Women’s Polo Polo Times looks at women’s polo around the world, who’s playing where and what the latest news is
Sunny Hale strikes again
Photograph by Tony Mearman
On the weekend of 20 – 21 June, Bluey’s Farm hosted the fifth edition of their traditional Ladies’ Sugar Bowl tournament. The weekend programme welcomed four separate ladies-only teams, ranging from 4 to 8 goal in handicap. Although Shaft Polo’s Mel Hamilton, Jeanette Jones, Kirsty Craig and Natalia Danilochkina took this year’s title, Bluey’s Insight Corporate Wear (Sarah Williams Kelly, Jeanine Vos, Karina Kaute-Brown, Gemma Craig), Star Fuels (Christine Bowman, Steph Phizackerly/Sarah Brown, Louis Brown, Lucy Bowman) and Adrenaline (Emily Puddifer, Sophie Morrison, Tilly Holt, Georgiana Crofton) all showcased skilful play. Saturday afternoon’s action was followed by an asado at the yard, whilst Sunday’s Final concluded with a prize-giving ceremony as well as tea, cakes and Pimm’s.
Cover photograph by Chris Yeo
Shaft Polo Triumph
5 minutes with…
Jessica Andrews
FOLLOWING HER RECENT Most Valuable Player accolade in the season’s first WIP League Tournament, held at Inglesham Polo Club, Polo Times talks to 4 goal lady player Jessica Andrews. The current Polo Manager at Tidworth Polo Club, a club which has been celebrated for providing low goal polo at its best, discusses her future aims within the sport and her greatest polo achievements to date.
How did your polo career start? “My Dad has played for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t start until I was 15 whilst I was at Millfield School and then I kept playing at Taunton Vale with Dad. Prior to that I was a dressage rider.” What do you like/not like about polo? “I love the horses and the friends I have made through the sport. I can’t say I hate anything about it, although managing polo players can be challenging!” Which lady players do you admire and why? “There are a lot of very good lady players
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who I admire, but closer to home it has to be Heloise Wilson-Smith. She is a tough opponent and a great teammate who, having taken a break to have a baby, came back playing harder than ever before.” What are your personal aims within the sport? “Having taken over Tidworth Polo Club from John Wright nearly three years ago, my priorities lie there in developing and running it to the best of my ability. I would love to get involved with more international opportunities but it is hard to do that whilst also running a Club.” Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed or girls-only? “I love both, as long as I am playing with friends.” Female polo seems to be constantly increasing, why do you think this is? “The sport has become more accessible on a broad scale, both at a club level and through organisations such as SUPA. Girls who already
America’s most famous female polo player, Sunny Hale, has released her book, Let’s Talk Polo. In what we all know is a male dominated sport, she has achieved what most female players can only dream of. One of her most notable triumphs is perhaps her victory in the US Open – a win that led to her being the first woman in US history to win the prestigious title. Together her triumphs and career highlights create a success story that is the equivalent to a woman being hired to play in the NBA, World Series or the Superbowl. The publication is the first of the Let’s Talk Polo book series, where Hale discusses proven techniques and strategies, as well as what factors led to her having the opportunity to play alongside some of the world’s most talented polo players. Let’s Talk Polo was released on 21 May and is available to buy on Amazon. ride are now finding a new and exciting way to enjoy equestrian sport.” Do you think women’s handicaps are a good thing? “I have mixed feelings…I think creating a bigger spread of handicaps based on ability is a good idea, and is something which would also benefit mixed polo at the lower end. It would however have been good to have trialled the system in England this year from scratch, without including the international handicaps of those who have played abroad as this has caused some problems. It is too early to tell yet whether it will work in practice.” How do you see the future of women’s polo? “I think the future of ladies’ polo is strong, with more and more girls coming into the game, it is all about creating as many opportunities for those players to improve and enjoy the game. I have become involved with WIP and this is an area we are trying to grow.” What is your best polo memory? “I have several great memories of playing in New Zealand and it’s hard to pick any in particular, although winning The NZ Ladies Open was definitely up there.Another was winning the Simon Kuseyo Memorial 4 goal in a 2 goal team alongside my Dad.”
Polo Times, July 2015
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