Polo Times June16

Volume 21 • Issue 5 • June 2016 • £6.50

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Contents

Contacts Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

June 2016

Group Editor in Chief

Photograph by James Ledger

Publisher

What’s inside...

66

Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk

Club Liaison & News Manager Lucy Wilson lucy@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

Advertising Sales Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk

Polo Reporter & Researcher

64 News 4 20 22

All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update

Comment 23

Your Views: Letters and Top Tweets

Features 24 33 38 45 50 54

Cover Story: Property Focus Cover Story: High Goal Guide Cover Story: High Goal Debate Cover Story: Victor Ludorum Guide Charity Focus: Polo Pastures Cover Story: Polo’s Backstage Army

James Morgan

58

Additional Design

62 64

US Open and Q&A with Orchard Hill Patron Steve Van Andel Copa de las Naciones Cover Story: The Prince of Wales Trophy La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy

Tilda Woodd tilda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Principal Design

Reports

Tony Ruddy

66 Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors:

Stephen Biddlecombe, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Martin Perez, Kate Scurfield, David Woodd, Susie Richards, Caroline Stern

Contact details

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

www.polotimes.co.uk

© Polo Times Limited 2016 and Database Right 2016 Polo Times Limited holds the copyright & database right to the information it publishes in Polo Times and on the Polo Times website. No content may be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Publisher. ‘Polo Times’ is the trade mark of Polo

Club Focus 69

Women’s Polo 74 75 76

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5 Minutes With… Milly Hodges Reports: III Ladies First Polo Cup & Women’s Championship Tournament Umpires Corner... Caroline Anier

Youth Polo 77

News from Home and Abroad

Military Polo

80

Times Limited. ISSN 1461-4685

Cover photograph: Mark Tomlinson and Alejo Taranco vie for the ball in the Final of The Prince of Wales Trophy at The Royal County of Berkshire By ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Reports: Martin Bebbington Memorial Trophy

Knowledge 82

Fitness for Polo: The Nearside Backhand

38 84 88 90

Pony Power Bit Focus: Rider’s Q&A Vet Insight: What to Expect When You’re Expecting – Part 2 92 Surfaces 94 Stables 96 Nutrition Focus: Golden Oldies

Sidelines

98 Gossip: Don’t be the Last to Know 100 Sidelines: Social Pages

Polo Directory:

106 What’s on in June?

110 Polo Times Marketplace

Final bell: 112 Passions: Tony Ramirez

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3

from the Publisher

News

It is with immense sadness that this issue of Polo Times reports on the recent passing of two stalwarts of international polo – Brigadier John Wright CBE, and Martha Laffaye. Both were hugely generous individuals in all that they did for the betterment of polo globally.

Our thoughts and prayers are of course with their families, at what I know is a difficult time.

Looking to the future, it is great to see British polo in fine health – for the 2016 season, the high goal not only enjoys an extra team being entered, (from last year), but there are now 14 British players who will be contesting The Queen’s and Gold Cups. Whilst we will all have our own favourites, it is great to see the Apes Hill high goal team back playing in England, under the patronage of polo stalwart ‘Cow’ Sir Charles Williams.

For all levels of polo, hat safety has taken a further positive turn, in that the HPA recently issued clear and concise guidelines on what players both should be wearing this season, and must, be wearing by 1st January 2018.

Polo remains a dangerous sport, so whilst still on the topic of safety, I know that we all wish British professionals Tom Morley and Caspar West, the speediest of recoveries from the severe injuries that both have recently experienced. Two more gentlemanly players you could not hope to play with, or against – get well soon guys.

At the time of going to press, we have a mind-numbingly boring and contradictory five weeks’ remaining of the Bexit ‘Leave/ Remain’ debate… the all-consuming nature of the English polo season is always welcomed in the Polo Times office with open arms, but this year in particular, it could not come soon enough.

In signing off this month, I hope that you will all play polo safely, enjoy the read – and that the photo of exercising the Polo Times string at sunset on Newport beach, Pembrokeshire, warms your cockles.

Brigadier John Wright CBE

Nick Hine, Publisher

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Polo Times, June 2016

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

10 October 1940 – 4 May 2016 IT IS WITH great sadness that we report the passing of Brigadier John Wright CBE, who died peacefully in his sleep at 5am on the morning of Wednesday 4 May 2016, after a short battle with cancer. John died in Gimmeldingen, Germany surrounded by his wife and children, including his son and renowned international umpire, Peter Wright.

Born into a military family, John went to Wellington school before following in his father’s footsteps to Brigadier John Wright CBE, former Sandhurst RMA. He served for 32 years throughout the Chairman of the HPA world from Berlin and Northern Ireland to Cyprus. It was in Cyprus that his passion for polo began, in 1973. John decided to ‘have a go’ in the small military polo club out there. This interest in polo would continue throughout his distinguished military career. John’s love of polo outlived his army days as he went on to successfully run his beloved Tidworth Polo Club, following his retirement from the Army in 1995, where he had been the Director of The Joint Planning Staff at Headquarters Land in Wilton.

When John took over Tidworth Polo Club, the Club membership was at 65 with almost half of those members made up of military personnel. In 2012, the Club boasted 160 members of which 65 were military and today is a thriving low goal Club thanks to his legacy.

Having handed over the running of the now hugely popular Club in 2012, John went on to become Chairman of the HPA, a position he took seriously and performed dutifully until he retired from his post in 2015. Never forgetting the roots of polo, John was a fierce advocate of the low goal. He was the first Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) Chairman to take an active role as the HPA’s representative on the Executive Committee of the Federation of International Polo (FIP). His passion and innovative mind led him to become a huge part of the sport he loved and he was vital to the team behind many of the procedures now part of the FIP and the HPA. John’s dedication to polo never wavered and he remained a huge part of the community right up until his sad passing.

John’s other polo posts included elected Steward, Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee and Chairman of Pony Club Polo from 1990 – 1998, succeeding Buff Crisp.

Throughout his military and polo careers, John worked with and influenced many people. Here are some kind words sent in from friends and colleagues.

David Woodd, HPA Chief Executive, “John was great to work for. He took great trouble to understand the issues from all sides and always sought to establish what was best for the game, not what was best for any Club or group of players. He was not the archetypal retired Brigadier and always described himself as little bit ‘pink’, inclined to try to be too fair or polite. He put a huge amount into the game and was completely up to speed with HPA business, the new helmet rule, the postponed games in the Copa de las Naciones in Buenos Aires, and the unification of the rules etc, when I went to see him the week before he died. Polo was a big part of his life and he was a big and good part of polo. All of us in the HPA office will miss him, but we count ourselves lucky to have had him as Chairman.”

Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Chairman of the FIP, “John was always a passionate supporter of all levels of polo, from grass roots to high goal. He dedicated this passion for the sport to Pony Club Polo as Chairman and then to Tidworth Polo Club, which he managed to turn into a thriving enterprise during his years there. As Chairman of the HPA he had a balanced and supportive outlook during difficult times and as Vice President of FIP and a Member of their Executive Committee his experience and active participation was both sanguine and productive and he will be sorely missed by all his colleagues across the whole of the international polo community. As a friend I will miss his humour, dedication and astute advice and our condolences go out to his whole family.”

Having led a full and busy life, John is survived by his wife, Christiane, and his three children Claudia, Peter and Alicia, as well as many friends, both from polo and the Army.

A charming man with a true passion for the sport he dedicated much of his life to improving, he will be fondly remembered by us all.

There are plans for a memorial service to celebrate John’s life which will take place in England later this summer.

We send our condolences to Christiane, Claudia, Peter and Alicia at this sad time.

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News

12 April 1938 – 24 April 2016 Martha Laffaye passed away on April 24, 2016, after a painful struggle with metastatic lung cancer. Martha was a breast cancer survivor and had recovered from a disabling brain stroke. Martha Susan Headen-James was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 12, 1938, the first child and only daughter of John Arthur and Maria Magdalena Headen-James. She married Dr. Horace Laffaye in 1961 and they emigrated to the United States in 1962. Martha chaired several polo game benefits at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport, including the American Cancer Society, Leukemia Society of America, Save the Children Federation, New England Institute, University of Bridgeport and several other charities. She also hosted polo teams from Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Pakistan and Great Britain. Over the years, she enjoyed accompanying her husband while travelling to surgical meetings in several countries.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed visiting polo clubs, from Europe to New Zealand and Hawaii to the Caribbean. Indeed, only four days before her passing, she attended the Semi Finals of the US Open in Florida with Horace and Patrick.

To honour her, a moment of silence was observed prior to the Final at International Polo Club, Palm Beach, just a few hours after her passing.

She is survived by her husband, her son Patrick, daughter Gisele, son-in-law Trent Pansze, M.D., and grand children Martina, Derek and Grace Pansze, Mark and Todd Laffaye, and her cousin Lucille Brookes. A private burial took place and a celebration of her life was held at the Country Club of Fairfield on 7 May.

Prize Winning Ponies and Players IN TOURNAMENTS THROUGHOUT the summer, at clubs around England, Polo Times are supporting your prize-worthy steeds with Polo Times Best Playing Pony rugs, while our sister publication, The Polo Magazine, celebrates those special players who make a great contribution to their team by awarding The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player bags full of goodies.

Things got underway at Guards Polo Club on Saturday 7 May as the first tournament on the list of events at which Polo Times and The Polo Magazine celebrate player and pony excellence, the Valerie Halford Memorial Trophy, came to an exciting conclusion. Four Quarters Orange took on Clarita for the title. Although Chris MacKenzie with his The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Simon Arber’s Four Quarters Orange Player bag came away with the win, it was Chris MacKenzie of Clarita who walked away with The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player bag after a sterling performance in the Final. The Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug went to Jonny Good’s pony Whitefoot, who played in the first chukka and set Jonny up with a great start to the match. Whitefoot is a homebred 14-year-old gelding out of one of Jonny’s favourite mares, and looked very smart in his new Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug. To find out more about Whitefoot turn to page 84.

Next up on the list for the series of Awards was The Prince of Wales Trophy at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, the Final of which will took place on Saturday 14 May. For a full report of this event and the prize-winners turn to page 64.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Martha Laffaye

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Polo Times, June 2016

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Cartier Queen’s Cup Draw ON TUESDAY 3 May, Laurent Feniou, Managing Director of Cartier UK, unveiled the Cartier Queen’s Cup Draw 2016. The President’s Draw in the Clubhouse at Guards Polo Club was a hotbed of all the most important figures in the English high goal season, as the teams, their managers and supporters eagerly awaited the results of the draw for the 12 teams entered into the 2016 Cartier Queen’s Cup. League One Sub Group A: King Power Foxes, La Bamba de Areco & HB Polo Sub Group B: Talandracas, Apes Hill & La Indiana League Two Sub Group C: Dubai, Sifani & RH Polo Sub Group D: Zacara, Dubai/Valiente & Britannia El Remanso To view the full team lists entered into the tournament and the schedule of games please go to the Polo Times website. Matches started on Tuesday 17 May and conclude on Saturday 11 June. Tickets are already available online for the Final or can be ordered from Guards Polo Club. To read more about the high goal, turn to page 33 for our Cartier Queen’s Cup team guide and to page 38 for our high goal debate.

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Polo Times, June 2016

Photograph by Gillian Hughes

News

Richard, the Earl of Tyrone, Nico San Roman and Phil Meadows playing in the HPA New Year Nationals

Ups and Downs for the UK Arena Players THE NEW ARENA handicaps were announced on Monday 11 April and came into effect on 1 May. A total of 88 players had their handicaps changed at the close of the UK winter season with only five players’ handicaps being downgraded. Eden Ormerod, from Druids Lodge, has gone from 7 to 6 and Juan Leiva, from Emsworth, has gone from 4 to 3. Unsurprisingly, stars of the winter circuit Jack Richardson and Richard, the Earl of Tyrone have gone from 7 to 8, whilst Nico San Roman, Grant Collett and upand-coming player Ed Banner-Eve, who featured in the England line-up for the Bryan Morrison Trophy against America, have all gone from 4 to 5. A group of 10 players including Coolhooves Polo’s Phil Meadows and Rugby Polo Club’s Polo Manager Jeremy Pidgeon have all gone from 2 to 3 goals. However, there are a few names that have made considerable leaps in their handicaps. Sebastian Pudney, from Rugby Polo Club has gone from 0 to 2 and Jack Aldridge, Christopher Milton, George Hobbs and Hassan Usman have all gone from -1 to 1.

A few of the top players have also found themselves with brackets being added to their handicaps. Max Charlton remains on 9, but with brackets added, Ryan Pemble (8), Tom Morley and Pete Webb are now (7) and Tarquin Southwell (6). Brackets are added to handicaps in most cases when a player hasn’t been seen enough by members of the handicap committee to confirm their handicap.

Brackets are also given to those being handicapped for the first time in instances when they have held a handicap in the past or in another country. Brackets also mean that their handicap can be changed at any time during the season. For a full list of the handicap changes please turn to page 20.

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News

Photograph courtesy of Sauce Communications

PREMIUM ORGANIC BRITISH tea brand Hope & Glory® recently announced that it is to become the official tea sponsor for the England Polo Team and The Hurlingham Polo Association, as well as one of the most exciting British tennis tournaments, The Boodles. Hope & Glory’s support of the English summer sporting calendar sees them sponsoring the England Polo Team at The Royal Hope & Glory become the official teas sponsors of the Salute Coronation Cup on Saturday 23 England polo team July. Guests attending these events will have the opportunity to taste blends from the Hope & Glory® tea collection including English Breakfast, Darjeeling, Masala Chai and Earl Grey as they enjoy the athletic action.

Founder and owner of Hope & Glory®, Nina Chudasma commented, “We are very excited to have partnered with The Boodles and The Hurlingham Polo Association at two incredibly iconic, British events this summer. We are very much looking forward to supporting the England Polo Team and to guests enjoying our teas and tea experiences at both events.”

Handicap Changes in the USA

Photograph by Matias Callejo

AS THE US season comes to an end, handicap changes from the USPA have been published. After a spectacular high goal season at the International Polo Club, Palm Beach, Argentine player Hilario Ulloa has been awarded a 10 goal handicap. He also moved up to join the ranks of the top polo players in the world with a 10 goal status in Argentina after his stellar Hilario Ulloa, playing for Alegria Assist performance in the Argentine Card in the Argentine Open, now Open. When he claimed the title holds a 10 goal handicap in the USA of top goal scorer after playing with his team Alegria Assist Card, all eyes were on the 30-year-old to see how his American season would go. Ulloa once again proved himself to be an indispensible member of the White Birch team and the USPA has rewarded his prowess on the field as one of polo’s leading scorers. Ulloa, known for his speed, agility and a control of the ball, as well as his deadly accuracy in front of goal, scored an impressive 35 goals throughout the US Open tournament despite being knocked out in the Semi Final stages. This makes him the second highest goal scorer of the tournament after Facundo Pieres who played an extra match.

Other changes see Julian de Lusarreta (of Orchard Hill) and Alejo Taranco (of Dubai) move from 6 to 7 while Dubai’s Facundo Sola moves up to 9 from 8. Palm Beach Illustrated’s Jared Zenni was raised from 3 to 4 goals and the Ganzis had cause to celebrate also as both Marc and his son Grant move from 1 goal to 2. In other moves, Jack ‘Ruki’ Baillieu, moves from 7 down to 6 while Mariano “Peke” Gonzalez had his handicap jump from 2 to 4 after an initial raise in January. More good news as Michel Dorignac saw his handicap returned to his previous 6 goal rating, Joaquin Panelo went from 4 to 5 goals and Steve Krueger went from 3 to 4.

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Polo Times, June 2016

Photograph by Getty Images

Land of Hope and Glory

Sentebale ISPS Handa captained by Prince Harry celebrate their win

Media Partner

HRH Prince Harry Has Cause to Celebrate RAIN DIDN’T DAMPEN spirits as Prince Harry rode onto the polo field at Valiente Polo Farm, for the sixth Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup in Palm Beach, Florida. Despite thunder and lightning, over 300 guests attended the exclusive event to watch Prince Harry raise money and awareness for his charity Sentebale, which supports young people living with HIV/AIDS in Lesotho, Africa.

The second event of its kind to be held in the USA was a round robin tournament, involving three teams and twelve polo players. The closely fought contest saw the Sentebale ISPS Handa win with six points, followed by the Royal Salute team with three. Sentebale ISPS Handa, captained by Prince Harry took home the trophy – presented by Royal Salute guest of honour His Grace Torquhil Campbell, the 13th Duke of Argyll.

Distinguished guests from the world of sport and entertainment included Jodie Kidd and George the Poet (the acclaimed recording artist and social commentator), who watched on as Prince Harry and Royal Salute World Polo Ambassador Malcolm Borwick competed on the Sentebale ISPS Handa team for the trophy cup, while Sentebale Ambassador Nacho Figueras competed on the Royal Salute team.

The money and awareness raised from the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup will go towards sending 1,500 children and adolescents aged between 10 and 19-years-old to Sentebale’s monthly clubs and five day, residential camp at the newly opened Mamohato Children’s Centre. If children with HIV are educated about the virus, they not only learn about their condition, but they can also educate their peers about the disease, enlightening a generation and leading the way to ending the AIDS epidemic.

Exciting announcements were made post-match, with Prince Harry informing everyone of the expansion of the camp programme in Botswana and the inclusion of George Mpanga, also known as George the Poet, as the newest Sentebale Ambassador. Royal Salute also announced their additional support for the Sentebale Care Giver Initiative in Lesotho, which gives vital help to the parents and grandparents of children living with HIV/AIDs. Polo Times’ sister publication The Polo Magazine was proud to be the Official Media Partner for such a successful and rewarding event. www.polotimes.co.uk

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News

Photograph by Ewa Rosol

MINT TEAM LONDON will face Argentex Team Dubai in the opening day’s action at Chestertons Polo in the Park following the official team draw on Thursday 5 May. As the sun set on a glorious evening at The draw on the night Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, Robert Bartlett, CEO of Chestertons Group, conducted the draw for the opening day of Chestertons Polo in the Park, International Friday, to be held on Friday 3 June.

The opening match of Chestertons Polo in the Park 2016 will see Team New York face Jnan Amar Polo Club Team Marrakech, an encounter Marrakech’s Jack Richardson is looking forward to, “Playing at Chestertons Polo in the Park is a terrific experience. I love playing in front of such large crowds and the adapted rules really do make for a fast and furious competition as well as bringing the action right up close to the spectators.”

Defending champions, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong, once again led by Jamie Morrison, were drawn against Air Europa Team Buenos Aires before the final match of International Friday will see the local favourites MINT Team London take on Argentex Team Dubai.

Following the success of 2015’s debut International Match at Chestertons Polo in the Park, Team England will again return to Hurlingham Park, Fulham. Having been defeated in 2015, Team England will be desperate to record a victory when they take on fierce rivals, AwakeConBal Team South Africa, in this year’s City AM International Match. Tickets for Chestertons Polo in the Park start at £10.

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Polo Times, June 2016

Photograph by William Marsden

Polo In The Park Draw Announced

Power of Polo CEO Katy Hayward with all the participants, team players and youth workers at the final presentation

Power of Polo Runs Cracking Course A GROUP OF new and returning youngsters participated in the first course of 2016 run by the Power of Polo charity. From Monday 11 to Friday 14 April the group of youngsters from South Central Youth Centre and the Ebony Horse Club in London were put through their paces with music workshops, polo tactics, riding for polo, mini chukkas and a final tournament. The participants had talks from local vet Mark Emerson and Petra Sones, who gave a demonstration on Faradic Impulse Therapy. Charity Chairman Vivek Rawal organised a tour of Guards Polo Club, which included a visit into the Royal Box. Olly Hughes from the HPA also paid a visit to the course to meet the youngsters and hear about their stories. The course was well supported by a number of local businesses including The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, with their Chairman Jamie Morrison captaining one of the teams in the tournament. A crowd of supporters and polo players turned up on the last day, which included England player Tom Morley and local professional Roy Prisk. The charity aims to impact the lives of children and adults facing social, health and economic challenges, utilising the sport of polo. To find out more visit www.powerofpolo.org.uk

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Photograph courtesy of British Beach Polo Championships

From International Polo to International Trade

Action from last year’s British Beach Polo Championships

British Beach Polo Championships 2016 Draws Closer BRITISH BEACH POLO Championships 2016 returns to the spectacular Sandbanks Beach in Dorset, 8 – 9 July with a temporary polo arena, grandstand and marquees, accommodating up to 3,000 people and where each day 72 polo ponies will take pride of place overlooking Poole Harbour and Old Harry Rocks.

An exciting new layout has been created with everything orientated towards the polo arena. The hospitality and VIP marquees are pitch side, with vistas to the sea, giving guests a fantastic view of all the action in the polo arena from their private terraces. In the evening, the marquees will be merged to form one big party area. There will be a four-by-four race against a champion polo pony, plus the England ladies beach volleyball team will take on Poland.

When the hard working polo ponies are tucked up and the sun goes down DJ Shiftk3y and 99 Souls will re-energise the beach on the Friday night with DJ Trevor Nelson and DJ Charles headlining the Saturday after party. Hospitality tickets £165, VIP start at £50, General admission starts at £25. Polo Times and The Polo Magazine will also be keeping everyone up to date as official Media Partners for this year’s event. For full details visit www.sandpolo.com

THREE EX ATHLETES have won the prestigious Queen’s Award. Dog Rocks Distribution Ltd is owned by three ex GB athletes who have transferred their skills from sport to business; Andrew Hine and Nick Evans represented England during their careers playing international polo and Carina Evans represented GB as a World Cup Skeleton athlete.

The Queen’s Award received for International Trade is in recognition of achieving increased year on year export figures, product innovation, sustainability and bringing products to international markets.

“It was a very welcome surprise and an auspicious date being the Queen’s 90th Birthday.

We are delighted to have cause to celebrate with Her Majesty”, says Carina Evans.

Dog Rocks helps stop pet urine burning the grass and is the company’s lead product. Having entered the European pet market in 2008 and moved into the North American market in 2012 the company now has 20 product lines including the award winning Torus Bowl and Pet Remedy.

Photograph courtesy of Major Equipment Ltd

A Mower Like No Other

A tractor fit for a palace

STEEPED IN BRITISH history, Blenheim Palace has stood like the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the English countryside at Woodstock, Oxfordshire for over 800 years and today is the home of the Twelfth Duke of Marlborough and his family.

The entire estate consists of 12,500 www.polotimes.co.uk

acres, which includes commercially farmed and environmentally managed land. Some 2,100 acres are directly connected to the palace by way of parkland and ‘awardwinning formal gardens, which were designed originally by Capability Brown.

Managing the parkland and gardens

is no mean feat! With such a wide area of parkland grass to keep under control, Head of Rural Enterprises, Roy Cox and his team have their work cut out. A chance viewing by the Duke of Marlborough, of a Major TriDeck mower working at Kirtland Park Polo Club, made their lives a whole lot easier.

Following a demonstration by Farol Ltd, they took delivery of their Major Tri-Deck mower in February this year.

The man responsible for grass maintenance at Blenheim is something of a legend in his own right. Ron Keay is 80 years old and has been maintaining the grounds at Blenheim Palace for 65 years. He knows a good mower when he sees one!

“This Major Tri-Deck is such a good mower,” said Ron. “It’s easy to attach, simple to adjust the height of cut – depending on what type of grass we are cutting. It’s very heavy duty, and follows the contours of the ground perfectly so we don’t get any scalping. We cut around three thousand acres per year and the Major is well capable of handling that task.”

For more information call Major Equipment Ltd on 01524 850501 or visit www.major-equipment.com Polo Times, June 2016

13

News A Tally of 30 Years

New Hat Rule for 2018

FOLLOWING A COMPREHENSIVE review, the HPA Stewards have approved a future amendment to the rules for Protective Equipment (Rule 2.3b of the 2016 HPA’s Rules and Regulations) that, from 1st January 2018, all players shall wear a helmet that is Kite Marked and certified to PAS 015:2011 standard as a minimum.

All polo helmet manufacturers that the HPA is aware of have been notified and this extended timeframe is to allow manufacturers to develop a helmet that meets this standard. After 1 January 2018 the use of helmets that do not meet or exceed the above standard will not be permitted for any HPA member playing polo in the UK or Ireland.

David Woodd, HPA Chief Executive commented, “We have re-reviewed safety standards in polo and this new rule will align with those already in place for all other equestrian disciplines which cannot be ignored. The HPA has a duty to protect the safety of its members and to reduce the risk of even just one head injury.”

The HPA will continue to review all aspects of safety in polo through the HPA Safety Advisory Panel (SAP) which was established in December 2015 to review and make recommendations to promote overall safety in polo, as well as promote education and research into the short and long term effects of injuries and concussion in sport.

Before 1 January 2018, the HPA recommendation is that all players wear Kite Marked helmets that do meet the PAS 015:2011 standard, which is already compulsory for Pony Club players.

TALLY HO ARE celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year with a special celebration on Saturday 20 August, which will include stands from all the finest brands within the equestrian industry.

There is also a promise of prizes and plenty of food and drink for all the customers who are invited to join in the celebrations.

The late Jeff Thomas moved into Tally Ho Farm in 1986. The farm had been poorly maintained and apart from a few calves and pigs, the previous owners had only run a small farm shop from the garage.

Jeff’s experience in the equestrian world, as a rider and trainer of point to point and National Hunt horses, led him to develop the ‘garage shop’ into a specialist equestrian outlet, with an emphasis on feeding and nutrition. In 1992, Jeff built a 5,000 sq ft agricultural barn, moving the shop into the new building. Sales continued to expand with local polo yards becoming an important aspect of trade. In 1997, Tally Ho moved seriously into the tack and clothing field, which is now firmly established.

Tally Ho celebrates their 30th birthday

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Polo Times, June 2016

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Photography by Sam Churchill

News

Action from last year’s British Polo Day GB event

RJI Capital are the new official title partners

A Milestone for British Polo Day THIS SUMMER BRITISH Polo Day will celebrate their 50th Global event. Hosting polo events throughout the world the GB event, which takes place on Saturday 18 June at Black Bears Polo Club in Henley-on-Thames, is their one event on home turf and this year will be even more cause for celebration as it marks an important milestone for the global business. We spoke to the team behind British Polo Day to hear their thoughts on the growth of the company and their plans for 2016, “British Polo Day is not, as its name suggests, a business based purely on polo; rather it is a global platform – with polo as the lynchpin – on which British brands gain intravenous access to the world’s movers and shakers in emerging markets. Over the past five years the British Polo Day calendar has grown to encapsulate a network of 10 global experiences per year, including China, Mexico,

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Polo Times, June 2016

India and the UAE. British Polo Day GB 2016 will celebrate the 50th event. British Polo Day partners with a carefully selected group of brands – boasting a combined heritage of 2,000 years – and brings together a global community of over 28,000 entrepreneurs, billionaires and philanthropists. Not to mention 12 royal families. The seriousness of this blossoming network is further underlined this year by RJI Capital’s increased involvement.”

RJI Capital, an international strategic advisory and merchant banking firm, have stepped forward as the new official title partner of British Polo Day, recognising the opportunity to maximise global business connections. Ron Wahid, Chairman and CEO of RJI Capital states, “Britannia Elevation has impressed me. There is so much more to this innovative business than meets the eye.

British Polo Day is an exceptional hospitality

and high-level networking platform, and I can see BPD developing even greater capacity within its chosen sport. Equally importantly, this impressive team has built an exclusive offering which is beyond common currency, and which enables a unique and special level of relationships to develop over the long-term – which is where we do business.”

Working alongside new and existing partners (including Harrods, Bentley and Justerini & Brooks) British Polo Day GB 2016 will be hosted by the Schwarzenbach family at Black Bears River Field in Henley.

The celebrations will be suitably prodigious, spanning four days: beginning with a rejuvenating stay at Thyme in the Cotswolds and culminating in a fast-paced, high goal match and a salute to British heritage. For further information please visit www.britishpoloday.com

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News Followers, Followers and More Followers!

Polo Awards Nominees Are Announced

THE 11th ANNUAL Polo Awards nominees have been announced and voting is now live on the Polo Awards website. The evening, now sold out, will be hosted at Guards Polo Club on Tuesday 31 May, however you can still vote for the awards by visiting www.thepoloawards.com/cast-your-votefor-2015

THE POLO TIMES Twitter account has now reached over 10,000 followers, while our brand new Instagram account has already reached over 1,000! We want to say a huge thanks to all our followers who have helped us get here with all your wonderful commenting, liking, reposting and retweeting. We do our best to keep you up to date with all the happenings and goings on from around the polo community both at home and internationally. We bring you everything from the glamour and glitz of St Moritz, to the mud, sweat and tears of polo’s backstage. Photos, quotes, gossip and debates will keep you scrolling for hours through all the latest news from the low, medium and high goal circuits, and we aim to keep you informed of all the results from our featured tournaments so you never miss a thing.

Polo Times continues to top global Twitter rankings for polo publications. In today’s ever increasingly digitalised world, we strive to make sure that we are constantly at the forefront of polo’s digital output, which is why we are pleased to announce that Polo Times ranks Number 1 in the world for polo publishers on Twitter! We hope our number of followers will continue to increase as we strive to build and develop our up-to-theminute social media output for the benefit of the world’s polo community.

If it’s the gossip, glamour and lifestyle of polo that really gets your heart pounding, then why not check out our sister publication The Polo Magazine on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @thepolomag for the best polo fashion tips, news from the polo grapevine and photos from all the top social events of the polo calendar.

Thank you for following us and helping us share the polo love!

The Polo Awards Nominees 2016: The Most Outstanding High Goal Team Dubai King Power Foxes Talandracas UAE Zacara The Most Outstanding High Goal Patron Rashid Albwardy (2) Michael Bickford (1) Lyndon Lea (2) Ludovic Pailloncy (1) Aiyawatt (Top) Srivaddhanaprabha (1)

International Ahoy

The Most Outstanding High Goal Professional (8-10) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Pablo MacDonough (10) Facundo Pieres (10) Gonzalito Pieres (10) David Stirling (10)

THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE FESTIVAL of Polo is a weekend-long celebration from 18 – 19 June, with a new programme of games planned. Mark Tomlinson said, “This is a popular event for families. We want people to make a day of it. As well as our great polo line-up, they can see arena attractions, do a spot of shopping, bring a picnic and socialise with friends. They can also enjoy delicious food and drink from the Clubhouse and lawn, and we have a small funfair to keep the children entertained.”

On Saturday, the schedule begins with The Maserati Charity Polo Trophy where team Maserati will take on Piaget. This game will be raising valuable funds for three important charities: England & Wales Mountain Rescue, Household Cavalry Foundation and Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust. The afternoon will continue with an International Test Match where Piaget Young England will vie for national honours against Young Ireland.

Sunday features a new attraction – an Exhibition Match will offer a real insight into the challenges of polo as Jockeys take on Olympic Legends – all newcomers to polo.

The Final of The Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Cup will also be played. This trophy was founded by the Tomlinson family in memory of Javier Novillo Astrada who tragically lost his life to a brain tumour in 2014, and raises money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. For more information about timings and tickets for the day visit the newly refurbished Beaufort Polo Club website – www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

The Most Outstanding British Professional James Beim (7) Max Charlton (7) James Harper (6) Tom Morley (6) Jack Richardson (6) Mark Tomlinson (6)

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Photograph by Gordon Lindsay

The Most Outstanding Lady Player Claire Brougham (1) Nina Clarkin (4) Hazel Jackson (3) Lucy Taylor (1) Sarah Wiseman (2) The HPA Victor Ludorum Awards 18 Goal – Ferne Park 15 Goal – Delaney 12 Goal – Poulton/Balvanera 8 Goal – Renegade 6 Goal – C.A.N.I. Autumn League 15 Goal – Emlor S Autumn League 12 Goal – Shalimar

10,000

The 2015 Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Cup winners SATS

Polo Times, June 2016

17

News

Photograph by Nicky Jacob

THE ROYAL WINDSOR Horse Show Polo Pony Class, sponsored by Guards Polo Club and judged by Lord Patrick Beresford and Antony Fanshawe was held on Thursday 12 May. Despite there being just one class there were two categories to accommodate more than one winner for the day. Tinx, a 12-yearold bay mare, who was also last year’s Champion in this class, owned by Jane Ingleby and ridden

by Miguel Ayala not only won the Heavyweight Polo Pony Award, but also took overall Champion. Jane Victorious Miguel Ayala in the ring on Tinx with their red rosette Ingleby proudly said, “We’ve done it twice and won it twice”. Gatita, a 12-year-old dun mare owned and ridden by Samantha Luff took the Lightweight Polo Pony title and Reserve Champion. The Millwheel Saddlery Best Turned Out Award went to Theodore, a six-year-old black gelding owned by Lucy Bolton and ridden by Tomas Llorens.

Tinx was also last year’s Champion in this class, and was entered for the second time this year.

Heavy rain and flooding of the event’s Thames-side lorry park caused the Show to be cancelled on its opening day, Wednesday 11 May. Most of the competitors in the Polo Pony Class had a one-hour wait for their vehicles to be towed in to the lorry park on the Thursday morning, in conditions they described as ‘horrific.’

Talacrest Talent

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

TALACREST IS DELIGHTED to celebrate her Majesty’s 90th birthday with a Queen’s Award for International Trade success. The last time John Collins, Chairman of Talacrest, was presented with an award by HRH Queen Elizabeth II, it was on a polo field years ago with his team Talacrest John Collins, Chairman of Talacrest presents The Talacrest Young Player of the Year Award Boxers. to Jack Hyde at the 2015 Polo Awards Talacrest has been presented with a Queen’s Award for International Trade, one of just 150 companies bestowed with this prestigious honour in 2016. Talacrest wins the Queen’s Award for International Trade for continuous growth in overseas earnings, which have grown from £433,000 in 2010 to £59.3 million in the year to March 2015, representing just over 41% of the business’s total annual earnings. “I am very proud to receive this honour on behalf of the team at Talacrest. It’s fantastic to gain official recognition for our endeavours; especially as we believe we are the only classic car dealer to have won the award to date,” remarked John Collins.

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Polo Times, June 2016

Photograh by Amélie Bès

Royal Windsor Winners

Polo played with a stunning view of the Swiss mountains

Hublot Gold Cup Gstaad FOR THE FIRST time in over 20 years of history, a Chinese team will take part in Switzerland’s only high goal polo summer tournament on 21 August. Captained by Shilai Liu, owner of the Tang Polo Club in Beijing, Team Hublot will be opposed by one Argentine team, led by Juan Peppa, and two Swiss teams led by Piero Dillier and Cédric Schweri, a regular team captain in Gstaad. Taking place on the Gstaad-Saanen airport field, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad has firmly established itself as one of the most important European summer tournaments, welcoming some of the best players in the world.

Each year, over 6,000 spectators attend the three days of competitions as well as the traditional players’ parade through Gstaad on Friday afternoon. The famous Gala night on Saturday 20 August will again be the weekend’s highlight. The Hublot Polo Gold Cup always displays great sport and fiercely contested matches, with every team vying for the much-coveted trophy.

From Polo to Football KING POWER HAVE triumphed against all odds in the world of football as their team Leicester City have won the Premier League.

Despite the threat of relegation at the start of the season when the bookmakers made Leicester 5,000-1 outsiders to take the title, the dream has finally come true. It seems the same attitude to team efforts and business acumen can be seen in football as in polo, where the successful Srivaddhanaprabha’s teams King Power and King Power Foxes took the English high goal season by storm in 2015.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha purchased Leicester City in August 2010 following a three-year shirt sponsorship deal.

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Polo Times, June 2016

19

HPA News

Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters Copa de las Naciones Due to rain the Copa de las Naciones at Palermo was delayed and commenced a week later than scheduled with England playing Argentina on Saturday 23 April and Chile on the Sunday. England started well in both games, but ended up losing to Argentina 11-9 and Chile 9-10. After more rain the final game was finally played on the Wednesday with Chile winning and thereby claiming the trophy.

England (24): Charlie Hanbury (5), Mark Tomlinson (6), James Beim (7) & James Harper (6) Argentina (24): Bartolome Castagnola Jnr (3), Juan Zubia (5), Eduardo Novillo Astrada (9) & Joaquin Pittaluga (7)

HPA Arena Handicaps 2015/16 Following the End of Season Handicap Meeting on Monday 11 April the following handicap changes were published, these new handicaps came into effect on 1 May 2016.

Surname Charlton Pemble Morley Ormerod Richardson Tyrone Webb Morrison Southwell Williams Allen Hodges Lines Banner-Eve Collett Leiva McDonald San Roman Horswell Wooldridge Bossignon Temes Henderson Hitchman McCarthy Prisk Singh Maidana Andrews Cork Giercke

20

New First Name Previous H’cap: H’cap: Max 9 (9) Ryan 8 (8) Tom 7 (7) Eden 7 6 Jack 7 8 Earl of 7 8 Peter 7 (7) Jamie 6 7 Tarquin 6 (6) Roddy 6 7 Leon 5 (5) Harold 5 6 Dean (4) 4 Edward 4 5 Grant 4 5 Juan 4 3 Simon 4 (4) Nicolas 4 5 Edward (3) 2 Charlie (3) 3 Joaquin 3 (3) Glynn 3 2 Charlie 3 2 Spencer 3 (3) Royston 3 4 Raphael 3 2 Telmo (2) 3 Jessica 2 3 Joshua 2 3 D’Artagnan 2 3

Polo Times, June 2016

Chile (23): Max Silva (5), Felipe Vercellino (5), Jaime García Huidobro (7) & Matías Vial (6) Prior to the International game on 23 April, a young line-up of Luke Wiles, Ned Hine, Will Harper and Jimbo Fewster (substituted in for Milly Hine who could not play due to a back injury) represented England in Palermo. Played as a round robin, our young team did well to hold Argentina to 5-2 and had their chances against the Rest of the World, but lost by one goal, 6-5.

Argentina were once again the winners, although the performance of the England team was much improved on last year. For a full report please turn to page 62 and for the junior team report please turn to page 77.

DATES FOR THE DIARY Umpire and Rules Coaching Seminar (HPA coaches and instructors) Mid-Season Handicap Meeting HPA Stewards Meeting New First Name Previous H’cap: H’cap: Lent Terence 2 3 Meadows Philip 2 3 Meyrick Thomas 2 3 Pidgeon Jeremy 2 3 Spicer Robin 2 3 Stanhope-White Atalanta 2 3 Christodoulou Charlotte (1) 1 Junus Zul (1) 1 Noon Tamiur (1) 2 Evans Robyn (0) 1 Gordon-Colebrooke Tom (0) 1 Granchi Michel (0) 0 Parry-Jones Hannah (0) 1 Pudney Sebastian (0) 2 Aldridge Jack -1 1 Bagley Alice -1 0 Beasley Adrian -1 0 Borisavljevic Dejan -1 0 Cloake Eleanor -1 0 Hartwell Nick -1 0 Hobbs George -1 1 Limond Matthew -1 0 Milton Christopher -1 1 Sherlala Rayhan -1 0 Stasinski Alexander -1 0 Strongman Sophie -1 0 Usman Hassan -1 1 Voelker Max -1 0 Wilson James -1 0 Wright Lauren -1 0 Surname

Polo Awards and HPA Lifetime Achievement Award The Polo Awards are taking place on Tuesday 31 May at Guards Polo Club where Claire Tomlinson will be presented with an HPA Lifetime Achievement Award.

International Matches International at Beaufort, Saturday 18 June 2016 England will play Ireland on Saturday 18 June on International Day at Beaufort for the Golden Jubilee Trophy. Entry is free for cars displaying an HPA car sticker.

Royal Salute Coronation Cup at Guards, Saturday 23 July 2016 International Day at Guards Polo Club for the Coronation Cup will be on Saturday 23 July where England will play the Commonwealth. HPA members will be entitled to buy £70 Club and South Grandstand tickets, including a car pass at a reduced price of £40. To purchase tickets go to www.coronationcuppolo.com OR call the ticket office on 01784 437 797.

Sunningdale Park Hotel Berkshire area – TBC Sunningdale Park Hotel Cavalry & Guards

Surname Arber Cork Fitzwilliams Houston Hunt Kalis Kirchhoff Luard Mann McCarthy Meakin Parry-Jones Pemberton Penfold Reilly Rothermere Steed-Grey Voelker Weaver Woodhead Appen Draper Keen Lamphee Male Norris Stanhope-White Triance

Thursday 2 June Wednesday 8 June Monday 13 June Monday 20 June

New First Name Previous H’cap: H’cap: Joe 1 (1) Marcus 1 2 Edward 1 2 Cameron 1 2 Esther 1 (1) Dylan 1 (1) Maximilian 1 2 Oscar 1 2 James 1 2 James 1 2 Abi 1 2 Tom 1 2 Jeremy 1 2 William 1 3 Fiona 1 (1) Jonathan 1 (1) Duane 1 (1) Heiko 1 2 Lance 1 (1) Vicky 1 2 Eric 0 1 Amelie 0 1 Andrew 0 1 Olivia 0 1 Nicholas 0 1 Luke 0 1 Jasmine 0 1 Paul 0 1

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FIP News

FIP Update President of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world of Idea Works Inc., to attract multi-year I could not start my column without a sponsorship or Partner Agreements from mention of the sad passing of Brigadier select companies that we felt would John Wright CBE who served for three complement and enhance the Federation. years on FIP’s Executive Committee and The Marketing Committee, under the whose loss has been felt by all. During Chairmanship of Richard Caleel, decided to his time on the Executive Committee his limit their approaches to the world’s leading sharp analytical mind and passion for the companies in their respective business sport played a vital part in forming the fields. We now have two outstanding new procedures and practices that we now partners; Gulfstream Aerospace and USPA follow within the Federation. Tributes have Global Licensing. We would welcome come in from all corners of the globe and your suggestions about any other global he will be fondly remembered by us all. companies we might add to this elite group.

The FIP were delighted to take a leading role in the build up to the The arrangements for the FIP European recent announcement of a unified Championships, which will take place in set of International Rules, which will Germany from August 24 – 4 September in due course be adapted as the FIP with the Finals to be played at the Maifeld International Rules, and we would like to Olympiastadion where polo was last played thank all those who have devoted their as an Olympic sport in the 1936 Games, are time and efforts to this historic agreement. well underway. FIP’s CEO Alex Taylor and Zone Director Piero Dillier are expecting nine At the end of last year the FIP teams to be competing for Germany, France, embarked on a marketing programme, England, 10:52 Austria, Ireland, Netherlands, with theAdvert_PoloTimes_126x192_HP.pdf assistance of Charles Ward 1 23/02/2016

Poland and Slovakia at the 6-8 goal level.

The FIP has now launched its new website www.fippolo.com which contains details of our worldwide activities and various resource centres to encourage our international members to seek FIP’s support for their activities and to be able to apply for grants for polo development programmes, mainly at the junior level. We have also invested in various multimedia initiatives and, with the help of a UK based social media company Fifty Media, the Federation have managed to build a following of over 10k followers on Instagram and some 6.5k followers on Twitter and still growing.

Finally I am sure everyone will join with us in wishing that doyen of US polo, Steve Orthwein a swift recovery after a nasty fall at his Port Mayaca Polo Club in Florida.

Steve is currently undergoing treatment for a severe back injury and our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and his family at this difficult time.

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Your Views

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Comment

Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk wL etters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN

Letter of the month The writer of Letter of the month wins a bottle of BLOOM Gin

@PoloTimes 10,119 Followers

Dear Sir,

www.facebook.com/ PoloTimes/ 5,040 Likes

@polotimes 1,126 Followers

We follow them on Twitter, to save you the scrolling: I would personally like to express my most heartfelt gratitude to Polo Times in the way that you collaborated with us to secure media coverage for Nic Roldan’s Sunset Polo & White Party. The positive light that you conveyed for Brooke USA has proven to be a massive draw for people, leading them to learn more about our work. Everyone on our Committee truly appreciates the way that you partnered with Brooke USA. We are also very grateful for your kind donation of the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug for the polo match; you were certainly very kind!

Brooke USA is determined to do whatever it takes to support the overseas work of the Brooke and to improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules. We strive to ensure that the right elements are in place for these important animals to be healthy and happy now and in the long-term.

As you know, we have a long and highly successful track-record of effective programmes, presenting solutions that even the poorest owners can utilise to benefit their animals and themselves. The Brooke currently operates in 11 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

Please pass on our thanks to all those involved and know that all of us at Brooke USA value our relationship with Polo Times.

Polo Times @PoloTimes 12 May #polopony #sunshine #chillax #hardlife #summerpolo #hardwork #eatsleepplaypolo

Sebastian Dawnay @playmakerpolo 27 April How Columbus was greeted…! @PoloTimes

Tincho Merlos @TinchoMerlos 12 May Me creció la barba un poco… #mabel (My beard has grown a little)

Sincerely, Emily Dulin Executive Director

As Brexit debate reaches fever pitch suddenly Annexe D (Scheduling, format and order of merit) of the HPA Rules seem interesting by comparison

Quick Question What a lovely surprise in the post from Brooke USA

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How many tournaments are listed on the Polo Times website that are 0 goal and below?

A. Turn to page 108 to check your answer.

Polo Times, June 2016

23

Property Focus

Introduction of monthly property section in Polo Times thought on the equestrian’s mind is to jump online and start searching for new property interests.

This is why the June issue of Polo Times sees the launch of a regular property section, to neatly bring leading properties and agents to you, the reader.

Should you wish to showcase your property in this section, be it equestrian,

country or townhouse, please do get in touch for a discrete, and of course confidential, conversation. Alternatively, please speak to your agent who can organise coverage in the magazine on your behalf.

Tel: 01452 730 770/07969 456 214 Email: richard@polotimes.co.uk

W EQ IT UE H ST 34 R AC IAN RE S

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years the area has been something of a magnet, not just for sailors happy to enjoy the Beaulieu and Lymington rivers and head off into the Solent, but moreover for the keen equestrian. The New Forest

to still have two packs of hounds and a polo club at its Lymington,isveryprivileged Nr. Hampshire Shirley Holms, Lymington, Hampshire heart. If this is not temptation enough, it still remains wholly possible to buy a cottage with a paddock for the price of a one

bedroom flat on Kings Road, or invest in a private country estate with 40 glorious acres, ideally suited for the polo or equestrian enthusiast, for £3,950,000 currently being marketed by Caldwells.

s is Situated Accommodation in 40SS acres ituatedinin40 40 acres acresof of beautiful grounds, grounds, ituated of beautiful beautiful grounds,this this Accommodation Summary Summary Accommodation Summary Accommodation Summary thi country estate country is country nestled estate nestled Floor in the heart heart of the estate isis nestled in Floor thein heartofthe ofthe the Gr Gr ound ound Ground Floor Ground Floor New Forest, close New Forest, to close to the the sailing sailing town of town of Entrance Entrance hall hall Cloakroom/WC Cloakroom/WC Drawing Drawing Entrance room hall room Cloakroom/WC Drawing room room New Forest, close to the sailing town of Entrance hall - Cloakroom/WC - Drawing Dining Dining room room - Music Music room/library room/library - Study Study Dining roomroom - Music room/library - Study - Study Dining Music room/library s Lymington.

This Lymington. secluded This secluded secluded family family offers home offers Lymington.

This familyhome home offers- -Outside Kitchen/breakfast Kitchen/breakfast room room - Utility Utility room room Kitchen/breakfast Outside roomWC - Utility WC room -room Outside WC Kitchen/breakfast room - Utility - Outside WC Four Four car car garage garage currently currently used used as as an an office/studio office/studio FourFour car garage currently used asused an office/studio the perfect backdrop the perfect backdrop for for the polo the enthusiast, polo enthusiast, car garage currently as an office/studio the perfect backdrop for the polo enthusiast, with with room above above room above with room above and sitting in an andsitting sitting elevated an room elevated position position ititaffords itwith affords and inin an elevated position affords FIRST FIRST FLOOR FLOOR FIRST FLOOR spectacular views spectacular over views over the the forest at Shirley forest at Shirley FLOOR spectacular viewsbathrooms over the forest at Shirley Six Six bedrooms bedrooms - Four Four bathrooms - Further Further Six bedrooms WC WC - FourFIRST bathrooms - Further WC Six bedrooms - Four bathrooms - Further WC Holms.

Holms.

Holms.

Outbuildings Outbuildings Outbuildings 0 0 £3,950,000 £3,950,000 Main Main stable stable block block with with nine nine loose loose boxes boxes Mainand stable and block Outbuildings with nine loose boxes and £3,950,000 Main stable block nineand loose and four four further further stable stable rooms rooms used used for for tack tack and and four feed further feed stable storage rooms storage usedwith for tack feedboxes storage

h Street, S041 9AL

Nr. Shirley

four further stable tack and feed storage Additional Additional block block of oftwo two loose loose boxes boxes and Additional and block rooms of two used loose for boxes and Additional two byres loose boxes and further further store store room room - Cattle Cattle byres byres further storeblock room of - Cattle further store room -and Cattle Extensive Extensive concrete concrete hard-standing hard-standing and and two two Extensivevery concrete very hard-standing twobyres very Extensive substantial substantial concrete concrete frame frame buildings buildings substantialconcrete concrete hard-standing frame buildingsand two very substantial concrete frame buildings Gardens Gardens & & Gr Gr ounds ounds Gardens & Grounds Land Land approaching approaching 40 40 acres acres Land approaching & 40 Grounds acres Gardens Paddocks Paddocks - Fields Fields - W W oodlands oodlands - Gardens Gardens - Parkland Paddocks Parkland - Fields - Woodlands Setting - Gardens 40 - Parkland Land Setting approaching acres Setting Outdoor Outdoor swimming swimming pool pool - Jacuzzi Jacuzzi - Extensive Extensive Outdoor swimming patio patio pool - Jacuzzi area area - -Extensive area Setting Paddocks - Fields - Woodlands Gardenspatio - Parkland Registered Registered Far Far m m - Forest Forest Rights Rights Farm - Forest Rights OutdoorRegistered swimming pool - Jacuzzi - Extensive patio area Registered Farm - Forest Rights

For Formore moreinformation, information,please pleasecontact contact For more information, please contact more information, please675875 contact Jeremy Jeremyor orJulian JulianCaldwell Caldwellon on01590 01590 Jeremy For or Julian 675875 675875 Caldwell on 01590

Jeremy or Julian Caldwell on 01590 675875

lls.uk.com ww.caldwells.uk.com E: sales@caldwel

Beaufort House, 69 High Street, Lymington, Hampshire S041 9AL eaufort House, 69 High Street, ymington, Hampshire S041 9AL caldwells.uk.com T: 01590 675875 W: www.caldwells.uk.com E: sales@caldwells.uk.com

: 01590 675875 W: www.caldwells.uk.com E: sales@caldwells.uk.com

FF ollow ollow us us on on Twitter Twitter @CaldwellsLym @CaldwellsLym

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Six bedrooms Embracing further store roo

forest, town Embracing Embracing Extensive hard forest, town concrete forest, & towncoast... & coast... & coast...

The New Forest’s leading independent Estate Agent

Embracing forest, t &

substantial concre O A Superb Country Estate...

A Superb Country Estate... ,950,000 The New Forest’s leading independent Estate Agent

Main stable b Gardens & four further Land stable approacr Additional Paddocks - Fields - Woodlandb Outdoor swimmingfurther pool - Ja Registered conc Farm Extensive substantia

Nr. Shirley Holms, Lymington, Hampshire lms, Lymington, Nr. Hampshire Shirley Holms, Lymington, Hampshire

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For more informa Gard Jeremy or JulianLand Ca

ituatedinin40 40 acres acres of grounds, SSituated of beautiful beautiful grounds,this this Accommodation Summary Accommodation Summary Accommodation Summary country estate is nestled in the heart of the country estate is nestled Floor in the heart of the Ground Ground Floor Ground Floor New Forest,close close to to the Entrance hallNew Cloakroom/WC Drawing Entrance room hall - hall Cloakroom/WC - Drawing room room Forest, the sailing sailingtown town-ofof Entrance - Cloakroom/WC - Drawing Dining room - Music room/library - Study Dining room Music room/library - Study - Study Dining room Music room/library Lymington.

This secluded secluded family Lymington.

This familyhome homeoffers offers- Outside Kitchen/breakfast room - Utility room Kitchen/breakfast roomWC - Utility room -room Outside WC Kitchen/breakfast room - Utility - Outside WC Four car garage currently used as an office/studio FourFour car garage currently used asused an office/studio the perfect backdrop for the polo enthusiast, car garage currently as an office/studio the perfect backdrop for the polo enthusiast, with room above with room above with room above andsitting sittingin in an an elevated elevated position and positionititaffords affords FIRST FLOOR FIRST FLOOR spectacular views over the forest at Shirley FLOOR spectacular viewsbathrooms over the forest at Shirley Six bedrooms - Four - Further Six bedrooms WC - FourFIRST bathrooms - Further WC Six bedrooms - Four bathrooms - Further WC Holms.

Holms.

Outbuildings Outbuildings £3,950,000 Main stable block with nine loose boxes Mainand stable block Outbuildings with nine loose boxes and £3,950,000 Main stable block nineand loose and four further stable rooms used for tack andfour feed further stable storage rooms usedwith for tack feedboxes storage

Paddocks - Fields - W Outdoor swimming Registe

Holms, Lymington, Nr. Shirley H

0

further stable tack and feed storage Additional block of two loose boxes four and Additional block rooms of two used loose for boxes and Additional two byres loose boxes and further store room - Cattle byres further storeblock room of - Cattle furtherhard-standing store room -and Cattle Extensive concrete hard-standing and two Extensivevery concrete twobyres very substantial concrete frame buildingsExtensive substantialconcrete concrete hard-standing frame buildingsand two very substantial concrete frame buildings Gardens & Grounds Gardens & Grounds Land approaching 40 acres Land approaching & 40 Grounds acres Gardens Paddocks - Fields - Woodlands - Gardens - Parkland Paddocks - Fields - Woodlands - Gardens 40 - Parkland Land Setting approaching acres Setting Outdoor swimming pool - Jacuzzi - Extensive Outdoor swimming patio - Jacuzzi area - -Extensive area Setting Paddocks - Fieldspool - Woodlands Gardenspatio - Parkland Registered Far m - Forest Rights Outdoor Registered Farm - Forest Rights swimming pool - Jacuzzi - Extensive patio area Registered Farm - Forest Rights

For more information, please contact For more information, please contact more Caldwell information, please675875 contact Jeremy or Julian Caldwell on 01590 Jeremy For or Julian 675875 on 01590

lls.uk.com

Beaufort House, 69 High Street, Lymington, Hampshire S041 9AL Beaufort House, 69 High Street, Lymington, Hampshire S041 9AL T: 01590 675875 W: www.caldwells.uk.com E: sales@caldwells.uk.com

T: 01590 675875 W: www.caldwells.uk.com E: sales@caldwells.uk.com

For more Jeremy or Julian Caldwell on 01590 675875

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High Goal Guide

Feature

2016 UK High Goal Teams In Association with

Photography by © www.imagesofpolo.com

Tilda Woodd reports

W

ith the US season now complete, it is the turn of the UK to play host to the majority of the world’s top polo players, with all eight of The Argentine Open finalists featuring in various teams. With The Cartier Queen’s Cup and Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup as the pinnacle events of our 22 goal season, players, ponies and patrons have now arrived here in England, ready to take on the next challenge on the International high goal circuit.

As it stands at the time of going to press, 12 teams will contest for each title – one more so than last season. King Power Foxes return once again and will undoubtedly be aiming to repeat their 2015 success, where the polo community watched in awe as they dominated both tournaments in a faultless fashion.

Valiente Dubai, feature in the UK high goal programme for the very first time, making their debut in The Cartier Queen’s Cup. For the duration of the season the side will be operating out of the Albwardy’s Dubai base as come The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, the Dubai and Valiente Dubai line-ups will combine to create just the one team (reportedly due to the fact that Rashid is unable to play because of Ramadan). It is believed their JaegerLeCoultre Gold Cup line-up will include Bob Jornayvaz and Ralph Richardson instead of Rashid Albwardy and Kian Hall while Juan Martin Nero and Adolfo Cambiaso will remain.

It is great to see a total of 14 British players entered in the various line-ups – a fact that indicates the talent of our home-grown players is still very much in demand at the top level. An easy team to support for the English crowd is Britannia El Remanso whose line-up includes no less than four British players, although disappointingly their Number 4, Harper, has been forced to take some time out due to a blood infection. Hopefully we will see

him back in action in the early stages of The Cartier Queen’s Cup. La Indiana and Valiente Dubai have both kicked off their season in fine form, respectively winning The Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippetts Challenge and Prince of Wales and as the high goal season continues to progress it will be interesting to see who ends up on top – many people have their money on King Power Foxes, but there are plenty of line-ups who could provide some problems for them along the way.

KEY: Form is based on results in the last five 22 goal tournaments in the series (Queen’s and Gold Cups).

X = failed to make Quarter Finals - = did not play that tournament WORLD RANKING: Players’ rankings are constantly updated; each player is ranked according to his/ her performance, during the course of the year, in the main tournaments around the world. Points are accumulated during the year and prizes are awarded to the best player each month and to the overall best player of the year.

APES HILL Sir Charles Williams has returned with

Team handicap: 22 Patron: Sir Charles Williams Tournaments entered: Queen’s and Gold Cups Form ----4

www.polotimes.co.uk

his Apes Hill side to take on his first full UK season since 2009, when they successfully defeated Sumaya to win The Queen’s Cup. Last year they tested the water, only entering The Gold Cup, however they certainly showed both their form and capability when winning The Warwickshire Cup at Cirencester.

This season we see Mark Tomlinson and Eduardo Novillo Astrada once again, but this time they are joined by Australian Alec White and Englishman George Hanbury.

ALEC WHITE Handicap: 4 World Ranking: 79

GEORGE HANBURY Handicap: 3 World Ranking: 88

MARK TOMLINSON Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 64

EDUARDO NOVILLO ASTRADA Handicap: 9 World Ranking: 24

Polo Times, June 2016

33

Feature

High Goal Guide

BRITANNIA EL REMANSO Capital

Team handicap: 22 Patron: Christopher Hanbury Tournaments entered: Queen’s and Gold Cups Form 45XX6

4

Team handicap: 22 Patron: The Hon. Mr & Mrs Charles Pearson Tournaments entered: The Gold Cup Form: -----

El Remanso return once again to play both The Queen’s and Gold Cup, for their eighth consecutive season. This time around however, their line-up no longer features 10 goaler David ‘Pelon’ Stirling. Instead the British Polo Day sponsored El Remanso team are fielding four British players meaning they are a side the home supporters should certainly be following.

CHARLIE HANBURY Handicap: 4 World Ranking: 86

OLLIE CUDMORE Handicap: 5 World Ranking: 74

JAMES BEIM Handicap: 7 World Ranking: 101

JAMES HARPER Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 95

JACK RICHARDSON Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 76

CHRIS MACKENZIE Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 119

ALEJANDRO NOVILLO ASTRADA Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 31

RASHID ALBWARDY Handicap: 2 World Ranking: 14

KIAN HALL Handicap: 1 World Ranking: 71

ADOLFO CAMBIASO Handicap: 10 World Ranking: 1

JUAN MARTIN NERO Handicap: 9 World Ranking: 3

LUDOVIC PAILLONCY Handicap: 1 World Ranking: 103

IGNACIO TOCCALINO Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 34

DAVID STIRLING Handicap: 10 World Ranking: 5

SEBASTIAN PAILLONCY Handicap: 3 World Ranking: 100

COWDRAY VIKINGS Although Cowdray Vikings have indeed featured on the UK high goal programme before, it was in fact with George Pearson’s mother Lila. This time around it’s all a little different as we see George take on The Gold Cup for the first time.

George is joined by long-term teammate Jack Richardson plus Chris Mackenzie and Alejandro Novillo Astrada. They are a young team with plenty of talent, but will their decision not to play The Queen’s Cup mean they lack team experience?

GEORGE PEARSON Handicap: 2 World Ranking: 227

DUBAI POLO TEAM DUBAI

Team handicap: 22 Patron: Ali Albwardy Tournaments entered: Queen’s and Gold Cups Form 27127

Unsurprisingly, Ali Albwardy’s Dubai side once again features World Number 1 Adolfo Cambiaso. This year, Cambiaso lines-up with Argentine Open teammate Juan Martin Nero, with the duo together achieving their Triple ‘Triple Crown’ victory back in December they are clearly a force to be reckoned with. As well as their regular teammate Rashid, Dubai welcome Brit Kian Hall to their line-up for the first time.

HB POLO TEAM This year HB Polo Team have undergone

Team handicap: 22 Patron: Ludovic & Sebastian Pailloncy Tournaments entered: Queen’s and Gold Cups Form XXXXX

34

Polo Times, June 2016

a significant team change. Although the Pailloncy brothers have resigned regular professional Ignacio Toccalino, this season sees them welcome 10 goaler David ‘Pelon’ Stirling to their line-up for the first time. Not only does Stirling’s transfer from El Remanso to HB Polo surely bring great excitement for the French brothers, but this is also in fact the first time HB will be fielding a 22 goal side.

www.polotimes.co.uk

High Goal Guide

Feature

KING POWER FOXES Since arriving on the UK polo scene just under two years ago, King Power Foxes

Team handicap: 22 Patron: Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Tournaments entered: Queen’s and Gold Cups Form --211

have achieved close to faultless form; a second and two firsts in three appearances.

Consequently it is not surprising that they have maintained, where possible, the same line-up as last year, with José ‘Pepito’ Araya taking the place of Hugo Lewis due to his increase in handicap.

In addition to their polo achievements, the Srivaddhanaprabha’s Leicester City Football Club were recently announced as AIYAWATT ‘TOP’ JOSÉ GONZALO SRIVADDHANAPRABHA ARAYA PIERES Premier League Champions – this family Handicap: 1 Handicap: 1 Handicap: 10 really seem to have figured out the route World Ranking: 25 World Ranking: 123 World Ranking: 4 to sporting success.

FACUNDO PIERES Handicap: 10 World Ranking: 2

LA BAMBA DE ARECO LA BAMBA DE ARECO E S T A N C I A

Team handicap: 22 Patron: Jean-François Decaux Tournaments entered: Queen’s and Gold Cups Form -----

La Bamba de Areco have been absent from the English polo circuit since their 2013 high goal appearance. However, it seems Decaux is now ready to return, and ready to defend their 2009 Gold Cup title. For years, Decaux’s side repeatedly featured the Pieres duo, however with Facundo and Gonzalito now firmly at King Power Foxes, Decaux is instead relying on the talents of Diego Cavanagh, Cristian Laprida and Rodrigo Rueda.

JEAN-FRANÇOIS DECAUX Handicap: 0 World Ranking: 534

DIEGO CAVANAGH Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 33

CRISTIAN LAPRIDA Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 17

RODRIGO RUEDA JNR Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 127

MICHAEL BICKFORD Handicap: 1 World Ranking: 130

NIC ROLDAN Handicap: 7 World Ranking: 22

AGUSTÍN MERLOS Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 22

JULIAN DE LUSARRETA Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 15

BEN SOLEIMANI Handicap: 0 World Ranking: 68

ALI PATERSON Handicap: 4 World Ranking: 39

RODRIGO ANDRADE Handicap: 9 World Ranking: 11

NICO PIERES Handicap: 9 World Ranking: 7

LA INDIANA Michael Bickford and his La Indiana side LA INDIANA

Team handicap: 22 Patron: Michael Bickford Tournaments entered: Queen’s and Gold Cups Form ----X

are all set to tackle their first full high goal season. Last year, they played both The Prince of Wales and The Gold Cup before heading off to play in Sotogrande.

Having gained experience of the 22 goal, it seems Bickford has decided to return with a refreshed line-up. While in 2015 he signed up two Brits and a Kiwi, this time around he has gone for an American and two Argentines.

RH POLO TEAM It is a pleasure to see Ben Soleimani

RH Team handicap: 22 Patron: Ben Soleimani Tournaments entered: Queen’s and Gold Cups Form ---X5

www.polotimes.co.uk

and his RH Polo Team entered to take on their second full UK season of 22 goal polo. Once again we will see Nico Pieres taking to the field wearing a grey RH shirt, but this time around he will be accompanied by Brit Ali Paterson and Brazilian Rodrigo Andrade – both of whom have lifted The Gold Cup in the past. With their form improving as the 2015 season progressed, it would be no surprise if they continue that upward trajectory.

Polo Times, June 2016

35

Feature

High Goal Guide

SIFANI Hilali Noordeen managed to keep the remainder of his 2016 line-up reasonably quiet until recently, but now all has

Team handicap: 21 Patron: Hilali Noordeen Tournaments entered: Queen’s and Gold Cups Form -X-XX

been revealed, and it is one that featured a selection of nationalities. Former England Captain Luke Tomlinson will lineup alongside New Zealand Captain John Paul Clarkin, and this is not the first time the duo have done so. Back in 2003 they lifted The Gold Cup for Hildon Sport while in 2013 they successfully defeated America to win The Westchester Cup. Also part of Noordeen’s side is Juan Gris Zavaleta who, along with Tomlinson was part of the HILALI JUAN GRIS LUKE JOHN PAUL NOORDEEN ZAVALETA TOMLINSON CLARKIN victorious Queen’s Cup winning side in Handicap: 0 Handicap: 7 Handicap: 7 Handicap: 7 2009 – perhaps this combination can help World Ranking: 150 World Ranking: 73 World Ranking: 104 World Ranking: 90 each other achieve success once again.

TALANDRACAS Edouard Carmignac is one of the

Team handicap: 22 Patron: Edouard Carmignac Tournaments entered: Queen’s and Gold Cups Form 32X4X

longest standing patrons in the UK high goal. Last season, Talandracas qualified for the Semi Finals of The Queen’s Cup but unfortunately did not have the same success in The Gold Cup. However, whilst Carmignac has kept both Pablo ‘Polito’ Pieres and Guillermo ‘Sapo’ Caset on for one more year, he has added Beaufort regular Tomas Beresford into the mix.

Perhaps that’s all they need in order to go that one step further?

EDOUARD CARMIGNAC Handicap: 0 World Ranking: 114

PABLO PIERES Handicap: 9 World Ranking: 9

TOMAS BERESFORD Handicap: 4 World Ranking: 78

GUILLERMO CASET Handicap: 9 World Ranking: 16

GUILLERMO TERRERA Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 28

ALEJO TARANCO Handicap: 6 World Ranking: 10

LUCAS MONTEVERDE Handicap: 8 World Ranking: 21

PABLO MACDONOUGH Handicap: 10 World Ranking: 6

VALIENTE/DUBAI POLO TEAM Guards Polo Club will welcome Valiente/Dubai Polo Team to their fields for

Team handicap: 20 Patron: Robert Jornayvaz Tournaments entered: Queen’s and Gold Cups Form -----

the first time. A regular on the US circuit and winners of the Sotogrande Triple Crown, Robert Jornayvaz has decided to spread his wings a little further and this year come and check out the UK 22 goal. With a total of just 20 goals in handicap, Valiente/Dubai are the lowest handicapped side in the competition.

However their recent win in The Prince of Wales, albeit with an altered line-up (Henry ROBERT MARTIN JORNAYVAZ VALENT Porter and Tomas Garcia del Rio replaced Handicap: 1 Handicap: 5 Martin Valent and Robert Jornayvaz) World Ranking: 20 World Ranking: 50 suggests they are ready for battle.

ZACARA Zacara have been a little quiet over ZACARA POLO TEAM

Team handicap: 22 Patron: Lyndon Lea Tournaments entered: Queen’s and Gold Cups Form 11673

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Polo Times, June 2016

the last few high goal tournaments, however it seems this year could be different. The Zacara organisation is continuing to show faith in young Englishman Jack Hyde, signing him up for the second consecutive year. Joining him for 2015 are Lucas Monteverde and Pablo MacDonough – two of Argentina’s top players. Having also played together for the past three seasons, the duo will undoubtedly bring experience to the team.

JACK HYDE Handicap: 3 World Ranking: 98

LYNDON LEA Handicap: 1 World Ranking: 66

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Polo Times, June 2016

37

The High Goal Debate

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Feature

The King Power Foxes were victorious in The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup in 2015

The High Goal Debate

I

The UK can without a doubt boast that it hosts one of the most competitive high goal polo seasons of the international circuit. As the UK high goal season approaches, we spoke to players far and wide in order to discover whether they believe there is anything which could or should be changed

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Polo Times, June 2016

Ollie Cudmore 5 goal professional “I don’t believe that the HPA should be looking to adapt rules or tournament regulations in order to try and level out the results. Dubai, Zacara and King Power have won the majority of tournaments because they have been using Facundo and Adolfo. I don’t think anyone

would argue with the statement that they are the two best players in the world – people often say they are worth ‘12 goals’. I think the problem lies more within the handicapping.

If these two players are so dominant then they should be the only 10 goalers. If the other 10 goal players are handicapped below that, then when the patrons are looking to form teams they have the ability to create a more balanced combination which will also be more competitive.

Photograph courtesy of the Press Association

n the last few years, The Cartier Queen’s and The Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup have appeared to be dominated by a few big budget teams. During those years, the number of entries has gradually decreased, with the justification from some patrons being that they no longer believe that they can compete with those investing so much.

Various ideas that might encourage more teams to take part in the British high goal season have been suggested.

We have looked at two different aspects of high goal polo with a view to gather opinions from international players. The first was the idea that most sports go through periods of domination by an individual, team or country and discussing what could be done, if anything, by the HPA to assist with this issue (if it is indeed thought to be one).

The second topic was how the recent arrival of King Power to the UK high goal scene has brought with it the influence and professionalism of a top football organisation to the sport; and a discussion of what polo organisations and players could learn from other professional sportsmen and sports organisations.

Leicester City celebrate their Premier League win at the King Power Stadium

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The High Goal Debate

Handicaps – Help or Hindrance?

Topic: Introduce a selection of tournaments of a higher level (such as 26 goal) or raising player handicap ranges to 20 goals Pros Raising the handicap limits of a tournament would allow those patrons who want to play better polo, and inevitably spend more money, to do so. It could also mean that changing the handicaps of players, due to the fact that they haven’t won anything in a particular year, could impact on team line-ups a little less.

For example Juan Martin Nero’s handicap was reduced after his team failed to win either of the top UK high goal titles in 2015. The result? He found himself selected to play for Dubai, which has consequently made them one of the toughest teams in the 2016 high goal programme.

An option could be to create more than just the one high goal league, introducing a

new elite level ‘Premier League’ at the top in addition to the current 22 goal level; this could also mean that budgets and horsepower would be more level.

Introducing a larger range in player handicaps would dispel any issues regarding having a superpower such as Cambiaso on 10 goals, when many argue he plays well above.

This would also fit into the limitless team handicap suggestion.

Cons There are only so many 8, 9 and 10 goal players in the world. If they are all crammed onto just a handful of teams the high goal team entries will be reduced even further. It could also induce a price war on professional players’ wages, as patrons vie for the small group of players for their top-level teams.

Patrons, typically the lowest handicap player on the team, may even find that they choose to sideline themselves and simply be the bank behind the team, rather than take an active roll in the saddle on the pitch. This would also

Feature

limit the fun element of the game and potentially 40 reduce patron involvement in the sport.

Creating a bigger handicap range might work for the top end of polo and all pro teams, but how would that affect 22 the lower end for the 1 8 patrons and also the 1 5 thousands of low goal players? It could be argued that the change 8 in range would become superfluous when Cambiaso is no longer at the top of his game -2 and could leave the whole handicapping -8 system in limbo.

Perhaps more of a short-term fix for a long-term problem?

Jaime Huidobro 7 goal professional and Chilean Captain “Since I started playing polo in England, which was in the final years of Ellerston, Labergorce and Black Bears, there have always been teams that are stronger than others. From then on, the UK high goal has always had powerful teams and weak teams. Having said that, I have a view of what in particular has changed since then.

“In my opinion, I think the patrons are viewing the high goal more and more as a job.

What I mean by that is that I don’t think they are enjoying their ‘hobby’ as much as they used to. I know it is an expensive one, but it has never been cheap, the difference is that patrons used to play with people they enjoyed spending time with. Remember a polo match takes up just two hours a day, therefore when you are paying your players for one reason only: to win, the rest of the day can become a problem when you are losing. The relationships now survive depending on whether you’re winning or not. That is why when asked if the HPA can do anything about it I don’t see how.

“Everybody talks about how the professionals are tapping the ball and playing with blocking, but what the people don’t understand is that we (the players) are working for the owners of the team, the patrons, and at that exact moment the message is, ‘We have www.polotimes.co.uk

A team huddles for a pre-match team talk

to win because if we don’t I’m not having fun.’

If instead the message were to be, ‘Let’s play open polo, have fun, pass me the ball’ and, ‘Let’s organise a dinner or a party’ then the message, and the way everyone plays, could start to change. I have many memories from polo as it used to be before; Geebung playing with Santiago Araya always, Manconi’s big parties, even Ellerston playing with Tanoira because he was a friend. There are many stories like this that are becoming less and less common.

“Having said all of the above, we have to still remember that to patrons, polo is an amazing sport. It gives them the chance of playing alongside the best players in the world, but very few will win. Normally it is only the

strongest who are in with a chance, but why not keep playing and having fun? And you never know, maybe one day they will win whilst playing with a group of professionals they like and also enjoy being with. That is what has changed and ultimately I don’t see how anybody can bring that back.

“In answer to the second question, yes there are many things which could change, but again we have to remember polo has to be played in a way that can suit both professionals and amateurs and therefore it is difficult to compare it to different sports. Also, there is the risk that if you push the amateurs too far over the line and force them to live like pros then you end up with what is happening now.”

Polo Times, June 2016

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Feature

The High Goal Debate

Ali Paterson 4 goal professional “I think it is clear from the comments made by most players that something needs to be done. At the end of the day polo is a sport, but it is also meant to be a form of entertainment in the UK; we are meant to be entertaining both patrons and spectators, both of which I think we are failing at.

“There is no one solution to the problem, but there are a couple of areas which I think the HPA could get involved in, which would improve the chances of teams with smaller budgets unable to employ the top players. One of these would be to extend the handicap system to 20 goals. This is not a new theory, it is one which has been bouncing around for a while, but the fact is when the polo handicap was designed there were very few players, whereas now we have many more. As we all know there are always controversies over handicaps and I think this system could help that too. Stretching the handicapping system would allow teams to field a more even team that would have more of a chance against the powerhouses.

“As to comparisons with other sports, I have heard about this all pro league set up in Argentina where they are trying out new rules in order to improve the speed and quality of polo. I think that as a sport we are very much behind in terms of ‘trying out new things’

– just look at how Formula 1 has evolved over the years in order to try and create a more level competition environment. If we do develop and change, hopefully polo will become a more attractive and competitive sport where patrons believe that they have a chance and additionally, hopefully spectator

numbers would increase, which would open up other opportunities.

“Professionalism in the sport is very much behind other sports. However, there seems to be a positive movement that I think will be more and more emphasised in years to come.”

Should the same constraints that are placed on Formula 1 be applied to polo?

Mark Tomlinson 6 goal professional “Unfortunately, the HPA is not in a position of great authority when it comes to high goal polo and therefore I don’t see much they can do. There does seem to be a ‘move’ however from the top players to install some sort of control over team budgets and make it more of a level playing field. At the beginning of this year in an interview on Click Polo, Facundo Pieres, arguably the world’s number 1, spoke about capping budgets. This is an individual who carries a huge amount of authority within the sport, the sort of authority, which can initiate change. The HPA’s best bet is therefore to meet with players like Facundo so they can try and work together, which will make any attempts to help or change the sport much more likely.

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Polo Times, June 2016

“One thing the HPA can perhaps have a look at is the rules, with a particular aim of opening up the game more. There has been a lot of ‘chat’ in Argentina regarding The Open becoming less of a spectacle and how the element of off the ball blocking has detracted from the fluidity of the game. Over recent years the HPA have perhaps been too focused on the detail, like how wide a gap should we have in throw-ins and how many taps etc., which in effect only makes it harder to umpire and in turn more difficult to play, especially for lower goal players.

This as opposed to a central overhaul of the rules for which it seems there now might be support for. Javier Tanoira is behind this ‘movement’ in Argentina and, as a first step, he would be a good point of contact for the HPA’s rules department.

“Polo has always been behind other sports as far as professionalism is concerned,

largely because of a lot of today’s game has remained amateur. Therefore much remains, which we can learn from other sports. I would say the players have adapted in many ways over the last 10 to 20 years and the ever-growing presence of coaches, video analysis experts, personal trainers and so on just illustrates the extent of those changes.

The associations and governing bodies also have had to evolve, and indeed they have, but it is probably in these areas where the most significant changes are required. It is hard to change a sport with such a strong tradition and which is so deep rooted with its ‘ways’, but other sports have been in comparable situations so there is no reason why polo’s governing bodies can’t progress further. It will take everyone involved in the game to pull in the same direction, which is the ultimate challenge, but where there’s a will there’s a way!” www.polotimes.co.uk

The High Goal Debate

Anoymous Professional Polo Player “I think that in previous years the fact that every team had to abide by certain conditions made it fairer and less focused on budget and more about the team gelling and player selection. In today’s game the budget wins.

This wasn’t so much the case before. For example Ellerston Black won The Gold Cup before Ellerston White who had an open budget.

“Back then, one English player per team helped to level the playing field and also to provide opportunities for the home-grown talent. It also meant that English players had an incentive to get their sponsors to play the high goal as they may be guaranteed a place in the team. This therefore brought more sponsors to the game via English pros who were in the UK all year round to work on potential sponsors. This is obviously not possible now with current legislation and also opinion within the ‘polo world’. Now you have a completely free market and some mega powers within this who have an unlimited budget.

“I can see three possible solutions. Either a complete control of everything, Formula 1 style, where each team gets charged a certain amount and everything goes into a pot, which can provide regulated salaries for players as well as prize money and sponsorship deals etc.

However, I think in practice and in polo this would be impossible to implement.

Budget – Money makes the world go round Topic: Capping budget expenditure for high goal teams

Cons Putting in place such guidelines would be immensely complicated, take a long time to implement and realistically be completely impractical to police. How can one come up with a budget that is deemed suitable by everyone? How could we monitor how much a team or patron spends on their ponies, land, facilities or even general staff and support?

The professional players on the less well-heeled teams might think this a good idea, but if their salaries are also included then they will also see a drop in their game fees. We would then also have to consider that some of the teams also play in other high goal seasons around the world – would they be able to import ponies purchased in America to play in the UK? This could have its own negative impacts on British polo pony breeding organisations. It could mean making an already complicated sport even more complicated. It isn’t only the direct employment of the sport that is dependEnt on private finance from patrons – the farriers, feed merchants, veterinary practices, land owners, local farmers and so on down the polo food chain also rely on the money going round in the polo micro-economy.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Pros Capping the spending for a high goal team could level the playing field for those teams who don’t quite have the expendable budgets to go all out on everything, from team kit to ponies and personal trainers.

Applying a financial limitation could encourage less affluent teams to enter the high goal tournaments and create a more diverse high goal culture in the UK. Having a more predictable set of conditions for this level of polo could mean that teams will have a longer shelf-life and patrons who don’t spend as much as others won’t feel like they haven’t won due to the fact that they didn’t spend an extra million pounds in their pre-season preparation.

Juan Martin Nero was dropped to 9 goals in 2015

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Feature

“Alternatively, you limit the total handicap of the two best players in the team to say 16/17 goals. Thereby you are taking out the big hitting teams who have two 9 goalers. It then becomes more about how the team gels and how effectively the team plays as a team, as the 10 goaler will have less support.

“The third solution may be to try and play at a 24 goal level, thus making the teams more balanced and instead of a good three man team being three 7 goalers or two 7 goalers and an 8 goaler it can actually have a 9 or 10 goaler in it instead.

“As a side note I think that the handicapping can also be used. I think that the UK is not an easy season to handicap and in general things are being done very well, but a couple of small mistakes are inevitable. If these mistakes land in the top budget teams, you have suddenly given them even more of an advantage. This is the case most notably with the decision to drop Juan Martin Nero’s handicap last year. He was recovering from a broken thumb and also in his first year at an organisation. I think a bit more thought has to go into the handicapping and a bit more of the player’s form worldwide should be used, as well as taking injury and situation into account.

“I think that it is important not to see the presence of the big budget teams as a negative because in fact it is a very positive thing. It has been in existence since Ellerston White appeared on the scene. A few patrons use it as an excuse not to play when times are tough. It is hard to compete, but it is not impossible if the budget is used to full effect and the team is picked well.

“Maybe it should be obligatory for teams to play in other levels as well as the high goal, thus helping UK polo in the medium and low goal as well. This always used to happen in the past with Ellerston and Black Bears competing in 15 goal and 8 goal. The fact that this has stopped is a negative thing.

“With regards to other sports, football is a very professional sport and polo has become more and more professional in the last 15 years. I think there is still a lot of room for improvement on the coaching side of the game, but this is not easy as it requires particular expertise and the respect of the good players towards the coach is tricky to earn. Polo has more to learn from other sports in how it structures its tournaments both nationally and internationally and it needs to evolve in that area (where there has been no real evolution for over 50 years). This would make it more of a sponsor friendly game with the ability to spread the investment throughout the sport.”

Polo Times, June 2016

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Feature

The High Goal Debate

Ponies – Capping the horse power Topic: What would be the true impact of bringing in regulations about how many ponies can be used in games?

horses during a game. In the long term this may also impact the type of horse bred or used by players, as they would require ponies with better stamina rather than solely delivering bursts of speed for just a few minutes.

Pros As with the capping of budgets, tournament levels and team handicap limits, restricting the number of ponies played would potentially level the playing field for the teams that may be less prepared to go all out on buying as many of the best ponies as possible for the approaching season. Some professional players could also be overlooked for not having enough ‘legs in their stable’ meaning their position in the high goal could be reconsidered.

Fewer ponies could mean less changing during games, meaning that for spectators it would flow better and they would be spending their afternoon watching a game of top level polo rather than watching the world’s best players hop from saddle to saddle. A smaller pool of pony power could also impact the way the game is played, with less access to fresh

Cons From the breeding, to the producing, and ultimately the selling, ponies are a big business in polo. Many lower handicapped players have made a career out of selling top quality ponies to the high goal for princely sums of money, supporting their careers and keeping them in the game. Capping the number of horses could have a negative impact on this area of the polo community. Aside from this, there is also a pony welfare implication. Professional players ask a lot of their horses and they need them to perform as well as they can in order to win their games.

Ponies could be unnecessarily purged, played with injuries – perhaps with an increased amount of painkillers – or they could become disposable, and once they’re no longer up to the top level, that’s it. If the pony is 80% percent of the game, why limit the best resource available to any team?

Polo is slowly becoming more professional in its attitude to fitness

Professionalism – Coaching and Conduct Topic: Should polo strive to be more like other professionally based sports?

Pros If teams strive to create a better network of support teams behind-the-scenes, with ethics that empower their players, they could be rewarded with a more coherent team mentality as well as the ability to cope under pressure on the pitch. This applies particularly in the case of young up-and-coming players who could benefit from more support off the field. A more professional approach to fitness and physical well-being has also proved to have great results for players, decreasing the risk and frequency of injury as well as benefitting their playing. Last year, King Power showcased they are a perfect example of how the preparation off the pitch is just as important as the game itself.

Should the number of ponies played in a match be capped?

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Polo Times, June 2016

ons C There really can be no negative to a positive step forward for professionalism in polo. Players, umpires, representatives of governing bodies and patrons all gaining one another’s respect can never be a bad thing. www.polotimes.co.uk

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Victor Ludorum Guide

Feature

Victor Ludorum Guide Ahead of the 2016 series we catch up with those players and teams from each handicap section, which featured in the top three places in 2015 to find out what their plans are for this year

The HPA Victor Ludorum 2015 Top Three Teams 18 GOAL

1st – Ferne Park: Jonathan Rothermere (0), Dirk Gould (5), Joaquin Pittaluga (7) & Rodrigo Rueda Jr. (6) 2nd – Black Bears: Guy Schwarzenbach (1), Dirk Van Reenan (4), Tom Hunt (5) & Patrick O’Dwyer (5) 3rd – Four Quarters Orange: Simon Arber (0), Matias Torres Zavaleta (7), Tom Morley (6) & Matt Perry (5)

T

here have been many changes and team shuffles for the 2016 Victor Ludorum (VL) series following the success of the top teams of the 2015 season in each of the five sections. Many of the teams have seen handicap changes meaning that they have either had to move up a level and/or change quite a few of their players ahead of this season, or they have opted to only do a selection of VL tournaments. In some cases the teams have remained the same, whilst others have been investing in new pony power and strategies in the hope of taking home the top trophy at the end of the season. Even though some of last year’s teams aren’t planning to take on every fixture in a certain VL handicap series, depending on the results of the other teams, they still could be in with a chance to win the trophy if they do well with points in the tournaments they do enter. It’s the perfect sequence of handicapped tournaments that provides plenty of exciting tension for teams, patrons, supporters and clubs at more accessible levels of polo from 6 goal – a real alternative to the razzamatazz of the brief and intense high goal season.

Jack Richardson Team name for 2016? BHC (Bridge House of Twyford).

Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? If so, at what level? We will be playing some of the 12 and 15 goal Victor Ludorum tournaments.

Is there anything particular that you have changed for 2016? We have a good 15

15 GOAL

1st – Delaney: Juan Cruz Merlos (4), Agustin “Tincho” Merlos (9), Mat Lodder (3) & Damian Duncan (0) 2nd – Clarita: Chris Mathias (0), Freddie Horne (3), Chris MacKenzie (6) & George Meyrick (6) 3rd – Four Quarters Orange: Simon Arber (0), Zac Hagedoorn (4), Matt Perry (5) & Tom Morley (6)

goal team with Mo Sheikh (0), myself (6), Ollie Cudmore (5) and Dirk Van Reenan (4).

We are well mounted so hopefully we will be close to winning a few tournaments.

What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? It’s good to have a goal for a team throughout the season rather than just play stand alone tournaments.

12 GOAL

1st – Poulton/Balvanera: Ludo Ephson (1), Juan Jose De Alba (2), Lochie Hunter (4) & Tommy Iriarte (5) 2nd – Conosco: George Pearson (2), Jeremy Pemberton (0), Will Emerson (5) & Peter Webb (5) 3rd – Beaufort Black Hounds: Luke Wiles (-1), Ed Banner-Eve (2), Mark Tomlinson (6) & Nico Antinori (5)

8 GOAL

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

1st – Renegade: Rupert Lewis (1), Lochie Hunter (4), Duncan Wales (-1) & Shaun Brokenshaw (3) 2nd – La Rosada: Mats Ottosson-Cederflycht (0), Pedro Harrison (4), Nico Fontanarrosa (5) & Marcus Cork (-1) 3rd – Mad Dogs: Alan Fall (0), Charlie Holley (2), Ben Crowe (1) & Jack Richardson (6)

Jack Richardson played for Mad Dogs in the 2015 Archie David at Guards Polo Club

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6 GOAL

1st – C.A.N.I.: Louise Jebson (-1), Chris Davies (-1), Chris Crawford (3) & Tommy Iriarte (5) 2nd – Strategic: Peter O’Rorke (-1), Mark Brown (0), Nick Pepper (4) & Matt Evetts (3) 3rd – Stobart Polo Team: Katie Jenkinson (-1), Charlie Walton (2), Jason Warren (2) & Cristian Chaves (3) Polo Times, June 2016

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Victor Ludorum Guide

Mark Tomlinson

moderate success in 2015 was down to the team, our horses’ power and tactics which all seemed to work well, so we have kept everything for this year much of the same.

Why change it if it’s working?

What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? They give a competitive programme of tournaments and it helps to create consistency for teams throughout the season.

Photograph by Gordon Lyndsey

Team Name for 2016? Beaufort Black Hound.

Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? If so, at what level? 12 goal Who is your team for this season? Luke Wiles (0), Tommy Severn (1), Nico Antinori (5) and myself (6).

Is there anything particular that you have changed for 2016? We found that our

Beaufort Black Hound with the Prince of Wales Trophy in 2015

Peter O’Rorke

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Polo Times, June 2016

Photograph courtesy of Nico Morgan

Team Name for 2016? Strategic.

Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? If so, at what level? 6 goal.

Who is your team for this season? As in 2015, the basis of our team this year will remain myself (-1), Mark Brown (0) and Matt Evetts (3). I try really hard to keep the same four players all season, but we’ve been handicapped slightly this year by an injury to our 4 goaler, so at the time of writing, that position is under negotiation!

Is there anything particular that you have changed for 2016? We’ve come in second on the Victor Ludorum competition for the last two years so we’ve got to be able to “finish” a little stronger.

What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? I believe the Victor Ludorum is the best sequence in British polo at the moment. Also, I may be wrong, but I believe the eight tournaments for the 6 goal could be as much as 35 games which is surely the longest polo competition in the world?

Properly followed, as we and a couple of other teams do, it means that the contest continues

often on a knife edge all summer long and that demands patience, planning, ponies and a full commitment from each player and support all the way from May to September. That makes it so much more rewarding for everyone involved, win or lose, as it engenders a really wonderful team spirit.

2014 Assam Cup Winners Strategic.

Photograph courtesy of Nico Morgan

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Louise Jebson and her nemesis Peter O’Rorke hooking sticks in the 2014 Assam Cup

Louise Jebson Team name for 2016? C.A.N.I., who will be playing in the same lucky pink and black from last year.

Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? If so, at what level? This year we start our Victor Ludorum campaign with the 6 goal at Dallas Burston Polo Club in May. After that, the plan is to mix and match between 6 goal and 8 goal, with a few other random tournaments to fill the gaps.

Who is your team for this season? Our 6 goal Victor Ludorum line-up will be; Tommy Iriarte (5), Chris Crawford (3), Emily Johnson (-1) and myself (-1). For the 8 goal; Tommy Iriarte (5), Juan Jose De Alba (3), TBC (1) and myself.

Is there anything particular that you have changed for 2016? The only real change for this year is that Chris Davis, who was part of our winning 6 goal team last year, will not be able to join us for the 6 goal as inevitably after such a strong performance in 2015, his handicap went up to 0. We will fill the -1 slot with Emily Johnson and/or the young Charlie Peagram.

One thing we discovered last year, is that C.A.N.I. is most definitely a fair weather team.

We lost every game we played in the rain – so early season preparations this year have been helped enormously by the wet and cold weather!

With the exception of the warm blooded Iriarte who delayed his flight to the UK after checking the late April weather forecast, fresh back from playing in Dubai over the winter. Our wet weather training plans are not yet fully executed.

Other than that, 2016 will see us keep things as consistent as we can – even down to my lucky socks!

What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments?

Last year was the first time we set out to play all/ most of the 6 goal Victor Ludorum tournaments.

It was an amazing experience, and gave a bigger purpose to the overall season. This meant that when we lost a game, we had time to re-group, think of the bigger picture and come out stronger for the next game.

On a personal level, I enjoyed visiting different clubs across the country, in particular the great camaraderie and respect (albeit a competitive one), that builds between the teams over the season. My money is on Peter O’Rorke and his Strategic team for the 2016 6 goal VL. www.polotimes.co.uk

Clare Mathias Team name for 2016? Clarita.

Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? If so, at what level? Yes, we are playing the 8, 12 and 15 goal.

Who is your team for this season? Archie David 8 goal: Clare and Chris Mathias (0), Freddie Horne (3) and Tomas Garbarini (5).

Dollar Cup 12 goal: Clare Mathias (0), Mat Lodder (3), Freddie Horne and Chris Mackenzie (6). Royal Windsor 15 goal: Chris Mathias,

Freddie Horne, George Meyrick and Chris Mackenzie (6).

Is there anything particular that you have changed for 2016? Not particularly as I have the same team combinations by handicap than last year. We are always looking for horse power.

What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? It means you have the opportunity to play against different teams giving variation from the ones that are based at my own club.

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Photograph courtesy of Cowdray Park Polo Club

Victor Ludorum Guide

Cowdray Vikings were the Holden White winners in 2015

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

George Pearson

Clarita winning the Bentley Royal Windsor at Guards Polo Club in 2015

Team name for 2016? Stobart.

Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? If so, at what level?

Yes, we are looking to play both the 6 and 8 Goal Victor Ludorum. We are confirmed to play four out of the five Victor Ludorum 8 goals and are just finalising the 6 goal Victor Ludorum tournaments.

Who is your team for this season?

6 goal team: Cristian Chaves (3), Charlie Walton (2), TBC (1) and myself (2). 8 goal team: Cristian Chaves, Jonny Coddington (3), Charlie Walton and myself.

Is there anything particular that you have changed for 2016? With my handicap going up to 0, the only difference, has been having to change our fourth player to Jonny Coddington (for the 8 goal) or to have a 1 goal player for the 6 goal.

What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments?

Although all tournaments are competitive, I always find the Victor Ludorum tournaments seem to step it www.polotimes.co.uk

up a level as there is a bigger picture than just that one particular tournament. I also enjoy the wide range of teams across the country that it attracts. It makes it more interesting to play different teams, especially living in Cheshire, it’s nice to see different teams travelling up here to play.

Photograph by Sarah Clegg

Katie Jenkinson

Stobart Polo at Cheshire Polo Club in 2015

Team name for 2016? Cowdray Vikings & Mad Dogs.

Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? If so, at what level? I am playing some Victor Ludorum tournaments this year at 12, 15 and 18 goal level this year, but am not specifically aiming to win the prize this year as we are not playing all the VL tournaments at any level.

Who is your team for this season?

12 goal: Mad Dogs (some tournaments): Alan Fall (0), George Pearson (2), Will Emerson (5) and Peter Webb (5).

15 goal: Mad Dogs (some tournaments): Alan Fall, George Pearson, Will Emerson & Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8).

18 goal: Cowdray Vikings (some tournaments): George Pearson, Tom Brodie (3), Will Emerson and Alejandro Novillo Astrada.

Is there anything particular that you have changed for 2016? I think we’ve improved our string of horses across the board over the winter. Mine has definitely been augmented by a mare from Chile and two from South Africa, all of which I’m very excited about. In terms of tactics, I don’t think that we will change anything significantly as we had a pretty high win percentage last year.

What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? I really like the Victor Ludorum tournaments as you can be sure that the best teams from each club will always be entered, which makes for far more competitive polo and often allows you to play against people who you wouldn’t normally come up against. I also think that the continuity of fighting for an end of season prize, which depends on your performance in every tournament, gives you an added aim and means that you are never able to take your eye off the ball – even if you end up in a Subsidiary Final, it’s always worth really fighting for because those extra few points may make all the difference.

Polo Times, June 2016

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Victor Ludorum Guide

Ludo Ephson Team name for 2016? Poulton.

Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? If so, at what level? Yes, we are defending the Dollar Cup and Queen Mother Trophy 12 goal tournaments, as well as doing the County Cup, Harrison and the Royal Windsor in the 15 goal, which should be a lot of fun.

Who is your team for this season? In the 12 goal it is myself (2), Patrick Ephson (1), Juan Jose de Alba (3) and Tommy Iriarte (5), and for the 15 goal it is me and Patrick sharing a place,

Juan Jose de Alba, Tommy Iriarte and Glen Sherriff (5).

Is there anything particular that you have changed for 2016? Apart from adding Glen to the team, we haven’t made any changes, just hoping for more of what we had last season!

What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? What’s great about the Victor Ludorum tournaments is that you get to play in all the best tournaments around the country against the best teams.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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Ed Banner-Eve will play for multiple teams

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Ed Banner-Eve

Queen Mother Trophy winners Poulton, at Cirencester in 2015

It encourages teams to play more than one tournament at that level, keeping the competition going until the end of the season and if you win you get invited to a nice dinner at the Polo Awards.

Team name for 2016? I’m playing the 18 goal with Emlor and the 12 goal with Clarita.

Who is your team for this season? The 18 goal team is Emlor with a line-up of Spencer McCarthy (1), Nacho Gonzalez (6), Diego Cavanagh (8) and myself (3). In the 12 goal Chris Mathias’ (0) Clarita with Chris Mackenzie (6), Freddie Horne (3) and myself.

Is there anything particular that you have changed for 2016? Different teams mean different tactics, I wouldn’t want to divulge all our secrets!

What do you think is good about the Victor Mat Lodder in action for Clarita at the start of the 2016 summer season Ludorum tournaments?

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Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Mat Lodder

Team name for 2016? I am playing with many different teams such as; Emlor, CPG Nightingale, Noon Giraffe, and Beaufort.

Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? If so, at what level?

I am not playing the complete Victor Ludorum series this year, but I am featuring in many of them. I am playing the Dollar Cup 12 goal at Cowdray with CPG Nightingale and then The Queen Mother Trophy 12 goal at Cirencester with Noon Giraffe, which will feature Marcos Araya (7). I am very excited to play with such a high handicapped player. In the 8 goal I will be playing the Archie David with my brother which is always a pleasure, as we link up so well and it’s such a great feeling playing with family. I am also playing various Gloucestershire based 6 goals with the young Luke Wiles.

Is there anything particular that you have changed for 2016? I have changed my groom, attitude towards the game of polo and the people involved in it to help support me in getting better as quickly as I can. Also, I upgraded my playing string last year by purchasing two new ponies and putting a young one of mine into the main string this year, she is going extremely well. I have also started taking all accounting and organisation into my own hands this year as my dad has his own polo to sort out, but I still get a huge amount of support from him and all the family.

What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments?

They seem to bring a new type of adrenaline to the game and all the teams that play it seem to boost themselves to the very max.

One of the best things about the Victor Ludorum tournaments is the increased natural high you get from creating a successful play or winning overall as it means more than a less competitive tournament.

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Victor Ludorum Guide

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Unit 6, McKay Trading Estate, Blackthorne Road, Colnbrook, Slough, Berks. SL3 OAH Tel: 01753-686784 Fax: 01753-680231 Email: peter@strategic-shipping.co.uk www.strategic-shipping.com

Joaquin Pittaluga

Photograph by Gillian Hughes

Team name for 2016? Ferne Park.

Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? If so, at what level? I am playing the 18 Goal Victor Ludorum.

Who is your team for this season?

Matt Perry (5), Jonathan Rothermere (0), Igna Negri (6) and myself (7).

Is there anything particular that you have changed for 2016? Actually, we won last year’s Victor Ludorum for the 18 goal, so we aim to maintain our title. It is quite a challenge for ourselves and that will really motivate us. We have also improved our horse power.

What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? I think it is great. In such competitive polo it gives everyone an extra goal and motivation for the season.

Nico Fontanarrosa with La Rosada, The Julian and Howard Hipwood winners in 2015

road or rail shipments or to

Photography by Clive Bennett/www.polopictures.co.uk

was crucial for us – and we’re lucky we found Jack. He’s a hard worker on the field, has great experience and good ponies. Otherwise the line-up is the same. We’re really looking forward to the 2016 season.

What do you think is good about the Victor Ludorum tournaments? The Victor Ludorum tournaments give the teams a concrete mission. It establishes the benchmark for British polo and enforces a strong competitive environment to really make a team prove itself. We love the Ferne Park in action during continuity and the integrity that the Victor The Duke of Sutherland Cup 2015 Ludorum tournaments bring to the sport.

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Team name for 2016? La Rosada Polo Team.

Are you playing Victor Ludorum again this year? If so, at what level? Yes, the 12 goal.

Who is your team for this season? La Rosada Polo Team. We are lucky to partner with Deustche Bank Wealth Management for the second year. The team is Jack Mesquita (2), Pedro Harrison (4), Mats OttossonCederflycht (0) and myself (5).

Is there anything particular that you have changed for 2016? We played the 8 goal series last year and were very successful. Finding the right additional player for the 12 goal

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Nico Fontanarrosa

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Unit 6, McKay Trading Estate, Blackthorne Road, Colnbrook, Slough, Berks. SL3 OAH Tel: 01753-686784 Fax: 01753-680231 Email: peter@strategic-shipping.co.uk

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Charity Focus

Polo Pastures Life after polo for our ponies doesn’t always need to mean a one-way ticket to the big ‘field in the sky’, there are plenty more options available such as rehoming or retraining as a therapy pony

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or anyone who owns polo ponies, working out what to do when they are no longer able to play due to age or injury, can be a difficult decision. Polo ponies have often gone on to new homes as happy hacks or even military reenactment steeds. In reality the dreaded ‘field in the sky’ is often an option taken, of course in some cases it’s the only way if the injury is too severe and their quality of life is more negative than positive. It is true that anyone who owns a polo pony, even when they can’t play them anymore, owes it to that pony to find the best solution for their next step. The new charity Polo Pastures offers a great solution for those looking at different options.

How it all began… from Facebook to fields in Hampshire Sarah Tallents, the brains behind this new charity first came across polo ponies and their incredible versatility in 2013 when she was gifted a polo pony by Howard Hipwood called Eva from who was no longer able to continue playing polo. Sarah told Polo Times, “I was so blown away by how amazing she was so I started to look around to see if there were places to find these ponies coming out of polo. Aside from the odd advert in the Horse and Hound I couldn’t find them anywhere,

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so I set up the Facebook Group Retired and Ex Polo Ponies.”

With the digital polo community connecting with the equine leisure community in such a positive light, not only has Sarah’s passion for her work in rehoming ponies been realised, but polo has been able to share a connection with the greater equine world in a way that can show just how adaptable polo ponies can be, even in their older years.

To date, Sarah’s endeavors have created an online gathering of nearly 5,000 members and rehomed over 400 ponies.

On the back of the success of the Retired and Ex Polo Pony on Facebook, Polo Pastures was set up in September 2015. At their new retirement centre in Hampshire there are currently 25 ponies.

Some are waiting to be rehomed on a loan basis into non-playing homes, some are there on full retirement and will stay with Sarah until the end of their natural lives, while others will be used in non-ridden equine therapies, working with children of domestic abuse families, children and adults with disabilities and also children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Sarah is very open about her vision for her work, “Polo Pastures are striving to give the polo community a non-commercial option for a pony once it comes out of polo. Polo Pastures allows complete accountability, transparency and visibility.

Our purpose has the added public benefit because the ponies and our facilities are used to help a wide section of society who might benefit from interaction with equines.

We are currently in discussions with Dodson & Horrell Ltd who are going to assist with rehoming packs and advice.”

www.polotimes.co.uk

Charity Focus

Suzi is pictured here with Sarah and her pony Eva enjoying a brush in the sunshine. Suzi lost her sight later in life, she was working with autistic children and contracted meningitis. She was in a coma and when she woke they discovered that she had lost her sight. Sarah met her through Helping Hands for the Blind.

Rehoming of Polo Ponies Currently ponies who come to Polo Pastures for rehoming are donated to the charity after completion of a Pony Donation Form which gives details and all the known medical history and signs the pony over. It also gives Polo Pastures permission to speak to the vet who has been caring for the pony whilst with the current owner. Anyone interested in rehoming one of their ponies must, as part of the process, meet the Polo Pastures team who will need to ride the pony to ensure suitability. If all of that goes well a yard check is then done by either Sarah or one of their volunteers around the country. The final part of the process includes a loan agreement and the loaner making a realistic donation, before they arrange to collect the pony.

Stable Mate Systems have provided their horse management system for free, which helps Sarah keep track of not only the horses on the farm, but also those that go out on loan. It was originally written for the Royal Stud, but has been further developed for each business over the years. It gives real time information on any pony they have onsite, from farrier visits to vet visits. It also shows location if a pony goes out on loan with the loaner’s details, yard and so on.

This provides the charity with a complete database on all their ponies adding an extra layer of security for all the information.

Therapy Polo Ponies The therapy ponies are all used in nonridden therapy sessions. These include sensory touch sessions, which are especially good for anyone with a visual impairment as it allows them to touch, feel and smell the ponies close up. Participants will often www.polotimes.co.uk

spend an hour just brushing and interacting with their favourite pony and will return to see the same pony time and time again.

The facilities at the charity’s Hampshire base include a ménage, large accessible yard with

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very smart stables and acres of well fenced pastures as well as an unspoilt woodland, the perfect set up for therapy sessions.

Sarah told Polo Times, “We work with each pony that comes in to be a therapy pony and not all are suitable, but we have been very fortunate to have some amazing ponies here who are just perfect for the job. As we do provide non-ridden therapies it means even those ponies with injuries, which mean they can no longer be ridden, are still able to become therapy ponies. We have enquiries from professional therapists interested in utilising the facilities and ponies. One of those is Sian Eckersley BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, Dip. Montessori Ed. (COTSS-IP) a children’s occupational therapist with over 15 years experience specialising in Sensory Integration Dysfunction and Autistic Spectrum Disorder her website is www. paediatric-ot.co.uk. Sian has previously worked with racehorses in respect of therapeutic sessions.”

Polo Pastures has recently established a link with Helping Hands for the Blind.

Polo Pastures Therapy Ponies

POETA (PO) Born - 2003 Height - 15.1hh Po is a big, loveable boy. He is the boss of the herd, but a real sweetheart. He loves head rubs and we have to be careful when he is on the yard as he can get a little over enthusiastic with his affection.

CRIOLLITA (GRIZZY) Born - 1999 Height - 15hh Grizzy is a gorgeous mare who is so easy to handle on the ground and who is proving to be very popular with all the children as she has such a kind and gentle nature.

MAGIN Born - 1993 Height - 15.3hh Magin is the kindest, sweetest horse you could ever wish to meet. Although she is tall she has a soft and gentle way about her and is a real favourite with all the children and adults who meet her. Magin played for the Black Bears Polo Team many years ago and holds fond memories for all those who have met her over her long career.

TOES Born - 1995 Height - 14.3hh Toes is small, but has the heart of a lion and has her own fan club.

She is wonderful with the children, especially those with a visual impairment or lack of motor skills as she is very calm and gentle.

Polo Times, June 2016

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Charity Focus

What do the polo community think about this new venture?

David Morley Chairman of the HPA Pony Welfare Committee “HPA members are responsible for the welfare of their ponies not only during their playing career, but also when they have retired from polo. Many owners will consider relocating a retired pony into a new, less challenging environment and Polo Pastures is a great concept to help those owners relocate a pony responsibly. I would expect that any members who use this type of facility would also contribute to funds to help ensure their pony’s comfortable relocation.”

Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers President of the Federation of International Polo (FIP) “I have been extremely impressed with this initiative by Sarah which is an excellent one and serves our sport well. A pony at the end of its playing career needs a good home and it is a concern to most players to ensure that they are sent somewhere where they can be cared for and not abused in any way. An organisation such as Sarah’s which monitors the new owner, and dispels the worries that our ponies may somehow turn up again in polo at a lower level when we have rightly retired them. I believe it is something that the polo community should encourage and support, as it is an extremely humanitarian way for our ponies to retire and still have a loving home. I have seen some of the results of the equine therapy on both underprivileged and disabled children and they are extremely positive. If the polo world can support such an initiative it is an all round good result!”

How Can You Help?

PayPal Go to the Polo Pastures donate page www.polopastures.com/#!donate/i8zi9 and click on the PayPal button, or use info@polopastures.com where you can donate a monthly amount or a one off payment

Matt Perry 5 goal English professional player “I totally support what Sarah is doing, there are many people in polo who don’t know what to do with unplayable ponies. It’s a great charity that can offer another life after polo. Whether they become a happy hacker or a therapy pony it’s wonderful that other people can enjoy the ponies. I’ve had such a great result with my mare Coco going there as a therapy pony. From my experience it has been great, I get photos and updates which is nice.”

Howard Hipwood former English 9 goal player “I consider the ponies to be the best thing about this wonderful sport. It is incredibly laudable that we try and look after them when they are no longer able to play high goal or competitive polo. It’s great to be able to give back a little bit of enjoyment to these animals.

I support it wholeheartedly.”

GoFundMe www.gofundme.com/polopastures More Information W: www.polopastures.com E: info@polopastures.com www.facebook.com/PoloPastures @PoloPastures

Just a few of the ponies at their Hampshire farm

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www.polotimes.co.uk

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Caroline Stern reports hat do you know about polo grooms? What is the man or woman helping you on to your lesson pony or caring single-handedly for your low goal string or working for your high goal team actually thinking and experiencing?

Why are they even here and do you care? Do you leave your office for the countryside and envy the people who are paid to ride horses on a sunny June day? Do you envy their international travel and the great parties they attend and forget the hours they spend in Somme-like conditions, poo-picking fields?

Polo Times sought some opinions from the front line in spring 2016. We interviewed grooms and former grooms, of several different nationalities, who are now employers and managers. In order to preserve harmony in the sport during this polo season, all the contributors’ anonymity has been preserved!

First things first – how did you all get here and why?

David Morley, the HPA’s head of pony welfare and the Founder of work related immigration in the polo industry specialists, 54

Polo Times, June 2016

An Insight into the Life of Grooms Polo Permits, explains the annual influx of grooms to the UK, “Polo is largely seasonal, so if we had enough English grooms to do all the work, we would have 500 people on the dole each winter” A was one of these seasonal visitors, who first arrived 19 years ago, now a UK resident with an English wife, his job trajectory has included playing low goal and horse training and he is currently a Yard Manager: “After working as a groom for seven years in Argentina, I came to the UK for the first time, with a 7 goaler.”

G is a female groom originally from northern England, who has been ‘in polo’

“It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle”

at varying levels, for the past 12 years. She works for a low goal patron: “It’s such hard work that you wouldn’t do it if you didn’t love horses. It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle, with a minimum 60 hours per week working. We aren’t paid by the hour, but where do you draw the line on how many hours you work? It’s ok if what you do is appreciated.”

C, an Australian groom working for a professional adds: “You spend every waking hour with the horses and you love what you do!”

S is a British groom turned manager.

Her longest job was working for an English professional for five years in high and medium goal and subsequently for an Argentine 4 goaler: “Grooming is the first step in learning about the horses and how the business works – many people go on into all different areas or some stay grooming and progressing in that job. You can’t put in legal hours in a horse job, especially when you like the job because if you have to wait up for a vet, or check on a horse every hour or so during the night, you do.”

www.polotimes.co.uk

PhotographY by Lucy Wilson & Katie Vickery

POLO’S Backstage Army

Grooms

So what makes a good groom?

Here were some opinions on what attributes make a good groom: “A good groom is a horse carer/vet/nurse/cleaner/shrink and personal assistant!”

“Hard work and dedication” “Someone who goes the extra mile” “A good groom notices how horses are acting even when mucking out and any abnormal swellings etc.”

“Grooms need greater or lesser degrees of competency according to the role” “You would hope that they could work unsupervised, however, you do have to have trustworthy staff to not cut corners.”

“Common sense is the best attribute for a groom and to know when to seek help and equally when it’s not necessary to bother the employer/patron” Is a good attitude and willingness to learn better than polo specific experience?

Ex-groom and employer S’s view is, “Definitely.

Experience with horses is important, however I am happy to teach polo work – it’s sometimes better to educate someone on how you prefer things to be done.”

Are grooms respected and do such skills get the recognition they deserve?

According to A, “Good grooms get respect if you work hard and have the skills, but some grooms just do the job for the money and don’t really care.”

N, a patron who has groomed in the past, continues, “I am struck by the number of people in the sport who, given that horses represent a huge investment and are key to the whole operation, give their horses into the care of people who are underpaid, overworked, disillusioned and tired. Hence grooms become short-tempered and cut corners and can be rough with horses. This seems to be a pointless exercise in penny pinching.”

Employers actively pursue good grooms to try to tempt them away from their current situations. Despite this, most grooms’ loyalty is commendable. “I think I have made a mistake this season,” said D, “But I made a commitment until the end of September and feel I can’t quit, even though I have just heard of an amazing job in Spain!”

The issue of some clubs not permitting grooms full access to Clubhouse facilities can rankle. “Grooms are not allowed in some clubhouses – but we are when it’s a party and they want our money!” says G ruefully.

So what makes a good employer?

S says, “A hard working boss, who is hands-on. The worst employer I had was disorganised and made my life difficult as I didn’t know what we were supposed to be doing with the ponies. The best was very professional and we both knew what to expect from each other “ www.polotimes.co.uk

G adds, “If you work in a job where you are appreciated, you stay. I like to feel that what I do matters and that I am allowed to make a difference to how my horses play.”

C explains, “Me and my boss are a team – everything is discussed at great length between us regarding the horses. I respect someone who has worked their way up and is willing to work with you. My boss (a pro and former groom) knows how long jobs take and therefore knows if I take a short cut, but he’s taught me several short cuts himself!”

For AL a good employer is, “Someone who knows a bit about horses and is eager to learn more. Someone like that is great to work for.”

“If your boss at least respects your opinion it goes a long way, rather than ignoring you. With my current employer for example, a little bit of equine knowledge is a dangerous thing!” Says R. S agrees, “I have often worked for people in polo who know nothing about horses – this has actually been a blessing!

You make the decisions based on the horses you work with and adjust things accordingly.”

Good employers, it was agreed, are found almost exclusively via word of mouth and personal recommendation. “Word spreads quickly, good and bad,” says S.

Feature

AL adding, “Some professionals offer the chance to play youngsters in lieu of higher wages.”

G adds, “I did years in high goal without being allowed to stick and ball. My boss now uses it as an incentive, although I never asked for it.”

I, another (male) foreign groom offers this suggestion: “If you are offered a job with a chance to play, you have to find out if it’s genuine. Just ask the employer if you should bring your sticks – I had a guy say ‘no’ at that point!”

Is it important to keep a professional distance between employer and groom or better to be friends?

For S, “I prefer to be friends, as communication is essential and I would want my employee to feel happy to talk to me about any concerns.”

Conversely, one woman employer who was interviewed spoke about a productive worker/boss relationship: “The best groom I ever had was from a non-polo background and she never talked about herself or her problems. I usually feel that my groom’s personal issues are my responsibility, as well as paying and housing them, so this felt odd that she was so reserved. However, she did an amazing job that season and left with me still owing her £50 and never came to get it when I rang a couple of times to remind her!”

What would be your advice to anyone looking for a job as a groom?

“Find someone nice for your first job, who can teach you how to do it properly,” suggests A. Several people interviewed felt that the onus is on an employer to make it clear what a job entails. Some employers offer grooming only, with no chance to progress to playing while lots of people offer the ‘opportunity to play’ as an incentive instead of decent wages. N explains, “It is key to make it absolutely clear what their job is.”

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Feature

Grooms

N’s view is that, “You should not sleep knowing that your groom was mistreated and uncomfortable. A good employer should treat their groom as they would wish to be treated, even though economic imperatives seem to enable some people to forget this. “ C feels less strongly about this issue, saying, “I only groom for six months. It’s not a year round job so I don’t care much about the accommodation. After the first season, you ask for what you want if you’re back with the same employer – I started in a tiny caravan and got a nice room the next year.”

Some clubs ask grooms to pay a damage deposit for their accommodation, which S thinks is, “Only fair. You should treat the house with respect; you wouldn’t trash your own home.”

Since becoming a manager, A’s views have changed, “Yes, grooms often get given bad accommodation, but it’s because we buy everything new for them each year and they break it all each year, as they don’t care.”

What level of polo is the most rewarding for a groom?

“In high goal, many hands make light work and it’s good if you have a work problem,” opines G, “but high goal will always be male dominated and girl grooms disrespected, you are just a cog in the machine. High goal has the shortest hours, but is terribly hierarchical. It’s a no brain job; you just do what you are told. If you just want to do your job and go home, it’s great. You can’t have an opinion.

Sometimes, as an English groom, you are left in sole charge for winter, but have to go back to the bottom of the hierarchy when the men come back to England to work in spring, which is hard. Working for a UK pro is better. You get recognition by winning prizes for Best Playing Ponies and Best Turnout etc. I have found working for a knowledgeable pro is a better experience in recent years.”

“Working for a patron in low goal is the best job,” according to A. What are the worst experiences you get as a groom?

Bad experiences are not easily forgotten.

One groom admits “I did a runner after five days in a new job one winter – I had 14 horses in a 25 acre field hock deep in mud and nowhere to wash the mud off. I actually quit due to the working conditions not personality of my boss – the guy was nice and begged me to stay!”

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S’s worst experience was “being badly kicked by a horse whilst doing sets, with no one else around to help me.”

It was agreed that the absolute worst job for grooms is having to make the life or death decision for a pony.

How many horses should one groom be asked to do?

A says, “Eight, which should take you seven hours per day – three and a half hours in the morning and three and a half in the afternoon.

If you’re no good, it will take you the whole day. Grooms shouldn’t have to work illegal hours if they’re competent” he adds.

“When you have a string of around six horses, at whatever level, you can make sure they have the best of everything,” according to S. S and J agree that, “No more than eight or even as few as six horses per groom are ideal – any more and you can’t ‘do’ them properly.”

C feels that, “The situation is different with a skilled boss, when you can do more, if he’s doing all the riding. Anyway, what do people with just six horses DO all day?”

Grooms’ accommodation Grooms’ accommodation in this country is a more vexed issue, with some interviewees likening it to ‘housing for illegal migrants.’

“How is it even allowed to house grooms like that?” is J’s question. “It’s hardest for Argentine grooms,” she continues, “Bunkabins look awful, but are at least tidy and clean.”

Wage structure and trade union As well as knowing they will have a comfortable place to call home, should polo grooms also have a wage structure and trade union?

J says, “Racing wages are actually lower than polo, but they have a wage structure and a union. There are no rules in grooming or comparisons with a normal job, like being a PA, where things like sexual harassment are things of the past. There are no worker’s rights in polo.”

According to A, “Some grooms get £80 per week some get £600 – they certainly have different levels of skill and experience, but that’s not fair.”

For grooms who don’t measure up, there’s little job protection, particularly if you are not English.

One pro spoke of returning to England in early April only to find that the young groom he had left behind had “left my horses in the stable for weeks without working them. He was recommended to me personally, but fell under the influence of an older guy who has worked in England for years. I played my first chukkas today, I sacked him today and he’s on a flight home in four days’ time.” Fair and reasonable, but surely a harder lesson than the young man would have learnt in another job.

A recalls his early days in polo in the UK, “You come to England, you are told that you will be paid £400 per week and you are only paid £250 and you have no

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Feature “When all is said and done, we have to look at what we do it for, really – for many of us, it’s the love of the ponies who make the sport.” choice, you have to stay. We should have a trade union – the pros can go to the HPA if they don’t get paid!”

Occurrences such as this should now be a thing of the past, as David Morley explains, “One issue is that people (Argentinean grooms) can only earn what is written on a sponsor’s certificate.”

Morley explains why so many Argentinean grooms work here in the summer, “High goal grooms follow a team and a player (employer) each year, in and out of the UK. With the advent of the new driving licence regulations/laws, many good English girl grooms now just drive lorries all week instead of grooming and earn £500 per week. So other overseas grooms come here just to earn money, whereas an English groom still expects to have their family and friends around them and have a normal life.”

Argentinean grooms’ skill levels are another reason for their popularity as employees in English polo, S believes. “English people want to have the jobs that foreign grooms have, however, their level of commitment/knowledge often doesn’t compare.”

It was the rueful consensus of several of the interviewees that self-employed grooms are more popular with many players, because it’s cheaper for the employer.

S admits that, “Grooms aren’t paid what they’re worth most of the time, but for average employers (i.e. not King Power etc.) the funds are not always there to pay accordingly, especially after accommodation is factored in. No one makes proper money in horses.”

“Grooms shouldn’t be underpaid, however. Whether employers are polo players/livery providers or clubs, they are all seeing an increase in outgoings; feed, shavings, transport, haylage, farrier, vets, as well as their grooms and their accommodation,” she continues.

Grooms from Eastern Europe are a newer addition to the ranks of grooms in the UK, but are regarded by their English and Argentinean colleagues as ‘low skilled and cheaper’ or ‘here for the donkey work only’. Many claim they know nothing about horses and so get paid little.

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“One guy said he was working as a groom as it paid better than washing up in a hotel,” according to N. Why the lack of British men grooming?

Polo grooming as a job has never attracted that many British men. “English men only want to be players. Men become grooms, then feel mistreated, overworked and underpaid and quit. Girls are attached to the ponies and prepared to put up with more bad treatment. Men here don’t want to take the abuse you get when you start out as a groom – hard work, rudeness and poor pay,” is J’s rationale.

Several female grooms felt that grooming is a ‘caring job’ and therefore not attractive to British men.

“British men also have access to full social welfare, so don’t have the same economic imperative for Argentinean and Eastern European men to become grooms” was the wry comment of another Argentinean worker.

For S, “ Polo is a world where, for six months of the year, employers try to make money whilst trying to limit their outgoings and grooms play a critical role in this, whether it’s ensuring feed is ordered on time, to getting to matches on time and all whilst trying to keep ponies sound.

“A player is making money from matches whilst praying the rain holds off and the tournaments aren’t cancelled or that they will be employed for that weekend. A good employer wants a groom who cares for the ponies like they were their own, has pride in their work, notices if they are slightly off colour and knows all their preferences, to ensure the ponies are the happiest and performing the best they can.

Unfortunately, everyone wants to pay less: lower tournament fees, lower feed bills, the list is endless. When all is said and done, we have to look at what we do it for, really – for many of us, it’s the love of the ponies who make the sport.”

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Reports

Orchard Hill On Top reports

A

nother great Final came to an exhilarating end on Sunday 24 April at the International Polo Club, Palm Beach, and with the final whistle, so too ended the high goal season in the USA. The road to the grand finalé was full of thrills and spills, with exciting matches taking place every weekend for the delectation of the huge audiences that gathered to soak up some of the drama. For a month, the world’s top 26 goal teams battled it out for a place in The US Open Final. This honour was reserved for last year’s runnersup Orchard Hill and US Open first timers Dubai, who blasted through the competition, unbeaten and unchallenged to arrive at another nail-biting Final.

Orchard Hill defeated White Birch in a close 9-8 Semi Final that had both teams fighting down to the final whistle, while Rashid Albwardy’s Dubai had an easier 13-11 win over Marc Ganzi’s Audi team.

With three of the world’s top rated players on the Number 1 field of the International Polo Club, Palm Beach (Dubai’s Adolfo Cambiaso rated at Number 1 and Orchard Hill’s Facundo Pieres and Juan Martin Nero rated at Numbers 2 and 3 respectively) fast, exciting play was anticipated and no one was disappointed. The play was open, despite each side working hard to close down the big hitters. Clever ball play and quick thinking had the game flowing freely with the teams evenly matched throughout. The first half ended with Steve Van Andel’s Orchard Hill out in the lead 7-5, before a reinvigorated and determined Dubai side came back to equalise, ending the fourth chukka 8-8. Adolfo Cambiaso proved 58

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Photography by Philippa Davin Photography

Katie Vickery

Orchard Hill Defeats Dubai to Win their First US Open Title

his skill by winning every single throw-in, often scoring straight away. This fierce and unrelenting attack saw them take the lead going into what should have been the final chukka. The sixth chukka saw Dubai unable to hold onto their tenuous advantage, with Orchard Hill matching them goal for goal, equalising at every opportunity. With time running low, Pieres broke through the Dubai defenders to level the score, 12-12, with just 48 seconds on the clock, forcing a sudden-death, overtime chukka.

Dubai took control of the throwin, but with some stellar defensive play from Orchard Hill, each opportunity to score and claim a second US title in 2016 was thwarted. Both teams had a number of unsuccessful chances to add to the scoreboard, until Orchard Hill found themselves deep in the Dubai end of the field. A perfectly placed backhand from Nero to Pieres was all that was needed, as the waiting 10 goaler confidently drove it through the goalposts for the 13-12 victory.

And so last year’s runners-up became this year’s victors.

Argentine 10 goaler Juan Martin Nero commented, “We started well, but they came back and killed us in the fourth chukka. Once the game opened up, we made a comeback and managed to hold on for the win.”

Reports

Photography by LILA PHOTO

The US Open, USA

Orchard Hill celebrate their first US Open win

The Final of The US Open signals the end of the winter high goal season at the International Polo Club, Palm Beach with players flying to California, Argentina and England as tournament play continues around the world.

The US Open Final teams: Dubai (26): Rashid Albwardy (2) Alejo Taranco (6) Facundo Sola (8) Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Orchard Hill (26): Steve Van Andel (0) Juan Martín Nero (10) Julian de Lusarreta (6) Facundo Pieres (10)

Final Score

Orchard Hill beat Dubai

13-12 MVP

Facundo Pieres

BPP

A horse race down Ground 1 at the International Polo Club, Palm Beach

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Divas Dos, owned by Orchard Hill, played by Juan Martín Nero and bred by Andrew Hine

Top Goal Scorer of Tournament Facundo Pieres – 36 goals (11 in the Final)

Polo Times, June 2016

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Reports

The US Open, USA

Photograph courtesy of Amway

We spoke to brand new US Open champion and Orchard Hill patron Steve Van Andel about his team, his win and how it feels to finally raise that trophy high How do you feel having won your first US Open?

“It’s taken a bit of time, but we got there.

I’m very excited about it. I remember when Facundo made the goal and it was almost as if I was stunned. I was on the field and just asking myself is that it? Have we really won? I have been playing for a long time and we’ve managed to make it to the Final four other times and we’ve lost four other times, so now having come this far it’s a great feeling.”

You have made it to the Final on four previous occasions, what was different this year?

“I think it was a couple of different things.

In the last couple of years we’ve really turned it up a notch. We started the process a few years ago organisationally putting together a team that would give us our best shot. Part of it this year was horses. I’ve played for many years on the basis that the pros bring their own horses, but in order to win today each player has to have not just one, two or three great horses, but an entire string. Today they have to have a whole string and they all have to be great horses and they all have to play at their peak literally every match and every chukka that they’re playing. Part of what we did was acquire horses for the team over the last few years. Every year we bought a group so that every player on the team had at least a dozen horses that they would know weren’t just good horses, but were great horses.

That’s a big part of winning today. Then of course you have to have the team all put together well. Facundo was a great Captain and he put together a team that he felt was going to have the most potential, but it changed around a little bit, especially when everyone started getting hurt.”

You had a few team injuries in the US Gold Cup, how do you think this affected the team? How did the team dynamic change?

“Facundo broke his finger on his mallet hand so that was a tough one. It wasn’t a bad break, but it was still a break and it was hurting so he was out for a couple of games and then the first game that he was out

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Polito played and came off with a separated shoulder and he went to surgery. So that knocked him out for the season. For the Gold Cup we had to regroup a little bit and figure out what we were going to do. That’s when Facundo found Nero and the great thing was that he had been playing down in the Dominican Republic and his last game was on Saturday and we brought him up on Saturday night and his first game was on Sunday. So he played with us straight away on horses he didn’t know with a team he didn’t know but he played awesomely.

“It was quite a different team with Facundo and Polito and then Facundo and Nero because Facundo played a little more defensively with Polito. They’re both great ball handlers and so he let Polito go up a little bit more, but with Nero being much more defensive Facundo could play more offensively and could go up a little bit. It was pretty spectacular to watch both sets of them, whether it was Facundo and Polito or Facundo and Nero; a different game, but the pairings played really well together.

“Julian fitted in well with the first team, with Polito and Facundo, but on the Open team I think he fitted in even better because he was kind of a universal player.

He not only was good offensively, but also defensively so whatever they needed from him at the time he was able to help them out. To watch him play was just great. I noticed that they raised his handicap so I guess everyone thought he was playing well.

“What more could you ask playing with three great players like that? It’s almost as much fun for me to sit there and watch as anything else.”

than us. I think we had a little bit of luck and that helped us. Adolfo came out and knocked it up to Rashid and fortunately we managed to stop him from scoring a goal and all of a sudden our team was running up the field and we kept it down our side and then we got a goal. When you are sitting in your tent it is tough. When you’re sitting waiting for each chukka you just want to go, you think, ‘I can’t wait here anymore.’ You get so nervous.”

It was a very exciting, last minute win, what was the atmosphere like in the pony lines after that final chukka?

“Afterwards it actually went crazy. I mean it was a tough game. Whenever you play Cambiaso in whatever team he puts together, (this was probably one of the best teams I’ve seen him put together for the US Open) it’s always going to be tough.

What is the pressure like in that overtime chukka?

“There’s good news and bad news. The good news is you’re still in the game! The bad news is it’s anybody’s game. If you’re tied at the end it means that both teams have played really well. The bad news was for us that the first throw-in was right down by their goal so we got really nervous because we hadn’t done that well at throwins. Cambiaso had got way more throw-ins

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The US Open, USA

It was anybody’s game so there was a lot of emotion on both teams. When the final whistle blew we had hundreds and hundreds of people and so many fans that wanted to congratulate us, it was super exciting.

“I’m very happy to have played with both Polito and Juan Martin as well as Julian, but I feel a little bad for Polito that he wasn’t able to be part of the team as he’s been a great friend over the years. He was on the sidelines helping.

“Actually the day after the Finals was my first wedding anniversary. My first wife passed away six years ago. I have remarried since and I was able to have the whole family there, which was great.

A wonderful celebration.”

Do you have a coach?

“We ended up with two different coaches.

I’ve played with Lucas Criado for many years and he played with us in the 20 goal.

So he stuck around and helped us through the Open. He’s one to raise his hand and tell everybody what needs to be corrected and what needs to be improved. This year Polito stayed and he helped a huge amount, he was particularly helpful for Facundo and Nero. So we did have eyes on the game in between chukkas, they’d all come over, talk a little bit and figure something out.

We made adjustments and hopefully they worked – well it certainly seemed to.”

Reports

Your US Open win comes almost on the back of your CV Whitney Cup win, will you be back next year to go for the Triple Crown?

“We haven’t figured out exactly what we’re going to do yet, but my plan is to be back again next year. I feel you have to defend the title. We have to defend the Open. We will figure it out in the next few weeks or months.”

Orchard Hill patron Steve Van Andel in front of a sold out crowd

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Polo Times, June 2016

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Reports

Copa

de las Naciones, Palermo, Argentina

James Harper, James Beim, Mark Tomlinson & Charlie Hanbury line up for England

Photography by Luciano Scapino – Polo Photos

Mark Tomlinson

The Chilean line-up

Vamos Chile!

Katie Vickery reports

A

fter many delays due to rain and bad weather, the long awaited Copa de las Naciones got underway on Saturday 23 April with Argentina vs England. Great play from James Harper, James Beim, Mark Tomlinson and Charlie Hanbury saw them mount an impressive four goal comeback in the last chukka, but it was not enough to overcome the stronger Argentine side and they suffered an 11-9 defeat. Things weren’t much better on Sunday 24 April when they faced Chile. Despite starting strong with a 4-0 advantage after the first chukka, a disastrous fifth chukka saw four goals for Chile while England could only watch on. They tried their best to push the match to an extra, seventh chukka, but it was not to be, and Chile came out the winners with 10 goals to 9.

Argentina have won the trophy an impressive five out of seven times, while England have won it once in 2014. 2016 was the year for the Chileans, and having defeated England 10-9 on Sunday 24 April it all came down to the final match against their Argentinian neighbours and biggest rivals. A well-matched game, with both sides showcasing strong defence, there was little room for open play, resulting in a foul riddled match in which 62

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Not England’s Weekend in Palermo only three of the 12 goals scored were field goals. Thanks to close man-to-man marking from the Chilean side, Argentina were unable to do more than just keep up, and having entered the final chukka 5-5, following two quick penalties from Chile, even Eduardo Novillo Astrada’s last minute goal could not keep Argentina from losing the cup, 7 goals to 6, to the ecstatic Chilean team, for whom it was their first time as champions in the Copa de las Naciones.

The Copa de las Naciones teams: England (23): Charlie Hanbury (4), Mark Tomlinson (6), James Beim (7) & James Harper (6) Argentina (24): Bartolomé Castagnola Jnr (3), Juan Zubia (5), Eduardo Novillo Astrada (9) & Joaquin Pittaluga (7) Chile (23): Max Silva (5), Felipe Vercellino (5), Jaime García Huidobro (7) & Matías Vial (6) Results: Argentina beat England, 11-9, Chile beat England, 10-9 and Chile beat Argentina, 7-6

“The team was fun and it went well. It was great for James Harper to play in Palermo for the first time in his career. For an English player, or for any player for that matter, it’s an awesome experience. James Beim, Harps and I have played together quite a lot before, but it was a good opportunity for Charlie Hanbury. He has played at the Camara de Diputados level many times, but he hadn’t played in an England team at that level. The rain made it very frustrating and very difficult with all the delays and unfortunately we were the team that had to play two days running, so that was obviously a bit of a disadvantage especially for our Sunday game against Chile. We played two practices in the days before our match with Argentina, followed

by Thursday and Friday and then Saturday we played Argentina. Naturally the horses were quite flat by Sunday. That said, we had a bad game against Chile and we should have beaten them.

We had a really good game against what was a very strong Argentina team and we ran them right to the wire. We were a goal down with a minute to go and we could have got a levelling goal. Unfortunately they got a goal on the bell.

It’s a great opportunity and a great experience and it was a pity that the weather made it quite so difficult.”

Jaime García Huidobro “It’s always nice to win a tournament, that’s for sure, but when you play for your country it is even better, especially in polo because there aren’t that many opportunities to play for your national team. The key was that we all mounted ourselves, so we didn’t have to borrow many horses. We played very well in both games despite a slow start against England. Argentina were similarly handicapped, they were on 24 goals and we were on 23 goals, so we were not that far from them.”

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Reports

The Prince of Wales Trophy, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Valiente Dubai Win The Prince of Wales Trophy Guillermo Terrera fights for the ball with George Hanbury

Lucy Wilson reports from Berkshire

O

n Saturday 14 May, with a backdrop of a different kind of horsepower in the form of Aston Martins glinting in the Spring sunshine, Valiente Dubai triumphed against Apes Hill in the Final of The Prince of Wales Trophy at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club.

The match was a speedy display of talent and horsepower which thrilled the crowds on the main ground at the Club, as each team took it in turn to take the lead throughout the six chukkas.

The young 1 goaler Henry Porter had an exceptional game from the first chukka when 64

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he began scoring for his team and making life difficult for both Mark Tomlinson and Eduardo Novillo Astrada. As commentator Chris Hyde succinctly put it, “He has played incredibly well today, and only on a 1 goal handicap”.

Apes Hill didn’t make it onto the scoreboard until well into the second chukka when Novillo Astrada somehow persuaded the ball over the line. It wasn’t a stylish affair, but it did the job nonetheless. The ground was perfect despite a week of torrential rain and the horses ate up the ground as the teams sped from one end to the other. Apes Hill managed to equalise the score in the third chukka, but a Penalty 4 converted

by Del Rio, gave Valiente Dubai the edge as the spectators took to the field for some treading in, the score settled on 5-4.

In the second half, after a stern team talk, Apes Hill attempted to pick up the pace, Valiente

Dubai edged forward in the fourth chukka with goals coming in thick and fast. Hyde highlighted Porter again for his success on the scoreboard, “Henry porter is on fire, he doesn’t need the eight goaler – he can do it himself ”, as he took his team to an 8-4 lead.

Chukka five didn’t start well for Apes Hill as Novillo Astrada received a Yellow Card from umpires Jason Dixon and Tim Bown, but he wasn’t the only one as Taranco also picked one up for himself. Hyde commented that Novillo Astrada’s pony was like a “double jointed mongoose”, and it certainly was a mount that managed to get him to the ball, albeit in a wiggly unorthodox fashion. It really started to show that Valiente Dubai were working as a team, with each player making a contribution, not only to the scoreboard, but also in terms of defensive play on the occasions that Apes Hill broke away. www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

High Goal High Drama

The Prince of Wales Trophy, The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Valiente Dubai with The Prince of Wales Trophy

Apes Hill had moments of brilliance, but the gel between the players seemed to come a little unstuck in the middle chukkas and they didn’t quite connect with all the shots they wanted to as their opposition, whipped the ball away from under their ponies toes.

Apes Hill managed to regroup to claw back the score a little to make 8-6, but the sixth chukka was their best, scoring three goals to Valiente Dubai’s one to make it 9-9. The Australian 4 goaler Alec White came into his own in the final scheduled chukka, powering through the Valiente Dubai defence opening up the field for Novillo Astrada to gallop to goal.

The game went into an extra chukka. It took a few fraught minutes of play before Henry Porter sealed the deal for Valiente Dubai by scoring to finish the game 10-9.

The Subsidiary Final, scheduled for earlier in the day between Dubai and La Bamba de Areco at the Dubai grounds was cancelled.

Turn to page 105 for Sidelines to see who was at the Final

Reports

Guillermo Terrera and Garcia Del Rio celebrate their win

Final Score

10-9

Top Goal Scorer Eduardo Novillo Astrada – 6 goals

2 Yellow Cards for Eduardo Novillo Astrada & Alejo Taranco

Number of players to score on each team

Valiente Dubai

Apes Hill

The Prince of Wales Trophy Final teams: Valiente Dubai (21): Henry Porter (1) Tomas Garcia Del Rio (6) Guillermo Terrera (8) Alejo Taranco (6) Apes Hill (22): George Hanbury (3) Mark Tomlinson (6) Eduardo Novillo Astrada (9) Alec White (4) www.polotimes.co.uk

The Polo Times Best Playing Pony Silk, owned and played by Mark Tomlinson

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player Henry Porter with Jamie and Greta Morrison

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La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy Final, Guards Polo Club

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Reports

Black Bears lift the trophy aloft after a challenging game

La Martina Magic Black Bears Roar to Success in La Martina Final

O

n Sunday 15 May, Guy Schwarzenbach led from the front, playing fantastically well off his 1 goal handicap to ensure that it was his Black Bears team to win the first 15 goal Final at Guards Polo Club in 2016. In a tight and thrilling game on The Queen’s Ground, the Bears defeated Chris Mathias’s Clarita 7-6 in four chukkas to claim the La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy. Teo van den Broeke, the Style Editor of Esquire magazine, presented Guy with the trophy on behalf of the La Martina team.

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It was the second year in a row that Clarita had made the Final. In 2015 they were forced into an extra chukka to miss out on victory to Shalimar and it was a similar story that was played out against Black Bears in 2016, with the white shirts of Clarita always looking like they were poised to take the trophy.

Consequently there was little to separate these two teams throughout the match and the La Martina guests in the splendour of the Royal Box and Club spectators all appreciated such a great game so early in the season. This match was also a wonderful advert for English polo

– not only was Guards Polo Club looking spectacular in the May sunshine – but 7 goaler Max Charlton, playing in his first season for the Bears, and 6 goaler George Meyrick, at back for Clarita, produced some great polo in a bid to give their team the advantage.

Although such passion did lead to Charlton being awarded a yellow card in the third – a warning from the umpires for hitting the ball after a whistle.

The Subsidiary Final was an equally close affair. Alan Fall’s Mad Dogs defeated Romilla Arber’s Four Quarters Black 8-7 in a match held earlier in the day.

La Martina has sponsored this 15 goal tournament since 2009. That was the year that this leading polo kit and clothing brand first opened their shop at Guards Polo Club. Today, not only does La Martina still run the Guards www.polotimes.co.uk

La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy Final, Guards Polo Club

BPP

Final Score

7-6

15 11 goal tournament

Reports

The Polo Times Best Playing Pony, Nebraska ridden by Chris Mackenzie for Clarita.

To read more turn to our Pony Power section on page 86

Number of teams entered

La Martina have sponsored the tournament since 2009

MVP Juan Cruz Merlos for Black Bears

One to watch: 3 goal young gun James Lester from Western Australia playing for Black Bears

Polo Club Store, but has now opened its flagship London store in St James’s.

The La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy Final teams: Black Bears (15): Guy Schwarzenbach (1), James Lester (3), Max Charlton (7) & Juan Cruz Merlos (4) Clarita (15): Chris Mathias (0), Freddie Horne (3), Chris Mackenzie (6) & George Meyrick (6) Subsidiary Final: Mad Dogs (15): Alan Fall (0), George Pearson (2), William Emerson (5) & Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8) Four Quarters Black (15): Romilla Arber (0), Tom Brodie (3), Richard, the Earl of Tyrone (6) & Chris Hyde (6) www.polotimes.co.uk

Clarita’s Chris Mathias missed out on winning by just one goal for a second year running

Juan Cruz Merlos, the son of former Black Bears’ high goal player Pite Merlos, showed a maturity way beyond his 18 years and it was no surprise that he was named La Martina Most Valuable Player

Polo Times, June 2016

67

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Photograph courtesy of Polo Wicklow

Photograph courtesy of Kirtlington Park Polo Club

90 Years of Tradition to Celebrate

Kirtlington Park Polo Club celebrates a rich history pre-dating World War 2

www.polotimes.co.uk

Ireland in full swing during the International match in the Wicklow arena

International in Ireland HERALDING THE END of the winter season, the annual USA v Ireland match took place in perfect conditions at Polo Wicklow on Sunday 10 April. Friends and supporters of both teams came from all over Ireland to participate in a day of entertainment, lunch and music which culminated in the International match between the USA and Ireland. USA’s Captain Liz Brayboy, Anant Singh and Taylor Lewis took on Ireland’s Siobhan Herbst (Captain), Colm Kelleher and Eamon Laverty. Lar Sheeran took on the role as commentator, whilst Denis Connolly took the role of Umpire with Michael Herbst on the balcony as referee.

Sensing victory at the throw-in, Ireland lost no time in chalking up the first goal, and

for a while it could have gone either way, but soon Ireland were firmly in control. Despite trying everything, USA trailed as Ireland had clocked up a five goal lead at half-time. The Wicklow Ladies Barbour band took to the stage while the players had their well-earned break before the start of the third chukka. The USA had a good team talk and came back out to play with a vengeance, not missing a shot. Only some quality defending prevented a shower of USA goals. USA popped home goal after goal, and were within touching distance going into the final chukka. A cool strike from Irish Captain Siobhan provided a valuable cushion which the Irish gratefully hung on to as the final bell went, giving them the victory by 12 goals to 10.

Dubai Gold Cup Series Ends ZEDAN POLO HAS won the Dubai Cup 2016 with Mahra Polo taking the Subsidiary Cup. On Friday 16 April Zedan Polo defeated Habtoor Polo by 8 goals to 7 in a great Final at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club. Amr Zedan’s team line-up of Rashid Bin Drai, Martín Gándara and Manuel Plaza achieved the last trophy of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Season. Zedan came back in the last chukka, having been down by two goals, to achieve the victory with a last minute goal by Amr Zedan to secure the win. Manuel Plaza was named the Most Valuable Player of the Final and Doctor, played by Marcos Panelo and owned by Habtoor Polo, was the Best Playing Pony.

Photograph by Gonzalo Etcheverry

IT IS A big year for both our Royals and some of our clubs who are celebrating important milestones in 2016. Her Majesty The Queen will be marking her 90th Birthday alongside Kirtlington Park and Ham Polo Club, both of which have special events planned to commemorate their 90th Anniversaries this year.

For HPC, The London Polo Club, it is set to be a fantastic year with polo right up until 2 October, all rounded off with a Season Finale After Party. Before then however, they will host their 90th Anniversary Roaring 20’s Ball which will be a fantastic opportunity for everyone to salute the Club’s history.

For Kirtlington a new season dawns with new manager Josh Tuthill at the helm, and their 90th anniversary year is set to be one to remember. Revelries are planned throughout the season, the highlight of which is a special Black Tie ball planned for 30 July. The main objective for the Club as it reaches its diamond decade is to ensure the next 90 years are as positive as the last.

In celebration of Kirtlington Park Polo Club’s 90th year Paul Oberschneider is offering a ‘special friends of KPPC’ rate at The Manor Weston, the stunning hotel and restaurant less than three miles from the Club. For the following weekends of polo, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast will be just £119 per person: 12 June – Barlow Trophy 6 goal, 19 June – SUPA national senior schools, 26 June – Summerfield’s school invitational Day, 16 July – Armed Forces Polo Weekend, 17 July – Dent Cup 4 goal, 30 July – 90th Anniversary Polo Ball, 7 August – Budgett Everett Final, 27 August – Air Ambulance Charity Ball, 29 August – Lousada Trophy 4 goal and 29 August – Thorneloe Ladies Open To book your special friends of KPPC rate at The Manor call 01869 350621 and quote the promotion code: POLO

Zedan Polo the Dubai Cup champions

Polo Times, June 2016

69

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Springtime at Santa María

Photograph By Edgepolo

Photograph courtesy of Cowdray Park Polo Club

Guardia Real from Morocco victorious in the Sotogrande Spring season

IT WAS VICTORY for the team Guardia Real of Morocco during their stay at Santa María Polo Club. The quartet formed of Sidi El Mhamdi, Ahmed Mounkachi, and the professionals Mario Gómez and Fernando Bartrons, repeated their success after winning the Memorial Conde de Guaqui the week before. This is the second year that the team of Morocco visited Santa María Polo Club to play in the spring season and the second year they have accumulated titles at Sotogrande.

In other news from the Club, fixtures for the spring and summer will range throughout the levels, from low to high and will culminate in the 45th International Polo Tournament 2016 from July 27 – 28 August, where six high goal teams (22 goal), 10 medium goal teams (14 goal) and eight low goal teams (6 goal) will compete for The Bronze Cup, The Silver Cup and The Gold Cup.

Tyro Cup winners Cowdray Vikings

Cowdray Park Extends Fixtures THE HOME OF the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup have added two new tournaments to their fixtures list this year to accommodate more 12 and 6 goal. The Petworth 12 Goal Cup (8-12) will be played for between 2 and 11 June and is open to Cowdray players only.

The Heyshott 6 Goal Trophy (0-6) has also been added and will be played between June 21 – 3 July. The Club began their season with games for the Barrett Cup (4-8) and the Tyro Cup (8-12). The top title at the Club for the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup will conclude with the Finals on 17 July.

On Sunday 8 May the Final of the 12 goal Tyro Cup between 2015 winners Cowdray Vikings and Jaeger-LeCoultre/Hurlingham Media concluded with a win for Cowdray Vikings with a the final score of 8-4.

Charity at Cheshire

Polo Times, June 2016

noon, followed by two thrilling games of polo and the opportunity to take high tea to pace yourself amongst all the afternoon’s excitement!

A fantastic day out and all for a great cause!

For further information or to purchase tickets call 07944 578 754.

THE ESSEX-BASED Moor Hall Polo Club organised a day trip for ponies and players, taking a staggering 18 ponies to Holckham Beach in Norfolk. This is the second consecutive year the Club have organised a trip to the seaside. There’s nothing like a gallop across miles of flat sand to freshen the ponies before the summer season gets underway.

Cheshire Polo Club to host a charity event in aid of The Alder Hey Children’s Charity and The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund

All 18 ponies and MHF Polo Club players line up on the beach

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Alec Banner-Eve

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Beach Baes

Photograph courtesy of Cheshire Polo Club

CHESHIRE POLO CLUB is holding a special charity polo day on Sunday 3 July in aid of two worthwhile charities: The Alder Hey Children’s Charity and The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund.

The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund is a unique equestrian charity, which was founded to help those who become injured working with or riding horses and are delighted to be one of the charities associated with this fabulous family event.

Situated just off the A49 Forest Road, Tarporley, Cheshire, the Cheshire Polo Club Grounds are the perfect setting to greet you for a champagne and canapé reception from 12

The Award for Best Playing Pony went to Muppet, owned by James Beim and played by Ed Hitchman.

Next up was the first high goal tournament for the Club The Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippets Challenge. On Sunday 15 May at Cowdray Park Polo Club, Michael Bickford’s La Indiana started their high goal season in style. Fresh back from an evening jaunt to Barcelona to watch Bruce Springsteen (player Nic Roldan’s girlfriend’s father) the team certainly had a spring in their step, defeating a tough Britannia El Remanso side 14-9 in the 22 goal Jaeger-LeCoultre Trippets Challenge. Michael Bickford’s mare, Miriam, played by Nic Roldan, won the Best Playing Pony Award making it an all round successful day for the American patron.

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Focus

Para Polo

Kirtlington Kick Off in Style KIRTLINGTON PARK POLO Club’s open day on Sunday 1 May drew crowds from both the polo world and the local community. Visitors enjoyed the new Pommery bar in the Clubhouse and a hearty asado as they browsed local trade stands. The first match of the day saw Oxford Polo Hipwood beat KPPC Schools Select 5-3.

The RJ Polo May Challenge 12 goal followed at 3pm, which saw Mats OttossonCederflycht’s La Rosada/Deutsche Bank Wealth Management triumph against Max Kirchhoff’s Snakebite 8½-3. www.polotimes.co.uk

Start of Season The Pinks and Longdole with Rich Buckett from RJ Polo

ON FRIDAY 29 April Longdole Polo Club held their start of season drinks party. The Club welcomed members old and new, as well as friends and sponsors. Longdole’s Clubhouse came to life when over 80 guests enjoyed the evening, which was kindly sponsored by Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham, who put on a spread of delicious canapés and provided plenty of prosecco. In polo news from the Gloucestershire Club, RJ Polo sponsored the 2 Goal Tournament on 7 – 8 May, which proved to be a gloriously hot weekend. The Final ended in a draw, which was a lucky result, as the Woodd sisters Tabba and Tilda were on opposite teams.

3 June the Club will play host to a Festival of Electric Bicycle Polo and an old-fashioned fair in aid of the Watershed Riding for the Disabled Association. A whole host of entertainment will be laid on for guests including a Punch and Judy Show, pony rides, electric bike polo games, Morris Dancers and a BBQ. Entry is just £5 per car and the event is kindly sponsored by RJ Polo, Longdole Polo Club, E-Cycle and Jackson-Stops & Staff.

A big weekend of polo and parties is planned for 11 – 12 June at Longdole Polo Club. On the Saturday evening, the Gloucestershire Club will be turning the tide from polo to Beach Party. The evening will include a disco, beach volleyball, mocktails and a surf simulator. Tickets are £30 and you need to RSVP by 25 May. The John Lucas Polo Charity Lunch and Auction in aid of The Great Western Air Ambulance and Winston’s Wish will round off the weekend on the Sunday. For more information visit www.longdolepolo.com

2 Goal Tournament Final teams: The Pinks: Kelvin Johnson (4), Oscar Luard (0), Tabba Woodd (0) & Louise Berkin (-1) Longdole: Tilda Woodd (0), Will Lucas (4), Duncan Wales (-1) & Ed Walker (-1) Looking ahead for Longdole, on Friday

Presentations took place under the new branded boards which saw Pedro Harrison’s beautiful bay mare Cargosa taking home Best Playing Pony. Polo concluded with an exciting schools match, which saw Radley beat Stowe 8-4½.

As the day rolled into the evening, and the opening season party kicked off, Polo Manager, Josh Tuthill said, “It was a great start to the season – huge thanks to all who supported us, especially to our grounds staff who worked tirelessly to get the grounds ready in time and to Vimmy Whiteley for organising the event. I hope we can continue this momentum through the rest of the season.”

Photograph by Fiona Scott Photography

Photograph courtesy of Tidworth Polo Club

Players from last year’s Heroes Polo Day with Help for Heroes mascot

Photograph courtesy of Longdole Polo Club

THE HEROES POLO Day at Tidworth Polo Club on 29 May is held in aid of Help for Heroes and features The Heroes Cup, where injured Servicemen and women play alongside members of the Army team. The match has been a huge success over the last two years and has proved a real catalyst for Para Polo.

The day also features The Duke of York Cup, where The Royal Navy face The RAF, and in the last game of the day, a top Army quartet play a WIP (Women in Polo) foursome – this will be the highest handicapped match of the afternoon and promises to be an intriguing contest.

Off the field there are trade stands, a hog roast, English Country teas and a licenced bar, ensuring a fantastic day out for all the family.

Admission charges: pedestrians £5, public parking £25, pitch side (far side) £80, top bank £90. For more information call the Tidworth Polo Club office on 01980 846705.

David Ashby racing past the Clubhouse

Polo Times, June 2016

71

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

East Anglian Events THE EAST ANGLIAN Air Ambulance Norfolk Polo Festival, now in its sixth year, has a jam packed schedule of games on 18 – 19 June at Norfolk Polo Club. General admission is only £10, with free entry for children. There are four polo matches scheduled each day, including games for the Counties Cup, free kids’ entertainment, shopping, food and bar and a free after party on Saturday night in the VIP marquee.

On Saturday 18 June the schedule will also include Bedfordshire against Cambridgeshire and Norfolk against Suffolk for the Counties Plate, which will conclude on the Sunday.

Casa de Campo Continues AFTER A SUCCESSFUL and exciting high goal polo season that set standards in the Dominican Republic and Central America, Polo Challenge has announced its summer season that will be celebrated in June and July. This summer season will be formed by a series of tournaments of medium and low goal, which will give new players and organisations the chance to play in the idyllic island. The first tournament will be played in the category 8-10 goals in the Casa de Campo Polo Club, from 10 – 24 June. After this, there will be two tournaments of 10-12 goals and then the season will close with the 6 goal Amateur Championship. The participation of eight teams of local and international players is expected.

Thanks to Polo Challenge, Dominican Republic has positioned itself near the four countries where the highest goal polo is played: Argentina, USA, UK and Spain.

Blueys Dates for the Diary BLUEYS POLO CLUB have released some important dates for the diary this summer. Their Ladies Sugar Bowl Tournament will take place on the 25 – 26 June and will be open to all amateurs; there will also be tea, cake and a BBQ. The annual Bluey’s Charity Tournament will be on 6 – 7 August with more details released nearer the time. The Club have also arranged Pony Club polo days on the following: 25 and 26 July, 3, 4 and 29, 30 and 31 Aug. These will be open to various ages and abilities at a cost of £100 per day (£75 for own pony) lunch included. For more information email polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

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Polo Times, June 2016

www.polotimes.co.uk

The Jewel in the Crown of Polo

Watch the World’s best polo players and enjoy the finest hospitality at polo’s most exclusive club Go to www.guardspoloclub.com for all news, tickets and fixtures at your favourite English club Ticket Office: 00 44 (0)1784 437797 | Email: ticket.office@guardspoloclub.com

Women’s Polo

International

We report on the latest women’s polo taking place at home and abroad All handicaps are HPA women’s handicaps, unless stated otherwise

5 minutes with…

– better sportsmanship and more credit should be given to all the work done behind the scenes by the HPA and its volunteers.

Milly Hodges Having grown up playing Pony Club polo before heading to New Zealand on an HPA scholarship, Milly has loved, played and worked in the sport of polo from a young age.

Playing off 2 goals until she ‘retired’ from polo to start a family, Milly has been hugely involved with the HPA working since 2002 in communications, publications and membership.

We spoke to Milly at the start of the polo season to find out her views on playing with the big boys, the future of ladies polo and her work with the HPA. How did your polo career start? With the Vale of the White Horse Pony Club – it was either tack cleaning in the afternoon or polo – a no brainer for me, but I was the only girl who made that decision!

What’s your greatest achievement to date?

Coming back from breaking my neck and representing my country and also, upon reflection, hopefully paving the way for girls playing with and against the ‘big boys’ in Zimbabwe.

Which lady players do you admire? Lesley-Ann Masterton, Fong Yee and Nina Clarkin.

Why? Lesley has always been instrumental in encouraging lady players and when I was first asked to play in Jamaica in my early 20s it was

like I had finally made it to the upper echelons of ladies polo – I was surrounded by amazing players such as Lesley and Rowena Murray, who I was totally in awe of and the first day or so I was rather star struck. However, we soon became friends, aided and abetted by the rum in the evenings!

Nina has always been incredibly professional, has worked hard and is a very calm and elegant player.

What’s your favourite Club and tournament?

I don’t play anymore, but before I gave up it was the Beaufort – back in my ‘heyday’ there were so many of us young based there, it was just amazing to be playing with friends who were all pretty good. I also loved the Arboretum 12 Goal there – I remember taking Jonny Wade out big time in the Final on one of his own ponies he had sold me and him saying, “I always knew I disliked that pony!”

Which version of the sport do you prefer, mixed polo or girls’ polo? Mixed. Nothing gave me more fun than a good ride off against a man – I shocked a few in Zimbabwe to begin with it has to be said!

Are there any changes you would like to see in polo as a sport? I was asked this question eight years ago and it remains the same answer

How do you see the future of women’s polo?

It looks like it is going from strength to strength and I am rather envious of the Women’s Championship Tournament and seeing all the girls travelling so much. I had a great time travelling to Barbados, Jamaica, Argentina and South Africa, but missed out on the other new destinations that have started hosting Women’s Internationals.

If you could pick a fantasy team, who would be on it and why? Mixed and ladies...

Mixed – Well I am going to have to keep it in the family with my husband Jack, brother Jamie Woodward and father Martin Scott… we wouldn’t win much, but it would be very entertaining for spectators and that was actually the team I last played with when we were lucky enough to play at Vichai Raksriaksorn’s Club in Thailand.

Ladies – Going back down memory lane I always wanted an African team of myself, Rowena Murray, Hils Campbell and Sherri-Lyn Hensman. We would have been quite formidable in the day and there would have been a lot of laughs!

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

My Mum (who very sadly died earlier this year) and our Green Bedford lorry, both travelled the length and breadth of the country for my polo.

On April 22 – 24 the third edition of the annually organised International ladies polo tournament The Ladies First Polo Cup, so named because it is the first ladies polo tournament of the European outdoor polo season, took place at the Club de Polo Ampurdan.

This tournament brings together many players from different nationalities such as Germany, Holland, UK, Italy, Austria, South Africa and Mexico.

This year three teams participated in a round robin with two chukka matches. After drawing on Friday and Saturday, the three teams fought hard on the final day, with the Pink Panthers sponsored by Villacampos coming out on top followed by Orange Warriors sponsored by Mas Bosch and then the Green Elves by the Club de Polo Ampurdan, with the Most Valuable Player Award going to Julia Hiebler of the winning Pink Panthers team. This tournament marks the start of the summer season of polo at Ampurdan.

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Polo Times, June 2016

Photograph courtesy Club de Polo Ampurdan

III Ladies First Polo Cup

Action from the III Ladies First Polo Cup in Ampurdan

www.polotimes.co.uk

International

2016 Women’s Championship Tournament

Ladies Chukkas at JF Polo Academy

back on top. Courtney Asdourian scored once more for Scribble Horse for a four goal game total, but the clock ran out, giving Palm City Polo the win and the title.

We spoke to Jenna Fielding of JF Polo Academy based in Cheshire about their weekly Ladies Chukkas, “I really wanted to push Ladies Chukkas and encourage more women to get involved and enable them to engage in more formalised tournaments. It’s going really well and we have had a great response to it.

Our main aim is to allow the ladies to develop their confidence away from the distraction of the guys who bulldoze their way around the field. We have invited lady player Ann Whaley, who has played internationally, to come along as a guest mentor for the ladies and give advice, play chukkas, talk tactics using a board and toy ponies, discuss schooling and more. James Fielding acts as her support as HPA Qualified Instructor and chukka referee, stopping play intermittently to talk rules and regulations. We then have a short break and have refreshments and take questions from clients and/or female spectators. We have just done our second week of chukkas and we have more signed up for next week!

It’s growing and gaining momentum.” For more information or to sign up for Ladies Chukkas at JF Polo Academy email jenna@ jfpoloacademy.com

WCT Palm City Polo celebrate their win with WTC founder Sunny Hale

Photograph by Jenna Fielding

The 2016 Women’s Championship Tournament Final teams: Palm City Polo (10): Jaqui Casey (1), Hope Arellano (1), Tiffany Busch (7) & Meli Galindo (1) Scribble Horse Polo Team (9): Kathy Iverson (0), Katherine Roze (0), Courtney Asdourian (6) & Kirstie Allen (3)

Photograph by Ami Shabbot

Palm City Polo won the 2016 Women’s Championship Tournament (WCT) title, defeating Scribble Horse Polo 5-4½ on April 16 at Grand Champions Polo Club in Florida.

The only women’s polo event of its kind and the largest polo league in the world, the WCT Finals attracted players from throughout the USA and internationally.

Palm City Polo exhibited excellent offence and defence, leading for most of the game.

Scribble Horse Polo had the lead at one point in the third chukka, but in the fourth and final chukka Tiffany Busch scored both from the field and on Penalty 2 to put Palm City Polo

Women’s Polo

Ladies chukkas

Women’s Polo Dates For The Diary Vaux Park – Ladies Tournament (Open): 11 June Blueys – Ladies Sugar Bowl Tournament (-4-0): 25 – 26 June Edgeworth – Ladies Tournament (open): 29 June Lacey Green – 2nd International Women’s Tournament (Open): 2 – 3 July Knepp Castle – International Ladies Tournament (Open): 9 – 10 July Cowdray – British Ladies Open (Open): 8 – 16 July

www.polotimes.co.uk

Cirencester – The International Ladies (12-18): 9 – 10 July White Rose – Ladies Tournament (-6- -2): 30 July New Forest – Women’s Festival (-8-12): 30 – 31 July Beaufort – The Beaufort Ladies Tournament (12-18): July 29 – 6 August RCBPC – Polo Festival ladies (10-15): 1 – 7 August Westcroft Park – Ladies Nationals (Open): 13 – 14 August

Wicklow – International Ladies Invitational Tournament (-4-0): 13 – 14 August Tidworth – WIP Ladies Tournament (Open): 20 – 21 August Dundee – Ladies Cup (0-4): 27 – 28 August Kirtlington – Thorneloe ladies Tournament (Open): 27 – 29 August West Wycombe – Ladies Mixed (Open): 10 – 11 September

Polo Times, June 2016

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Women’s Polo

International

Caroline Anier has been playing polo for close to 40 years, is a former 4 goal professional player and is now umpiring professionally.

She is based in France during the European summer season and Palm Springs in winter. We spoke to Caroline about her work as a professional umpire, the challenges and her views on the rules.

How long have you been playing and when did you start umpiring?

I have been playing since I was 15-years-old and I started umpiring as part of the Club’s duties when I started playing and then I started umpiring professionally when professional umpiring became a thing.

What makes umpiring interesting?

For me it’s a way to better understand the game.

You come to know all the rules and so when I play I see it from an umpire’s point of view. It also makes me more humble when I play as I know how difficult it is to umpire.

What do you find the most difficult about umpiring?

Keeping the game under control at all times, even when some players are making it very challenging by being on the edge of making dangerous plays.

Do you think it makes a difference that you are a woman? Not really.

Is umpiring in ladies polo very different?

Yes, they respect the calls of the umpires a lot more. It is less challenging.

What is your opinion on ladies handicaps?

It is a great thing. It’s now almost all over the world and the system makes it more even and more fair.

Do you have any specific criticism on the rules?

I want a fast and non-dangerous sport. So any rules that don’t enforce that, I don’t like. Tapping the ball under your opponent numerous times to change the line and gain ground at a walk or a steady canter is not right.

In the USA, there is a ‘one tap rule’, which takes care of that and opens the game up a huge amount. Also the rule of not turning on the

Photograph courtesy of www.poloclubmiddennederland.nl

Umpires Corner

Caroline Arnier umpiring at the Salentein Cup in Holland August 2015

ball, either side of your pony, is reinforced in the USA and it makes the game much faster and more interesting for the players to play and for the sponsors and spectators to watch.

Is there anything you would like to see changed?

1) Reinforce Penalty 1, that is rarely called (in France at least).

2) See more umpire meetings, so more people are involved and know the rules and how to interpret them.

What are your best tactical tips?

Really study which horses the opponents are riding and in what chukka.

What are the things that players should practice on to improve themselves?

Their swing and their riding, we never ride well enough.

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Polo Times, June 2016

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29/01/2016 14:17

All Aspects of Polo

Youth

A round-up of this month’s youth polo at home and abroad

Copa de las Naciones

Luke Wiles – “Our team of Will Harper, Ned Hine, Jimbo Fewster and me were lucky enough to play at Palermo in the Junior Copa de las Naciones against a Rest of the World team and the hosts, Argentina. The weather was shocking in the run-up to the tournament, which made having team practices difficult and shortened the tournament to a single day round robin of three chukka matches. Even so, with lots of help we were well prepared having had some good practices against local teams from Centauros and El Remanso.

“On Saturday, the day of the tournament we all arrived at Palermo early and it was pretty scary to see our names already on the scoreboard as we were first up, against the Rest of the World team. We knew this was going to be a tough match as it was a good team containing two of my good friends, Tomás Schwenke and McKenzie Weitz, who I play with a lot, along with two Chilean guys.

And so it proved to be, as we went two goals www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography by Andrew Hine

Playing for your country is a huge honour and to play International polo on the hallowed grounds of Palermo in Argentina, the Mecca of polo, is an opportunity not to be sniffed at. Even if the pesky rain did cause delays, rescheduling and rethinking of tournament formatting. Five of our best and brightest young polo talents headed to Argentina in late April to compete in the Junior Copa de las Naciones. Before the International matches took place for the adults on Saturday 23 April, it was the turn of the young players to show off their stuff in a round robin tournament. A young British line-up of Luke Wiles, Ned Hine, Will Harper and Jimbo Fewster represented their country in Palermo. Supported by Milly Hine, who sadly could not play due to a back injury. Unfortunately, up against the might of Argentina and the Rest of the World, the young Brits were unable to come away victorious. Argentina took the win after beating England 5-2 and Rest of the World 6-5 and the Rest of the World defeated England 6-5.

We caught up with a couple of the players from the Junior England team as they arrived fresh back from Argentina to find out about their incredible trip:

Ned Hine, Luke Wiles, Milly Hine, Jimbo Fewster & Will Harper

behind almost straightaway and it took a great goal from Will at the end of the first chukka to settle the team’s nerves and get us back into the game. The next two chukkas were really fast and close and I was lucky enough to be playing two of my best horses, Combineta and Mimbrana, as I needed all of their speed and handiness on this big ground. At the end of time we were drawn at 5-5, but sadly we lost in the extra chukka. It was a great team effort, although disappointing as we had two shots cleared off the line in the last minute before the extra chukka.

“Almost immediately we were up again, this time versus the hosts. This was another well-mounted team and the reigning Potrillos champions of 2015. Again we had a slow start and had to fight hard from going 3-0 down, to finish up losing 5-2. I was really thrilled as it had been a good team comeback and my horses had been great, with my best on the day, Malabarista giving me some great runs.

Argentina went on to beat the Rest of the World team and win the tournament.

“In spite of the weather and a shortened tournament, this was a fantastic experience for all of us and an amazing chance to play at Palermo. We had a fun team made up of really

The Junior England team line up on Ground 1 in Palermo

good friends and we gave it our best shot against two really tough teams. As always for such a trip, thank you to all the people that made it all happen for us – the Argentine Polo Association for inviting us to play alongside the senior team at Palermo, our parents for supporting us, Mark and Luke Tomlinson for hosting the team at La Quinta, Andy Hine for coaching us and finally Jimbo Fewster who came into the team to replace an injured Milly Hine – cheers Jimbo!”

Jimbo Fewster – “On the day we definitely didn’t play our best polo. We lost to The Rest of the World in an extra chukka. We were the better team, but we gave away far too many fouls – the score was 6-5 and they only scored 2 goals from open play. We lost to Argentina 5-2. Both teams played very well. Luke Tomlinson very generously provided me ponies for the games and some of my horses also came from Luke Wiles and Ned Hine. Thanks to those three I was very well mounted. I really enjoyed playing with Will, Luke and Ned; they are great young players and really nice guys. It was a great experience playing at Palermo as England Captain, I will never forget it.”

The Junior Copa de las Naciones teams: England: Luke Wiles, Ned Hine, Will Harper and Jimbo Fewster (substitute for Milly Hine) Rest of the World: Tomás Schwenke, McKenzie Weisz, Clemente Silva & Santiago Soffia Argentina: Benja Panelo, Santino Magrini, Ramon Cassino & Jazmin Dupont Polo Times, June 2016

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Youth

All Aspects of Polo

Pony Club Polo with The Cottesmore Hunt Pony Club

Ian Balding Cup

Marcus Speed, the most experienced member who will be playing Surtees (and Junior HPA) this season

Kids Polo Tour The second edition of the Kids Polo Tour UK will take place in the Windsor area June 25 – 3 July. Created by Marianela Castagnola, the Kids Polo Tour is soon to expand internationally, supporting the James Wentworth-Stanley Memorial Fund

Photograph by Amrita Bilimoria

The Ian Balding Cup will take place on Sunday 5 June at Millfield School’s Kingweston campus, hosted in honour of the former pupil and British horse trainer.

This year’s event will involve two exciting games of polo, Millfield pupils vs Old Millfieldians and Millfield vs The British Royal Navy. There will be fabulous British food on offer and designer shopping in the grounds of one of the school’s country boarding houses, as the whole Millfield community comes together to celebrate talented equestrians, both past and present. For more details please contact Gareth Turnbull on 01458 444517 or garethturnbull@millfieldschool.com

Photograph by Steve Carr

In March, with the help of an enthusiastic DC and instructor Paul Maxfield Gullet, 18 enthusiastic children, from five-year-olds on fluffies to 16-yearolds on polo ponies, gathered for a polo starter day. The day started with basic stick work on foot, progressing to exercises in the arena and finishing with chukkas. A huge success means that soon we will see some Cottesmore teams competing. Of course, there are already some members who have been playing for a few seasons, Marcus Speed, Alex Telfer and Lily Finch, and they will be playing Pony Club and the first two Junior HPA tournaments.

A one day Polo Camp will be held on Tuesday 31 May on the Rutland ground, to which all are welcome. Please apply to polomanager.chpc@gmail.com if you wish to attend.

(www.jwsmf.org) which helps to raise awareness of the rising number of suicides amongst young people and funds projects to help those most at risk. The aim of the tour is to provide the best possible experience for the next generation of polo players, and at the same time, open doors for their future in the sport. Besides improving the level of each player, the tour also seeks to reinforce some personal values like discipline, perseverance and dedication. This year’s event highlights will include an open talk with an international high goal player addressing technical, tactical and motivational aspects of the sport. An international ranking system, which will see participating players earn points for the annual ranking of Kids Polo Tour, valid in the countries where the tournament is held (UK, Argentina, USA and Spain) is being introduced.

For more information about Kids Polo Tour email info@kidspolotour.com

Thrilling action from last year’s event

FIP Youth Camp 2016 in Hamburg

Photograph by Bill Bradshaw

Photograph by Bernhard Willroth

The 10th FIP Youth Camp 2016 in Hamburg with the Win Poloschule was a great success. 33 children, 70 ponies and five instructors enjoyed an action packed four days of intensive learning. World renowned polo coach and Polo Times columnist Rege Ludwig, with Tim Ward, Niffy Winter, Thomas Winter and Kaveh Atrak taught a range of workshops from riding, hitting, rules and tactics to horse management, first aid and polo fitness, with all the children playing a tournament on the final day. British professional player and coach Tim Ward commented to Polo Times, “Special thanks must go to the Winter family and all those who lent their horses.

The standard of polo was outstanding this year. The All the participating children future of German polo is looking strong!”

Action from last year’s successful event at Millfield School

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Polo Times, June 2016

with their instructors

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Youth

Battle of the Blues SUPA & Young England Youth Dates For The Diary

Photograph by Ewa Rosal

A great night was had by all at the official London Launch Event, announcing the exciting new La Martina Varsity Partnership between the Oxford and Cambridge University Polo Clubs and their sponsor La Martina. The official kit presentation and the announcement of Brand Ambassadors on Saturday 23 April was a great way to get everyone excited for the Varsity event, which will take place on Saturday 4 June at Guards Polo Club sponsored by La Martina. Defending champions Oxford University will take on Cambridge in the 118th Varsity Polo Match. More rivalries will be played out as the day will also feature Old Blues matches along with Harvard locking horns with Yale. For a full social report on the Launch Event turn Representatives of Oxford and Cambridge University at the London Launch evening with their La Martina shirts to page 102.

University of St Andrews Charity Polo Tournament

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Pony Club

Photograph courtesy of Lightbox Creative

The University of St Andrews Polo Tournament, presented by Murray Lotus was held on Saturday 23 April at the beautiful Errol Park Estate. The tournament was hosted in support of the charity Help for Heroes and boasted sponsors such as Murray Lotus, Bouvet Ladubay and Hayward and Stott.

With over 1,500 attendees of university students, locals, and alumni, this was the largest polo tournament in Scotland, primarily featuring university polo by students from University of St Andrews, Aberdeen, Durham, Stirling, and Newcastle in three different levels: Beginners: 1st – Aberdeen, 2nd – Durham, 3rd – St Andrews 1, 4th – St Andrews 3, 5th – St Andrews 2, 6th – Stirling Novices: 1st – St Andrews 1, 2nd – St Andrews 2, 3rd – Durham, 4th – Aberdeen, 5th – Stirling, 6th – Newcastle Intermediates: 1st – Newcastle, 2nd – St Andrews In a day full of polo action, next up was the Hayward and Stott match between St Andrews and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, which was won 3-2 by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

The highlight of the polo was a thrilling match between the Old Course Hotel Team and Team Chelsea, presented by Engle & Völkers. Team Chelsea secured a narrow 3-2 win to take home the EFG Private Bank Exhibition Cup. Despite sporadic wind, the stunning setting offered various food stands, lawn games and an array of sleek Lotus sports cars for spectators to enjoy. The guests also enjoyed posing with the Jackal armoured vehicle brought along by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and were delighted by the renowned Other Guys acapella Action from the University of St Andrews Charity Polo Tournament group’s half-time performance.

Guards – La Martina Varsity Day: 4 June Westcroft – National Girls Schools Championships: 5 June DBPC – National Universities Championships: 10 – 12 June Kirtlington – SUPA v KPPC (Towler Trophy): 12 June Beaufort – The Javier Novillo Astrada U15 Cup: 19 June Kirtlington – National Senior Schools: 19 June Westcroft Park – National Schools, Girls Championships: 26 July TBC – International Polo Festival (SUPA Gold Cup): 1 – 5 July Cowdray – The Colts Cup: 9 – 11 August Ham – Stagshead Trophy: 14 August Rutland – England Colts vs Scotland Colts: 17 August Kirtlington – Alan Budgett Trophy: 27 August Cheshire – SUPA Home Nations Cup: 28 – 29 August

Vaux Park – 11 July Taunton – 12 July Frampton – 14 July Suffolk – 16 July Kirtlington – 19 July Epsom – 20 July Hurtwood – 22 July Cirencester – Qualifying Pony Club Tournament: 26 July Longdole – Qualifying Pony Club Tournament: 28 July Hurtwood – Qualifying Pony Club Tournament: 2 August Hurtwood – Jorrocks Championships: 3 August Cowdray – Pony Club Championships: 5 – 7 August

Polo Times, June 2016

79

Military

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Photograph by Mark Lynch

Military Amass for Martin Bebbington Memorial

The players gather in front of the College Hall Officers’ Mess

Mark Lynch gives us an account of the first of many military fixtures in the UK summer season, “The start of May has, for the last 22 years, given impetus to the RAF Polo Association to hold their annual opening season tournament in the magnificent setting of the RAF College Cranwell. Nine teams once again gathered from across the RAF, Army and local civilian clubs to battle for the Martin Bebbington Memorial Trophy.

The Commandant, Air Commodore Chris Luck, was keen to win the trophy outright this year, having shared it after a nail-biting 4-4 draw in the previous year’s Final.

“The cobwebs were firmly ushered out on the first day of play, with an excellent performance from the RAF Cranwell team securing a slot for them in the Final on day two. Due to the heat and the welfare of ponies it was decided to reduce the time for each period of play to six and a half minutes. Combined with each team playing only two chukkas against the other teams it was even more important to get those vital goals, and quickly! The RAF Hurricanes were unfortunately less lucky, coming second in their league, and the RAF Spitfires losing by a single goal in one of their matches placed them in the lower division

for Sunday’s matches.

As in previous years, Saturday evening was a high point of the weekend, with a formal dinner in the wonderful surroundings of the RAF College. To celebrate 80 years of RAF Polo the mess took us on a journey through polo, with dishes from India, the Mediterranean and the UK following polo from its roots all the way through to the modern game. Speeches from the RAF, Army and HPC, The London Polo Club all went down very well, along with a tribute to the late Brigadier John Wright, former Chairman of the HPA who was a key supporter of services polo throughout his life.

“The Final of the tournament pitted RAF Cranwell against teams from Leadenham

and the Vale of York Polo Clubs on one of the hottest days of the year. The talented Leadenham player and groom Francisco Stuven Ortelli had his work cut out against the professional player Joe North, representing RAF Cranwell, and the Vale of York Pro, Paul Piddington. RAF Cranwell were unfortunately beaten in their first match against Leadenham, after a thrilling series of plays involving the Commandant, Group Captain Mark Smith and new player Flight Lieutenant Sara Darby. Their skills were more apparent in their second match against Vale of York, where they eventually prevailed in the second chukka, winning by half a goal. As the Leadenham team had won both their matches, they took the glory, with George Vere Laurie, Will Spicer and Philip Slane accompanying Francisco onto the winners’ podium.

“The RAF Polo Association would like to extend their thanks to all who helped to make this excellent event possible. From pony providers, to stall owners, to the small army of RAF Polo members who gave up their time, we couldn’t do it without you!

Specific thanks must go to Colonel Simon Ledger, whose commentary once again turns an exciting event into a thrilling one.”

Military Dates for the Diary Tidworth – Rundle Cup (RN vs Army): 9 July Tidworth – ICOA Trophy (CSPA vs RSA): 9 July Guards – Inter Regimental Finals: 10 July Guards – United States Cup (CSPA vs RSA): 10 July Kirtlington – Rupert Thorneloe Memorial Trophy (Open): 16 July Tidworth – Captains & Subalterns (Open): 16 – 17 July Tidworth – Sassoon Cup (Army vs RAF): 24 July Tidworth – AGC Cup (Open): 29 August Guards – Major Generals Cup (0-2): 2 – 4 September Taunton – Faulkner Cup (RN vs Taunton): 4 September

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Knowledge

Fitness for Polo

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

Polo Biomechanics and Swing Analysis

The Nearside Backhand We talk to leading physical coach for polo players and founder of Fitness for Polo, Martín Perez about getting fit for the game and exercises to improve technique This month we focus on the last of the four ‘basic’ polo swings; the nearside backhand.

This is a swing that can cause tumbles, loss of balance and embarrassment when it goes wrong, but can be one of the most useful and powerful defensive shots if executed properly.

The very nature of the shot being on the nearside means that it requires core strength and balance, both things are easy to train and improve over time and with correct, specified exercises. Unlike the nearside forehand, this shot also requires added power as it is very often used to turn the ball, change the direction of the game and turn a defensive manoeuvre into an attack. The further the ball goes the more effective the shot.

Key Muscles Activated: Legs – They offer support, stability and balance Core Muscles – They provide the power and the stability and are vital to the rotational nature of this movement Lower Back – This muscle group helps us to lean forward and off the saddle, but still maintain balance Rotator Cuff Muscles – They aid the arm in the rotational movement and add direction to the shot

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Polo Times, June 2016

So let’s have a look at what’s going on…

What is happening biomechanically in our bodies when we perform this swing is a very complex movement. The whole body is in massive stress and different laws of physics are at work at the same time.

As always, the legs are setting a solid foundation to allow the rider to get the proper technique and balance, so as the chain of movements unfolds, the whole swing starts from there. Then it moves to the hips, which transmit the kinetic force to the core muscles which help to rotate the whole of the upper body. This allows the player to lean right across the horse so they can get a clear view of the ball, and of course a clear zone to swing the stick. The swing is helped by the rotational motion of the core as well as the power created by the chest and right arm to start the swing, leading to a pendulum movement to hit the ball. The angle of the shot is determined by the angle of the upper body and the rotator cuff muscles.

This swing is as much about timing as power and technique. If we hit the ball at the right time and with the right technique and power, it will fly high.

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Exercises: Here are a few exercises using different elements that can be found in any gym. These three exercises will work the muscles used in the nearside forehand and help you to build strength and flexibility where necessary.

Exercise 1: Forward lunge and rotate with weight This exercise works all the muscles used in the nearside backhand at once and so is a great way of strengthening the muscles as a group.

Taking hold of a weight, lunge forward stretching your arms out in front of you. Once your back knee is almost touching the ground and your front knee is in line with your toes rotate your upper body over your forward knee (i.e. if your right knee is in front rotate to the right and vice versa) keeping your arms, and the weight out in front of you. Once you have rotated 90 degrees, return to facing forwards, stand upright and repeat on the other leg.

Photography by AgustĂ­n Lastra

Exercise 3: Resistance Rotations Whilst this is another great exercise for working your rotational muscles, it also works the back muscles which are so important in helping to maintain balance and position.

Adopt the starting lunge position as shown in the photo using either a cable as shown (if you have access to gym equipment) or an elastic resistance band tied to a fixed point.

Using your core muscles, rotate at the waist over your bent knee, pushing your arm out straight as you do so. Return to the starting position and repeat.

Prof. MartĂ­n Perez www.polotimes.co.uk

Tel: +447551 878270

Exercise 2: Russian Twists This exercise is great for your core and rotational muscles which will help you to increase power in your shots.

Sitting down with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor in front of you, take hold of a weight. Leaning back slightly rotate from side to side, touching the weight down by your hip on each side. Use your core muscles to balance you. Once you have this exercise sorted, try lifting your feet slightly off the ground to increase the intensity.

Exercise 4: Resistance Twists This exercise works much like the last, mimicking the movement of the nearside backhand, but adding resistance to increase muscle build up.

This time facing the cable or resistance band you are going to adopt the same lunge position. Keeping your arm straight at all times, rotate your upper body and bring the cable/ band across your body and down over your knee. Once you have rotated 90 degrees, return to the start position and repeat.

Email: info@fitnessforpolo.com

Website: www.fitnessforpolo.com Polo Times, June 2016

83

Knowledge

Pony Power

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Jonny Good talks to Lucy Wilson about Whitefoot, who won The Valerie Halford Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at Guards Polo Club, Surrey

Whitefoot Age: 14-years-old Colour: Bay Height: 15.3hh Sex: Gelding Owner: Jonny Good What is the pony’s breeding? Whitefoot is out of a retrained racehorse, Morning Glory, who came originally from Black Bears and his sire was Andrew Seavill’s Portage.

Tell us about his background. So I bred, made and played him myself. He is one of the naughtiest horses I have ever had to break. He had an amazing ability to kick your stick whilst cantering when he was a three-year-old. He is definitely a character in the yard. You can walk past him and he has his ears back, you can hug him and he is a total softy, but if you tickle his chest he will

Jonny, his groom and Whitefoot winning the Best Playing Pony Awards for La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy in 2011

eat you. He has the biggest heart and lungs of any horse I have ever owned and he gives his all every time on the field.

What are his strengths? He has it all, a turn of speed, a fantastic lateral ability so he can bank corners at high speed and a hugely strong ride-off. He is the complete package. He isn’t the easiest ride in the world, but once you have mastered him, he is a demon.

How has he gone this season? He has played seven games and we have won six, so at the moment he is going pretty well – but it is early in the season.

Has he won any other awards? So far he has won an impressive seven Best Playing Pony Awards including the Polo Times Best Playing Award when Jack Hyde played him

in the Town and Country Championships at Guards Polo Club last August.

What are your plans for his future?

Hopefully he will keep his old bones running, fingers crossed he has a few more years at this level to go.

Does he have any relations who have achieved anything notable? We had a foal out of Morning Glory after she broke down with a suspensory, but she came back after two years of rest, so she played another four years before she retired and had a full sister to Whitefoot. We named her Glory and she is seven-years-old. She is going to be a superstar. She is already better than Whitefoot.

Describe him in three words? Fast, powerful, athletic.

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Andrew Hine talks to Lucy Wilson about Diva Dos, who won The US Open Best Playing Pony Award at the International Polo Club, Palm Beach

Photograph courtesy of PoloLine

Diva Dos Age: 11-years-old Colour: Grey Height: 15.1hh Sex: Mare Owner: Owned by Orchard Hill and bred by Andrew Hine What is the pony’s breeding? She is out of Segunda by Portage Tell us about her background? I bred her out of a mare called Segunda, which I bought from Brunei when Prince Jefri stopped playing in England, with Andrew Seavill’s Portage. I sold her to Harald Link as a seven-year-old, and he lent her to Nic Roldan, who played her for Thai Polo in The Gold Cup. It was clear that she was a super talented pro horse, so Harald suggested we try and find a high handicapped player who would own and play her. I offered her to Facundo Pieres, because he had seen her playing some practices at Zacara with Matias Carrique, who does all the playing and schooling of my horses. He tried her several times before buying her and played her in The Coronation Cup, when it was England vs Argentina, 2014. Facundo www.polotimes.co.uk

then sent her to the USA for Orchard Hill. This year she was played by Polito Pieres, Facundo and Juan Martin, and all these guys loved her. It was nice to see some great Twitter comments about her performance. She came out twice in the qualifying rounds and three times in the Final.

What are her strengths? She is only 15.1hh so she is really comfortable and close to the ground to hit off, which gives you a lot of confidence. She has an amazing lateral ability and despite her size she gives a big bump. She is super quick to accelerate, and actually she is quick to do everything and really great fun to play. Her heart and the way she plays are bigger than her size, but she still does it in a comfortable way, so you always feel close to the ball.

sold Diva Dos to Facundo, Harald was keen to bring Grace back to England to see her playing high goal rather than 14 goal… so we shall have to watch this space. She could be spotted on the high goal circuit this summer. Last year Nic Roldan played her in the British Gold Cup and she is very similar to Diva Dos. Harald Link also won the The Royal Salute Coronation Cup Best Playing Pony with his grey mare Silver Lining who was played by Rodrigo Andrade, which was featured in the September 2015 issue of Polo Times.

Describe her in three words? Superathletic and brave.

Does she have any special quirks?

Actually it used to be quite difficult to get her bridle on.

Does she have any relations who have achieved anything notable? The year before she was born Segunda had her full sister, Grace, who I also sold to Harald. She went to Thailand to play and won multiple Best Playing Pony Awards there. When I

Diva Dos was also named the Best Playing Pony for The Westbury Shield, played by Andrew Hine in 2010 at Watership Down

Polo Times, June 2016

85

Pony Power

Chris Mackenzie talks to us about Nebraska, who won La Martina Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Centenary Trophy Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award at Guards Polo Club, Surrey

Nebraska Age: Eight-years-old Colour: Grey Height: 15.1hh Sex: Mare Owner: Jerome Wirth What is the pony’s breeding?

I’m not sure. She’s from Ellerstina and I think she was out of Nevada Sportiva.

Tell us about his background? Jerome Wirth bought her as a two-year-old from Ellerstina in Argentina and she was made by a guy called Luis Guzman. Jerome then brought her to England and she has not really done much for a few years.

Last year she played practices with a friend of mine, but she was always very hot. Everyone tried and tried and she got worse and worse. He gave her to me to play for a couple of months and I took off the

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Knowledge

Chris, his grooms Paul, Derek & Brix with the beautiful grey Nebraska sporting her Polo Times rug

running reins and have been playing her in straights for the last two weeks.

How has he gone this season?

She started off terribly, but every game she has gone better and better. Today I played her for a minute in the first chukka, a minute in the second and then three minutes in the fourth. She was super-quick.

She’s cool and she’s getting better.

Does she have any special quirks?

In the stable she is mad and she goes crazy in the pony lines, but she is still kind of young. She has not been to matches before so this is really her first season of polo matches she has seen in her life.

She is certainly not a novice ride.

You have to be able to ride 100% to play her, but when she’s right, she goes

everywhere for you and does everything.

On the field she is a bully, but off the field she is perfect.

What are her strengths? Her best features are she is really, really agile and has an amazing explosion of power, she is very quick off the mark. She does not have the best top end speed, but in the short run you always get the jump on someone and in polo that is probably the most important thing.

What are your plans for her future?

I have only been playing her for about a month. Jerome Wirth has given her to me to make and sell on later this season for him.

Describe her in three words? Explosive, agile, crazy!

POLO PONIES FOR SALE

BRETT POLO Ponies suitable for all levels Can be tried in chukkas at Trippetts Farm GU30 7JX near Cowdray West Sussex Practises played at 10am Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday every week throughout the season on irrigated sanded fields

Contact Henry 07970 029927 www.brettpolo.com Email henry@brettpolo.com

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Polo Times, June 2016

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Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Rider’s Q&A

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a reader question on bitting

The Bombers Polo Pelham with a 75mm shank. This version has a control plate set at 45° to follow the tongue contour

Q – What can you tell me about the different lengths of bit shanks?

A – A bit shank itself describes the side piece of the bit that allows leverage to be added to the pressure of the player’s hands on the bit. Shanks are almost always composed of metal and may be straight or curved in shape. As we know, the head piece of the bridle and the hooks for a curb chain are attached to the top of the shank, and the reins are attached at the bottom.

Bits that have shanks create varying amounts of leverage, which place pressure on three main areas: the horse or pony’s poll, via the headpiece of the bridle, the chin groove, via the curb chain and, with a loose jaw shank, the sides of the mouth and jaw.

The shank and its leverage action is really what defines a curb bit as a curb, regardless of the mouthpiece. Although most curb bits have a solid mouthpiece, with or without a port, any bit with shanks and leverage should really be referred to as a ‘curb’ type bit, even if it has a jointed mouthpiece, or is a Polo Pelham.

The shorter 55mm ‘Bomber Blue’ Polo Pelham is made from a unique rubber and nylon compound

The length of the shank determines the degree of leverage put on the horse or pony’s mouth, as this leverage comes from below. But the pressure at the poll is created by the distance above the mouthpiece and the bit. So, while overall, a shorter-shanked bit is usually a milder bit, the distance above the mouthpiece is also vitally important.

Short shanked bits are usually better for a young horse or pony transitioning from a snaffle to a curb because if the inexperienced horse gets into a place where bit pressure from the player’s hands becomes significant, there is less leverage pressure placed on the horse or pony’s head.

However, as the horse or pony becomes more experienced, a longer shanked bit is usually preferred for its subtlety. Longer shanked bits must rotate back further before applying pressure on the mouth than shorter-shanked bits. Therefore, the horse has more warning of a rider’s hand movements in a long-shanked bit, allowing it to respond on the field before any significant pressure is applied to its mouth.

The Polo Pelhams from Bombers Bits come with a bigger main ring for the safe fitting of the running rein, while the fixed rein is attached to the bottom ring

Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using a ‘design your own bit’ service. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron – the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages the horse to salivate. Call Equine Management on 01825 840 002 or visit www.equineman.com Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.

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Polo Times, June 2016

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THE ROYAL SALUTE C O RO N AT I O N C U P

ENGLAND V

THE COMMONWEALTH I N T E R N AT I O N A L P O L O Guards Polo Club, Windsor Great Park

Saturday 23rd July | Tickets from ÂŁ20

For more information please visit coronationcuppolo.com or call +44 (0) 1784 437 797

Knowledge

Vet Focus

Susie Richards BSc BVSc CertAVP MRCVS Susie practices with McGonnell & Gillatt Equine Veterinary Practice near Newbury and is the Pony Welfare Officer for Tidworth Polo Club. Outside of the UK stud season she is a private veterinarian for a large Thoroughbred stud in New Zealand

What to Expect When You’re Expecting: Part 2 In the second part of a three-part series of articles, Susie guides us through the ins and outs of bringing your own future polo ponies into the world, from inception to foaling Count down…

In last month’s article we talked about managing your mare during pregnancy. As the due date approaches however, owners might be left feeling daunted. Focusing on the impending birth itself, in this article I will discuss what you can do to help things run smoothly, and how to know when it might not be going to plan.

this happens the udder will look firm and square. Occasionally some mares develop white spots on the teats. This should not be confused with waxing up, and the spots will usually disappear before foaling.

A mare can be waxed up for a good few days before foaling, and some run milk for

a few days prior. It is sensible to fit a foaling alarm from 10½ months, foaling alarms come in various shapes and degrees of complexity, however none are failsafe.

Occasionally, particularly with maiden mares, there will be no waxing. As always, common sense prevails; daily checks mean you can familiarise yourself with what is normal and if you think something’s off then on the whole your instinct will be correct.

Be prepared!

It might seem obvious, but try to remember the service date of your mare. Gestation length will vary, however generally most light horses will run just over 11 months (340 days).

Get into the habit of checking the udder daily so that you can tell when she bags up. When Words of warning • Foaling your mare at home is a great challenge, but be prepared to deal with the consequences. The vast majority will get on with things as nature intended, but around five percent will need a helping hand of some sort. The reality is, that you may not be able to get a vet to your property in time, and in a true emergency you might have to get on with things yourself under telephone guidance.

• Consider a mare and foal insurance policy. A delay of as little as 10 minutes whilst you make a decision can mean the difference between success, failure or escalating complications.

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Fluid filled membranes at the vulva means you should have a foal on the ground within 20 minutes

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Knowledge

Once the foal is delivered, leave him at the back end still attached to the umbilicus

Call the vet for advice if you have any of the following: • The mare is overly distressed, straining uncontrollably or going down violently.

• You don’t have two front legs and a nose present. If in doubt, don’t pull on anything!

• The foal is dry or sticky to touch and stained yellow/brown with meconium (it should be extremely slippery in there!) The foal is weak or not moving.

• Labour does not progress over 20 minutes after waters (chorioallantois) have broken.

• The foal is not coming easily; you should not need to use excessive force. Always feel back beyond the shoulder to make sure there is not a hind leg trying to come at the same time (a ‘dog sitter’). If everything seems normal, try pulling one leg ahead of the other until you feel it pop forward and then do the same with the other leg. If the foal becomes hip locked, try twisting the foal onto an angle as the birth canal is slightly taller than it is wide.

• You can only feel a smooth, leathery structure where the feet and nose should be in the birth canal, or a thick red/brown leathery balloon is visible at the vulva. This is a Red Bag emergency.

• The mare appears dull, uninterested in her foal, lies down a lot or starts to colic in the 24 hours after the birth; she could be suffering a haemorrhage or uterine rupture. www.polotimes.co.uk

Is this normal?

Mares are usually quite restless immediately before foaling. As prey animals, labour is not supposed to be a lengthy process; any stress or disturbance can delay things. Once you see translucent fluid filled membranes at the vulva (the amnion, pictured), you should have a foal on the ground within 20 minutes. Briefly check with a gloved hand to ensure two front fetlocks with a nose on top of and just behind them (no more, no less!) are present and then back away. She may get up and down and briefly roll a few times; this is normal in early labour and can help to turn the foal into the correct position.

The mare should foal lying down on her side; don’t rush in as soon as she goes down. If the mare is not settling, then try wiping some of the birthing fluids around her muzzle and quietly walking her around in small circles to get her to focus. Once the foal engages in the pelvic inlet the mare will start actively straining; you can give her a helping hand in time with contractions, but most will manage on their own. The most useful thing you can do is to help guide the feet and nose downwards, to minimise the risk of perineal tearing or a recto-vaginal fistula.

Squeeze fluid out of the nostrils and make sure they are clear. The mare will usually get up and rupture the cord herself after a few minutes. Beware that mares can be touchy and protective so always have two people present, and interfere as little as possible. Spray the foal’s navel and tie up the placenta before giving the mare’s legs and udder a wash. The mare should cleanse within a couple of hours, and she

This mare has just foaled and her placenta has been tied up to encourage normal cleansing

may display some signs of discomfort when this happens. A normal foal should be up on its feet after an hour, and on-suck by two hours. If not, then call a vet.

Finally... go get some sleep.

Susie Richards BSc BVSc CertAVP MRCVS McGonnell & Gillatt Equine Vets 1 Denford Manor Barn Bath Road Hungerford Berkshire RG17 0UN Tel: 01488 657 575 Email: office@mghorsevets.co.uk What you will need: • Warm water and soap • Baler twine (to tie up the placenta) • Long veterinary gloves • Scissors (to pierce a Red Bag) • A clean jug and 250ml bottle with a teat • Navel spray/tincture • Access to transport and stabling Polo Times, June 2016

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Knowledge

Surfaces

Choosing the Right Surface Andrews Bowen, tell us about the importance of choosing the right artificial surface

Andrews Bowen team in action The Andrews Bowen arena at Hickstead

The senior team of world-leader in equestrian surfaces Andrews Bowen is made up of former competition riders. It is this first-hand understanding of how to support sport horses’ bodies in training and competition which makes the best sports people choose an Andrews Bowen advanced technical surface.

Polo ponies are incredibly tough, nimble, intelligent and strong. We ask a lot of them and they invariably give it their all. Every Andrews Bowen surface is designed to offer not only the best support for the horse, but the right support for the job the horse is doing.

Andrews Bowen’s Polo arena surfaces allow the ball to move freely and offers all the benefits of a firm structure found in top condition turf – allowing both polo pony and ball to cover the ground.

The team will work with riders to make sure that the surface they choose is the one that will work hardest for them, and help keep horses sound and match ready. A hard-

working technical surface is just as important when ponies are brought back to polo work for the season after winter. While players take every care to protect their ponies’ legs, an Andrews Bowen surface goes further, supporting the pony through the acute transitions and direction-changes demanded in polo with sure footing and ‘spring’.

Partner David Andrews tells us, “When a horse’s foot contacts a surface, the surface needs to deform initially to absorb some of the impact. Choosing the best surface, and keeping it in the best order so that it provides this consistent cushioning, is down to designing from the basis of good science, followed by proper maintenance and correct surface preparation.

“ProWax Competition is ideal for use indoors or outdoors and the best choice for polo. As a wax-coated product it’s superdurable and capable of withstanding the rigours of heavy use. Our mix combines wax with multi-washed silica sand, polypropylene,

polyester and elastic fibres to provide a secure; yet forgiving surface. This surface reduces repetitive strain, is dust-free and doesn’t require watering, so ensuring just minimal maintenance.”

The company’s surfaces are used by the world’s leading riders. Ongoing research and development is always carried out with input from some of the top international riders and players – listening to what they want and what they feel will benefit their horses. This informed and collaborative approach is the reason the surfaces are used at the world’s major equine sporting events, from HOYS to the London Olympics 2012.

The company’s 2012 mix, which reached heavily into the science of horse’s movement over different types of ground for its research, was examined by professor in equine functional anatomy at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lars Roepstorff, one of the leads in a long-term scientific artificial surface footing study for the FEI. He concluded the surface’s footing to be amongst the best and most consistent he had worked on.

With increasing involvement in highprofile international equestrian sports events, Andrews Bowen has an even greater range of advanced surfaces – and backs its design and installation service with turnkey full facilities management, from survey and planning through to build and support maintenance packages. or more information on polo surfaces, F contact Andrews Bowen on sales@andrewsbowen.co.uk 01995 672 103

A finished polo arena in all its glory

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Polo Times, June 2016

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Knowledge

The finest and first-choice high-performance synthetic Polo surface for the world's best players and ponies.

The surface that works as hard as you play.

Photograph Graham Gannon Photography

www.andrewsbowen.co.uk - sales@andrewsbowen.co.uk

+44 (0)1995 672103

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Polo Times, June 2016

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Knowledge

Put that Shed to Good Use

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Polo Times, June 2016

assembly of doors include heavy hinges, a kick over bolt at the bottom and an antitamper bolt at the top.

Graham Heath Construction has been making steel-framed buildings for over 20 years. Having come from a strong farming background, they understand agricultural buildings, as well as how to manufacture

top quality industrial and equestrian buildings; from stand-alone stable blocks and internal stables to multi-use sheds and concrete panels. The building materials are fabricated in the onsite workshop in Cheshire, which allows bespoke builds to be designed to exact specification, with lasting durability and at a great price.

Photography courtesy of Graham Heath Equestrian

Whether you’re committed to the game or a dabbling enthusiast, ponies can often take up more space than you imagined, from feed and equipment storage to stabling needs. Multi-use sheds not only offer the perfect solution to general storage, they also make an ideal home as internal stables, which can be constructed from scratch or re-developed from a current building.

Graham Heath Equestrian supply standard size internal stables, in three different sizes; 10ft, 12ft and 14ft. If you find you have expanded your string early in the season and find yourself in need of extra boxes, they are available for immediate delivery or collection. For a more bespoke set-up Graham Heath Equestrian are also able to design, manufacture and construct to your exact specification.

These high quality internal stables are made with durable and long lasting construction materials, with sides and fronts available in two options; fully timber clad or part clad and part rails. The standard

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Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

You are as old as you feel. Not only is this a relevant saying for humans, but it also applies to horses, and definitely for polo ponies

When ponies reach 16-years-old, too often they are classed as ‘over the hill’ and ‘past it’, but should this be so? There are plenty of Golden Oldies still playing at the peak of their polo careers, so I thought I would investigate what it is that keeps these ponies playing into their Golden Years.

is owned and was played by George Knowles (Chairman of Baileys Horse Feeds). George cannot remember when he got Roy, a ‘large’ (15.3hh) chestnut, although believes they must have had him for 20 odd years, so when he arrived he must have been 15 or 16-years-old.

He was pretty much exercised and played (arena and grass) the whole time George had him, until arthritis and a heart murmur forced Roy’s retirement at about the age of 32-years-old – he’d been out hunting with a relative beginner on his back the week before! George is adamant that ‘keeping going’ is essential as horses age – just the same way as humans. Once you stop, joints start aching and nothing is quite the same, although naturally you do steadily decrease work the older horses are!

Roy was easy to feed and wasn’t fed differently even in his thirties. He was consistently on Baileys No.17 Top Line Conditioning Mix to maintain his weight and condition and enabled him to play two or three times a week. No one was ever quite able to believe his age!

Lotto in action with Max Charlton last year

Golden Oldies Roy

Roy looking regal

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Polo Times, June 2016

Lotto

an 18-year-old, New Zealand Thoroughbred, who was produced by Ben Turner and purchased by Max Charlton (7), four years ago. This little mare has played the grass season in the UK and went to Spain last August. She did actually have last winter relaxing in the field, but the previous three winters she had played arena polo and played in St Moritz, which suggests to me her age is not slowing her down just yet!

I asked Ella, Max’s Yard Manager, if Lotto is treated any differently to the other horses and basically the answer is no. As long as she is holding her top line and condition well, she keeps going. Her feed regime stays the same whether it is winter or summer polo she is being prepared for.

Ella also feels that the longer she is in work, the more it actually benefits her, as the dropping off of fitness and rebuilding fitness can take its toll, especially on the older horse. Having short breaks has definitely not hindered Lotto’s fitness levels or performance.

Typically she would be fed No.4 Top Line Conditioning Cubes to come into work, and as her workload increases, so would the amount of cubes. Once playing, she would then have her cubes topped up with some Performance Balancer. Sometimes she might live out, but when stabled she always has access to meadow hay. Max and Ella agree that this special little mare will continue to play a key role in Max’s string of horses, and once she tells them she has had enough, then they will make plans for her retirement.

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Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Shigui

is owned and played by Jamie Morrison. She is a 17-year-old Irish Thoroughbred. She was previously owned and played

by Oli and then Howard Hipwood before being sold to Jamie last year.

Shigui’s quirky and feisty attitude has no doubt helped her continue to thrive as a teenager without showing any signs of slowing down.

Her groom, Kerri, says that allowing Shigui to have access to hay at all times helps to reduce the ‘attitude’, and when she goes on her occasional ‘hunger strikes’ a couple of days in the field has her eating again. She has no issues with energy levels, and generally holds her condition well; however, she could lose her top line easily so Kerri ensures she works correctly on sets or when singled to ensure she is using herself in the right way – when she is not being cheeky and naughty!

Shigui is fed No.4 Top Line Conditioning Cubes with Alfalfa Blend, and once playing regularly she will have the cubes topped up with the Performance Balancer, thus ensuring her meal sizes are not too big and she backs off her food. She also has a prebiotic to aid her fibre digestion in her hind gut, which can become a little compromised at times when she is being a ‘little stressy’ or going off her feed. With managing her special needs at times, Kerri and Jamie look forward to Shigui being a strong member of his string of ponies – her age doesn’t matter, she will tell them when she needs to wind down.

Scampi chilling in the sunshine Scampi proving that age is just a number

Scampi

is owned, and was bred, by Tara Derry and played by her son Niall Derry (-1) in Rutland. Scampi is now 22-years-old, and has helped to introduce Niall to competitive polo.

Niall is now 17-years-old and is playing faster and competitive polo, but Scampi is still answering the demands being asked of him.

Scampi is generally turned away for the winter, usually on a hilly terrain, to keep him (and his fellow polo pony friends) moving and using themselves whilst out of work. Tara, however, likes to bring all the ponies back into work slowly and still strongly believes in road work for a good base fitness, which she feels benefits the older ponies, such as Scampi, greatly.

As for Scampi’s diet, he doesn’t have any special requirements.

He spends quite a bit of time out in the summer months and plays through the season on No.4 Top Line Conditioning Cubes, and is topped up with a bit of Performance Balancer if the grass is doing him too well and not so many cubes are needed. Scampi’s sneaky treat is a packet of Cheese and Onion Crisps, so perhaps this is his secret to not showing his years!! A lovely character to work with, and a stress-free, laid back attitude will keep this yard favourite going for a few years yet, it may seem.

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

Shigui looking great mid season in 2015

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INTERVIEW

HPA Chairman Stephen Hutchinson RULES HARMONISATION

HPA, USPA, FIP &

AAP agree on rules

USPA GOLD CUP MIDLANDS FESTIVAL PLUS: Barbados - The

on INTERVIEW Stephen Hutchins

PT May16 Covers.indd

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INTERVIEW

Polo Times, June 2016

HPA Chairman Stephen Hutchinson RULES HARMONISATION

HPA, USPA, FIP & AAP agree on rules

USPA GOLD CUP MIDLANDS FESTIVAL PLUS: Barbados - The Open, Ladies International & Night Polo PT May16 Covers.indd 1

16/04/2016 16:06

97

Sidelines

Gossip

CASPAR WEST

TOM MORLEY

Beaufort Polo Club’s Polo Manager Caspar West took a tumble three minutes into his first game of the season breaking his right arm. Not the best start to the season for him, but hopefully he will make it back in the saddle for later in the year!

The Four Quarters professional player has taken a nasty knock to the face in a match and at the time of going to press was recovering well following surgery.

IN THE WARS It’s been a bit of a rough ride for these players so far this season! Everyone at the Polo Times office are wishing you a speedy recovery.

OLIVIA LAMPHEE Berkshire based player Olivia took a nasty fall riding in a point to point, another of her favourite equine past times, breaking multiple vertebrae. However, by a stroke of luck the surgeons have managed to piece her back together and she is already up and about and planning her comeback.

JAMES HARPER Poor ‘Harps’ has missed out on the start of the season for Britannia El Remanso after being sidelined in hospital with a blood infection. The word on the exercise track is that he is on the mend, out of hospital and we should see him back on the pitch in time for some of The Cartier Queen’s Cup games. In the meantime Malcolm Borwick is stepping in to fill the slot.

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

ENGAGED WITH VIGOR On Friday 29 April, Druids Lodge Polo Manager Abi Meakin got engaged to her boyfriend of two years Ed Vigors while on holiday in the romantic city of Bruges. The wedding will take place Autumn 2017 (after the polo season comes to an end of course!)

Congratulations to you both!

MOON WALK FOR MONEY Our very own Club Liaison and News Manager Lucy has been on a night out in London with Danielle Brown from the Cotswold Children’s Party Co. The girls donned their trainers and carnival themed decorated bra’s to walk 15.1 miles around London in the middle of the night to raise hundreds of pounds for breast cancer charities.

The girls wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated.

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FAMILY TREE CONTINUES Congratulations to Charlotte Kendall and Charlie Wooldridge who welcome their first baby. Oak James Wooldridge was born on Saturday 13 April weighing in at 7lb 2oz. www.polotimes.co.uk

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Aviv Fonea, Tripurdaman Singh & William Marks

Flo Sagers, Sarah Slattery, Izzy Howe, Amy Khan & Jessica Matheret

Amelia Leventhorpe, Patrick Cook, Gabby Lewis, Alexandre Theron-Grimaldi, Lucy Jones & Rajiv Shah

Caitlin Whitby & 2016/17 Captain Ben Lawrence

Cambridge University Polo Club Polo Ball; Madingley Hall; Wednesday 13 April

White Tie Wonderment Chris Jenkins, Tingke Hu, Rochelle Williams, Alice Moreton, Harriet Trefusis, Rebecca Telford-Brown & Mina Carolina

Held at Madingley Hall, the former residence of Edward VII when he studied at Cambridge, Cambridge University Polo Club hosted an evening garden party and a sumptuous three-course meal followed by dancing the night away into the early hours of the morning.

Recognised at the ball for their contribution to the Club were advisory board members Francesca Smith, Jeremy Pemberton, Jane McDougall, Mark Johnston and Sam Outridge. The evening also marked the handover of captaincy from 2015/16 Captain Jacqueline Gilbert to 2016/17 Captain Ben Lawrence. The Club now looks forward to the La Martina Varsity Match on 4 – 5 June at Guards Polo Club.

Clifton Mathais Yeo, Henry Stevens & Keeler Baird Mears

Photography by Chris Williamson Stephanie Payne & Oliver Melvill

Suki Jo & Jamie Beresford

Tyler Beck, Oliver James & Carl-Fredrik Eriksson

Coach Guy Verdon & 2015/16 Captain Jacqueline Gilbert

Pauline Coste, Emilie Coste, Mary-Rose Ropner & Toby Call

Madeline McNamara & Rajiv Shah

Salvatore Tesoro & Alexandre Theron-Grimaldi

Samantha Jayne Hulston, Vera Graup, Steph Payne & Anna Lippert

Neria Aylward, Amy Khan & Eleanor Neyroud

Madingley Hall

Sophia Laura, Oliver James, Neria Aylward and Peter Shyba

Amy K-Bland, Mina Carolina, Verity Scarlett & Melissa Campbell

Ali Jumabhoy, Kelly Y. Chan & Henry Stevens

Letici & Rafael Leme

Nicholas Langford & Diana Dunlop

Guests toasting outside The Fox & Barrel

Gary Okell & Baden & Clare Hocking

Annette Sturch, Ann Whaley & Becky Rimmer

The Cheshire 2016 Pre-Season Party; The Fox & Barrel, Cotebrook; Thursday 21 April

Polo A-Go-Go

Hal Anderton, David O’Brien & Laurie Hickey

Spring was in the air and summer on the horizon at The Fox & Barrel where many happy Club members, their families and guests of Cheshire Polo Club, had dusted off their summery shirts and dresses, and gathered to celebrate the start of a brand new season. In amongst all the contented munching of the delicious pub grub, party goers just about had time to sip some prosecco and toast their forthcoming victories (since when do polo players not make time for a few celebratory bubbles no matter how preemptive?). A little Eton Mess got everyone in the mood for summer, already envisaging themselves lounging pitch-side, soaking up the summer sun and the polo action.

Zac, Clare Jacques, Stephen & Niamh Massey

Photography by Mark R. Heath

Hannah Welsh & Charlie Walton

Karen & Steve Grant

Louise, Mark & Maxine Farnworth with Mandy & Rod Scammell

Simon & Heather Walton

John Wheeldon & Tracy Jefferies

Nick Roberts & Caddi Earl

Tomas Rossi & Richard Thomas

Robert, Janet Harbour & David Hazlewood

Rachel & Martin Kidd & George & Will Smith

Paul, Ann & Jason Richards

Katie Jenkinson & Ben Holland

Henry Smith & Holly Jenkins

Ben Lawrence, Broderick Munroe-Wilson & Clifton Yeo

Ben Barnett, Becky Simpson, James Park & Heather Lodder

Sally Schwartz, Jerome Kamm & Elizabeth Hamilton

The La Martina & Guards Polo Club Varsity Match Kit Presentation; La Martina Flagship Store, Jermyn Street, London; Saturday 23 April

Get Your Kit On It was head to toe La Martina and wall-to-wall Varsity crème de la crème as four big names joined together to celebrate La Martina & Guards Polo Club partnering to sponsor the Varsity Polo match between Oxford and Cambridge Universities. A great fun evening was had by all as the two Varsity teams, wearing items from La Martina’s Spring Summer ’16 range, took part in some ‘mini-chukka’ challenges, to establish initial bragging rights before the big match, which will take place Saturday 4 June. Live music from DJ James Park and Ben ‘TheSaxMan’ Barnett accompanied the fun, which was only enhanced by the free flowing Champagne Lanson. The evening culminated in the presentation of the team kits by La Martina founder Lando Simonetti and La Martina Ambassador Ebe Sievwright of Guards Polo Academy.

Ebe Sievwright & Tiziana di Gioia

Jacqueline Gilbert, Gachi Ferrari, Lando Simonetti, Ravi Tikkoo & Katie Lewis

Oxford & Cambridge Team Photo

Katherine Wren, Amy Khan & Caitlin Whitby

Zhao Hong Masud & Lise Hobday

Photgraphy by Gillian Hughes

George Pearson

Lando Simonetti & Neil Hobday

Vere Harmsworth

Jemma Brooks & Annabel Wenham

DJ Paul Linney

Charlotte Ayliff

Charlie Pidgley, Saskia Meadows, Hugo Lewis, Jack Hyde & James Lester

Royston Prisk’s Annual Start of Uk Polo Season Party; Club 1, Ascot; Sunday 8 May

Summer’s Here

Ella Etheridge & Natasha Brown

Everyone knows that the most important side of polo is the social side and Royston Prisk’s start of season party sees the summer social calendar kick off in flamboyant style. Polo’s party animals came out of hibernation to begin the season as they mean to go on, gathering at the Ascot watering hole to fuel up on champagne, Jägerbombs and tequila shots that had everyone dancing long in to the wee hours of the morning. The atmosphere was electric as friends reunited after winters in far flung polo destinations and got down to the important task of busting out some exotic shapes to the sounds of DJ Paul Linney.

Mary Kelly, Genna Meadows & Jazzy Pidgley

Photography by Corrine Noel

Juan Nagore & Juan Cruz Merlos

R E OU EFOR TS Y OK S B AR BO PAIR N ST E O K R SEAS C I ST 2016 E TH

Whitney Warren & Ciara de La Cour

Royston Prisk & Rosie Chell

Alex Jacob & Sarah Jeanes

BO ST TH ICK R OK Y E2 016 EPAIR OUR SEA S B SO EFO NS R TA E RT S

Charlie Pidgley & Jack Hyde

Georgia Sweeney, Ploy Bhinsaeng & Charlotte Sweeney

Nick & Emma Wood

PJ’s Start of Season Polo Party; PJ’s Bar and Grill, Chelsea, London; Monday 9 May

PJ’s Season Starter The season never properly starts until the PJ’s Polo Party. Players, players and more players, all excited to get the new season underway, gathered at the “go-to” place for polistas when in town.

With Taittinger in abundance for all, host Brian Stein welcomed friends old and new, raised a glass to absent friends and toasted polo’s biggest patron – HM The Queen on her 90th birthday. With the music playing and the bubbly bubbling in the packed Chelsea haunt, it was a fantastic evening all round. Friends caught up and teammates bonded as the PJ’s crew ensured that the 26th PJ’s Polo Party was the perfect way to kick off the 2016 summer season.

Gaston & Francesca Devrient

Maximilian Kirchhoff & George Meyrick

Sara Hale & Annita van der Hoeven

Photography by Edward Lloyd/Alpha Press

Nicholas Colquhoun Denvers, Suzanne Wyman, Brian Stein & former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman

Ric & Ann-Margaret Stowe

Ollie Hughes, Fra & David Woodd

Robert de By, Siobhan Barney, Lorien Steadman & Henri de By

Georgie Sadler & Greg Hughes

Michel & Sophie Ganchi

Philip & Stefan Sund with Alan & Lucy Morello

Luke & Claire Tomlinson

Isabella Broden & Conosco patron Jeremy Pemberton

Tony Ramirez & Gillian Hughes

Michael Amoore & Alex Jacob

Tim Bown, Julian Appleby & Jason Dixon

Michael Kadu, Elizabeth Kerr, Ronnie Kusi & Katy Hayward

The Prince of Wales Trophy; The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club; Saturday 14 May

Big Guns in Berkshire Charlotte Kendall & Charlie Wooldridge with baby Oak

After a week of torrential rain in the area, the sun shone brightly on the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club for the Final of The Prince of Wales Trophy. A selection of Aston Martins throughout the ages glittered in the David Brown enclosure alongside the luncheon marquee complete with a polo themed art exhibition. The Club Members’ enclosure was abuzz with players and supporters who turned out to watch the first high goal contest of the English season. Both sides of the ground were lined with cars spilling with eager polo fans and picnic goers whilst some of the top players galloped up and down scoring goals and disputing fouls.

A fantastic display of pony power and polo prowess wowed the crowds. The pony lines were also full of polo’s elite with the whole crew turning up from the UK summer season Apes Hill team and Valiente Dubai sheltering in the opposite corners of the ground under their super smart marquees.

Photography by Lucy Wilson & ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Chris Hyde

Aston Martins lined up in the David Brown enclosure

Apes Hill ponies getting ready for the game

Alec White

Chris Bruckner

The Prince of Wales Trophy and prizes

Greta & Jamie Morrison

Andrew Stuart, Ellie Dempsey & Charlie Simpson

Adolfo Casabal & Sophie Granchi

Ruso Heguy’s hound on the sidelines

Ruso Heguy, Victor Manuel Aguerre & Alberto Heguy Jnr.

Henry Porter

Tara Smith

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

What’s On in June 2016 International Test Match

Beaufort – International Test Match (Piaget Young England vs Young Ireland): 18 June

High Goal

Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland’s Cup (15-18): May 15 – 5 June Guards – The Cartier Queen’s Cup (17-22): May 17 – 11 June Cirencester – The Apsley Cup (15-18): 8 – 26 June Cirencester – Warwickshire Cup (17-22): 14 – 19 June Cowdray – Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup (Open): June 21 – 17 July Coworth – Indian Empire Shield (15-18): June 28 – 16 July

Medium Goal

Cowdray – Cicero Cup (12-15): May 17 – 4 June Emsworth – 12 Goal Tournament (12): May 20 – 5 June Pangbourne – The Thai Polo Berkshire Trophy (8-12): May 24 – 12 June RCBPC – The John Prestwich Trophy (8-12): May 30 – 11 June Cowdray – Bryan Bethell Cup (12-15): May 30 – 11 June Guards – The Royal Windsor Cup (12-15): May 30 – 19 June Guards – Mountbatten Cup (12-15): May 30 – 19 June Beaufort – The Prince of Wales’ Cup (8-12): 13 – 25 June RCBPC – The Simon Holley 10 Goal Open Tournament (7-10): 14 – 19 June Guards – Coworth Park Challenge (12-15): June 21 – 30 July Pangbourne – The Caballus Challenge Cup (12-15): June 21 – 21 July Guards – Phoenician Cup (6-12): June 23 – 24 July RCBPC – The Eduardo Moore Tournament (12-15): June 25 – 9 July Cirencester – The Queen Mother Trophy (8-12): June 27 – 10 July Ranelagh – Lifebook 12 Goal Trophy (10-12): June 28 – 3 July

Low Goal 8 Goal

Kirtlington – The Meyrick Cup (6-8): 1 – 5 June Guards – The Archie David Cup (4-8): 3 – 26 June Guards – Caterham Cup (4-8): 3 – 26 June Edgeworth – Isa Trophy (4-8): 4 – 5 June

106 Polo Times, June 2016

Cirencester – Junior Cavalry Cup (4-8): 7 – 19 June Westcroft Park – Surrey Hills Summer Cup (4-8): 11 – 19 June Kirtlington – Secretary’s Cup (4-8): 15 – 19 June RCBPC – The Julian and Howard Hipwood Trophy (4-8): June 28 – 16 July

6 Goal

Beaufort – The Eduardo Rojas Lannuse Cup (2-6): May 31 – 11 June Cirencester – Committee Cup (0-6): May 24 – 5 June RCBPC – 6 Goal Open Tournament (4-6): 2 – 5 June Cheshire –Wirral Ladies’ Cup (4-6): 2 – 5 June Fifield – Polo Performance Trophy (2-6): 4 – 5 June Kirtlington – Barlow Cup (2-6): 8 – 12 June Emsworth – 6 Goal Tournament (6): 11 – 12 June Eastwood – Midsummer Charity Cup (6): 18 – 19 June Rutland – The Assam Cup (2-6): 20 – 26 June Pangbourne – The Summer Cup (2-6): June 25 – 3 July Kirtlington – Brooke House Trophy (4-6): June 29 – 3 July

4 Goal

Ranelagh – Copa Don Beni (2-4): 4 – 5 June Tidworth – Queen’s Royal Hussars’ Cup (0-4): 4 – 5 June Burningfold – Plaistow Plate (0-4): 8 – 12 June Hurtwood – Jay’s Trophy (2-4): 9 – 12 June Wicklow – Stolen Spurs (2-4): 9 – 12 June Longdole – John Lucas Trophy (0-4): 10 – 12 June Cambridge County – Greenheath Tournament (0-4): 11 – 12 June Rugby – The Miller Cup (0-4): 11 – 12 June White Rose – The Summit Cup (0-4): 11 – 12 June Beaufort – The Richard Underwood Cup (0-4): June 16 – 3 July Druids Lodge – The India Trophy (3-4): 18 – 19 June Norfolk – Norfolk Polo Festival (0-4): 18 – 19 June Offchurch Bury – The Offa Rex Trophy (0-4): 18 – 19 June Taunton – Royal Aden Cup (0-4): 18 – 19 June Burningfold – Alford Bowl (0-4): 22 – 26 June Kirtlington – Seeney’s Tournament (2-4): 22 – 26 June

Tidworth – Strategic Shipping 10th Hussars’ Cup (0-4): 22 – 26 June Binfield Heath – Borough Marsh Farm (0-4): 25 – 26 June Knepp Castle – 4 Goal Tournament (2-4): 25 – 26 June Ranelagh – Copa de La Estancia (2-4): 25 – 26 June HPC, London – Summer Tournament (0-4): June 26 – 3 July

2 Goal

Kirtlington – The Winwick Cup (0-2): 1 – 5 June Hurtwood – The Gaucho Cup (-2-2): 2 – 5 June Binfield Heath – June Tournament (0-2): 4 – 5 June Druids Lodge – The June Trophy (1-2): 4 – 5 June Ranksboro – Ranksboro 2 goal (0-2): 4 – 5 June Sussex – Hamptons International Polo Challenge (-2-2): 4 – 5 June Taunton – Jellalabad Cup (0-2): 4 – 5 June Vaux Park – Chairman’s Cup (-2-2): 4 – 5 June West Wycombe – Hell Fire Trophy (0-2): 4 – 5 June Binfield Heath – Anniversary Tournament (0-2): 11 – 12 June Cheshire – Father’s Day Cup (-2-2): 11 – 12 June Westcroft Park – Surrey Hills Summer Cup (0-2): 11 – 19 June Kirtlington – Omi Garner (0-2): 15 – 19 June Eastwood – Midsummer Charity Cup (-2-2): 18 – 19 June Edgeworth – The Polo Magazine Cup (-2-2): 18 – 19 June Fifield – Harum Scarum Trophy (0-2): 18 – 19 June HPC, London – Petersham Bowl Intra-Club Challenge (-2-2): 18 – 19 June Knepp Castle – 2 Goal Tournament (0-2): 18 – 9 June Suffolk – Flaming June (-4-2): 18 – 19 June Sussex – St James Wealth (-2-2): 18 – 19 June Tidworth – Grenadier Cup (0-2): 18 – 19 June Hurtwood – Mantra Interiors (0-2): 23 – 26 June Cheshire – Fox & Barrel Cup (0-2): 25 – 26 June Emsworth – 2 Goal Tournament (-2-2): 25 – 26 June Longdole – 2 Goal Tournament (-2-2): 25 – 26 June

www.polotimes.co.uk

Dates for Your Diary

White Waltham – Canadian Beer Challenge Trophy (0-2): 25 – 26 June Burningfold – Tillington 2 Goal (0-2): June 29 – 3 July

1 Goal

Cheshire – 1930 Wirral Polo Cup (-1-1): 3 – 4 June

0 Goal

DBPC – The Players Cup (-4-0): 4 – 5 June New Forest – Remnants Cup (-4-0): 4 –5 June Silver Leys – Inventure Cup (-2-0): 4 – 5 June Tidworth – Queen’s Royal Hussars’ Cup (-4-0): 4 – 5 June West Wycombe – Hell Fire Trophy (-4-0): 4 – 5 June White Waltham – Summer Cup (-2-0): 4 – 5 June White Waltham – Veteran’s Match HAC v Grenadier Guards (-4-0): 11 June Cambridge County – Greenheath Tournament (-4-0): 11 – 12 June Knepp Castle – Rose Bowl 0 Goal Tournament (-2-0): 11 – 12 June Sussex – Summer Shield (-4-0): 11 – 12 June Taunton – Friendship Cup (-4-0): 11 – 12 June West Wycombe – Chairman’s Cup (-2-0): 11 – 12 June White Rose – Charlie Phillips Cup (-2-0): 11 – 12 June White Waltham – Help for Heroes Combined Forces Trophy (-2-0): 11 – 12 June Rutland – Findlay Trophy (-4-0): 14 – 19 June Burningfold – Burningfold 0 Goal (0): 15 – 19 June All Ireland – All Ireland Polo Challenge (0): 18 – 19 June Moyne – Moyne Polo Midsummer Invitational (-2-0): 19 June Offchurch Bury – The Offa Rex Trophy (-4-0): 18 – 19 June New Forest – The Mountbatten Cup (-4-0): 18 – 19 June New Forest – The Barfoot Bowl (-4-0): 18 – 19 June Norfolk – Norfolk Polo Festival (-2-0): 18 – 19 June Ranelagh – Copa La Brava (-2-0): 18 – 19 June Silver Leys – President’s Cup (-2-0): 18 – 19 June Tidworth – Grenadier Cup (-4-0): 18 – 19 June White Waltham – Challenger Lighting Tournament (-2-0): 18 – 19 June Binfield Heath – Borough Marsh Farm (-4-0): 25 – 26 June

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DBPC – The Laurent Perrier Cup (-4-0): 25 – 26 June Epsom – The Armed Forces Day (-4-0): 25 – 26 June New Forest – Kings Garns Cup (-2-0): 25 – 26 June Sussex – Thimble Cup (-4-0): 25 – 26 June Taunton – The Summer Tournament (-2-0): 25 – 26 June Tidworth – Queen’s Royal Lancers Cup (-4-0): 22 – 26 June West Wycombe – Amateur Cup (-2-0): 25 – 26 June

Below 0 Goal

Cheshire – Wirral Salver (-6- -2): 3 – 4 June Ranksboro – Ranksboro -2 Goal (-6- -2): 4 – 5 June Silver Leys – Inventure Cup (-4- -2): 4 – 5 June Sussex – Hamptons International Polo Challenge (-6- -2): 4 – 5 June Cheshire – CPC Trophy (-4- -1): 11 – 12 June Rugby – The Phelps Challenge (-6- -2): 11 – 12 June Tidworth – Mixed Doubles (-6- -2): 11 – 12 June West Wycombe – Chairman’s Cup (-6- -2): 11 – 12 June Cheshire – Orion Engineering Trophy (-4- -1): 18 – 19 June Epsom – Victory Day Cup (-6- -4): 18 – 19 June Silver Leys – President’s Cup (-6- -2): 22 – 26 June FHM – Stickhedz (-8- -4): 25 June West Wycombe – Amateur Cup (-6- -2): 25 – 26 June Cheshire – Vicarage & White Lion Trophy (-4- -1): 25 – 26 June

Overseas Highlights

America Santa Barbara – The Belmond El Encanto Polo Classic (16): 8 – 10 July Santa Barbara – USPA Maserati Silver Cup (16): 15 – 24 July Santa Barbara – USPA Nespresso America Cup (16): July 29 – 7 August Santa Barbara – Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open (16): 12 – 28 August

Polo directory

Italy

Argentario – Silver Cup (6-10): 21 – 24 July Argentario – Monte Argentario Gold Cup (6-10): 27 – 31 July Argentario – Junior Tournament: 27 – 31 July Argentario – Coppa Italia F.I.S.E. (4-6): 2 – 14 August

Women’s Polo For ladies polo highlights turn to our Women’s Polo section for a full list of dates.

Youth Polo

For Youth polo highlights turn to our Youth section for a full list of dates.

Non HPA Club Polo Events London – Chestertons Polo in the Park: 3 – 5 June Sandbanks – British Beach Polo Championships: 8 – 9 July

Save the Date Charity Events Beaufort – Gloucestershire Festival of Polo & Country Fair (The Maserati Charity Polo Trophy & Jockeys vs Olympic Legends): 18 – 19 June Norfolk Polo Club – The East Anglian Air Ambulance Norfolk Polo Festival: 18 – 19 June Cowdray – Cricket to Polo: 21 June Longdole – Electric Bicycle Polo: 3 July Cheshire – Charity Polo Day for The Alder Hey Children’s Charity and The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund: 3 July HPC, London – International Charity Support Trust Polo Classic Tournament: 16 July HPC, London – Charity Match for Dogs Trust: 17 July Fifield – Polo for Heroes: 30 July Kirtlington – Air Ambulance Fundraiser Dinner: 27 August

Polo Times, June 2016 107

Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

Save the Date Guards – Royal Salute Coronation Cup: 23 July

1973 Land Rover Series III – Pathfinder

THE ROYAL SALUTE C O RO N AT I O N C U P

Save the Date Social Events Cheshire – Wirral Ladies’ Polo Party: 3 June HPC, London – 90th Anniversary Roaring 20’s Summer Ball: 11 June Kirtlington – 90th Anniversary Polo Ball: 30 July

One owner from new, 43 years!

Only 71,000 miles.

Editor’s Note – All dates are correct at time of going to press. Polo Times takes no responsibility for fixtures moved, cancelled or altered. Always check with the Club(s) for the most up-to-date fixtures lists.

Total time-warp model. Overdrive with free-wheeling hubs.

Refurbished Landy’s of the same age are now fetching over £20K. Long MOT.

Quick Question Answer -

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Letters page

ENGLAND

A. 240 tournaments from 0 to -8 goal are listed on our website for the 2016 UK summer season

V Club contacts and Ireland THEUK COMMONWEALTH CLUB

PHONE

I N T E REMAIL N AT I O N A L P O L O

Guards Polo Club, Windsor Great Park All England Polo Club Hickstead 01273 834315 polo@hickstead.co.uk

Apsley End

Ash Farm Polo Club

Beverley Polo Club Blueys Polo Club

01462 712444

peter.pollak@btopenworld.com

Saturdayashfarmpolo@hotmail.com 23rd July | Tickets from £20 01932 872 521

For more information please visit 01964 544877 info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Cambridge Polo Club

07711 217004

info@haggisfarmpolo.com

Cambridge County Polo Club

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Dallas Burston Polo Club

01926 812409

ella@dbpoloclub.com

Druids Lodge Polo Club

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Edinburgh Polo Club

0131 449 6696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds

01344 883112

enquiries@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Epsom Polo Club

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Fifield Polo Club

07778 436468

francis@fhmpolo.co.uk

FHM Polo Club

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Heathfield Polo Club

01869 351111

info@heathfieldparkpolo.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Inglesham Polo Club

07818 508136

mattevetts@hotmail.com

Kinross

07831 365194

thom@thombell.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club

01452 864544

jo@longdolepolo.com

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club

01279 450637

alec@mhfpolo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480256

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Offchurch Bury Polo Club

07901 803285

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Park Lane

07976 242877

mbhancock@yahoo.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club

01344 885697

polo@ranelaghfarm.com

Ranksboro Polo Club

01572 723755

polojoe@hotmail.com

RCBPC

01344 890 060

admin@rcbpc.com

Rugby Polo Club

01788 817 724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Sussex Polo Club

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

SWF

01962 885500

info@maywoodpolo.com

Tidworth Polo Club

01980 846705

tidarenapolo@tiscali.co.uk

Triskelion Polo Club

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Vale of York

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

Westcroft Park Polo Club

01276 858545

richard@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

West Wycombe Park Polo Club

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

White Rose

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Wicklow Polo

00 353 404 67164 siobhan@polowicklow.com

108 Polo Times, June 2016

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Polo directory

Classifieds

Marketplace Ponies

15.1 DARK BROWN ARGENTINE MARE 12 years old. Fast and agile.

Not a novice ride but completely safe. Never bucks, rears or bolts.

Good to clip, catch, load and shoe. Fit and sound. £8,000 offers considered Contact 07989 874761 or 01477 544540 Cheshire

A SELECTION OF POLO PONIES FOR SALE suit patron or players up to 3 goal handicap. From £9,000. Contact: Kelly Hartwell on 07890 031539 or email Kelly@mayfairpololondon.com Leicestershire

HORMEGA 15.1 - ARGENTINE BAY MARE Good to shoe, box, clip etc. owned for 5 years. Lovely horse will be missed (tack etc available).

Lorry also for sale. £1,800 Contact 07899 947056 or 01964 544468 Routh, Beverley

CARINA 15.1 ARGENTINE BAY MARE Good to shoe/box/ clip. Lovely gentle horse (tack etc available). Lorry also for sale. £1,000 Contact 07899 947056 or 01964 544468 Routh, Beverley

ELEGANT BAY GELDING BY INVINCIBLE SPIRIT 7 yr old Bay Gelding, really lovely easy horse with lots of ability. Schooled and played by 4 and 5 goal professionals in low goal.

Fit sound and vice free. Ready to go far in the right hands. Oiro £12,000.

Contact 07717 400548 kate@ hooked-on-polo.com Hampshire

Transport

DAF 7.5T 5 PONY POLO LORRY VGC,changing/tack room. Light partitions, isolator, low mileage, air suspension, v.reliable, tested, well maintained. £9,950 Contact Ellesha 07557 781057 or email ellesha. young@gmail.com for more info and pictures. Suffolk

MERCEDES 1820 OLYMPIC COACHBUILT HGV 2 Horsebox carries 9 facing forward. Could be made to carry 11. Living, sleeps 3, 2 side ramps. R reg body built in 2000. MOT Jan 2017. £13,500.00 plus vat ono.

Contact 07767 766777 or email mike@mhinchliffe.freeserve.co.uk.

Oxfordshire

FORD IVECO 7.5 TONNES 2001 reg with 12 months’ plating. 3 new tyres, new fuel injectors and new tracking rods. Ready to go. Easy to drive. £4,750. Contact James on 07795 567757 Cheshire

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

LEYLAND DAF 7.5 45/150 TURBO. 1994 FOR 5 PONIES perfect runner. batteries 2 yrs. old, vg.tyres, clean cabin,252000 mileage, no leaks,starts perf.

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Property

IDEAL PATRON PONY 2001 Argentine chestnut mare. Kind & super easy to play. Will play up to 8 goal. Fit, sound & vice free. £6,500. Contact 07958 633577 or email loscorrales@hotmail.co.uk Chobham

CLASSY COMPACT MARE BY DALAKHANI 14.3 7 yr old dark bay mare. Agile, tough and fast, played and schooled by 4 and 5 goal professionals in low goal.

Loves the game. Fit, sound and vice free. Ready to excel. Oiro £10,000 Contact 07717 400548 kate@ hooked-on-polo.com Hampshire

2000 DAF TRUCK HORSE LORRY X Reg lorry has tack area and room for 4 horses 7.5 ton years MOT included. £5,999. Contact 01964 544555 or 07899 947056 for further information. Routh, Beverley

GREY ARGENTINE MARE Easy patron pony. Will play up to 10 goal. Open to vetting £4,500 Contact 07958 633577 or email loscorrales@hotmail.co.uk Chobham

PIRATE 15.1 ARGENTINE BLACK/ BAY GELDING Four white socks and a blaze on head. good to shoe/ clip/box (tack also available) £1,000 Lorry also for sale. £1,000 Contact 07899 947056 or 01964 544468 Routh, Beverley

COACH BUILT IVECO 7.5 COMPACT 4 STALL Highbarn Harrier 7.5t quality lorry P reg cut through fully kitted out tack area and Luton with door to four stalls.internal lights. isolator.annually serviced. plated Oct 16. Lovely lorry. £9,250 Contact 07879 636508 Hampshire

110 Polo Times, June 2016

POLO PROPERTY FOR SALE 4 Bedroom Property with additional grooms accomdn,separate office, boarded arena - Andrews Bowen surface, 12 stables, indoor horsewalker, truck /hay store. 16 acres paddocks. Additional 10 acres paddocks and polo ground( 160m x 120m approx.) Bicester - Marylebone 45 mins. Available in lots. Contact the agents - Fine & Country, Banbury 01295 239666 Oxfordshire

Equipment 16 INCH WIDE FITTING POLO SADDLE WANTED Seeking polo saddle to fit pony club polo pony. £ negotiable Please email carolinestern@ hotmail.co.uk Berkshire

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Polo directory

FOR SALE 8 yo Irish TB Gelding 15’3 Really easy pony which has loads of power and a great top speed. Very light mouth. Can be ridden by anyone. No vices whatsoever. Has played up to 12 goal with 1 goal player but would be happy to move up a gear or move down, he is that easy. £11,500 ono.

6 yo Irish TB Mare 15’0 Beautiful mare with bags of ability. Really secure on her feet and strong in the ride off as she has a broad chest and strong shoulders. Great acceleration and speed but never hot or strong. Simply a real pleasure to play. No vices. Brought on by 1 goaler in low goal but has played up to 15 goal with 6 goal player. Could stay at current level or go on to achieve great things – your choice. £12,500 ono.

9yo English TB Mare 15’1 Amazingly brave horse with a really big heart. You will never lose a ride off on this machine. Sure footed, very agile with a great turn of pace. Has played up to 22 goal but equally at home playing low goal on the weekends. If you are after a match winner, this horse is for you! £20,000 ono.

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Viewing by appointment in Cirencester area.

Tel: 07969 456 214

Polo Times, June 2016 111

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

The man behind the Images of Polo lens Tony Ramirez talks to Polo Times about his passions for polo, Joanna Lumley and Spanish seafood What is your biggest passion and why? Polo and photography, of course!

What is your all time best polo memory?

This would have to be the first time experiencing the Argentine Open. It was incredible to see nearly 25,000 people watching the game.

Who are your favourite teammates and why? Abi Hancock, as she is always on hand at Images of Polo and is a fantastic photographer.

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

None! Polo is my passion.

Favourite film and why? I don’t have too much spare time on my hands, but when I do it would have to be anything with cowboys and indians!

112 Polo Times, June 2016

Favourite song or album? This is a tough one, anything by the Bee Gees although I like a varied range of music. In the car I always listen to either Radio 1 or Classic FM. Favourite food? Spanish cuisine, especially seafood.

Most prized possession? Apart from my cameras, it would have to be our apartment in Sotogrande, Spain.

Are you passionately superstitious? Yes. Shoes on table and walking under ladders are definitely not allowed!

Describe yourself in three words… Reliable, honest, trustworthy.

One thing which would surprise us about you? I do the cooking at home. This is my way of relaxing.

Favourite celebrity and why? Joanna Lumley. Not only is she a great actress, but she is funny, an idealist and sexy.

Best holiday destination? Venice, it’s so relaxing.

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