PoloTimes_February25

Volume 30 • Issue 1 • February 2025 • £6.50

AWE-INSPIRING ALULA

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Trophy

OBITUARIES

Rufino Lauhlé & Martin ‘Chochan’ Garrahan

PERSONAL MOTIVATION Five Point Course of Practical Steps

PLUS: Archie Heseltine’s Passions & Club Spotlight: Emsworth Polo Grounds

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

Contents

What’s inside…

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

16

Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

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

Administration Assistant Lynne Berry

Contributors:

Lorna Edgar, Tony Ramirez/ ©www.imagesofpolo.com, Kat Seeman and Paul Stalker

Cover photograph:

Richard Mille, winners of The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Trophy. By Royal Commission for AlUla

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42

News

Women’s Polo

4

All the Latest News

9

Obituaries: Rufino Lauhlé & Martin ‘Chochan’ Garrahan

Features 10

Reports 12

Contact details

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

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 2025 and Database Right 2025 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

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Polo Times, February 2025

International & Home

Youth Polo 39

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Knowledge 42

Nutrition Focus: Droppings/Faeces Can Tell Us a Lot!

The St. Regis World Snow Polo

44

Equine Performance: Sheath Cleaning

Championship

46

Performance Coach: Personal Motivation

14

The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship

16

Cover Story: The Richard Mille

Sidelines

AlUla Desert Polo Trophy

49

Social Pages

22

The Bryan Morrison Trophy

50

Gossip

25

The Arena Victor Ludorum Update

www.polotimes.co.uk

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES

Big Picture

37

Club Focus 30

Club Spotlight: Emsworth Polo Grounds

33

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Polo Directory 52

What’s On in February

54

Classifieds

Final Bell 56

Passions: Charlie Heseltine www.polotimes.co.uk

If you are planning a polo project anywhere in the world, talk to the experts.

G UA R D S P O L O C L U B Consulting and Advisory Services POLO GROUND DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

BUSINESS PLANNING

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from the Publisher

As always, keep well and play safe Nick Hine

4

Polo Times, February 2025

Photograph by AAP Press

2025 is Polo Times’ 30th Anniversary and on behalf of our whole team, I would like to thank our subscribers and advertisers for, in the words of the late, great Horace Laffaye, helping make “Polo Times, undoubtedly the most influential contemporary polo magazine.”

I should also like to salute all grooms, players and clubs who work tirelessly to ensure that polo continues to be played around the globe! We simply could not have done it without you! To paraphrase Winston Churchill, your polo handicap is your passport to the world.

Whilst Polo Times always works hard to avoid polo-tics, following the HPA’s England team selection in the recent Bryan Morrison Trophy, there were grumbles on the polo grapevine which cannot be ignored. The key question being asked was why did the HPA select two of its three players for the England team to be from Argentina and Zambia originally? Particularly, when there was a wealth of talented English born and bred arena polo players waiting for the call-up. Whilst there is no doubting the two players in question are talented – and incidentally, great people, both on and off the field – the fact that the World Polo Tour ranks them as being Argentine and Zambian respectively, could be seen to potentially bring into question the HPA’s own validation process. Looking at both sides of the coin, one defence will be that similar occurrences are already commonplace in other sports.

Another, if you are English, then you are English, regardless of where you were born. However, the counter-argument will obviously be that no other governing body would allow 66% of its National team to be as the recent England polo team’s selection.

Poor optics aside, if the HPA’s Performance Pathway is intended to promote the interest of English players on a national and international platform, it is not too hard to see why the recent team selections raised eyebrows within the polo community.

Valid concerns aside and looking to the future, as the days get longer and the countdown to the 2025 grass season in the UK gets underway, this issue covers the cornucopia of polo that has been played in the last month, with everything from The Bryan Morrison Trophy here in the UK to the epic landscapes of Saudi Arabia and the snowy climes of Aspen.

Sadly, this issue includes two obituaries, for Rufino Lauhlé and Martin ‘Chochan’ Garrahan who both passed away on Monday 20 January – a tragic day for the polo world.

News

La Hache Cría & Polo Win Place in 2025 Triple Crown

La Hache Cría & Polo Win Place in 2025 Triple Crown On Sunday 8 December, the playoff match between the eighth ranked team from the 2024 Triple Crown (La Hache Cría & Polo) and La Dolfina Valiente, the winners of The Copa Cámara de Diputados, took place on Field 2 in Palermo. La Hache Cría & Polo secured a 16-15 win in an extra chukka with a golden goal by Toly Ulloa meaning that they have automatically pre-qualified for the 2025 Triple Crown where they will join La Natividad, La Dolfina Saudi, Ellerstina UAE Yellow Rose, La Hache Polo Team, La Ensenada Dietrich, Indios Chapaleufú Vista Energy and Cría La Dolfina.

Playoff Match Teams: La Hache Cría y Polo (31): Facundo Sola (8), Toly Ulloa (8), Benjamín Panelo (7) & Joaquín Pittaluga (8) La Dolfina Valiente (28): Lucas Criado (7), Gonzalo Ferrari (7), Mariano González (7) & Isidro Strada (7)

USA to Host FIP Arena World Polo Championship The United States will host the Federation of International Polo (FIP) Arena World Polo Championship in October for the first time in the event’s history. The tournament will take place over 5 – 12 October and will be co-hosted by Roseland Polo Club in Crozet, Virginia and Virginia Polo Inc. in Virginia. The second edition of The FIP Arena World Polo Championship, which is modelled on the FIP World Polo Championship, will see international polo teams from around the world competing for the title. To qualify to be one of the six teams selected to advance to The FIP Arena World Polo Championship, the road begins with five zone playoffs. The host country (United States) automatically qualifies with the remaining five teams (Zones A, B, C, D and E) competing during the summer and qualifying by the end of July 2025. The five zones are: Zone A – North and Central America Zone B – South America Zone C – Europe Zone D – Asia and Oceania Zone E – Pakistan, India and Iran www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

The VIII Thai Polo Cup

News

2025 Triple Crown Teams Confirmed Argentine BPP Rocksavage & Hipwood Merged into Pony Association of Club

BPP

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 Pony Clubthe polo please contact Following culmination of theCharles 2024 promoting talent for the benefit of all players Whittington, or for Hipwood and Rocksavage Argentine Triple Crown, the Argentine and the sport in the future. With generous specifically Emerson.

Associationcontact of Polo Jilly (AAP) Board of Directors announced their handicap changes.

Among the most important increases Cruz Heguy and Lukin Monteverde were The 2025 Argentine Triple Crown teams have been confirmed raised from 8 to 9; Antonio Heguy, Benjamin Panelo, Facundo Llosa, Gonzalo Ferrari, Isidro Following the culmination of the 2024 The 2025 Argentine Triple Crown Teams: Strada and Mariano Gonzalez were raised Argentine Triple Crown in December, there TBA (40): Adolfo Cambiaso (10), from 7 to 8; and Beltran Laulhé, Lorenzo has been a lot of movement amongst the Poroto Cambiaso (10), Camilo ‘Jeta’ Chavanne, Felix Esain, Javier Guerrero, Jesse teams for the 2025 tournament. Unlike last Castagnola (10) & Barto Castagnola (10) Bray, Joaquin Panelo, Paco de Narvaez and season, 2025 will see only one 40 goal La Hache La Irenita (37): Hilario Ulloa (9), Ricardo Garros were raised from 6 to 7. line-up while four teams will have a 10 goal Francisco Elizalde (9), Pablo Mac Donough (10) Fair Play player in their line-ups. & Nachi du Plessis (9) David ‘Pelón’ Stirling, who also Award: The much-anticipated joining of forces El Overo Z7 UAE (37): Polito Pieres (9), announced his retirement from The Triple Carlos saw Braun between Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso with Lukin Monteverde (9), Tomás Panelo (9) Crown, his handicap reduced from Jeta and Barto Castagnola (who won the & Juan Martín Nero (10) 10 to 9 as well as Alfredo Bigatti and Juan Carlos 2024 Argentine Open with La Natividad) Ellerstina (36): Facundo Pieres (10), Britos from 9 to 8 goals; Cristian Laprida, María Ulloa will be the only 40 goal team in this year’s Gonzalo Pieres (9), Antonio Heguy (8) Facundo Fernández Llorente, Ignacio Novillo addition.

Meanwhile, Facundo & Cruz Heguy (9) Astrada, Jacinto Crotto, Juan Ruiz Guiñazú, Santiago Llavallol & Carlos Marí a Ulloa Pieres will once again be wearing the Ellerstina shirt; La Ensenada (34): Juano Britos (8), Martín Podestá and Tomás Fernández La Hache are combining forces with Sapo Caset (9), Jerónimo del Carril (9) Llorente from 8 to 7; and those of Bautista La Irenita and there is aPolo brand line-up will be competing & RufinoinBensadón (8)Rider Cup García, Facundo Obregón, Juan A. García Clubnew Niederweiden the 2022 Polo for El Overo Z7 UAE. TBA (32): Benjamín Panelo (8), Grossi, Mariano Aguerre, Matías Magrini and Facundo Sola (8), Paquito de Narváez (7) Sebastián Merlos from 7 to 6.

Meanwhile, Uruguay-born legend David Three teams have been confirmed for the PoloMartín Rider Cup & Juan Zubía2022: (9) ‘Pelón’additional Stirling, has announced his retirement The AAP Board of Directors also Araucaria Polo Club willCrown comprise Fabio Meier Los (1), Luca Meier (1), Machitos (32): Tortito Ruíz Jorba (8), from the Argentine Triple afterofcompeting announced changes to 40 women’s handicaps Fabian Bolanterio Finals.

(4) & Adrian Laplacette Club Niederweiden Lacau (8), Diego will Cavanagh (8) (23 increases and 17 decreases) with Cande in 15 consecutive Stirling has won (6); PoloTeo compete in The Polo tournaments Rider Cup forwith the first with four Grabosh Alfredo Bigatti (8)brothers Fernández Araujo and Hazel Jackson rising all three Triple Crown 10 time, & (Paul, Anton and Emil/Michl) competing alongsideLa Santi Schweitzer; the (32): Hache Cría & Polo from 9 to 10; Mía Cambiaso and Milly Hine Argentine Opens, eight Hurlingham Opens Preußischer Polo &friendly Country Club Berlin line-up will be:(8), Kutlay Carlos María Ulloa Joaquín Pittaluga (8), were raised from 8 to 9; and Azucena Uranga and sixCall Tortugas to his name – asBrandenburg well ourOpens subscriptions team: 01452 730 770 Yaprak Max Bosch (3),visit Valentin Novillo (6) & Moritz Gädeke Bautista Bayugar (8) & (3).

Iñaki Laprida (8) from 6 to 7 being some the changes. as three(0), consecutive Triple Crownwww.polotimes.co.uk titles withAstrada Team Preußischer Polo & just Country ClubofBerlin Brandenburg or La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Photograph by Matías Callejo / Prensa AAP

Photography by Matias Callejo

Bellamar Pampa Norte comeback, but by the fifth and sixth chukkas, it was Lavinia 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

AAP Handicap Changes

MVP

Polo Rider Cup 2022

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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

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

Prevention, Christmas

Workout & 2021

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Photography by PRC

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Prevention, Christmas

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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

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Prevention, Christmas

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POLO IMMIGRATION SPECIALISTS 01798 343693 WWW.POLOPERMITS.CO.UK Authorised by the OISC Ref No F201400827

www.polotimes.co.uk 8 Polo Times, March 2022 6 February 2025

Polo Times, December 2021 / January 2022 27 www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography by Sam Churchill

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News England vs Brazil in 2025 Coronation Cup Photograph by @polofeelinguru

Cibao La Pampa, winners of The 72nd Uruguay Polo Open

Photograph by HPA

England last faced Brazil in The Coronation Cup in 2011

The Hurlingham Polo Association has announced that England will face Brazil in the 2025 Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Club on Saturday 26 July. It will be the fourth time the two sides have faced each other in The Coronation Cup with wins for England in the three previous encounters (1996, 2001 and 2011). Jose Kablin, President of the CBP, commented, “The Brazilian Polo Confederation is honoured to accept the

invitation; for Brazil it is undoubtedly an opportunity to play on the best polo fields in England with the best English polo players.”.

Brazil has a strong international record with three World Championship titles (1995, 2001 and 2004). The match will be played as part of The International Day at Guards Polo Club which will also feature Young England in The Whitbread Tankard. The teams have yet to be announced.

The 72nd Uruguay Polo Open Eight teams up to 18 goals competed over two leagues in The 72nd Uruguay Polo Open at Punta del Este Polo & Country Club. Amongst the eight teams, six players had taken part in the 2024 Argentine Triple Crown – Poroto Cambiaso, Benjamín Panelo, Alfredo Bigatti, Lukin Monteverde, Diego Cavanagh and Felipe Vercellino – and the tournament also included Paquito de Narváez who will be taking part in this year’s Argentine Open. The Final was played on Sunday 5 January and saw Cibao La Pampa (Juan Pepa, Benicio Laguarda, Paquito de Narvaez & Poroto Cambiaso) beat SPC Dole 8-5 in the Final.

Stonehenge Polo Festival 2025 Seriously Cool Events has announced the dates for the 2025 Stonehenge Polo Festival partnered with Druids Lodge Polo Club on Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 July. The weekend is set to be a celebration of polo in the Southwest with games including The Balaclava Trophy and The RAF vs Army Sassoon Cup. Gazebo/ picnic spots are available to reserve and a trade village including a selection of food trucks and the British Polo Gin bar will be on hand to keep everyone fed and watered. With under four-year-olds enjoying free entry, plus children’s entertainment and the local Hunt hound parade, there will be something for everyone.

For more information and/or to purchase your tickets scan the QR code.

Photography by Michael Berkeley

The 2025 Stonehenge Polo Festival will be over 5 – 6 July

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Polo Times, February 2025

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News Obituary Rufino Lauhlé

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Rufino Lauhlé, the son of former Argentine Triple Crown player Gastón Lauhlé and his wife Verónica, was one of polo’s most promising young talents. Rufino sadly passed away in a tragic car accident in Argentina on Monday 20 January.

Rufino was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and grew up in Buenos Aires and La Pampa where he began playing polo at María Chavanne’s polo school, La Dolfinita, in Cañuelas with his brother Beltrán. Despite his young age, his skill and talent were soon picked up by Ali Albwardy, patron of Dubai Polo Team, and Lolo Castagnola who selected Rufino and Beltrán to play in Dubai and La Natividad teams.

Last year Rufino had huge successes in polo, winning The Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Cub for Argentina and after scoring seven goals he was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award. He then went on to win an international test match between Argentina and Spain in Sotogrande, Spain where he was again awarded the Most Valuable Player prize. He also took part in the Sotogrande 22 goal season for Mateen Bolkiah’s MB Polo and playing alongside Poroto Cambiaso and Pablo MacDonough they reached The Silver Cup Final.

The autumn of 2024 saw Rufino return to Argentina with Beltrán where they won The Junior Argentine Open playing for Ellerstina NZPS. In December 2024, the Argentine Olympic Committee presented Rufino with the 2024 Centennial Award (Polo) for outstanding sports performance.

At just 15-years-old he represented the future of Argentine polo and his talent and dedication had already seen him represent his country in the sport he loved.

Obituary Martin ‘Chochan’ Garrahan

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Martin ‘Chochan’ Garrahan left an indelible mark on the polo world with his career as a high goal player and then his work as a polo commentator. He tragically lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on 20 January 2025.

Chochan was born in Villa Cañás, Santa Fe. He started playing polo with his brother Patricio at La Espadaña, the club in Lobos, where they lived. Inheriting his father Alex’s passion for the sport, he won two Junior Argentine Opens at 20 and 21-years-old and then jumped into The Argentine Open in 1994 and 1995 with Centauros.

Reaching 8 goals he was part of the success of polo in Brunei.

After his time in Brunei (1995 – 1999) he started to play again in the Cámara de Diputados Cup, which he won in 2000 and 2001. He won in 2001 alongside Pablo and Matías MacDonough for La Irenita and they played in The Argentine Open the following year.

His passion for polo and horses led him into breeding horses with his father Alex, himself an Argentine Open champion in 1986 and then in 2003 setting up his own Polo Club, Polo One in General Rodríguez which today is a busy Club in Argentina and hosts several tournaments across all levels in the autumn and spring.

Alongside his extensive polo career, Chochan began commentating for ESPN in 1994 and continued to do so for the next three decades

Polo Times, February 2025

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picture

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Saudia Arabia is well-known for its hospitality, so it was little surprise that the six international polo teams who visited to compete in The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Trophy were indulged with the best cuisine and culture on offer.

In between the energetic competition in the arena at AlFursan Equestrian Village, the teams marvelled at Hegra – Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hegra reveals the fascinating Nabataean history which dates back to the 6th century BC with over 110 preserved tombs and ancient wonders. w Photography by Royal Commission for AlUla

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Polo Times, February 2025

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Reports

The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship

Snow Polo Showdown: Aspen Seamless teamwork secures The Agency win

The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship Final Teams

The Agency Grant Ganzi Pierre Henri Ngoumou Jason Crowder 12

Polo Times, February 2025

St. Regis Nacho Figueras Tony Calle Alejandro Novillo Astrada

St. Regis’ Nacho Figueras with MVP Grant Ganzi in pursuit

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The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship

BPP

BPP APHA BPP: Orangina, played by Jason Crowder and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm

T

he St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship is the only snow polo tournament in North America and 2024 was its 12th anniversary. Played annually at Aspen Valley Polo Club in Colorado, USA, four teams up to 17 goals took part in the two day tournament with St. Regis and The Agency qualifying for the Final.

MVP Grant Ganzi

FINAL

1 9 8 1 DE

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Reports

DEC

Where: Aspen Valley Polo Club, Colorado

Onyx, played by Grant Ganzi and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm Grant Ganzi and Jason Crowder teamed up for 2024’s tournament, having been on opposing sides for the 2023 St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship which saw Grant Ganzi’s Casablanca beat Aspen Valley 8-6; so the stage was set for a competitive day of action against the backdrop of the sun-soaked Colorado Rockies.

Home team favourites St. Regis began with an early 2-0 lead but beleaguered by penalties, The Agency were able to capitalise on these opportunities to level the scores halfway through the first chukka and extended this to a 4-2 lead going into the second chukka. As the balanced team showed their St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship experience, they pulled further away to lead by three goals, 6-3, at half-time. Despite scoring opportunities for St. Regis, the lead stayed out of their reach as The Agency dialled in their defence to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second half. Ganzi, scored his third field goal (as well as four penalty conversions) to confirm his fifth St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship win. Ganzi commented after the game, “It was an amazing day. It was a pleasure to play with my team mates. Jason was just a beast and Pedrito never gave up. The crowd went wild and fueled us. It was an honour to play for The Agency.”

Photography by Nick Tininenko

zdfvzdf www.polotimes.co.uk

The Agency, winners of The 2024 St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship (L-R: Pierre Henri Ngoumou, Grant Ganzi & Jason Crowder)

Polo Times, February 2025

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Reports

The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship Texas Aggies’ Christian Aycinena drives to goal with Fawkes Polo in pursuit

The Sportsmanship Award: Mark Osburn (Bar-Spur)

Second Half

Comeback for

Fawkes Polo Final full of spills & thrills in Texas

O

n Monday 16 December, Fawkes Polo and Texas Aggies competed in The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship at Brookshire Polo Club, USA. This tournament is the highest level of arena polo played in the United States with a history dating back to 1926, which was won by Yale University in its inaugural year. 2024 saw the tournament move to Texas ‘the Lone Star State’ for the first time and nine teams competed for the title and the $30,000 prize money up for grabs. At the Semi Final stage, the top four teams continued to compete in The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship, while the remaining five teams moved to play in The United States Arena Handicap, played as a Subsidiary and which was ultimately won by Prestonwood/ Broken Taco.

Both teams were undefeated going into the Final but it was the Texas Aggies who dominated the first chukka with three goals from Zak Coleman leading them to a 5-1 advantage. Fawkes Polo fought back early in the second chukka with a goal from Miguel Torres Jr., but a two player collision resulted in his third yellow card for the match and he was sidelined for four minutes. Despite being a player short, Ian Schnoebelen and Jared Sheldon worked tirelessly together to hold their ground and kept the score within reach going into half-time, 10-5 in favour of Texas Aggies.

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Polo Times, February 2025

As the teams re-entered the arena for the third chukka, Jack McLean stepped in to substitute for Torres Jr. who had sustained an injury during the second chukka. McLean had competed in the earlier rounds of the competition for Dallas Polo Club, who had been beaten by Fawkes Polo in the Semi Finals. McLean and Sheldon had played together in the past, notably in the 2023 FIP Arena World Polo Championship in Argentina where they won silver for USA. The substitution required a reorganisation of the team and the impact was instant as McLean and Sheldon worked together to swing the momentum in their favour and bring Fawkes Polo within three goals, 12-9. The third chukka saw another line-up change, but this time for Texas Aggies who replaced an injured Christian Aycinena with 8 goaler Shane Rice. Fawkes Polo pushed ahead and took their first lead of the match, nudging ahead by one goal, 13-12, at the end of the third chukka. Fawkes Polo found another gear in the fourth and final chukka to secure themselves a convincing 21-13 win, with three impressive goals from an unstoppable McLean, as well as the $30,000 prize money. Scoring six goals in two chukkas, substitute McLean was chosen as the Most Valuable Player and commented after the match, “It was a wild game, amazing players and amazing teammates, I’m so grateful to them for believing in me, and putting me in there.”

FINAL

9 16

DE

C

DEC

Where: Brookshire Polo Club, Texas

“Anything can happen in the arena […] we did it the hard way. We were still in it; it didn’t matter how many goals we were down” Ian Schnoebelen

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The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship

MVP

Reports

BPP Maywest, played by Miguel Torres Jr. and Jack McLean and by Chloe Torres

Jack McLean

Photography by David Murrell

Fawkes Polo, winners of The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship

The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship Final Teams

Fawkes Polo (15) Ian Schnoebelen (4) Jared Sheldon (7) Miguel Torres Jr. (4) (substituted by Jack McLean (5))

Texas Aggies Zak Coleman Christian Aycinena (substituted by Shane Rice Will Mudra

(13) (4) (6) (8)) (3)

Chukka Scores: 1-5, 5-10, 13-12 & 21-13 to Fawkes Polo

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, February 2025

15

Reports

The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Trophy

AlUla

Desert Polo Spectacle A thrilling fusion of sport and heritage

S

et against the breathtaking backdrop of the AlUla desert, with its awe-inspiring rock formations and exceptional hospitality, six international teams battled for glory over two days in the fourth edition of The AlUla Desert Polo Trophy.

The tournament brought together world-class players in a spectacular competition organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Saudi Arabian Polo Federation with Richard Mille as headline sponsor once again. More than just a sporting event, it was a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s equestrian heritage, the region’s stunning landscapes, and its rich history. As Ziad Alsuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer at RCU, remarked, “Polo finds a natural home in AlUla. With its breathtaking terrain and deep-rooted equestrian traditions, AlUla is an ideal stage for showcasing the elegance and skill of this magnificent sport.”

The tournament coincided with the AlUla Arts Festival, one of five signature events in the AlUla Moments calendar, which showcases a dynamic blend of contemporary and ancient art experiences.

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Polo Times, February 2025

Richard Mille, winners of The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Trophy

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Trophy

Reports

18 7 1 JA

N

JAN

Where: AlFursan Equestrian Village, AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Photography by Royal Commission for AlUla

FINAL

“Polo finds a natural home in AlUla” Ziad Alsuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer at RCU

The breathtaking backdrop for the tournament

A standout highlight was Ludovico Einaudi’s mesmerising concert at Maraya – the world’s largest mirrored building – seamlessly reflecting the stark beauty of AlUla’s breathtaking landscape. Some things must be seen and heard to be truly believed possible.

Flying in over the Mars-like landscape, it was almost impossible to imagine a polo tournament unfolding in such an arid setting. Yet, with the grand vision and scale that only Saudi Arabia can achieve, the AlFursan Equestrian Village emerged from the sands like a shimmering mirage. This sleek, air-conditioned complex led seamlessly to an arenaside viewing platform, where every detail had been meticulously curated for spectators. Refreshing fruit juice mixology blends, sumptuous plates of dates, and a vibrant array of cultural exhibits, live music, and interactive activities ensured an unforgettable experience. For the players, a traditional Bedouin tent at one end of the arena provided the perfect retreat – both a tactical hub and a place to unwind after each match. www.polotimes.co.uk

A victorious Richard Mille greet their fans

Polo Times, February 2025

17

Reports

The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Trophy

Against this striking desert backdrop, a train of camels passing in the distance only added to the spectacle.

On Friday 17 January the six teams were divided into two Zones with AlUla, Dadan and Ikmah in Zone A and Bentley, Budget and Richard Mille in Zone B – each team competed in their zone’s round robin which determined the standings for the matches on Finals’ Day. Based on these results, Zone A winners Ikmah faced Zone B winners Richard Mille in the Final on Saturday 18 January, while Zone A runners-up AlUla faced Zone B runners-up Bentley in The Subsidiary Cup Final and the two third-placed teams Dadan and Budget took part in The Wooden Spoon Cup Final.

The final day of the tournament opened with a thrilling Wooden Spoon Cup Final, where both teams fought fiercely in the arena. The match was led by the two professional female players Milly Hine and Mia Cambiaso, who commanded their teams in a gripping contest that fired up the recordbreaking crowds. In the end, Dadan edged out Budget in a nail-biting 7-6 victory, setting the stage for an unforgettable day of polo.

As guests indulged in an array of exquisite culinary delights, anticipation built for The Subsidiary Cup Final, where Zone A runners-up Team AlUla faced off against Zone B runners-up Team Bentley.

Adding to the spectacle, polo legend Adolfo Cambiaso and his son Poroto Cambiaso found themselves on opposing sides, setting the stage for a thrilling family showdown. Poroto dazzled the crowd with his breathtaking stick-and-ball skills, juggling the ball in mid-air more often than it touched the ground. Not to be outdone, Adolfo reminded everyone why he is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, unleashing a thunderous shot from his own backline that soared straight through the goalposts at the opposite end of the arena. As with the opening match, the contest was fiercely fought, with just a single goal deciding the outcome. In the end, Bentley edged out AlUla with a hard-fought 6-5 victory, adding another thrilling chapter to an unforgettable weekend of polo.

With arena-side anticipation at its peak, the stage was set for The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Trophy Final – Richard Mille and Ikmah did not disappoint.

Mohammed El Sewedy opened the scoring for Richard Mille, while Nacho Figueras and Pablo MacDonough stuck together like Velcro in their battle for possession. The equally matched first chukka saw Ikmah trying to level the scores, but a wonderfully intuitive back hand shot from MacDonough saw Richard Mille extend their lead, 2-0, at the end of the first chukka.

Nacho Figueras turned on the afterburners in the second chukka to ignite Ikmah’s offense and with both sides battling fiercely for possession, at half-time they were still separated by two goals, 4-2 to Richard Mille. Figueras kicked off the second half perfectly with a goal, back and forth play between the two sides saw goals from El Sewedy 18

Polo Times, February 2025

“If anybody is thinking to visit Saudi Arabia, definitely come and enjoy this extraordinary Kingdom” Clare Milford Haven

MVP

HRH Prince Hamza bin Abbas

Best Female Player Award: Clare Milford Haven

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Trophy and HRH Prince Hamza bin Abbas with end-toend action levelling the scores at 5-5 going into the fourth chukka. Going into the final period of play, with the Trophy for grabs it really was anyone’s game. Several minutes of open, running polo saw the two teams level again, 6-6. MacDonough converted a penalty with less than a minute left to play to take the lead and Clare Milford Haven swiftly followed this up with an excellent ball carry down to goal which was then passed from MacDonough to El Sewedy to take the win 8-6 in a true display of teamwork.

BPP

Reports

Both teams rode around the arena, high fiving the spectators and Richard Mille enjoying their success. Clare Milford Haven commented, “It’s been incredible, beyond what I imagined. I didn’t really know what to expect, but this tournament has the best of everything; amazing polo, great people, incredible atmosphere and wonderful landscape, sporting tradition, history, and culture. I would absolutely adore to come back, and if anybody is thinking to visit Saudi Arabia, definitely come and enjoy this extraordinary Kingdom.”

Obsoleta, bred by La Dolfina and played by Pablo MacDonough

Photography by Royal Commission for AlUla

This year saw Adolfo Cambiaso playing against his son Poroto (pictured) & his daughter Mia

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, February 2025

19

Reports

The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Trophy

THE 2025 RICHARD MILLE ALULA DESERT POLO TROPHY TEAMS

Richard Mille (1ST PLACE) Pablo MacDonough Mohammed El Sewedy Clare Mountbatten, Marchioness of Milford Haven

Ikmah (2ND PLACE) Nacho Figueras Ploy Bhinsaeng HRH Prince Hamza bin Abbas

Bentley (3RD PLACE) Poroto Cambiaso Sarah Siegel-Magness HRH Sultan bin Khaled Al Faisal

AlUla (4TH PLACE) Adolfo Cambiaso Clarinda Tija-Dharmandi HRH Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Salman Al Saud

Dadan (5TH PLACE) Mia Cambiaso Miguel Morel HRH Prince Abbas bin All

Budget (6TH PLACE) Milly Hine Phillip Mueller Henry (Harry) David Louis Mountbatten, Earl of Medina

Chukka scores: 2-0, 4-2, 5-5, 8-6 to Richard Mille For social pictures from the tournament, please turn to our Sidelines pages

Ben Turner

Two different types of horsepower combine in the arena

20

Polo Times, February 2025

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Reports

The Bryan Morrison Trophy

Under The Wire Win

Argentina for

Reversal of fortunes for England in closing minutes

Spectators braved the chilly, cold weather to support the two teams

22

Polo Times, February 2025

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Bryan Morrison Trophy

18 JAN

Where: All England Polo Club, Hickstead

E

ngland and Argentina went head-to-head in The Bryan Morrison Trophy as part of The International Polo Day at All England Polo Club, Hickstead. The day kicked off with a Junior match between Ranelagh and Hurlingham – please turn to the Youth pages to read more.

A cold and grey day awaited spectators at All England Polo Club, Hickstead but the Clubhouse was on hand as always to provide some muchneeded relief from the elements with hot chocolates the order of the day.

Following the Hurlingham Polo Association’s (HPA) England team announcement, there were grumbles on the polo grapevine. Questions were being asked as to why, with a wealth of grassroots arena players, who have played their way up through SUPA and the Pony Club, waiting for the call-up and the HPA looking to highlight the efficacy of their Performance Pathway programme, these homegrown talents, with the exception of Captain Jack Hyde, were overlooked for selection?

After whistle-heavy opening minutes with both teams fighting to be the first to get onto the scoreboard, the game did open up and the cohesion between Matias Amaya and Hyde, who have played together in the previous two Bryan Morrison Trophies, paid off. Grant Collett also added to the England score in the first chukka and England went into the second chukka with a 6-1 lead. End-to-end action in the second chukka saw a flurry of goals for both sides with Argentina closing the gap to 9-6 going into half-time. For Argentina Captain Alfredo Bigatti, who has more experience playing in the snow polo arena than in UK arenas, he hit his form in the second half and the Argentine team began to eat into England’s lead. With just over 3½ minutes left of the fourth chukka England were still ahead, 15-13, but Argentina found another gear and both teams were tied at 17-17 as the match was pushed into an extra chukka. Following a melee in the goalmouth, it was Argentina who found the goal first and secured the win, 18-17. After trailing through most of the match, a jubilant Argentine team took to the podium, their first Bryan Morrison title at the first time of asking – not bad at all!

BPP

Tim Bown & Marcus Hancock

Reports

MVP Alfredo Bigatti

Always Chispita, owned and played by Matias Amaya

A jubilant Argentina team, winners of The Bryan Morrison Trophy

Photography by The Art Of Polo/Hurlingham Polo Association

The Bryan Morrison Trophy Teams

www.polotimes.co.uk

England (20) Jack Hyde (Captain) (8) Matias Amaya (7) Grant Collett (5)

Argentina (19) Alfredo Bigatti (8) Adolfo Casabal (6) Nico Roberts (5)

Chukka scores: 6-1, 9-6, 13-11, 18-17 to England

Polo Times, February 2025

23

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Arena Victor Ludorum Update

Reports

Arena Victor Ludorum Update

Photograph by The Art of Polo

Wet Winter Season T 15 Goal action at Emsworth Polo Grounds

Finals at Oxford Polo, Longdole & RCBPC www.polotimes.co.uk

he 2024/25 Winter Victor Ludorum series has been beleaguered by poor weather at the start of the year and limited entries in some of the lower handicaps regionally. However, the 12 and 15 goal levels have seen competitive action. A big well done to those clubs who have managed to reschedule weather-delayed matches as well as the players and grooms who have turned out despite the persistent wet weather this winter.

Polo Times, February 2025

25

Reports

Arena Victor Ludorum Update

15 Goal

Beaufort Polo Club – The Equus Flask Final – Friday 10 January Number of teams: Four Winners: Tchogan Polo Performance Points: 15 After the originally scheduled Final was postponed due to poor weather before Christmas, the 15 Goal VL for The Equus Flask Final was played on Friday 10 January between Red Star and Tchogan Polo Performance. On a chilly but bright morning the two teams battled it out in the Beaufort arena, with Tchogan Polo Performance narrowly clinching the win by one goal, 16-15.

The Equus Flask Final Teams: Tchogan Polo Performance (15): Heiko Voelker (1), Tom Morley (7) & Will Emerson (7) Red Star (15): Ricky Cooper (1), Matias Amaya (7) & Mikey Henderson (7) Photograph by BPC

Tchogan Polo Performance, winners of The Equus Flask

Emsworth Polo Grounds – The HPA 15 Goal National Club Championships Final – Sunday 19 January Number of teams: Six Winners: Tchogan Polo Performance Points: Awaiting ratification by HPA

Tchogan Polo Performance continued their 15 goal winning streak with a win against Hedonism at Emsworth Polo Grounds in mid-January. They beat Hedonism 20-15 in the Final while Red Star won the Subsidiary Final. To read more about Emsworth Polo Grounds, please turn to the Club Spotlight pages.

The HPA 15 Goal National Club Championships Final Teams: Tchogan Polo Performance (15): Will Emerson (7), Tom Morley (7) & Heiko Voelker (1) Hedonism (15): Jack Hyde (8), James Mann (6) & Evgeny Chichvarkin (1)

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Polo Times, February 2025

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography by The Art of Polo

Tchogan Polo Performance, winners of The HPA 15 Goal National Club Championships Final

Arena Victor Ludorum Update

Reports

12 Goal

Photography by The Art of Polo

Emsworth Polo Grounds – The Argentine Embassy Cup Final – Saturday 21 December Number of teams: Six Winners: Red Star Points: 60 Three exciting and action-packed matches were played during the day which was attended by Mariana Plaza, the Argentine Ambassador to the UK. The Argentine Embassy Cup Final was won by Red Star polo team 16-15. The Final went into an extra chukka and was completely turned around by the Red Star team in the second half of the match, to take home a victorious win.

The Subsidiary Final was won by Hedonism 21-12 and The Consul Cup was won by Kusnacht Practice 17-14. The prize-giving was supported by the Argentine Embassy with Ambassador Mariana Plaza presenting the winners with their trophies and prizes at the Clubhouse, followed by a celebratory Argentine lunch .

The Argentine Embassy Cup Final Teams: Four Quarters (12): Tom Morley (7), Josh Clover (4) & Simon Arber (1) Red Star (13): Mikey Henderson (7), Grant Collet (5) & Ricky Cooper (1) Four Quarters & Red Star in the Final

A victorious Red Star with Mariana Plaza, the Argentine Ambassador to the UK

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, February 2025

27

Reports

Arena Victor Ludorum Update

Oxford Polo – The Oxfordshire Cup Final – Sunday 26 January Number of teams: Six Winners: Red Star Points: Awaiting ratification by HPA

Red Star, winners of The Oxfordshire Cup

Photograph by Oxford Polo

The 12 goal Oxfordshire Cup was hotly contested with six teams entering, despite being subjected to persistent wind and rain, it was Tchogan Polo Performance and Red Star who made it through the group stages to battle in the Final. Red Star started the match strongly, leading 8-2 at the end of the first chukka. Even with Tchogan Polo Performance fighting back, they were able to hold onto this lead throughout the match finishing with a final score of 17-11. Mikey Henderson was awarded with Most Valuable Player, and his pony Go Go won Best Playing Pony honours.

The Oxfordshire Cup Final Teams: Red Star (13): Mikey Henderson (7), Grant Collet (5) & Ricky Cooper (1) Tchogan Polo Performance (12): Heiko Voelker (1), Max Voelker (4) & Will Emerson (7)

6 Goal Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club – The 6 Goal HPA National Club Championships Final – Sunday 12 January Number of teams: Winners: Points: On Sunday 12 January, Hedonism secured The HPA National Club Championships 4-6 Goal with a 19-14 win against Los Quirones. Nick Van Oppen was named Most Valuable Player and Bugsy, played by Nick Van Oppen and owned by Mariano Darritchon, was the Best Playing Pony. The Subsidiary Final was won by Red Star with a narrow one goal lead against See London By Night, 15-14.

The HPA National Club Championships 6 Goal Final Teams: Hedonism (6): Evgeny Chichvarkin (1), Nick Van Oppen (2) & Roy Prisk (3) Los Quirones (5): Isabel Milojevic (-1), Andrew Stuart (1) & Ed Morris-Lowe (5) Photograph by Johnathan Bowker

Hedonism, winners of The 6 Goal HPA National Club Championships

Action from the RCBPC’s arena in the Final

28

Polo Times, February 2025

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Club Focus

Emsworth Polo Grounds Club Spotlight

Photograph by Charles Sainsbury-Plaice EPG has both a summer (picture) & winter Clubhouse

EPG’s 93x44m arena

Emsworth Polo Grounds

Photograph by The Art of Polo

Arena excellence at Emsworth

The arena is used throughout the winter season with tournaments at all levels including 15, 12 and 8 goal

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Polo Times, February 2025

www.polotimes.co.uk

Emsworth Polo Grounds Club Spotlight

Club Focus

WINTER POLO SEASON FIXTURE LIST 2024/25 OCTOBER 05 Oct – 06 Oct Challenge Matches Open 12 Oct – 13 Oct Challenge Matches Open 19 Oct – 20 Oct Challenge Matches Open 26 Oct – 27 Oct The Starting Cup 6to8 NOVEMBER 30 Oct – 03 Nov Emsworth Cup 6 to 8 06 Nov – 10 Nov Autumn Cup 10 to 12 12 Nov – 17 Nov Blackhound Winter Series 13 to 15 23 Nov – 24 Nov Challenge Matches Open DECEMBER 28 Nov – 01 Dec The Emsworth Challenge 4 to 6 04 Dec – 08 Dec The Winkfield Trophy 6 to 8 10 Dec – 21 Dec The Ambassador Winter Cup VL 10 to 12 22 Dec – 24 Dec The Christmas Cup Open 26 Dec Boxing Day Games Open 28 Dec – 31 Dec The New Year Cup 4 to 6/Open JANUARY 02 Jan – 05 Jan Ocean Born Trophy 10 to 12 07 Jan – 19 Jan HPA Club Nationals VL 13 to 15 07 Jan – 12 Jan Mid-Winter Cup 8 to 10 21 Jan – 26 Jan The January Bowl 6 to 8 27 Jan – 02 Feb Emsworth 6VL League 4 to 6 Photograph by The Art of Polo

FEBRUARY 03 Feb – 09 Feb The Windsor Shield 10 to 12 12 Feb – 16 Feb Buenos Aires Cup 4 to 8 12 Feb – 16 Feb Victrix Cup Ladies 4 to 6 20 Feb – 23 Feb The February Challenge Open 25 Feb – 02 Mar The Platinum Cup 12 to 15 27 Feb – 02 Mar The One Hundred Ladies Open Open Simon Arber (centre) lifting high The Mid 2025 Winter Cup at EPG

Club Stats Facilities Clubhouse

Answer Yes two, Summer & Winter Clubhouses Pony Hire Yes during the winter season only Wooden Horse Yes Coaches/Instructors Yes Exercise Track Yes Indoor School No Stables to Hire Yes Turn out Fields Yes Arena Yes Size of Arena 93x44m (in metres) Grooms’ Yes, 18 in total Accommodation Number of Grounds Two full size + Stick & Ball ground www.polotimes.co.uk

Emsworth Polo Grounds are based in the heart of Berkshire, just three miles from Windsor and are the brainchild of Simon and Romilla Arber. Following the establishment of their Four Quarters team (in 2007), by 2009 they were looking for a permanent location for their team and the 72 acres setting of Emsworth fitted the bill perfectly. During the summer months Emsworth host a high goal team and have their own Four Quarters teams based there; this means that they are a significantly different organisation in the summer than they are in the winter months.

During the winter they provide all the services you would expect from an arena Club (stabling, pony hire, lessons etc.) with several 15, 12 and 8 goal arena tournaments.

Club Address & Contact: Emsworth Polo Grounds, Drift Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4RL www.emsworthpologrounds.com Tel: 01344 883112 Winter Polo Manager: Mariano Darritchon (Tel: 07947 725306) What year was the Club founded & by who?

Emsworth Polo Grounds was founded in 2009 by Simon and Romilla Arber as they needed somewhere for their Four Quarters team to be based and Emsworth Polo Grounds were ideal. Simon has invested

hugely in the grounds and the infrastructure there, the stables, the walking track, arena and social amenities.

Any highlights for 2024/25 arena season?

The Argentinian Embassy Cup (to date always attended by the Argentinian Ambassador to the UK): The Polo Arena Nationals. Additionally, several 15, 12 and 8 goal tournaments and numerous challenge matches throughout the season. They also run ad hoc low goal tournaments during the winter.

Any Club improvements you’d like to highlight?

The arena was totally rebuilt in 2019. The surface was renewed this winter season (November 2024). The Emsworth Polo Grounds team is committed to providing the best facilities and making sure every player, family member, groom, spectator, and dog feels welcome there and can enjoy the sport of polo including the camaraderie and social aspects of the sport.

Does the Club specialise in a certain area of polo?

Emsworth Polo Grounds are absolutely dedicated to offering the best playing facilities, both during the summer season and the winter, including their grounds arena, Clubhouse, stables and grooms’ accommodation etc.

Polo Times, February 2025

31

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Oxford Polo Photograph by Oxford Polo

Played across three days in a round robin format, The 6 Goal Resolutions Casket was won by LMSA Polo on Sunday 12 January.

In the team’s first tournament, Sanad and Saeed shared the number 1 spot, supported by George Fraemohs and Toby Bradshaw.

Both brothers made excellent contributions to the game, scoring important goals in their respective matches.

LMSA Polo, winners of The Resolutions Casket

Photography by GPC

Guards Polo Club is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year

Guards Polo Club This year will be the Club’s 70th anniversary! Their 2025 season will begin with the Members’ Welcome to the Season event on Saturday 12 April, when Members can collect their badges and catch up ahead of the season.

The Club has announced some of their key fixtures for the 2025 season with tickets being released on their website later this month: La Martina Varsity Day: 31 May 2025 The Cartier Queen’s Cup: Semi Finals 11 June 2025 & Finals 15 June 2025 The Out Sourcing Inc Royal Windsor Cup Final: 22 June 2025 The Archie David Cup Final: 29 June 2025 The Guards Ladies Charity Polo Day: 5 July 2025 The Prince of Wales Championship Cup: 10 August 2025 Guards Polo Club has announced that Aston Martin will be their official car partner in 2025 and headline sponsor for The Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup this year.

Oliver Turner, Regional President of Aston Martin in the UK and South Africa commented, “Aston Martin is delighted to be an official partner of Guards Polo Club for 2025. The sport provides us with exceptional opportunities to showcase our products to a discerning luxury audience and engage our loyal customer community at some of the UK’s most prestigious polo events. As a brand with a 112-year bloodline of iconic models with thrilling horsepower at its heart, we see great synergies with this exciting sport and look forward to working with Guards Polo Club this year.”

Beaufort Polo Club

The Beaufort International will be held on Saturday 14 June at Beaufort Polo Club (the day before The Cartier Queen’s Cup Final). As well as the international polo, there will also be a shopping village, bars and food, plus entertainment for all the family.

More information and tickets will be announced soon.

Thai Polo Club On Saturday 25 January, Thai Polo beat Fast Fish in The Thai Polo Open Final. Four teams up to 8 goals took part in the 2025 edition of the tournament and the Final was hard fought with Thai Polo narrowly securing the win by one goal, 7-6. The win was the first for the home team in 10 years in this tournament.

Aston Martin will be sponsor the 2025 Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, February 2025

33

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

La Aguada Polo Club

Photograph by Marcos Cerdeira

On Thursday 5 December, the Novillo Astrada family’s La Aguada Polo Club in Open Door, Argentina, hosted the second edition of The La Martina Guards Polo Club Challenge. Three teams, all featuring Playing Members from Guards Polo Club, competed in a round robin tournament which provided a competitive yet friendly event. The green-shirted La Martina team came out best, winning both of their contests. A key member of this squad was Lynly Fong, playing in this competition for the first time. She was later rewarded with the Most Valuable Player prize. Adrian Simonetti, President of La Martina, commented, “This tournament provides us with the very welcome opportunity to bring together our friends at La Aguada and Guards Polo Club in a celebration of these long-standing partnerships.

The La Martina Guards Polo Club Challenge Teams: La Martina: Lynly Fong, Jed Fong, Felipe Bargallo & Malcolm Borwick Guards Polo Club: Clive Reid, Dino Dhankhar, Elodie Avarguez & Ignacio Novillo Astrada La Aguada: Bernard Lazar, Otto Lazar, Cruz Novillo Astrada & Miguel Novillo Astrada

La Martina, winners of The La Martina Guards Polo Club Challenge

National Polo Center – Wellington Photograph by AAP

Trenque Lauquen La Fe, winners of The República Argentina Cup

Alfredo Lalor Headquarters

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Polo Times, February 2025

Photograph by David Lominska

On Thursday 12 December, Trenque Lauquen La Fe secured a narrow 19-18 victory over La Natividad to claim The República Argentina Cup. Originally scheduled for the Autumn Season, the tournament was postponed to the Spring due to adverse weather.

Trenque Lauquen La Fe, giving La Natividad a six goal handicap, triumphed in an extra chukka with a golden goal

by Francisco Elizalde. Despite a fiercely contested match, Trenque Lauquen La Fe made a remarkable second half comeback, outscoring La Natividad 11-5 to tie 18-all in regulation. Elizalde, who scored ten goals, secured the win with a 30-yard penalty, earning Trenque Lauquen their fifth title in this prestigious competition. Their previous wins were in 1952, 1955, 1966, and 1995.

The República Argentina Cup Final Teams: Trenque Lauquen La Fe (28): Hilario Ulloa (9), Juan Jauretche (7), Francisco Elizalde (9) & Louis Devaleix (3) La Natividad (22): Pedro Chavanne (3), León Donoso (4), Rufino Laulhé (5) & Barto Castagnola (10)

On Sunday 5 January, San Seba and ConcordEquityGroup.com went head-to-head in The Heritage Cup at the National Polo Center – Wellington. San Saba’s balanced team performance secured a 10-9 victory, reclaiming the top spot since 2023. Despite a late ConcordEquityGroup.com comeback led by the Escobar brothers.

Zubiaurre’s early dominance gave San Saba a 3-0 lead. Krueger added to the second chukka, countered by Hall and Nico Escobar.

Pieres and Krueger extended the lead to 6-2, with San Saba holding an 8-4 edge at half-time.

ConcordEquityGroup.com rallied in the fifth, with Lucas Escobar tying the match 8-8 early in the sixth. Pieres broke the tie, and Zubiaurre’s final goal sealed the win. Zubiaurre earned MVP honours, while Jeff Hall’s mare Machitos Teca was Best Playing Pony.

The Heritage Cup Final Teams: San Saba (16): Dawn Jones (1), Santiago Zubiaurre (5), Afonso Pieres (5) & Steve Krueger (5) ConcordEquityGroup.com (16): Dana Barnes (0), Jeff Hall (5), Nico Escobar (6) & Lucas Escobar (6)

2025 Heritage Cup winners, San Saba (L-R: Steve Krueger, Alfonso Pieres, Santiago Zubiaurre & Dawn Jones)

www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Druids Lodge Polo Club

Photography by Michael Berkeley

The Bodensee Trophy finalists

Four teams competed in The Bodensee Trophy over 28 – 29 December. The Final was played between Bagber House Farm and Cria Curzon with some close chukkas and fiercely fought action.

Stevie McCraith and Max Fernandez battled it out with Arthur Wade backing up McCraith. The evenly matched Final resulted in a 15-15 draw.

The Watersfield Trophy was played as a round robin tournament with the last match played on Saturday 11 January at the Fireside Polo Evening. Bagber House Farm beat Seriously Cool 13-10 in the first game and when they beat D&E 21-14 too they took the Trophy, so the Subsidiary Final was played between D&E and Seriously Cool Events at the Fireside Evening – it was a jolly cold evening but a good crowd kept warm enjoying the firepits, pizza and mulled wine.

Action from The Watersfield Trophy

Seriously Cool Events took the match 12-10, with Charlie Fraser chosen as Most Valuable Player and Druids’ Caipirinha selected as the Best Playing Pony.

The Bodensee Trophy Final Teams: Cria Curzon (7): Alex Welham (2), Isaac Urbina (2) & Max Fernandez (3) Bagber House Farm (6): Dom Jones (1), Arthur Wade (1) & Stevie McCraith (4) The Watersfield Trophy Teams: Bagber House Farm (7): Dom Jones (1), Bard Dommet (2) & Stevie McCraith (4) D&E (8): Steph Everard (0), Jess Andrews (3) & Maurice Ormerod (5) Seriously Cool Events (8): Charlie Fraser (1), Jacob Watson (2) & Robin Ormerod (5)

Al Habtoor Polo Club

Photography by AHPC

AM Polo, winners of The Sir Winston Churchill Cup

Over 10 – 14 December, Al Habtoor Polo Club hosted the 9th edition of The Sir Winston Churchill Cup which is held in honour of one of history’s most iconic leaders. The Final was played on Saturday 14 December between Habtoor Polo and AM Polo which saw both sides trade goals from the first throw in to the final whistle. Pablo Urquiza opened the

www.polotimes.co.uk

Bhansali Polo, winners of The AHPC January League

scoring for AM Polo but Habtoor Polo’s Santos Iriarte determinedly responded to level the scores; however, AM Polo ultimately triumphed with a 12-8 win to secure the 2024 Sir Winston Churchill Cup. The AHPC January League concluded on Saturday 11 January with the Final between Bhansali Polo and Jehangiri-PBS. Bhansali

Polo began with a 1½ goal handicap start and maintained their lead throughout the Final. Rishi Bhansali, who was on a goalscoring mission in the Final, was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award and Maru, owned by Ali Albwardy and ridden by Sebastian Dawnay, was named Best Playing Pony.

Polo Times, February 2025

35

International & Home

Women’s Polo

The USPA Women’s Gold Cup Photography by ©David Lominska

Most Valuable Player, Hazel Jackson

BTA Lazy 3’s KC Krueger vs North Star’s Meghan Gracida

The USPA Women’s Gold Cup is a brand new 18-22 goal tournament this year and the Final was held at Port Mayaca Polo Club in Okeechobee, Florida on Saturday 25 January. The inaugural tournament featured four of the six USPA Women’s Open Championship (BTA/Lazy 3, Buena Vibra, La Fe Eastern Hay and North Star). Following strong preliminary matches, BTA/Lazy 3 and North Star went into their qualifying match as the only two unbeaten teams, therefore already with a guaranteed place in the Final;

Best Playing Pony, LAC Verso, owned & played by Maddie Grant

so the teams decided to forfeit the match and focus on the Final.

North Star took an early lead as Micaela Saracco opened the scoring with a Penalty 2, followed by a field goal from Hazel Jackson for a 2-0 advantage. BTA/Lazy 3 responded in the second chukka with a goal from KC Krueger, but North Star quickly extended its lead to 4-1 with back-to-back goals.

Tightening their defence in the third chukka, BTA/Lazy 3 limited North Star’s opportunities, while Maddie Grant converted a Penalty 3 for the only goal of the chukka, North Star maintained control, entering halftime with a 4-2 lead.

Grant kept BTA/Lazy 3’s momentum alive, but responses from Meghan Gracida and Saracco widened North Star’s advantage to 6-3 by the end of the fourth chukka. The fifth chukka saw a shift when

an injury forced a substitution, with Lily Lequerica replacing Malia Bryan. Undeterred, Grant spearheaded BTA/Lazy 3’s attack with two consecutive goals, closing the gap to just one. However, a final push from Jackson and Gracida secured North Star’s 8-5 victory.

10 goaler Hazel Jackson earned Most Valuable Player honours and Best Playing Pony was awarded to LAC Verso, owned and played by Maddie Grant.

The USPA Women’s Gold Cup Final Teams: BTA/Lazy 3 (22): Jordan Fikes (3), KC Krueger (6), Maddie Grant (7) & Malia Bryan (6) (substituted by Lily Lequerica (4) in fifth chukka) North Star (22): Jennifer Buchan (2), Meghan Gracida (5), Micaela Saracco (5) & Hazel Jackson (10)

New Zealand vs Zambia

Photography courtesy of NZPA

New Zealand, winners in Hawkes Bay vs Zambia

New Zealand Cambridge and Zambia teams

Teams representing New Zealand and Zambia went head-tohead in two international matches in January.

The first match on Friday 17 January at Cambridge saw visitors Zambia secure a narrow 4-3 win against their hosts.

On Thursday 23 January, New Zealand took the win with a confident score of 5-1 in a comeback victory after their defeat earlier in the month.

New Zealand Ladies Team, Cambridge (14): Greta van den Brink (3), Georgie Duncan (4), Niamh Ainsley (3) & Harriet McKelvie (Captain) (4) New Zealand Ladies Team, Hawkes Bay (14): Niamh Ainsley (3), Greta van den Brink (3), Fern McIldowie (4) & Harriet McKelvie (Captain) (4) Zambia Team (14): Mary Jellis (4), Kayleigh Clayton (3), Nunu Henderson (3) & Emily Paterson (Captain) (4)

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

Polo Times, February 2025

37

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All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

Hurlingham Win at Hickstead

Photography by The Art Of Polo/Hurlingham Polo Association

Hurlingham, winners of The Arena Polo International Day Junior match

The Arena Polo International Day at All England Polo Club, Hickstead on Saturday 18 January began with a Junior match between Hurlingham and Ranelagh. The match featured six up-and-coming young players; Hurlingham Captain Archie Heseltine won the 2024 Buckmaster Trophy and Colts Cup and was joined by Arena Polo International Day newcomers Jacob Watson and Henry Oliver.

Lucas Stern, who won the 2024 Colts Cup, captained the opposing Ranelagh team and played with Bruno Bradshaw and Leo Stuart on their Arena Polo International Day debut.

Spectators braved the cold and grey morning at Hickstead to cheer on the two junior teams in the match which was umpired by Marcus Hancock from the arena and Tim Bown on the sidelines.

Leo Stuart opened the scoring in the first few seconds with a lovely run to goal for Ranelagh and with Captain Lucas Stern

picking the ball up with regularity and recycling it well, it was a strong start for Ranelagh. Despite strong marking from the evenly matched teams, a flurry of goals saw the scores within one goal at the end of the first chukka, 3-2 in favour of Ranelagh.

Hurlingham opened the second chukka with a goal to tie the scores followed by another just moments later as the match started to open up. A goal at the end of the first half from Ranelagh put them within one goal, 4-5, at half-time.

The second half kicked off with more goals, including a two pointer from Hurlingham. With end-to-end action as the two teams found their rhythm and used the whole arena, the third chukka ended with Hurlingham on the ascendancy, 13-7, with Jacob Watson scoring seven points in the third chukka.

Hurlingham increased the pressure with

The two youth teams battled fiercely in the Hickstead arena

two early goals in the fourth chukka, 15-7, leaving Ranelagh with a mountain to climb.

Tensions mounted and resulted in converted penalties for both sides, but Hurlingham’s strong third chukka had put them too far in front to catch. The 16-8 scoreline certainly didn’t reflect the efforts of Ranelagh, but Hurlingham held the edge and their nerves on the day.

Jacob Watson received the Most Valuable Player Award and Paxi, owned

by Mariano Darritchon and played by Leo Stuart, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

The Arena Polo International Day Junior Match Teams: Hurlingham (5): Archie Heseltine (Captain) (2), Jacob Watson (2) & Harry Oliver (1) Ranelagh (5): Lucas Stern (Captain) (2), Bruno Bradshaw (2) & Leo Stuart (1)

Alfredo Lalor Headquarters

Photograph by AAP

Four teams took part in the 2024 Torneo Nacional de Juveniles, with La Dolfina and Berta Polo Club reaching the Final on Monday 9 December. Berta Polo Club secured a narrow, one goal win with a 3-2 score to secure the title in the junior training tournament.

The Torneo Nacional de Juveniles Final Teams: Berta Polo Club (-1): Delfina Rossi (-1), Máximo Álvarez (0), Iñaki Braun (0) & Antonio Riascos (0) La Dolfina (0): María Delfina Carrascal (0), Felipe Reynot (0), Bartolomé Garaycochea (0) & Joaquín Harguindeguy (0)

Berta Polo Club, winners of The Torneo Nacional de Juveniles

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

Polo Times, February 2025

39

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

The Kids Winter Cup

Five teams took part in The Kids Winter Cup at EPG

Photography by Estanislao Darritchon

On Saturday 18 January, junior players took part in The Kids Winter Cup at Emsworth Polo Grounds with five teams competing over the course of the afternoon for the arena trophy and Madeva Juniors taking the win.

The Kids Winter Cup Teams: Madeva Juniors: Charlotte Sweeney, Ruby Byrne & Evie Markell Barralina: Pedro Harrison, Tina Harrison & Pablo Crasemann Horsepower PT: Roddy Williams, Ottie Williams & Lucas Wilson-Smith La Mariposa: Mariano Darritchon, Lara Ashby & Mia Cibule Hampshire Polo School: Heloise Wilson-Smith, Oscar Wilson-Smith & Harry Cheong The Kids Winter Cup teams

SUPA Arena Dates & Updates The National Arena Championships for Junior Schools played on Sunday 2 February at Oxford Polo (with a full report in the next issue of Polo Times) and Senior/ Ladies Schools on Sunday 2 March at Rugby Polo Club. Prestige & Village are offering the opportunity for

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Polo Times, February 2025

four U16 players to train and play at Al Habtoor Polo Club over 13 – 20 April, culminating in The PV Youth Dubai Cup against Al Habtoor’s Junior Team. The players selected for this trip will be announced at the SUPA Winter Championships on 2 March.

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

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Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Droppings/Faeces Can Tell Us a Lot! Believe it or not this is something we should always be observing and obsessed about, and those that are observant of their horses’ droppings are usually one step ahead pre-empting a problem that can be picked up and dealt with a lot quicker.

Whether I am discussing diets on the phone or in person I will ask what the droppings are like of the horse in question.

When in a yard visit, I will also observe the stable to see the consistency, colour and smell of droppings as this can help tell a story of the health of the hind gut of the horse, thereby ensuring the best diet for that individual or picking up on any possible problems that may be occurring that we can put right.

As we know with human nutrition, if your gut biome is not healthy, you feel rubbish yourself, you can’t absorb the nutrients in your diet effectively and as athletes (you, not me!) you won’t be performing at your best. It is exactly the same for your horse – for them to be performing at their best you 42

Polo Times, February 2025

need the digestive tract working effectively.

After all, we know how food can affect our own mindset with studies finding similar results in the horse with the microbiome (of the hind gut) gut-brain axis; the vagus nerve is a major nerve in the central nervous system that provides a direct link between the gut and the brain. It is thought that the influence of the microbes in the gut impacts the central nervous system and therefore can influence behaviour. I’ll explore this in more depth in another issue of Polo Times in the next few months!

So, when mucking out or skipping out stables, corrals or when travelling your horses, take time to note any changes from the norm. Look out for:

Amount

The quantity of droppings being produced will vary for each individual, but monitoring what is normal for each horse means you are likely to pick up on gut health changes should there be more or less when mucking

out. Should the amount of droppings reduce, we need to question how much forage are they consuming, how well they are digesting it, whether there maybe a blockage and whether veterinary intervention is required.

Colour

This varies depending on the content of their diet and how well the forage or food is being digested.

• Brown is considered normal, suggesting the digestive tract is functioning correctly, the diet is appropriate and nutrients are being absorbed effectively.

• Green is often indicating undigested plant material, which can be normal when the grass is growing, or the grazing is lush, plus some hays or alfalfa may also cause droppings to be green.

• Black or abnormally dark manure being passed by an older horse may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which could arise from severe gastric ulcers or other causes. In these instances your vet must be contacted immediately. www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography courtesy of Lorna Edgar

During yard visits, Lorna will observe the stable to see the consistency, colour and smell of droppings to ensure the best diet for each horse

Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

The consistency, colour & smell of your horse’s droppings can tell you a lot about the health of the hind gut

•

•

However, in newborn foals, passing black faeces (meconium) is normal.

Yellow can be indicative of horses on a high-fat/oil diet or those on a high concentrate diet. It’s worth bearing in mind that a yellow appearance can arise when a horse is fed more lignified forage that is a late cut.

And of course, any signs of droppings containing blood or red is a cause for immediate veterinary attention.

Consistency

This is likely to vary on a daily basis, but ideally we are looking for the droppings to be consistent, thus showing a sign of good gut health.

• Firm droppings generally suggest dehydration and possibly slow gut motility, which could pre-empt a bout of colic if this is not normal for the individual.

• Loose droppings maybe linked to several things, such as: o Anticipation/anxiety – of travel, polo, or moving yards and may just be apparent for a short period of time. o Inadequate amounts of fibre being received in the diet. o A wetter fibre source has been introduced – spring/autumn grass, after it has rained a lot, or introducing a wetter haylage. o A dietary change that the gut flora is struggling to adapt to. o Receiving antibiotics. o Also consider parasite burdens, bacterial infection, a virus or malabsorption problems as a cause of loose droppings which will require veterinary consultation.

Addressing the fibre intake, using hay rather than a wet haylage and introducing pre/probiotics will often help to rectify loose droppings.

• Normal or sometimes softer droppings with faecal water would be recognised as Equine Water Faecal Syndrome (or Free Faecal Water or Free Faecal Liquid), where faeces are passed as normal but before, www.polotimes.co.uk

•

during or after this, the horse passes faecal water. EWFS is generally not associated with weight loss, colic or other digestive problems, but when constant it can cause soreness around their bottom and hind legs. I would generally approach treating EWFS with a similar strategy to loose droppings, but there are now supplements containing psyllium that have shown positive improvements, such as Protexin Gut Sponge, and of course speak with your vet.

Soft droppings with a very fibrous appearance can sometimes be indicative of a coarse/lignified forage being fed, or possibly a horse who is not chewing their fibre very well and could be exhibiting dental problems – it’s therefore worth speaking to your dentist or vet.

The coarseness of the hay can impact your horse’s droppings

source, but when oats are seen in the droppings this suggests they are not being utilised and absorbed in the small intestine. o Ensure the teeth are in good condition – if the molars are not grinding the oat husk effectively the starch within the oat is not going to be available for absorption. o Encourage effective chewing by adding some chaff to the feed bowl o Don’t feed such large volumes – more is not necessarily better! o Introduce an extra feed so giving three to four smaller feeds rather than two huge feeds. o Consider bruised or crushed oats to help with absorption.

Smell •

Smelly droppings can be evident in horses that have diarrhoea, loose droppings or ‘normal’ looking droppings. When the droppings smell acidic and pungent this is often indicative of dysbiosis of gut flora in the hind gut and acidosis of the hind gut. Dysbiosis means the gut flora/ microbiome has been disrupted or decreased by harmful microbes.

Acidosis is the lowering of the gut pH, leading the hindgut environment to become more acidic, harming the gut flora, those all-important fibre digesting enzymes and beneficial bacteria.

To help regenerate a healthy hind gut and to stop the smelly faeces, we would need to: o Reduce the concentrate diet – especially if on a high starch diet. o Split feeds into smaller meals. o Increase fibre in the diet. o Use a digestive enhancer, pre/ probiotic supplement.

Oats in Droppings •

Oats present in droppings is something I see regularly in polo as oats are still fed as a main energy

To summarise • •

•

• •

• • •

Droppings/faeces must be monitored.

Take action sooner rather than later to pre-empt complications – e.g. increase fibre and water intake.

Have teeth checked regularly by your vet or a qualified dentist – teeth are the beginning of digestion and health for your horses, so checks are an absolute must!

Feed plenty of a good quality forage that is digestible.

Consider the use of digestive enhancers, pre/probiotic supplements, to assist in any changes to droppings and to help stabilise the hind gut.

Make changes to the diet GRADUALLY – I cannot emphasise this enough.

Contact a nutritionist or vet should you have concerns.

Happy observing!

Polo Times, February 2025

43

Knowledge

Equine Performance

Kat Seeman from Berkshire is the owner and Founder of Southern Equine Sheath Cleaning. With 35 years of experience in riding, owning, and working with horses, Kat established Southern Equine Sheath Cleaning Ltd. (SESC) in 2017 after identifying a niche in the market

Sheath cleaning is a hygienic procedure performed on geldings and stallions once or twice a year

Sheath Cleaning Why to do it?

A veterinarian trained Kat Seeman many years ago to perform sheath cleaning on her horses due to her gelding experiencing sheath issues. This training provided her with invaluable knowledge and expertise in sheath care, fostering a particular interest that later led her to create Southern Equine Sheath Cleaning (SESC).

Today, SESC operates with a small team that covers a wide area across the south of England and regularly trains with senior veterinarians to remain current and knowledgeable.

Training is provided by Professor Derek Knottenbelt (OBE, BVM&S, DVMS, DipECEIM, MRCVS), and covers a wide range of topics including: • Anatomy (Stallions & Mares) • Signs of Penile Disease - Bacterial, Viral, Parasitic and Fungal Infections • Carcinomas, Melanomas, and Sarcoids • Congenital Abnormalities and Trauma Injuries • The Hygienist’s Role and Responsibilities • Biosecurity and Hygiene Practices What is Sheath Cleaning and Why Do We Do It? Sheath cleaning is a hygienic procedure performed on geldings and stallions once or twice a year. This process removes uncomfortable secretions inside the 44

Polo Times, February 2025

sheath, such as smegma and penile crust.

Additionally, any penile beans – accumulations of skin cells, fat, dust and urine – are safely extracted. This cleaning process also serves as a health check for the internal area, allowing for the detection of any abnormalities within the sheath. Ensuring proper cleanliness can enhance the horse’s comfort and possibly explain any recent behavioural changes.

What is a Bean and What Are the Symptoms?

An equine penile bean is a collection of skin cells, fat cells, dust, and urine that accumulates in a small pocket (the urethra fossa) at the tip of the horse’s penis, just above the urethra (urinary tract). Not all horses display symptoms, but some potential signs include: • Tail rubbing (in the middle of the tail) • Swollen sheath • Kicking at the sheath • Girthy behaviour • Stuffy behaviour from behind when being ridden or difficulties during transitions • Bucking, rearing, or reluctance to move forward • Discomfort while urinating, or urinating little and often • Stamping back legs • In extreme cases, symptoms resembling colic

An equine penile bean is a collection of skin cells, fat cells, dust and urine

If you suspect your horse may be experiencing any of these issues, it is advisable to consult a qualified sheath cleaning professional.

Web: www.sheathcleaning.co.uk Tel: 07401747272 Email: katherine@sheathcleaning.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Performance Coach

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

Personal Motivation Five point course of practical steps

fruits or take a five-minute walk instead.

Starting small can lead to profound changes over time.

2. Are You Honest with Yourself and Others, or Do You Say Whatever Just to Please?

Photograph by Matías Callejo / AAP Press

For most players playing polo with the confidence of the Castagnola brothers, pictured here after winning The 2024 Argentine Open together, is brought one step closer with Stalkie’s personal motiviation steps

In the relentless hustle of modern life, staying motivated often feels like an uphill battle.

We encounter daily challenges, juggle responsibilities, and navigate relationships, all of which can drain our energy and enthusiasm. But what if the key to sustaining motivation lies in intentional self-reflection and actionable changes? This five point course on personal motivation provides practical steps to identify roadblocks, nurture self-awareness, and cultivate positivity.

1. What Are You Doing That Is Bad for You at the Moment?

Many of us carry habits or behaviours that, knowingly or unknowingly, harm our wellbeing. These can range from neglecting physical health to engaging in negative self-talk. The first step towards personal motivation is recognising these detrimental actions and understanding why they persist.

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Polo Times, February 2025

Objective: Identify habits, behaviours, or thoughts that negatively impact your well-being.

Exercise: Write a list of actions or routines you engage in that harm your physical, emotional, or mental health. For example: • Skipping meals or overeating due to stress.

• Spending excessive hours on social media.

• Dwelling on negative thoughts or comparing yourself to others.

Once you have your list, reflect on what motivates these habits. Are they coping mechanisms? Comfort zones? How do they hold you back from achieving your goals?

Actionable Step: Choose one harmful habit to eliminate or replace with a positive behaviour this week. For instance, if stress eating is an issue, swap sugary snacks for

Being authentic in your interactions is critical for building genuine relationships and fostering self-esteem. Many people struggle with people-pleasing tendencies, prioritising others’ approval over their truth. This creates internal conflict and diminishes motivation as you lose sight of your own values and desires.

Objective: Reflect on your authenticity and integrity in interactions.

Exercise: Journal about situations where you prioritised pleasing others over expressing your true feelings. For example, did you agree to a request when you were already overwhelmed? Did you avoid sharing your perspective in a discussion to keep the peace? Explore how these moments affected your self-esteem and overall motivation.

Actionable Step: Practise assertiveness by expressing your true thoughts and feelings in one conversation daily. Start small – for example, say no to a minor request or share an honest opinion about a casual topic. Authenticity takes practice, but each step brings you closer to living in alignment with your values.

3. How Can I Care for Myself Like I Was Caring for a Child or Parent?

We often extend more compassion to others than we do to ourselves. Imagine caring for yourself with the same kindness, patience, and support you’d offer to a loved one.

This mindset shift can be transformative in building personal motivation and resilience.

Objective: Cultivate self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness and care you’d give a loved one.

Exercise: List ways you would nurture a child or an ageing parent. For instance: • Providing nutritious meals.

• Encouraging rest and recovery.

• Speaking with words of encouragement and understanding. www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge Compare this list to how you currently treat yourself. Are you critical, neglectful, or overly harsh? If so, consider the impact this has on your motivation and well-being.

Actionable Step: Incorporate one act of self-care into your daily routine. This could be as simple as taking a mindful walk, setting boundaries to protect your time, or speaking kindly to yourself when facing challenges. Small acts of self-compassion accumulate, fostering a more positive and motivated mindset.

Avoid blaming yourself or others; instead, focus on what you can learn and improve.

Actionable Step: Shift your mindset by saying, “I am responsible for my actions and reactions.” For instance, if a deadline feels overwhelming, focus on creating a plan rather than fixating on the stress. This simple affirmation fosters a proactive approach to life’s challenges and reignites motivation.

4. The Benefit of Taking Responsibility for Everything

A positive mindset can be a powerful motivator. By focusing on strengths and virtues – both in yourself and others – you cultivate optimism and foster deeper connections. This practice can also counteract self-doubt and negativity.

Objective: Foster optimism and a positive mindset by focusing on strengths and virtues.

Exercise: Each morning, write down three things you appreciate about yourself and three things you admire in others.

For example: • “I’m resilient.”

• “I handled yesterday’s stress calmly.”

• “My friend’s kindness inspires me.”

Reflecting on these positives helps shift

Taking responsibility doesn’t mean blaming yourself for everything that happens.

Instead, it’s about acknowledging your role in situations and focusing on what you can control. This mindset shifts you from a victim mentality to one of empowerment, which is crucial for sustained motivation.

Objective: Empower yourself by embracing accountability for your life and choices.

Exercise: Reflect on a challenging situation and identify ways you contributed to the outcome. For example, did procrastination affect a project’s success?

Did poor communication escalate a conflict?

5. Look for the Good in Yourself and Others

your focus from limitations to opportunities.

Actionable Step: Compliment someone daily and acknowledge one positive trait about yourself in the mirror. These small but meaningful acts can boost self-confidence, strengthen relationships, and build a habit of positivity.

Summary: Building Motivation Through Intentional Steps Motivation isn’t a fleeting burst of energy; it’s a cultivated mindset. By addressing harmful habits, embracing authenticity, practising self-compassion, taking responsibility, and focusing on the good, you create a solid foundation for sustained motivation. Start small, commit to daily actions, and celebrate your progress. Remember, every step forward – no matter how small – is a victory in itself.

With consistent effort, these five principles can transform not only your personal motivation but also your approach to life’s challenges, bringing clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

There is an online video course covering these topics, to access go to International Polo Academy www.ipapolo.com If you would like to contact Stalkie direct you can email him at stalkie@rygp.co.uk

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POWERING PERFORMANCE

For more information and a full breakdown of Vitamins, Minerals and ingredients

“It has been a diffi cult winter but visit www.paddockpower.co.uk Call 07909 090000 Email info@paddockpower.co.uk Paddock Power has helped us to ensure Paddock Power is manufactured by Tithebarn, the same stable as Rockies!! that all our ponies – brood mares, youngstock and retired ponies as well Paddock Power 180x130mm_Rob Cudmore asAdvert playing ponies on their v4.indd winter1break – have really thrived. Providing a balancer in www.polotimes.co.uk a bucket means that they can self-select and always get the vitamins and minerals

30/01/2020 08:18

Polo Times, February 2025

47

Peter Harrison

Chris Hyde & Ben Turner

Felicitas Piñeiro & Rosabee Hine

George Amor

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo; 17 – 18 January; AlFursan Equestrian Village, AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Polo Amidst AlUla’s Majestic Backdrop

Jacqueline Sander & Philipp Mueller

Sarah Siegel-Magness

Clarinda Tija-Dharmandi

The combination of world class polo players, royal dignitaries and international patrons all set against the stunning backdrop of the AlUla desert attracted record crowds to the two-day desert polo spectacle in Saudi Arabia in January.

Amidst the towering, Mars-like landscape, AlFursan Equestrian Village provided a luxurious oasis in the desert offering far more than just polo. Guests indulged in world-class hospitality, captivated by live performances, cultural exhibitions and the rich flavours of local cuisine in a truly memorable weekend of polo.

This jaw-dropping setting has to be seen to be believed, with international polo and luxury combining together for a truly unique polo experience. If you haven’t yet been, The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo is a must. To read more about the tournament, please turn to the Report pages.

Photography by Polo Times

Greg Keating

Cata Lavinia & Milly Hine

Nacho Figueras

Henry (Harry) Mountbatten, Earl of Medina

George Mountbatten, 4th Marquess of Milford Haven & Clare Mountbatten, Marchioness of Milford Haven

Ploy Bhinsaeng

Piero Dillier

Sidelines

Gossip

GANZI’S GETTING MARRIED!

PINK-POWERED POLO

Just weeks after he won The 131st Argentine Open with La Natividad, Jeta Castagnola has unveiled a new, daring dye colour… swapping out platinum for pink.

Photograph by @ _rocio.g_

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Congratulations to Grant Ganzi and Michelle Marie Marshall on their recent engagement!

Grant Ganzi has been competing in arenas across the globe this winter including The 1st Arena Singureni Manor Polo Cup in Romania, winning The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship and competing in The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz.

POROTO JOINS RICHARD MILLE Polo directory

Polo directory

CLUB PHONE EMAIL EMAIL CLUB PHONE EMAIL EMAIL All Ireland Polo Club 00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk All Ireland Polo Club 00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk All England Polo Club Hickstead* 01273 834 315 polo@hickstead.co.uk polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk All England Polo Club Hickstead* 01273 834 315 polo@hickstead.co.uk polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk Apsley End Polo Club* 01462 712444 tobiana.scott@gmail.com info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk Apsley End Polo Club* 01462 712444 tobiana.scott@gmail.com info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk Ash Farm Polo Club* 07799 812739 ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com info@aspectpolo.co.uk Ash Farm Polo Club* 07799 812739 ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com info@aspectpolo.co.uk Barfold Polo Club 07778 808853 mborwick@gmail.com office@leadenhampoloclub.com Barfold Polo Club 07778 808853 mborwick@gmail.com office@leadenhampoloclub.com Bawtry Polo Club 01302 773282 info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk info@longdolepolo.com Bawtry Polo Club 01302 773282 info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk info@longdolepolo.com Beaufort Polo Club 01666 880510 enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk Beaufort Polo Club 01666 880510 enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk Beverley Polo Club* 01964 544877 info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk alecbeve@btinternet.com Beverley Polo Club* 01964 544877 info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk alecbeve@btinternet.com Binfield Heath 01491 411969 bhpcmanager@gmail.com annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk Binfield Heath 01491 411969 bhpcmanager@gmail.com annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk Blueys Polo Club* 07930 323263 polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk office@norfolkpolo.co.uk Blueys Polo Club* 07930 323263 polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk office@norfolkpolo.co.uk Bramham Polo Academy 07811 993316 emmadvh@btinternet.com info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk Bramham Polo Academy 07811 993316 emmadvh@btinternet.com info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk Bunclody Polo Club 00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk Bunclody Polo Club 00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk Burningfold Polo Club 01483 200722 derrek@burningfold.com Pangbourne Polo Club 07708 906810 aprice@polofix.com Burningfold Polo Club 01483 200722 derrek@burningfold.com Pangbourne Polo Club 07708 906810 aprice@polofix.com Cambridge Polo Club* 07711 217004 cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com Peover Polo Club 07766 016 833 polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk Cambridge Polo Club* 07711 217004 cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com Peover Polo Club 07766 016 833 polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk Cambridge County Polo Club* 01223 812922 info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk Polo Wicklow* 00353 404 67164 siobhan@polowicklow.com Cambridge County Polo Club* 01223 812922 info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk Polo Wicklow* 00353 404 67164 siobhan@polowicklow.com Carlton House 07901 561113 harrietservaes@hotmail.com RAF Cranwell 07739 569491 rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk Carlton House 07901 561113 harrietservaes@hotmail.com RAF Cranwell 07739 569491 rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk Chester Racecourse Polo Club 01244 304602 amorris@chester-races.com Ranelagh Polo Club* 01344 885697 ranelagh@labravapolo.com Chester Racecourse Polo Club 01244 304602 amorris@chester-races.com Ranelagh Polo Club* 01344 885697 ranelagh@labravapolo.com Cheshire Polo Club 01948 861020 info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk RCBPC* 01344 890060 polo@rcbpc.com Cheshire Polo Club 01948 861020 info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk RCBPC* 01344 890060 polo@rcbpc.com Chiltern Polo Club 07973 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 Cirencester 01285 info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk RugbyPolo PoloClub* Club* 01788 817724 info@rugbypoloclub.com CirencesterPark ParkPolo PoloClub Club 01285 653225 653225 info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk Rugby 01788 817724 info@rugbypoloclub.com Cowdray 01730 enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk RutlandPolo PoloClub Club 07772 040668 secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk CowdrayPolo PoloClub Club 01730 813257 813257 enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk Rutland 07772 040668 secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk Curraghmore 00353 mkennedy@cssgroup.ie SilverLeys LeysPolo PoloClub Club 07730 060200 silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com CurraghmorePolo PoloClub Club 00353 51 51 387102 387102 mkennedy@cssgroup.ie Silver 07730 060200 silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com Dallas 01926 enquiries@ixlevents.com St.Albans AlbansPolo PoloClub Club 07956 017090 info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk DallasBurston BurstonPolo PoloClub* Club* 01926 811 811 111 111 enquiries@ixlevents.com St. 07956 017090 info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk Dorset 01202 office@dorsetpolo.co.uk ce@dorsetpolo.co.uk StewartonPolo PoloClub Club 07974 706045 info@stewartonpolo.co.uk DorsetPolo PoloClub Club 01202 623985 623985 offi Stewarton 07974 706045 info@stewartonpolo.co.uk Druids 01722 abi@druidspolo.co.uk SuffolkPolo PoloClub Club 07990 576974 aes3@cam.ac.uk DruidsLodge LodgePolo PoloClub* Club* 01722 782597 782597 abi@druidspolo.co.uk Suffolk 07990 576974 aes3@cam.ac.uk Dundee 07831 jamesscrawford@aol.com SussexPolo PoloClub* Club* 01342 714920 info@sussexpolo.co.uk Dundeeand andPerth PerthPolo PoloClub* Club* 07831 365 365 194 194 jamesscrawford@aol.com Sussex 01342 714920 info@sussexpolo.co.uk Eastwood 07875 frankums@googlemail.com TauntonVale ValePolo PoloClub Club 01823 480460 nhs.wheelers@gmail.com EastwoodPolo PoloClub Club 07875 743475 743475 frankums@googlemail.com Taunton 01823 480460 nhs.wheelers@gmail.com Edgeworth 01285 edgeworthpolo@gmail.com TidworthPolo PoloClub* Club* 01980 846705 info@tidworthpolo.com EdgeworthPolo PoloClub Club 01285 821695 821695 edgeworthpolo@gmail.com Tidworth 01980 846705 info@tidworthpolo.com Edinburgh 07971 james.dgls@gmail.com ToulstonPolo PoloClub Club 07776 234638 info@toulstonpoloclub.com EdinburghPolo PoloClub* Club* 07971 072336 072336 james.dgls@gmail.com Toulston 07776 234638 info@toulstonpoloclub.com Emsworth 01344 info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk TriskelionPolo PoloClub* Club* 07624 272547 polo@triskelionpolo.club EmsworthPolo PoloGrounds* Grounds* 01344 883112 883112 info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk Triskelion 07624 272547 polo@triskelionpolo.club Epsom 07961 epsompoloclub@hotmail.com ValeofofYork YorkPolo PoloClub* Club* 07788 426968 info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk EpsomPolo PoloClub* Club* 07961 232106 232106 epsompoloclub@hotmail.com Vale 07788 426968 info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk FHM 07778 frances@fhmpolo.co.uk VauxPark ParkPark ParkPolo PoloClub* Club* 07703 524613 vppc@btconnect.com FHMPolo PoloClub* Club* 07778 436468 436468 frances@fhmpolo.co.uk Vaux 07703 524613 vppc@btconnect.com Fifi eld 01628 eldpoloclub@live.co.uk WestWycombe WycombePark ParkPolo PoloClub* Club* 07787 560729 secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk Fifi eldPolo PoloClub* Club* 01628 620061 620061 fifififieldpoloclub@live.co.uk West 07787 560729 secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk Great 01428 charles@trippetts.com WestcroftPark ParkPolo PoloClub* Club* 01276 858545 info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk GreatTrippetts TrippettsPolo PoloClub Club 01428 741916 741916 charles@trippetts.com Westcroft 01276 858545 info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk Guards 01784 polo@guardspoloclub.com WhiteRose RosePolo PoloClub* Club* 01430 875767 info@whiterosepolo.co.uk GuardsPolo PoloClub* Club* 01784 434212 434212 polo@guardspoloclub.com White 01430 875767 info@whiterosepolo.co.uk Ham 020 office@hampoloclub.com ce@hampoloclub.com WhiteWaltham WalthamPolo PoloClub Club 07748 670587 kim@playpolo.co.uk HamPolo PoloClub Club 020 8334 8334 0000 0000 offi White 07748 670587 kim@playpolo.co.uk Hertfordshire Polo 01707 polo@hertspolo.co.uk Hertfordshire PoloClub* Club* 01707 256023 256023 polo@hertspolo.co.uk *Also Alsoopen openforforarena arenapolo poloin inthethe UK winter image copyright protected by Katesart.com 2007 * UK winter image copyright protected by Katesart.com 2007 Tel: 01798 867301/07419 297559 Fax: 01798 867257 equinelogisticscompany@gmail.com www.equine-logistics-company.com

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

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Polo Times, February 2025

)XOO\ 5HPRWH &RQWURO )XOO\ 5HPRWH &RQWURO $XWRPDWLF /RXG Y FDU KRUQ $XWRPDWLF /RXG Y FDU KRUQ DW PLQV PLQV DW <RX FDQ TXLFNO\ 5H ²VHW WKH VHW WKH <RX FDQ TXLFNO\ 5H ² KDQG EDFN WR =HUR KDQG EDFN WR =HUR 6WDUW 6WRS DOO YLD WKH 5HPRWH 6WRS DOO YLD WKH 5HPRWH 6WDUW &RQWURO &RQWURO ĚĚ LJŽƵ ůƵď Žƌ ^ƉŽŶƐŽƌƐ >ŽŐŽ ĚĚ LJŽƵ ůƵď Žƌ ^ƉŽŶƐŽƌƐ >ŽŐŽ

h< ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌĞƌ ZZZ VSRUWFOR[ FRP h< ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌĞƌ ZZZ VSRUWFOR[ FRP

WůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ WůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƐĂůĞƐΛƐƉŽƌƚĐůŽdž͘ĐŽŵ ƐĂůĞƐΛƐƉŽƌƚĐůŽdž͘ĐŽŵ

tĞ ƐƵƉƉůLJ ƚŚĞ tŽƌůĚ tĞ ƐƵƉƉůLJ ƚŚĞ tŽƌůĚ dŚŝƐ tŝŶĚƐŽƌ WŽůŽ ůƵď ŝƐ ŝŶ ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂ͊ dŚŝƐ tŝŶĚƐŽƌ WŽůŽ ůƵď ŝƐ ŝŶ ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂ͊

Forthe thePessimist: Pessimist:www.polotimes.co.uk For

Photograph by Richard Mille

Poroto Cambiaso has become an ambassador for luxury Mille.

CLUB watchmakers RichardPHONE CLUB PHONE Home FarmHe Polojoins Grounds 07807672120 fellow polo player Home Farm Polo Grounds 07807672120 Hurtwood Polo Club 01483 272828 Hurtwood Polo Club 01483 272828 as well Kirtlington Pablo Park Polo MacDonough Club 01869 350138 Kirtlington Park Polo Club 01869 350138 Knepp Castle Club 07920 023639 asPolo sporting legends07920 Charles Knepp Castle Polo Club 023639 Leadenham Polo Club 07429 299026 Both Leadenham Leclerc Polo Club and Rafa Nadal.

07429 299026 Longdole Polo Club* 01452 864544 Longdole Polo Club* 01452part 864544 in Moor FarmPablo Polo Cluband Poroto took 07494 114190 Moor Farm Polo Club 07494 114190 Moor Hall Farm Polo Club* 01279 450637 The Richard Mille AlUla Moor Hall Farm Polo Club* 01279Desert 450637 New Forest Polo Club 07977 224404 New Forest Polo Clubin January, turn 07977 224404 Polo to the Norfolk Polo Club 01508 480400 Norfolk Polo Club 01508 480400 Reports pages to read more Northern Ireland Polo Club 07803 020577 Northern Ireland Polo Club 07803 020577 Offchurch Bury Polo this Club* unique tournament.

07816 830887 about Offchurch Bury Polo Club* 07816 830887

Polo directory

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

AUSTRALIA Vallex Yaloak St Kilda West Beach Eynesbury

30/01/25 04/02/25

08/02/25 22/02/25

27/01/25 15/02/25

02/02/25 16/02/25

12/02/25 15/02/25

16/02/25 23/02/25

UK

RCBPC Longdole Emsworth RCBPC Beaufort Oxford Polo Emsworth Druids Lodge Oxford Polo Emsworth Emsworth

Druids Winter League (Chattanooga Salver) Olin Trophy Interclub 10 Goal Windsor Shield Katie Tunn Beaufort 6 Goal Akeman Cup Buenos Aires Cup Valentine Trophy Final One February Challenge Platinum Cup

7 to 10 10 2 to 4 6 6

8

12/01/25

08/03/25

28/01/25 01/02/25 03/02/25 08/02/25 08/02/25 11/02/25 12/02/25 16/02/25 18/02/25 20/02/25 25/02/25

02/02/25 02/02/25 09/02/25 09/02/25 09/02/25 16/02/25 16/02/25 16/02/25 23/03/25 23/02/25 02/03/25

WOMEN’S NPC, USA Flying Cow, USA Emsworth

U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Brad & Kathy Coors Women’s Challenge One Hundred Ladies Open

18 to 22

26/01/25

09/02/25

10 to 14

11/02/25

08/03/25

27/02/25

02/03/25

NEW ZEALAND Mystery Creek Port Hills Glenmark Polo Kihikihi Amuri Auckland Hagley Park Wanstead Christchurch Hololio South Island 52

Polo Week Port Hills Tournament NZ vs UK International Kihikihi Championship Amuri Tournament NZ Polo Open Lexus Urban Polo Denbigh Christchurch Tournament Hololio Tournaments Savile Cup

Polo Times, February 2025

01/02/25 07/02/25 08/02/25

02/02/25 09/02/25 08/02/25

Victorian Polo Association Championships 2025

14/02/25

23/02/25

20 10 to 12

16/01/25 27/01/25

01/02/25 08/02/25

20 4 to 6

05/02/25 10/02/25 22/02/25

22/02/25 15/02/25 22/02/25

10 to 12 12 to 16 0 to 6 6 to 9 16 to 18 10 to 12 4 to 8 8 to 12 8 to 12 12 to 16 26 18 to 22 4 to 8

15/01/25 23/01/25 24/01/25 24/01/25 25/01/25 01/02/25 01/02/25 01/02/25 01/02/25 03/02/25 06/02/25 07/02/25 13/02/25

08/02/25 16/02/25 16/03/25 16/03/25 16/02/25 28/02/25 28/02/25 22/02/25 17/02/25 16/02/25 16/02/25 23/02/25 24/02/25

12 to 16 26 0 to 3

17/02/25 19/02/25 24/02/25

01/03/25 02/03/25 16/03/25

18 to 22 4 to 8

24/02/25 27/02/25

23/03/25 22/03/25

UAE

2024/25 Arena Victor & Victrix Ludorum 15 Goal Black Bears New Year Trophy RCBPC Arena Gold Cup Super League (3 to 6 Goal) Emsworth Emsworth Super League Black Bears Super Legue Finals Victrix Ludorum Emsworth Victrix 4 Goal RCBPC Ladies British Open

Druids Lodge

Vallex Cup Ballarat Cup 2025 St Kilda Beach Polo 2025

28/01/25 Open, 4 & 0 01/02/25 14 06/02/25 07/02/25 10, 4 & 0 08/02/25 11/02/25 15/02/25 15/02/25 10, 4 & 0 21/02/25 22/02/25 25/02/25

02/02/25 02/02/25 06/02/25 09/02/25 09/02/25 16/02/25 15/02/25 16/02/25 22/02/25 23/02/25 02/03/25

AHPC Ghantoot AHPC Ghantoot Ghantoot

Silver Cup Emirate Polo Championship International Gold Cup Low Goal Polo Tournament Al Amal Polo Day

USA Port Mayaca The Live Oak NPC Ylvisaker Cup Legends USPA National Arena Bronze Cup Brookshire National Arena Delegate’s Cup Port Mayaca Butler Handicap IPC Regional Classic South-Eastern IPC Regional President’s Cup Sarasota National Copper Cup Grand Champions Bronze Trophy Patagones State of Florida Cup Grand Champions WPL All-Star Challenge NPC C.V. Whitney Cup Twin Palms Pacific Coast Circuit Sportsmanship Cup Patagones Iglehart Cup Grand Champions WPL Founders Cup Oak Bend Southwestern Circuit General George S. Patton Jr. NPC USPA Gold Cup Port Mayaca Regional Presdient’s Cup

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

400 acres of top quality grass for wintering www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo directory CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

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

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07973 174542

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01788 817724

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07772 040668

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07730 060200

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07956 017090

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07974 706045

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07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

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01342 714920

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07771 931541

Chairman_tcvpc@btinternet.com

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01980 846705

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07776 234638

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07624 272547

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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

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01430 875767

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White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

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Polo Times, February 2025

53

Polo directory

Rhett Wooldridge

Sandy & Mike Warren, Ross Byrne

Charlie Simpson & Jade Louise Wheeler

Bridie Courtney Morgan

Marketplace Paul Sweeney Memorial Final; Ash Farm Polo Club; Sunday 20 February

In association with Chukkout Polo Transport

Pete & George Woodward

7.5 Tonne Horse Lorry Partitioned for 5/6 horses.

Plated until July 2025 and new tyres. New spring loaded ramp fitted in 2023, new metal floor with rubber matting on top in 2023.

Large luton area with five saddle racks and space Frankie & Alex Antony for lots of polo kit. Battery isolator. £5,995 ono (Gloucester).

Tel: 07860 906032

Record Breaking Final’s Day

Equipment

Polo Boots Size 7 Lovely boots, only for sale as they don’t fit. Can post at buyers cost. £70 (Frome). Tel: 07742 423748

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 and spectators, gathering at Ash Farm Polo Club to cheer Polo Saddle Casa VillaMil HPA. on the finalists. This year saw a record number of teams Great saddle but no longer required. and after a two-year due to Covid-19, Includes cover.

Can post postponement if required. the grandstands were packed. Twelve Oaks managed to £150.

Tel: 07518 766130 stave off a last-minute attempt by Rosina to claim the title and took a 14-12 victory.

Photography by Antonia Bullrich

Roxtons Saddle 18” suede saddle.

Used but very good condition. £150 (Reading). Tel: 07887 538843

Misc Polo Breastplate (Brand New) Polo leather breastplate with pink stitching. Lovely leather and I have reduced it to £45. The RRP on this is £110. I have reduced it to clear.

The breastplate is new and has Olivia Whittle & Lisa Knight never been ridden in. Collection from Newmarket or I can post out via Evri for £5. Tel: 07793 203977

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Polo Times, February 2025

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Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Photography courtesy of The Gaitepost

Archie Heseltine struck success back at the beginning of his polo journey when he won the 2017 Pony Club Jorrocks Champions with Grafton Hunt playing on fluffies. Moving on from those early foundations he has notched up an impressive list of wins in 2024 including being the HPA Rocksavage Champion, Colts Cup winner, Buckmaster Trophy winner and being awarded the Grafton Pony Club Rosie Stewart Silver Salva for Achievement as well as the HPA Performance Pathway Most Improved Player. 2025 is already going well, as Archie captained the victorious Hurlingham team against Ranelagh in the British Juniors match at Hickstead on Arena International Day

What is your biggest passion and why? Without doubt, it’s being with horses. Whether it’s playing, training, helping Dan Loe with our young horse programme, rewatching the high goal or following the bloodstock sales, I’m happiest learning as much as possible to better understand what’s best for these incredible animals.

What is your all-time best polo memory?

It has to be representing Junior England against New Zealand to win The Buckmaster Trophy last year with my team mates Toby, Milly and Ed. I’ll never forget singing the National Anthem in front of my parents and brother with all four of my grandparents in the grandstand. It was a tough game, with New Zealand making a strong comeback, but we came out on top to make it a pretty special day and a proud one too.

56

Polo Times, February 2025

Who were/are your favourite teammates? I had an amazing opportunity to play for Ainsley in 2023 with Ross Ainsley, Lachie Gilmore and Andrew Detchet in the Archie David with Glen Gilmore coaching. I learned so much from them about tactics, set pieces, how to read the game and adapt from warming up to the final bell – all this has really helped shape my game. Last year I was part of the winning HPA Rocksavage team with two of the same team mates from our 2017 Jorrocks team: Bruno Bradshaw and Mati Maldanado. It was really fun playing together again, but not on fluffies this time!

Hardest opponent?

The player that stands out the most is probably Louis Hine in the schools’ tournament, The Copenhagen Cup at Guards. His pony power and skill changed the level considerably and made every play matter even more.

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

Football, golf, padel and more recently darts… I’m still chasing the nine dart finish!

Favourite film and why? I know it’s not a film, but I love Ted Lasso for its humour, sports psychology and life lesson to be a goldfish!

Favourite album?

Exodus – Bob Marley and the Wailers.

Favourite hobby outside of polo?

Golf.

Most prized possession?

Domino, my black Labrador.

Favourite celebrity and why?

David Beckham for his determination from such a young age and the impact he had on the sport.

Best holiday destination and activity?

Anywhere near a golf course and beach! Preferably above 25 degrees!

Best pony and why?

At the moment my best pony is Machitos Lirio.

He has incredible acceleration and a great mouth.

This year I’m really looking forward to having the first of my young horses, Dulce (Clarion x Azúcar), join my main string. She felt incredible at the end of the summer and we’ve taken two embryos from her, which are due in the Spring.

Are you passionately superstitious?

No, but I never clean my boots on a match day – it always has to be the night before.

One thing which would surprise us about you?

When I was based at Oxford Polo, they nicknamed me The Olympic Flame because I never went out!

Describe yourself in three words?

Focussed, disciplined, enthusiastic

Favourite food/dish?

Mum’s roast chicken with a mountain of pigs in blankets. www.polotimes.co.uk