Seattle Polo Magazine 2021

Washington's Leading Ladies COLBY SMITH REPRESENTS THE WEST

The Unforgettable Seattle Polo Party

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w e l c om e t o p ol o

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t ou r na m e n t s & events

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L E a r n t o P l ay!

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a s p e c t at or s p or t

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wa s h i ng t on ' s l e a di ng l a di e s

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P ol o Pa r t i e s U. S . A .

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t h e soci a l scen e

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hooked on Polo

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t h e e qu e s t r i a n hom e

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t e n- g oa l t a i l gat e

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R e pr e s e n t i ng t h e W e s t: C ol by S m i t h

THE MOST MEMORABLE EVENT OF THE SUMMER

Polo Field

S E AT T L E

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PUBLISHER

MAGAZINE PRODUCTION

Cameron Smith

MANAGING EDITOR

Megan Kozminski SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR

ART DIRECTOR

Drew Dambreville

Travis Sarvas (sarvasdesigncompany.com)

PHOTOGRAPHY

David Lominska, Polographics.com

Salinas Holcomb, Photography by Salinas

Kaile Roos

Andrew Towell, Troutstreaming

Kerri Kerley

Jessica Burnett, Seven of Hearts Photography

Horseplay Productions

CONTRIBUTORS

Drew Dambreville

Cameron Smith

Megan Kozminski

Susan Adams

Lisa Muirhead

Alex Green

For advertising enquires contact drew@seattlepoloclub.com. © 2021 Seattle Polo Club Office: 425 Westlake Avenue N, Seattle WA 98109 Facility: 25901 SE 400th Street, Enumclaw WA 98022 The Seattle Polo & Equestrian Club is centrally located in the Seattle / Tacoma area just outside Enumclaw, Washington. The facility is less than an hour from downtown Seattle, 45 minutes from Bellevue, and 30 minutes from Tacoma.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of the Publisher is strictly prohibited.

Seattle Polo Magazine welcomes feedback from readers, email: cameron@seattlepoloclub.com.

COVER

Colby Smith competing in the NYTS Championship.

Photo by David Lominska (Polographics.com), courtesy of the United States Polo Association.

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w e l com e t o se at t l e pol o

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& equestrian club invites you to join us for a first-class polo season. this summer, we celebrate the return of the epic seattle polo party, the uspa sportsmanship cup and pnw governor’s cup polo tournaments, and the release of the annual seattle polo magazine. the seattle polo

Welcome back to polo! As we return to the life we once had, it is vitally important that we enjoy the venues and events that we know and love. Spectators and social events were truly missed last year, and we are more excited than ever for a full summer of polo and socializing in 2021. People often describe polo as a lifestyle because the sport encompasses more than just the game on the field. The Seattle Polo Magazine celebrates the finest things about the polo lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest: horses, sportsmanship, luxury automobiles, fashion trends, interior design, fine jewelry, food, wine, and so much more. Although we were unable to enjoy the annual Kentucky Derby Party this year, we are geared up to welcome spectators to our full summer polo season, beginning with the USPA Sportsmanship Cup, July 9 through July 11. The Seattle Polo & Equestrian Club is home to the Pacific Northwest Governor’s Cup, the largest and most competitive polo tournament in the northwest. Teams from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia converge on the Seattle Polo Club to compete in four levels of polo from August 6 through 8.

The social event of the summer is the Seattle Polo Party on Saturday, August 14, presented by RollsRoyce Seattle. We are celebrating the seventh anniversary of the Seattle Polo Party and the fourth year with Rolls-Royce Seattle and Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler as event sponsors. What started as a modest polo tournament geared toward spectators has become the social event of the year in Seattle! Dress to impress and enjoy the amazing polo matches, VIP Lounge, fashion show, gourmet cuisine, divot stomp, and more.

I am lucky to work with an outstanding team of staff and club partners. Drew Dambreville is the director of marketing and promotions for the club; his talent for business development has been integral to the growth of the Seattle Polo Party and our social events. Megan Kozminski of Media Spur Inc. produces the Seattle Polo Magazine that over 10,000 readers enjoy every year. And thanks go out to our team of polo professionals at the club, including our club manager, Jennifer Sims, and our polo school instructor, Joaquin Condomi Alcorta. There are also countless other polo pros, grooms, and the ponies themselves who are all an important part of our Seattle polo family.

Most importantly, there would be no polo without the ongoing support of luxury sponsors like RollsRoyce Seattle, Engel & Völkers, Oris Watches, Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler, Half Lion Brewery, and so many more. Together, we welcome all spectators, guests, and players to enjoy the polo club, the Seattle Polo Magazine, and everything that the amazing polo lifestyle has to offer.

Here’s to a great season,

Cameron Smith PR ESI DENT & FOU N DER S E AT T L E P O L O & E Q U E S T R I A N C L U B

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tou r na m e n t s & events

j u ne 12 –13 j u ne 19 –20 i n t ro t o p ol o c l i n ic s

For new players, the polo school begins with fun 1-day introductory clinics that offer: an introduction to the sport, foot mallet practice and basic swing techniques, horse tack and equipment for polo, riding skills for polo, wooden horse practice, polo rules and strategy, and a fun practice chukker.

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U S PA S p or t s m a n s h i p C u p

The USPA Sportsmanship Cup returns as the first major tournament of the season. Teams from across the Pacific Northwest compete in three different levels of play for trophies and prize money.

august 6 – 8 U S PA G ov e r nor’ s C u p

The Pacific Northwest Circuit USPA Governor’s Cup is the largest, most prestigious polo tournament played in the region. Players and teams from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California and British Columbia compete in three different levels of play.

august 14 s e at t l e p ol o pa r t y

Don't miss the social event of the season! Bring your family, friends, colleagues, and guests and dress to impress! An exciting polo match, VIP lounge, and champagne divot stomp are just a few highlights of this much-anticipated annual event.

W eek ly clu b pr actice ga me s tak e pl ace every Thursday evening, a n d clu b chukk ers ar e schedu led for w eek en ds throughout the su m mer season. f or mor e i n f or m at ion, v i s i t s e at t l e p ol o c lu b .c om

Learn to Play!

The Seattle Polo School welcomes students of all ages and abilities and offers polo instruction throughout the summer. No previous riding or polo experience is required. Students begin with the intro to polo clinic then move to weekly coaching league chukkers and individual instruction.

I N T RO T O POL O For new players, the polo school begins with 1-day clinics offered in June. The introductory clinic gives new players exposure to the sport so they can decide if they want to progress to coaching league or lessons. Clinics are scheduled for June 12, June 13, June 19 and June 20, and they cover all the important topics in a fun 1-day format: •

Foot mallet practice & basic swing techniques

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Wooden horse practice

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Horse tack, prep & equipment for polo

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Polo rules & strategy introduction

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Riding skills for polo

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Practice chukker

coac h i ng l e agu e There is no better way to learn the sport than to play. Coaching league teaches people new to the sport the rules of the game and gets them comfortable playing. Pros play on each team and coach students so that they understand the rules, stay safe and have a great time. Coaching league takes place at 6 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday throughout the summer.

Students in Coaching League can also lease horses to play club chukkers on the weekends.

Polo Instructor: Joaquin Condomi Alcorta Born and raised in La Plata, Argentina, Joaquin has been playing polo since the age of 5. He has years of experience as a polo instructor, and his polo career has taken him around the world, including Europe, South America and North America.

Joaquin’s family owns La Plata Polo Club just outside Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he ran the polo school, taught lessons, organized club chukkers and trained horses for many years. Joaquin also worked as an instructor at Haras Del Sur and Trapalanda polo clubs, both in Argentina. Most recently, he was the instructor and club pro for Roude Léiw Polo Club in Luxembourg.

Polo manager: Jennifer sims Jennifer was a competitive showjumping rider for many years, working closely alongside the management team of an equestrian operation out of Los Angeles before moving to Washington four years ago. Her experience includes a training program and consignment business of quality jumping horses, and teaching riders of all levels. More recently, Jennifer founded a horseback holiday business that takes her and her clientele all over the world on equestrian adventures – including Argentina, where she fell in love with polo.

Jennifer started playing at the Seattle Polo Club in 2019 and has helped expand the polo school and increase membership. She has also been an ambassador for the United States Polo Association. Jennifer brings great passion and dedication to the sport in her new position as polo manager for the 2021 season.

To register for a lesson or clinic, or to sign up for coaching league or club chukkers, contact Joaquin at: poloschool@seattlepoloclub.com or Jennifer at: jennifer@seattlepoloclub.com

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A SPECTATOR SPORT

Polo is one of the most exciting sports in the world to play. It can be just as exciting to watch if you understand some of the basic concepts and rules.

ga m e for m at Outdoor polo is played on a grass field the size of nine footballs fields (300 yards long by 160 yards wide). There are 4 players on each team, and all players must play with the mallet in their right hand. A polo game begins with a throw-in at center field, with the two teams lined up facing each other. A mounted umpire throws the ball into play to start the game and clock. Each chukker, or period of play, is 7 ½ minutes long, and there are 3 minutes between each chukker. A polo match is 4 to 6 chukkers long depending on the level of play, and players use a different pony for each chukker.

scor i ng g oa l s A goal is scored whenever the ball crosses the line between the goal posts. The posts are approximately 8 yards apart and a goal counts no matter if it is in the air, along the ground, knocked in by a mallet, or kicked in by a pony. Each goal counts for 1 point and teams change ends after each goal is scored. There are no goal nets in polo, which allows ponies to run through the posts.

ru l e s of pl ay The rules of polo function to keep players and ponies safe during the game. The most important concept is the line of the ball: an imaginary line created by the trajectory of the ball. The player approaching the ball along this line (or at the narrowest angle to it) has the right-of-way.

There are a few defensive options for players to use in order to take control of “the line” and the ball. Similar to a shoulder check in hockey, a ride-off allows a player and pony to push an opposing player and pony away from the play. A player may also perform a hook, by using their mallet to interfere with another player’s swing.

polo pon y faq What breed are polo horses and why are they referred to as “ponies“?

Technically a pony is a small-sized horse, no higher than 14.2 hands high (a “hand” is the equine unit of measurement, equal to 4 inches). Centuries ago, only pony-size horses were allowed to be used in the sport of polo. In modern polo, there is no size limit and polo horses are larger than in the past (averaging from 15 to 16 hands high). However, the historic term “pony” remains in use in the sport; no matter their size, a polo horse is always referred to as a “pony.” Most modern polo ponies are thoroughbreds, or crossbreeds of thoroughbreds, quarter horses and Argentine-bred horses.

Why do they cut the ponies' manes and tie up their tails?

Polo is a contact sport, with both players and ponies involved in competitive physical exchanges at high speeds.

To prevent the ponies’ manes from becoming tangled or intertwined during play, the mane is trimmed short (or “roached”). Similarly, the ponies’ tails are braided and then tied right before the game to avoid getting caught up in the swinging mallets of players on the field.

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pl ay e r posi t ions Each of the 4 players on an outdoor polo team is assigned positions from 1 to 4, as designated by the numbers on their jerseys. The number 1 player assumes an offensive position on the team, concentrating on opportunities for scoring. Number 2 is also a mostly offensive player, backing up the number 1 and defensively covering the opposing team’s number 3. Like a quarterback, the number 3 is the tactical leader on the field who is responsible for game strategy and field advantage. The number 3 is often the highest-rated player on the team. Number 4 is primarily a defensive player in “the back,” responsible for guarding the goal and preventing the opposing team from scoring.

spe c tator t r a di t ions Tailgating: Tailgating is one of polo’s oldest traditions, and one of the best ways to watch the game. Tailgating can be as simple as lawn chairs and umbrellas, or as upscale as VIP tents, hosted bars, and elaborate buffets.

Divot Stomp: Spectators are invited onto the polo field at half-time to replace the divots created by galloping hooves.

This helps create a better travel surface for the ball and ponies in the second half of the match. Champagne or beverages are commonly served, and it’s a great opportunity for guests to socialize and experience the polo field first-hand!

pol o h a n dica p Winston Churchill once said: "A polo handicap is a passport to the world." Every polo player is assigned a handicap by the United States Polo Association (USPA), ranging from -2 goals (or C) to 10 goals, that is determined by a player’s horsemanship, hitting, quality of horses, team play, game sense, and experience. The team handicap is the sum of its players’ handicaps.

A handicap refers to a player’s level as “goal,” as in “He/she has a handicap of 5 goals”; however, the reference has nothing to do with the actual number of goals scored by that individual. The higher the handicap, the better the player. Most amateur players hold a handicap between -1 and 1, and most professional players hold a 2-goal handicap or higher. ♦

d of e e p s Top pon y o l o p a

fast facts CHUKKERS PER GAME PLAYERS PER TEAM

7½ minutes ra me fo i t f l at h a t o m p a n d s s d i vot e e t i ng m m tea

GAME OFFICIALS UMPIRES ON THE FIELD REFEREE ON THE SIDELINES in a ch u kke r, or pe riod of pl ay

yards in an outdoor polo field – imagine 9 football fields!

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Washington’s Leading Ladies Less than a half century ago, legendary California player Sue Sally Hale had to disguise herself as a man to play polo: using a pseudonym, tucking her hair under her helmet, and sporting a fake moustache. Fast forward 20 years, and Hale’s daughter Sunny became the highest-rated female player in the world and the first to win the U.S. Open Championship.

Women in polo are groundbreakers, and Washington’s leading ladies are no exception – from the inspired career of Susan Stovall to the determined energy of Sheryl Sick to the talented horsemanship of Catlin Dix. And following in their footsteps is a new pool of Seattle and Spokane-based women with a passion for polo that is all-consuming.

Catlin Dix (Photo by Kaile Roos)

SEAT TLE POLO Magazine

The Trailblazer: Susan Stovall When Susan Stovall first started playing polo in Spokane in the early 70s, she participated only in practice chukkers. But then one Sunday, the teams were short a player in the all-male tournament, and Susan was called up to play. She proved herself a safe, smart player on the field and became the first and only woman regularly competing in Spokane for several years. She also served as club manager, organizing games and tournaments for local and visiting players and teams.

A few years later, Susan received a call from Alex Jacoy, general manager of Eldorado Polo Club in California, asking her to join as the club’s polo manager. At the time, Eldorado was one of the biggest clubs in the country, and it was experiencing a heyday of activity. Susan jumped at the offer: “I didn’t need to think about it.

It was a great opportunity, and I stayed there for 26 years. I loved every minute of it.”

With a no-nonsense approach to management, Susan worked tirelessly to keep players happy and games safe, and she organized

Susan at Eldorado Polo Club the logistics of tournaments that included more than 40 team entries. At the same time, she enjoyed a few perks of the job: playing regularly and improving her game; meeting amazing friends and traveling the world; and having the summers off to return home and play in Washington.

Susan reflects that a lot has changed for women in the sport over the past 40 years: “No one is telling women ‘No’ anymore!” She attributes this shift, in part, to the career and work of Sunny Hale: “Everyone looked up to Sunny and she was a great role model. She made a statement about women’s ability to compete with and against men, and people listened. It’s amazing to see how fierce and competitive the new generation of women players are. There is absolutely a new momentum to the sport because of them.”

Susan still has her own momentum in polo as well. She is currently splitting her time between Toppenish and Mexico, where she has served as manager at the Costa Carayes Polo Club for the past 12 years. Combined with her career at Eldorado, Susan Stovall has an amazing 4 decades of experience organizing some of the best polo in North America, and she wouldn’t trade a minute of it: “Time flies when you’re having fun!”

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The Governor: Sheryl Sick Sheryl Sick caught the polo bug while attending Washington State University. With a background in three-day eventing and fox hunting, she was looking for a new challenge when she came across an ad in the college paper for polo team tryouts. She made the team, and her enthusiasm, people skills, and riding abilities quickly catapulted her to the top of the field: she was team captain and club president in both her junior and senior years.

Sheryl spent her summers grooming and playing at the Spokane Polo Club and credits the Dix family for taking her in and supporting her development. She realized early on that she needed a profession that would allow her the freedom to pursue her polo passion. She worked to establish herself in the field of technology sales, and five years later, she was back on the field with both the finances and time to devote to the sport.

Since then, Sheryl has immersed herself in the polo community like few other women have. “I really enjoy traveling to play polo – meeting new people in new places and experiencing the sport around the globe,” admits Sheryl. Her polo bug has taken her across Canada and the U.S., to Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Jamaica, Argentina, and Ireland.

In 2017, Sheryl assumed the responsibility of United States Polo Association Governor for the Pacific Northwest Circuit (encompassing 22 clubs in Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Western Canada). She is one of the first women in the country to hold a Governor title, and she has dedicated herself to supporting clubs in her circuit: “It’s a lot of responsibility, but I truly enjoy it. We can’t play polo alone! We need to help one another and promote the sport, and as Governor I am able to help realize this goal.”

At home in Enumclaw, Sheryl was one of the very first members to join the Seattle Polo & Equestrian Club and is thrilled to witness the club’s development over the years. “The Smith family have put blood, sweat, and countless hours into building a world-class polo facility in the Seattle region. They have a great infrastructure in place for tournaments, polo school lessons, and large-scale events like the Seattle Polo Party. We are so lucky to have this facility and such a great community of members right in our backyard.” The polo community is just as lucky to have Sheryl: an impressive polo player and ambassador who is contributing to the sport on the local, regional, and national levels.

Top: Sheryl with her pony "Smooch" (Photo by Dana Kau) Bottom: Sheryl with her pony "Jamie Jackson" in the 2020 Pacific Northwest Governor’s Cup (Photo by Ben Smith)

The Horsewoman: Catlin Dix Catlin Dix is a respected horsewoman and polo player who splits her time between Washington and California. From a young age, Catlin was determined to be a horse trainer. An avid threeday eventer in her youth, she transitioned to polo at the age of 14 to join her cousins, family, and friends on the field.

While other high school girls were listening to music and dreaming of pop stars, Catlin was idolizing respected horse trainers like Gerry Ackerman, Dan Juarez, and Tink Elordi.

Some family members were doubtful of her non-traditional career dream, but Catlin says that her mom Suzy’s support did not waver: "Quite a few people didn't have a lot of faith in my career choice, but my mom encouraged me and always offered to help." As Catlin surrounded herself with professionals in polo, eventing, rodeo, reining, and colt starting, she developed the necessary skills to complement her natural talents.

Over the past two decades, Catlin has worked hard to make horses as well as teach horsemanship and grow polo in Washington. She spent two years leading the equine therapy and experiential learning program at Morning Stars Boys Ranch, and she is currently the head instructor of the Spokane Polo School. Catlin reports that the club is flourishing, in large part due to the participation of women: “Our club president, treasurer, and polo school administrator are all women. We have 18 new students for 2021 – and they are all women also!”

Catlin is currently the highest-rated female player in Washington. The most rewarding part of her job is starting green horses from day one and progressing them all the way up to tournament-level polo. Not very many women in the sport are breaking their own horses, and Catlin is one of the best. She spearheads a generational breeding program and her polo string is almost entirely comprised of homebreds.

Several of her homebreds have gone on to play high-goal polo in Wellington, England, and Argentina.

Catlin was recognized for her talents in 2019, receiving the Sunny Hale Horsemanship Award at Eldorado Polo Club: “A Horsemanship award is the absolute best award I could hope to receive as it really encompasses everything that I do. And the award being named in Sunny Hale’s honor also means the world to me.”

Top: Catlin captaining a 2-Goal team in California (Photo by Kaile Roos) Bottom: Catlin as official flagbearer at Eldorado Polo Club (Photo by Kerri Kerley)

Washington’s Leading Ladies: The New Recruits BROOKE DAVIS | SEATTLE POLO CLUB “I found polo during COVID in 2020, and I was sold after my very first chukker. I have played a variety of sports, equine and otherwise, but what really struck me about polo is the strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood amongst players. The partnership between horse and rider is also completely unlike any other discipline. I am excited to progress and learn more alongside my first polo pony: Osito. Polo is the most thrilling thing I’ve ever done. The adrenaline high lasts all day!”

ALICIA FOLLMER | SEATTLE POLO CLUB “I had no riding experience when I started polo in 2016. It’s been a steep learning curve!

Learning to ride and play polo at the same time is challenging – but if I can do it, anyone can! My favorite aspect of the sport is the camaraderie – both with the players and building a relationship with my horses. I am grateful to have two polo ponies of my own: Belle, who is very laid back and patient, and Lady, who gets me into the game more. I would not be where I am today, from both a riding and playing standpoint, without my girls.”

ANNIE JENSEN | SEATTLE POLO CLUB “I grew up riding horses and was actively involved in 4-H and pony club. I tried polo for the first time in 2019 and am now completely hooked! There are so many challenging mental and physical elements to polo, and our coach Joaquin really makes learning the sport a fun experience. One of my favourite aspects is being out there on the field with my closest girlfriends and getting opportunities to play with inspiring women players like Jen Sims and Jen Alexy.”

LEIGH ANN SAJOR | SEATTLE POLO CLUB “Like so many, I never knew polo existed in Seattle prior to taking the introductory clinic in 2020.

Riding has always been very therapeutic for me. That, paired with my competitive nature, makes polo the most fun, challenging and satisfying sport on Earth! Seattle Polo Club manager Jen Sims organized a group of us newer players to travel down to California and play this winter, where we were able to practice our skills and experience tournament play. Jen and coach Joaquin Condomi Alcorta also helped me find my first polo pony, Jaguar! I can't wait to play him this summer season!”

DANIELLE MOORHOUSE | SPOKANE POLO CLUB “I was an equestrian for years before I dipped my toes into the world of polo, but I was still blown away by the skill and intelligence of the ponies – they are truly magnificent. I also love the camaraderie of the sport – on one degree between you and your horse, and on the other degree between you and the other three members of your team. I recently became President of the Spokane Polo Club which is both a humbling and exciting experience. A big focus for our club this year is player development with the goal to ensure the club’s short-term viability and long-term sustainability.”

ANNA ANDERSON | SPOKANE POLO CLUB “Polo is by far the most fun I have ever had on a horse. I have been starting colts and raising my own horses for years and discovered that ranch horses make very good polo ponies. I love playing defense in polo – it reminds me of playing basketball in high school. You have to play smart and anticipate the next move. There is so much adrenaline, and you play for an hour – not just minutes like in other horse sports. It’s so intense and so much fun!“

S COT T SDA LE , A RIZON A October 23, 2021, marks the 10 th anniversary of the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships–Horses and Horsepower. Dubbed “America’s Most Interesting Polo Event,” the entertainment options extend far beyond polo matches to include live entertainment, Barrett-Jackson Collector Cars, a Canine Couture Dog Fashion Show, the World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show, horsepower displays, art installations, VIP lounges, party tents, tailgating and more!

Images courtesy of The Polo Party

SCOTTSDALE POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS

Horses & Horsepower

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Sunset Polo & White Party An annual event hosted in the field-side Pavilion at the prestigious International Polo Club, Brooke USA’s Sunset Polo® & White Party boasts an exciting signature Sunset Polo match, gourmet cuisine, live entertainment, dancing, and a silent auction benefitting Brooke USA. Brooke USA strives to improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys, and mules and the people they serve around the world by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need. Wellington is already abuzz with excitement for what next year’s event will bring! Brooke USA’s Sunset Polo® & White Party is an iconic staple on Wellington’s winter social calendar.

Images courtesy of Brooke USA

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SE AT T LE P OLO & EQUES T RI A N CLUB , WA SHIN GTON Save the Date: Saturday, August 14th. The Seattle Polo Party brings all the excitement of polo events in other parts of the country to Seattle. Experience the thunder of horses running full speed and the skill of players from around the world as they hit the ball downfield. Dress to impress, and be prepared for the social event of the summer. The 21+ party features a fashion show, ladies’ hat parade, divot stomp, and equestrian entertainment. Enjoy the VIP Lounge, a catered buffet lunch, vendor areas, yard games, and a beer and wine garden. After the matches, meet the players, watch the awards ceremony, and dance the night away at the After Polo Party. This is truly an event you will not forget!

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The Social Scene The exhilarating sport of polo is the backdrop for Seattle’s social event of summer: the Seattle Polo Party. In 2019, the event drew a record number of spectators and raised thousands of dollars for Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Center.

The 2021 Seattle Polo Party on Saturday, August 14 promises to be another unforgettable event. Book your VIP Cabana, Table or Box at seattlepoloparty.org

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SEAT TLE POLO Magazine

Hooked on Polo It all started with an innocent team-building event at the Seattle Polo & Equestrian Club attended

by Jason Nelson and his colleagues from Half Lion Brewing Co. What’s the best way to diminish the COVID blues and professional stress? This question was weighing on Jason’s mind, and as it turned out, the answer was polo.

Nelson is the most recent Seattle native to get hooked on the sport. Over the past year, he has invested in a string of polo ponies and competed in tournaments in both Washington and California. As CEO of Half Lion Brewing Co., Nelson is also getting his brand involved: sponsoring a team and partnering with the club for the epic Seattle Polo Party in August.

Did you always dream of becoming a polo player?

Absolutely not! This is a very recent development for me. Sometimes I don’t sleep well at night due to the side effects of a past concussion. So, I often listen to books or watch old sports videos on YouTube. That’s when I came across a polo game, and I was fascinated. For the next 6 months, I started watching polo games most nights, and once COVID hit I googled “Seattle polo” to discover that the club was located just 15 minutes from where I live. I signed up a group of my colleagues for an introductory clinic, and the rest is history.

What is it about the sport that has captivated so much of your attention this past year?

I think the speed of the game and working together with the horses in a game that they enjoy playing is awesome. Well-trained polo ponies are amazing to ride and play. They understand the game better than I do and are so competitive. When I’m on the field, I feel like I get to experience a herd of horses first-hand. It feels so natural for them to be out there together.

The other thing that has me hooked is the speed and excitement of the game, there is never a dull moment. Everything is happening so fast you hardly have time to think – it really shows you what you're made of! Polo is like trying to hit a golf ball from a fast-moving golf cart during the middle of an earthquake and your buddy is driving the golf cart blindfolded and you must tell him where the ball is.

I have spent hours practicing, playing, and trying to improve. Learning to understand horses, playing alongside professional players, practicing with other new players and learning together.

I believe all these experiences help break down walls that we put up thinking we can’t do something. When we break down walls, we enjoy life more.

What does your polo future look like?

I just purchased three great polo ponies in California, and I look forward to getting to know them. I need a few seasons to improve and then I hope to get faster, more advanced horses.

I am really pleased that my first horses are all reliable, quiet, and smart. They are also safe enough for my kids to start playing – which is a goal of mine this summer. My kids and family thought I was a little crazy to take up polo, but now that they see how fun it is, they think it’s cool, and they want to try it as well. Polo is a sport where families can play together. For me, the ultimate goal would be playing on a team with my kids!

Any advice for someone thinking about trying polo?

As my kids would say “Send it!” That’s my go-to phrase for polo: “FULL SEND!” – and it definitely applies here. You must try polo to understand why it is so challenging and rewarding and exhilarating all at the same time. A lot of people expect polo to be for royalty or fancy people.

But if anything, polo people have more of a cowboy mentality: they are laid back, genuine, tough, helpful, and committed to their animals. New players need to be prepared to spend time with their ponies if they want to have a great horse. I have learned first-hand that the sport is 100% about horses.

Look for Jason and the Half Lion Brewing Co. polo team competing in Seattle Polo & Equestrian Club tournaments throughout the 2021 season.

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SEAT TLE POLO Magazine

THE EQUESTRIAN HOME Ready to go all-in on living the experience? Once you’ve hung up your mallets for the day, here are top finds and tips for creating the quintessentially cool equestrian home.

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1. Good lighting is always a bright idea, especially when it gives a subtle nod to the horsey set (Aramis Sconce, Seattle Design Center). 2. A fun tray lets you curate groupings and collections in style. Add books or a candle to build out the presentation (Aisling Tray, Casa West Design Store).

3. A pretty throw easily adds a pop of color while feeling reminiscent of a well-loved practice blanket or best-playing-pony rug (Harding Jacquard Blanket, Pendleton). 4. A fabulous woven bench fits in nearly any room (Salazar Bench, Casa West Design Store). 5. An antique table adds a touch of heritage and appreciation for those that are experts in their craft (1stdibs.com). 6. Entertain in style with darling napkins that are guaranteed to start a conversation and pair nicely with cocktails or mocktails (Polo Player Embroidered Cocktail Napkin, Pomogranate.com). 7. Don’t forget art for dressing up any room: sculpture, painting or ceramics do the trick (Untitled Horse #5 by Steve Welden, David Cassera Gallery). 8. Pillows make for a nearly instant update and can easily work to tie a room together (Rodeo Pillow, Casa West Design Store). 9. The everyday tack room item doesn’t have to live at the barn. Elevate that special piece on a stand or build it up on a leucite block for contrast (Horse Bit, Jackson Hole Horse Emporium).

10. Leather strap handles with equestrian stitching finish any space (DP420 Series, Mockett).

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Style Expert:

Susan Adams, Casa West Design Susan Adams is the founder and principal of Casa West Design, a residential interior studio serving the Pacific Northwest and California. A respected tastemaker in the space, Susan’s projects have taken her around the globe.

Her work is known for bespoke creativity that complements each client’s taste. Working closely with celebrated architects, local artisans and a variety of vendors, her ethos is defined by a rich knowledge of each stage of any project paired with her diverse relationships to ensure a seamless process and perfect end result. Casa West Design specializes in new builds and remodel work (including space planning, custom furnishings, and fixtures) as well as home styling services.

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casawestdesign.com

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SEAT TLE POLO Magazine

10 – G oa l ta i lgat e Take your Sunday spectating to the next level with the essential guide to help you up your game.

Whether its prepping single-serve cocktails the night before or ensuring that you have blankets and chairs carefully tucked away for wherever the day might take you, these items ensure that you will have a 10-goal experience.

1. Trophies always make a great centerpiece. Pro tip: if you don’t have your own, check out your local consignment shop as you never know when you might discover a great find. 2. Be popular, bring three wine openers. Really, need we say more? 3. Cutting boards are useful and make a great display. Check out Stick & Ball Co. for a gorgeous array. 4. Flying canapes and cocktail napkins are a hazard on the field. Let them live on in style in a designer wastebasket from Parvum Opus. 5. A good rug goes a long way – while a vintage find is always fun, this family-friendly rug from

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Casa West Design Store is simpler than scouring Aunt Edna’s living room. 6. When it comes to glassware, going silver is a must (remember that glass is not permitted on the polo field!). These Tan Tahiti sterling silver, gold-plated flutes from Mr. Porter are at the top of their game. 7. Extra credit: a fabulous field-side bar, like this one by Kevin's Catalog.

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Photo by Ben Smith

SEAT TLE POLO Magazine

making the team

In January of 2021, Seattle-born polo player Colby Smith represented the western U.S. in the definitive youth tournament in the country: the USPA Cecil Smith Cup. Being selected to represent the west was a true honor for Colby, who has been playing polo since he was 5 years old. Colby opened up to Seattle Polo Magazine about the once-in-a-lifetime tournament, teamwork, horsemanship, and his favorite pastime: the sport of polo.

The National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) is a program established by the United States Polo Association (USPA) to promote and encourage youth polo across the country. Established in 2013, NYTS is designed to provide youth players (19 years of age or younger) the opportunity to compete against their peers in USPA outdoor circuit tournaments. Across the United States, nearly 250 players participate in over 30 qualifier events. All-Stars are selected from each event based on horsemanship, sportsmanship, and skill, and these All-Stars are eligible to represent their region in the USPA Cecil Smith Cup. Colby Smith qualified as an All-Star in a series of NYTS qualifying tournaments in California. When he received the phone call from the USPA confirming that he was one of the All-Stars selected for the Western team for 2021, he was excited, honored, and a little bit surprised: “There are lots of great young players at the Eldorado and Empire polo clubs in California where I play in the winter. It’s a competitive group of players, and I was really excited to make the team.”

Making a commitment to the Western team, however, was not without its complications. The tournament was hosted at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida, in January 2021 – just one week before Colby’s term finals. But with his parents’ approval and his books packed, Colby traveled from Seattle down to southeast Florida with plans to study for his finals around his tournament game schedule.

Colby Smith (far left) and the Western team in Florida in January 2021 (Photo by David Lominska, courtesy of the USPA)

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strategy and skills

In the days leading up to the trip, the Western team had a strategy meeting on Zoom. They discussed their strengths and drafted the team line-up with the help of coach Felipe Viana.

Colby was a natural fit for the #4 jersey on his team: “I really enjoy playing in the back and I like to play strong defense. When I am in back, I have the entire game in front and I have time to make decisions.”

Colby tries to play the #4 position whenever he can. Usually, if he plays a different position on the field, it’s because he’s on a team with his father Cameron: “My dad really likes the #4 position as well, so when we play together, I usually play #1 or #2 on the team.”

Colby credits both his father Cameron and grandfather Ben for sharing their knowledge of polo and horsemanship with him. Cameron, a successful 1-goal rated player, shares experience from thousands of hours on the field. And Ben, a respected horse trainer alongside the legendary John Lyons, taught Colby horsemanship from a young age. Polo pros like John Eicher and Dan Juarez also mentored Colby as he became more serious about polo in his teens. When asked to name his greatest strength, Colby modestly suggests that his hand-eye skill is stronger than his horsemanship or even his defense: “Every once in a while...I can crush the ball. Although, I’m still working on my consistency!”

One of Colby’s most memorable games in his young career was playing with his dad Cameron, his coach Dan, and visiting pro Rob Payne. Together the foursome battled and won the Pacific Northwest Governor’s Cup. “It was a fun game against a really good team,” remembers Colby.

Colby and Cameron Smith (2nd from left, middle) winning the Pacific Northwest Governor's Cup

horsemanship

Players participating in the NYTS championship from the western U.S. were not able to transport their own polo ponies to the tournament, due to distance and timing. Colby was one of the players who competed in the tournament on horses that were not his own: “It’s always more difficult to play your best when you don’t have a relationship with the horses. But I had some nice ponies to play in Florida and they played well.”

At his home clubs in Seattle and California, Colby is lucky to play his dad’s string of ponies, as well as one special pony of his own who he credits for giving him confidence in his game.

Aspen, a homebred bay gelding, was given to Colby when he was just a colt, and the two have grown up together. Now 9 years old, Aspen is Colby’s go-to pony for a great chukker: “Aspen is just an awesome pony. He’s not the fastest, and he’s not too big. He’s handy and has a great personality. We work together and understand each other really well.”

life lessons

Left: Colby gearing up for the NYTS final Right: Colby and his favorite pony Aspen at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Photos by David Lominska) The Western NYTS polo team didn’t leave Florida with the win, but the experience of meeting and competing against youth from across the country was well worth the trip for Colby: “It was great fun. Our team lost but I really enjoyed the tournament and getting to play at the International Polo Club.”

In the end, Colby believes it’s important to always have fun with your team and be grateful for having the chance to play. Bringing a sense of maturity with him to the field, Colby doesn’t sweat the small stuff; and his laid-back approach to the game makes him a calm and confident player. “People need to remember that polo is not school, and it’s not work. It’s not supposed to make you nervous or stressed out. Have fun, and just do it for you – I think that’s always best.“ ♦

Book your magical event with us Seattle Polo & Equestrian Club is the ideal location for your special event: quiet, secluded, magnificently landscaped fields with Mount Rainier as a majestic backdrop.

Our multi-use event space is available for weddings, corporate banquets, birthdays, galas, and company picnics.

Relax and let us coordinate the ultimate occasion that your guests will never forget.

events@seattlepoloclub.com

For more than 60 years, Eldorado Polo Club in the California desert has maintained its reputation for competitive, international-calibre polo. This tradition continutes with competitive polo from 2-Goal through 12-Goal, as well as Junior, Women's, Pro Pool and Coaching Leagues throughout the winter season.

Polo Manager: Graham Bray

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(760) 774-2583

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eldoradopoloclub.com

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Indio, California

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