Polo Times July 2020

Volume 25 • Issue 6 • July 2020 • £6.50

TONY RAMIREZ INTERVIEW The Man Behind the Lens LOCKDOWN ANTIDOTE Polo Valley’s Spanish Secret POLO PASSIONS Siri Bazzoni

PLUS: Victor & Victrix Ludorum Round-Up & Queen Mother Centenary

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

Contents Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside…

July 2020

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

Operations Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Marketing Manager Lottie McDonagh lottie@polotimes.co.uk

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Advertising Sales Richard Hine ads@polotimes.co.uk

Principal Design James Morgan

Additional Design Tony Ruddy

22 News

Administration Assistant Lynne Berry

Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

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All the Latest News Obituaries: Sheila Milner, Michael Roy Sparks Sr. & Patricia Hipwood HPA News

Comment 16

Letters: Your Views & Social Media

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

18 20 22

John King: Talented Polo Artist Polo Valley: Lockdown Antidote Interview: Tony Ramirez

Reports

Tony Ramirez, Natalie Willcock

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32

Contact details

Club Focus

Contributors: Lorna Edgar, Rob Gould, Edwina Haynes, Dr.med. Andreas Krüger, Rege Ludwig, Rupert Mackeson, Dr. Marga Mas DVM PGDip MRCVS, India Parker-Smith,

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

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© 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, July 2020

The Prince of Wales Final La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Tournament Victor Ludorum Update Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Youth Polo

All Aspects of Youth Polo HPA Elite Development Pathway & Players

Women’s Polo 40

Victrix Ludorum Update

Knowledge 42 44

46 48

49 52 54 56

Nutrition Focus: Q&A on Colic Polodoc: Healthy Player, Healthy Club – Better Polo Vet Insight: Insect Control Uncovered Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series Chukka Wellness: Polo Stick Workout Rege Ludwig: Creating Power Yoga for Polo: Hip Ligaments & Tendons Cotswold Forager: Summer Foraging

Sidelines 58

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know!

Polo Directory 60

What’s On in July

Final Bell 64

Passions: Siri Bazzoni

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Call on +44 (0)1452 730 770 Subscribe online: www.polotimes.co.uk Cover photograph: Beautifully composed polo action from the Final of the La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary as James Harper, playing for White Crane expertly ushers the ball through the iconic Guards Polo Club goal posts. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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Polo Times, July 2020

Photograph by Grand Champions Polo Club

Grant Ganzi wins LLS Man of The Year Palm Beach

Grant Ganzi has raised $149,063 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Grant Ganzi, son of Grand Champions Polo Club founders Melissa and Marc Ganzi, has secured the title of LLS Man of The Year Palm Beach after raising a total of $149,063 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Ganzi had aimed to raise $75,000, a target which his final total far exceeded. Ganzi raised money for LLS after being inspired by fellow teammate and player Brandon Phillips, who having been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 14 and was only given six months to live, but he beat the odds and has been in remission for over 25 years. Ganzi commented, “I surpassed my goal and I’m surprised I was able to. There were moments in my campaign where I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to reach my goal. Thank you to my family, friends, team members, fellow contestants, Aiden, Lily, and to everyone at the LLS! I couldn’t have done it without you guys.”

King Power Gold Cup Teams King Power Gold Cup Teams: Zone A Les Lions/Great Oaks (22): Camilo Castagnola (7), Dillon Bacon (2), Barto Castagnola (7) & Santiago Laborde (6) Park Place (22): Andrey Borodin (0), Kian Hall (3), Gonzalito Pieres (9) & Facundo Pieres (10) Polo Stud Schöckemohle (22): Eckhard Jules (0), Patrick Maleitzke (4), Diego Cavanagh (8) & Jaime García Huidobro (7) Monterosso (22): Alessandro Bazzoni (1), Guillermo Terrera (7), Ignacio Toccalino (8) & Jerónimo Del Carril (6) Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

We purposefully delayed starting the presses on this issue of Polo Times in the hope that we might have some really good news… and we are so pleased that we did!

Not only did the HPA announce huge rays of light at the end of, what was at times, a particularly dark and gloomy ‘tunnel’ by announcing that the 2020 UK polo season would imminently (hopefully) be opened up for all players, elite or otherwise – but Polo Times also welcomed the arrival last night of a beautiful colt to his mum Nevada, (AKA Spotty, the photo shows why her stable name is so apt).

Over three years in the making, and after a failed AI, nature’s way intervened whilst Nevada was running with stallion Fairgo and his herd at Edgeworth Polo Club and the resulting Monkeynut brings the fullest meaning to the term, ‘the circle of life’. As the most placid and bomb-proof of mares in her youth, Nevada returned to our family after 10 years apart – in the hope that she would make a wonderful brood mare. Although it is very early days, the little chap is already winning hearts, whilst mum proudly dotes on him.

Polo being played across all levels, and being finally back to normal, (well almost), and Monkeynut’s arrival, prove that good things really do come to those that wait.

Have patience and perseverance and you will be rewarded.

And so it is with the HPA – the running of which is an undeniably relentless and thankless task at the best of times, least not than when faced with a global pandemic and resulting government forced closure. Throw in for good measure that some factions within the media hit below the belt without regard for the consequences. Lest we forget, most involved in the HPA’s decision making are unpaid volunteers. In the eye of last month’s resulting storm, you would have to wonder why any sane Steward would put themselves up for what they know will be a rusty nail in a naked foot for most of their tenure.

With these thoughts in mind and for polo’s future, Polo Times joins the HPA in reiterating that not to bother with some or all the Government guidelines and procedures, when we are so close to barriers being lifted which we have all fought so hard for, would be a huge disservice to yourself and your fellow polo players – and all those businesses that support polo.

Just as the very best Headmasters are seldom popular with their students, even the most rebellious of pupils will know deep down, that their Headmaster steers a difficult course, and one which invariably may not make him or her popular at times… being polo’s governing body is no different.

Be patient, persevere, stay strong and play safe.

News

The King Power Gold Cup is underway

The King Power Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship is currently underway at Cowdray Park Polo Club, with the Final scheduled to be played on Sunday 26 July.

Zone B Next Generation (22): Jean-François Decaux (0), Poroto Cambiaso (3), David ‘Pelon’ Stirling (9) & Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Scone (22): David Paradice (0), Ollie Cudmore (6), Nico Pieres (9) & James Harper (7) Thai Polo NW (22): Ned Hine (3), Rodrigo Rueda (6), Juan Martín Zubía (7) & Jack Richardson (6) Park Place Vaara (22): Zac Beim (1), Hilario Ulloa (10), Juan Britos (8) & Will Harper (3) www.polotimes.co.uk

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News Viscount Melville Speaks Out

Photograph courtesy of The Mail Online

Bobby Melville, the 10th Viscount Melville has spoken in the defence of his seven-time great-grandfather, Henry Dundas. Bobby says that far from being a supporter of the slave trade his ancestor in fact helped end slavery. Detractors argue he can be blamed for amending William Wilberforce’s 1702 abolition bill to ensure a ‘gradual’ end to slavery and have called for his statue in Edinburgh to be removed.

Meanwhile Bobby argues that the bill had already been rejected and the amendments allowed the path to abolition to remain open.

Bobby commented “It’s vital that people are educated on our history regarding statues, the slave trade and that there is a wider conversation before anarchy and the mob take over and those in power placate them by ignoring the facts in favour of populist votes.

It is currently totally one sided with protestors and councils alike jumping on the band wagon. Neither the BBC News or Channel 4 News put my side forward when I was recently interviewed so I will be posting an open letter… with learned academics input highlighting who Henry Dundas the first Viscount Melville really was.”

Bobby’s letter was included in the Mail Online: ‘Henry Dundas was an abolitionist. He was for the abolition of the slave trade.

That has been written about by countless people. But you have to understand in the current climate, what was UK politics and the British Empire. There was one failed attempt to get it through Parliament and the realistic and pragmatic approach that Dundas took was the only way – which many historians have written about – to make sure that the vision and final goal was achieved. He certainly wasn’t a saint and was a very controversial figure. But currently there is only one side of the man being shown. And fundamentally he was a politician and in the Admiralty quelled all-out war and kept Scotland in the Union. So there’s a lot that Scots do not know about a man whose done a lot, I think, for Scotland. What I’ve always been in favour of is a wider conversation and education on it. It’s so important for people to be educated to form an opinion – the two sides of a coin and two sides of a debate. After one failed attempt already made

by Wilberforce to get the abolition bill through parliament, and with so much power and financial interests involved in the West Indian plantations and the slave trade as a whole, the only way to get it abolished and a majority vote through parliament was to insert the word ‘gradual’ into the legislation.

Had it not been for Henry Dundas’ amendment to the legislation, the slave trade could have been about for decades to

Bobby Melville has spoken out in defence of his ancestor Henry Dundas

come. I genuinely think he would be on the streets. One hundred per cent. All lives matter. I think this was a man who would say all lives matter. I think it’s absolutely horrific what happened to George Floyd. I think racism is systematic and it’s institutional within politics and culture, our social environment in the 21st century. I think it’s great what’s going on and it’s great that it’s being shown. What’s not great is the thuggery and extremism that takes to spray cans and vandalism. In particular, it is untrue that the postponement of the ban on the slave trade to 1807 was the result of any executive action by Henry Dundas notwithstanding the fact he left government in 1801.

He had no personal involvement in the slave trade and when asked by William Pitt to support the abolition it was his motion that is the reason millions were spared a part in a horrific trade and dark period in UK history. Any attempt to inscribe words on the statue giving people the idea he was in favour of slavery would be a profound injustice to a man who did his utmost to ensure that progressive politics were realistically promoted in a uniquely difficult period of British, European and global history. To retain public respect for its own decision in the matter, the City of Edinburgh Council should not ignore such plain facts but make sure the inscription respects them.’

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Polo Times, July 2020

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News Updated Rules & Umpire Protocols Following the HPA’s announcement on Saturday 13 June that competitive polo for 8 goals and above would resume, a set of rule changes and umpire protocols have also been made in order to allow polo to be played whilst maintaining social distance.

Umpire Protocols: Equipment: All umpires should bring their own Face Covering, Gloves and Sanitising product and use their own equipment (Hat, Whistle, Cards, Pick Up Stick, and Shirt). If this is not possible, any

Photograph by Polo Times

Rule Variances Changing Ends: Teams will only change ends at the end of each chukka.

Duration Of Chukkas: All chukkas shall be played to the second bell except that the last chukka will end on the first bell if a team is winning. If teams are tied, play will continue until a goal is scored or the second bell.

Start of Play: The team that wins the toss may choose which way to play or to start the game with a hit from their own 60 yard line as per a knock in. All chukkas will start this way with teams taking alternate hits.

Restart After a Goal: Play will restart with a hit by the defending team. The clock will not stop and the umpire rather than the goal judge will place the ball after 20 seconds on the 60 yard line opposite the centre of the goal. He will then call play and the player must play the ball within 5 seconds without re-placing it. The opposition must be 30 yards from the 60 yard line.

Restart of Play Without Line-Ups: If play is stopped and the normal result would have been a line out for a throw in, the umpires will now restart play as follows: * If a player had clear possession of the ball and was not being challenged by an opponent when play was stopped a “Fair Play Dropped Ball” will be called. The opposition must be 30 yards away when the umpire drops the ball where it was when the whistle was blown. The ball is in play when it hits the ground. If the ball was within the 60, the Umpire will award a “fair drop” on the 60 yard line in line with where the ball was when the whistle was blown. * If neither team were in clear possession of the ball when play was stopped, a “Fair Play Dropped Ball” shall be awarded to the defending side (the team furthest from the goal they are attacking), thus giving the benefit of the doubt to the defending side. * If a penalty is to be penalised for a delay or is incorrectly taken, a penalty shall be awarded to the opposition from where that original penalty was given. Or, in the case of a delayed knock in, opposite on the 60 yard line.

Ball Out of Play: No player may make any contact with another player whilst the ball is not in play.

Clubs are having to adapt to new Coronavirus measures

equipment supplied must be disinfected (with a suitable COVID 19 product) by the club before and after re-use. If Radios are to be used, then the umpire must bring their own headset or the club must supply a set to be kept (temporarily) by the individual. If this is not possible, Radios are not to be used.

Ponies: Teams Captains are required to organise and provide two ponies for all 15 goal matches and above. Below this level only one need be provided. A pony that has been played or has umpired four chukkas should not be used to umpire without a significant break.

A pony to be ridden by an umpire must be equipped as for playing except that the tail need not be put up. Ponies must be safe and suitable to umpire the level being played and should an umpire deem that the pony offered is unsuitable then the team must provide a replacement. *The Pony must have all tack disinfected (with a suitable COVID19 product) and presented to the umpires by a person wearing a face mask 15 minutes before the scheduled game start time. *The ball bag must either belong to the umpire or be supplied direct to him from a match official. The pony must not be presented with the ball bag already attached.

Balls: All balls must be disinfected (with a suitable COVID19 product) before and during any polo session which involves either training Marshalls and/or Goal judges. The recommended procedure should be 3 points of collection, from 3 nominated officials (which may be a goal judge) placed in a central position and behind the goals at either end. Balls should be kept in disinfection tubs at these collection points to ensure the safety of all officials.

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News USPA Silver Cup Returns

Cirencester Park Polo Club have announced the sad news, that on Sunday 28 June Sheila Milner, a life member at the Club, passed away peacefully.

Sheila was an honorary part of the Cirencester team, accompanying her husband John in his capacity as Head Timekeeper. Sheila will be fondly remembered at the Club. Our thoughts are with Sheila’s family at this sad time.

Obituary Michael Roy Sparks Sr. Michael Roy Sparks Sr. passed away on Thursday 11 June at 80-years-old. The United States Polo Association paid tribute to a larger than life polo character: “Michael Roy Sparks Sr., age 80, passed away on June 11, 2020 in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He was a Chicagoland native and a graduate of York Community High School. He went on to become a prominent real-estate developer, an avid polo player and an exceptional fox hunter.

Michael was president and founder of Sparks & Associates, Inc., the industry leader in multi-family property development and corporate housing. Michael founded the 12 Oaks Polo Club and won the 1979 National Copper Cup, 1981 Continental Cup and the 1982 Butler Handicap, some of the United States Polo Association’s most prestigious trophies. Michael held a 3 goal handicap and played in various tournaments including the U.S. Open Polo Championship.

Photograph courtesy of Cirencester Park Polo Club

Global Polo TV returns live on Friday 24 July for the start of The Silver Cup! The tournament is being hosted by Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, with the Final scheduled for Sunday 9 August.

Obituary Sheila Milner

“I am fortunate to have known ‘Sparky’ for over 40 years as a teammate and friend,” remarked John Sieber. “In polo he achieved what very few have and was regarded as ‘a players’ sponsor.’ Not only did he provide opportunities for many to participate, but at the same time was trusted to execute on the field by his teammates.”

Michael was preceded in death by his father Charles Roy Sparks, mother, Mary Walsh, and brother Charles Patrick Sparks.

He is survived by his sister Geraldine Kosartes, and his five children; Michael Sparks Jr., William Sparks, Mary Kathryn Sparks, Caroline Paige Sparks, John Robert Sparks.

A Memorial Service will take place at St. James Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois on Saturday, July 11. Due to the guidelines for safe gatherings, the family will be reaching out privately with more information regarding the service.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in honor of Michael Roy Sparks Sr. to the Museum of Polo, 9011 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, Florida 33467. Should you prefer to send flowers, please direct them to 175 South 31st Street, Boulder, Colorado 80305.”

Photography by The Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame

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Polo Times, July 2020

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News Obituary Patricia Hipwood 1948-2020 The Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame remembers Patricia Hipwood: ‘It is with great sadness that we share the tragic news that Patricia Hipwood passed away, losing her brave fight against pancreatic cancer.

On Sunday 24 May, she died peacefully at home in Florida with her husband Julian and her son Piers by her side. Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to them, her son Max and the entire family.

We have lost a dear friend and we will miss the times we spent with her here at the Museum, especially in the days leading up to the annual Hall of Fame dinner each year. It was an endeavor into which she had always thrown herself with full commitment and passion since 1993 when she and Julian were the General Chairmen of the event. She did it for just shy of 20 years – a petite but spirited bundle of energy, Patricia would spend weeks before the dinner rounding up items for the Silent Auction, arriving daily with armfuls of treasures and a good number of funny tales. She delighted in it and we had great fun, with Patricia always readily pitching in to do whatever she could to help.

In 1994 Patricia was also asked to serve on our Board of Directors, which she did until 2011. She did much to help drive the success of the Museum and its early fundraising events. After leaving the Board she remained dedicated to doing everything she could to lend a hand and continue to help the Museum to flourish.

Her husband Julian reflected, “She was beautiful, stylish, artistic and talented with a strong personality and great confidence. She had worked on a number of glossy magazines and was held in high regard as a fashion editor. But I will remember her, of course, as my loving wife. Words fail us to convey the complete sense of loss that we now feel. We will all miss her dreadfully.”

His words also come to mind when I think of Patricia – beautiful, elegant, stylish, talented, dynamic, witty, funny, dedicated, real. There is so much more, but mostly, We had some wonderful times. We were honored to know her, work with her and to call her a friend. We will miss her very, very much.

No services have been planned at this uncertain time, however if something should be decided upon we will keep you advised. Condolences may be sent to the family, but they have asked that in lieu of flowers they would rather that donations be made in memory of Patricia to either the Museum of Polo or to the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League.’

Photography courtesy of The Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame

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HPA News

Covid-19 HPA Latest Updates

Latest HPA Updates HPA Update No. 9 On Saturday 13 June, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) made their ninth update regarding their revised position on competitive polo. Whilst this clears the way for the high goal to resume, the effects on 8 goal and below will be far reaching and potentially damaging with polo still limited to three on three, no contact, noncompetitive training. The HPA have since published their list of Elite Pathway Players, turn to page 38 to see the full list.

Following the HPA’s announcement on Saturday 13 June that competitive polo for 8 goals would resume, a set of rule changes and umpire protocols were also published in order to allow polo to be played whilst maintaining social distance, please turn to our News pages to read these in full.

Following further consultation with the Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and our legal advisers the HPA has concluded it appropriate to continue polo on a progressive basis and in line with its plans from the beginning of next week, subject to some important changes.

The 8 goal and above and Victrix Ludorum may proceed as planned but each team must include a minimum of 3 professional or aged 16 and over elite pathway players (as 1st January 2020), along with the team player/manager who is responsible for putting together and entering the team. The HPA will produce a list of elite pathway players shortly which will be kept under review as the season progresses.

Below the 8 goal level and Victrix Ludorum polo continues to be limited to 3 on 3 no contact and non-competitive training. This is being kept under constant review.

A number of important rule changes are being introduced to ensure minimal contact between players, in addition to the procedures and compliance requirements the sport has already put in place to conform with government guidelines.

It is absolutely crucial that all clubs adhere strictly to these procedures which have been reviewed by the DCMS and that players and all other attendees support clubs in their management of these procedures. This adherence is the responsibility of every individual and on which the continuation of the sport is dependent.

The HPA will shortly be introducing a mandatory education module as a one off, in line with that in racing which will take 30 minutes. It will also be in Spanish.

The continuation of the sport is critical for everyone involved, including the various businesses and individuals who derive their livelihood from it. We will continue to keep under review the opportunity to open the sport up further to competitive play below 8 goal and hope to do so as soon as we are able under government guidelines.

These are unprecedented times for the whole country as well as all sports and we would like to thank the All Party Parliamentary Polo Group for its continued help and support in coming to this progressive conclusion at this difficult stage.

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Polo Times, July 2020

Updated Procedures In our June issue of Polo Times we published the HPA’s full list of Procedures for Exercising, Training and Polo under Covid-19 which were announced by the HPA on Wednesday 3 June. Since then, on Friday 26 June the HPA released a series of changes and additions to their initial Procedures, which are detailed below. The full list of HPA Procedures can be viewed on the HPA website, with the additions from 26 June highlighted in red in the document.

• Each attendee must be covered by a waiver, signed either by themselves or by a person authorised to sign on their behalf.

There is a separate waiver for anyone who, as part of their employment, has been or might have been in contact with persons who have or may have Covid-19 symptoms.

• Each attendee must have a certificate to show that they have completed the hygiene module successfully.

• Collect contact details of players in case of a serious injury.

• Social distancing: Apply and enforce at all times for team photos, prizegiving etc.

• Photographers may attend on basis of one per team and one for the club with all subject to a written agreement with the club to ensure that they do not bring the game into disrepute.

• Clubs should be flexible in the supply of water in the lines if it is required due to the hot weather or some teams being unable to bring sufficient water.

• Level 4. Up to 10 on a field at any one time for elite training and practice games with any unnecessary contact kept to a minimum.

Currently only eligible for teams that each have 8 goals or more on the field.

• For Level 2 and 3 training, alternative methods to line ups have been introduced (see below).

• 7. Number of Grooms and Ponies. To keep numbers down the following limits for grooms and ponies are as follows: Up to Level 4: 2 grooms/6 ponies or 8 grooms/24 per team 4 chukka polo: 2 grooms/6 ponies or 8 grooms/24 per team 4 chukka 15 goal: 2 grooms/7 ponies or 8 grooms/28 per team 5 chukka polo: 3 grooms/8 ponies or 12 grooms/32 per team 6 chukka polo: 5 grooms/10 ponies or 20 grooms/40 per team • SUBSTITUTION AND TEAM CHANGES FOR HIGH GOAL Team Change in 18 and 22 Goal.

• League Phase. If a player of 7 goals and above cannot play due to an injury or illness certified by a doctor, that player may be replaced by a player in the tournament of no higher a handicap who is in a different league in but is qualified in all other respects.

• Main Knockout Phase. If a player of 2 goals and above cannot play due to an injury or illness certified by a doctor, that player may be replaced by a player who is no longer part of the main tournament but is qualified in all other respects.

Substitution in 18 and 22 Goal. A list of nominated substitutes shall be emailed to the Polo Manager 24 hrs in advance. Players of 7 and above can be used as substitutes throughout the tournament and a player who has been knocked out in a previous round or the league/group phase may be used in the knockout phase.

• Face Coverings and Masks [The HPA have listed suitable face coverings]

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Covid-19 HPA Latest Updates As this issue of Polo Times went to print the HPA released their 10th update which finally shows some light at the end of the tunnel for all polo at all levels. Currently, competitive polo can only be played from 8 goals and above, with all polo below that level not allowed to be played at the moment. However, on Thursday 9 July Nick Wiles (Chairman of the HPA) spoke to DCMS to reassure them that the necessary protocols are already in place for polo to be able to resume below 8 goal; additionally, on Friday 10 July the HPA had a meeting scheduled with the Chairman of APPG and was due to speak to the Head of Elite Sports and Public Health England.

Although the outcome of the meeting had yet to be announced at the time of going to print, this news is certainly a step in the right direction and some much-needed positive news for players and clubs across England.

Update No 10 9 July 2020

You have probably heard that the Government has made a significant announcement as far as sport is concerned this evening [9 July]. The Chairman of the HPA has remained in regular communications with DCMS over the past few weeks and more frequently in recent days.

We have made it clear to the DCMS that the necessary protocols are already in place and largely working well. We have repeatedly emphasised to them that the risk of the virus being spread by polo is minimal provided that the procedures are followed, how important economically it is that all levels of polo are allowed to start and that we are ready to open the sport to all players as soon as their guidance allows.

The Chairman has been in touch with DCMS today [9 July] and is due to speak to Head of Elite Sports and Public Health England tomorrow. We also have a meeting with the Chairman of APPG tomorrow [10 July]. We will have to check our current procedures against the new guidelines for team sports which we have yet to examine but DCMS has been passed the latest copy of our procedures and members

HPA News

of DCMS have recently taken the trouble to go to see polo being played.

All the indications are that they consider that our procedures have been well thought through and are being administered properly. They are aware that there have been some complaints lodged for non-compliance around social distancing and quarantine, and there has been the issue around polo as an elite sport with amateur players taking part but we are hopeful that our procedures will be some of the first to be approved and that, although it is DCMS’ view that polo is more of a contact sport than cricket and more comparable to hockey, we will shortly be able to open up the sport in a playable guise to all our playing members. There may need to be some changes, but I am sure that we will be able to live with whatever they might need to be. At this stage we are not clear whether it will be possible to relax the restriction on spectators.

All of this will of course be dependent on the virus not spreading, and clubs and individuals continuing to play their part. Any opening up of the sport will be conditional and reversible and the remainder of our season to a great extent lies in the hands of all those playing and attending polo. It will remain crucial for everyone in the sport to remain disciplined and adhere absolutely to the procedures we have developed as a sport. As at today, polo is one of a very few team sports being played and the reputation of polo is going to be seriously damaged if any future outbreak can be tracked back to careless procedures at polo.

It has been a bumpy ride and the temptation for many will be to not bother with some or all the procedures. This would be a huge disservice to yourself and your fellow polo players and all those businesses that support polo. Generally there has been widespread and stoic acceptance for the very difficult situation that we have all found ourselves in and the Chairman of the HPA would like to thank everyone for their support, in particular those who have joined the HPA in the hope that there would be some sort of a season. It is very much hoped that you are about to be rewarded.

The MVP You‘ve invested in great horses - don‘t be let down by your saddles To try the MVP: Call +44(0)7487-548242

www.performance-polo.com

Comment

Your Views

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

Letters

Dear All I know what a difficult time the polo world is having at the moment with the covid virus, especially the HPA. We see from the Polo Times all the updates from the Government and the HPA (nine so far). But we, the very frustrated low goal players who are the grass roots of polo, would like to know the team members of the High goal and the dates. Hopefully this will be relayed by PoloLine TV I know that clubs have been told not to publish teams in the 8 goal and above, how does that help polo?

Let’s have some transparency and news please. Other sports seem to manage, e.g. tennis, racing, cricket, golf, even though, like us it is behind closed doors. Some information to ALL members please would be nice.

Yours sincerely Lavinia Black (A very frustrated low goal OAP Player) Publisher’s Note: Here at Polo Times we do aim to keep our readers updated as much as possible, although at the moment the current situation is constantly changing so this can be difficult to relay in print with fixed publishing dates. Our What’s On pages have the current HPA 8-22 goal dates plus extended fixtures from other English clubs and overseas.

In our June issue we also published a full High Goal Guide, which listed all the teams (at the time of going to print) who were competing in this year’s high goal. We also publish on our website updates, schedules and team lists for top English tournaments such as The Archie David (8 goal), Gold Cup and in time The Queen’s and Warwickshire Cups.

Quick Question Q: Which of these tournaments have had their original Cup stolen and not recovered – The Queen’s Cup, The Gold Cup or The Warwickshire Cup? For a bonus point, in which year was it stolen?

A: Turn to page 60 to check your answer.

We follow them to save you the scrolling: @museum_of_polo 100 Years Ago – Looking Back at Polo in America In 1920 there were 4 American players rated at 10 Goals. Forever immortalized in the polo Hall of Fame, they are Foxhall Keene, Devereux Milburn, Larry Waterbury and Harry Payne Whitney. Whitney is shown here on his great mare Balada, Keene is on his pony White Wings, Milburn is shown on his great gelding Tenby, a pony inducted in 2011, Larry Waterbury is shown on his celebrated mare Cinderella.

Larry Waterbury on Cinderella

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Polo Times, July 2020

Everyone is having to get used to social distancing

@PoloTimes 11,007 followers

www.facebook.com/ PoloTimes/ 8,183 likes 16,426 reached 6,892 post engagement

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@hungarianpoloclub Breakfast in the Polo Club #breakfast #poloclub #polo #polopony #breakfastideas #desayuno #reggeli #reggeliatermészetben #lovakkal #lovak #lovas #lovaspólo #lovaspolo #természetben #reggel #csodásreggel #csodasmagyarorszag #csodahely #csodahelyekmagyarországon #instapolo #polostyle #poloholidays #polodays #jóreggelt

Harry Payne Whitney on Balada

Foxhall “Foxie” Keene on White Wings

Devereux Milburn on Tenby

www.polotimes.co.uk

Feature

John King

John King

Rupert Mackeson remembers a talented polo artist

J

ohn King (1929-2014) was born just the other side of Salisbury to Tedworth Park, into a farming family at West Tyherley where he was to live all his life. On leaving school, Canford, he worked on the family farm and being a fine, lightweight horseman, both hunted and rode in point-to-points.

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Polo Times, July 2020

Always interested in drawing and painting, during the 1950s he went to the local art school and was a regular visitor to Lionel Edwards who lived a mile away. Edwards, who by then was recgonised as a great sporting artist, became John’s unofficial tutor. By 1960, John was proficient enough to turn professional and he took to making his living

from being a painter. He was lucky in that as well as being a superb draughtsman with both pencil and ‘pen and ink’, he was equally at home with both oils and watercolour.

Success came quickly and by 1965 the farmland was sold and John himself was recognised as one of the three best sporting artists plying their trade in the UK – the www.polotimes.co.uk

John King

Photography courtesy of Rupert Mackenson

other two being Peter Biegel [1913-1989] and Michael Lyne [1912-1989]. This showed John’s talent as both Biegel and Lyne had been hard at work as artists since 1945. It should be noted the leading sporting artists of the era 1920 – 1940 were out of business by then, Sir Alfred Munnings, Gilbert Holiday and Cecil Aldin all dead and Lionel Edwards, Snaffles and G D Amour if active, were well past their best, due to failing eyesight.

Salisbury Plain and Tedworth were to provide John with much of his work. He painted the RA Hunt on more than one occasion and the army camps provided commissions for ceremonial paintings.

Larkhill provided good scenes for point-topointing sketches and oil painting and the www.polotimes.co.uk

Feature

Tedworth Park Polo Club, a haven for polo paintings and drawings.

Much of John’s works were commissioned oil paintings for leaving presentations. He soon had a reputation for doing a, ‘sound job’ and most importantly always delivery on time. So, as well as being very talented, John had a good business brain. He received good commissions from the USA, France, South Africa and his work is in many major sporting collections.

Not unnaturally, his work tends to be like his tutor’s Lionel Edwards work, however John’s work is normally more decorative than Edward’s and certainly where polo was is concerned, John was a far better drawer and painter of action. It is fair to say post 1920, the best painters of polo action were Snaffles [Charlie Johnson Paine], G D Amour, Gilbert Holiday and John King, while John Board was fine with monochrome work, but below average when he tried to introduce colour into his work.

The shop at Tedworth Park Polo Club has a variety of John King polo prints on sale this season.

Polo Times, July 2020

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Feature

Polo Valley Sleeping under canvas brings back childhood dreams

Lockdown Antidote Edwina Haynes remembers her idyllic visit

T

he best antidote to ‘Lockdown’ cabin fever is a stone’s throw from Gibraltar. Chris Byrne and his team at Polo Valley have created the ideal experience which will appeal to even the most reluctant traveller. Sotogrande has long been the Mecca for summer sporting 20

Polo Times, July 2020

activities and of course the home of high goal polo in August, but if you are looking for a novice’s introduction, then Polo Valley is the place to head for.

Situated close to the Guadiaro River, Polo Valley is the epitome of equestrian elegance – with pristine stables, polo grounds

and installations for tuition, chukkas and accommodation for guests; it is the perfect environment for re-charging oneself and escaping to the quiet of this charming Andalucian valley.

The new chapter for Polo Valley is a riding safari that brings you in contact with www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography courtesy of Polo Valley

Polo Valley

Feature

An ice cold lemonade was welcome & refreshing

The picturesque camp is located on the edge of a lake

The delicious evening asado

Edwina enjoyed two hours riding along the riverbed

the flora and fauna that abound along the river. A two or three hour trek, culminating in an overnight stay in a picturesque camp located on the edge of a lake, it’s an impeccable mini adventure. Away from the coast and only a few kilometres inland, it is the real Spain.

On arrival, Malena Stirling, (who takes care of guests as if we are royalty), guides us seamlessly to the tents, and then to meet our

horses. All the horses are perfectly trained and sure footed – we set off up the river which, even in June, is quite deep – we were instructed to bring spare socks and it soon became clear that we would need them! Two hours riding along the riverbed, along sandy tracks admiring the beautiful landscape as the sun slowly sets is a tonic for the soul. Turtles and swallows, a flock of sheep grazing on the river bank, it could not have been more tranquil.

We return to camp where Malena hands us a welcome ice-cold lemonade; we make ourselves comfortable beside a gigantic roaring fire bowl, the aroma of the asado wafts over our lakeside camp, and all is well in the world. Ducks come home to roost on the water, our horses are now grazing in their corals nearby, whickering softly to each other. The asado is being prepared by Ana – who takes care of all our catering needs, and my goodness she is a superlative chef! We spend the rest of the evening feasting and chatting – it is late by the time we finally decide to retire to our five star tents – the beds are extremely comfortable, and the fine tuning is impressive, towels and extra duvets are laid out and clever lighting ensures we don’t trip over the guy ropes whilst brushing our teeth. Sleeping under canvas always has an element of childhood fantasy – and even as jaundiced adults the four of us were as excited as Enid Blyton characters as we fell asleep.

Early morning light creeps through the canvas; it’s time for breakfast by the fire bowl, still full of glowing embers from last night. We all agree that Chris Byrne and his team have created something magical at Polo Valley; nothing is too much trouble for Malena, except perhaps getting us to leave!

Sandy tracks wind through the beautiful landscape

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Polo Times, July 2020

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Images of Polo Flying Ponies

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Feature

Marcos di Paola – Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club

Flying Ponies!

The magic of a polo pony at full gallop with all legs off the ground is a wonder to behold. Here Tony Ramirez of Images of Polo shares his favourite selection of ‘flying pony’ photographs from 2019 22

Polo Times, July 2020

www.polotimes.co.uk

Images of Polo Flying Ponies

Feature Juan Martín Nero and Juan Gris Zavaleta Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club

Camilo Castagnola – King Power Gold Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Will Emerson – Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy at Guards Polo Club

Hissam Ali Hyder – Social Cup at Guards Polo Club

Max Charlton – Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club

Nico Pieres – King Power Gold Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club

Ignacio Negri – Coworth Park Challenge at Coworth Park

Charlie Wooldridge – Hildon Archie David Cup at Guards Polo Club

Will Emerson – Coworth Park Challenge at Coworth Park

I

n this second part of a running series we are delighted that once again polo photographer extraordinaire Tony Ramierz has chosen to share some of his favourite images with us. This time we celebrate the power, speed and agility of the equine form with a collection of images of ‘flying ponies’. Whilst many enjoy Tony’s skilfully captured shots of polo around the globe, we thought it was time to find a little bit more about the man behind those giant lenses!

Q: Tony, please tell us a bit about your background.

A: I was born in Spain, near Malaga, but was educated in São Paulo, Brazil, where my family moved when I was very young. We moved back to Spain in the mid-70s, a few years later I married Olga in Sotogrande and we then moved to the UK in 1981.

Q: What led you to become a photographer?

A: Photography was always a passion and hobby of mine and in Sotogrande I had the opportunity to photograph some polo at Santa María Polo Club which grew over the years.

Q: What was your journey to become a pro photographer?

A: I worked with some publications in Spain and in particular a polo magazine and eventually decided that ‘my real thing’ was polo photography. I became freelance and

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, July 2020

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Lucy Coddington – Guards Ladies Charity for the Lord Charles Beresford Trophy at Guards Polo Club

Reports

Jose Ramon Araya – La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy at Guards Polo Club

Rebecca Walters & Alice Servaes – Guards Ladies Charity for the Lord Charles Beresford Trophy at Guards Polo Club

Peter Webb – Town and County Championship at Guards Polo Club

gained the LBIPP (Licentiate of the British Institute of Professional Photographers) and then the ABIPP (Associate of the British Institute of Professional Photographers). As a normal progression I created Images of Polo and the rest is history.

Q: When did you first become involved with polo?

A: Many years ago, but professionally since the early 2000s.

Q: What drew you to the sport?

A: In the first instance it was the beauty of the Sotogrande fields particularly the River Ground, which unfortunately is no longer used and then obviously the beauty of the game and the amazing horses and sports people.

Q: What do you love most about photographing polo?

A: Seeing the beautiful and amazing ponies close up through the lens

Alessandro Bazzoni – Duke of Cornwall Trophy at Guards Polo Club

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Polo Times, July 2020

Q: What is the most technically difficult thing about photographing polo?

A: The light and the pace of the game obviously has a great effect –however catching the right moment is key.

Q: Do you have a favourite place to photograph polo and why?

A: There are many beautiful polo grounds around the world and despite Palermo being an overwhelming place, my favourite is the Castle Ground at Flemish Farm. It is such a unique place and it is such a privilege to be able to photograph a game with Windsor Castle as the backdrop.

Q: What is the thing that keeps you photographing polo – the horses? The amazing venues? The people? The variety?

A: It’s the whole thing. The polo ‘family’, the beautiful ponies, the amazing players, the incredible venues…

Jean François Decaux – Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club

Nick Pepper – Town and County Championship at Guards Polo Club

Q: What is the best thing about photographing polo?

A: Being able to do what you love in amazing places.

Q: What is the most frustrating thing?

A: Spending hours and hours editing and updating the website etc., which is the behind the scenes work not understood by many!

Q: Describe photographing polo in four words!

A:Thrills through the lens!

Kian Hall – Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club

www.polotimes.co.uk

Richard Tyrone – Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy at Guards Polo Club

John Paul Clarkin – Coworth Park Challenge at Coworth Park

Reports

Andrew Blake Thomas – Duke of Wellington Trophy at Guards Polo Club

Santiago de Estrada – Duke of Wellington Trophy at Guards Polo Club

Dillon Bacon – Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club

Barto Castagnola – King Power Gold Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club Sheikha Maitha – Indian Empire Shield at Guards Polo Club

Patrick Ephson – Town and County Championship at Guards Polo Club

Richard Blake Thomas – Spring Tournament at Guards Polo Club

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Alexander Nix – Spring Tournament at Guards Polo Club

Nina Clarkin – Coworth Park Challenge at Coworth Park

Henry Porter – Guards Youths vs Cowdray Youths at Guards Polo Club

Saskia Meadows – Hildon Archie David Cup at Guards Polo Club

Lucas Monteverde Jr. – Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards Polo Club

Polo Times, July 2020

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Reports

The Prince of Wales

Park Place Take Home Trophy The Prince of Wales Final

T

however PoloLine TV were on hand to provide free of charge, live coverage of all the matches including the Final. Although hosted by The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, the Prince of Wales Final was played at Black Bears Polo Club, and played between Les Lions/Great Oaks and Park Place. Both teams had progressed to the Final unbeaten, although Les Lions/Great Oaks got off to a mixed start in the 2020 Prince of Wales, as despite winning their

Photography by Helen Cruden Photography

he Prince of Wales tournament traditionally marks the start of the British high goal season, this year however the tournament format differed as Government guidelines continued to affect polo and being the first high goal tournament of the season, The Prince of Wales was primarily played as a practice, warm-up tournament. Additionally, the tournament was played behind closed doors, with no spectators allowed to attend,

Facundo Pieres in action for Park Place

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Polo Times, July 2020

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Prince of Wales

Reports

Facundo Pieres pulls off a technically difficult shot

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, July 2020

27

Reports

The Prince of Wales

Park Place, winners of the 2020 Prince of Wales Final

first match with a convincing 13-7 win against Polo Stud Schöckemohle, Alejandro Muzzio had to replace an injured Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola.

As Final’s Day dawned, the final result was anyones guess, with both teams looking strong based on their previous form. Les Lions/Great Oaks kicked off

FINA

15 J

E UN

24

JUN

the Final with the opening goal, but Park Place soon asserted themselves with an early lead which they stubbornly refused to relinquish, despite the best efforts of Les Lions/Great Oaks. As always, the fraternal bond and symbiosis of play between Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres was in abundance, with the duo ably

backed up by Kian Hall who scored an impressive six goals (and was later awarded Most Valuable Player award) and patron Andrey Borodin who scored a goal of his own. This strength proved too much to overcome and Les Lions/Great Oaks’ undefeated streak was broken by a convincing 13-9 victory for Park Place.

14

L Where: The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Berkshire

E

goals

Top Goal Scorers of the Competition: Barto Castagnola & Facundo Pieres

The Prince of Wales Trophy Final Teams:

MVP Kian Hall

Park Place Andrey Borodin Kian Hall Gonzalo Pieres Facundo Pieres

(22) (0) (3) (9) (10)

Les Lions/Great Oaks (22) Alejandro Muzzio (7) Dillon Bacon (2) Barto Castagnola (7) Santiago Laborde (6)

Chukka Scores: 2-1, 5-2, 6-3, 9-6, 11-8, 13-9, to Park Place 28

Polo Times, July 2020

Lovelocks Ilusive, owned

by Park Place & played by Gonzalito Pieres

Jason Dixon & Tim Bown

BPP

To read more about Lovelocks Ilusive, please turn to our Pony Power pages www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com/Hannah Wyles

Reports

La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Tournament

Emlor Red in action

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Polo Times, July 2020

www.polotimes.co.uk

Reports

La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Tournament

9-3 Win for Emlor Red O

n Sunday 28 June, the La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Final took place at Guards Polo Club and was the first 15 goal tournament of the Club’s 2020 season but due to the coronavirus pandemic it was played as a warm-up tournament behind closed doors, under the HPA’s strict new guidelines. This included some key rule changes such as only changing ends after every chukka. Spectators could however watch both the Final and Subsidiary Final live (and in at their own leisure) via Guards TV. This year marked the ten year anniversary of La Martina’s support of the tournament and fittingly also saw ten teams enter this year’s tournament.

The first match to be played was the Subsidiary Final for The King Emperor’s Cup on Smith’s Lawn, which saw Alan Fall’s Mad Dogs (Alan Fall (1), Tommy Severn (3), Will Emerson (5) & Juan Ambroggio (6)) defeat Max Kirchhoff’s Snakebite (Max Kirchhoff (1), David Ashby (3), James Fewster (4) & James Beim (7)), 4-1.

Next up, Spencer McCarthy’s Emlor Red faced Alexie CalvertAnsari’s White

First 15 goal of Guards’ 2020 season

Crane on Guards’ high goal Queen’s Ground.

The Final was a fast-paced affair, with both teams vying for the title; however, it was Emlor Red who dominated the match and secured themselves the win with a final score of 9-3. Will Harper, who last season was named the Talacrest Best Young Player of the Year at Guards Polo Club, continued his impressive form in this match which resulted in Will being named the Most Valuable Player, while one of his string, Vision, received the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug.

Emlor Red, winners of this year’s tournament

Mad Dogs’ Alan Fall, winners of the Subsidiary Final

La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Final Teams:

Emlor Red Spencer McCarthy Will Harper Richard Tyrone Max Charlton

Vision, owned and played by Will Harper

(16) (2) (3) (5) (6)

BPP

White Crane (15) Alexie Calvert-Ansari (0) Tom Brodie (4) Andrew Blake Thomas (4) James Harper (7)

MVP Will Harper

La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy

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Polo Times, July 2020

31

Reports

Victor Ludorum Update

Victor Ludorum Update 2020 series begins for 8 goal & above

T 32

he 2020 Victor Ludorum series is underway! So far only competitive tournaments for 8 goal and above are being allowed to play due to government Coronavirus guidelines, so at the time of going to print the 4 and 6

Polo Times, July 2020

goal Victor Ludorum were yet to get underway. So far, there have been four Finals from the 22 all the way down to the 8 goal. For a full report of The Prince of Wales Final at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, please turn to page 26.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Victor Ludorum Update

Reports

12 Goal Victor Ludorum

Victorious Maiz Dulce, winners of the 2020 Dollar Cup

Cowdray Park Polo Club – The Dollar Cup Final – Saturday 4 July Number of teams: 11 Winners: Maiz Dulce Points: Yet to be ratified by HPA On Saturday 4 July Cowdray Park Polo Club hosted The Dollar Cup Final between Maiz Dulce and Conosco. Conosco took the lead in the first chukka with Jeremy Pemberton scoring the opening goal, followed by another from Will Emerson to end the chukka 2-0 in Conosco’s favour. Maiz Dulce burst into action in the second chukka, with the whole team working together to set up goal after goal for Pedro Harrison to slot through the goal posts and by the end of the third chukka, the scores were tied at 4-4. For the fourth and final chukka Pedro came out on Zeus and scored three goals for Maiz Dulce, with Will Harper replying with a goal for Conosco, however it was not enough to steal victory away from Maiz Dulce who ran out the winners with a final score of 7-5. Pedro Harrison was presented with not only the Most Valuable Player award but also the Best Playing Pony honours for his grey mare, Zeus, who was fundamental to Maiz Dulce’s win.

The Dollar Cup Final Teams:

Photograph by Mark Beaumont Photography

Maiz Dulce (12): Milly Barfoot (0), Jimbo Fewster (4), John Martin (3) & Pedro Harrison (5) Conosco (12): Jeremy Pemberton (1), Tommy Seversn (3), Will Harper (3) & Will Emerson (5)

Action from The Dollar Cup Final

Beaufort Polo Club – Prince of Wales Final – Sunday 21 June Number of teams: 4 Winners: TBC Points: TBC

At the time of going to print, The Prince of Wales Final at Beaufort Polo Club had been postponed to a later date, yet to be confirmed.

When it is played, Noon Giraffe and Ojo Caliente will face each other in the Final.

Pedro Harrison’s Best Playing Pony, Zeus

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Polo Times, July 2020

33

Victor Ludorum Update

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com/Hannah Wyles

Reports

Clarita’s Jack Hyde in action in the Archie David Final

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Polo Times, July 2020

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Victor Ludorum Update

Reports

Clarita, winners of the 2020 Hildon Archie David Cup Final

8 Goal Victor Ludorum Guards Polo Club – The Hildon Archie David Cup Final – Sunday 5 July Number of teams: 15 Winners: Clarita Points: Yet to be ratified by HPA On Sunday 5 July, Clarita faced AFB in The Hildon Archie David Final at Guards Polo Club. Clive Reid was no doubt hoping to replicate his win with his AFB team a decade earlier.

The Final was livestreamed via Guards TV and if you didn’t manage to watch the Final live you can still watch the action. 15 teams entered this year’s tournament, which forms part of the Hurlingham Polo Association’s 8 Goal Victor Ludorum series.

Clarita secured themselves a convincing 9-4 win against AFB, dominating the Final of the UK’s leading 8 goal tournament.

14-year-old Louis Hine became the youngest player to win The Hildon Archie David Cup. Scoring five goals, Louis had an outstanding match and was awarded the Hildon Most Valuable Player award.

Clarita dominated play from the outset and by half-time held a strong 5-1 lead. AFB managed to pull themselves back into the game in the second half, but it wasn’t enough and Clarita added their name

to the coveted trophy. Clarita’s Jack Hyde, took home the Hildon Best Playing Pony rug for Molly.

The Subsidiary Final for The Caterham Cup was equally competitive, which saw Louise Jebson’s CANI narrowly defeat Cuatro Estrellas 7-6 on The Duke’s Ground.

Additionally, the Guards teams which were knocked out of the tournament after the league stages had the opportunity to play for The Claude Pert Cup, named after former military player who was the Polo Manager at Guards Polo Club from 19571975. This year’s Claude Pert Cup winners were Christian Oberschneider and Ana Escobedo’s Ojo Caliente/La Golondrina who beat Nick Beitner’s Pink Power, 8-4.

Hildon Archie David Final & Subsidiary Final Teams: Clarita (8): Chris Mathias (0), Louis Hine (1), Jack Hyde (4) & Freddie Horne (3) AFB (8): Clive Reid (0), Alfie Hyde (1), Tommy Moreno (3) & Pete Webb (4) CANI (8): Louise Jebson (0), Celio Garcera (1), Sebastian Chialvo (2) & Matias Amaya (5) Cuatro Estrellas (8): Terence Lent (2), Harry Muddle (2), Oli Hipwood (4) & Millie Hughes (0) The Claude Pert Cup Teams: Ojo Caliente/La Golondrina (8): Christian Oberschneider (1), Ana Escobedo (0), Jonny Good (4) & Adolfo Casabal (3) Pink Power (8): Nick Beitner (1), Ludo Ephson (2), Louis Heard (1) & Tom Brodie (4)

The Archie David Cup

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Polo Times, July 2020

35

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Photograph by JRidley Art & Photography

Beaufort Polo Club

The Tomlinson family have taken the reins of the Beaufort Polo School

England International polo players, Luke and Mark Tomlinson have taken back the reins of the Beaufort Polo School. The school was originally established by their mother Claire Tomlinson, who holds the record as the highest handicapped woman in polo and was instrumental in changing how players are taught today.

The Beaufort Polo School aims to continue this legacy by offering a fun and relaxed environment for players of all ages

and abilities to improve their game, from polo experiences to bespoke courses. The Club boasts fantastic facilities for both spectators and players, including a recently resurfaced indoor school with heated viewing gallery, TopRide Equestrian surface exercise track, stunning grounds with 6 boarded polo fields and welcoming Clubhouse for much needed refreshments.

The Polo School will be under the careful guidance of Mhairi Gould, HPA Qualified Coach, who, along with Luke and Mark and Polo Manager Gary Aitchison, will use their extensive experience and expertise to maintain Beaufort Polo Club’s position as the foremost centre for development of polo in the Cotswolds.

Luke Tomlinson said “We are proud to be continuing the work of our mother, from helping players to grow and improve to introducing new people to polo. We will concentrate on all aspects of the game, including horsemanship to ensure everyone gets the most out of this fantastic sport” If you are interested in learning more about the Beaufort Polo School, please visit their website or call 01666 880510.

From Tuesday 7 July, Hannah McLaughlin has been running Vinyasa Flow Yoga on the Clubhouse Lawn. Beginners are welcome, but everyone needs to bring their own mat. Individual sessions are £10 or £64 for 8 sessions. To book please contact the club.

Aspen Valley Polo Club

Aspen Valley Polo Club 2020 Summer Series has begun

7 – 9 August: high Alpine Cup 16 – 14 August: Mount Sophris Cup 21 – 23 August: Rocky Mountain Open 28 – 30 August: Carbondale Classic 1 – 6 September: The Triple Crown of Polo

Longdole Polo Club Longdole Polo Club have announced they will be holding weekly chukkas each Wednesday at 4pm and to keep within the HPA Covid-19 rules, they are offering four chukkas to six players at any one time. These will be on a first come, first served basis. Each Wednesday evening they will then announce the plans for chukkas and matches for the rest of the week and weekend, the Club hopes to have matches on most weekends. If you wish to attend you will need to complete a Covid waiver and return it to the office. Reminder – all participants need to bring their own PPE equipment and will have their temperatures checked on arrival.

If you would like to play on a Wednesday, please contact Will on 07837 426941.

36

Polo Times, July 2020

Photograph by David Murrell

Aspen Valley Polo Club 2020 Summer Series 10 – 12 July: Craig Sakin Memorial 17 – 19 July : ChukkerTV Challenge Cup 22 – 29 July: USPA National Arena Handicap 24 – 26 July: Basalt Handicap 30 July – 2 August: Emma Challenge Cup

Photograph courtesy of Aspen Valley Polo Club

Aspen Valley Polo Club began their 2020 summer season over the 4 July weekend with The Independence Cup. Usually admission is open to all and free to the public but due to Covid-19 restrictions the Club is closed to spectators for the foreseeable future. Club co-founder Melissa Ganzi commented, “Polo has become part of the fabric of summer in Aspen. Our fans are important to us and we are extremely disappointed to be unable to include them in our 2020 season. This is obviously due to our need for caution and care in the face of the pandemic.”

Two Wishes Polo Club

JD Polo’s Trey Crea and Forty Flowers’ Lara Semmelmann

During the weekend of 13 June, the Central Texas Polo Association (CTPA) hosted the Southwestern Circuit Amateur Cup on CTPA’s two fields at Two Wishes Polo Club in Lockhart, Texas. The tournament was split across two handicap levels with four teams in the A Flight (2 goal) and two teams in B Flight (Beginner). The A Flight tournament was played with teams alternating chukkas due to the heat and after two competitive days JD Polo won the A Flight with JD Polo’s Trey Crea named as Most Valuable Player, whilst Pixie played by Roni Panzarini and owned by Kaela Panzarini, plus Two Wishes’ Ariel Rodriguez was presented with the Sportsmanship Award.

In the B Flight, Texas Yellow Jackets took the honours with Katerina Kotova (JD Polo) named as Most Valuable Player and Torcasa awarded Best Playing Pony honours. Jose Velez received the Sportsmanship Award.

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Santa María Polo Club

Photograph by Santa María Polo Club

Red Charm won The Memorial Conde de la Maza over the weekend of 13 – 14 June, the first tournament to be played at the Club post-Coronavirus. Claire Fonquerne Frank, Aristide Faggionato, Estanislao Grahn and Santi Torreguitar defeated 25 Montes (Alicia Gariador, Daniel Gariador, Liselotte Reijrink and Patrick Neves) 7-2 in the Final.

The 49th edition of the MANSION International Polo Tournament at Santa María Polo Club, Sotogrande, will begin on 24 July and end on 31 August with the Bronze, Silver and Gold Cups will all being played for. The three tournaments are usually split over three handicap levels (high, medium and low) but this year will be divided into just two handicaps, 6 and 14 goals, with the teams and fixtures yet to be announced by the Club.

Red Charm, winners of The Memorial Conde de la Maza

Club Focus

Cirencester Park Polo Club

The Club has announced that they have teamed up with PoloLine TV for The Warwickshire Cup, so although the tournament will be played behind closed doors you can still watch the matches live, or later on at your leisure, free of charge at PoloLine TV. The Final is scheduled for Sunday 24 July. The Club is hoping PoloLine TV may also be able to provide coverage for Cirencester’s 8 goal and above Finals, and they will keep members updated.

Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly its 20th anniversary! The tournament is the third and final phase of the French Triple Crown, following on from The Gold and Silver Cups in Deauville. So far, over the past 20 years only one team has secured the French Triple Crown, Cibao La Pampa in 2017.

Team Phoenix winners of The Trophée du Bois Lieutenant.

The Apremont Trophy joint winners VFP & Twist-Los Playmos

Photograph courtesy of Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly

The polo season at Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly resumed at the beginning of July with two tournament Finals. Team Phoenix won The Trophée du Bois Lieutenant whilst both VFP and Twist-Los Playmos were the tied winners of The Apremont Trophy. This year sees the Club’s flagship tournament, The French Open, celebrating

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Polo Times, July 2020

37

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

SUPA Postponed On 14 June, the Schools and Universities Polo Association (SUPA) announced the further postponement of its National activities due to the uncertainties surrounding the Covid-19 in an update following from its 15 March update.

“SUPA is adhering to the Guidelines set by the HM Government [for its operations in England, Wales and Ireland], while observing the recent guidance from the HPA, the polo governing body, our independent insurers and directed by our Institutional members in

their players’ interest for health and safety and access to the sport. We are therefore directing players to the Government/HPA guidance and to contact their school or university if they are wanting to commence lessons or training of any form. As a public non-profit charity, the preservation of our sport and safety of members and are paramount SUPA/SAPA are associated members of the Hurlingham Polo Association and a supporter of the Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers which support the polo

industry generally.

This bulletin applies to SAPA as well.

The Trustees will be reviewing its future fixtures and events as well as consulting in advance of further information from www. gov.uk, www.hpa-polo.co.uk which will be released as the situation evolves on its website, www.supa.org.uk.”

HPA Elite Development Pathway & Players In the HPA’s No 9 Update for Clubs (published on 13 June), it was detailed that “The 8 goal and above and Victrix Ludorum may proceed as planned but each team must include a minimum of 3 professional or aged 16 and over elite pathway players (as 1st January 2020), along with the team player/manager who is responsible for putting together and entering the team. The HPA will produce a list of elite pathway players shortly which will be kept under review as the season progresses.”

On Tuesday 30 June, the details of the HPA Elite Development Pathway as well as those players who are included as part of the Elite Development Squad were published. The HPA Elite Development Pathway is open to British and Irish players who fulfil the following criteria:

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Mixed handicaps Any player aged over 16 and under 19 on 1st January who has a current handicap of at least zero goals.

Any player aged over 18 and under 21 on 1st January who has a current handicap of at least one goal.

Women’s handicaps Women players aged over 16 and under 19 on 1st January who have a current handicap of at least one goal.

Women players aged over 18 and under 21 on 1st January who have a current handicap of at least three goals.

The entire list of players who meet the above criteria and are included on the HPA’s Elite Development Squad are detailed in the table below.

Will Harper is one of the players included on the HPA’s Elite Development Squad

HANDICAP Age at 01/01/20

Mixed

Luke Wiles

16

3

Ed Walker

16

2

Timi Badiru

16

Alfie Hyde Edward Morris

HANDICAP Age at 01/01/20

Mixed

George Smith

16

0

Will Harper

17

3

1

Ned Hine

17

3

16

1

Zachary Beim

17

1

16

1

Oliver Conway-Johnson

17

1

Marcus Speed

16

1

Louis Heard

17

1

Zachary Dampier

16

0

Tom Jodrell

17

1

Ben Fleming

16

0

Connor Kay

17

1

Harry Fuller

16

0

Christian Oberschneider

17

1

Barney Hughes

16

0

Riley Leake

16

0

Kiki Severn Lola Barlow

17 17

1 0

Myles Murphy

16

0

Cecily Day

17

0

Name

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Polo Times, July 2020

Women’s

Name

Women’s

3 2

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

All Aspects of Youth Polo HANDICAP Age at 01/01/20

Mixed

Gabriel Iglesias

17

0

Morgan Parry-Joyner

17

0

George Deverall

18

2

Milly Hine

18

2

Charlie Townsend

18

Frankie Barlow

HANDICAP Age at 01/01/20

Mixed

Emanuel Arber

19

1

Jonty Barlow

19

1

Ben Barnes

19

1

Johnny Beck-Brown

19

1

2

Freddie Jodrell

19

1

18

1

Benedict Nott

19

1

Dylan Hateley Padfeild Jones

18

1

George Hobbs

18

1

Lorna Fleming Tamara Gibbons

19 19

0 0

Jasmine Stanhope-White

18

1

James Fewster

20

4

Montgomery Swain-Grainger

18

1

Henry Porter

20

3

Faris Ashraf

18

0

Thomas Severn

20

3

Danyaal Choudary

18

0

Hugo Taylor

20

3

Ben Crookes

18

0

Oscar Luard

20

2

Archie Fuller

18

0

James McCarthy

20

2

Capucine Granchi Amelia Hughes

18 18

0 0

Scott Anderson

20

1

Freddie Barlow

20

1

Oscar Power

18

0

James Crossley

20

1

Alex Telfer

18

0

John Dalton-Morgan

20

1

Matthew Thake

18

0

Oli Fanshawe

20

1

Lachlan Gilmore

19

3

George Marsden

20

1

Jack Aldridge

19

2

William Penfold

20

1

Eric Appen

19

2

Evan Power

20

1

Marcus Cork

19

2

Nicholas Rogerson

20

1

Dominic Lodge

19

2

Max Rumsey

20

1

Name

Women’s

6

3

3 2

Youth

Name

Women’s

4 3

HPA’s Elite Development Squad

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Gonzalito Pieres

Polo Times, July 2020

39

Women’s Polo

Victrix Ludorum Update

Victrix Ludorum Update Photography by The Art of Polo/ www.theartofpolo.com

Knepp Castle & Black Bears Finals

The action was fast & furious throughout The Black Bears Women’s Tournament

T

he 2020 Victrix Ludorum is composed of seven tournaments played at different clubs across England, at the time of going to print there had been two Finals so far, with The British Ladies Open about to begin at Cowdray Park Polo Club.

18 Goal Victrix Ludorum

Black Bears Polo Club – The Black Bears Women’s Tournament – Sunday 28 June Number of teams: Eight Winners: Park Place Points: Yet to be ratified by HPA The global pandemic brought everyone’s world to a standstill just when people were excitedly getting ready for the season ahead.

With so much doubt about whether polo would be permitted, it was a huge gamble to commit to having horses in and to carry on preparing them in the optimistic hope that polo would get the go ahead. It was therefore a real demonstration that the women’s polo movement is continuing to gain traction, when it became apparent that despite the uncertainty, ladies’ teams were 40

Polo Times, July 2020

going to press on with their arrangements.

With permission being given for elite sports to continue, Black Bears was given the green light to run the 18 Goal Victrix Ludorum and the season was suddenly underway. Eight teams came forward, each able to fulfil the criteria of having one team captain supported by three professionals with a contract in place, and the stage was set for a tough fight to take the first title of the season.

Park Place and MJVH met each other early in the draw, and it was a thrilling contest with neither having complete advantage. Opportunities were seized by both teams, but in the event Park Place ran out the winners 5-2. The other games in the first and second rounds were equally as closely fought, and we were set for finals with every team determined to make every moment count!

Tarantula in particular were thrilled that their hastily assembled team made it through to the final against Park Place, and although very much the underdogs, went into it well prepared to give it their all. Unfortunately, their dream of taking the title was shattered by

Heloise Wilson-Smith in action for Tarantula

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

Victrix Ludorum Update the well-drilled Park Place team who worked brilliantly together to take the title 7-3½.

Cata Lavinia was awarded Most Valuable Player after another outstanding performance and Mosqueta, played by Mill Hine, was the Best Playing Pony.

The Subsidiary Final was also another terrific game, with Coombe Place beating Tex8n 5-4 Although all players professed to be lacking match practice, ponies and players all looked remarkably fit and clearly enjoyed the fact that the fields at Black Bears lend

Women’s Polo

themselves to a very open style of play. The Club is looking forward to welcoming them back again next year!

The Black Bears Women’s Tournament Final Teams: Park Place (18): Varvara Borodina (1), Cata Lavinia (3), Milly Hine (6) & Lia Salvo (8) Tarantula (17): Kristina Karailieva (3), Robyn Evans (3), Rosanna Turk (5) & Heloise Wilson-Smith (6) Mosqueta, the Best Playing Pony

Aspect Knepp Castle Polo Club – Knepp Castle Ladies Tournament – Sunday 5 July Number of teams: Six Winners: MJVH Points: Yet to be ratified by HPA On Sunday 5 July, the second leg of the Victrix Ludorum 18 goal series took place at Aspect Knepp Castle Polo Club, with MJVH facing Rhone Hill. MJVH defeated Rhone Hill 6-3½ in the Final, with Stephanie Haverals named Most Valuable Player and Basil, ridden by Nina Clarkin the Best Playing Pony.

Photograph by PoloLine

Knepp Castle Ladies Tournament Final Teams: MJVH (18): Nina Clarkin (10), Alicia Woods (2), Emily Johnson (2) & Steph Haverals (4) Rhone Hill (17): Jemima Heffron (1), Beanie Brandley (3), Emma Wood (6) & Tamara Fox (7) MJVH winners of The Knepp Castle Ladies Tournament

Beaufort Polo School Headed by England International Polo players, Mark & Luke Tomlinson, the Beaufort Polo School are pleased to offer: Individual & Group Lessons · Bespoke Courses · Instructional Chukkas Intro Tournaments · Uni, Schools & Pony Club · Junior Training & Clinics Polo Experiences · Horses for hire

.....and so much more!

To find out more please email coaching@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk or visit our website: www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, July 2020

41

Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Q: What are your TOP TIPS to avoiding colic?

A: Well, as you know one of my favourite words is the F word! Of course, FIBRE is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL! We can also reduce risks of colic by:

Lorna Edgar answers your colic questions Q: My horse has recently been treated for impaction colic, what should I do to stop it happening again?

A: Oh dear, sorry to hear this, when it comes to management to try and avoid impaction colic re-occurring, we really need to focus on gut motility, and trying to maintain motility throughout the digestive tract. My go to check list is: • Water – Always my first port of call, you must keep an eye on how much water the horse is drinking – maybe it doesn’t like where the buckets are hung, or an electric fence near the water trough, the noise of 42

Polo Times, July 2020

the water drinkers refilling is spooky, if it is muzzled maybe this is putting it off drinking?

• Bedding – If bedding is being eaten, increase the hay or haylage intake rather than muzzling • Forage type – Maybe the hay or haylage has changed and there is more stem than leaf – feed a softer leafier type of forage if possible • Soaking hay – This will increase water intake if you are trying to get more moisture into the diet, but I would not recommend soaking haylage

Photography courtesy of Bailey’s Horse Feeds

Q&A on Colic

A horse stomach is the approximate size of a rugby ball

• Feeding NO LESS than 1.5% of bodyweight per 24 hours – Otherwise you are compromising the gut health of the horse. This equates to a 450kg horse (average weight of a Thoroughbred polo pony) receiving no less than 6.75kgs PER DAY • Introducing or changing hard feed GRADUALLY – 10-14 days is the recommended period of time to allow the digestive tract time to adjust to absorbing different feed stuffs • Introducing or changing FORAGE slowly – Grass, haylage or hay, again 10-14 days is preferable • Keeping as much digestible fibre in the diet as possible – If hay/haylage is restricted or poor quality then feed alfalfa chaff, freeze dried grasses or beet pulp (Fibre-Beet or SpeediBeet, for example) to increase fibre intake • Consider pre/probiotics to help stabilise a healthy bacterial population in the hind gut, especially during stressful times and when diets are changing • Be mindful of how much starch/ cereals are being fed, more is not always better – we want to avoid it reaching the hind gut • Not OVER FEEDING in a meal – The stomach is the approximate size of a rugby ball which holds a round bowl Stubbs scoop of feed. We recommend feeding no more than 1 ½ Stubbs scoops per feed, so feed 3 or 4 times per day if possible • Beet pulp – Using this will really help to increase moisture content of the diet, making it slightly sloppier. Either add to the hard feed or put in a separate feed bowl • Making the hard feed wet and sloppy • Adding oil – Being mindful of the June article as to how much oil and which oil to add to the diet!

As you will notice, anything to try and increase the moisture intake will help to avoid another episode of impaction.

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Nutrition Focus

Knowledge

Q: My horses are on straw beds, I don’t want them getting colic from eating them, is it best to muzzle them?

A: No, it really isn’t the next best move as it’s better to try and encourage a continuous flow of fibre in the diet to maintain gut motility, gut health and reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.

Alfalfa is also a digestible fibre

Q: My horse has just returned from colic surgery, we have been told to feed a bran mash Fibre-Beet is a digestible fibre three times a day, is this right for recovery?

A: This is a traditional way of feeding horses recovering from colic surgery and is still often recommended. However, I would recommend a different recovery strategy. Bran can help to increase palatability, but so can cubes softened with warm water or a fortified mash. I feel that trying to get nutritious food back into the diet quickly can aid recovery. Unfortunately, bran doesn’t have great nutritional value, and the school of thought behind using it is to increase gut motility, though its fibre content has shown not to be that effective and a chaff will provide more fibre!

Allowing ad lib hay or haylage is ideal, on the floor or in Hay Bars, or using hay nets. Those greedy individuals will benefit from four small hay nets per day rather than two large ones, to allow trickle feeding, or using small holed nets, as I suggested.

Feeding a small amount four times a day would be an option if you don’t like the idea of feeding ad lib forage. If the horses are made into ‘meal eaters’ they will be hungry and want to eat their bedding – they are grazers!

My suggestions would be as follows: Focusing on digestible fibres such as Fibre-Beet or alfalfa Small regular meals four or five times per day No more than HALF a scoop PER FEED – including cubes, chaff or beet Using a balancer if the horse is holding weight well or softened Conditioning Cubes if condition is required • No mixes to be fed as we need to reduce the risk of cereals reaching the hind gut • Very soft leafy hay • Pre/probiotics • • • •

A small hay net helps to increase chewing time and make the hay/haylage last longer

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Q: I have a horse that has just gone on box rest, it is greedy, and I am worried it will get colic.

A: So, the ‘good doer’ on box rest is always a tricky one. Again, we need to maintain gut motility, which will be done by a good fibre/forage intake.

Muzzling a horse on box rest is really not fair as it can increase the stress it may already be having to cope with.

I would feed a balancer to maintain key nutrients in the diet whilst avoiding calories. Use a low-calorie chaff or Speedi-Beet rather than an alfalfa chaff. When it comes to feeding hay or haylage, I would firstly suggest using a small holed haylage net, which you could double to make the holes smaller, or a Trickle Feeding net, which has very small holes, then hanging two nets in the stable to help with boredom – which will all help to increase chewing time and make the hay/haylage last longer.

If, after trying the above options of netting the hay/haylage and you find the calorie intake is still too high we would need to soak hay (not haylage) for 6-8 hours to reduce the sugars even further but to still allow a good fibre intake.

Rolling or attempting to roll can be a sign of colic in horses

Q: At the beginning of every season we bring the horses in and I have 2 that always get ‘spasmodic colic’, what could we do to try and avoid this?

A: Ah, yes, this is not uncommon, and so often it comes down to the speed of the transition from field to stable – from eating grass and haylage 24/7 one day and being fed concentrates and a different forage the next day – it is all too much for the digestive tract to cope with, hence the 10-14 day recommendations for any dietary changes.

Offering hard feed in the field before they come into stables can help with the transition and I am often encouraging the use of pre/ probiotics to help support the beneficial bacteria in the hind gut and avoid any upsets that could lead to colic.

If you need guidance with a horse that is susceptible to colic or had colic surgery, please get in touch with a nutritionist or feed company helpline for advice. ontact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse C Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk Polo Times, July 2020

43

Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc

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

Coordinative muscle training

Pre-game warm-up programmes

Medical diet check

Well organised Club

Healthy Player, Healthy Club – Better Polo Structure of the Problem

Mindset & holistic preparation is key Injury prevention is an effort to prevent or reduce the severity of injuries caused by external mechanisms, such as accidents, before they occur. Easily said but is it as easy to execute?

Studies have shown that 20 percent of school children will miss at least one day of school per year due to sports injuries, 44

Polo Times, July 2020

and one in three youths seek medical attention for sports-related injuries per year. Even adults lose at least one day a year from work as a result of sportsrelated injury. In polo, nearly every player falls off their horse during the season – so be ready to land safely and stand up again stronger.

While most coaches and athletes generally believe that stretching is effective, it is not absolutely proven that it does prevent injury.

Whilst it is possible that stretching has a role in preventing injury, it is likely to be substantially less effective than eccentric training. Eccentric training (Nordic hamstring) is reliable for reducing hamstring injury incidence in different populations of football players for example.

The best evidence was demonstrated in a study that showed the injury rate was 71 www.polotimes.co.uk

Medical Insight: Polodoc

Jamie Le Hardy

Photograph courtesy of Polodoc

percent lower in the group that practised the Nordic hamstring exercise. For players with a history of hamstring strains, the effect was even greater, with an 86 percent reduction in injury rates.

Similar kinds of eccentric protocols have also been proposed for preventing quadriceps injuries (reverse Nordic hamstring) but the optimal intensity of eccentric training programmes is not yet clear.

Muscle injuries can be the starting weak point, which leads to an unwanted dismounting from the horse. Many muscle injuries occur in trunk flexion while hitting the ball – the typical position assumed during cantering or stopping. Motor control of the lumbar spine and pelvis is essential in the preparation and execution of the different sports movements. Including core exercises in training sessions may also decrease the load in the rectus femoris (quadriceps) and reduce the risk of injury.

Balance and proprioceptive exercises have also been investigated as a possible injury-prevention strategy. The effectiveness of this type of intervention is not clear, with studies showing conflicting results.

Balance exercises are part of comprehensive neuromuscular warm-up programmes, which have been clearly shown to be effective in reducing injuries.

Muscle injuries occur most frequently towards the end of each sport activity. Given the demanding nature of polo, it has been suggested that this is due to fatigue. As a result, a low level of fitness may be an injury risk factor for players. Improving fitness may therefore reduce the risk of injury. It is, however, possible that increasing fitness may be a risk factor for injury. Players with greater physical fitness typically work harder and, as a result, may be more likely to become

Knowledge

Equine sports and especially polo are extraordinary physical and technically demanding so that only a well-trained horse-player combo can make it to the top. In my career as a player, I always focused on the maintenance of my flexibility and core strength in harmony with mental resilience and well-being during the recovery. My key to successful polo is the perfect orchestrated interaction of all variables. As a trainer and coach, I try to put all these mosaic stones for my students together and help to create a player that finds easily the right set-up to improve his play and stay in the sport with the highest handicap reachable.

injured. Common sense would, however, dictate that appropriate conditioning is important.

Soft Factors

No doubt the surveillance of exercise routines, attention to symptoms, physical signs, and nutritional guidance are essential to the development of healthy athletic profiles, but for those participating in many rigorous contact sports, protective equipment can play an integral part in injury prevention. Frequently overlooked in this armamentarium is hand protection, often viewed as a cosmetic feature.

Different types of behaviour relate to injury risk factors and injury mechanisms. For instance, an athlete’s preventive behaviour influences the use of prophylactic measures, an athlete’s sports behaviour has an effect on the actions on the playing field and an athlete’s rehabilitation behaviour influences the physical capabilities when returning to play after an injury. Behaviour that influences risk factors and injury mechanisms is, however, not confined only to the athlete.

Various types of behaviour by, for example, the coach, referee, physical therapist or

sports associations, also influence risk factors and injury mechanisms. In addition, multiple behaviours often also act together.

This theory of multiple behavioural influences is not new, as various physicians have previously argued the need for multilevel preventive interventions.

Conclusion

So, when all the different fields of injury prevention are put together by a well guided and structured polo club, the incidence of unnecessary injuries may drop so that in conclusion more and better polo will be played in the long term. The drop out rate after injury is a crucial factor for the longevity of every sport especially when the number of participants is relatively low. Most underestimated is the healthy sport spirit in the club from role models such as the professionals and trainers in the club.

For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com or www.polodoc.ch Tel: +41 76 4790330

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Vet Insight

By Dr. Marga Mas DVM PGDip MRCVS

Insect Control Uncovered Curbing flies & midges

Photography courtesy of eVet

With the Hurlingham Polo Association recently announcing that The Gold Cup would begin on Wednesday 1 July, it is fair to say the UK high goal season is up and running again; therefore, it is now more important than ever to optimise the conditions for the ponies, to achieve peak fitness. Not only is the Great British summer the perfect scenario for playing and enjoying great polo – it also, unfortunately, provides ideal conditions for all sorts of biting insects.

Common offenders include stable flies and horse flies, biting midges (typically causing sweet itch) and mosquitoes – all of which can be extremely irritating for horses and hinder their welfare, but they are also vectors for disease, such as: - Infection: flies contaminate open wounds, bringing bacteria and requiring veterinary treatment if they become non-healing.

- Conjunctivitis: they irritate the eyelids and soft tissues around the eye, also driving contamination which can set up infections.

- Maggot infestation: wounds, sheared heels and the sheath in geldings and stallions are perfect places for this type of infection, which can be very disturbing if left untreated.

- Blood borne diseases: Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) and West Nile virus (WNV) are both transmitted via insect bites.

Ponies travelling to Spain, where WNV is

Sticky Trap Horsefly Glue

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Polo Times, July 2020

present, can receive a vaccination course upon arrival.

- Sarcoids: spreading abnormal cells from sarcoids to either healthy skin or open wounds of the same or other horses, inducing growth of new sarcoids.

- Allergic reactions: either to the insects themselves or to their saliva, it manifests as a skin reaction (‘sweet itch’) causing intense pruritus and discomfort. Emergency corticosteroid and antihistamines are needed in severe cases.

All of these problems can be treated, but prevention is far better. When the same old fly spray just does not cut it, there is a lot more you can do for your ponies during the season: Avoid: Dawn and dusk are high activity time for midges, and whilst horse flies thrive during the day, mosquitoes activate at night.

Overall, horses are best kept in dry, daily cleaned barns and stables – away from muck heaps and stagnant water, where insects congregate. Keeping the barn well-ventilated is essential and insect nets on windows or even the old fly zapper (just make sure to hang them up high enough!) or sticky flytraps can be very useful too.

Protect: So, we cannot go about training and playing without insects flying around, particularly flies during daytime. This is where fly sheets and masks come in handy, particularly in ponies prone to sweet itch, such as the Bucas Buzz Off. Bear in mind that any sheet will slow down evaporation from the horse’s skin, so if the ponies are sweaty after a match, it is best to hose them down, scrape water away

Bucas Buzz Off fly sheets are useful for horses with sweet itch

and let them cool naked to dissipate heat.

Fly masks are very useful for field turnout – look for ones with UV protection, particularly if there is no field shelter. Finally, applying specific ointments to open wounds and grazes helps keep flies from coming into contact with the flesh.

Fly masks are useful for field turnout

Fly creams can prevent flies from coming into contact with grazes

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Vet Insight

Knowledge

Repel & Eliminate: Repellents are products that keep insects away but they are not intrinsically harmful to them. Most are based on natural plant extracts and essential oils, such as citronella, tea tree come as either leave-in sprays, shampoo or wipes. Insecticides are formulated to kill insects (https://www.evetdrug.co.uk/ pharmacy/skinpreparations-andantiparasitics/deosect5-spray-solution), and contain pyrethrin or permethrin; they work best on days when fly activity is particularly high and they should always be used to the manufacturer instructions. A good approach is to use a repellent shampoo or spray regularly throughout the week and an apply a pouron insecticide every 2 Insecticides are weeks. formulated to kill insects Citronella based repellant

Essential fatty acids both promote good skin and coat health and help modulate immunity

Tea tree based shampoo

Products containing nicotinamide can stabilise the immune cells involved in the immediate allergic response

Prevent: Most insect-related problems can be halted by avoiding and reducing exposure.

However, sweet itch often requires a horse-based approach too, through products that reduce the overall response of the horse to the midges and the severity of the allergy. Essential fatty acids both promote good skin and coat health and help modulate immunity and products containing nicotinamide are proven to stabilise the immune cells involved in the immediate allergic response.

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Leave-in sprays offer protection

Midges and flies can be irritating but they should not hinder a great season ahead. With the right measures in place we can ensure everyone has a great time without those pesky flies sending anyone – trainer, player or pony – out of bounds. Good luck to all teams this forthcoming season! eVetDrug Ltd Tel: 01344 283888 www.evetdrug.co.uk

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Pony Power

Lovelocks Ilusive

Photograph by Aislinn Price/Park Place

Height: 15.2hh Age: Nine-years-old Colour: Dark bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Owned by Park Place & played by Gonzalito Pieres Tournament: The Prince of Wales at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Where is she from/breeding? She is from the Lovelocks breeding programme, we bought her in the UK from Charlie Hanbury in August 2018. She’s Clark x Grapa Ilusa.

How long have you had her? We bought her in August 2018.

What are her strengths? She is a very complete mare – vey well rounded. She is a mare who likes to play and enjoys the game, she’s strong in ride-offs and very quick in the short plays.

How has she gone this season? She’s a solid mare who has started well and we are confident she will do well this season.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? She hasn’t got any other BPP awards whilst with us but she was one of Juano’s [Britos] best mares in the high goal last year and played The Coronation Cup with Facundo last year and this year she’s playing with Gonzalito.

for the time being to keep playing in the 22 goal.

Does he/she have any special quirks?

Not really!

Describe her in three words. Complete, responsive, powerful.

What are your plans for her in the future? We plan to keep her here in the UK

PADDOCK POWER POWERING PERFORMANCE

We are a polo management company and look after over 100 polo ponies. Since it’s arrival in the market place three years ago we have been using Paddock Power for both our ponies in the polo school and the ponies that play medium goal.

We had no cases of rain scald or abscesses and it has completely eliminated us having to hard feed through the winter saving us both time and money.

Even after a testing winter, the ponies came in looking and feeling great. Their muscle tone and top line were in great shape and this gave us a massive head start in getting them fit for the summer.

© www.imagesofpolo.com

Through the winter the condition of our horses’ feet, coat and general health and wellbeing has vastly improved as they have access to the PP buckets which they can dip into when they fancy. We have been using it for 4 years now.

PADDOCK POWER REBALANCE

Our in feed electrolyte, vitamin, mineral and protein balancer! All the goodness of the “ORIGINAL” but in a powdered version. Measured dosage means you can regulate daily intake and increase it at times of higher level competition. Also allows controlled dosages to comply with FEI and BHA regulations. Provides a perfect balancer for most feeds.

During the playing season we use Paddock Power Rebalance as a combined feed supplement, balancer and electrolyte, to amazing effect. So many of the niggles through the season that we usually suffer, were non-existent and again this has saved us time and money.

I am a huge fan and would urge people to try it…….you won’t be disappointed and your ponies will love you for it!

Suzie Meadows - Cool Hooves Polo Ltd For more information and a full breakdown of Vitamins, Minerals and ingredients visit www.paddockpower.co.uk Call 020 3409 0214 Email info@paddockpower.co.uk Paddock Power is manufactured by Tithebarn, the same stable as Rockies!!

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29/06/2020 14:59

Chukka Wellness

Knowledge

India Parker-Smith founded Chukka Wellness – a company dedicated to helping polo players become fitter and stronger athletes. For several years, India worked as a Personal Trainer at one of Chelsea’s premier private members’ clubs and began to train some of the world’s leading sportsmen and women.

India trains both international and UK polo professionals focusing not only on functional movements and body maintenance, but also advising clients on fuelling their bodies correctly for mental alertness and physical endurance.

Chukka Wellness brings you the fourth workout in the ‘Get Fit at The Polo Club’ series

Polo Stick Workout Polo-specific exercises

The polo world’s fitness regime may have diminished during the Coronavirus lockdown, but Chukka Wellness recommends that riders try to maintain their fitness levels and strength so that they are polo ready for when the fullseason eventually begins.

Chukka Wellness works with many polo players and the usual barriers to low fitness levels is lack of time or not knowing what exercises to perform.

Founder, India says “Use lockdown to your advantage; you now have the time to focus on your body and mind. Choose a few polo-specific workouts that work for you and start preparing your body for the next season.” (Check out the Chukka Wellness Instagram page for inspiration).

To make things easier for riders to stay healthy during quarantine; Chukka Wellness has created a series of workouts using only

Plank Walk with Stick Pull Throughs (Core, shoulder stability) Start in plank position on your hands and feet with the stick head lying under your chest. Walk your hands and feet to the other end of the stick and pull it through under your chest with the hand furthest away from it. Carry on walking the length of the stick and pulling it through.

equipment found at your local Polo Club.

Have a spare polo stick lying around?

Then give this one a go…

Polo Stick Workout Perform each exercise for one minute One minute rest in-between sets Three to four sets

Stick Quick Feet (Cardio & reaction time) Start at one end of the stick and start sprinting on the spot for four steps, then take a step forward over the stick and complete four fast steps on the spot, then step backwards over the stick again – four fast steps. Complete the fast feet action moving down the whole length of the stick. Then go back in the other direction.

Photography by Chukka Wellness

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Chukka Wellness

Stick Oblique Twists (Core control & balance) Start sitting down holding your stick. Raise both feet off the ground so that you are balancing on your tail bone. Sit tall and twist your upper body to one side moving the stick in the same direction. Then twist to the other side with the stick

Squat with Shoulder Press (Shoulder strength & lower body strength) Start with feet shoulder width apart holding the stick. Squat down pushing your hip backwards and knees forwards. Bring the stick down to the ground as you squat, then as you extend the legs back up to standing, move the stick up above your head.

Lunge with Oblique Twist Bend both knees down into a lunge until you have a 90 degree bend in both legs. As you do so twist your upper body to the side moving the stick at the same time. Then as you extend the legs back up to standing, twist your body in the other direction taking the stick with you.

Chukka Wellness has just launched a Virtual Equine Hub which is an online resource designed to help polo players become fitter and stronger athletes. The hub is full of polospecific workouts, mobility and stretching routines and nutritional guides to cover all aspects of ‘player health’. Each member also receives a monthly step-by-step guide providing players with the tools to stay 50

Polo Times, July 2020

motivated, fit and healthy throughout the busy polo calendar.

The online membership is mobile friendly so you can follow along to warm-ups and workouts anywhere in the world from the polo field to your kitchen!

If you are a polo player looking to improve your fitness and strength but struggle with lack of time, reoccurring

injuries or lack of knowledge on how to train your body?

Then head over to our website and check out the hub.

There is currently a 30 percent off introductory offer.

Visit www.chukkawellness.co.uk for more information and grab your 30 percent off now. www.polotimes.co.uk

Chukka Wellness

Chat with Chukka Wellness To highlight the importance of staying fit and healthy for polo; Chukka Wellness asked the next generation of top polo players how they use fitness and nutrition to improve their athletic performance. They gave us access to their top tips on preparing for big games, their recovery routines and their thoughts on health in general in the world of polo.

This month we spoke to top player Agustin Arellano a three goaler based in Wellington, Florida.

How do you prepare physically and mentally for the polo season and big tournaments?

I train my hardest during the off season to improve strength in order to prepare for the busy season and big tournaments. I also live by the 75 percent nutrition, 25 percent fitness rule and try to eat really clean.

Do you have a specific gym routine you follow?

I do a lot of cardio when I am riding so focus more on strength and balance when I hit the gym. I try to incorporate a lot of yoga into my workout regime too which has impacted my polo in a big way. Staying supple and mobile helps to reduce the risk of injury.

Is nutrition an important element to your preparations for big tournaments?

Nutrition is probably the most important element in my preparations for polo games.

I drink two large smoothies filled with vegetables, whey protein, and almond milk every morning and then I try to eat three more clean meals which are high in protein.

What does your post-game routine involve?

I always stretch after my games and use that time to meditate and reflect on the game.

Do you think fitness is an essential part to becoming a better polo player? If so, how would you suggest they kickstart their polo fitness regime?

I think it is hugely important. Every single professional sport is very fitness driven. Why should polo be any different? I think the start is meeting a trainer that is familiar with the necessities of polo such as Chukka Wellness!

There is a big focus on health and fitness at high goal level, do you think it should be introduced into medium and low goal too and why? What do you think is the best way to do this?

I think at all levels polo is a difficult and taxing

Knowledge

sport. The best way to improve your game and prevent injury is by staying mobile and focus on strengthening your body through polo-specific movements.

What’s the best bit of advice you could give beginner players?

Take it seriously! Polo is a fast-paced sport that requires a level of professionalism.

Definitely invest time and effort into keeping your body and mind healthy. It is essential to stay fit to reduce potential injuries and have more control in the saddle.

Chukka Wellness offers Polo Fitness Getaways for polo players and teams of all abilities in Sotogrande, Mallorca and Argentina.

For UK based clubs we also offer Polo Fitness Clinics to educate players on how to stay fit and healthy in order to become a better athlete.

For more information visit the website www.chukkawellness.co.uk or email india@chukkawellness.co.uk Website: www.chukkawellness.co.uk Instagram: @chukka_wellness Facebook: Chukka Wellness Email: india@chukkawellness.co.uk

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Playing Tips

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Creating Power

Two forms of upper body rotation

Photograph by Rege Ludwig

Renowned polo coach, Rege Ludwig gives his expert advice on how to get more out of your game

Pointing your left shoulder down toward the ball generates greater degrees of power

Relative to the mechanics of hitting the offside fore shot with power, I share with you an experience from which I gained enormously while conducting a penalty hitting lesson with Carlos Gracida.

Before starting the actual lesson, I explained to Carlos my theory that there are two forms of upper body rotation to be used within the process of developing power to hit the polo ball with.

I started out explaining how the torso should lean and rotate laterally to the right side of the horse to get the player out 52

Polo Times, July 2020

and over the ball. The player should then rotate their shoulders vertically around their spine to create torsion, or twisting, within their torso. Because the player’s shoulders are rotating parallel with the horse’s spine during the downswing; that, torsion, or twisting, of the torso creates the potential of generating tremendous power within the downswing Before I could get much further in that explanation, Carlos said, “When I want to hit the ball with power, I concentrate on pointing my left shoulder down toward the ball.

Immediately, my mind was thinking, “Wow, that is so simple, If you want to rotate your right shoulder up for the purpose of generating power to use within the downswing; then rotate your left shoulder down toward the ball when moving the mallet up to the top of the downswing position.”

As a matter of fact, the more power you want to create within the swing process, the more you should rotate your left shoulder down toward the ball. Doing so allows you to pull your right shoulder back, lift it up, and www.polotimes.co.uk

Playing Tips rotate it within the shoulder socket.

The greater you can do each of those three right shoulder manoeuvres, the more power you will be creating within the swing and hit process.

That pulling back of your right shoulder, lifting it up, and rotating it within the shoulder socket is not so different to preparing to throw a baseball forward, over hand.

As the mechanics of the swing process would have it, pointing your left shoulder down toward the ball facilitates engaging your right shoulder in a manner similar to throwing a baseball, over hand. Consider that when your right arm and shoulder are positioned to throw a baseball over hand, they are also positioned to initiate the downswing of the polo swing.

The difference between the two being that when swinging the polo mallet, your torso is rotated laterally and bending down and over the ball as compared to the more vertical and facing forward over hand throwing position.

To develop greater degrees of power within the downswing phase, the more you should pull your right shoulder back, lift it up, and rotate it within the right shoulder socket.

As the mechanics of the polo swing process would have it, the farther down you

www.polotimes.co.uk

point your left shoulder toward the ball, the greater the degree to which you can pull your right shoulder back, lift it up and rotate it within the shoulder socket. And, the greater the degree to which you can do each, the greater the power you will be generating for use within the downswing.

A reasonable degree of vertical shoulder rotation is when your left shoulder is pointing down to between four o’clock and four thirty, while your right shoulder is pointing up to between ten o’clock and ten thirty.

If you want even more power, get to where you can point your left shoulder down to five o’clock, while your right shoulder is pointing up to eleven o’clock; all the while maintaining stability of your hitting platform.

I remember telling Carlos, “This is great; I now know what to tell students who want to generate greater degrees of power when hitting an offside fore shot….” do like Carlos Gracida, point your left shoulder down toward the ball, so you can pull your right shoulder back, lift it up, and rotate it within the shoulder socket. Doing so generates greater degrees of power with which to hit the polo ball.”

I am compelled to tell you that a strong upper leg grip onto your horse’s shoulders is essential when generating power, and for

Knowledge

maintaining control of the hitting platform from which that power is created.

Another factor to keep in mind when rotating your torso laterally and your shoulders vertically around your spine – your mallet arm should not become straight within the process of moving the mallet back and up to the top of the downswing position.

Straightening your mallet arm before reaching the top of the downswing position produces the effect of your right shoulder becoming locked, which restricts your right shoulder from being lifted and rotating within the shoulder socket. A restricted shoulder reduces the potential of generating power to be used within the downswing.

At the beginning of the downswing, which is when your mallet hand is at approximately the ten o’clock position, your elbow should be slightly bent to where there is an approximate 160-degree angle between your right upper arm and lower arm.

Your arm should not become straight, until it has reached the nine o’clock position within the downswing. With your arm continuing to straighten between ten and nine o’clock, you are continuing to generate power with which to hit the polo ball.

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Yoga for Polo

Natalie Willcock BA Hons is a celebrated yoga teacher with two decades of teaching experience. She has a wealth of knowledge in rehabilitation. Natalie was a post-match trainer for Norwich City Football Club (NCFC) during their premier league season under the management of Paul Lambert. Dance professional turned horse rider, she regularly attends polo matches at Cambridge County Polo Club where her husband is a member. In this article, Natalie focuses on hip ligaments & tendons in a lower body focus

Hip Ligaments and Tendons Lower body focus

out the legs before going into the next pose.

In case of knee issues or if unable to lift the knees off the floor place a cushion under the knees for support.

Virasana (Hero Pose)

Ankle stretch

Toe Squat

Hip ligaments & tendons The hip has several ligaments connecting the femur to the pelvis and tendons connecting the bones to many surrounding muscles.

Tightness of these ligaments and tendons can cause hip instability and pain. Strong and flexible ligaments and tendons provide structure to the hip reducing strain on the joint.

The same can be said for the knees and ankles. The joint can lose flexibility and the ability to stretch and bend.

There is a suggested time allocated to hold each posture however, if you experience pain or discomfort come out of the pose immediately.

Ankle Stretch Sit on your heels with your feet and knees together. Place your hands behind you whilst shifting your weight from your knees to your heels so that the knees come off the ground.

Stay here for three breaths or one minute if comfortable. To come out of the pose shift your weight forward onto your hands and move the legs back one by one to stretch 54

Polo Times, July 2020

onto your feet. Making sure that your weight is equally distributed between your feet and knees. Hold this pose for as long as is comfortable (Hold pose for 30 seconds to one minute).

Virasana (Hero Pose)

Photography by Natalie Willcock

In this issue the focus is on the lower body.

The pelvis (including groin and adductors) hips, knees, feet and ankles. Introducing the use of props for Yin Yoga poses which generally focus on the area from the stomach to the knees. The use of props is extremely beneficial not only in making the pose more accessible but also to allow deeper myofascial release. Props such as blocks, straps, cushions and blankets are used to practice safely to aid the body to facilitate greater release into the postures.

Yin Yoga targets the tissues which are denser and deeper, such as the ligaments, joint capsules, cartilage, bones and fascia of the body. The poses are relatively easy to do therefore suitable for beginners. The asana’s used in this sequence are a mixture of Hatha and Yin Yoga. Particular attention is on safe placement and alignment. Your weight has to be evenly distributed over muscles, bones and joints, thus creating space as well as aiding suppleness into the joints. Many people who are active in other sports also find that yoga helps them avoid injury and improves performance.

From kneeling, separate your feet and place a block between them and sit onto the block. You can always replace the block with a rolled up blanket or numnah. Position a blanket or numnah in front of the block and place it underneath both ankles. Your feet should point back and your toes should rest on the floor. Place your palms on your knees and keep your spine tall. Reduces stiffness in the hip joints and helps to alleviate inflammation in the knees. Strengthens the arches of the feet and relieves pain in the calves, ankles and heels (Hold pose for one to three minutes).

Cat pulling Its Tail

Toe Squat

This pose strengthens and stretches the ankles, feet and the toes. Sitting on your heels with your feet together, lean forward onto your hands and curl your toes (spread the toes with your fingers to make sure they are comfortable) and shift your weight back

Cat Pulling It’s Tail

Start on your right side and bring your left leg in front of you with the foot flexed. Bend your right leg behind you taking hold of your right foot with your left hand. You can either rest on your right elbow or keep the right www.polotimes.co.uk

Yoga for Polo

Knowledge

place a blanket or numnah underneath the pelvis to sit on (Hold pose for one to three minutes).

arm down on the ground. To change legs let go of your foot and roll onto your stomach, straightening both legs to roll onto your left side to repeat the pose. This pose stretches the quadriceps as well as stretching the side of the body (Hold pose for one to two minutes).

Supta Baddha Konasana (Supine Bound Angle Pose)

Sleeping Swan

Supta Baddha Konasana (Supine Bound Angle Pose)

Sleeping Swan

Start by sitting on your knees. Shift your weight onto your hands (shoulder distance apart) and bring your left leg as far back as possible keeping the foot pointed. Slowly open the right knee outwards (in line with your right wrist) to rotate the hip. Modify using props either a cushion, block or blanket (as shown). This pose externally rotates the front hip and stretches the hip flexors of the back leg (Hold pose for one to five minutes). Repeat second side.

Ustrasana (Camel Pose) Modified camel pose stretches the hip flexors, thighs and abdominal muscles.

Sitting on your knees, lift your pelvis off your heels by pressing your hips forward.

Place your hands on your lower back with fingers pointing down or reach your hands behind you to hold onto each ankle. Try to establish a curve in your upper back before you take the head back. Stretch from the pubic bone to the chest pressing your hip bones and lengthen your buttocks to the backs of the knees. (Hold the pose for 30 secs to 1 minute). If this is too challenging stay kneeling and lean back onto your hands and press your hips forward. You can also

Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

place a blanket or numnah underneath your ankles if you find the pose uncomfortable for your feet.

Upavista Konasana (Wide Angle Pose)

Upavista Konasana (Wide Angle Pose)

Opens the hips, groin and stretches the hamstrings and adductor muscles. Exhale to open your legs as wide as is comfortable keeping your knees and feet pointing upwards. Keep the back as straight as possible. Releases and stretches the muscles of the thighs and hips. In case of tight hamstrings or tightness in the hips

Restful pose helps stretch the ligaments of the inner (medial) knee. Lie supine and bend your knees bringing the soles of the feet together. Open the thighs and allow gravity to release the inner groin towards the knees to stretch the adductors. Support the thighs with either cushions or blocks as shown (Hold pose for one to three minutes).

Repeat Upavista Konasana Yoga is a practice of mind and body. Work slowly and mindfully step by step performing these poses. Focus on technique and modifications to ensure the practice is both safe and accessible. In next month’s issue the focus is on abdominals and building a strong core.

If you have any questions for Natalie please get in touch by phone, email or social media.

Facebook: yoganatauk Instagram: yoganatayoga Email: natalie@yoganata.co.uk Mobile: +44(0)7887 646228 Areas Covered: Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Surrey, Sussex & Capilla Polo Club Argentina

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Foraging

Rob Gould is a forager with 20 years’ experience. In this new series he will introduce readers to nature’s bounty that can be found and foraged easily. His passion is helping people to think about and develop a love for the wild food all around them and helping them grow a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural world as a whole

This time of year is often referred to as ‘the lean months’ for foraging

Summer Foraging Crow garlic, elderflower & meadowsweet As I sit here, on a sunny day in June, writing a column for mid-July, I’m honestly wondering where we’ll even be at by then.

The restrictions placed upon us right now are gradually easing up – some may say too fast, others undoubtedly that it’s far too slow – and I’ve finally been able to get back outdoors, and am hugely thankful to be filling up my calendar with safe and compliant 1:1 and 1:household guided foraging sessions.

So later in July, who knows what the state of play will be? I’d like to say that the plants will at least be predictable, but any wise, followers of nature will say that even they don’t follow any real set pattern. We’ve had such a long dry spell recently here in 56

Polo Times, July 2020

Gloucestershire, that even after a few days of biblical monsoon-like rains, the ground is still parched, split asunder by giant cracks in places. But hopefully, given a few more days of – fingers crossed – gentler rain, in July we should be inundated with some wonderful flushes of fresh new growth. Either that or, more likely, surrounded by the sweet haylike smells of slowly drying greenery as everything becomes even more sun-baked and we truly enter the lean foraging months of summer... remind me again whose idea it was to start writing a foraging column, in the middle of a global pandemic, when two of the first three months are probably amongst the worst in the year for foraging... you have to laugh right?

But that’s the joy of seasonality, and it’s one of the major reasons I love foraging.

Every wild edible has its own season, which in some cases may span multiple months of the year, in others, mere weeks, maybe even days, and once it’s gone, that’s it. I mean, obviously yes, you can easily find ways of preserving their essence further through the year. But each of those methods adds a different nuance that will slowly fade, and nothing lasts forever. And thank heavens for that. Imagine if we could eat fresh Wild Garlic throughout the year? Surely much of the magic of it, especially that it is one of the first harbingers of spring, would be gone? And for me, at least, the world would be a sadder place for that. www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Photography by Cotswold Forager

Foraging

Meadowsweet is a summer replacement to Elderflower

So, what should you be looking out for now in your paddocks, and whilst out riding? If you’re lucky, you may still stumble across the last of the year’s Elderflower. Or potentially it’s more than adequate summer replacement, Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmeria). Looking fairly similar, except with

flowers in plume-like sprays rather than flat heads, it can be treated in pretty much exactly the same way. Although, as with Elderflower, be careful of which blooms you pick. Elderflower has a tendency for plants to smell either absolutely divine, or alternatively, like slightly rancid cat-pee, whereas

Meadowsweet is often said to have either floral aromas with slight underlying medicinal notes, or, far less appetisingly, like TCP, or some other antiseptic product. Either way, if it doesn’t smell good, it’s not going to taste particularly good either – so make sure you try to just pick the stuff that smells divine!

Allium vineale – Crow Garlic

As I say, we’re getting into a part of the year where finding the decent stuff – without a good depth of knowledge – is increasingly difficult... it’s not for no reason that foragers refer to the ‘lean summer months’.

However, one thing that will be resolutely marching on through field margins in July is Crow Garlic. And now is the best time to spot it too, with its little aerial bulbils looking like tiny red fireworks amongst the long grass, and often with those tiny hairlike green filaments of new growth, as each bulb is absolutely full of the potential to become a new plant in its own right. And most likely it definitely will... to the point of invasiveness... Because once you’ve found a patch of Crow Garlic, it’s there to stay, much to the chagrin of dairy farmers, who say it taints the milk, as well as others, who more dubiously say the flavour comes through in the meat.

So how do you make use of it? At this time of year, I love the top bulbils hot pickled and sprinkled over salads, or just fresh and raw, if you can handle the garlicky, spring onion heat. They can be mixed through pasta dishes, toasted and eaten as nibbles, or just simply scattered over the top of cheese on toast... one of my most favourite, yet simple uses for this punchy foraged ingredient. And if you can remember where it is, the fresh blue-grey grasslike growth next year will look almost identical to chives, and can be treated exactly as such, albeit if the chives were supercharged – soak them in a bowl of water for around half an hour to lessen the bite! And if you’re unsure as to whether it’s chives or grass...?

As I told my friend Lee, it’s really not tough, “Does it smell of grass or onions?!”.

Rob is a highly experienced forager with over twenty years of acquired knowledge. He can be booked for private foraging walks, wild edible surveys and corporate sessions, and also runs public ticketed walks, talks and workshops.

Rob also works with restaurants and food companies to bring a taste of the wild to their menus and products.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Crow Garlic is a delicious foraging delight – if you can spot it!

Please contact him via cotswoldforager@gmail.com or search for Cotswold Forager across social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/cotswoldforager/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/cotswoldforager/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/ForagerCotswold/

Polo Times, July 2020

57

Sidelines

Gossip

CONGRATULATIONS! Congratulations to Chloe and Stuart Torr who welcomed baby Jack Alexander Torr into thr world on Tuesday 2 June – super cute!

WE LOVE WHIPPETS

Here at Polo Times HQ we are big whippet fans, so our hearts melted when we saw Posy Ash’s newest addition – the adorable Betty Boo!

WELCOME BABY BEIM!

Congratulations to James and Lozza Beim, who welcomed Molly Catherine Beim to their brood on Wednesday 3 June, with brother Maxi and sister Willow proud older siblings!

FLOOD OF FURY

North Kesteven District Council

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

Controversy has broken out in a Lincolnshire village after plans were submitted for Leadenham Polo Club to build an all-weather arena, with 88 people writing to the local council with objections to the plans (concerns over floodlighting affecting the village and conversion of old buildings). The council have now approved the plans.

DO YOU NEED HAND SANITISER FOR YOUR CLUB, YARD, LORRIES, GROOMS OR PLAYERS? Annex A - HPA PROCEDURES UNDER COVID-19 AS AT 12 MAY 2020

“Each vehicle should have its own hand sanitiser displayed on entry and used on getting out of the vehicle...”

HAND SANITISER Produced to World Heath Orginization Handrub Formulation 1. 80% ABV

• 100ml tapered twist top bottles @£2.50 +vat/unit • 200ml pump top bottles @£4.95 +vat/unit • 5 litre jerrycans @ £45 +vat/drum Free delivery on all orders of £10 +vat and over We can provide in bulk so please contact us for large orders for companies, schools, polo yards and care homes etc.

EXAMPLES OF BESPOKE PROJECTS WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION RECOMMENDED HANDRUB FORMULATION 1 Use: Apply a palmful of alcohol-based handrub and cover all surfaces of the hands. Rub hands until dry

HAND RUB

For external use only

Hydrogen Peroxide 0.125% (v/v)

Produced by Polo Gin Ltd, +44 1452 730770

ALCOHOL

CONTAINS 80% ALCOHOL HAZARD IDENTIFICATION: DANGER HAZARD STATEMENTS: Highly flammable liquid and vapour.

Causes serious eye irritation.

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS • For external use only • Do not drink • Keep out of reach of children.

• Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.

• IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.

Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do so.

Continue rinsing.

• If were irritation persists, get medical advice/attention.

• Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.

• Dispose of contents/container to an authorised waster collection point.

Batch Number 2 Date of manufacture: 02.05.20 Size: 100ml

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION RECOMMENDED HANDRUB FORMULATION 1 Use: Apply a palmful of alcohol-based handrub and cover all surfaces of the hands. Rub hands until dry

HAND RUB

For external use only Avoid contact with eyes Keep out of the reach of children Flammable: Keep away from flame and heat Composition: Ethanol, Glycerol and Hydrogen Peroxide Final Concentrations: Ethanol 80% (v/v), Glycerol 1.45% (v/v), Hydrogen Peroxide 0.125% (v/v)

100ml

Produced by Polo Gin Ltd, +44 1452 730770

Contains 80% alcohol

WHO FORMULATION 1

CONTAINS 80% ALCOHOL HAZARD IDENTIFICATION: DANGER HAZARD STATEMENTS: Highly flammable liquid and vapour.

Causes serious eye irritation.

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS • For external use only • Do not drink • Keep out of reach of children.

• Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.

• IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do so. Continue rinsing.

• If were irritation persists, get medical advice/attention.

• Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.

• Dispose of contents/container to an authorised waster collection point.

Batch Number 2

Date of manufacture: 02.05.20

Size: 100ml

HAND RUB WTR HORSE TRANSPORT 07958 479896 100ml

Contains 80% alcohol

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION RECOMMENDED HANDRUB FORMULATION 1 Use: Apply a palmful of alcohol-based handrub and cover all surfaces of the hands. Rub hands until dry For external use only Avoid contact with eyes Flammable: Keep away from flame and heat Composition: Ethanol, Glycerol and Hydrogen Peroxide Final Concentrations: Ethanol 80% (v/v), Glycerol 1.45% (v/v), Hydrogen Peroxide 0.125% (v/v)

DANGER HAZARD STATEMENTS: Highly flammable liquid and vapour.

Causes serious eye irritation.

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS • For external use only • Do not drink • Keep out of reach of children.

• Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.

• IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do so. Continue rinsing.

• If were irritation persists, get medical advice/attention.

• Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.

• Dispose of contents/container to an authorised waster collection point.

Batch Number 2

Date of manufacture: 02.05.20

Size: 100ml

HAND RUB

For external use only

DANGER HAZARD STATEMENTS: Highly flammable liquid and vapour.

Causes serious eye irritation.

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS • For external use only • Do not drink • Keep out of reach of children.

• Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.

• IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.

Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do so.

Continue rinsing.

• If were irritation persists, get medical advice/attention.

• Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.

• Dispose of contents/container to an authorised waster collection point.

Batch Number 2 Date of manufacture: 02.05.20 Size: 100ml

ALCOHOL

CONTAINS 80% ALCOHOL HAZARD IDENTIFICATION: DANGER HAZARD STATEMENTS: Highly flammable liquid and vapour.

Causes serious eye irritation.

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS • For external use only • Do not drink • Keep out of reach of children.

• Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.

• IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.

Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do so.

Continue rinsing.

• If were irritation persists, get medical advice/attention.

• Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.

• Dispose of contents/container to an authorised waster collection point.

Batch Number 2 Date of manufacture: 02.05.20 Size: 100ml

Avoid contact with eyes Keep out of the reach of children Flammable: Keep away from flame and heat Composition: Ethanol, Glycerol and Hydrogen Peroxide Final Concentrations: Ethanol 80% (v/v), Glycerol 1.45% (v/v),

HAND RUB to l

e n fro m

For external use only

ne

HAND RUB

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION RECOMMENDED HANDRUB FORMULATION 1 Use: Apply a palmful of alcohol-based handrub and cover all surfaces of the hands. Rub hands until dry

Hydrogen Peroxide 0.125% (v/v)

For external use only Avoid contact with eyes Keep out of the reach of children Flammable: Keep away from flame and heat Composition: Ethanol, Glycerol and Hydrogen Peroxide Final Concentrations: Ethanol 80% (v/v), Glycerol 1.45% (v/v),

100ml

Contains 80% alcohol

Hydrogen Peroxide 0.125% (v/v)

Produced by Polo Gin Ltd, +44 1452 730770

Produced by Polo Gin Ltd, +44 1452 730770

Contains 80% alcohol

WHO FORMULATION 1

CONTAINS 80% ALCOHOL HAZARD IDENTIFICATION: DANGER HAZARD STATEMENTS: Highly flammable liquid and vapour.

Causes serious eye irritation.

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS • For external use only • Do not drink • Keep out of reach of children.

• Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.

• IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do so. Continue rinsing.

• If were irritation persists, get medical advice/attention.

• Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.

• Dispose of contents/container to an authorised waster collection point.

Batch Number 2

Date of manufacture: 02.05.20

Size: 100ml

HAND RUB

Vaux Park

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION RECOMMENDED HANDRUB FORMULATION 1 Use: Apply a palmful of alcohol-based handrub and cover all surfaces of the hands. Rub hands until dry For external use only

Polo Club

Avoid contact with eyes Keep out of the reach of children Flammable: Keep away from flame and heat Composition: Ethanol, Glycerol and Hydrogen Peroxide Final Concentrations: Ethanol 80% (v/v), Glycerol 1.45% (v/v),

100ml

Produced by Polo Gin Ltd, +44 1452 730770

Hydrogen Peroxide 0.125% (v/v)

Contains 80% alcohol

EXAMPLES OF BESPOKE SIGNAGE COVID – 19

COVID – 19 Please use the hand sanitiser provided

Practice Social Distancing

Produced by Polo Gin Ltd, +44 1452 730770

All major credit cards accepted

Avoid contact with eyes Keep out of the reach of children Flammable: Keep away from flame and heat Composition: Ethanol, Glycerol and Hydrogen Peroxide Final Concentrations: Ethanol 80% (v/v), Glycerol 1.45% (v/v),

la g h Fa 100ml

Produced by Polo Gin Ltd, +44 1452 730770

2m between

NEXT DAY DELIVERY

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION RECOMMENDED HANDRUB FORMULATION 1 Use: Apply a palmful of alcohol-based handrub and cover all surfaces of the hands. Rub hands until dry

Hydrogen Peroxide 0.125% (v/v)

100ml

Contains 80% alcohol

ALCOHOL

CONTAINS 80% ALCOHOL HAZARD IDENTIFICATION:

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION RECOMMENDED HANDRUB FORMULATION 1 Use: Apply a palmful of alcohol-based handrub and cover all surfaces of the hands. Rub hands until dry

Ra

Avoid contact with eyes Keep out of the reach of children Flammable: Keep away from flame and heat Composition: Ethanol, Glycerol and Hydrogen Peroxide Final Concentrations: Ethanol 80% (v/v), Glycerol 1.45% (v/v),

100ml

Contains 80% alcohol

WHO FORMULATION 1

CONTAINS 80% ALCOHOL HAZARD IDENTIFICATION:

S

DANGER HAZARD STATEMENTS: Highly flammable liquid and vapour.

Causes serious eye irritation.

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS • For external use only • Do not drink • Keep out of reach of children.

• Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.

• IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.

Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do so.

Continue rinsing.

• If were irritation persists, get medical advice/attention.

• Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.

• Dispose of contents/container to an authorised waster collection point.

Batch Number 2 Date of manufacture: 02.05.20 Size: 100ml

rm

ALCOHOL

CONTAINS 80% ALCOHOL HAZARD IDENTIFICATION:

Stop the spread!

Help us protect our staff and each other Vaux Park Polo Club

Vaux Park Polo Club

Call: 01452 730770/ 07969 456214 or email richard@britishpologin.co.uk

58

Polo Times, July 2020

www.polotimes.co.uk

Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

01462 701110

Polo directory

What’s On – Polo Fixtures

Victrix Ludorum 18 Goal

Editor’s Note: Due to the ongoing limitations for polo, not all clubs have finalised their 2020 fixtures, we have listed as many as possible here and apologise if your Club has not been included, We suggest members contact their local clubs for the most up to date fixture lists.

Club

Tournament

Start Date

End Date

22 Goal Cowdray

The King Power Gold Cup for The British Open

23/06/2020

Cirencester

Warwickshire Cup

14/07/2020

24/07/20

Guards

Cartier Queen’s Cup

28/07/2020

23/08/20

Guards

Indian Empire Shield

30/06/2020

18/07/20

Cirencester

Apsley Cup

21/07/2020

02/08/20

Cowdray

Duke of Sutherland

04/08/2020

22/08/20

Cowdray

Cowdray Challenge

24/08/2020

06/09/20

RCBPC

Eduardo Moore

01/07/2020

11/07/20

Cowdray

Harrison Cup

21/07/2020

08/08/20

Knepp Castle

Knepp Castle International Ladies Tournament

01/07/2020

05/07/20

Cowdray

British Ladies Open Championship

07/07/2020

18/07/20

Cirencester

The Ladies 18 Goal

21/07/2020

01/08/20

RCBPC

Ladies Polo Festival

10/08/2020

16/08/20

Guards

Guards Ladies Charity Polo

18/08/2020

29/08/20

Beaufort

Beaufort Ladies Tournament

01/09/2020

13/09/20

Club

Tournament Name

Handicap

Start Date

End Date

Guards

Phoenician Cup

12 goal

30/06/2020

12/7/2020

Guards

Coworth Park Challenge Trophy

12-15 goal 01/07/2020

25/7/2020

Cowdray

Easebourne Cup

8 goal

04/07/2020

12/7/2020

Cowdray

Texaco Trophy

10-12 goal 07/07/2020

18/7/2020

Cowdray

Benson Cup

8 goal

26/7/2020

15/07/2020

19/07/20

18 Goal

15 Goal

Guards

Royal Windsor Cup

11/08/2020

30/08/20

Cirencester

County Cup

01/09/2020

13/09/20

Beaufort

Arthur Lucas

15/09/2020

27/09/20

12 Goal Cowdray

Dollar Cup

16/06/2020

04/07/20

Cirencester

The Queen Mother Trophy

07/07/2020

18/07/20

Guards

Duke of Wellington

21/07/2020

08/08/20

Cirencester

Cheltenham Cup

11/08/2020

23/08/20

RCBPC

John Prestwich

25/08/2020

06/09/20

Cowdray

Autumn League

07/09/2020

20/09/20 05/07/20

8 Goal Guards

Archie David

12/06/2020

RCBPC

Julian & Howard Hipwood Cup

07/07/2020

25/07/20

Cowdray

Holden White

27/07/2020

09/08/20

Beaufort

Wichenford Bowl

11/08/2020

22/08/20

Cirencester

Gerald Balding

25/08/2020

05/09/20

Dallas Burston

The Stoneythorpe Cup

22/06/2020

05/07/20

Binfield Heath

The Phillimore Trophy

06/07/2020

Spain Ampurdan

Liga Catalana Interclubs

0-4 goal

3/7/2020

5/7/2020

Ampurdan

IV Flower Cup

4-6 goal

17/7/2020 19/7/2020

Ampurdan

IV Sant Jordi Cup

4-6 goal

24/7/2020 26/7/2020

Santa Maria

49th MANSION International Polo Tournament Bronze Cup

6 goal

24/7/2020 31/7/2020

Santa Maria

49th MANSION International Polo Tournament Silver Cup

14 goal

24/7/2020 31/7/2020

France Saint-Tropez

International Polo Cup

8-10 & 12-15 goal

2/7/2020

12/7/2020

Saint-Tropez

Open de Gassin

8-10 & 12-15 goal

16/7/2020 26/7/2020

Chantilly

Coupe D’Aumale

0-4 goal

18/7/2020 19/7/2020

Chantilly

Coupe Coquetier D’Or

6-8 goal

18/7/2020 26/7/2020

Chantilly

Coupe Espirit Chantilly

0-4 goal

25/7/2020 26/7/2020

Ladies Maryland, USA

Easter Circuit Women’s Challenge

Open

9/7/2020

Chantilly, France

Ladies Polo Cup

4-8 goal

18/7/2020 19/7/2020

12/07/20

Southampton, USA

Northeastern Circuit Women’s Challenge

6-8 goal

18/7/2020 19/7/2020

Westchester, USA

East Coast Open Women’s Polo Championship

14-20 goal

28/7/2020 2/8/2020

Brandywine, USA

Sunny Hale Legacy WCT Women’s Tournament

12-14 goal

31/7/2020 2/8/2020

6 Goal

Beaufort

Rojas Lanusse

14/07/2020

26/07/20

Kirtlington

Budgett Everett

30/07/2020

09/08/20

Ham

Roehampton Cup

11/08/2020

23/08/20

Cirencester

Kingscote

08/09/2020

20/09/20

4 Goal

12/7/2020

Quick Question

Silver Leys

4 Goal Victor Ludorum

29/06/2020

05/07/20

Cheshire

National 4 Goal

06/07/2020

12/07/20

Kirtlington

Kirtlington Cup Victor Ludorum

21/07/2020

26/07/20

Answer -

The Gold Cup, hosted by Cowdray Park Polo Club, trophy was stolen in 1968 and has not been recovered. .

Druids Lodge

The Druids Rose Bowl

27/07/2020

02/08/20

Dallas Burston

Dallas Burston Gold Cup

25/07/2020

30/07/20

60

Polo Times, July 2020

to the question posed on our Letters page

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo directory Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

CLUB

PHONE

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Home Farm Polo Grounds

07807672120

EMAIL rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk

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

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

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Polo Times, July 2020

61

Marketplace In association with Chukkout Polo Transport

PO1O RAT

29x10 Cosalt Riviera Mobile Home Perfect grooms accommodation, used but clean and tidy. 2x bed, 1x bathroom, large living room with dining area, good size kitchen. Gas cooker, gas boiler. All serviced last year, not been used for nine months. £2,000. Tel: 07580 884520

Equipment

Polocrosse Deluxe stock saddles More photos available. Can post at expense of buyer. £650.

Tel: 07572 855366

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

Livery Lorry 18T Volvo 2001, stalled for 9 horses plus tack area or 10 horses without. MOT till 31st August 2020. working perfectly. Quick sale. £5,500. Tel: 07594 940889

Saxon Mesh Combo Fly Rug 6’3 Saxon fly rug great condition. Has hardly been worn and only selling as doesn’t fit my horse. Has just been washed. Selling for £35 including postage. Tel: 07926 946809

SUMMER GRASS LIVERY, box rest and barn rest available now at Trafford House Farm, Oxfordshire. Winter 2020/21 grass livery available starting in September. For further details and pricing contact Robert Thame at robertthame@hotmail.com or 07836 524393

Misc

Kes saddle Unfortunately, doesn’t fit my horse, great condition. Can deliver if close I am currently looking for a dressage saddle so if anyone is interested in swapping then I would be more than happy. £130.

Tel: 07769 169011

1997 Iveco Minivan. Well looked after 7.5t R reg Iveco. Comfortable and easy to drive. Partitioned for five with addition tack area and saddle racks. Floor replaced two years ago.

MOT until October. £4,000 – open to sensible offers. Tel: 01604770436

18” Polo Saddle Medium fit. Used but in good condition. £225.

Tel: 07580 884520

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 2002 Iveco Ford Eurocargo Iveco Ford 18t Lorry, Cursor 240. Large horse box, currently stalled for 6, for sale in good condition with recently renovated horse area. Plated / MOT in June 2019 with new tyres, brake pads and disks and barely been used since. Tilt cab, 8 gears, assisted steering, very easy to drive. The lorry has never caused us any problems.

Currently stalled for 6 large horses but possible to add 2/3 extra stalls or put a carriage in as large storage area at front of horse area and winch at back of horse area.

Horse area recently renovated with rubber matting throughout, plus fans, lighting and camera linked to cab in horse area. We also did work on the ramp to make it easy to open / close. 3 storage cupboards outside.

Living with lighting, heating, seating, table, gas oven and stove and sink, it needs upgrading to make it comfortable. Cab has a fridge, heating, radio, sunroof and two bunks. £11,000. Tel: 07946 098612

62

Polo Times, July 2020

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

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1,500 litre water bowser No longer needed been using it up until now easy tow. £650 Ono. Tel: 07464 326498

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Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Siri Bazzoni has won the first Guards Ladies 18 goal in 2017, hosted the first 22 goal ladies match in the UK on The Queen’s Ground, won The Cicero Cup, reached the Semi Finals in The Royal Windsor 2019, and played 20 goal internationally in The US East Coast Open. Plus, this season Siri has entered Monterosso Vikings into the UK high goal What is your biggest passion and why?

Horses and animals! I have been fortunate to breed from top bloodlines, I love working with young horses and to be involved with everything including the horses’ nutrition, performance, veterinary management, training, rehabilitation and breeding.

What is your all time best polo memory?

Winning the first Guards Ladies 18 goal in 2017, and having the dubious pleasure of unveiling the late Patrick Beresford chosen trophy for the tournament. It is called Lovers. It was awkward. But he had so much fun, God bless him.

Who were/are your favourite teammates?

Too many to mention! I’m very excited about the 22 goal team this year with Sebi Merlos, Fran Elizalde and George Meyrick.

Favourite celebrity and why? Ingrid Klimke.

She represents Germany internationally in two equestrian disciplines, i.e. both in Dressage and in Eventing.

Hardest opponent? Alessandro [Bazzoni).

Best holiday destination & activity? Rwanda for gorilla trekking and Mnemba Island off Zanzibar for baby turtle hatching!

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

Being Norwegian I am pre-programmed to say skiing.

Favourite film and why? Nobody would ever take me seriously again if I told you.

Favourite song/album? Just listened to the Humans by Killers on the radio, that’s a pretty good song.

Best pony and why? Aguante Nelly. By Ink x Libano. Bred and produced by Naco Taverna (spot the bird). She is unbelievably strong with the neck of the size of a stallion and she makes me believe I can do anything.

Favourite food/dish? Norwegian crayfish on a late-summer evening.

Favourite hobby outside of polo? Dressage.

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Are you passionately superstitious? No. Most prized possession? My dogs, Yoda and Bjorn.

Describe yourself in a few words… Ouff… stubborn probably. Disciplined. Just a big ball of fun, really…

One thing which would surprise us about you? I love to dance! And I crochet... yup, it’s all rock n’ roll here.

64

Polo Times, July 2020

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