PoloTimes March18

Volume 23 • Issue 2 • March 2018 • £6.50

ST. MORITZ SPECIAL Cartier triumph again POLO’S OLYMPIC DREAM Eduardo Novillo Astrada on grand plans SUPER SUPA 300 Students break records PLUS: Rules Update & Winter Victor Ludorum

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This proudly British, 100% organic British Polo Gin® is quadruple distilled to create the most flavoursome and smoothest of gins.

Hand crafted in a wood-fuelled small batch still and meticulously refined with Ceredigion’s finest spring water, this gin is as pure as can be.

Based on the polo player with the most creativity and verve, No.3; this gin is incredibly versatile. With botanicals ranging from Elderflower to Vanilla, garnish with strawberry and basil for an outrageously smooth G&T. Alternatively, deploy into the Chukka Cocktail® for the best après polo thirst quencher.

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Distilled at Dà Mhìle Distillery, UK

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Telephone orders: 01452 730770

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UK Units

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Order online: www.britishpologin.co.uk

29.89

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2-3 units a day

700ml 060505

ORG

2-3 units a day

Women:

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Contents

Contacts Publisher

What’s inside…

March 2018

Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk PR Manager & Editorial Jen Liggins editorial@polotimes.co.uk

34

Editorial & Subscriptions Sarah Flight office@polotimes.co.uk

24 Military Polo

Advertising Sales Richard Hine richard@polotimes.co.uk

46

Advertising & Subscription Sales Rebecca Hastie sales@hinemarketing.co.uk Principal Design

Women’s Polo 47

52 News

Tony Ruddy

Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk Accounts & Administration Assistant Rosalind Cutter ads@polotimes.co.uk Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors: Lucy Ainsley, Stephen Biddlecombe,

Diana Butler, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Lorna Edgar, Dr. Andreas Krüger, Sam Gairdner, Alex Jacob, Hayley Marsh PgDip Vet Phys BSc MNAVP RAMP, Becky Simpson, Rebecca Walters, David Woodd, Tilda Woodd, Peter Wright & ©Tony Ramirez/www.imagesofpolo.com

6 18

All the Latest News FIP Update

Comment 20 21

Your Views & Social Media Umpire’s Corner: The Latest Rule Changes Examined

Features 22 24

A Round-Up of Women’s Polo

Youth Polo

James Morgan

Additional Design

Military: Royal Navy Argentine Tour

Big Picture Interview: Eduardo Novillo- Astrada on Polo’s Olympic Dream

Reports

26 Paul Sweeney Memorial Trophy 29 FCT Invitational Challenge Trophy 30 Cartier Dubai Polo Challenge 32 Cover Story: RCBPC Winter

Victor Ludorum 34 Cover Story: Snow Polo

World Cup St. Moritz 2018 40 St. Moritz Stables

50 52

All Aspects of Youth Polo Cover Story: National Universities Winter Arena Championships

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60

62 64

66 68 70

Pony Power: Polo Times Best Playing Polo Series Equipment Focus: Bits – Pulling and Snatching Learn to Play: Play Polo Vet Insight: Gaining the Winning Edge Polodoc: Get the Motor Started Nutrition Focus: Holidays Are Over Ainsley Polo: A Balanced Approach to Conformation

Knowledge

Sidelines 72 74

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to know!

Sidelines: Social Pages

Polo Directory 78

What’s On in March?

Final Bell 88

Passions: Adrian Laplacette Jr.

Contact details

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

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© Polo Times Limited 2018 and Database Right 2018

Club Focus 42

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

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

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

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

4

Polo Times, March 2018

Cover photograph: Action from the Final of the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com

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Official Equestrian Supplier to the England Polo Team

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PURELY POLO!

POWERING CHAMPIONS FOR OVER 20 YEARS Made in England using only the finest British ingredients

ORDER THE BEST FOR YOUR POLO PONIES order online: tallyhofarm.co.uk or telephone: 01344 885373 or visit us at: Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4RZ

from the Publisher

News

Despite much media-hyped global doom and gloom, polo in 2018 is in remarkably good shape. The Snow Polo tournaments in Kitzbühel and St.Moritz were excellently choreographed and drew record crowds. Delivering polo in the snow is no mean feat, so congratulations are due to Tito and Reto Gaudenzi respectively for showcasing snow polo at its very best. Applause is also in order for Chris Hyde, who not only led Team Cartier to claim top spot on this year’s podium at St. Moritz, which resulted in a hat-trick for his patron Rommy Gianni, but this was also a staggering seventh win for Chris himself.

In other news, on the back of these two snow polo tournaments, polo, is at last, on a firm trajectory to being back as an Olympic sport. The Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games October 2018 is already confirmed and having attended in St.Moritz, we understand that the International Olympic Committee were so impressed with the sport of polo, that being included at the Tokyo 2020 Winter Olympics is now firmly on the cards.

For more details, read FIP President Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers’ piece and AAP President Eduardo Novillo Astrada’s feature on this topic.

Back at home, SUPA have seen record numbers competing in the arena tournaments and with 300 players taking part in the Finals, its Chairman Charles Betz deserves a medal, for not only shepherding so many players, but also in nurturing polo’s next generation.

Moving from grass roots to the high goal, 2018 not only sees the welcome return of polo stalwarts Les Lions and Thai Polo this season, but also, two new teams, F Polo and Park Place, will be vying for the silverware.

Also new for 2018 is that the HPA’s flagship International Day will now be held at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club under the stewardship of Jamie Morrison’s team. Jamie being no stranger to international polo having represented his country on a number of occasions, great things are expected for this year’s event, so please support the International Day. The HPA’s new rules are also explained in this issue by Peter Wright and Will Lucas. Safer, faster, more spectator friendly polo has to be good for the sport; and so with polo in good shape, continue getting the ponies fit, put your new helmet on and enjoy your polo!

Hat Regulation Reminder

6

Polo Times, March 2018

All Pro Polo League

Photograph by Pololine

Nick Hine, Publisher

The HPA have recently issued the following statement, “As you are aware the HPA have introduced the minimum standard for polo helmets that they must be type approved to at least one of the standards PAS015:2011 with CE mark, SNELL E2001, VG1 01.040 2014-12, or UTAC/CRITT 04/2015.

PAS015:1998 is the previous version of The HPA PAS015:2011. minimum standard Due to extended lead times retailers often carried high stocks of for helmet safety is being enforced helmets and therefore there are still helmets available that are labelled at clubs around the PAS015:1998. country, traditional styles The HPA will allow the use of helmets that are labelled and even those with three PAS015:1998.” point harnesses that do not For more information, please visit the HPA website conform will not be permitted www.hpa-polo.co.uk

The five 10 goal Captains gather around the Eagle Trophy which will be contested at IPC

During the last week of March, the All Pro Polo League (APPL) will be heading back to Florida for its third US instalment. Several of the world’s best players, including Gonzalito, Facundo and Nico Pieres, Hilario Ulloa plus Sapo Caset, will be descending on the International Polo Club, Wellington, Florida for the 28-30 goal tournament, each captaining a team playing for the coveted Eagle Trophy. The tournament will be the first of its kind in 2018 and teams will be made up of local players including Team USPA members. For more information, please visit www.allpropololeague.com

British Beach Polo Championships

Tickets are now on sale for the 2018 British Beach Polo Championships in Sandbanks.

Spectators will be treated to up-close action, glamorous company and second-to-none hospitality during this exciting two-day event. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit www.sandpolo.com

Polo in the Park

Tickets for the 2018 Polo in the Park are now on sale. Following the 1 February Early Bird Ticket launch, the specially discounted tickets are now sold out, but regular tickets are still available for the three-day event in Central London. For more information, please visit www.polointheparklondon.co.uk

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• STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS •

SAVE THE DATE Due to Clinton McCarthy’s retirement from polo

EMLOR C is having a

‘closing down’ sale in April 2018

To include entire string of 1st class polo ponies, complete with all tack, lorries etc Sale date and location will be announced in next month’s Polo Times • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS •

News Monty Roberts to Tour UK

This March, legendary horseman Monty Roberts will be back in the UK to share his lifetime of experience and knowledge with the next generation of horse owners and riders. Roberts and colleague Kelly Marks will be demonstrating their extremely effective techniques to produce happy and willing equine partners. Roberts is known for working with polo legends such as the Gracida brothers, Adolfo Cambiaso and more recently Nic Roldan. The tour will take Roberts to Billborrow, Hadlow and Okehampton, and more information can be found on his website www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk or call 01488 71300.

Oxford Polo Transport

Photograph courtesy of Oxford Polo

Oxford Polo will now offer international and nationwide horse transport

David Ashby’s Oxford Polo has announced that they will now be offering horse transport as well as their tuition expertise. Alongside a 17 and 13 horse truck, Oxford Polo will also be offering a 3½ tonne two horse van, available for use with a normal driving license.

All the vehicles are DEFRA Type 2 Approved and all drivers have ACET qualifications for international trips. The 17 horse truck also has stallions partitions with sniffer boards, cameras and temperature control. For more information, please contact Oxford Polo by emailing info@oxfordpolo.co.uk

Kids Cancer Foundation

Bryan Morrison Trophy Tickets

8

Polo Times, March 2018

Photograph courtesy of KCF

The 2018 Bryan Morrison Trophy Teams: Flannels England (22): Eden Ormerod (6), Sebastian Dawnay (7) & Chris Hyde (9 – Captain). Reserve Tom Morley (6) USA (21): Tommy Collingwood (6), Shane Rice (7) & Pelon Escapite (8 – Captain)

Nic Roldan and Brandon Phillips took to the field for the 2018 Polo for a Purpose exhibition match Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The Arena Polo Test Match for the Bryan Morrison Trophy returns to the All England Polo Club, Hickstead, on Saturday 3 March 2018. England will face a team from the USA as they strive to win the Bryan Morrison Trophy for the fourth year in a row.

With the 12 goal challenge match held before the Bryan Morrison Trophy, polo fans can watch two thrilling arena polo matches for just £5 per ticket.

A post-match luncheon will also take place following the Test Match for players and supporters, with tickets costing an additional £49.50 for those wishing to attend.

The Clubhouse will be open throughout the day, with the gates opening at 10.30am, offering a range of refreshments, while the Clubhouse viewing platform offers an unrivalled view of the Arena. The timetable for the day is as follows: 10.30am: Gates Open 11.30am: 12 Goal Challenge 1pm: Prize Presentation 1.30pm: Arena Polo Test Match for the Bryan Morrison Trophy Flannels England took home the trophy last year, but 3.30pm: Prize Presentation: The Bryan can they repeat their success in 2018?

Morrison Trophy 4pm: Luncheon

December and January proved to be an eventful couple of months for the USA based Kids Cancer Foundation as their Polo for a Purpose event took place alongside preparations for the 2018 Great Charity Challenge. On 15 January, the KCF families and volunteers were invited to watch an exhibition match in Wellington, Florida, an event that benefits the Leukemia & Lymphona Society.

Including KCF Ambassadors Brandon Phillips and Nic Roldan, the match was an exciting interlude for both the kids and their parents alike. January also marked the final countdown to the Great Charity Challenge, hosted by Equestrian Sport Productions, which took place on 3 February at the Palm Beach Equestrian Center. www.polotimes.co.uk

News Arena Gold Cup Final Schedule

Photograph by Cymon Skinner Photography

Polo Times will be supporting the Best Playing Pony, whilst The Polo Magazine will be sponsoring the Most Valuable Player Award. Tickets for the annual Gold Cup Lunch are available at £65 per person. Lunch includes a three-course meal with wine and water on the table and the ticket also includes entry to the Clubhouse for the evening where DJ Paul Linney will be playing and the bar will be open until 12.30am.

This event will mark the end of this prestigious tournament and hail the last moments of the winter polo season at RCBPC. Tickets for the evening event are £10 each, available in advance and on the door. Numbers are limited so please get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

For full details and to book your tickets please contact Sammie or Ally on events@rcbpc.com

Action from the 2017 Arena Gold Cup Final between SUPA and Sifani

The schedule for the 2018 Arena Gold Cup at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club has been announced. Play commenced on Tuesday 13 February, with a healthy eight teams entered in this year’s competition. Following a week and a half of thrilling matches, the Silver Cup and Gold Cup Finals will fall on Saturday 24 February. Last year’s second place Sifani will be back to fight once again for the coveted Arena Gold Cup title. The order of play for the day is as follows: 11am: Arena Silver Cup Final 12.30pm: Ladies Arena British Open Final 2pm: Arena Gold Cup Final 5pm: Gold Cup Lunch 6.30pm: Clubhouse Evening with DJ Paul Linney

The 2018 Arena Gold Cup Teams: League One: Regal Warriors (15): Raph Singh (2), Grant Collett (4) & Max Charlton (9) Tchogan (15): Heiko Voelker (2), Oscar Mancini (6) & Sebastian Dawnay (7) Twelve Oaks (15): Charlie Wooldridge (3), Ed Morris-Lowe (5) & Jamie Morrison (7) OJO Caliente (15): Ana Escobedo (1), Daniel Otamendi (6) & Jonny Good (8) League Two: Four Quarters (15): Simon Arber (1), Tom Morley (6) & Richard Tyrone (8) HB Polo (14): Josh Cork (3), Sebastien Pailloncy (4) & Adolfo Casabal (7) SAPA Docklands Polo (15): Alec Banner-Eve (4), Ed Banner-Eve (5) & Harold Hodges (6) Sifani (15): Hilali Noordeen (1), Michael Henderson (6) & Ryan Pemble (8)

New Zealand Weather Chaos

Due to extreme weather conditions, the New Zealand International Test Match between Argentina and New Zealand has been suspended until further notice. Also a victim of the weather, the Land Rover New Zealand Open has also been cancelled with no plans to reorganise the event. All those who have purchased tickets will be contacted directly.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, March 2018

9

News Lipogems Equine Success Story

Azerbaijan Very Active in Polo 2018

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Returning to racing was on the cards for this National Hunt horse following Lipogems Equine treatment for proximal suspensory desmitis forelimb in May 2016. The scan six weeks following treatment showed good healing. The horse was passed as sound by the treating veterinary surgeon and started rehabilitation work before returning to training. For more information on treatments for saving your champion and for a list of accredited equine vets visit www. lipogemsequine.com

The CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup will not be taking place in 2018 due to ambitious expansion plans and participation in the FIP European Championships

This scan shows the healing and regeneration of the tissue in July 2016

Dominican Republic Polo For the third year in a row, the Casa de Campo Resort & Villas will be hosting a series of tournaments, featuring some of the world’s best-known polo superstars, including Juan Martín Nero and David Stirling, as well as Agustín Merlos, Ignacio and Santiago Toccalino, and Julián Mannix. The timeline of events is as follows: Vintage Cars Exhibition (Open): 24 February Silver Cup (6 & 22): 24 February – 10 March VI Royal Cup (Open): 3 March Gold Cup (6 & 22): 15 – 31 March

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This proudly British, 100% organic British Polo Gin® is quadruple distilled to create the most flavoursome and smoothest of gins.

Hand crafted in a wood-fuelled small batch still and meticulously refined with Ceredigion’s finest spring water, this gin is as pure as can be.

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By drinking this organic gin you are choosing a more sustainable product that is free from the use of chemicals.

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Published quarterly and available by subscription

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The ultrasound scan pre-treatment showing the injured suspensory tendon tissue taken in May 2016

After the success of the Azerbaijan Land of Fire Polo Team at the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz in January 2018, the National Team is now in training for the FIP European Championships which will take place at Villa a Sesta Polo Club, Italy, in September 2018.

ARAF, together with World Polo, have decided to concentrate all their efforts and means towards the first participation of the Azerbaijan team at this year’s FIP European Championship.

Therefore, due to time clashes there will be no Arena Polo World Cup in Baku this year.

ARAF however, is in full swing in Azerbaijan, building two full-sized polo fields in Gabala. Stables for 500 horses as well as facilities and grazing paddocks will be ready for action in 2019.

The next polo tournament to take place in Azerbaijan will be the First Polo World Cup on the new polo fields in September 2019, in Gabala, in preparation for the 13th FIP European Polo Championship in September 2020 with eight national polo teams!

I N T H E F I R S T I N S TA N C E , PLEASE SEND YOUR CV TO: enquiries@britishpologin.co.uk www.britishpologin.co.uk @britishpologin @britishpolog @britishpologin

01452 730770 10

Polo Times, March 2018

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News World Polo Tour 2018 Schedule

2018 Thai Polo Master

The schedule for 2018 tournaments is now live on the World Polo Tour website, visit worldpolotour.com to view the list of fixtures included in the tour. The top ten players in the world currently listed on the website are as follows: Ranking 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Name Cambiaso, Adolfo Pieres, Facundo Nero, Juan Martín Pieres Jr., Gonzalo Stirling Jr., David Mac Donough, Pablo Pieres, Nicolas Cavanagh, Diego Pieres, Pablo Andrade, Rodrigo

Country Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Uruguay Argentina Argentina Argentina United States Brazil

Ranking 1097 935 822 730 714 686 594 464 441 386

Status Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional Professional

Photograph by Gonzalo Etcheverry

In the Final of the first Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series, the 18 goal McLaren Cup, Zedan Polo Team rode away the champions 9-8½ after defeating Bin Drai Polo. It was the fourth title grasped by Zedan Polo team, following wins in the 2015 Gold Cup, 2017 Gold Cup and Silver Cup in 2016 and 2018.

It was a close match throughout, but Pablo Mac Donough was by far the outstanding player of the game, scoring a 30 yard penalty in the last play of the day, with 38 seconds to spare, to give Zedan the victory.

Zedan Polo Team narrowly won the McLaren Cup in Dubai Raúl Laplacette was named the Most Valuable Player and his pony Cruzeiro was awarded the Best Playing Pony rug.

In other news, the second tournament of the Series, the Masters Cup, kicked off at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club on Friday 11 February. Mahra Polo were the first to take the win, 8-6 against Wolves Polo, followed by the second match which saw UAE Polo win 5½-4 against Habtoor Polo. Play continues as we go to press and news from the tournament can be found on the Series website www.dubaipologoldcup.com

Photograph by Santiago Young

Zedan Polo Team win the McLaren Cup 2018

Claudia Zeisberger was awarded the Most Valuable Player Prize in the B. Grimm Thai Polo Master

Following an extremely successful Thai Polo Open, the B. Grimm Thai Polo Master tournament came to an end on Sunday 11 February at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club in Pattaya, Thailand. Following a week of thrilling matches, Maple Leaf took home the title 9½-5 against rivals La Familia/Paisano Dragons. Claudia Zeisberger was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award, whilst Brian Xu’s pony Americana was presented with the Best Playing Pony. Earlier in the day, Thai Polo and 22BR drew 2-2 in the Subsidiary Final.

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Polo Times, March 2018

11

News

USA Update

USA Update The Joe Barry Concludes

In recent weeks, the East Coast of America has been ablaze with polo action in the lead up to the US Open in April. On 14 January, as the sun shone down on the International Polo Club, Florida, thousands of avid polo fans gathered for the Final of the Joe Barry Cup, the first in the high goal polo series in Florida, USA. Following some exceedingly exciting Semi Final matches, Villa del Lago/Modere and Tonkawa secured their spots in the coveted Final with substantial wins.

Despite a series of skilful plays from 8 goaler Hilario Ulloa, by half-time Villa del Lago/ Modere were 6-2 down, unable to answer plays from the expert duo of Sapo Caset and Julián de Lusaretta. Going into the second half, Villa del Lago/Modere hoped their unlucky streak in front of goal would come to an end, but despite notching up a worthy seven goals it wasn’t to be. As the final bell sounded, Tonkawa walked away the victors with a 12-9 win, a great start to the American high goal season.

The Joe Barry Cup Final Teams: Tonkawa (17): Jeff Hildebrand (2), Sterling Giannico (2), Sapo Caset (8) & Julián de Lusaretta (5) Villa de Lago/Modere (15): Jim Zenni (0), Agustín Obregon (5), Hilario Ulloa (8) & Jared Zenni (2)

The Ylvisaker Cup Ongoing As we go to press, the 20 goal Ylvisaker Cup is underway at IPC, the next instalment in the USA high goal season. On Sunday 18 February, eight teams met at IPC for the Quarter Finals. In the first match of the day, GSA narrowly came out the victors over Pilot with a 10-9 score, having sat just behind their rivals for the first five chukkas. Mariano González was named Most Valuable Player, whilst his pony Macarena was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug.

Next to take to the field, Tonkawa repeated GSA’s earlier performance, in another tight game, beating Michael Bickford’s La Indiana side 12-11. Rob Jornayvaz’s Colorado were the third team to secure their spot in the Semi Finals with a 13-10 win against Postage Stamp, the team put together by Annabelle Gundlach’s, the only female patron in this year’s tournament and last, but my no means least, Bob Jornayvez’s unbeatable Valiente

The Ylvisaker Cup Quarter Final Teams: GSA (20): Henry Porter (2), Dylan Rossiter (4), Mariano González (7) & Matías Magrini (7) Pilot (20): Curtis Pilot (0), Timmy Dutta (1), Gonzalito Pieres (9) & Facundo Pieres (10) Tonkawa (20): Jeff Hildebrand (0), Sterling Giannico (3), Sapo Caset (10) & Julián de Lusarreta (7) La Indiana (20): Michael Bickford (2), Toro Ruiz (5), Facundo Obregon (6) & Jeff Hall (7) Colorado (20): Rob Jornayvaz (1), Santino Magrini (3), Juan Britos (7) & Diego Cavanagh (9) Postage Stamp (20): Annabelle Gundlach (0), Brandon Phillips (5), Mariano Aguerre (9) & Kris Kampen (6) Valiente (20): Bob Jornayvaz (2), Bautista Panelo (2), Santi Torres (6) & Adolfo Cambiaso (10) SD Farms (20): Sayyu Dantata (2), Adam Snow (5), Iñaki Laprida (7) & Peco Polledo (6)

secured the final coveted spot in the Semi Finals with a 13-6 win against SD Farms, in the last match of the day.

As we go to press the Ylvisaker Cup action continues across the pond.

Will there be a Jornayvez in the Final or can this year’s underdog teams ruffle some Cambiaso feathers?

Photograph by Joel Lauerbach Photography

British Henry Porter playing for the victorious GSA team hooks Facundo Pieres in the Ylvisaker Cup Quarter Final

12

Polo Times, March 2018

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News

Obituary

The La Martina Life Time Achieveme

Doug Brown

Douglas Brown 14 April 1921 – 17 December HPA 2017 Hall of Fame

Doug Brown

A

HPA Hall of Fame

Photograph courtesy of Mrs Lindsay Maeder

A self-proclaimed, “no nonsense Yorkshire man”, at the age of 40, Doug knew that he self-proclaimed, “no nonsense Yorkshire man”, at the age of 40, needed an activity Doug knew that he needed an activity that would keep him, that would keep both physically and mentally fit. Neither dressage nor show him, both physically jumping particularly appealed to Doug, but polo did, as in his own and mentally words,fit.

“The dashing Doug Brown sounded good!”

Neither dressage Having embarked on a few riding lessons at Miss Smiths of Holyport, nor showjumping Doug was then advised of a wonderful polo club at Ham on the particularly appealed outskirts of London where “Novices were welcome”. to Doug, but polo Having got badly lost on the way, Doug arrived some 40 minutes late did, as in his own for his first lesson from Billy Walsh – “A bad start!” Desperate to impress his Doug at 96-years-old words, “The dashing Doug Brown sounded good!” revered tutor and make amends for his “no lateness, Doug was determined self-proclaimed, nonsense Yorkshire man”, at theonage 40,lessons at Miss Smiths of Having embarked a fewof riding Douglas Arthur Brown was born in Redcar, North Yorkshire on to hit his first polo ball a longknew way. that he needed an activity that would keep him, Doug Holyport, Doug was advised of a wonderful polo club at Ham on the 14 April 1921. He grew up in very restricted circumstances and was “Moving quite smartly, as I attempted “It is a recognised fact dressage nor show both physically andwhen mentally Neither of London where, “Novices were welcome”. obliged to leave school following the death of his father, he was fit. outskirts to hit the ball I must have snatched on the that in almost any sport jumping particularly polo Having gotdid, badlyas lostinonhis the own way, Doug arrived some 40 minutes just 14-years-old to help his mother and siblings. appealed With help fromto a Doug, but pony’s mouth; the pony, a lovely grey, your game improves Doug Brown and Mrs Alec Harper with Maidford, winners of the for his first lesson from Billy Walsh - “A bad start!” Desperate to local charity, he obtained a mathematics scholarship and was able words, “The dashing Doug Brown soundedlate good!” stopped suddenly, I was thrown through when you play with better Jack Gannon Trophy Cowdray Park 1995 impress revered tutor make amends for his lateness, Doug to finish his schooling – heHaving never forgot this help and his lessons embarked onthroughout a people.” few riding at his Miss Smiths ofand Holyport, the air and the resulting haematoma was was determined to hitHam his firston polo ball a long way. life supported numerous charities helping those orphansof andayoung Doug was then advised wonderful polo club at the the size of a hot water bottle that had to I am sure we all“Moving agree quite this issmartly, a veryas I attempted brothers Will and Hine to hit the Andrew ball, I must haveand Will people most in need. outskirts of London where “Novices were welcome”. be medically dealt with!” From that day true statement! and James Lucas.

Its performance that the pony’s mouth; the pony, a lovely grey, stopped At the age of 18, at the outbreak of the Second War, he Dougsnatched Having got lostWorld on the way, arrivedon some 40 minutes late on, Doug’s favourite colour ofbadly pony was The 0-40 remains a popular year in reaching the Gold Cup semi-final suddenly, I was thrown through the air and the resulting haematoma joined the Royal Air Force and trained as a navigator. Following first lesson from Billy Walsh – “A bad Desperate to impress his grey and he for washis hooked on polo. tournament as start!” itwas is for and winning subsidiarydealt finalwith!”

– the Jack theplayers size of and a hotteams water bottle that had tothe be medically training he joined the Pathfinder Force of Bomber Command and revered tutor and make amends for his lateness, Doug was determined On the field, he became a wellat all levels, literally in theory from 0 to 40, Gannon Trophy – remains From that day on, Doug’s favourite colour of pony was grey andone he of the completed three tours of duty, an almost unimaginable feat. He was respected gentleman and patron who canand get together for match practice to hitFlying his player first polo a long way. highlights of Doug’s sponsorship and has was hooked on polo. awarded the Distinguished Cross andball Bar for his gallantry over the next three decades.

The as a team at the beginning of the season. led for otherplayer all-professional “Moving quite smartly, as I attempted “It is a recognised factthe waygentleman On the field, he became a well-respected and on leaving the RAF in 1945, married and was seconded to British competitive, friendly spirit that Doug The Doug Brown Cup, a 0-6 goal teams to follow. to hit the ball I must have snatched on the that in almost any sport patron over the next three decades.

The competitive, friendly spirit Overseas Airway Corporation (BOAC) in Egypt for a year. instilled in his pony’s team is still remembered with tournament, wasthat established when there recently, in Mrs 2005, Doug with Mai mouth; pony, a lovely your instilled game improves Doug in his team is stillMore remembered with and admiration

by Harper Following a short stint with the British the Council in Denmark, Douggrey, Doug Brown Alec admiration by all those that played both were a lot of amateur 0 and 1 goal sponsored Malcolm Borwick, Roddy thatyou played both withbetter and against him. undertook a degree instopped Statistics at LSE, then joined Statistics Jack Gannon Trophy Cowdray Park 1995 suddenly, I wasAtwood thrown throughall those when play with with and against him. of hismatch Ellis and Good in the Itpeople.” is, however, actions offWilliams, the field Ollie for which the Johnny game owes on completion.

After years of loyal he left with a players number with the air andservice, the resulting haematoma wasa shortage It is,tohowever, his Research actions off the field for which experience.

The idea was Inthat, by Queen’s quartet impressively 1970we when Polo Cup, Club’s ground came brothers up for of colleagues found AGB Limited in 1966, then the size of a hot water bottle that had toDoug so much.

I am sure allHam agree this iswith a his very Will and A the worldwide game owes Doug so much.

In creating a lowersale, handicap tournament, reaching the semi-finals. it was Doug Brown who, in his blunt Yorkshire way, told the becamewhich a leading market research company.

AGB was be medically dealt with!”

From that day true statement! and James 1970 when Ham PoloMeasurement Club’s ground the opportunity provided for moreterms of that they Doug has always an active and Lucas. players inThe no uncertain needed to put taken their hands in awarded the Television Audience contract at the outsetwaswas on, Doug’s favourite colour of pony 0-40 remains a popular year in reaching the came up for sale, it age, was Doug these players in –and so to speak! to enthusiastic in supporting theirstuck pockets contribute the trust fund torole purchase the ground the of the commercial television which Brown enabledwho, it to ultimately float to get grey and he was hooked on polo. tournament as it is for players and teams and winning the sub in his blunt Yorkshire way, told the players As an HPAif Ham Steward, Doug as was development of young was to survive the last remaining London Club. InEnglish 1997, players on the London Stock exchange.

On the field, he became a wellat all levels, literally in theory from 0 to 40, Gannon Trophy – in no uncertain terms theyskier. needed instrumental in the convincing the ‘powers andto in its particular those 4, 5 Doug and 6their goal,‘up Club honoured his contribution history by making Aside from work, Doug wasthat a keen Fromtohis favourite respected gentleman player and patron who can get together for match practice highlights of Doug’s put their hands in their pockets and that be’ that a ‘programme’ of sending coming’ players the fringe of high President and they still play for and the Doug Brown Plate on each June.

Alpine haunt, Kitzbühel, to heli-skiing in Canada aged 70, he was thefund next three decades. as atoteam at the ofofthe season.Park led toover the trust to the purchase young playersAs out Argentina wasbeginning polo.

Chairman and then Vicegoal Chairman Cirencester Polo the way for o always contribute one for a challenge.

When not on slopes, he looked BritishThe the ground Ham was to as summer thespiritamonths, friendly that idea Doug good and basis for ThetheDoug BrownwasCup, asupport 0-6 goal Doug’s of wonderful such young teamsEnglish to follow.

Clubindeed (1986-1989), Cirencester developed into the for something to turnifcompetitive, his attention to survive during the lastaffinity remaining London In 1997 theremembered improving standard British talent is itvery much appreciated by all recently in club. his team is still with was established when there More placetournament, at of which to polo. enjoy playing polo that is today. hence his withinstilled British polo.

This association with the sport the Club honoured his he contribution to itsthat played Doug’s initial idea was with involved in British but especially

by Malcol admiration by all the those Doug created twoof tournaments with0which we 1arepolo, all familiar: the was recognised in 2007 when received La Martina Life Time both were aviewed lot amateur and goal sponsored history by making Doug their President some so he was0-40 doubly eager the British Professionals Cirencester at the beginning of the season and first playedwho, for in without Achievement Award at the and Polo Awards. thatscepticism, we with againstIt was him.at this time players with a shortage of match Williams, Ollie Ellis an and they stillrecalled play the Doug to ensure thatfor a 1996, full report was submitted Doug’s help,first would not progressed and the aptly named Brownwas Cup, played forhave in 1991. spoke to Doug as he his involvement with polo.off It is,for however, his Brown actions the field experience.

TheDoug idea that, by Queen’s Cup, with h Plate each summer. to his fellow Stewards.

In one such report, into high goal polo.

The 0-40 is a concept that, at Doug’s own admission, was which the game owes Doug so much. In creating a lower handicap tournament, reaching the semi-fin As Chairman and then Vice Doug recalls stating how well young from Alecthe Harper atwas Cowdray, but the was never 1970 when Ham Polo Club’s groundstolen the opportunity provided foridea more of actually Doug has always Chairman of Cirencester Park Polo Club British players implemented (Andrew Seavill and there. The logic came up for sale, it was Doug Brown who, these players to get stuck in – so to speak! enthusiastic role (1986-1989), Cirencester was developed Andrew Hine) behind were the doing.

Toof help creation this in his blunt Yorkshire way, told the players As an HPA Steward, Doug was development of yo into the wonderful place at which to illustrate this, tournament Doug produced a was as follows, in no uncertain terms that they needed to instrumental in convincing the ‘powers and in particular tho enjoy playing polo that it is today. photograph of “It the Brits seemingly is atwo recognised fact that in put their hands in their pockets and that be’ that a ‘programme’ of sending and coming’ players Doug created two tournaments with riding each other off any hard, only togame be almost sport your contribute trust fundlambasted to purchase young British players goal polo. which we are all familiar: to thethe Cirencester by improves Lord Cowdray who when you play with out to Argentina was the ground if Hamand was as “But thebetter a people.” good and 0-40 at the beginning of the season firstto survive Doug’s support o observed, Doug, they I idea are both am sure we indeed the basis for London In 1997 thesame played for inlast 1996,remaining and the aptly namedclub. improving thetrue standard of British polo. playing for the team!” all agree this is a very talent is very much Doug Brown Cup, played for in 1991.

Cementing the development Clubfirsthonoured his contribution to itsstatement!

Doug’s initialof idea was viewed with involved in British po The 0-40 history is a concept that, at Doug’s The 0-40 remains a so he was doubly eager youngPresident British players, Doug personally by making Doug their some scepticism, the British Professi own admission, from for Alecthe sponsored popular tournament as a it in young British playersthat and and was theystolen still play Doug Brown to ensure full report was submitted Doug’s help, would forto players and teams at Harper at Cowdray, but summer. the idea was 1995 entered hisis own Maidford team in Plate each his fellow Stewards.

In one such report, into high goal polo. all levels, literally theory never actually implemented there. The high-goal tournaments theinQueen’s As Chairman and two then Vice Doug –recalls stating how well the young from 0 to 40, who can get logic behind the creation of this Cup and the Gold Cup. of Cirencester Park Doug and Mrs Alec HarperChairman with Maidford, winners of the Jack Gannon TrophyPolo Club British players (Andrew Seavill and together for match practice tournament was as follows: The Maidford team consisted of the Doug Brown and Mrs Alec Harper with Maidford, winners of the Cowdray Park 1995

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Life Time Achievement Award

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d fact sport proves (1986-1989), Cirencester was developed better Jack Gannon Trophy Cowdray Park 1995

Andrew Hine) were doing. To help into the wonderful place at which to illustrate this, Doug produced a 14 Polo Times, March 2018 www.polotimes.co.uk enjoy playing polo that it is today. photograph of the two Brits seemingly l agree this is a very brothers Will and Andrew Hinewww.thepoloawards.com and Will twoperformance tournamentsthat with riding each other off hard, only to be andDoug Jamescreated Lucas. Its

11

News

Tristan Voorspuy Conservation Trust On Friday 11 May, The Hurlingham Club will be hosting a charity ball in aid of the Tristan Voorspuy Conservation Trust. In 2017, Tristan Voorspuy was tragically murdered on Sunday 5 March in Laikipia, Kenya whilst inspecting some of his lodges. He was born in South Africa, but raised and schooled in Sussex, as well as being in the British Army for six years and went on to found luxury horse riding safari company, Offbeat Safaris in 1990.

The Charity Ball will delight guests with dinner, dancing and an auction will raise money for the Conservation Trust, created in his memory. Tickets start at £150 – for more information please contact Char Wills on charwills@gmail.com, or if you’re interested in submitting a prize for the auction, please email sorrelsc@hotmail.com

Equine Passports Legislation Update In 2017, Defra opened a public consultation on existing Horse Passport Regulations and policy in England. The consultation hinted at a forthcoming change towards the enforcement of Regulations with a mention of the introduction of a Fixed Penalty Notice system. If adopted, the scheme could see enforcement officers stopping those travelling with horses and issuing on-the-spot fines per infringement. It is understood, that if not otherwise stated, this rule will come into place in July this year.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph courtesy of Mrs Lindsay Maeder

as a team at the beginning of the season. The Doug Brown Cup, a 0-6 goal tournament, was established when there were a lot of amateur 0 and 1 goal players with a shortage of match experience.

The idea was that, by creating a lower handicap tournament, the opportunity was provided for more of these players to get stuck in – so to speak! As an HPA Steward, Doug was instrumental in convincing the ‘powers that be’ that a ‘programme’ of sending young British players out to Argentina was a good idea and indeed the basis for improving the standard of British polo.

Doug’s initial idea was viewed with some scepticism, so he was doubly eager to ensure that a full report was submitted to his fellow Stewards. In one such report, Doug recalls stating how well the young British players (Andrew Seavill and Andrew Hine) were doing.

To help illustrate this, Doug produced a photograph of the two Brits seemingly riding each other off hard, only to be lambasted by Lord Cowdray who observed, “But Doug, they are both playing for the same team!”

Cementing the development of young British players, Doug personally sponsored young British players and in 1995 entered his own Maidford team in two high-goal tournaments – the Queen’s Cup and the Gold Cup. The Maidford team consisted of the brothers Will and Andrew Hine, and Will and James Lucas. Its performance that year in reaching the Gold Cup Semi Final and winning the Subsidiary Final – the Jack Gannon Trophy – remains one of the highlights of Doug’s sponsorship and has led the way for other all-professional teams to follow.

In 2005, Doug sponsored Malcolm Borwick, Roddy Williams, Ollie Ellis and Johnny Good in the Queen’s Cup, with his quartet impressively reaching the Semi Finals.

Doug and his brother Sir George Malcolm Brown

Doug always took an active and enthusiastic role in supporting the development of young English players and in particular those 4, 5 and 6 goal, ‘up and coming’ players on the fringe of high goal polo.

Doug’s support of such young English talent was very much appreciated by all involved in British polo, but especially by the British professionals who, without Doug’s help, would not have progressed into high goal polo.

Sadly, his beloved wife Sally pre-deceased him in 2006, followed shortly afterwards by his son Mike. He is survived by his daughter Lindsay, four grandchildren and a great granddaughter.

Brooke Launches Every Horse Remembered Badges and Announces New Ambassadors

Marking the anniversary of the Battle of Verdun, Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys has launched an ‘Every Horse Remembered’ badge to honour the lives of millions of horses that died in the First World War, and announced four new equestrian ambassadors for the campaign. British event rider Harry Meade and dressage rider Alice Oppenheimer join Hannah Russell and Little Alf the miniature Shetland, as well as U.S. Instagram sensation Muledragger as Every Horse Remembered Ambassadors.

The group will be promoting the campaign through social media, attending events and supporting specific fundraising initiatives through 2018.

The commemorative badge depicts the ‘Every Horse Remembered’ logo and is available to buy now from thebrookeshop.org. Each one costs £3 + P&P, and provides the perfect way for supporters to show they’re honouring the lives of war horses, and help working horses, donkeys and mules of today. To find out more go to www.thebrooke.org/everyhorse

Polo Times, March 2018

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News Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

UK High Goal Teams 2018

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Polo Times, March 2018

Les Lions and Thai Polo will be returning to the UK High Goal with a combined line-up. Les Lions will play The Queen’s Cup, whilst Thai Polo will compete for the Gold Cup PO

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2018 High Goal Teams: Talandracas: Edouard Carmignac (0) Alejandro Muzzio (7), Julian de Lusarreta (7) & Francisco Elizalde (8) Brittania El Remanso: Charlie Hanbury (4), Ollie Cudmore (6), James Beim (6) & James Harper (6) F Polo Team: Alishair Fiyaz (0), TBA (4), Polito Pieres (9) & Nico Pieres (9) Park Place: Andrey Borodin (0), Tommy Beresford (5), Juan Britos (7) & Hilario Ulloa (10) La Indiana: Michael Bickford (1), Alec White (4), Nic Roldan (7) & Facundo Pieres (10) RH Polo: Ben Soleimani (0), Min Podesta (5), Guillermo Caset (9) & Rodrigo Andrade (8) Valiente: Bob Jornayvaz (1), Hugo Lewis (4), Cristian Laprida (7) & Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Les Lions/Thai Polo: Max Gottschalk/Harald Link (0), Guillermo Terrera (8), Joaquin Pittaluga (7) & Jaime Huidobro (7) La Bamba de Areco: Jean-Francois Decaux (0), Byron Watson (3), David ‘Pelon’ Stirling (9) & Juan Martin Nero (10) Murus Sanctus: Corinne Ricard (0), TBA (4), Facundo Sola (8) & Gonzalo Pieres (10) Monterosso Polo Team: Alessandro Bezzoni (0), Juan Martin Zubia (6), Ignacio Toccalino (8) & Santiago Toccalino (8)

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Facundo Pieres and Nic Roldan will be joining forces for Michael Bickford’s La Indiana

And whilst there have been a number of team changes, one of the most notable is perhaps Adolfo Cambiaso’s move from RH Polo to Bob Jornayvaz’s Valiente, a side he regularly plays for in the USA and whom he also represented in the 2016 Gold Cup. There are rumours of some other line-ups still to be confirmed, so watch this space for updates. With just over two months to go until action, and with a number of refreshed line-ups, you have plenty of time to place your bets on who will be the most successful team(s) of 2018.

H T

Although it is only relatively early in the year, it is impossible to ignore the fact that the English polo season will be getting underway in just a couple of months’ time. Consequently, as Polo Times goes to press, we have already heard of several confirmed team line-ups and the significant organisation that takes places behind any high goal team prior to the UK summer season is very much full steam ahead.

As it currently stands, we are set to see 11 teams compete in both the Queen’s and Gold Cups. This year’s programme includes a number of teams returning to take part in the British 22 goal competition once again but also welcomes two new sides to 22 goal level for the first time; Andrey Borodin’s Park Place and Alshair Fiyaz’s F Polo Team.

But before we take a further look at all those who have their sights set on some of the sport’s most prestigious titles, we must mention one team who is notably absent from this year’s high goal programme and that is Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s mighty King Power.

However, although King Power will not feature in any action on the field, their presence will still very much remain, just in a slightly different format: as title sponsors of The Gold Cup. Another effect that comes as a result of the fact that Srivaddhanaprabha’s side, whose distinctive blue shirts have maintained a position at the top of the 22 goal scene ever since they made their high goal debut in 2014, will not play is the split of the formidable ‘Pieres duo’. Consequently, this season we will see Facundo represent La Indiana whilst Gonzalito has been signed up by Corinne Ricard to play in her Murus Sanctus team.

As expected, 2018 will feature a number of UK high goal regulars such as Edouard Carmignac’s Talandracas, Jean-Francois Decaux’s La Bamba de Areco, Ben Soleimani’s RH Polo, Corinne Ricard’s Murus Sanctus, Alessandro Bezzoni’s Monterosso, Christopher Hanbury’s El Remanso, and Michael Bickford’s La Indiana – all of whom played the 22 goal level last season and if 2017 form is anything to go by the teams to look out for are RH Polo, La Indiana – both of whom reached the Final of the Cartier Queen’s Cup – and of course El Remanso, who not only reached the Semi Finals of The Queen’s Cup and the Final of The Gold Cup but have, it must be noted, kept the same line-up.

In this year’s Cartier Queen’s Cup we will also see the return of the Les Lions side – a team that has, in past years, played the high goal circuit more than most – which will be headed by Max Gottschalk.

The same line-up of professionals Guillermo Terrera, Joaquin Pittaluga and Jaime Huidobro will then return for the King Power Gold Cup as Thai Polo under Harald Link.

King Power will not be returning to the 2018 UK high goal, but will be sponsoring The Gold Cup

1

Regular contributor Matilda Woodd has had her ear to the ground finding out who is doing what in this year’s UK high goal season

Gonzalito Pieres and Facundo Sola have been signed for 2018 by Murus Sanctus

Valiente will be returning to the High Goal, following a year out in 2017 and have signed World Number 1 Adolfo Cambiaso for their 2018 line-up

www.polotimes.co.uk

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

It has been an exciting time for the Federation.

This is a year of Olympic aspirations with FIP dedicated to working hard to try to get national teams into various International Olympic Committee (IOC) related events, such as the Pan-American Games through Pat Nesbitt and his team and the Asian Games. With Alessandro Giachetti, Simone Perillo and Piero Dillier’s help we have also been working on the possibility of getting our sport of snow polo included into the Winter Olympic programme sometime in the future and we have created the Olympic Games Snow Polo Committee.

To this end we are contacting all our National Polo Associations and Federations around the world to encourage them to ensure that they are recognised by their own National Olympic Committees (NOC). Currently we only have some 14 National Polo Associations that have been recognised by their NOCs. Having recently met with one of the senior International Olympic Committee representatives at the St. Moritz Snow Polo Championship, they were intrigued with the idea of polo, a recognised Olympic sport from the past, being considered as an option for returning to the Olympics in such a different format and they appeared quite encouraging

In Ladies Polo we are “delighted that Nina Clarkin

and supportive of our early efforts.

In Argentina, FIP are supporting the AAP in the preparations and invitations for the organisation of the polo demonstration day as part of the IOC Sport Showcasing Programme for the Youth Olympics to be held in Buenos Aires from the 6 – 18 October this year.

In Ladies Polo we are delighted that Nina Clarkin has accepted the HPA’s invitation to become the first member of the FIP Woman’s International Polo Committee.

We are currently waiting for the names of the nominees from the USPA & AAP and confirmation from the Thai Polo Association of their nomination, Ploy Bhinsaeng.

Last year we had four Ambassador’s Cups around the world and in 2018 we have six scheduled so far. The 97th Ambassador’s Cup at the Santa Clara Polo Club in April, the 98th in Querétaro, Mexico in May at the stunning El Marques Polo Club, the 99th in August at Deauville Polo Club in France, then

the 100th in August/ September at the Helvetia Polo Club in Brazil, the 101th in Italy at the Roma Polo Club, 14 –16 September and finally, thanks to the ongoing generosity of Ernesto Gutierrez, we have the 102nd Ambassador’s Cup in Argentina once again at his beautiful La Ensenada Polo Club just prior to our General Assembly.

The XII FIP European Championships will be taking place in picturesque Villa a Sesta Polo Club, located in the scenic Siena Hills near Florence, where we are hoping to attract around ten 6–8 goal teams and the tournament is set to run from the 20 – 30 September.

The Last FIP European Championships were held at the historic Mayfield Stadium in Berlin and the Ireland Team captained by Stephen Hutchinson, Chairman of the HPA, took the honours with France as Runners-up.

So, it is a good year to look forward to on the international front.

has accepted the HPA’s invitation to become the first member of the FIP Woman’s International Polo Committee.

”

Having recently met with one of the “ senior International Olympic Committee

representatives at the St. Moritz Snow Polo Championship, they were intrigued with the idea of polo, a recognised Olympic sport from the past, being considered as an option for returning to the Olympics

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

”

FIP met with one of the senior International Olympic Committee representatives at the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz

18

Polo Times, March 2018

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Umpires’ Corner

Comment

Peter Wright, the first non-Argentine to be invited by the Argentine Association Polo (AAP) to umpire in the Triple Crown at Palermo and HPA Professional umpire looks at the recent rules changes and the implications Unless you have been trekking in the Kazakh mountains over the last few months, you will probably have heard of a range of rule changes for the upcoming season.

Usually we hear this and a collective groan goes up from the masses. However, I believe that this time we should all be happy the changes being brought in will greatly enhance both the enjoyment of playing the game, and create a better spectacle for the viewing public.

chain of one on one marking is established and the hitter has to decide to either pass to a team mate or run with the ball. From what were quite often slow, stagnant phases of the game, play is now immediately more free flowing.

Ball out over sideline: (Rule 17)

Blocking: (Rule 33)

The rule now states: “When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.”

This rule does exactly what it says. By allowing one player to go unimpeded to the hitter, a

The rule now states: “Should a player hit the ball over the boards or sidelines, the umpire will place the ball after 8 seconds at least 5 yards infield from where it went out. The striker, an opponent of the player who hit the ball out of play, must within 5 seconds hit the ball.”

This change gets rid of the majority of line outs and significantly increases the speed and flow of the game. Although a free hit and not a penalty, teams should treat it as one, with opponents 30 yards from the ball and the chance of being offside if a quick hit is taken.

It is a big change to the game, but a massively positive one.

Also being speeded up is the time taken for penalties and knock ins. Players now get

Will Lucas, Chairman of the Hurlingham Polo Association Umpires and Rules Committee, who is a four goal professional and former England team stalwart gives an insight into the reasoning behind the most important of the rule changes for the 2018 season “One of the reasons for the changes being pushed by the Argentines is that ESPN were not happy with the time that it was taking to play a game in the Open. A lengthy wait when a player was injured or had cramp, long run up for penalties and dawdling back for a line-up so another team member could change; we have seen it all here. There have been players and some officials in the AAP pushing for change for some time and it was really the election of Eduardo Novillo Astrada as President which set really in train changes in an effort to speed up the game and make it better to watch.

“The AAP started with 6 minute chukkas and ended up with 6½ minutes after feedback from the players. We were set to go with the same, but at the Council meeting and subsequently the feedback was that players here wanted to stick with 7 minute chukkas; in essence they did not want a shorter game and less time on the field when it has cost a lot to get there. The Argentine Open is of course played at a slightly different speed to most of the polo here, so we are happy to see www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Tony Ramirez www.imagesofpolo.com

Embrace the Change just 10 seconds for a knock in and 20 for a penalty. Again, more dead time has been taken out of the sport and made it more dynamic.

Chukka length: The HPA has also decided to keep the length of chukka the same in the UK, as opposed to Argentina who have removed 30 seconds. We will see how this works out, but I see no reason that it will make a difference as long as your horses are fit enough.

Yellow cards: Changes have been made to the yellow card system as well (Rule 51). Be aware that they can now be accumulative for Victor Ludorum and 22 goal tournaments. If you get 3 in any tournament, you will start on a yellow for the rest of the tournament. You have been warned!!

I myself, having not seen the changes in Argentina, have been implementing them in The Gold Cup Series in Dubai.

In my opinion, not only is the polo both enjoyable to play and watch, it has also raised the standard of play significantly.

Polo everywhere will improve and become more more competitive as a result.

Embrace the change.

how things go and if it works at 7 minutes, great – but that can always be changed if the players feel that they want to shorten chukkas due to the lack of ‘breathers’ because the ball goes out less and hits are taken quicker. We want to keep the rules the same as far as possible for the different levels of polo but we already have 4, 5 and 6 chukkas, so shorter chukkas for say 6 or 5 chukka games would not be complicated.

“Speeding up the game is very much focused on games with spectators and I think that it is right that those games are speeded up, not least because players are too often slowing things down for pony changes which is bad for the sport. At the lower levels, the hit in within 10 seconds, penalty hit within 20, 5 seconds to play the ball when dropped after a ball has been hit over the side-lines might be a tough call on the umpires, especially in the more friendly club polo, and as one team will be saying ‘drop the ball’ and counting the seconds but it is a step in the right direction.

“The USPA are on board for the changes but their season started in January so they were not in a position to implement changes proposed in December. However, clubs are trying them and so far there do not seem to be any major issues or opposition. They are using the new rules in Dubai and there has been a bit of tweaking with the blocking rule. Players are very quick to find a way to get round any rule. There is a plan to meet in Florida to keep up the momentum.”

Polo Times, March 2018

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the

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Polo Times, March 2018

picture

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300 Students XXXXXXXXX – This is SUPA! In something akin to a Spartan XXXXXXXXXXXXX hoard, a record-breaking 300 students packed their boots, sticks and whites for a weekend of SUPA Winter University polo at Rugby Polo Club between 8 – 11 February. w XXXXXXXXXXXX Despite some chilly winter weather with only a smattering of sunshine, there were smiles all round as the teams took part in a whopping 100 odd games a day in front of their families, friends, coaches and arch-rivals from neighbouring universities. Warwick University came out the winners of the most sections, with Bristol University taking home the coveted Open gold. Turn to our Youth section for a full report. w Photograph by Emmpix

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Polo Times, March 2018

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Feature

Polo’s Olympic Dream

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Polo’s Olympic Dream Buenos Aires welcomes the 2018 Youth Olympic Games

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The AAP President Eduardo Novillo Astrada

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Polo Times, March 2018

Archive photography courtesy of Nigel à Brassard

the summer) five times: explanation on wooden 1900, 1908, 1920, 1924 horses and travel through and finally in 1936 in embryo transfer and horse the Olympiastadion welfare all the way to the Berlin. During this time, opportunity to watch a the British team won match live at the iconic three gold medals, with Palermo grounds.

Argentina following up We spoke to AAP closely behind with two President Eduardo Novillo golds, their last of which Astrada about what was in 1936. According this means to the polo to sources, no individual community: polo player has won “It would be great more than two medals to have polo back as an each, with four British Olympic sport – it has players (John Wodehouse, been a long time coming.

Frederick Barrett, Walter It is an aspiration and Buckmaster and Frederick we need to work hard to Freake) taking home the The official programme for 7 August 1936 – achieve it. I hope we can record, each winning the Argentina vs Great Britain fight for Gold do it! We are working two a-piece. During the with the IOC and FIP to discuss how polo final game of Olympic polo played in 1936, could return to the Summer Games and Argentina won the gold medal in front of we’re also talking about potential for entry a 45,000-strong crowd, with Great Britain into the next Winter Olympics. But, for going home with silver. now, we’re focusing on this October and the With that in mind, the 2018 Youth Youth Olympic Games. We have put together Olympic Games are set to take place this a programme that will showcase the sport October in Buenos Aires, Argentina. For months, the governing bodies of polo (FIP, the APP, the HPA and USPA) have been lobbying the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to consider polo as the perfect addition to the schedule. This year, FIP and the AAP have organised for a polo demonstration schedule to be part of the International Olympic Committee Sport Showcasing Programme. From 4 – 12 October, representatives from the IOC will be invited to experience everything polo has to offer. Their education The victorious Argentine team saluting victory in Berlin 1936. will begin with a simple rules The Argentine Polo Team - winners of the 1924 Olympic Gold Medal.

s we go to press, the world’s best winter athletes have been skiing, snowboarding, jumping, bobsledding and curling their way to poll position at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Following this winter extravaganza, later in the year the best young athletes in the world will be gathering in Buenos Aires to compete in the Youth Olympic Games.

Since 1998, the world’s best young competitors have been meeting every four years to celebrate and compete on a global scale. The Youth Olympic Games was the brainchild of an Austrian industrial manager, Johann Rosenzopf, to combat growing concerns about childhood obesity and to increase youth participation in sport. Since then it has grown into the ideal global platform to showcase sports that deserve worldwide recognition. For many years, those in polo’s governing bodies have been discussing the possibility of polo taking pride of place on the Olympic sport line-up. But, this would not be the first time the sport will have appeared at this level.

Between 1900 and 1936, polo appeared at the Olympic Games (then only held in

www.polotimes.co.uk

This Oak tree was presented to Argentina following their gold medal win at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.

Today, it still stands proudly at Palermo, Buenos Aires

of polo to the IOC – a way to show them a proper ‘polo experience’. It’s more about the experience than competing at this stage.

We will be offering courses on breaking-in horses, shoeing, how to make and use a polo stick, different organisations within polo (such as La Dolfina) and embryo transfer.

Alongside these courses, we will be hosting an exhibition tournament in which 14 to 18-year-old youth players will demonstrate their skills. We haven’t yet confirmed how many teams are going to play, but we hope to enter as many as possible.”

“I am continuously asked, ‘When do I envisage polo back on the Olympic timetable?’.

Personally, with the momentum that we already have, I feel that we will achieve this within the next 10 years. We are going to work hard to be present at all the Olympic events we can over the next few years to really make

Photograph courtesy of the AAP

Polo’s Olympic Dream

Feature

a different format (i.e. snow polo) and they appeared quite encouraging and supportive of our early efforts”. For more news from the President of FIP, please turn to our FIP update on page 18.

“A cutting from a Black Forest oak was given to the 1936 Olympic champions.

Following Jack Nelson’s suggestion, the cutting given to Argentina was planted between the two grounds in Palermo, behind the central stands. It is now a large tree, having survived an encounter with a cement-loaded truck. Out of 33 oaks won in Germany, 14 are known to still exist; there are six in the United States and one in New Zealand. our case known. We are definitely on the right path – the Youth Olympics is a great start and from now we have to start working hard to achieve our goal.

Perhaps the Tokyo 2020 Winter Olympics will be the decider!”

Whilst at the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018, FIP President Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers met with the one of the senior IOC representatives to discuss polo’s return to the Olympics. “They were intrigued with the idea of polo”, said Nicholas, “A recognised Olympic sport from the past, Roberto Cavanagh of Argentina prepares to hit the ball during the final being considered as an option for match of the 1936 Olympic Games. The match was between Argentina returning to the Olympics in such and England at Maifiled, next to the Olympic Stadium in Berlin

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Reports

Paul Sweeney Memorial, Ash Farm Polo Club

Ash Farm Action

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Young, Dumb and Broke win again

Photography by Graham Morrison

rowds came from far and wide to cheer on the six teams competing for the 3 goal Paul Sweeney Memorial Trophy.

Fresh from their HPA National Club Championships win in December, Young, Dumb and Broke’s triumvirate of young guns, Genevieve Meadows, Will Newman and Nell Jacobs, were the bookies’ favourites and they delivered, putting up a strong fight to win the tournament 17-15 against Raph Singh’s Yolo Polo, despite a flurry of great plays from Hannah Matthews and Celio Garcera. Genevieve Meadows was awarded The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player Award for her excellent play throughout, whilst Nell Jacob’s pony Choca was awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug.

The tournament was proudly supported by a multitude of sponsors, from Hurlingham 1875 and Black Hound Polo, to Guards Polo Club and Prisk 528, all combining to make it a wonderful event.

After the matches, players and spectators alike gathered in the Clubhouse for a glass of something warming and the opportunity to chat about what the arena season has yet in store.

MVP Genevieve Meadows

Where: Ash Farm Polo Club, Surrey

Young, Dumb and Broke and Yolo Polo battled it out for the coveted trophy

FINA

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Paul Sweeney Memorial 3 Goal Final Teams:

JAN

BPP Choca, owned and played by Nell Jacobs

Young, Dumb and Broke (3) Genevieve Meadows (1) Will Newman (0) Nell Jacobs (2)

Yolo Polo (3) Hannah Matthews (-1) Celio Garcera (1) Raph Singh (2)

Young, Dumb and Broke won the 2018 Paul Sweeney Memorial

For more information about Choca, The Polo Times Best Playing Pony, please turn to our Pony Power pages. For social images of the event, please turn to our Sidelines pages 26

Polo Times, March 2018

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FCT Invitational Challenge Trophy, Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Reports

Regal Warriors Lift the Crown No rain on this parade

H

eiko Voelker’s Tchogan and Raph Singh’s Regal Warriors went headto-head, under a typically rainy British winter’s day, for the honours of the FCT Invitational Trophy at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club.

A strong first chukka from the Regal Warriors allowed them an early lead with Max Charlton opening the scoring with a converted 25 yard defended penalty for two points, Grant Collett being awarded a Penalty 1 and Charlton also scoring a further two goals from open play. In reply, Tchogan’s Howard Smith was also awarded a Penalty 1, but he scored just the one goal from open play in addition.

The second chukka continued in much the same style as the first – all cylinders were firing in the Regal Warriors camp! A couple of quick goals early on from Charlton and Collett saw their lead extend to five goals before a reply came from Tchogan in the form of Smith with a nice goal from open play, followed by a two-pointer to close the gap. The scoreboard read 9-5 going into half-time.

www.polotimes.co.uk

As the third chukka got underway, it was Smith who found the posts first for Tchogan, but it wasn’t enough to keep Charlton and the Regal Warriors at bay, with a single goal and two-pointer from Charlton edging their lead to a comfortable six goals going into the last chukka.

Up until this point the game had been dominated by the Regal Warriors, but this was about to change! It was Sebastian

The second chukka “continued in much the

same style as the first – all cylinders were firing in the Regal Warriors camp!

”

Dawnay who opened his scoring account, converting a 25 yard defended penalty for two points to narrow the gap to four goals.

Charlton didn’t let it go without reply, dancing the length of the arena to edge them back in front. Another twopointer from Dawnay in open play kept the Tchogan supporters on the edges of their seats as they begun chipping away at the lead Regal Warriors had earnt themselves over the course of the previous chukkas.

A quick 15 yard penalty and further goal from Charlton was the response to keep Tchogan at bay and keep them ahead by five goals. Tchogan found spectacular form with Smith also scoring a brilliant twopointer in open play, followed by Dawnay tapping two in, to narrow the gap to just one goal!

Whatever had

Alex Jacob

reports from Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

been said in the Tchogan camp at the last pony change was working! With less than 30 seconds left on the clock, Tchogan were awarded a 15 yard penalty to potentially push the game into overtime. The pressure sat on Dawnay’s shoulders. Cool and calm Dawnay hit the centre of the target to even the score at 15-15. The bell went with no further change to the scoreboard, so an extra time, golden goal was going to be the decider of this hard-fought match.

As the teams changed ends and lined up for the last time, the extra chukka was underway. Lots of to-ing and fro-ing with both teams gaining ground before having the ball stolen away – a foul was blown against the Tchogan side, giving Regal Warriors the opportunity to lift the trophy, if they could just convert this 15 yard penalty. Charlton, true to form and showing his well-deserved 9 goal handicap, converted with no mistake.

A great game that kept everyone entertained… despite the weather!

The FCT Invitational Challenge Trophy Teams: Tchogan (16): Heiko Voelker (2), Howard Smith (6) & Sebastian Dawnay (8)

30 JAN

Regal Warriors (15): Raph Singh (2), Grant Collett (4) & Max Charlton (9) Chukka Scores; 5-2, 9-5, 12-6, 15-15, 16-15 (to Regal Warriors)

Umpires: Simon McDonald & Marcus Hancock

Where: Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Polo Times, March 2018

29

Reports

Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge 2018, Desert Palm Resort and Polo Club

Cartier Conquer Cartier Tank seal the deal at the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge 2018

T

he Cartier Tank team, featuring Abu Dhabi patron Faris Al Yabhouni and Guards Polo Club’s Clive Reid, dominated the 13th edition of the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge at Desert Palm Resort and Polo Club. Not only did the white-shirted Cartier team win all three of their league matches – the only team to do so – but they continued that winning form into the Final, defeating Tiernan O’Rourke and Sam Instone’s Cartier Panthere, 7-4.

30

Polo Times, March 2018

www.polotimes.co.uk

Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge 2018, Desert Palm Resort and Polo Club

Reports

Becky Simpson

of La Martina reports from Dubai

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

FINA

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Where: Desert Palm Resort and Polo Club, Dubai

MVP Santiago Cernandas

Celebrations for Cartier Tank

Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge Teams 2018

Cartier Tank (8) Clive Reid (-1) Faris Al Yabhouni (0) Santiago Gomez Romero (3) Santiago Cernadas (6)

Cartier Panthère (8) Tiernan O’Rourke (-1) Sam Instone (0) Camilo Castagnola (4) Martin Valent (5)

BPP

Action between Cartier Tank and Cartier Panthère at the pristine Desert Palm Resort and Polo Club

Following the La Martina shirt presentation at the beginning of the week at the La Martina Store in the Dubai Mall, Cartier Tank looked strong from the first day. The secret of their success was the partnership of the two Santis – Santiago Gomez Romero and Santiago Cernadas.

These two Argentine professionals were consistent throughout. The Most Valuable Player judges seemed to agree as Cernadas, playing in his first Cartier polo event in Dubai, was presented with the La Martina www.polotimes.co.uk

Rosinia, owned and played by Santiago Cernadas Most Valuable Player of the Tournament prize. He also received the La Martina Best Playing Pony prize for his pony Rosinia whom he had played in the fourth chukka.

Bartolome and Camilo Castagnola, sons of the former 10 goal star Lolo Castagnola were one of the highlights of the tournament, showcasing their prevalence as

“It has been eight years since I last touched down in Dubai to attend the Cartier Dubai International Polo Challenge and the lengthy 11-hour journey with a two-hour stopover in Bahrain had failed to dampen my enthusiasm. As we pulled into the Desert Palm Resort, it was more lush and tropical than I imagined, with blossoming Bougainvilleas spilling over the walls and water everywhere – a huge change from the last time I was here, viewing the foundations with Ali Albwardy.

I had missed the first league game, but we headed straight down to the polo fields to meet the Guards team and catch up about the La Martina VIP event that evening.

Emails with updates to guest lists started to ping through and everyone assured me that the players would be there. We had hatched a plan to literally put them into pre-organised taxis and bribe them with free kit bags on arrival – no one enjoys a shirt presentation which is short on players.

Away trips like this invariably show a good team at its best – the team breakfasts and a villa designated as event ‘HQ’ with an opendoor policy meant that sharing information, photos, updates, was just too easy. That evening in the La Martina Dubai Store, the players did turn up, the press did arrive, the guests spilled in, the shirts were presented and the kit bags were given out. As we walked out of the Dubai Mall later that night to a fountain display choreographed to Enrique Iglesias’s Hero in the shadows of the Burj, I thought to myself how well the evening had turned out in this impressive place.

Now onto the Final – with another guestlist to be managed, photos to be requested, interviews and hospitality to be finely tuned and cultural subtleties to be respected, it was a case of all the aspects of an event that create worry in the run-up, but a sense of achievement in the aftermath.

Writing the event report to share with La Martina HQ some days later back in rainy England, I smiled to remember those sunny days in Dubai. Yes, that was a pretty good event, I thought – a great ROI, a stronger relationship with our Dubai partners, a big thanks to the Guards team and a little bit of a suntan too.” two rising stars of the game. They clearly have inherited the family polo genes and will be names to watch in the coming years.

The teams celebrated into the early hours, toasting to another successful tournament on a warm Dubai evening.

Polo Times, March 2018

31

Reports

Winter Victor Ludorum, Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Thomson Local Seal the Deal The RCBPC host a wet and windy Winter Victor Ludorum

Alex Jacob

A

reports from Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

32

Polo Times, March 2018

Photograph courtesy of RCBPC

wet and windy weekend at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club saw the third tournament in the Winter Victor Ludorum Series take place with a total of four teams putting themselves forward to play. Saturday’s first round matches saw Ana Escobedo’s Ojo Caliente defeat Alexander Shepherd’s WMG Black Sheep 22-17, whilst Benji Bradshaw’s Thomson Local came out on top having gone head to head with Jeremy Pemberton’s Conosco with the game going to an extra chukka.

In the first chukka of Sunday’s Final it was Thomson Local who came out with all cylinders firing. Having to give away a 2 goal handicap start to Ojo Caliente due to Benji Bradshaw’s mid-season handicap change, they had some catching up to do. A phenomenal first chukka saw David Ashby and Tom Meyrick find the posts eight times between them, including a two pointer for Ashby with little reply from Ojo Caliente. The team in green struggled to find their rhythm with Jonny Good converting a sole 15 yard penalty as their only score of the chukka.

After a change of ponies and quick team talk going into the second chukka, Ojo Caliente found some pace and managed to match Thomson Local goal for goal, other than a slight mishap from Hugo Singh scoring an own goal! The third chukka followed much in the same suit with the teams now well aware of their oppositions plans and tactics. It was Ojo Caliente who won the chukka, 3 goals to 2 in their favour, thanks to a great two-point goal from Singh.

Despite two great chukkas from the team in green, Thomson Local were well in the lead 15-9 going into the fourth and final chukka.

Once again, the teams were tightly contested, matching one another goal for goal throughout the last chukka, however it was Meyrick’s two-pointer right in the dying seconds that extended Thomson Local’s lead to run out the winners 19-12.

In the hotly contested Subsidiary Final it was Conosco who defeated WMG Black Sheep running out the winners 22-19 having started the last chukka 14-14.

FINA

30 4

BPP Umpires: Marcus Hancock & Simon McDonald The Winter Victor Ludorum 8 Goal Final Teams: Thomson Local (9): Benjie Bradshaw (1), Tom Meyrick (3) & David Ashby (5) Ojo Caliente (8): Ana Escobedo (0), Hugo Singh (0) & Jonny Good (8)

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Birra, owned and played by David Ashby Where: Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

MVP Tom Meyrick

Chukka Score: 9-3, 13-6, 15-9, 19-12 (to Thomson Local)

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

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Reports

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018

Three days of thrilling snow polo action comes to a head

If you are yet to visit the snow-covered lake in the heart of Switzerland’s Engadin Valley, to enjoy great polo and superb scenery then you haven’t truly lived. The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, the oldest, largest and original snow polo tournament in the world, is one of the highlights of the season, as the world’s greatest polo faces gather for a weekend of thrilling polo, basking under the Alpine sunshine, wrapped in furs and sipping champagne and hot chocolate. Once again, Polo Times were the Official Media partners, not only reporting from the action on our own channels, but also writing the play-by-play daily match reports for the world’s press.

34

Polo Times, March 2018

Jen Liggins

reports from Switzerland

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography by Polo Times, ©www.imagesofpolo.com & courtesy of The World Cup St. Moritz

The Red Shirts of Cartier Win Again!

The victorious Cartier Team celebrate their 2018 win

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018

T

he ‘Godfather of Snow Polo’ Reto Gaudenzi, who is the man responsible for introducing snow polo to the world and is now CEO and organiser extraordinaire of one of the greatest snow polo events on earth told us that, “God must be a polo player”.

The Almighty certainly must be a polo fan if the weather between 26 – 28 January was anything to go by, as not only had the ice been frozen to optimum depth of 54cms, but the snow over the week before had been crisp and plentiful. During the three days, the sun warmed the thousands of spectators gathered in the bustling Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz grandstands ready and eager for all the weekend would have on offer.

During the first two days of play, it quickly became obvious who the two strongest teams were going to be. Cartier initially took an early lead over their rivals Badrutt’s Palace, ultimately taking home their first victory 5-2 and their long-time adversaries Maserati did the same, scoring a slightly narrower 2-1½ win over the tournament newbies, Azerbaijan Land of Fire. It was the first time the team from Azerbaijan has come to the tournament in St. Moritz and for want of a better term, they did it with style. Not only did the team come to the party with four players and three reserves, but they were also joined by their own band, catering department (to the delight of the St. Moritz crowd) and throng of loyal spectators, all singing the praises and songs of Azerbaijan at the top of their lungs.

As guests gathered in the cradle of snow polo for the second day of action, 2017 champions Cartier were set to face their closest competition, Maserati, in the first match of the day. Cartier, with their usual vitality, were the first on the ball with only one thing on their mind – winning.

Despite valiant efforts from Maserati, who following half-time were in the lead by half a goal, Cartier sealed the deal 3-2½ at the final bell, securing their spot in the Final.

Badrutt’s Palace and Azerbaijan Land of Fire were next on the field for the last game of the day. In true underdog form, this was the match that saw the boys in white from Azerbaijan really shine. Adrian and Andrés ‘Lala’ Laplacette, expertly aided by Elchin Jamalli and Tarlan Gurbanaliyev, were like men on fire, as they ran circles around Melissa Ganzi’s side scoring goal after goal, to only four in response, ultimately ending the match 9-4. Everyone was keen to see the boys in white in the Final against the Cartier ‘Red Devils’, but due to the tournament format and the previous day’s results impacting on the ranking, it wasn’t to be. Cartier and Maserati were set for an epic battle to the end in Sunday’s Final – and epic it was – a match that truly reflected the past three days of fierce challenges.

Prior to the match, our Polo Times online opinion poll fell 62 percent in Cartier’s favour and as soon as the first ball was thrown in, the Cartier goal-scoring machines Dario Musso, Chris Hyde, Rommy Gianni and teammate Juan Cruz Greguoli (new for 2018) were out in force, notching up the initial goals needed against Maserati. As the teams thundered around the frozen lake in the first chukka, Maserati stuck to their ‘Red Devil’ adversaries like glue, desperately trying to keep the goal-scoring firepower at bay. Greguoli was the first to convert his continued efforts on goal, an excellent example of the ease with which these high goal players convert their grass polo expertise to snow. Despite a goal-less first

Reports

chukka, from half-time, Maserati were taking no prisoners – Hissam Ali Hyder raced up and down the field with Robert Strom and Gerardo Mazzini ably backing him up. In a great play, Strom dribbled through not one, nor two, but three Cartier players to gently place the ball through the posts, thus narrowing the gap between the scores to 3½-3 going into the final chukka. As the final chukka of the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018 ticked by, Hyde suddenly became alive with polo fervour.

was, as every “FinalTheis,match very tense. My

greatest respect must go to Maserati because they played an excellent game. It was very close – I thought we had them in the first two chukkas, then the game became more balanced. We tried to put pressure on and defend their goal opportunties and the last minute and a half felt endless.

It’s like living the same Final every time. I will definitely be back next year – it’s time to make it a fourth win.

”

Rommy Gianni, Cartier Team Captain

Maserati’s Hissam Ali Hyder in action

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, March 2018

35

Reports

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018

not to enjoy here. St. Moritz is an amazing venue “andWhat’s the weather couldn’t have been any better this year.

One thing that is important to me is to inspire people to play polo and try polo. Three-years-ago I was the only woman to play here, it was historic, and since then there have been a number more come and play. By inspiring them I feel like I’ve achieved one of my goals, even though we didn’t win this year.

”

Melissa Ganzi, Badrutt’s Palace Team Captain

Following a perfect penalty 4 goal, to put the scores to 4½-3 he raced in front of the tense crowd with his stick in the air, who responded with a roar of thunderous applause led by the Cartier Managing Director (Switzerland) Mrs Laurence Bourgeois in the front row. With 1.41 minutes on the clock, Maserati made one more attempt to even the scoreboard and with the successful goal it looked like they might be able to break through, but the clock had other ideas. Tick, tick, tick…and it was all over. The ‘Red Devils’ won The Cartier Trophy and with it the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018 – the third consecutive win for Captain, Rommy Gianni and a monumental seventh win for ‘The Prof ’ himself, Chris Hyde.

And so, the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018 drew to a close. The several thousand-throng of spectators had enjoyed the perfect combination of traditional Swiss hospitality and thrilling polo, but most importantly, each and every one of them had enjoyed a fantastic experience. All that remains to be said, is, can Cartier make it a third win in a row next year? We’ll just have to wait and see.

36

field was fantastic – our Maserati team “hadThechances, but the competition was tough;

but I would say that all in all everybody is happy.

It is a wonderful event and we have all enjoyed the polo and the hospitality Hissam Ali Hyder, Maserati

”

1ST PLACE

2ND PLACE

CARTIER

MASERATI

Rommy Gianni

(1)

Raya Sidorenko/ Zhanna Bandurko

(0)

Juan Cruz Greguoli

(4)

Robert Strom

(5)

Chris Hyde

(5)

Hissam Ali Hyder

(6)

Dario Musso

(6)

Gerardo Mazzini

(6)

Polo Times, March 2018

www.polotimes.co.uk

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018

Reports

It was a very tough “match.

I came down with a

horrid flu bug last night, so I wasn’t feeling too great, but we managed to pull it out of the bag. The conditions were fantastic once again and the field was superb.

We really came together as a team – Rommy played fantastically, the horses were excellent, so we can’t ask for more. It was a great victory again and the Triple Crown for Rommy, which is excellent. And, it’s a seventh win for me. I will absolutely be back next year, if someone will have me!

Chris Hyde, Cartier

”

St. Moritz – The Cradle of Snow Polo

Record breaking crowds basked in the Alpine sunshine

For years, players and spectators have been travelling to St. Moritz, nestled in the Engadin region, to revel in the multitude of delights on offer. As the birthplace of snow polo, due to an inspirational idea from Reto Gaudenzi in 1985, polo is in the resort’s DNA, but as a town, it has so much to offer besides this. Above the St. Moritz lake lies kilometres of pristine ski slopes ready and waiting to be explored (the resort has actually hosted Winter Olympic Games twice as well as the World Ski Championships on numerous occasions), but probably its most famous asset, other than its frozen lake, is the Cresta Run. Hordes of thrill-seeking skeleton masters each year descend on St. Moritz to make their mark on the Run, afterwards gathering in the Hotel Stefani’s Cresta Bar to relive their tales. Without its multitude of awardwinning hotels St. Moritz has to offer, from Badrutt’s Palace to the Kulm Hotel, these amazing events couldn’t take place – they in themselves are a spectacle to behold.

3RD PLACE

4TH PLACE

AZERBAIJAN LAND OF FIRE

BADRUTT’S PALACE

Tarlan Gurbanaliyev (Rashad Hasanov)

(1)

Melissa Ganzi

(0)

Elchin Jamalli

(3)

Juan Bollini

(6)

Adrian Laplacette Jr

(6)

Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8)

Andrés ‘Lala’ Laplacette (5)

www.polotimes.co.uk

Tito Gaudenzi

(2)

Polo Times, March 2018

37

Reports FINA

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Tournament Action at a Glance

Friday 26 January The Winston Cup Cartier defeated Badrutt’s Palace, 5-2 The Carlton Hotel Challenge Maserati defeated Azerbaijan Land of Fire, 2-1½

Saturday 27 January Maserati Cup Cartier defeated Maserati, 3½-2 Deutsche Bank Wealth Management Challenge Azerbaijan Land of Fire defeated Badrutt’s Palace, 9-4

Robert Strom and Juan Cruz Greguoli tussle for the ball in the Final

Chukka Scores: 0-0, 1½-0, 3½-1, 3½-3 & 4½-4 to Cartier

20,000 Number of spectators who gathered over the three days

Sunday 28 January La Martina Cup (Subsidiary Final) Azerbaijan Land of Fire defeated Badrutt’s Palace, 5-4 The Cartier Trophy (Final) Cartier defeated Maserati, 4½-4

EIGHT Highest handicapped player on the field – Alejandro Novillo Astrada

Where: St. Moritz, Switzerland

BPP

Polo Times, March 2018

MVP Dario Musso

Zedan, played

by Dario Musso

Handicaps – Outdoor handicaps are used rather than arena handicaps. For example Chris Hyde plays off 6 goals on snow but is 9 goals in the arena.

38

Commentator: ‘The Voice of Polo’ Jan-Erik Franck

Umpires: Tim Keyte, Oli Ellis & Marcelo Garrahan

Timekeeper: Christian Dunkelberg www.polotimes.co.uk

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Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018

Photography by Polo Times and courtesy of Richmond’s Transport

Reports

Mandy Pendle with Piccolo in the stables… and on the sidelines during polo

The newly refurbished stables

St. Moritz Stables

We find out more about the multi-million refurbishment of the stables in St. Moritz and the travelling, facilities and daily regime from Chris Hyde’s groom, Mandy Pendle

O

ne of the real bonuses of the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz is everything is so central and easily accessible. All the players, sponsors and the team entourages are all hosted in the resort. Social events take place in the Kulm, Stiffani and Badrutt’s Hotel all within walking distance of each other. It is the same sense of community and accessibility for the ponies and their grooms too. The stables in St. Mortiz are only a short walk from the polo ground on the frozen lake.

The grooms stay close by too, at the Sonni Hotel, meaning everybody, both equine and human, are based in resort which leads to a wonderful sense of community – and makes life easier for everybody. This year, grooms and ponies enjoyed the amazing facilities in the newly refurbished stables which have cost over three million Swiss Francs.

We spoke to seven-time winner of the event Chris Hyde’s groom, Mandy Pendle, to find out more about the equine side of the winning team Cartier.

Q: How do the new stables compare to the previous ones that were on the same site?

A: The new facilities are absolutely amazing, each box is a lot bigger and they have windows at the back of each stable, so the horses can see out and have more light. The alleyways between the lines of stables are a bit wider; we have a great drying room and really good horse showers. The best thing is the security which is inside each block, whereas before, there was a cabin outside, which was not that secure. The security guys actually sleep here, so that is great.

40

Polo Times, March 2018

Q: How many years have you been coming to St. Moritz?

A: This is my fourth year with Chris, but I have been with other teams for several years before that too.

Q: How many ponies are you looking after for the event?

A: I am with Team Cartier this weekend personally, so I am mainly in charge of Chris’ horses. He has five here.

All in all there are 15 horses for Chris, Darrio [Musso] and Juan Cruz [Greguoli], which have all travelled over from England with us. Rommy [Gianni] has his own string which have travelled up from Monte Carlo.

Q: Are they the arena string or are they summer ponies?

A: Those that did the summer season, came in just before Christmas, so they have had quite a few weeks off before getting them in to get fit to come to St. Moritz. Two or three who had not done much during the summer, came in a bit earlier to give them extra time to get fit.

Richenda Hine

reports from St. Moritz

horses, and make sure all of paperwork is in order. Sounds simple in theory, but in practice, this means that every single bit of kit that we have on board has to be listed for customs – each hoof pick, everything. But in my experience, the customs officers are usually pretty respectful of the ponies being on board and do try to get us cleared at the borders as quickly as possible.

One of the Richmond’s Transport trucks being backed onto a train at the Vereina tunnel

Q: Did you travel down with the horses from England to St. Moritz?

A: Yes, we did. We drove down in Chris’ car behind the horse trucks. The horses were transported by Richmonds Horse Transport in two trucks – an artic driven by Harald Roode and Chris Fookse and a rigid (nine horse truck) driven by Tom McDonagh and Mike Nicholson-Pike.

Q: How do you get through customs?

A: We have to do an inventory of all the

All arrived and unloaded in St. Moritz close to the stables

www.polotimes.co.uk

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018

Rommy Gianni’s pony Alumna with Vanessa Soria

Nadia Whitelock sees to Signo’s bandages

Louise Hall with Zedan – the Best Playing Pony of the tournament

Reports

Stable Manager Pitino gets ready to lead ponies down to the frozen lake

Q: How did you manage the stops for the journey?

A: We didn’t actually have an overnight stop, we just did stops on the way.

down with their Cartier rugs on over the top, I feel like Father Christmas with them all wrapped in their festive red and white – they look so smart!

Q: So when did you leave England?

A: We left Tuesday lunchtime from the Berkshire and then travelled down to get the evening ferry; there were a few delays as it was a very rough crossing. We got to St. Moritz on Wednesday around 3pm. This allowed for time to acclimatise before the first practices on Thursday and then the first matches on Friday.

Q: Is it the same kit and tack as in England?

A: Yes, except here we put studs in both the inside and outside of the shoes. The shoes also have a special rubber ‘inner tube’ inside the main shoe which helps to expel the snow out of the back and stops it balling up and compacting – the shoes are fitted in the UK.

Q: How did the horses cope with the crossing – even a rough one is probably no worse than a bumpy road to Cowdray?

A: Exactly! The horses were absolutely fine, and travel really well, even though it is a long journey, as they are used to travelling.

On the way from the stables to the ground

Q: How do they travel in the trucks?

A: We stop regularly every few hours to check them and give them water. They travel loose so they can bend down to eat the hay on the floor of the truck and drink.

Q: Do you do a late night check?

A: Yes, around 9pm we will pop back, but we try not to disturb them too much when they are sleeping and with the good security here we can leave them overnight without worrying.

Q: With the first game usually at 12 noon each day, what time do you start?

A: We are all staying close by, so our starting day is 5am. First of all, we give them breakfast as soon as we get here, then we skip out and water the ponies. When they are all sorted, then we go off for breakfast ourselves. Then we come back and give them a walk around the sports ground which is just outside the stables to stretch their legs. Then it’s all guns blazing and action stations to get them ready in time for 10.30am which is when we have to leave the stables for the ground.

Q: Do you bring all of your own feed from England?

A: Yes, they are on Polo Mix, Conditioning Mix and oats. Of course it depends on each horse’s requirements and likes. We use haylage from England as well as some ‘local’ hay which is provided here in St.Moritz.

Q: Do you bring your own water as some racehorse trainers do?

A: No! Ours are happy with the St. Moritz mountain water.

Q: Do you tack them up at the stables?

Yes, we tack them up here and lead them www.polotimes.co.uk

A polo snow shoe showing the double studs and the rubber ‘inner tube’ membrane to prevent snow balling

The snow shoe rubber membrane that is usually sandwiched between the hoof and the shoe

Q: How long does it take to get to the ground?

A: It takes around 30 minutes to get them out of the stables and then walk them over to the lake which is where the pony tent is alongside the ground.

Q: After the matches you seem to leave the pony tent pretty quickly.

A: Yes, there is only enough room in the pony tent for two teams’ ponies, so after the match, we leave as quickly as we can so the next teams can come in. It’s also good as the ponies are back in their warm stables as quickly as possible too.

Q: Talk us through the regime when you get back to the stables?

A: We untack them as quickly as possible so they can relax and have a drink and eat their hay. There are pony showers now the stables have been refurbished, but most of the time they don’t need washing much as they are not very sweaty and it’s not muddy like England! Around 5pm we will give them a hard feed. Obviously if we are playing the later game, then everything shuffles back, time-wise.

The newly refurbished stables are fully heated

Shower facilities

Drying room

Polo Times, March 2018

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Club Focus

Black Bears Update

Photography courtesy of www.bodzsoni.com

The impressive Black Bears facility, Lower Bolney Farm, has now been granted provisional accreditation by the HPA and is set to hold a series of introductory polo sessions during 2018

Black Bears Update After a long history of running a successful polo team, Black Bears has embraced a new direction. Black Bears Polo Club at Lower Bolney Farm has now been granted provisional accreditation by the HPA. The polo grounds are part of the Culden Faw Estate.

The Estate and Polo Club will be working together to provide packages for corporates, other interested groups and individuals wishing to make the most of the stunning facilities that are so easily accessible from London. The topography of the estate lends itself particularly well to a host of activities, from the Hambleden International Horse Trials, to Tough Mudder. Whilst its roots are in shooting and stalking; outdoor, management development and team-building events are always well-received.

One of the visions for the nascent Club is to provide introductory polo sessions.

Along with the huge arena providing a safe environment to learn in, and on site high goal team practices to watch, it also has the benefit of a state of the art Racewood Polo Simulator that has newly arrived from St. Moritz. This mechanical horse responds to leg and hand aids, and goes at a fair canter. The rolling floor returns each ball and once into the rhythm it creates a fantastic opportunity to hone each shot, as well as a providing a very vigorous workout – it is the ideal tool either for those wishing to get some pre-season training in or fresh-off-thegrass polo virgins alike!

Introductory days will be specifically tailored to meet individual client requirements.

A brief introduction to the rules over breakfast will be followed by coaching sessions on static wooden horses and the simulator.

There will then be a chance to get ‘handson’ getting polo ponies ready to be ridden in the school and once the basics have been mastered pupils will progress to instructional chukkas. A high goal practice will

Getting to grips with the Argentine tail knot

Chilly all tacked up and ready for polo

demonstrate exactly how the game should be played whilst participants enjoy some pitchside hospitality.

Conscious of the importance of developing youth potential at grass roots level, the Club decided to launch the introductory days with a ‘Taste of Polo’ day for Pony Club children which was held on

Hand stick chukkas were enjoyed by all

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Black Bears Update

Club Focus

Lucas Pejkovic defends his goal

Ebe Sievwright activating the mechanical horse

Sunday 28 January. Thirty five children from up by a seemingly never-ending stream of an assortment of Pony Club branches came enthusiastic children. to have a go at polo – some for the very first Ebe Sievwright from Guards Polo time. Three patient polo ponies had their Academy (who will be working in partnership Richmonds Horse Transport.qxd:Layout 1 3/3/10 10:10 Page 1 legs bandaged, tails put up and were tacked with Black Bears Polo Club), bravely

volunteered to coach the children on the simulator. He legged the first one up just after 10am and was still patiently coaching at nearly 2pm. His enthusiasm for the task was rewarded by the appreciation from the children who, without exception, had an incredible time. Those waiting for their turn were inspired by some ‘golden goals’ playing on a huge screen by the simulator, which also played the HPA video depicting the rules.

In addition, the children learned some ball skills and got to play chukkas with hand sticks, ably coached and umpired by Ed Judge, Roddy Williams and Toby Pejkovic.

Pitch 5 has had some incredible polo played on it over the last few seasons, but arguably none has been enjoyed by the participants quite as much as these hand stick chukkas!

Information on plans for the 2018 season are soon to be unveiled via their website www.blackbearspolo.com

RICHMONDS HORSE TRANSPORT LTD NEW MARSH FARM, HORSLEY ROAD, COBHAM, SURREY, KT11 3JX, UK • OUR HORSE BOX FLEET HAS THE CAPACITY TO MOVE OVER A 100 POLO PONIES THROUGHOUT EUROPE • WORLDWIDE SCHEDULED AND CHARTER AIR FREIGHT SERVICE TEL: +44 (0) 1932 864007 FAX: +44 (0) 1932 576483 EMAIL: martin@richmondsltd.com WWW.RICHMONDSLTD.COM

Proud to transport Team Cartier’s Ponies for the 2018 Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, March 2018

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43

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Cirencester Park Polo Club Photograph courtesy of Barbados Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of Cirencester Park Polo Club

An email was sent out at the beginning of February following a full review into the Cirencester office organisation and structure over the winter months.

Apparently, the CPPC board has now concluded that a number of organisational changes need to be made to assist with cost saving and to bring stronger leadership. The Assistant Polo Manager and Sponsorship, Events and Office Manager positions will cease to exist with immediate effect. The new structure will introduce Kim Croutear (pictured left) and Gemma Potter (pictured right) the roles of Chief Executive Officer have been made redundant with immediate effect and Administrative Assistant with the intention to respond to the changing environment in which the Club operates.

The Canadian Polo Team beat the Barbados Polo Club team on Saturday 10 February

On Saturday 10 February, the Canadian Polo Team travelled to Barbados to play the Barbados Polo Club team. Following an exciting match, the Canadians were victorious against the home team.

Chester Polo Club

Tickets and hospitality packages are now available for Chester Polo Club’s 2018 fixture list, including the LDF International Polo and The Boodles Roodee Challenge Cup. The season will begin on Friday 8 June, with the LDF International Polo tournament and will continue until The Boodles Roodee Challenge Cup Final on Saturday 8 September. A complete fixture list as well as ticket information can be found on the Club’s website www.chester-races.co.uk/polo

Coronel Suarez Polo Club

Between 15 – 18 February, the Juan Carlos Harriott Cup took place at Coronel Suarez Polo Club. The international tournament was split into two categories, 16 goal and 10 goal. In addition to the tournament, a children’s tournament also took place for kids under 14-years-old.

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Polo Times, March 2018

Photograph courtesy of DBPC

Barbados Polo Club

The DBPC Clubhouse will undergo further improvements before the 2018 season begins

Dallas Burston Polo Club

As part of a 12-year, £122 million investment programme, DBPC has announced that it will be moving ahead with extensions to its Clubhouse facility. With groundworks underway already, the new marquee is expected to be completed by April this year, in time for the beginning of the 2018 polo season, and will provide space for an additional 220 guests within a 450 square metre space.

The planned investment programme aims to add to the unique ‘Olde World Colonial India style’ Clubhouse, which plays hosts to a wide variety of events from wedding receptions, dinners and family celebrations, to the all-important polo events. On Saturday 3 February, DBPC welcomed guests for the 12 and 2 goal Charlotte Trophy tournaments. To start the day, Catherine Varney’s Toasty Tips team beat Towcester Equine Vets, 9-8 in the 2 Goal Final, which was followed by the 12 Goal Final, where CANI took home the trophy 9-5 against DBPC. Grant Collett was awarded the Most Valuable Player award whilst his pony Maggie was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug. For social images of the event please turn to our Sideline pages.

Grand Champions Polo Club

Between 1 – 14 April, the $100,000 World Cup will be returning to Grand Champions Polo Club, Florida. The tournament will feature 16 teams ranging from 0 to 26 goals and will continue its main aim to highlight young American talent. This tournament is unique to the USA because it welcomes such a variety of handicapped teams, with last year seeing entries as low as 4 goals. This year’s tournament will see Adolfo Cambiaso and his son Poroto play for the first time together in a USA tournament.

In other news, on Saturday 10 February, Patagones won the Sieber Memorial 12 Goal Opener with an impressive 13-9 victory over Sebucan. Patagones led for most of the game and at half-time they broke away with a 5-2 lead. By the fifth chukka, they led by as many as nine goals, 11-2, before Sebucan came back in response. 19-year-old Benjamin Avendano was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Pablo Pulido’s pony Burbuja was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug.

The Sieber Memorial 12 Goal Opener Teams: Patagones (12): Joaquin Avendano (1), Robi Bilbao (4), Benjamin Avendano (2) & Santi Wulff (5) Sebucan (12): Pablo Pulido (2), Marc Ganzi/Grant Ganzi (2), Jesse Bray (5) & Stewart Armstrong (3) www.polotimes.co.uk

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Houston Polo Club

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club On Monday 12 March, MHF Polo Club will welcome 12 children from the Ebony Horse Club to its London, Docklands base. The children will have the chance to learn about polo guided by coaches Alec and Edward Banner-Eve. Ebony Horse Club uses horses to raise the education, life-skills, well-being and aspirations of young people growing up in the some of the most disadvantaged communities in South London. The Club teaches riding and horse care, taking groups to outdoor events and on residential trips as well as mentoring children experiencing significant challenges in their everyday lives.

For more information, please visit the website www.ebonyhorseclub.co.uk

Texas-based Houston Polo Club will be hosting Polo Clinics as the perfect way to have a taste of the ‘Sport of Kings’ ahead of the eight-week Spring Polo School programme. The two-hour clinics cost $200 per person and will take place on 20 February, 13 March and 27 March. The 2018 Spring Polo School will take place from 17 April to 9 June with prices starting at $3,250 for juniors and $3,500 for adults, including horse rental. For more information, please contact the Club on playpolo@thehoustonpoloclub.com

Polo Club Saint Tropez

The Polo Club Saint Tropez 2018 season dates have been announced this week, with even more exciting polo to come than ever before. The dates are as follows: Sun Trophy (8-10): 17 – 27 May Silver Whips (8-10): 31 May – 10 June Golden Wave (8-10): 14 – 24 June Women’s International (10-14): 27 June – 1 July International Polo Cup (8-10 & 12-15): 5 – 15 July Polo Master/Open de Gassin (8-10 & 12-15): 19 – 29 July Côte D’Azur Cup (8-10 & 15-18): 2 – 12 August Open du Soleil (8-10 & 15-18): 16 – 26 August Gold Cup (8-10): 30 August – 9 September Indian Summer Polo (Open): 13 – 30 September For more information, please visit the Club’s website www.polo-st-tropez.com

La Aguada Polo Club

The Club has announced the 2018 Autumn Season dates, with tournaments taking place throughout March and April in Open Door, Argentina.

The schedule is as follows: Autumn Cup (14): 17 – 24 March Ladies Cup (14): 10 – 15 March Amateur Tournament (4 & 8): 7 – 15 April For more information, or to enter, please contact the Club on prensalaaguada@gmail.com

Tidworth Polo Club

Wiltshire based Tidworth Polo Club has announced the date for the 2018 Rundle Cup. The event will fall on Saturday 14 July and will host teams from across the country as well as thousands of spectators. The Club has also announced that the 2018 Heroes Polo Day will take place on Sunday 3 June, an event that has both grown in attendance and prestige in the past few years.

Longdole Polo Club has announced its key 2018 dates which are as follows: Monday 12 Feb: Polo Taster Day – 11am.

Monday 26 Feb: Daddies and Mummies Polo Taster Day – 11am.

Both days will include wooden horse instruction followed by pony instruction.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own pony or try one of the Longdole polo ponies.

Guests must bring their own helmet and boots, but sticks will be provided. Tickets are £10 per person. For more information on these two Taster Days, please contact Sophie on 01452 864544.

Monday 31 May: Rocket Rentals Kids Polo Friday 1 June: Bicycle Polo in aid of the RDA Watershed. Tickets are available at the gate.

Monday 30 – Tuesday 31 July: Pony Club Polo at Cirencester Park Sunday 19 August: Posh car boot sale Friday 31 August: Junior Polo Tournament For more information on any forthcoming dates, please visit the Club’s website www.longdolepolo.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

Photograph by Peter Meade Photography

Longdole Polo Club

Heroes Polo Day is one of the most widely attended events at Wiltshire based Tidworth Polo Club

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

Polo Times, March 2018

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Military

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Royal Navy Head for Sunnier Climes Lieutenant Commander Bob Santrian On 13 January, the Royal Navy Polo Association (RNPA) fled the British winter for the sunnier climes of 25 De Mayo, Argentina (the home of great polo), to undertake an intensive Training Camp ahead of the British summer polo season. The party consisted of Lieutenant Commander Cdr Bob Santrian, Major Simon Dinsmore and Lieutenants Holly Carter and Josh Skelding, with experience and ability ranging from novice to seasoned veterans.

Having unpacked after a long flight, the team threw themselves into practice sessions, dusting off some of the cobwebs (and extra ballast!) acquired during the winter months. The Polo Club and training grounds of Mr Santiago Moyano at Los Petalos provided an idyllic venue for the team to hone existing skills (these peaceful surroundings only occasionally disturbed by his robust, vocal style of encouragement!) in the company of some very accomplished Argentine players. Well-kept grounds, diligent grooms and utterly spectacular horses made the experience truly special, with morning training sessions as well as evening ‘chukkas’ forming a fantastic coaching package.

Rather than being based at an estancia miles from anywhere, the squad was housed in the centre of town with their host Martin Del Papa and as such fully immersed in Argentine culture. During the downtime between polo, Martin ensured the Royal Navy were well looked after and saw the true Argentina.

The training peaked with a tournament, running out of Los Petalos, supported by patronage from the de’ By brothers,

Photography courtesy of Royal Navy Polo Association

reports from Argentina

The Royal Navy Polo Association toured Argentina this winter Henri and Robert. Over the course of a sweltering couple of days, with temperatures roaring into the mid-thirties, there were some ‘heroic’ displays by Los Marineros (The Sailors). The highlights of the weekend were, textbook nearside shots delivered to great effect by Major Dinsmore which gave the sailors a boost of confidence. In the final chukka, Lt Cdr Santrian scored a goal under pressure that put Los Marineros in the lead, which was followed by an equally fantastic example of an unexpected dismount at speed (with only a grazed elbow to show for it)! After the tournament Santi hosted an asado for all the players where the Royal Navy’s Spanglish enabled some witty post-match banter.

Looking back on the Camp, there was truly a quantum leap in the abilities of those attending, with Lt Skelding and Lt Carter showing great confidence in hitting (and even scoring occasionally!) at speed,

despite being very new to the sport. This has been the fourth RNPA Training Camp staying with Martin Del Papa at Los Petalos and all past personnel returning have seen quantifiable improvements with senior squad selection (including for the Rundle Cup), handicap rises or the presentation of best player trophies.

In summary, it was a thoroughly enjoyable Training Camp, with plenty of great experiences and fantastic polo. The RNPA continues to seek interest from personnel across the Royal Navy (and those civilian players who may be considering a career in the forces) and truly is the way to enjoy this fantastic sport.

Should anyone fancy themselves as the next Cambiaso or just want to partake in a new challenge, please contact the Secretary on allan.wilson2016@mod.gov.uk or visit the Royal Navy Polo Facebook page.

Teams from Argentina and the UK took part in a weekend of matches

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International & Home

Women’s Weekly League

Women’s Polo

invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

FIP Women’s International Polo Committee

Polo Park and Country Club Zurich is one of the oldest clubs in Switzerland and opened this season with a brand new clubhouse. Take your customers, friends or family to watch our games on Sundays.

We offer kids and adults polo school - discovery days - low and medium goal club chukkers.

More than 12 tournaments each season.

Photograph courtesy of Grand Champions Polo Club

In the Grand Champions Polo Club’s Women’s Polo Weekly League at Santa Rita Polo Farm, Florida, CrossFit/El Cid took up where they left off last season, winning the first instalment 1-0 against Masai of Palm Beach. Nicole Watson was named Sanda Gane European Day Spa Most Valuable Player whilst Lychee, owned and played by Cecilia Cochran, was presented with the Masai of Palm Beach Best Playing Pony rug.

The February league began on Wednesday 7 February with the Final on 28 February as we went to press.

Supported by

Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

CrossFit/El Cid continued their winning streak against Masai of Palm Beach in the Women’s Polo Weekly League

Costa Careyes Polo Club

This month the FIP has announced that Flannels England stalwart and worldwide highest handicapped female player Nina Clarkin has accepted the HPA’s invitation to become the first member of the FIP Women’s Nina Clarkin has been International Polo announced as the first Committee. FIP are member of the FIP Women’s International awaiting the names Polo Committee of the nominees from the USA and Argentina, as well as the final confirmation that Thailand’s Ploy Bhinsaeng will take a position. For more news, please turn to the FIP Update.

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Photograph courtesy of Costa Careyes Polo Club

Ladies from across the world descended on Mexico for the 2018 Guiliana Cup

The 2018 Giuliana Cup took place at the end of January at the Costa Careyes Polo Club in Mexico. This was the eighth instalment of this Ladies’ tournament and saw players from across South America, the USA and England take part. Following two days of exciting polo, the Pro-fit/Rose City team came out victorious against their rivals Team Dix Farm USA/ Canada with a 7-6 score. The teams were presented with beautiful trophies handmade and designed by a local artist, as well as a tequila shot – a Mexican tradition! The season will continue until the end of April.

Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

The Giuliana Cup Teams: Pro-fit/Rose City: Nicola Hodges-Neal, Kathryn Richert-Boe, Megan Rioux & Claudia Howell Team Dix Farm USA/Canada: Suzy Dix, Mackenzie Martin, Angela Colterjohn & Anabel Colterjohn

In the 2018 Copa Internacional Lunita at the Santa Juana de la Piedra Polo Club, Prensa Polo ran out the victors following a series of tough matches between 20 – 21 January. The team consisted of Alicia Flores, Gabriela Debenedetti, Clara Codias and Brit Brit Hazel Jackson won the 2018 Copa Hazel Jackson.

Internacional Lunita with the Presna Polo team

Photograph courtesy of Polo for Europe

Copa Internacional Lunita

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

This year, RCBPC will be running a Ladies Arena British Open alongside the Arena Gold Cup. This new venture is being organised by Rosie Ross and will take place during the second week of the Gold Cup with the Final being played before the Gold Cup Final on 24 February. Polo Times will be supporting the Best Playing Pony rug whilst The Polo Magazine will be sponsoring the Most Valuable Player Award. For more information or to enter please email the Club on polo@poloclub.uk Polo Times, March 2018

47

Women’s Polo

Supported by

International & Home

Flannels England beat New Zealand Ladies

invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

Polo Park and Country Club Zurich is one of the oldest clubs in Switzerland and opened this season with a brand new clubhouse. Take your customers, friends or family to watch our games on Sundays.

We offer kids and adults polo school - discovery days - low and medium goal club chukkers.

More than 12 tournaments each season.

Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

Photograph courtesy of the HPA

On Sunday 4 February, the Flannels England ladies (Alex James, Beccy Clarke, Amanda Norman & Nina Clarkin) travelled to New Zealand to take part in an International Test Match. The British ladies fought hard for their 6-1 win over the Kiwi team, with special note going to Nina Clarkin, who led her team with grace and determination. She got off to a flying start, scoring three goals in the first chukka and from there on in, New Zealand couldn’t quite catch up. Unsurprisingly, Clarkin was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award, whilst her pony Cuba was presented with the Best Playing Pony rug.

Nina Clarkin and New Zealand’s Susie Hamilton battle for the line

The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo Teams Are Announced PPZAddPoloTimesl.indd 2

Westcroft Park Polo Club

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

The presentation from the 2017 event, once again The Thai Equestrian & Polo will welcome ladies from across the world for the 2018 Queen’s Cup Pink Polo edition

In one of the highlights of the Thai polo season, the 10th annual Queen’s Cup Pink Polo is set to run from 1 – 3 March at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club in Pattaya, Thailand, with five 14 goal international teams participating. The tournament is a completely charitable event with popular activities and social aspects alongside the world-class polo. The teams have been announced as follows: The Queen’s Cup Pink Polo Teams: Thai Polo (14): Caroline Link (3), Isabel Morgenstern (1), Holly Butler (2) & Hazel Jackson (8) La Familia (14): Nurul Noorajala (0), Maria Seculini (2), Carolina Arteta (3) & Lía Salvo (9) La Tabita Polo Farm (13): Eva Brhull (6), Constanza Marchiorello (3), Stefi Von Pock (2) & Johana Droste (2) La Esperanza (10): Pei Bei Koh (0), Leah Siboni (2), Caro Brown (1) & Sarah Wiseman (7) Kuda Lari (14): Lara Reynoso (3), Daryl Yap (4), Vittoria Marchiorello (3) & Carla Alvarez Nunez (4)

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Polo Times, March 2018

During the 10 – 11 March, the Ladies National Championships 2018 will be taking place at Westcroft Park Polo Club.

The tournament is now in its 29th year and takes place twice a year; once on grass in the summer and once in the arena during the winter months. The tournament will be split into four handicapped leagues (0-2, 3-6, 5-8 & 9-12) and will see a plethora of female players descend on the Surreybased Club. Entry to all the matches and Final is free to both members and the general public. To those attending on the 24 or 25 February, the first 50 ladies to walk through the door will be able to get their hands on a goody bag sponsored

by Fenwick Bracknell! Polo Times will be proudly sponsoring the Best Playing Pony rug whilst The Polo Magazine will be sponsoring the Most Valuable Player Award. For more information and for tournament entry forms, please email the Club on events@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk or call 01276 858545.

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

King Power Ladies!

International & Home

Supported by

Women’s Polo

invites you to learn to play polo or join us for chukkers or tournaments

and King Power. The Final was played on the Saturday 10 February and saw Malaysian team La Familia face Thailand’s Marengo in a superb match which went to a fifth chukka and golden goal, subsequently scored by Milagros Sanchez securing her Marengo team the Cup. A great time was had by all players and the organisation which created a platform for some of the best in the world of women’s polo. Trophies were awarded to all the teams and a Subsidiary Trophy was awarded in honour of the late Sunset (Sunny) Hale who had often played in Thailand with organiser Ploy Bhinsaeng. The winners of the Subsidiary Trophy were fittingly King Power (Ploy Bhinsaeng, Sarah Wiseman, Julia Smith and Charlotte Sweeney) and some touching words were shared about Sunny, followed by a celebration in her spirit. This tournament is one to put in your calendars if you want to play competitive women’s polo on some of the best fields in the world with wonderful horsepower.”

The King Power International Women’s Polo Tournament Final Teams: La Familia: Nurul Husna, Lía Salvo, Eva Bruhl & Carolina Brown Marengo: Sonia Couling, Hazel Jackson, Milagros Sanchez & Slaney O’Hanlon

Polo Park and Country Club Zurich is one of the oldest clubs in Switzerland and opened this season with a brand new clubhouse. Take your customers, friends or family to watch our games on Sundays.

We offer kids and adults polo school - discovery days - low and medium goal club chukkers.

More than 12 tournaments each season.

Clubhouse, changing rooms, apartments, stables, everything is ready to welcome you and play the best polo on full size fields in Switzerland.

Photograph courtesy of King Power International Women’s Polo Tournament

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Marengo won the inaugural King Power International Women’s Polo Tournament in Thailand

Rebecca Walters reports from Thailand: “King Power played host to their first ever International Women’s Polo Tournament in Thailand this month at their Bangkok Club.

They invited five teams of players from all over the world including local patrons from Thailand and others from China and

Malaysia. Professional lady players came from as far as the UK, Germany, Argentina and USA to battle in the inaugural 16-20 Goal tournament. The King Power Ladies tournament kicked off the Women’s World Polo Tour and was a great success due to the hard work from the Thailand Polo Association

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

Tom Morley plays with Ainsley Polo saddle and tack (and pony) - photo by www.imagesofpolo.com

Ainsley Polo saddles Perfect hitting position and unsurpassed grip for all shots See it at Tally Ho Farm and www.performance-polo.com

Polo Times, March 2018

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Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

North West Women in Polo Tournament 2018 This month, Liverpool University Polo Club were joined by Harper Adams Polo Club and Manchester University Polo Club for their inaugural North-West Women in Polo Tournament, which brought together Clubs and players to develop female players through competitive polo and promote some of the exciting opportunities available to new players within the world of ladies’ polo. The afternoon was a great success, with beginner players from all three Clubs coming into their own to contribute to their teams, and all players offering support and encouragement to one another. The tournament helped establish strong partnerships between the three Clubs and laid the foundation for future women’s polo events in the North West.

The tournament was supported by Glynn Henderson and Jenny Doherty of Henderson Polo who mounted all nine teams, and female polo player and novelist, Elizabeth Hart Humphreys, who kindly donated signed copies of her debut novel, Players: A Game of Grit and Glory as prizes.

Photograph courtesy of Westgate Labs

Winners: Fiat Lux (Liverpool): Chloe Gathergood, Phoebe Cashmore & Florice Cole-Fontayn Runners Up: Manchester Combined Charis Forrest (Liverpool): Sian Wakely (Liverpool) & Bettina Salomon (Manchester) Most Valuable Players: India Arikan (Beginner) & Imogen de Lavis (Novice)

SUPA Tournament Dates The dates for upcoming SUPA tournaments have been released. The SUPA Junior tournament will take place at Rugby Polo Club, alongside the Senior Arena Nationals on Sunday 4 March.

The 2018 SUPA Ladies Schools Arena Nationals will be taking place at the Zacara Polo Arena on Sunday 18 March. The tournament will be split in to three sections: Beginners, Intermediate and Open, with teams from across the country taking part.

Entries for all tournaments can be made on the SUPA website www.supa.org.uk

Westgate Labs Sponsorship University of Birmingham Polo Club Westgate Labs has announced their 2018 sponsorship of the Royal Veterinary College Polo Team

Postal worm count specialist Westgate Labs have announced that they will be sponsoring the Royal Veterinary College Polo Team for the 2018 season. Their investment will go towards supporting the Club’s 40 players as well as helping them achieve their mission of making the sport more accessible.

The RVC Club competed at Rugby Polo Club for the SUPA Winter Nationals, notching up a second place in Beginners 4 and Combined Novice and third place in Novice 3. For a full report on the SUPA Winter Nationals please see our full report on page 52.

On Sunday 24 June, the University of Birmingham Polo Club will be hosting the Birmingham Charity Polo Festival at Rugby Polo Club. The event will be held in aid of the Fisher House Charity and The Royal British Legion.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.facebook.com/ polofestival2018

Hurlingham Polo 1875 Ambassadors

The Hurlingham Polo 1875 clothing brand has announced their new ‘Young Guns’ ambassadors for the forthcoming season. Lorna Fleming, Tamara Gibbons, Milly Hine, Jasmine Stanhope-White, Tommy Severn, Luke Wiles, Charlie Townsend and Hugo Taylor will represent the clothing brand for 2018.

Lorna Fleming, Tamara Gibbons, Milly Hine, Jasmine Stanhope-White, Tommy Severn, Luke Wiles, Charlie Townsend and Hugo Taylor are 1875 ‘Young Guns’ ambassadors for 2018

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

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

Reading University speaks following a successful weekend at SUPA: “Small but mighty! Whilst only entering four teams to the SUPA University Winter National Championships this year, we really fought our corner! There was camaraderie, thrills, spills and tense moments. Our Beginner team fought hard and their improvement in their polo is dramatic.

Novice 3s had some wonderful goals, making their matches incredibly exciting to watch. Hannah, one of our members, joined with Liverpool University Polo Club to make a Novice combined team and came third in their category – what a team they made! Finally, our Novice 2 team had some challenging matches and near misses but also managed to secure third place. And throughout all of this, we did not stop smiling!

A huge congrats to all of our members who came to play or spectate. Also, a huge thank you to Polo Times for our wonderful team shirts and everybody at Cool Hooves Polo who made it all possible. Summer SUPAs – We’re coming for you!”

Photograph by Jesse Billington

Reading University Polo Club take on SUPAs

Reading University Polo Club took part in the National Universities Winter Arena Championships in their new Polo Times sponsored shirts

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Youth

National Universities Winter Arena Championships, Rugby Polo Club

Supercharged

SUPA Jen Liggins

reports from Rugby Polo Club

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Polo Times, March 2018

Photography by Emmpix

300 Students compete for SUPA gold

The USA narrowly beat England in Friday’s International Test Match

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

National Universities Winter Arena Championships, Rugby Polo Club As the biggest university tournament in the polo calendar, sponsored by RJ Polo, got underway on Thursday 8 February, there was nothing but smiles and anticipation from the throng of students, 300 strong, who had gathered at Rugby Polo Club. 34 universities had sent students to take part in this renowned tournament, with an abundance of polo schools and pony hirers, as well as friends and families also in attendance – all in all, it was a hub of activity!

Following the initial matches on Thursday and Friday, the students and their possies, were treated to an International Test Match between England and their long-time rivals, the USA. Following four epic chukkas of end-to-end action, the USA (Devon Groves, Ben Lynch, JT Shiverick and reserve Aaron Schnyder) narrowly beat the home team (James Glew, Lolly Stanhope-White and Charlie Hitchman) by one goal to a roar from the gathered crowd.

Saturday and Sunday were the two climactic days of the tournament, as over 160 teams battled for the highest points on the scoresheet. The British weather, rarely

Action from Bristol ACI vs Bristol 1 in the Open Final

Youth

A replica of the world’s oldest polo trophy, The Ezra Cup, was presented to the winners of the Open

that kind, was extremely changeable, challenging those playing in the outdoor arena especially.

In a break between play on Saturday afternoon, students took their places around the arena to watch the professionals take to the ground in a warm-up match for the upcoming Arena Gold Cup (see a full report in the April issue of Polo Times), due to take place on Saturday 3 March. David Ashby, Philip Baker and Huw Bevan came up against Edward Banner-Eve, Alec Banner-Eve and Harold Hodges in a real battle of wills.

As always, it was a great experience for those students who are new to the sport, to see where all their hard work and polo determination could ultimately lead them in years to come. With this in mind, 2018 was the second year the SUPA Winter University Nationals have welcomed players in the SAPA category. The league is designed for those players who still wish to play this level of polo, but are now either a graduate or postgraduate. As always, the competition was exceedingly fierce, with Durham SAPA narrowly outsmarting Warwick Wasps to take home the trophy.

Saturday’s play, as always, was concluded with the SUPA party, which went off without a hitch (other than a danceinduced black eye for Robin Ormerod!) and saw students from every university represent their team on the dancefloor and for the morning’s cleaning up!

Despite some sore heads on Sunday morning, the final day of play was fierce, with each team battling it out for the top spot. As the teams worked their way through the 17 league Finals, it was evident from the sheer volume of people in the Onley Club Bar overlooking the arena, how successful and well attended the tournament had been. The prizes from sponsors RJ Polo were presented by

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

1 8 1 B FE

FEB

Where: Rugby Polo Club

34 300

Universities enterd

Students entered

BPP APSPH Best Playing Hired Pony Corita, owned by Druids Lodge Polo Club Charles Betz, Chairman of SUPA, and the Polo Times and The Polo Magazine with the University of Bristol coming out the ultimate winners of the Open, coincidentally with their two A-teams playing each other in the Final. This year, the teams were playing for the Ezra Cup, the oldest polo trophy in the world, a replica of which had been specially made for the event. The first Ezra Cup was played for in 1880 at the Calcutta Polo Club, India and after a period of neglect has since been revived to its former glory. The Cup is currently touring the world and made a stop at SUPA for this momentous occasion.

All that remains to be said is congratulations to all the students who took part in this year’s tournament and we look forward to the summer edition.

Polo Times, March 2018

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Youth

National Universities Winter Arena Championships, Rugby Polo Club

National Universities Winter Arena Championships, Winners

Beginner 1 1st – Warwick B1 2nd – Nottingham B1 3rd – Liverpool B1

Beginner 2 1st – Warwick B2 2nd – Exeter B2 3rd – Harper Adams B2

Beginner 3 Part 1 1st – London B3 2nd – Harper Adams B3 3rd – St. Andrews B3

Beginner 3 Part 2 1st – Cambridge B3 2nd – Nottingham B3 3rd – Warwick B3

Beginner 4 1st – Nottingham B4b 2nd – Royal Veterinary College B4 3rd – Nottingham B4a

Median 1st – Birmingham B1 2nd – Brighton Cougars 3rd – UWE Tontos y Caballos

Novice 1 1st – Warwick N1 2nd – Nottingham N1 3rd – St. Andrews

Novice 2 1st – Warwick N2 2nd – Warwick N2a 3rd – Reading N2

Novice 3 Part 1 1st – Exeter N3 MB 2nd – Nottingham N3 3rd – Royal Veterinary College N3

Novice 3 Part 2 1st – Liverpool N3 2nd – Warwick N3 3rd – Kent Eagles

Novice 4 1st – Nottingham N4a 2nd – Warwick N5 3rd – Durham Tigers

Lower Intermediate 1st – Brighton Panthers 2nd – Oxford Brookes 3rd – UWE Las Chiquitas

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Polo Times, March 2018

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

National Universities Winter Arena Championships, Rugby Polo Club

Upper Intermediate 1st – London 2 2nd – London 1 3rd – Nottingham

Open 1st – Bristol ACI 2nd – Bristol 3rd – RAU 2

Combined Beginner 1st – Liverpool/Cambridge 2nd – Glasgow 3rd – Southampton/Aberdeen

Combined Novice 1st – Druids 2nd – Royal Veterinary College 3rd – Liverpool Combined

Combined Intermediate 1st – Stirling 2nd – Alrosa 3rd – Winchester

SAPA 1st – Durham SAPA 2nd – Warwick Wasps 3rd – Kent Old Boys

Youth

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Polo Times, March 2018

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Pony Power

Knowledge

Birra Height: 15.2hh Age: 12-years-old Colour: Liver Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Owned by Max Kirchhoff and played by David Ashby Tournament: Winter Victor Ludorum 8 Goal Tournament at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Photograph courtesy of RCBPC

Where is she from/ breeding?

She is Argentine born and bred.

How long have you had her?

We have had her in the Oxford Polo barn since 2015 and she’s been a stable part of the team since then.

Tell us about her background?

We think she was bought as a youngster by Matias Mac Donough. Matias then sold her to Gareth Evans in Argentina before George Gemmel purchased her and imported her to England in 2012. Oliver Browne took her on when George retired and Max did the same when Oliver retired.

What are her strengths?

Super handy with a great mouth and sides.

How has she gone this season?

She had a great summer season and was leant to Jimbo Fewster for Snake Bite’s 8 goal campaign. After Jimbo moved on to pastures new she returned to Max’s string for the 8 and 15 Goal.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards?

She hasn’t won any other awards, that we are aware of.

What are your plans for her in the future?

She is a keeper! She will more than likely stay in the Snake Bite squad for their 15 goal campaign this season.

Does she have any special quirks?

She is a true nightmare to catch in the field.

Describe her in three words?

Quirky work horse.

Choca Height: 14.1hh Age: 18-years-old Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Nikki and Nell Jacob, and played by Nell Jacob Tournament: The Paul Sweeney Memorial Cup at Ash Farm Polo Club

Photograph by Graham Morrison

Where is she from/breeding?

Unfortunately, I do not know her bloodlines, but she was bred in Argentina.

How long have you had her?

My mum bought her for my 14th birthday, so she will have been a Jacob family member for 10 years in July!

Tell us about her background?

She was bought over from Argentina by Lechuza Caracas and was being used as a spare for Joaquin Pittaluga when we bought her. She was sold because she was just too small for him. My mum had her eye on Choca for a year before she was finally able to buy her.

What are her strengths?

Despite her size she is almost unbeatable in a ride-off and she is amazing at wiggling herself in and out of the tiniest spaces. www.polotimes.co.uk

How has she gone this season?

She came in at the beginning of the season feeling very fresh, after bucking me off and a couple of weeks of chukkas she eventually settled down! I’ve played her in the HPA National Club Championships 3 and 6 goal tournamnets and the Paul Sweeney Memorial Cup and she’s been amazing.

Has she won any other BPP awards?

No, this was her first.

What are your plans for her in the future?

We are hoping to put her in foal this year.

Does she have any special quirks?

She hates to stand still and will spill every meal on the floor before eating it.

Describe her in three words?

Small but mighty

Polo Times, March 2018

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Knowledge

Pony Power

Maggie Height: 15.3hh Age: Nine-years-old Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Owned and played by: Grant Collett Tournament: The Charlotte Trophy at Dallas Burston Polo Club Where is she from/breeding? She is an English Thoroughbred, we bought off Stewart Beattle in 2014.

Photograph by Tessa Collett

How long have you had her? We have had her for four years.

Tell us about her background? We bought her as a young project and slowly produced her ourselves, and we’re really happy with the progress thus far.

What are her strengths? She is very handy and powerful for a big horse.

Has she won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes – she won one at Rugby Polo Club this winter, but we hope this will be an ongoing theme.

How has she gone this season? She has gone really well and she just gets better with every game – it’s great to watch.

What are your plans for her in the future? She will stay with me until she retires and then we plan to breed from her.

Does she have any special quirks? She has a bit of attitude, but is better with mares than chaps!

Describe her in three words? Honest, powerful, fun.

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Polo Times, March 2018

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Pony Power St. Moritz Special

Knowledge

Best Playing Pony Zedan, with Dario Musso and groom Louise Hall

Zedan Height: 15.2hh Age: 11-years-old Colour: Grey Sex: Gelding Played by: Dario Musso Tournament: Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2018

not one of those spooky type horses and a he’s got more gas than the UAE. Is this his first time in St. Moritz? No, he’s been here three or four times previously.

Has he won any other Best Playing Pony Awards? Yes, lots – I can’t name them all off hand.

What are your plans for him in the future? He’ll back in St. Moritz next year for sure, other than that, we’re not sure.

What are his strengths? Very agile – He’s not the most powerful horse for riding off, but he’s super-fast, very easy and very athletic.

Does he have any special quirks? No special quirks – he occasionally kicks out and isn’t a fan of our European cousins’ accents…

How does he play in snow polo? He adapts to snow polo really well because he’s

Describe him in three words? St. Moritz legend.

Zedan chilling out in the cosy ponies’ marquee after the Final

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Groom Louise Hall celebrates with Zedan after the Final

Photography by Polo Times

Where is he from/breeding? He is a New Zealand Thoroughbred.

Louise proudly leads Zedan back to the stables

Polo Times Publisher, Nick Hine, presents Dario Musso with the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug

Polo Times, March 2018

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Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a question on bitting (Tweet yours @WorldwideTack)

The Right Mouthpiece for Pulling and Snatching The Happy Tongue T Bar 3 Ring bit will create space on the tongue, thus relieving pressure

Q. I have a young Thoroughbred with a soft mouth. When I got him, he had been off the track for a while, not being worked nor ridden. I began riding in a Nathe snaffle, but he was always strong when we picked up the pace, and really pulled forward on the bit. We tried an Eliptical loose ring, but had problems turning at speed and he snatched the bit. Now we’re picking up our polo training I am considering a single jointed rope gag; or would you say an Elliptical would be better?

A. Pulling forward and snatching is a sign that he is not happy with pressure on his tongue, so I would avoid the jointed mouthpieces.

As he’s young, you could try a Williams Happy Tongue for him. The Happy Tongue mouthpiece is curved and ported, to give tongue relief. It will take the pressure off his tongue, which should result in him being more responsive to the bit. The Williams cheek pieces will help with turning and help avoid ‘drifting’ away from the line you’re riding, and

The Williams Happy Tongue should result in a younger horse becoming more responsive to direction

also allow you two options for rein placement.

What’s nice about this bit is that you can use the central ring if the horse is working nicely into the contact without pulling, but you do have another cheekpiece option for the future, to adjust the level of control and add some poll pressure, if the horse becomes stronger.

The above bit isn’t commonly seen on the polo field, however so you may like to try the Happy Tongue T Bar 3 Ring, it again has a medium port, creating space for the tongue and as a result relieves pressure, allowing the horse to relax. As you need help turning, this

could work for you, as it will have the same effect as the traditional Fulmer, in that the shortened and extended pins above and below the bit the effect of guiding the horses head into the direction the bit is facing. The ring cheekpieces introduce poll pressure, as well as creating leverage on the mouthpiece, and it can be used on the main bit ring as a loose ring, which allows for immediate release.

A further option is the Happy Tongue Big Ring Gag, however this is a stronger bit, so I would not make this your first choice, especially with a young horse.

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.

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Polo Times, March 2018

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Knowledge

Learn to Play

In this series Sam Gairdner provides a course of polo lessons for the complete beginner. Although for many readers, this may be too basic for their level of polo, the sport is always welcoming newcomers and it’s never too late to take it up. Sam Gairdner’s series will be looking at every aspect of polo. In this third part…

Sam Gairdner explains how to get the perfect Nearside Forehand

Lesson Two – Part Two Notes for the Instructor In lesson two we start to think about more technical information regarding the riding and hitting parts of polo. I think it is important for beginners to understand the dynamics of the swing, so they can help themselves later on in their polo experience, hence why this is taught early on. We discussed the Offside Forehand in the last issue and will concentrate on the Nearside Forehand in this issue.

The most important aspect of teaching polo is safety. As such, in the Strategy part of

this lesson, we focus on teaching the basic rules. These are primarily the LOB (line of ball) and ROW (right of way). Other technical rules will be covered in future issues.

Hitting

The Nearside Forehand This shot is one of the more difficult to play well. You need to get good rotation through your spine and anchor your left leg forward so that you can rotate without losing balance over the front of your pony. Use these five tips to develop a good nearside forehand shot:

Lesson 2 Structure – 1hr 30 minutes total • 30 minutes: Riding – Understand the basic commands to a greater degree, concentrating on slowing down and accelerating. Finish with a game of ‘tag’.

• 30 minutes: Hitting – Concentrate on getting a technically correct offside forehand swing, with a few ‘run downs’ as practice. Get introduced to the nearside forehand shot at a walk.

• 30 minutes: Strategy – Get off horses and go through the basic rules relating to safety on the field, including the LOB and ROW.

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1. Good rotation of the spine – aim to get your right shoulder pointing as forward as possible.

2. Plant your left foot in front of the girth to give yourself a stable platform – losing balance and falling forward is the most common error when playing a nearside forehand shot.

3. Don’t force the shot – use the potential energy gained from starting with your stick head high and guide the shot, making sure that the plane of the swing is parallel with the horse.

4. Swing so that the downswing comes as close to the rump of your pony as possible – this ensures a good rotation and a correct follow through.

5. Follow through, past, up and away from the pony’s head – finishing with the stick following through in the same direction as the ball travels gives you a good indication of a correct swing.

Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get it right straight away, this is a very difficult and www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography courtesy of Sam Gairdner

Play Polo

Learn to Play

Knowledge

The ROW enables safe play for both horse and rider

technical shot and will require a great deal of practice. Ideally, it is best to practice on a wooden horse or even with a mini mallet on the ground. It is also beneficial to initially try this shot with an experienced player or instructor to help guide you.

Strategy

The game of polo is governed by rules that are put in place to promote the safety of players and horses. Central to these rules are the Line of Ball (LOB) and the Right of Way (ROW). In this section we begin to understand these two fundamental rules of the game.

Right of Way (ROW) The ROW is usually (but not always) a zone approximately 1.5m in width to the left of the LOB and leading up to the ball. If a number of players are not on the LOB, the ROW is given to the player closest to it. See the diagram below and work through the concept with your instructor on a white board.

You can think of the concept of the LOB and ROW in relation to driving on the lefthand side of the road, much as you would in England or Australia. In this case, the LOB is the white line down the middle of the road and the ROW is the tarmac road that you

drive down to the left of the white line. If you want to enter the main road from a smaller road, you would have to ‘give way’ to traffic on the main road.

You can approach the ball from the opposite direction, provided that you stay on the left-hand side of the road and there is no more than a single file of traffic coming towards you. As soon as a pair of players are coming down the LOB, you would then need to concede to the two players and pull out of the play, much like you not being able to drive the wrong way up a dual carriageway!

Line of the Ball (LOB) The LOB is the imaginary line created on the ground as the ball travels across the polo field.

It can be curved if the ball is spinning or deviate if it catches a divot. The LOB continues past the ball to infinity as shown in the diagram.

The player in Blue travels up the ROW which is shown in Green, with the ball and the LOB on his off side

The ball is hit by the Blue player to the point shown in Red creating the LOB which extends past the ball shown by the Orange line

A perfectly timed Nearside Forehand can help move the game along

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo Times, March 2018

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Knowledge

Vet Insight

Hayley Marsh PgDip Vet Phys BSc MNAVP RAMP Hayley Marsh PgDip Vet Phys BSc MNAVP RAMP is a qualified Equine and Canine Physiotherapist. She spent eight years working and competing on an eventing and polo yard before training to become a physiotherapist. Alongside travelling to clients to treat their animals, she also offers physio-based riding lessons to aid the rider in the strength and conditioning of their horses.

Gaining the Winning Edge F

rom Jorrocks to The Queen’s Cup, it’s undoubtedly the ponies that make polo the thrilling game we all love. So how can we give our four-legged athletes the best possible chance of performing at their best?

Veterinary Physiotherapist Hayley Marsh discusses the benefits of physiotherapy and how it can give your pony the winning edge.

Human athletes competing in the Olympics, World Championships, or even for their local club all have one thing in common – a dedicated support team – including a vital physiotherapist to keep them on the road, injury free and competing at their optimum.

Polo ponies have an immense amount of requirements put on them compared to other equestrian sports – they need speed, balance, strength, awareness, agility, bravery and control, and are required to gallop, turn, ride off and stop – while keeping a level head. To execute of all these skills, game after game, the ponies need to feel 100 percent physically and mentally.

For horses to be able to do everything we ask of them correctly, they need be pain-free, their muscles need to be strong and supple, and their joints need to have maximum range of motion.

If a horse is feeling sore, it is not going to want to ride off as strong as it could. Imagine if you had a niggle in your shoulder – are you going to want to push into the person next to you with force?

When a horse shows a drop in performance it is usually not one obvious problem. Muscle tightening is not isolated, it transmits from one muscle group to another.

If unrecognised, a minor problem in the shoulder can lead to tightness in the upper forelimb muscles, leading to extensive stress on the tendons and ligaments. If these are injured, the horse is then out of competition for a long time, if not forever – simply because a minor issue was not recognised early enough – either due to a sharp turn or stop, over stretching or simply misjudging a ride-off into a neighbouring horse on the field.

Benefits of physiotherapy Physiotherapy has long been recognised as a valuable tool for performance enhancement as well as injury recovery. A regular physiotherapy routine can establish a normal base line of a horse’s physique 64

Polo Times, March 2018

The author treating a pony

and can quickly identify any changes. It can prevent a decrease in performance, as well as improve performance. Polo ponies need to be fast and agile while galloping for a rapid stride turnover.

Massaging and stretching can increase a horse’s range of movement, giving it a greater stride length. For example, if the hamstrings running down the back of the horse’s legs are tight and short, the stride length will be reduced, but if slowly lengthened over a period of time, the horse should run faster and better.

Horses cannot always tell us where their pain is, or if they have injured themselves, and they are often clever at hiding their discomfort.

Ponies that start leaping are usually in a degree of pain somewhere in their body and leaping is a way to evade that discomfort.

Through physiotherapy, the horse is assessed, problem areas are located and any issues are treated, even before these issues may be visible to the eye, in turn helping you to keep your pony fit and healthy while working at their optimum level.

Prevention is better than cure Physiotherapy is not just a one-off session and a quick fix. Massaging and stretching

needs to be combined with the way the ponies are maintained during the rest of their season. When ridden, they need to be asked to work correctly and to work from behind rather than dragging themselves along.

Emphasis should be placed on strengthening the pony’s core through simple exercises like pole work and hill work – a pony that can hold itself and that has a stronger core will be a more stable playing platform, will be able to stop easier and turn quicker and with better balance allowing for smoother game play.

In conclusion the presence of a Physiotherapist in a polo yard can give you that extra edge over other players. www.polotimes.co.uk

Vet Insight

Knowledge

Three easy stretches Fore leg and hind leg Pick up the horse’s fore leg and, with both hands on the fetlock, ease the leg forwards towards the horse’s nose and hold for 10 seconds. For the hind leg stretch, gently ease the hind leg forwards towards the foreleg and hold for 10 seconds. Start these exercises low to the ground then, as the horse becomes more supple to the movement, you can ask for more range.

A fore leg stretch should be held for 10 seconds

A hind leg stretch

Carrot stretches (for back, abdominals and neck) Using a carrot, persuade the horse to bring his head down between his front legs. Encourage him to stretch as far as it is comfortable and hold the stretch for 10 seconds. Next, stand with your back to the horse’s shoulder and encourage him to bend his head and neck around you, ideally keeping his head vertical, and aim for the direction of the back fetlock. Aim for a smooth stretch — not a snatch — and hold for 10 seconds.

Using a carrot is useful to persuade a horse to bring its head down between his fore legs

The side bend stretch should be smooth and be held for 10 seconds

Three simple maintenance tips Follow these easy-to-do exercises in between physio sessions to help keep your pony playing at his best Warm up Think of your polo pony as a human athlete, so before and after you play ensure the pony has a sufficient warm up and cool down. Warming up and cooling down helps to enhance blood flow towards the muscles, making the muscles and joints more supple – which in turn will increase the physical performance of the pony and help prevent injury. It will also dramatically reduce the risk of the pony tying up (Azoturia). Cold, tight muscles are much more likely to tear and injure. Just an easy walk, trot and canter round for 10 minutes on each pony before it goes on the field will vastly decrease the risk of injury and see a better performance from the start – rather than a few minutes into the chukka.

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Hill work Riding up and down hills is a great way to develop core stability and improve balance and proprioception. The steadier you tackle hill work, the more the horse will engage its core to stabilize himself. It also encourages the hind leg to step more under its body.

Stretching Stretching should only be done when the pony is warm, after a warm up, massage or work. One of the main long-term effects of stretching is an increase in overall flexibility.

When you make stretching a habit, the connective tissues of your body are slowly stretched out.

Over time, this lengthens the tissues, improving the range of motion in the joints, and in turn the overall ability to move. Stretching these muscles and connective tissues can also help relieve muscle stiffness and reduce the risk of joint degeneration.

Some important points • Never force the horse into a stretch, only guide him.

• When you girth your horse up, it’s important to stretch his front legs forwards to avoid the girth pinching the skin and muscles, which can lead to serious pain and sensitivity.

• Never stretch your horse while he is tied up, and make sure the footing is not slippery.

Vet persmission Vet permission is required before any therapist should treat your horse, make sure your horse has been assessed by a professional before you attempt any of the above exercises.

Hayley Marsh PgDip Vet Phys BSc MNAVP RAMP hayleymarshvetphysio.co.uk

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Knowledge

Medical Insight: Polodoc

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

Get the Motor Started

When the summer season is over, it’s already the time to rehabilitate from injuries sustained during the season and to prepare for the next. Off-season is one of the most productive training periods for polo players.

It’s a time where you can add strength, size and make massive improvements in all kinds of fitness. While pre-season training should hone your fitness and provide a well-needed competitive edge, it is during off-season training that you build your fitness foundation – the wider the base of the pyramid, the higher the peak can be!

How to start the season right and prevent injury!

Tactical training

Photograph courtesy of WinPolo School

Pupils are taught tactial tricks off the field during the winter months Photograph by Andreas auf der Mauer

About the author: Dr. Anna Erat (MD/PhD) is an internist specialising in sports medicine. She is the deputy head of the International Medical Center (Hirslanden Private Hospital Group), a national team doctor at the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation, and medical consultant for events such as Art on Ice, IIHF Ice Hockey Word Championships, and Scandinavian Beach Polo World Cup.

Restart the Motor – Optimise nutrition Strong bone and healthy connective tissue in general are crucial, as polo players are particularly prone to strains and sprains as well as bone fractures.

A sufficient Vitamin D and calcium intake is therefore necessary. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in various food sources such as milk and eggs. Most experts agree, that the optimal serum levels lay between 30 and 50 ng/mL (75 to 125 nmol/L). The prevalence of low Vitamin D levels, however, is increasing globally. Factors such as low sun exposure or the use of sun protection favour Vitamin D deficiency, since Vitamin D is made in the skin under the influence of

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sunlight. Furthermore, people suffering from gluten intolerance or celiac disease, absorb less Vitamin D in the gut, and are therefore particularly prone to Vitamin D deficiency.

The symptoms associated with low Vitamin D levels include bone pain and tenderness, muscle weakness, osteoporosis and bone fractures. Hence, particularly during the winter season, Vitamin D supplementation may be a game changer for the upcoming polo season. There are many types of Vitamin D preparations available on the market, and the two commonly available forms of Vitamin D supplements are ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Whenever possible, vitamin D3 should be preferred, as it is the naturally

At the WinPolo School, Tommy Winter, who is known for his intelligent play, uses the winter to teach his young polo pupils the tactical tricks of polo. On the table special game situations are created and discussed so that they can be mentally mapped. When training on the field these patterns can be repeated.

Coordinative training

The repetitive uncontrolled strain to the adductors while riding and turning is combined with rotational movements of the upper trunk which can cause extreme changes to the area. To transfer a precise motion to the arm, an unnumbered quantity of muscles must work in a perfect melody. occurring form of the vitamin and it raises Vitamin D levels more effectively. Treatment usually includes 800 to 1000 international units of vitamin D3.

Also Vitamin E and K2 are important elements. Collagen – on the other hand – consists of aminoacids and is the main structural protein in the extracellular space of connective tissue. Hence, essential amino acids such as for instance L-lysin, L-methionin, and L-threonin are crucial for fast regeneration after exercise or injury.

Natural anti-oxydants in turn bind free radicals in the tissues during oxidative stress.

Altogether, there is a myriad of molecules that are needed for healthy bones and muscles as well as for regeneration following injury or strenuous exercise. The best source of these nutrients is always a healthy food source. However, in order to restart the motor after the winter months, supplements such as Vitamin D and more complex formulas like A-Z vitamins or drinkable forms like ExtraCellMatrix-ECM may be highly beneficial and true game changers.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Medical Insight: Polodoc

Photograph courtesy of Polodoc

The SensoPro unit provides unique and effective coordination training

This means that so called ‘movement patterns’ are repeated periodically.

Optimising sport-specific movements

Players need to use targeted coordination training, based on the specific needs of their polo to optimise mobility, agility and reflexes.

Complex and comprehensive combinations of exercises can be used to train and optimise sport-specific movements and sequences under testing conditions.

Stamina and interval training

Test and expand your limits with the aid of highly intensive training units under www.polotimes.co.uk

conditions that challenge your coordination.

Different training programmes have been developed to help promote the mental resilience required by the athlete.

Injury prevention

Each training unit on the SensoPro improves a player’s inter and intramuscular coordination and prepares muscle groups for intensive strain. Continuously improving the quality and precision of your movements helps prevent biomechanical problems and poor coordination which could result in injuries.

In addition to providing unique and effective coordination training, SensoPro trains a

Knowledge

player’s stamina, strength and reflexes.

The unrivalled combination of training efficiency, fun, challenge and variety is featured in this training tool. The instability of the tapes on which the user stands forces the body to engage whole groups of muscles throughout the training session, ensuring maximum muscle activation. As a result, the SensoPro can deliver a cuttingedge and effective whole-body workout in 10 minutes.

Altogether, there are a myriad of molecules that are needed for healthy bones and muscles as well as for regeneration following injury or strenuous exercise. The best source of these nutrients is always a healthy food source including vegetarian diets. However, in order to restart the motor after the dark autumn and winter months, supplements such as Vitamin D and more complex formulas such as ExtraCellMatrixECM Drink can be effective. This is an original Swiss formulation with a unique combination of highly concentrated ingredients. It can be highly beneficial and potentially a true game-changer for polo players: It contains: • 10g low molecular Swiss collagen peptides (Type I, II, III) o Collagen type I and III for bones, tendons, ligaments, skin and connective tissue o Collagen type II for hyaline cartilage (joint cartilage) • Essential amino acids selection and sulphur donators: L-lysin, L-methionin, L-threonin, agar-agar • Glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate • Natural antioxidants from fruits and alpine plants: rose hip (with galactolipids), melon (patented), yellow gentian root, edelweiss • Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin C, D3, E, K2; calcium, manganese, copper, chromium, zinc, selenium These ingredients are essential building blocks for connective tissue and cartilage.

The Swiss collagen is highly concentrated and of low molecular weight for optimal absorption. Cartilage and connective tissue benefit from sulphured amino acids whilst natural anti-oxidants bind free radicals in the tissues. Glucosamine and chondroitin should be taken as sulphateions whilst calcium, Vitamin D3 and K2 are important elements for a healthy bone matrix.

For more information on Polodoc contact Andreas Krüger at drmedkrueger@gmail.com

Polo Times, March 2018

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Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Holidays are Over…

Spring is in the air and the ponies are coming back into work here in the UK, hooray! Hopefully they have wintered well, and hard feed has been introduced when necessary to minimise weight loss and reduce the uphill battle of having to feed them up whilst they come back into work.

The common misconception, I feel, is that the horse has wintered well because it has a ‘big fat belly’. What is actually often the case, especially after a hard winter, is that the belly is present but the ribs can be felt/seen and the top line has diminished.

The ‘belly’ is not a judgement of fat when the top line is lacking and the ribs can be felt – the ‘belly’ will generally be indicating the horse has lost muscle tone from not being in work and the hind gut is nicely full of indigestible forage!

So, where does the horse store fat?

Neck

Loin

Conformation?

Conformation always needs to be considered, as deep girthed, wide sprung ribs does not mean the horse is fat, as it is more likely a predominant ‘belly’ and lack of top line. So often the horse’s feed and forage is restricted in the hope they lose ‘The belly’ – they don’t, they lose muscle and top line. Those ‘herring gutted’ types can tuck up and look lean very quickly, and often are how the whole string are wanting to look, but this, of course, is not always skeletally possible!

When they are short coupled, compact and deep in the girth they can often look like a ‘good-doer’, but do they have fat pads?

The ideal Body Condition Score?

Personally, I like to see a FIT polo pony sitting between a Condition Score of 4 and 5, (using the American scoring system of 1-9). A polo pony coming in from a winter break should ideally be a 5, and I wouldn’t be upset if it was a 6, but coming in at 3 is going to mean a lot of food to put on condition whilst getting fit.

Croup

Back

Hind quarter Behind Shoulder

Ribs

Key fat areas Key muscle areas Key muscle & fat areas

Key fat and muscle areas

How to score condition 1 - You need to touch them – not just stand and look at them, especially when they come in from the winter with thick, hairy coats!

2 - Look at them from different angles – from the side, standing behind, standing in front.

3 - Watch them move – riding ‘sets’ is a great viewing platform to look at the condition/top line of the lead horses.

4 - Taking photos regularly – especially if there is an individual you have concerns for – take at fortnightly intervals, from different angles to help you see their progression.

Can the ribs be felt easily?

As a general rule, if the ribs can be felt, being fat is not usually a problem and the area being focused on is most likely the ‘belly’, which stands out significantly when top line muscle is lacking. Being able to feel ribs easily is indicating a BCS of 4 – which is NOT FAT!

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3 - Thin Hips and ribs slightly covered. Some hollowness through quarters and tucked up. Top line undeveloped, angular appearance.

4 - Moderately thin Outline of ribs discernible although covered. Scapula and hips covered. Neck reasonably well covered with some top line.

5 - Moderate Ribs not easily distinguished but can be felt.

Well muscled top line, shoulders and neck blend smoothly into body. Fat around tailhead feeling spongy. No hollowness through quarters.

6 - Moderately fat May have slight crease down back. Fat over ribs feels spongy. Fat around tailhead feeling soft. Starting to deposit fat down withers and behind the shoulder.

www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Horse Focus

Ainsley Polo is the creation of two brothers, Kel and Ross Ainsley. There isn’t a significant polo tournament anywhere in the world that hasn’t had an Ainsley Pony take part in it. Their natural talent as horsemen and sportsmen, along with their adaptability in the management and production of their horses and their deep understanding of the game has led to their success and won them worldwide respect in the polo industry.

They live, breath and sleep polo, not only providing world class polo ponies at every level, but also offering polo holidays, lessons and unrivalled polo equipment worldwide. If it’s polo related these are the people to talk to.

www.ainsleypolo.com

A Balanced approach to Conformation ‘Without good horses you are nothing. In polo it’s 70 percent horse and 30 percent rider – and I have the best horses.’ Adolfo Cambiaso with the ground, extending from the horse’s chest at the point of the shoulder to the rear just below the buttocks.

• Angles – Complete a symmetrical trapezoid (isosceles trapezoid) over the horse’s body. Connect the back line at the withers to the body line at the point of the shoulder. Connect the back line at the loin to the body line at the rear, just below the point of the buttocks.

A correct trapezoid can come in all sizes of horses, it isn’t about a certain size, it is all about the ratios.

If the backline is level with the ground, you can see if the horse is built ‘uphill’ (withers higher than the croup), ‘level’ (withers level with the croup) or ‘downhill’ (withers lower than the croup).

• Young or untrained horses carry around 60 percent of their weight on the front end.

Trapezoid A good method to use when judging the main body of the horse on its balance and structure is the trapezoid theory. The trapezoid is the area from the wither to the croup and bottom of the hip, and from there to the point of the shoulder. An easy way to do see this is to draw it out: Have the horse stand balanced on level ground. The weight should be evenly distributed over the front and hind legs, not leaning forward or back. At least one front leg and one hind leg should be square under the body.

• Back Line – Imagine a line parallel with the ground, extending along the horse’s back from the middle of the withers to the middle of the loin.

• Body Line – Imagine another line parallel 70

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As a horse is trained, it learns to assume more weight on its hindquarters through muscular development, which is easier to do naturally for a horse that is built level or uphill. In a balanced horse, the back should be half the length of the horse’s body, or very close to it. That creates a short topline and a long underline.

• The opposite (not parallel) sides of the trapezoid should be the same in length.

They follow the slope of the shoulder and pelvis, and the slopes of those bones always correspond in a horse.

• The angle formed between the line along the shoulder and the body line should be the same as the angle formed by the line along the pelvis and body line.

Ideally, they’re close to 45 degrees, the wider those angles are, the straighter the shoulder and the steeper the croup.

Photography courtesy of Ainsley Polo

So what is it that makes a good horse and has the world’s best players scouring the globe for possible future superstars? Polo is a sport that requires specific qualities from its horses, as they are asked for a lot in a short space of time, but what is it in the physical characteristics of a horse that the top players see, that peaks their interest and how can the untrained eye spot a possible future superstar.

The conformation of any horse can tell you straight off the bat if it has the physical capabilities to fulfil the job you have for it.

Polo ponies need to be able to stop, turn and have lateral movement at speed. For a horse to have this ability, it needs to be balanced. A balanced horse is more likely to have good movement, athletic ability and soundness. There are four key things to look at when judging a horse’s balance for polo: trapezoid, rein, shoulder alignment, shoulder shape and the loin. It is a combination of these five areas on a horse, that make up a balanced structurally sound shape perfect for what is asked of a polo pony.

The correct trapezoid alignment

www.polotimes.co.uk

Horse Focus

The area measured for the depth of the girth relating to capacity

The trapezoid helps you clearly see if the horse has a hip equal to his shoulder in both size and slope, and if the length of its back is correct in relation to his body. These all contribute to the horse having a stronger topline, making it easier for them to carry themselves properly.

A horse with a good slope to his shoulder will have a better reach with his fore leg and will have more correct head carriage, a shorter back will make it easier for the horse to round his back and engage his hind quarter to create drive. While the correct slope to the croup and hip will make it easier for the horse to keep his hind end underneath him and use his hocks and stifles correctly.

A correct trapezoid makes working, training or playing a young horse easier, but as mentioned in the last article, how a horse is feeling or thinking about a situation plays a major part. If the horse is uncomfortable or in pain it won’t be doing anything to its fullest capability. If they have a great brain that is very trainable and huge heart that is wanting to please they will still do the task but will be dreading the job. And, as times goes on if the trapezoid is incorrect and therefore making it hard for them, they will be much more inclined to be sore, breakdown or fail in certain tasks or manoeuvres.

The Rein The next measurement that stands out in the look of a balanced horses is the rein (neck length). That’s the distance from the top of the wither to the poll (on the top of the head).

This measurement has an impact on various movements and abilities. Good horses can have different length measurements, it’s just that the movements will vary. For example, a longer necked horse may lack a little power (power and speed being very different things) and a shorter neck may lack a little stretch in the gallop limiting top end speed. The longer the rein the more likely the horse is to have a higher top speed. www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

The measurement line for the length of rein

Straight Shoulders It’s not easy to see the angle of the shoulder if you haven’t looked at a lot of horses’ shoulders. A good way to assess the shoulder is lto ook at where the wither sits over the shoulder. If it’s sitting over the girth area, the more slope you have in the shoulder and more it sits forward over the shoulder the straighter it is. Straighter shouldered horses tend to be rougher to ride and find it more difficult to get around in the tighter turns because their fore legs are restricted laterally preventing them from manoeuvring around to get across the ground.

Shoulder Shape Another aspect of the shoulder that affects the ability to turn and perform lateral movements in general is where the front legs come out of the shoulder. When looking from the front of the horses, the legs should come out of the centre of the shoulder creating a narrow U shape. If the front legs come out of the side of the shoulder it creates a wider space between the front legs. A narrower space between the front legs enables the horse to gallop tight corners as well as performing rollbacks in close quarters much better and more easily as it is aligned with their natural form.

The depth of the shoulder from the wither to the bottom of the shoulder lends itself to the horse having capacity and substance to endure the physicality of the sport more easily.

The Loin This area is one of the features that impacts stopping abilities and initial push-start power to get up and going. Strong loin muscles are needed to be able to push the back legs up underneath, while quickly reducing speed and to propel the horse forward with explosive acceleration when picking up speed. Moving down the leg a nice long measurement between the hip and hock, followed by a nice tidy short measurement from the hock to pastern.

A narrower space between the front legs enables the horse to gallop tight corners

Both measurements lend themselves to acceleration and athleticism. Hocks should be tucked up underneath the rump to enable the horse to easily stop and reduce speed quickly without coming off the ground or having hock issues.

All these physical factors should be considered when looking at horses suited to polo. They can also help you understand how and why your horse may behave, play or act in a certain way on the field, horses should always be played to their strengths, which can be established by looking at the conformation of your horse. But, it should also be noted that the perfect physique means nothing without a brain, having a horse with a fantastic mind, that really wants to be played and trained will always perform better than a visually physically balanced horse. You can take a horse to water but you cannot make it drink – a sweet minded horse with a desire to work with you and keep giving is always the most important trait.

Polo Times, March 2018

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Sidelines

Gossip

COLOUR COORDINATED

START ‘EM YOUNG

Brighton Polo Club had their kit perfectly prepared for the SUPA National University Winter Arena Polo Championships at Rugby Polo Club, with team colour coordination at the top of the agenda – after winning of course!

This little chap has started his polo career at Eldorado Polo Club at a young age. His little pony friend really seals the deal as well!

POLO FRIEND

One of the coaches at the Dubai Polo Academy has begun bringing a new friend to work with him – his pet Macaw. Why not?!

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

NEW POLO BABY

Congratulations to Santi Garrahan and his wife have welcomed a new face into their family, Silvestre. He was born in late January and is settling in well. Welcome to the world Silvestre!

A NEW POLO LEGEND

APPL Founder Javier Tanoira met F1 legend Bernie Ecclestone this month, to discuss the future of the APPL concept.

Can Mr E be tempted into the polo world, perhaps even to grace the fields at Guards? We’ll keep our fingers crossed!

FEELING PRISKY

Royston Prisk has added another string to his bow, this time branching out with new Prisk528 saddles. These beauties will be gracing tack rooms soon, so keep an eye out!

GROOVY GOLD CUP

Rumour has it, the party master, Royston Prisk, has put another epic night in the works, this time after the Arena Gold Cup. We’ll keep our ears to the ground for any goss from the night itself.

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BIG BALL!

Cirencester Park Polo Club have announced that they will be hosting their Polo Ball again this year. With a charity auction, great food, plenty of drinks and no doubt lots of dancing it is not one to miss. Get your diary to the ready and make sure you have the 12 May booked in.

BABY BEGONIA

Nico Pieres and his wife Angie have welcomed a baby girl, Begonia, this month, unfortunately right in the middle of the Ylvisaker Cup playoffs. Nico travelled back to Argentina for the birth and mother and daughter are doing well. www.polotimes.co.uk

Hannah Matthews

Ross & Sophie Byrne with Ben Price

David Collister, Charlie Wooldridge & Howard Smith

Robert Burke

Paul Sweeney Memorial Final; Ash Farm Polo Club; Sunday 28 January

Ash Farm Winter Fun Every January, arena polo fans and spectators gather at Ash Farm Polo Club for the Paul Sweeney Memorial Tournament with a weekend of competitive polo and renowned Ash Farm hospitality. This year was no different, as delicious food and drinks kept guests warm in the toasty Clubhouse, whilst thrilling action kept them entertained outside. Following a resounding win for Young, Dumb and Broke, the teams and their friends and families huddled next to the Clubhouse fire reflecting on a great weekend for all.

Photography by Graham Morrison Ryan Anderson, Louise Brown & Sophie Morrison

Saskia Meadows

Lesley Sweeney

James Mann, Georgia Sweeney & Charley Howell

Chris Benford, Lisa Burges, Briony Lewton & Graham Wooldridge

Rachel Miller

Jemma & Milo Byrne

Alan Ruzzaman

Ruby Hickmett

Guy Verdon, Paul Knight & Melissa Hicks

Nottingham Polo Club

Annabel Postle & Alfie Abercrombie

Hakan Kaya & Robert Horney

Bee Sassow & Ollie Knox

Warwick Polo Club Annual Charity Ball; St. Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry; Saturday 3 February

Warwick and Nottingham Unite!

Warwick Polo Club’s Annual Charity Ball is the highlight of the Club’s social calendar. This year the event supported the local Dogs Trust centre in Kenilworth and they were able to raise over £400. A series of excellent prizes were given away in the charity raffle including a mallet provided by Polo Splice and tickets to Polo in the Park. The evening was shared with Nottingham Polo Club who also train at Offchurch Bury Polo Club and an amazing night was had by all – bring on next year!

Lauren Gorman, Izzie Smith & Lilya Anderson

Vikki Borton & Henry Beech

Michal Zurawski & Khalid Wada

Photography courtesy of Warwick Polo Club

Bridget Carey & Nadir Adoul-Rutherfoord

Warwick Polo Club

Lewis Devereux & Tristan Watkins

James Thorn & Alice De Herder

Megan Grandi, Katerina Woodhead & Ella Coles

Lucy Cox & Gwen Davies

Anish Patel & Zak Wagman

Sophie Rey, Teshan Wijesuriya & Marthe Ydalus

Rick Wiles, Den Law, Jude Law, Sophie Wallis, Andy Hill, Reece Greenhill, Jim Dearlsey, Luccio Daley, Jo Wiles, Ivanna Daley, Margeret, Gary Leonard, Matt Pardon, Laura Keon, Kellie Leonard, Jack Collins, Jamie Burnham, Jane Dearsley, Olivia Davies, James Bailey, Adam Walter, Bridey Leonard, Christy Nolan, Mary Hancock, Fred & Sue Walter

The Charlotte Trophy Final; Dallas Burston Polo Club; Saturday 3 February

Tea with a Trophy The Charlotte Trophy was a huge success for both players and spectators. The event was hosted in support of Helen & Douglas House Hospice in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties, and raised over ÂŁ1,000 through a raffle. Prize donations were made by a multitude of DBPC sponsors and friends of the Club, and the lucky winners went home with some really unique treasures.

The day consisted of a delicious afternoon tea with thrilling polo organised by Polo Manager, Huw Beavan, to the delight of both the polo newbies and seasoned spectators.

Christy Nolan

Major Richard Carney MBE, Fred, Sue & Adam Walter with Suzanne Carney

Photography courtesy of Dallas Burston Polo Club

Matias Amaya, Louise Jebson & Grant Collett

Sophie Wallis, Andy Hill, Reece Greenhill, Jamie Burnham, Adam Walter, Olivia Davies, Kellie Leonard & Jack Collins

Matt Pardon & Laura Keen

Liz Taylor

Jessie Loe & Ollie Willson-Holmes

Sophia Spark

Tom Urquhart

Santiago Torreguitar, Tim Tezisler, Richard Fagan, Tim Bown & Peter Wright

Wael Al Arawi, Anda Dalati & Becky Simpson

Official Cartier Challenge Dubai Presentation; La Martina, Dubai; Monday 5 February

La Martina Greetings from Dubai!

Guests and players gathered at the La Martina Store to celebrate a VIP evening and the Official Shirt Presentation for the 13th edition of the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge. Celebrity Presenter Tom Urquhart led the proceedings which saw the four Teams, Cartier Panthère, Cartier Tank, Desert Palm and Zedan, collect their event shirts while being entertained by some impressive accordion playing. Martin Valent joked with his Cartier teammates while Antony Fanshawe picked out some pretty natty swimwear. With a generous 50 percent discount on the night, there was no excuse for anyone to return to Desert Palm empty handed!

Antony Fanshawe

The Zedan Polo Team

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The La Martina store showcased its latest lines

Tournament players with their La Martina kit bags

The Cartier Panthere Polo Team

Official Cartier shirts for this year’s tournament

Accordion playing

Tissy Van Reyk, Louisa Dawnay & Tara Smith

Martin Valent, Sam Instone & Clive Reid

Mark Holmes

Tash Pall & Izzy McGregor

Alec Banner Eve & Melissa Wadley

Anna Kinge & Mike Zurawski

SUPA National Universities Winter Arena Championship; Rugby Polo Club; Sunday 11 February

SUPAcalifragilisticexpiali‌ freezing!

300 players from over 160 teams gathered at the Midlands hub of arena polo, Rugby Polo Club, for the annual SUPA Winter University Nationals on a chilly February weekend. As the university highlight of the winter season, the weekend saw old friends from as far afield as Scotland and North Wales congregating to share stories from the past year as well as a few polo tactics to get a leg up on the opposition. Alongside this bevy of students, the country’s greatest polo coaches and pony hirers were also on site, sharing their pearls of wisdom and cheering on their teams.

Royal Holloway take the lead from Cambridge

Photography by Polo Times

Justin Stanhope-White, Magnus Gilie & Jasmine Stanhope-White

Nigel Mercer

Phil Sellar

Kika Welvaart

Daniel Azmi, Arjun Badal & Kate Garnett

Beckii Bradley

Megan Grant, Issy Hendry & Sarah Kellie

Grant Collett

Praxis am Bahnhofplatz

Orthopaedics & Trauma Sport Injuries & Reconstruction of knee and shoulder

B3-Praxis am Bahnhofsplatz is located in the centre of Zurich.

Polo Times’ Nick & Rich Hine visiting Dr. med. Andreas Krüger at B3 - Praxis

B3 - Praxis am Bahnhofplatz Dr. med. Andreas Krüger and his team are specialists in the treatment of orthopaedic and traumatic equine sport related injuries with a focus on the shoulder and knee pathologies.

Within the direct neighbourhood, radiological and physiotherapy departments are also located.

Contact details B3 - Praxis am Bahnhofplatz Orthopaedics & Trauma Sport Injuries & Reconstruction of knee and shoulder Bahnhofplatz 3 8001 Zürich

Services: • Online and video consultation • Conservative and operative treatment of shoulder and knee conditions • Medical Expert search around the globe • Second opinion • Tournament medical care

Telefon : +41 (0)44 838 68 68 Fax : +41 (0)44 838 68 60 Email : info@b3-praxis.ch HIN-Email : praxis-b3@hin.ch Website : www.b3-praxis.ch

Nicole Obermeier & Jan-Erik Franck Irina Moruzori, Juan Cruz Greguoli, Paula Alcolei, Rommy Gianni & Miriam Núñez celebrate

Raya Sidorenko

Nils Rüstmann & Marcus Hartlieb

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz; Engadin Valley, St. Moritz; 26 – 28 January

Sumptuous St. Moritz If sun, snow and sporting excitement are what you’re after then there is no better place in the world than St. Moritz in the last weekend of January. Players and spectators gathered on the frozen lake in the heart of the Engadin Valley for what has become the epitome of Alpine polo excellence. Those lucky enough to get hold of a VIP ticket basked in the sunshine under Cartier blankets and sipped on delicious Perrier-Jouët champagne as the players were led onto the icy arena behind roaring Maseratis.

If the sunshine and thrilling polo wasn’t enough, the atmosphere was electric with the hubbub of Azeri music resounding through the valley from their specially designed hospitality marquee, only assuaged on occasion by an elated roar from the assembled crowd. Without doubt, this exhilarating display of snow polo will be talked about for months to come, until the next January instalment from our Swiss friends.

The Perrier-Jouët team ready with delicious champagne and Polo Times!

Cartier grooms: Louise Hall, Vanessa Soria, Mandy Pendle & Nadia Whitelock

hotography by Polo Times, ©www.imagesofpolo.com & P courtesy of Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz Lexi Potamkin & Marc Ganzi

Ludy Greenwood & Rommy Gianni

Azeri dancers thrill the crowd

Adrian Laplacette Jr travels in style

Polo Times reporting from the thick of the action

Camilla Gianni & Mentra the Daschund

All rugged up and ready for action

Team Cartier! Juan Cruz Greguoli, Kaethy Dobers, Chris Hyde, Rommy Gianni & Dario Musso

Jürg Reinger, Lisa Birnstiel, Christina Schockemöhle & Yvonne Elbers

Reto Gaudenzi & Bahruz Nabiyev

Anar Alakbarov & General Elchin Guliyev in the grandstand

The sun shone on the snow polo action in St. Moritz

Morgan van Overbroek, Sébastian Le Page & Reto Gaudenzi

Juan Bollini & Alejandro Novillo Astrada

The Badrutt’s Palace ‘bell boy’ ensured everyone was on time

Dr Piero Dillier

Katja Grauwiler & Gian Testa

Jennifer Leebow & Tito Gaudenzi

Nicholas & Annie Colquhoun-Denvers

The Azerbaijan fans out in force

Christian Dunkelberg & Oli Ellis

Melissa Ganzi & Bettina Bahlsen

Richenda Hine & Marc Ganzi

Barbara & Andi Krüger

Chris & Maggie Hyde

Polo directory

What’s On

March UK Club Fixtures RCBPC – The Katie Tunn Trophy (4-6): 20 – 25 February FHM – Polo Splice Shield (-3-0): 24 February Epsom – St. Patrick’s Cup (3-4): 24 – 25 February SWF – Winter Cup (-2-2): 24 – 25 February Ash Farm – Challenge Matches (Open): 24 – 25 February Wicklow – Spain vs Ireland: 4 March Tidworth – Exton Park Challenge (-3-0 & 4-8): 3 – 4 March Vale of York – Patrick Wilkinson Challenge (Open): 4 March Druids Lodge – Club Match for the Lismore Trophy (TBC): 4 March Druids Lodge – Winter League Finals – Renshaw Trophy: 10 – 11 March SWF – End of Season Tournament (Open): 17 – 18 March Vale of York – March Winter League: 18 March Druids Lodge – The Watersfield Challenge (Open): 18 March Dallas Burston – Amateur Tournament (Open): 24 March FHM – London Plate (-3-0): 24 March Vale of York – End of Season Match (Open): 31 March

Key UK Arena Season Dates

RCBPC – The Arena Gold Cup Final (13-15): 24 February AEPC – The Bryan Morrison International Trophy (Open): 3 March

Arena Victor Ludorum Dates

Rugby – The Sworders Trophy Victor Ludorum (-2-2 & 4-6): 20 – 25 February

Arena Youth Key Dates Druids Lodge – Exeter Cup University League (Open): 20 October – 16 March Druids Lodge – Druids Super League (Open): 28 October – 11 March Druids Lodge – Druids Lodge Novice National League (Open): 4 November – 25 March Druids Lodge – Druids Lodge Beginner National League (Open): 2 December – 25 March Rugby – SUPA Senior Arena Nationals (Open): 4 March

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Polo Times, March 2018

Rugby – SUPA Junior Arena Nationals (Open): 4 March Druids Lodge – Easter University Tournament (Open): 14 March Zacara – SUPA Girls Nationals (Open): 18 March

Youth Polo Plett Polo Club – Kids Clinic & Weekend Tournament: 24 – 25 March Plett Polo Club – Kids Clinic & Weekend Tournament: 24 – 25 April Longdole – Rocket Rentals Kids Polo: 31 May Longdole – Pony Club Polo: 30 – 31 July Longdole – Junior Polo Tournament: 31 August

Kaipaki – Mystery Creek Women’s Tournament: 24 – 25 February Victorian Polo Club – Alfa Romeo Ladies Day Tournament: 24 – 25 February Westcroft Park – Ladies Winter Championships (0-2, 3-4 & 4-6): 25 – 26 February Hickstead – Ladies’ Tournament & Battle of the Sexes: 24 – 25 February Thai Polo & Equestrian Club – Pink Polo (14): 1 – 3 March Ash Farm – Ladies’ Tournament (Open): 3 – 4 March Ellerston – Ellerston Ladies’ Tournament (Open): 9 – 11 March Plett Polo Club – Plett Polo Ladies’ Doubles: 16 – 18 March La Aguada Polo Club – Ladies’ Cup (14): 10 – 15 April Dallas Burston Polo – Club Ladies’ Day: 9 June Polo Club Chantilly – Ladies’ Cup (4-8): 27 June – 1 July Polo Club Chantilly – Ladies’ French Open (12-16): 11 – 16 September

Victrix Ludorum Knepp Castle – 18 Goal: 11 – 15 July Cowdray – 18 Goal: 13 – 21 July Cirencester – 18 Goal: 24 – 29 July Beaufort – 18 Goal: 27 July – 4 August RCBPC – 18 Goal: 4 – 12 August Guards – 18 Goal: 21 August – 1 September

America

Eldorado – Pacific Coast Circuit Constitution Cup (4-8): 16 – 25 February Empire Polo Club – Pacific Coast Circuit Player’s Cup (2-4): 17 – 25 February IPC – C.V. Whitney Cup (26): 21 February – 4 March IPC – Iglehart Cup (20): 22 February – 10 March Grand Champions Polo Club – $50,000 National 12 Goal Tournament (12): 1 –10 March Grand Champions Polo Club – The Top Pony 12 Goal Series (12): 1 – 31 March IPC – USPA Gold Cup (26): 7 – 25 March Grand Champions Polo Club – John T. Oxley Memorial (16-20): 14 – 31 March IPC – Carlos Gracida Cup (20): 11 – 31 March IPC – Butler Handicap (26): 11 March – 1 April IPC – AAPL Eagle Trophy (28-30): 22 – 28 March (TBC) Grand Champions Polo Club – World Cup $100,000 Tournament (26): 1 – 14 April IPC – US Open Polo Championship (26): 4 April – 22 April Santa Barbara – The Belmond El Encanto Polo Cup (16): 7 – 9 July Santa Barbara – Robert Skene Trophy (16): 13 – 22 July Santa Barbara –USPA America Cup (16): 27 July – 12 August Santa Barbara –Pacific Coast Open (16): 16 August – 2 September

Australia

Arunga – Arunga Tournament (0-2, 4-6 & 8-10): 24 – 25 February Victorian Polo Club – Flinders Polo Tournament: 2 – 4 March Victorian Polo Club – Windsor Tournament (0-2, 4-6 & 8-10): 10 – 11 March Adelaide – Barr-Smith Cup: 17 – 18 March Yarra Valley – Yarra Valley Polo Club Tournament: 17 – 18 March Ellerston – 16 Goal Tournament (16): 11 – 19 March Garangula – Garangula Tournament (8 & 14): 24 – 25 March Mingela – Mingela Polo Club Tournament: 24 – 25 March Toowoomba – Carnival of Flowers Spring Polo: 23 September Victorian Polo Club – Melbourne Cup: 11 November www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo directory

Argentina

La Aguada Polo Club – Autumn Cup (14): 17 – 14 March La Aguada Polo Club – Amateur Tournamnet (0-4 & 5-8): 7 – 15 April

Barbados

Holders – Cheshire Tour: 25 February – 4 March Apes Hill – Buttals Barbados Open: 8 March Apes Hill – Hickstead Tour: 25 March Apes Hill – Ferne Park Polo: 3 April Apes Hill – BPC Buttals Tournament: 15 April Holders/Apes Hill – Ladies International: 24 – 19 April Holders – New Zealand Tour: 1 May Holders – President’s & Kearns Trophy: 19 May

Germany

Thailand

France

FIP

Keitum – 21st Berenberg German Polo Masters: 1 – 5 August

Polo Club Chantilly – Earl Challenge (-1-1): 11 March Polo Club Chantilly – Coupe de PHP (0-4): 17 – 18 March Polo Club Chantilly – Criterium PHP (-4- -2): 25 March

Thai Polo & Equestrian Club – Hui Hin Beach Polo: 30 March – 1 April Hörnum – 11th Julius Bär Beach Polo World Cup Sylt: 19 – 20 May Sandbanks – British Beach Polo Championships: 13 – 14 July Hawkes Bay – New Zealand vs South Africa (6): 24 – 25 February

Casa de Campo – Silver Cup (22): 24 February – 10 March Caso de Campo – VI Royal Cup: 3 March Casa de Campo – Gold Cup Polo Challenge (22): 15 – 31 March

Al Habtoor – Dubai Gold Cup (18): 16 February – 9 March Al Habtoor – AHPRC League: 6 – 9 March Al Habtoor – England International Polo Classic (18): 16 March Al Habtoor – Dubai Challenge Cup (18): 14 – 23 March Al Habtoor – Dubai Cup (8): 6 – 13 April Al Habtoor – AHPRC League: 24 – 27 April 84

Polo Times, March 2018

Snow Polo Dates St. Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup 2019: 25 – 27 January 2019

Social Events South Africa

Dubai

Italy, Villa a Sesta – XII FIP European Championships (6-8): 20 –30 September

Beach Polo

New Zealand Dominican Republic

Thai Polo & Equestrian Club – Stephan Chimfunshi Cup (10): 8 – 11 March Thai Polo & Equestrian Club – Thai Polo Cup (10): 23 – 25 March Thai Polo & Equestrian Club – Beginners’ Cup (4): 7 – 8 April

Plett Polo Club – Plett Weekend Tournament: 2 – 4 March Plett Polo Club – Plett Polo Nations Cup: 9 – 11 March Plett Polo Club – Plett 10 Goal & 4 Goal: 26 – 31 March Plett Polo Club – Plett 10 Goal & 2 Goal: 1 – 7 April Plett Polo Club – South African Open: 1 – 14 April Plett Polo Club – Plett 10 Goal & 2 Goal: 8 – 14 April

Cirencester – Summer Ball: 12 May Dallas Burston – Open Season Party: 27 May Leadenham Polo Club – Summer Ball: Saturday 8 July

Something Different

Longdole Polo Club – Bicycle Polo in aid of RDA Watershed: 1 June London – Chestertons Polo in the Park: 8 – 10 June Longdole – Posh Car Boot Sale: 19 August

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Polo directory 8 Goal

International Test Matches

Cirencester – Gerald Balding: 14 – 28 May Guards – Archie David: 8 June – 1 July RCBPC – Hipwood Trophy: 4 – 21 July Cowdray – Holden White: 23 July – 5 August Beaufort – Wichenford Bowl: 13 – 27 August

15 Goal

Beaufort – Festival of Polo: 9 – 10 June RCBPC – Coronation Cup: 28 July

2018 Victor Ludorum and High Goal Dates 22+ Goal RCBPC – Prince of Wales: 5 – 19 May Guards – Cartier Queen’s Cup: 22 May – 17 June Cirencester – Warwickshire Cup: 19 – 24 June Cowdray – King Power Gold Cup: 26 June – 22 July

18 Goal Cowdray – Duke of Sutherland: 21 May – 10 June Cirencester – Apsley Cup: 13 June – 1 July Guards – Indian Empire Shield: 3 – 21 July Cowdray – Challenge Cup: 23 July – 5 August

Guards – Royal Windsor Cup: 5 – 24 June RCBPC – Eduardo Moore Trophy: 26 June – 14 July Cowdray – Harrison Cup: 16 July – 4 August Cirencester – County Cup: 7 – 18 August Beaufort – Arthur Lucas: 21 August – 2 September

12 Goal Cowdray – Dollar Cup: 14 May – 3 June RCBPC – John Prestwich: 4 – 16 June Beaufort – Prince of Wales: 18 – 30 June Cirencester – Queen Mother Trophy: 2 – 15 July Guards – Duke of Wellington: 4 – 19 August Cirencester – Cheltenham Cup: 28 August – 9 September Cowdray – Autumn League: 10 – 23 September

6 Goal Dallas Burston – Stoneythorpe Cup: 14 – 27 May Beaufort – Rojas Lanusse Trophy: 5 – 16 June Kirtlington – Budgett Everett Trophy: 2 – 12 August HPC, The London Polo Club – Roehampton Cup: 14 – 26 August Cirencester – Kingscote Cup: 28 August – 8 September

4 Goal Burningfold – 4 Goal: 5 – 10 June Rutland – Assam Cup: 25 June – 1 July Cheshire – 4 Goal: 9 – 15 July Cambridge County – 4 Goal: 23 – 29 July Tidworth – Rundle Cup: 7 –12 August New Forest – 4 Goal: 14 – 19 August

Editor’s Note – All dates are correct at time of going to press. Polo Times takes no responsibility for fixtures moved, cancelled or altered. Always check with the Club(s) for the most up-to-date fixtures lists.

Club contacts UK and Ireland CLUB

PHONE

All Ireland Polo Club

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

00353 01 6896732 dstone@indigo.ie

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Beaufort Polo Club

01666 880510

enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Beverley Polo Club*

01964 544877

info@beverleypoloclub.co.uk

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Binfield Heath

01491 411969

bhpcmanager@gmail.com

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

Blueys Polo Club*

07930 323263

polomanager@blueyspolo.co.uk

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Bramham Polo Academy

07811 993316

emmadvh@btinternet.com

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Bunclody Polo Club

00353 87 6605917 info@poloclubbunclody.com

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

Burningfold Polo Club

01483 200722

derrek@burningfold.com

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Cambridge Polo Club*

07711 217004

cambridgepoloclub@icloud.com

HPC, The London Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hpcpololondonpolo.com

Cambridge County Polo Club*

01223 812922

info@cambridgecountypoloclub.co.uk

Hertfordshire Polo Club*

01707 256023

polo@hertspolo.co.uk

Carlton House

07901 561113

harrietservaes@hotmail.com

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

gary@hurtwoodparkpolo.com

Chester Racecourse Polo Club

01244 304602

amorris@chester-races.com

Inglesham Polo Club*

07818 508136

mattevetts@hotmail.com

Cheshire Polo Club

01270 611 100

info@cheshirepoloclub.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Leadenham Polo Club

01400 318006

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 812409

polo@dbpoloclub.com

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

www.polotimes.co.uk

EMAIL

Polo Times, March 2018

85

Polo directory CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Northern Ireland Polo Club

02890 727905

robert@hellomxb.com

Offchurch Bury Polo Club*

07816 830887

info@offchurchburypoloclub.co.uk

Pangbourne Polo Club

07708 906810

aprice@polofix.com

Peover Polo Club

07766 016 833

polomanager@peoverpoloclub.co.uk

Polo Wicklow*

00353 404 67164

siobhan@polowicklow.com

RAF Cranwell

07739 569491

rafcranwellpoloclub@yahoo.co.uk

Ranelagh Polo Club*

01344 885697

ranelagh@labravapolo.com

RCBPC*

01344 890060

polo@rcbpc.com

RMAS Polo Club

07973 174542

rmas-nc-aci-projinters@mod.uk

Rugby Polo Club*

01788 817724

info@rugbypoloclub.com

Rutland Polo Club

07772 040668

secretary@rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

Silver Leys Polo Club

07730 060200

silverleyspoloclub@gmail.com

St. Albans Polo Club

07956 017090

info@stalbanspoloclub.co.uk

Stewarton Polo Club

07974 706045

info@stewartonpolo.co.uk

Suffolk Polo Club

07790 576974

aes3@cam.ac.uk

Sussex Polo Club*

01342 714920

info@sussexpolo.co.uk

Taunton Vale Polo Club

01823 480460

nhs.wheelers@gmail.com

Tidworth Polo Club*

01980 846705

info@tidworthpolo.com

Toulston Polo Club

01422 372529

info@toulstonpoloclub.com

Triskelion Polo Club*

07624 272547

polo@triskelionpolo.club

Vale of York Polo Club*

07788 426968

info@valeofyorkpoloclub.co.uk

Vaux Park Park Polo Club*

07703 524613

vppc@btconnect.com

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

Quick Question Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page A: The phrase Victor Ludorum translates from Latin as ‘Winner of the Game’. In 2018 the four goal has been added to the competition alongside the 18, 15, 12, 8 and 6 goal categories.

Marketplace Transport

Property

09 DAF 11 TON LORRY Partitioned for 6, large tack area no living. Galvanised partitions, easy ramp, semi automatic, buffalo board floor, would pt/ex for 7.5 ton Tristar similar age. Price: £19,500 Contact 07979 494553 Worcestershire

CORTIJO LA CLARITA Newly refurbished Cortijo and Casita in ideal polo/golf location. Available to rent for Summer 2018 season. House and/or stables, track and grooms’ accomodation. Perfect set up! Price: Rental price to be discussed Please contact Clare Mathias, claritaclare@gmail.com 07909 991003 Sotogrande HGV POLO LORRY 17 ton 1998 Leyland Daf. Partitioned for 7. Separate large tack room. Hydraulic tailgate.

Good strong aluminium floor with rubber matting. Water tank in tack room. Mot. 494 km. Well maintained and easy to drive. Price: £5,995 Contact Andrew 07734 048930 West Sussex

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

Situations EXPERIENCED POLO GROOM A responsible and reliable groom with HGV to work in a private yard. with references. Price: to be negotiated Contact 07740 774158 North Oxfordshire

Equipment

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

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

Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217 BEN HASTIE PHOTOGRAPHY - Equine & Countryside Photography specialising in Polo www.benhastiephotography.com/ 07970 348883 Cheltenham

T&SHARKER HORSEBOXES A large selection of Horseboxes to choose from

ALL VEHICLES BUILT TO AN EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH SPEC Accident/General repair work undertaken • Body Changes • Vehicles Serviced with DEFRA Certificates to carry horses over 12 Hours • Various models from 2-12 horses 17 horse Arctic trailers also built • Also available built to order using your own spec.

Visit our website to view our extensive range of horseboxes

www.tsharkercommercials-horseboxes.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1325 332649 Mobile: +44 (0)7901 857960 Fax: +44 (0)1325 333554

Email: enquiries@tandsharkerhorseboxes.co.uk 86

Polo Times, March 2018

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For 24 years SATS and Charles Owen have partnered to bring safety to the polo field.

1994 Charles Owen Polo BSI

1998 Charles Owen Polo Kids Own

1999 Charles Owen Polo 2000

2007 Charles Owen Palermo

2010 Charles Owen Young Rider Polo

2016 Polo Edition made by Charles Owen

Throughout this period SATS have held the largest and most varied stocks of polo helmets.

The Palermo, Young Rider and Edition helmets comply with the HPA 2018 Regulations

South American Trade Services

Look on our website

www.satsfaction.com Phone us on 01285 841542 E-mail us at sales@satsfaction.com

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Argentine Adrian Laplacette Jr is the perfect example of a polo dynasty, generations old, in full force. Son of the famous Argentine international Adrian Laplacette, Adrian Jr has risen to the greatest ranks of the Argentine high goal fraternity playing off a cool 6 goals everywhere from the open fields of Palermo to the alpine valleys of Kitzbühel and St. Moritz. Most recently he has graced the playing card of the world’s newest international powerhouse, the Azerbaijan Land of Fire Team, who just missed out on a spot in the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz Final, but wow did they make an impression!

What is your biggest passion and why?

Polo, because of everything it involves – family, horses, friends, sport, travelling, meeting people and competing!

What is your all-time best polo memory?

Playing in Palermo with my father, uncle and cousin ‘Lala’.

Who are your favourite teammates and why?

My cousins and close friends.

We’ve known each other since we were kids, so it’s easier to play together. We can say anything, good or bad, to each other during the game, but afterwards we’ll still have a beer or an asado.

Hardest opponent?

Nobody specifically – tough opponents are everywhere!

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

Golf – I’m almost more addicted to it than polo, but I also like tennis.

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Polo Times, March 2018

Favourite film and why?

The Legend of Bagger Vance – don’t know why, but every now and then I watch it again. It helps me focus on the game – a kind of meditation.

Favourite song/ album?

I like a few from Ed Sheeran right now!

Favourite food / dish?

Asadooo!!!

Favourite hobby outside of polo?

I enjoy going through Buenos Aires or any city and eating/drinking in new bars and restaurants with my girlfriend or friends.

Most prized possession?

La Alegria, our farm in Lobos, Argentina – my favourite place in the world.

Favourite celebrity and why?

Roger Federer – he doesn’t need any further explanation!!!

Best holiday destination & activity Anywhere where I get to do nothing!

Best pony and why.

Ombucito Bikini – polo seems to be so much easier on her.

Are you passionately superstitious – what and why?

Not really.

Describe yourself in three words…

Thoughtful, patient, ambitious.

One thing which would surprise us about you?

I’m shy!

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