Polo Times February 2020

Volume 25 • Issue 1 • February 2020 • £6.50

www.polotimes.co.uk

HANDICAPS International Discrepancies ALPINE CHARMS The 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel TRIUMPHANT TANG The Thai Polo Open, Pattaya PLUS: The 126th Argentine Open & III Women’s Argentine Open

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

Contents Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside…

February 2020

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

Editorial Manager Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk

Operations Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Marketing Manager Lottie McDonagh lottie@polotimes.co.uk

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Women’s Polo

Richard Hine ads@polotimes.co.uk

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Principal Design James Morgan

Cover Story: III Women’s Argentine Open 5 mins with… Ana Escobedo A Round-Up of Women’s Polo

Youth Polo 53

Additional Design

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Military Polo

Tony Ruddy

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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Knowledge Subscriptions & Administration Assistant

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Lynne Berry admin@polotimes.co.uk

News

Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Nicola Bell, Matías Calléjo, Sam Churchill, Helen Cruden, Lorna Edgar, Alice Gipps, Michael Goodwill, Abi Hancock – The Art of Polo, Dominic James, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Adrian Melo, Alex Pacheco, Reinhardt & Sommer, ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com, Jason Warren

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www.polotimes.co.uk © Polo Times Limited 2020 and Database Right 2020 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

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Polo Times, February 2020

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All the Latest News Obituary: Ruben Sola FIP News

Comment 16

Letters: Your Views & Social Media

Features

20 Big Picture 22 Cover Story: Handicaps: International Discrepancies 24 La Tarde: Playing in Argentina

Reports 27 31 32 34

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Cover Story: 126th Argentine Open Inspired Arena Polo Masters Cover Story: Thai Polo Open Cover Story: 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel HPA National Club Championship Victor Ludorum

Club Focus

43 Your Club News from Home and Abroad

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Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series Rege Ludwig: Simple Change to Winning Tactic Nutrition Focus: A Look Side On Fitness Insight: Climb the Fitness Ladder Part Four Polodoc: Stability For Ability Vet Insight: Wintering Horses in Wet Weather

Sidelines 68 70

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know!

Sidelines: Social Pages

Polo Directory 76

What’s On?

Final Bell 80

Passions: Tom Beim

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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Cover photograph: All action in The Thai Polo Open Final.

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News

Welcome to the February issue of Polo Times, which is our first of 2020.

With its extensive polo reporting on games played both here at home, to those key overseas tournaments played in Argentina, Dubai, Thailand, India, Kitzbühel, (to name but a few), I hope that you will enjoy reading all the very latest polo news in this issue.

Since our last issue of 2019, and under the newly elected government, it was widely reported in the international press, that the Home Office, had changed its stance on immigration – specifically referencing visas in polo – and which would have adversely affected the 2020 UK polo season. Fast forward six weeks and it seems, that for now at least, the current status quo has been maintained, meaning that it is business as usual for the 2020 English season, (AKA, overseas players will play in the UK, as per 2019 rules). However, the conundrum of the ever-widening disparity in many overseas’ players ‘home vs their UK handicaps’, (see pages 22 & 23 in this issue), continues to cause discord at all levels of British polo.

Of course, by the time that this issue arrives on your doorsteps, the UK will have already left the EU. Naturally, this makes 1st February 2020 a hugely significant date, as it heralds a new era for the whole of the UK. Fittingly, PM Boris Johnson, with his historic majority government, has been travelling the length and breadth of the country to unify the country, whilst also ‘setting out his stall’, post-Brexit.

As publishers to the Polo World Cups in Kitzbühel and St.Moritz, here at Polo Times, we are encouraged by polo’s perpetual cross-border and international dynamism that seemingly has no boundaries – yet also spurred on by, and profoundly proud to be British. Furthermore, with the recent International Monetary Fund’s prediction of the UK economy post-Brexit leaving us all simply buzzing, wherever your allegiances lie, let us hope that Sir Winston Churchill’s famous quote that “A polo handicap is a passport to the world” still rings true for many years to come and that our European friends remain just that – friends!

The Future of Polo – concerns raised following Daily Mail article

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Polo Times, February 2020

Concerns have been raised about the future of visas within polo following a series of Daily Mail articles

No doubt a large majority of our readers will have seen the recent articles from The Daily Mail regarding the future of our sport and the ongoing visa crisis.

Following the general election in December 2019 and the induction of new MPs, the new cabinet has been tussling for position and influence, with polo seemingly getting somewhat caught in the crossfire, causing great concern amongst our ranks.

On 29 December, The Daily Mail announced that Home Secretary Priti Patel had released plans to “Ditch the polo industry visa deal” and “Axe arrangements that allowed 500 polo players into Britain admist fears it was being exploited for illegal immigrants.” Following what has been a challenging few years for the British polo industry, this apparent announcement has come as an alarming shock to many in the community. However, Polo Times has learnt there is little to no evidence to substantiate the claim that the plans for polo visas have deviated at all from what was originally agreed between the Home Office and HPA. When the polo visa crisis originally came to light in 2017, the aim of the Home Office was to create more opportunities for British grooms in the polo sector, which was practical at low goal levels with fewer horses, but when it comes to high goal organisations, there are a lot more factors at play, with an exceedingly high level of skill required to safely manage large strings of ponies. This is where the apparent lack of specific polo training for British grooms has caused a disconnect, which only individuals from outside the EU with extensive training could alleviate. Three years on, there remains a distinct shortage of British grooms who possess the skills required at the top level to fill the gap posed by the refusal of entry of grooms from Argentina, Australia and so on.

The fallout since 2017 has been felt by everyone in British polo, across all levels but, despite alternative comments made in the tabloids, the plans for changes to visas for those players and grooms coming from outside the EU has not changed in recent months, with the HPA continuing to communicate with the Home Office to bring about a rectification to the current stalemate.

Home Team Victorious in New Zealand Test Match On Saturday 7 December, New Zealand defeated Australia in The International Test Match, 12-5, at Port Hills Polo Club. Sam Martin was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Tina, owned by George Cooper Dixon was awarded the Best Playing Pony honours. The Best Playing Rental Pony award was presented to Java, owned by Dean Geddes and played by Jake Daniels.

Photograph courtesy of New Zealand Polo

Nick Hine, Publisher

Photograph by Polo Times

from the Publisher

New Zealand win against Australia in The International Test Match

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News Tickets Released for Sandpolo 2020

Brooke West Africa Celebrate Milestone

Photograph courtesy of Sandpolo

In what is believed to be the first outside of Europe, Senegal will now offer an accredited certification in farriery from early 2020, as part of an initiative by Brooke West Africa. This certification marks a significant milestone in professionalising an industry that has thus far been unregulated in the region. Brooke’s Global Farriery Project is set to improve the welfare of the world’s horses and donkeys across the globe, with plans to extend the project further in the near future.

Tickets are now available for Sandpolo 2020

The first tickets have been released for The Sandpolo 2020, scheduled to take place between 10 – 11 July 2020 at Sandbanks.

The event is renowned for welcoming thousands of beach polo fans with a plethora of ticket options available from pitchside to the Gold Package, with a three course lunch and access to the post-polo VIP party. For more information, please visit sandpolo.com

La Irenita Claim Provincia Cup Title

With the Argentine spring season well underway, the Final of The Provincia Cup took place on Monday 9 December. Receiving a goal on handicap, La Irenita went on to defeat La Aguada in the Final, 11-7.

The Provincia Cup Final Teams: La Irenita (21): Benjamín Mignaquy (3), Juan Curbelo (6), Adrian Laplacette Jr (6) & Rauli Laplacette (6) La Aguada (22): Manuel Sundblad (5), Cruz Novillo Astrada (4), Genaro Ringa (7) & Valentin Novillo Astrada (6)

USA to Welcome XII FIP World Polo Championship The USPA has announced that the USA will welcome the international contest, The XII FIP World Polo Championship in 2021 for the second time in the tournament’s history. The tournament will be held between 22 – 31 October 2021 at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, with teams from eight countries set to participate.

For more information, please visit the USPA website.

Equine & Country Life Exhibition

Berkshire’s own Country House & Stables Collection is excited to be hosting an Equine & Country Life Exhibition this February in the heart of bustling London. Between 4 – 8 February, International polo playing powerhouse Sebastian Dawnay and his team will be showcasing the best art and collectables from polo’s best known artists and photographers at Gallery 8, Duke’s Street, London, with all items available for purchase. This will be a very exciting opportunity to view and purchase pieces from our sports history, helping to nurture the future of our industry.

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Polo Times, February 2020

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News Palm Beach Equine Victorious in Joe Barry Final

During the weekend of 7 – 8 December, high goal teams competed to secure their spots in next year’s 2020 Argentine Triple Crown. Following the match between La Aguada and La Ensenada on Thursday 5 December, everyone was busy calculating the points, discussing possible outcomes of the rankings, but one thing was for sure, the team to lose the match between La Albertina Abu Dhabi and Cría Yatay would forfeit their automatic qualification spot in the 2020 Triple Crown. Despite Cría Yatay holding the lead 14-10 halfway through the fifth chukka, La Albertina made a comeback to take the win.

17-14. The rankings for 2020 are therefore as follows: La Dolfina: 750 points Ellerstina: 750 points La Dolfina Polo Ranch: 450 points Las Monjitas: 450 points La Natividad: 300 points La Albertina Abu Dhabi: 150 points La Aguada: 150 points La Ensenada: 150 points (will play a play-off against The 2020 Camara de Diputados Cup winner) La Irenita: 150 points (will have to play The 2020 Qualification Tournament) Cría Yatay: 0 points (will have to play The 2020 Qualification Tournament)

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Polo Times, February 2020

The Joe Barry Memorial Final Teams: Palm Beach Equine (18): Gonzalo Ferrari (4), Lucas Díaz Alberdi (6), Raúl ‘Gringo’ Colombres (8) & Scott Swerdlin (0) Stable Door Polo (18): Matias Magrini (7), Santino Magrini (4), Henry Porter (3) & Robert Orthwein (4)

World Polo League

The build-up for the highly anticipated World Polo League 2020 season at Grand Champions Polo Club has begun, with a minimum of 11 teams expected to participate in the League. The League will begin with The All-Star Challenge Draw on 3 February with a host of international polo superstars ready and raring to participate.

Alongside the likes of 10 goalers Pablo Mac Donough and Adolfo Cambiaso, this year’s tournament will also welcome the young Castagnola brothers Bartolito and Camilo, who have made waves across the world over the past 12 months. For more information about the upcoming 26 goal League visit the WPL website.

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Photograph by Alex Pacheco

2020 Triple Crown

On Sunday 12 January, the second phase of the US 18 goal, the 2020 Joe Barry Memorial, came to an end at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, with Palm Beach Equine and Stable Door Polo pitted against one another in the Final.

The Final was a rematch of the weekend prior’s Iglehart Cup Final, again between Palm Palm Beach Equine, winners of The Joe Barry Memorial 2020 Beach Equine and Stable Door Polo, which Stable Door Polo sealed with a 10-8 win. With both teams possessing intimate knowledge of their opposition’s play and style, it was a fast-paced display of skill with the goals flying from end-to-end in a high scoring Final. The lead changed five times during the match and the result was anyone’s guess right up to the last chukka.

In the end, the fifth and final lead change happened in the sixth chukka in favour of Palm Beach Equine, which saw them take the title with a score of 14-12. Raúl ‘Gringo’ Colombres was named Most Valuable Player and also picked up Best Playing Pony for Coquito.

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News Obituary Ruben Sola 9 May 1964 – 1 December 2019

Photography courtesy of Helen Cruden Photography

Helen Cruden shares her thoughts on the life of Ruben Sola, “Ruben Sola was one of the great characters of Argentine polo and a consummate horseman. Growing up in Coronel Moldes in Cordoba, his greatest passion had always been his family and horses, from his Tropilla on the farm, to his polo ponies around the world. He believed in the great connection one can have with horses and would always say that they were the noblest creatures of all, and if treated and understood correctly that they would give you everything they had out on the polo field. During his own career as a player, he reached 8 goals in Argentina and was a regular player in The Open tournaments, playing for some of the most cherished teams in Argentine polo history; Coronel Suarez, Hurlingham, Los Indios, Tortugas, Pilarchico and La Aguada. Throughout his career in Argentina, he won The Belgrano and Cámara de Diputados Cups, The Jockey Club Open and The Metropolitano High Handicap Championship, whilst in New Zealand he won The Open Championship and in the USA, he won The Butler Handicap, The Barrantes and Monty Waterbury Cups. He also enjoyed playing two seasons in the UK with George Milford Haven’s Broncos, playing in both The Queen’s Cup and The Gold Cup for The British Open. Towards the end of his career, Ruben ensured Argentina won the 2012 International Series at Palermo, defeating Brazil, Chile and the Rest of the World teams, with Ruben securing the Final’s winning goal for his team and thus obtaining himself the award for the Best Player of the Tournament. However, he decided to bring his playing career to an end earlier than most, in order to give full support to his son Facundo’s growing career. Together they focused on

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Polo Times, February 2020

ensuring that Facundo had the best string they could produce, through their own family breeding programme Cria Cachiyuyo, which has produced a number of Palermo Open Best Playing Ponies including Cachiyuyo Sportiva, as well as producing young horses with the support of their Murus Sanctus patron, Corinne Ricard, including Dolfina Como Olvidarte. Ruben would work on the horses throughout their careers, from being backed in their formative years on the farm, to whenever he felt they needed extra schooling once their playing careers had begun. He had an undeniable intuition to ensure that the horses reached their peak in the season just when they needed to, as he did in 2018 when Las Monjitas beat Ellerstina in the Semi Finals of Palermo.

He was a perfectionist, wholeheartedly dedicated to the sport, to the horses and to his family. His exuberance and character shone through at every polo game, from his intense following of the game, to the celebrations afterwards with his wife Ana, his brother Carlitos, his daughters Delfina and Rosario, grandchildren Silvestre and Amalia, and of course with his son Facundo. He passed with the greatest pride, watching Facundo at 9 goals, winning arguably one of the greatest polo games of 2019, Las Monjitas versus La Natividad. Facundo and the rest of his family have so much to take from a life with such an extraordinary man.

We will surely see great things from Cria Cachiyuyo and the team for many years to come.”

Ruben Sola tragically passed away from a heart attack on 1 December 2019, having collapsed at Palermo following Las Monjitas’s defeat of La Natividad in The Argentine Open qualifiers, in which his son Facundo was playing.

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News Thai Federation Cup

EHV-1 Outbreak

Photograph by Matias Calléjo

The British Equestrian Federation have responded to an Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) outbreak at an equestrian centre in Hampshire on Wednesday 8 January.

The Federation supports the actions of the centre, who have ceased all activity, including cancelling shows and hire bookings, until further notice.

The Animal Health Trust issued advice stating that all horses who had recently visited the centre were immediately isolated for a period of 14 days and that owners advised to seek veterinary advice regarding clinical monitoring and laboratory test clearance.

EHV-1 is a contagious disease that can be spread through direct and indirect contact, with the virus surviving in the environment for several weeks. Clinical signs include a high temperature, coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy and loss of appetite. Severely affected animals can display neurological symptoms, and pregnant mares can also suddenly and unexpectantly miscarry their unborn foal.

Two polo schools (South Wonston Farm & Hampshire Polo School) in the area are on voluntary lockdown following veterinary advice, with no outside horses allowed onto the premises for a fortnight nor their own horses allowed off site to play.

Thai Polo win The Thai Federation Cup

Amidst the ancient ruins of the UNESCO World Heritage site Alula, in Saudi Arabia, in late January, world famous players competed for the inaugural Desert Polo title as part of The Winter at Tantora Festival. The three day tournament welcomed international superstars such as Nacho Figueras and the entire La Dolfina Argentine Open line-up, who competed for the coveted title. In the end, it was Nacho Figueras’s Amaala side, which included Brit George Spencer-Churchill, who took home the honours, defeating the host team Alula, 7-3.

Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki bin Faisal presents the winning Amaala with the trophy

The Bryan Morrison Trophy is Postponed On Wednesday 22 January, the announcement was made that The International Test Match for The Bryan Morrison Trophy, originally scheduled to take place on Saturday 7 March at The All England Polo Club, Hickstead, has been postponed.

The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) have confirmed that the match will now take place on the Friday afternoon of Chesterton’s Polo in the Park, on Friday 5 June at Hurlingham Park, London. The

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Photograph courtesy of Alula Desert Polo

The Thai Federation Cup Final Teams: Thai Polo (10): Luciano Tattoni (0), Manuel García Grossi (3), Facundo Fernández Llorente (7) & Harald Link (0) Korea CC (10): Daryl Yeap (0), J.B. Lee (0), Bautista Ortiz de Urbina (6) & Martin Joaquin (4)

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Welcomes New Sponsor

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup welcomes Standard Chartered Bank as title sponsor

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup (Dubai Open) has announced the news that Standard Chartered Bank will take on the role of title sponsor at the upcoming Dubai Polo Gold Cup. The tournament is set to take place between 16 February – 6 March, with a number of high profile international players expected to participate.

The 2020 edition of The Open sees the tournament celebrate its 11th instalment, securing its status as the most coveted of the five trophies in The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series.

idea behind the move is to enable more spectators to witness arena polo in all its glory, with over 20,000 spectators expected to attend.

The HPA have commented on the postponement, “The match will now be played in Hurlingham Park on the Friday afternoon in order to showcase arena polo to one of the largest crowds at polo in the UK. “Although played on grass and with slightly different rules, the games at Chestertons Polo in the Park are very similar to arena polo and attract huge crowds. It is anticipated that the USPA will still provide the opposition, as was the intention in March, although this is still to be confirmed. Max Charlton will remain as Frasers England Captain for the day.

“Complimenting the on-field attractions, the HPA will also have a #trypolouk trade stand promoting polo across the three days of the event. Similar to what was done at the recent Olympia Horse Show, this is intended to ensure that the polo world in general benefits from the publicity created by what promises to be an excellent Test match at the spiritual home of polo, Hurlingham Park.”

Polo Times, February 2020

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Photograph courtesy of Dubai Polo Gold Cup

On Friday 3 January, The Thai Federation Cup came to an end at The Thai Polo & Equestrian Club in Pattaya, Thailand, following a healthy week of competition, which saw seven 10 goal teams participate.

The tournament was the first in the 10 goal Series, which will continue until the end of March. In the Final, Thai Polo defeated Korea CC, 5-3, with the Best Playing Pony honours going to Frolo, played by Facundo Fernández Llorente.

Sand Polo Comes to Saudi Arabia

FIP News

FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Horacio Areco, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world

Photography courtesy of FIP

FIP annual meetings took place in December

Between Tuesday 10 – Wednesday 11 December 2019, FIP held the annual meetings of the Executive Committee and Council of Administration and on Friday 13 December FIP held its 37 General Assembly with the presence of representatives of 28 Full Member Association that represented 91 percent of the total possible votes of the Federation.

The USPA representative Bob Puetz

During the General Assembly we had two very good presentations of the two bidders for the 2021 FIP World Polo Championship, The Pakistan Polo Association and The United States Polo Association. The United States Polo Association’s proposal was elected by the members and therefore The XIII FIP World Polo Championship 2021 will be held on October of 2021 at The Empire Polo Club in California.

New members were unanimously elected

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Polo Times, February 2020

With regards to new polo events, we had very good presentations from The Xtreme Polo League presented by its CEO Mr. Juan Zavalia, who explained the progress of the League and the plans for the year 2020, and from Mr. Benoit Perrier who explained the format and dates of The Polo Rider Cup, in which eight teams representing European Clubs with handicaps between 10 and 12 will participate, to be held in July 2020 at Chantilly Polo Club.

As a result of the election of members of FIP’s Council of Administration, Mr. Peter Prendiville from Australia, Mr. Alessandro Giachetti from Italy and Mr. Miguel Calzada representing B category member associations and Mr. Alexis de Boismenu representing C category member associations were elected.

Dawn Jones, member of The Women’s Polo Committee and The Argentine Polo Association presented the I Women’s World Polo Championship (WWPC) which will take place in Argentina in April 2021. Four teams handicapped from 12 to 16 goals will participate in the Finals, which will see Argentina and three other countries coming from different playoffs. Teams are allowed to have one 6 goal player and the minimum handicap per player is 3 goals.

The Finals are to be played in Palermo. This proposal was approved unanimously by the General Assembly.

Dawn Jones also presented The Women’s Nations Cup that will be played in Palermo on April 2020, from 10 – 12 April. The AAP and USPA have confirmed that they will be presenting a team, whilst the HPA is working with their players to also present a team.

The tournament’s handicap will be from 16 to 22 with no maximum handicap per player. The minimum handicap per player is 3 but can be lowered to 2 in case this is needed.

A great deal of members were present

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Comment

Your Views

Letters

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

Dear Polo Times, The St Andrews Polo Club celebrated the holiday season in true polo fashion – by playing some friendly chukkas.

On Sunday 1 December, our Club hosted festive beach chukkas, with every player decked out in holiday jumpers as they galloped across the beach. Beach chukkas are typically only open to novice and intermediate players, but occasionally our coach Thom Bell makes an exception and he let a number of proficient beginners give beach polo a try, as he did on the Sunday. This filled our students with excitement as it was for many, if not most, of the St Andrews’ novices first times playing on the beach! The chukkas were fast paced and very close throughout the afternoon, with the Dark Team ultimately taking the victory.

The weather was gorgeous, the polo entertaining and the spectator turnout impressive for a cold December day. It was the perfect way to close out the term for our hardworking students. Couldn’t really ask for a better way to celebrate polo in the chilly north!

Sincerely, St Andrews Polo Club

Can British polo stand fast?

Photography courtesy of St Andrews University

Students ended 2019 on a high in Scotland

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Quick Question Q: Who were the first ever winners of The Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel? And for a bonus point, what country did they hail from?

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20

Big

Polo Times, February 2020

picture

www.polotimes.co.uk

Under Desert Skies

Saudi Arabia is the ‘new kid on the block’ of polo, having joined FIP in 2019, and 2020 has seen their first official tournament. What’s more, to make Saudi Arabia’s first voyage into polo even more exciting is its location. During January, the Winter at Tantora Cultural Festival took over the exquisite UNESCO heritage site at AlUla Oasis, home to archeologcial treasures, natural beauty and magnificent monuments that span millennia.

Set on the ancient incense route between Southern Arabia and Egypt, it has been a hub of commercial and cultural exchange in the lush oasis valley for thousands of years and is therefore the perfect place for a meeting of minds and sporting enthusiasts. If this is a sign of what is to come for Saudi Arabian polo, we’re all very excited. w Photography courtesy of Tantora Cultural Festival

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, February 2020

21

Feature

Handicaps: International Discrepancies

Handicaps Photograph by Helen Cruden Photography

The world’s best players show their moves in Argentina following the British season

International Discrepancies Do the different international handicapping systems cause concerning inconsistencies in high goal tournaments or is it a necessary evil?

F

ollowing on from our article in the October issue of Polo Times, 1 January 2020 saw the 2019 End of Season handicap changes by the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) stewards formally coming into effect across all levels; from low to 22 goal. In our last 22

Polo Times, February 2020

foray into the sometimes baffling world of handicaps, we identified the lucky, or not so lucky, few who saw their handicaps either rise or fall at the end of the 2019 season.

But with the high goal in mind and with the changes having been identified by the HPA in late August 2019, there has been an entire

international, and some might argue THE most important, high goal season take place in the interim.

On the other side of the Atlantic between October to December, a collection of the best players in the world participated in the golden triumvirate of tournaments, The Argentine Triple Crown (The Tortugas, Hurlingham and Argentine Opens), all vying for the golden fleece itself, The Argentine Open title. So, having proved their worth in the British high goal, these incredible players have continued to delight fans and secure titles, which of course, warrants one thing; a rise in handicap (or a demotion for those less fortunate). But, with the British 22 goal handicaps already decided for 2020, a fatal flaw arises.

With the HPA making their decision following the end of the British 22 goal season in August and the Argentine high goal handicaps immediately changing at the end of the Argentine high goal season, at the www.polotimes.co.uk

Handicaps: International Discrepancies

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

end of December, this effectively makes the HPA’s August/September changes potentially obsolete by the time that they come into effect in the UK on 1 January.

A good example of this going into the 2020 UK high goal, are the Castagnola brothers who have seen their handicaps rise across the world, but as you will see in the snapshot table below, they still remain underhandicapped for the British 2020 high goal season, with Camilo ‘Jeta’ finding himself a goal short and his older brother, Bartolomé two goals out of sync. The inconsistencies continue across the board, with, for example, the Castagnola’s Dubai teammate Ignatius ‘Nachi’ du Plessis raised to 9 goals in Argentina and remaining at 8 in the UK and Argentina’s Coronation Cup Pieres powerhouse, Alfonso Pieres having been raised by only 1 goal in the UK, ensuring he still has a one goal deficit between the two nations.

These disparities can be seen across the board, both in the 22 goal listings and the women’s handicaps. 2019 saw a record breaking number of female British players make the journey to Argentina to play in The III Women’s Argentine Open. Not only did the six British players exceed beyond all expectations, but Milly Hine and Hazel Jackson-Gaona found themselves not only in the Final, but winning the title alongside Argentine teammates Clara Cassino and Lía Salvo – a real sign of what’s to come in British women’s polo. With this epic victory in mind, three out of the four El Overo Z7 UAE players saw their handicaps rise; Clara Cassino up to 8 goals, Brit Milly Hine up to 5 goals and Lía Salvo securing the hallowed 10 goals. Whilst Hine plays a vast amount of polo in England (with her higher British

Bartolomé Castagnola in action in the 2019 King Power Gold Cup Final

women’s handicap reflecting this), the others have seen no change in their British women’s handicap for 2020, thus far.

There seems to be a distinct discrepancy between the timings of the handicap changes, flagging a flaw in the international system. Could there be space for a secondary look at incoming players’ handicaps before the British high goal season, to ensure the issue of under, or indeed overhandicapping is addressed? Of course, the difficulty arises when planning teams for an upcoming season, with organisations relying on a nation’s governing body to decide what level a professional player can perform at early enough to plan out a year’s worth of tournaments. But following the noticeable advantage for the underhandicapped Dubai team, which so many people made comment on in 2019, a re-alignment in the

Argentina

2020 Argentine Changes

UK

2020 UK Changes

MENS Bartolomé Castagnola Camilo Castagnola Ignatius du Plessis Diego Cavanagh Santiago Toccalino Facundo Sola David Pelón Stirling Fred Mannix Jnr Alfredo Bigatti Juan Britos Alfonso Pieres

9 8 9 9 8 9 10 8 8 8 6

up 2 up 2 up 2 up 2 down 1 no change no change no change no change no change no change

7 7 8 8 8 8 9 6 8 8 5

up 1 up 1 no change no change no change no change down 1 down 1 up 1 up 1 up 1

LADIES Nina Clarkin Hazel Jackson-Gaona Lía Salvo Sarah Wiseman Clara Cassino Milly Hine

10 10 10 7 8 5

no change no change up 1 no change up 1 up 1

10 9 8 7

no change no change no change no change N/A no change

www.polotimes.co.uk

Feature

6

handicapping of incoming international players is surely long overdue.

Between the Argentine and British seasons, the American season adds in another hurdle, with another handicap system all of its own. With an international handicapping system previously suggested and proven to be too difficult to administer, there still remains an issue at large. This problem is not solely British however, with all governing bodies responsible for ensuring players are correctly handicapped and discrepancies very often arising in the 22 goal Gauntlet of Polo Series and the 26 goal World Polo League in the USA. Perhaps, however, it feels as though this is an issue that arises so strongly in the British 22 goal system as teams are all aiming to play off an even keel at the 22 goal handicap limit. Whilst in Argentina it tends to be only the top two teams, La Dolfina and Ellerstina, that get close to the 40 goal handicap limit of the Open tournaments, with British high goal tournaments limited to 22 goals, any handicap advantage a team can find, they are bound to take advantage of.

There doesn’t seem to be a simple answer to the age-old handicap conundrum, but a more cohesive approach between the main international governing bodies of polo is a great place to start. On British soil, perhaps a delay in the release and ratification of the 22 goal handicaps until the end of the high goal seasons elsewhere would provide a more even basis on which to formulate teams for the upcoming season, but in a world of so many moving parts, it will be nigh on impossible to make everyone happy. With a new Chairman at the helm of the HPA and an extensive agenda, including handicaps, in the works, we are looking forward to seeing what will be done this year.

What do you think? Email us now on editorial@polotimes.co.uk with your thoughts on how the handicapping of international players could be revised.

Polo Times, February 2020

23

Feature

La Tarde Polo Club

La Tarde Playing Polo in Argentina

I

n the heart of the Argentine pampas lies La Tarde Polo Club, the family stead of the Sarli family for the last 40 years. The Club is run by second generation professional player and qualified vet, Juan Martin Sarli, whose passion is polo breeding and reproduction. This family business offers polo programmes to suit all levels from beginners to experienced players. Daily chukkas, weekly tournaments, intensive polo lessons and tailor-made training programmes are all on offer from the professional instructors at the Club, making it the ultimate polo holiday destination, just outside Buenos Aires.

With daily stick and ball sessions, guests receive the best coaching tailored to 24

Polo Times, February 2020

their needs, whilst additional training in the wooden horse cage helps to improve accuracy and endurance. Afternoon chukkas are played with professional Argentine players with handicaps ranging between 2 to 6 goals and allowing guests to try out strategy and skills learnt during the morning stick and ball sessions.

If polo fans are interested in combining a fantastic training programme with playing some outstanding tournaments in Argentina, then La Tarde can help organise the perfect programme with the chance to play at the likes of the Argentine Polo Association’s fields in Pilar or even at the famous Palermo ground.

With their 12 beautiful private cottages, guests can really relax and enjoy

their polo holidays. The Clubhouse and polo bar are both always available for guests to get together and enjoy healthy and homemade meals throughout the day.

The Club has two pools and a spa to really allow guests to enjoy their well deserved downtime.

Working together with British personal trainer India Parker-Smith from Chukka Wellness, the Club offers daily training and stretching sessions before stick and balling and chukkas. The on-site gym gives guests the chance to have private sessions focusing on strength and fitness which in turn improve the effectiveness of their swing and control in the saddle.

Owner Juan Martin Sarli’s parents started the La Tarde breeding programme www.polotimes.co.uk

La Tarde Polo Club

Feature

Photography courtesy of La Tarde Polo Club

Sunset in the Argentine countryside

The iconic Clubhouse

when they first bought the property. The Club prides itself on the quality of the horses bred on the farm, who live up to the high standard which is expected of Argentine polo ponies. The combination of professional instructors and the welcoming hospitality of the Sarli family make La Tarde Polo Club one of the best places for an all round polo experience. La Tarde is registered as part of the Argentine Association of Polo Pony Breeders and has horses to suit any price range or ability, from low goal to high goal players. At any time throughout the year, the Club has between 50 to 70 horses suitable for all levels.

Not sure you can make it to Argentina? Fear not, as La Tarde is www.polotimes.co.uk

Teaching chukkas

expanding! For the last three years, La Tarde has been running The Bavaria Polo Club in Munich, Germany. Based close to the beautiful Lake Tegernsee in the middle of the Bavarian Alps, the Club offers intensive training programmes with a mix of stick and ball sessions and chukkas. La Tarde are also now offering polo clinics in Mallorca throughout the European summer season.

F or more information please enquire at info@latardepoloclub.com

La Tarde have a successful breeding programme

Polo Times, February 2020

25

The 126th Argentine Open, Palermo, Argentina

Reports

Photograph by Helen Cruden Photography

La Dolfina Break Records Again Seventh consecutive win for champions in white

O

n Saturday 14 December, the world’s most high profile polo tournament came to an end in Palermo, Argentina, with eight of the world’s greatest players having battled for the coveted 126th Argentine Open title.

Once again, this year’s Final was set to be a

www.polotimes.co.uk

Super sub Rodrigo Andrade embraces injured Juan Martín Nero

battle between the black shirts of Ellerstina and the distinctive white and blue colours of six-time champions, 40 goal La Dolfina.

In 2018, contrary to what has become the norm at Palermo, La Dolfina took on a new adversary, in the form of Las Monjitas.

But, Ellerstina, back on form, secured their

spot in the 2019 Final, in a tough Semi Final against the orange-clad Las Monjitas on 8 December, who so ruthlessly defeated them in 2018, settling The Argentine Open Final back into normal proceedings.

10 teams had competed in this exciting tournament for the third year in a row, but Polo Times, February 2020

27

Reports

The 126th Argentine Open, Palermo, Argentina

it was, as usual and somewhat predictably, Ellerstina and La Dolfina who came to the fore from the off, with more powerful game plans and horsepower. From the start of the Final, La Dolfina were the dominant force. Despite the first chukka ending with La Dolfina narrowly ahead 1-0, Ellerstina struggled to overcome the synergy and harmony of the La Dolfina players. The boys in white always managed to find and hold onto the advantage, never relinquishing the lead. Going into half-time, Ellerstina were fighting back hard, trailing at just 9-4, and even found themselves at one point trailing by just one goal, but La Dolfina took every opportunity to score, using their impenetrable horsepower to race up and down the field keeping Ellerstina under their control. But in the seventh chukka, with La Dolfina leading 13-9, a shock came for both teams as, following a perfectly legal ride-off 28

Polo Times, February 2020

from Ellerstina’s Nico Pieres, Juan Martín Nero’s horse slipped, throwing him to the ground in a heavy fall and breaking Nero’s leg in the process. Despite attempting to remount, there was little doubt a substitute was needed, which came in the form of Brazilian Rodrigo Andrade. In a moment when it seemed Ellerstina were going to make a comeback, Andrade proved to be exactly the tonic La Dolfina needed, scoring two spectacular goals in the eighth chukka, sealing the match 16-12 for La Dolfina.

With five goals to his name, Pablo Mac Donough was awarded the Gonzalo Heguy Most Valuable Player Award, whilst The Lady Susan Townley Cup for the Best Playing Pony of the Final was awarded the Dolfina B06 Cuartetera, played by Adolfo Cambiaso. Interestingly, La Dolfina brought eight Cuartetera clones to the Final and two Lapa clones, causing mixed reactions on the

sidelines, but there is no doubt the La Dolfina horsepower was and always will be a force to be reckoned with. What’s more, there was even a British pony seen riding out for the champion team, in the form of Jive, bred and trained by Oxfordshire’s own Ben Eeley.

Following the match, the word on the street is that concerns were raised as to the safety of the field itself. Alongside Nero’s catastrophic fall, there were four other significant falls, due to the slippery nature of the field itself; Pelón Stirling dismounted twice, Gonzalito Pieres hit the floor and Pablo Mac Donough came off his horse in the final chukka. The region had been plagued by bad weather for a number of weeks, with The Tortugas Open Final postponed due to poor field conditions.

It has come to Polo Times’ attention that the AAP changed their field management www.polotimes.co.uk

The 126th Argentine Open, Palermo, Argentina

Reports

The Argentine Open Final teams: La Dolfina (40): Adolfo Cambiaso (10)

Position: 1 1st Argentine Open: 1992 Played: 27 Champion: 16 Triple Crowns: 4 (1 with Ellerstina 1994 and 3 with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015)

David Stirling, Jr. (10)

Position: 2 1st Argentine Open: 2009 Played: 11 Champion: 8 Triple Crowns: 3 (with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015)

Pablo Mac Donough (10)

Position: 3 1st Argentine Open: 2002 Played: 18 Champion: 10 Triple Crowns: 4 (1 with Ellerstina 2010, 3 with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015)

Ellerstina (39): Polito Pieres (10)

Position: 1 1st Argentine Open: 2009 Played: 11 Champion: 0

Where: Field 1 Palermo, Buenos Aires

MVP

Gonzalito Pieres (9)

Position: 2 1st Argentine Open: 1999 Played: 21 Champion: 3

Pablo Mac Donough

Facundo Pieres (10)

Position: 3 1st Argentine Open: 2003 Played: 17 Champion: 3

Penalties: 10

Nicolás Pieres (10)

Field Goals: 18

Position: 4 1st Argentine Open: 2009 Played: 11 Champion: 1

Juan Martín Nero (10)

FINAL

14 6 1 NO

V

DEC

Photography by Alice Gipps

Position: 4 1st Argentine Open: 2004 Played: 16 Champion: 10 Triple Crowns: 4 (1 with Ellerstina 2010, 3 with La Dolfina in 2013, 2014 & 2015)

Top Scorer of the Tournament: Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset: 78

Result: La Dolfina 16 – Ellerstina 12 Chukka Score: 1-0, 4-1, 5-3, 9-4, 12-6, 12-9, 13-10, 16-12 to La Dolfina

Adolfo Cambiaso in control of play for La Dolfina

company two-years-ago, with the quality of the surfaces, allegedly, taking a significant downturn following the change of hands.

With the best players in the world becoming injured, could Nero’s fall be the sign of a need for change?

La Dolfina this year broke records, becoming the only team to ever win The Argentine Open seven times in a row and taking two of this year’s Triple Crown titles; The Hurlingham and Argentine Opens.

This exciting Final marked the end of the Argentine high goal season, with all eyes now turning to exciting fixtures ahead in 2020. Perhaps the likes of the up and coming young players such as Juan Britos and the Castagnola brothers will find themselves in the top spot next year? A lot can happen in 12 months – watch this space! www.polotimes.co.uk

Gastón Lucero & Guillermo Villanueva with third man Martín Pascual

Fair Play Award: Polito Pieres

Best Mounted of the Final: Adolfo Cambiaso Best Mounted Player of the Tournament: Adolfo Cambiaso

BPP Top Scorer of the Final: Facundo Pieres (8 goals) Dolfina B06 Cuartetera, played by Adolfo Cambiaso

Polo Times, February 2020

29

EQUINE VETERINARY SURGEON/ WELFARE OFFICER R EQU IRED FOR G UARD S POLO C LUB Guards Polo Club is described as the most prestigious polo club in the world. Established in 1955 in Windsor Great Park by the Club’s President, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

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This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated and enthusiastic veterinary surgeon to take on a diverse post with a range of responsibility. The main roles will include the cover for over 500 games played throughout the season and the overseeing of the welfare of members’ and visiting players’ ponies.

You will have experience working in the polo sector, a good understanding of the importance of upholding the highest welfare standards and strong communication skills.

This position is a seasonal, full time position from April until September with a competitive salary, provision of a vehicle and VDS insurance cover.

Former racehorses excel in polo.

Visit ror.org.uk to find out more.

If you are interested in finding out more, please email

tara.smith@guardspoloclub

T: 01488 648998

with a CV and covering letter by 28th February 2020.

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Inspired Arena Polo Masters, All England Polo Club Hickstead

Reports Where: The All England Polo Club, Hickstead

FIN

AL

2 1 0 1 N JA

JAN

Inspiring Arena Action Home team secure victory in West Sussex

T

he weekend of the 10 – 12 January saw the All England Polo Club host their fourth annual Inspired Arena Polo Masters tournament.

With teams coming down from all over the country, it was set to be a fantastic weekend of polo.

On Saturday, Simon Arber’s Astra team, with son Emil Arber and professional player Tom Morley, played Ana Escobedo’s Bulldog Games, with Nell Jacobs and the well known pro Jonny Good. Bulldog Games went 5-0 down in the first chukka but managed to pull back to win, 14-9. This victory put them through to the Final on Sunday, but the second position was still hotly contested.

John Bunn’s Playnation team, consisting of himself, Niall Donnelly and Charlie Wooldridge, played Hugo Baldwin’s Bell Fruit Games, with Harry Muddle and Maurice Ormerod. It was a fantastically hard fought match, with John Bunn’s team taking the lead in the second chukka and holding on to defeat Bell Fruit Games, seeing them through to play Bull Dog Games in the Final.

The sun was shining for the first match of the day on Sunday, the Subsidiary Final, between Astra and Bell Fruit Games. Astra went down in the first and second chukka 9-4, but a few two point goals from Tom Morley put them back in the lead, 12-10.

His fantastic little bay Turtle made the difference in the final chukka, just having the edge over Muddle’s super chestnut Olive, allowing them to hang on to the lead and www.polotimes.co.uk

The Inspired Arena Polo Masters Final Teams: Playnation (10) John Bunn (2) Niall Donnelly (5) Charlie Wooldridge (3)

Bulldog Games Ana Escobedo Nell Jacob Jonny Good

take the Subsidiary Final prize.

After a brief pause to reset the arena, Playnation and Bulldog Games headed in to battle for the weekend’s trophy.

Bunn started the first chukka with a great goal in the first 20 seconds, which was closely matched by Good with a twopointer. The scores stayed even throughout the game, until the final chukka where a great two point goal from Donnelly put Playnation up by three, almost matched by

(11) (1) (2) (8) Good, but for an outstanding ‘in air’ save by Wooldridge, allowing Playnation to take the win, 16-9. Donnelly, with a fantastic pony, Pumba and Bunn with his best pony, Flake, gave the Playnation team the extra edge to score 6 goals in the final chukka.

For social images from the day, please turn to our Sidelines pagesw

Polo Times, February 2020

31

Reports

Thai Polo Open, Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

Tang Polo Secure Win First Chinese win in The Thai Polo Open

7

J

AN

FINAL

18 JAN

Where: Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

32

Polo Times, February 2020

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

W

ith polo in 2020 now well underway across the world, our attentions were rightly turned to the warm climes of South-East Asia, with the Thai Polo Series underway. This year’s Thai Polo Open saw six teams from across Asia participate: Thai Polo, Jogo Polo, Royal Pahang (HIS Polo), La Familia, 22BR and Tang Polo. Hosted

by Harald Link at the Thai Polo Equestrian Club, Pattaya, this tournament is always a thrilling affair, with the finest polo fans gathering to witness this polo spectacle from across the region.

The 14 goal tournament is fought over

Tang Polo, The Thai Polo Open winners

two weeks culminating in Saturday’s final event which this year saw three matches played. They were all very closely fought with the fifth/sixth place play-off between Jogo Polo and 22BR ending as a 4-4 draw, played in the morning and leading to the afternoon’s entertainment.

The third/fourth place play-off was held in front of a packed crowd who had earlier enjoyed a delightful show jumping display and delicious lunch. The afternoon’s entertainment resulted in an intense match, with both teams running equal scores all the way to the last moment, with the scores resting at 9-9 in the final chukka.

Tournament umpires Jose Ignacio Araya and Matias Baibiene had their work cutout as the match went from end-to-end.

But just in the nick of time, La Familia’s Matias Vial scored a golden goal in an extra chukka to ensure his team defeated Royal Pahang with a final score of 10-9.

Following the first two excellent matches, the crowd were baying for more excitement, which came in the form of The Thai Polo Open Final. The Final was fought between Thai Polo and Tang Polo and it was a thriller from the start. Tang Polo opened by scoring three goals to none in response from Thai Polo in the first chukka, thanks to the handy work of Darío Musso and Toly Ulloa. This explosive play left Thai Polo on the back foot, with a lot of ground to make up.

By the end of the third chukka, the scores where back to 5-4 in Tang Polo’s favour with goals from Thai Polo’s Martin Joaquin and Juan Manuel García Grossi and two more goals from Ulloa, levelling out the play for the two teams.

The final chukka saw both teams fight hard to win. Joaquin scored a goal from a penalty, but it was Facundo Fernández Llorente who had control of the game and looked like he could get Thai Polo back into the lead. Despite his might and strong attempts, he was thwarted time and time again, just before converting his efforts.

Harald Link, later named Most Valuable Player, scored a crucial goal from a 30 yard penalty to bring the scores to level at 7-7.

It looked like the match might go into an extra chukka, as the clock slowly but surely ran down, but Diego Gomez secured the ball from a throw-in, passed it to Ulloa who broke away from the pack and charged down the field to score the final goal for Tang Polo and win The Thai Polo Open 2020 for the Chinese side, 8-7. www.polotimes.co.uk

Thai Polo Open, Thai Polo & Equestrian Club

Reports

The Thai Polo Open Final Teams: Tang Polo (14): Shilai Liu (0), Diego Gómez (4), Toly Ulloa (5) & Darío Musso (5) Thai Polo (14): Juan Manuel García Grossi (3), Martin Joaquin (4), Facundo Fernández Llorente (7) & Harald Link (0) Chukka Score: 2-0, 3-1, 5-4, 8-7 to Tang Polo

BPP

Mamuschka, played by Martín Joaquín

José Ignacio Araya & Matías Baibiene

MVP Harald Link

Tang Polo celebrate their win

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, February 2020

33

Reports

18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel

World Polo League Dominates

World Polo League & GP Mobility in action in the Final

Polo Times

E reports

ach January, the heart of the Wilder Kaiser mountains is lit up with thrilling snow polo action, as thousands of avid fans gather to witness a delight of not only snow polo prowess, but of traditional Austrian hospitality.

The 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel, between 16 – 19 January, took the unique Austrian format to a whole new level for 2020, with eight world-class teams looking to compete for the coveted trophy – that’s 24 players from 11 countries, with over 120 ponies – quite the 34

Polo Times, February 2020

18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel undertaking! With warmer weather expected prior to Friday’s kick-off, there were more than a couple of worried glances before the big day, but as always, when you ask the polo gods for assistance, they deliver, and with the addition of 100 tonnes of ‘man-made’ snow, as well as cooler weather in the lead-up to Finals day, the stage was set, the teams ready and the spectators waiting on the sidelines for the impending action.

The eight teams flew into action on the first day, with all the excitement of children with new toys at Christmas, with some of

the players taking their first forays out onto the snow. But following a few tentative initial steps from all teams, the action got underway in earnest.

With the sun shining, Friday’s action began, showcasing the abundance of talent on the field, from as far afield as Brazil. Longtime supporters Corum were the first to take to the snow and having won the tournament in 2017, their hearts were set on a repeat of their victorious year, but as early as Saturday, their hopes were dashed, as the ‘new kids on the block’ GP Mobility secured a resounding www.polotimes.co.uk

18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel

win. With so many teams participating in the 2020 tournament, there were actually three brand new teams of players on the 2020 roster, in the form of GP Mobility, Intocast and the American, World Polo League.

Following the success of the 26 goal World Polo League, the Ganzi family, keen to support polo not only on American soil, but across the world, have participated in European snow polo for a number of years, but 2020 was the first time husband and wife duo, Marc and Melissa Ganzi, each headed up a team in Kitzbühel, looking for snow polo glory. With www.polotimes.co.uk

experience on her side, Melissa, having won in Kitzbühel in 2018 and St. Moritz in 2019, was the bookie’s favourite, but the might of the World Polo League line-up, including American number one, Nic Roldan and young Juan Bautista Peluso alongside Marc Ganzi was quite the force to be reckoned with.

Over the next two days of action, World Polo League proved their dominance, first defeating 2019 runners-up Engel & Völkers 8-6½, then Intocast 7-5½ on the second day of play, thus securing the first coveted spot in Sunday’s Final.

Photography by Reinhardt & Sommer Photography

Nic Roldan showing his skill

Reports

Their ultimate rivals in the Final, had a similarly successful run to Sunday’s coveted match, first defeating 2019 winners, albeit under a new sponsor’s name, Laurent-Perrier 8½-5, then going on to win 8-6 against 2017 winners Corum. The 2020 tournament was one of surprises, both on and off the field.

With luxury and thrilling action the name of the game, the sold out VIP tent, perfectly placed along the length of the polo field, was each day awash with famous and local faces, all there for one thing – to enjoy this exhilarating form of our favourite sport.

Alongside mouth-watering delights from the buffet, this year’s tournament saw daily social events both next to and away from the field, as well as exciting additions, such as the fleet of GP Mobility’s luxury cars and Official Merchandise Supplier La Martina, back for 2020, at the heart of the action.

As Sunday emerged bright on the horizon, the two finalists prepared themselves for the Final, and with tack gleaming, ponies prepared and players ready to do battle, GP Mobility and World Polo League lined-up in front of the thousands of spectators, ready for the off.

Ahead of this exciting Final, the consensus was that the game was impossible to call, with the teams so expertly balanced.

The daunting force of American number one Nic Roldan was unquestionable as the teams rode onto the field, but GP Mobility had the advantage of two goals on handicap, so World Polo League were going to have their work cut out. But the fear for the Ganzi contingent on the sidelines was short-lived, as within as many minutes, a goal from WPL Captain Marc Ganzi, aka the Cobra, and his 8 goal teammate Roldan, had evened the scoreboard 2-2. The 6 goal Brazilian, Guilhermo Lins was a force all his own from the off. Scoring GP Mobility’s primary field goal, his ability to not only challenge the Americans, but overcome the powerful Roldan ride-offs was a spectacle to behold.

In the first half, GP Mobility had their work cut out, with 80 percent of their play on the defensive. With a phenomenal pass, straight to the waiting stick of his Captain, Marcus Schdallach, later named Most Valuable Player for his consistently impressive play, GP Mobility were back in business at 4-4.

It was fast, it was furious and boy was it exciting. As the teams headed into the half-time break, a flurry of near misses and ultimately goals, saw World Polo League back ahead, but GP Mobility were hot on their heels, 7-6.

Tensions were mounting both on and off the field in the third chukka, with players responding to bad bounces with bigger hits, as this end-to-end excitement seemed to bring these two powerhouse teams to almost breaking point. The scores evened up once again, this time at 7-7 thanks to Lins, but young Bautista Peluso wasn’t done yet for his World Polo League side, as he found the Polo Times, February 2020

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Reports

18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel

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Where: Kitzbühel, Austria

‘The Voice of Polo’ Jan-Erik Franck & Tarquin Southwell

The Finalists World Polo League defeated GP Mobility, 10-8

posts just in time for the bell. If you thought the first three chukkas were exciting, then what happened in the fourth would have beggared belief. As the ball flew up to the Brazilian’s end of the field, Roldan, in a play worth way more than his 8 goals permitted, took the ball from the halfway line, in the air, bouncing one, two, three times before striking it under the neck of his pony and scoring a seemingly impossible goal from one of the most challenging positions on the field. His extraordinary skill had the crowd in stunned silence, which then erupted into a resounding cheer! This fantastic play was the sign of things to come and, however hard GP Mobility fought, the Americans were just that one step ahead. With another ‘air shot’ volley goal from Roldan, to only one in response from Lins, who was later named the recipient of the Fair Play Award, it was all over for the team from Brazil. The World Polo League team were crowned the resounding champions and one thing’s for sure, with skill like that, we can’t wait to see them back in Kitzbühel next year!

With an extended timetable of matches in 2020, credit must be given to British HPA umpire Mark Holmes, who, as the sole

umpire and without a ‘third man’ referee, was at times under great pressure, umpiring all 12 matches, yet still managed to provide a pillar of strength and consistency over the three days of play.

WPL Captain extraordinaire Marc Ganzi said of their victory, “It was a great game!

Kudos to the Brazilians who gave us a run for our money. We came out on top, but I thought they gave us a really good game and we’ve had the best time here in Kitzbühel.

The highlight of the match was for sure Nic’s goal; a once in a lifetime goal, from one of the hardest positions on the field. Well done to all.”

Following the Final and team presentations, Event Organiser Tito Gaudenzi continued, “The event has been fantastic. Eight teams, a sold-out house; we had thousands of people on the public side of the arena; we had fantastic polo and the best field conditions we’ve had for years – it is really sensational. And, the weather; it couldn’t have been any better. We just need to copy, paste for 2021!”

Official Timekeeper Christian Dunkelburg

BPP Joya, owned by Pierre-Henri Ngoumou and played by Nic Roldan

Handicaps – Outdoor handicaps + 1 are used for snow polo, unless the player’s arena handicap is higher, in which case the arena handicap is used.

social images from the event, please turn to For our Sidelines pages.

“as Sunday emerged bright on the horizon, the two finalists prepared themselves for the Final, and with tack gleaming, ponies prepared and players ready to do battle” 36

Polo Times, February 2020

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Bendura Bank

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Intocast

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18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel Engel & Völkers

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WORLD POLO

Bendura Bank

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Corum

Reports SWEATSHIRT

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The 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Teams:

GP MOBILITY Bernd Gruber

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Bendura Bank (12) Engel & Völkers (12) Intocast (12) World Polo League (13) Melissa Ganzi (1) Kitzbühel Ana Escobedo (1) Matthias Normann (1) Marc Ganzi (2) Kitzbühel Snow Polo World Cup 2020 Kitzbühel Snow Polo World Cup 2020 Kitzbühel Snow Polo World Cup 2020 Kitzbüh Kitzbühel Snow Polo World Cup 2020 Kitzbühel Snow Polo World Cup 2020 Kitzbühel Snow Polo World Cup 2020 Snow Polo World Cup 2020 Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8) Segundo Darritchon (3) Micky Duggan (5) Juan Bautista Peluso (3) Tito Gaudenzi (3) Jonny Good (8) Martín Juaregui (5) Nic Roldan (8) Corum

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Corum

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Laurent-Perrier GP MOBILITY

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Bernd Gruber

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Bernd Gruber

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Intocast Laurent-Perrier

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GP MOBILITY

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GP MOBILITY

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Bernd Gruber (11) Corum (11) GP Mobility (10) Laurent-Perrier (11) Helmet Wieser (0) Phillip Sommer (1) Marcus Schalldach (2) Sebastian SchnebergerKitzbühel (2) Snow Polo World Cup 2020 ühel Snow Polo World Cup 2020 Kitzbühel Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel 2020 Kitzbühel Snow World Kitzbühel 2020 Snow Polo World Cup 2020 Kitzbühel Snow Polo World Cup 2020 KitzbühelSnow SnowPolo Polo WorldCup Cup2020 Kitzbühel 2020 Snow Polo World Cup 2020 Kitzbühel Snow Polo World Cup 2020 Kitzb Snow PoloPolo World CupCup 2020 Kitzbühel World Kitzbühel Snow Polo World Cup 2020 Santiago Marambio (7) Patrick Maleitzke (5) Henrique Schalldach (2) Phillip de Groot (2) Pato Bolanterio (4) Juan Ruiz-Guiñazú (4) Guilhermo Lins (6) Valentin Novillo Astrada (7) Chukka Scores: 4-3, 7-6, 8-7, 10-8 to World Polo League

MVP

Marcus Schalldach “We had a fantastic time – beautiful weather, beautiful matches, end-to-end polo and just a great atmosphere. We tried our best and made it into the Final, but WPL were just too strong. We love the snow, as we don’t have it in Brazil, so we will be back for sure next year”

Tournament Action at a Glance Friday 17 January Corum defeated Bernd Gruber, 10½-5 GP Mobility defeated Laurent-Perrier, 8½-5 Intocast defeated Bendura Bank, 7½ -5 World Polo League defeated Engel & Völkers, 8-6½ Mark Holmes

Top Scorer

Guilhermo Lins – 19 goals

Saturday 18 January Engel & Völkers defeated Bendura Bank, 11-5 Bernd Gruber defeated Laurent-Perrier, 5-3½ World Polo League defeated Intocast, 7-5½ GP Mobility defeated Corum, 8-6 Sunday 19 January Match for 7th and 8th Place – The Kitzbühel Cup Bendura Bank defeated Laurent-Perrier, 8-6½ Match for 5th and 6th Place – The La Martina Cup Intocast defeated Corum, 6-5 Match for 3rd and 4th Place – The Kitzbühel Country Club Cup Engel & Völkers defeated Bernd Gruber, 8-6 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel (Final) World Polo League defeated GP Mobility, 10-8

“it couldn’t have been any better.

We just need to copy, paste for 2021” The etheral Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbuhel polo ground

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Polo Times, February 2020

37

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The HPA National Club Championship Victor Ludorum, Glebe Farm

Reports

Action from The Winter Victor Ludorum Final

Kings of the Arena Second consecutive win for HB Polo Lions

Jen Liggins

reports from Berkshire

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Photography by Polo Times

ith Christmas on the near horizon and the final arena matches of 2019 taking place across the country, all eyes were turned to the final HPA fixture of the year at Westcroft Park Polo Club in the heart of Surrey.

The HPA Winter Victor Ludorum 8 Goal Final was the final instalment of an already exciting 2019 arena season, with two teams convening to compete on Sunday 15 December. The match was originally scheduled to take place at Westcroft Park Polo Club, but with a waterlogged arena, the Final was moved to Glebe Farm, in the heart of Berkshire, at the kind aid of 7 goal pro Adolfo Casabal. Glebe Farm boasted a pristine arena, with the perfect setting for this exciting Final. With the rain having abated, the sun made an appearance and with players, ponies and spectators ready for the off, the two teams made their way into the immaculate arena, under the watchful eye of HPA umpire Howard Smith.

Richard Blake Thomas setting up for Speculation

Polo Times, February 2020

39

Reports

The HPA National Club Championship Victor Ludorum, Glebe Farm

HB Polo Lions win The HPA National Club Championship VL 8 Goal title

HB Lions were the first to make their mark on the scoreboard, taking a resounding 6-0 lead in the first chukka, thanks to some

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exceedingly strong offensive work from HB Lions back Niall Donnelly and his teammate at arms Ben Simms at 2, taking advantage of the somewhat startled Speculation side.

Richard Blake Thomas had his work cut out for the Speculation team but began to make waves in the second chukka. Going into halftime, HB Lions were still in the lead 10-3, but after what had a been relatively disjointed and messy set of plays from the Speculation side, the team began to come together in a more cohesive pattern. Blake Thomas led his team up the scoreboard, but with HB Lions still holding a 12-6 lead going into the final chukka, the gap was just too great to overcome. Blake Thomas really came into his own in the final chukka, scoring six goals in as many minutes, taking the score from 12-6 in an upward fashion, but with tensions high, a penalty one awarded in HB Lions’ favour and another goal from Donnelly, meant that at the final bell, HB Lions left the field with the trophy and a 14-12 final score.

This passionate and pleasant Final between two teams of friends was a pleasure for all to watch, with the teams heartily congratulating each other on departure of the arena. Despite the at times inclement British weather, the love for this unique form of polo was as emphatic as ever.

Ben Simms, for his consistent and passionate play, was awarded The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player honours, whilst Tia, owned and played by Richard Blake Thomas was named Polo Times Best Playing Pony. To read more about Tia, please turn to our Pony Power pages now.

The HPA National Club Championship Victor Ludorum 8 Goal Final Teams: Where: Glebe Farm, Berkshire – moved from Westcroft Park Polo Club

HB Lions (8) Hugo Baldwin (1) Ben Simms (2) Niall Donnelly (5)

Speculation (8) Greg Webb (1) Hilali Noordeen (1) Richard Blake Thomas (6)

Howard Smith

BPP Tia, owned and played by Richard Blake Thomas 40

Polo Times, February 2020

MVP Ben Simms

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

Club Focus

Aspen Valley Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

Photograph courtesy of Aspen Valley Polo Club

Richard Mille win The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship

AM Polo, the winners of The UAE National Day Cup

At the end of the week-long UAE National Day Cup 2019 in January, the AM Polo and Bangash/Mahra Polo teams came up against each other in the Final on Friday 29 November. Bangash/Mahra took the early lead, holding a 1½ goal advantage at the end of the first chukka, an advantage which they held until the end of the third chukka. It wasn’t until the fourth, that AM Polo surprised the crowd with a goal from Alejandro Gowland, followed by a 60 yard penalty shot from Tommy Iriarte, securing the win 7½-7 for AM Polo. The prizes were presented by HE Humaid Bin Drai, Founder of Bin Drai Enterprises, with the Most Valuable Player awarded the Iriarte and the Best Playing Pony rug to Travesura.

Following a reshuffle, Longdole Polo Club has amended the way it offers polo for the 2020 season. The Club will still be offering an abundance of polo, from chukkas, to tournaments and lessons, but the Club will no longer have rental horses on site. The Club will also remain the home of Cheltenham College polo. For more information, please contact the Club on 01452 864544 or email info@longdolepolo.com

The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship Final Teams: Richard Mille (17): Louis Jarrige (3), Edouard Pan (4) & Pablo Mac Donough (10) U.S Polo Assn (15): Grant Ganzi (3), Juancito Bollini (4) & Nic Roldan (8)

Barbados Polo Club The Barbados Polo Club 2020 season kicked off with two fundraiser matches for Polo Against Prostate Cancer, in memory of Robert Tempro. The first match saw a convincing 4-2½ for Robert Tempro Blue Team, and the second match ended in a friendly 5-5 draw.

Photograph courtesy of Barbados Polo Club

Longdole Polo Club

On Saturday 21 December, The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship Final took place in front of thousands of snow polo fans at Aspen Valley Polo Club in the heart of Colorado. In front of a sold-out VIP tent, defending champions Richard Mille took on the two-time champions U.S Polo Assn to battle for the coveted title.

Following a very exciting match, Richard Mille held off their rivals to win 7-6 in the final seconds. Frenchman Louis Jarrige was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Delicioso, a 15-year-old bay gelding played by Pablo Mac Donough was named the Polo Today Best Playing Pony. Barata, played by Grant Ganzi, was named the American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony.

There was a lot of support for the charitable polo day

Photograph courtesy of IPC

International Polo Club In the Final of the first high goal tournament of the 2020 USA season, The Iglehart Cup, Stable Door Polo came up against Palm Beach Equine on Sunday 5 January. Despite trailing in the first half, Stable Door Polo came back strong in the second half to defeat Palm Beach Equine 10-8.

Stable Door Polo win The Iglehart Cup Final

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Polo Times, February 2020

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Chantilly Polo Club

Cirencester Park Polo Club

Chantilly Polo Club has announced some of their important fixture dates for the 2020 season. This year will see the 20th anniversary of The French Open between 5 – 20 September. Prior to that, The POLO Rider Cup will take place between 2 – 12 July. This is a new tournament initiative from FIP, which will see tournaments take place across the world at eight different clubs, with each Club hosting a ten day international competition. For more information about any upcoming tournaments at Chantiily Polo Club, please visit the Club website.

The Gloucestershire-based Cirencester Park Polo Club has announced the news that the newly formed Cotswold Polo Academy will be providing the facility for all teaching at the Club from the beginning of the 2020 season. The Academy will continue to be headed up by Martin ffrench Blake and will welcome two new faces, Olivia Lamphee and Caspar West.

The new team will provide a coaching programme to benefit all, from beginners to those looking for constructive coaching. Furthermore, alongside the Club, the Academy will offer a range of sponsorship, hospitality and experience opportunities. For more information, please visit www.cotswoldpoloacademy.com

Guards Polo Club

In the heart of Mexico, Costa Careyes Polo Club welcomed 28 players from nine countries for their first USPA affiliated tournament, the inaugural USPA Congressional/Cope de Careyes during the festive period. In the Final of the 8 goal tournament, Alberto Ardissone’s Agua Alta came up against Monterrey, with play exciting spectators up and down the field. At the final bell, Monterrey edged out the competition 7-6, taking home the title.

Sepulveda was named Best Playing Pony.

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Polo Times, February 2020

Monterrey win The USPA Congressional/Cope de Careyes

Grand Champions Polo Club In the eighth International Cup on Saturday 30 November, GCPC-USA defeated France, 9-8 in a thrilling match. France initially took the lead, jumping ahead 2-1 in as many minutes, but GCPC-USA came back strong, leading 7-2 by half-time. Nic Roldan was awarded the Most Valuable Player prize and said after the match, “That was probably one of the toughest GCPC-USA take home The International Cup win International Cups we’ve had. I thought they played great and gave us everything we could handle. This was a hardfought win.” The Best Playing Pony honours were awarded to Torta Negra, played by Juancito Bollini.

In other news, in the Final of The Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial, Grand Champions defeated DePaula/Aspen Valley Polo Club to win the trophy. Alongside the exciting match, Carlitos Gracida was presented with the Lifetime Most Valuable Player award.

In the Final of The Limited Edition 12-Goal Series opener, Santa Clara found themselves trailing 6-2 at half-time, but rallied to defeat Sebucan 9-8 by the final bell.

The International Cup Teams: GCPC-USA (17): Marc Ganzi (2), Grant Ganzi (3), Nic Roldan (8) & Juancito Bollini (4) France (17): Louis Jarrige (3), Julien Reynes (4), Edouard Pan (4) & Pierre Henri Ngoumou (6)

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Photograph courtesy of GCPC

The Club has a unique opportunity for a dedicated and enthusiastic veterinary surgeon to take on a diverse post with a range of responsibility as Equine Veterinary Surgeon/ Welfare Officer. The main roles will include the cover for over 500 games played throughout the season and the overseeing of the welfare of members’ and visiting players’ ponies.

The candidate will have experience working in the polo sector, a good understanding of the importance of upholding the highest welfare standards and strong communication skills. This position is a seasonal, full time position from April until September with a competitive salary, provision of a vehicle and VDS insurance cover. If you are interested in finding out more, please email tara.smith@ guardspoloclub with a CV and covering letter by 28 February.

Photograph courtesy of Costa Careyes Polo Club

Guards Polo Club, the home of The Queen’s Cup, has announced their key fixtures for the 2020 season.

Most importantly, the prestigious Queen’s Cup will take place between 19 May – 14 June, with a plethora of high profile players set to compete. Other key dates include The OUT-Sourcing Inc! Royal Windsor Cup (2 – 21 June), The Hildon Archie David Cup (2 – 28 June) and The Guards Ladies Charity Trophy for The Lord Patrick Beresford Trophy (18 – 29 August). For more key dates, please visit the Guards’ website www.guardspoloclub.com

Costa Careyes Polo Club

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Beaufort Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Beaufort Polo Club

Gloucestershire-based Beaufort Polo Club have announced the exciting appointment of their new Polo Manager for the 2020 season, following the departure of Caspar West. Gary Aitchison, originally from Zimbabwe, comes to Beaufort following a two year role at Longdole Polo Club. He played competitively in Zimbabwe, reaching a 4 goal handicap at his peak and competing for his country in the 1995 FIP World Cup, The All Africa Tournament and other Internationals. He also held the title of Chief Umpire on the Zimbabwe Polo Association. As well as excelling on the field, he is a qualified HPA Instructor and will become an integral part of the new Beaufort Polo School, which is set to open in early March.

The Club has also announced the dates of the 2020 Gloucestershire Festival of Polo.

Between 6 – 7 June 2020, spectators will be treated to a weekend of thrilling polo action, exciting arena attractions, extensive shopping and a traditional funfair. To check out their promo video and to find out more, as well as reviewing the full 2020 fixture list, please visit the Club website www.beaufortpoloclub.com Incoming Polo Manager, Gary Aitchison

La Aguada Polo Club

Rugby Polo Club

Photograph by Adrian Melo

The La Aguada Cowdray Park Polo Trophy Final Teams: Irongate (12): James Scott-Hopkins (0), Jeremy Pemberton (0), Cruz Novillo Astrada (4) & Miguel Novillo Astrada (8) Print on Demand (13): Nick Gerrard (0), Andy Cork (0), Alejandro Pistone (4) & Ignacio Novillo Astrada (9)

Irongate win The La Aguada Cowdray Park Polo Trophy

Photograph courtesy of Oxford Polo

In the Final of the seventh annual La Aguada Cowdray Park Polo Trophy on Wednesday 27 November, Irongate defeated the higher handicapped Print on Demand, 8-7. Four teams took part in the tournament with players travelling from England to participate, alongside the Novillo Astrada brothers.

Aviaa win The Midlands Polo Festival at Rugby Polo Club

In the Final of The Midlands Polo Festival, Aviaa Polo (Hector Worsley, Katie MacKeith & David Ashby) defeated their rivals to win the exciting 8 goal arena tournament.

Rutland Polo Santa María Club Polo Club

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Polo Times, February 2020

The Iberian Polo Tour Final Teams: PX (8): X. Gzlz Quijano (0), D. Deyneko (0), C. Chaves (3) & P. Berazadi (5) Rosbif Polo Team (7): A. Naylor (-1), J. Connolly (2), J. Le Hardy (4) & T. Small (2)

Photograph courtesy of Santa María Polo Club

In early January, the sad announcement of the passing of Ann Gilks was publicised. Ann was the wife of Rutland Polo Club’s main founder Tony Gilks, who was a fundamental factor in the Club’s creation in 1971 and was also the Club’s Chairman for 30 years. Ann’s funeral took place at 12 noon on Friday 17 January at Braunston Church. Our thoughts are with the Gilks family at this time.

Spain’s famous Santa María Polo Club closed its 2019 season with The Iberian Polo Tour tournament between 6 – 8 December. In the Final on Sunday 8 December, PX defeated Rosbif Polo Team, 7-4, having been unbeaten throughout the tournament. In the Subsidiary Final, Esperanza/Red Charm defeated Polo Valley, 7½-6.

PX win the final tournament of the Spanish season, The Iberian Polo Tour

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Women’s Polo

The III Women’s Argentine Open

El Overo Z7 UAE in action in Palermo

Ecstatic El Overo Brits triumph in Palermo

J

ust a few hours before The 126th Argentine Polo Open HSBC Final was played, eight of the world’s best womens’ polo players took to centre stage on Field 2, Palermo for The III Women’s Argentine Open Final.

This year saw six teams between 16-30 goals compete in the tournament, with the UK well represented – Hazel Jackson-Gaona and Milly Hine reached the Final, while team Santa Mariá de Lobos boasted three

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Polo Times, February 2020

British ladies (Sarah Wiseman, Emma Wood and Tamara Fox), who reached the Semi Finals only to lose out to eventual finalists, La Dolfina Brava. The UK’s best female player, Nina Clarkin had been due to play for La Dolfina Brava but was swapped from the line-up due to her pregnancy and was replaced by Milagros Sánchez. So, a great turn out for British ladies’ polo.

It was set to be a mighty battle between defending champions La Dolfina Brava, who

had won the trophy for two consecutive years, and El Overo Z7 UAE with two of the best female players, Lía Salvo and Jackson-Gaona, on their line-up. With both teams evenly matched the outcome was anyone’s guess.

Despite the anticipation of a mighty clash between two great teams, the first chukka ended with a disappointing goalless score, however Salvo came flying out into the second chukka to score the only two goals

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

The III Women’s Argentine Open

Women’s Polo

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Where: Field 2, Palermo, Buenos Aires

Photography by Alice Gipps | www.alicegipps.com

MVP Lía Salvo

BPP Morena, played by Clara Cassino A jubilant El Overo Z7 UAE

Umpires: José Araya & Martín Pascual with Martín Goti as Third Man

during those seven minutes. From this point on, El Overo Z7 UAE were unstoppable and by half-time had secured a strong 6-2 lead.

Salvo led her team from the back, providing not only an undefeatable back door, but also breaking forward to score five of her team’s overall 10 goals. El Overo Z7 UAE performed at their peak with solid team work, which put the defending champions onto the back foot. In the third chukka and on her debut in The Open, young Brit 18-year-old Milly Hine, kept up El Overo Z7’s pressure, scoring a goal as she took the ball along the boards from halfway in front of the grandstands, and found the uprights with a neck shot from 80 yards out.

Unfortunately for La Dolfina Brava it just wasn’t their day, with a slow pace of just one goal in each chukka for the third, fourth and fifth intervals of play.

By the seventh chukka, the writing was on the wall with the scoreboard reading 9-5 in favour of El Overo Z7 UAE, with La Dolfina Brava struggling to close the gap despite a converted penalty by Mia Cambiaso and a field goal from Milagros Fernández Araujo. In the eighth and final chukka Clara Cassino scored the 10th goal for El Overo Z7 UAE and the team burst into jubilant celebration.

The III Women’s Argentine Open Final Teams: La Dolfina Brava (29) El Overo Z7 UAE (30) Mía Cambiaso (7) Clara Cassino (7) Milagros Fernández Araujo (7) Milly Hine (4) Milagros Sánchez (7) Hazel Jackson-Gaona (10) Candelaria Fernández Araujo (8) Lía Salvo (9) Chukka Scores: 0-0, 2-0, 3-1, 6-2, 7-3, 8-3, 9-5, 10-5 to El Overo Z7 UAE

El Overo Z7 UAE, winners of The III Women’s Argentine Open

All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

Polo Times, February 2020

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Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Women’s Polo

International & Home

5 minutes with…

Ana Escobedo Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or ladies’ polo? I normally play mixed polo and I am very lucky to be part of a mixed team, who I enjoy playing with immensely.

If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? I think La Natividad next year with Polito [Pieres] could be a Fantasy team. I am really looking forward to seeing them play.

I think the Castagnolas will take their experience from this year’s Argentine Open, together with Polito and Nachi [du Plessis] to give a new spirit to the season. If you mean a fantasy team for me to play with… I think I have been the luckiest amateur to be able to play with Jonny Good and JP Clarkin for the last two years. Those two together make polo so much fun!

Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? It would be nice to find the magic formula to get new, younger players becoming professionals around the world, who have enough polo to be more and more competitive. The challenge here is how to keep amateurs engaged and committed to developing enough sponsorship for the growth of the younger generation of professionals. It may be worth looking at models of sponsorship used in other sports?

“I couldn’t have done it without. . .”?

This question is a bit cheesy, but the person that has taken care of my polo for the last three years, managing my polo frustrations, correcting my stick and balling under almost any weather conditions, making me play at a more competitive level, ensuring my horses are trained and kept at the highest standards possible, and convincing me to venture on this crazy idea of snow polo is Jonny Good. So him!

Mixed handicap: 0 Women’s handicap: 3 Arena handicap: 1 How did your polo career start? Probably by mistake. Since I was very young, I used to show jump, but when I moved to the UK for work, I knew it was going to be difficult to keep it at the same competitive level as back at home because of time restrictions. So, I looked for another way to keep riding just to stay close to the horses… That is how I decided to play polo, but how little I knew about the addictiveness of this sport!

Which lady players do you admire?

Why? That would Nina Clarkin, not only as a person but also as a professional.

She is very focused and committed to the sport, she has done incredible efforts to promote ladies polo, enhancing immensely the opportunity for women to find a way into the sport while enjoying a less risk-exposed game.

What’s your favourite tournament/Club?

Without even thinking, 100 percent Cowdray.

WIP Update

The Pacific Coast Circuit

Polo Times, February 2020

Action from the Flight B round-robin

with each team playing two chukkas against each opponent. With two strong victories SBPRC maintained their undefeated record and secured victory. Mia Bray was named Most Valuable Player and Blanca, owned and played by Cory Williams was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug.

Photograph courtesy of WIP

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Photograph by Kerri & Hope Kerley

10 teams ventured to Eldorado Polo Club at the end of December for a weekend of polo for The Pacific Coast Circuit Women’s Challenge. The tournament was split into two sections: Flight A and Flight B. Two teams competed in Flight A, with the first match resulting in a tie and ultimately Alazanas Foxi facing Bearsden in the Final on Sunday 29 December.

Alazanas Foxi took and maintained the lead from the first chukka, ending the match with a close 5-4 score and recaptured the trophy. The Best Playing Pony was presented to 15-year-old gelding, Taxi, owned and played by Jennifer Alexy, whilst Jessica Bailey was named Most Valuable Player.

Flight B had eight teams fighting for a place in the round-robin Final, also played on Sunday 29 December.

Although rain delayed the earlier matches, the single elimination, two day tournament saw Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (SBPRC), GK Farms and Rancho Del Sol fight for the title,

Women in Polo (WIP) have had a busy start to the season. Between 11 – 12 January, FCT (Olivia Whittle, Antonia Carlsson & Sarah Wiseman) secured The Westcroft Park Ladies tournament after defeating Old House Farm (Beatrice Spowers, Georgia Sweeney & Charlotte Sweeney) in the Final. Olivia Whittle was named Most Valuable Player, whilst in the Subsidiary Final, Smiths Polo took third place with a win over Nipas.

Later in the month, WIP hosted a Battle of the Sexes tournament at Tedworth Park Polo Club, which due to a fall in the number of teams, was played in a 2:2 format. The overall winners were Tidworth (John Houlden & Karen Reeve) with Synergy (Vicky Adams & Lisa Ives) coming out the runners-up. The Best Playing Pony was Dude, owned by Tedworth Park Polo Club and played by John Houlden and Karen Reeve was awarded the Most Valuable Player prize.

The Synergy & Tidworth teams

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

International & Home

Women’s Polo

Photograph courtesy of Lisa Hughes

Punte Black Bears del Este Victrix Ladies Polo Ludorum International

Photograph courtesy of Prensa Polo

The inaugural 4 Goal Victrix Ludorum took place at Black Bears on 14 – 15 December with four teams battling it out for honours.

With the weather threatening to do its absolute worst, teams were glad of the shelter provided by the high walls of the Black Bears arena, but stormy weather did not detract from a closely fought tournament played in very good spirits!

In the Semi Final, Rex Homes beat ProFit 15-11 and the Ladies Polo Foundation beat WIP, 8-6, setting up for an exciting day of competition the following day. The Final was won on the bell after an extremely close game with Rex Homes beating the Ladies Polo Foundation team, 7-6, with WIP winning an equally competitive game against Pro-Fit to take the Subsidiary Final.

The Most Valuable Player was awarded to Genevieve Meadows who also took home Best Playing Pony for Anita.

All smiles at Black Bears

The Black Bears Victrix Ludorum Teams: Ladies Polo Foundation (4): Sammy Luff (0), Hannah Parry-Jones (2) & Genevieve Meadows (2) Rex Homes (4): Rosie Ross (3), Lucy Coddington (2) & Clare Hocking-Odell (-1) WIP (3): Nell Jacobs (3), Georgia Harding (-1) & Georgie Gregory (1) Pro-Fit (3): Nicola Hodges (0), Jess Van Der Velden (1) & Kirstie Otamendi (2)

La Aguada Ladies Cup Bodega Oceánica José Ignacio, winners of The Punta del Este Ladies Polo International

The Punta del Este Ladies Polo International Teams: VT Wealth Management (15): Lia Salvo (10), Vero Magnasco (4), Susan Forbes (1) & Melanie McGuire (0) Bodega Oceánica José Ignacio (14): Clara Cassino (8), Isabel Vivo (0), Milly Hine (5) & Tita Rueda (1) Ethiopian Airlines (16): Delfina Balzano (5), Fatima Balzano (6), Cuyen Glenny (3) & Alicia Woods (2) Best Doctors (14): Sofía Lorenzo (5), Francesca Marinatti (2), Isabella Boccamazzo (2) & Mayte Marre (5)

Photograph by La Aguada

Between 3 – 4 January, four international women’s teams gathered at El Rincón Polo Club in Punta del Este, Uruguay for the second edition of The Punta del Este Ladies Polo International. Over the two days of competition, the four teams fought hard with Best Doctors and Bodega Oceánica José Ignacio reaching the Final. It was an extremely close Final, but in the end Bodega Oceánica José Ignacio were able to successfully defend their title with a narrow 3-2½ score. Meanwhile in the Subsidiary Final, VT Wealth Management defeated Ethiopian Airlines with a healthy 6-0 score.

Four 18 goal teams competed in The La Aguada Ladies Cup

On Friday 6 December, The Villages defeated MJVH Polo 10-5½ to win the 2019 La Aguada Ladies Cup at La Aguada Polo Club in Open Door, Argentina. The Villages’ Lia Salvo was named Most Valuable Player and Agua Fria Ourofino’s Claudia Junqueira was presented the Fair Play Award. Meanwhile in the Subsidiary Final La Aguada took home a 7½-3 win against Agua Fria Ourofino.

The La Aguada Ladies Cup Teams: The Villages (18): Catalina Lavinia (1), Catalina Jantus (2), Paige McCabe (6) & Lia Salvo (9) MJVH Polo (16): Alicia Woods (1), Sofía Sciutto (4), Stephanie Haverhals (4) & Sarah Wiseman (7) La Aguada (15): Sarah Brown (1), Dayna Waechter (3), Mia Novillo Astrada (6) & Emma Boers (5) Agua Fria Ourofino (15): Claudia Junqueira (1), Jeanine Hugo Menéndez (5), Courtney Asdourian (6) & Sofía Taylor (3)

All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise Is your women’s polo not featured? Email rosabella@polotimes.co.uk with all your women’s polo news!

Polo Times, February 2020

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Women’s Polo

International & Home

Photograph courtesy of USPA

Women’s Arena The Ladies Polo Challenge Foundation

SMU White, winners of The Mid-Continent Women’s Polo Series

On Wednesday 4 December, the Final tournament in the Mid-Continent Women’s Polo Series was played at East Texas Polo Club. Three teams took part in the round-robin tournament, with SMU White scoring a narrow victory in the closing seconds of the final chukka to take the title. It was a double win for SMU White’s Grace Groznik who was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Robin Sanchez received the Sportsmanship Award. Donego, played by Megan Rahlfs was presented with the Best Playing Pony award.

The Mid-Continent Women’s Polo Series Teams: SMU Blue: Robin Sanchez, Lily Foregger & Sofia Garvin SMU White: Grace Grotnik, Lindsay Bellack & Adrianna Arguello Legend’s Horse Ranch: Megan Rahlfs, Katie Anderson & Kim Buttram

On Saturday 11 January, The Ladies Polo Foundation (LPF) held their third training day, but their first at Black Bears Polo Club. Hannah Henderson spoke to Polo Times about their event: “We were fully booked with 20 ladies being coached by our ambassadors Sarah Wiseman and Rosie Ross, and being overseen kindly by Heloise Wilson-Smith.

“As with all our training days, we had India Parker-Smith from Chukkas Wellness present who incorporates a warm-up, a cool-down session, as well as a training session for the girls to show them how to develop their own workout routine to help strengthen their bodies to not only improve performance on the field, but to avoid injury.

“Other brands including Victoria Lodder, as well as Rugupnow were present and goody bags from Chukka Wellness were given out at all our training days, which incorporates vouchers from Dodson and Horrell who also offer free nutritional yard visits.

“Black Bears Polo Club kindly allowed us to use their incredible facilities and the ladies made the most of the mechanical horse and the immaculate arena where stick work and constructional chukkas were held.

“The whole day included a delicious array of food from breakfast pastries, to a wholesome lunch and arguably the best chocolate brownies in the South of England!

“Tory Lodder kindly donated a prize which was awarded to Meghan Barnes for her commitment and skill shown throughout the day. Meghan is an up and coming young girl who currently plays in the Pony Club with her equally talented and keen younger sister Bonnie. Rugupnow gifted an LPF t-shirt to Natalie Hall who is very new to the sport, but yet managed to impress the coaches and score some great goals in her first chukkas.

“The Ladies polo Foundation would like to thank Lisa Hughes and Rob Cudmore from Black Bears for their fantastic hospitality and for opening their doors to the LPF, we hope to organise another day in early March 2020.

“Anyone wanting more information please email: LadiesPF@outlook.com”

Photograph courtesy of Grand Champions Polo Club

WCT Ladies Weekly League Begins The WCT Ladies Weekly League was founded by Alina Carter and Melissa Ganzi and is held every Wednesday at Santa Rita Polo Farm under The Polo School, with a tournament held on the last Wednesday of each month. The first tournament of the League was played on Wednesday 22 January and got off to an auspicious start with two 15 goal teams facing each other in the Final. In the end, Speedwell (Courtney Flynn, Hope Arellano, Nicole Watson & Erica Gandomcar) defeated San Saba (Clarissa Echezarreta, Cecelia Cochran, Alina Carta & Julia Echezarreta) 8-1, to take the first win of the season.

Action from the League opener

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Polo Times, February 2020

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

All Aspects of Youth Polo

The 58th Potrillos Cup

Photograph courtesy of AAP

Thai Polo PLTV, the winners of The Potrillos Cup

On Monday 16 December, the 58th edition of The Potrillos Cup was played in Argentina.

The tournament is split into three divisions depending on age, with an abundance of youth players taking to the field. In the Potrillos division, Thai Polo PLTV defeated El

Malón in the Final, 10-7, with Brit Louis Hine helping his team secure victory. In the lower two divisions, V8 defeated La Virgencita, 1-0 in the Final of The Potrillitos, while in The Mini Potrillitos Final, El Milagro came out the champions, 4-1 over Chapaleufú Indians. In

Youth

a first for youth polo in Argentina, The Silver Cup was played, to include those who had not made it up to the higher ranks of the Potrillos. 100 children participated with the results as follows: La Sofía defeated La Cañada, 4-3 in The Silver Cup Potrillos, Trenque Lauquen defeated Sol de Agosto, 6-0 in The Silver Cup Potrillitos and Santa María de Lobos were victorious, 3-1 over La Mariana in The Silver Cup Minis.

The 58th Potrillos Champion Winning Teams: Potrillos – Thai Polo PLTV: Leon Schwenke, Juan Guerrero, Louis Hine & Juan Ussher Potrillitos – V8: Pedro Chavanne, Rufino Laulhé, León Donoso & Artemio Figueras Mini Potrillitos – El Milagro: Félix Toccalino, Justo Laulhé, Dominique Laulhé & Nicolás Tomasevich The Potrillos Silver Cup Winning Teams: Potrillos – La Sofía: Benjamin Soto, Sofía Antin, Emilio Esaín & Leopold Ludorf Potrillitos – Lauquen Trenque: Francisco Bernadi, Baltazar Contreras, Serena Uranga & Gabino Nazar Mini Potrillitos – Santa María de Lobos: Patricio Gaynor Benoit, Álvaro Negro Muñiz, Zenón Bianchi & Justina Condomi

The Tolo Polo Tournament

Photograph courtesy of the AAP

Velay win The Tolo Polo Tournament Senior Category

On Friday 13 December, 47 teams divided into four categories competed for the honours of victory in The Tolo Polo Tournament. In the senior category, Velay defeated El Gurí Don Ercole in the Final. In the Minors section, La Virgencita ultimately defeated Fortín Mulitas, whilst in the Minis category, El Milagro beat Chapaleufu Indians. Finally, in the Minis Minis division, Trenque Lauquen Patagones defeated Pilarchico Sol de Agosto.

The Tolo Polo Tournament Champions Teams: Seniors – Velay: Justo Llorente, Franz Spürgin, Felipe Bargalló & Nicolás de Rosa Minors – La Virgencita: Custodio Eleno, Lucas Di Paola, Cruz Marchini & Richardo Mihanovich Minis – El Milagro: Félix Toccalino, Justo Laulhé, Dominique Laulhé & Nicolás Tomasevich Mini Minis – Lauquen Patagones Trenque: Zenón Urturi, Alfonso Nero, Segundo Avendaño & Lorenzo Nero

Druids Lodge Polo Club are looking for a Maintenance and Grounds Person This is a year round job. Must have some agricultural experience. Job includes tractor driving, fencing, feeding ponies and general farm maintenance. Accommodation provided. Involvement in playing and coaching is a possibility. Full time groom / part time housekeeping role also available.

CONTACT: 01722 782597 abi@druidspolo.co.uk

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

Polo Times, February 2020

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Military

Photography by Sam Churchill Photography

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Action from The Sudan Cup

HACKETT Army Travel to India

For the ninth time, the HACKETT British Army Team toured in India in December 2019, this time concentrating on reestablishing The Sudan Cup, traditionally played between the Indian Army and the British Army. Thus, the team did not go on to play in the British Polo Day’s events in Jaipur and Jodhpur for the first time since 2011. The British High Commissioner, Sir Dominic Asquith, was the host and welcomed 650 guests from the diplomatic and military communities in New Delhi. It was reportedly the biggest polo crowd in recent times in Delhi.

The Sudan Cup’s history originates from the inter-cavalry matches played during the 1884/5 UK/Indian Suakin Field Force deployment in Sudan. The British and Indian Army first played for The Sudan cup in 1922.

Up until 1996 it was played regularly and following a brief hiatus it was revived this year after a gap of over 20 years.

This match was played on the Jaipur ground which was in prime condition, but both teams took time to settle in the slightly challenging conditions. An early goal by Johnny Sleeman opened the HACKETT team’s account and it seemed that under Gaston Devrient’s sensible guidance, both Paddy Selfe and Henry Amor were getting in the right places to worry the Indian Team. A well constructed goal by Ravi Rathore drew teams level in the second chukka, but with pressure being applied by HACKETT Army, they slipped ahead after a 40 yard penalty by the confident Sleeman.

Clearly the Indian Army debrief at half-time changed things and very soon after the www.polotimes.co.uk

start of the third chukka, Rathore charged through after a long passing lofted shot by Vishal Chauhan to make it 3-2. A mistake in the centre saw a simply marvellous long, lofted opportunistic shot by Rathore, which found the flags. Another quick goal by the increasingly effective Raghav Raj Singh saw the scores at 5-2 at the start of the fourth. However, HACKETT Army were not done and scored quickly to make it 5-3.

Many runs by HACKETT Army, especially

by Paddy Selfe and Henry Amor, who both played well, really pressed the Indian team who were lucky on occasions. It was not to be and after a pulsating match played in great spirit, the Sudan Cup went home with a final score of 5-3.

Prizes were presented by the British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith jointly with the Lt Gen MM Naravane Vice Chief of The Indian Army and Lt Gen Gopal QMG. The Subrito Most Valuable Player Award went to Lt Henry Amor QRH. The Sudan Cup Teams: The Indian Army (9): Lt Col Vishal Chauhan 61st Cavalry (4), Sepoy Ravinder Mang ASC (-1), Capt Raghav Raj Singh Indian Grenadiers (1) & Col Ravi Rathore VSM 61st Cavalry (5) HACKETT British Army (9): Capt Johnny Sleeman QRH (2), Lt Henry Amor QRH (2), Capt Paddy Selfe KRH (2) & Gaston Devrient (3)

The second place HACKETT Army Sudan Cup team

Polo Times, February 2020

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Pony Power

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Tia Height: 15.1hh Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Richard Blake Thomas Tournament: The HPA Winter Ludorum Championship 8 Goal at Glebe Farm Where is she from/breeding? She is an English Thoroughbred retrained racehorse.

Photograph by Polo Times

How long have you had her? I inherited her with the Club (Westcroft Park) when I took over four-years-ago. She was in the Polo School as a pro pony.

What are her strengths? She is incredibly forward going, agile and very strong through traffic.

How has she gone this season? This was her first real match of the season. She is getting ready for the 15 goal with me, playing for Casa La Vista.

but she has done the UK high goal in the last two years with Malcolm Borwick and Fred Mannix.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Not to my knowledge,

What are your plans for her in the future? More of the same – a combination

of summer and winter polo, her agility makes her good in all levels, in both disciplines.

Describe her in three words. Strong, fast, ruthless!

Soli Height: 15.2hh Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned by: Adolfo Casabal Played by: Ryan Pemble Tournament: The HPA National Club Championship 6 Goal at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is an Argentine Thoroughbred.

Photograph by Adolfo Casabal

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

What are her strengths? She is very easy and forward going. She also has a very nice temperament and is loved around the yard.

How has she gone this season? She is one of those great horses that can play both seasons. She had a great summer and thus far this winter, hasn’t missed a match.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? This is her first Best Playing Pony award since I’ve had her.

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What are your plans for her in the future? She’s had a busy few months, so will have a rest in March and April, but next season she will be playing with me at Guards Polo Club.

Describe her in three words. Sweet, powerful, handy.

Polo Times, February 2020

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Playing Tips

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig

Simple Change to Winning Tactic Improving your game in the off season Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game

Photograph by Šwww.imagesofpolo.com

Practice being the first to be aware of a change in the direction of play

Working on improving your riding and/or hitting skills during the off season can be difficult for many players. However, facilitating the improvement of strategy can be realized by way of diligently contemplating the basic strategy of the game, which is to control the LOB (line of the ball) within the ROW (right of way).

The strategy aspect that causes one of the greatest problems is that of not identifying and controlling the opposing player soon enough, and because of that, not committing completely enough to keep them from getting to the LOB and securing the ROW. To address that issue, I suggest being consciously aware of every time a reversal 58

Polo Times, February 2020

of the direction of play is about to happen.

That is when the opposing player begins to slow down to turn to follow the play. When the opposing player begins to slow down in preparation of turning, that is the ideal time to initiate controlling the player.

The important thing to be aware of is if a change in the direction of play is about to happen; and when it does, you must be ready to adjust to it. As you are in the process of adjusting, you should know where the opposing player is relative to the LOB, or where the LOB will soon be. At that point you should be determining how you are going to control that player as they are coming out of their turning manoeuvre to follow the play. More often than not, that

controlling manoeuvre will consist of a lateral move towards, or even into, the opposing player to cut them off from getting into the ROW, to get to the LOB. Not moving early enough towards the opposing player to control them is a huge mistake made by many players. Far too often, players will ride parallel to the opposing player for too long of a period time and for too great a distance without making a definitive lateral move to control them.

The player who does that is missing an ideal opportunity of controlling the opposing player to keep them from getting to the LOB. The way that situation typically works is, if you are not moving laterally towards the opposing player to control them, you are www.polotimes.co.uk

Playing Tips providing that player with the opportunity of moving towards you to control you.

Many players do not perceive the necessity to control the opposing player so early on in the play. The fact of the matter is, the simplest of concepts can be the ones that are the most difficult to grasp; and, that holds true for controlling the opposing player. Gaining control of the opposing player can be as simple as recognizing that the direction of the play is about to change. And, before the change takes place, be ready, willing and able to move laterally towards that player, if not even into them, as the two of you are adjusting to the change in the direction of the play.

Polo is a team sport; it is even considered it to be the oldest of all team sports. Well, harassing the opposing players for the purpose of controlling them is a large part of what team sports is about. The way the strategy of team sports typically works is, if you are not the one harassing and controlling the opposing player, there is a good chance the opposing player will be the one harassing and controlling you. When

Knowledge

it happens that way, your team’s chances of winning the play, the chukka, the game, or the tournament have been significantly decreased.

I can almost promise that gaining the advantage of a play can be as simple as being the first player to recognize that a change in the direction of play is about to happen. However, being the winner of that play can be as difficult as making sure you are the first player to move laterally towards the opposing player to control them before they do that to you.

I promise you do not have to get into a saddle on top of a horse to work on improving playing skills. Take advantage of the down season to improve your strategy skills by repeatedly envisioning yourself moving laterally towards the opposing player before they come out of a change in the direction of the play manoeuvre. Additionally, constantly remind yourself to never ride alongside an opposing player without preventing that player from getting into the ROW and onto the LOB under control.

In the ROW, on the LOB

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Polo Times, February 2020

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Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

A Look Side On! Happy New Year!

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Polo Times, February 2020

Imagery courtesy of Lorna Edgar

A good New Year’s resolution is to regularly stand back and objectively assess your horses. It’s worth considering the horse’s digestive system, organs and skeletal system in relation to their outside physical appearance so the illustrations here may well be of interest. I imagine it is far different to how you thought it might be! As you can see, the positioning of the digestive tract is not even and takes up a huge amount of space in relation to their organs. Consequently, when I am looking at horses, I always want to look at them from both sides and from standing behind to gain a fuller picture of how the individual is looking, not only from a muscle development or body condition point of view but building up an overall picture of the horse from the unevenness/asymmetry that may be visible as well.

As many of you are probably aware, I am often defensive of those horses that have a deeper and wide sprung rib cage, as their ‘belly’ is deemed ‘fat’ and these individuals are often put on a restricted diet. However, more often than not, their ribs can be felt and a fat pocket cannot be found! The reality is that is that we won’t be able to change their bone structure and conformation to get it looking like the typical svelte tucked up type but focusing on the following might help…

• Digestibility of forage: how much leaf is present in the hay or haylage. The coarser the stem present, the longer it will take to digest as it can sit in the colon and caecum for up to 70 hours.

Therefore, investing in a soft leafy forage can really make a difference to a ‘heavy’ appearance.

• How the horses are working and their fitness: working in a way to encourage engagement of the core and abdominal muscles, combined with gaining match fitness, is also of great importance. I am not a physiotherapist but talking to your physio for help in training exercises that focus on this area will be of great benefit.

• Hard feed: reducing hard feed is not going to reduce a ‘heavy’ appearance, all it will do is unbalance the diet and the horse is then likely to lose top line muscle and that ‘belly’ will stand out even more • Looking at your horses: stand back and assess their conformation and how in proportion they are. Look at them from

The equine digestive and skeletal system

all angles as they may look different from one side to the other, and at varying times of the day, especially if they live out on grass overnight • Work tolerance: I will often ask how the horse with the ‘heavy belly’ appearance feels in its work. If sluggish, then we can change the diet accordingly, but if it is going well, has plenty of energy

and stamina, then we don’t need to make it skinnier to reduce the ‘heavy appearance’ because more than likely it really is conformation (I would liken it to trying to make a front row rugby player look like a winger)! ontact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse C Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Fitness Insight: Climb the Fitness Ladder: Part Four

Through playing professionally, coaching beginners and personal training, Jason has become very accustomed to understanding where players can develop different areas of fitness and movement patterns to improve their performance. In this issue Jason looks at five habits to be a better and healthier polo player this year. Focusing on strength, mobility and balance of the body will help us to develop our game, but we must ensure we combine this with correct swing technique and time in the saddle – this is where the foundation of our progression is made

Climb the Fitness Ladder Part Four: Five habits to be a better/healthier polo player in 2020

• Focus on a balanced diet rather than supplements and foods that are labelled as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Get a wide variety of micronutrients (in fruit and veg), smoothies are a good way to get these nutrients • If you are trying to lose weight, focus on being in a calorie deficit over your day and week, rather than on specific foods that will make you fat or not.

• Carbs aren’t bad! Carbs are important for performance. Over the years, people have villainised this macronutrient.

Wholegrains, whole fruits, seeds & legumes – these types of carbs will fuel you for the longest period of time.

Sleep

Photography courtesy of Jason Warren

A proactive attitude will be key to better performance

With the beginning of the new year, everyone sets goals and objectives. When it comes to polo players, most of them aim to be ready and fit for the upcoming season along with ideas of how they can go up two goals. But are we overlooking the basics?

In this article I am going to highlight the five basic ways to become a fitter, healthier and ultimately better polo player. Whilst everyone is looking for quick fixes, energy drinks and supplements, the real solution lies in getting the basics right, making sustainable changes and creating new habits.

Here are five areas you should focus on when trying to become a healthier and better polo player in 2020.

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Polo Times, February 2020

Nutrition

Nutrition is essential for performing at your highest level whilst simultaneously helping you to feel good in general. Your body is fuelled by the food you eat and subsequently nutrition is one of the most important factors to take care of. Food will influence your physical and mental performance. I notice polo players and (people in general), do not focus enough on their nutrition and follow common misconceptions regarding diet.

Here are some basic tips to think about when looking at nutrition: • Eat two to three hours before playing so your blood sugar is high and you give your body enough time to digest

Sleep is an essential part of recovery and regulation for your body. If you want to perform well or progress in training, sleep is vital to achieving this. You should aim to get seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night. Without sleep your body cannot repair itself and be ready for the next day of training or playing.

Here are some tips to get a good sleep: • Make your bedroom as dark as possible • Keep your room cool (16 to 18 degrees) • No work or digital screens 30 mins before sleep • Use a meditation app just before sleep (if you are a monk, don’t worry about the app!)

Hydration

Hydration is another factor that is crucial to performance. It is something we easily forget to do, especially during a busy schedule.

Staying hydrated throughout your day will help you to feel alert, motivated and energised. Forget the energy drinks and focus on what’s important to your body.

Without being properly hydrated your body cannot perform at an optimal level. Tips for staying hydrated: • Get a large water bottle so you can have it with you when you’re on the move.

Having the bottle will encourage you to drink without thinking about it as well as eliminating the hassle of finding a drink • Stay away from fizzy and sugary drinks, these will not hydrate you www.polotimes.co.uk

Fitness Insight: Climb the Fitness Ladder: Part Four

Knowledge

Mobility

Mobility is a key area to playing polo well. People sometimes neglect this area of fitness thinking other areas are more important, for example strength or cardio. Although these are important, mobility can be a limiting factor to a player’s progression particularly for a beginner. I notice a lot of beginners struggle with hitting effective shots due to their mobility. The more advanced players need to focus on mobility to reduce injury and feel at the optimal level when playing.

Here are some simple ways to improve your mobility • Partake in a Yoga class once or twice a week • Perform a 10 minute mobility routine before playing as well as two to three times during the week, working on inner thigh, glutes, shoulders and lower back

Time in the saddle

We can’t forget the most important factor of becoming a better polo player and that’s time in the saddle. Some beginners want to improve but expect to do so without enough time riding.

The most important factor when becoming a better player is being a confident rider and understanding the horses. As a coach you want

to see people riding nicely and being in synchronisation with the horse, this isn’t an element of the sport that can be neglected. Tips for riding: • Simple – get on a horse and ride!

• Focus on schooling and getting the horse into a nice rhythm

Mobility is key to improving on the field

Find Jason on Instagram: @jason_tola_warren or contact him at fitness@hampoloclub.com and www.tolalifestyle.co.uk

The MVP saddle

+10 for your horses - whatever your handicap

www.performance-polo.com

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Polo Times, February 2020

63

Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc

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

Stability For Ability

Decision for revision – keep focused when it gets complicated a very skilled and experienced surgical team needs to come in for the correct treatment of this demanding injury.

So in the case of ongoing pain or insufficient healing with instability after the initial treatment interval, the crucial questions are: 1. Am I still on the safe side of healing?

2. How can I identify if something goes wrong?

3. How to find the expert for my problem?

Who is a pelvis expert?

Timeline of healing

Regularly checks with clinical and radiological examination should be performed to control the healing. A return to full weight bearing can take about 2 to six weeks. In the case of prolonged pain during rehabilitation, a control computer tomography can help to identify delayed healing, loss of reduction or screw loosening.

Red flags

Pelvic fractures can halt a blossoming career

High energy pelvic fractures in trauma patients cause significant injury and mortality.

Typical injury patterns are a fall from height, at high speed or run over, mostly seen in traffic accidents. But these conditions are also present in polo. The risk of sustaining such an injury in polo is generally low in relation to other injuries, but it is still a lot higher than if you were riding a motorbike (pelvic injuries occur in motorbike accidents one every 1,000 hours versus 350 hours from horse riding).

use of pelvic sheeting or binder placed in the field or in a trauma bay. Urgent surgical stabilisation with external or internal fixation is often required. The initial management of displaced pelvic fractures is multidisciplinary and should involve close collaboration between trauma and orthopaedic surgery, anaesthesia and interventional radiology.

Due to this emergency setting, not every pelvic fracture can be perfectly anatomically reconstructed in the first instance, so secondary refinements need to be done.

Injury mechanism

Injury complications

When the initial care of players on the field with a displaced pelvic fracture and hemodynamic instability is done the focus should be laid on three main areas: resuscitation, bone stability and bleeding control. Aggressive resuscitation with blood products and clotting factors may be required and after initial reduction of the pelvic ring and placement of a temporary stabilisation can be achieved through the 64

Polo Times, February 2020

Complications can be defined as a secondary disease, accident, or negative reaction that occurs during the course of an illness and usually aggravates the illness or injury post accident. Due to the high energy force impact of a bilateral injury, a rotatory instable situation can result and which can be initially overseen. In case of the need for the secondary stabilisation or treatment of the complication of a non-healed fracture,

The return of pain after a well organised rehabilitation schedule can be an indicator of an issue. External dissymmetry or discrepancy in leg length (check your trousers) can give a hint.

Any problem with the wound healing needs to be double checked for infection.

How to find an expert

The worldwide AO (Arbeitsgruppe Osteosynthese) board of orthopaedic surgeons list the national experts in your country. Specific training for correct diagnosis and adequate treatment of these demanding fractures and their revision is mandatory to achieve an expert level.

Recommendations

In the case of a complex injury pattern, the initial phase and correct triage to a wellequipped hospital is essential. Pelvic surgery needs experienced specialised experts well versed in complex injury patterns. A specialised hospital and surgeon should be selected before the initial treatment.

Indicators for complications are non-healing/ instability and increase of pain when loading.

Even complex revision cases can benefit. www.polotimes.co.uk

Medical Insight: Polodoc

Knowledge

Prof. Dr. med. Marius Keel

Dislocation after insufficient primary stabilisation

Trauma Zentrum Hirslanden Zürich Complications of pelvic fractures are difficult to manage.

An incorrect diagnosis, suboptimal reconstruction or poor rehabilitation, in these cases results in a poor outcome with tremendous impact on function. Initial stable anatomical reconstruction is key and most important is to reduce the chance of healing in a sub-optimal position or even instable non-healing.

Overall the societal and sportsman or woman’s life may be affected even after meticulous reconstruction and rehabilitation. Surgical expertise, high and sufficient awareness are the principal elements that lead to correct diagnosis and treatment in these rare, but sometimes life-altering injuries.

3D CT with proof of instability and vertical shear pre-revision

Photography courtesy of Polodoc

With SonoiQ Handheld ultrasound pitchside assessement of bleeding in pelvic injuries is possible

Post revision CT with the proof of correct anatomic reposition

www.polotimes.co.uk

For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com or www.polodoc.ch

Polo Times, February 2020

65

Knowledge

Vet Insight

Nicola Bell BVetMed MRCVS graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, and most recently worked for an ambulatory practice Celtic Equine Vets in Hampshire

Wintering Horses in Wet Weather Mud Fever, rain scald and foot abscesses This winter has been particularly warm and wet, and we’ve seen a surge in mud fever and rain scald along with other wet weatherrelated conditions such as foot abscesses.

Mud fever

Mud fever is a dermatological condition affecting the lower limbs of horses and is often associated with the bacteria Dermatophilus congolenesis; but there are many contributing factors and other bacterial infections that may be detected. It is also known as pastern dermatitis or cracked heels. During winter when the horse’s legs become chronically wet, particularly when turned away in very muddy or waterlogged pasture, the skin softens, making it 66

Polo Times, February 2020

more vulnerable to abrasions, cuts and predisposing to bacterial infections.

The clinical signs of mud fever can vary depending on the severity but include scabs and crusting on the lower leg, swelling of the affected limb and can become severe enough to cause lameness. White legs (or pink skin) can be more susceptible, however any horse may be affected, no matter the colour of the hair or skin. Mud fever can affect one single limb or multiple limbs and can be an isolated case within a herd, but also affect multiple horses at the same time, or over a grazing period.

The diagnosis of mud fever is often made based on a comprehensive history and clinical examination, however tests

such as culture and sensitivity or biopsy are sometimes indicated. Your vet will decide if these additional tests are required on a case by case basis.

Treatment of mud fever again, is often done on case by case basis, and very much depends on the exact cause of the mud fever, how the horse is managed and how long the infection has been present.

The fundamental basis to improving these cases is to give the skin the opportunity to heal and repair the natural barrier it provides. Usually this involves stabling the horse, as removal from the conditions that have caused the initial problem can significantly improve the outcome and speed of recovery. www.polotimes.co.uk

Vet Insight

Knowledge

Rain scald

Photography courtesy of Nicci Bell

Mud fever

Topical treatments are often the initial protocol, and chlorhexidine (Hibiscrub) forms much of a part of treating these cases. It has good antibacterial properties and should be used every three to seven days, diluted with warm water and gently encouraging any loose scabs off the legs, ensuring legs are then fully dry before applying any barrier creams or prescription creams that may be given by your vet. Antibiotics, steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed by your vet depending on the severity of the scab lesions and how painful the horse is with the condition. Often you will be initially advised to trial topical treatment only, and then if the horse does not respond to this alone you may be advised that further treatment is necessary.

Preventing mud fever can be an interesting topic, as many people swear by one method or other. “To hose or not to hose”, is often asked! As a rule, keeping legs as dry as possible, and not encouraging a wet-dry-wet-dry cycle is best. The constant wetting and hosing of legs can be a contributing factor to horses developing mud fever even if they are not on winter turnout.

It is better to allow the mud to dry and then brush the mud off the legs.

There are many boots that can be used to prevent horses’ legs from coming into contact with the mud, which may assist in prevention. Ensuring these boots are well fitting and changed regularly is important as a rub from a boot or a bandage may cause abrasions and allow bacterial infections to develop. Using barrier creams is also a good practice, but again the legs must be dry before application to stop trapping bacteria near to the skin. www.polotimes.co.uk

Rain scald is caused by the same bacteria as mud fever and the signs are very similar.

You get scabs and crusting on the neck, back and rump of the horse that look very similar to mud fever. It can produce a sticky secretion from the skin which causes the hair to matt together in a long winter coat. Again, the mainstay of treatment is to ensure the horse’s skin is allowed to dry, and the use of antibacterial washes at three to seven day intervals alongside other treatments may be prescribed by your vet. An important thing to note with rain scald is that often rugging these horses to allow them to dry is often not the best answer. Stabling them and allowing them to air dry naturally is a much better approach. Particularly in years like this where the weather is so warm horses will sweat under rugs and this can perpetuate the infection.

Foot abscesses

Foot abscesses are also known as ‘pus in the foot’ and are another wet weather associated condition we often see during the winter months.

Often polo ponies are unshod during winter turnout, this change in management of their feet can cause them to be more vulnerable to foot abscesses, however they can still occur in shod horses; particularly in wet weather.

An abscess will develop when bacteria, usually accompanied by mud and other debris penetrates the hoof capsule, either via trauma such as a foreign body e.g. a nail or crack in the hoof wall. The hoof capsule is enclosed, and as pus is accumulating within the hoof capsule, the increase in pressure can cause severe lameness and pain. Other signs of a foot abscess include bounding digital pulses, the horse being non-weight baring and heat in the hoof wall. Swelling of the affected limb may also be seen. Whilst the lameness is often very dramatic, they are usually relatively easy to treat with a good prognosis.

Diagnosis is done using hoof testers and paring of the foot to find the inciting cause.

When the abscess is located, your vet will use a hoof knife to release the abscess, which normally gives the horse immediate relief due to the release of pressure and pain this has caused.

Treatment of a foot abscess once it is located involves ensuring the abscess is draining, and the application of a poultice.

Poulticing the foot can be done with a hot poultice – soaked in hot water, or a dry poultice if it is draining freely. Ideally, they are changed twice per day, for around five to seven days or until no further discharge is found on the dressing. Pain relief should be administered until the horse is no longer lame. The use of antibiotics is not routinely part of foot abscess treatment as the antibiotics do not reach the hoof capsule in

Polo ponies when turned out can be more vulnerable to foot abscesses

high enough concentrations to be effective.

Occasionally if the pocket of pus within the hoof cannot be located, then radiographs may be used to help locate the infection or ensure that there are no other causes of the lameness. Rarely a foot abscess can lead to complications such as infection of the pedal bone known as pedal bone osteitis, which is a much more severe condition that requires a different mode of treatment.

Preventing foot abscesses involves ensuring that horses get regular attention from the farrier, preventing flaring and cracks and ensuring that the pasture is kept as free from potential hazards such as sharp flints, debris and nails.

The milder, wetter winters with persistent rain that seem to be becoming more common in recent years makes wintering horses at pasture a more difficult challenge.

Ensuring that horses that are living out have good access to well-draining areas of pasture, or a hard-standing area can help to prevent these wet weather associated conditions. Provision of additional forage and ensuring that areas such as around feeders and water troughs do not get too waterlogged or boggy can also help to prevent horses from not eating or drinking enough in colder weather, which in turn can lead to conditions such as impaction colic or weight loss. Regular checking of rugs to ensure they are still well fitting and removing rugs to assess the horse’s weight and body condition are also essential. And we’re all just hoping that a dry spring is just around the corner!

Celtic Vets The Old Barn, Minstead, Lyndhurst, SO43 7FY T: 023 8081 4155 W: www.celticequinevets.co.uk

Polo Times, February 2020

67

Sidelines

Gossip

WOODD GETS WED On Friday 6 December, in front of a host of family and friends, Tilda Woodd, daughter of HPA Chief Executive David Woodd, and avid polo player, not to mention former Polo Times member of staff, married fiancé Dougie Gittins. It was a thrilling affair, with dancing until dawn.

Congratulations to you both!

PRANCING PEBBLES How could we not publish this marvellous photo of Cara Hanbury (daughter of Charlie and Yoanna) and her beloved pony Pebbles. All hail the next generation of polo players!

CONGRATULATIONS!

On Saturday 14 December, Tania Richardson married her beau Will Denehy in front of family and friends.

We’ve heard the party was a hoot with singing and dancing galore.

Congratulations to the Denehys!

OUTSIDE THE BOX THINKING! Tell us yours at gossip@polotimes.co.uk Anonymity guaranteed if you want it...

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Polo Times, February 2020

After some epic polo on the Kitzbühel snow, young Segundo Darritchon and his groom Silvi Indrakova put their thinking caps together to cool mare Gelatina’s legs down… not bad guys!

Good work!

www.polotimes.co.uk

Kendall Leslie & Bri Stoterau

Justin Gerblick & Cindy Lien

Jennifer Wagner & Spencer Morgan

Marie Cooper & Nolan Reilly

Jeff Faust & Jordyn Enochs

Ninth Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships; Scottsdale, Arizona; 9 – 10 November 2019

Born in the USA

Jamie Morrison & Nacho Figueras

Scottsdale, Arizona was once again awash with over 11,000 spectators in early November, as international powerhouse polo players gathered for two days of thrilling action. It was entertainment aplenty, both on and off the field, with military matches, international extravaganzas and even a charity match, raising impressive amounts of funds for Southwest Wildlife and Arizona Equine Rescue. Melissa Ganzi and her host of polo superstars, including Nacho Figueras returning for a second consecutive year, returned to retain their title amidst the excitement of Arabian Horse Shows and the world’s longest catwalk fashion show and there was plenty of time for spectators to clink their champagne glasses and indulge in the seemingly endless refreshments on the sidelines. The event will be returning in 2020 for its 10th anniversary, so make sure you’re ready for the biggest polo party in the USA!

Melissa Ganzi & Royston Prisk

Photography courtesy of Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships

Carolyn & Craig Jackson

Michael Stevenson & Braxton Boltz

Mark Cavan & Shari Cashman

Danny Zilisko

Kristen & Torey Lovullo

Francisco Garcia Jr & Jacqueline Weber

Danielle Paluscio & Michele Baxn

Susie Godwin & Barrie Upton Joss Ridley, Jayne Darling-Parks & Claire Allen A delicious lunch

CPPC Christmas Party; Cowley Manor, Cheltenham; Friday 13 December

Ciren Does Christmas Peter O’Rorke, Matt Evetts & Tony Haynes

With Christmas on the horizon, Cirencester Park Polo Club members and friends gathered to celebrate the festive season at the iconic Cowley Manor near Cheltenham. Alongside a delicious lunch, served to perfection by the lovely Cowley staff, there was laughter and festive cheer aplenty, as guests exchanged Christmas tidings of great joy! With all eyes turned to the 2020 season, gossip flew around the room – who will the next big Ciren star be? Which pros will play for which teams next year? Who will take the most falls? Suffice to say, a wonderful lunch was had by all; the perfect way to begin a thrilling festive season.

Photography by John Hankin

Yanna Mudie, Ginny Williams & Natalie Meredith

Christine Williams & Duncan Branch

Maureen Moseley, Georgie Seddon-Brown & Isabel Branch

Professional Farriery Services, Specialising in Polo and Competition Horses.

- Hot Shoeing - Lightweight steel and aluminium shoes - Free lost shoe cover - Stud holes included Covering Berkshire, Tidworth & Beaufort areas

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Lucy Bunn

Alex Grant & Ben Simm

Eden Ormerod

Oscar Montoya

Priyani Webster, Tessa Foot, David & Anne Morley with Esther Hunt

Inspired Arena Polo Masters; All England Polo Club, Hickstead; Sunday 12 January

Inspiring Arena Action Paul & Jean Watson with Natasha Bunn Tom Morley & Henry Brett with daughter

January 2020 has been a wet and windy affair, but despite the turbulent forecast, spectators and players gathered at The All England Polo Club, Hickstead, for the, newly rebranded, Inspired Arena Polo Masters. With well known British players taking to the arena and an abundance of happy spectators on the sidelines, it was a jolly affair. The hum of gossip about the upcoming 2020 summer season was heard throughout, with old friends and new, reacquainting over a delicious Sunday roast and plentiful refreshments. It was the home team who took home the silverware and the honours, but the real success was another great event well executed by AEPC, Hickstead.

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Simon Arber

John Bunn & Lee Jefferson

Experienced

Volume 24 • Issue 11 • December 2019 / January

2020 • £6.50

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Advertising Salesperson Working on Polo Times, The Polo Magazine, plus other polo & classic car related titles • •

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MidSummer 2016

YOUTH BREAKS RECORD The King Power Gold Cup

POLITO ULLOA A true horseman

AS IF BY MAGIC Interview with David Paradice

WESTCHESTER CUP USA break 17 year stalemate

BRITISH POLO HIGHLIGHTS Warwickshire Cup, Royal Windsor & Rundle Cup

TPM_MidSummer16_Co

vers.indd 1

PLUS: Racing to Polo Challenge & Victor Ludorum Update

PLUS: Royal Windsor Horse Show, Copenhagen Cup & Worming Your String

Cover June19.indd 1

MidSummer 2016

UK HIGH GOAL KICKS OFF The Prince of Wales, Trippetts and Queen Mother’s Centenary

04/06/2019 10:29

15/07/2016 10:31

Maite & Dr Andreas Insam

Juan Bautista Peluso

Jennifer Leebow & Tito Gaudenzi

Marc Ganzi

18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup; Kitzbühel, Austria; 16 – 19 January 2020

World Polo League Secure Maiden Snow Victory Martín Juaregui & Micky Duggan

Christian Jäger, Tito Gaudenzi & Manuel Charr

If you were to think of the best way to spend a weekend in early January, what would you pick? We know what we’d choose! The 18th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Kitzbühel is what! With world-class polo, unparalleled luxury and a good smattering of Austrian hospitality thrown-in for good measure, this exciting weekend was exactly what the doctor ordered following the post-Christmas lull. Alongside the thrilling action on the field, off the field, the entertainment began with the Welcome Party at Casino Kitzbühel, the perfect chance to get up, close and personal with the players, followed by the Captain’s Dinner at Kitzbühel Country Club on Friday night, but it was the Players’ Night, with 800 guests celebrating all things snow polo amidst the expertly decked out VIP tent on Saturday evening, that really impressed, with a delicious three-course meal and post-dinner dancing, courtesy of Belgium band Cookies & Cream. With World Polo League not only making their debut at the tournament, but beating all their rivals to win the title, it was a thrilling event, enjoyed my thousands and one we can’t wait to see next year.

Tina Thun & Christopher Degano

Henrique & Marcus Schalldach

Photography by Reinhardt & Sommer Photography

Santiago Marambio, Pato Bolanterio & Valentin Novillo Astrada

Ana Escobedo & Jonny Good

Eckhardt Juls & Patrick Maleitzke

Jan-Erik Franck, Tarquin Southwell, Stephen Rausch, Mark Holmes & Andi Krüger

Richenda Hine, Becky Simpson & Martin Ambridge

Bernd & Ruth Gruber

Juan Bautista Peluso, Marc Ganzi, Melissa Ganzi, Nic Roldan & Alejandro Novillo Astrada

Tabietha Sudhirak & Nunthinee Tanner

Juan Agustin & Emilia Garcia Grossi with their daughter

The Thai Polo Open Final; Thai Polo & Equestrian Club,

Doreen Widmann & family

Thailand; Saturday 18 January

All Hail Tang in Thailand The Thai Polo Open, set at the sumptuous tropical heart the region at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, Pattaya, once again thrilled players and spectators in mid-January, as home team Thai Polo came up against their Chinese rivals, Tang Polo, vying for the coveted title. As well as thrilling polo, guests were treated to a delicious lunch and show jumping display, featuring some of the region’s most talented equestrians. Gorgeous weather and a typically Thai sunset, full to bursting with orange and red tones, made the event a spectacle hard to forget.

Photography by Dominic James Photography Lanchana Ching & Anna Wilhelmsson

Dhato Mohamed & Imran Moiz

Nurul Husna, Caroline Link & Caroline Harcourt-Webster

Santiago Bachmann & Manuel Cereceda

Peter Abisheganaden

Bluebell Revill & guest

Harald Link with Rodrigo Mendia de Castro, Sofia Bobone & their daughter

Rege Ludwig & Adriano Agosti

JosĂŠ Sotto Mayor

Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

01462 701110

Polo directory

What’s On – Polo Fixtures Club

Tournament Name

Handicap

Start Date End Date

Emsworth

The Windsor Shield

12 – 15

26/01/20

09/02/20

RCBPC

Winter VL Tournament

5–8

28/01/20

02/02/20

RCBPC

FCT Invitational Challenge Trophy

12 – 15

28/01/20

02/02/20

Chukkas and AEPC Hickstead Club Challenge Matches

Open

01/02/20

02/02/20

Westcroft Park

Academy Cup

0 4&5–8

01/02/20

02/02/20

Rugby

Comical Cp Challenge

Open

01/02/20

02/02/20

Ash Farm

Challenge Matches

Open

01/02/20

02/02/20

Ash Farm

Paul Sweeney Memorial

0–3

04/02/20

16/02/20

Westcroft Park

The Clubhouse Cup

7 – 10

05/02/20

09/02/20

RCBPC

Weekend Tournament

4–6

08/02/20

09/02/20

AEPC Hickstead Images of Polo Victor Ludorum

5 – 8

08/02/20

09/02/20

RCBPC

The Arena Gold Cup

13 – 15

11/02/20

29/02/20

RCBPC

The Olin Trophy

7 – 10

11/02/20

16/02/20

Westcroft Park

Windlesham Bowl

2–6

15/02/20

16/02/20

Rugby

The Sworders’ Trophy

Open

15/02/20

16/02/20

Druids Lodge

Valentine Trophy

Open

16/02/20

16/02/20

Emsworth

The One Hundred

Open

22/02/20

23/02/20

RCBPC

Weekend Tournament

4–6

22/02/20

23/02/20

Ash Farm

Challenge Matches

Open

22/02/20

23/02/20

AEPC Hickstead Farewell Trophy

Open

22/02/20

RCBPC

Ladies British Open Tournament

4–6

RCBPC

Ladies British Open Subsidiary Final

Druids Lodge Ash Farm

Hawke’s Bay Amuri Kihikihi Ports Hill Lanherne Wanstead Auckland Hurunui Queenstown Hawke’s Bay

Savile Tournament Amuri Tournament Kihikihi 10 Goal Bob Skene Cup Lanherne Tournament Denbeigh Tournament New Zealand Open Hurunui Tournament Queenstown Polo Dewar Cup

Open Open 10 Open Open Open Open Open Open Open

29/01/20 01/02/20 05/02/20 08/02/20 15/02/20 15/02/20 15/02/20 22/02/20 27/02/20 29/02/20

02/02/20 02/02/20 09/02/20 09/02/20 16/02/20 16/02/20 22/02/20 23/02/20 01/03/20 01/03/20

Open Open Open

07/02/20 13/02/20 14/02/20

09/02/20 16/02/20 16/02/20

0, 4 – 6 & 8 – 10 Open Open 0, 4 – 6 & 8 – 10 Open 0, 4 – 6 & 8 – 10 Open Open Open

01/02/20

02/02/20

07/02/20 09/02/20

08/02/20 09/02/20

15/02/20

16/02/20

15/02/20

15/02/20

21/02/20

23/02/20

22/02/20 28/02/20 29/02/20

23/02/20 01/03/20 01/03/20

Emirates Polo Association Valentine’s Day

10

08/02/20

15/02/20

Amateur’s cup

Open

21/02/20

29/02/20

Silver Cup Polo Masters Cup Valentine’s Cup Dubai Gold Cup

18 6–8 Open Open

24/01/20 10/02/20 14/02/20 15/02/20

07/02/20 12/02/20 14/02/20 06/03/20

Stephan Chumfunshi Cup

8 – 10

08/02/20

15/02/20

Queen’s Cup Pink Polo

12 – 14

18/02/20

22/02/20

World Patrons’ Championship

Open

23/02/20

23/02/20

Club Chukkas

Open

29/02/20

01/03/20

South Africa Poloafrica Val de Vie Franshoek

Poloafrica Day Val de Vie 4 Goal Franshoek Tournament

Australia Yaloak

Yaloak Tournament

23/02/20

Yaloak Ballarat

Yaloak Tournament Ballarat Polo Cup Invitational

24/02/20

29/02/20

Eynesbury

Eynesbury Tournament

Open

01/03/20

01/03/20

Fultons Lane

St Kilda Twilight Beach Polo

Lismore Trophy

Open

01/03/20

01/03/20

Yarra Valley

Yarra Valley Polo Club

Pro Am Winter Closer

Adelaide Hexham Adelaide

Adelaide Hunt Club Cup Urquart Cup Tournament Strathalbyn Heritage Cup

Open

02/03/20

03/02/20

AEPC Hickstead Bryan Morrison Trophy

Open

07/03/20

07/03/20

Druids Lodge

Winter League Finals – Renshaw Trophy

Open

07/03/20

08/03/20

Westcroft Park

Challenges

Open

10/03/20

31/03/20

Open

04/02/20

05/02/20

WOMEN’S POLO Mingela

VPA Ladies Championships

Hobe Sound

Florida Circuit Women’s Challenge 14 – 16

17/02/20

17/02/20

Thai Polo & Equestrian

Queen’s Cup Pink Polo

18/02/20

22/02/20

12 – 14

RCBPC

Ladies British Open Tournament

4–6

24/02/20

29/02/20

Mystery Creek

Ladies Tournament

Open

29/02/20

01/03/20

RCBPC

Ladies British Open Subsidiary Final

Open

01/03/20

01/03/20

RCBPC

The Minuty Ladies Cup

1–3

22/01/20 25/01/20

Barbados Holders/Apes Hill Holders/Apes Hill

BPC Canada Tour BPC Villages/Battle of the Sexes

Open Open

03/02/20 16/02/20

09/02/20 23/02/20

America International Polo Club Eldorado International Polo Club International Polo Club

Ylvisaker Cup Carlton & Keleen Beal Cup C.V. Whitney Cup Butler Handicap Pacific Coast Circuit Eldorado Constitution Cup A International Polo Club USPA Gold Cup

76

New Zealand

Polo Times, February 2020

16 – 18 12 22 14 – 18

11/01/20 31/01/20 01/02/20 10/02/20

02/02/20 09/02/20 23/02/20 01/03/20

12

14/02/20

23/02/20

22

22/02/20

22/03/20

Dubai Dubai Polo & Equestrian Dubai Polo & Equestrian Al Habtoor Al Habtoor Al Habtoor Al Habtoor

Thailand Thai Polo & Equestrian Thai Polo & Equestrian Thai Polo & Equestrian Thai Polo & Equestrian

Snow Polo Dates Kitzbühel

Snow Polo World Cup 2021

Open

14/01/21

17/01/21

St. Moritz

Snow Polo World Cup 2021

Open

29/01/21

31/01/21

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo directory Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Home Farm Polo Grounds

07807672120

rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

Leadenham Polo Club

07429 299026

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Bawtry Polo Club

01302 773282

info@bawtrypoloclub.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07803 020577

info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917

info@poloclubbunclody.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 811 111

enquiries@ixlevents.com

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07990 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

Marketplace Transport

Equipment

MAN 4/5 PONY HORSEBOX REGISTRATION 2005 Grab a Bargain for great Hunting and/or Polo Aluminium box. Plated till May 2020 £4,950 Call/Msg Rob 07767 477207. Wiltshire

PO1O RAT Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Tel: 07860 906032

Equipment BEN HASTIE PHOTOGRAPHY - Equine & Countryside Photography specialising in Polo www.benhastiephotography.com/ 07970 348883 Cheltenham

www.polotimes.co.uk

SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn.

Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm.

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

Quick Question Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page

A: The first ever winners of The Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel were VERTU,

consisting of a line-up of Tony Pidgeley, Jack Kidd and Tim Bown. All three players were from England Polo Times, February 2020

77

For the polo purist

Volume 24 • Issue 1 • February 2019 • £6.50

www.polotimes.co.uk

Volume 24 • Issue 3 • April 2019 • £6.50

www.polotimes.co.uk

Volume 24 • Issue 4 • May 2019 • £6.50

THAI POLO OPEN La Familia Secure Success

THE BRYAN MORRISON TROPHY Flannels England Victorious Again

INTERVIEWS Ollie Cudmore & Matt Coppola

PRODUCING PERFORMANCE HORSES From Fresh Filly to BPP

EQUINE BACK MECHANICS Benefit Osteopathy

USA SEASON CONCLUDES World Polo League & Gauntlet of Polo

US HIGH GOAL GUIDE All Change in America

DESENSITISING & SENSITISING Getting Your Youngsters Started

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONALS Home sides victorious

PLUS: 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup & Fit to Play?

PLUS: USA Action, Polo Valley Expands & Nutrition for Performance

Cover Feb19.indd 1

Volume 24 • Issue 5 • June 2019 • £6.50

Volume 24 • Issue 7 • August 2019 • £6.50

UK HIGH GOAL KICKS OFF The Prince of Wales, Trippetts and Queen Mother’s Centenary

YOUTH BREAKS RECORD The King Power Gold Cup

POLITO ULLOA A true horseman

AS IF BY MAGIC Interview with David Paradice

WESTCHESTER CUP USA break 17 year stalemate

BRITISH POLO HIGHLIGHTS Warwickshire Cup, Royal Windsor & Rundle Cup

www.polotimes.co.uk

PLUS: Racing to Polo Challenge & Victor Ludorum Update

PLUS: Royal Windsor Horse Show, Copenhagen Cup & Worming Your String

Cover June19.indd 1

PLUS: UK High Goal Guide, Dubai Challenge Cup, Medical Robot Revolution

Cover May19.indd 1

23/01/2019 13:17

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04/06/2019 10:29

Don’t forget that as part of your subscription you will receive FREE OF CHARGE: The Polo Times App Weekly exclusive subscriber only email newsletter FREE classified advertising Subscriber only competitions and offers

29/04/2019 10:14

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Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

4 goal Tom Beim did not begin his professional sporting career in the saddle like most professionals. Instead he first found the sporting spotlight on the rugby field, playing for Sale, Gloucester, Viadana, Pertemps Bees, Barbarians and ultimately secured caps for England. But with rugby on the backburner, polo thrust itself back into the forefront for Tom, who has now successfully championed that sport as well, having even played for England! It’s a rare person who can secure caps for not one, but two sports, but the desire and determination of a character like Tom’s has ensured success with everything he’s turned his talents to Most prized possession? My family, without a doubt.

Favourite food/dish?

Breaded chicken and chips.

Favourite celebrity and why? Mark Wahlberg or Adam Sandler.

Who were/are your favourite teammates?

My son Zac, brother James, James Harper and -2 Richard Buckett, of RJ Polo fame (watch out for him next season)!

What is your biggest passion and why?

Always the horses and especially making young ones.

What is your all-time best polo memory?

I’ve got great memories playing in Australia with great friends. But whenever I play with my son, Zac or my brother [James] is the best.

Hardest opponent? Will Lucas, without a doubt. He’s tough and a winner.

Which sports do you like outside of polo? I like to follow most sports, especially football and rugby.

Favourite film and why? Step Brothers. They remind me of a couple of my friends!

Favourite song/album? Sweet Home Alabama, by Lynard Skynard.

Favourite hobby outside of polo? Playing the drums.

Best holiday destination & activity The Dominican Republic – relaxing on the beach or by the pool.

Best pony and why.

Messetta. She’s my oldest. I’ve had her since I started playing again and every time I play her, she gives the same. She’s an amazing, kind and genuine horse.

Are you passionately superstitious? A bit! I put my left sock, shoe or boot on first, then my right – regardless of whether it’s polo or rugby.

Describe yourself in three words… Loyal, hard-working, grumpy (at times!).

One thing which would surprise us about you? I’m a drummer in a band and I’m actually under 40!

80

Polo Times, February 2020

www.polotimes.co.uk

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