Beluga Vodka runners-up: Alex Rodzianko, Bill Kraft, Anastasia Rodzianko, Micha Rodzianko, Alejandro Traverso, Gaston Laule and Beluga girls
The sport of snow polo was first introduced in 1985 at the resort town of St. Moritz, Switzerland. In the U.S., snow polo is competed exclusively at Wagner Park at the base of Aspen Mountain in the picturesque Colorado playground. At the 11th annual USPA World Snow Polo Championship, competitors hailing from Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky, South America and France played a modified version of polo on a snow-packed arena surrounded by fencing to keep the larger, lighter and bright red ball in play. Existing rugby posts served as the goal uprights. Teams from Audi, Beluga, Bombardier, Lucchese and Harry Winston fielded teams of three players, as in typical arena polo, and played four seven-minute chukkers. The field was groomed between each chukker by the Polo Zamboni snow cat.
Audi winners: Kris Kampsen, Melissa Ganzi, Barry Stout, Juan Bollini, Riley and Grant Ganzi, and Beluga girls.
Aspen Rancher Barry Stout provided the 30 horses needed for the five teams, which were acclimated to the climate and running in snow, thanks to special shoes that provide better traction and keep the hollow of the hoof from packing with ice. Spectators decked out in fur coats and Montcler quilted jackets watched from heated tents that lined the field. The VIP tent was festively attired with garland and bows. Team sponsors also catered to the well-heeled with tents and displays of their own. At the end of play it was team Audi who celebrated a back-to-back first place finish. The team from Beluga Vodka was runner-up. sl
slmag.net 95