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Volume 29 • Issue 1 • February 2024 • £6.50

ARENA POLO INTERNATIONAL DAY The Bryan Morrison Trophy & British Junior Match

FOUR QUARTERS: POLO EXCELLENCE Romilla and Simon Arber On Their Polo Journey

BRUSH UP ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Including Gait Analysis & Behind The Scenes Yard Visit PLUS: Polo Times Pony Powers, Oxford Polo Spotlight & Eden Ormerod’s Passions

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Contents “Polo Times is undoubtedly the most influential contemporary polo magazine” Horace Laffaye

Contents

What’s inside… February 2024

Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

Editor in Chief Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Principal Design James Morgan

Design Alice Ruddy

Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@hinemarketing.co.uk

Administration Assistant Lynne Berry

9 News 4

Knowledge All the Latest News

Features Contributors:

Donna Barker, Mark Beaumont, Lorna Edgar, Sarah Fox, Sarah Heseltine, Charlotte Inness, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Eden Ormerod, Robin Ormerod, India Parker-Smith, Tony Ramirez/ ©www.imagesofpolo.com, Emma Sheridan & Paul Stalker

Cover photograph:

Cover photograph: Ireland Captain Richard Tyrone with England’s Seb Hancock in pursuit By ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Contact details

Cover Story: Four Quarters, Polo Excellence

Reports 14 18 20 22 27 30

Cover Story: The Inspired Arena Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy The Continental Cup The Inspired Arena Polo Masters The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship Winter Victor Ludorum

46 48 50 52 54

Polodoc: Hook Better & Hit Harder Performance Coach: Building A Community to Enhance the Game Cover Story: Nutrition Focus: What Does A Yard Visit Consist Of ? Chukka Wellness: It’s Pre-Season Training Time Equine Osteopathy: My Journey Towards Osteopathy Cover Story: Gait Analysis: Using AI to Benefit Equine Performance Cover Story: Polo Times Pony Powers

Sidelines

Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos, GL2 9LN Tel: 01452 730770 email:admin@polotimes.co.uk

Club Focus

56 57

www.polotimes.co.uk

32 34

Polo Directory

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES

Youth Polo

60 62

36 38

Final Bell

All subscribers receive an exclusive weekly newsletter and competition offers

Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk © Polo Times Limited 2024 and Database Right 2024 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

42 44

Polo Times, February 2024

Your Club News from Home and Abroad Cover Story: Club Spotlight: Oxford Polo

All Aspects of Youth Polo Cover Story: Arena Polo International Day British Junior Match

Gossip Social Pages

What’s On in February Classifieds

Cover Story: Passions – Eden Ormerod

Women’s Polo 40

International & Home

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News

Winston Churchill once famously said, “A polo handicap is a passport to the world” and today this is truer than ever, with an increasingly interconnected world, players can hop from continent to continent to compete in the global polo circuit. This is evidenced in this issue by a contingent of British homegrown talent doing just that: with Ed Banner-Eve reaching the Final of The Continental Cup in Florida, Eden Ormerod (who is also this month’s Passions) winning The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship in Los Angeles, plus Hazel Jackson and Milly Hine playing in Mexico in The Giuliana Ladies Cup. Closer to home, it was fantastic to see such strong, young, British talent in The Junior British Match at Hickstead and later in the day, the breadth of skill from the Irish and England teams in The Bryan Morrison Trophy. As I write this, the 2024 Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz is about to get underway with an impressive six British players taking part – Hugo Taylor, Nico San Roman, Jack Hyde, Ryan Pemble, Nacho Gonzalez and Max Charlton – which is great to see in the most iconic snow polo tournament in the world and with a Brit on 50 percent of the teams, here’s to hoping for a British player on the podium in pole position! This issue also includes an interview with Four Quarters’ Romilla and Simon Arber in which we find out the secret to their trophy winning success which seems to know no bounds. The Hurlingham Polo Association saw a changing of the guard at the end of 2023, with Will Lucas taking over as overall Chairman: other changes see Robert Thame take on the mantle of ‘Handicaps’, Andrew Barlow ‘Development’ and David Morley ‘Pony Welfare and Rules’. Visas, rules and handicap fairness are always at the forefront of ‘polotics’, so hopefully Will, as new HPA Chairman can navigate these challenging waters to give English polo the best footing going forward. As always, play safe.

2024 Gauntlet of Polo Schedule & Teams

Nick Hine, Publisher

The Gauntlet of Polo is returning for its sixth year with nine teams competing for three of the most sought-after US titles: The C.V. Whitney Cup (9 – 25 February), The USPA Gold Cup (23 February – 24 March) and The U.S. Open Polo Championship (22 March – 21 April). As per last year, teams can also enter any of the three tournaments individually, however they cannot win the entire Gauntlet of Polo if they choose to do so – Clearwater is only competing in The USPA Gold Cup and The U.S. Open – and so will be the only team not eligible for the Gauntlet of Polo 2024 champion title. La Fe and Dutta Corp are returning with the same line-ups as 2023, five-time C.V. Whitney Cup winners Valiente, and 2023 USPA Gold Cup winners Scone, will also be Father-son duo, Adolfo Cambiaso and making a triumphant return and Pilot returns Poroto Cambiaso, will compete against once again as the only team to have captured one another in the 2024 Gauntlet of Polo the Gauntlet in 2019. Four 10 goalers (Hilario Ulloa, Facundo Pieres, Poroto Cambiaso & Adolfo Cambiaso) will compete, Facundo Pieres is fresh from his 2023 Argentine Open win with La Natividad. The 2024 Gauntlet of Polo Teams: Coca-Cola (22): Gillian Johnston (0), Kristos ‘Keko’ Magrini (6), Polito Pieres (9) & Julian de Lusarreta (7) Pilot (22): Curtis Pilot (0), Santos Merlos (6), Facundo Pieres (10) & Santiago Torres (6) Dutta Corp (22): Timmy Dutta (4), Joaquin Avendaño (4), Mariano ‘Nino’ Obregon Jr. (6) & Tomas Garcia del Rio (8) Park Place (TBA): Andrey Borodin (0), Hilario Ulloa (10), TBA & TBA La Fe (22): Louis Devaleix (1), Lucas Diaz Alberdi (6), Francisco Elizalde (9) & Roberto Bilbao (6) Scone (22): David Paradice (0), Rufino Merlos (3), Poroto Cambiaso (10 & Tomas Panelo (9) Tamera (22): Alejandro Poma (1), Segundo Saravi (5), Matias Torres Zavaleta (8) & Diego Cavanagh (8) Valiente (22): Bob Jornayvaz (0), Peke Gonzalez (7), Paco de Narvaez Jr. (5) & Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Clearwater (22): Chip Campbell (1), Jared Zenni (6), Lucas Criado Jr. (7) & Raul Gringo Colombres (8)

Photograph by Matias Callejo

2024 Thai Polo Open

Tang Polo, winners of The Thai Polo Open

On Saturday 20 January, Tang Polo ran out the winners of The Thai Polo Open after beating Fast Fish, 7-4 in the Final at Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, in Thailand. This was Liu Shilai’s second Thai Open title after last winning it in 2020. Sebastián Borghi was chosen as Most Valuable Player, Windson Rao received the Fair Play Award and Margarita, played by Dario Musso, was the Best Playing Pony. The 2024 Thai Polo Open Final Teams: Tang Polo (10): Darío Musso (5), Liu Shilai (0), Sebastián Borghi (5) & Bung (0) Fast Fish (10): Santiago Loza (4), Juan Pedro Girou (3), Windson Rao (0) & Rodrigo Bauzada (3)

Polo Times, February 2024

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Photograph by David Lominska

from the Publisher

Photography by Sam Churchill

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News The VIII Thai Polo Cup Reports News RoR Three Year USPA Polo Network Free Livestream Bellamar Pampa Norte comeback, but by Safeguarding Strategy Argentine the fifth and sixth chukkas, Lavinia Rocksavage &it was Hipwood Merged into Pony Club BPP

Association of Horse Breeders’ and Pony Club; all Pony Club members Best Playing Pony: less than 3 goals will Future play a flat rate of £50 Lituania, Best Playing Pony for their HPA membership. Barlow, played Andrew by Carlos of the Final: Chairman of the HPA Development María Ulloa and Alberta Belvedere, played by Gaston Lucero & Coaching Committee, commented, “A vital financial support from Park Place this new Federico Martelli Carlos María Ulloa HPA role is to promote grassroots polo and partnership enables us to focus on our the development of young polo players. In structured development pathway whilst combining the previous Junior HPA with wholeheartedly supporting and promoting Pony Club tournaments, this allows us Pony Club Polo”. For more information on to enhance our long-term objectives of in the Gauntlet Pony Club polo please contact Charles In 2024, all games of Polo will be livestreamed on the USPA Polo Network promoting the Association benefit of allhas players Whittington, for Hipwood and Rocksavage The Unitedtalent StatesforPolo announced that onceor again all livestreamed and onand the sport in the future. With generous specifically Jilly Emerson. demand games will be broadcast free of charge by the USPAcontact Polo Network. The USPA Polo

BPP

Photograph by David Lominska

who were controlling the action with Carlos Marí a Ulloa and Manuel Giménez Villamil The Hipwood and Rocksavage, which have commanding theJunior team from back and previously been HPA the tournaments, combining with into theirthe forwards, Ramon will now bewell merged Pony Club Cassino Jack Whitman to secure from thisand season onwards, while the Lavinia their first Thaisection Polo Cup title, 10½-4. Buckmaster will be discontinued. The format of Hipwood and Rocksavage will remain unchanged, with three and four chukka matches on private grounds over 4 – 17 July, which will allow players to also compete in other Pony Club tournaments. Hipwood and Rocksavage players will be required to be members of both the HPA

Photography by Matias Callejo

Network is adding approximately 35 live games to the overall schedule in 2024. Additionally, all Gauntlet of Polo games in the C.V. Whitney Cup, USPA Gold Cup and U.S. Open Polo Championship will be broadcast. Livestreamed games will be available on uspolo.org as well as across multiple USPA social media platforms including Facebook, X and YouTube. Ondemand programming will be available to stream on YouTube and the uspolo.org Video page within 48 hours of the event conclusion.

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is unveiling its strategic plan for 2024 – 2026, outlining its future vision and a roadmap to realize its objectives. In response to evolving societal perspectives and discussions regarding the social acceptance of racing, the strategy adopts a forward-looking approach to enhance and extend RoR’s Fair Play charitable efforts in the ongoing and future Award: care of retired racehorses. Chair of the The prestigious Dubai Gold Cup Series began Carlos Braun RoR Board, Philip Freedman, said, “At its on Thursday 18 January at Al Habtoor Polo Carlos core, this strategy clarifies RoR’s position Club in Dubai and will see five tournaments María Ulloa as the leading provider of strategic support played over January, February, March and April. and direction of aftercare, as set out in the The Silver Cup and Gold Cup are the highest Santiago Llavallol & Carlos recommendations ofMarí thea Ulloa 2021 Aftercare handicapped at 18 to 20 goals, the dates are Funding Review. It is about ensuring that, as follows: through RoR’s activities and racing’s 18 January – 3 February: Silver Cup (18 to commitment to aftercare, 20 goal) in the 2022 Polo Rider Cup Polo no Clubracehorse Niederweiden will be competing ever faces uncertainty or neglect once 7 – 24 February: Gold Cup (18 to 20 goal) their racing days are over. We look forward 1 – 10 March: Dubai Challenge Cup (8 to Three additional teams have been confirmed for the Polo Rider Cup 2022: to collaborating with our stakeholders, 10 goal) Araucaria will comprise of Fabio (1),– Luca Meier members,Polo and Club our external partners to Meier 1 6 April: Polo(1), Masters Cup (6 to 8 goal) Fabian Bolanterio (4) & Adrian Laplacette (6); Polo Club Niederweiden deliver this strategy.” 15 – 20 April: Dubai will Cup (6 to 8 goal) UAE Polo, winners of the 2023 IFZA Gold Cup compete in The Polo Rider Cup for the first time, with four Grabosh brothers (Paul, Anton and Emil/Michl) competing alongside Santi Schweitzer; the Preußischer Country Club Berlin Brandenburg line-up01452 will be: Kutlay Call Polo our&friendly subscriptions team: 730 770 Yaprak (0), Max Boschor (3),visit Valentin Novillo Astrada (6) & Moritz Gädeke (3). Team Preußischer Polo & Country Club Berlin Brandenburg www.polotimes.co.uk

2024 Dubai Gold Cup Series Dates

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TRIPLE CROWN RESULTS Hurlingham & Argentine Open Finals SUPA UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE 50 Youth Teams Compete

THE EGYPT ARMY POLO HACKETT British TOUR Army in Cairo

PLUS: Equine Injury

Prevention, Christmas

Workout & 2021

Nutrition Review

RESULTS TRIPLE CROWN Open Finals Hurlingham & Argentine CHALLENGE SUPA UNIVERSITY 50 Youth Teams Compete POLO TOUR THE EGYPT ARMY in Cairo Army HACKETT British Nutrition Review PLUS: Equine Injury

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Prevention, Christmas

TRIPLE CROWN RESULTS Hurlingham & Argenti ne Open Finals SUPA UNIVERSITY 50 Youth Teams CompeCHALLENGE te THE EGYPT ARMY POLO TOUR HACKETT British Army in Cairo

Workout & 2021

PLUS: Equine Injury

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Workout & 2021 Nutrition

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News 21st Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup

The 21st Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Final Teams: Bentley (12): Melissa Ganzi (0), Martin Jauregui (5) & Alejandro Novillo Astrada (7) Intocast (12): Matthias Normann (1), Micky Duggan (5) & Martin Donovan (6)

Photograph by Reinhardt & Sommer

On Sunday 14 January, Team Intocast lifted high the 21st Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup in Kitzbühel after defeating Bentley in the Final. This year’s event saw eight teams competing in front of 15,000 fans over three days in the heart of the Austrian alps.

Intocast, winners of The 21st Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup

Will Lucas As New HPA Chairman

Photograph by NZ Polo Open

Photograph by HPA

Following their council meeting on 13 December, the HPA confirmed that Will Lucas will be taking over from Nick Wiles as Chairman. Lucas’ term will continue until 2027. The HPA statement announced, “Will is no stranger to the governance of the HPA; he was previously Chair of both the Umpire & Rules and the Handicap Committees and was appointed Vice Chairman of the HPA by Nick in 2019. A third-generation polo player whose father and grandfather were also passionate Will Lucas has been confirmed as the new HPA Chairman about the sport, Will learned the game at Cowdray before turning professional at 24. Will played professional polo for 23 years, with over 50 appearances for the England team, and is now based in Gloucestershire with his wife Zahra, where together they run Longdole Polo Club, focusing on making polo fun, friendly, and accessible to all”. As the Chairman, Lucas has announced his newly appointed Committees for the upcoming 2024 season, featuring a mix of familiar and fresh faces. Sean Donovan-Smith is set to assume the role of Vice Chairman, and the Stewards welcome Nick Evans and Will Emerson, elected by the Clubs. The merging of the Umpire & Rules and Polo Pony Welfare Committees has given rise to the creation of a unified Rules & Welfare committee, led by David Morley, who already serves as the Chair for both Committees. Additionally, the Selection Committee – International has been rebranded and established as the International Committee, with Luke Tomlinson retaining his leadership position.

New Zealand Polo Open

The 47th NZ Polo Open will begin on Tuesday 13 February

Six teams will compete from Tuesday 13 February with the aim to secure their place, in the 47th NZ Polo Open Final which will take place on Sunday 18 February in front of over 4,000 spectators at Auckland Polo Club in Clevedon. Lucy Ainsley, Executive Director of NZ Polo Open commented, “We are very much looking forward to our event next month. The work behind the scenes over the past 12 months is going to deliver a fantastic international polo experience. We have some exceptional polo teams with several great overseas players. Our partners for 2024 are involved with the top polo events throughout the world. Sunday 18 February could possibly be the best day of summer!”

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Polo Times, February 2024

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Interview: Four Quarters

Feature

Four Quarters Polo Excellence Romilla and Simon Arber on their polo journey

Photograph by Mark Beaumont Photography

Four Quarters Orange (Gonzalo Ferrari, Ignacio Negri, Felipe Dabas & Simon Arber) winning The Duke of Sutherland Cup in 2022

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Polo Times, February 2024

Feature

Interview: Four Quarters

Photograph by Art of Polo

Simon & Romilla Arber with Four Quarters Manager, Matias Ballesteros

Four Quarters Orange beat Dubai Polo in The Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Windsor Cup 2023 Final

Polo Times, February 2024

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Photography by Marcos Cerdeira

Four Quarters Orange celebrating their Out-Sourcing Inc Royal Windsor Cup victory in 2023

Interview: Four Quarters

Feature

Photograph by Marcos Cerdeira

Four Quarters Black winning The Coworth Park Challenge Subsidiary Final in 2023

Exploring the polo journey of Simon and Romilla, founders of Four Quarters Polo Team, reveals an unexpected entry into the sport, triumphs in prestigious tournaments, and their dedication to developing Emsworth Polo Club.

imon and Romilla Arber who are based in the UK, have been immersed in the world of polo since the establishment of their team, Four Quarters, in 2007. Simon, enjoying retirement with a continued interest in property development, and Romilla, a former lawyer is now involved in building a food business which is mainly based around coffee shops and cafes, Polo Times spoke to the couple on their passion for polo and successes over the years. “Neither of us had really sat on a horse before we started playing polo, so it has been a steep learning curve. We got started because some friends of ours had started and they thought that we would enjoy it,” says Romilla, reflecting on their unexpected entry into the world of polo. They soon fell in love with the competitive and physically demanding nature of the sport, with the added bonus of forming lasting friendships within the polo community, “It is nice as we get older having something that requires a certain level of fitness to work towards. We have loved making the friends we have made through polo and the fact that it is something that the whole family are interested in, although due to their careers, with differing commitment now. Buying Emsworth increased our involvement in the sport. Simon is very interested in the pitch development at Emsworth and the quality of the grounds is something he should feel proud about”. Four Quarters has become a formidable name in the polo circuit since its creation in 2007, achieving success in prestigious tournaments such as The Royal Windsor Cup (2014, 2016, 2020, 2023), Coworth Park Challenge, Duke of Sutherland (2022), Bryan Bethell (2021, 2023), The Autumn Nations at Guards, and Autumn Cup at Cowdray Park. “I love all of the tournaments. I try not to forget how lucky we are to be able to play some of the best polo in the world on our doorstep. If I had to choose one www.polotimes.co.uk

favourite tournament I guess it would be the 12 goal at Guards at the end of the season. You get to play on great pitches and the weather is usually that late summer warmth you get in September.” The couple rarely play together, with Romilla preferring to play against Simon, “We both prefer the grass but Simon does like arena too” and this is reflected in their two teams within the Four Quarters organisation: Four Quarters Orange is Simon’s team and Four Quarters Black is Romilla’s team. Emsworth Polo Club, developed under Simon’s guidance and Romilla’s influence, stands as a testament to their commitment to creating a beautiful and top-tier facility and is the home of Four Quarters. “We bought Emsworth in 2009. We needed somewhere to be based and it was ideal. Simon has invested hugely in the grounds and the infrastructure there, the stables, the walking track, arena and social amenities. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be there. He wanted to create a beautiful place with the best pitches which he has done. We do a few tournaments in the summer which are highly competitive and a lot of fun. The arena is also much used in the winter.” Looking back at their successful 2023 season, which included notable victories and team highlights, the couple attributed much of their success to the support they receive. “We usually have a physio who helps us warm up and down at games,” Romilla mentioned. Personal trainer Rhys Cunningham ensures they stay strong and fit throughout the year, “Keeping strong and fit is so important, especially as we aren’t spring chickens anymore!” Additionally, coach Matias Ballesteros has been instrumental in guiding Four Quarters to their victories, “He is the best coach a team could want, so organised, works all the time and looks after us. I would have given up years ago if it hadn’t been for him.” Polo Times, February 2024

Feature

Interview: Four Quarters

Photograph by Marcos Cerdeira

Romilla’s 2023 highlights included watching Simon win The Out-Sourcing Inc Royal Windsor Cup at Guards Polo Club and also, despite not winning, reaching the Final of The Apsley Cup at Cirencester Park Polo Club, “Although we lost the Final, we played some of our best polo to get there.” Although any tournament win is a great result, their best overall polo memory was “watching two of our children [Yolanda and Emanuel] win The Archie David Cup in 2021 with Gonza Ferrari and Zac Beim, the youngest team ever to have won it and a really proud moment.” Their string of horses plays a pivotal role in their polo endeavours. “We go to Argentina every year and only buy through Matias Ballesteros. He is great because it is not the easiest task finding horses that are fast but that stop easily. We add to the string every year. They come in at the beginning of March and start set walking on the track and then we start to do practices outside for them mid-April and building up to faster practices by the end of April. We do have a breeding and training programme in Argentina under Four Quarters. We go to sales and add to this every year. Simon and I both have about 10 horses each in our strings.” Over the years there have of course been horses which have really stood out for them both, for Romilla it was a kind, easy and helpful bay gelding called Pinguino, while for Simon it was Delfi who unfortunately no longer plays due to injury, but thrives as an exceptional mother. As Simon and Romilla reflected on their polo journey, they expressed contentment, “There is nothing left on our polo bucket list – a polo life fulfilled!”. To unwind from polo, a notoriously allconsuming sport, they enjoy cooking, eating, drinking wine, and playing tennis and for Romilla, watching Spurs play at home, writing and playing the piano (although admittedly not very well!). Simon and Romilla look forward to another season of exciting and competitive polo, they take each season as it comes and are prepared for the season to come, “We have all our plans in place to have a great 2024 playing most of the 15 and 18 goal with two amazing teams”. Best of luck to you both for a successful 2024!

Romilla winning The Bryan Bethell Cup

Polo Times, February 2024

Photograph by Art of Polo

Photograph by Marcos Cerdeira

Romilla in action during The Bryan Bethell Cup

Simon Arber during The Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Windsor Cup 2023 Final

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Reports

The Inspired Arena Polo Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy

his International was always going to be a close-run thing, as England’s Irish opponents are regular faces on the UK arena circuit and playing their own formidable arena strings. For the 14th edition of the match England put forward a strong line-up with Jack Hyde making his fourth Bryan Morrison Trophy appearance, but his first as Captain, backed up by last year’s Most Valuable Player Marcus Amaya making his second appearance at the event and looking to replicate England’s win last year. Although this was 27-yearold Sebastian Hancock’s Bryan Morrison Trophy debut, he grew up playing alongside teammate Jack Hyde and the two won their first tournament together at

11-years-old. Despite the frozen ground meaning a lack of team practice prior to the event, the team were not to be underestimated, especially with the guidance of arena 10 goaler Max Charlton as the Off-Field Captain. But team Ireland were not going to be a walkover, coached by Richard Blake-Thomas and captained by the formidable force of Richard Tyrone, who last led Ireland against England in 2023 when they were narrowly defeated in The Olympic Trophy at Chestertons Polo in the Park so there were old scores to settle.

Mikey Henderson has played for Ireland several times including as part of their first FIP European title in Berlin in 2016. Rounding off the trio was Niall Donnelly, who was part of the 2022 Bryan Morrison Trophy line-up that lost to England and so returned on a mission. Out of the traps they all came for the first chukka, immediately displaying arena polo at its finest with open, end-to-end polo as the players sized each other up. With the teams evenly matched on handicap, it was a brace of penalties scored by each team which opened the initial tally to 1-1. Richard Tyrone edged Ireland ahead with the first field goal of the match – and so it continued with the teams closely matching each other in a closefought battle which for the duration of the entire game neither team managed to extend their lead by more than three goals. So, with both teams trying to find space and find the weakness of the other team Ireland were ahead by a nose at the end of the first chukka 4-3. The second chukka saw both sides opening up the throttle, but it was a somewhat frustratingly scrappy display, with fouls interrupting what had the promise of great play. England failed to ignite fully and also to capitalise on all of their penalties, so frustratingly for England, their opponents had managed to extend their lead by virtue of two penalty goals and one skilful field goal from Henderson going into half-time at 7-5.

Epic Extra Chukka

Cliff-Hanger Ireland narrowly secure historic victory over England after a close-fought match Ireland, winners of The Inspired Arena Polo Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy

Polo Times, February 2024

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The Inspired Arena Polo Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy

Reports

20 JA

Where: All England Polo Club, Hickstead

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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Mikey Henderson & Jack Hyde race for the ball

PoloPolo Times, Times, February xxxx 2024

Reports

The Inspired Arena Polo Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy

Ireland were deservedly ahead again, but not by enough of a margin to be significant. Half-time saw Hickstead’s team out tractor rolling to get the arena’s surface into tip-top condition, which takes some time – and taking advantage of this spectators enjoyed a moment to warm up as the temperature began to fall and the day became more and more bitter. No doubt after some strong advice from Ireland Coach Richard Blake-Thomas and off-field England Captain, Max Charlton the teams came back on with all guns blazing in a third chukka. Whatever Max had said worked as last year’s Most Valuable Player Marcus Amaya opened with a lofty two-pointer, which was immediately answered by Ireland. It was then Jack Hyde on the Polo Times Best Playing Pony, Graphic, who scored to equalise the scores at 8-8. England seemed in the driving seat as Sebastian Hancock blasted through another two-pointer to bring England into the lead for the first time for two chukkas. As things heated up (despite the plunging temperatures) things became a little fractious, with Amaya’s play giving away two penalties, it was all to play for at 11-11 at the end of the third. The fourth chukka was frantic from the get-go with a penalty for Ireland, before Hyde ran the length of the field to reply to bring it too close to call at 12-12, he then slotted through a penalty to bring England ahead again 12-13. But Ireland fought back, with Donnelly stealing the ball from Amaya and scoring, Tyrone scoring another field goal with Henderson notching up a penalty, so Ireland were ahead 16-13 with just

minutes left on the scoreboard. It looked like it might be the end of the road for England. But as we know, things change quickly in polo and Hyde turned up the heat with a field goal, followed up with a converted penalty for England and then… with just 10 seconds left on the clock a field goal to even the scores 16-16. What a turnaround! What a thrill! It was extra chukka time. The atmosphere was electric as the players came back in to the arena. First to score the ‘Golden Goal’ would mean immediate victory. With the crowds all set for an epic battle, it was rather disappointing that an early and easily given foul for an England ‘sandwich’ on Ireland meant the game wrapped up quickly as Mikey Henderson converted the resultant penalty to secure victory for Ireland 17-16. At the presentation, Ireland’s captain Richard Tyrone was all smiles. “It was a great game,” he said. “We did feel like the underdogs coming in, England have some incredible, very experienced players and all of us lacked a bit of mileage in the arena this season, but Mikey and Niall played fantastically, and Mikey’s horses made a big difference, he had a lot of power. The luck went our way when we needed it, and you need that in the arena – that’s probably why we won the game!” Gracious in defeat Jack Hyde concluded, “We had a slow start, the Irish team came out firing. They’re all tough players and they played very well, so even though in the second half we came back and kept fighting, unfortunately it just wasn’t our day. The arena was in fantastic condition, it’s held up very well, and it’s been a great day.”

BPP Graphic, owned and played by Jack Hyde

o read more about Graphic, please turn to the T Pony Power pages

Mounted Umpire: Howard Smith Unmounted Umpire: Simon ‘Skinny’ McDonald

The Bryan Morrison Trophy Previous Winners – 2009 England beat USA, 15-9 England: Ryan Pemble, Nacho Gonzalez & Howard Smith USA: Charlie Muldoon, Shane Rice & Billy Sheldon

– 2016 England beat USA, 16-14 England: Chris Hyde, Jonny Good, Ed Banner-Eve USA: Tommy Biddle Jr., Pelon Escapite & Kareem Rosser

– 2010 England beat Scotland, 14-13 England: Sebastian Dawnay, Jonny Good & Jamie Morrison Scotland: Howard Smith, Jamie Le Hardy & Chris Hyde

– 2017 England beat The Commonwealth, 12-11 England: Jonny Good, Adolfo Casabal & Howard Hodges The Commonwealth: Jamie Morrison, Mikey Henderson & Ryan Pemble

– 2011 England beat Argentina, 17-16 England: Chris Hyde, Tim Bown & Max Charlton Argentina: Adolfo Casabal, Oscar Mancini & Nacho Figueras

– 2018 England beat USA, 14-10 England: Chris Hyde, Sebastian Dawnay & Eden Ormerod USA: Relon Escapite, Shane Rice & Tommy Collingwood

2012 England beat USA, 12-9 England: Chris Hyde, Danny Muriel & Max Charlton USA: Tommy Biddle Jr. John Gobin & Brad Blake

– 2019 England beat France, 17-9 England: Ed Banner-Eve, Eden Ormerod & Will Emerson France: Clément Delfosse, Pierre Henri Ngoumou & Patrick Paillol

– 2013 England beat British Isles, 20-14 England: Chris Hyde, Tarquin Southwell & Roddy Williams British Isles: Jamie Morrison, Sebastian Dawnay & Maurice Ormerod

– 2020: Not Played – 2021: Not Played

– 2014 USA Beat England, 21-17 USA: Tommy Biddle Jr., Patrick Uretz & Will Tankard England: Chris Hyde, Jack Hyde & Pete Webb – 2015 England beat Ireland, 18-13 England: Chris Hyde, Jamie Le Hardy & Jonny Good Ireland: Richard Tyrone, Sebastian Dawnay & Ryan Pemble

Polo Times, February 2024

2022: England beat Ireland, 16-13 England: Tom Morley, Jack Hyde & James Mann Ireland: Ryan Pemble, Niall Donnelly & Max Hutchinson 2023: England beat USA, 19-13 England: Max Charlton, Jack Hyde & Matias Amaya USA: Tommy Biddle Jr., Patrick Uretz & Felipe Viana

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Inspired Arena Polo Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy

Reports

The Inspired Arena Polo Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy Teams

MVP Mikey Henderson

Team England (20) Sebastian Hancock (5) Matias Amaya (7) Jack Hyde (On Field Captain) (8)

Team Ireland Niall Donnelly Mikey Hendeson Richard Tyrone (Captain)

(20) (5) (7) (8)

Chukka Scores: 4-3, 7-5, 11-11, 16-16 & 17-16 to Ireland o read about The British Juniors Match played earlier in the day, please turn to T our Youth pages and for social snaps from the day, turn to our Sidelines pages

Chris Hyde & Seb Baker

A victorious Ireland on their victory lap

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PoloPolo Times, Times, February xxxx 2024

Reports

The Continental Cup

FINAL

31 D

JAN

Where: The National Polo Center, Florida

WIN New Year

Welcomes in

10-9 winning score for Forbes Plunkett

2024 Continental Cup winners, Forbes Plunkett (Lucas Escobar, Felipe Pipe Vercellino, Nicolas Nico Escobar & Brandon Plunkett)

Polo Times, February 2024

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography by ©David Lominska

The Continental Cup

Reports

Patagones’ Jack Whitman & Forbes Plunkett’s Nico Escobar

he Continental Cup was formerly known as The Fourteen Goal but was reintroduced in 2022 as a 16 goal tournament and is played over the start of the New Year. Four teams competed in this year’s edition, Catamount, Forbes Plunkett, La Fe/Dazos and Patagones, with Forbes Plunkett and Patagones reaching the Final. In the first chukka, foul issues for Patagones resulted in two penalty conversions from Vercellino, giving Forbes Plunkett an early lead. Although Banner-Eve responded with a field goal, Patagones struggled to find the net until the third chukka. By half-time, Vercellino added two more conversions, and Lucas contributed a goal, bringing the score to 5-2 in favour of Forbes Plunkett. After the break, Patagones made a comeback from the penalty line, with two conversions from Banner-Eve and a goal from Wulff matching Forbes Plunkett’s three combined goals, maintaining the gap at 8-5. In the fifth chukka, three unanswered goals, including two penalty conversions from Banner-Eve and a goal from Whitman, leveled the score at 8-all. Banner-Eve scored his seventh of

the game in the sixth, placing Patagones in the lead for the first time since the initial throw-in. With two minutes left, Vercellino won the throw-in to take possession and made a critical pass to Lucas, who executed a massive cutshot towards goal to tie the score. Spectators were on the edge of their seats as Lucas Escobar sealed the deal with one more goal for Forbes Plunkett to defeat Patagones, 10-9. Despite the tense fifth and sixth chukkas, Forbes Plunkett was able to stick to their game plan. “Going to the sixth, we didn’t change our strategy or anything like that,” Lucas said. “We just had a poor fifth chukka. We were playing the whole game and then the fifth chukka was a little off, so we just went back to our plan, and it paid off for us in the end.” Brandon Plunkett has been playing with the Escobar brothers for nearly a decade and the team began practicing together three weeks before Christmas, “I started with Luis [Escobar] eight years ago and I’ve played with the boys [Nico and Lucas] since they were little… We’ve had five or six team practices and I feel like today and in the first game we played, we were really prepared, and the horses were really prepared.”

The Continental Cup Final Teams

MVP BPP Lucas Escobar

www.polotimes.co.uk

La Tia Bancada, owned and played by Felipe Vercellino

Forbes Plunkett Brandon Plunkett Nico Escobar Felipe Vercellino Lucas Escobar

(16) (0) (5) (7) (4)

Patagones Jack Whitman Marcos Alberdi Ed Banner-Eve Santiago Wulff

(16) (2) (4) (5) (5)

Polo Times, February 2024

Reports

The Inspired Arena Polo Masters

FINAL

13 JA

14 JAN

Spectators wrapped up warm to cheer on Playnation & Astra

Where: The All England Polo Club, Hickstead

Perfect Polo for PLAYNATION Nail-biting Final sees win for home team

Maxi Fernandez & Joe Arber battle it out

Polo Times, February 2024

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Inspired Arena Polo Masters

The Inspired Arena Polo Masters Final Teams

Chris Hyde & Chris Bethell

For social pictures from the day, please turn to the Sidelines pages

Playnation John Bunn Maxi Fernandez Niall Donnelly

(10) (2) (3) (5)

Astra Simon Arber Joe Arber Tom Morley

(11) (1) (3) (7)

Chukka scores: 5-5, 10-7, 11-11 & 16-13

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Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Playnation (John Bunn, Maxi Fernandez & Niall Donnelly), winners of The Inspired Arena Polo Masters

Reports

he sun was shining in glorious Sussex as Playnation and Astra went head-tohead in the Hickstead arena for the eighth Inspired Arena Polo Masters Final on Sunday 14 January. The first chukka was fast-paced and full of action for the spectators; Joe Arber and Tom Morley, the highest handicapped player in the arena, worked together to put Astra onto the scoreboard first which was swiftly followed by a lovely pass from Joe Arber up to his father, Simon, who smoothly scored. With equally matched teams and umpire Chris Hyde barely having to use his whistle it was great arena polo to watch. Joe Arber, who’d had a great Semi Final made his goal scoring look easy, while Morley was on fire on a lovely grey pony and with the scores tied at 5-5 with just 30 seconds left of the opening chukka, Morley carried the ball along the edge of the arena to nudge Astra into the lead, 6-5. Both sides tried to find a way through the defences at the start of the second chukka, with end-to-end action but no goals in the opening minutes. A penalty conversion from Niall Donnelly levelled the scores once again, 6-6, with four minutes remaining in the first half. Lovely teamwork between Donnelly and Maxi Fernandez looked goal-worthy, but a cool and calm Joe Arber stole the ball away. Donnelly paid him back with a lofted two pointer to retake the lead for Playnation, 8-6. Morley comfortably converted an undefended penalty to nudge Astra’s score deficit back to one, 8-7 but Fernandez replied just seconds later to increase the lead once again, 9-7. A hit in for Playnation with less than 30 seconds left in the first half, saw Donnelly loft the ball to goal 10-7. After the half-time break, the warming winter sun was replaced with foreboding clouds and the second half began with just three goals in it – an easily recovered deficit in arena polo. Fernandez increased Playnation’s lead to 11-7 in the opening minutes, but Morley rapidly replied with a two pointed to take it to 11-9. Both sides battled it out with great defensive plays resulting in frenzied action for the spectators to watch, Joe Arber weaved his way through the Playnation defence to score again, 11-10 as the tension began to mount. With the seconds ticking down in the third chukka, Morley overcame the tenacious Playnation defence to carry the ball all the way down the arena on his nimble grey pony to level the scores once again, 11-11. The fourth and final chukka began with a swift goal from Fernandez which was backed up minutes later with a two pointer from Donnelly to catapult Playnation into the clear with just over three minutes of action remaining. After a pony change, Donnelly sent the ball into the far corner which his team mate Fernandez intercepted with a lovely backhand shot to find the goal, to the joy of the spectators, 16-11. Morley raced down the arena on a super handy chestnut and despite running into foul trouble, was awarded the goal anyway to bring Astra back into contention, 16-12, with just two minutes left. Morley scored again just on the 30 second bell but with three goals between them the gap was just too great for Astra and Playnation took the win, 16-13.

Polo Times, February 2024

Reports

The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship

St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship Past Winners

Photography by Nick Tininenko

2021 – Richard Mille (Sarah Siegel Magness, Jesse Bray & Pablo MacDonough) 2020 – World Polo League (Riley Ganzi, Hilario Figueras & Alejandro Novillo Astrada) 2019 – Richard Mille (Edouard Pan, Pablo MacDonough & Louis Jarrige) 2018 – Richard Mille (Marc Ganzi, Martin Pepa & Pablo MacDonough) 2017 – U.S. Polo Assn. (Grant Ganzi, Juancito Bollini & Nic Roldan) 2015 – U.S. Polo Assn. (Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan & Juancito Bollini) 2014 – Piaget (Marc Ganzi, Jeff Hall & Nic Roldan) 2013 – St. Regis (Nacho Figueras, Nic Roldan & Brandon Phillips)

Snow Showdown:

Casablanca’s Victory Fourth & fifth wins for Roldan & Ganzi

Polo Times, February 2024

www.polotimes.co.uk

The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship

Reports

Adolfo Camiaso was held scoreless in the Final

FIN

15 17 DEC

n the midst of an electrifying atmosphere with a packed audience, Casablanca secured a hard-earned 8-6 triumph over Aspen Valley in a gripping encounter. Despite Aspen Valley’s potent offensive prowess, Casablanca successfully neutralised their opponents, who had tallied an impressive 23 goals in the preceding game. In a nail-biting contest, Casablanca seized an early 2-0 lead, courtesy of goals from Roldan and Figueras. Despite Aspen Valley’s spirited comeback to level the game at 5-5 in the third chukker, Casablanca regained the lead in the final chukker. Roldan’s 15-yard penalty conversion broke the 6-6 tie, and Figueras sealed the victory with an www.polotimes.co.uk

insurance goal, resulting in an 8-6 final score. The much-anticipated U.S. debut of Argentine 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso on snow added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. Despite Cambiaso’s extraordinary 10-goal performance in the indoor arena qualifier, Casablanca effectively shut him out, contributing to their strategic defensive approach. Yet this was no easy feat as Nic Roldan reflected after the match, “Adolfo is unequivocally the greatest of all time, he consistently amazes us and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport. We didn’t specifically strategize against him. It was an arduous and highly competitive game that could have swung either way.”

DEC

Where: Aspen Valley Polo Club, Carbondale

MVP Nic Roldan

Polo Times, February 2024

Reports

The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship

Photography by Lisa Ramirez

The standout performer of the match was Nic Roldan, whose display earned him the coveted title of Most Valuable Player, marking his fifth victory in the St. Regis tournament over the course of eleven years. In addition to Roldan’s five goals, Figueras contributed three, while Crowder led Aspen Valley with three goals. Ganzi notched up one goal, and Aspen Valley received two penalty-ones. Ganzi attributed their success to a defensive strategy and the team’s commitment to playing a tenacious and intelligent game. 2016 – Flexjet (Melissa Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada & Juan Bollini)

Hilario Figueras runs the ball along the crowds

BPP

Casablanca, winners of the 2023 St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship

American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony: Highlands, played by Hilario Figueras

Best Playing Pony of the Tournament: Nobu, played by Nic Roldan

Best Playing Pony of the Final: Nadia played by Adolfo Cambiaso, owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm

The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship Final Teams

Casablanca Grant Ganzi Hilario Figueras Nic Roldan 24

(17) (3) (5) (9)

Polo Times, February 2024

Aspen Valley Jason Crowder Marc Ganzi Adolfo Cambiaso

(17) (6) (1) (10) www.polotimes.co.uk

ESTANCIA EL ROCIO ARGENTINA

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Reports

The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship

SIG Secure Title & $55,000 Prize Pot Brit, Eden Ormerod on winning side

total of nine teams gathered at California Polo Club in Los Angeles to determine a new champion in The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship. Spanning three days of intense competition, the quest for the highest honour in arena polo in the United States culminated in a showdown between SIG and KCrush. SIG’s line-up included the Galindo brothers, Cacho and Nicolai, alongside English arena veteran Eden Ormerod while KCrush entered the Final with a tournament-leading number of 42 goals. The opening chukka saw Mike Azzaro score twice for KCrush but Nicolai Galindo contributed two conversions, giving SIG a 3-2 advantage; after a disappointing 2022 U.S. Open Arena he “felt I needed a bit of a redo”. In a back-and-forth exchange, Mike Azzaro’s two-point penalty was matched by Nicolai

Galindo’s two-pointer, tying the match at 5-5. The rest of the chukka belonged to SIG, with Galindo adding three more goals before the break, establishing an 8-5 lead. In the second half, KCrush rallied with a Penalty 3 from Mike Azzaro and Harrison Azzaro’s scoring. Nicolai Galindo continued his streak with three successful conversions. Mike Azzaro concluded the chukka with his second two-point penalty shot, keeping KCrush within one at 11-10. Initiating action in the final chukka, Cacho Galindo scored his first, and Nicolai impressed with a brilliant steal off Mike Azzaro, maintaining SIG’s four-goal lead. KCrush responded swiftly via Harrison Azzaro and a crucial two-pointer from

Where: California Polo Club in Los Angeles

FIN

12 17 JAN

JAN

SIG (Eden Ormerod, Daniel ‘Cacho’ Galindo & Nicolai Galindo) winners of The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship

Polo Times, February 2024

www.polotimes.co.uk

The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship

Reports

The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship Final Teams

MVP

Nicolai Galindo SIG (14) Eden Ormerod (6) Daniel ‘Cacho’ Galindo (3) Nicolai Galindo (5)

KCrush (14) Harrison Azzaro (2) Remy Du Celliee Muller (4) Mike Azzaro (8)

Chukka scores: 0-4, 4-5, 6-6, 8-8, 8-9, 9-9, 10-9 to Park Place

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Polo Times, February 2024

Photography by ©Tequila Sunsets Photography

Cacho Galindo on the ball for SIG

Reports

The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship MVP Nicolai Galindo rides off Harrison Azzaro

Mike Azzaro which brought them back within one. SIG put up a formidable defensive stand, securing a thrilling 15-14 victory in The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship. Nicolai Galindo, responsible for all but one of SIG’s 15 goals and converting eight of nine penalty attempts, earned the title of Most Valuable Player. Ormerod praised Nicolai’s performance on both ends, “Solid with penalties, some great hit-outs, controlled the ball really well. He just got better every chukka. Today, Nicolai just got a hold of that ball and took really clean shots.” Cacho added, “In every play he was involved in, he was dominant, wanted to play better, and was there for [the team].”

BPP

BPP Jockey Club Thoroughbred: Awesome Sauce, played by Shane Rice and owned by Hidden View Farm

Polo Times, February 2024

LWR Sweet Sioux, played and owned by Mike Azzaro

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Reports

Winter Victor Ludorum

15 Goal Winter Victor Ludorum

Photography by Joss Ridley

Beaufort Polo Club – The Beaufort 15 Goal Final – Sunday 10 December Number of teams: Four Winners: Ojo Caliente beat Four Quarters, 22-15 Points: 15 The Beaufort 15 Goal Final Teams: Four Quarters (14): Simon Arber (1), Tom Brodie (6) & Tom Morley (7) Ojo Caliente (15): Ana Escobedo (1), Mikey Henderson (7) & Matias Amaya (7)

Photography by Art of Polo

Emsworth Polo Club – The HPA National Championships Final – Saturday 13 January Number of teams: Four Winners: Hedonism Points: Awaiting ratification by HPA The HPA National Championships Final Teams: Hedonism (15): Jack Hyde (8), James Mann (5) & Evgeny Chichvarkin (2) Tchogan (15): Will Emerson (8), Tom Brodie (6) & Heiko Voelker (1)

Winter

Victor Ludorum End of 2023 and start of 2024 results

With the 2023/24 Arena Season in full swing, the action in the Winter Victor Ludorum is hotting up too. Here we bring you the latest results:

10 to 12 Goal Winter Victor Ludorum

Polo Times, February 2024

Photography by Art of Polo

Emsworth Polo Club – The Ambassadors Winter Cup Final – Thursday 21 December Number of teams: Three Winners: Four Quarters beat Trinity Polo Stud, 16-10 Points: 15 The Ambassadors Winter Cup Final Teams: Four Quarters (11): Tom Morley (7), Mariano Darritchon (3) & Simon Arber (1) Trinity Polo Stud (12): Seb Hancock (5), Segundo Darritchon (5) & Logan Anderson (2)

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Winter Victor Ludorum

Reports

4 to 6 Goal Winter Victor Ludorum

Photograph by Art of Polo

Photograph courtesy of RCBPC

Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club – The HPA National Club Championships 4-6 Goal Final – Sunday 14 January Number of teams: Four Winners: Asian Art/Elemental Points: Awaiting ratification by HPA The HPA National Club Championships 4-6 Goal Final Teams: Asian Art/Elemental (6): Chris Bruckner (1), Rafi Bruckner (2) & Josh Hyde (3) Tchogan (7): Heiko Voelker (1), Tani Darritchon (3) & Max Voelker (3)

Action from The Ambassadors Winter Cup Final

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Polo Times, February 2024

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Cowdray Park Polo Club Rhett Wooldridge

Photograph by Longdole Polo Academy

Record Breaking Final’s Day

The Paul Sweeney Memorial was founded by Lesley, Charlotte and Georgia Sweeney in memory of Paul Sweeney after his unexpected death in 2009 at just 48-years-old in order to keep his spirit and legacy alive. Each year, the tournament attracts a number of players Hampshire Polo School, winners of The Nolando Trophy and spectators, gathering at Ash Farm Polo Club to cheer Pete & George Woodward on the finalists. This year saw a record number of teams and after a two-year postponement due to Covid-19, the grandstands were packed. Twelve Oaks managed to stave off a last-minute attempt by Rosina to claim the title Three teams took part in this year’s Nolando Trophy withvictory. Hampshire and took a 14-12 Polo School (Tony Nola, Guy Verdon & Sean Wilson-Smith) securing Photography by Antonia the win on Sunday 21 January, with everyone gathering in the Bullrich Clubhouse for Sunday lunch after the match.

Longdole Polo Club

Photograph by WPC

Windsor Polo Club

Georgia Sweeney & Gemma Byrne

Issy Litvak & Libby Connaughton

Olivia Whittle & Lisa Knight

Windsor Polo Club 2024 season is all set

Olivia Liddiard-Hibbert, the Club’s new Partnerships Manager

Bhansali Polo, winners of The AHPC League

Al Habtoor Polo Club

On Sunday 14 January, The AHPC League culminated with Bhansali Polo defeating PBS-Habtoor Polo 9-4½ in the Final and El Basha After a successful 2023, the action at the Club is set to resume for an Polo winning the Subsidiary Final with a 9½-6 score against Al exciting 2024 season and their upcoming tournaments include: The Amardi-Mahra. Gonzalo Santamarina was named Most Valuable 2024 International: Australia vs India (Sunday 7 April), The Morton Player of The AHPC League and Ricotera, owned by Rishi Bhansali Cup Final 14 April), The Windsor Opener (9 – 10 March) and Harry Applegate, Anton(Sunday Nymans, Charlie Graham, Marywas Kellychosen as Best Playing Sophie Morrison Jemima Wilson & Graham Wooldridge Issy LitvakThe & Issy Langrish Autumn (13 – 14 April). and played by Santamarina, Pony. Windsor

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Polo Times, February 2024

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Photograph by Rachelle & Khalil Ali

Frankie & Alex Antony

Photograph by CPPC

The Club has announced their new Partnerships Manager Olivia Liddiard-Hibbert, who has a wealth Charlie Simpson & Sandy & Mike Warren, Ross Byrne Courtney Morgan ofBridie experience in the realm of luxury Jade Louise Wheeler retail and corporate sales, having Paul Sweeney Memorial Final; Ash Farm Polo Club; made significant contributions to esteemed brands such as Harrods, Sunday 20 February IWC Schaffhausen, and most recently Biscuiteers.

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Club Focus

Oxford Polo Spotlight

Oxford Polo

A thriving polo hub in the heart of Oxfordshire Oxford Polo is currently in the midst of a significant expansion initiative, marked by the establishment of Kemsley Farm, situated in close proximity to the renowned Kirtlington Park Polo Club. Acquired by David Ashby in the year 2020, this expansive 140-acre site has undergone an extensive construction process over the last 18 months. Notably, it now serves as the headquarters for the newly established Oxford Polo Arena Club, a venture initiated in 2023. This strategic development reflects the organisation’s commitment to enhancing its facilities and contributing to the growth of the polo community in the region.

Club Address & Contact: Oxford Polo Kemsley Farm Akeman Street Weston on the Green Bicester Oxon, OX25 3AA

Club Stats Clubhouse

Yes: Clubhouse is open for fixtures and events

Polo Manager Name & Contact: David Ashby (info@oxfordpolo.co.uk or 01865 600448)

Pony Hire

We have a range of horses to suit all abilities from beginners to pros Yes and a mechanical horse coming soon

Polo School and Pony Hire Contact: Hector Worsley (hector@oxfordpolo.co.uk or 07494 572877)

Facilities

Wooden Horse Coaches/Instructors

Answer

Livery

David Ashby, Level 3 HPA Pathway coach and Hector Worsley Level 3 coach Livery options available from 1 horse to fully managed string

Exercise Track

500m set track with schooling area on Andrews Bowen surface

Indoor School

No, but one day

Stables to Hire

Stables for hire in barns of 6s or 12s

Turn out Fields

Yes

Arena

Yes, we have two

Size of Arena (in metres) Grooms’ Accommodation

One 95m x 45m outdoor playing arena and one 45m x 45m outdoor schooling arena By arrangement

Number of Grounds

One so far

Polo Times, February 2024

What are the Club’s recent improvements? “The full-size floodlit arena, with Andrews Bowen surface is a welcome addition for our Polo School as it enables on site coaching throughout the winter months as well as a busy fixtures programme for the Club. The 500m set track with schooling area and new barns are completed with 66 Monarch stables. We are delighted to welcome the Polo Cafe to the Clubhouse, offering refreshments for spectators and teams.

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Oxford Polo Spotlight

Club Focus

Photograph by Art of Polo

Stowe School’s Centenary Polo Day in aid of Thames Valley Air Ambulance

What are the Club’s plans for the future? Following on from a busy 2023, we are offering seasonal stable rental for 2024. Fully serviced yards of either six or 12 stables are available for the summer season, so if you or your team is looking for stabling send us an email (club@oxfordpolo.co.uk). With being only three miles away from the A34 and Junction 9 of the M40, Oxford Polo is in the prime location for access to the country’s polo clubs. Our full-size boarded polo field will be used from spring onwards for lessons, practice matches and can be hired for events. This year will see the completion of the walk track and round pen for the young horse programme as well as the preparation for

NRG Podcast Live at Oxford Polo

others that ensures we can run a number of teams at all levels, from beginners through to the more experienced youth players throughout the season. As a recently formed Pony Club Centre, Oxford Polo can enter tournaments with children not belonging to a traditional Pony Club as well as host training days ahead of the games. Pony hire is available. Our Junior Academy is held on Sunday mornings for children wanting to improve with teams in mind for the forthcoming season and we are currently developing a Senior Squad Training Programme for those players wanting to make the transition to higher levels of club polo. David and Hector are always available to discuss a player’s requirements and plan suitable training for their ability.

Ground 2. The longer term plan includes the installation of irrigation to both grounds. We are privileged to neighbour Kirtlington Park Polo Club and their fantastic fields and we are lucky to have an equine track link between us so that horses can move from one site to the other without need for riding on a road or using any vehicles. The dream is to build a multi-purpose Clubhouse, but in the meantime our mobile Clubhouse overlooks the arena in the winter and is pitch side during the summer and has had a makeover for the all-important après polo. With the capacity to seat up to 60 people on its elevated decking it provides a perfect viewing platform for all the action.

Charity and Corporate: Our new facilities not only offer year-round training but also the ability to host special events such as the NRG Podcast’s Live Clinic with Ross Ainsley and Glen Gilmore (coming back Spring 20204). We also host team building and Try Polo days for the corporate sector as well as charity events with full management including catering, entertainment, shopping village and matches.”

Photography by Oxford Polo

Photograph by Art of Polo

Does the Club specialise in a certain area of polo? Oxford Polo prides itself on developing players of all ages and abilities and preparing them for a fully immersive polo experience that often becomes a lifelong passion. For some that may be via the patron route where we offer a full management service helping prepare them for wherever they want their polo to go by providing assistance with team formation, tournament selection, team livery and logistics including transport, team training and horse purchase. For others, it may be that they are looking at making a career in polo and we help them and their family navigate a sometimes complicated sport as well as mentoring them on aspects such as yard management, training practices and horse welfare. We also run an extensive youth programme working closely with the HPA, Pony Club and SUPA. David is an integral part of the HPA Development Pathway and alongside Hector together coach many of the local establishments including Radley College, Oxford University, Dragon School, Stowe School, Cothill House, Winchester House plus

The full-size floodlit arena, with Andrews Bowen surface

The mobile Clubhouse is pitch side during the summer

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, February 2024

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

SUPA Vaccination Spot Checks

Junior Gold & Silver Arena Cups

SUPA has announced that at their Schools and Universities Arena Championships in February they will be conducting spot checks at all their events for correct equine vaccinations and anyone found not to have the correct vaccinations will be asked to leave the site immediately. They have advised that if you are hiring your ponies please ensure that your provider is aware of the new rules too. The HPA rules “are designed with the short polo season in mind and allow for a small amount of flexibility for annual boosters to be given within the March/April window, but you are reminded that these rules may not be in line with other associations, disciplines, or jurisdictions”.

Photography courtesy of RCBPC

Port Mayaca Polo Club

Photograph by Alex Pacheco

Tashan, winners of The Junior Gold Cup

AJT Polo, winners of The Tackeria Cup

AJT Polo won the Polo Training Foundation’s season-opening Tackeria Cup on Saturday 30 January. AJT Polo defeated Power Group Total Care 3-1 in the Final, with Aspen Tinto celebrating his second consecutive Tackeria Cup title. 19-year-old Joseph Schwartz, a freshman at University of Kentucky, scored all five of his team’s goals and was named Most Valuable Player. Power Group Total Care’s Molly White was given the Sportsmanship Award. Ardilla, owned by Pancha Terrero and played by Naomi Marlough, was the Purina/Red Barn Best Playing Pony. The Tackeria Cup Final Teams: AJT Polo: Naomi Marlough, Geronimo Rider, Joseph Schwartz & Aspen Tinto Power Group Total Care: Daniel Arnold, Ramon Caro, Valentina Tarazona & Molly White 36

Polo Times, February 2024

Cowdray Hunt Polo, winners of The Junior Silver Cup

On Sunday 31 December, the Club hosted the Junior Gold and Silver Arena Cups. Tashan (Logan Anderson, Rish Rawal & Alejandro Otamendi), secured The Junior Gold Cup in an extra chukka and Cowdray Hunt Polo narrowly defeated Madeva Juniors by only 2 goals in The Silver Cup Final. For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages

Youth

All Aspects The British Juniors of YouthMatch Polo

Junior Reds on their victory lap

Youthful Rivalry Junior Polo Showdown T Junior Reds secure 11-9 win he best of British U21s lined up on a bright but breezy day to kick off the action at The Arena Polo International Day in front of packed out stands. In the first chukka both teams were trying to feel their way, aiming for fast-flowing and open

polo with plenty of enthusiasm however with some nerves yet to be settled, some of the action failed to connect. Rafi Bruckner opened the scoring with a penalty conversion straight down the middle on his Best Playing Pony from The HPA National Club Championships 4-6 Goal Final at Royal County

Photography by www.imagesofpolo.com

of Berkshire Polo Club the weekend before. Going into the wind was no mean feat, as any high ball was whipped away in every direction. The Junior Reds capitalised on their goal scoring opportunities, while unfortunately for the Junior Blues three of their penalties in the first chukka went wide of the mark. However, at the end of the first chukka the scores were close at 3-2. Junior Reds scored two quick goals in the second chukka before Junior Blue Captain, Tani Darritchon, found his rhythm and scored a lovely goal to bring them back within one goal again, 5-4, but the Junior Reds’ Logan Anderson (later named Most Valuable Player) replied with a goal of his own to extend their lead going into half-time, 6-4. After a half-time break – with spectators warming up on copious amounts of hot chocolate in the Clubhouse, the arena being rolled and the players adjusting their tactics – this chukka was much more open and flowing, with a series of two pointers for both sides bumping up the scores. As both sides found their feet, it was the Junior Reds who really started to pull away and went into the fourth and final chukka with a five goal lead, 11-6. The final 6½ minutes saw a frenzy of action as the Junior Blues hastily tried to close the gap, Darritchon scored a duo of goals, with the second being arguably the best of the day, 11-8. The Junior Blues were determined to score more goals and a penalty one in their favour brought them within touching distance, 11-9. All the Junior Reds had to do was wind the clock down whilst not fouling and this they managed to do and to take home the win.

Junior Reds, winners of The British Juniors Match

Polo Times, February 2024

For Youth polo dates, please turn to our What’s On pages

The All Aspects British Juniors of Youth Match Polo

FINAL

Meet the British Juniors Match Teams

Junior Reds (5) Wilfred Bate (1) 15-year-old Wilf started playing polo alongside his brother when he was 11-years-old at Druids Polo Club and has played up to 8 goal with Mark Tomlinson.

JAN

Where: The All England Polo Club, Hickstead

Youth

MVP Logan Anderson

Logan Anderson (2) 17-year-old Logan has been playing polo for four years and began at Ham Polo Club’s Junior Academy. He has won 15 goal arena tournaments and is a member at Guards, Fifield and Emsworth. Rafi Bruckner (2) 16-year-old Rafi began played at seven-years-old at Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. He enjoys playing against his father, Chris and has been mentored by Jack Hyde.

Junior Blues (5) Hugh Bate (1) 17-year-old Hugh only began playing polo when he was 14-years-old at Druids Lodge Polo Club, so is a relative newcomer to the sport. However this hasn’t stopped him and he is quickly rising through the youth polo ranks. Archie Heseltine (2) 16-year-old Archie first began playing polo with the Grafton Hunt Pony Club at seven-years-old. He now regularly plays for Stowe School and will be competing at the SUPA Nationals. Tani Darritchon (Captain) (2) 15-year-old Tani was riding before he could walk, stick and balling by four-years-old and played in his first tournament at six-years-old

Chukka scores: 3-2, 6-4, 11-6 & 11-9 to Junior Reds

Tani Darritchon chases down MVP, Logan Anderson

BPP

Mariposa Nena, played by Tani Darritchon

For social pictures from the day, please turn to the Sidelines pages

Simon ‘Skinny’ McDonald & Howard Smith

Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!

Polo Times, February 2024

Women’s Polo International & Home

Kerri Kerley Photography

Women’s Pacific Coast Open

Action from The USPA Women’s Pacific Coast Open Final

USPA Women’s Pacific Coast Open winners, Alazanas Foxi (Kathleen Weber, Caroline Anier, Micaela Saracco & Malia Mccoy)

The 2023 USPA Women’s Pacific Coast Open was played at Eldorado Polo Club over 27 – 31 December. The 16 Goal Final was won by Alazanas Foxi (Kathleen Weber, Caroline Anier, Micaela Saracco & Malia Mccoy) who defeated Lockton 6-5. Kathleen Weber was chosen as the Most Valuable Player, Moria, played and owned by Hope Kerley, was named Best Playing Pony and Micaela Saracco was awarded the 2023 Sunny Hale Horsemanship Award for her display of horsemanship, sportsmanship, and outstanding playing ability in all levels of polo.

Best Playing Pony Moria, played and owned by Hope Kerley

Photography by Rebecca Foltz

The Giuliana Cup Ladies Cup

The Giuliana Cup Ladies Cup winners, Cuija Polo

Best Playing Pony: La Piña, played by Hazel Jackson and owned by Brian Boyd

MVP of the Final: Hope Arellano & Fair Play winner: Sheryl Sick

The Giuliana Ladies Cup took place at Costa Careyes Polo Club in Mexico over 4 – 8 January with four teams between 14 to 18 goals taking part, including some of the top ladies names in polo. Cuija Polo defeated 90210 Polo 6-3 in the Final to take the title. Hope Arellano received Most Valuable Player of the Final and Sheryl Sick received the Fair Play Award. Hazel Jackson received the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament award. The Silver Cup was narrowly won by Sela/Quinto Sol who beat Cuadra Atalaya by half a goal, 8-7½. The Giuliana Cup Ladies Cup Teams: Cuija Polo: Hazel Jackson, Katie Falk, Sydney Falk & Meghan Gracida 90120 Polo: Cuyi Glenny (4), Hope Arellano (10), Sheryl Sick (2) & Sarah Magness (2) Cuadra Atalaya: Nicola Hodges (2), Coc Sandhu (2), Kristy McBride (4) & Maddie Grant (6) Sela/Quinto Sol: Becky Schaller (1), Sofia Landa (2), Andrea Quintero (4) & Milly Hine (8)

Polo Times, February 2024

Tournament MVP: Smiles all around at Costa Careyes Polo Club Hazel Jackson

For Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages

RURAL CHARTERED SURVEYORS LAND AGENTS, VALUERS & PLANNING CONSULTANTS

RURAL CHARTERED SURVEYORS AND RURAL PROPERTY AGENTS SPECIALISING IN EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES IN THE HOME COUNTIES.

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Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc

Dr.med. Andreas Krüger is a Swiss board orthopaedic and trauma surgeon in Zurich, who specialises in knee and shoulder surgery. Andi is a second generation of tournament doctors for equine sports, known as Polodoc since 2013

Hook Better & Hit Harder Addressing acute wrist pain in polo players during tournaments Polo, a sport synonymous with adrenaline and skill, imposes distinctive challenges on its athletes. These include the swift and forceful manipulation of mallets, delivering high-energy impacts to the ball while astride galloping horses. Amidst the fervour of tournaments, players may encounter acute wrist pain, a challenge that requires comprehensive understanding and targeted solutions. Diagnosing, examining, and treating acute wrist pain in polo players during the heat of competition is demanding.

structural integrity of the wrist joint. The dynamic nature of polo often involves abrupt movements and impacts, making these imaging techniques crucial for identifying potential tendon insertion overload, fractures, ligament strains, or other injuries like lesion of the TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex).

Physical Examination A comprehensive physical examination is imperative to pinpoint the exact source and nature of wrist pain. The Orthopedic specialists can assess range of motion, stability, and signs of inflammation. It is crucial to proactively communicate the specific circumstances in which the pain arises, facilitating the customisation of the examination to meet the demands of the sport. In a tournament setting, the clinical examination is crucial due to the lack of machinery. A small portable ultrasound device can help to rule out major injuries and highlight the problematic structures. Elevated loads result in tendon avulsion and increased stress within the carpal joints, affecting both tendon insertion and intra-articular regions. Therapy Once diagnosed, appropriate therapy is essential for swift recovery and a safe return to the polo field. Physiotherapy, incorporating exercises to strengthen and stabilise the wrist, is often recommended. Additionally, anti-inflammatory medications can help to manage pain and reduce swelling. Supplements, Bandage Usage, Laser and TENS Supplements like Vitamin C & Zinc, MSM, Chondroitin, Curcuma, Omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine may aid in joint health, but players should consult healthcare professionals before incorporating them into their routine. In the context of acute wrist pain during tournaments, the use of supportive bandages can provide additional stability (Bauerfeind Manutrain, Compex).

Diagnosis The first step in addressing acute wrist pain is a thorough diagnosis. Polo players facing such discomfort should seek professional medical advice promptly. Diagnostic measures include X-rays and MRI scans (with contrast) to assess the

X-ray of a SL band lesion

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) anatomy

A TFCC lesion

Polo Times, February 2024

MRI scan of avulsion of TFCC from ulna fovea

Supportive bandages can provide additional stability

www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc Moreover, emerging technologies such as Photo Bio Modulation (PBM) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) have shown promise in reducing acute pain and promoting healing. Players should explore these options under the guidance of musculoskeletal experts. In conclusion, addressing acute wrist pain in polo players during tournaments requires a collaborative effort between athletes, healthcare professionals, and experts in sports medicine. By prioritising accurate diagnosis, targeted therapy, and embracing preventive measures, polo players can mitigate the impact of wrist injuries and continue to showcase their prowess on the field.

Point of pain injection with anti-inflammatory medication to the TFCC

Point of pain injection with anti-inflammatory medication to the radial joint or tendon of extensor muscles

Expert Opinion: Philipp Micevski

CEO Fitletics Fitness und Gesundheitsstudio: Uhlandstraße 111, Berlin 10717, Sportmedizinpraxis und Büro: Bernadottestraße 6, Berlin 14193. info@fitletics-berlin.com Mob. +4917670166422 In unravelling the complexities of acute wrist pain in polo players, the insights of Philipp Micevski, a distinguished sports medicine specialist renowned for his work with boxers, CLUB CLUB PHONE PHONE EMAIL EMAIL PHONE PHONE EMAIL EMAIL proved invaluable.CLUB CLUB All Ireland All PoloIreland Club Polo Club 00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie Home Farm Home Polo Grounds 07807672120 rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk 00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie Farm Polo Grounds 07807672120 rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk “The importance of a multifaceted approach, integrating warm up exercises, proper All EnglandAll Polo Club Hickstead* 315 834 315 polo@hickstead.co.uk Hurtwood Polo Club Polo Club 01483 272828 polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk England Polo Club Hickstead* 01273 83401273 polo@hickstead.co.uk Hurtwood 01483 272828 polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk Apsley EndApsley Polo Club* 01462 712444 tobiana.scott@gmail.com Polo size, Club 01869 350138 info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk End Polo Club* 01462 712444 tobiana.scott@gmail.com Kirtlington Park Polo Club and 01869 350138 info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk equipment usageKirtlington (malletPark grip length weight), and injury prevention strategies like Ash Farm Polo Club* Polo Club* 07799 812739 ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com Knepp CastleKnepp Polo Club 07920 023639 info@aspectpolo.co.uk Ash Farm 07799 812739 ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com Castle Polo Club 07920 023639 info@aspectpolo.co.uk proper taping of the wrist is essential. I recommend players to actively participate in their Barfold Polo Club 07778 808853 mborwick@gmail.com Leadenham Leadenham Polo Club Polo Club 07429 299026 office@leadenhampoloclub.com Barfold Polo Club 07778 808853 mborwick@gmail.com 07429 299026 office@leadenhampoloclub.com Bawtry Polo Club Polo Club 01302 773282 info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk Longdole Polo Club* info@longdolepolo.com Bawtry 01302 773282 info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk Longdole Polo Club* prevention programs before getting into the01452 field864544 of 01452 pain.864544 The most info@longdolepolo.com problematic situation Beaufort Polo Club Polo Club 01666 880510 enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk 07494 114190 shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk Beaufort 01666 880510 enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.ukMoor Farm Polo MoorClub Farm Polo Club 07494 114190 shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk is during a tournament when acute Beverley Polo Club* Polo Club* 01964 544877 info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk Moor Hall Farm Polo 01279 450637 alecbeve@btinternet.com Beverley 01964 544877 info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk Moor HallClub* Farm Polo Club* 01279 450637 alecbeve@btinternet.com Binfield Heath 01491 411969 bhpcmanager@gmail.com Binfield Heath 01491 411969 bhpcmanager@gmail.com New Forest Polo 07977 224404 annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk New Forest Polo Club 07977 224404 annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk pain is the consequence of Club chronic Blueys PoloBlueys Club* Polo Club* 07930 323263 polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk 07930 323263 polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk Norfolk Polo Norfolk Club Polo Club 01508 480400 office@norfolkpolo.co.uk 01508 480400 office@norfolkpolo.co.uk overuse. Here local techniques with Bramham Polo Academy 07811 993316 emmadvh@btinternet.com Bramham Polo Academy 07811 993316 emmadvh@btinternet.com Northern 07803 020577 info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk Northern Ireland Polo Ireland Club Polo Club 07803 020577 info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk Bunclody 00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com Bunclody Polo Club Polo Club 00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com Offchurch Bury Polo 07816 830887 info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk Bury Polo Club* info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk flossing and pain Offchurch point treatments, asClub* 07816 830887 01483 200722 derrek@burningfold.com BurningfoldBurningfold Polo Club Polo Club 01483 200722 derrek@burningfold.com 07708 906810 aprice@polofix.com Pangbourne Pangbourne Polo Club Polo ClubAdvertising 07708 906810 aprice@polofi x.com Advertising well as muscle proactive lengthening 07711 217004 cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com Peover Polo Peover 07766 016 833 polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk CambridgeCambridge Polo Club* Polo Club* 07711 217004 cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com Club Polo Club 07766 016 833 polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk County 01223 812922 info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk Wicklow* 00353 404 67164 siobhan@polowicklow.com CambridgeCambridge County Polo Club* Polo Club* 01223 812922 info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk Wicklow* 00353 404 67164 siobhan@polowicklow.com can be beneficial.Polo For thePolo longer Carlton House 07901 561113 harrietservaes@hotmail.com 07739 569491 rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk Carlton House 07901 561113 harrietservaes@hotmail.com CranwellRAF Cranwell 07739 569491 rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk term, a clear and RAF structured recovery Chester Racecourse 01244 304602 amorris@chester-races.com Ranelagh Polo Club* 01344 885697 ranelagh@labravapolo.com Chester Racecourse Polo Club Polo Club 01244 304602 amorris@chester-races.com Ranelagh Polo Club* 01344 885697 ranelagh@labravapolo.com Cheshire 01948 861020 info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk RCBPC* 01344 890060 polo@rcbpc.com Cheshire Polo Club Polo Club 01948 861020 info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk 01344 890060 polo@rcbpc.com process with the RCBPC* player adhering to Chiltern Polo Club 07973syndrome 174542 info@chilternpoloclub.com RMAS Polo Club 07973 174542 rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk Chiltern Polo Club 07973 174542 info@chilternpoloclub.com RMAS Polo Club 07973 174542 rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk Typical pain areas: Blue ring - radial impaction prescribed exercises and therapies Park Polo Club 01285 653225 info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk Rugby Polo Club* 01788 817724 info@rugbypoloclub.com CirencesterCirencester Park Polo Club info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk Rugby Polo Club* 01788 817724 info@rugbypoloclub.com or extensor tendons oberload 01285 653225 Cowdray 01730 813257 enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk Rutland Club 07772 040668 secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk Cowdray Polo Club Polo Club 01730 813257 enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk Rutland Polo Club Poloand 07772 040668 secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk is key to long-standing success Pink ring SL band injury or carpal bone Curraghmore 00353 51 387102 mkennedy@cssgroup.ie Silver Leys Polo Club 07730 silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com Curraghmore Polo Club Polo Club 00353 51 387102 mkennedy@cssgroup.ie Silver Leys Polo Club 07730 silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com Proper grip060200 is part of a060200 multifaceted approach to wrist injury extraordinary performance”. patholgy likePolo ganglion Dallas Burston enquiries@ixlevents.com St. Albans Polo Club 07956 017090 info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk Dallas Burston Club* Polo Club* 01926 81101926 111 811 111 enquiries@ixlevents.com St. Albans Polo Club 07956 017090 info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

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Dorset Polo Club ofﬁce@dorsetpolo.co.uk Dorset Polo Club 01202 623985 Green ring - Ulnar impaction syndrome or 01202 TFCC623985 injuryofﬁce@dorsetpolo.co.uk

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Polo Times, February 2024

ForPessimist: the Pessimist: For the

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Performance Coach

Photography courtesy of Raise Polo

Understanding what it takes to overcome fear and self-doubt has been at the root of Paul ‘Stalkie’ Stalker’s personal transformation. He has proven experience of working with Polo Teams, Patrons and individual players for the past 3 years achieving outstanding results. With individual clients, Stalkie’s aim is to untap, nurture and focus their passion and potential on becoming the best versions of themselves in all aspects of their lives, whatever their starting point

Paul ‘Stalkie’ Stalker encourages strengthened social connections to improve your game

Building A Community to Enhance the Game

What information do you regularly feed yourself about your performance – on and off the polo field? What do you allow yourself to focus upon? And who do you share your thoughts and feelings with, knowing that you will get honest feedback and support? The golden rule of self-reflection and self-motivation is ‘what you focus on you feel’. Focusing on positive feelings has many proven neuroscientific benefits: 1. Improved well-being: When you focus on positive feelings, it stimulates the release of our feel-good neurochemicals in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These chemicals promote a sense of well-being, happiness, and contentment. 44

Polo Times, February 2024

2. Increased resilience: Positive emotions activate the brain’s reward systems and increase the production of neurochemicals that support adaptability and coping mechanisms. It also directs attention away from negative thoughts which produce cortisol, the rotten stress-inducing hormone. 3. Enhanced cognitive abilities: When you are in a positive state, your brain is more open, flexible, and receptive to new ideas and information. This enhances attention, memory, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. 4. Strengthened social connections: Positive emotions promote empathy, trust, and cooperation, leading to better relationships and social interactions with your personal community such as your team, family, friends and all those who matter to you.

It’s this final point that I can’t overemphasise enough. Building a community is the ultimate win-win for anyone who is committed to our wonderful game of polo, whatever their pedigree or their level of involvement. Let me explain why: Whenever I reflect on my coaching successes in polo, I always log the magic ingredients that have worked best with my clients. What have I taught and learnt from each success that I can duplicate or adapt for my next project? Whether it’s working alongside the England Polo Team, high performing domestic teams, ambitious patrons, fellow coaches and managers, seasoned icons of the game, enthusiastic amateur players, rookies, or junior players and their parents www.polotimes.co.uk

Performance Coach who are adapting to the various demands of the game, there are some definite common denominators to success and fulfilling potential. One such undeniable ingredient is the importance of community. Here’s what a few of my clients and colleagues within the sport have to say about it: “Polo is not just a sport; it’s a way of life. The sense of community and camaraderie among players is what makes it truly special. Mentoring the next generation ensures the legacy of polo continues to thrive.” – Nacho Figueras “Polo is not just about playing the game; it’s about being part of a community. The bonds we form with fellow players, grooms, and fans create a sense of belonging that makes the sport truly special.” – James Beim “Polo is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that revolves around a community of passionate individuals. The friendships forged in the polo world are enduring, and being part of this community is an enriching experience both on and off the field.” – Max Charlton “Polo is a team sport, and the bond we build off the field reflects on our game. The community and mentoring we experience outside of the polo arena enhance our communication, teamwork, and understanding of our teammates, which ultimately improves our coordination and effectiveness on the field.” – Charlie Hanbury “As a coach, I’ve witnessed first-hand how community and mentoring off the field can significantly impact performance on the field. When players have a strong support system and receive guidance from experienced mentors, they gain confidence, make better decisions under pressure, and elevate their overall game.” – Mark Tomlinson These quotes highlight how the sense of community and mentoring off the polo field positively influences performance. The support, guidance, and knowledge shared within the community contribute to the development of skills, mindset, teamwork, decision-making abilities, and overall performance during matches. As well as personally witnessing the pivotal role of community in polo, there is a bank of scientific study in the field of sports psychology which describes how a sense of community amongst team members positively influences team performance: 1. Team Cohesion: When a team is united and has a strong sense of cohesion, it enhances communication, coordination, and cooperation among players, leading to better performance on the field. 2. Social Support: Community spirit provides social support, which has been found to be crucial for athletes’ psychological well-being and performance. When players feel supported, respected, and connected to their wider team, it enhances their motivation, confidence, morale and desire to contribute to a common purpose. www.polotimes.co.uk

3. Trust and Cooperation: Community fosters trust and cooperation among team members. Trust is essential for effective teamwork as players rely on each other’s skills and decision-making abilities. Cooperative interactions improve coordination, synchronization, and strategizing during polo matches. 4. Communication: A united polo team promotes open and effective communication among its members. Clear and constant communication is vital for players to coordinate their actions, execute game plans, share feedback, and make collective decisions. Effective communication helps prevent errors, confusion, and misunderstandings during matches. 5. Psychological Factors: Those who are connected to a team community feel a strong bond with their teammates and are more likely to enjoy the sport, feel motivated to perform well and bounce back from setbacks or challenges. Off the field in the UK, the polo community collaborates in several ways to benefit the game as a whole. Through its governance and regulations, handicap system, tournament organisation, development and education initiatives and all-round promotion of the game, The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) plays a vital role in supporting and overseeing the polo community in the UK. We have many magnificent polo clubs in the UK who foster a sense of community and collaboration by providing a platform for players, patrons, and enthusiasts to come together, organize tournaments, share resources, and exchange knowledge. The collaborative environment within the clubs contributes to the growth and camaraderie in the sport. Organizations like the Pony Club help introduce and develop young talent, offering coaching, tournaments, and educational opportunities. These efforts ensure the continuity and future success of polo within the UK. Many great charitable causes are supported by polo tournaments and events which not only promote the sport but also contribute to social welfare, highlighting the community’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond the game. One such charity worthy of note is the Power of Polo whose mission is to develop programs utilising polo to positively impact the lives of anyone facing social, economic or health challenges by improving self-confidence, teamwork, and additional life skills. These programmes offer opportunities for boys and girls who wouldn’t normally have access to our sport. You can find out more about the vision of Katy Hayward (Power of Polo’s founder and CEO), her mentoring team and programs team at www.powerofpolo.org.uk/our-story-in-video Player exchanges deserve a mention as well. Such domestic and international exchanges allow players to gain exposure

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to different playing styles, techniques, and experiences, fostering personal growth and contributing to the overall development of polo in the UK and beyond. Whilst I’m personally looking forward to the coaching elements of my trip to the US early this year, I’m also excited to be meeting with the US Polo Association, leading clubs, patrons, players and polo philanthropists to explore some of their thinking and initiatives around building the wider polo community in the future. I then look forward to announcing some powerful plans to bring the UK polo community even closer together in 2024 – you may well expect a call! In the meantime, I’ll leave the last words to one of my closest like-minded collaborators: “The community aspect of polo is what brings us all together. We compete on the field, but off the field, we support and encourage one another, creating a strong network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the sport.” – Nina Clarkin These are the 12 key questions to ask yourself when choosing your ideal polo community collaborators: Do they share the same goals and values as you? Do they share the same thirst for knowledge and education? Do they have previous experience or access to the tools and knowledge you require? Do you respect, trust and admire them? Do they walk the walk as well as talk the talk? Are they influencers (able to follow through with other decision makers or to draw upon or recruit other like-minded people)? Are their strengths and weaknesses compatible with yours? Do they have energy, enthusiasm and are they fun? Will they look for the good and vice versa? Are they open to challenges and to change, rather than set in their ways? Will they encourage and promote twoway feedback? Can you envisage forming a long-term bond with them? Your gateway to join the inner Circle is waiting - Become Part of our Exclusive Community… Our dynamic community is like a secret club for savvy Polo Players and enthusiasts, or business minded people like yourself. Join us for exclusive webinars, lively discussions, and the freedom to exchange brilliant ideas. Unlock boundless access through your On Demand Club Raise link: clubraise.co

Polo Times, February 2024

Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Photograph by Jason Warren.

What Does

Lorna with Cookie, from Oriflamme Polo

A Yard Visit Consist Of?

First things first, I wish you all a Happy New Year and hope you have a great year of polo in 2024! Something I have never really shared with you is what do I actually do on a Yard Visit and what it involves, for those who have never had a visit from a Nutritionist – and for those of you that do have visits from me, this may clarify why I ask so many questions and wander around clutching my notebook! One of the things I always try to do, is I aim to work with the grooms that oversee and feed the horses. I will always remember the days when I was a groom and how I would have felt if someone came in to tell 46

Polo Times, February 2024

me what to do with the horses in my care, so I try to work with and build a relationship with grooms so they can ask questions and not feel judged. After all, it is the grooms caring for the horses that know them best on a day-to-day basis, how they feel on the track, how they are eating up their forage and feed, and are, of course, essential in helping make decisions in putting diets together – they need to understand what I am trying to achieve and whether they think my ideas are achievable! On a visit, it is essential I look at the horses without rugs on - I always feel so bad doing this in the winter months when taking rugs on and off is such a pain! But I need to

see them from both sides and from behind, look at their ‘top line muscle’ and overall muscle development. At this point I will also be Body Condition Scoring them and looking at where they store body fat, if there are any fat pads present alongside assessing their conformation and posture. Whilst in the stable I will be observing a few things too, such as: • The forage – how much is there, what is being left, the quality of the forage, what are they eating the forage from e.g. floor, rack, net? • Droppings/poo – what is the consistency (firm or loose), do they smell, is there an acidic odour within the stable, are there a lot of droppings or very few? • Behaviour – are they uptight/stressed, nervous, relaxed, inquisitive, grumpy? • Water – are they using drinkers, buckets, how much water is there? • Beds – are they looking messy, very wet, full of forage? • Overall demeanour – do they look healthy? • Feed bowls – are they clean, is food left in them, where are they positioned? If I can see them out of the stable and moving this is always a bonus too, but not always possible due to time and logistics. I will always be asking a lot of questions and writing lots of notes (yes, my memory is bad!), as I am trying to build up a picture of the horse I am looking at: • Age and breed? • How long has the individual been on the yard? • Frequency and level of polo being played? • How much travelling do they do? • Are there any clinical issues – tyingup, laminitis, colic, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, gastric ulcers? • What is their current diet, how much are they fed, do they have a good appetite? • What supplements are being fed? • Are electrolytes being used – how are they administered? • Feet – does the farrier ever comment on the hoof quality? Do the feet look strong? Are there any rings? • What is their temperament like? • Energy levels – lacking stamina in the second half of a game? Lacking the quick-fire energy in the beginning of a game? Leaping and too much energy? • Where is the forage stored? • What is the feed room like – vermin free? Once I have finished looking at the horses, I will either change the feed board or write suggestions on paper whilst there, or send a message or email of suggested diets and ideas, again, this is totally up to the grooms/ yard manager as to how they would like the changes to be written down. www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge Reports

Nutrition Focus Paul Sweeney Memorial Paul And Sweeney Memorial Final Teams: in return, here are some of the questions frequently asked of me: How much does a Yard Visit cost? They are FREE!

four to six weeks, some a couple of times at the beginning of the season and once playing will message me for extra help, or some three or four times during the season. Equally, after an initial couple of visits, others prefer to keep in touch with messages if support is needed. As you work for a feed manufacturer, aren’t you going to just tell me to feed lots of Baileys? Absolutely not! As a nutritionist we always put the welfare of the horse first, so I am always thinking of what is right for the individual in front of me, and over feeding is not a good thing to do for Sweeney anyGeorgia horse and they won’t benefit from it at all. I have actually been into some visits and

MVP

BPP

(4) (0) (2) (2)

Photography by Lorna Edgar

Am I not going to do a ‘hard sale’ for Baileys? No! Of course, Baileys pay my wages, but if you have a product you love, we can work with it for the diets I formulate, and if we don’t have a product that fits for Twelve Oaks (4) Rosina a certain scenario, I will recommend one Tatty Wooldridge (0) Ola Kelly that does! Georgia Sweeney (1) Will Newman Charlie Wooldridge (3) Charlie Simpson How often can you visit? As often as Chukka 5-5,yards 11-11, 14-13, you needScore: me to!3-2, Some I see everyto Twelve Oaks

Where: Ash Farm Polo Club, Surrey Lorna assessing horse in its stable

reduced the amount of feed, which comes with the question, “But you work for a feed company, surely you don’t suggest feeding less?” In some situations I might increase the feed, but it just depends on the individual’s

needs at that time. If you have any further questions regarding visits, or feed advice in general, please feel free to get in touch lorna@ baileyhorsefeeds.co.uk or 07808863864.

A little bit about me, I have worked at Baileys Horse Feeds for 20 years now. Prior to joining Baileys, I worked as a groom, primarily in polo but also eventing as well. Starting my grooming career at Beaufort Polo is where Jubilee, owned andClub played by my love of the polo pony began and then I went on to spend a few seasons grooming at Cowdray Park and across the world in New Zealand, Florida Will Newman and Saratoga. I studied my Equine Science Degree at Hartpury University as a mature student Twelve Oaks, winners of The Paul Sweeney Memorial and loved being able to relate to my practical experiences of being a groom to my studying!

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13/09/2021 11:11

Polo Times, February 2024 43 47 Polo Times, March 2022

Knowledge

Chukka Wellness

India Parker-Smith is the founder and owner of Chukka Wellness which provides the leading training and movement methodology designed for the equestrian athlete to enhance suppleness, stability and strength in the saddle. India is a Personal Trainer who offers online and offline fitness training designed to elevate the well-being of the equestrian athlete. Using her knowledge of seven years she has created a series of masterclasses, a virtual membership hub and online training programmes all designed to complement the equestrian’s health and wellness both in and out of the saddle. You will find more information on India’s services on her website www.chukkawellness.co.uk and Instagram page @chukka_wellness

It’s Pre-Season Polo is always being played somewhere in the world so there is ostensibly no real offseason. Thus, many players don’t really have down-time from matches or from maintaining their fitness and wellness. There are obvious plus sides to this in terms of performance, consistency of play and maintenance of fitness. However, the downsides are also well documented too: burnout, little time to recover and address any injuries, aches or pains. We all need a rest. A rest gives the body a time to repair any damaged tissue or injury, it also prevents overtraining (which is counterproductive) and it allows for some mental recovery to avoid ‘cooking’ oneself. However, the festive season or any prolonged holiday usually signals a welcome sojourn from regular exercise. These opportunities should be cherished and enjoyed but problems can start picking up the reins again, both real and metaphorically, after an absence from exercise. The most important factor when returning to an exercise regime is how long the absence was. Under three weeks and the break is likely to be more beneficial than detrimental; it’s more like a ‘pause and reset’, thus allowing you to jump right back in at the same point – same exercises and the same intensity. Longer than a threeweek break and what was a reset is now a restart and it is best to be more cautious in the manner of the exercises done and their intensity. Following these six point guidelines can give you a structure and frame work which may help you stay free from injury, increase fitness and stamina in a safe, controlled and exponential way. 1. Don’t leave exercising to chance. Doing so usually means you will skip over 50 percent of the times you thought you would do them as the day just runs away with you. By setting specific times of the day and days of the week means the likelihood of actually ‘turning up’ and doing the exercises increases substantially. 2. Implement short term goals. Small incremental gains are how top athletes progress. Whilst they are aware of the end prize it is very much decompartmentalised 48

Polo Times, February 2024

and small realistic, achievable micro gains are set on a weekly basis. 3. Focus on form. Nothing is really more important than form; it is the basis of all successful exercise programmes and is the fundamental route to securing the required benefits. Think of the programme as the same as building a brick wall – get the foundations right and then the rest of the wall will stand correctly. 4. Mix it up. Aside from keeping things interesting, the variety of exercise and cross training ensures that muscles and joints benefit from being hit at different angles and different intensities, making them stronger and more flexible. If you get stuck for inspiration check out our Instagram grid. 5. Stretch, stretch, stretch. Whilst this is a recommendation for everyone it is exceptionally important for polo players who put their bodies through intense and rigorous workouts every time they play a chukka. Stretching regularly and properly means that the muscle, tendons and ligaments are ready to be used in the extreme positions required in a game and thus the likelihood of injury is lessened hugely. Plus keeping muscles long and lean makes them more efficient at their job. 6. Fitness trackers. There are some obvious downsides to fitness trackers in that many users don’t know how to interpret the data they supply. However, they can be oddly addictive and thus can be a good tool in helping motivate users to exercise. I have just started using the Whoop and so far it has been very beneficial in monitoring recovery rate!

India finds fitness trackers particularly beneficial in monitoring recovery rate

Photography courtesy of India Parker Smith

Training Time Fitness trackers can help to get you back into shape

Why exercise is so important for Polo Players

Polo is an extreme sport and the horses are extreme athletes. And most riders are, at long last, beginning to try to be good athletes too, thus complementing their horse’s attributes and getting the best out of them. The inherent physical requirements and strains put on a polo player are well documented: huge strain on the right shoulder and different requirements on the left one; greater flexibility on the right side of the hip than the left; greater load bearing on the right leg than the left; enormous core stability; neck flexibility; wrist strength and suppleness etc. More importantly, and unlike most sports, the sport is Asymmetric rather than Symmetric. There is a huge imbalance of what the right side of the body does compared with the left. And this imbalance can cause injuries. Thus exercise trainers need to be well versed in the sport to be able to set programmes of activity and intensity that appreciate the dynamics of the sport. Of particular importance, of course, is trying to always keep the body in equilibrium and not over training the dominant side. The key to any programme pertinent to polo is increasing suppleness, strength and stability. I am about to launch an online six week pre-season programme designed for the polo player. The workouts are no longer than 30 minutes and require minimal amount of gym equipment. Regardless of where in the world you are – every player can benefit from the programme by logging into their account and following the weekly workouts! Check out www.indiaparkersmith.com for more information on the programme. www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Equine Osteopathy

Donna Barker is a professionally qualified and experienced Equine Integrative Support Therapy Practitioner with a broad skill set. Donna continues to develop her knowledge and skills through CPD and ongoing additional qualifications, including Equine Osteopathy and her qualifications also include BSc Hons Equine Therapy & Rehabilitation, Equine Sports & Remedial Massage Practitioner EMAP Dist., Practitioner of Equine Shiatsu and Certified Equine Craniosacral Technique Therapist

Photography by EKS Images

It is often said that a horse with poor conformation will have poor function

Equine Osteopathy My journey towards Osteopathy

During my training in Equine Shiatsu I realised that a more widely recognised qualification would be necessary to give me a more solid foundation towards a career in the Equine Therapy industry. It’s strange how opportunities present themselves! Following redundancy, I found myself out of work for the first time since I’d left school and a chance conversation with a friend led me to enrolling on the BSc Equine Therapy & Rehabilitation degree at Bishop Burton College, closely followed by the Equine Massage Academy Equine Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy Practitioner course. By October 2016 I had graduated from Bishop Burton College, the Equine Massage Academy and Rosewell Shiatsu Centre with a BSc Hons degree and two therapy qualifications! Since then, there have been 50

Polo Times, February 2024

endless hours of CPD and further studying with the additional Equine Craniosacral qualification in 2020. But there’s still more to learn and the next goal is Equine Osteopathy. Why? Well, it encompasses all I’ve learned through Shiatsu, Craniosacral and Massage, plus much, much more, and the ultimate qualification in my equine therapy career journey. When opportunities come around you have to grab them whilst they are there, hence why I am now studying with the London College of Animal Osteopathy working towards that Equine Osteopath qualification. What is Osteopathy? Osteopathy began as a manipulative therapy first used in the treatment of spinal disorders and musculoskeletal conditions in

numerous parts of the world: China, Central Asia, India, Japan, Americas, Europe and Egypt. Historical documents suggest this therapy dates back thousands of years with texts written by Hippocrates, Galen and Avicenna, three significant figures in the early development of Osteopathy. In the late 1800s Dr Andrew T Still developed Osteopathic techniques that enhanced the profession, closely followed by Dr William G Sutherland’s discovery of Cranial Osteopathy. In the 1970s, Dr John Upledger continued the development of Cranial Osteopathy which led to Craniosacral Therapy, a stand-alone therapy with Osteopathic origins. Also in the 1970s, Stuart McGregor wrote and developed the first Osteopathic techniques to be used on animals, based on body adjustments www.polotimes.co.uk

Equine Osteopathy

Osteopathy began as a manipulative therapy

established by John M Littlejohn in the early 1900s. The focus of Osteopathy is to identify the cause of pain and dysfunction with the philosophy that structure and function of the body are interrelated, meaning there is a close relationship between all the body’s systems; a musculoskeletal dysfunction can lead to illness and disease, and illness and disease can affect the function of the musculoskeletal system. Osteopathy is a very holistic form of manual therapy, focussing on all parts of the body working in unity. An Osteopath will assess movement patterns of the body through both visual and manual observations and then apply specific techniques to release restrictions in the body, aiding the body’s self-healing processes. Somatic Dysfunction The definition of Somatic: relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind. In Osteopathy, Somatic Dysfunction is defined as changes in parts of the body that are evident through the altered or impaired functions (dysfunction) of the interrelated body (somatic) systems. The affected tissues of the body can be the skin, fascia, nerves, blood vessels, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Alterations in posture or restricted movement may be apparent, or tenderness and tension felt as changes in the texture of the tissue occur. Conformation, Posture and Function It is often said that a horse with poor conformation will have poor function and will not be capable of the job or discipline the rider wants them to do. In many cases that is true, but when we look at many modernday sports horses, through specific breeding programmes to produce the ultimate equine athlete, the traditional standards of breeds are changing along with many breeds being mixed and registered as a sports horse. This mixing of genes and breed qualities can be positive in producing a top-class sports horse, or negative in that the horse is more prone to injury and physical breakdowns. www.polotimes.co.uk

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Osteopathy is a very holistic form of manual therapy

The problems can then escalate when the decision is made to breed with them. Yes, conformation will potentially have an effect on the posture and function of the horse. This is where the Equine Osteopath can assist the rider to help the horse to function as efficiently and fluently as possible within that horse’s conformational capabilities. Where conformation is not deemed as negative, yet the horse has poor posture and movement, the Equine Osteopath can assist the rider to help to improve the horse’s posture and function. Horses are naturally ‘on the forehand’ carrying approximately 60 percent of their weight cranially (towards the head), and despite the weight carried in the abdomen and gravitational pull on the guts, plus the dense and strong hindquarter muscles and bones, this only constitutes to approximately 40 percent of their weight. Training is essential to reverse this natural posture for a more balanced loading through hindquarters and forequarters and have the impulsion from the hindquarters and less pulling from the forequarters. This requires the horse learning self-carriage through

correct development of their core and back muscles, which in turn improves overall balance and function, reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries, and can improve gut health and overall wellbeing. Remember the philosophy that structure and function are interrelated? Addressing any internal issues such as ulcers or parasite burden will also help the horse to feel more relaxed and comfortable leading to improvements in posture and function. Equine Osteopathy does not incorporate any form of diagnosis and does not replace veterinary examinations and assistance. An Equine Osteopath will act on any concerns and doubts by referring the owner to a veterinarian for a formal diagnosis before proceeding with any training or rehabilitation programmes and will work as part of the health care team in the interests of the horse’s welfare. Web: www.dbequinetherapy.co.uk Tel: 07739 416781 Donna Barker Equine Therapy & Rehabilitation

Osteopathy identifies the cause of pain and dysfunction with the philosophy that structure and function of the body are interrelated

Polo Times, February 2024

Knowledge

Gait Analysis

Dr Charlotte Inness is an experienced Equine Vet, certified Equine Chiropractor and Veterinary acupuncturist. Charlotte set up an online veterinary pharmacy focused on helping animal owners tackle the cost-of-living crisis, making veterinary healthcare more affordable with outstanding personable customer service

Using AI to Benefit Equine Performance

Photography by EKS Images

Lameness is the primary reason for an equine vet consultation.

IMUs provide very accurate measurements and wirelessly transmitt to a laptop in real time

Equine performance is based on the capacity of the locomotor system and lameness is the main reason the vet is called out. This article explores diagnosing lameness, gait analysis and lameness prevention using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Lameness Diagnosis The veterinary lameness assessment begins with a thorough examination of the horse at rest (static examination) which involves feeling the affected limb(s) for any heat, swelling or tenderness. This is followed by a dynamic examination visually watching the 52

Polo Times, February 2024

horse move at walk, trot and usually on a circle as well. The visual assessment of a lameness cannot be reliably and consistently quantified between vets. One vet may disagree with another vet on the extent of a lameness, particularly so in mild lameness cases. The one to five or one to 10 scale cannot be used precisely and consistently. Many lameness manifest as a subtle limb asymmetry with compensatory stresses on the other limbs, at this stage the horse appears ‘sound’. It has been scientifically proven that the human eye can only detect a

20 percent or greater asymmetry in horse’s movement. In multiple limb lameness the ability to pick up problems is unreliable. Using AI, subtle changes to a horse’s gait that are undetectable to the human eye or we cannot consistently see to quantify, can be quantified, with a precise and accurate value. A value that can be repeated and monitored. These are often the changes that a rider feels when the horse is not quite right, not performing as well as normal, but the horse still appears to be sound. AI or Objective Gait Analysis is a tool that will accurately record a horse’s movement www.polotimes.co.uk

Gait Analysis

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on the horse are needed. The technology places virtual markers on the horse whilst walking. This measures angles in limb flexion and extension. It is currently being used practically to predict future performance of sport and racehorses. Smart phone apps – Gait analysis technology is forever evolving to become more useful and compatible in the clinical setting. A smart phone can be used to record a horse moving which is then analysed for asymmetry. It provides accurate and reliable data which has been compared against gold standard research-based data showing very positive results.

Wireless Inertial Measurement Units (UMIs) located on poll, withers & pelvis

pattern. It can then allow the collection of a database of information over a period of time on an equine athlete. This then facilitates ongoing objective monitoring of a horse over a prolonged period of time. This information becomes invaluable when investigating poor performance. Objective Gait Analysis Gait analysis measures asymmetry in a horse’s movement. An asymmetry has many causes – everything from pain, old injuries and the horse’s natural laterality. The polo player can also play a role. Humans are by nature more asymmetric than horses and so, our interaction will naturally induce asymmetry in the horse. Asymmetry in your horse does not always equal pain and does not need to be labelled as ‘lameness’. Of course, a horse with a moderate-severe lameness nodding his head every time the sore limb meets the ground is moving asymmetrically, is clearly in pain and is lame. AI gives us the ability to detect and follow changes to the horse’s own natural symmetry. Training can improve the symmetry and the more symmetrically a horse moves, the movement becomes more natural and the easier it will find to perform really well on the polo field. Types of Gait Analysis Force Platforms – This is the gold standard method of gait analysis used in a laboratory setting to research equine locomotion. It measures forces and time exerted by a www.polotimes.co.uk

limb in support. Fluctuations in these forces reflect the degree of weight bearing distress in a limb. This is a complex and timeconsuming method only viable for research, not practical for a clinical setting. Optical Motion Capture – Numerous cameras are set up and distributed around a barn where the horse’s gait can be captured. 3D spherical markers are placed on various points on the horse which are picked up by the cameras. It is precise and accurate although time consuming and expensive. This method is unsuitable for routine diagnostics. Wireless Inertial Measurement Units – This system is made up of five wireless motion sensors (IMUs) which are attached to specific points on the horse (poll, withers and pelvis). These units provide very accurate measurements of their position in space which is wirelessly transmitted to a laptop in real time. The system requires minimal set up – there are no banks of cameras and markers on the body and limbs. Analysis can be performed anywhere with a level surface. A minimum 25 strides of trot are required to gain enough data to produce a symmetry report immediately. This system is accurate and functional in a clinical setting, there is some set up time applying the sensor units. Image recognition technology – Just one camera is required and no markers

Injury Prevention Research has shown that horses have specific gait characteristics when lame and demonstrate certain characteristics pre-injury. These characteristics can be detected as changes which occur within the gait – if left undetected potentially leading to injury. The aim of gait analysis is to identify these changes before they progress into injury. Early identification can allow rapid investigation into the potential problem, allowing for adjustments in management to reduce the injury risk. Performance Enhancement Biomechanics within elite equine disciplines, is becoming widely used as a way of making small adjustments which can help improve movement or support the horse’s joints to help prevent injury. Efficiently monitoring their movement over time, creating a detailed record of their movement pattern allows any subtle changes to be picked up. Fitness An extended period of time out of work during the off season can allow for the horses to have a symmetrical reset. Asymmetries caused by the stresses of a previous season can subside. The fitness period is a very important foundation for a successful season ahead. Correct pre training can improve symmetry and recording the horse’s movement pattern at this stage and throughout the season allows us to detect and follow changes to the horse. All things in nature are asymmetric, we do not require perfect symmetry in a horse. AI can be used to monitor any changes to a horse’s movement pattern throughout a season which is invaluable for preventing poor performance and subsequent injury. Using this technology alongside the subjective veterinary examination gives us more tools to lead to the right diagnosis faster and more accurately.

Email: charlotte@thehorsevet.co.uk Web: www.vetmedi.co.uk & www.thehorsevet.co.uk www.facebook.com/vetmediuk www.facebook.com/thehorsevet.co.uk www.instagram.com/vetmediuk www.instagram.com/thehorsevet

Polo Times, February 2024

Knowledge

Pony Power

Minute

Height: 15.1hh Age: 12-years-old Colour: Dark bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Robin Ormerod Tournament: El Rosario Trophy at Druids Lodge Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She was bred and trained here at Druids by myself and my brother Eden. Her mother Fantasia was a powerful arena pony in her day and her father Icarus is our homebred stallion. What are her strengths? She is a fantastic all-round arena pony with plenty of pace and power. Being ridden off by her is like being hit by a wrecking ball and she’s able to turn on a six-pence. Most of all she really loves polo and has terrific spirit.

pony for the Club, rapidly becoming a favourite among the students.

our students and Members enjoy her more and more as she matures.

Has she won any other BPP awards? Yes, she has one or two under her belt already.

How has she gone this season? This season in particular she has really matured and is playing the game with a cooler head, allowing her abilities to shine through. She has become an increasingly useful school

What are your plans for her in the future? Arena polo ponies have a fantastic longevity, so I hope to keep playing her as part my professional string in years to come, but at the same time I look forward to seeing

Does she have any special quirks? She can be scarily human sometimes. I’m pretty sure she thinks she’s in charge most of the time. She likes to put her nose on your shoulder and whisper in your ear.

Pony Power

Describe her in three words? Tenacious, characterful and fun.

Knowledge

Saga

Pixie

Height: 15.2hh Age: 10-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Charlton Owned and played by: Max Trophy at Tournament: Surrey Hills Winter Westcroft Park Polo Club

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes, she won Polo Times BPP in this tournament last year and I believe has won the award in our VL tournament in a prior year with my brother Eden. Height: 15.2hh She is an Colour: DarkI have Bay just Sex: Mare She is very fast. Owned and played by: Max Charlton Tournament: The Inspired International quirks? Does she have any special her in the plans forBryan yourThe being tacked up! What are Arena Polo Test Match for Funnily enough, she hates the summer future? She will be playing Playing forward quirky, Has she won any other Best season with me and I am looking her in three words? Fast, is her first Best at the Morrison Trophy All England Polo Describe Pony Awards? No, this to it. agile. Playing Pony rug. Club, Hickstead

Where is she from/breeding? English Thoroughbred. How long have you had her? had her for one year.

Park Polo Club

What are her strengths?

Very How has she gone this season? arena and I took well, she has played in the had a busy her to St Moritz, so she has

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

season!

Pixie

Height: 15.2hh Age: 12-years-old Colour: Black Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Max Charlton Tournament: 2022 Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz

Pixie, winner of the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug at The Inspired International Arena Polo Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy

Where is she from/ breeding? Ed Gould.

Photograph courtesy of Snow

How long have you had her? I have had her for six years.

What are her strengths? rounder.

She is a great all

How has she gone this season? always gives 100 percent.

She

Playing Has she won any other Best times. Pony Awards? Yes, a few in the What are your plans for her is my future? Keep her forever, she girlfriend’s favourite pony!

Sadly, just a week after receiving the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug at The Inspired International Arena Polo Test Match Fast, happy, Describe her in three words? pretty. for The Bryan Morrison Trophy, Pixie passed away during a practice match for The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz. Max remembers Pixie, “Pixie first came over from Australia, when she was Polo World Cup St Moritz

How has she gone this season? This season she has continued to be one of my best professional ponies. Playing in 8 goal tournaments home and away and high goal arena practices, whilst also being one of our school ponies here at Druids Lodge.

Height: 15.1hh Age: 11-years-old Colour: Dark bay Sex: Male Owned and played by: Owned by Druids Lodge Polo Club and played by Robin Ormerod Tournament: The El Rosario Trophy & Fireside Polo Evening

Photograph courtesy of Westcroft

What are her strengths? She is very powerful and incredibly agile and suited perfectly for the arena game. She is the pony that gives me the most confidence so I will often play her first and/or last.

Knowledge

Photograph by Michael Berkeley Photography

How long have you had her? We’ve had her since she was born.

Pony Power

Minute Photograph by Michael Berkeley Photography

Where is she from/breeding? Minute is a homebred cross between our own polo stallion Icarus and a mare called Fantasia who was an extremely powerful arena pony.

quirks? She is Does she have any special loves cuddles. my most friendly pony and

Polo Times, March 2022

www.polotimes.co.uk

eight-years-old. She was one of my best and played in both my winter and summer string. Pixie won over 10 Best Playing Pony awards all over Europe and her most recent was just two weeks ago at Hickstead playing for England. Pixie was very special to me and my family. She was so gentle and loving, we first put my son on her back when he was just weeks old. She will be hugely missed by myself, my family and my team at the yard. She was definitely a one in a million pony.”

What are your plans for her in the future? As she did last season she is continuing to mature and settle to become one of our best 04/03/2022 16:26

PT March22 Inners.indd

www.polotimes.co.uk

PT February23.indd 39

Polo Times, February 2023

06/02/2023 14:31

Club/school ponies, and she is also thriving playing the faster polo. Does she have any special quirks? If you stand next to her in the stable, she will often put her nose on your shoulder and whisper polo tactics in your ear. Describe her in three words? Powerful, agile, friendly.

Graphic Height: 15.2hh Age: 20-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Owned and played by: Jack hyde Tournament: The Inspired Arena Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Where is he from/breeding? He was bred in Ellerston in Australia. How long have you had him? I bought him six years ago from James Beim. What are his strengths? He has very good sides for a big horse and is very powerful in the short plays making him a great horse for the arena. How has he gone this season? He only started playing the second half of the season after Christmas, so he hasn’t played many games yet but he has been going very well so hopefully he continues to.

What are your plans for him in the future? He is a bit older now, so he only plays the winter season for me. He will be going to St. Moritz and then coming back to play The Arena Gold Cup at the Berkshire and then into the field for the summer.

Does he have any special quirks? He really doesn’t like Velcro, getting anything with Velcro on/off him is pretty hard work.

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? I’m sure he has, but this is the first one with me.

Polo Times, February 2024

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Gossip

The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz is known for being THE most glamorous snow polo event in the world, so what better way to build the infrastructure on the frozen lake than with the help of helicopters!

Photography by AAP

HELPING HAND FROM HELICOPTERS

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Sidelines

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

ENGAGED HAS A NICE RING TO IT!

Congratulations to Chris Hyde aka The Prof of Polo and Hannah Norman on their engagement! The Polo Times Team wishes you a wonderful engagement.

On Tuesday 19 December, Barto Castagnola was awarded with The Olimpia de Plata in polo, this prestigious prize is given by the Circulo de Periodistas Deportivos to the best player in each sport every year. Castagnola’s fellow nominees included Poroto Cambiaso, Camilo Castagnola and Juan Martín Nero.

Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...

JUNIOR JOTA

Congratulations to Argentine professional, Jota Chavanne on the birth of bis baby son, Rufino – quite the way to start the New Year!

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Simon Arber

Jade David, David Allen & Bethan Hitchman

Guy & Emily Harrison & Linda Morgan

Seb Baker

Olga Ramirez, Robert, Archie, Charlie, and Jo Dunn, Amy Guy & Richard Blake Thomas

Daniel Acosta & Sarah Wiseman

Douglas Bunn

Inspired Arena Polo Masters Final, Sunday 14 January, The All England Polo Club, Hickstead

Arena Action at AEPC Players and fans gathered at The All England Polo Club in Hickstead on a brisk and cloudy Sunday in early January. Despite the elusive sun trying to break through, bobble hats and thick coats became the attire of choice for those rooting for the teams in the Finals from the Clubhouse. Playnation secured The Inspired Arena Polo Masters title with a 16-13 triumph against Astra. Earlier in the day, Bell Fruit Games claimed victory in the Subsidiary Final against Inspired, with a final score of 15-10. The Clubhouse lunch provided a cosy retreat after the matches, where everyone warmed up and caught up on the latest news in 2024. To read more about the matches, please turn to the Reports pages. Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com Tessa Foot with Ace & Myrtle

Hannah, Rory & Debby Johnson

Niall Donnelly, John Bunn & David Morley

Robert Dunn, Chris Hyde, Chris Bethell & Sebastian Baker

Hannah Norman & Chris Hyde

Jo Dunn, Amy Guy & Hannah Norman

Huw Lewis, Rachael Espinoza & Ian Shreeve

Ace & Tom Morley

Lucy, John & Dougie Bunn

Simon ‘Skinny’ McDonald

Genevieve Meadows

Aurora Eastwood & David Morley

The Arena Polo International Day, Saturday 20 January, The All England Polo Club, Hickstead

Breezy Battles in Sunlit Showdown

Maggie, Josh & Florence Hyde

The arena was bathed in sunlight, yet a piercingly cold wind swept through, putting both the resilience of the spectators and the skills of the players to the test. The gusts made high, soaring shots unpredictable and challenging to control. The arena held the audience captive with two thrilling matches that had them on the edge of their seats. The first match featured a fierce battle between the British U21s and the Junior Red team, with the latter securing a hard-fought victory despite valiant efforts from the Junior Blues in the second half. The second match, The Inspired Arena Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy, unfolded in dramatic fashion between England and Ireland. The contest went down to the wire in an extra chukka, and Ireland emerged triumphant with a 17-16 score, snatching the title from the defending champions. To read more form the Final, please turn to our Reports pages. Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Iris, Flora, Richard & Nancy Tyrone

Sue, John & Lizzi Bunn

Chas & Linda Taylor

Tani Darritchon

Iris Tyrone & Jo Richardson

Suzie Cullen, Rosabella Hine, Clemmie Cullen & Richenda Hine

Henry Browne, Anna Hall & Jamie Morrison

Richard & Imogen Blake Thomas

Polo directory

Danny, Peter & Paula Davies with Lucy Bunn

Rafi & Chris Bruckner

Segundo, Mariano, Marce & Tani Darritchon

Archie, Sarah & Rupert Heseltine

Leigh-Anne Moore & Jamie Morrison

Anna Hall, Jack Roberts with Angela & Tony Lawrence

Polo Times’ reporters www.polotimes.co.uk

CLUB

PHONE

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

Bawtry Polo Club

01302 773282

info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01948 861020

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 811 111

enquiries@ixlevents.com

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Eastwood Polo Club

07968 300063

frankums@googlemail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

07971 072336

james.dgls@gmail.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Home Farm Polo Grounds

07807672120

rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Leadenham Polo Club

07429 299026

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07803 020577

info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Taunton Vale Polo Club

07771 931541

Chairman_tcvpc@btinternet.com

Tedworth Park Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tedworthparkpolo.com

Toulston Polo Club

07776 234638

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

vO Polo Club

01536 639018

membership@vopoloclub.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

Mikey & Hannah Henderson Polo Times, February 2024

Polo directory

What’s On – Polo Fixtures Correct at time of going to press

NEW ZEALAND

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03/02/24

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29/01/24

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10/02/24

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09/02/24

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09/02/24

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09/02/24

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11/02/24

16/02/24

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16/02/24

18/02/24

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Sworders Trophy

17/02/24

18/02/24

Oxford Polo

The Final One

20/02/24

25/02/24

4 to 6 8

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SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/ horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217

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Polo Boots Double leather boots purchased from RJ Polo, Cirencester, size 41, hardly worn. Postage at cost. £250. Tel: 07525 940888

Horsewalker Four Horse Very good condition was purchased and never installed. Single phase motor will need electrician to install. 34-36ft. Collection only CV13. £1,995. Tel: 07775 645073

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GRASS LIVERY FOR POLO PONIES Gloucestershire www.colgatefarm.co.uk Charlie Llewellen Palmer

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Final bell

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Eden Ormerod honed his polo skills at his family’s Club, Druids Lodge, and his dedication has paid off with several top titles to his name including The European Championships (2008), The Royal Windsor (2013), The Harrison Cup (2008 and 2010) and more recently The US Arena Open (2023) with SIG. Eden has a strong focus on polo pony breeding and training and in 2022 he played in the English 12 goal with a full string of home bred horses What is your biggest passion and why? Horses, I learn so much from them. They are immensely patient and intuitive animals and I think they connect us to an older part within ourselves, that we still share in common.

Who were/are your favourite teammates? I have had the privilege of playing with some amazing teammates on the field. But my real teammate over the last few years has been my groom, Natasha Lee. I have depended on her so much and working alongside her everyday has made my job a pleasure and my horses’ lives better.

Most prized possession? It sounds sad, but my wife and I have a Dodge Ram 3500 truck in the US, that means the world to me. It’s now driven us and the horses all over the US from East to West and South to North, across deserts and over mountains. I am so grateful for its reliability!

Hardest opponent? Stevie McCraith and Roddy Stanning – polo at your home Club should be easier to win! Which sports do you like outside of polo? Rugby and football. What is your all-time best polo memory? Winning the Pony Club Championships Loriner Division with my big brother Maurice when I was 12 years old. Then representing England two years ago alongside my little brother Robin in The Townsend Cup in America.

Favourite film and why? Amelie. It always reminds me to see the beauty in things.

Favourite album? Train of Thought by Reflection Eternal. Favourite food/dish? Pasta Bolognese. Favourite hobby outside of polo? Reading. I like fiction and nonfiction, historical and philosophical.

Favourite celebrity and why? My wife, Jenny Boyd – she’ll be embarrassed by that, but I love watching her shows. Best holiday destination and activity? Oregon. Portland for coffee shops and board games, and the mountains for exploring. Best pony and why? Marsa in England and now one of her half-sisters Quelea in US. They try their hearts out for me, I always feel more confident on them and they always make me smile just to see them in the stable in the morning. Are you passionately superstitious? No. Describe yourself in three words? Loyal, Passionate and a bit wordy. One thing which would surprise us about you? I’m a little scared of heights and polystyrene.

Polo Times, February 2024

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