Polo Times May 2020

Volume 25 • Issue 4 • May 2020 • £6.50

Polo Lockdown Knowledge Focus

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

Contents Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk

What’s inside…

May 2020

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

Operations Manager Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Marketing Manager Lottie McDonagh lottie@polotimes.co.uk

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Advertising Sales Richard Hine ads@polotimes.co.uk

Principal Design James Morgan

Additional Design Tony Ruddy

Administration Assistant Lynne Berry

30 News 6

Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

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

Contributors: David Blakey BVetMed CertAVP(EM) MRCVS, Lorna Edgar, Dr.med Andreas Krüger, Rege Ludwig, Nathaniel McCullagh, Tom Morley, Mario Novillo Corvalán MV, India Parker-Smith, Jason Warren, Natalie Willcock

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

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

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Polo Times, May 2020

All the Latest News

Comment 14

Letters: Your Views & Social Media

Features 17 20

Coronavirus & Education Equestrian Relief

Club Focus 22

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

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38 40 42

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Saddles: Ainsley MVP Saddle Fleet Initiative Chukka Wellness: Exercising at The Pony Lines Rege Ludwig: Half Seat = Polo Seat Yoga for Polo: Post-Match Stretches Polo Genetics: What is Behind Argentine Polo Ponies?

Fitness Insight: Jason Warren – Lockdown Top Tips

Sidelines 45

Gossip: Don’t Be the Last to Know!

Youth Polo

Polo Directory

Knowledge

Final Bell

23 24 26 28 30

University of Nottingham Polo Focus Nutrition Focus: Lock Down Polodoc: Big Crack & No Air Vet Insight: General Anaesthesia Paddock Power: A Focus on Feet & Coats

46 48

What’s On

Passions: Tom Morley

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

Cover photography: ©www.imagesofpolo.com Her Majesty The Queen enjoying polo over the years. Together let’s look forward to happier times when polo is again a daily experience and not a memory www.polotimes.co.uk

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Polo Times, May 2020

Chestertons Postponed Until September

Due to Government advice regarding the Coronavirus virus outbreak, Chestertons Polo in the Park will be postponed until 4 – 6 September 2020. All tickets for the initial June dates will be valid for September. Anyone who has already booked their June tickets will be able to receive a full refund should they not be available for our September dates.

New Zealand Handicap Changes On Monday 23 March, the New Zealand Polo Association (NZPA) announced their handicap changes for the 2019/2020 season, effective from 1 November 2020, the full list of handicap changes can be viewed on the NZPA website.

Congratulations to Jonny Coddington who moved up to 5 goals, Oli Jones who moved up to 4 goals and Lenny Kay who went to 3 goals. In the ladies polo section, Lerey Young, Georgina Duncan and Angela Norrie all moved up to 3 goals, while Robyn Evans and Jade Pinckney moved up to 4 goals.

Polo Rider Cup Postponed

Game Polo, the official organiser of the Polo Rider Cup, have decided to postpone the event until 2021. The inaugural edition of the tournament was due to take place on 2 – 12 July 2020, but together with the FIP and Chantilly Polo Club it has been decided to postpone the tournament until next year. It is expected the tournament will be played between May and July 2021.

Federico Rooney Passes Away

Photograph courtesy of Barbados Polo Club

In the past month since our last issue there has been no polo worldwide, so hence no action image of polo that was suitable for our front cover. Of course it has been an unprecedented time of huge flux and change worldwide and the polo community has been impacted enormously too. However, Her Majesty The Queen remains a constant and reassuring figure to us all, particularly as at the time of press she is set to lead the country’s VE Day celebrations. So, for our May front cover we have celebrated this with a fantastic collage put together by polo photographer extraordinaire and Guards Polo Club Official Photographer Tony Ramirez to celebrate her 94th birthday.

As we go to press there is still deep uncertainty surrounding polo in the UK and indeed, worldwide. With air travel virtually at a standstill and travel bans in place it is certainly a time that leaves our polo community in an uncharted and uncertain territory Yes, of course, due to the pandemic, the world order has been thrown into disarray; and yes, when the new ‘norm’ is finally among us every day, everyday life, and the polo world too will be different – but let’s focus on the positives and find the best in what is a hugely challenging global situation Together let’s celebrate the British fighting spirit – almost 75 years ago, on Friday 8 May 1945, King George VI, made his radio address marking victory in Europe. In his own words, the nation was “War-battered, but never for one moment daunted or dismayed”. Due to sheer grit, determination, strong leadership and our forebears’ collective effervescent Bulldog spirit, the nation bounced back, in the face of adversity.

The relevance to this brief history lesson is that 75 years on, is that the same, I believe, can be said now as we start to turn the tide against the assault from the invisible assailant, which is Covid-19.

With the help of Tony’s images of Her Majesty at polo during happier times on our front cover this issue, we can all try to focus on the positives and look forward to the return of some degree of normality after the Coronavirus outbreak. Working together to defeat this dreadful virus we will meet again on the sidelines or playing on a newly mown polo field – and how sweet will that moment be?

News

Frederico Rooney playing in Barbados in 2015 In late March, it was announced that Venezuelan polo player Federico Rooney had sadly passed away after succumbing to his injuries from a fall in a polo match in Argentina in June 2019. Rooney was a talented player and horseman, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Federico’s mother, Soledad Diez de Tejada commented “Fede went to heaven. My heart is broken, but my soul is peaceful. I love you and you will always be my unruly baby.”

www.polotimes.co.uk

News Gstaad Gold Cup Postponed to 2021

2020 Argentine Triple Crown Teams

Photograph by Helen Cruden

Interestingly, in a surprising change of line-up, Ellerstina have deviated from their all-Pieres line-up with Hilario Ulloa replacing Polito Pieres, who has moved into La Natividad Monjitas.

The Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad 2020 was due to be played between 20 – 23 August, but the organisers have announced that the 25th edition of the tournament has been cancelled due to Coronavirus. Pierre E. Genecand, President of the Organizing Committee commented on the decision, “We are living in unprecedented times, never in modern history has the entire world had to face such a break through [sic] in such a short period of time. As Organizers, we each need to shoulder our responsibilities.

In the actual situation and existing terms, it was impossible for us to maintain the event in the best conditions while ensuring everyone’s safety. It was not an option to postpone it at a later date because of the airport’s activity, that has been making great efforts to welcome the competition year after year, which is why we have been obliged to cancel, with much regret”.

The tournament will continue next year, scheduled for 19 – 22 August 2021.

Action from The Argentine Open Final in 2019, Ellerstina vs La Dolfina

The 2020 Argentine Triple Crown team line-ups have been announced, with the two remaining teams for the 2020 Triple Crown also confirmed. One is a new version of La Irenita (Juan Martín Zubía, Min Podesta, Juan Gris Zavaleta & Facu Fernandez Llorente) and the other, which is still to be officially named (Francisco Elizalde, Alfredo Capella, Facundo Sola & Guillermo Caset), is a mixture of players from last year’s La Albertina and Las Monjitas.

2020 Argentine Triple Crown Teams: La Dolfina: Adolfo Cambiaso, David ‘Pelon’ Stirling, Pablo Mac Donough & Juan Martín Nero Ellerstina: Facundo Pieres, Nico Pieres, Gonzalito Pieres & Hilario Ulloa La Dolfina Polo Ranch: Guillermo Terrera, Juan Britos, Diego Cavanagh & Alejo Taranco La Natividad Monjitas: Ignatius Du Plessis, Bartolomé Castagnola, Camilo Castagnola & Polito Pieres Name Awaiting Confirmation: Francisco Elizalde, Alfredo Capella, Facundo Sola & Guillermo Caset Name Awaiting Confirmation: Agustín Merlos, Ignacio Toccalino, Santiago Toccalino & Mariano Aguerre La Irenita: Juan Martín Zubía, Min Podesta, Juan Gris Zavaleta & Facu Fernandez Llorente Name Awaiting Confirmation: Segundo Bocchino, Matias Torres Zavaleta, Alfredo Bigatti & Jero Del Carril

African Horse Sickness Hits Thailand

Authorities have acknowledged that there have been more than four outbreaks of African Horse Sickness (AHS) in Thailand, the first known case that has occurred in Southeast Asia.

Currently there have only been reported cases in Thailand, with sick horses quarantined as AHS is a highly infectious and deadly virus spread by insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.

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Polo Times, May 2020

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News

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

2020 UK High Goal & Victor Ludorum Fixtures

Action from the 2019 Cartier Queen’s Cup Final

On Friday 17 April the Hurlingham Polo Association amended their tournament fixture list for this season, which remains dependent on any Government conditions regarding Coronavirus and will not alter the HPA’s policy of providing a month’s notice for tournament polo. The HPA has published a revised draft for their 2020 Victor Ludorum tournaments (8 goals and above), while the 6 and 4 goal Victrix Ludorum are still being reviewed. The Prince of Wales and Trippetts 22 goal tournaments will begin the UK high goal season, but The Cartier Queen’s Cup and King Power Gold Cup have swapped positions with The King Power Gold Cup being played first (23 June – 19 July), followed by The Warwickshire (18 – 26 July) with The Cartier Queen’s Cup being played last (28 July – 23 August).

Nick Wiles, HPA Chairman, commented “In this unprecedented situation we are all working closely together, here in UK and internationally. Representatives of the Argentine Polo Association, Hurlingham Polo Association, United States Polo Association, French

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Polo Times, May 2020

Polo Federation, Spanish Polo Federation and the Federation of International Polo recently met by conference call and all agreed to work together in order to help all associations to have the best possible polo season, while minimizing the effects of the pandemic and prioritizing the health and safety of the players, umpires, grooms and everyone who helps put on polo events. Further digital meetings will be held regularly. As the season progresses we will hopefully have more freedom but that is likely to be still limited. The holiday month of August is going to look different this year so it is a great opportunity to play and hopefully watch some top class polo here through August and September in what is usually our best weather. Playing our key tournaments and enabling polo to be played nationally for a worthwhile period of time will help to maintain the fabric of our sport and those who are reliant on it for either their livelihood or recreation”.

To see the full list of proposed Victor ludorum fixtures, please turn to our What’s On pages.

www.polotimes.co.uk

News HPA Equine Influenza Update

On Monday 27 April, as a direct result of the Coronavirus outbreak Argentina’s National Civil Aviation Administration issued a decree banning all ticket sales for commercial flights within, to or from Argentina, until 1 September. Many other countries in the region have also stopped commercial flights, but none to the extent of Argentina and it is thought the bans could result in over 300,000 jobs being put at risk in the country.

This decision of course could have a direct impact upon polo across the globe, as well as here in the UK as Argentina’s National Civil Aviation Administration’s decision may well put some of the top teams in the 2020 polo season under threat with many depending upon overseas players to bolster their line-ups. With players such as Facundo Sola and Adolfo Cambiaso currently in Argentina, as this issue went to print, on the polo grapevine there was talk of a private charter flight.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Adolfo Cambiaso, pictured here in the 2014 Coronation Cup playing for Argentina, may not be allowed to travel on a public flight from Argentina until September

Images of Polo Family Heirloom Books

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Hand-crafted and designed, you can include your own choice of photographs, scans or even letters to remind you of those special family moments. To find out more, contact Tony Ramirez via email, or via ‘phone (01273 834159/ 07956 036649)

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On Friday 17 April, the Hurlingham Polo Association, announced an update on Equine Influenza vaccinations, with full details to be posted on their website in due course: “Vets have now been advised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons that they can administer vaccinations to maintain the health status of animals.

Covid-19 regulations on social distancing are still relevant and your vet will make a risk assessment prior to the visit to limit everyone’s risk. This procedure is best discussed with your own vet.

Horses that were vaccinated last year in March and April had until the end of April this year to receive their yearly booster.

Next year all annual boosters must be given within 365 days of the last vaccination.

When playing or umpiring, the last vaccination must have been given within 6 months and 21 days.

Horses not correctly vaccinated will need a course of three vaccines – the second 2192 days after the first and the third 150-215 days after the second. Horses can play 7 days after the second vaccine.”

Argentina Bans Flights Until 1 September

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Polo Times, May 2020

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News HPA’s Covid-19 Fifth Response

HPA Blue Book Out Now

The Hurlingham Polo Association’s yearly publication, the Blue Book, has been published online only. The Blue Book is available to download via the HPA’s website.

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Polo Times, May 2020

Photograph by USPA

On Friday 24 April, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) published their fifth update for Clubs and members (below), following on from their announcement the Friday before (17 April) which outlined their adjusted 2020 fixture list.

1. Virus Outlook. The lock down is now until 7 May. It looks to be working but is unlikely to be lifted before 7 May. 2. Factors Affecting Start Date. The following factors will be taken into consideration prior to any decision affecting the start of polo: • The rules and conditions laid down by Government for travel, social distancing, and gatherings.

• The medical cover required and the risk of injuries that require A&E/hospital treatment.

• What other sports are doing, eg; racing, cycling, cricket, golf, tennis, football, eventing.

• Availability and acceptability of testing.

• International and regional travel restrictions.

• The welfare of the ponies; the time needed to get them ready.

• The risk of reputational damage if polo is perceived to be in breach of the conditions.

• One Month Warning for VL Tournament Polo. The HPA will make a clear announcement when the notice of one month starts.

• The month does not start until the HPA has made that announcement and there will be no VL games played before that month is up. Therefore, if there has not been an announcement by ‘Day X’, no VL games can be played before ‘Day X’ plus one month.

• Until the HPA has made that announcement or an announcement to the contrary, no chukkas may be played at any affiliated club.

• Any announcement regarding the start of polo will also set out the rules and guidelines for chukkas, practices and domestic games prior to that date so that teams and players are able to prepare.

An updated draft of the 8 goal VL and above is now on the website and it hoped to add a draft for the 6 and 4 Goal and Victrix shortly.

3. Social Distancing and Club Hygiene Procedures.

• Possible rule changes to allow adherence to social distancing requirements are being considered.

• It is planned to produce a draft for the procedures that clubs are likely to have to put in place in order that polo can be played.

4. FAQs. The FAQs have been updated. [To read the HPA’s FAQs visit www.hpa-polo.co.uk] 5. Insurance. Those stick and balling at a club are not covered by the HPA membership unless they have signed up as HPA members.

USPA Covid-19 Relief Programmes

The USPA have announced a range of relief programmes to help USPA Members who are struggling due to the Covid-19 pandemic

The United States Polo Association (USPA) have announced that they will be delaying USPA Tournaments and Events until Friday 15 May, as well as the approval of three USPA funded assistance programmes.

The three assistance programmes are detailed below and include a substantial commitment from the USPA, which has yet to be matched by other Polo Associations around the world: USPA Covid-19 Equine Welfare Relief Programme (ERP) – Aimed at aiding USPA Members who are struggling to maintain proper upkeep of their horses and are in desperate assistance will be able to apply in order to provide their horses with proper nutrition.

USPA Covid-19 Distressed Club Relief Program – Designed to support USPA Member Clubs which have experienced financial difficulty from 15 March – 31 May due to Covid-19, with support focused on non-equine care related costs.

Covid-19 USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package – Aimed at post-crisis aid to support Club activity, for the first two USPA tournaments held at the USPA Member Club the tournament fees will be waived, umpires will be provided by USPA, $2,500 prize money per tournament and Clubs will either be provided with trophies or reimbursed.

Bob Puetz, USPA CEO made the following announcement: “As we continue to face these unprecedented challenging and stressful times, the USPA would like to assure our members and clubs across the nation of our commitment to continue to support the sport of polo. As part of these efforts, the USPA has extended the suspension of USPA Tournaments and Events through Friday, May 15, 2020.

“We have not overlooked the fact that the immediate needs of the sport and polo communities we promote and serve are ongoing.

In an effort to help alleviate the financial strain being placed on the sport and polo community, the USPA Board of Governors approved three assistance programs during the Spring Board of Governors Meeting on Saturday, April 18, 2020: the USPA COVID-19 Equine Welfare Relief Program (ERP), the USPA COVID-19 Distressed Club Relief Program and the COVID-19 USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package. Each program has been developed to meet specific needs.

The Equine Welfare Relief and Distressed Club Relief programs will be accepting applications for immediate disbursement while the Tournament Stimulus Program will be available to assist clubs transitioning back into tournament play.

“It is our sincere hope that you and your families stay healthy, positive and safe. All program information is available below. Please do not hesitate to reach out to USPA staff and leadership at any time if you need any assistance.”

To read the guidelines and to make an application visit www.uspolo.org www.polotimes.co.uk

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Comment

Your Views

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

Letters

Dear Sirs Polo Times has always seemed to be a well-balanced, informative magazine and not afraid to comment on contentious issues... handicapping for one!

I have to say I liked Mrs Lavinia Black’s proposal that she wrote to you about months ago, basically saying that a player should arrive at country two with the handicap they had last played at in country one and if that proves to be too low as the season progressed so they get raised and when they move to country three then they start with that raised handicap... the reverse also being true on the way down!

It might not solve it completely, but players like Adolfito, Jeta, Barto and Luquitas are exceptional and so exceptional rises are required... My deteriorating grey cells seem to remember Adolfito arriving here at 16 on 6, being raised to 7 on departure and next minute was 10 in Argentina, or am I wrong? But at the “normal human� level there are many 7, 8, 9s where the handicapping is, shall we say “odd� when looking at their recent record and where it’s not just a question of horsepower or attitude... Two of those in your team is a massive advantage especially if the patron is capable and well-schooled to their limitations by their pros... (we could all give numerous examples) Anyway, thanks to the lockdown, I just finished cataloguing all of my assorted polo memorabilia... well, I’ve done the garden, painted the shed and fences with wood preserver, so what else is there to do!

Next up, trying to track down a copy of Edition 1 from 1985 of the Polo International (Italian edition)... I have put a Classified advert in Polo Times!

You all take care and keep safe, and look forward to seeing you all if we ever get the season off the ground...though I still think the recent emails on the scheduling is a little optimistic (at least for The Gold Cup if not The Queen’s)

Quick Question Q: Polo Times was actually called something else for the first two years of its production.

What was that name? For a bonus point what year was the first edition of that publication?

A: Turn to page 46 to check your answer.

We follow them to save you the scrolling: @cowdraypolo A fabulous shot of Jonny Wade receiving a polo ball delivery at @gatwickairport. Can anyone guess the year? #CowdrayParkPolo #CowdrayPolo #CowdrayPoloClub #Polo #Midhurst #CowdrayEstate #Sussex #StickAndBall #PoloSport #PoloEverything #PoloLife #ukpolo #ukpoloseason #poloplayers #pololife #pololifestyle #VisitMidhurst #CowdrayExperience @jonnyjonny_ thewade

Kind regards Adrian Bennett

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@druidslodgepolo Day #2,467 of lock down and our table manners have slipped a bit.

Going to need to work on this before we can be seen eating in public again. #messyeating #anythinggoesthesedays #quettaandhercopra

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Knowledge

Coronavirus & Education A

How will students’ education be affected fter four weeks of lockdown and a further three weeks announced, parents, students and teachers up and down the country have tried to get to grips with home schooling. As a result, probably even the least enthusiastic student now looks forward to a return to school. In this article Nathaniel McCullagh, Director of Simply Learning Tuition considers how the Government’s response to Covid-19 will affect students and offers advice on how best to handle the upheaval of cancelled GCSE and A Level exams and what to do if your, ‘calculated grade’ is lower than you think it should be.

What has happened?

The Government sent all children home from school on Friday 20 March, except those of critical key workers or vulnerable children. Exams were cancelled and in their place, a ‘calculated grade’ will be awarded www.polotimes.co.uk

based on a student’s prior attainment including mock exam results, homework marks and other performance indicators.

This will be released on or before the usual August results date. A level results will be published on 13 August and GCSEs on 20 August. Work done between Friday 20 March and the end of the summer term cannot count towards this exam grade. This has led to widespread confusion, disappointment and concern for many parents, teachers and students.

Home schooled students Some students who are being home schooled or following a distance learning programme will have been entered for their exams at a school, or an exam centre, as a ‘private candidate’. The government have said that these students should also be given a calculated grade but the centre has to be confident that they have seen enough

evidence of the student’s achievement. This may require parents to provide evidence of work done at home, or with a tutor.

Otherwise, the student may need to take exams in the autumn.

Why can calculated grades be a problem for some students?

If, like me, you were a student who hated exams, a calculated grade might at first sight seem like a welcome alternative. However, teenagers have had their brains hard wired to work towards the all-important final exam. Many will have been dragging their heels in the run up to Easter and half term revision, and may have poor homework and coursework marks. Other students will be annoyed that their revision notes and planning for the exams has now been wasted and they will not be rewarded for their foresight and hard work.

Polo Times, May 2020

17

Feature

Simply Learning Tuition

Will calculated grades be accurate?

Several academics claim that teachers are the best people to assess a student because they have long-term visibility over their work. A good teacher will also be aware of pastoral or behavioral issues that may affect performance. Unfortunately, research

by Ofqual (the government department for national exams) has shown that there are issues with teacher assessments that could cause students to be awarded the wrong grade. Mistakes are more likely to occur for students who were not, ‘on the normal curve’ – and I think it is fair to say this could represent every polo playing student I know, and particularly the ones I have tutored. For children who are ambitious, well rounded and driven by a passion outside of a mainstream classroom education, school work often comes second and is therefore not the best measure of their innate academic ability – particularly at times of heavy involvement in their sport.

To make things worse, these students may be less visible to their teachers because they do not, ‘put academics first’. If they begin to miss class or assignments and in time begin to struggle with their work, this can further damage the relationship between student and teacher. Often these issues are picked up around mock exams and a swift call to the parents, and the intervention of extra classes or a tutor can get things back on track. However, without the Easter holidays and Summer term there simply is not enough time to make the necessary improvements. It is also understood that it is not certain that universities will open in September, but in that case courses will be delivered online, so the entrance requirements will still need to be met.

How important is my GCSE or A Level grade, now that the exams have been cancelled?

It could be argued that because of the unprecedented consequences of the Covid-19 lockdown, schools and universities will take a benevolent approach to admissions. If a student has been made an offer (conditional or unconditional) for university then surely that offer will still stand? However, strict caps are being placed on universities to ensure that they do not take more than their fair share of the domestic student body – it is envisaged that if the international market for students collapses then Russell Group universities will open their doors to less competitive students which will cause big problems for other universities which will not be able to fill their places. All of this is important for students to grasp because it means it is now, more than ever, vital that they get the highest possible grade. At this point it is also well worth remembering that the small differences in marks e.g. between an A and A*, or a 7 and 9 are always significant for university entrance.

The case for A-Levels is clear but it is also really important to get the grade a student deserves at GCSE. Most universities require at least a pass in GCSE Maths and English and many Russell Groups require specific grades in certain subjects. University admissions also look at GCSE results when deciding who to make conditional offers to. Additionally, employers such as Deloitte and other big corporates will look at every stage of an academic record (including work experience and extra curricular activity) to score applicants for an internship or job application.

Why is it so important to keep studying right now?

Students need to prepare for next year’s work. If in Year 11 they need to be reading for next year’s A-Levels. If in Year 13, they should be learning about how to adapt to life as an undergraduate and preparing for what they will be reading at University. It is always possible that their university will administer a surprise test to help them select the ‘strongest’ students if they receive an influx of students with inflated grades in September.

What can a student do if they are not happy with their calculated grade?

The government have provided two options; one of which is to appeal the calculated grade, the other is to sit exams as soon as they are offered when school reopens. If a student sits the exam, they can choose the higher of this mark, or their calculated grade and they can sit exams in as many subjects as they like. Ofqual is working extremely hard to ensure that every calculated grade is fair and we think the steps they are taking are likely to be sufficient in 99% of cases.

They will use internal standardisation within each school to try to minimise the impact of a ‘rogue teacher’ and then look at historic grades awarded by each school. Next, they will compare similar schools (think inner city comprehensives) and then compare those ‘groups’ with different schools (think leading public schools), again using historical data to analyse the differences and ensure that nothing untoward is happening. If you think this sounds challenging, you are not alone!

Appealing a calculated grade If a student decides to challenge their grade, they should build their case expertly. Start by going through all of the last 12 months’ homework, assessments and coursework and create a table with the mark given on one side and the reasons it wasn’t higher on the other. Look at these reasons and try to draw a common thread. Did the marks improve steadily through the year as the student got to grips with the subject?

Photograph by Simply Learning Tuition

Home schooling has become a reality for parents with families on lockdown

Useful Links

James’ Place www.jamesplace.org.uk/ MIND www.mind.org.uk/ Simply Learning Tuition www.simplylearningtuition.co.uk Ofqual www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofqual 18

Polo Times, May 2020

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Simply Learning Tuition If so, they should be projected forward at the same rate of increase. Was there a particular problem with a specific teacher? Did things improve when a new teacher took their place, or the relationship improved? Again, that improvement should be extrapolated.

Has the student got a track record of always doing, say 30% better in exams than regular work? If they can prove this over a number of years, then they may be able to argue the same increase should be given now. Now turn to your family – are there any mitigating circumstances that you can plead (perhaps not your son or daughter losing a polo tournament!) but for example, were you going through a divorce? Did your son or daughter have a sports commitment that took them out of school for a long period of time?

Did they move into the UK from a foreign country, or start at a new school? In that case, you should argue that a more accurate representation will come from their previous teachers and that they should be consulted.

Any disruption would have to have been preCovid however because the assessment will explicitly ignore any drop-in performance that occurred because of the pandemic.

Sitting your exam as soon as offered by the Government If their appeal is unsuccessful, or not sufficient to get to where they need to be, students can take exams in as few or as many subjects as you like in the Autumn. If they are in Year 11 of GCSE’s, these could be taken alongside A-Levels; it won’t be easy but it is possible. The student’s record will always show that they took some GCSE’s in later years, but at a casual glance employers will not see this. If challenged, the student will be able to explain that this demonstrates drive and ability. This will likely resonate well with employers. Students can hire a private tutor to help and this is allowed under the Ofqual scheme. (Unlike with the appeal, where any improvements since the schools were closed reached through e.g. hard work and/or tutoring will not be considered.)

What about Retakes?

For some students, the disruption caused by Covid-19 or some other reason might mean that their grades are just too low to get them to where they want to be. In these cases, taking a year off to retake might be very sensible. If a student is moving from Year 11 GCSE to 6th Form, they might be able to do retakes during Year 12 and be admitted based on the new grades being high enough.

For final year A-Level students, although it might not be part of the original plan, lots of students take time off to retake. Retakes take up to 9 months and will eat into a Gap Year, or delay the move to university by one year.

However, they will allow a student to get a better degree course and likely a better job

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Feature

School children have been affected by the Government’s response to Covid-19

– again, subject to the caveat that they really had a good reason for underperforming the first time. Quite seriously for polo players, this might be a golden opportunity to get ahead of the curve with their sport, to travel overseas and learn a foreign language. They can study online and quite easily cover one or two A-levels while working hard on their passion.

Could students get a tutor for the exams?

I think the next six months presents a fantastic opportunity to get some extra help.

There will have been significant learning loss for most students, through no fault of their own. For first year A-Level or GCSE students a tutor can help catch up with the curriculum. If in the final year, then hiring a private tutor who will cover subject knowledge but also concentrate on exam technique and past papers will likely improve marks by at least 10%, probably significantly more. This could make all the difference to a student’s future.

The importance of mental health and well-being Whichever way you look at it Covid-19 has been a huge shock to every student in the country. Children’s and teenage brains are incredibly malleable, however this means they are also susceptible to a huge amount of learning loss. For this reason, it is important to keep on learning as much as possible through the disruption. If your son or daughter comes out a ‘calculated grade winner’, either directly, on appeal or after carefully preparing for an autumn exam, that is great, but if they are unlucky and

get worse marks than they deserve, it is not the end of the journey. They should take this time to reflect on what they could do differently next time, and focus on building resilience. Education is a marathon, not a sprint and if they are fortunate, they never really stop learning in life. If they have always dreamed of getting a particular job, or studying a certain degree, then they likely will, but it might not happen straight away. The very most important thing is to not suffer anxiety as a result of these events. The whole family should limit media consumption, tuning out sensationalist daily news reports and focusing instead on retrospective, in-depth reporting. For all things to do with education in the UK use the Ofqual website – it is updated regularly and is the only truly reliable resource. At this difficult time, schools are too under resourced to be able to offer much help with pastoral issues so I would recommend MIND for parents of teenage children. If things are more serious, Claire Milford Haven’s foundation, James’ Place offers help and support. If you have any specific questions about your son or daughter’s education please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, we would be delighted to recommend a tutor, or give advice on the next steps.

This information is correct as of 18 April Simply Learning Tuition 43 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 5FJ +44 (0)207 350 1981 simplylearningtuition.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2020

19

Feature

Equestrian Relief

Photograph courtesy of Equestrian Relief

Hazel Jackson-Gaona’s impressive Bake Off Easter Cake Challenge entry

Team Presenter’s Nick Luck’s painting

Zara Tindall’s painting raised £5,700 for the Appeal

Equestrian Relief Raises Over O £250,000 Team Polo secures second place 20

Polo Times, May 2020

ver the course of one week (6 – 13 April) Equestrian Relief saw equestrian stars and celebrities competing in a series of challenges with the goal of raising £100,000 for the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal Fund.

There were seven equestrian teams overall from five equestrian disciplines, with Team Polo represented by Jack Richardson, Hazel Jackson-Gaona, Tom Morley, Mark Tomlinson and Malcolm Borwick. Over the course of the week each team took on five challenges (On the Gallops, Plankety Plank, www.polotimes.co.uk

Equestrian Relief

Feature

Team Racing’s Oli Bell’s painting

that Equestrian Relief raised a staggering amount, over £250,000 for the NHS Covid-19 Appeal, with the efforts of the teams and generosity of donations meaning Equestrian Relief smashed their initial £100,000 target, with the online auction itself adding £165,440 to the overall total.

The top charity auction lot was membership of a Nick Bradley Racing syndicate which raised £7,501 and Zara Tindall’s painting (pictured) from the Horse Drawn challenge raised £5,700.

Nina Barbour, Bolesworth Managing Director commented, “It has been an overwhelming fortnight – and we are delighted to be in a position to be donating over quarter of a millions pounds to the NHS Covid-19 Crisis Fund. I would just like to extend a massive thank you to everyone from the Equestrian World who has supported this fantastic cause in every way, and helped us achieve this great result.”

Malcolm Borwick’s Easter Cake

Horse Drawn, Showstopper and Dark Horse) which were designed to test the physical, creative and artistic skills of the riders. Overall Team Polo came second with 46 points, with Team Eventing taking first place with 64 points, Team Show Jumping South and Team Presenters in joint third with 42 points.

Individually, Team Polo also did well: Jack Richardson came third in the 5km run “On the Gallops” with a time of 20 minutes 1 second, Malcolm Borwick came third in the Plankety Plank with a time of 7 minutes 31 seconds and just lost out on a podium position in the Bake Off Easter Showstopper by one point, Jack Richardson and Tom Morley’s Team Polo Spoof Rap duet secured them a joint second place in the Dark Horse challenge. Mark Tomlinson, Team Polo’s Captain commented, “I’m very proud of the Team Polo ’s performance and our silver medal, which is impressive as www.polotimes.co.uk

we were late comers to the competition. The highlights for me have to be Jack and Tom’s rap, which was outstanding, and the fact that as a collective, the equestrian world came together to raise over a quarter of a million pounds for the Covid-19 Appeal.”

Polo Times spoke to Hazel about her experience, “It was an incredible privilege to take part in, I finally taught myself how to bake, however unfortunately there is no hope for my artistic skills. I am so proud of how much money was raised for such an impressive cause. I have such an appreciation for the NHS front-liners and all the essential workers. There was such amazing positive spirit – Jack and Tom made the most hilarious video, which can be seen on my Instagram page, along with Malcolm’s seriously impressive plank and Mark’s incredible Artistic skills, we came second”.

The final pounds and pennies have been counted and it has now been announced

Equestrian Relief Teams: 1st: Team Eventing: Zara Tindall (Captain), Ben Hobday, Oliver Townend, Alex Hua Tian & Ros Canter 2nd: Team Polo: Mark Tomlinson (Captain), Jack Richardson, Hazel Jackson-Gaona, Tom Morley, & Malcolm Borwick 3rd: Team Presenters: Alice Plunkett (Captain), Emma Spencer, Nick Luck, Rishi Persad & Luke Harvey 3rd: Team Show Jumping – South: Jay Halim (Captain), Scott Brash, Daisy Bunn, Shane Breen & Jess Mendoza 5th: Team Dressage: Richard Davison (Captain), Toni Terry, Carl Hester, Sarah Higgins & Gareth Hughes 6th: Team Racing: Mike Bushell (Captain), A P McCoy, Frankie Dettori, Oli Bell & Rachel Lugo 7th: Team Show Jumping – North: Will Whitaker (Captain), Ellen Whitaker, Anthony Condon, Geoff Billington & Harry Charles Polo Times, May 2020

21

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Editor’s Note: At the time of going to print the UK is in the midst of a pandemic lockdown, with most countries across the globe following suit, which means that there is a limited amount of Club News as Clubs are following government guidelines on social distancing and are currently closed to the public.

Beaufort Polo Club

Photograph courtesy of CPPC

Cirencester Park Polo Club Cirencester Park Polo Club (CPPC) announced that they will be postponing their VE Day event planned for Sunday 10 May, in line with the Royal British Legion’s similar decision. They are planning to keep those interested in attending the postponed event informed via social media and their website.

CPPC have postponed their VE Day celebrations

Guards Polo Club

Rutland Polo Club Guards Polo Club are hoping to begin their delayed 2020 season in mid-May

Rutland Polo Club’s new website is now up and running! You can use their new website to find information about the Club, latest updates, Club members, events, fixture and much more. Visit the website at www.rutlandpoloclub.co.uk

On Friday 10 April, Guards Polo Club, home of some of the UK’s most illustrious polo tournaments including The Cartier Queen’s Cup, made the following announcement regarding the 2020 season, “The good news is that your Board and Polo Office, in conjunction with the HPA, believes that we will be playing polo in 2020, albeit a little later than originally planned.

The Board, which met online together on Wednesday 8 April, is looking at a provisional start date for matches from mid-May – probably behind closed doors – and is looking at all possible options to rejig the season to ensure as much polo as possible.

Of course we continue to be guided by the advice from the Government and hope to have more constructive information on future plans after the results of the current lockdown.”

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Polo Times, May 2020

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Photograph by www.imagesofpolo.com

After much deliberation, the Club have decided to postpone the Masquerade Ball in aid of the Even Keel Foundation to Saturday 15 May 2021. Due to Coronavirus restrictions, the Club had initially planned to postpone the event until Saturday 12 September, but with the current uncertainty they felt it was best to postpone the event until 2021. There is a waiting list for those interested in the 2021 event, so get in touch with the Club via email or by calling 01666 881249.

University of Nottingham Polo Focus

Youth

University of Nottingham Polo Club At this year’s SUPA National Universities Winter Arena Championships, the University of Nottingham Polo Club (UoN Polo) made headlines with an impressive number of team entries and successes which included: 42 members taking part in the tournament across 15 teams, UoN Polo taking first place in all four Novice divisions (N1, N2, N3 and N4), first place in Beginner Combined division, second place in Beginner 1 division and third place in the Beginner 2 division. Following their successes and mass involvement in the tournament, Polo Times spoke to five new members of UoN Polo about their experiences.

Arturo Felipe-Hernandez As a foreigner, (Cuban American) and as one of the older players on the team, the prospect of playing polo having had no prior riding experience appeared particularly formidable. Fortuitously however, the welcoming atmosphere of our Club and its players, as well as the ‘can-do’ attitude cultivated by our coach Grant Collett, greatly facilitated the learning process. In short time, I have had the opportunity to play in, and win tournaments with our team.

Adam Hillan I joined the UoN Polo having never played polo and had little riding experience. After the engage session I was hooked. My first chukka was exhilarating with the fantastic Grant Collett skilfully challenging, coaching and encouraging us to improve and have fun. The group morale at SUPA tournaments and social events is addictive. Joining the Club was one of the best decisions I made at university and I highly recommend it.

Rebecca Kadwell Without a doubt, the UoN Polo community have made my transition into the world of polo the best it could possibly be. It has been great to see my own progression from never having played before to coming first place in our division at SUPA University Challenge last November and third place at SUPA Winter Arena Nationals in February. I am so lucky to have met so many amazing people throughout the year too, whilst taking part in such an exciting and fast paced game.

Meg Leigh Starting polo was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I made when I joined university. Not only do the fun and engaging lessons at Offchurch Bury Polo club, where we train, offer a rush of adrenaline and sense of camaraderie like I’ve never felt before, but they also give me something to look forward to each week to escape the rush of busy university life. I think it’s safe to say I’ve been hooked since my first chukka.

Ryan Hutchinson Trying out a challenging sport like polo was something I will never regret. Not only have I learnt a whole host of new skills, I’ve gone from never having ridden a horse before to coming third in my division at Winter Nationals this year. Perhaps most importantly, I have been welcomed into the club beyond what I could have ever expected and have made my friends for life. I think it goes without saying, but polo is definitely the sport to join at university.

If you would like to see your university Club featured in our Youth pages, please email editorial@polotimes.co.uk Is your youth polo not featured? Email editorial@polotimes.co.uk with all your youth polo news!

Polo Times, May 2020

23

Knowledge

Nutrition Focus

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Your #StayAtHome nutrition Q&A’s answered As I ponder my next article for Polo Times at the beginning of April, the sun is shining but, everything is cancelled and we #STAYATHOME – what totally surreal times we are living in. By the time this article is published we may have a better picture as to what we can expect of

the polo season and we all have our fingers and toes tightly crossed.

In light of the current situation, I thought I’d answer some relevant questions, so with the help of some loyal and patient clients we have some Q&As.

Photograph by Lydia Taylor

Lock Down

Oli Hipwood ponies on exercise 2020

Q: I am keeping my horses in and ‘ticking over’ – how is it best to feed them?

A: By now they should have gained condition after the winter, so whilst they are in doing set work with plenty of walking, and not really embarking on a lot of fast work, the diet should be enough to maintain condition without the need for extra energy: • Horse & Pony Cubes or Mix (high fibre) – to maintain current condition • Conditioning Cubes or Mix – to put on condition • Low starch, high fibre & oil feeds – condition without the increased starch/quick releasing energy • Balancers – low calorie option I would anticipate feeding no more than 2 to 2½ round bowl Stubbs scoops of cubes / 2½ to 3 scoops of mix (approximately) or 3 measuring mugs of a performance or stud balancer.

You may wish to also continue ‘bulking’ the feed out with half a scoop of chaff or beet pulp which is absolutely fine as allowing them as much forage as they can eat is, of course, ideal.

Q: During such hard times I really need to watch my budget, how can I do this?

A: Absolutely – it’s natural that this a very difficult time for everyone so the budget is going to be tight, but obviously we still want to do the best by your horses, so my budgeting points would be:

White Crane ponies on exercise

24

Polo Times, May 2020

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• Forage is generally, the cheapest element of the diet, so let them eat as much as they can, as it will help to provide some calories to maintain condition • Turning out overnight on grass, this will save forage and bedding bills – and if they get a bit of a tummy at this stage does it really matter?

• By feeding more forage you could possibly reduce your feed bill – conditioning feeds could be switched to a basic high fibre feed, for example • Cubes are very often cheaper than a mix equivalent • Bulking feeds out with chaff and beet may not be necessary – especially if out on grass or having lots of hay/haylage but for those greedy individuals keep a handful in to slow them down • Balancers can work out to be economical – measuring in mugs rather than scoops, they are nutrient dense and go a lot further If you would like some help with working out some costings please do not hesitate to contact me – details below.

Q: How do I feed if polo begins but we have to go back to lock down again?

A: So, the biggest concern is the horses having the high energy feed (often starch/ cereal based) increased to support the increased work load, BUT we now need to drop that energy in the diet so we do not increase risks of tying up. You could: • Remove some of the high energy feed and replace with a Horse & Pony Cube, for instance • Reduce the high energy feed and top up with a balancer instead • Reduce the ration to MAINTENANCE quantities as above • Keep up with electrolytes as you may well be stick and balling and doing fast work Q: We have decided to turn our horses out until we know what is happening, what would be best for them? They had done about a month of work until turned away.

A: They really need some basic nutrition, as they may not have so long to come back into work to reach playing fitness, and one way to help that is by ensuring they are getting at least some protein, vitamins and minerals – so a balancer would be the ideal scenario, 2 to 3 mugs per day.

Or you might want to give them 1½ round bowl scoops per day of Horse & Pony Cubes, or for the absolute bare minimum some mineral blocks.

What I would say is be careful they are not in a field of lush grass, you will then be

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Knowledge

Photography by Jasmine Calvert-Ansari

Nutrition Focus

White Crane ponies living out

rushing them back into work with fitness to gain, muscle to be build and fat to be lost – which really could take its toll on their body, especially those older horses or those that have had injuries.

Q: I have put my horses in the summer paddocks and the grass is amazing, this is fine, I guess?

A: EEEEEEEK! Be very careful, especially if they are not in work, as this just rings alarm bells for a big risk of laminitis.

Why not strip graze the paddock so you can at least restrict/monitor how much they are eating, or move them to fresh grass GRADUALLY, an hour or so at a time until they have eaten some of the grass down when you can then turn them out for longer periods.

Adapting the previous answer to the previous question would also be ideal – the grass will provide the calories but not a balance of proteins, vitamins and minerals.

And one yard thinking ahead, made this point…

“We are keeping our horses in for as much as the summer as possible whether they

play polo or not, leaving them out in the field to have a possible 18 months off work is not something we wanted to do – so we have them in work, they are living out, they are on their hard feed, they have shoes on, wormed, teeth done, vaccinated – all ready to go if they need to, or they can stay in for a few months of fitness, muscle development and general TLC rather than being turned away for such a long period of time.”

I hope the above points are of a bit of help, if I can help in any way please do call or email.

I keep my fingers tightly crossed that by the time I am pondering over my next article we might have a light at the end of the tunnel.

In the meantime, #STAYATHOME #STAYSAFE If you have any subjects you would like me to cover I would love to hear from you!

ontact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse C Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Polo Times, May 2020

25

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

Big Crack & No Air Combined Chest Injuries The chance of falling off your horse has two main categories – it is high for beginners learning to play polo and equally, for professionals who push the limits to take the extra risk to win. Despite injuries being rare, they are potentially very dangerous and can end with a player in the operating theatre.

Although injuries of the chest wall, clavicle and scapula are much more frequent in motor vehicle, motorbike or cycling accidents, polo and other equestrian activities are also often associated with injuries of the chest.

Injury Mechanism

Three specific mechanisms can be identified: 1. Riding off or falling off the horse due to leaning out the middle and landing on the arm in adduction to the chest wall 2. Sudden stop or stumbling of the horse 3. Overrun by horse/opponent Especially when riders lean over in order to hit a ball with the mallet, they are putting themselves in an unstable position and may fall from the horse. Also, when riding off and getting in close contact with the opponent falls are possible or injury to the elbow or hitting arm. Not only can the impact from the fall itself cause serious injuries, but also when the rider gets overrun by his/her own horse or another rider.

The arrows indicate multiple and severely displaced rib fractures and laceration of the left lung

Injury Pattern

The most common injuries resulting from a fall are simple singular rib fractures, which per se do not require any special treatment

other than bandaging, pain killers and rest.

On the other hand, rib fractures can occur in multiple locations, resulting in chest wall instability and difficulty in breathing.

‘Typical’ combination injury, pictured all in the same patient

Rib fractures on the right, associated with midshaft fracture of the clavicle

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Serial rib fractures with pneumothorax, lung laceration – here the lung was trapped in the rib fracture and needed to be freed up

Treatment consisted of surgical fixation of the clavicle, minimally invasive lung repair and fixation of the adjacent rib fractures

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Medical Insight: Polodoc

Knowledge

Moreover, injuries of the underlying lung can result in laceration of the lung as well as pneumothorax or even life threatening tension pneumothorax – requiring immediate decompression with a chest tube. Also, fractures of the scapula and clavicle are often seen in combination with serial rib fractures.

But also bleeding from internal organs such as the liver of spleen have to be considered, which may cause internal bleeding and need immediate attention by a medical specialist.

On Site Management

Since some of the abovementioned injuries may be life threatening, a well-trained specialist along with the necessary tools should be on site at all times. Besides a portable ultrasound to recognize internal bleeding, also the equipment for chest tube insertion should be readily available.

Treatment

Nondisplaced rib fractures and simple nondisplaced fractures of the clavicle usually do not warrant surgery to fix these injuries. In the case of pneumothorax, a chest tube should be inserted in order to allow to re-expansion of the lung. In the case of multiple and dislocated rib fractures as well as in dislocated or complicated fractures of the clavicle, surgical fixation of the rib and clavicle should be done by a specialist to facilitate breathing and start a speedy recovery.

Healing Process

Simple rib fractures may cause pain up to six weeks after trauma. With more severe injuries of the chest wall and/or clavicle which required surgery, weight bearing and

“Free movement, no restriction, full swing proof” Fabio Meier said whilst wearing a Helite airbag vest at PoloPark Zurich

sporting activities should be avoided for six weeks after the procedure. Contact sports such as polo or similar activities should not be pursued before three months after surgical fixation and only once good healing of the bone has been documented on X-Rays and/or CT.

Prevention & Safety

To change the number of falls is a mission impossible, but what we can do is to change the impact when landing. Physical fitness is always an aid when it comes to a protective muscle shield. Also, flexibility and falling techniques from martial arts can make a difference. But as the elasticity of bone is limited airbag vests, such as Helite, may help to protect the thorax and reduce the impact. These vests can even bring some stabilisation to the cervical spine in case of activation. Otherwise no Products such as Helite help to reduce the impact from a fall and improve rolling manoeuvres

relevant restriction in free range of motion is objected by a player like Fabio Meier

PD Dr. med. Gregor Kocher, Chief physician, Department of General Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Bern Blunt trauma to the chest can result in a large variety of injuries, ranging from simple rib fractures to life threatening injuries of the internal organs such as lung, liver, spleen or the large vessels (aorta).

It is therefore crucial that an experienced medical specialist does a first assessment of such patients in order to rule out any life threatening condition.

Depending on the extent of injuries, once the patient has overcome the initial critical phase, further healing of rib fractures +/- fractures of the clavicle is often unproblematic and a full recovery is expected within three months after trauma.

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

Polo Times, May 2020

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Knowledge

Vet Insight: General Anaesthesia

David Blakey BVetMed CertAVP(EM) MRCVS started playing polo with The Wilton Hunt Pony Club at the age of 10 and went on to both play and groom in South Africa and the U.K, before setting off for The Royal Veterinary College. He graduated in 2010, and currently works at the Three Counties Equine Hospital in Gloucestershire, the practice that looks after the Polo Times string. He deals with everything from miniature Shetlands to performance sport horses, although he does have a particular interest in anesthesia and older horse management. David regularly plays polo at Edgeworth’s Wednesday evening chukkas and once held a 1 goal handicap, but lack of time and money has curtailed his polo habit

Why, and what are the risks?

A catheter is paced into an artery for direct blood pressure monitoring

An increasing number of veterinary procedures can be performed on horses under heavy sedation, such as wound repair, dentistry, stem cell injections into tendons, wind surgeries and even the repair of some fractures. It is aided by the administration of local anaesthetics, either around nerves to block out whole regions (such as the lower limb) or by injecting under the skin to desensitise the immediate area.

If it is possible to perform so many procedures under sedation with the horse remaining on its feet, why would you need to perform general anaesthesia?

What is General Anaesthesia?

General anaesthesia (G.A.) involves giving a patient a combination of drugs so that they become so deeply asleep that their protective reflexes are abolished – a medically induced coma. This is ideal for surgical procedures as the patient is immobile and cannot consciously feel or remember the procedure.

There are two types of G.A. – field and hospital. A field anaesthetic is usually used for relatively quick procedures on yard such as a castration. Typically, the horse is heavily sedated and then given another intravenous 28

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injection containing ketamine which induces G.A. lasting for 20-30 minutes. This is a very safe form of anaesthesia as it is for a short period and the horse is allowed to recover to its feet in a wide, open space.

Hospital anaesthetics are used for longer and more complicated surgeries. The horse is “induced” in the same way as a field anaesthetic, but a tube is placed via the mouth into the trachea and the horse connected to breathing circuit. This delivers a mixture of oxygen and an anaesthetic gas (isoflurane or sevoflurane) that maintains the G.A. once the ketamine has worn off. At the end of surgery, the horse is moved to a padded recovery box where it can breathe off the anaesthetic gas, waking up before getting to their feet.

A horse undergoing castration – this gives better access and safety for the vet

Why? Colic surgery is one procedure that requires general anaesthesia, as the horse must be placed on its back so that the surgeons can open up the abdomen to explore its contents to its fullest extent and correct the cause of the pain.

Surgical exploration of delicate structure, such as joints, is only really possible under anaesthesia. The patient can be positioned optimally to allow the joint to be fully assessed with an arthroscope (key-hole camera) and the joint flexed and extended to open up different areas of the joint. This is particularly important when trying to find fragments of bone or foreign objects due to a wound.

Some horses will not tolerate procedures even after very heavy sedation.

For instance, I know of two horses who require general anaesthesia for hock medications as they cannot be prevented from kicking the clinician any other way.

Additionally, the risk of sudden movement in some sedated horses presents a danger to the operating team, equipment and the horse itself – a bit like trying to change a tyre if the car might drive away at any moment. www.polotimes.co.uk

Photography courtesy of David Blakey

General Anaesthesia

Vet Insight: General Anaesthesia

Knowledge

The horse is supported behind a padded gate as it is induced to reduce the risk of injury

Once the horse is induced, an ET tube will be placed into the trachea via its mouth The horse is hoisted into theatre and carefully positioned on an air-pad and connected to a ventilator

Recovery floor: after surgery, the horse is moved into the padded box and ropes attached to the head and tail Once induced, the horse is readied to be moved into theatre from the padded box

Recovery standing: the horse has regained its feet and is being steadied by the ropes

Hobbles are placed around the pasterns to lift the horse into theatre

The Risks A study performed 15-years-ago collating data from clinics across the UK concluded that the risk of death for a healthy horse undergoing G.A was 1 in 100. With advances in techniques, in our and many www.polotimes.co.uk

other clinics, it appears to be now closer to 1 in 400. In humans, it’s 1 in 100,000.

The main reason for this is due to size.

Horses lying on their sides or back for long periods can lead to a myopathy developing, a severe form of damage to muscles due to restriction of blood flow where they are compressed. To prevent this, the horse is positioned on air- pads and the limbs supported. Blood pressure is monitored via a catheter placed into an artery and we regulate drug infusions to maintain blood flow to the muscles.

Recovery of the horse to its feet is the most risky time during the whole process.

The incoordination seen and the horse’s size can mean there are chances of injury,

Procedures requiring G.A. • Colic surgery • Removal of multiple or difficult to access sarcoid • Key-hole joint surgery • Complicated wound repairs • Most fracture repairs • Most wind surgeries • Some forms of castration • Caesarean section • Surgeries on foals • Electric Atrial Fibrillation treatment • Clinician preference including neck and limb fractures, not seen in humans. In our clinic, we utilise ropes attached to the head and tail to help stabilise the horse as it recovers to its feet, and a small recovery box means the horse cannot gain momentum before meeting the padding.

In field G.As, this is less of problem if an open space with a good footing is used.

Conclusion Though it carries risk to the patient, many surgical procedures are best performed under general anaesthesia. The drug combinations, techniques and experience gained by equine veterinary anaesthetists in the last 15 years means that it is a significantly safer process, and facilitates better results for horses and owners.

David Blakey BVetMed CertAVP(EM) MRCVS Three Counties Equine Hospital Email: info@tceh.co.uk Tel: 01684 592099 Web: www.tceh.co.uk

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Paddock Power

David Pipe’s ponies, Vieux Lion Rouge and Daklondike, happily on holiday

Photography courtesy of Paddock Power

Paddock Power

A focus on feet & coats

Here at Polo Times we have been using Paddock Power throughout the winter for our string of polo ponies, who live all year round outside. Our paddocks are unfortunately mainly clay soil and even in this particularly wet winter we only had one young ex-racehorse which is new to our string who suffered from an abscess, with the usual culprits abscess free this year. Best of all, Paddock Power has stopped them nibbling at our wooden fencing! So, we spoke to Paddock Power to find out more about their product.

Paddock Power is fantastic at providing a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals to help maintain a healthy nutritionally balanced horse; it has some core areas where it has proven to be extremely effective. One of these focal areas is feet and coats. We have grouped them together as the two tend to go hand in hand and are affected by similar factors.

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We are all familiar with the phrase “no foot, no horse” but unless we are unfortunate enough to have a pony with terrible feet and constantly going through the endless cycle of farrier visits, disappointing lameness and having to abandon plans at short notice, we probably do not give them the attention they deserve. The reality is that if you have a pony that is not blessed with naturally good

feet, you need to adopt a long-term strategy for ensuring that it has healthy strong feet.

Once a hoof is cracked and split, it will take approximately twelve months to grow down.

The very wet weather we have had this winter has caused havoc with many horses’ hooves becoming oversaturated and soft, thus providing an ideal climate for thrush to take hold and hoof health to suffer. This has been followed by a very dry period and in a very short space of time, hooves have gone from being sodden to becoming dry and brittle. This causes cracks and chips, which while seemingly innocuous, can allow bacteria to penetrate and for foot abscesses and subsequent lameness to linger on.

Whilst good hoof balance is an essential part of the equation, the best farrier in the world is going to be thwarted by crumbling weak feet that fall into a vicious cycle of being unable to withstand work with attempts to remedy that sometimes exasperate the problem. The good news is that the situation can be turned around but it’s not a quick fix. You are looking at a minimum of six to 12 months to repair and www.polotimes.co.uk

Paddock Power

Knowledge

“When you own a horse with poor feet it can be hard work to manage. Not only is it costly to keep them on the road, but it can cause huge problems in the winter with abscesses and lameness. One of my horses used to spend more time in than out during its winter break. After a few years on Paddock Power, her feet have improved beyond recognition and she made it through her first winter this year without shoes or a single abscess. Now that’s an achievement considering how wet it has been.”

Adamu Atta grow out poor quality hoof. Keeping your horse on Paddock Power all year round is one of the most cost-effective ways of feeding biotin with all the other benefits.

Topical applications have little effect compared to dealing with the problem from the inside out. Horse hooves are 90% protein, made up of a substance called keratin. Biotin, a vitamin B-complex is essential for proper keratin formation of the hoof wall. Horses cannot synthesise biotin themselves, so it needs to be provided within their diet. Biotin is essential to produce keratin, however it also needs the combination of Zinc, Copper and Methionine “My Grandfather always said you can judge a man by the quality of his shoes and the cut of his coat, I liken this to my horses, when I see their feet in good order and carrying a good coat. I find these horses are healthy, happy and have more stamina and resilience to our demanding game.”

Tom Morley

to complete the package. Paddock Power provides the recommended daily intake of biotin and has high levels of Zinc and Copper providing the solution to an all in one supplement. Our licks are made using a cold set, the benefit of this is that the vitamins are not damaged by any heat process. Vitamins are very delicate things and some are more robust than others. The Paddock Power products are neither manufactured with heat nor pressed and this gives a better chance for the vitamins to survive manufacturing and reach the horses themselves.

At this time of year not only are our horses recovering from what the winter has thrown at them – this year in particular being the wettest on record – but with coats changing too, they need as much support as we can give them through good nutrition.

It is highly evident which ponies have a problem with their skin and coat and often the ones with such problems have terrible feet too. This tends to be a difficult time for these horses as the change in season often really takes it out of them. For those

Beloved retiree, over 20-years-old and looking great on Paddock Power who winter their own horses, (or winter for others), will know that March and April can be the worst months for horses still out and it’s more often than not that this is when you are going to get problems with condition.

A horse’s skin is his largest organ and is an important protective barrier against the elements and a vital part of maintaining health. Mitigating against problems with the coat and skin is an important part of keeping your ponies as healthy and comfortable as possible. Once again, dealing with this from a nutritional point of view is recommended.

As with the essential components of building healthy hooves, the skin is not dissimilar; it also needs Zinc, Copper and biotin to keep it healthy; but also soya oil and vitamin A play a major part in supporting this vast organ. All of these are available in Paddock Power.

As an owner, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast array of supplements available on the market and it’s easy to overspend trialling many different products and getting nowhere.

In this difficult environment we are very aware that for many, cost-effectiveness has become an increasingly important consideration. We are confident that no other product on the market can match ours. We do not use fillers, nor do we pour huge amounts of molasses into our products. Typically, most “paddock licks” contain 30 to 40% molasses (some even more). Our product has a mere 17% – just enough to help with palatability and to bind the product. Higher molasses levels are detrimental to horse health. These sugars are not only bad for horses’ teeth but can be catastrophic for horses with digestive disorders such as ulcers. Horses are not drawn to our licks in order to satisfy a craving for sugar, they self-select because they are aware that they are lacking a particular trace element.

Using our product in paddocks and stables all year round will give a fascinating insight “I have been impressed with the results achieved by clients feeding Paddock Power to their overwintering horses and now use Paddock Power with my own show jumpers at home!”

Richard Vile MRCVS, Whitchurch Equine Veterinary Practice

David Pipe’s Daklondike enjoying Paddock Power at grass

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Knowledge

Paddock Power

“Living in Norway I am able to shoe my own horses. I have a couple of horses who, historically, both had very weak hoof walls that were prone to cracking and were very thin soled. After several months on Paddock Power we noticed both a thickening and strengthening of their hoof wall, as well as, thicker, harder soles.”

Nick May, Norway Polo Club

“Paddock Power is a hassle-free way to get great nutrition into the horses while they are in the paddock. Cost effective, no wastage and the horses love it. We have found it particularly useful for young stock as an alternative to stud balancer.”

Ed Hitchman

into the way that horses use their innate survival trait to maintain wellness, by using our licks as and when they need them and scaling back from them when they do not.

It’s interesting when you look to one of the top race horse trainers David Pipe, who has been using Paddock Power for a few years now, and see how the consumption levels in the licks alter dependent upon the daily feed ration and work levels, and how quickly they go up when he turns the horses out with the licks when they are on holiday. David believes it really helps to put on and maintain their general condition and Paddock Power has become an integral part of his management routine.

Paddock Power is a highly cost-effective means of maintaining your horse in optimum health, whether it be the top pony in your playing string, a champion racehorse, young stock, or a beloved old retiree!

We are also very proud to say that our products are manufactured in Britain using the best quality ingredients. A huge thank you to the fantastic team at the factory for keeping going and producing for us!

We are GM free and our NSC levels are 9.8% and our ESC levels are 9.2%, making us a safe and suitable product for laminitic’s and Cushing’s disease horses and ponies.

Don’t just take our word for how good the product is – ask our customers…

www.paddockpower.co.uk 07909 090000 info@paddockpower.co.uk

Ed Hitchman’s horses have loved the addition of Paddock Power

PADDOCK POWER POWERING PERFORMANCE

“We have used Paddock Power for a number of years for all our horses, retired, playing, breeding and young stock.

Both as licks in the fields and as additives to feed in Paddock Power Pro format when horses are in work. The fact that I continue to use this product for all horses is surely endorsement in itsself.

Overall I find horses at grass maintain a better body score when given free access to Paddock Power along with good quality forage whether its grass in summer or hay/ haylage in winter. I still feed additional quality hard feed where it’s required but find I use substantially less.

For horses at grass I initially would put out 1 tub for every 5 horses but once they have got over the novelty factor I find 1 tub would last 10 horses on average 14 days.

As with constantly available water they do not fight over the buckets but have their similar pecking order and generally share with friends.”

Catriona Baker - Farm Manager Sumaya Polo For more information and a full breakdown of Vitamins, Minerals and ingredients visit www.paddockpower.co.uk Call 020 3409 0214 Email info@paddockpower.co.uk Paddock Power is manufactured by Tithebarn, the same stable as Rockies!!

Paddock Power Advert 180x130mm_Catriona Baker v3.indd 1

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27/04/2020 13:26

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Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide info@farandride.com

01462 701110

Performance Polo

Photography by Performance Polo

Knowledge

Each saddle is fitted and adjusted regularly as part of the saddle fleet solutions

Try This For Size The New Ainsley MVP saddle fleet initiative Adjustable to three different widths and available with four different panels, the Ainsley MVP saddle is almost guaranteed to fit your horses, does not spread over time (which is a frequent issue with many saddles) and its construction allows it to flex with your horse’s movements, avoiding pressure points and does not hinder movement.

Performance Polo have an announced an exciting new initiative tailored to the current lockdown environment we currently find ourselves in and while Performance Polo cannot currently come and visit your polo yard at the moment they are offering to ship a demo Ainsley MVP for you to test for a week with no obligation to buy!

Testing & Visualising Saddle Pressure Fit

It can be difficult to determine how well a saddle fits and if there are any problematic pressure spikes under the saddle.

Performance Polo use a pressure pad with 920 cells that accurately capture the pressure exerted across the surface of the saddle, which identifies and illustrates any pressure spikes that indicate a poor fit. A poor fitting saddle can create new back

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Saddle Fleet Solutions

This year, Performance Polo are launching a saddle and tack fleet solution for players and teams with four or more horses. In order to minimise the risk of your saddles causing or exacerbating back problems, each of your horses should ideally have its own dedicated saddle, perfectly fitted and checked and adjusted regularly: better performing horses, more ‘productive’ playing time and reduced vet bills. With a three or five year leasing solution, Performance Polo will provide an Ainsley MVP (17”, 18” and 19” available) for

each of your horses, with each saddle fitted at the start of each season. The saddle fitting each season includes the correct gullet plate installed and the wool flocked panels adjusted perfectly for fit by professional saddlers. Plus, halfway through each season they will check the saddles again and adjust the fit of the panels if needed. Saddles are tagged for easy identification for each horse and defective saddles are replaced immediately.

If you would like to take up Performance Polo on their offer of testing an Ainsley MVP saddle for a week, email info@performance-polo.com with a few photo of your horse(s) that you would like to try the saddle on and they will pre-install the most suitable gullet plate, as well as including other gullet plates in the box which you can swap in less than 10 minutes.

If you are interested contact Michael Husted Email: info@performance-polo.com Call: 07487 548242 Web: www.performance-polo.com

Facundo Pieres’ fleet of Ainsley MVP saddles

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Photograph by Pablo Ramirez

A pressure pad captures the pressure exerted across the surface of the saddle

problems or exacerbate existing back issues.

Once the Covid-19 lockdown has been lifted, Performance Polo will start to offer this service within a 100 mile radius of London; visit their website to register your interest and they will arrange an appointment – the first 20 people to register will have up to four polo saddles tested for free!

“Our polo saddle fleet concept makes it possible to have a saddle fitted for every horse in your string and maintained for perfect fit over time, or changed to fit a new horse. I believe that a perfectly fitted polo saddle is an investment that pays itself by allowing your horses to perform to their full potential and keeps the vet away.”

Performance Polo’s Michael Husted

Chukka Wellness

Knowledge

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

India trains both international and UK Polo professionals focusing not only on functional movements and body maintenance, but also advising clients on fuelling their bodies correctly for mental alertness and physical endurance. Chukka Wellness brings you the second workout in the Get Fit at The Polo Club series

Exercise at The Pony Lines Get fit at the polo Club As a polo player do you prepare your body for the busy polo season. Do you stay hydrated and fuel yourself effectively for sustained energy levels? Would you say your muscles are strong and joints supple for the high impact game?

In the world of polo, it is inevitable that horses receive the best care and treatment; they are warmed up before chukkas, fed good quality produce and any injury is immediately taken care of.

So why do so many riders refuse to prioritise their own health and wellness during the busy polo season?

Polo is a very strenuous sport and to prolong playing time and avoid injury; body maintenance should be a main focus for

players. “Preparation stops you from being caught off guard and lets you physically and mentally prep for the challenges ahead”, Richard Wilcox, Strength Coach. As the competition mounts in polo, it is the marginal gains that create winners so combining an effective exercise programme with the correct nutrition can help propel one’s athletic performance.

“Resistance training must be progressive, and the skill work identical to the movement patterns of the sport. When both components are working in concert, the result is a highly efficient, explosive athlete,” Ken Mannie, Strength Coach.

Players may want to start by making a few adjustments to their weekly routine in

Glute bridge (glutes & hamstrings) Start by holding on to the pony lines with an under-arm grip and walk your feet forward until you are hanging off the pole.

Slowly lower your hips down towards the ground, engage your core muscles and slowly thrust your hips up into the air avoiding any over-extension through the back. You should feel your glutes and hamstring muscles contract.

order to become fitter and stronger athletes.

A few suggestions include following a postchukka stretching routine, adding in 20 minutes of resistance training three times a week and fuelling the body correctly with healthy proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

If players are looking to kickstart their polo-fitness regime, Chukka Wellness has created a series of resistance workouts using solely equipment found at a polo club.

This month we are ‘working out’ at the pony lines.

Pony Lines Workout • Perform each exercise for 30 seconds • One-minute rest in-between sets • Three to four sets

Floor press (arms and shoulders) Start with an under-arm grip on the pony lines and walk your feet forward until your legs are fully extended. Gently pull yourself up to the bar leading with your chest and keep your elbows tucked into your sides. Ensure to keep your body aligned and abdominal muscles engaged throughout the whole exercise to avoid any back pain.

Photography by Chukka Wellness

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Knowledge

Chukka Wellness

Press ups (chest and arms) Place both hands on the pony lines and step both feet back.

Gently bend your arms keeping your elbows tucked into your sides and lower your chest down to the bar. Keep your body in a straight line and core muscles strong. Then fully extend the arms to bring your chest back to the starting position.

Sprinting (cardio) Hold on to the pony lines with bent arms and lean your upper body forward. Start the running motion by bringing one knee up towards your chest whilst keeping the other leg straight. Switch legs and continue running against the pole. To increase difficulty, speed up the movement.

Squat with star jump (glutes and legs) Hold on to the pony lines and squat down (push your hips back and bend the knees to 90 degrees). Jump up by fully extending the legs and thrusting your hips forward. At the top of the jump open your legs into a star jump position, immediately bring them back to shoulder width apart and land with bent legs back into the squat position.

Chat with Chukka Wellness

Photograph by Šwww.imagesofpolo.com

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To highlight the necessity for staying fit for polo, Chukka Wellness interviewed a mixture of successful international polo players.

Their top nutrition and fitness secrets were revealed along with how they prepare mentally and physically for a big tournament.

This month we spoke to Santiago Araya Jr. who is a member of the well-known Araya family. He splits his time between Argentina and the UK where he is based at Ham Polo Club in Richmond. His main goals for 2020 is to improve his handicap and play in the Camara tournament in Argentina. We asked Santi how he prepares for the busy polo season and how he stays fit and healthy throughout the year.

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

I work with a Personal Trainer in Argentina to prepare my body for the busy polo seasons.

Mentally I try to stay as optimistic as possible especially when unexpected problems occur such as an injury to a horse or myself‌ Do you have a specific gym routine you follow?

Before each big season I follow a preseason routine that consists mainly of heavy weight training and lots of stretching in order to avoid injury. During the busy season I change my workout regime to solely

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Chukka Wellness functional training and rehab (pool recovery, stretching routine) but I am lucky if I can get to the gym more than 3x a week due to a busy tournament schedule.

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

I try to eat as healthy as possible throughout the year but during my pre-season training, I add in a post workout protein shake to aid in muscle recovery. I struggle to maintain my weight during the busy season so focus on consuming lots of complex carbohydrates for increased body mass. I love using energy gels during long matches too!

What does your post game routine involve?

Every polo player reflects on the game regardless of whether they win or lose but if I have access to a post-match video recording, I like to sit and analyse not only my game but how well the horses performed too! I try to get to the gym the following day to stretch out my body and focus on any tight areas.

Knowledge

Do you think fitness is an essential part to becoming a better polo player?

I think that fitness training prepares you not only physically for polo but mentally too.

The harder I train, the fitter and stronger I become which makes me more determined on the field. Hiring a trainer was the best thing I did as I now have help with correcting my form during exercises and therefore suffer with less injuries.

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

If you want to become an effective player… understand that it takes hard work and professionalism to get there!

There is a big focus on health & fitness at high goal level, do you think it should be introduced into medium and low goal too and why?

I think there is already a big focus on fitness in medium and low goal however some teams may have a smaller budget to spend on fitness trainers which may limit them. I recommend the Chukka Wellness Six Week Pre-Season Programme as it is affordable and covers not only the exercise element but nutrition too!

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

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

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

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

www.performance-polo.com

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Knowledge

Playing Tips

Playing tips with Rege Ludwig Half Seat = Polo Seat

The perfect polo seat position I use the term Half Seat to indicate that your seat should be approximately half way forward in the saddle to where the centre of your crotch is almost half way up the rise of the pommel.

From the half seat position, you will be realising the greatest opportunity of creating a strong upper leg attachment of you to your horse. From that strong upper leg attachment, you will realise the ability of moving more easily into and out of any one of the four riding positions or twelve hitting positions.

The way the half seat scenario should work is, approximately seventy five percent of the time you are actively playing a chukka, you should be in the half seat position. From that perspective, the Half Seat could be thought of as being, “The Polo Seat”.

The fact of the matter is, your seat should be either: 1. Established in the forward half seat position – or – 2. Moving from the half seat position into one of the four riding positions or one of the twelve hitting position – or – 3. Moving from any of the riding or hitting position back to the half seat position With your hips so positioned, your upper body will be forward and over the pommel of the saddle, which places your point of balance directly over your horse’s point of balance.

The significance of having your point of balance over your horse’s point of balance is under those circumstances, your horse will have a much easier time carrying you and working with you, as compared to the two of you being out of balance, and therefore, out of sync with one another.

While your seat is forward in the half seat position, your feet should be back to the point where your toes are at least under the centre of your knees. With your feet back to that degree, your hips are caused to have been moved forward. With your hips forward, it is much easier to stay in the forward half seat position, which facilitates creating a strong upper leg attachment of you to your horse.

With that strong upper leg attachment, you can more easily create a stable hitting platform. From that stable hitting platform, you can hit any shot with a greater degree of effectiveness.

Another significant factor of the strong upper leg grip that the half seat position provides is, you can generate a greater degree of power within any hitting effort.

With your feet back and your hips forward, your upper legs will be gripping quite strongly into your horse’s shoulders.

From that strong upper leg attachment, you can create a stable hitting platform from which to hit any shot with greater power.

The significance of that statement lies in the fact that – you should not allow your upper leg, on the side on which you are hitting the ball, to soften its gripping effort.

If you allow that leg to soften, the power of your hitting effort has been decreased proportionate to the degree to which that upper leg softened.

From my perspective as an instructor of polo, the most significant factor to be realised from the strong upper leg attachment, that the half seat provides is, every move your upper body makes within the process of requesting a particular manoeuvre from your horse, (accelerate, decelerate and/or change direction), that upper body movement is transmitted from your upper body directly into your upper legs, and from your upper legs directly into your horse.

Photograph courtesy of Rege Ludwig

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

Strong upper leg attachment results in a stable hitting platform

The essence of that statement is, your upper legs should be directing the movements of your horse as much as, or more than, any other part of your body (including your hands).

The significance of this article lies in the fact that, it is the half seat position that facilitates a strong upper leg attachment of you to your horse. And it is that strong upper leg attachment upon which you should base any desired improvement in your ability to hit the polo ball and control your horse.

For the purpose of improving, there is no better time than the present to begin working on developing a strong and secure half seat position, from which to develop a strong upper leg attachment of you to your horse.

And, from that strong upper leg attachment, improve your hitting efforts; while, at the same time enhancing the working relationship between you and with your polo playing partner, the horse.

Centre Balanced

38

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Knowledge

Yoga for Polo Natalie Willcock is a celebrated teacher with two decades of teaching experience. She sold her business to concentrate on teaching freelance, running retreats and coaching squads, offering Yoga and Pilates in the United Kingdom and Argentina. Natalie was a resident teacher at Home House, a private members’ club in Portman Square and travelled extensively offering personnel instruction to a star-studded client list of famous actors, models and sports personalities. She started riding after retiring from her dance career and meeting her now husband, who had worked in the equestrian industry for twenty years breaking in yearlings. Natalie regularly attends polo matches at Cambridge County Polo Club where her husband is a member. In this article, Natalie focuses on post-match stretches

Post-Match Stretches Balancing activity & rest

A question I am often asked is “Which exercises are the most efficient to cool down after a match?”. In this article we will focus on post-match stretches. Finding balance between activity and rest, asanas remove the physical discomfort accumulated from the day on the field. The importance of cooling down after a match helps to remove lactic acid build up in the muscles; this is brought on by anaerobic respiration. Moreover, continued light exercise after a period of vigorous exercise can aid to reduce the effect of DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) for both horse and rider. It is essential to cool down properly especially if you (as well as your ponies) are playing in a tournament the following day. The risk of injury the following day is greater due to the restricted muscle function brought on by DOMS. It is recommenced to perform the exercises in sequence for maximum benefit.

Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) – From all fours straighten the legs so that the hips rise up. Keep the neck relaxed core of the body engaged and lengthened. This pose stretches the legs and strengthens the ankles. It also eases stiffness in the neck, shoulder and wrists. Staying longer in the pose removes fatigue and restores energy.

Easy Cobra Pose (Saral Bhujangasana)

Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) gaze to floor

Cat Stretch Pose (Marjaiasana) – In a four point kneel position, hands are shoulder width apart in line with the knees. Inhale to look up depressing the spine so the back becomes concave. Exhale while lowering the head and stretching the spine upward to round your spine. Avoid bending at the elbows keep arms straight. Helps improve the flexibility of the neck shoulders and spine.

Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) gaze to navel

Childs Pose (Balasana) – Sitting the weight back onto your heels. Keep your big toe mounds together. Place the forehead on the floor or place a towel underneath the forehead.

The arms can be in front of you with the elbows resting on the floor or resting behind towards the feet. This pose pacifies the whole body giving relief to the lower back whilst gently stretching the hips, thighs and ankles.

Half Pigeon Pose (Ardha kapotasana) – Increases hip and back mobility. Lengthens the hip flexor, benefits the piriformis muscle.

In a four point kneel position (cat pose) stretching the spine upward to round your spine, exhale and bring the right knee towards the back of your right wrist. Carefully allow the front knee to lower onto the mat placing the right heel towards your pelvic region. This can be modified depending on your flexibility. If your hips are tight, place a rolled up towel or yoga block underneath the hip of your front leg allowing you to sit comfortably whilst keeping the hips square.

Lengthen your left leg back behind you as far as you can without distorting the alignment of your pelvis/hips whilst toning the thigh of the back leg. Hold for approximately one minute then repeat other side. DO NOT perform this asana if you have had recent hip or knee surgery.

Photography by Yoga for Polo

Cat Stretch Pose (Marjariasana) Inhale

Easy Cobra Pose (Saral Bhujangasana) – Lay prone (on your front) with your legs straight behind you and the front of the feet pressing into the floor and hip width apart.

Bend the arms and place the forearms on the floor. Inhale allowing the abdomen to lengthen and raise the head, shoulders and chest off the floor. Exhale to lower. This asana strengthens the arms and shoulders and is especially good for stiff backs.

Into Childs Pose (Balasana) – As described above.

Cat Stretch Pose (Marjariasana)

40

Polo Times, May 2020

Childs Pose (Balasana)

Half Pigeon Pose (Ardha Kapotasana)

www.polotimes.co.uk

Yoga for Polo Staff Pose (Dandasana) – Sitting with the legs together, elevate the spine (if this causes the back to round sit onto a towel or block). Place the hands either side of the pelvis and feel like you are stacking your spine up against a wall. Inhale to expand the chest and lengthen your abdominals up and up. Exhale and tone your thigh muscles by engaging them and drawing them towards your hips. This pose helps to release the pelvis and the spine before bringing the head to the knee (below).

Staff Pose (Dandasana)

Head to Knee Pose (Janu Sirsasana) – From Dandasana pose, bend your right knee and place it towards the top of your left inner thigh or as far as is comfortable without straining the knee. Keeping the left leg straight and toned. Inhale to lift both arms up to create space in the torso/spine and exhale to fold forward towards the left leg stretching your hands towards the left foot. For beginners try first resting the hands on the shin finding space in the hips and keeping the lower back long. This pose relieves stiffness in the legs whilst easing stiffness in the shoulders and hips. Repeat other side.

Knowledge

Shoulder Stand Bridge (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) – This pose tones the front of the body, lengthens the front of the thighs and opens the chest and extends the spine. Lay supine with the knees bent and feet/knees hip width apart. Inhale to press the big toes into the floor and lift the pelvis up to arc the back, whilst keeping the head and shoulders down.

Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

Fixed Angle Pose (Baddhakonasana) – Sitting upright bring the soles of the feet together. Allow the legs to open as far as is comfortable but do not force the knees down. Inhale to create length in the spine and the abdomen. Exhale whilst pressing the soles of the feet together allowing the inner thighs to stretch. This pose opens the hip joints and stretches the inner thighs. Also alleviates sciatica.

Supine Leg Stretch (Supta Padangusthasana I & II) – Prop used: towel or yoga strap. Lying on your back with your legs stretched out in front of you. Bend your right knee in towards your chest whilst keeping your extended leg pressed into the ground.

Place a towel or yoga strap around the ball of the right foot. Inhale and raise your right leg up pulling your toes towards you for a stronger stretch if required. Stay in the pose for 20/30 seconds. Repeat second side. This pose stretches the hamstring muscles, strengthens the knee and hip joints and helps to relieve sciatica. If you are comfortable with variant I option to add variant II but please take caution not to strain or over perform this stretch. From variant I after you raise your right leg, exhale to lower the right leg to the side (variant II) keeping the leg straight. Repeat other side.

Shoulder Stand Bridge (setu bandha sarvangasana)

Supine Twist (Shava Udarakarshanasana) – This pose brings a gentle twist to the spine and back muscles. Lay on your back with both legs stretched out. Take a deep inhalation whilst expanding the chest and lengthening your abdominals in and up.

Exhale, bend your right leg placing the foot by the left knee. Inhale to place your arms out by your side, below the shoulder with the palms facing down. As you exhale take your right knee across the line of your body. Keep looking towards your right hand as you spiral the knee in opposition. Your right shoulder should remain in contact with the floor.

Repeat other side.

Supine Twist (Shava Udarakarshanasana)

Lumber Stretch – Lying supine take a deep exhalation and hug both knees in towards your chest. The aim is to allow the lower back/lumber area to gently stretch.

Lumbar Stretch Head to Knee Pose (Janu Sirsasana)

Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) – From Dandasana keep the left leg straight and exhale to bend the right knee placing the right foot towards the upper inner thigh of the left leg. Inhale to hug the right knee in towards your midline using your left arm, whilst finding more space in your spine by lifting tall. Exhale to revolve your spine as far as is comfortable. Stay here for a few deep breaths looking over your right shoulder.

Keep the legs activated and the spine long, chest open and the abdominals lengthening.

It mobilizes the spine, sacrum and sacroiliac joints. Stimulating blood flow to the spinal column. The above is a variation of Ardha Matsyendrasana. Repeat on other side. www.polotimes.co.uk

Supine Leg Stretch variant I (Supta Padangusthasana I)

Supine Leg Stretch Variant II (Supta Padangusthasana II)

Take rest.

If you are new to yoga, safe correct alignment is paramount to maximise the physical benefits and minimise the risk of injury.

Yoga really is for everyone because it is an infinitely adaptable practice.

Next month we will be focusing on shoulder, elbows, wrists and hands (avoiding repetitive strain injury).

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Natalie is teaching online please get in touch if you would like a private lesson. Teams can also be accommodated in a virtual class.

For more information on Yoga for Polo, please contact Natalie on 07887646228 or Email: natalie@yoganata.co.uk Website: www.yoganata.co.uk Areas Covered: Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Surrey, Sussex & Capilla Polo Club Argentina

Polo Times, May 2020

41

Knowledge

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Cuartetera B03 (pictured) is a clone of Dolfina Cuartetera, one of the 70 horses tested

Polo Genetics What is Behind Argentine Polo Ponies?

Mario Novillo Corvalán MV got in touch with Polo Times with an article by himself and the Applied Genetics Laboratory of the Livestock Breeders Association, published by the YearBook of the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Association Buenos Aires, 2019, La Dolfina claimed the Argentine Polo Open Championship, at Palermo, for the seventh consecutive year and made history. It was indeed a remarkable achievement, that even overwhelmed other historical marks. But what makes Argentine polo so good?

In addition to the extraordinary players, there is a strong focus on horse genetics.

Polo ponies come from Thoroughbreds (TB) in which myostatin, a gene related with muscle development, has been associated with the performance of a horse. Myostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator of the muscle development in mammals. A mutation in the gene produces more precocious racehorses which are able to sprint in short flat races [1].

42

Polo Times, May 2020

There are three types of Thoroughbreds: 1) the “sprint” types, horses carrying the mutation in two copies that are suited to fast, short-distance races; 2) the “stamina” type, horses without the mutation that are less precocious and are best adjusted for racing long distances. 3) horses, with an intermediate genotype, that carry a single copy of the mutation.

MSTN testing has been extended to other horse breeds, like Quarter Horses (Cuarto de Milla), that display the expected sprint type, or Egyptians, with the stamina variety suited to endurance.

Therefore, we wonder what type of variety are applied frequently in top Argentine polo horses (AP). In order to answer the

question, we’ve chosen horses ridden in different eras by different teams. A total of 70 horses were tested, including some famous ones: Polo Nevadito (Heguy breeding), Aiken Cura, Dolfina Lapa, Dolfina Cuartetera (all from La Dolfina breeding) and Aguada Anonima (La Aguada breeding). The results are demonstrated in the table (pictured), but all the horse genotypes are available upon request.

The first conclusion is the almost absence (4.3%) of the sprint type compared to the 23.4 % observed in local TB. The comparison is relevant based on their shared background. There is a prevalence of the stamina variety among AP horses with a 2.4 ratio of the stamina to sprint type, compared to 0.81 of TB (P < 1.10-4). This significant difference suggests a functional selection for the MSTN gene in AP horses. They were famous for their stamina, featured in horses that play a complete chukka or more than one per match. Things changed around twenty years ago, when polo players started changing horses – sometimes up to three times – during each chukka. Back then, stamina was less required than before, and horses were not as fast as they used to be and gave advantage to the players that replaced the exhausted horses. According to that and the evolution of the sport, a change in the MSTN might have happened in those top horses. We analyzed the MSTN www.polotimes.co.uk

Knowledge

Polo Genetics type frequencies with the time measured by the birth date of a horse. As shown in the figure, the stamina type (Stamina/Stamina) decreased steadily from 1982 to 2013 (first and last birth dates recorded), while the Intermediate genotype (Stamina/Sprint) increased inversely. Moreover, there are significant differences between horses from different breedings, such as Heguy and La Dolfina, that represent two different kinds of polo. Nowadays, there is a trend to return to the old style; new leagues, like the All Pro Polo League, suggest that the games are too slow, with much more stop/start and change of direction compared to earlier style of playing. Another issue is the cost associated with breeding and keeping so many horses.

Something must change, they said.

We thought that the stamina prevalence in older horses is quite visible within polo tradition in Argentina [2], where polo used to be played just for fun in the estancias in its beginnings, with available Creolo horses, which were known for their endurance. The game likely set up the horse standard when Thoroughbreds were selected for playing in a more professional way. Therefore, we found that mares, such as those from La Aguada, have the stamina phenotype mostly, which is not frequent among local TB. Even when the style of playing has changed, intermediate phenotypes that show sprint are more frequent among modern top polo horses.

But stamina is still a required trait as shown by the absence of pure sprint types.

This work helps to understand the evolution of the sport in Argentina, in terms of a gene that regulates the athletic performance, precocity and body mass [1].

This information provides a guide on the issue of breeding and training polo ponies, in the expected direction.

Horse Name

Polo Team

Gender

Birth of Year

Sprint (+)/ Stamina (-) Genotypes

Polo Pureza

Heguy

f

1988

-/-

Polo Bailanta

Heguy

f

1992

-/+

Polo Nevadito

Heguy

m

1993

-/-

Neblina

La Aguada

f

1984

-/-

Primavera

La Aguada

f

1985

-/-

Manzanita

La Aguada

f

1990

-/-

River Slaney

La Aguada

m

1992

-/+

Cerecita

La Aguada

f

1999

-/-

Aguada Llovizna

La Aguada

f

2001

-/+

Aguada Wallabie

La Aguada

f

2003

-/-

Aguada Anonima

La Aguada

f

2004

-/+

Arroba Nunca Digas Nunca

La Aguada

f

2008

+/+

Small Pearson

La Dolfina

f

1993

-/+

Aiken Cura

La Dolfina

m

1995

-/-

Dolfina Diosa

La Dolfina

f

1998

+/+

Dolfina Lapa

La Dolfina

f

2000

-/+

Dolfina Cuartetera

La Dolfina

f

2001

-/+

Open Chimento

La Dolfina

m

2002

-/-

Dolfina Panam

La Dolfina

f

2005

-/+

Dolfina Peanut

La Dolfina

f

2008

-/+

Dolfina Nut

La Dolfina

f

2009

-/+

A summary of the horses tested by polo team, considering their birth dates, gender and myostatin genotypes

References [1] Hill EW, Gu J, Eivers SS, Fonseca RG, McGivney BA, Govindarajan P, et al. A sequence polymorphism in MSTN predicts sprinting ability and racing stamina in thoroughbred horses. PLoS One. 2010;5:e8645.

[2] Laffaye HA. Polo in Argentina: A History: McFarland; 2014.

Acknowledgements This work was supported by the Sociedad Rural Argentina (Livestock Breeders Association) with own funds.

We would like to thank the breeders who own the Polo horses tested in this study.

We also thank the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Association, specially to MV Guillermo Buchanan, for his technical advice.

This work has been published by the Year Book of the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Association

www.polotimes.co.uk

Period Genotypes -/-/+ +/+

1982-1989 (*) 1990-1997 0.75 0.25 0

0.57 0.43 0

1998-2005

2006-2013 (*)

0.42 0.52 0.06

0.29 0.65 0.06

Temporal variation of MSTN frequencies with AP birth years. Homozygous â&#x20AC;?Staminaâ&#x20AC;? type (-/-) decreases while the heterozygous (-/+) with the sprint variant grows with time. The change was significant when frequencies from the earlier and later periods were compared

Polo Times, May 2020

43

Knowledge

Fitness Insight: Jason Warren

Jason Warren is a wellness coach and Personal Trainer as well as playing polo professionally and running the academy at Ham Polo Club. In this issue Jason will offer his 3 ways to stay fit, sane and ready for the polo season during isolation. Jason is currently offering online personal training and Zoom Camps to help keep his clients in shape and motivated during this unusual time

Lockdown Top Tips Four areas to focus on during isolation

Here are my four areas to focus on:

Routine Keeping a routine is key to progression and progressing is key to sustainability. In order to stay on track, it is important to get into a daily routine with realistic targets. After a while these actions become automatic and instinctive and we associate them with a reward. As soon as we start to recognise the reward and connect this with the habit, we’re off to the races.

Too many people try to start with a bang, set unrealistic targets and make too many changes. Set yourself a simple habit for 10 days and stick to it. Then add more when you have mastered the first.

High intensity workouts High intensity interval workouts are a great way to shift thought-patterns and low moods. During isolation this could be a key part to keeping us sane. These workouts raise your heart rate, are great for releasing endorphins, improving cardio and promoting muscle growth, strength and stamina. High intensity workouts will best prepare you for when you are charging around the polo field again.

Try to train with others in your household, follow online classes or get a coach to keep the intensity and maintain accountability.

Photography courtesy of Jason Warren

By the time this issue has been released I imagine we will still be in some sort of isolation, but I hope I’m wrong! Here are four areas to focus on while you are quarantining at home: Routine, training, meditation and TANNING Some people may be worrying about how to maintain their fitness and health right now, but I see this is a chance to get fitter, healthier and happier than ever before. Now is your time! Isolation actually provides us with a lot of advantages to achieve this: • more time to train and schedule training • being at home to cook, prepare and plan our food • less distraction from social events, boozing and late nights taking us off track • more ‘you’ time • plenty of good rest

HIIT workouts are a great way to shift thought-patterns and low moods

I run an online HIIT session four times a week, get in touch if you need help staying motivated and want to follow my programme.

Meditation It’s important to make time in the day to clear the mind, reconnect and deal with any overwhelming emotions of isolation and no polo! It doesn’t have to be long and there are some great apps you can use. 10 minutes during the day could make all the difference.

Quarantine is in fact a great opportunity to take a step back from a usual fast-paced lifestyle, where meditation as a tool can help you to not get caught up in everyday life and connect with the things that you would not normally have time to.

TOP UP THAT TAN! As I write this article I sit in 23 degree British sunshine, which inspires me to tell you all to take the pressure off and work on your tan.

The UK gets a few hot days during spring and summer – why not utilise this as extra tanning time? Now we’re not playing we have plenty of time to do this. We can now spend hours lying in the sun and absorbing those rays and vitamin D but remember to tan responsibly and grab a cold beer, life’s about balance after all.

See you all in the season with tans and physiques of Greek gods and goddesses.

You can use materials found on your yard to replace gym weights

44

Polo Times, May 2020

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

www.polotimes.co.uk

Gossip

WELCOME BABY CLARKIN!

Congratulations to Nina and John Paul Clarkin, who have welcomed the third addition to their family – Florence Rose Tine Clarkin – born on Tuesday 14 April, 10 days early, Florence weighed in a 7lb 14ounces.

Photograph: Florence Rose Tine Clarkin, born on Tuesday 14 April. By Nina Clarkin

Sidelines

ANDREY BORODIN DONATES £1M TO NHS

Andrey Borodin, patron of UK high goal team Park Place, and his wife Tatiana have made a generous £1,000,000 donation to the Royal Berkshire Hospital to support staff and help in the fight against Coronavirus.

Steve McManus, Chief Executive of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust commented, “This is an incredible donation at a very challenging time, and we are extremely grateful to Andrey and Tatiana for their generosity and thoughtfulness.”

Photograph: Andrey Borodin has donated £1,000,000 to the NHS. By ©www. imagesofpolo.com

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

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

On Friday 17 April, Guards Polo Club announced that OutSourcing Inc have signed a new four year contract sponsoring The Royal Windsor Cup, one of the Club’s most prestigious 15 goal tournaments of the season – congratulations!

THE FINEST SMOKED ATLANTIC SALMON FROM THE ISLE OF LEWIS

10%

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for Polo Times readers who order from us on our website or by phone – discount code of: ‘polo14’ WWW.UIGLODGE.CO.UK T. 0 1 8 5 1 6 7 2 3 9 6

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04/12/2015 14:58

Polo Times, May 2020

45

Polo directory

What’s On – Polo Fixtures

Editor’s Note: Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and worldwide lockdowns, the UK’s scheduled 2020 polo season has been delayed, with the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) amending their tournament fixture list for this season, which remains dependent on any Government conditions regarding Coronavirus and will not alter the HPA’s policy of providing a month’s warning for tournament polo. The HPA has published a revised draft for their 2020 Victor Ludorum tournaments (8 goals and above), while the 6 and 4 goal Victrix Ludorum are still being reviewed.

Revised Draft 2020 Victor Ludorum & High Goal Dates Club 22 Goal RCBPC Great Trippetts Cowdray Cirencester Guards 18 Goal Guards Cirencester Cowdray Cowdray 15 Goal Cirencester RCBPC Cowdray Guards Beaufort 12 Goal Beaufort Cowdray Cirencester Guards Cirencester RCBPC Cowdray 8 Goal Guards RCBPC Cowdray Beaufort Cirencester

Tournament

Start Date

Prince of Wales Trippetts Challenge The King Power Gold Cup for The British Open Warwickshire Cup Cartier Queen’s Cup

End Date

6/13/2020 6/13/2020 6/23/2020 7/18/2020 7/28/2020

6/20/2020 6/20/2020 7/19/2020 7/26/2020 8/23/2020

Indian Empire Shield Apsley Cup Duke of Sutherland Cowdray Challenge

6/30/2020 7/21/2020 8/4/2020 8/24/2020

7/18/2020 8/2/2020 8/22/2020 9/6/2020

County Cup Eduardo Moore Harrison Cup Royal Windsor Cup Arthur Lucas

6/16/2020 6/30/2020 7/21/2020 8/11/2020 9/1/2020

6/27/2020 7/19/2020 8/9/2020 8/30/2020 9/12/2020

Prince of Wales Dollar Cup The Queen Mother Trophy Duke of Wellington Cheltenham Cup John Prestwich Autumn League Archie David Julian & Howard Hipwood Cup Holden White Wichenford Bowl Gerald Balding

6/6/2020 6/16/2020 7/7/2020 7/21/2020 8/11/2020 8/25/2020 9/7/2020 6/11/2020 7/7/2020 7/28/2020 8/11/2020 8/25/2020

6/14/2020 7/4/2020 7/18/2020 8/8/2020 8/23/2020 9/6/2020 9/20/2020 7/5/2020 7/25/2020 8/9/2020 8/22/2020 9/5/2020

Quick Question Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page

Polo Times was known as The Polo Advertiser during the first two years of its inception.

Bonus answer: The first edition of The Polo Advertiser was in 1993.

Club contacts UK and Ireland

CLUB

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Chiltern Polo Club

07973 174542

info@chilternpoloclub.com

Cirencester Park Polo Club

01285 653225

info@cirencesterpolo.co.uk

Cowdray Polo Club

01730 813257

enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk

Curraghmore Polo Club

00353 51 387102

mkennedy@cssgroup.ie

Dallas Burston Polo Club*

01926 811 111

enquiries@ixlevents.com

Dorset Polo Club

01202 623985

office@dorsetpolo.co.uk

Druids Lodge Polo Club*

01722 782597

abi@druidspolo.co.uk

Dundee and Perth Polo Club*

07831 365 194

jamesscrawford@aol.com

Eastwood Polo Club

07875 743475

frankums@googlemail.com

Edgeworth Polo Club

01285 821695

edgeworthpolo@gmail.com

Edinburgh Polo Club*

01314 496696

djamesjamie@aol.com

Emsworth Polo Grounds*

01344 883112

info@fourquarterspolo.co.uk

Epsom Polo Club*

07961 232106

epsompoloclub@hotmail.com

FHM Polo Club*

07778 436468

frances@fhmpolo.co.uk

Fifield Polo Club*

01628 620061

fifieldpoloclub@live.co.uk

Great Trippetts Polo Club

01428 741916

charles@trippetts.com

Guards Polo Club*

01784 434212

polo@guardspoloclub.com

Ham Polo Club

020 8334 0000

office@hampoloclub.com

Hertfordshire Polo Club* Home Farm Polo Grounds

01707 256023 07807672120

polo@hertspolo.co.uk rachaelkearnet@hotmail.co.uk

Hurtwood Polo Club

01483 272828

polo@hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk

Kirtlington Park Polo Club

01869 350138

info@kirtlingtonparkpolo.co.uk

Knepp Castle Polo Club

07920 023639

info@aspectpolo.co.uk

Leadenham Polo Club

07429 299026

office@leadenhampoloclub.com

Longdole Polo Club*

01452 864544

info@longdolepolo.com

Moor Farm Polo Club

07494 114190

shop@moorfarmshop.co.uk

Moor Hall Farm Polo Club*

01279 450637

alecbeve@btinternet.com

New Forest Polo Club

07977 224404

annabelparryjoyner@yahoo.co.uk

Norfolk Polo Club

01508 480400

office@norfolkpolo.co.uk

Northern Ireland Polo Club

07803 020577

info@northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

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

07990 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

07787 560729

secretary@westwycombepolo.co.uk

CLUB

PHONE

EMAIL

West Wycombe Park Polo Club*

All Ireland Polo Club

00353 01 6896732

dstone@indigo.ie

Westcroft Park Polo Club*

01276 858545

info@westcroftparkpolo.co.uk

All England Polo Club Hickstead*

01273 834 315

polo@hickstead.co.uk

White Rose Polo Club*

01430 875767

info@whiterosepolo.co.uk

Apsley End Polo Club*

01462 712444

tobiana.scott@gmail.com

White Waltham Polo Club

07748 670587

kim@playpolo.co.uk

Ash Farm Polo Club*

07799 812739

ashfarmpolo@hotmail.com

Barfold Polo Club

07778 808853

mborwick@gmail.com

46

Polo Times, May 2020

* Also open for arena polo in the UK winter

www.polotimes.co.uk

Polo directory

Marketplace Transport

Equipment

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

Misc POLO INTERNATIONAL (ITALIAN) EDITION NO.1 1985 Do you have edition no 1 of this magazine and are willing to part with it? Pictured is no 2. In Italian, English and French, it ran till about 1989. Price: TBA If so please text Adrian on 07714346626 West Sussex BEN HASTIE PHOTOGRAPHY - Equine & Countryside Photography specialising in Polo www.benhastiephotography.com/ 07970 348883 Cheltenham

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES Print and digital subscription 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.

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Livery SUMMER GRASS LIVERY, box rest and barn rest available now at Trafford House Farm, Oxfordshire. Winter 2020/21 grass livery available starting in September.

For further details and pricing contact Robert Thame at robertthame@hotmail.com or 07836 524393

(inc App & Website access) UK (direct debit only)

One year £55 UK One year £65 EU One year £80 WW One year £90 SUPA/SAPA One year £55 Digital Only subscription (App & website access)

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

ͻ ůŝŐŚƚĞƌ ͻ ƐƚƌŽŶŐĞƌ ͻ ƉŽǁĞƌĨƵů ͻ ĐŽŶƐŝƐƚĞŶƚ

ĂŶĞ ŵĂůůĞƚƐ ĂůƐŽ ŵĂĚĞ ƚŽ ŽƌĚĞƌ 'ƌĞĂƚ ƐŚŝƉƉŝŶŐ ƌĂƚĞƐ ĚŽŽƌ ƚŽ ĚŽŽƌ

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Polo Times, May 2020 RRG 0DOOHWV TXDUWHU SDJH SRUWUDLW FRORXU LQGG

47

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Tom Morley is one of the friendliest faces in British polo and has a number of polo titles under his belt including winning The Playnation Arena Polo Masters in 2019 and 2017, The Valerie Halford Memorial Tournament in 2016, The Royal Windsor in 2014, and the Copa de Miles in 2009, as well as featuring as part of the England team lineup in Beaufort’s International Test Match in 2012, plus he has had the privilege to play alongside The Duke of Sussex. More recently, Tom took part in Equestrian Relief, a charitable initiative which raised over £250,000 for the NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal, as part of Team Polo who came second overall, mainly due to his impressive rap parody alongside Jack Richardson What is your biggest passion and why?

I most enjoy connecting with people and connecting people with the sport.

What is your all time best polo memory?

I have a few, winning The Royal Windsor with Four Quarters in 2014. Winning the Copa de Miles 24 goal in Argentina in 2009 at Palermo. Then winning the Holden White with my Father, David and the late Peter Hewett in 2001.

Favourite film and why?

The Dictator, mainly because with Richard Tyrone we can recite the whole movie.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo

.com

Favourite song/album?

I Follow Rivers by Likke Li and pretty much any rap from the 90s and 00s.

Favourite food/ dish?

Good steak, probably rib eye with a béarnaise sauce.

Who were/are your favourite teammates?

My Favourite teammates are, Miguel Novillo Astrada (I’m sure I’m not on his list), Jack Richardson, Simon Arber and Henry Brett.

There are many others not mentioned. I have been very lucky in that I have usually played in teams where I enjoyed playing with all my teammates.

Hardest opponent?

Juan Martin Nero, he never gives you an inch.

48

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

Hockey and golf. Hockey is great for off season fitness and keeps you sharp with the ball skills. Golf is great for your mind, and unlike team sports everything that happens is down to you.

Polo Times, May 2020

Favourite hobby outside of polo?

Going out on the boat to Windsor with Tess and Myrtle for an ice-cream.

Most prized possession?

My right eye!

Favourite celebrity and why?

Michael Jordan, he is an incredible athlete and winner.

Best holiday destination & activity?

I love skiing, it’s always a great winter holiday. For summer holidays Apes Hill in Barbados is amazing.

Best pony and why?

My best pony now is probably Macarena she is a New Zealand Thoroughbred that I bought from Ross Ainsley. She has a very good mouth and she absolutely flies. She is also very easy.

Are you passionately superstitious?

Not on any level!

Describe yourself in three words...

Tall, competitive, friendly.

One thing which would surprise us about you?

I used to be play at number 1... www.polotimes.co.uk