Polo Times Feb17

Volume 22 • Issue 1 • February 2017 • £6.50

DIFFICULTIES AT HOME The Latest on the Visa Crisis THAI POLO OPEN La Familia & Thai Polo Share Honours UNDERWAY IN THE USA A Round-Up from Across the Pond PLUS: International Arena Test Match at Westcroft Park

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Based on the polo player with the most creativity and verve, No.3; this gin is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless ways. With so many different botanicals ranging from Elderflower to Vanilla, No.3, is the ultimate midday refresher when garnished with strawberry and basil for the most outrageously smooth, yet delicous G&T. Alternatively, deploy into the thirst quenching Chukka Cocktail™, alongside lemon juice, sugar syrup, fresh mint and strawberries.

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BRITISH

Product of the UK The Gin and Tonic has been the Polo Players’ choice of refreshment for over 150 years, since the first polo match involving British Officers in India in 1859. This proudly British, quadruple distilled Polo Gin, uses only the best organic botanicals to create the most flavoursome and smoothest of gins. Hand made in a wood-fuelled small batch still and simply crafted with Ceredigion’s finest spring water, this gin is as pure as can be.

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Contents

Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside...

February 2017

Group Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk

34 Editorial Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Advertising Sales Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk

Polo Reporter & Researcher Tilda Woodd tilda@polotimes.co.uk

25

Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

News Principal Design James Morgan

6 12 14

All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update

Comment Additional Design Tony Ruddy

16

Features 18

Financial Controller

Cover Story: Difficulties at Home

Reports

Stephen Biddlecombe, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Lorna Edgar, Sarah Gent BVSC CertEM (Int.Med) MRCVS, Aurora Cotten-McKean, Lucy Wilson & David Woodd

25 30 32 34

36 37 41

Contact details

Club Focus

Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors:

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

www.polotimes.co.uk

© Polo Times Limited 2016 and Database Right 2016 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

Thai Polo’s Agustin Garcia Grossi during the 2017 Thai Polo Open Final at Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

By Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com

4

Your Views: Letters

Polo Times, February 2017

Cover Story: Thai Polo Open England International Polo Classic Copa Camara de Diputados Cover Story: International Arena Test Match Playnation Arena Polo Masters Cover Story: USA Round-Up Townsend Cup Challenge

42 Your Club News from Home and Abroad

37 Knowledge

52 Fitness For Polo: Nutrition for Polo 54 Nutrition Focus: Arena Focus 55 Pony Power: Polo Times Best

Playing Pony Series & Thai Polo

Open Winner 56 Know Your Game: Absolute Right 58 Umpire Focus: Proposed Rules Trialled 59 Vet Insight: Liver Disease in Polo Ponies 62 Bit Focus: Starting A Polo Pony

Sidelines

64 Sidelines: Social Pages 63 Gossip: Don’t be the Last to Know

Polo Directory: 68

What’s On in February?

Final bell: 72

Passions: Rege Ludwig

Women’s Polo 44

Polo Escape Ladies International

Youth Polo

46 48

All Aspects of Youth Polo The Potrillos Cup

Military Polo 51

A Round-Up of Military Polo

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES All subscribers receive an exclusive weekly newsletter and competition offers

Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk

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News

As this February issue of Polo Times goes to print, there is the scent of change in the air.

In America, Trump has become the 45th President; across the Channel, Theresa May has outlined the UK’s position on Brexit to our European cousins, and closer to home, the polo community is still in a state of flux whilst it awaits the outcome of the HPA’s application for interim relief at the judicial review that was held on Wednesday 25 January.

As the visa situation has escalated, with opinions and debates becoming heated, in this issue we have laid out the facts surrounding the situation as plainly as possible. Although the ongoing situation will undoubtedly alter polo in the UK, I myself as an unfailing optimist cannot help but hope for the best – as Winston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty”. So with the eventual outcome unknown, perhaps the energies of the polo community would be better spent cumulatively finding a solution and evolving polo for the better.

On a lighter note, polo currently continues to flourish both at home and abroad, with the arena season in full swing in the UK. This issue has a bumper number of reports, including Westcroft Park’s International Arena Test Match, AEPC’s inaugural Playnation Arena Polo Masters, plus The Thai Polo Open, and a US Round-Up, to name just a few.

In our Knowledge section we hear from Caspar West on a new set of proposed rules which were trialled in Plett, South Africa, over Christmas, with the aim to make the sport more viewer friendly.

Meanwhile, Sarah Gent from Liphook Equine Hospital sheds some light on the risks, symptoms and treatments for liver disease, an interesting insight into the complexity of the disease. Plus all of our regulars covering youth, women’s and military polo, plus news from across the polo world and we find out what makes polo coach, Rege Ludwig tick.

So with ‘Dry January’ behind us, the March Equinox just in front of us plus a plethora of UK arena highlights such as The Arena Gold Cup and The Bryan Morrison International Trophy at AEPC, there is plenty to look forward to in the next month.

FIP Snow Polo

6

Polo Times, February 2017

Photograph courtesy of Tinajin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club

Photograph by Reinhardt & Sommer/Lifestyle Events

Nick Hine, Publisher

FIP FIRST TEAMED up with Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club in 2012, and the formula set amongst the towering skyscrapers of Tinajin has proved to be a winning success. At the time of going to print, the England team (James Harper (6) as Captain, alongside Jack Richardson (6) and Ali Paterson (4), with Dave Allen (4) as team reserve) were doing us all proud at the 2017 FIP Snow Polo World Cup, with an unbeaten record. Starting the tournament with a narrow 6-5 win over Argentina, England went on to defeat Australia 3-1, meaning that they secured England have secured a place in the Semi Finals themselves a place in the Semi Final. The tournament Final is scheduled to be played on Sunday 22 January and so the next issue of Polo Times will include FIP Snow Polo as one of our feature reports, as well as updates published on the Polo Times website and social media platforms.

Action from the Final of the 15th Corum Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel

Corum Victorious in Kitzbühel FRIDAY 13 JANUARY – Sunday 15 January saw six teams compete in the 15th Corum Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel. Following two days of competitive play, it was Engel & Völkers (Richard Fagan, Michael Henderson & Santiago Torreguitar) and Corum (Philip Sommer, Lukas Sdrenka & Patrick Maleitzke) who lined-up in the Final, with both teams hungry to take home The Corum Cup. Despite Corum’s lower handicap on paper, the team dominated from the outset and with the age-old combination of tactics and pony power, the final score rested on 12½-6. After the match, Engel & Völkers’ Richard Fagan was named Most Valuable Player and Patrick Maleitzke’s 15-year-old mare, Traviesa was awarded Best Playing Pony.

NW05° The Moroccan Challenge 2017 Launches FORMER POLO PLAYER Bobby Melville’s adventure venture IGO has launched a new expedition option, The Moroccan Challenge. The literature describes itself as “Expedition first, race second with an inclusive ethos; no man or woman is left behind and cheering in your fellow competitor at the end of each day is all part of the journey.”

IGO Challenges are for everyone who craves the discovery of personal boundaries and those who desire a unique adventure in stunning wilderness.

Competitors can enter as solos, or teams of two or four. The price per person is £3,495, but there are 15 early bird places at £3,195pp strictly on a first-come first-served basis. To sign-up please visit igoadventures.com www.polotimes.co.uk

News World Polo Tour 2017 Schedule THE SCHEDULE FOR 2017 tournaments is now live on the World Polo Tour website, visit worldpolotour.com to view the list of fixtures included in the tour. The top ten players in the world currently listed on the website are as follows: 1077 905 892 736 716 704 578 488 401 370

USPA Hat Rule Change

USPA OUTDOOR RULE 4- EQUIPMENT a. No Player may participate in any USPA Event or Club Event in other than proper uniform including a protective helmet or cap with a chinstrap, the chinstrap to be worn in the appropriate manner specified by the helmet manufacturer of the helmet.

No member of a team organization may mount a horse before, during or after a USPA Event anywhere within the safety zone, end zone and playing field unless equipped with a protective helmet or cap with a chin strap, the chin strap to be worn in the appropriate manner specified by the helmet manufacturer of the helmet. (Note: The USPA has developed standards by which various helmets can be evaluated in terms of how much protection they afford. Players are encouraged to take these standards into consideration in the selection of a helmet. Players are strongly encouraged to wear face and/or eye protection at all times during play.)

USPA ARENA RULE 3- PLAYERS AND ALTERNATES (2) Players may not participate in any USPA Event or Club Event in other than proper uniform including a protective helmet or cap with a chinstrap, the chinstrap to be worn in the appropriate manner specified by the helmet manufacturer of the helmet. No member of a team organization may mount a horse before, during or after a USPA Event in the arena or in the vicinity of the arena unless equipped with a protective helmet or cap with a chin strap, the chin strap to be worn in the appropriate manner specified by the helmet manufacturer of the helmet. (Note: The USPA has developed standards by which different helmets can be evaluated in terms of how much protection they afford. Players are encouraged to take these standards into consideration in the selection of a helmet.

Players are strongly encouraged to wear face and/or eye protection at all times during play.) www.polotimes.co.uk

Adolfo Cambiaso, featured on the front cover of our December/January issue: still holds the number one spot

Argentine Ups and Downs FOLLOWING LA DOLFINA’S win of The 123rd HSBC Argentine Open, The Tortugas Country Club Open and Ellerstina’s Hurlingham Open win, some major changes to handicaps have been announced by the Argentine Polo Association following their handicap meeting on Tuesday 13 December.

Ellerstina’s Nicolás Pieres has gone to 10 goals whilst teammate Pablo Pieres and Alegria’s Guillermo Caset descended to 9 Nicolás Pieres is now 10 goals goals. There are 189 changes in total, of which 111 are increases and 78 decreases, which came into effect as of 1 January 2017.

10 Goalers There are now eight 10 goalers on the Argentine handicap list: Adolfo Cambiaso, Pablo MacDonough, Juan Martín Nero, David ‘Pelón’ Stirling, Hilario Ulloa and remarkably the three Pieres brothers: Gonzalo, Facundo and Nicolás.

Gone Up: The following players have gone from 7 to 8 goals: Francisco Elizalde, Juan M. Zavaleta, Joaquin Pittaluga, Juan Ruiz Guiñazú and Ignacio Laprida.

The following players have gone from 6 to 7 goals: Marcos Araya, Alfredo Bigatti, Juan Britos, Ignacio Negri, Alejo Taranco and Pedro Zacharias.

Gone Down: The following players have gone from 9 to 8: Eduardo, Ignacio and Miguel Novillo Astrada, Agustín and Sebastián Merlos, Ignacio Heguy, Ignacio Toccalino, Lucas Monteverde, Alfredo Cappella Barabucci and Mariano Aguerre, from 9 to 8; The following players have gone from 8 to 7: Diego Cavanagh and Francisco de Narváez The following players have gone from 7 to 6: Milo Fernández Araujo and Juan Harriott

Polo Times, February 2017

7

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

AS THE DEADLINE for the change in rules for the HPA regulations on protective headgear for players draws closer, the USPA have also amended the wording of their rules. They have, however not included any specifications about minimum safety specs for headgear. They have however published a review of the test results from 2016 of all major hat manufacturers. Visit uspolo.org/assets/ docs/2016-Helmet-Testing-Results.pdf to read the reviews. It is important to remember that USA standards are not the same as PAS 015 or the proposed new BS EN European standards.

Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Amateur

polo.com

Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Uruguay Argentina United States Uruguay UAE

©www.imagesof

Cambiaso, Adolfo Pieres, Facundo Nero, Juan Martin Mac Donough, Pablo Pieres Jr., Gonzalo Stirling Jr., David Pieres, Nicolas Pieres, Pablo Taranco, Alejo Albwardy, Rashid

Photograph by

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

News Queen Honours Kiwi

Arena Handicap Changes

James Crossley in action during the warm up game for the International Test Match at Westcroft Park Polo Club

FOLLOWING THE MID Season Handicap meeting on Monday 19 December 25 players’ handicaps have been changed. These amendments came into effect on Tuesday 20 December 2016. Max Charlton and Ryan Pemble have had their brackets removed to become confirmed 9 and 8 goals respectively whilst Tom Morley has gone down to (6) from 7 joining Daniel Otamendie who also receives brackets on (6). Leon Allen and Phil Seller have brackets added to become (5) and (4) respectively. 4 goalers Tomas Palacios-Bacque and Ed Morris-Lowe, who recently represented England in the Westcroft Park Polo Club International Test Match, have had their brackets removed.

New Zealand Test Match THE ENGLAND TEAM has been announced for the New Zealand Test Match that will be played on Saturday 11 February 2017 at KihiKihi Polo Club.

Removal of Brackets Max Charlton from (9) to 9 Ryan Pemble from (8) to 8 Leon Allen from (5) to 5 Ed Morris-Lowe from (4) to 4 Tomas Palacios-Bacque from (4) to 4

England (24): James Harper (Capt) (6), Jack Richardson (6), Ollie Cudmore (5) & Max Charlton (7) England reserves: Nina Clarkin (4) & Ed Hitchman (4)

Michael Amoore from (3) to 3 Joaquine Bossingnon Ternes from (3) to 3 Clive Reid from (1) to 1 Brackets Added Phil Seller from 4 to (4) Emanuel Arber from 0 to (0) Daniel Otamendie from 6 to (6) Gone Down Tom Morley has gone down from (7) to (6) Abi Meakin has gone down from 2 to 1 Gone Up Juan Leiva has gone up from 3 to 4 Johann Spendier has gone up from 2 to 3 Joe Arber has gone up from 1 to 2 James Crossley has gone up from 1 to (2) Nick Nott has gone up from 1 to 2 Charles Knott has gone up from (0) to 1 George Marsden has gone up from 0 to 1 Genevieve Meadows has gone up from 0 to 1 John Bagley has gone up from (-1) to 0 Guy German has gone up from -1 to 0 Mhairi Evetts has gone up from -1 to 0 Christobel Horswell has gone up from- 1 to 0

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IN THE QUEEN’S New Year Honours list Dr Paul Kay received The Queen’s Service Medal for services to polo.

Dr Paul Kay has President of Kihikihi Polo significantly raised Club Dr Paul Kay has the profile of polo in received The Queen’s Service Medal his community and New Zealand, and enhanced New Zealand’s standing in the international polo community.

Dr Kay is a renowned breeder and trainer of polo ponies, President of Kihikihi Polo Club, and past President and Life Member of the New Zealand Polo Association. In 2003, he was a driving force behind transforming the 16 hectare Kihikihi domain into a community sport and recreational facility.

He developed and funded a world-class polo pitch adjacent to the domain, which is made available to the community at no cost.

He now organises annual International Test Matches on this ground and allows visiting teams to use his own ponies for the event.

He also developed a polo pitch on public land in Cambridge, which doubles as a large open recreational ground for public use. Mr Kay continues to provide his own machinery to maintain the five grounds in Waikato.

Saturday 25th February 2017 The British Open

Arena Gold Cup The most prestigious tournament of the Winter Season

Gates open 11 am Food and Drink Hospitality After Party

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News Polo Benefit THE SECOND EDITION of Nic Roldan’s Sunset Polo to benefit for Brooke USA will take place on 24 March 2017 at the Wanderer’s Club Florida. Contact Nic for more details by emailing info@nicroldan.com

McLaren Cup Draw

RoR Date for Your Diary Polo ponies have been showcased at RWHS since 1950.

Photograph by Gonzalo Etcheverry

Action from the 2016 McLaren Cup Final between Zedan and Bin Drai Polo

Polo World Championship ON THURSDAY 2 February New Zealand and Malaysia will face each other in the Final of the AsiaPacific qualifiers for the Polo World Championship at Thai Polo & Equestrian Centre. This match will determine which team goes through to the Championship rounds which are scheduled to be held in October in Sydney. It is not the first time Malaysia and New Zealand have faced each other, in 2011 Malaysia beat New Zealand in the Zone D Playoffs, so no doubt the match will be one to watch.

Photograph by Richard Hine/Polo Times

ON MONDAY 16 January at The Al Habtoor Group Head Office, the organising committee conducted a live draw for the McLaren Cup 2017. The McLaren Cup, which began on Saturday 21 January with the Final being played on Friday 3 February, forms one half of The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (Dubai Open), which has been split into two halves and will be played at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. The second tournament, the Julius Baer Gold Cup will be played from 18 February – 10 March 2017.

Zone A teams: Bin Drai Polo, Zedan Polo & Mahra Polo Zone B teams: Desert Palm, UAE Polo, Habtoor Wolves & Habtoor Polo

ALTHOUGH THE SUNNY bliss of summer may feel like a long way off, it’s never too early to start adding dates to your diary, and the Polo Pony classes, sponsored by Guards Polo Club, will be held on Thursday 11 May at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The judges will be Lord Patrick Beresford and Guards Polo Manager Antony Fanshawe.

Polo ponies have been showcased at RWHS since 1950 and for 2017 the show will be hosting two classes, with one open to all polo ponies of any breed and the second is restricted to former racehorses. The criteria for the former racehorses section is that the horse must have raced in Britain and be registered with Retraining of Racehorses. The winner and second from the four sections (3yo, 4yo, 5yo, 6yo) of the 2016 RoR Polo Challenge have an automatic, free entry into this class at Windsor Horse Show.

The winners of both classes will receive £500 each, donated by Guards Polo Club and the RoR and will forward to the overall Polo Pony Championship and the chance to win the prestigious trophy.

The Thai Polo & Equestrian Centre will host the event

HPA News Appointments for 2017 Stewards Chairman: S. T. A. Hutchinson, Esq Vice Chairman: None R. M. Britten-Long, Esq – Chairman of the International Committee R.I. Vere Nicoll, Esq - Chairman of the Handicap Committee G.S. Tomlinson, Esq– Chairman of the Development Committee A.M.E. Barlow, Esq– Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee H. Taylor, Esq – Chairman of the Finance and Grants Committee TBC – Chairman of the Umpire and Rules Committee M. B. J. Amoore, Esq – Chairman of the Arena Polo Committee P. C. Barfoot, Esq M. D. Booth, Esq J. Gottschalk, Esq J. M. Green-Armytage, Esq Brig. P. D. P. Hankinson, MBE K. T. Jones, Esq W. A. H. Lucas, Esq C. R. McCowan, Esq J. T. Morrison, Esq Mrs T. H. Ormerod The Hon. T. Phillimore Col. J. L. Seddon-Brown The Marquess of Waterford 10

Polo Times, February 2017

Handicap Committee 2017 R.I. Vere Nicoll, Esq (Chairman) H. Ali Hyder, Esq M. B. J. Amoore, Esq C. J. Bethell, Esq W. Emerson, Esq A. G. Fanshawe, Esq R. Graham, Esq W. A. H. Lucas, Esq R. Stanning, Esq

www.polotimes.co.uk

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HPA News

Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters

Overseas Matches Dubai A 14 goal England team played at the Habtoor Polo Resort and Club in Dubai on Friday 16 December 2016, Habtoor UAE won 7-4.

Habtoor UAE England Mohammed Al Habtoor (0) Charlie Cadogan (0) Justo Cuitiño (3) Tom Brodie (3) Santiago Gomez Romero (3) James Harper (Capt) (6) Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario (8) Will Emerson (5)

14

14 South Africa On 29 December 2016 at Plettenburgh Bay Polo Club, Kurland, South Africa were victorious 9-3.

South Africa Great Britain Nick Sherring (2) Max Kirchhoff (0) Byron Watson (3) David Ashby (3) Chris MacKenzie (6) George Meyrick (Capt) (6) Shaun Brokenshaw (4) Richard Le Poer (6)

15

15 China At the time of going to print, teams from Argentina, Australia, England, Hong Kong, South Africa and the USA have been invited to play in the FIP Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2017 which will take place from 17 January to 22 January 2017 at Tianjin Goldin metropolitan Polo Club, a full report of which will be included in the next issue of Polo Times. The following have been selected to play for England: James Harper (Capt) (6) Jack Richardson (6) Alastair Paterson (4)

16 Dave Allen (Coach/Reserve)

Horse Passports – Important Notice Insurance For all members of the HPA, please ensure that your horse passports are in order and that horses are registered to the correct owner with the HPA. If the passports are not registered correctly with the HPA the 3rd Party insurance that is provided as part of the HPA membership package will not be valid. For any queries refer to the HPA website or contact the office. Please note that players of 3 goals or above or those who own more than ten horses, are not covered by the member’s liability insurance because they are deemed to be running a business within polo.

Welfare A reminder to all Clubs and members that they are ultimately responsible for the care and welfare of their ponies throughout the year and the importance of ensuring that they are properly cared for during the winter months. See Rule 2.4.

Development South Africa December 2016 The following group of four children attended a one-week training clinic in South Africa with Buster Mackenzie in December: Louis Heard, Wilbur Millard, Marcus Speed; Aleksander Horvat and Conor Kay were also selected but were unable to travel, Conor because he broke his arm shortly before departure. The group were chaperoned by Olivia Lamphee.

South Africa February 2017 In February this year the following group of six have been selected by the Development Committee to attend a week’s training clinic from 10 – 20 February with Buster Mackenzie in South Africa: Monte Swain-Grainger, George Deverall, Tamara Gibbons, Lorna Fleming, Capucine Granchi and George Hobbs. The group will be chaperoned by Alec Banner-Eve.

Photograph courtesy of Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club

Florida February 2017 A group of four young players will visit Florida in February as part of the exchange program between the HPA and the Polo Training Foundation in Florida. They will play in the Avendaño Memorial Tournament on 20 February.

FIP Snow Polo World Cup is in full swing.

New Zealand An England team have been invited to play a Test Match against New Zealand on Saturday 11 February 2017 at the Kihikihi Polo Club.

Jack Richardson (6) Ollie Cudmore (5) James Harper (Capt) (6) Max Charlton (7)

24 Reserves: Nina Clarkin (4) and Ed Hitchman (4) 12

Polo Times, February 2017

Membership subscriptions and fees Outdoor Type of Membership Full Associate Membership Day Membership Junior Associate Membership Direct Non Playing Members

UK Resident £155 £ 30 £ 70 £ 100

OSR £305 £ 30 £ 70 N/A

Arena season 2016/2017 Type of Membership Full Membership Arena Full – Paid up Outdoor Member Day Membership Junior Associate Membership

UK Resident £155 £ 90 £ 30 £ 70

OSR £305 £ 90 £ 30 £ 70

Club Affiliation Fees 2017 Grade 1 – Cowdray and Guards Grade 2 – Royal County of Berkshire and Cirencester Grade 3 – Beaufort Grade 4 – Cheshire, HPC, Hurtwood and Kirtlington Grade 5 – Cambridge Co, Dallas Burtson, Longdole,

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Polo Times, February 2017

13

FIP News

FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world The 2016 General Assembly week was a great success with over a 100 delegates attending from all over the world. We are delighted to report that high goal player Fred Mannix Jnr graciously accepted to become one of the new younger Ambassadors for FIP and we all look forward to working with him on our youth programmes and getting more active participation in FIP by the next generation. The week of meetings culminated in an excellent Gala Evening held at the Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires. Thanks must also go to Ernesto Gutierrez for hosting 12 teams for the third year in a row at his beautiful La Ensenada Polo Ranch for an Ambassador’s Cup tournament and to St. Jorge Polo Club and the Chief of General Staff of the Argentine Army for graciously hosting the first of FIP’s Military Tournaments, which was a great success.

2017 will be an extremely hectic year for FIP starting on the 14 January when teams from Argentina, Australia, England, South Africa and the USA will arrive at the stunning Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club in Tianjin, China to battle it against the host team Hong Kong for coveted place in the FIP Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup. This is the only true World Cup of Snow Polo as it is the only tournament in the world where the teams are selected by the National Associations to represent their countries. To help promote polo in the region, an exception has been made for the Hong Kong Team who are traditionally selected from FIP member nations and sanctioned by FIP. The six teams will be playing three-a-side polo at a handicap

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Polo Times, February 2017

level of 14-16 goals, which makes for some fast and enjoyable games. The social events include a welcome dinner, opening and closing dinners and an impressive Gala Dinner as guests of Mr Pan Sutong the owner of the Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club.

From China it is straight to Thailand for the regional play-offs for Zone D, organised

by Peter Prendiville the Zone Director and Peter Abisheganaden of the Royal Malaysian Polo Association who are sponsoring the event at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club courtesy of Harald Link & Nunthinee Tanner and VR Sports Club courtesy of the Thailand Polo Association and Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. At the same time Zone B play-offs will be held 22 – 29 January at Punta del Este, Uruguay which is known as the St. Tropez of South America. It will be hosted by the Asociación Uruguaya de Polo and their president Mr German Pena.

Next on the list will be Zone A play-offs in Wellington, Florida to be held in the last week of April from 22 – 30. The event will be held at Port Mayaca Polo Club and the International Polo Club (IPC). The final day of the tournament play will be held on Sunday 30 April at IPC with either one or both games to be held on Field 1 (the stadium field). In addition, all the participating players, team members and their families will be hosted by IPC to attend the US Open Championship Finals at IPC on Sunday 23 April. Then comes Zone C, organised by Zone Director Piero Dillier at the beautiful Chantilly Polo Club courtesy of Patrick Guerrand-Hermes and the Perrier Family, this will also include the first

Ladies European Championship from the 28 April – 7 May 2017. During these play-offs the final two European teams will battle to participate in the 11th FIP Polo World Cup in Sydney, Australia in October 2017. Zone E will run from June 29 to 7 July in Iran jointly hosted by the Qasr Firoozeh Polo Club, Kanoon Chogan Polo Farm, Noroozabad Polo Club and the Army Ground Forces Polo Club kindly organised by Siamack Ilkhanizadeh and the Iran Polo Federation.

With all the play-offs completed by early July we will then know which teams will be competing at the World Polo Championships in Sydney in October at Sydney Polo Club hosted by the Higgins Family and supported by Tim Clarke, the President of the Australian Polo Federation and the NSW Polo Association. There will be eight teams participating in the FIP World Championships which will include the winners from Zones A, C, D and E as well as two teams from Zone C along with past winners, Chile and the host team from Australia. Thanks must go to the organising committee in Australia and especially to all those who have generously pledged their ponies for the event.

On a finishing note it is extremely sad that whilst the rest of the polo world are busy organising their forthcoming seasons the United Kingdom, founder of the modern game, have been placed in a position of apprehension and trepidation by the vagaries of their own civil service which appear to be totally unaware of the great unsung British sporting success story of polo, let us hope they become aware of it before it is too late!

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Your Views

Letter of the month The writer of letter of the month wins a bottle of British Polo Gin @britishpologin 18 years and over only

Letters

Dear Sirs, It is upsetting to see this Government be so destructive on so many fronts, their actions threaten Britain’s leadership in a sport that brings so much employment, income and internal spending to our economy. This destruction is driven by internal party right wing politics and attempting to show action when they haven’t a clue or plan of any sort, how embarrassing. The next election cannot be soon enough!

Anthony Foster

By Email

Dear Sirs, How did all this mess begin? Maybe it was due to one or two players saying that the foreigners are taking the job of British nationals. Well, the crucial handicap bracket is 3 to 5 goals and most of them have two passports and a good record to be allowed to come to UK (credit cards, foreign accounts etc). So, it’s not going to stop them, but, high goal handicap players have no challenge in the UK and generally don’t have an EU passport. The high goal with no high standard players reminds me of the Olympics with their policy of banned countries, it doesn’t represent the true spirit.

But, a patron willing to see his name on a trophy or shake the hand with an HRH, doesn’t care if only two or three teams are in the tournament, it means they have more chances to win, which is pure vanity.

Let’s look at the rest of the tournaments, those small Clubs are not going to be able to be easily filled due the lack of players, just with the left over EU and UK players. For them, a player with a groom is going to have an outstanding season, they will be playing morning to night and fulfilling all kind of places, but is a patron ready to play with someone else and not his long-standing professional? Maybe yes, if it’s a matter of doing something rather than staying home and playing on their Playstation.

Some players are thinking about doing the horses themselves and hiring a part-time groom at the matches. We need to think if there will there be enough part-time grooms free to do that? I could see players struggling all the time to sort that out.

High goal used to have loads of people, they would hire them even as part-time grooms just for the duration of the matches, but with the visa problem it will be impossible. The player, as long as he gets payed, I bet you, doesn’t care about the rest, he is going to blame the HPA. This situation is going to make people want to stay and play in one place and not move, unless they have everything organised. It is going to create a rebirth of the times when everything was all inclusive in one Club.

Or, instead of one foreign groom, it will take two British nationals or EU, with not so much experience to care for the horses.

I doubt that some patrons are not prepared to discover the

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Polo Times, February 2017

Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk wL etters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane,

Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN

difference between a properly trained horse and a happy one.

In dressage or jumping, it is the owner who trains the horse and rides it every day knowing how many legs they have and the behaviour in the arena, the groom, is just that, a groom.

In polo they don’t realise their lives are in the hands of a groom, who performs the job well. Let’s count how many players died or had serious problems, blaming the field or whatever but most of the time, the horse wasn’t at the level of the match played.

There is no way, yet, to make a groom prove their standard.

Let me be more clear, there are many doctors, all of them came out of the same university, but only few saves lives. This is what I think about these workers, the job title should be called, polo trainer, not groom, for a person who understands all the processes in order to put a horse on the field fit and ready to be played. Schooling, tacking up or taking care of equine first aid, you have to trust their ability in order to get a good groom.

A good groom has an order in his or her mind, he or she is able to receive the date and place, and be ready to organise everything that will be necessary. Many grooms are able to work in an office the next day, however, an office person might not survive two days working as a groom.

Then someone has the brilliant idea to do an apprenticeship, but is not up to standard yet as it takes time to learn. What I see is that the Government in this matter doesn’t think that polo is important. They don’t understand that not all the people in polo can take a pupil on for the whole year, as many players and yards only offer seasonal jobs. Only polo schools can do this. The apprenticeships plan is green and it will take time to mature.

Polo 10 years ago or more was a friendly sport and with very few players, so the HPA for that role was perfect and part of the show, but things have changed. “Some small things must change to keep everything the same,” was said by Burt Lancaster in Il Gattopardo, at the moment we have a small polo family but with new cousins from distant countries such as Latvia, Nepal, Thailand, Russia and China, soon the polo family will grow, and the HPA remains the same.

The actual problem is a breach in the way some visas were made, despite the amount, appears not to be important for the Home Office if we confront the illegal and refugee matter, but it is a question of principles. If we don’t follow principles, we may face a totally uncontrolled situation. I agree in this aspect with the Government, but being on the other side of the street, I need an answer, as soon as possible. The side effect of all this, are the farms, horse feed suppliers, vets, farriers, transport providers and so on who are all English and in UK. This is a humble opinion, Atilio Degrossi

By Email Editors’ Note: The situation referred to in these letters is one which is on going and in a state of flux. For more information on the situation, please turn to page 18.

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Quick Question The world’s number one Adolfo Cambiaso is listed with which official nationality on the HPA website? For a bonus point who is he reported to be playing for during the 2017 UK summer season?

A: Turn to page 69 to check your answer

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British grooms are at a premium for the 2017 season

Polo Times, February 2017

17

Feature

Immigration Focus

Difficulties at Home The ongoing chronology of events so far as detailed

by David Woodd, Chief Executive, HPA:

PASSPORT

Polo Times’ Nick Hine met with the HPA to understand the ins and outs of the current immigration crisis in UK polo.

T

he freedom of movement for players and grooms in and out of the UK could potentially be about to be changed irrevocably by Government officials.

Despite many feeling that the Government – with the complications of post-BREXIT immigration policy looming – must arguably surely have bigger fish to fry, it seems that the issues over visas are like a belligerent boomerang that keep coming back to hit equestrian sports in the back of the head. Although the first rumblings in the equine world began in 2015 when the racing community were shocked by the Home Office’s approach, for polo at least, it seemed to be all clear – after all, it received confirmation in August 2015 from a Senior Operational Policy Advisor within the Immigration and Border Policy Directorate that, “it was ‘business as usual’ as far as the HPA was concerned”.

Whilst there is now little doubt that the Home Office’s proposed new criteria would drastically change polo’s ability to source workers and players from outside the EEA, there still remain many questions.

Most notably: why this has happened? What happened to cause this sudden change? What will happen next and how long have we got?

“There are significant concerns over the multiple ambiguities contained within the Home Office’s proposed new criteria” As to who will be excluded under the proposed Home Office changes, the new criteria even excludes players and grooms from Commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

Clearly, this would not be for the good of the sport, nor of any national, or international benefit, not to mention the damage that it would cause to relations with our cousins in the Commonwealth.

And so, having reached an impasse with the Home Office – despite it has to be stressed, their best endeavours – the HPA, with the support of various HPA members and a legal team, fervently attempted one more time, to put together a legal representation to the Home Office before Christmas.

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Polo Times, February 2017

“Introduction As you may be aware, on 11 October 2016 the Home Office announced, without warning, that the HPA could not grant endorsements of Points Based System (PBS) sponsorships for the 2017 season until further notice. Since then, the HPA has been attempting to resolve the situation through negotiation and discussion. However, by December 2016 the HPA took the view that given the increasing time pressure of the situation and the absence of any satisfactory response from the Home Office, the HPA should instruct its solicitors to advise on alternative ways to reach a solution.

Whilst discussions were still ongoing with the Home Office the HPA took the view that it might not advance our ultimate aim if it were to issue a public statement or respond to issues raised on social media. Given the Home Office’s continuing refusal to lift the suspension on the HPA’s ability to grant endorsements and the inevitable impact on polo at all levels in the 2017 season, proceedings were issued on 10 January 2017 against the Secretary of State. Set out below is a summary of the current position and the HPA will keep you updated with news of any developments.

Summary On 11 October 2016 the Secretary of State for the Home Department (SSHD) suspended the HPA’s endorsement criteria, with the effect that no endorsement of PBS sponsorships may be issued by the HPA and no migrants could apply for entry clearance or leave to remain in the UK under PBS sponsorship to participate in the sport of polo.

Negotiations have so far been unproductive and despite repeated reminders about the time sensitivity of resolving the issue, the SSHD will not confirm when she will reach a decision.

Any application to judicially review the SSHD’s decision must be issued within 3 months of the effective decision being communicated to the HPA. The ‘effective decision’ for these purposes was the email of 11 October suspending the HPA’s power to provide endorsements. The deadline for the issue of proceedings was therefore 10 January 2017.

Following advice from Leading Counsel on the merits of the application, proceedings were drafted and issued on 10 January 2017.

Given the time pressure, the HPA’s advisers have requested an urgent hearing on interim relief within 14 days of the issuing of proceedings. The interim relief requested is that the HPA is free to grant endorsements under the current criteria or in the alternative allowed endorsements under the amended criteria (so far as they can at present be understood).

Set out below is some of the background so that you may understand why the HPA decided it had no other option but to issue proceedings.

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Immigration Focus

Chronology • In July 2015 Mr Lee Beach, Senior Operational Policy Advisor within the Immigration and Border Policy Directorate, met with the HPA to discuss whether the endorsement criteria for polo remained fit for purpose and relevant.

• Following that meeting, Mr Beach highlighted concerns as to the operation of the endorsement criteria and asked that the HPA revert to him by 11 August 2015.

• On 10 August 2015 we responded in detail to his concerns.

• By email dated 19 August 2015 Mr Beach responded that it should be “business as usual” as far as the HPA was concerned.

In light of the concerns that had been raised, the HPA nevertheless thought it proper to continue discussions with the Home Office to ensure that everything was in order for the following season. On 3 December 2015 the HPA contacted Mr Beach indicating that a working group had been set up and suggested that there should be a meeting in March/April 2016 with Mr Beach with a view to finalising the endorsement criteria for the 2017 season. Mr Beach did not respond or take up the invitation.

• However, without any warning or prior indication, on 22 September 2016 Mr Beach contacted the HPA to notify it of the need to discuss the endorsement criteria based on the Home Office’s decision to suspend the sponsor licences of a number of sponsors previously endorsed by the HPA. On 7 October 2016 a meeting took place between David Woodd and Oliver Hughes, for the HPA, and Lee Beach and Ragnar Clifford (of the Immigration and Policy Directorate).

• By email dated 11 October 2016 Mr Beach wrote to the HPA with detailed and substantial proposed amendments to the endorsement criteria which would in our view have had a detrimental impact on polo at all levels within the United

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Kingdom. The proposed new criteria were also ambiguous and unclear and needed further discussion and clarification. That email also suspended the HPA’s ability to grant any further endorsements until further notice.

On 11 November 2016 a further meeting took place between the parties. The HPA set out in detail why the proposed criteria in their current form were unworkable for polo in the UK and that even if changes were to be brought in there would have to be a reasonable period to source and train up staff to replace those who would be excluded under the proposed changes.

It was agreed that the HPA would make formal representations, including the provision of evidence, to ensure that the proposed new criteria were appropriate.

In the interim the HPA asked that the current endorsement criteria remain in place for the 2017 season because of the impossibility at this late stage of identifying enough sufficiently experienced staff to train and care for the horses.

On 18 November 2016 Mr Clifford responded on behalf of the SSHD, rejecting the request.

The HPA wrote to Mr Clifford again, by email dated 27 November 2016, reiterating the request for the endorsement criteria to be re-instated on an interim basis and setting out in more detail the very significant practical problems arising from their suspension. Further representations were sent to the SSHD on 2 December 2016 and 14 December 2016, addressing both the proposed substantive change to the endorsement criteria, as well as the need for the pre-existing criteria to be applied to the 2017 season.

The SSHD said a decision would be provided by Friday 16 December. Nothing was heard. In a follow up call on Monday 19 December between the HPA’s solicitors (Charles Russell Speechlys “CRS”) and Mr Beach, he said that he could not now

Next Steps The HPA is hopeful that the Court will accede to its application for interim relief so as to allow the issue of permits under the current criteria for the 2017 season whilst there is proper consultation on the new criteria for 2018. However, the judge may decide to limit endorsements to the proposed new criteria although there remain very substantial internal contradictions and there would be inevitable and very significant damage to the sport in the 2017 season. The proposed new criteria are less than clear, have not been thought through by the Home Office and significantly disadvantage EU (and particularly UK) players and patrons.

The third option is that the Court rejects the HPA’s application for

Feature

confirm when a final decision would be provided.

• On 21 December 2016 CRS sent a letter before claim, with time for reply abridged to 30 December 2016. On 22 December 2016 the SSHD acknowledged receipt but indicated that a substantive response would not be available until 4 January 2017.

• On 4 January 2017 the SSHD responded substantively, contending that: o There had not been a failure to consult or provide sufficient notice of the proposed changes to the endorsement criteria as the HPA had been aware of the SSHD’s concerns since July 2015; o There was nothing in the Code preventing the SSHD from seeking amendment to the endorsement criteria for an upcoming season; o Since the HPA had not agreed to the SSHD’s proposed changes, and since the previous criteria allegedly failed to comply with the principles of the sportsperson routes, there should be no endorsements under the previous criteria, until a final decision on the new criteria was made; o There had been no commitment to respond to the HPA’s representations by 16 December 2016. The SSHD’s officials were consulting with Ministers and would make a decision ‘as soon as possible’. However, at this time, they were ‘unable to give a specific deadline’.

Upon receipt of this letter, a decision was taken to seek the opinion of Counsel as to the merits of a judicial review application.

The HPA has instructed Judith Farbey QC and David Lemer. In light of the advice received, the HPA took the decision to issue proceedings and this was effected on 10 January 2017 with an application requesting a hearing on interim relief in 14 days with the file to be placed before a judge in 48 hours.

interim relief and the HPA must then await a final hearing which is unlikely to take place for several months. In that case the 2017 season would inevitably be compromised.

The HPA trusts that this sets out in some detail the background to the current position. The HPA has at all times endeavoured to present the case to the Home Office as reasonably as possible with a view to reaching a mutually satisfactory solution without incurring the costs of legal proceedings. The HPA is of course disappointed that despite its best efforts it has been obliged to issue proceedings. Now that step has been taken the HPA considers it entirely proper that the membership be provided with the detail set out within this note.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: At the time of going to press, the date of the hearing of the HPA’s application for interim relief had been set as 25 January 2017.

We are advised by the HPA that the Court’s decision will be communicated to the membership as soon as it is practical to do so. www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, February 2017

19

Feature

Immigration Focus

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Rock and a hard place?

Seeking counsel and going to judicial review may seem more akin to entering the last chance saloon, but the HPA really had no option other than to take drastic action.

The contradictory nature of the proposed new criteria makes it difficult to fully understand the implications, but, presently, the position appears to be that if the HPA accepts the new Home Office criteria, then the HPA will only be able to endorse visas for 5 goalers and above, playing in teams at the highest level, classified as High and Medium goal polo. 4 goalers and below would not be endorsed. However, it is the grooms themselves who may only come if they are expressly assigned to an overseas team for a period of time. Under the new proposal, working for an overseas player who himself has been endorsed will not count, as an overseas groom seeking to work in the UK must be part of the overseas team’s entourage. For the avoidance of doubt, an overseas groom must also have been attached to that overseas team for a ‘period of time’ – the length of which is currently unquantified.

Despite the numerous ambiguities contained in the new proposals, what is clear above all else, is that the lack of time that the Home Office has afforded for these new proposals to be implemented means that they are not workable. No grooms would mean no polo for many teams which would ultimately damage polo at all levels.

David Woodd expands, “Unfortunately, I was misquoted by Rod Gilmore in The Daily Telegraph. I was trying to emphasise to him that the main argument with the Home Office for 2017 was about the grooms not the players, who were irrelevant to the immediate problem that confronted us for the coming

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Polo Times, February 2017

season; no grooms, no players. He put it in another way.”. However, the logistical reality is that it takes months to process paperwork and wait for replies and interviews at embassies; so, even if a compromised decision were reached on the proposed new criteria, then it would be too late for the start of the 2017 season?

This in itself put the HPA and the polo scene as a whole in England in an untenable position; in essence, if the HPA had not sought interim relief of the new Home Office criteria under judicial review and had accepted the changes without any compromise, then there would undoubtedly have been a devastating degree of damage to all levels of polo – but in particular, to the low goal.

British grooms – do they even exist?

We already have a number of British grooms here in the UK, but the debate rumbles on – are they thirsty for the work? Are they prepared to put the hours in with the dedication needed? Are there even enough of them? Most importantly, do they have the skill-set and knowledge? Quite a few British grooms are emerging from the woodwork creating a wage war debate resulting in the risk of an overnight polo community inflation issue. Putting money to one side and polo in the UK, for the main part, is very seasonal, resulting in 12 month career jobs in polo being like hen’s teeth. This means that however well paid the position is, it is very difficult to get a mortgage as a UK polo groom – resulting in the inevitable spiral of few people making being a polo groom their career choice.

Trailblazers is an existing government funded apprentice-scheme providing a new educational avenue into the equine world for anyone who wants to learn a trade from

disadvantaged students from London Boroughs to country lads fresh out of agricultural college.

The scheme will achieve things, but two years into its inception, and there have been no polo apprentice grooms yet to materialise. This clearly demonstrates that new initiatives all take time to be successfully implemented – and it is precisely time that the HPA seeks by way of the interim relief.

“The lack of time that the Home Office has afforded for these new proposals to be implemented means that they are not workable” What comes next?

A forecast on polo’s future depends whether your glass is half full, or half empty. The current Home Office stance may look like polo is being targeted unfairly, but whatever, the outcome of the judicial review must be used as polo’s wake up call. The sport is an industry and like any other sector of business, those that operate moneymaking enterprises must take heed of how they conduct their companies.

Taking the age-old adage that ‘an optimist sees an opportunity in every difficulty’, (rather than a difficulty in an opportunity), it would surely not hurt the industry as a whole if polo were to now look to instigate apprenticeship schemes, outreach plans with equine colleges and courses. In-depth discussions with other organisations, (such as the British Grooms Association), to make polo a real career option for UK based equine enthusiasts, can only have a positive impact on the sport.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Immigration Focus

Feature

The old vs the proposed new criteria Old Criteria Tier 2 (Sportsperson): For players and coaches who are internationally established at the highest level and whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of the sport at the highest level in the UK Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting): Is for players and coaches who are internationally established at the highest level and/ or whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of the sport at the highest level in the UK Both Tier 2 and Tier 5 endorsements are subject to the post not being able to be filled by a suitable settled worker (EEA national).

New Intended Proposals The Highest level: Is classified as High and Medium goal polo.

A Sponsor: Will only be available to teams playing at the highest level (as above).

Polo players: 5 goals and above, playing in teams at the highest level (as above).

Grooms: Grooms travelling with nonEEA players assigned to overseas teams playing at the highest level (as above).

Polo’s Tier 5 has gone.

NB: Note that in the new criteria there is no mention of coaches Additional research by Lucy Wilson The bigger picture of UK immigration There are endless pages and online PDFs of information (the guide for sponsors for Tier 2 and Tier 5 is a mere 194 pages long) and statistical data available about the comings and goings of migrants across the UK borders. Not surprisingly, although somewhat ironically, Argentine and other non-EEA grooms do not even feature, but instead fall into the ‘other’ category. Equine sports persons entering on Tier 2 visas do feature and interestingly the statistics published by the Government show a market decrease in June 2016 over 2015 from 134 to 116.1 There were no available statistics on this particular study for Tier 5 visas.

Looking outside the polo bubble, it is a bit easier to understand what’s really going on. The current Government had pledged during their election campaign to reduce immigration to the tens of thousands each year rather than the current figure, which is in excess of 300,000. Looking at it with www.polotimes.co.uk

“No grooms would mean no polo for many teams which would ultimately damage polo at all levels.” a glass half-full in hand, it doesn’t matter that some British professional players may or may not have sent unhappy letters to the Home Office, the outcome was always going to be the same – the Home Office was determined to wean the UK polo scene off its need for non-EEA grooms and players.

Tales of foreigners apparently stealing British players’ jobs simply helped the Home Office light the touch paper in its bid to curb the importation of lower level players and grooms.

Was polo always going to be next on the list?

The racing community took the immigration hit in 2015, specifically its Tier 2 endorsements. However, racing’s Tier 2 was very different to polo’s in that with racing, there was a ‘rolling’ 12 month entitlement, which could ultimately lead to citizenship.

This was not the case with polo’s Tier 2.

1. Source: Home Office, Immigration Statistics April to June 2016 Visas table vi 04 q.

Polo Times, February 2017

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Feature

Immigration Focus

FAQs

EEA Countries

I’ve had the same groom from Argentina for ten years – will he still be able to come to England; he has an Argentine passport?

No, until the Home Office resolve the criteria he will not be able to work in the UK. This is the same for all non-EEA grooms.

If the HPA agree the new criteria then he may be able to come if you play in medium or high goal for an overseas team and the groom is assigned to that overseas team.

EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden & the UK

I usually play with an Argentine 4 goaler in 8 goal – will he be able to play this summer?

No, until the Home Office resolve the criteria he will not be able to work in the UK. This is the same for all non-EEA professional players.

If the HPA accept the new criteria then he will not be able to because his handicap is under 5 goals.

Non-EU Countries that are EEA: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway & Switzerland

I have a business in producing young playing horses and I usually employ a top Argentine rider who breaks and makes my young stock – will he be able to come?

No, until the Home Office resolve the criteria he will not be able to work in the UK. This is the same for all non-EEA grooms, as you aren’t a team playing in medium or high goal then your rider will not qualify for sponsorship.

I have a 15 goal UK based team with one non-EEA professional who also manages my horses and grooms – will he be able to come?

No, until the Home Office resolve the criteria they will not be able to work in the UK. This is the same for all non-EEA grooms and players, however if the HPA accepts the new criteria and your professional is above 5 goals then he will be able to play for you in the medium goal but not bring non-EEA grooms as your team is UK based.

My grooms are not from Argentina, they are from Australia – will they be able to come?

No, all non-EEA migrant workers are in the same boat.

I am a 4 goal player from New Zealand and I have my own Club and livery yard with other businesses and I bring my own grooms to work for me – can I still come to the UK? No, until the Home Office resolve the criteria you will not be able to work in the UK. This is the same for all non-EEA grooms and players, and if the HPA accepts the new criteria and your handicap is under 5 goals then they will still not be able to work in the UK. I am a groom from Argentina but I have a Spanish passport – can I come and work in the UK? Yes, visas are only required for non-EEA nationals, this applies to grooms and professional players.

Many articles and statements in the press were produced by the British Horseracing Authority and prominent racing figures alike, all expressing outrage that they were being targeted for what was being called their almost drug like addiction to migrant workers. There are still a few online articles available that you can read that didn’t support their case too well.

One even used the argument that UK yard staff weighed too much to ride the horses… a pretty desperate case to put forward… the lack of skilled workers available to employ might have been a better approach – especially as the racing community already have their own schools and colleges where budding racing staff and riders can learn the trade. Polo is a million miles away from offering this possibility, but 22

Polo Times, February 2017

it seems in polo’s case at least, that the Home Office want to see migrant workers’ numbers reduced before training schemes can be implemented.

British grooms do exist, but the good ones are few and far between. Polo is often a career choice for those that want to dabble in it, but the long hours, large numbers of ponies and relentless seasons in all weathers, is tough, and it takes a huge amount of dedication to commit to the sport as a career. It is a pretty strong wake up call that even if having your own polo team is your hobby, employing staff needs to be done the same as any other employment.

Polo is an industry and must adhere to all the usual business parameters; employment

“New initiatives all take time to be successfully implemented – and it is precisely time that the HPA seeks by way of the interim relief” insurance, HR procedures, contracts, PAYE, tax, working hours, health and safety and so on. The attitude, “it’s my hobby and only polo” does not cut the mustard any longer.

Every aspect of our industry is under the watch of the authorities. We have already seen the DVSA staking out lorries along the Drift Road between all the polo club hubs in Berkshire like a drugs stake-out trying to get a measure on how illegal all the lorries are – expect more of the same and then some.

One thought is that a change in ethos could be a good way to encourage more British equestrian enthusiasts to pick a career in polo. But when this is all said and done, none of this happens overnight, it takes years to orchestrate and implement.

How will removing the number of non-EEA 2,3 & 4 goal players affect the British polo scene?

Rather like a taboo subject that no one wants to talk about, the whole topic of the under www.polotimes.co.uk

Immigration Focus

4 Goalers UK Players Non EEA Players EU Players Total 4 goalers in 2015 Minus Non EEA Players The equivalent of five and a half four-man polo teams lost If Brexit means EU passports are also affected that leaves

18 22 11 51 29 18 X 4 goal players left

3 Goalers UK Players Non EEA Players EU Players Total 3 goalers in 2015 Minus Non EEA Players The equivalent of seven four-man polo teams lost If Brexit means EU passports are also affected that leaves

36 28 9 73 45 36 X 3 goal players left

2 Goalers UK Players Non EEA Players EU Players Total 2 goalers in 2015 Minus Non EEA Players The equivalent of eight four-man polo teams plus a reserve lost If Brexit means EU passports are also affected that leaves

5 goal handicapped players in the low goal (who will not make it over this season under the proposed new criteria), has been glossed over – despite these players being crucial for the English polo scene to succeed.

Although the majority of the low goal players are UK residents, looking at the breakdown of the numbers of 2 to 4 goal players and removing the number of non-EEA players for all three handicap brackets, equates to over 20 teams worth of players not being allowed to take part in the low goal – that is a significant hit for the low goal scene to take as it has already seen team entries across the country struggling over recent years.

Sourcing from the EU and the UK – is this even an option?

The immigration implications of BREXIT, are another whole matter that is worth considering now – the changes to immigration put in place as a result of the lock-down of UK borders will also make sourcing any EU workers complicated unless they are a student coming in to study. If you trawl through all the social media and blog websites, the chatter is divided abut the abilities of the available skill-set, with particular reference to grooms.

The continental Europe effect In the first few weeks of 2017, the reality of how serious this standoff is has really hit the UK community, but the ripples around the worldwide polo community is starting to create a tsunami. A French PR www.polotimes.co.uk

90 33 9 132 99 90 X 2 goal players left

Company released a statement on behalf of Chantilly and Paris Polo Club’s with a headline “We are still welcoming Argentine polo professionals for the summer season.”

Of course, players and grooms who have European families also hold dual passports – how many top overseas professionals are now fervently searching for an Italian granny, as until the resolution is made they won’t be coming over to play either.

Who wins?

If left unchallenged, Continental Europe would do well out of the impasse, as many players otherwise destined for the UK would flood across France, Belgium, Germany, Spain and so on expanding an already growing need for ponies, players and teams in those countries.

No ‘red tape’ across the Channel and it’s winner takes all for our continental cousins The trend of weekend polo travel from the UK to Europe might well become popular, cheap flights and the Eurostar for a weekend tournament in St Tropez or Sotogrande with your 4 goal Argentine professional and the groom you have had for the last 10 years in better weather is looking like a rather idyllic option right now for some.

Feature

Social media skirmish The world of social media and public digital forums has opened up extensive debates in the months following the breaking news.

This has included some messages of support and some calling for heads to roll whilst the HPA has continued to implore members of the community to abstain from publicly advertising negative comments. It is easy to forget that if you can see a debate on Facebook started by someone you aren’t friends with, then the chances are, so can the representatives of the Home Office. Freedom of speech is one thing, but damaging an already fragile relationship with the non-polo community is an entirely different and dangerous game.

Polo Schools for grooms, managers, yard managers etc, partnered with local equine colleges could help establish the British polo scene as an educational centre of excellence, where even its coaching and umpiring was positioned at a world class level.

Lessons to learn Laying blame will not change what has happened or what is about to happen. The facts are that the HPA have had a tough time knowing how to, and when, to deal with the changes, but ultimately, the law is the law.

Looking to the future Communication is the key to safeguarding against future catastrophic impacts. The community needs to keep talking to the authorities and the governing body and ancillary associations need to keep the community and the authorities informed.

Working together is better than working against one another.

During and post recession, the polo community took a big hit when clubs saw a downturn in entries and members, as redundancies and job transfers to corporate offices outside of the UK had a huge impact.

Polo is no longer a countryman’s sport but is now a globally migratory sport that depends on international relations at every level – from polo schools to grooms, stick makers and importers of polo goods, right up to the top tier of high goal patronage and professional players at the top of their game. The migratory work force has become an essential ingredient to an increasingly complex mix. Yet, despite the financial turmoil of the global market, polo survived, albeit a bit scarred, but people still took lessons, joined clubs and played tournaments – the same will happen this summer.

Polo can only hope that the HPA, its governing body, is actioning plans B, C and D in preparation for the years ahead to include apprenticeships and development but also discussions about immigration plans postBREXIT.

Polo Times, February 2017

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Thai Polo Open 2017, Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

Thai Polo Open Honours Shared Game of supreme sportsmanship between leading South East Asian teams

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aturday 14 January saw the highlight of the Thai polo season as guests from across South East Asia gravitated to Thai Polo & Equestrian Club to enjoy the final day of The Thai Polo Open. Over the years Thai Polo & Equestrian Club has welcomed teams from China, Macau, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia to compete in The Open. The polo is always competitive and it has become a must attend event and a great day out for Bangkok society.

After a competitive league where all five teams entered into The Thai Polo Open 2017, played one another in the league stage, it was Malaysian based La Familia and local favourites, Thai Polo, who took centre stage for the Final. The two teams went into the Final on the back of strong form having both won three out of their four qualifying matches apiece.

Having narrowly lost the final of The 2016 Thai Polo Open, to 22 BR featuring the dynamic Agustin Garcia Grossi, (2016 MVP), Thai Polo were keen to notch up a sixth Thai Open title this year. As such,

the Thai Polo team directed by legendary coach, Rege Ludwig, had recruited 2016 match winning Grossi to their roster for the 2017 campaign with devastating results for their opposition. The team had interestingly defeated La Familia 7-6½ in the league and as such carried momentum into the Final.

Reports

Rich Hine reports from Thailand

However, La Familia’s ponies and players progressed to the final having not played since Tuesday 20 January which many thought would give them the edge.

On arrival, guests were treated to fantastic Asian fusion food, a stunning Dressage Freestyle display and a nerve racking Show Jumping Qualifier for the South East Asian Games in advance of the Final.

By the time La Familia and Thai Polo took to the fields, the atmosphere was electric as the crowd enthusiastically supported the up and coming home grown player, Saphachai ‘Nu’ Sukhampha, who was substituting in place of Caroline Link. Nu’s participation was all the more special as one of the ponies in his string, played in the third chukka, was bred, schooled and directly made by Nu and the team at Thai Polo & Equestrian Club.

The first chukka erupted as umpire Peter Wright threw the ball in and the crowd were treated to seven minutes of end to end polo as both teams tried to secure an early advantage. Gines Bargallo’s powerful clearances from deep in the La Familia half,

Mohamed Moiz & Harald Link share The Thai Polo Open 2017 trophy

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, February 2017

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Reports

Thai Polo Open 2017, Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

following the concerted Thai Polo pressure were particular highlights. Unusually, both sets of players struggled to slot the ball home and hence the scoreline was deceptively low, 1-0, to Thai Polo at the end of the first chukka.

The second chukka was similarly charged with fast, frenetic and physical polo as both teams battled it out to claim ascendency before the half-time whistle.

Over the chukka, the Thai Polo players played fluently as a team with all members working together as a team unit. A particular highlight was the smooth interplay by Grossi 26

Polo Times, February 2017

and Pablo Jaurethce which resulted in Thai Polo winning a 30 yard penalty, despatched by Link to give them a lead of 3-1 with two minutes left in the chukka.

Thai Polo could have been leading by more had it not been for the exceptional defence from La Familia, particularly Horacio Etcheverry & Adrian Le Gallo who both deftly plucked Thai Polo 60 and 40 yard penalty strikes from the air.

However, La Familia’s Mohammed Moiz had other ideas and clinically pounced on two gilt edged opportunities in under a minute following impressive team play to

level the score 3-3 by the end of the chukka.

“Mohammed Moiz is on fire” echoed around the crowds as both teams changed horses to begin the third chukka.

Unfortunately, having been blessed with stunning weather for most of the day, the heavens opened during half-time. As such, over the third chukka all players struggled to control the ball in the wet conditions.

Following consistent pressure, Thai Polo were leading, 4-3, when Harald Link’s pony slipped and fell as he defended the Thai Polo goal. Although both player and pony did recover, Link and Moiz gentlemanly decided www.polotimes.co.uk

Thai Polo Open 2017, Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

Reports

Comment from Mohamed Moiz, Patron of La Familia and Most Valuable Player of the tournament “I think the committee were too generous and kind in awarding me MVP today. I have been blessed and fortunate to play polo in different parts of the world and I have yet to find a home like Thai Polo. The facilities are world class whilst the hospitality and generosity are second to none. The Thai Polo & Equestrian team really do pull out all of the stops to make our stay as accommodating as possible.

This is important as it makes our team feel at home throughout our stay and enjoy a highly competitive but more importantly, a fun atmosphere both on and off the field; where laughter and camaraderie is shared by all. I love to play and of course to win, however winning is not the be all and end all. Ultimately, it is important for me to play with and against friends in true polo spirit.

I look forward to welcoming Thai Polo to Malaysia where we will compete in the remaining fixtures of The Royal Malaysian Polo Association International League.”

Comment from Andy Harrison, Commentator for the Thai Open “This year’s stand out moment for me was the display of respect and friendship shown between the teams in the Final. I can’t remember a polo tournament here at Thai Polo & Equestrian Club being played under anything except bright blue skies and the warm Thai sunshine. So, when the rain came at half-time and the field became slippery it was unfortunate that Harald Link’s horse fell in the third chukka.

The intensely competitive Mohammed Moiz, out of respect for all players and their safety, offered the victory to Harald’s Thai Polo team as they were leading at the time.

Harald agreed it was best to stop the game for the safety of all, but certainly didn’t want to accept the victory and insisted they share the title. Having joint winners in The Open was a first here at Thai Polo and shows that respect and friendship come before competition.”

Photography by Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com

Gines Bargallo ever present in defence

to share the title of the 2017 Thai Polo Open owing to the worsening conditions on the field and in the interest of the safety of players and ponies.

This is the first time that The Thai Polo Open has been shared between two teams in the history of The Open and is testament to the emphasis on sportsmanship that was projected by all teams throughout the tournament In the Subsidiary Finals, Axus beat both Royal Pahang and the Malaysian 12 goal FIP team to claim third place whilst Royal Pahang beat Malaysia to claim fourth. www.polotimes.co.uk

Thai Polo’s Saphachai ‘Nu’ Sukhampha on the ball

Polo Times, February 2017

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Reports

Thai Polo Open 2017, Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

The Thai Polo Open Final Teams:

Chukka Scores: 1-0, 3-3, 4-3 to Thai Polo

MVP Mohamed Moiz

Thai Polo (14)

Harald Link (0) Saphachai ‘Nu’ Sukhampha (1) Agustin Garcia Grossi (7) Pablo Jauretche (6)

La Familia (14)

4 14

JAN

Peter Wright & Daniel Boudou

Mohamed Moiz (1) Horacio Etcheverry (5) Adrian Le Gallo (3) Gines Bargallo (5)

JAN

5

TEAMS

BPP Harald Link’s Sorrow

read more about the Best Playing Pony, Sorrow, turn to our Pony Power pages and for social To pictures from the Final, please turn to our Sidelines pages

Teams and supporters gather together post-match

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Polo Times, February 2017

www.polotimes.co.uk

Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

01462 701110

England International Polo Classic, Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club

Photography courtesy of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club

Reports

The ball is thrown in between the teams

UAE Defeat England Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club play host to England

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Oliver Hughes Deputy CEO of Hurlingham Polo Association “It is a truly proud moment to be able to bring an England Polo Team here to Dubai for the first time. The UAE is now considered to be one of the world’s fastest growing polo communities and we certainly see Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club to be one of the finest polo venues in the world.”

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Polo Times, February 2017

aptained by Charlie Cadogan, four English polo players took on a team selected and captained by leading UAE polo patron Mohammed Al Habtoor. This 14 goal International match was played under the Hurlingham Polo Association rules in front of guests at The Regis Brunch, on the terrace of the St Regis Resort overlooking the polo field.

It was a fast paced match, with Mohammed Al Habtoor opening up the scoreboard in the first chukka after only a minute of play, followed next by his teammate Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario and the first chukka ended 2-0 for the Argentex Habtoor UAE Polo Team. The English opened up their scores in the second chukka with a goal by Will Emerson. But with only seconds left on the clock Santiago Gomez Romero scored again for Habtoor UAE. The second half of the match saw a heated

third chukka, as both teams scored twice and had the crowds cheering. In the final chukka Mohammed Al Habtoor and Santiago G Romero each scored and Tom Brodie executed a beautiful runaway goal, taking the ball from midfield and converting to a goal.

The match ended with a victory to the Argentex Habtoor UAE Polo Team of 7-4.

The trophy ceremony was led by the Chairman of Chestertons, Salah Mussa, David Crisp, CEO and owner of Boadicea the Victorious, Harry Adams, Managing Director of Argentex and the Deputy CEO of Hurlingham Polo Association, Oliver Hughes presented an original miniature version of one of polo’s most prestigious trophies, The Coronation Cup. It is the only time that this miniature trophy has been awarded since the first ever Coronation Cup took place in 1911 to celebrate the coronation of King George V. www.polotimes.co.uk

England International Polo Classic, Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club

Reports

Mohammed Al Habtoor reaches for the ball

Boadicea the Victorious England Polo Team with Argentex Habtoor UAE Polo Team

Mohammed Al Habtoor receives the trophy from Salah Mussa

Boadicea the Victorious England Polo Team (14) Charlie Cadogan (0) James Harper (6) Tom Brodie (3) Will Emerson (5)

Argentex Habtoor UAE Polo Team (14) Mohammed Al Habtoor (0) Justo Cuitino (3) Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario (8) Santiago Gomez Romero (3)

Mohammed Al Habtoor Committee Chairman and CEO of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club “It was an absolute pleasure to host this inaugural international match here at our Club and I look forward to many more.

As always we greatly appreciate the support from the HPA, Chestertons, Boadicea the Victorious and of course our team sponsors Argentex, plus a big thank you to Sportgate International for the great collaboration in making this day possible.�

Chukka scores: 2-0, 3-1, 5-3, 7-4 to Argentex Habtoor UAE Polo Team www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, February 2017

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Reports

The Copa Camara de Diputados Smiles all around as Alegría go for gold at Palermo

Alex Williamson

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reports from Argentina

ith The Argentine Open capturing the majority of air-time this season, the Copa Camara de Diputados may have slipped under the radar for some.

Although, if you were lucky enough to follow it live, you wouldn’t have thought so. An absolute favourite for spectators and

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players alike, the 145th ‘Camara’ proved to be yet again, a fast-paced, exciting and prestigious tournament that gave us some second-to-none moments of polo play! The Cup was donated in 1924 and has since become an important opportunity for top and promising players alike to demonstrate their potential in high goal, non-patron, competitive games of polo. The fact that those playing in The Argentine Open are inadmissible (due to the tournaments being played simultaneously) means the showcase of talent on offer is more diverse, giving some of the lesser known but equally as talented players a chance to shine.

This year, we saw teams between 24 and 29 goals compete.

This year’s AAP, 29 goal handicap tournament saw 16 teams go head-to-head on the field to compete for the cup, with the bottom five handicapped teams winning the qualifications to earn their place in the tournament. In the qualifications stages we saw a lot of fast-open play and consequently some seriously frustrated defense at times.

The scores were often close, keeping us on our toes and getting to the Semi Finals seemed to be any man’s game. In speaking to Polo Times, England Ladies Captain, Hazel Jackson singled out Capilla Del Señor as the team to watch this coming year following their impressive performances during the group stages. A 24 goal handicap team made up of Tomás Fernandez Llorente (6),

www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

Photography by www.katerinamorgan.com

The Copa Camara de Diputados

Copa Camara de Diputados winners, Alegría

Alejandro Muzzio flying at the Final

Alfredo Bigatti (6), Juan Britos (6) and Patrick O’Dywer (6). Hazel commented that the young and up and coming team “Were very creative with their style of play in the tournament, as well as being fast and super well mounted.” Although the team missed out on a place in the Semi Final, they certainly showcased some raw talent and potential for the 2017 season.

After some re-scheduling due to a downpour of rain during November, the Semi Finals got underway on the morning of the 2 December with El Remanso playing La Indiana having beaten Las Rosas to earn their position. Having won the Copa Municipalidad de Pilar earlier on in the season, La Dolfina were the favourites to

www.polotimes.co.uk

win in the afternoon game, however La Alegria were one step ahead and managed to consolidate a 14-11 win. El Remanso took on La Indiana in a very close game in which La Indiana’s Nachi du Plessis put in a great performance and the team narrowly missed out on a win by one goal in the final chukka.

The Final of the tournament was, for the first time, played on Palermo’s Cancha 2 on the same day as the Final of the Palermo Open. The game didn’t disappoint and proved to be as exhilarating as ever as El Remanso sought to defend their title in a very close knit match. The score was level right up until the fifth chukka in which El Remanso managed to pull ahead with some fantastic goals from our very own Charlie Hanbury (back in the saddle after having to sit the tournament out last year due to injury). However far from being over, Alegría made an impressive comeback in the sixth chukka as the team tightened up their game scoring three goals to put them in the lead at 12-11. Goals were scored by Julian Mannix, Fran Elizalde and Alejandro Muzzio. The final chukka had all spectators on the edge of their seats as they cheered on their teams. A very impressive display of defence from both teams, but in the remaining minutes of the game, Jaime Garcia Huidobro managed to break through and score a great goal to secure a 13-11 victory for La Alegria.

Post-tournament reflections: Finalist, Charlie Hanbury: “The Camara this year was as tough as ever. There were 24 teams so every game was challenging. Well done to Alegría, not many organisations win the Camara and make the Semi Final of The Open in the same year, a massive credit to them.”

Tournament winner, Alejandro Muzzio: “Great tournament, obviously a massive highlight for me was coming out on top and well done to the team! Special mention to Fran Elizalde for some impressive goals and creating some great windows of play. I thought that the classification games were a good standard with some great games and well organized teams. There were a lot of younger players coming through and this seems to be increasing every year. Playing in this tournament is a great window of opportunity for them, it’s very competitive!”

The Camara de Diputados Cup Final Teams: El Remanso (28): Charlie Hanbury (4), Francisco Bensadón (8), Marcus Di Paola (8) & Ignatius du Plessis (8) Alegría HPA (26): Julian Mannix (4), Alejandro Muzzio (8), Fransisco Elizalde (7) & Jaime García Huidobro (7) Result: Alegria beat El Remanso, 13-11 Chukka score: 1-1, 3-3, 5-5, 8-8, 9-11, 12-11, 13-11 Best Playing Pony: Marta (Fran Elizalde) Best Polo Argentine Breed: Open Buchon (Jaime Garcia Huidobro)

Polo Times, February 2017

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Reports

International Arena Test Match, Westcroft Park Polo Club

Photography by Gillian Hughes Photography

England Win at Westcroft O A crowd-pleasing game of speed and skill n Saturday 17 December, as part of the Winter Festival of Polo at Westcroft Park Polo Club, England defeated The Rest of the World in a fast and fun game in the Surrey arena. Plenty of people turned up to enjoy a day of polo with a Christmas grotto set up behind the Clubhouse offering delicious delights to keep the cockles warm on a rather chilly day. The action in the arena was hot stuff as some of the country’s finest arena players took full advantage of the biggest HPA affiliated arena in the area, showing off their speed and skills.

England Captain and highest rated arena player, 10 goaler Chris Hyde, opened the scoring and set the tone of the game ending the first chukka by taking the lead with a penalty to make 3-2. This chukka seemed to go on for an age, and sadly Hyde lost his horse to a broken neck after a freak turn of events in a play at the far end of the arena

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from the pony lines. The Club carried out a swift recovery and the game began shortly afterwards, but with a tinge of sadness in the air. Our ponies give us their all, and it’s never nice to watch one go, no matter how quickly it happens.

There may only have been a goal difference in the team handicaps but the range in ratings, at first, looked like England might be in trouble. Ed Morris-Lowe, by anyone’s standard is a good player, but appeared to be the weakest link in the first chukka compared to his 7 and above goal teammates and rivals. The speed of the game was perhaps more than he had anticipated, but he was well mounted so the fraction of a second delay in positioning decisions were the only thing holding him back.

The second chukka was marred with fouls and whistles and Max Charlton took a yellow card from umpire Howard Smith as The Rest of the World started to fight back.

Chris Hyde taps the ball for England

Lucy Wilson

reports from Surrey

The goals and penalties came streaming in with two-pointers, penalty ones and Hyde giving a master class in 25yrd penalty shots before the chukka began to flow again.

Chris ended the first half of the game taking the ball the length of the arena to equalise the scores on 8-8. This really was Hyde’s chukka, despite the attempts to manufacture fouls from The Rest of the World team.

Both sides were clearly testing one another even though they had played some practice games, nothing can replicate the pressure of a competitive game.

Having identified some holes in the attack and defence strategy of England, the third chukka belonged to The Rest of the World and Jonny Good, who was later given The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Award, with showing his full potential scoring the goal of the chukka, hitting the ball to goal, missing by a few feet, but picking up the rebound with a nearside www.polotimes.co.uk

International Arena Test Match, Westcroft Park Polo Club

Reports

The England team with one of Bentley Surrey’s cars

under the neck shot to score. The Rest of the World took the lead at the end of the chukka 11-10.

At the start of the fourth chukka, the England team immediately turned up the heat and England sped away to win 15-12. Hyde’s attacking play combined well with Charlton’s exceptional back hands – all with the full back-up of Ed Morris-Lowe, who really came into his own in the final chukka. It took him a few chukkas to tune into the speed and game plays of the other players, but he was playing well above his 4 goal handicap at the end of the game, contributing to Hyde and Charlton as the perfect middle man to their goal scoring mission, which is what ultimately won them the game.

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Jonny Good with the ball

Chukka scores: 3-2, 8-8, 10-11, 15-12 to England

England supported by M Gallery Hotels (23) Ed Morris-Lowe (4) Max Charlton (9) Chris Hyde (10)

The Rest of the World supported by Bentley Surrey (22) Oli Hipwood (7) Jonny Good (8) Adolfo Casabal (7)

TOP GOAL SCORER Chris Hyde

BPP Umpires: Howard Smith & Simon MacDonald www.polotimes.co.uk

Heidi

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Jonny Good

To read more about Polo Times Best Playing Pony, Heidi, turn to our Pony Power pages

Polo Times, February 2017

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Playnation Arena Polo Masters, All England Polo Club

Astra Triumph at Arena Polo Masters Inaugural Playnation Arena Polo Masters held at Hickstead

A

damp, soggy and rather cold All England Polo Club at Hickstead played host to four teams competing for the Playnation Arena Polo Masters on the weekend of 14 – 15 January. Playnation, which owns and operates some 20,000 amusement machines across over 1,700 sites in the UK works with Hickstead’s parent company, Bunn Leisure and were introduced to polo through the International Test Match for the Bryan Morrison Trophy, which is also held at the Club and will this year be played on Saturday 4 March.

“Playnation wanted to create a tournament that brought everyone together for a weekend, and put the fun back into the sport,” explained AEPC Chairman, John Bunn. After qualifiers on Saturday, in which Playnation beat Gamestec and Astra defeated Bell-Fruit Games. All the teams returned on Sunday, with the battle lines drawn in the morning for the Subsidiary Final with Gamestec notching up a 17-14 victory over 36

Polo Times, February 2017

Josh Clover takes a backhand for winners Astra with Playnation’s Sarah Wiseman in close attendance

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Reports

The victorious team Astra

Bell-Fruit Games. In the afternoon it was the main event as John Bunn’s Playnation took on Simon Arber’s Astra in the Final. With an impressive line-up of arena players in attendance, the spectators witnessed fast and clean play throughout, despite the inclement weather. With the scores tied at the end of the first half, Astra’s Josh Clover came out on fire in the second half, increasing the pressure and nudging Astra into the lead.

Despite the best efforts of Playnation’s Seb Dawnay, Astra continued their lead resulting in a victory for the boys in blue with a close score of 11-9 sealing the deal on victory. The players were kept in line by umpiring stalwarts Oli Ellis and Niall Donnolly, who made sure the games were easy to watch for the nonpolo spectators amongst the supporters.

Following the thrills of the matches and the chills of the weather, all that was left to do was to retire to the Clubhouse where a lunch was enjoyed as the players and spectators eventually dried out. Excitingly, plans are

already underway to repeat the event next year, following the success of this year’s fixture. Please turn to our Sidelines pages for all the social action from the weekend.

Playnation Arena Polo Masters Teams: Playnation (9): John Bunn (2), Sarah Wiseman (3) & Sebastian Dawnay (4) Astra (10): Simon Arber (1), Josh Clover (3) & Tom Morley (6) Gamestec (7): Paul Knights (1), Leon Allen (3) & Tim Bown (3) Bell-Fruit Games (9): Romilla Arber (1), Guy Harrison (1) & Richard, The Earl of Tyrone (7) *NB Rules were based on the HPA Blue Book, so instead of their arena polo handicaps, players were rated on their grass handicap plus 1, making it a 10 goal tournament.

The main difference in the rules for the tournament was that no turning was allowed, so backhands were key, which created faster and more open play www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

Mariano Aguerre with a big hook on Julio Arellano in the zone stages

Underway in the USA All the news from across the pond as the season starts to heat-up

Katie Vickery

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Photography by Katie Vickey

One to watch, Costi Caset, winds up for a huge shot down field

www.polotimes.co.uk

reports from Wellington, Florida

hile we were all resting and recovering from turkey overdoses and the classic Christmas overindulgences, the high goalers were already heading to warmer climes and the sunny state of Florida where the high goal season kicked off before the new year had even begun.

In an action packed four months the International Polo Club, Palm Beach will see over 50 different players battle it out for six prestigious trophies on the palm tree lined fields of one of the biggest polo clubs in America.

The season starts off gently, warming up with a three team 20 goal tournament which Polo Times, February 2017

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Reports

USA Round Up

Team sponsors Michael Bickford and Maureen Brennan face off in the Mini Quarter Finals

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team who came out on top in the first match of the day with 12 goals to 9. The second match was set to be an exciting pairing, but ended up being a rather slow, foul-riddled affair. It was La Indiana, of 2016 UK summer fame, who managed to capitalise on these fouls and earned their place in the Semis with a 12-10 win.

The Semi Finals took place on Wednesday 18 January between the two triumphant Quarter Finalists and the two unbeaten teams. First up it was La Indiana against Tonkawa, a combination that had already been played out in the earlier stages.

However, this time it was revenge and La Indiana came out fighting, albeit in a low scoring match, defeating the team made up of 10 goaler Sapo Caset, cousin Costi Caset, patron Jeff Hildebrand and young ringer Facundo Obregon. A breathtaking fifth chukka put La Indiana ahead, a lead they managed to cling onto until the end with back-to-back goals from local hero Jeff Hall. Next up was surprise success team Mt Brilliant, patroned by the young, talented Bo Goodman. This team started the tournament with a severe loss, but improved with each game to come out the champions of their Semi Final with a close 11-10 win over another previously unbeaten rival, Grand Champions. A much more exciting and goal driven game saw the two teams evenly matched throughout before the purple clad Mt Brilliant foursome managed to pull ahead in the last chukka.

Herbie Pennell Cup Winners 2017, Villa del Lago

Photography by David Lominska

gets the players back up after the break and whets the avid spectators’ appetities.

The Herbie Pennell Cup took place late December with the Final on the first day of January. There were no crazy new year celebrations and heavy headed starts to 2017 for at least eight of the Wellington community, as the Final saw Jim Zenni’s Villa del Lago team defeat Annabelle Gundlach’s Postage Stamp Farm 9-12 infront of a big crowd on the Engel and Volkers field of International Polo Club.

Then it was on to the more competitive Joe Barry Memorial Cup. Eight teams entered this prestigious tournament. An even first round in both zones made it an exciting tournament with surprises throughout.

The top two teams Tonkawa, captained by patron Jeff Hildebrand and led by 10 goaler Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset, and Grand Champions, captained by International Polo Club’s next door neighbour, Grant Ganzi, headed straight to the Semi Finals. There were ‘Mini Quarter Finals’ to determine who would come up against these two teams, played on Sunday 15 January in front of the customary Sunday Polo crowd that packs out the stadium every weekend in search of excitement, thrills and spills.

This they got in two great matches where Bo Goodman’s Mt Brilliant triumphed over Annabelle Gundlach’s Postage Stamp Farm, and Micheal Bickford’s La Indiana defeated Maureen Brennan’s Goose Creek. They were two close matches, but it was Bo Goodman’s

Hilario Ulloa attempts to hook Mariano Aguerre in The Herbie Pennell Cup Final

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USA Round Up The Final will see La Indiana (two wins, two losses) against Mt Brilliant (three wins, one loss) face off on the main ground at the International Polo Club, Palm Beach on Sunday 22 January in front of what is sure to be a great crowd.

Next up it will be the last of the 20 goal tournaments The Ylvisaker Cup, where six more teams will join the fray. Polo superstars Facundo Pieres and Adolfo Cambiaso will lend their 20 goals of combined polo expertise to the Club. With two Jornayvaz led Valiente teams playing and last year’s US Open winners, Orchard Hill in the running it is sure not only to be a great warm-up for the 26 goal season, but also an exhibition of great, fast, high goal polo itself.

The 26 goal season is a triple crown, made up of three tournaments all prestigious in their own right and even more so as a hat-trick. First up is the CV Whitney Cup, then the USPA Gold Cup followed shortly by the highly prized and most coveted trophy of the US season, The US Open. The stands will be packed out, the pony lines bursting with exquisitely bred beasts and the emerald fields speckled with top talent. It is a season not to be missed and culminates in some incredible displays of polo and pony power.

Reports

The 20 Goal Season Teams: Villa del Lago Jim Zenni Agustín Obregon Hilario Ulloa Carlucho Arellano

Goose Creek Maureen Brennan Peke Gonzalez Tomás Garcia del Rio Mariano Gonzalez

Postage Stamp Farm Annabelle Gundlach Kris Kampsen Mariano Aguerre Brandon Phillips

Coca Cola Gillian Johnston Julian de Lusarretta Julio Arellano Del Walton

La Indiana Michael Bickford Raúl Colombres Mike Azarro Jeff Hall

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Grand Champions Grant Ganzi Nic Roldan Ignacio Laprida Juancito Bollini

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Reports

Photograph by Elizabeth Hedley

The Townsend Cup Challenge, USA

Photograph by Steve Yap

USPA I/I once again defeated England in The Townsend Cup

Action from the 2017 Townsend Cup Challenge

Brits Trumped in Townsend T USA retain Townsend Cup for another year he Townsend Cup Challenge is a 20 goal bi-annual tournament played between England and the USA. In 2013, England secured victory only to lose it in 2015 to the USA 17 goals to 12. This year the prestigious match took place on Saturday 14 January at West World’s Equidome, Arizona, and with both teams eager to claim the title spectators were treated to a very competitive display of high goal polo, with both teams fighting fiercely until the final whistle.

www.polotimes.co.uk

The match began in favour of England, with an early score in the first chukka, however USA’s Steve Krueger quickly answered – a pattern which prevailed throughout the match. Keen to maintain the lead, Townsend Cup veteran Tommy Biddle Jr kicked-off the second chukka with an impressive backhand goal, bringing the score to 7-3 much to the delight of the 1,500 strong crowd. However, having travelled such a long way, England weren’t about to go down without a fight and Max Charlton

retaliated with three consecutive goals in the first three minutes, followed by two further goals later in the chukka.

Yet, even this impressive goal scoring spree wasn’t enough to secure a lead, as USA parried each goal with a reply, resulting in a 10-8 lead in favour of USA at half-time.

The second half began in a similar style, with yet another goal from USA’s Krueger answered by Charlton, followed by another goal to tie the scores at a nail-biting 11-11. A goal from Ed Banner-Eve stole the lead for the UK, but an attempt by Jonny Good to clear the ball from in front of the UK goalmouth unfortunately resulted in a goal for USA and the scores drew level going into the final chukka.

Keen to reassert their dominance, the UK swiftly pulled ahead, but the combination of Biddle Jr, Krueger and Rice proved to be too tough to trump, and so The Townsend Trophy once again remained on US soil with a final score of 18-16. For his efforts in the success of his team, Steve Krueger was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Best Playing Pony was Woody, owned

by George Dill.

The following day USPA Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) vs Schools & Universities Polo Association (SUPA) competed for the International Intercollegiate Challenge Cup, for more details on this match please turn to our Youth pages.

Townsend Cup Challenge Teams: England (22): Jonny Good (8), Max Charlton (9) & Ed Banner Eve (5) – Michael Amoore (Coach) USA (21): Tommy Biddle Jr (10), Shane Rice (7) & Steve Krueger (4)

Polo Times, February 2017

41

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Double Draw

Flo Rida Goes to Polo

Sussex Summer SUSSEX POLO CLUB enters a new era as this summer’s polo for their members will be spread between taking their members to play weekend morning matches at Cowdray Park Polo Club and afternoon challenge matches at their home grounds. Club chukkas will be on Wednesday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The Club still has a few livery spaces available which includes experienced grooms and weekend transport to Cowdray. You can contact the Club by visiting their website sussexpolo.co.uk/contact-us

Parisian Plans POLO DE PARIS, which is located in the Bois de Boulogne, on the banks of River Seine, is getting ready for a full 2017 calendar. The season will kick off in April with the Potrillos du Polo Cup, which precedes the three traditional 10 goal tournaments at Polo de Paris.

Then the eyes of the polo world turn to the 123rd Open de Paris in June.

Potrillos du Polo Cup (4-6): 22 – 23 April Tournoi de Printemps (8-10): April 29 –14 May Tournoi de la Ville de Paris (8-10): May 20 – 4 June 123rd Open de Paris (8-10): 10 – 25 June Tournoi d’Automne (6-8): 2 – 17 September Championnat de France (6-8): Septmeber 23 –1 October

Dates for Your Diary WITH A LIGHT at the end of the wintery tunnel, Club chukkas are scheduled to be played at Guards on Thursday 13 April. Other key dates for the opening month of the upcoming season are Spring Amateur Tournament: 21 – 23 April, Welcome to the Season Drinks Reception: Saturday 22 April, Spring Valerie Halford Tournaments start on Tuesday 25 April and the Annual general meeting at 12.20pm on Saturday 29 April.

42

Polo Times, February 2017

Courtesy of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club

VAUX PARK FINISHED off 2016 with some fun games on New Year’s Eve. The 4-6 goal match was a very close game ending up a draw of 12-12 between Frogmary Green and Storm.

Frogmary Green: Rob Brocket, Ben Cole & Tim Vaux Storm: Jonathan Hadley-Piggin, Jack Aldridge & Jemima Brocket The second match was a 0-4 goal. Again this was a nail biting match ending up on as another draw with a score of 13-13 between Blues and Whites.

Blues: Alex Sampson/Catherine Pettinger, Lisa Simmonds/Victoria Tizzie Coombs & Tim Vaux Whites: Kristen Nicholls, Jemima Brocket/Georgina Pollen & Abby Linaker/Adrian Simmonds On Sunday 8 January Vaux Park completed a two-day Champagne Challenge. The final instalment was an incredibly nail-biting match to watch with a very close result at the end with Grapes Hill clinching it by 2 goals to Ice Lollies with a combined score of 20-18 over both days.

Grapes Hill: George Hobbs, Roddy Stanning & Tim Vaux Ice Lollies: Lolly Stanhope-White, Mat Simpson & Charlie Hitchman

Christmas Cup winners with Flo Rida and Zinedine Zidane

THE AL HABTOOR Polo Resort and Club Christmas Cup was held on Friday 23 December the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. Guests witnessed a match between The Red Elves Polo Team (Tariq Al Habtoor 0, Raja Abuljebain 0, Alejandro Gowland 3, Daniel Gariador 2) and The Green Elves Polo Team (Mohammed Al Habtoor 0, Habtoor Al Habtoor 0, Santiago Gomez Romero 3, Justo Cuitino 3).

VIP guest, American rapper, Flo Rida had the honour of doing the first throw-in to start the game. The match started with The Green Elves scoring and opening up the scoreboard and they continued in the lead throughout the game. By half-time the gap was 5-1 and at the end of the fifth chukka the Green Elves won 7-1 over the Red Elves. The trophy ceremony was led by Flo Rida and Zinedine Zidane, world-famous football player and manager of the Real Madrid Football team. After the game Flo Rida said, “Thanks to my bro Mohammed for inviting us here once more. I felt honoured throwing in the ball for his game today.”

RCBPC AS POLO TIMES went to print, The HPA New Year National Club Championships 4-6 goal at RCBPC were in full swing.

Saturday 14 January saw Tex8n Polo beat Comland 17-12 and Cambridge Consulting come out the worse in a dual against Good Bad & Ugly with a final score of 15-19.

Braving mizzerly and somewhat miserable weather conditions on Sunday 16 January in the first of the two matches Tally Ho Farm beat Cambridge Consulting Associates with the narrowest margin of just one goal 20-19. It was then the turn of Good Bad & Ugly to take on Hue & Cry with the score resting at 17-15 on the final bell in favour of the Good Bad & Ugly and Tex8n Polo trounced Tarantula 21-11 on Tuesday 17 January. All six teams will compete on Saturday 21 January for a place in the Final on Sunday 22 January. The Finals of The HPA New Year National Club Championships 13-15 goal will also be played on Sunday 22 January, with a full report of both matches to be included in the next issue of Polo Times. www.polotimes.co.uk

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Silver Leys IT WAS WITH great sadness that Polo Times heard of the passing away of Terry Bone, Silver Leys Club President. The funeral will be held at 2pm on the 25 January at All Saints Church, Church Road, Wickham St Paul, Nr Halstead, Essex CO9 2PL. Ken Lodge, a Club Member from the 1970s/80s, remembered Terry in his eulogy: “It is very sad to hear that Terry is no longer with us, my deepest sympathies go out Glenda and the family. I have not seen Terry for 20 years but alas, I must say that he was one of the most incredible characters I have ever known. I cherish the memories of the fun times we had together both playing polo and socialising together.

Terry did not only have a great sense of humour, he was a very kind and generous person to all those in his company, especially with his whisky.

“Terry was a devoted polo player, although in the latter years I often wondered how he managed to stay in his saddle. He reminded me of James Coburn in Blazing Saddles, I recall one of our last polo

matches together, both of us having a ‘wee dram’ or two, before the match. Terry in the third chukka, played a terrific nearside shot, the trouble was to reach the ball he leaned so far out of his saddle he could not recover his balance. There he was on the ground face up, out cold, all players dismounted promptly to give assistance. We all decided it was bad, his face was grey and his skin was going crinkly, he was our fellow player and needed the kiss of life. We all stood there, looked at him, looked at each other, so who’s going to do it. Spontaneously, we all replied “Don’t look at me” and looked along the side-lines, thank god we saw Glenda, with this we all shouted “Quick Glenda, he needs the kiss of life.” She was there to his rescue him and to live for many more happy years after.

“Terry will never be forgotten, as I am sure every person he met, will remember one classic story that will remain with them until the end of their own life, may he now rest in peace.”

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Polo Times, February 2017

43

Women’s Polo

International

Photography by High Denholm

Polo Escape Ladies International

Four mixed teams competed for the title

The 2017 Polo Escape Ladies International in Thailand was a huge success with top professionals from around the world gathering once again at the beautiful resort to participate in the first week of January.

The famous US 3 goaler Sunny Hale, the first woman to win the US Open at the peak of her career as a 5 goaler, was part of Ploy Bhinsaeng’s King Power team. Joining them for the first time this season was Russian player Raya Sidorenko. Sarah Wiseman, a leading 2 goal professional who also runs Knepp Castle Polo Club in the UK, was the powerhouse behind the Kuppa team joining forces with Polo Escape’s co-owner, Robin Lourvanij and Malaysian-based 0 goaler Daryl Yeap. The third team consisted of Dr Sally Jellis, the Captain of the Zambian Ladies team for the past 10 years, equine vet and strong 2 goaler, Jellis was joined by the Singapore based Lynly Fong and Thailand’s Mint Chaiyakul in the Polo Escape team.

The fourth team to compete was Nurul Husana’s Passions8Polo. Teaming up with Lim Siu Tin (Tinny), a fellow Malaysianbased player, they were joined by 0 goaler and polo photographer Alice Gipps. Each team consisted of one gentleman professional ranging from 2-4 goals. Rules prevented the men from scoring within the 60 yard zone or keeping the ball for more than two ‘taps’.

These guidelines ensured the game was fast 44

Polo Times, February 2017

and flowing, leaving the women to complete most of the plays and goals on the field.

A familiar face at Polo Escape, Tim Keyte, once again kept all the teams in order as Chief Umpire, while Susy Lourvanij entertained the crowd and involved them in the game with her commentating.

A good level tournament, King Power and Kuppa were strong 4 goal teams,

followed by Polo Escape with 3 goals and Passions8Polo as the underdogs with a 1 goal handicap (mixed handicaps). During the first rounds Passions8Polo went in all guns blazing and managed to win against the much stronger Kuppa team bringing them to the Final against King Power, who had a convincing win against Polo Escape.

“Heading into the Final with a team

The matches were fast and free-flowing

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International 3 goals lower in handicap up against the mighty King Power was daunting, but we went out onto the field with the determination to have fun and do our best”, Alice Gipps told Polo Times.

It was neck-and-neck between Passions8Polo and King Power until the end of the third chukka, when Hale snuck away and scored taking King Power into the lead by one goal to enter the fourth and final chukka. Pure determination from Ploy, Raya, Sunny and Santiago Lujan closed the deal with yet another goal and not enough time for Passions8Polo to make a comeback.

The final score ended 4-6 with King Power the well deserved 2017 Champions.

The charm of Polo Escape is the unique combination of super fun polo on excellent ponies alongside a friendly atmosphere and delicious food which is all down to Robin and Susy Lourvanij. Every evening of the tournament there were either cocktails and canapés or evening functions, parties and dinners.

‘The 2017 International Ladies tournament has been the best to date here at Polo Escape” commented umpire Keyte. “The atmosphere, sportsmanship, enjoyment and the good polo played by all was excellent. All the games were won by just a goal or two so that just shows how

competitive all the teams were. Robin & Susy were great hosts, I can’t wait until next year”.

Sarah Wiseman sums up her experience, “The Polo Escape Ladies Tournament is always enjoyable. This year was no exception, with fast, flowing polo and all the matches were closely fought. I love coming to play and stay at Polo Escape, Robin is a great host, the horses are great, the field is perfect and we get fed far too much!”

Polo Escape Ladies International Final teams: King Power (4): Raya Sidorenko (-1), Ploy Bhinsaeng (-1), Sunny Hale (3) & Santiago Lujan (3) Passions 8 Polo (1): Nurul Husana (-2), Lim Siew Tin (-1), Alice Gipps (0) & Nico Pieroni (4) Result: King Power beat Passions8Polo, 6-4 Subsidiary Final teams: Kuppa (4): Daryl Yeap (0), Robin Lourvanij (0), Sarah Wiseman (2) & Brian Orosco (2) Polo Escape (3): Mint Chalyakul (-2), Lynly Fong (0), Sally Jellis (2) & Fernando Rivera (3) Result: Polo Escape beat Kuppa, 1½-0 (*NB Due to the nature of the tournament, handicaps listed are mixed rather than women’s)

Women’s polo dates for your diary, turn to our What’s On pages For Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

Women’s Polo

AAP Ladies’ Handicaps Update The Board of Directors of the AAP established the changes in the valuations of 19 players, which became effective as of January 1, 2017.

The handicap modifications are as follows: Raise From 7 to 8: Paola Martínez From 6 to 7: Sarah Wiseman From 4 to 5: Candelaria Fernández Araujo, Milagros Fernández Araujo and Sol López Llames From 2 to 4: Mía Cambiaso and Milagros Sánchez Bárzola From 1 to 3: Sofia Lorenzo From 2 to 3: Mía Novillo Astrada and Rebecca Walter From 0 to 2: María Pilar Courreges From 1 to 2: Candelaria Duhau, Samantha Eddy and Joaquina Plá From 0 to 1: Olivia Merlos, Sofía Rivas and Magdalena Soler Low From 6 to 5: Lucy Taylor From 3 to 2: Fernanda Rivas

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Polo Times, February 2017

45

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Cambridge Christmas Cuppers Photography courtesy of Cambridge University Polo Club

Cambridge University fully entered into the festive spirit

The first week of December was a time of transformation for Cambridge University Polo Club: from horses to reindeer and from players to snowmen and elves. It was the Cambridge University Inter-Collegiate Arena Polo Tournament, between teams representing the 31 Colleges that make up the University. A fiercely fought battle, where in the Semi Finals the ‘Rein-ponies’ used their speed and agility to outwit the strength

The festive frivolity was a fiercely fought battle

CUPC ‘Rein-people’ planning their strategy

and coolness of the Snow-people, and the Santas took on the poets of the Geebung Polo Team only to find that gifting goals, whilst Christmassy, was not constructive in winning polo matches. Triumphant at the end of the tournament were Francesca Spencer, Toby Call and Caitlin Whitby of the Geebungs combined Homerton and Girton College team who, celebrated with delicious Champagne Gratiot Pilliare, and prizes from

La Martina and c1209. The Club went on to a hearty Club Christmas dinner complete with polo-themed Christmas carols. The event was a resounding celebration of the Club’s focus to extend the accessibility of polo throughout the university through development programmes and lesson subsidisation, resulting in CUPC becoming one of the largest sport clubs at the University in 2016.

Young Fun Photograph by Gillian Hughes

As part of their pre-Christmas, three day Festival of Polo, Westcroft Park Polo Club hosted Young Berkshire and Young Surrey as the warm-up game to the International Arena Test Match between England and The Rest of the World on Saturday 17 December. In the youth match, six youngsters demonstrated the grassroots talent of the UK much to the delight of the crowd. Despite the best efforts of all the players, especially Max Sponer who scored the final goal of the game from the halfway line, the game ended in an amicable 12-12 score.

Young Berkshire (-1): Alana Horswell (-1), Chloe Horswell (-1) & James Crossley (1) Young Surrey (1): Max Sponer (-1), Harry Hutchins (1) & Eric Appen (1) Most Valuable Player: Max Sponer

Most Valuable Player Max Sponer with his Polo Times prizes

Newcastle Knees-Up ON THE 25 February Newcastle University Polo Club are holding their Guns and Horses Ball. Tickets cost £55 for a three-course meal and an after party in the city is part of the plan. The theme is black tie with a hint of feathers.

To find out more or to contact the Club via their Facebook page; facebook.com/ groups/Newcastlepolo 46

Polo Times, February 2017

Polo Scholarship

Regent’s University London has launched the first university polo scholarship in the UK, with the aim to support student excellence and increase the global reputation of polo. The university is offering two undergraduate scholarships worth 15% of the total fees, which will be offered annually to applicants who demonstrate potential and excellence in polo. Canditates for the scholarship must already hold an offer from Regent’s and then submit a 500 word statement on what polo means to them, a reference from a registered Polo Club and video footage of them playing. Neil Herrington, Regent’s Head of Student Recruitment explained the reasons for the scholarship, “Polo is hugely popular with audiences around the world and given the highly international makeup of our student body this is a perfect way to support their ambitions to play and become ambassadors for the sport. The Polo Club is an essential part of many of our students’ social lives and we are expecting interest from countries including Pakistan, Latin America, Brazil, USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Iran, India, Pakistan, Hong Kong and Dubai.” If you are interested in applying for the scholarship then email your statement, video footage and reference to scholarships@regents.ac.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

SUPA Team Travels

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

Photograph by Elizabeth Hedley

The Fifth Annual International Intercollegiate Challenge Cup between USPA Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) vs Schools & Universities Polo Association (SUPA) was played on Sunday 15 January as part of the same event as The Townsend Cup. Despite the distance travelled, SUPA Britain got off to a flying start, but USPA I/I asserted their dominance going into half-time with a one goal lead. Unfortunately for SUPA Britain, this was the start of the end of their hopes to take home the International Intercollegiate Challenge Cup as USPA I/I continued to pull ahead, ending the match with a score of 15-13. However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the UK representatives, as Robin Ormerod was named Most Valuable Player.

Director of I/I Amy Fraser commented, “The tradition we have been carrying on with our sister programme SUPA is such a unique event, bringing together not only players from different countries, but also providing a chance for players from across our nation to compete together. It optimizes what polo is in the world, allowing players the opportunity to represent their university, the I/I program, the USPA and their country, which is very special.” Whilst Nigel Mercer, Manager SUPA Universities added, “I totally agree with Amy’s comments and I think that giving students the opportunity to play in tournaments overseas not only broadens their horizons, they also meet other players and friendships are forged that last a lifetime. It also brings our sister organisations together and I hope that we can maintain this strong relationship well into the future.”

USPA I/I secured the title for the second year running

International Intercollegiate Challenge Cup Teams: SUPA Britain: Robin Omerod, Capt. (University of Bristol), Sam Boreham (Nottingham Trent), Minnie Kerr-Dineen (Nottingham University) & Toby Small (R.A.U Cirencester) USPA I/I: Jillian Tietje (Cal Poly), Dalton Woodfin (Texas A&M), Team USPA member Julia Smith (University of Virginia) & Liam Palacios (Cornell) Is your youth polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!

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Great food and wine.Excelent ponies and fields.

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All day polo instruction from our team of coaches: MARTIN FFRENCH BLAKE - HPA COACH JOSE AND PAULO BERTOLA We take pride in making sure all our guests improve and have fun and safe polo.

Visit our working Estancia and vineyards.

Herd cattle and sample champagne.

Ride out as a Gaucho for a day.

Full season of tournaments at LA ESPERNZA AND CORONEL SUAREZ POLO CLUB. Personalised polo packages arranged.

All levels of polo player catered from beginner to high goal pro.

Polo Times, February 2017

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Youth

The Potrillos Cup, Argentina

The Potrillos Cup

Alex Williamson reports from Argentina

Though they be but little, they be fierce..

As the Abierto de Palermo wrapped in December, we waved goodbye to some of the best combinations of talent the world of polo has to offer for another year and began to prepare for polo elsewhere, comparing teams and eyeing up the potential competition. Meanwhile, many of the Argentine polo players prepared to take a seat and watch their kids take to the spotlight for the day in what proved to be yet again an outstanding spectacle of polo and a true highlight of the season.

The Tournament is broken down into various sections depending on age: Potrancas: Three to four-year-olds Petisos: Four to six-year-olds Mini Mini Potrillitos: Six to eight-year-olds Mini Potrillitos: Eight to ten-year-olds Potrillitos: Ten to 12-year-olds Potrillos: 12 to 14-year-olds

Camilo Castagnola leads his team to victory in the Final of the Potrillo Cup

I

n its 55th year the Copa los Potrillos was held on the Monday following the Open, which has become something of a tradition. A total of 60 teams took to the field to play in this important event that, throughout the years, has come to be a competition that not only embodies the competitive spirit and values of polo, but has also become a cradle of future polo champions. The day was hosted by Eduardo Heguy and organised by Club Los Indios and Dopo Polo with the support of the AAP. More than 200 young players between the ages of four and 14 took to the field to battle it out to win six respective titles. Heguy commented that, “The day is an important opportunity for young players to develop skills, play together and make new friends.”

The Potrillos Cup (the tournament played by the top age bracket) is the most 48

Polo Times, February 2017

prestigious trophy for young players in Argentina and is a true testament to the talent coming up through the ranks in Argentine polo. This year, the Cup was won

by La Natividad La Mancha in an extremely close cut match against La Aguada La Dolfina with a final score of 6-5. The team was made up of, Nicolas Diaz Alberdi, Facundo Frayssinet, Camilo Castagnola and Bauista Riglo who played a fiercely competitive game and managed to sneak in a final goal in the last few minutes of the final chukka. It was also something of a historic match as La Aguada La Dolfina became the first team ever to reach the Final of the Potrillos Cup with three girls; Mia Cambiaso, Mia Novillo Astrado and Cande Fernández Araujo, alongside Manuel Novillo Astrado.

The Final was altogether an impressive display of teamwork and skill and all the

players demonstrated a true understanding of the game.

The winner of the Most Valuable Player Award was Camilo Castagnola. He played a very smooth and tactical game throughout the tournament and his performance in this Cup served to reaffirm his very successful season and place him as the number one young player to look out for in 2017. Not only did he get to walk away with his head held high, but also some fantastic prizes.

In other categories, La Dolfina were crowned the champions of the Potrillitos Cup against Las Alazanas. The La Dolfina side came back to defend their title won in the Mini Potrillitos Final in 2015 with a strong performance and an impressive goal

by Lucas Monteverde Jnr that led them to victory. Meanwhile Paquito De Narváez led his side, La Mariana Sol de Agosto to victory www.polotimes.co.uk

Youth

Photography by Alex Williamson/Prensa Polo

The Potrillos Cup, Argentina

The Potrillo Cup finalists, La Aguada La Dolfina prize-giving in the Mini Potrillitos making his mark and walking away with the title of Most Valuable Player.

Finally, in keeping with the fun spirit of the day, team La Dolfina hopped onboard with their little ones to play an exhibition match.

Whilst you might think these high goal stars would steal all the limelight, it was Celestino Merlos and his little pony that stole the show.

Putting in a very impressive and determined performance and outmanoeuvering his opponents to score an incredible goal that led his side to victory.

Celebrations all around for the Petisos Cup players

At the prize giving, Eduardo Heguy said, “The Copa Potrillos is equivalent to the Palermo Open for young players, a tournament in which I played in and I know the young players give everything to perform their best.” He went on to thank the AAP for supporting such an impressive day and finished by saying, “I will leave today with a huge smile on my face as the day has been another massive success.” Altogether a fantastic, action-packed day that left more that just Eduardo Heguy with a smile on his face.

The Potrillos Cup Results The Potrillos Cup Final teams: La Natividad de La Mancha: Nicolas Diaz Alberdi, Facundo Frayssinet, Camilo Castagnola & Bauista Riglos La Aguada La Dolfina: Mia Novillo Astrada, Manuel Novillo Astrada, Candelaria Fernandez Araujo & Mia Cambiaso Result: La Natividad de La Mancha beat La Aguada La Dolfina, 6-5 Most Valuable Player: Camilo Castagnola Best Playing Pony: La Pampa played

by Camilo Castagnola The Potrillitos Cup Final teams: La Dolfina: Adolfo Cambiaso, Lucas Monteverde, Santos Merlos & Kristo Magrini Las Alazanas: Juan Guerrero, Marcos Rivarola, Leon Schwenke & Miguel Tedin Result: La Dolfina beat Las Alazanas, 6-5 Most Valuable Player: Lucas Monteverde

A determined Las Taquaritas team ready to do business

Mini Potrillitos Cup Final teams: La Mariana Sol de Agosto: Lorenzo Chavanne, Rufino Merlos, Paco de Narváez & Dante Castagnola La Dolfinita: Blas Bensadon, Beltran Laulhe, Ciro Urturi & Benjamin Quiroga Result: La Mariana Sol de Agosto beat La Dolfinita, 1-0 Most Valuable Player: Paquito de Narváez Mini Mini Potrillitos Cup Final teams: La Dolfinita: Francisco Spinecci, Pedro Urturi, Pedro Sola & Antonio Aguerre Los Machitos-V8: Leon Donoso, Pedro Chavanne, Juan Cruz Guiñazu & Rufino Laulhe Result: La Dolfinita beat Los Machitos, 4-1

Young players join their high goal parents including the Palermo Open Champions Adolfo Cambiaso and David ‘Pelón’ Stirling as well as Guillermo Caset to battle it out www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, February 2017

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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Military

Photography by Sam Churchill Photography

Tour teams: Hackett British Army: Capt George Walker (0), Lt Paddy Selfe (1), Mr Gaston Devrient (4) & Capt Robert Freeman-Kerr (1) Guargaon Polo Team: HH The Maharaja of Jaipur (1), Lt Gen BS Sandhu (1), Mr Deepak Udar (2) & Col NS Khera (2) Jaipur: Mr Chirag Parikh (-1), HH The Maharaja of Jaipur (1), Mr Ashok Chandana (2) & Lt Col Ravi Rathore (5) President of India’s Bodyguard: Mr Rajat R Khatri (-1), Risaldar Jasmail Singh (0), Vishi Singh (4) & Angad Kalaan (4)

Gurgaon Polo Team turns the ball in front of the Hackett British Army

Jolly Jodhpur

T

he Hackett British Army Polo team went to India for the sixth consecutive year to play the President of India’s Bodyguard in Jodhpur. In the last two years this tour has been expanded, in 2015 Jaipur was included and this recent tour included a new venue at Gurgaon near Delhi.

However, the orginal team, selected in the autumn, was halved by injuries with Johnny Sleeman’s broken leg and an elbow injury to Nick Hunter. Last minute replacements with a week to go were Gaston Devrient, Army Coach (4), and Robert Freeman-Kerr (1).

Col Simon Ledger sent in his report from the tour, “After an overnight flight, our arrival in Delhi on Monday the 5 December and then the journey to Gurgaon took sometime. Our host was Colonel Tarun Sirohi and Subroto Chattopadhay at the Gurgaon Golf and Polo Club and a large crowd had been gathered for their first ever International Match. A full sized boarded pitch surrounded by a golf course made for a neat setting on the southern edge of New Delhi. Our hosts had generously arranged ponies for the team and after some delays due to a wedding, the match got under way. It was a close run affair with no team really pulling away but with The Maharaja of Jaipur playing well on his own string at 1 goal and fresh from an 8 goal match in the morning, the jet lag and unknown ponies meant the Hackett Army team were behind by one goal going into the

Hackett British Army and the President of India’s Bodyguard run for the ball

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last chukka. Despite some excellent work by Gaston Devrient to draw level with two minutes to go, some quick work by Deepak Udar from the throw-in saw Gurgaon win the match with a score of 6-4. Prizes were presented by the British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith assisted by Subroto Chattopadhay.

“After travelling to Jaipur the next day the Hackett Army Team tried out their ponies for the second match, which was hosted by British Polo Day at the Rajatstan Polo Club in Jaipur. A very large crowd were entertained by some excellent tent pegging by the 61st Cavalry and a display by a Mawari Stallion before the match got under way.

“The Hackett Army team were out of the blocks very quickly and an excellent run saw Gaston Devrient score in the first minute closely followed by Paddy Selfe. The team were one goal up going into the second chukka. However the Maharaja of Jaipur, on some excellent ponies drew things level at half-time. The third chukka, as always, saw some fierce action and Jaipur scored two more quick goals off the stick of the Maharaja who completed his hat-trick in fine style. It was 4-3 to Hackett Army in the fourth chukka but some excellent runs from deep by Ravi Rathore put the scores level with a minute to go and a final flourish by Ashok Chandana with less than 30 seconds left meant that at the bell Jaipur won 5-4. Prizes were presented jointly by the BPD sponsors and the Rajmata of Jaipur. Man of the Match went to the Maharaja of Jaipur for his hat-trick of goals at the vital moments.

“After a great trip across Rajastan to Jodhpur, the scene was set for the final match of the tour against the President of India’s Bodyguard (PBG) for the sixth time.

With the record standing at 4-1 in favour of the PBG there was much team chat to put in place a strategy.

“So with the precious ½ goal advantage, the Hackett British Army set to their task with confidence and the advantage of playing together twice before. Marking was the key to the early stages of the encounter and the experience of Gaston Devrient proved decisive in keeping the two 4 goalers at bay. An early 60 yard chance went wide for the British Army and with one apiece at the end of the first it was all to play for. The second chukka was team polo at its best with Hackett Army clicking well with some fine runs and passing

by Paddy Selfe and George Walker managing to squeak a goal, so at half-time it was 2½-1.

The third chukka included some decisive and excellent play by the PBG , which pushed them into the lead by 3 to 2½. A break out from the line-up saw the Hackett team back to a ½ goal lead at the end of the chukka. Now pony power began to tell and some strong play

by Angad Kalaan saw the PBG creep ahead by a smidge with a score of 4-3½. Some frantic work by Gaston Devrient in the final seconds got the ball to Paddy Selfe who scored a fine goal to end the encounter 4½-4 in favour of the Hackett British Army Team. The victory was acknowledged by the large crowd with huge enthusiasm as it was a fine display of polo by both teams, who played with spirit, skill and manners. Thus the record now is four games to two over the last six years. Prizes were presented by HH the Maharaja of Jodhpur and the celebrations went on long into the night with the traditional BPD fashion show and auction to conclude an excellent and fun tour.

“The BPD series and their arrangements for the second part of the tour was outstanding and the Army team hugely appreciated the efforts and generosity of Ed Olver and Ben Vestey.”

Dates for the Diary for the Army Polo Association 2017 Tidworth – Army Polo Association AGM – Kings Royal Hussars Officers’ Mess: Friday 24 February 2pm Tidworth – Hackett Rundle Cup: Saturday 8 July Guards – Hackett Inter-Regimental Finals: Sunday 9 July Tidworth – Captains’ & Subalterns’ Trophy: Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 July Polo Times, February 2017

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Knowledge

Fitness Focus

Prof. Martín Perez is an Argentine-born physical coach for polo players, who works with professionals and patrons throughout the polo community from high to low goal. In 2014 he founded the company Fitness for Polo, with the aim of bringing the advantages of polo specific training to a wider audience

Nutrition for Polo We talk to leading physical coach for polo players and founder of Fitness for Polo, Martín Perez about the whats, whys and hows of polo nutrition Post-Christmas and with winter in full swing and many ponies enjoying a well-deserved break in the field, fitness and nutrition is unlikely to be top of the priority list for many of you right now! However, it is something to keep in mind if you are playing indoor polo, following the season to Dubai or the States or just looking to maintain your health through the winter and prepare for the upcoming UK season.

Whatever level you are and however often you play, getting the right nutrition is key to performing well, recovering properly and preventing injury in polo, and should be part of any training regime. That said, the right nutrition is different for every individual and depends on several factors such as what your goals are, how much training and playing you are doing as well as your age and sex. Whilst a normal diet will give you sufficient nutrition if you are exercising three to four times a week during the off-season or playing very little, if you play any more than this, you will need to consider whether your diet is giving you the adequate source of fuel and the energy that is necessary to perform and recover properly. A lack of adequate nutrition will not only impede your performance but can be harmful to your body. The essential nutrients players should be mindful of, no matter the level of performance, are; carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Whilst you are playing and training regularly, you should try and maintain a diet that is composed of 40% carbohydrates, 30% proteins and 30% fats.

The Pillars of Nutrition Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the main source of our fuel when riding and playing. Having sufficient carbohydrates prior to a game or practice is crucial to maintaining your energy levels and avoiding feeling tired and consequently hindering performance. The body stores carbohydrates in the muscles and liver as glycogen and uses this as a 52

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source of fuel for your brain and muscles when you are playing or training.

Proteins Proteins are important for your muscle recovery. If you are playing practices or exercising more than three to four times a week, you will find that you need to increase protein intake more than usual in order to help this process. Why? As polo players, every time we swing for the ball, ride someone off or concentrate our energy on staying on board, a tremendous amount of muscle tissue is broken down. It’s important for muscle tissue to recover and regrow before we play or train again otherwise sooner or later there is a risk of overtraining whilst your muscles are still in the process of breaking down and you will risk reversing all the progress you have made!

Fats Yes, eating too much of the wrong kind of fat will do nothing for your performance, however it’s important to make sure you do get the nutritional benefits of some types of fats as athletes. Although carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for energy when playing, fats are needed to help your body access the stored carboydrates (glycogen) in our cells. However, it’s important to keep in mind that fats take a long time to be broken down and transported to your working muscles, so it’s not a good idea to eat fatty foods just before or after a game. Unsaturated fat such as avocados, soybeans, flaxseeds, fish and almonds should form part of your nutritious plan whilst playing high intensity polo.

Plan of Action for Game Day Preparation: Before playing a game, aim to eat a meal that is low in fat, but high in carbohydrates two to three hours before playing. Starchy foods such as porridge, pasta or potatoes will supply your muscles with adequate nutrition for your game. However, every individual is different and sometimes a light snack such as a banana just before playing is needed! Don’t avoid eating before playing or you will risk lacking energy and feeling light headed during it. Polo is generally played during the summer and therefore hot.

During: Polo is a high intensity exercise, played at a fast pace and requires multiple short bursts of energy. As I have mentioned it is also played mostly in hot conditions, therefore you will burn through glycogen supplies very quickly. If you are playing any more than four chukkas, it’s a good idea to consume some carbohydrates during exercise in order to prevent exhaustion and to optimise your performance by replenishing your energy supply. Energy balls or fruit are a good snack to consume whilst playing. Hydrate a little as often as you can between chukkas and changing ponies. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty as this is a sign you are already dehydrated. Staying well hydrated before is vital to minimizing electrolytes lost in sweat.

Again, any more than four chukkas and sports drinks can be advantageous because they contain some electrolytes that help you to retain the water you drink.

Recovery: Nutrition for recovery is vital for performance and often overlooked by players. Nutrition can vary depending on your plans. Restoring your carbohydrate levels is very important if you are planning on more training or playing that afternoon or the following day so consuming wholegrain products is very beneficial. Your meal following a game is very important for replenishing minerals and repairing your muscles and should be consumed as soon as possible after playing. You should eat a meal high in lean protein and include vegetables for replacing vitamins and minerals. If you can’t eat a meal within 60 minutes of playing a match, make sure you consume a small amount of protein to restore nutrients. Milk, bananas or some nuts are all handy things to have in the lorry for your trip home.

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Jan Cavalli wears the classic Principe pampeano polo belt and carries the new Caballero travel bag from pampeano, which features butter-soft leather, luxurious pale-blue suede lining and hand-woven pampa diamonds pampeano is available from John Lewis and online at www.pampeano.co.uk

Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Arena Ponies

• Although it is winter, ponies will still be working and sweating a lot, especially if they have a trace clip or blanket clip, so they will be sweating so you must ensure electrolytes are fed, replacing those body salts lost in sweat to aid recovery and enhance performance.

• Those horses that struggle to hold their condition in the summer will most likely find the winter months even harder when in work and coping with the cold weather. Feeding a conditioning feed rather than a high fibre, low energy mix or cube will definitely help to maintain/increase the calorie intake.

• Adding an oil supplement, such as Baileys Outshine, will increase the calorie intake for those that need it, but fed in smaller quantities can help with supple shiny skin when being clipped, sweating and washed regularly.

Jamie Morrison’s ponies with groom Kerri Dyte. All the ponies are playing arena regularly and are being fed No.4 2½x scoops of Top Line Conditioning Cubes, 2x mugs of Performance Balancer, 1x scoop of Alfalfa Chaff and ad lib haylage per day.

When it is freezing cold over the winter months, I find myself casting a thought to those arena ponies, playing in all weathers.

Generally, we don’t need to feed differently for arena polo, however there some areas we need to consider…

• Hydration is as important in the winter as the summer – just because we are not drinking as much because the weather is not hot, the horses must still have their unlimited access to water.

• Remember fibre acts as a reservoir in the hind gut to aid hydration but also works as a central heating system as fibre ferments, so ponies struggling to hold weight will benefit from more forage being provided to help keep warm.

• Providing fibre at all times is essential for gut health and performance.

C ontact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

• Tying up would be a particular concern in the colder winter weather, particularly if ponies are being fed a high oat based feed or given an unbalanced diet. This, together with not being given the time for warming up, will certainly increase any risks.

• During the arena season the energy requirements may not be as high as they are in the summer months due to the shorter distances ponies have to run, so think about the type of energy that is required – ‘instant/ fast release’ or ‘stamina/slow release’. Do oats really need to be used? It’s also worth looking at whether you’re feeding the correct quantities of a cube or mix.

• Maintaining a balance is essential to support the horse with all those correct nutrients whilst working/playing – follow feeding recommendations on the feed bag or consult a feed company advice line or nutritionist.

Nova is a 6-year-old Irish Thoroughbred, owned by Oli Hipwood. Whilst Nova is being played in the arena, she is being fed No 6. 2x scoops of Endurance Mix and 2x mugs of Performance Balancer with ad lib hay per day.

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Max Charlton talks to us about Heidi, winner of The International Test Match Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at Westcroft Park Polo Club Tell us about her background? John Horswell bought her over from New Zealand in 2005 after he bought her from Ross Ansley.

Photograph by Gillian Hughes Photography

What are her strengths? She is so powerful laterally and she stops in a second.

I think she is the perfect arena horse!

How has she gone this season? Amazing, like always!

Has she won any other awards? She has won lots of best playing pony awards in the arena, it is hard to remember them all.

What are your plans for her future? For her to continue being one of the best arena horses around.

Heidi Height: 15.1hh Age: 14-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owner: Owned by Raph Singh and played by Max Charlton in The International Test Match

Where is she from? Heidi is a New Zealand Thoroughbred from the racetrack.

How long have you had her? I had her first for five years before selling her to Raph Singh three years ago.

Does she have any special quirks? Her best friend is Gemma, and you cannot split them up as Heidi will be very unhappy.

Describe her in three words? Powerful, agile, machine.

Federico Bachman talks to Polo Times’ Rich Hine about Sorrow, winner of the Thai Polo Open Best Playing Pony Award at Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

Photograph by Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com

Tell us about his background? I bought him as a three-year-old in Argentina as I recognised that he had something very special about him. He developed quickly and I was able to play him across all levels of polo in Argentina. When I sold him to Harald Link he was a good horse but since his time at Thai Polo he has developed into a champion.

What are his strengths? He is very quick and extremely agile.

Has he won any other awards? He has won many awards both here in Thailand and also in Malaysia with the Thai Polo Team

Sorrow Height: 15.3 Age: 12-years-old Colour: Dark Bay Sex: Gelding Owner: Owned by Harald Link, played by Pablo Jauretche

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What is the pony’s breeding? Sorrow is an Argentine Thoroughbred.

Where is Sorrow from? He is from the centre of Argentina.

How long has he been at Thai Polo?

I sold Sorrow to Harald in 2012.

Does he have any quirks? He is not an easy horse to ride as he is so responsive to the play, your commands and is very pacey.

To get the best out of him you really have to grip him with your legs and ride him properly.

Describe him in two words? My pride.

Polo Times, February 2017

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Knowledge

Playing Tips

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Absolute Right Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game

Winter is here causing the desire to want to work on riding and hitting techniques to be almost non-existent. However, during this so called down time you should find time to work on understanding how to execute the strategic side of the game more effectively.

Relative to having the right to hit the ball, first consider the ball, then the Line of The Ball (LOB), then the Right of Way (ROW), and finally having the Right to Hit The Ball (RHB). Those four components are closely associated; however, each is a distinct entity serving its own unique function to the process of creating the RHB. First component to consider is the ball; when it is travelling on, or above,

the ground it creates an imaginary line (LOB), on the ground. Additionally, the LOB extending ahead of the ball in the direction the ball is travelling is commonly referred to as the Projected Line. While, the LOB extending behind the ball in the direction from which the ball came is commonly referred to as the Established Line.

The second component is the LOB. The main function is to serve as a dividing line separating two imaginary lanes, or ROW, one on either side of the LOB. The third component is each ROW, or lane. Each ROW leads directly to the ball, is contiguous with LOB, and runs parallel to it.

To the best of my knowledge, the HPA is the only national association displaying the wisdom of defining the ROW for its members.

The essence of that definition is that the ROW is an approximate five feet wide path, or lane, extending from the outside edge of the ball to the outside edge of the player’s foot that is furthest from the ball.

I compare the ROW in polo to that of a lane on the highway. The significance of that comparison is that the lane is almost always wider then the car; providing the car with sufficient room to safely manoeuvre within the lane. Equally significant, the lane is made wider which is consistent with an increase in speed limit.

That same reasoning should apply to the polo player riding a horse within the ROW to the ball at speeds in excess of 35 mph (56 kmph). Under those conditions, there is strong justification for considering the ROW to be six, or even seven, feet wide.

The final component is the RHB (Right to Hit The Ball). Depending on circumstances, there are varying degrees of RHB. From my perspective as a teacher of polo, I conceive of there being an Absolute Right to Hit the Ball. I perceive of an Absolute Right because you do not always have the RHB when you are partially in the ROW or almost parallel to the LOB.

Step 2: Safely entering and establishing completely within the ROW Two of your horse’s feet in the ROW and two outside is not considered established within.

Safely entering and establishing completely within the ROW

Step 3: Positioning within the ROW to be parallel to the LOB Being at an angle to the LOB strongly suggests that your horse is, or soon will be, in both Rights of Way at the same time, creating the potential of a foul.

Orange will be fouling at both Xs

The Absolute Right to Hit The Ball, RHB, is based on:

Rights of Way (ROW) and Line of Ball (LOB)

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Step 1: Knowing where the ball is Be aware of where the ball is and its direction of travel so as to identify the LOB; and the Rights of Way associated with it.

Orange will be fouling at X

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Playing Tips

Step 4: Having the ball on the offside The ball can be hit on the nearside; however, at an increased potential of fouling.

Knowledge

Step 5: Being the player closest to the ball that has satisfied steps 1 through 4 An opposing player, who has satisfied steps 1 through 4 and is closer to the ball than you, has a greater Right to Hit The Ball than you.

The benefit I hope you derive from this article is to realise that creating the RHB (five steps) is a process that can be practised, learned and developed. Consistent with that realisation, you should do what it takes to make having the Absolute Right to Hit The Ball become a habit. Accordingly, I strongly urge: • Write the five steps on a piece of paper; maybe even many times, over the winter • Over the winter, commit the process to memory • At the beginning of the next season work until correct execution of each step becomes a habit

Blue player has satisfied steps 1 through 4.

Even though going against the direction of travel of the ball, Blue has the greater Right to hit the ball because Blue will be the first to arrive safely at the ball having satisfied steps 1 through 4.

Concerned about Grooms’ Visas?

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Maximum Fun Minimum Hassle • Stabling and turnout for all ponies • 4 Polo Grounds and a Stick and Ball Field • Grooms living on site • Chukkas 3 times per week • Match polo – 2 to 8 goal • Floodlit all weather arena • Excellent hire ponies to back up your own We have the grooms, trainers, coaches and players to make sure you and your ponies

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perform to the best of your ability.

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

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Polo Times, February 2017

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Knowledge

Umpire’s Corner

Caspar West, Beaufort Polo Club’s Polo Manager, Official HPA Instructor and Grade A umpire, tells us about his trialling of some new rules in Plett, South Africa

Proposed Rules Trialled The rules of polo are complex and the HPA are always open to considering new options, although the rule changes are very much ‘work in progress’ as Caspar tell us. “Throughout the Christmas season in Plett the Club opted to use a new format to try to bring a fresh idea and possibly more public viewer friendly ideas slightly based on a pro system also being used in Argentina this winter”

The Trialled Format Chukkas will be shortened to 4:30 minutes with 0:30 minutes extra time per chukka, with the number of chukkas to be increased from 4 to 6 chukkas per match. This means that the total playing time will remain the same as the previous system of 7:00 minutes with 0:30 minutes extra time over 4 chukkas.

The match will be separated into two halves consisting of 3 chukkas.

The goal ends will be decided by a coin toss before the start of the match, they will continue to score that end until half-time, at half-time the teams will switch goal scoring ends.

Each half will be started with a line-out in front of the main crowd.

The other chukkas will start with a line-out from where the play ended if the chukka ended with the ball in play, or a hit-in if the ball went over the back line or a line-out if the ball went out over the boards.

After a goal is scored the defending team will take a hit-out from the 80 yard line, with the attacking team keeping a 30 yard radius distance from the ball.

The umpire will call play only once all eight players are in position.

The Feedback The results were very encouraging and it did create some very fast exciting polo for a non-polo person and also to those that had a limited knowledge, with myself and players noting that: The ponies seemed to do very well from the change in format. With quite a few levels of polo being played in a busy schedule, ponies were able to play back-toback games and more without trouble.

Very few mid-chukka changes were needed.

It wasn’t necessary for six ponies for six chukkas, as the horses were able to double and their recovery was quicker.

The hit-in after a goal worked well and kept a much more interesting view for the spectators.

With hit-ins after a goal is scored, it was also easy to manage from an umpiring point of view as the modified rules avoided the regular time that players use to “discuss” decisions when they return to the middle.

Without the throw-ins, the field did not tear anywhere near as badly and recovered far quicker to be played on again, it also prevented ugly clashes and the usual scrum of small fouls that regularly are unsightly to the spectator.

The low goal struggled occasionally.

On the whole I feel the format worked very positively for polo there and as an option to be used worldwide, for field management, horse benefit and the viewing for all made it great fun and very easy to watch, participate and officiate.

What do you think to the rules that have been trailled? Do you have any suggestions or strong objections? Have your say! Get in touch by emailing to letters@polotimes.co.uk or using snail mail and sending a traditional letter to: Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN

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Polo Times, February 2017

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Knowledge Sarah Gent BVSC CertEM (Int.Med) MRCVS Sarah joined the Liphook Equine Hospital as part of the ambulatory team in 2001 where she has continued to develop her interests in sports horse medicine, internal medicine and stud medicine. Sarah was awarded the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Internal Medicine in 2004, and became a partner of the hospital in 2011

Liver Disease in Polo Ponies Liver disease is common in adult horses, however it can frequently go undetected until the problem is quite advanced and potentially life-threatening. This is because over two thirds of the liver needs to be affected before clinical signs are noticeable.

Raised liver parameters are often picked up on a routine blood screen in a polo pony that is otherwise fit and healthy. There are many possible causes of raised liver enzymes, so it is important to determine whether this is due to primary liver disease or secondary to something else. Appropriate treatment can then be initiated before liver disease becomes too advanced risking liver failure and death.

Profound photosensitisation secondary to liver disease

Liver fluke is occasionally responsible for liver disease in horses

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Liver The liver is a large and vital organ weighing up to one percent of the horse’s body weight and interacting with all other organs in the body in some way. The liver is located directly behind the diaphragm primarily on the right side of the abdomen. It has a number of very important functions including: 1. Nutrient Regulation and metabolism – Nutrients are absorbed by the GI tract and transported to the liver via the portal blood supply and used for protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. The liver makes 90% of plasma proteins including albumin and fibrinogen. It is also responsible for making, storing and releasing glucose for energy metabolism.

2. Bile production and excretion – Bile is composed of bile acids, bilirubin, cholesterol, water and electrolytes. In other species bile is stored in the gall bladder and released intermittently, however horses do not have a gall bladder. Bile is released continuously into the small intestine via the bile ducts to help fat digestion. Bile acids act as detergents to aid excretion of cholesterol and other fats from the liver and also to aid absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) from the gut. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed in the liver from the normal breakdown of red blood cells and muscle cells (haemoglobin and myoglobin).

It is then excreted in urine and faeces contributing to their yellow-brown colour.

3. Detoxification – The liver eliminates ammonia, which is a by-product of protein metabolism, by converting it into urea for elimination by the kidneys. It is also responsible for the safe breakdown of potentially harmful compounds including ammonia, bilirubin, certain drugs, plant toxins and insecticides.

4. Blood clotting factor production – The liver produces substances required for the normal clotting of blood. In foals it is also responsible for blood production.

Plants such as Ragwort can also cause liver disease

5. Storage site – For several major vitamins and minerals including A, D, B12, copper and iron.

Clinical Signs Symptoms vary greatly depending on the extent and duration of liver disease. Mild signs of liver disease include lethargy, poor performance, reduced appetite, weight loss and jaundice (yellowish discolouration of the gums due to accumulation of bilirubin normally excreted by the liver). In horses a period of reduced appetite or blood loss may also cause jaundice so it is not always specific for liver disease.

More severe signs include increased light sensitivity of white or unpigmented skin (photosensitisation), diarrhoea, breathing difficulties due to paralysis of the larynx, abnormal and persistent bleeding and also fluid accumulation which can cause enlargement of the abdomen and swelling of the limbs.

Photosensitisation – Can appear very similar to sunburn or mud fever. It is caused by the accumulation of a photodynamic agent (phylloerthryn, a breakdown product of chlorophyll found in grass and hay) normally excreted by the liver. It causes unpigmented skin to become more sensitive to sunlight causing ulcers, scabs, swelling and pain particularly on the legs and face but lesions can occur anywhere on the body. In these cases your vet may take a blood sample to exclude liver disease as the underlying cause, particularly in a horse that has not previously been affected by skin problems.

Hepatic encephalopathy – May occur in cases of advanced liver failure due to the build up of ammonia and other toxins in the blood. This causes mild to severe neurological signs such as depression, disorientation, head pressing, yawning, circling, collapse, seizures and death.

Polo Times, February 2017

59

Knowledge

Weight loss

Diagnosis Liver disease is often difficult to diagnose solely on the basis of the clinical signs observed. This is because many of the signs are not specific for liver disease alone. Thus it is important for the attending vet to obtain a detailed and accurate history of any potential exposure to medications and supplements and source of forage. A blood sample will be taken if liver disease is suspected in order to confirm the presence of raised liver enzymes and to help rule out other diseases. Mild elevations of some liver enzymes can be due to other problems such as poor appetite, viral infection, diarrhoea and fitness however moderate to marked elevations are usually caused by primary liver disorders. In these cases a liver ultrasound and biopsy is the next step.

A liver ultrasound and biopsy of the liver is regarded as the gold standard for definitive diagnosis of liver disease. It gives more information regarding exactly what changes are present in the liver, what the likely underlying cause is, and gives an idea of prognosis. A liver biopsy is performed in a standing, sedated horse using ultrasound to guide a biopsy needle through the skin and into the liver. Usually two to three samples are taken. It is a very common procedure and is well tolerated by horses. Although side effects such as bleeding have been described these are very rare particularly when performed by ultrasound guidance. It is often performed at an equine referral hospital.

Changes seen within the liver on biopsy can be divided into reversible and non-reversible. Fortunately the liver has a great capacity to regenerate itself with mild to moderate inflammation and disease, however when the damage becomes severe then degenerative changes such as fibrosis may not be reparable. If inflammation is detected early and the cause identified then the disease can often be treated before changes become permanent.

Ragwort poisoning causes a very specific type of change seen on a liver biopsy known as giant cells (megalocytosis), which is irreversible and usually fatal.

Once an individual horse has been diagnosed with liver disease it is also very important to blood sample other horses at the same yard or even neighbouring properties.

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Polo Times, February 2017

Blood sampling to test for liver disease

We frequently discover outbreaks of liver disease in horses grazing the same field, eating the same forage or exposed to the same medications or supplements. This ensures other affected horses are discovered and treated before serious disease develops and also helps to identify the underlying cause.

Causes of liver disease Hepatitis literally means inflammation of the liver. In many cases of liver inflammation a specific cause is unable to be definitively identified. Mild elevations of certain liver enzymes can be caused by non-hepatic causes such as gut inflammation, muscle or kidney disease and fitness or overtraining.

Further investigations such as additional blood tests and liver biopsy as described above can help to differentiate these causes from true liver pathology.

Common Causes: Bacterial infections Viruses Toxins Plants such as Ragwort Parasites Certain drugs and supplements Less Common Causes: Abscesses Bile stones Hyperlipaemia Cancer Congenital problems Liver disease is often found following exposure to particular forage sources or fields. It is usually difficult to determine exactly what is causing the liver inflammation, however possibilities include mycotoxins, mineral deficiencies and excesses and contamination with pesticides

A liver biopsy is taken from a sedated horse or toxic plants. Testing of fields and forage sources is possible but expensive and often unrewarding.

Ragwort poisoning is unfortunately still seen in horses although it is less common than in the past due to improved paddock management and owner awareness.

However it is also possible for hay or haylage sources to be contaminated with Ragwort, which again can be very difficult to identify.

Liver fluke is a parasite more commonly associated with liver disease in cattle and sheep. However liver fluke is occasionally responsible for liver disease in horses and can be associated with horses and sheep or cattle co-grazing very wet fields.

Serum hepatitis, or Theillers Disease, is an uncommon but serious disease originally reported following the use of equine live vaccines and antiserum products. It has more recently been associated with a viral infection in the USA and can cause very severe signs including death associated with sudden onset liver failure. It is occasionally seen in groups of polo ponies.

Treatment Treatment of liver disease involves identifying and removing the underlying cause to prevent further damage, treating the specific liver damage identified by liver biopsy along with supportive treatment of the liver. www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Fibrosis within the liver signifying a hepatopathy

Although it can be difficult to conclusively identify the actual cause, removing an affected horse from a field or source of forage (for example feeding haylage rather than hay) that are suspected to be contaminated can often rapidly and dramatically improve liver parameters.

Specific therapies to treat liver inflammation and infection confirmed by liver biopsy include antibiotics and antiinflammatories such as corticosteroids.

Medications to help prevent fibrosis are often also used. Treatment of hepatic encephalopathy includes sedatives, antiseizure medication and products to reduce the build up of ammonia.

Other treatments are aimed at supporting liver function. Dietary changes include increasing carbohydrate and amino acids which are the building blocks of protein, in small, frequent feeds. A diet high in oat hay, molassed concentrates such as corn and sugar beet pulp is

Histological examination of a liver biopsy sample to assess for degenerative changes

prognosis is excellent if the underlying cause can be removed and inflammation treated before there are permanent changes to liver structure.

preferred over alfalfa and leguminous (e.g.

Clover, ryegrass) grass or hay. Additional supplements such as Vitamin B1, vitamin E and SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) may also be beneficial. Supplements which can exacerbate liver disease should be avoided particularly those containing high concentrations of iron such as a blood tonics (haematonics) and seaweed.

Sarah Gent BVSC CertEM (Int.Med) MRCVS Liphook Equine Hospital Park Farm Forest Mere Liphook Hampshire GU30 7JG Tel: +44 (0)1428 723594 Email: sarah.gent@theleh.co.uk

Prognosis Undetected and untreated liver disease in polo ponies ultimately leads to liver failure and death. However, due to the liver’s remarkable ability to regenerate the

Lipogems is an advancement in Orthobiology and Regenerative Medicine.

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For more information, contact and case studies visit: lipogemsequine.com @lipogemsequine Dr Tim Watson BVM&S, PhD, MRCVS Waterlane Equine Vets, tim.watson@mail.com Mob: 07557857793

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Mr Murray Shotter BVSc MRCVS Mr Bruce Middleton MA Vet MB MRCVS Shotter and Byers Equine Surgery, Blackdown Equine Clinic, murray.shotter@shotterandbuyers.co.uk bruce.vet@hotmail.com Tel: 01306627706 Mob: 07766993085

Mr Clive Hamblin B Vet Med MRCVS Collis Equine Services, chamblin@btconnect.com Mob: 07831385515

Dr. Jessica A. Kidd BA, DVM, CertES(Orth), Dipl ECVS, MRCVS White Hills Surgery kiddvet@gmail.com Mob: 07723 317 708

Polo Times, February 2017

61

Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd assists a reader with a bitting query

Starting A Polo Pony Q – I am starting a very willing, calm, five-year-old mare for polo. It has been advised that I start with either a McHardy or a Swivel bit. Would you agree? Any additional bit suggestions that you have for starting young horses would be greatly appreciated. CL, Hants A – Swivel bits are becoming increasingly popular and Pelhams are commonly seen.

However, I wouldn’t actually suggest starting a young horse in a bit with an element of poll pressure like a Swivel, as it is nice to keep it as light as possible to begin with for a youngster.

With a Swivel bit, the mouthpiece is not fixed, so the horse can effectively decide where the mouth piece is most comfortable in its mouth. The port allows for tongue relief and the swivelling action reduces tongue pressure. It is particularly well suited to horses that object to metal mouthpieces, however is not really the ideal bit for starting a youngster, particularly one so willing.

Instead, I’d generally suggest either a Loose Ring Happy Tongue or a Loose Ring Bomber Blue for starting young horses, as both provide tongue relief; this good start will help to keep the horse soft and sensitive as she matures and learns the game.

If you try the McHardy, this will also give some tongue relief, but it will ask the horse to extend the neck to a degree, and bring her nose in; the roller does also give some

A Loose Ring Happy Tongue provides tongue relief

The Loose Ring Bomber Blue will help to keep the horse soft and sensitive

tongue pressure. However it isn’t usually used on youngsters where a snaffle would perhaps work better. Therefore, I would try a Loose Ring Happy Tongue or a Loose Ring Bomber Blue as your first port of call.

Prior to first bitting your young horse,

or trying out any new bits, it is essential that your mare’s teeth have been checked, rasped where required, and any uncomfortable wolf teeth removed. This will ensure they don’t experience discomfort when broken and first ridden.

Bombers Bits also include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions.

Bombers Bits are made from blue sweet iron – the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages the horse to salivate. Visit www.worldwidetack.com. Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.

Located in the heart of the New Zealand Polo Scene we offer Polo for beginners and experienced players alike, together with an unforgettable Kiwi holiday experience.

Chukkas, matches and tournaments at the famous Waimai Club plus farm chukkas trekking and beach rides. Holidays tailored to suite your requirements.

Reduced rates for early bookings, Groups, Schools and Universities.

Check us out at www.newzealandpoloholidays.co.nz or call Ken Pitts – NZ +64 7 825 4535, Matt Pitts – UK 07721919465 or Toby Pitts – UK 07514433033 email – amberwood.nzph@gmail.com 62

Polo Times, February 2017

Special occasion polo cards for birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, weddings, & baby congratulations; from £2.99 plus p&p Visit www.Katesart.com or txt/tel 07887 678421 or email: enquiries@Katesart.com image copyright protected by Katesart.com 2007

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Gossip

HELLO HANBURY! Congratulations to Charlie & Yoanna Hanbury on the birth of their daughter. Cara Bridget Anna Hanbury arrived on 10 January at 5lb 7. She certainly looks like she enjoys a cuddle.

BABY IN A BUCKET

Harry Simpson aged 7 months is hard at work in training as a groom for his dad Matt Simpson at Inglesham Polo Club!

Sidelines WELCOME MERIVALEAUSTIN

On 19 December 2016, to Somruedee and Bruce, a beautiful and healthy son, Bruce Gardiner Mclean, weighing 8lb 5oz, brother to Valentina Apsara Evalyn.

Photograph by David Sinclair

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

ALL TIME GREATS

HRH Prince Harry’s charity Sentebale have partnered with Bobby Melville’s IGO Adventures, creators of unique expedition challenges. This partnership gives you the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable physical experience whilst supporting Sentebale’s work with vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa as a minimum of £1,000 of your entry fee will help children affected by HIV.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

SENTEBALE AND IGO TEAM UP

Adolfo Cambiaso, Claire Tomlinson & Carlos Gracida have all been included in Horse & Hound’s ‘Greatest 50 Horsemen of All Time’, alongside equestrian elites such as dressage star Carl Hester and double gold Olympic medallist Nick Skelton.

ͻ ůŝŐŚƚĞƌ ͻ ƐƚƌŽŶŐĞƌ ͻ ƉŽǁĞƌĨƵů ͻ ĐŽŶƐŝƐƚĞŶƚ

ĂŶĞ ŵĂůůĞƚƐ ĂůƐŽ ŵĂĚĞ ƚŽ ŽƌĚĞƌ 'ƌĞĂƚ ƐŚŝƉƉŝŶŐ ƌĂƚĞƐ ĚŽŽƌ ƚŽ ĚŽŽƌ

H E B R O 1 5 . 2 H P O L O S TA L L I O N – S TA N D I N G I N B E R K S H I R E .

N AT U R A L C O V E R I N G A N D S T R AW S AVA I L A B L E .

Has played: Argentine Open 2007 with Javier Novillo Astrada Hurlingham Open 2007 with Javier Novillo Astrada USA open and 26 goal with Las Monjitas in 2008 Argentine and Hurlingham open again in 2008 Hurlingham and Tortugas Open in 2009 to 2012 Retired for breeding - 2013 Now playing medium and low goal in UK with Eclipse.

Nature: Very easy and reliable with amazing stamina.

For details and info please contact Jontidswellpretorius@gmail.com Or William on 07768 651959 / williamlainsbury@gmail.com

ǁǁǁ͘ǁŽŽĚŵĂůůĞƚƐ͘ĐŽŵ www.polotimes.co.uk RRG 0DOOHWV TXDUWHU SDJH SRUWUDLW FRORXU LQGG

Polo Times, February 2017

63

Jackie Blenkinsop, Jan-Erik Franck & Anita Sajjad

Jamie Grayson, Imi Hancock & Alannah Horswell

Winter wonderland

International Arena Test Match; Westcroft Park Polo Club; Saturday 17 December

International Relations

Aurora Eastwood & Raph Singh

On a very wintery fog clad day at Westcroft Park plenty of people turned up to enjoy some pre Christmas festivities inside and outside the arena. A typically German styled winter wonderland offering Bratwursts and specialist sweets in quaint wooden sheds lined the drive behind the tinsel lined Clubhouse. The action inside the arena drew plenty of applause from the youngsters in the warm up game to the big guns who steamed around the arena for the Test Match. The event was part of a three-day Festival of Polo, which also included live music and an after party on the Saturday evening before the Final of the 15 goal Bolebrook Trophy on the Sunday.

Nick & Mandie Beitner

For a full International Test Match report, turn to Reports and for the warm-up game turn to Youth Jonny Good & Adolfo Casabal

Jess Van Der Velden

Photography Gillian Hughes Photography

Finlay & Gavin Turner

TRISTAR

Felix Eastwood

John Horswell, Georgie Morris-Lowe & Lucy Wilson

Ed Morris-Lowe

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Festive fun at DBPC

Guests were treated to circus displays

The Prestige Team

Christmas Gala; Dallas Burston Polo Club; Tuesday 10 January

A Christmas Circus Another incredible festive celebration! The team at the Dallas Burston Polo Club enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season, climaxing with the fabulous Christmas Gala, this year dazzling guests with an elegant circus theme. Guests were welcomed with a glass of bubbly, then were led to their tables by Ringmaster host, Cameron. Scrumptious festive food was enjoyed during the inspiring display from Rachel Baird and her talented performers of Circomedia. The evening progressed with live music drawing everyone to the dance floor. A grand firework finale wowed the guests as it lit up the skies, illuminating the venue.

Photography by Gail Braznell

Lucy Cox, Niamh Brown, Joanna McDonagh & Katie Waller

Charlotte Mobbs & Maisie Robinson

Sam Hood, Gwen Davies, Ed Bramley, Niamh Brown, Jak Root, Lucy Cox & Rhiannon Price

Adam Walter, Richard Dale, Suz & Major Richard Carney & Stacey Dale

Alpha Security Team

Maisie Robinson, Andy Thomas, Olivia Cunningham, Richard Dale, Sophia Spark & Poppy Wilson

Guests enjoyed a festive feast

Ross Carney & Stacey Dale

Oli Ellis braves the elements

Tim Bown supervises the filming under cover

Niall Donnelly, brave enough to umpire the Subsidiary Final!

Oscar Montoya prepares the mate

Young supporter Hector with mum Jessica Marco

Many familiar faces braved the weather conditions!

Nick Montoya

Arena Polo Masters; All England Polo Club Hickstead; Sunday 15 January

Game On! Ali & Martin Stegeman

Simon Arber had a fantastic day and received the trophy from Paul Davies

It was hoods up and umbrellas aplenty for those that braved the elements for Finals day at Hickstead. Arena polo regulars toughed it out alongside a strong non-polo contingent from Playnation who sponsored the event.

After the action finished in the arena everybody dried off and warmed up enjoying a smart three course lunch in the Clubhouse. Tables were hosted by Playnation, Gamestec, Bell-Fruit Games and Astra as guests chatted to players and spectators. Plans are already afoot for the event to take place again next year. So it looks as though it is ‘game on’ for 2018. Watch this space.

Paul Knights celebrates his Subsidiary Final win

Peter Davies from Playnation listens to Seb Baker explaining the rules of the gamec

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Astra’s table with Richard, the Earl of Tyrone, Josh Clover, Tom Morley, Ben Sim, Niall Donnelly & guests

Gamestec’s table with Kevin Shaw, Paul Knights, Olga Ramirez, Jessica Marco, Seb Baker, Alex Grant, Tim Bown, Rebecca Chappell & Leon Allen

Bell-Fruit Games’ table with Guy and Emily Harrison & guests

The Playnation table with Peter Davies & his guests

Guy Harrison

Sarah Wiseman, Seb Dawnay with John & Lucy Bunn

Caroline Link & Luciano Tattoni

Mohamed Moiz & Gines Bargallo

Ivy Schlageter & Rozi Shahmat

Peter Wright & Daniel Boudou

The Thai Polo Open 2017, Thai Polo & Equestrian Club; Saturday 15 January

Big day out at Thai Polo Open 2017

Nara Ketusingha

The matches drew large crowds

On Finals day of The Thai Polo Open, crowds from across South East Asia flocked to Thai Polo & Equestrian Club to enjoy the fantastic polo and hospitality that the Club is fast becoming renowned for. Spectators embraced the spirit of the day and were dressed in the latest fashions and millineries. The strong crowds were treated to a fantastic Dressage to Music display and a strong Show Jumping qualifier for the 2017 South East Asian Games in advance of the Open Final.

After an entertaining match of end-to-end polo in which local favourites, Thai Polo drew with La Familia, spectators and players alike enjoyed a fun-filled evening of Asian fusion food, craft beer and dancing under the stars as the band belted out the classics.

Anna Wilhelmsson & Benny Mattsson

Photography

by Dominic James | www.dominic-james.com & Rich Hine Claudia Zeisberger & David Munro

Will Chatmara, Nunthinee Tanner & Rege Ludwig Suphachai ‘Nu’ Sukhampha & Agustin Garcia Grossi

German Suarez & Pedro Fernandez-Llorente

Saladin Mazlan & Tunku Nazroff

Sophia Bobone, Rodrigo Castro, Tirso Olazabal & Luciano Tattoni

Sophie Fisher

HH Tengku Amir Ibrahim & Andy Harrison

Nurul Moiz

Harald Link

Poolside after-party

Gines Bargallo

Santi Bachman & Manu Cereceda

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

What’s On Key UK Arena Season Dates

RCBPC – FCT Invitational High Goal Challenge (13-15): 2 – 4 February RCBPC – The Arena Gold Cup Final (13-15): 25 February AEPC – The Bryan Morrison International Trophy (Open): 4 March

Arena Victor Ludorum dates

America

IPC – Ylvisaker Cup (20): January 25 – 19 February

Druids Lodge – Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal: 24 – 29 January RCBPC – Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal: January 31 – 5 February AEPC – Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal: 8 – 12 February Rugby – Victor Ludorum 5-8 Goal: 21 – 26 February

February Club Fixtures

RCBPC – Olin Trophy (7-10): 7 – 12 February Ash Farm – Arena Tournament (4-6): 4 – 5 February RCBPC – The Katie Tunn Trophy (4-6): 14 – 19 February Epsom – St. Valentine’s Cup (2-4): 4 – 5 February Epsom – St. David’s Cup (2-4): 11 – 12 February Epsom – St Patrick’s Cup (2-4): 25 – 26 February Tidworth – Seriously Cool Events Cup (-30): 18 – 19 February FHM – The Polo Splice Shield (-3-0): 25 February

Open

Wicklow – Spain (Barcelona) vs Ireland: 4 – 5 February Ash Farm – Valentine’s Trophy: 11 – 12 February Ash Farm – Challenge Matches: 25 – 26 February Druids Lodge – The Watersfield Challenge: February 19 – 12 March

Youth Polo

Druids Lodge – Varsity Match (Bristol vs UWE): 28 January Druids Lodge – Super League (Exeter vs RAU): 28 January Druids Lodge – Super League (Harvard Alumni vs Bristol): 29 January Druids Lodge – Varsity Match (Southampton vs UWE): 4 February Rugby – SUPA University Nationals (Open): 9 – 12 February Druids Lodge – Varsity Match (London vs UWE): 25 February Rugby – SUPA National Senior Schools (Open): 5 March

Australia

Hexham – Urqhart Cup: 28 – 29 January Blenheim – Skene Trophy: 28 – 29 January

68

Polo Times, February 2017

Snow Polo Dates

St Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz 2017: 27 – 29 January Tremblant – Snow Polo Tremblant International: 2 – 4 March

Social Events

Guards – The Polo Awards 2017: 30 May 2017

Germany

Hörnum – 10th Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Sylt: 3 – 4 June 2017 Keitum – 20th Berenberg German Polo Masters: 2 – 6 August 2017

2017 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates

New Zealand

Poverty Bay – Poverty Bay Open: 28 – 29 January Auckland – Auckland Charity Weekend: 28 – 29 January

22+ Goal RCBPC – Prince of Wales: 6 – 20 May Guards – Cartier Queen’s Cup: May 23 – 18 June Cirencester – Warwickshire Cup: 20 – 25 June Cowdray – Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup: June 27 – 23 July 18 Goal Victor Ludorum Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland: May 20 – 11 June Cirencester – Apsley Cup: June 14 – 2 July Guards – Indian Empire Shield: 4 – 22 July Cowdray – Challenge Cup: July 24 – 6 August

Thailand For a full list of all the tournaments see www.polotimes.co.uk

RCBPC – Ladies Tournament (0-4): 28 – 29 January Ash Farm – Ladies Tournament (0-2 & 3-4): 28 – 29 January Tidworth – WIP Battle of the Sexes (4-8): 29 January Westcroft Park – Ladies’ Winter Championships (0-2, 3-4 & 4-6): 25 – 26 February 2017 Westcroft Park – SUPA National School Girls Championships (Open): 6 March 2017 Chantilly Polo Club – Ladies European Championship: 28 April – 7 May 2017 Mongolia – The Ladies Polo Cup: 7 – 16 July 2017

Thai Polo – FIP World Cup Zone D Play-Offs (10-14): January 24 – 4 February

15 Goal Victor Ludorum Guards – Bentley Royal Windsor: 5 – 25 June RCBPC – Eduardo Moore: June 27 – 15 July Cowdray – Harrison Cup: July 17 – 5 August Cirencester – County Cup: 7 – 19 August Beaufort – Arthur Lucas: August 22 – 3 September

www.polotimes.co.uk

Dates for Your Diary 12 Goal Victor Ludorum Cowdray – Dollar Cup: May 15 – 4 June RCBPC – John Prestwich: 5 – 17 June Beaufort – Prince of Wales: June 19 – 1 July Cirencester – The Queen Mother Trophy: 3 – 16 July Guards – Duke of Wellington: 5 – 20 August Cirencester – Cheltenham Cup: August 29 – 10 September Cowdray – Autumn League: 12 – 24 September 8 Goal Victor Ludorum Cirencester – Gerald Balding: 15 – 29 May Guards – Archie David: June 9 – 2 August RCBPC– Julian and Howard Hipwood Trophy: 5 – 23 July

Cowdray – Holden White: July 24 – 6 August Beaufort – Wichenford Bowl: 14 –27 August 6 Goal Victor Ludorum DBPC – The Stoneythorpe Cup: 15 – 28 May Beaufort – Eduardo Rojas Lanusse: 5 – 17 June Rutland – Assam Cup: June 27 – 2 July Cheshire – County Cup: 10 – 16 July Cambridge County – The Cavendish Cup: 24 – 30 July Kirtlington – Budgett Everett Trophy: 3 – 14 August HPC – Roehampton Cup: 15 – 27 August Cirencester – Kingscote Cup: August 28 – 9 September

Polo directory

Quick Question Answer -

to the question posed on

our Letters page A: Adolfo Cambiaso holds an Italian passport and is reported to be playing for RH Polo for the UK 2017 summer season.

Editor’s Note – All dates are correct at time of going to press.

Polo Times takes no responsibility for fixtures moved, cancelled or altered. Always check with the Club(s) for the most up-to-date fixtures lists.

Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

CLUB

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 (0) 1 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Leadenham Polo Club

PHONE 01400 272885

EMAIL jameshreeve@hotmail.com

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Little Bentley

01206 250435

fred@littlebentleypark.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Luton Hoo

07934 882713

info@poloprive.com

Apsley End

01462 712444

peter.pollak@btopenworld.com

Dorset Polo Club

01202 621486

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alec@mhfpolo.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moyne

00353 85 1313224

moynepolo@hotmail.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

New Forest Polo Club

02380 811818

info@newforestpoloclub.co.uk

Blueys Polo Club*

0771 0558485

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07831 867334

robert@hellomxb.com

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepolo@icloud.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

polo@ranelaghfarm.com

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

Ranksboro Polo Club*

01572 723755

polojoe@hotmail.com

Cirencester Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbp.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

RMAS-HQ-O&D-S03@mod.uk

CSPA

01672 5649114

markcann@cspa.org.uk

Royal Navy Polo Club

07950 328097

jockiewilson@hotmail.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

ella@ixlevents.com

Rutland Polo Club

07920 521285

polomanager@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Rockett’s Castle

00353 87 2520301

rockettscastlepolo@gmail.com

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

gillian@glockhart.wanadoo.co.uk

Rowley Park Polo Club*

07971 200160

carterlegeorge@hotmail.co.uk

Eastwood

07875 743475

secretary@eastwoodpolo.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club

07535 697854

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

St. Albans Polo lub

07535 697854

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Suffolk Polo Club

07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Sussex Polo Club

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

SWF*

01962 885500

info@maywoodpolo.com

FHM Polo Club

07778 436468

fhmpolo@yahoo.co.uk

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs@supanet.com

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Heathfield Polo Club*

07762 069 420

info@heathfieldparkpolo.co.uk

Vale of York Polo Club

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Higham Polo Club

07788 753948

sarah@highampoloclub.com

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

Inglesham Polo Club*

07818 508136

mattevetts@hotmail.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

White Rose Polo Club

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Wicklow Polo*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, February 2017

69

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Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217

POLO GROOMS & GENERAL EQUESTRIAN GROOMS Several positions available at a leading Polo & Equestrian Yard in Berkshire. Varying roles from, Head Groom to Junior Grooms.

Immediate start and/or through until mid April. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK . Excellent remuneration and accommodation available. Contact cbates@polofix.com Berkshire

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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

Polo Grooms are required for a busy polo yard in Gloucestershire Individuals must be energetic and hard working to work for this professional establishment. Job to run from March - September with an option to extend. Accommodation also available if required. Polo experience would be a preference but not essential and full CV and references will need to be supplied.

For further details please contact. luketoffice@icloud.com 70

Polo Times, February 2017

Grooms needed Polo grooms needed for 2017 season for private yard in the South of England. Applicants must have at least five years’ experience and must be able to provide full CV and references.

Required from March to September 2017. Shared accommodation can be provided.

Please apply to groomsforpolo2017@gmail.com www.polotimes.co.uk

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Groom wanted for Wiltshire polo yard. Sole charge of 6 pones for 2014 season. Previous polo experience essential. Chance to play some chukkas etc. Reliability essential. On-site accommodation Tel: 0123 000000

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Amazing Bay Schoolmaster. 15.1HH English Thoroughbred gelding. 14 years old. True gentleman. Kind & easy to play. No vices. Ideal for low goal level.

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Northants. Tel: 0123 000000

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Amazing Bay Schoolmaster. 15.1HH English Thoroughbred gelding. 14 years old. True gentleman. Kind & easy to play. No vices. Ideal for low goal level.

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Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Rege Ludwig is a renowned polo coach, with an impressive list of highly regarded players having benefited from his expertise and experience. Rege is also a regular columnist for Polo Times, offering coaching tips in his Know Your Game articles.

What is your biggest passion and why?

To change the image of polo in the equestrian world by changing the image of the game within the future players that will play it. For example, the horse is not just a source of transportation around the polo field, it is a polo-playing partner.

What is your all time best polo memory?

With less than a minute remaining of The 1994 USPA Open Championship Finals, Carlos Gracida started his swing to hit the ball to goal, the ball bounced and in midswing he adjusted his swing, hit the ball in mid-air with absolute accuracy and sent the ball three to four feet above the ground straight through the centre of the goal mouth. I remember thinking to myself, “My God, what precision, what accuracy, what finesse, what a polo player”.

Who has been your favourite player to coach and why?

Carlos Gracida has to be at the top of my list because of how willing he was to work and how ready he was to listen and try anything he thought would help him become even just a little better.

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

Basketball, hiking and bicycling.

72

Polo Times, February 2017

Favourite film?

There are films that affect me favourably and I might watch them two or three times, and never see it again. One such film was The Color Purple.

Favourite song/album?

Relative to music, I do not think in terms of favourite. I guess I could say my favourite changes often.

Favourite food?

I enjoy eating, and typically do not mind what it is that I am eating.

Favourite hobby outside of polo?

I do not have hobbies like camping or rock climbing, but I do enjoy reading – Maltese Cat by Rudyard Kipling, as well as biographies, and stories of history.

Most prized possession?

I do not think in terms of most prized material possessions. Either something works for me and I keep it and use it, or it doesn’t, and I get rid of it. However, something I am proud of is my integrity.

Favourite celebrity and why?

Oprah Winfrey, because of the movie The Color Purple.

Best holiday destination & activity I do not do holidays for the sake of having a holiday. I go where my work takes me, and whenever possible I take my family with me; and, I enjoy the good times we are having together. However, with that having been said, the country I most enjoy working in, or visiting, is France.

What are the five qualities that you look for in a polo pony?

Most of my polo life has been spent training polo horses; so when I look for a polo horse, I look from that perspective. I am attracted to overall appearance, symmetry of body parts, as well as, positioning and straightness of the legs.

Describe yourself…

Prior to my birth, it was a well-known fact that I was to be born, rich, good looking and intelligent. At age 74¾, I can only believe that it is much too soon to give up hope on any of them coming my way!

One thing which would surprise us about you If you knew me the way I know me, you would know – there are no surprises to me.

I am pretty much straight forward, with my heart worn on my sleeve.

www.polotimes.co.uk

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 

START YOUR SEASON EARLY AT POLO VALLEY SOTOGRANDE

Open from the 1st of February 2017. Practise and perfect your polo with Polo Valley Sotogrande. Escape to the sunshine and get ahead of the game with world-class facilities, coaching and ponies, all just a short flight away. Offering intense weeks and long weekends of polo, our dedicated team have the right program for you.