Arthur & Mary Fishman

Byron & Laura Palmer

Rob & Jen Foster

Scott Palmer

62 Calgary Polo Magazine

Kaylee Scherbinksi Barry Siebel Darcia M. Siryjenko Robert F. & Ila Smith Philip & Laurie Sommerville Margaret Southern Strathcona Tweedsmuir School W. Lynn Tanner & Margaret Graw

Patrick Uretz Tony Uretz Wiley Uretz Maurice & Judy Vellacott Sue-Anne Wearmouth Reg & Cheryl Whyte Campbell & Patricia Wilkinson Tania Willumsen Les & Jan Wilson Derek & Deborah Wolstenholme Rolf Wuensche

ADVERTISER INDEX

After Eight Interiors..........................................................10 All Through the House.....................................................52 Aspen Grove Woodcraft..................................................19 Assessment Advisory Group.............................................25 Baby Boutique................................................................52 Bar None Ranches..........................................................22 Barbados Tourism Authority ............................................. 3 Big Rock Brewery............................................................32 Bistro Provence...............................................................52 Calgary Polo Club Ranch House.......................................63 Calgary Polo Club Polo School.........................................23 Cam Clark Trailers..........................................................58 Canadian Pony Club.......................................................65 Catch Restaurant.............................................................42 Costa Carayes Polo Club.................................................11 Elizabeth Street Pet Hospital.............................................44 Executive Valet Parking Service Inc....................................66 Farmway Machinery Ltd...................................................64 Ginger Laurier................................................................52 GMP Private Client..........................................................41 Good Earth Environs.......................................................34

The International Mounted Games Exchange at the Calgary Polo Club July 6, 2009 An Event Marking Our 75th Anniversary Celebrations

Gordon W. Ross Team RE/MAX Central .............................5 Gourmet Royal...............................................................59 Great Events Catering......................................................46 Holmes Homes Clear Lake................................................61 Identity Marketing Group Inc............................................45 Integrity Post Structures Ltd................................................64 J. Vair Anderson Jewellers & Tissot......................................4 Kenway Mack Slusarchuk Stewart LLP................................58 KPMG...........................................................................12 Mash Medical Systems....................................................32 Mayfair Diagnostics........................................................26 Motel 6..........................................................................64 PI Financial ...................................................................46 Polo Canada..................................................................67 Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)............................................33 Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre.........................................9 Rocky Mountain Pools & Spas..........................................18 Spruce It Up Garden Centre.............................................19 Spruce Meadows............................................................68 Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School ..........................................2 Sunwest Aviation.............................................................12 Terry Allwarden RE/MAX First..........................................66 The Flower Basket...........................................................46 The Galloping Game.......................................................54 The Mill Store.................................................................34 The Shooting Edge..........................................................42 Triangle Steel..................................................................57 William Evans Gun & Rifle Makers....................................40 Willow Park Wines & Spirits............................................51

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