Polo Times Oct 15 by Edit

Volume 20 • Issue 9 • October 2015 • £6.50

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SOTOGRANDE SPECIAL Reports, features & interviews

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Contents

Contacts Publisher Nick Hine publisher@polotimes.co.uk Group Editor in Chief Richenda Hine richenda@polotimes.co.uk Advertising Manager Ben Bovill ben@polotimes.co.uk

Club Liaison & News Manager

News

Lucy Wilson lucy@polotimes.co.uk

4 12 14

Polo Reporter & Researcher Tilda Woodd tilda@polotimes.co.uk Editorial Rosabella Hine rosabella@polotimes.co.uk

Overseas Reporter Katie Vickery katie@polotimes.co.uk

All the Latest News HPA News FIP Update

Comment 16

Your Views: Letters

Features 19 24 40

Cover Story: La Clarita Interview Retraining of Racehorses Focus The Big Picture

Reports

Junior Editor

28 35

Wiggy Bamforth wiggy@polotimes.co.uk

Club Focus 42

Principal Design James Morgan

Additional Design

Cover Story: Sotogrande Gold Cup Cover Story: Victor Ludorum Round-Up

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Women’s Polo 48 52

Tony Ruddy

Women’s Polo Update Cover Story: Women’s Handicap Debate & Nina Clarkin Interview

Youth Polo Financial Controller Angie Clark accounts@polotimes.co.uk

Contributors

Nicola Bell BVetMed MRCVS, Stephen Biddlecombe, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, Lorna Edgar, Lottie Goldstone, Liz Higgins, Charles Whittington, David Woodd

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

www.polotimes.co.uk

57 59 60

HPA U25 Zimbabwe Tour SUPA Home Nations Tournament Cover Story: Sotogrande Special

Military Polo 63

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Knowledge 66 67 68 70 71 74

Bit Focus: Retrained Racehorse Q&A Nutrition Focus: Rear of the Year Vet Insight: Mineral Deficiencies Equine Legal Advice: Debt Recovery Gate Safety Focus Cover Story: Pony Welfare in Sotogrande

66 Sidelines 76 76

Gossip: Don’t be the last to know Sidelines: Social pages

Polo Directory 84 86

What’s on in October?

Polo Times Marketplace

Final bell 88

Passions: Rashid Albwardy

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© Polo Times Limited 2015 and Database Right 2015 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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Cover photograph: Adolfo Cambiaso on the ball for Dubai in the The Bulgari Gold Cup high goal in Sotogrande. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Polo Times, October 2015

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from the PublisherNews

IN 2013 SARAH Harris set up the Facebook group Retired and Ex Polo Ponies for Sale. To date, Sarah and her page have now rehomed over 350 ponies into new homes. The ponies have gone on to new careers in TV and films, showjumping, eventing, hunting, and a large proportion are now charging around battlefields as war re-enactment horses and enjoying life to the fullest. Sarah spoke to Polo Times, “It was my goal to one day set up a rehoming centre in the Hampshire countryside where I live and it has now become a reality. Polo Pastures is a rehoming centre where we take in only polo ponies who are no longer able to play polo due to either age, injury or unsuitability. We are also going to be using these very special ponies, the ones with extremely calm and docile natures, as therapy ponies in the Polo Pastures Equine Based Therapy Centre.” The centre will be open to all ages and conditions including Autism, Aspergers, ADHD and PTSD. Sarah hopes that by opening this centre she will be able to help and follow in the footsteps of other equine based therapy centres in the country, “These are just a few of the conditions which respond well to equine based therapies. We already have people wanting to come and see the ponies with groups of children with Aspergers and Autism, so we know that there is great interest in what we are doing.”

Sarah with Eva, her 18-year-old ex polo pony who was the inspiration behind the Retired and Ex Polo Pony Group and Polo Pastures

Guards Tally Ho Groom of the Month CONGRATULATIONS TO HECOTR Zalazar, Andrew Dechet’s groom, who has been named The Guards Tally Ho Farm Groom of the Month for August. This follows on from his patron’s success in The Land Rover Duke of Cornwall Trophy Final. Hector impressed the judges, Polo Manager Antony Fanshawe and Club Welfare Officer Holly Baird, with his expert pony care and his great knowledge of polo pony welfare. Chris Adkins of Tally Ho Farm was on hand to present Hector with his prize. Photograph courtesy of Guards Polo Club

Nick Hine, Publisher

Polo Pastures Retirement and Therapy Centre to Open

Photograph courtesy of Sarah Harris

Looking back on the 2015 season, we have seen some incredible polo, with plenty of new blood coming through the ranks. As the 2015 summer season draws to a close, we review in this issue, all areas of polo, as well as looking ahead to the winter polo season, both here in the UK and overseas. Led by The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, the 2015/16 Arena season’s calendar looks set to be the biggest yet. September is so often seen as a ‘wind-down’ month as players return from the annual emigration to Sotogrande and prepare for their winter season. However, the UK has still seen some great polo, with the Autumn Victor Ludorum Series finally coming to a close after some hard fought battles on the grounds of England. However, polo is not the only competition that has happened this month, as our retrained racehorse feature proves – many more ponies are coming into the sport this way, and this month we take a look at who, what, how and why. As the grass ponies are turned away for their rest and arena ponies are brought in, we take a closer look at the to-do list of ‘off season’ chores, with our Knowledge section packed full of advice on keeping ponies looking good moving into the arena season. We also review gate and perimeter safety – and liability. A potentially hot topic for many polo yards, (yet often overlooked), but one that spurred us on to install our own new solar powered gates, which should help keep the Polo Times string safely contained over the winter months. Of course, abroad we have seen some incredible matches in Sotogrande, and Richenda and I were both fortunate enough to be able to catch a few games on our recent trip out. Katie Vickery, our overseas reporter, has in this issue provided us with, what I hope you will find, is a fascinating view of Sotogrande from all perspectives. From the high to low goal – with all the backstage attention to detail – including reports on Dubai’s victory in the Bulgari Gold Cup, to a behind the scenes interview with successful Sotogrande winning British team, La Clarita. Elsewhere abroad, England’s women have had an amazing month, with wins both in South Africa, and then again in Chantilly. Speaking of women’s polo, as the handicaps come out this month, much has been made of Nina Clarkin’s recent 10 goal ladies’ handicap. A very impressive feat, we at the Polo Times office offer our congratulations to Nina, and wait with bated breath to see what next season brings for our ladies. This month we have received some interesting letters – one in particular discussing the immigration concerns currently being addressed by the HPA. With movement undoubtedly set to become much more difficult between countries, the new government’s apprenticeship scheme looks set to become more relevant. It will be interesting to see, over the coming months, what impact the measures will have on the sport, and how it will pan out for the 2016 season.

Chris Adkins with award winner Hector Zalazar

Polo Times, October 2015

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News

Manuel Fernandez Llorente The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player Award at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club

Sophie Granchi was awarded The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player Award at Guards Polo Club

Photograph by Tara Smith

SOPHIE GRANCHI WAS deservedly named The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player at the third Ladies’ Charity Day on Saturday 29 August at Guards Polo Club after playing with Alya Al Awiaqi, Georgie Le Selleur French and Charlotte Sweeney for Sheba. Her team were defeated in the round-robin tournament, but Sophie’s efforts for her team were recognised with the Award. In the first tournament of the Autumn Victor Ludorum Series at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, players and ponies were given extra recognition with Emlor’s Manuel ‘Manolo’ Fernandez Llorente receiving The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player Award and Marenita, owned by Saad Audeh and played by Manuel Plaza, awarded the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award. Manuel Plaza played

for Marchfield House who were defeated by Emlor in the Final with a score of 5-4. Each lucky winner of The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player Award will receive a pare of Sporting Hare Sunglasses, RJ Polo kit bag, The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player gilet by Black Hound Sports, a bottle of Pinkster Gin, a pair of MacWet gloves, dinner for two at PJ’s Bar & Grill plus a magnum of red wine from Naked Wines. BHC patron mo Sheikh received the 12-goal Autumn Nations Trophy from Club Chairman Jock Green-Armytage after a great Final on The Duke’s Ground against Tunde Karim’s Shoreline. Despite not scoring at all in the first chukka, BHC got into their stride in the second, scoring five goals. This brought them level with Shoreline, who had played consistently for the first two periods of play. The momentum slowed in the second half, with field goals from BHC’s Tom Brodie and Pete Webb and Shoreline’s Tristan Wade. This gave BHC a one-goal advantage, which Pete Webb extended to two after scoring a penalty between the flags in the fourth. However, Shoreline had not given up yet and when Federico Boudou successfully converted a penalty extra time looked likely. However, time was against Tunde’s team, allowing BHC to add the Autumn Nations to their trophy collection. Shoreline’s patron, Tunde Karim, was awarded The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player Award, while Pete Webb received the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award for his 8-year-old chestnut mare, Norma. In the final tournament of the season at Guards Polo Club, The Chairman’s Trophy, the Polo Times Best Playing Pony Award was won by Mecha, an 8-year-old mare who came from Miguel Novillo Astrada and was played by Tashan Polo’s Charlie Holley in the third chukka.

Charlie Holley with his groom Rachael Kearney and Polo Times Best Playing Pony Mecha

Polo Times, October 2015

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La Albertina Win the Abierto de San Jorge THE HIGH GOAL season has officially begun in Argentina, with La Albertina winning the Abierto de San Jorge on Saturday 12 September at the AAP grounds at Palermo. The 30 goal team defeated La Natividad with a convincing end score of 14-8. The next tournament in the Argentine high goal season is the first of the Triple Crown tournaments The Tortugas Open. Abierto de San Jorge Final for The Duke of Edinburgh Cup teams: La Albertina (30): Diego Cavanagh (8) Ezequiel Martínez Ferrario (7), Francisco Elizalde (7) & Alfredo Cappella Barabucci (8) La Natividad (22): Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. (2), Federico Von Potobsky (6), Bartolomé Castagnola (8) & Nicolás Corti Maderna (6) Result: La Albertina beat La Natividad 14-8

Photograph by Stefanie Stüting

Photograph courtesy of The RCBPC

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

The Polo Magazine Most Valuable Player and Polo Times Best Playing Pony Series 2015 continues

All six participating teams celebrated after the 1st FIP Arena Polo European Championships

Azerbaijan Round-Up AZERBAIJAN HAS WON the 1st FIP Arena Polo European Championships in Baku. The home team defeated Germany in the Final on Saturday 12 September with a score of 6-5 after six days of polo. In the Subsidiary Final, Ireland defeated Spain to take third place overall in the tournament with a score of 4½-4. In fifth and sixth place, Italy were defeated by Switzerland 7½-5. In December Azerbaijan will apply to host the FIP Polo World Championship in 2017. “The construction of four new full size grass polo fields is underway,” says Reto Gaudenzi, spokesperson for the venture. Two arenas in Baku and two more in Gebele, which is located at an altitude of 1,500 metres, are planned. The idea is that the climatic conditions for the horses higher up will be more bearable in the hot summer season. Elsewhere in Azerbaijan, the new polo school in Baku continues its work, and the long term focus is to bring more and more Karabach horses into the sport of polo. www.polotimes.co.uk

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News

PRIME MINISTER DAVID Cameron has just announced the approval of the Equine Groom and Senior Equine Groom Apprenticeships’ Standards. A crossdiscipline group representing all facets of equestrianism has drawn up these new apprenticeships. The Steering Group is made up of about 50 individuals at the top of their discipline, wanting to produce complete and practical grooms, with excellent transferable skills and work ethos. There is a growing demand for grooms in polo as immigration, visas and foreign work permits are becoming more complex, expensive and time-consuming. The average polo school or livery yard requires year-round staff that have the specialist skill-set for the polo industry. The introduction of apprenticeships could be the perfect solution to the problem. David Morley, who heads up Polo Permits and the HPA Welfare Committee spoke to Polo Times, “This is a very exciting time for polo as we now have a recognised route for people to learn and have the skills required to move into the polo industry.” There is also the argument that, not only will apprentices learn more about polo whilst

on-the-job, but also polo pony welfare standards will increase as employers are able to train their staff for the job in hand from day one. Sue Martin, Chairman of the Equestrian Trailblazers, commented that, “These standards have been carefully formulated to fulfil the Government’s aim to produce world class apprentices.” Prior to submission to the Government for approval, these new standards were publicised via various press channels across the country and received an overall 93% approval from employers, confirming the need for change in preparing future professionals for the equestrian industry. This was also included in the May issue of Polo Times this year. Nick Boles, the Minister for Skills, commented that, “Businesses are better placed than anyone to train the next generation of workers and will help us deliver 3 million high-quality apprenticeships by 2020.” This is the first time that the entire equestrian industry has come together to work as a team, highlighting the importance of this vital project. To read about the new

Photograph by Lucy Wilson

Groom Apprenticeships’ Scheme Approved by the Government

Polo employers can now look forward to home-grown British grooms

standards through Equine Trailblazers visit equinetrailblazerapprentices.com. To read about the finer details of apprenticeships for equine grooms laid out by the Government visit gov.uk

Atypical Myopathy Awareness this Autumn

Sycamore tree seeds are already starting to fall

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BY THE END of 2014, the number of Atypical Myopathy (AM) cases (also known as Seasonal Pasture Myopathy) reported in the UK had reached the highest levels in Europe according to The British Horse Societies latest newsletter. Atypical Myopathy is a highly fatal muscle disease, most commonly seen in young horses out to graze in Autumn and Spring, in both the UK and Northern Europe. It causes severe damage to muscles, affecting postural and respiratory muscles. The toxin hypoglycin-A has been specifically identified within the seeds of the box elder and sycamore maple trees and has been linked to the cause of AM. The seeds can contain a variable amount of this toxin, so there is not necessarily a correlation between quantity ingested and severity of disease. The survival rates are thought to be at less than 25%, unless an early diagnosis is made. The Animal Health Trust and Irish Equine Centre are working

together with the Université de Liège to extend the understanding of the condition after such a dramatic rise in cases. The toxin hypoglycin-A has been specifically identified within the seeds of the box elder and sycamore maple trees and has been linked to the cause of AM. Prevention of the disease requires restricting horses from gaining access to sycamore seeds: • Avoid using pasture with sycamore maple and box elder trees • Fencing off areas where seeds/leaves have fallen • Reduce stocking densities down to ensure that there is enough grazing • Supplementing the pasture with extra forage

Polo Times, October 2015

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Achieving with CHIVA

Courtesy of Falcon Polo

News

POWER OF POLO completed a day course with the Children’s HIV Association (CHIVA) sponsored by ViiV healthcare at Fifield Polo Club on Thursday 30 August. The aim of the day programme was to challenge the perceptions that the young people have of themselves and to continue working with CHIVA. Dr Katy Hayward, founder of Power of Polo, spoke to Polo Times about the day saying, “All of the attendees felt the day was useful, had increased their confidence and made them realise new things about themselves.” One of the participants said, “Coming from different environments whether it be a rough background at home or having HIV, it’s encouraging to do something like this because, for the moment you are out there with the ponies, you realise there are more things in life to do that you have not already done before. This opportunity makes me think I could do something with horses and other stuff because it’s a change.” The charity hopes to run more events like this in the future. To get involved please contact katy.hayward@powerofpolo. org.uk.

One lucky subscriber has won a bespoke Falcon Polo Helmet

Photograph by Dr Katy Hayward

Congratulations to India Hall from Dorset, the Polo Times Falcon Polo Helmet Competition winner THANK YOU TO all our subscribers who renewed and bought a subscription over the last few months. All your subscriptions were entered into the prize draw, but there could only be one lucky winner. Congratulations go to India Hall, from Dorset, who was chosen at random from all our subscriptions purchased in the summer. India will now be eligible to choose her own finish for her very own bespoke Falcon Polo

CHIVA participants have-a-go at polo

Polo at The Olympic Stadium in Berlin of 10-7. Gastón Maiquez was named The Most Valuable Player for the tournament. Engel & Völkers High Goal Maifeld Cup Final teams: Tom Tailor (12): Uwe Schroeder (0), Christian Badenhop (1), Gastón Maiquez (7) & Jamie Le Hardy (4) Allianz Kundler (12): Magnus Kaminiarz (0), Patrick Maleitzke (3), Pedro Fernandez Llorente (5) & Miguel Amieva (4) Result: Tom Tailor beat Allianz Kundler 10-7

Photograph by © Michael A. Lou

ON 29 – 30 AUGUST, The Engel & Völkers High Goal Maifeld Cup was played for in front of the historic Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Six teams fought over two weekends for the trophy, the first weekend at the Prussian Polo & Country Club at nearby Phoeben, followed by the Finals on the brand new lawn at the Maifeld, where next August the European Championships will also take place. Uwe Schroeder’s Tom Tailor team, featuring British professional Jamie Le Hardy, defeated Allianz Kundler with a score

Polo played on the fields by The Olympic Stadium in Berlin for the Engel & Völkers High Goal Maifeld Cup

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News

POWER OF POLO has announced Lycetts as a sponsor for a one-day programme in October which will bring back the eight young people who attended the four-day course earlier this month. This funding gives the charity the opportunity to continue working with the group of young people from South Central Youth (SCY), build support for the concept and to continue the research started in August to provide information on polo as a sport for change. Piers Plunket said, “The charity touches on all the elements that matter to us at Lycetts; injured service personnel, disadvantaged and underprivileged youth and all the rural pursuits. Supporting the charity’s efforts to combine these facets within polo was an easy decision and Lycetts are thrilled with the connection and wish Power of Polo every success.” Michael Kaddu, who took part in the first four-day programme at Fifield Polo Club said, “I’m over the moon to come back – if I never get to drive a Ferrari, I’ve been on a polo horse.”

Photograph by Katy Hayward

Power of Polo Announces Lycetts as a Sponsor

The charity is powering ahead to support disadvantage youth

Malaysia Polo Clubs The HPA and Polopermits in Discussion hit by travel ban with the Home Office Over Non-EEA ROYAL PAHANG WERE not able to travel Players and Grooms to The Royal Malaysia Polo Association’s International League, after a travel ban order was placed on their horses. A new four-team draw for the RMPA International League Final was issued. The veterinary department of the Ministry of Agriculture in Malaysia, DVS and MAQIS, banned the movement of horses in the Malaysian Peninsula to stop the spread of a flu-like viral outbreak that had taken hold in the three Clubs of Selangor, Perak and Penang. The directive was issued on 27 August and is in force until further notice. The ban of horse movement meant that Royal Pahang were not able to travel their horses to the RMPA International League 12 goal Final, which was the last leg of the RMPA International League at the start of September. A new draw and schedule was made, with all games staying at the Royal Selangor Polo Club which, to date, is unaffected by the outbreak. It is thought the infection outbreak has come from horses that were released from quarantine after being shipped from New Zealand. This infection has spread to some 80 horses at the Perak Club and even to the Penang and Selangor Club. So far the seemingly non-fatal infection has only affected racing stock and not polo ponies.

www.polotimes.co.uk

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The HPA are in discussions with the Home Office about immigration changes

THE HURLINGHAM POLO Association (HPA) and Polopermits have been in talks with the Home Office about potential changes to immigration which may impact on South American grooms, horse trainers and players employed within the UK. All migrant applications and Certificates of Sponsorship assigned in the sporting sector must be endorsed by the sport’s Governing Body and the Home Office is in the process of conducting routine meetings with each sport’s Governing Body. As part of that process, Home Office representatives met with the HPA in August to discuss the revised criteria, which the HPA had put forward for their consideration and comments. The current HPA endorsement criteria for polo players and grooms were agreed with the Home Office in 2008 when the Points Based System replaced the Work Permit system. At the meeting, the Home Office emphasised to the HPA that the published purpose of the Tier 5 Sporting route is, “For players and coaches internationally

established at the highest level and/or whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of the sport at the highest level in the UK, and that the post cannot be filled by a suitable settled worker.” The Home Office have put forward that the HPA should consider raising the endorsement criteria to fall more closely in line with the above, as have other equestrian sports. Specifically, they have suggested the HPA consider restricting the criteria to players of 5 goals and above, playing at the highest level, and to the grooms travelling with them. The HPA have put their case to the Home Office, defending the strength of the sport under the current criteria, and are awaiting a response. The HPA hope that a sensible, and workable, criteria can be agreed for the benefit of the sport. In any event, sponsors seeking endorsements for players will be required to confirm that the employment is the player’s primary employment and that any supplementary employment meets the immigration rules. Polo Times spoke to David Morley at Polopermits, who said, “The HPA and Polopermits are continuing to discuss any potential changes with the Home Office. We believe that we will be able to come to a sensible agreement going forward that won’t cause disruption to the 2016 summer polo season. We will keep everyone up-todate with any developments.” For further information about immigration, visit the Polopermits website www.polopermits.co.uk. Polo Times, October 2015

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News

Valiente and Dubai to Share Players in 2016 IT HAS BEEN announced that Valiente and Dubai will be swapping players around next season, as they look to take home a haul of titles both in the States and back in the UK. Valiente are due to compete out in the states in the 26-goal C. V. Whitney Cup and the USPA Gold Cup with an adapted line-up of Bob Jornayvaz, Santi Torres and Santiago Chavanne, with the last place filled by Dubai lynchpin Adolfo Cambiaso. However, Rashid

Albwardy will replace Jornayvaz to play in the team at the US Open Championship as Dubai, while Jornayvaz will put together another Valiente team to defend their 2015 US Open title. Bob Jornayvaz explained, “Rashid will have a Dubai team in the C. V. Whitney Cup and the USPA Gold Cup. He’ll take my place with Cambiaso in the Open and I’ll put another team together to play as Valiente.”

Following Florida’s winter season at the International Polo Club, Jornayvaz is scheduled to travel to England. Albwardy will play in The Queen’s Cup in England with Adolfo Cambiaso and Juan Martin Nero before he is due to hand over the reins of his team for the 2016 Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for the British Open, allowing Jornayvaz to play with Cambiaso and Nero.

IN THE LAST 18 months, The Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers (APSPH) has recruited 25 members from around the UK. On Tuesday 22 September they held their first official Open Meeting at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, which was well attended by members and prospective members. The meeting included guest speakers from Polopermits, the HPA Welfare Committee, and Lycetts. The APSPH provide extensive advice and support on pony welfare as well as the procurement of Riding Establishment Licences, alongside providing guidelines on Child Protection and Welfare, access to advice on Apprenticeship Schemes for Grooms, legal advice and Health and Safety pointers.

Photograph courtesy of the APSPH

APSPH Reach 25 Members

Hampshire Polo School were the winners of the APSPH Best Playing Hired Pony at the SUPA University Nationals Championships last winter

90th Anniversary Tournament Changes THE ARGENTINE POLO Association has made changes in the classifications for the 90th Anniversary Tournament. Two lucky teams who play in the 90th Anniversary of the AAP Tournament will each gain a place in the 122nd Hurlingham and Palermo Opens. Following a re-draw of teams, Zone A will now be made up of Magual, La Irenita , Santa Teresa and Quatro Vientos, whilst Zone B contains Washington Ghantoot, Miramar and Las Rosas. Games will begin at Palermo on Friday 25 October.

Zone A Magual (31): Alejandro Muzzio (8), Francisco Elizalde (7), Marcos Di Paola (8) & Santiago Toccalino (8) La Irenita (29): Juan Ruiz Guiñazu (7), Juan Martín Zavaleta (7), Matías Mac Donough (8) & Clemente Zavaleta (7) Santa Teresa (28): Matías Torres Zavaleta (7), Joaquín Pittaluga (7), Guillermo Willington (7) & Tomás García del Río (7) Cuatro Vientos (28): Joao Paulo Ganon (7), Salvador Ulloa (7), Alejandro Agote (8) & Santiago Tanoira (6)

Zone B Washington Ghantoot (31): Diego Cavanagh (8), Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario (7), Facundo Sola (8) & Alfredo Cappella Barabucci (8) Miramar (29): Gonzalo Deltour (7), Valerio Zubiaurre (7), Ignacio Laprida (7) & Ignatius Du Plessis (8) Las Rosas (29): Francisco Bensadón (8), Franco Gai (6), Juan Merlos (8) & Manuel Crespo (7)

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HPA News

Latest from the HPA HPA chief executive David Woodd rounds up the news from UK polo’s headquarters

End of season handicap changes The end of season handicap changes have now been published and you can access them from our website www.hpa-polo.co.uk. Please be aware that they are subject to endorsement by the Stewards on Tuesday 27 October and will become effective as of Friday 1 January 2016.

Coaching If you missed the coaching course in September you can still become an Instructor over the winter. Please refer to www.hpa-polo. co.uk/coaching-2/coaching-courses, and see Pathway 2 for more details.

Equine passports Now it is the end of season, please make sure your equine passports are all up-to-date and registered under the correct owner. Please note there is no charge for this. To find out more, head to www.hpa-polo.co.uk/ponies/passports.

RoR For the third year, Retraining of Racehorses held its popular event, The Racing to Polo Challenge Day, at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club on Monday 7 September. The competition was divided into four levels and results are below. For a full report, please turn to page 24 Three-Year-Olds 1st £1,000, 2nd £500

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1st Wesie’s Dream – Ridden and owned by Ed Hitchman 2nd Loti – Ridden by Lucho Aguirre and owned by Mr & Mrs Jason Parker 3rd Drastic Art – Ridden by Harry Allhusen and owned by Dilip Rahulan 4th Masipa – Ridden and owned by Oscar Mancini 5th Riba Roja – Ridden by Josh Clover and owned by Siri Evjemo-Nysveen 6th Double K – Ridden by Edward Olof and owned by Gutchpool Polo Four-Year-Olds 1st £1,000, 2nd £500 1st Anya’s Angel – Ridden and owned by Josh Clover 2nd Morgans Bluff – Ridden by Miguel Delia and owned by Hooked On Polo Ltd 3rd Redy To Rumble – Ridden and owned by Jonathan Osterrieth 4th = Aussie Sky – Ridden by Matthew Simpson and owned by Adele Lewis 4th = Faye Belle – Ridden and owned by William Brasher 6th Currently Inlondon – Ridden by Jason Coupe and owned by Sarah Coupe Five-Year-Olds and upwards 1st £1,000, 2nd £500 1st Medici Dancer – Ridden by Alex Mains and owned by Alan Kent

2nd Molly Mylenis – Ridden by Alex Mains and owned by Alan Kent (Also £500 Bonus Prize winner) 3rd Ivory Prince – Ridden by Ed Winterton and owned by David Morley 4th Shout For Joy – Ridden by Matthew Simpson and owned by Adele Lewis 5th Tough Question – Ridden by Ed Winterton and owned by David Morley 6th Sylvia’s Diamond – Ridden by Matthew Simpson and owned by Adele Lewis

Junior Zimbabwe Team Results A junior Zimbabwe team played four matches earlier this month. For a full report please turn to the Youth section on page 57. The results are as follows: Zimbabwe (1): Ryan Robertson (0), Thomas Wood (1), Alexandra Wood (0) & Judah Day (0) Beaufort (2): Sarah Hughes (0), Janey Dear (0), Mark Baldwin (2) & Saffy Hutchinson (0) Result: Zimbabwe beat Beaufort, 6½-5 Kirtlington (0): Florence Berner (-1), Hector Worsley (0), James Fewster (0) & Sam Tylor (1) Result: Zimbabwe beat Kirtlington, 8-4½ ROW (0): Henry Wood (1), Charlie Hitchman (0), Issy St Aubyn (-2) & Jack Severn (1) Result: ROW at Longdole beat Zimbabwe, 5½-4 Cirencester (1): Monte Swain-Grainger (-2), Ed Williams (0), Rosanna Turk (-1) & Martin ffrench Blake (4) Result: Cirencester beat Zimbabwe 6-4

Dates for HPA meetings

Stewards: Tues 27 Oct, 10.30am Cavalry and Guards Club, London Council: Thurs 12 Nov, 2.30pm Cavalry and Guards Club, London

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FIP News

FIP Update Chairman of the Federation of International Polo, Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers, gives us an update on the latest FIP news from around the world September saw the 1st FIP Arena Polo Championship played on a grass arena in Baku, Azerbaijan, with teams from Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Azerbaijan and Italy competing. The Azerbaijani Team, led by professional Sylvestre Garros, a 6 Goal Argentine professional who had also coached the National Team for the past three months, ran out the winners over Germany in an exciting final (6-5) with Ireland taking third place. This is the third year the event has been held, but the first year it has been run and endorsed by the International Federation and we congratulate Reto Gaudenzi and his team and all those involved for a very successful and enjoyable tournament. Congratulations and thanks must also go to Deborah and Derek Westernholme in Victoria, Canada, for their generosity and kindness in running the 86th FIP Ambassadors Tournament. Attended by Past President Ambassador Glen Holden, members of

the EC and polo players from all of the four Zones, they were treated over the six days to a wonderful programme of events. This included an opening dinner where they were entertained by performers from the famous Cirque de Soleil, who had been specially flow in from Las Vegas, a cocktail party at Government House, whale watching and a fantastic firework display. In South Africa, the 23 Goal BMW International Series matches, were held on the 13 and 20 September, against a strong New Zealand Team captained by John Paul Clarkin. The first match was played in Durban at the Shongweni Club, and the second match was played in Johannesburg at the fabulous Waterfall Polo Estate in Sunninghill. The first International Test match was won by New Zealand with a score of 9-8, whilst the second match in Johannesburg was won by the home side with a score of 11-6. We must congratulate BMW South Africa and the South African Polo Association for maintaining their 26-year association, which we understand

is the longest running consecutive sports sponsorship in South Africa. In the Americas, Pat Nesbitt (USA), Guillermo Seta (Mexico) and Tayo Masias (Peru) are combining their efforts to put together an FIP bid to get polo included in the next Pan American Games, which will be held in Peru. Quite a challenge, but it will be one step closer to full IOC recognition should they be successful. Finally, our CEO, Alex Taylor, and his team at FIP headquarters are working hard on the administrative side of the Annual General Assembly which will be held in December in Buenos Aires in the week prior to the Finals of the Argentine Open, and at which we will be getting presentations from the countries who wish to bid for the next FIP World Championships. Currently both Sydney and Miami are in the frame for this 2017/2018 event and a decision will be made before the end of this year.

Our polo equipment is used by the best players and teams around the world. Richard Buckett

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KING POWER FOXES 2015 WINNERS OF THE CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP A N D JA E G E R- L E C O U LT R E G O L D C U P F I NA L S

KING POWER 2015 WINNERS OF THE CARTIER QUEEN’S CUP A N D JA E G E R- L E C O U LT R E G O L D C U P S U B S I D IA RY F I NA L S THANK YOU FROM B OTH KING POWER TEAMS TO EVERYONE I N V O LV E D AT G UA R D S P O L O C L U B & C O W D R AY PA R K P O L O C L U B A N D T O E V E RY B O DY I N T H E K I N G P O W E R O R G A N I S AT I O N F O R MAKING THE 2015 SEASON SUCCESSFUL T WO TEAMS, T WO BRITISH FINALS & T WO SUBSIDIARY FINALS

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Comment

Your Views

Letters

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

Letter of the month

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

Dear Sir, We are at the end of the 2015 season and it seems in 2016 it’s going to be difficult to get visas for both grooms and players. Though the vox populi are in agreement, I hope the HPA, as the only official representatives, will keep explaining the facts to the Government. The HPA and Polopermits must be the ones who know exactly how many foreigners, both players and grooms, are here for the season. The overall number isn’t an issue as the real point is they are not staying permanently or asking for benefits. But, if the concern is about taking over the jobs of the locals, I understand. I have always tried to call the foreigners ‘horse trainers’, not ‘grooms’ – everyone knows the different tasks and knowledge a foreigner does if you compare them with the locals. Polo is still an amateur sport, where the patrons firstly wish to play with players they like. If you do not give them the choice, they would rather not play or will instead move to another country. The Prime Minister wants to put people into work, but for the moment I don’t think there are enough grooms well prepared to work by themselves, and player’s day-to-day lives remain in the hands of a proper groom. And now, let’s bring the attention to the matter that they might not allow foreign players under a 5 goal handicap. How many local players does England have within those limits? Can these players fulfill all the tournaments the country might have? Or are some small clubs (and those private places which organise their own tournaments) going to have to do without? Again, they are offering choices a patron might not like to play with and then the option is open to them to take the chance to quit polo or move away.

Dear Sir, As I was dragged off to watch another polo match I couldn’t view properly or bet on, I deliberated upon the worth of the game to the average spectator. Sadly the viewing of most polo from ground level is so poor that you would need to be a chess master to understand what’s going on – surely all grounds need some proper stands, a bird-eye view vastly improves the viewing quality game, even to those who consider their knowledge of the sport above such things as eyewitness accounts. And on to betting – can someone please produce a sexy programme or book, like horse racing or football programmes, introducing the horses and the good-looking Argies (or the red-faced public school boys) so that at very least I can have a bet? In fact, can we have some bookmakers, which would make the game a viewing experience, as well as a pastime for the super rich? We don’t need to bet on the outcome of the game – we could have “What shampoo do the Argentinians use?” or “How many cloned horses are playing?” or more seriously,

Polo Times, October 2015

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The real thing is that most low handicap players bear an EU passport, and so the only losers are the grooms. There is a difference with foreigners over for polo, which is that after six months they all leave, without asking for benefits, houses or tax rebates. Maybe, occasionally a pregnant one will claim benefits, but only one. Let us think of a season and tournaments without the foreigners. Let’s imagine the maximum level we would be able to reach. Let’s be serious and concise to see the real problem. I hope the HPA have explained that behind a patron and player, there is an industry that will suffer the blow – the feed and hay suppliers, farriers, vets, transport, state brokers, venues, clubs, etc. The inside problems in this sport should be answered privately, behind closed doors. The moment they call the attention to the Government, the response is going to be drastic. And if the HPA is not the best to represent this problem, it must be the time to find the correct one. I hope everything passes with minimum collateral damage. As usual, this is my humble opinion. All the best, Atilio Degrossi By Email Editor’s Note – Polo Times will be looking into the ins-and-outs of immigration, visas and work permits in the early months of 2016 following the decisions made by the Home Office for new immigration criteria

“How many goals will be scored and where from?” “Which end of the pitch will see more action?” Betting is proven to add game value to the viewer. If polo wants to go from a niche game, to a game with any kind of an audience, look after the paying viewer a little more; give us viewing stalls and punting opportunities. The support of a crowd adds far more worth to a trophy than effectively buying it with the services of the most expensive ponies and players. At present it seems a tad introverted and meme-me – hardly an exciting Jilly Cooper novel, and more of a summer hobby than a real sport.

Copa de Oro Challenge? Q: Adolfo Cambiaso won the 2015 Copa de Oro de Sotogrande with Dubai at Santa Maria Polo Club, but how many times and with whom has he won the title before?

Benjamin Newton Berkshire By Email Editor’s Note – Under current HPA rules, betting on polo is not permitted. However, perhaps it is time for a change?

A: Turn to page 84 to check your answer.

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Polo Times, October 2015

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La Clarita

Feature

La Clarita Photography by Katie Vickery

The British Stars of the Spanish Low Goal

Katie Vickery interviews the British team

hile Dubai have been busy dominating the high goal season out in Spain, it has been a very different story for the low goal where one British team has made their presence felt in no uncertain terms. La Clarita, headed by regular Guards www.polotimes.co.uk

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patrons Chris and Clare Mathias, joined by back Freddie Horne and number three Juan Cruz Merlos, have taken the low goal by storm. Their success in this section of the 44th Land Rover International Polo Tournament seems to have been as much of a surprise to themselves as it was to the rest of the polo community, who watched on as match after match they defeated their opponents with ease, running circles around the other much more experienced and

well-known teams in the tournament and conceding only three losses throughout the entire three tournaments. Polo Times went to chat to the team in their beautiful, newly redesigned set-up, high in the hills behind Sotogrande, to find out what made this team tick and how it was that they had travelled onto Spanish soil and taken the season so easily in their stride in their first foray into Santa Maria Polo Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world famous tournament. Polo Times, October 2015

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Feature

Meet the Team No. 1: Clare Mathias Handicap: 0 Clare started playing polo alongside her husband in 2000 and now holds a 0 goal handicap. She learnt to play at Ham Polo Club and is now a familiar face on the Guards Polo Club scene, alongside her husband and three daughters. In recent years, polo has turned from a hobby to a lifestyle. Clare takes charge of much of the management of the family’s sport and is the mastermind behind the redesign and refurbishment of the fantastic southern Spanish polo haven, La Clarita, from which the family run their team. No. 2: Chris Mathias Handicap: 0 Chris started playing polo when his wife Clare gave him a lesson for his 39th birthday. As with most people, the lesson turned into two, then three, then a full blown addiction. This ‘polo habit’ now has the pair of them playing every weekend and travelling around Europe with their string of polo ponies. Chris is a 0 goaler whose love of horses started when he was growing up as a young jockey out in India. He has not looked

back since he took up polo and his love of horses is evident in the way he handles his prize mares, riding as much as possible and working the young horses. No. 3: Juan Cruz Merlos Handicap: 3 Juan Cruz is the newest addition to the La Clarita team, joining them for the Spanish season. Son of the former 10 goaler, Pite Merlos, he is a polo star in the making with the sport in his blood. At just 17-years-old he is a successful 3 goaler in his own right playing all over the world, as well as being the new lynchpin of the La Clarita team. Juan Cruz is pictured with his sister, Valentina. No. 4: Freddie Horne Handicap: 3 Freddie Horne is a familiar face around the low and medium goal scene, both in Spain and the UK, having played out in Sotogrande in the medium goal two years ago for Michael Bickford’s La Indiana team. Freddie has spent the summer playing for La Clarita in medium and low goal tournaments around England playing different levels with Chris, Clare and their youngest daughter.

La Clarita at Home

La Clarita in Sotogrande

La Clarita (playing in England as simply Clarita) had a successful British season before heading off to warmer climes. Based out of Windsor and playing at Guards Polo Club, the team competed at various levels, sometimes with Clare and other times with Chris, and winning tournaments such as the 15 goal Bentley Royal Windsor Cup (with fellow Brit player George Meyrick). With these successes behind them they decided to ‘break up’ the 5 month British season and try their luck in Spain.

Freddie, who has been to Spain before, compares his season this year with that of 2013: “When I came out a couple of years ago it was humming and this year it’s much quieter. They’ve changed the medium goal handicap and it’s nowhere near as busy. When I came out here then there were 18

Polo Times, October 2015

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teams and this year there are just eight. There are noticeably fewer people this year, but as a schedule it’s still flat out. We have played pretty much every other day which has been tough – it’s packed. Especially on the back of playing a big season in England.

La Clarita start as they mean to go on, winning the Valecuatro Bronze Cup

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Juan Cruz turning onto backhand from Freddie

John Horswell and Pite Merlos coach from the pony lines while Polo Manager Ivan Lopez Hernandez films each match

We did 40 or 50 games before we came here, so it’s been pretty full on.”

anyone else just on horsepower. It might sound cocky, but the proof of the pudding. . . !” Certainly they have the setup to keep horses in top condition with a full team of grooms plus a dedicated Polo Manager on tap to look after the horses from the moment they arrive, tired and a little the worse for wear after the long trip over in July, all the way through to the third Final of the season. The care taken is evident in the ponies filling the spacious and airy barns.

La Clarita’s horsepower As Chris succinctly puts it, “The horses have been crucial, I mean they always are, but here more than ever.” With such an intense schedule and extreme conditions, the Valecuatro Bronze, Silver and Gold Cups are a competition in horsepower. Chris and Clare brought over more horses than they might otherwise have done, knowing the conditions and envisaging the need for each player to have the maximum possible. While Freddie brought six of his own and borrowed two from Clare and Chris, Juan Cruz brought his own string over from England and Argentina and between them they attribute much of their success to superior horsepower and prior preparation. When asked about their horses Clare told Polo Times, “Horse power has had a huge impact. We’re all very well mounted. Some of the other teams were just warming up, but we hit the ground running, bringing the ponies out a bit earlier”. Freddie agreed, assuring us that even down to the tactics of the game they are taking their horses into consideration, “We play for the horses. We know that 98% of the time we will beat

La Clarita on professionalism It’s not just the horses who get star treatment. La Clarita have played a focused game in all aspects of their campaign, coming to Spain prepared and taking on the season in a systematic and professional way that has clearly achieved the necessary results. Clare and Chris employ a fitness coach, a pilates instructor, physios and a masseuse whose job is to “keep them on the road.” La Clarita have also employed the coaching of renowned polo coach John Horswell who has been helping to structure the team and their tactics and plays. Under his guidance all matches have

been filmed and played back, so that the team can review mistakes or successes objectively, going over strategies, plays, statistics and technically analysing each other’s performances, as well as their own. According to Freddie, John’s role has been crucial in the team. “What John is great at is changing our structure, if and when it needs it, which sometimes a team can’t do for itself. Often a team end up hammering at the same thing with the same strategy. John doesn’t miss a thing.” Chris and Clare have also benefitted from John’s objective and experienced eye, with Chris commenting humbly, “If you’re Pite Merlos you can be on the field and see what you should have changed, but at our level you’re so busy just playing that when you come off the field all you know is that suddenly you’re losing when before you were winning.” Clare agreed with this analysis adding, “Your sensory perception comes to nothing when you’re on the field with the adrenalin. John’s very good at being able to see not only the immediate mistakes, but the two stages before that created the problem in the first place.”

Clare working hard to take out the man

Chris knows his horsepower is crucial

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Polo Times, October 2015

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Feature

La Clarita

Results The Bronze Cup Having entered the tournament all guns blazing, La Clarita effectively brushed aside all competition, arriving at the Final having won both of their qualifying games by a good margin. A tighter match in the Final meant they had to fight for the trophy, but this they did without apology and beat Opel-John Smith, 11-9.

The Gold Cup The Gold Cup was a tougher tournament, the other teams seeming to have got the measure of La Clarita. Despite this, the foursome stormed into the Final to play Valdeparras-Lynx, the only team they had yet to play. This proved to be their undoing and the Triple Crown was not to be La Clarita’s, after they conceded a 9-7 loss in a tough Final.

Results: La Clarita vs GSA, won 11-8 La Clarita vs Mahra Polo Team, won 10-6 Final: La Clarita vs Opel-John Smith, won 11-9 The Silver Cup The Silver Cup was another huge success for La Clarita, who suffered only one loss over the course of the two-week tournament. This time the tournament was more extensive and more matches were played by each team but, with four wins and only one loss against them, La Clarita sailed through, beating Mahra Polo Team (the only team to have beaten them) in the Semi Final to reach the Final against OpelJohn Smith, this time beating them just 9-8 to win the Valecuatro Silver Cup.

La Clarita’s tactics So what are these tactics that have led to such success? Clare humbly tries to credit Freddie and Juan Cruz while the rest of the team insist that their strength lies in their four player strong team. As Freddie puts it, “A lot of the other teams are set up in

Results: La Clarita vs El Canal, won 12-7 La Clarita vs Santa Quiteria, won 11-6 La Clarita vs Opel-John Smith, won 10-8 La Clarita vs Mahra Polo Team, lost 10-6 Semi Final: La Clarita vs Mahra Polo Team, won 12-8 Final: La Clarita vs Opel-John Smith, won 9-8

Disappointment for La Clarita, defeated in the Final of the Gold Cup against Valdeparras-Lynx

that they have the one big player and then their three minions out in front of them, so if either Chris or Clare goes and deletes their big guy it makes it very easy then for the other three to go and score goals.” La Clarita may be playing with two amateurs and two pros, but they claim that this has

Results: La Clarita vs El Canal, won 12-8 La Clarita vs GSA, lost 13-11 La Clarita vs Mahra Polo Team, won 11-5 Semi Final: La Clarita vs Opel-John Smith, won 9-8 Final: La Clarita vs Valdeparras-Lynx, lost 9-7

been an integral part of their success. The roles of each player seem to play to their strengths, Freddie with the big backhands, Juan Cruz turning up and running the ball forwards while Clare and Chris work hard on the man to clear the field. It’s undoutedly a recipe that works for them.

La Clarita line up at home with their favourite horses; (l-r) Freddie, Juan Cruz, Clare & Chris

Polo Times, October 2015

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Feature

Popularity Stakes

RoR Racing to Polo Challenge 2015 at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club roll of honour

ll the major title tournaments this year at the top grounds around the country have had retrained racehorses gallop across them. From the International Test Matches and The Gold Cup to The Pony Club and HPA Select youth tournaments, have begun to recognise RoR ponies with sponsored Best Playing Pony Awards. The emphasis on home-grown stock took hold when the cost of exporting and importing ponies from Australia, New Zealand and Argentina became inefficient as a result of taxes and travel costs spiralling. For players with bottomless pockets, breeding, embryo transfers and even cloning would be the obvious choice, but for the less well heeled, a backed pony with none of the time and financial pressures of breeding, mean the cost of the first two-to-three years can be avoided.

David Morley The Chairman for the HPA Polo Pony Welfare committee has been involved as an advocate for RoR since its inception and has also produced a number of ponies over the years. “I sat with Ralph Beckett at an RoR lunch and I told him that polo was the most natural sport for a Thoroughbred to play. He looked astounded until I suggest

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he go to the stud and watch the foals in the field replicate all the moves required for polo whilst they were playing amongst themselves. Before the war, Thoroughbreds were very popular in polo; some even made as much as four thousand guineas at auction when sold into polo. However, the war years led to a lack of Thoroughbreds being trained for polo, and after the war, players looked to South America for readymade ponies. The fashion started to change in the early 1980’s – by this point several people were training Thoroughbreds including former racehorses and, consequently, retrained racehorses started to have an impact on polo, including the legendary Chesney who had been a winner on the flat.”

Ralph Beckett Successful racehorse trainer, Ralph Beckett, is based at Kimpton Down in Hampshire and notched up 80 winners and over £839,000 in prize money last season. “Polo is a fantastic outlet for the right kind of horses that maybe haven’t worked out on the racecourse. We know more about what makes a suitable polo pony and we’ve got to know what the market wants. Robert Thame was one of the first people some 15 years ago to buy a filly from me and we’ve been supplying him with fillies ever since.”

Three-Year-Olds 1st Wesie’s Dream – Owned and ridden by Ed Hitchman 2nd Loti – Owned by Mr & Mrs Jason Parker and ridden by Lucho Aguirre 3rd Drastic Art – Owned by Dilip Rahulan and ridden by Harry Allhusen 4th Masipa – Owned and ridden by Oscar Mancini 5th Riba Roja – Owned by Siri Evjemo-Nysveen and ridden by Josh Clover 6th Double K – Owned by Gutchpool Polo and ridden by Edward Olof Four-Year-Olds 1st Anya’s Angel – Owned and ridden by Josh Clover 2nd Morgans Bluff – Owned by Hooked On Polo Ltd and ridden by Miguel Delia 3rd Redy To Rumble – Owned and ridden by Jonathan Osterrieth = 4th Aussie Sky – Owned by Adele Lewis and ridden by Matthew Simpson = 4th Faye Belle – Owned and ridden by William Brasher 6th Currently Inlondon – Owned by Sarah Coupe and ridden by Jason Coupe Five-Year-Olds and older 1st Medici Dancer – Owned by Alan Kent and ridden by Alex Mains 2nd Molly Mylenis – Owned by Alan Kent and ridden by Alex Mains 3rd Ivory Prince – Owned and ridden by Ed Winterton 4th Shout For Joy – Owned by Adele Lewis and ridden by Matthew Simpson 5th Tough Question – Owned by David Morley and ridden by Ed Winterton 6th Sylvia’s Diamond – Owned by Adele Lewis and ridden by Matthew Simpson

Photograph courtesy of Sebastian Chialvo

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) has gained momentum over the last few years. Following RoR’s Racing to Polo Challenge at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Lucy Wilson takes a more in depth look at this form of pony power

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Feature Sebastian Chialvo playing ex-racehorse, Bailarina

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Polo Times, October 2015

24/09/2015 16:55

Feature Josh Clover Name: Angel (Anya’s Angel) Height: 15:3hh Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Angel came from David Simcocks in Newmarket as a two-year-old. Laterally, she is amazing, has fantastic paces and a great head on her. She knows exactly what to do instinctively. She has been natural from day one, very simple to retrain and a pleasure to do every day. I have moved her on to playing some matches and this has seen her improving rapidly. I am not worried about rushing her, as she doesn’t need to go into my competitive string right now. I have no doubt she will be fantastic.

Why do you choose to retrain racehorses rather than buy other youngsters or breed? It’s more viable than breeding and I love the process. With racehorses you can choose the end product, and for a small expense you can buy something young which someone else has spent a small fortune on breeding and keeping it to the highest standard. I think it’s great the recognition that RoR already gives polo players and their horses with the events and prizes. It shows that great quality horses can come from racing into polo. Where do you get your horses? I try to pick horses from Newmarket, which my brother helps me to source. That way I know a little bit more about the horse before I see them, and sometimes I even have a chance to ride them. It’s also very professional there and when they want a horse gone they really want it gone. I find in the sale you know a little less about the horse and it seems that someone is always willing to spend more!

Polo pony producers and their thoughts Sebastian Chialvo Sebastian Chialvo is an Argentine 2 goal player who worked with Martin Fewster 9 years ago, who used to make youngsters from the track, before starting his own successful career in retraining ex-racehorses. “I have been to The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club RoR event for the last two years and I think the RoR are doing a really good job. I have had the opportunity to retrain a few nice ponies so far. A few that stand out are Popcorn, who was played last year with Juanchi Ambroggio in The Cartier Queen’s Cup, Frost, who played medium goal with Chino de Estrada and Marlena, who was played last year in the high goal by Pite Merlos. At the moment I am working on Bailarina, a five-year-old chestnut mare – she is one of my best horses this season. I source ponies from pretty much anywhere, Wales, Ireland, Lambourne and Yorkshire.”

Josh at home with Angel after their RoR win

What do you look for when choosing a pony? They have to be almost perfect, won’t grow too big or long, have very straight legs and how the head sits on the shoulders is very important. I choose between two to four-year-old mares, and possibly the odd colt. Do you sell them on or do you keep them to play? Unfortunately it’s a business, and at the end of the day they normally need to be sold at some point. It’s very sad after going through the training process with them.

proved, a good way to get decent offers to sell them. Having both bought and bred myself, it is much easier to buy a three or four-yearold that you know is a certain sex, height, temperament, colour, conformation etc and that you can crack on and get training. There really should be a polo pony show during the year that recognises the time, effort and money people in the UK are putting into breeding and producing. The HPA could get more involved with The Windsor Horse Show that is already set up.” Jack Richardson Jack Richardson was presented with the RoR Young Producer award for his contribution to retrained racehorses in polo. His playing string of 12 ponies is made up of 10 former racehorses. “It’s very cost effective as you can know within a few months whether the pony will play polo. Breeding costs a lot more and it takes three years before you know what you have, and five years before one can play them properly. I mainly find and buy horses from the Easterbys and Richard Fahye, as I don’t really like buying from the sales. It’s more important to me that they have the correct mind for polo. If you become too obsessed with type I think you miss out, as people become too picky with the perfect polo type. From when they walk onto the yard for the first time to then play in a low goal tournament takes approximately two years, and then to be playing at my level it takes four years.”

Polo Times, October 2015

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Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Photograph by Katherine Ingleby

Jane Ingleby Based in Berkshire, Jane and her partner, 3 goaler Miguel Ayala, run Campana Polo. The pair work to back, retrain and produce polo ponies from a variety of different backgrounds. “I do think that the RoR days should be more frequent and they should do a few Jane Ingelby with one of her future stars competitions throughout the summer, ideally when the high goal lot are here so that they can help judge, as it is a fantastic opportunity for people to show the top players and their horses, and as Monday

Photograph courtesy of Josh Clover

Four-year-old class winner

Jack winning the Best Playing Pony Award with his favourite retrained racehorse, Magic

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Polo Times spent 15 minutes with RoR Chief Executive, Di Arbuthnot, talking about where RoR came from and what to expect next

How to the statistics stack up? “RoR now has over 11,000 horses currently registered on its entire database (July 2015), since it was established in 2008. Of these, 700 former racehorses are registered who state polo as the sport the horse is used for. By registering, your former racehorses can take part in the many RoR regional educational events and competitions across the UK.”

What do the racing community think about the stock that goes into polo? “There is far greater awareness now in the industry of second careers, and the suitability of the Thoroughbred. Several trainers are well connected with polo producers, players and re-trainers. Small and sharp two, three and four-year-old fillies, on the whole, can be ideal to retrain as a polo pony and seeing more and more successes of former racehorses on the polo field helps to create that demand.” How do you see RoR developing in the future? “We want to continue to raise awareness of new RoR initiatives, in particular the Young Producer RoR Award, and to develop the RoR Racing to Polo Challenge Day to encourage more owners and riders to enter. We will continue to give the RoR Elite Award, the winner of which for 2015 will be announced shortly, the winner will be presented with their trophy and prize money at the forthcoming RoR Awards Ceremony hosted by our Patron, Claire Balding OBE. “ www.polotimes.co.uk

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Name: Pickle (Wesie’s Dream) Height: 15.1hh Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Pickle came from Adele Lewis and Matt Simpson, who also train Thoroughbreds for polo. They where kind enough to let me buy her about a month before the RoR day! I Ed with his winning pony Wesie’s Dream (or Pickle to her friends) have done very little as yet; Matt Simpson has to take all the credit so far. She has potential to be What do you look for in their conformation? one of my best in three or four year’s time. I look for straight legs, a pretty head, kind eye, short back, strong round bum, good angles on the back Where do you get your horses? legs and a neck with a natural arch and head carriage I look all over New Zealand and the UK for my horses, not too high – and definitely no ewe-necks. and buy them at all stages, from unbroken twoyear-olds to playing seven-year-olds. Mostly they are What is your usual routine with a new horse? Thoroughbreds. Not many of mine come from the I spend some time hacking in the woods teaching sales, but I have had some from Ascot and Doncaster basics, then move on to stick and ball, schooling, in the past. I also buy some direct from trainers. young horse chukkas and so on. I would say it takes three or four seasons to finish retraining a pony, but you can get them playing in two seasons.

Alan Kent Five-year-old and older class winner Name: Medici Dancer Height: 15.1hh Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare

Photograph by Vanessa Taylor

How is RoR funded? “Former BHB Director, Chairman of the Jockey Club Veterinary Committee and Vice Chairman of the International League for the Protection of Horses, Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles OBE, was the first Chairman of RoR. He was largely responsible for setting up the charity, and remained Chairman until 2007. With the receipt in December 2002 of a generous bequest from the estate of Paul Mellon ($3.5m), and a £2.5m donation from Sheikh Mohammed following the sale of The Racing Post by Trinity Mirror in 2007, RoR’s position changed dramatically.”

Ed Hitchman Three-year-old class winner

Photograph by Vanessa Taylor

How long has RoR been around? “RoR launched in 2000 with the aim to promote Thoroughbreds from the racing community to other equine disciplines, which alongside polo also include hunting, dressage, showing, show jumping and horseball, to name a few. RoR raises funds from within the racing industry to support, the re-schooling and rehoming of former racehorses. The charity has seen a year-on-year growth of around 25% since 2011 in the number of horses now retraining for new careers.

Feature

I bought Medici Dancer in 2013 at Doncaster Sales, after she did not make the minimum bid from Tim Easterby. She was alert, not too Alan and his groom Roberto with Medici Dancer at their big and had a lovely physique for polo. When we West Sussex base Madams Farm started working her in the summer of 2014 she What do you teach them first? was quite tricky, but after a few weeks we realised Manners. we had something special. The problem we had was not to go too fast too soon! She has gone from What is your usual routine with a new horse? strength to strength, playing quite a few matches It depends on the age and time of year. Most with Alex Mains this summer. racehorses are available to buy in the autumn, so I will get them home and ride them for a couple of From where do you get your horses? weeks to assess if I think if they will make a polo I have three trainers who over the last few years pony or not. The ones with potential I will then turn have sent potential Thoroughbreds to me. I mainly go out for the winter to let them mentally and physically to Doncaster and Newmarket sales. This is a labour unwind after two to three years of race training. of love as there are so many horses going through the ring that are only for racing, with the occasional Why do you like racehorses for polo? one possibly suitable for polo. I look for a kind I think the Thoroughbred is the most amazing animal. eye, short coupling, and a nice simple action. I will They can do most equestrian sports to a very high level. generally only buy two or three-year-olds. Polo, like all sports, is getting faster and faster, so the Thoroughbred is increasingly coming into its own.

Polo Times, October 2015

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Reports

Galloping for

Dubai defeated Lechuza Caracas to take The Bulgari Gold Cup at the high goal level

Polo Times, October 2015

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Gold Cup, Santa Maria Polo Club

Gold

Reports

From low goal to high goal Gold Cup action in sunny Sotogrande

uring the last few weeks of August all eyes turned to Sotogrande where the Gold Cup was taking place at the Santa Maria Polo Club in southern Spain. Continuing on from the Silver and Bronze Cups, the Gold Cup was yet another exhibition of fantastic polo at all levels, with teams coming from all over the world to enjoy the top quality fields, atmosphere and competition. Despite fewer teams than in 2014, this year’s 44th Land Rover International Polo tournament was still a glorious event, with some of the best players in the world congregating at Santa Maria Polo Club to play for this prestigious trophy. At all three levels the qualifying rounds were exciting, often throwing up surprise wins from little known teams, and at other points following the expected patterns of wins and losses. The beautiful fields of Santa Maria Polo Club kept the polo fast and open, and the weather made the tournament a joy to watch.

Katie Vickery reports from Sotogrande, Spain

Photograph by Pablo Ramirez-SMPC

The Gold Cup Finals

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Valdeparras–Lynx celebrate their win

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Low Goal The Final of the low goal Valecuatro Gold Cup was held on Friday 28 August and hopes were high for British team La Clarita, who went into their third Final of the tournament as firm favourites having won both the Bronze Cup and the Silver Cup just weeks previously. La Clarita had been playing excellently all season, suffering very few defeats and gliding easily into the Finals, but this time they faced an opponent who, despite there only being eight teams in the tournament, they had not played before. Spanish-based team Valdeparras–Lynx were up to the challenge, no doubt having watched La Clarita’s victories from afar. The La Clarita boys, Freddie Horne and Juan Cruz Merlos, normally responsible for opening up the match and allowing patrons

Clare and Chris Mathias to play their game, were closed down from the off, and as such the match was sticky with many fouls. The score remained close throughout, but La Clarita were unable to hold off the Spanish side and with two quick goals against them in the last minute of the game it was a win for Valdeparras–Lynx with 9 goals to 7. The low goal Valecuatro Gold Cup Final teams: Valdeparras–Lynx (6): Fernando P. de Rivera (1), Gaston Bardengo (2), Yago Espinosa de los Monteros (2) & Jaimie Espinosa de los Monteros (1) La Clarita (6): Clare Mathias (0), Chris Mathias (0), Juan Cruz Merlos (3) & Freddie Horne (3) Results: Valdeparras–Lynx beat La Clarita, 9-7

Polo Times, October 2015

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Reports

Gold Cup, Santa Maria Polo Club

Photograph by Pablo Ramirez-SMPC

from the tenacious Golden Goose side, led by MVP Christian Bernal, saw the score tied at ten goals apiece at the end of the last chukka. The extra chukka had the audience on the edge of their seats and the match was anyone’s, but as a foul was called in favour of Sainte Mesme, it was all over for Golden Goose – Pelayo Berazadi scored the golden goal, clinching the game 11-10 to the French team. The medium goal Gold Cup Final teams: Sainte Mesme (14): Robert Strom (3), Pelayo Berazadi (4), Clemente Zavaleta (6) & Birger Strom (1) Golden Goose Deluxe Brand (14): Ian Galiene (1), Christian Bernal (5) Kevin Korst (2) & Frankie Menendez (6) Results: Sainte Mesme beat Golden Goose Deluxe Brand, 11-10

Saint Mesme celebrate their win in the medium goal tournament

Medium Goal Perhaps the most exciting Final of the three levels was that of the medium goal between Golden Goose Deluxe Brand and the French team Sainte Mesme. The match was tight throughout, with Sainte Mesme unable to

shake off the pursuit of Golden Goose. With alternate goals for the teams for the first two chukkas and then a breakaway for Sainte Mesme in the third it seemed that things were all wrapped up, but an incredible comeback

Most Valuable Player: Christian Bernal Best Playing Pony: Manuela, owned and played by Christian Bernal in the fourth and extra chukka

Brit Focus

La Clarita, the only British team in the low goal section, led by patrons Clare and Chris Mathias, were certainly the success story out in Sotogrande. Winning both the Bronze and Silver Cups and reaching the Final of the Gold Cup, they were finally curtailed at the last hurdle, defeated by Valdeparras–Lynx after a hard-fought match in the Final of the Gold Cup. Speaking to Polo Times, Clare Mathias humbly accredited a large part of their success to the element of surprise, “They never saw us coming, I think they didn’t realise how hard we work as a team – we were

La Clarita took Sotogrande by storm

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an unknown team and the opposition didn’t know quite how we played.” This was certainly evident in the fantastic team play that could be seen throughout their games, with numbers three and four Juan Cruz Merlos and young British talent Freddie Horne proving to be a force to be reckoned with. In the medium goal, James Beim and Kian Hall played together throughout the season in team Equus, playing alongside patron Peter Silling and the hardworking Argentine Juan Jose Britos. Not achieving quite the sweeping

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Polo Times followed our British stars through their Spanish seasons It seems there was safety in numbers as British players paired up in their teams, working together as compatriots.

England Captain James Beim in action for Equus

successes of La Clarita, they nonetheless secured themselves a respectable place in the Semi Finals before being knocked out by Golden Goose Deluxe Brand. Despite losing in the Semis, Equus had a good season with solid play by England Captain James Beim, complemented well by intricate play from the young up-and-coming player Kian Hall. The handicap of the medium goal section had been raised this year from 12 goal to 14 goal. This may have depleted the number of teams competing, but it certainly raised the competition level. It was a fiercely fought www.polotimes.co.uk

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Gold Cup, Santa Maria Polo Club

Reports

Photograph by Pablo Ramirez-SMPC

go, effectively ended the game despite the Lechuza team fighting right to the end with a last minute goal from Lusaretta. However it wasn’t enough and yet another victory went to Dubai, securing them a double win in Sotogrande with both The INDI Silver Cup and The Bulgari Gold Cups, marking Cambiaso’s fifth consecutive title in the Spanish season. When asked how he felt having won, Rashid Albwardy said, “Amazing – silver and gold in the first year, I have nothing to complain about. It’s one thing to play with great teammates but firstly and most importantly we’re friends and that just makes it ten times better.”

Dubai Polo Team raise The Bulagri Gold Cup

High Goal And so to the high goal Final, which took place on Saturday 29 August. The atmosphere was electric as a huge crowd gathered at Santa Maria Polo Club to watch the long-awaited match. It was a repeat of the Silver Cup Final, with Victor Vargas’ Lechuza Caracas team out for revenge against Rashid Albwardy’s Dubai Polo Team. Yet again the game was very closely fought. The Lechuza side, playing hard to keep on top of Dubai, managed to stay in the game all the way through, pressuring the boys in green and never letting them

The high goal Bulgari Gold Cup Final teams: Dubai Polo Team (22): Rashid Albwardy (2), Martín Valent (4), Alejo Taranco (6) & Adolfo Cambiaso (10) Lechuza Caracas (22): Victor Vargas (1), José Donoso (5), Julian de Lusarreta (6) & Juan Martín Nero (10)

get too far ahead, despite incredible plays from Cambiaso. It was once again Argentine teammates Nero and Cambiaso who battled it out throughout the game, often going head to head, but Julian Lusaretta kept Lechuza Caracas equal on the scoreboard, right up until the start of the last chukka. In the last seven minutes the hard working Lechuza side started to feel the pressure and two missed penalties from Lusaretta meant that Dubai’s lead became definite. A foul and a successful penalty for Dubai, with just two minutes to

Results: Dubai Polo Team beat Lechuza Caracas, 12-10 Most Valuable Player: Juan Martín Nero Best Playing Pony: Yun Yun, owned and played by Cambiaso in the third and sixth chukka

Jean-Paul Clarkin’s efforts for La Indiana were not enough to secure a podium place

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James Harper in action for Michael Bickford’s La Indiana

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Max Charlton in the La Indiana shirt

This year saw just two of Britain’s players competing in the high goal section of the tournament. James Harper, who has a 6 goal handicap, and 7 goaler Max Charlton played together for Michael Bickford’s La Indiana team. Combined with New-Zealander and UK regular Jean-Paul Clarkin’s impressive 8 goal handicap and Michael Bickford’s strong defensive play, this should have equalled a strong side and a successful Gold Cup for La Indiana, but it was not to be. After struggling through the qualifying rounds, the team missed out on the Semi Finals after failing to convert a 60 yard in a penalty shoot-out with Murus Sanctus and RH Polo. With just

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Malcolm Borwick, playing for team Opel–Royal Salute, who were the winners of the Silver Cup just weeks before, was not so lucky and a tough game against the eventual winners of the Gold Cup, Sainte Mesme, saw them knocked out of the running before the Semi Finals and having to settle for a win in the Subsidiary Final against Yaguara.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

tournament with no guarantees and the British boys, having raised the Bronze Trophy high, did well to get to the Semis.

Malcolm Borwick played for Opel–Royal Salute

one win in the competition against Murus Sanctus, La Indiana’s season ended in drama when Michael Bickford was sent off in the Subsidiary Semi Final after a misunderstanding with an Umpire, which led to a technical and then a red card. This ended the season for the only two Brits in the high goal. Polo Times, October 2015

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Reports

Gold Cup, Santa Maria Polo Club

Photograph by Katie Vickery

Umpireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point of view Benjamin Araya, Head of Umpiring at Santa Maria Polo Cub

What is your role at Santa Maria Polo Club? My role in Santa Maria is to coordinate the work of all the Umpires. I am also on the Disciplinary Committee. I go to every match and try to keep up-to-date with anything that could aid, prevent or solve any problems that affect the correct functioning of the pony lines or fields. With which set of rules do you umpire the matches of this particular tournament and why? It is the rules of the Spanish Federation of Polo that are used in Sotogrande. These are based on the ruling system of the Argentinean Association of Polo. This has always been the case, but some changes have been made so that there is not quite so much difference with UK rules, penalties for example. The main differences are that you are allowed to play the ball to the left or the right over the boards in order to mobilise the game, and also the turning at speed rule. What is your opinion on the unification of rules internationally? Due to the different levels of play and the difference in fields and horses, it is very difficult to unify the rules. The only

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Polo Times spoke exclusively to Benjamin Araya, Chief Umpire at Santa Maria Polo Club, who took fifteen minutes out to talk about the complexities of umpiring a multi-level tournament such as the Bronze, Silver and Gold Cups. changes I am in favour of making would be to increase the speed and the safety of the polo, making it more interesting for both player and spectator. How do you modulate the umpiring across such a wide range of handicap levels, matches and teams? Being an umpire is not an easy task, you have to make decisions very quickly with many different factors affecting that decision: speed, distance, line of the ball and safety. I am lucky enough to work with toplevel umpires and when we have meetings we chat over specific plays and situations that have happened, or which could happen in future matches. We try to unify the criteria so that the umpiring is as uniform and fair as possible. We focus on where the umpire is located on the field, how to cover the whole field effectively and how to work best with your fellow umpire. The rules themselves are the same for all levels, although sometimes in the lower handicap polo you have to be a little more lenient in order to maintain the pace and rhythm of the match. Our primary concern is always the security of the players and the horses.

What do you think about the introduction of drones to assist in umpiring? The use of drones is very recent. It could be the case that cameras become useful for more than just filming for TV, and become almost like a third umpire. Technology could have a positive effect if it is used correctly. However, the reality is that we are always looking for ways to make the game as dynamic as possible and if we started using a lot of technology it could delay and slow the game down too much. What steps do you take to improve the quality of umpiring? To organise a tournament with three separate levels over the course of just five weeks requires a huge amount of planning and hard work. There are always things that come off well and those that come off not so well. I believe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fundamental that we are all focussed on the success of the tournaments and that there is constructive criticism from year to year in order to keep learning and improving the quality. I have no doubt that that in this way the likelihood of achieving success is greater and therefore positive for players, spectators, the club and sponsors alike but most importantly positive for polo.

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www.rcbpc.com

photography.talkinghorse.net

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Victor Ludorum Victories

Reports

The Winners of The Games The HPA’s Victor Ludorum season has come to an end. Here Tilda Woodd looks at the last set of tournaments, a review of the season, and the final results

Victor Ludorum victory is becoming an increasingly sought after title. Every season it seems the high goal is becoming more and more expensive and as a result for many patrons, the Victor Ludorum league system is becoming increasingly appealing, for a number of reasons. The way the tournaments are set out not only allows the patrons to play throughout the season, but it also means that they have the opportunity to play competitively more often. This year saw a first for many teams – C.A.N.I, led by 5 goaler Tomas Iriarte, claimed their first Victor Ludorum at 6 Goal level, while Duncan Wales’ Renegade, headed by New Zealander Lochie Hunter, got their name on the 8 Goal title, in only their second attempt. Coincidently, the 12 Goal section then saw Hunter and Iriarte come together, this time representing the Poulton Balvanera side, alongside JJ De Alba and Ludo Ephson. The duo continued their winning form and together secured a respective second Victor Ludorum title. The 15 Goal Victor Ludorum result is yet to be decided, as The Arthur Lucas Cup Final has still not been played. Currently, however, Delaney are sitting in first place. Ferne Park finished on top in the 18 Goal with a score of 220 points, while Black Bears were beaten into second with 175. Later on in the season, the UK polo calendar welcomed the Autumn Victor Ludorum Series, where Emlor were victorious in the 15 goal and Shalimar were awarded The Autumn 12 Goal title. This season’s Victor Ludorum results represent the exact ideals of what the tournaments were set up to do: give teams and patrons the opportunity to excel in whichever level of polo they prefer to play, whether it be low, medium or high goal. This year, each section was won by a different team and, additionally, no 2014 victor secured a second consecutive title this summer, which showcases just how competitive English polo has become. So, with all but one of the results confirmed of this year’s series, no doubt patrons will be carefully selecting their ‘perfect combination’ for next year’s competition. Polo Times looks forward to following the Victor Ludorum circuit next season.

Autumn 15 Goal

Tilda Woodd keeps us up to date on the action of the Autumn Victor Ludorum series, while Liz Higgins reports from Cowdray Park Polo Club

The Autumn 15 Goal Cup

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (RCBPC) this year welcomed the first edition of their Autumn 15 Goal Tournament. The HPA’s new Autumn Victor Ludorum Series was kick-started last month with Cirencester Park Polo Club’s County Cup,

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in which five teams played for the trophy. On that occasion, Emlor defeated Creighton Boyd’s Neptune in the Final to secure victory, meaning that this month’s victory in

Photography courtesy of RCBPC

The final tournament in this year’s Autumn Victor Ludorum 15 Goal Series was The Autumn 15 Goal Cup at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club. Originally the HPA had hoped to play an additional tournament at 15 goal level this year, but unfortunately this did not prove to be possible.

The Finalists of the Autumn 15 Goal Tournament

2015 VICTOR LUDORUM RESULTS FINAL 6 GOAL RESULTS: 1st C.A.N.I. – 295 Louise Jebson (-1), Chris Davies (-1), Chris Crawford (3) & Tomas Iriarte (5) 2nd Strategic – 270 3rd= Stobart Polo – 145 3rd= Rigby & Rigby – 145 FINAL 8 GOAL RESULTS: 1st Renegade – 340 Duncan Wales (0), Rupert Lewis (2), Shaun Brokensha (3) & Lochie Hunter (4) 2nd La Rosada – 310 3rd Rigby & Rigby 115 FINAL 12 GOAL RESULTS: 1st Poulton/Balvanera – 270 Ludo Epshon (1), JJ de Alba (2), Lochie Hunter (4) & Tomas Iriarte (5) 2nd Conosco – 235 3rd Beaufort Black Hound – 145 4th Arayana – 145 15 GOAL RESULTS: Arthur Lucas still yet to be played 1st Delaney – 140 2nd Clarita – 130 3rd Emlor – 110 FINAL 18 GOAL RESULTS: 1st Ferne Park – 220 Jonathan Rothermere/Josh Cork (0), Dirk Gould (5), Joaquin Pittaluga (7), Rodrigo Rueda (6) 2nd Black Bears – 175 3rd Four Quarters Orange – 145 FINAL AUTUMN 12 GOAL RESULTS: 1st Shalimar – 135 Kassem Shafi (0), Ed Banner-Eve (2), Vieri Antinori (5) & Nicolas Antinori (5) 2nd= Beaufort Black Hound – 100 2nd= Maiz Dulce – 100 3rd Snakebite – 90 FINAL AUTUMN 15 GOAL RESULTS: 1st Emlor – 140 Laura Ormerod (0), Ivan Gaona (3), Manuel Fernandez Llorente (6) & Nacho Gonzalez (6)/ Spencer McCarthy (1), James McCarthy (0), Nacho Gonzalez (6) & Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8) 2nd Halcyon Gallery – 55 3rd Tayto – 40 Polo Times, October 2015 35

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Reports

Victor Ludorum Victories

The Autumn 15 Goal Cup, the last tournament of the series, led to a clean overall victory in the Victor Ludorum. Emlor returned with a different line-up for the Final, with the distinctive red shirts handed over to Laura Ormerod, Ivan Gaona and Manolo Fernandez Llorente, who joined Nacho Gonzalez on the team. Just two teams entered in this year’s Autumn 15 Goal Cup at RCBPC, meaning it was only Saad Audeh’s Marchfield House who stood in the way of Emlor securing the first Autumn Victor Ludorum 15 Goal Series title. Pancho Moreno opened the scoring for Marchfield, the only goal to be added

Manolo Fernandez Llorente was awarded The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player Award after a brilliant performance and Saad Audeh’s Marenita received the Polo Times Best Playing Pony rug.

to the board in the first chukka. Gonzalez then responed for Emlor, only for Audeh to put another past the posts just moments later to retain Marchfield House’s one goal advantage. In the third chukka both teams upped the score, but it was Emlor who appeared to be settling into a more dominant, attacking rhythm, making the score an even 3-3 with just one chukka of play left to go. The fourth and final chukka saw Emlor continue their offensive style, with both Gaona and Fernandez Llorente adding to Emlor’s score, whilst only Plaza was able to score for Marchfield. Emlor ran out the winners, with a score of 5-4.

The Autumn 15 Goal Cup; Sunday 13 September; Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Teams Emlor (15): Laura Ormerod (0), Ivan Gaona (3), Manolo Fernandez Llorente (6) & Nacho Gonzalez (6) Marchfield House (14): Saad Audeh (0), Pancho Moreno (4), Manuel Plaza (6) & Frederico Boudou (4) Result: Emlor beat Marchfield House, 5-4

Autumn 12 Goal

5 goaler Ollie Cudmore adding a collection of goals to the board for the Dear’s line-up. Throughout the match, Snakebite ensured that the goal difference remained close, with victory always a possibility. Until the very last minute, the title could have gone either way – the scoreboard reading a close 7½-7 in favour of Apache. Despite a chance for Snakebite to add another to the board in the final seconds, Janie Dear and her teammates held out to lift the prestigious Cheltenham Cup this year. Beaufort Black Hound and Four Quarters Black played for The Ivy Lodge Cup, the Subsidiary Final Trophy. Although the opening chukkas saw Four Quarters Black’s Richard Le Poer and Guy Gibrat secure a succession of quick goals for their side, Beaufort Black Hound persisted and on the final whistle, it was Beaufort Black Hound who held the advantage, with a score of 8 goals to 7.

While last month Shalimar were victorious in the opening tournament of the Autumn Victor Ludorum 12 Goal Series, The Duke of Wellington Trophy at Guards Polo Club; the latest set of matches saw different victors. This month, Apache lifted the trophy in The Cheltenham Cup, the second tournament of the challenge, while Maiz Dulce were undefeated in the final competition, Cowdray Park Polo Club’s Autumn Cup. However, the overall title, with 135 points, remained Shalimar’s

The Cheltenham Cup

and Apache qualified for a place in the Final with victories over Tayto and Beaufort Black Hound – with both sides coincidentally defeating the teams which had beaten them earlier on in the tournament. Despite a lower handicap of 11 goals, Apache proved to be the more attacking side when the two teams met in the Final, with

The Cheltenham Cup; Sunday 6 September; Cirencester Park Polo Club Teams Apache (11): Janie Dear (0), Mark Baldwin (2), Ollie Cudmore (5) & Olly Tuthill (4) Snakebite (12): Max Kirchoff (0), John Martin (3), George Meyrick (6) & David Ashby (3) Result: Apache beat Snakebite, 7½-7 The Ivy Lodge Cup (Subsidiary Final): Beaufort Black Hound beat Four Quarters Black, 8-7

Photography by Tom Reynold

Five teams contested for The Cheltenham Cup, Cirencester’s final 12 goal title of the season. This year the tournament has also been included in the HPA’s Autumn Victor Ludorum 12 Goal Series, making victory even more rewarding. Desipte Tayto’s domination of the earlier league matches with a double win, Snakebite

Apache, winners of The 2015 Cheltenham Cup

Polo Times, October 2015

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Cheltenham Cup action at Cirencester Park Polo Club

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Victor Ludorum Victories

Reports

Ten teams entered the popular Autumn Cup, the last of Cowdray Park Polo Club’s six annual HPA tournaments. The Final saw Peter Barfoot’s Maiz Dulce side take on Simon Arber’s Four Quarters Orange. Four Quarters made a brisk start with Morley taking the ball and a swift goal from Boudou giving them an early lead. Maiz Dulce responded well – Barfoot sent a good ball to Berner who dropped in a neat goal to make the score 1-1. Soon after, another high shot from Berner zoomed between the tops of the goal posts to take Maiz Dulce into the lead. However, the second chukka saw that lead wiped out when Maiz Dulce gave away a penalty, enabling Boudou to equalize and make the score, 2-2. Morley created the next goal when he left the ball for Boudou who managed to outwit Sherrif and claim his third goal and a clean lead for Four Quarters Orange. After half time, Four Quarters looked as though they meant business with Boudou and Morley interacting well. Despite interference from Maiz Dulce’s Iriate, Morley forged on and was rewarded with his first goal. Maiz Dulce could see it was time to put on the pressure and provoked a foul from Four Quarters, neatly converted by Sherriff to reduce the opposing team’s lead, 4-3, and then another 40 yard penalty shot equalized the score, 4-4.

The fourth chukka opened with a penalty shot for Four Quarters which went wide. Maiz Dulce brought the ball back into play with both sides fighting hard for possession, but Morley sent the ball wide again. Iriarte found the opening to the goal posts to make the score 5-4 in Maiz Dulce’s favour. From the throw-in, Boubou raced away with the ball only to send it wide, but suddenly Four Quarters were in possession again and this time Boubou didn’t miss. With the score equal on 5-5, extra time was called and less than a minute into the fifth chukka, Sherriff had made the deciding goal and Peter Barfoot’s first ever victory in the 12 goal Autumn Cup. Peter said, “We won all our matches through the tournament and the team played well with new member Tomas Iriarte just getting on with the job. It’s a lovely end to a good season for us.” Lila Pearson presented the Autumn Cup to Peter Barfoot and an array of prizes to both teams from prize-sponsor Casablanca. The Polo Times award for Best Playing Pony went to Snip owned by Lottie and Tom Lamacraft and played by Jack Berner. Jack Berner also received The Polo Magazine’s award for Most Valuable Player.

Photography by Clive Bennett

The Autumn Cup

The Polo Magazine Autumn Cup Most Valuable Player, Jack Berner, with Lila Pearson

The Autumn Cup; Sunday 20 September; Cowdray Park Polo Club Teams Four Quarters Orange (12): Simon Arber (0), Tristan Wade (2), Federico Boudou (4) & Tom Morley (6) Maiz Dulce (12): Jack Berner (2), Glenn Sherriff (5), Tomas Iriarte (5) & Peter Barfoot (0) Result: Maiz Dulce beat Four Quarters Orange, 6–5

Maiz Dulce, winners of The Autumn Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club

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Polo Times, October 2015

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Reports

Victor Ludorum Victories

The Kingscote Cup at Cirencester once again concluded the Victor Ludorum 6 Goal Series. Louise Jebson’s C.A.N.I. proved a strong force throughout the season, and despite a slightly disappointing performance in The Kingscote, they still managed to do enough to secure overall victory, narrowly defeating Peter O’Rorke’s Strategic

The Roehampton Cup After high quality matches in the group stages, Harum Scarum and Strategic were the two lineups that secured a place in The Roehampton Cup Final. Jonathan and Melanie Hare’s Harum Scarum, who have been long-term supporters of Ham Polo Club, have competed in The Roehampton Cup for many years now. This year their team featured Roddy Matthews and Daniel Otamendi, who had won the title last year. Their Strategic opposition, led by Peter O’Rorke and Mark Brown also included Nick Pepper and three goaler Matt Evetts. The game got off to a fast start, with Harum Scarum taking posession early on. Otamendi and Matthews worked hard to keep the game under control to prevent Pepper running with the ball. Otamendi defended

solidly, allowing Matthews to slow the play down. Roddy Matthews was well mounted, his string including several retrained racehorses, and consequently he was able to use his speed to close down several plays defensively. The second half saw Harum Scarum continue with their earlier form as Otamendi added some fantastic goals to the board. Despite great play from their opposition, with Pepper and Evetts showcasing the teamwork that has helped them achieve success throughout the season, Harum Scarum were able to secure victory, a narrow 6-5, allowing the home team to lift The 2015 Roehampton Cup. In the Subsidiary Final, Interoffice took on Rathbaegs. Ham Polo Club’s Head Coach Charlie Wood filled in for Interoffice’s Fede

The Kingscote Cup

Photograph by John Hankin

The Kingscote Cup concluded this year’s Victor Ludorum 6 Goal, with a total of nine entries. Throughout the 6 goal season, Louise Jebson’s C.A.N.I. has been the side to beat, while Peter O’Rorke’s Strategic have remained close behind. Consequently,

Strategic take on the opposition in The Kingscote Cup

Polo Times, October 2015

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the final result was all to be played for at Cirencester. Many were surprised when both leaders suffered opening losses; C.A.N.I. lost to Beaufort based Supernova side, while Coxwell defeated Strategic. Unfortunately for C.A.N.I. their losing streak continued, forcing them to settle for a place in the Subsidiary Final while Strategic improved, and consequently went on to secure a place in the Final where they came up against a strong Rigby & Rigby side. Rigby & Rigby had shown solid form throughout the tournament, maintaining an unbeaten route to the Final, with Matias Amaya having lead the way for teammates Jake Rigby, James Fewster and Jack Mesquita, and it turned out their final match proved to be no different. Strategic applied the pressure from the start but Rigby & Rigby managed to maintain their team structure throughout. After a fast and furious match, the title was awarded to Rigby & Rigby, with the board reading 8-7 in their favour.

Photograph by Robert Piper

6 Goal

Harum Scarum, winners of The 2015 Roehampton Cup

Boudou, teaming up with Lorenzo Larumbe and Patrons Simon Lo Gatto and Katharine Smithwick. On the opposing Rathbaegs team, Patrons Andrew Blake and Jim Paltridge were supported by Philip Seller and Fabio Lavinia. The Subsidiary Final turned out to be yet another display of very close, competitive polo, where Rathbaegs’s leading man Fabio Lavinia helped to give his team the edge in order to secure a win against Interoffice. The Roehampton Cup; Sunday 23 August; Ham Polo Club Harum Scarum (6): Melanie Hare (-1), Jonathan Hare (-1), Daniel Otamendi (5) & Roddy Matthews (3) Strategic (6): Peter O’Rorke (-1), Mark Brown (0), Nick Pepper (4) & Matt Evetts (3) Result: Harum Scarum beat Strategic, 6-5 The Critchley Trophy (Subsidiary Final): Rathbaegs beat Interoffice, 5-3

Although not in the main contest of the afternoon, C.A.N.I. still ensured they were present on Finals’ Day, and following the results of the main Final, where Strategic had had to settle for second place, the news came through that C.A.N.I. had won the Victor Ludorum 6 Goal – consequently they arrived onto the field for the Vale Bowl Final with a little less pressure. However, they produced a strong team performance against Pangbourne to claim yet another title. In The Owl Trophy, Silvertown Properties defeated Noon Giraffe 8-4. The Kingscote Cup; Saturday 5 September; Cirencester Park Polo Club Rigby & Rigby (6): Matias Amaya (5), Jake Rigby (-1), James Fewster (0) & Jack Mesquita (2) Strategic (6): Peter O’Rorke (-1), Mark Brown (0), Nick Pepper (4) & Matt Evetts (3) Result: Rigby & Rigby beat Strategic, 8-7 The Vale Bowl Final (Subsidiary Final): C.A.N.I. beat Pangbourne, 7-5 The Owl Trophy (Subsidiary Subsidiary Final): Silvertown Properties beat Noon Giraffe, 8-4

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Polo Times, October 2015

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Polo Through The Archway A glimpse through the Harrods archway to the lush pitches of the Tang Polo Club is an iconic image for the British Polo Day Polo Series. Staged in different venues worldwide throughout the year, British Polo Day exports the best of British brands abroad, in a showcase of heritage, tradition and, of course, polo. The next British Polo Day will be held at Singapore Polo Club on Saturday 31 October. w Photography by Sam Churchill

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

News in brief Arena Opening Druids Lodge will be starting their winter season with Club chukkas on Thursday 15 October and lessons moved to the arena on Tuesday 22 September. There will also be an Arena Open Evening on Saturday 31 October. Celebrating a Steward Thirty years ago, Gerry Gibson first walked through the doors of Guards Polo Club as a goal judge. In the ensuing three decades he has become one of their most senior pony lines stewards. On Sunday 13 September Guards Polo Club made a special presentation to honour his 30 years’ loyal service to the Club. Monthly Masterclasses CLAIRE BROUGHAM will be coaching at a series of weekend masterclasses at Sussex Polo Club this winter. Courses will be run on 7 – 8, 28 – 29 November and 5 – 6 December. Pond Farm Win The Lousada Trophy, played for at Kirtlington Park Polo Club in memory of the late Charlie Lousada, was won by Pond Farm on Friday 28 August having defeated C.A.N.I. with a score of 7-6. The Sub Final trophy went to Black Sheep, who beat La Rosada with the same score 7-6. Fancy Dress Fun The Vale of York Polo Club dressed up for a “Get in the sea” themed Polo Jump Challenge, which was followed by a match. To see who was wearing what, turn to our social pages. Mexico Take on Ibizia On 12 – 13 September two Mexican teams played two Ibizia Polo Club teams for the Copa Ibiza Style, which was won by Mexico and the Copa Cultura Mezcal, which was won by Ibizia.

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Kildare Crowned at Guards KILDARE PATRON ANDREW Dechet finished his 2015 season with his best win of the year, winning the 16 goal Land Rover Duke of Cornwall Final at Guards Polo Club. Not only did he receive the silver trophy from Richard Duncan, Sponsorship Manager of Land Rover UK, but he was also named the Land Rover Most Valuable Player. Andrew had scored an impressive goal in the early stages of the match, but then produced a long run down the field in the fourth and final chukka to score the last goal of the game, breaking the deadlock and giving Kildare an 8-7 victory over Mark Wadhwa’s Oakley Court Polo Team. The Land Rover Best Playing Pony Rug went to Hawaii, owned and played by Alejandro Muzzio. The winners received leather travel bags, but, as the winning patron, Detchet received exclusive use of Land Rover’s box at Twickenham for the Barbarians v Argentina rugby game this November.

RCBPC Goes from Strength to Strength THE 2015 SUMMER season at ‘The Royal Berkshire’ played host to some of their most exceptional tournaments and events in years. From the nail-biting Final of The Prince of Wales Trophy to this year’s Polo Festival that saw over 2,500 people attend three thrilling championship Finals. As they enter the Arena season, the Club will be holding the prestigious Gold Cup, Christmas Nationals, New Year Nationals and Arena Masters as well as a whole host of events to keep even the hardened aficionado fulfilled across the Winter months. As the Club goes from strength to strength, next year will build on the new foundations laid in 2015, opening up some of their major charitable tournaments, including the Sebastian Coe

Foundation Trophy as a major summer fixture. The lesser known Scholas will highlight its profile as a high goal match with some of the world’s finest players whilst the staunch quintessentially English Finals from the Eduardo Moore to the Julian & Howard Hipwood will gallop alongside some of the most hard-fought championships of 2016. From polo fanatics to the sport’s newbies, 2015 has seen a phenomenal turn-out at ‘The Royal Berkshire’ and 2016 looks to expand on this new momentum, delivering a world class polo experience.

Santa Barbara Polo Club ON SUNDAY 30 August, Lucchese beat Alegria/ Valiente 13-10 to take The Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open. Stand-out player of the match was Lucchese’s Facundo Obregon, who scored seven goals in total. A 2-0 lead in the first chukka heralded the team’s victory, while a steady widening of the goal difference in the second was abruptly disrupted in the third where, after a tense on-pitch battle, Sterling Giannico made a brilliant run to level the score for Alegria/ Valiente, 6-6 at half-time. However, the second half of the match proved the form of John R. Muse’s Lucchese, who had already won The Belmond El Encanto Polo Classic Cup this season. Impressive teamwork saw every teammate contribute, despite Alegria/ Valiente snapping at their heels. At the start of the last chukka, the score hovered at a close 10-9, but didn’t remain there for long, as multiple penalities were converted to bring the score up for both teams. A final long run from Mannix saw the last goal take the score 13-10 to Lucchese. Tete Grahn was named Most Valuable Player, while Jeff Hall’s Rocky was named The Best Playing Pony. Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open Final teams: Lucchese: John Muse (0), Tete Grahn (3), Facundo Obregon (6) & Jeff Hall (7) Alegria/Valiente: Julian Mannix (4), Robert Jornayvaz (2), Santiago Torres (7) & Sterling Giannico (4)

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Thai Polo take The Royal Malaysia Polo Association Open

Photograph by Clive Bennet

Emlor Conquer Cowdray

THAI POLO CAME from behind to defeat La Familia 6-5½ in the Final of The Royal Malaysia Polo Association Open at the Royal Selangor Polo Club on Saturday 22 August. Gines Bargallo and Horacio Etcheverry got La Familia off to a promising start. Thai Polo were trailing 2½-0 in the second chukka despite Carlos Pando and Agustin Canale applying plenty of pressure. La Familia continued to lead 4½-2 at half time, but Thai Polo never gave up, took a ½ goal lead with just one chukka to play and stretched it with another goal in the final chukka. La Familia came back with a goal of their own by Dato Zekri with 30 seconds left to play, but time ran out for the local Club. Dato’ Harald Link’s Thai Polo were presented with The Royal Salute Cup of The RMPA Open. Agustin Canale was given the prize of a custom made Proline mallet for The Most Valuable Player, and Paton, a 12-yearold chestnut Argentine gelding, won the prize for Best Playing Pony. Owned by Dato’ Harald Link’s Thai Polo, it was played by its breeder, Carlos Pando. Thai Polo now move further ahead in the RMPA International League standings. They have taken a further 15 points for their latest win, bringing their total to 42 points.

Midsummer 12 Goal Cup Teams: Emlor (12): Laura Ormerod (0), Maurice Ormerod (2), Eden Ormerod (4) & Manuel ‘Manolo’ Fernande-Llorente (6) Four Quarters (12): Emil Arber (-1), Ralph Richardson (1), Richard Le Poer (6) & Tom Morley (6) www.polotimes.co.uk

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Photography by www.poloequestrian.com

Midsummer 12 Goal Tournament winners Emlor

EIGHT TEAMS ENTERED The Midsummer 12 Goal Tournament at Cowdray Park Polo Club, sponsored by Equine Management Ltd, with local team Emlor facing Berkshirebased Four Quarters Black in the Final on 22 August. Following an unfortunate fall in the first chukka, Emil Arber was substituted by Fleur Turner for the rest of the game. Emlor, a family team of the Ormerod’s accompanied by Manuel ‘Manolo’ Fernande-Llorente, looked set to be a strong side to beat. However, Four Quarters, who also had a great combination of Ralph Richardson, Le Poer and Morley, were not to be underestimated. Ralph Richardson opened the scoring for Four Quarters and his gutsy play soon saw him rewarded with a second goal. Emlor’s Llorente sent a big shot down the pitch following a spot penalty and Maurice Ormerod picked up the ball and flicked it back to Llorente, whose neat little shot gave Emlor their first goal. A throw in from the boards started the second chukka. Morley stole round from behind, secured the ball for himself and zipped it through for 3-1 in Four Quarters’ favour. Before the chukka’s end, Llorente pulled a goal back for Emlor with an impressive and accurate 60 yard penalty. At half time there was just a one goal difference, with the score 3-2 in Four Quarter’s favour. Llorente charged away from the pack at the beginning of the third chukka and sent through a beautifully angled shot to equalise the scores on 3 apiece. Four Quarters redoubled their attempts at marking, but once again Llorente escaped and masterfully zipped a neat goal through the posts to take the lead for Emlor. A hit-in by Morley saw Le Poer race off down the pitch. Intercepted, he managed to pass to Fleur Turner who accomplished a lovely goal and 4-4 on the scoreboard. The fourth chukka was action-packed. Young Ralph Richardson shot a beauty between the posts to take the lead again for Four Quarters. Emlor came back on the attack and Eden Ormerod made a super goal to even the scores once more. Tension increased following the line-out, with Emlor winning the ball only to be halted by the umpire’s whistle. A throw-in saw Llorente closely marked by Le Poer. Morley tried stealing it from the Argentine who wasn’t giving up. The whistle blew and a spot penalty given to Emlor right in front of the goal enabled the red shirts to take the lead again. Another line-out saw Llorente tussling with Le Poer, but an opportunistic steal by Eden Ormerod gave him the chance to put 7-5 on the scoreboard, and Emlor managed to hold onto the lead until the final bell. Stephen Biddlecombe, of Equine Management Ltd, presented quality polo kit as prizes to both teams, and Manolo Fernandez-Llorente was delighted to receive a superb pair of polo boots for being judged Most Valuable Player. Stephen also presented prizes for the Best Playing Pony, Agustin, owned and played by Manolo Fernandez-Llorente. In the Subsidiary Final, Peter Barfoot’s Maiz Dulce beat Momin Sheikh’s BHC side, 9-5.

Club Focus

Thai Polo win The Royal Malaysia Polo Association Open

Polo Times, October 2015

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Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Photograph by Katerina Morgan

NIC ROLDAN SCORED the winning goal for Audi, to take the USPA East Coast Open 2015 title on Sunday 6 September. The match was nail bitingly close, seeing the great White Birch team hold a lead for the greater portion of the game, until being pipped to the post in sudden death overtime. Audi led 2-1 at the end of the first chukka after a goal from Miguel Novillo Astrada, however White Birch closed the gap and the game proceeded neck and neck the whole way through. Hilario Ulloa kept up the pace for the White Birch team, scoring the vast Audi on the ball in The USPA East Coast majority of his team’s points, but Astrada was more than Open Final a match, answering his questions and fighting to keep Audi on White Birch’s tail. White Birch pulled ahead with a two goal lead, 10-8, at the end of the fourth chukka. However, the fifth chukka saw Audi redouble their efforts – the score becoming 10 all, then 11 all, as the equally matched teams fought for dominance. At the end of the fifth chukka, White Birch had edged ahead by a goal to see the score 12-11, but the final chukka saw Audi come back to equalise and push the two teams into overtime, where the struggle continued. Finally, in sudden death overtime, a last goal from Nic Roldan saw Audi take the trophy, 14-13. In the Subsidiary Final, McLaren Greenwich won the Tommy B. Glynn Auxiliary Cup 1514 over Turkish Airlines. The USPA East Coast Open 2015 Final teams: Audi (20): Marc Ganzi (1), Juancito Bollini (2), Nic Roldan (8) & Miguel Novillo Astrada (9) White Birch (20): Peter Brant (2), Mariano Aguerre (9), Hilario Ulloa (9) & Santino Magrini (0)

THIS YEAR’S INNOVENT Trophy Family Day at Sussex Polo Club was held in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. The event had a twist of a Caribbean theme with guests enjoying Jamaican flavoured food and music alongside their polo. The Polo Shop and Innovent battled it out in the Final on Sunday 6 September. Throughout the game, both teams remained neck and neck leaving the audience on the edge of their seats as the score held almost even throughout the game. However, Innovent’s Telmo Maidana and Duane Lent managed to score two more goals in the last minute leaving the final score 7-6½ to Innovent.

Photograph by Christopher Pollard

Great Ormond Street Fundraiser

Innovent and The Polo Shop with the Innovent Trophy

The City Polo Cup Photograph courtesy of The City Polo Cup

USPA East Coast Open 2015

The victorious Moscow Polo Club

THE RUSSIANS IN the City Polo Cup 2015 ended on Sunday 6 September at Westcroft Park Polo Club in Surrey. The two trophies contested for were The Winnie-the-Pooh Cup for 0 goal teams and The Nu Pogodi Trophy for 6 goal teams. Alegria (-1) comprising of Tatiana Menshenina (-2), Anna Menshenina (-2), Igor Menshenin (-1) and Antonio Manzorro (4) were the winners of The Winnie-the-Pooh Cup. Commentator for the day Will Randall-Coath commented, “The real star on this team is Anna Menshenina (-2) who was awarded Most Valuable Player. Though quite young, she is powerful, accurate, energetic and enthusiastic which is always fantastic to see.” The Nu Pogodi Trophy, 6 goal, was won by The Moscow Polo Club, the oldest and largest polo club in Russia founded in 2003. The Club was represented by President and owner, Alexei Rodzianko (-1), and his son Misha Rodzianko (2), Freddie Buxton (1) and local to Westcroft Park professional Sebastian Dawnay (4). Denis Antonov (-2) was awarded Most Valuable Player for The Nu Pogodi Trophy Subsidiary Final. He played for Hedonism, comprising of Evgeny Chichvarkin (0), Royston Prisk (2) and Max Charlton (7).

THE WILKINSON SWORD was played as a single match on Saturday 29 August at Rutland Polo Club, which consisted of a tight game that went backwards and forwards between two very well-matched teams. After some great polo, Phillip Slane’s Meltonians eventually won the match. The three ladies of Axholme, Ida Thore, Lesley Maxfield-Gullet and Nat Crouch gave their all but Jo Davies, Amanda Hawthorne, Philip Slane and Captain Tom Abel-Smith were too strong and the Meltonians won the game by 2 goals. On Sunday 30 August, Rutland Polo Club hosted The Ruddles Cup. Iguanas, which featured two Weatherby brothers, Jack (0) and Max (-1), Shuif Hussain (-1) and Tom Collie (2) took on Marston, the MarlowThomas family team, Stapleford Park in the Final. Sophia, played by Jack Weatherby won the Best Playing Pony Award.

Polo Times, October 2015

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Courtesy of Rutland Polo Club

Wilkinson Sword Winners

Wilkinson Sword winners Meltonians

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Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Gordon Dadds Learn Polo GORDON DADDS WERE delighted to entertain guests of the Firm at their annual Polo Event on Friday 4 September at West Wycombe Polo Club in High Wycombe. Friend of Gordon Dadds, Tarquin Southwell, started the day talking guests through the game of polo followed by a coaching session on wooden horses before getting on polo ponies. Whilst guests enjoyed a champagne lunch, an exhibition match between Gordon Dadds, captained by Real Estate Partner Justin Neal, and West Wycombe Park Polo Club took place. The match resulted in a friendly, but hard fought, draw.

Photograph courtesy of Gordon Dadds

Gordan Dadds (1): Justin Neal (-1), Andres Perez (2), Chloe Williams (0) & Susi Boyd (0) West Wycombe Park Polo Club (1): Nicola Hodges (-1), Harold Hodges (2), Ben Marshall (0) & Peter H Smith (0) Result: Draw 5-5

West Wycombe Park Polo Club and Gordan Dadds ready for action

Club Focus

Polo Played for Children’s Air Ambulance

HAM POLO CLUB hosted a fundraiser on Sunday 6 September to help raise £2,500 for the Children’s Air Ambulance. Deputy Mayor of Richmond, Cllr Jean Loveland, presented a cup for the challenge match between two teams of Ham Polo Club players Mojitos and Quadriga. With Lucy Dowie interchanging with Debbie Houghton, the Mojito team took the lead early on. Mojitos maintained a strong lead to collect the trophy. The Children’s Air Ambulance is a dedicated helicopter that carries out interhospital transfers for critically ill children. Catherine Burchnall, head of the charity, said, “It was wonderful to see so many people supporting our cause. The Challenge Cup was great to watch. The first ball was launched by our special celebrity guest David Essex and the Children’s Air Ambulance Cup was presented by Deputy Mayor of Richmond, Cllr Jean Loveland, and paediatric nurse Marilyn McDougall. We are very grateful to everyone who attended, and to Ham Polo Club for all their support and sponsorship on the day.” To find out more about the Children’s Air Ambulance visit www.thechildrensairambulance.org.uk

Time to Dig Out the Bobble Hats and Tweed for the UK Arena Season IT’S THAT TIME of year again when summer season ponies are having their shoes off and kicking up their heels in winter turnout fields, while the arena ponies are coming in to get fit for another season. It is definitely time to dig out the wellies and the woolly hats and plan for the winter. All the usual clubs will be running this season, with the addition of one more, Emsworth Polo Grounds, whose HPA affiliation will bring the total number of arena clubs to 32. The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club fixtures list alone includes plenty of Club tournaments, as well as the HPA National Club Championships both pre- and post-Christmas, and the prestigious Arena Gold Cup. The All England Polo Club at Hickstead will play host to The Bryan Morrison International Trophy. Last year’s Test Match was the highest handicapped edition of the trophy yet to date and was won by England in a convincing defeat against www.polotimes.co.uk

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Ireland with a score of 18-13. Druids Lodge has become a hub for university polo and this winter is no different, with over 10 different tournaments in their fixtures list dedicated to university players. Rugby remains the location for the SUPA University Arena Championships, the largest arena tournament in the UK, with hundreds of players participating at multiple levels over the Valentine’s weekend. The winter HPA Fixtures list is now available on its website. RCBPC – Paul Castle High Goal Challenge (13-15 goal): 27 – 29 November RCBPC – HPA Christmas National Club Championships (4-6 & 13-15 goal): 30 November – 13 December RCBPC – HPA New Year National Club Championships (1-3 & 10-12 goal): 4 – 23 January

Rugby – SUPA University National Arena Championships (Open): 11 – 14 February RCBPC – The Arena Cup (13-15 goal): 12 – 27 February AEPC – The Bryan Morrison International Trophy (Test Match): 5 March Wicklow – SUPA Tri Nations (Open): 11 – 12 March

The Bryan Morrison Trophy winners England 2015

Polo Times, October 2015

24/09/2015 16:59

Club Focus

Your Club News from Home and Abroad

Club Close Up Apes Hill Polo Club, St James, Barbados

Didn’t bring your golf kit? Not to worry. Apes Hill Club offers club rentals, shoe rentals and has a professional shop with a fine selection of clothing and accessories. Want a lesson? The resident PGA golf pro is always available.

Quick Club Statistics Owner: Sir Charles Williams Number of grounds: 2 Other sports available: Golf, tennis, fishing, beach cricket and horse racing Seasons: December – May Special events: Polo Under the Stars What is new at Apes Hill? Mixing the gentle pace of the Caribbean with plenty of other sports activities, Apes Hill Club has become a hub for sports enthusiasts worldwide. Golf Putting all thoughts of polo to one side at the end of a long season couldn’t be easier at Apes Hill. At the heart of the Club is a par-72 championship golf course. The course offers a challenging round of golf to any discerning enthusiast and was recently rated one of the best and most environmentally friendly courses in the world. The most advanced golfers will enjoy 7,150 yards from the Professional Tees, while the Front Tees, set at just over 5,000 yards, take full advantage of the fairways’ contours. The holes themselves are as varied and unique as the site, with undulating putting surfaces and sharply edged bunkers. Each hole is unique – from the 12th hole with views of the east coast, to the par-three 16th, which is set within a coral-stone quarry. If you are looking to fine-tune your game skills, improve your putting, pitches or increase your drive, or just have an enjoyable day with your family and friends, this golf course is it. Golfing amenities include: • Driving Range • Putting Greens • Bunker Area • Short Game Area • Championship 7,150 yard, Par-72 course

The new Astroturf tennis courts

Tennis Adding to the list of activities, the new Astroturf tennis courts, completed earlier this year in February, have been a happy addition to the Club. Situated just below the new Clubhouse (completion due September 2016), and opposite the entrance to the polo ground, the floodlit tennis courts are available day and night for our tennis enthusiast. Apes Hill Club now offers tennis coaching, as well as tennis holidays. The natural grass seating surrounding the courts allows friends and family to relax and watch the tennis whilst enjoying a glass of champagne. Other Activities

Courtesy of Apes Hill Polo Club

This family run Club also offers its clients the opportunity to join them on race days at the Garrison in Sir Charles Williams’ private race box where you can watch champion thoroughbreds race to victory. Fancy some fishing? Deepsea fishing is also available for those looking to escape the land for a bit. Departing from the marine haven that is Port St.Charles, there is a ‘catch’ to occupy both the novice and seasoned fisherman.

The 12th hole with views of the east coast

Polo Times, October 2015

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Apes Hill Club, the scope for excitement and adventure is boundless… and after a long day, you can head to the Clubhouse for a few rum punches, cool breezes and good conversation.

www.polotimes.co.uk

24/09/2015 16:59

Winter Travel Destination

Club Focus

Barbados Bliss

The Lone Star is located ten minutes from Apes Hill Club, just a short drive north of Holetown on the famed platinum coast. Renowned for its idyllic setting, celebrity clientele and buzzy, yet laid back atmosphere, the hotel changed hands in March 2013 when Wigan Athletic owner, Dave Whelan purchased it and set upon a comprehensive makeover. In a nod to its roots as a one-time garage, all rooms are named in honour of automobile legends and each have recently been renovated to the highest standard. Its accommodation now comprises of two penthouses, Cadillac & Lincoln; two ocean front suites, Buick and Studebaker; and two deluxe garden rooms, Shelby & Corvette. However, its automotive history is all but an homage to its former life. The Lone Star has views out to sea that are simply to die for and its lunchtime menu does not disappoint – with either Italian fare, (lasagne or pizzas from a woodfire oven), or several of Lone Star’s much loved timeless classics, such as moules marienere – to chose from. I went ‘surf & turf’ and started with American Black Angus Beef Carpaccio, with then fresh

market fish for my main – mahi-mahi, cooked the traditional Bajan blackened way with accompanying grilled vegetables and tropical fruit salsa. The extensive wine-list allows you to enjoy either the tastes of St Tropez with Chateau Minuty, or some of the best priced New World wines. Menu highlights: Starter: American Black Angus Beef Carpaccio $21 USD Main Course: Blackened mahi-mahi $27 USD To drink: Chilean Sauvigon Blanc $34 USD Lone Star is one of Barbados’ national treasures. It is a distinctive, sophisticated boutique hotel which now even extends to valet parking – and yet it remains an idyllic oasis from the hustle and bustle of the West Coast’s tourist route. With special thanks to Kristin Boland, General Manager. Where: The Lone Star Hotel, St. James, Mount Stand Fast, Barbados Tel: (001) 246 629-0599 www.thelonestar.com info@thelonestarhotel.com

Rates from: Winter 04/01 - 10/04 1 bedrooms start at $650 USD. Summer 11/04 to 20/12 1 bedrooms start at $425 USD Rates include continental breakfast.

The Lone Star offers excellent food and wines with accompanying breathtaking views. The Lone Star is individual and echoes back to another ‘time’ in Barbados’ history – it is an excellent place to while away an afternoon, without a care in the world. Prices correct at time of going to press

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24/09/2015 17:46

Women’s Polo

International News

Wiggy Bamforth reports on the latest women’s polo taking place at home and abroad

England’s Roses Win in South Africa On Sunday 23 August, the South African Polo Association (SAPA) hosted the England Ladies’ Team at East Rand Polo Club. With a 9-0 win, the Gareth Evans coached England side dominated over the South African opposition, with a combination of teamwork, energy and experience. The 26 degree heat on International day played into the South Africans’ hands. The game was fast and furious, largely helped by a raucous crowd supporting the home team. The girls had a strong start, with Claire Brougham scoring a beautiful field goal. England

Lottie Lamacraft “We all had very clear roles to play on the field. Emma was a brilliant number one; she carried the ball to goal beautifully and really stretched out the opposition. As a number four, Claire was seriously disciplined and consistent; she didn’t miss one backhand in the whole game and never left us exposed. Hazel had the South African crowds in absolute awe, she displayed some incredible stickwork and completely dominated the middle of the pitch. My main job was to protect Hazel and clear a path to get the ball up to Emma, which seem to work really well.”

then went on to score two more goals in the first chukka, providing a confident start. The home team exhibited unrelenting and passionate defence, with the South Africans replying to their offensive play with some crowd-raising runs from Amy Gace and her determined teammates, but they were unfortunate not to convert their opportunities. The second chukka saw three whistles against the home team, all of which were converted by the English roses, thus securing a firm lead by half-time. The tides never seemed to change in support of the home team; they battled away with runs to the English goal, but were always nipped at the finishing post by the opposition’s defense. The touring team showed off experience far beyond their years and seemed to remain calm throughout. The Most Valuable Player Award went to English Captain, Hazel Jackson and The Best Playing Pony Award went to Buronda, owned by Lionel Foster and played by Hazel Jackson. Ladies’ Test Match, East Rand Polo Club: England: Claire Brougham (1), Hazel Jackson (1), Lottie Lamacraft (0) & Emma Boers (0) South Africa: Candice Kane-Berman (0), Jossie Spilsbury (0), Jo Spilsbury (0) & Amy Gace (0) HPA outdoor handicaps (mixed) are listed, as published in the programme

The England ladies’ team ride out onto the pitch

Hazel Jackson (Captain) “The girls were very solid – we had the field covered at all times. The South African side actually used the word ‘inspiring’ when they were describing our stickwork after the game, which made me very proud of the ladies! On behalf of the team I would like to say a big thank you to our very generous hosts in South Africa and to Akuma polo for sponsoring our kit, which looked awesome.”

Photography courtesy of Lottie Lamacraft

Emma Boers “The score line didn’t reflect the game itself at all. Our team gelled really well considering we have never played together. It was an incredible experience, and the hospitality was phenomenal.” The South African opposition

Photograph courtesy of Dara Williams

Team Cue Take Campeonato de Andalucia Femenino

The winners of the Campeonato de Andalucia Femenino, Team Cue

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The Campeonato de Andalucia Femenino took place on 19 – 20 September at Mata del Herrador Polo Club Sevilla, organised by Klarina Pichler. Three teams played a four chukka round-robin tournament, which saw players from Spain, England, Argentina, Austria, Russia, Slovakia, Russia and Germany go head to head. After a nail-biting final match, Team Cue (Alex Jacob, Alexandra Bencikova, Harriet Styles and Carla Alvarez) were presented the trophy by the President of the Federation de Polo de Andalucia, Juan Alvarez.

www.polotimes.co.uk

24/09/2015 17:27

News

Women’s Polo

Guards Polo Club hosted its third Ladies’ Charity Day on Saturday 29 August and raised more than £20,000 for The Haven Breast Cancer Support Centre Charity. Three teams, Sheba, Shoreline and The Haven (sponsored by Mo and Amar Sheikh’s Bridge House of Twyford), in their La Martina shirts, took part in the afternoon’s round-robin competition. Shoreline won the tournament, having put up strong performances over both Sheba and The Haven. Shoreline’s Sophie Kyriazi was particularly delighted with this win as The Haven charity was founded by her mother, Sara Davenport in 1997.

Photograph by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Shoreline Win for The Haven Shoreline, The Haven and Sheba with their prizes

Guards Ladies’ Charity Day teams: Shoreline: Annita Beiinda van der Hoeven, Saskia Meadows, Sophie Kyriazi & Louisa Donovan The Haven: Nicola Anderson, Polly Anderson, Livi Alderman & Izzy McGregor Sheba: Alya Al Awiaqi, Sophie Granchi, Georgie Le Selleur French & Charlotte Sweeney

All the players received goodies from Elemis, Amelia Jane Collection and the silversmith Rachel Elizabeth Wood, but Sheba’s Sophie Granchi went home with even more goodies, as she was deservedly named The Polo Magazine’s Most Valuable Player. Shoreline’s Saskia Meadows was presented with the Flurried Ease Best Playing Pony prize for her pony Terita.

All That Gold for All That Jazz A huge thank you goes to Trinny and Justin Stanhope-White, for their support of the Women In Polo and for hosting the final leg of the league. Taunton WIP Ladies’ Tournament Teams: Gutchpool: India Hall, Jackie Pittard, Sarah Williams & Steph Lloyd-Foxe All That Jazz: Tamzin Ferguson, Jazz Stanhope-White, Annie Woodhead & Livvy Woodhead Isle Valley: Lynn Yabsley, Rosie Thater, Lorna Broughton & Willa Gravell

Toulston Title for White Rose

Photograph by Trevor Atkinson

On Sunday 6 September, Toulston Polo Club hosted its annual Ladies’ Charity Polo Tournament, with six teams competing for the Barkisland Ladies’ Plate, presented by Diane Haigh. White Rose Pheonix beat the Toulston Tottie Team in a closely fought Final. Three goal Emma Sanderson’s skills

tipped the scales in favour of White Rose Pheonix, to take home the trophy. Over £400 was raised for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance on the day from players and spectators. Guests to the Club were also treated to a guest visit from The Yorkshire Rows, an all female team who plan to compete in the Talisker Challenge Atlantic Race, bringing their boat, Rose, for all to see.

Photograph courtesy of WIP

Taunton Vale played host to the final leg of the WIP Ladies’ League on Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 September, a tournament that saw All That Jazz run out the winners, with Isle Valley in second place, and Gutchpool Polo runners-up. The weekend was thoroughly enjoyed by all, showcased an impressive standard of polo. As a results of her efforts, Lorna Broughton won the Most Valuable Player Award, while Jackie Pittard and Tamzin Ferguson received Best Newcomer Awards. Pintada (belonging to Jazz Stanhope-White) won the Best Playing Pony prize.

WIP Chair Sarah Wood, Lolly & Jazz Stanhope-White with Best Playing Pony Pintada

Dates for the Diary South Wonston – Ladies Arena Tournament (0-2): 24 October Royal Selangor, Malaysia: The 4th Malaysian Ladies’ Polo Championships: 6 – 11 October Club de Polo Ampurdan, Figueras, Spain: II Ladies Autumn Polo Cup October 24 – 25 Contact: Eva Campos (eva@villacampos.com) La Aguada, Argentina: Ladies’ Cup (16): 14 – 18 December

All the participating teams at Toulston

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Polo Times, October 2015

24/09/2015 17:27

JUMPING JACK FLASH SPECIALISTS IN THE LIGHTING OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR ARENAS Sports Lighting (Jumping Jack Flash) is a family-run business. We have now been trading for around 30 years, and are specialists in all sports lighting. Equestrian lighting covers indoor/outdoor arenas and lung rings. We offer a nationwide installation service from John O’ Groats to Land’s End. All our work is to a very high standard and is covered by a 12 month parts and labour guarantee. All our work is carried out by Sports Lighting (Jumping Jack Flash) staff. Contact: Kim Prestwood 01803 844833 (mobile: 07768 837 454) Email: sportslighting@hotmail.co.uk

www.jumpingjackflash.co.uk

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24/09/2015 17:27

News

Yes, C.A.N.I Can!

Photograph by Ella Cloake

Photograph by Richard Mobbs

Dallas Burston Polo Club hosted two ladies’ tournaments at their annual Polo in the Park fixture on 12 – 13 September, including the first ever 10 goal ladies’ fixture to be played at the Club. The 10 Goal Emily Rosebowl was sponsored by Tustains Jewellers in Leamington, who generously provided four Tissot mother-of-pearl watches for the winning team. In a close fought match, C.A.N.I beat Core Wellness with a score of 3-4½ to take home the prizes. The Ladies 4 Goal was fought for between teams from Dallas Burston Polo Club, Rugby Polo Club and the La Tarde Polo Team. The tournament was run as a roundrobin and was won by the La Tarde team of Phoebe Matthews, Emma Steed, Vicky Fenner and Helen Schoeller.

The winning 4 goal team, La Tarde

Maimie Powell takes on Lucy Taylor in the Ladies 10 Goal

Lowell Polo Team Topple Defending Champions

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intercepted the 40 yard penalty and drove it back up the pitch. Anier quickly came back with an incredible dribbling goal from the boards 80 yards out, somehow evading the opposition’s hooks with a fantastic display of stickwork to equalise the score. Lowell then steamed off from the next line-out towards the Tom Tailor

Photograph courtesy of Lottie Lamacraft

The Open de France Femenin 8-12 goal tournament, played from Tuesday 15 – Sunday 20 September saw a fierce battle of a Final between reigning champions Tom Tailor Polo Team and the newcomers, Francoise Spek’s Lowell Polo Team. Having pulled out an early lead courtesy of a strong offensive run from Tahnee Schroder from the throw-in and a 30 yard penalty from Lucy Taylor, the Tom Tailor attack was greeted with a fast field goal from Emma Boers at the end of the first chukka, and another at the start of the second. Tom Tailor led going into halftime 4-2, but the third chukka saw a true battle between the two ladies teams. Lowell really began to find their feet with some strong runs from young English girls Boers and Lamacraft, efficiently backed up by number one Francoise Spek. A foul against Tom Tailor in their goalmouth gave Anier a 30 yard penalty, which she swiftly converted, and another foul from the Tom Tailor girls gave Anier the opportunity to equalize the score, but Lucy Taylor had other ideas as she

The winning Lowell team at Chantilly

Women’s Polo

Women In Polo UK Overall League Results 2015 Women In Polo UK (WIP UK) have announced the final results of the first women’s Summer League. The points were close throughout the tournaments and all teams played well, were supportive and most of all had lots of fun. A total of 14 teams took part and are very grateful to all the clubs who supported the league and the growth of women’s polo. Next year WIP are looking to expand the league and hope to see many more players and clubs involved. Congratulations to the New Forest who stole the top spot by just one point, crowning them the 2015 WIP League Winners. 1st - New Forest 2nd - Greylands 3rd - Inglesham B 4th - Longdole =4th - All That Jazz 5th - Isle Valley 6th - Inglesham A 7th - Gutchpool Polo

8th - Full Swing Polo 9th - Clumsy Cows =9th - LG Bloodstock 10th - Fyfield Flyers 11th - Legal Action =11th - OMG

goal and Lamacraft confidently slotted in a field goal just before the whistle, to put them in the lead for the first time in the game. Tensions ran high as the ladies entered the last chukka with just one goal between them. No goals were scored for the first half of the chukka as each teams’ defence worked overtime to shut each other down. A breakaway run from Tahnee Schroder put the Tom Tailor girls straight back into the game as the score was equalized. With less than a minute left on the clock, Boers picked up the ball on a nippy chestnut mare and scored a dazzling field goal, winning the game for Lowell 6-5. Open de France Feminin de Polo Club de Chantilly Final teams: Tom Taylor Polo Team (12): Tahnee Schroder (3), Charlene Goudkuil (2), Naomi Schroder (3) & Lucy Taylor (4) Lowell (12): Francoise Spek (0), Lottie Lamacraft (3), Emma Boers (3) & Caroline Anier (6)

Polo Times, October 2015

24/09/2015 17:28

Women’s Polo

Handicap Focus

10 Goal Handicap

Following the second Handicap Committee meeting held on Tuesday 8 September, Nina Clarkin made history as the first female player to have a UK women’s handicap of 10 goals. Wiggy Bamforth discusses what this means for the future of ladies’ polo perhaps time to expand the committee? Opinion has been voiced that the addition of names such as one of the Grace sisters, Jenny Blake Thomas and international players such as Sarah Wiseman would perhaps form a larger committee, which would encourage more open discussions, and greater recognition of the current standard of ladies’ polo. Much has been made of the creation of women’s handicaps earlier this year, and while they have been greeted mostly by positive reports, the induction of the system has also seen some response for “men’s handicaps” instead of standard HPA outdoor handicaps. This is an interesting concept indeed – as the HPA strives towards the inclusion of polo as an Olympic sport, it is probably time to discuss the division of the sport into women’s and men’s sections. The massive advantage women’s polo has over men’s polo, in terms of Olympic sporting credentials, is that it is much fairer the world over. Unlike mixed polo, where the Olympics could see a 40 goal Argentine team flattening the rest of the world without ceremony, women’s polo is more likely to see a better rounded match, as there is less of a concentration of elite players in one particular country, and so would be far more spectatorfriendly. With regard to the differences in mixed and women’s polo, it must be remembered that, like grass and arena polo, women’s and

Photograph by Clive Bennett

The advent of the first female 10 goal player in England is a momentous occasion, not just for the player herself but for women’s polo as a whole. As well as recognizing Nina Clarkin’s hard work, it is widely thought now that the presence of a 10 goal player will open the sport of women’s polo to more support and sponsorship. With the rise in popularity of women’s sport across the board, aided by the visibility of the #ThisGirlCan campaign, the popularity of England’s Lionesses in the Football World Cup, Charlotte Dujardin’s dressage world domination and the coming Olympic year, hopefully women’s polo can now follow the example already set in other disciplines. However, as with all changes, questions have already been raised about the stark differences in the handicapping systems between the HPA outdoor (mixed) and ladies’ handicapping committees – whereas the HPA Outdoor Handicap Committee consists of eleven members (including a Chairman) the Ladies’ Handicap Committee by contrast has only four members on it, and appears to exist alongside the HPA, instead of as part of it. With over 700 ladies handicapped in this last release and women’s polo on a steady increase, is it

mixed polo are very different sports. Women’s handicaps are not a subdivision of the current HPA outdoor (mixed) handicaps, but rather a grading in their own right. As with arena and grass handicaps, women’s handicaps are subject not so much to differences in the fundamental skill of the player, but differences in game – after all, it is well understood that a good player on grass does not always become a better player in the arena. In a similar way, this year’s handicap lists show women with varying grading relations in both mixed and women’s handicap sections. For example, Hazel Jackson, widely regarded as a rising ladies’ polo star, holds an 8 goal ladies’ handicap, while only a 1 goal HPA outdoor (mixed) handicap, a big difference, especially when compared to another player such as Emma Tomlinson, who holds a 2 goal HPA outdoor (mixed) handicap but only a 5 goal ladies’ handicap. As a result of this grading, Nina Clarkin’s form in the 2015 season has been used to define a ladies’ 10 goal handicap, a controversial choice for some. One sticking point that has been raised is that this may create a premature glass ceiling against which future players are constrained. Has Nina’s performance this season, at the age of 34 and having taken time out to have her daughter, really seen her at the very peak of her skill? What if she does improve on this season’s performance – how will her improvement be recognized? Another point to note is that with an HPA outdoor handicap of 4 goals, Nina has not yet matched Claire Tomlinson’s achievement of five goals, a feat that made her the highest handicapped woman ever, which should surely be the benchmark for a 10 goal player For some, the worry remains that future seasons may see younger, better mounted, players overtake Nina’s skill. If a female fluke of nature, an Adolfa Cambiasa, should stroll onto the scene in the future, perhaps hothoused through the new HPA junior schemes and possessing youth, strength and a sponsor’s string we mere mortals can only dream of, we may retrospectively find ourselves in need of more room to average out the playing standard. In addition, rating Nina at 10 could potentially see us in a similar position to that of the issues currently seen in the high goal where it is widely believed that the highest 10 goal rating does not allow for

Nina playing at Cowdray earlier this year for the Apes Hill team

Polo Times, October 2015

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www.polotimes.co.uk

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Handicap Focus

the skills of Cambiaso and Facundo Pieres. Finally, much discussion in the Polo Times office over the past few days has concerned the varying abilities of men and women. Though science has proved that men have a naturally higher percentage of muscle than women, among other attributes that make them better built for sport, we did find ourselves comparing polo to other equestrian sports, where men and women compete on an

Comment: Tamara Fox, Ladies’ Handicap Comittee “I think the first year of handicaps has been very good. There have been a few teething problems, but I hope with the first season played we are closer to a more even system. The point to remember with women’s handicaps is that after playing a season of ladies’ polo on your ladies’ handicap, it shouldn’t be compared with your HPA outdoor (mixed)

Women’s Polo

equal level and women are just as frequently found gracing the podium at the very highest levels as men. As we so often say, polo is a sport where the horsepower is up to 80% of the performance, so why do we not find it more odd that the highest mixed handicap a woman has ever reached in polo is 5 goals? Is this because men play that much better than women, or is this more to do with access to horses of the highest calibre, funding, sponsorship and

support? Until the likes of King Power can mount Nina for her handicapping, we shall have to just wait and see.

handicap, they are two different handicaps. I know that it has been hard for a few players, but now we are a season into it, I really hope that people will see the benefits of a more even game. “It is great for Nina and women’s polo that she is now 10 goals, she deserves to be 10 goals. She is, and I am sure she won’t mind me saying this, a bit of a freak on the polo field! Playing with her is a pleasure and you always come off having bust a gut but loved doing it! Nina being on 10 goals should hopefully raise the profile of ladies’ polo around the world and we hope will bring more women into the game.

“Ladies’ polo is at such an exciting time, with more tournaments being played every season and our games getting faster and more competitive. The games are becoming more spectator-friendly and that encourages more sponsors too. “Britain has some of the best women players in the world. I hope that the change to women’s handicaps and the growth in women’s tournaments will encourage more women to take up our great sport. We can then maintain Britain’s influence in women’s polo worldwide.”

DESIGN CONSTRUCTION SAND SLITTING

Changes are subject to ratification by the Stewards on Tuesday 27 October and will become effective from Friday 1 January 2016. For the full list of handicaps, go to www.hpa-polo.co.uk/ end-season-handicap-changes-announced

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Polo Times, October 2015

24/09/2015 17:28

Women’s Polo

Interview Nina Clarkin

Nina Clarkin Interview Nina Clarkin has made history by becoming the first woman to receive a UK 10 goal Ladies’ Handicap after the most recent rounds of rating. She talks to Wiggy Bamforth about what this means, and what happens next continuing to grow and the support and backing, by both players and sponsors alike, of the tournaments carrying on the upward trajectory that we are seeing at the moment.”

Congratulations on going to ten! Obviously this is an incredible achievement, but what does the change in handicap mean to you? “Obviously I am thrilled with the handicap change. It does come with a certain amount of pressure and expectation, but I hope that I can play above that and continue to push the expectations for women’s polo. I see it as an honour to be 10 goals on this relatively new scene, so I am determined to up my game to hold on to the accolade for as long as I can!”

What would your opinion be on the changes women’s polo has undergone in the last few decades? Do you think your role as a 10 goal player will affect the way women’s polo is perceived? “I think it is an irrelevance to British ladies in the sport, who have come through the Pony Club ranks playing side-by-side with men and women. For many years now, polo has been handicapped equally for both sexes. However, this was not always the case for women like the greatest female player of

What do you think the knock-on effect for ladies’ polo will be, now that the path for other 10 goal female players has been opened? “I hope that it encourages other players to strive for the top, but most of all I hope that it can help push women’s polo to a wider audience and keep generating interest and excitement around the sport.”

her generation Claire Tomlinson, who had to fight her corner at every step of the way. As a supremely talented 5 goal player, on the same handicap as her husband, she pioneered women playing polo at Oxford University and in the high goal, thereby laying the precedent for those like myself to live in the charmed existence of stigma-free women’s polo. On these shores, it’s effectively a non-question these days; something for which I am very grateful for. This is of course not the case all over the world, so I do think that the global impact of women’s polo and female handicaps does send a small but significant message of enlightenment and encouragement. We are also fortunate that there are some highly

What more would you like to see done for women’s polo? “Here in England we have some of the best women players in the world. We now need more sponsors to come on board and then we can really showcase our abilities and play more Internationals abroad. I would like to see a Ladies’ International team travelling abroad at least once a year to play and promote England Women’s polo on an international stage. I would also like to see the number of Ladies’ Tournaments in England 54

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Photograph by Clive Bennett

This is the first year that women’s handicaps have been part of the system in the UK. Do you think ladies’ polo has changed since they were introduced and how so? “We won’t see much of a change for a while yet in England. I think the major change will hopefully be that women’s polo continues to grow and we get more young women playing to a better level. With significant growth, more players will be able to dedicate more of their time to the sport without suffering financially. Sunny Hale has changed the face of women’s polo in America and we are hoping to follow in her footsteps and see the number of female players increase.”

“I don’t mind what my handicap is, as long as I am fairly assessed alongside my peers”

www.polotimes.co.uk

24/09/2015 17:29

Interview Nina Clarkin

Nina Clarkin is the first woman to hold a UK women’s handicap of 10 goals

Women’s Polo

influential lady players flying the flag and these include Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (UAE Polo Team) and Princess Azemah Bolkiah of Brunei (a recent and emergent presence in the sport). So on the home front, I do see that lady players have been gifted a footing that is rather special (men only handicaps would I think cause quite a stir and take us back to the bad old days), but I really do think that the positive global implications and message of women’s polo justifies the special status that we have been granted by The Hurlingham Polo Association and others around the world.” Do you think there are biases in the way people see ladies’ polo and mixed polo? Do you think that is a fair reflection of ability? “As it happens, the only sports where men and women compete equally in the Olympics are eventing, dressage and showjumping as there is no physical advantage to extra strength and power pound-for-pound in those equine disciplines. This is not the case for polo or indeed racing for that matter. Ladies’ polo has traditionally, by its very nature, been low goal polo. These new womenonly handicaps ensure that the vast differences in talent are now far more fairly represented across a broader spectrum of handicaps. This has produced better polo for players and spectators alike, which for me is the ultimate goal for any sport. My father can watch three games of polo in a day and relishes everything from high goal to low goal. The good news is that a fast flowing and fiercely competitive match in polo is always enjoyable to watch, whereas a stop/start whistle heavy or one-sided encounter tends to be a bit of a letdown whatever the level. He watched me play in the Final of the Cirencester Ladies’ Tournament this summer, where we came from 3 goals behind to just pip the opposition to the trophy, and declared it one of the best games he had watched that season. Admittedly a somewhat (make that completely) biased opinion, but the point is that great high goal will of course always be the pinnacle of the sport but great competitive polo, at any level, has its place as well and is certainly better than a tedious higher-goal whistle-mired match. Some of the toughest polo experiences of my life have been in the all-female arena! Ladies’ polo is wonderful and flourishing at home and it can be enlightening overseas, so something to champion and celebrate from grass-routes upwards.”

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Polo Times, October 2015

24/09/2015 17:29

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Polo Times, October 2015

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24/09/2015 17:29

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

Wiggy Bamforth reports on the late summer Youth matches from up and down the country

HPA Victorious The teams of The Alan Budgett Trophy with Mrs Budgett

Photograph by Terje Gilje

The last of the Summer’s HPA Select Junior matches was played on Saturday 29 August at Kirtlington Park Polo Club, for The Alan Budgett Trophy. A fast, flowing game between the HPA Juniors and a Kirtlington Park Polo Club junior team saw the youngsters produce an exciting match, which was as good to watch as it was to play. The Kirtlington team received 1½ goals on handicap, and capitalised on this lead by scoring another within the first few seconds. A strong first chukka saw an early lead for them, but the HPA Junior team redoubled their efforts to come back and up the score. The strong side, featuring Robin Ormerod of Druid’s Lodge and Henry Letts, who played for the Oatleys Buckmaster side, were joined by Tom Parry-Jones and Harry Hickmet, who scored an excellent field goal from about 60 yards out to put the HPA Junior team in the lead at half-time. Despite excellent play from the home team, which featured two Kirtlington charges, Magnus Gilje, son of current patron Terje, and James Grayson, whose father Ralph used to play at Kirtlington in the nineties, the second half of the match didn’t build much on the score of 5-4½ to the HPA, with only another three

Action from The Alan Budgett Trophy

goals scored. However, the polo remained a high standard, with good shots and excellent teamwork exhibited from both teams, and Hector Worsley, up-and-coming future pro, making some good play, backed up by Robert Fleming. However, the HPA managed to increase their lead by another two goals, widening the gap between the two teams, and ran out the winners, 7-5½, to take The Alan Budgett Trophy. Mrs Budgett presented the Trophy, which takes its name from the son of Kirtlington Park Polo Club’s founder, Hugh Budgett. Alan was

instrumental in reviving Kirtlington Park Polo Club after the Second World War, and was also Master of the Bicester & Whaddon Chase. The Alan Budgett Trophy teams: HPA: Tom Parry-Jones (0), Henry Letts (0), Harry Hickmet (0) & Robin Ormerod (1) Kirtlington Park Polo Club: Magnus Gilje (–1), Hector Worsley (0), James Grayson (0) & Robert Fleming (0) Result: HPA beat Kirtlington Park Polo Club 7-5½

Zimbabwe U25s Take on Brits During UK Tour The Zimbabwe U25 visiting team has been playing a series of matches from Monday 31 August – Tuesday 8 September. The Zimbabwean team, consisting of Thomas Wood (1), Alexandra Wood (0), Judah Day (0) and Ryan Robertson (0) boast many impressive polo connections. Thomas and Alexandra are the step-children of former 7 goaler Johnny Campbell, while Judah Day is the nephew of former 5 goal player Tom Brown. Ryan Roberston, a South African player from

Photograph by David Woodd

The Zimbabwe team (left) were victorious against Beaufort

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Plettenberg Bay, completes the line up – he also works for Dougie Lund, the ex-Springbok 5 goal player. A match between Beaufort and a Zimbabwean visiting team took place on Monday 31 August at Fosse Tillery Farm. The Beaufort team of Sarah Hughes (0), Janey Dear (0), Mark Baldwin (2) and Saffy Hutchinson (0) unfortunately lost out to the Zimbabwean team by only one and a half goals, despite Zimbabwe ending the first chukka 3-0 down. The Zimbabwean team followed up this victory on Friday 4 September with an 8-4½ win over the Kirtlington team of Florence Berner (-1), Hector Worsley (0), James Fewster (0) and Sam Tylor (1) at Kirtlington. The Zimbabwean team took the lead after good play from both teams, with the lower handicapped Kirtlington team just getting left behind as they pulled away for a convincing win.

On Sunday 6 September, the third match for the Zimbabweans saw them defeated at Longdole 5½-4 by the Rest of the World, playing a strong team consisting of Henry Wood, Charlie Hitchman, Issy St Aubyn and Jack Severn. The final match of their tour on Tuesday 8 September saw a home win for the Cirencester team of Martin ffrench-Blake, Rosanna Turk, Monte Swain-Grainger and Ed Williams, who beat Zimbabwe 6-4. Though a tough match for the overseas players, the standard of polo remained as high as the rest of the tour had previously seen. Hilary Campbell, who is escorting the Zimbabwean team, spoke to Polo Times, “The tour was put together by David Woodd and Dee Powell who have also very kindly hosted us. We have been lent horses by Dee Powell, Grant and Tessa Collett, Shaun Brokensha, Nick Britten-Long and Rupert Lewis to whom we are hugely indebted to.” Polo Times, October 2015

24/09/2015 17:29

Youth

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Great Scot! Scotland beat England soundly in The Whitbread Trophy on Wednesday 19 August at Rutland Polo Club. The two teams, representing the England Colts and the Scotland Colts, were composed of a selection of the HPA’s best U21 players. The game saw HPA Select’s usual high standard of polo played, with an excellent ground providing a great base for a fast game. Scotland steamed into the lead in the first chukka, scoring three goals in quick succession before England got their game heads on. Nick Winterton exhibited some particularly fine play, controlling the speed of the game and feeding the ball forward. Despite the England side waking up to exhibit some good defensive skills, Scotland continued to increase their lead, seeing the start of the last chukka 6½-1 in their favour. England rallied, with Miles Marlow-Thomas leading the team in a last-minute attack, upping the English score by another two goals. However, the game was out of time for England to claw back victory, and the Scots ran out the winners, 6½-3. Colonel Whitbread’s daughter, Lady Tollemache presented prizes kindly donated by Rutland Polo Club.

Charles Whittington Pony Club Chairman

The Whitbread Trophy Teams Scotland Colts: Angus Rowan-Hamilton (-1), Freddie Younger (-2), Will Younger (-2) & Nick Winterton (1) Coach: Jeremy Barber England Colts: Henry Frisby (-1), Miles Marlow-Thomas (0), Jake Rigby (-1) & Marcus Cork (-1) Coach: Ed Winterton Result: Scotland beat England, 6½-3

Photograph by John Rowley

The English and Scottish teams of The Whitbread Trophy

Dates for the Diary: Hampshire – The RJ Polo Bournemouth University Tournament (University Beginner & Novice): Saturday 24 October Contact: Ellie Seedhouse-Morton, seedhouse.e@hotmail.co.uk Edinburgh – The Edinburgh University Annual Tournament (University Beginner, Novice, Intermediate & Open): Friday 30 October – Sunday 1 November Contact: Arthur Bryan, ajbryan@live.co.uk

Polo Times, October 2015

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Druids Lodge – Varsity Match (Royal Holloway vs Exeter): Saturday 31 October Sussex – University of Kent Charity Tournament and Ball (University Beginner & Novice): Friday 20 – Saturday 21 November Contact: treasurer.ukcpolo@gmail.com

any congratulations to the Polo Times on their comprehensive coverage of the Pony Club Championships at Cowdray Park in the previous issue, which I didn’t have a chance to comment on. Many thanks must also go to to Cowdray Park Polo Club and the Cowdray Estate for hosting the event. By and large, I thought the competition went really well. First, the general standard of polo, including riding, tactics and technique, was at a better standard than last year. This is pleasing given that we have worked hard on training courses, standards and instructors. We plan to do yet more on this front next year including possibly combined training and competition days. Keep in touch via the Pony Club website and the Polo Times for more details. Second, the final of the Gannon, the flagship competition of the Pony Club and a trophy with a noble history, produced a really good quality and entertaining match. Third, the standard of umpiring was very high. This is something I had worked on personally and it was very pleasing to see present and past members of the Pony Club – some B grade – umpiring very well. The umpires were consistent and intolerant of poor language and behaviour. A couple of technical fouls given as soon as things get heated – it does wonders once word gets round that there is going to be zero tolerance! Perhaps I should also mention that players, parents and officials seemed to enjoy themselves on the social side as well, which is part of the whole weekend. On balance, looking back, a good season. Of course, there are things the Committee want to work on for next year – more and better training, more effective recruitment, slicker organisation. If you have comments, please pass them on through your Branch Manager.

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24/09/2015 17:29

All Aspects of Youth Polo

Youth

Photograph by Jovanna Valladares

On Sunday 30 August, Cheshire Polo Club hosted the Finals of The SUPA Home Nations Tournament. The format allowed teams to play four chukka matches, and the day resulted in a win to England, who beat Scotland 4½-3, despite a lower team handicap. Henry Smith was named Most Valuable Player, while Adam Dove’s Melody took home the Best Playing Pony prize. In the Subsidiary Final, Wales beat Ireland 6-3, and Alex Wood was named Most Valuable Player. Prizes were kindly presented by Dugald and Charlotte Long Charles Betz, Chairman of SUPA, spoke to Polo Times about the event, “The Most Promising Player Award, received in 1968 by Dugald Long from Harold E. Playster, was awarded to George Smith (11-years-old) by Dugald Long. Hereafter it will be awarded annually at the SUPA Home Nations Tournament in memory of David Rollinson, former player and Chairman of Cheshire Polo Club. This HE Playster Trophy was the first to be used to recognise the most promising player in the HPA and its successor trophy has been annually awarded by the HPA at The Coronation Cup at Guards since. Since 2010 this tournament

Photography by www.sarahclegg.com

England Victorious at SUPA Home Nations Tournament

The teams for the SUPA Home Nations Tournament 2015. has sought to consolidate the growth and changes within SUPA amongst the Home Nations. In many ways this bank holiday event is not a purely competitive tournament, but a national polo exhibition for SUPA’s Ireland, Scotland and most recently Wales branches. In that sense, the mandate is achieved and everyone wins. RJ Polo has embraced this vision and have generously committed to and supported SUPA throughout this season and for the next several years. The winning England team

Committee: Founder – Sufi Haroon Captain – Nikhil Pandit President – Esme Girdwood Vice President – Jasmine Thomas Treasurer – Sophie Lagnado Which Club do you train at or do you have your own? We train at FHM Polo Club, which is 15 minutes away from the University and provides good safe horses for beginners at a low cost. We train in groups of six, keeping it fun and exciting every step of the way.

Motto: Vacate et scire Colours: White, maroon & pale blue Sponsors: Pakistani polo team, Polo d’Sufi

How many teams do you have, and at what levels? We currently have two Beginner teams

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The SUPA Home Nations Tournament 2015 Finalists: England: George Smith (-2), Hal Anderton (-1), Henry Smith (-1) & Jamie Thomas (-1) Scotland: Katrina Kay (-2), Joshua CharltonBriggs (-2), Matthew Dove (0) & Adam Dove (0) Subsidiary Finalists: Ireland: Ailbhe Houlihan/Dermot Hewson (-2), Daniel McManus (-2), Toosie Forbes (-2) & Tom Branigan/Jack Forbes (-2) Wales: James Thorne (-2), Laurie Hickey/Olivia EndressRoberts (-2), Ryan Ollerton (-2) & Alex Wood -2)

Youth Polo is a rapidly expanding area of the sport. As the academic year starts again, we take a peek at some new University line-ups Introducing: The University of Sussex Polo Club

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The SUPA Home Nations Tournament closes the annual fixtures for SUPA.” Charles went on to say that Glynn Henderson umpired the matches, “With excellence,” and that, “Huge thanks also go to Sheryl Rollinson and Cheshire Polo Club, and especially to HPA Steward Howard Taylor, a steadfast SUPA supporter.”

and expect to have an Intermediate team this coming season as well. Our teams are composed of everyone from complete beginners to more experienced polo players. Recent achievements? As a new team with only one experienced player, being able to compete and win friendly matches against other universities whose students have more polo mileage is an achievement within itself. The amount of progress our players have made in their first year is quite impressive! More information on playing for, against or sponsoring UoSPC can be found on Facebook, or by contacting Esme Gridwood, e.girdwood1@uni.bsms.ac.uk

Polo Times, October 2015

24/09/2015 17:30

Youth

Sotogrande Special

Brits Battle it out in Spain Katie Vickery reports on the latest young Brit news from Sotogrande in the Kids’ Championship of Andalucia and Spain 2015

onday 24 August saw another exciting set of Finals on the beautiful fields of Los Pinos, this time between the younger generations of Cambiasos, Harpers and Hines, for the Kids’ Championship of Andalucia and Spain 2015. Organized by Santa Maria Polo Club and The Spanish Polo Federation, together with the FIP and the Sports Council, the event saw over 50 young players participate. The tournament was divided into three categories: high,

Polo Times, October 2015

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Young players ride out onto the pitch at Santa Maria

Photography by Katie Vickery

The Results: High goal: 1st La Indiana: Fran Gómez, Carlos Lucena (Jr), Sofía Amieva & Will Harper 2nd Don Peludo: Ned Hine, Alicia Gariador, Chloe Horswell & Alannah Horswell 3rd Santa Anita: Carlos Gómez, Daniel González, Segundo Urite & Alejandro Fratini 4th Crin Blanca: Santiago Moyano, Ignacio Satrustegui, Juan Paez & Santiago Paez Medium goal: 1st Dos Lunas: Facundo García Grossi, Mia Cambiaso, María José Satrustegui & Santiago Estévez 2nd El Caracol: Adolfito Cambiaso, Fernando Benjumea, Carlos Carrasco & Ignacio Paez 3rd La Querencia: Ramón Mora Figueroa, Cruz Marchini, Alejandro Gómez & Roberto Iturrioz 4th Cornicabral: Natalia Bayarri/Mika Soto, Benjamín Quiroga, R. Carlsson/A. Carlsson, & Regina Cabezas Low goal: 1st Ayala: Félix Toccalino, Santino Taranco, Elliot Galliene & Layla Shakib 2nd Santa María: Pablo Mora Figueroa, León Donoso, Adrián González & Fausto Otharan 3rd Shakib Polo: Tirso Otharan, Kika Camejo, Kasva Shakib & Victoria Urite

medium and low goal. Eleven teams took part, with many featuring children of renowned polo figures such as Adolfo Cambiaso, Agustín García Grossi, Ignacio Toccalino, José Donoso and Alejo Taranco. In the high goal division, the success of the La Indiana and Don Peludo teams saw all four of the English players out in Sotogrande reach the Final. Team Don Peludo featured three British players, Ned Hine, Alannah Horswell and Chloe Horswell, who were joined by Alicia Gariador. Will Harper, who played for La Indiana, was joined by Carlos Lucena (Jr), Sofia Amieva and Fran Gomez.

La Indiana celebrate their win at Santa Maria Polo Club

Sibling rivalry as Mia and Adolfito Cambiaso battle it out

The teams of The Kids’ Championship of Andalucia and Spain 2015

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24/09/2015 17:30

Sotogrande Special

The game was a fantastic showcase of young British talent. The teams were well matched, fighting it out throughout the game, but it was La Indiana who scored the first goal in the opening chukka, with a solo run through the posts from Will Harper. In the second chukka and final chukka, La Indiana put away another goal, despite some great

plays from Ned Hine and the Horswell sisters. An incredible nearside under-the-neck shot by Ned Hine for his team’s first goal, right at the end of the second chukka, was not enough to halt La Indiana in their victory, with the final score at the bell 2-1 to La Indiana. Earlier, in the Final for the medium goal, a win from Mia Cambiaso’s team,

Youth

Dos Lunas (Facundo García Grossi, Mia Cambiaso, María José Satrustegui and Santiago Estévez) pushed little brother Adolfito Cambiaso’s El Caracol into second place. In the low goal division it was Ayala (Félix Toccalino, Santino Taranco, Elliot Galliene and Layla Shakib) who took home the prize.

Young Brit Focus In Their Words. . . Polo Times talks to the young stars of the Tournament Chloe & Alannah Horswell: How do you think the Tournament went? Alannah: It was so much fun! It’s really good being able to play with people our age because we’re at a more similar standard. But playing with people who are slightly better than you also makes the game a lot faster, so it’s more enjoyable. Chloe: It was quicker than anything we’ve ever done before because in England we don’t play with people this good. Quite nerve-wracking but great fun! Tell us more about your teammates? Chloe: We played our first tournament with Mia Cambiaso – she’s really good, but she’s also really nice and she’s lovely to play with. I also played with Will Harper, he’s very good too. Alannah: We’d never played with Ned Hine before, but we worked well as a team together. Chloe: We’ve seen him play and I’d met him before – he’s really good and he’s only 12. When Alicia (Gariador) saw him in our team she had her doubts because he’s quite small, but then she saw him play. We also manage to play with her every two days out here because our horses are kept on the farm that her dad manages. How have your horses gone out here? Chloe: Dad (John Horswell) brought over three horses for us and rented one off Recendo ‘Rochi’ Torreguitar because we needed two each and we only had three. I think the best horse was definitely Rochi’s for me. Alannah: My best horses were probably Mimosa and Simpatica. How did it feel to play the Final at Los Pinos? Chloe: It was quite scary, but I felt prepared because Dad was our coach and he told me what to do. Alannah: We’ve never played with so many people watching in front of such a big crowd. As we drove up and saw the spectators watching the games before us we were getting really scared, but it was so much fun and hearing everyone cheer was great. Chloe: I missed quite a few goals but other than that I’m pretty happy with how I played.

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Will Harper & Ned Hine: How did you find the tournament? Will: I much prefer playing over here than in England, because it was much faster and easier to play; it’s not so scrappy here. Every field here is great to play on. The kids polo here is definitely much better here than back in England. Ned: I came over not knowing I was going to play polo, but I brought my stuff over hoping to maybe just play some practices. Then we heard about the tournament and managed to get a team together. I was going to play the medium section originally, but I managed to play the one above. Did you play in the first tournament as well? Will: Yes, I played in both tournaments. The first one was at Ayala where we played a two chukka match, waited four chukkas and then played in the Final. The Ayala grounds are unbelievable and I was really lucky with my team. Did you have your own horses? Will: I was really lucky with the horses. Dubai have been lending me some and I’ve been playing one of David Pelon Stirling’s which was very nice and James Beim’s been lending me one. Ned: Very kindly, Adolfo lent me some of Dubai’s horses in the practices and all the games, and then in the Final I was really lucky to be able to play Adolfito’s horses which are amazing. It’s such a joy to play them. And you two are good friends, what was it like to play against each other? Ned: Well we know all of each other’s plays. We were talking about this in the car the other day actually. We were talking about what we prefer, because when we play with each other it’s not much of a challenge, but when we play against each other it’s so much more of a challenge, so it’s more enjoyable. Are you done now until next year? Will: When I get back to England my 4 goal tournament starts on the Tuesday and then I could very possibly also have a 6 goal tournament and then I will be finished. I’m hoping Dad will take me to Argentina this year.

Polo Times, October 2015

24/09/2015 17:30

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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Military

Guards Polo Club welcomed Major General Edward Smyth-Osbourne, the commanding officer for The Household Division, to Smith’s Lawn on Sunday 29 August to oversee an array of Military matches and present the Major General’s Trophy. Stefan Sund’s Lost Boys were awarded the trophy after an impressive 9-3 win over The Hackett Army team. The Lost Boys came out firing on all cylinders in the first two chukkas and were ahead by four goals at half-time. The Hackett Army team failed to score at all in the third, and it wasn’t looking good for the young team despite The Lost Boys having reduced their goal rate in the second half. The Military teams didn’t fare any better in the Sub Final with The Army Pensioners defeating The Household Division 6-4½. Edward Horswell and Kim Richardson were responsible for the Pensioners’ goals, with Horswell putting four through the flags in the final chukka. These were not the only Military matches on this day. Sunday had started with a ‘friendly’ between The Household Cavalry and The Foot Guards. The Household Cavalry came out on top in this match, defeating the Foot Guards 7-3. Guards Polo Club patron Lt Col Howard Flood, who traditionally organises a Grenadiers game on this day too, did not fail to disappoint. For the first time in a while The Present Grenadiers got the better of The Past Grenadiers, defeating them 7-3. Major General Smyth-Osbourne arrived in time on a buggy from the main presentations to Ground Three to present The Present Grenadiers with their prizes.

Photography by ©www.imagesofpolo.com

Guards Polo Club Muster Masses of Military Action

Hackett Army with the Lost Boys

The Past Grenadiers with The Present Grenadiers

The Household Division and The Army Pensioners

The Lost Boys: Ali Walker (0), Charlie Pidgley (1), Faisal Al Rifai (1) & Stefan Sund (0) The Hackett Army: O/Cdt Tom WindsorClive (-2), O/Cdt Jamie Drummond-Moray (1), 2Lt Paddy Selfe (1) & O/Cdt Billy Arahamian (2) Result: Lost Boys defeated Hackett Army 9-3

The Household Cavalry and The Foot Guards

The Army Pensioners: Jim Wordsworth (-1), Kim Richardson (1), Milo Manton (0) & Edward Horswell (2) The Household Division: Capt George Hewson (-2), Cadet John Sleeman (2), Lt A Mulholland (0) & Major Peter Hunter (0) Result: The Army Pensioners defeated The Household Division 6-4½

The Present Grenadiers: Capt Jamie Garton (-2), Capt Michael Dobson (-2), Lt Moss Hamilton (0) & Rufus Camm (0) The Past Grenadiers: Major Robert Adam (-2), Major General Robert Talbot-Rice (-1), Lt Col Howard Flood (-1) & Capt Forlarin Kaku (0) Result: The Present Grenadiers defeated The Past Grenadiers 7-3

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The Household Cavalry: Lt Henry Vaughan (-2), Capt Jack Carefoot/Capt Jack Barn (-2), Lt Cameron Bacon (0) & Capt Tom Maples (-2) The Foot Guards: Capt James Marsden/ Guardsman Mark (-2), Capt Alex Major/Major Henry Llewyllen (-2), Lt Maurice Hamilton (0) & Major Chris Davies (-2) Result: The Household Cavalry defeated The Foot Guards 7-3 Polo Times, October 2015

24/09/2015 17:31

Military

A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

On a somewhat soggy Bank Holiday Monday, ten Military teams assembled at Tidworth Polo Club to compete for The AGC Polo Cup. It certainly was a busy weekend for Military Polo, with teams also playing at Guards Polo Club and The Vale of York Polo Club. With the end of the season fast approaching, many players and teams are trying to book in as much grass polo as possible before hanging up their hats for the season. Despite the weather, the tournament was a great success. The ten teams were split into three divisions, but it was The Fleet Air Arm team who took home the Cup after a hard fought Final against The King’s Royal Hussars, with a score of 2-0. The Army Reserves came third and The Adjutant General’s Corps fourth, for division one (-5 to -4 goals). In division two (-7 goals) The Royal Artillery came out on top with The Royal Logistic Corps in second place, followed by The Royal Navy. In division three (-8 to -7 goals) The Royal Airforce took first

Photograph by Peter Meade

Adjutant General’s Corps Polo Cup

The Fleet Air Arm team; Adrian Aplin, Steve Spiller, Bob Santrian & Dean Basset

place followed by The Welsh Guards in second and The Adjutant General’s Crops (Blue) in third. The prizes were presented to the players by the Regimental Colonel of The Adjutant General’s Corps, Colonel Andrew King.

The Fleet Air Arm team (-4): Dean Basset (-2), Bob Santrian (-1), Steve Spiller (-1) & Adrian Aplin (0) The Kings Royal Hussars team (-4): Kieran Hatchley (-2), Alex Walch (-1), Oscar Churton (-1) & George Walker (0) Result: The Fleet Air Arm beat The Kings Royal Hussars 2-0

A Weekend of Dirty Jodhpurs The Army guests camped overnight, but before they retired to their tents the VYPC laid on a BBQ followed by a few ales in the Clubhouse. The evening entertainment also included VYPC members challenging the Army to an Arena Rugby Match and subsequently dodgeball. There was only ever going to be one winner, as Richard ‘Hobgoblin’ McAlisterMartin commented to Polo Times, “How would we know that Capt Mawby was a semiprofessional Rugby player in New Zealand?” Bagley Jodhpur Trophy teams: Army Reserve/Royal Yeomanry (-6): Maj Terry Warburton (-2), 2Lt Oli Harrison (-2), Capt Dan von Barloewen (-1) & Capt Will Mawby (-1)

The Dirty Jodhpurs (-6): John S Bagley (-2), Alice Bagley (-2), Lisa Piddington (-1) / Diana Dickinson (-1) & Richard ‘Hobgoblin’ McAlister-Martin (-1) Tompkins Marine (-6): Joe Harper (-2)/ Becky Doughty (-2)/Lee Burgin (-2)/ Sian Saxton (-2), Marie Sheen (-2) / Craig Buckley (-2), Polly Tracey (-2) Russ Baughan (-2) & Paul Piddington (1) / Will Wilkinson (-1) Round robin results: The Dirty Jodhpurs beat Army Reserve/ Royal Yeomanry 3-2 Tompkins Marine beat The Dirty Jodhpurs 2-1½ Tompkins Marine beat Army Reserve/ Royal Yeomanry 5-4½

Photograph by David Sharpe

The Vale of York Polo Club were delighted to welcome a combined Army Reserve and Royal Yeomanry team to play against two VYPC teams for the inaugural Bagley Jodhpur Trophy Match on Saturday 29 August, kindly sponsored by their very own Consultant John S Bagley, South Yorkshire’s leading Proctology Specialist. The match ran on a six chukka round robin basis with three teams; Army Reserve/ Royal Yeomanry, The Dirty Jodhpurs (Team Bagley) and Tompkins Marine. Following the Final, Tompkins Marine came out on top, with The Dirty Jodhpurs second and the Army Reserve/Royal Yeomanry team third.

Tompkins Marine and the Army Reserve/Yeomanry teams ready for action

Polo Times, October 2015

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www.polotimes.co.uk

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A Round-Up of Military Polo Action

Troops at Triskelion

RAF Cranwell

very well and 12 goals were scored on the second day of play for a fitting 8-8 result. The Army & Reserve team are looking forward to their beach rematch on 16 February. Army & Reserve (-4): Lt Col Matt Petersen (-2), Col Simon Goldstein (-2), OCdt Rishi Ahluwalia (0) & Tpr Mark Selway (0) Triskelion (-6): Maddie Bridle (-2), Graham Dimelow (-2), Beccy Netten (-2) & Cameron Houston (0)

Photograph by Elaine Dewhirs

Following the successful beach polo fixture in February, The Army & Reserve Team returned for the first competitive field polo fixture to be held on the Isle of Man – an 8 chukka match played over the evening of Friday 11 September and the afternoon of Saturday 12 September. From a 2-2 score on Friday, the second half of the match on Saturday treated over 100 spectators to fast end-to-end polo. The pitch, established in less than a year, played

Military

Army & Reserve in action against Triskelion on the Isle of Man

Royal Air Force Polo played Hackett Army B at the RAF Cranwell grounds on 12 September as part of RAF Cranwell’s Equitation Weekend. Captain Charlie Gray (-2) and Captain Ed Faulkner (-2), both of The Royal Lancers, joined Captain Mariane van Straaten RMP (-1) and Major John Morgan RWxY (-1) to play a well drilled and relatively experienced RAF side which included the College commandant, Air Commodore Chris Luck. Flt Lt Dave Black, Gp Capt Mark Smith and the extremely talented Flt Lt Dan Rose. Despite this Army Team not having played together before, the communication flowed freely and back up was consistent, as was the passing of the ball up the line to teammates. The two sides remained well matched until the third chukka when the RAF’s very tight defence, combined with the skills of Dan Rose, ensured a giant task to get back on terms in the fourth chukka. Mariane van Straaten scored a cracking neck shot at distance, but the match ended 5-2 in favour of the hosts.

Chance to win £2,500 with your former racehorse (raced in GB and registered with RoR)

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Tel: 01252-781640 Polo Times, October 2015

24/09/2015 17:32

Knowledge

Equipment Focus: Bits

Retrained Racehorse Q&A Stephen Biddlecombe of Equine Management Ltd answers a reader’s question on bitting

Snaffles are standard fare on the racetrack, but when retraining for polo the correct bit option is essential to avoid ongoing problems which may impact on progress and performance

I have a five-year-old ex-racehorse gelding. On the track he ran with his tongue out, a habit he still has. I originally started off with a Three-Ring-Gag, but he still poked his tongue out in this. I then tried a Waterford and although his tongue does not stick out as much, I still find him very strong. Do you have any suggestions? LR, Oxford

does sound like tongue sensitivity, which is very common. If I am right, he would have raised his head in the Three-Ring-Gag, not because of the mouth piece, but because the action of the bit’s rope cheekpieces

is to raise the bit in the horse’s mouth, which aggravates the issue. My suggestion is to try him in a Williams McHardy. The McHardy still provides tongue relief, but it is stronger than the Happy Tongue (which we covered in the August issue of Polo Times). It will give you some poll pressure, as well as helping with the turning aids. This bit has a medium port, creating space for the tongue, which relieves pressure. The Buster Roller in the middle increases bar pressure, which lifts the horse’s head, giving more control. The McHardy was created as a combination of a jointed Happy Tongue with a Buster Roller centre. It is an excellent bit for polo when more control is required, allowing at the same time comfort for the horse’s tongue. The 2½ ring version is the softest version, as the ‘half’ ring softens the leverage on the mouthpiece and poll. All Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron, which encourages salivation and helps bit acceptance.

Submit your bitting questions to info@equineman.com to enter a prize draw to win a voucher towards the Bombers Bit of your choice.

Firstly, I assume you have had his teeth, neck and back checked by a qualified physical therapist to rule out physiological issues. If not, you should cover these options first. The issue of ‘tongue poking’

The McHardy is a good option for a horse that has issues with ‘tongue poking’

Bombers Bits include hundreds of off the shelf bitting solutions, and customers can even design their own bespoke bit from a selection of mouth pieces, cheek pieces and widths, using the ‘design your own bit’ service at www.bombersbits.co.uk. Bombers bits are made from blue sweet iron – the metal oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. This encourages the horse to salivate. Call Equine Management on 01825 840 002.

Polo Times, October 2015

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www.polotimes.co.uk

24/09/2015 17:32

Nutrition Focus

Knowledge

Lorna Edgar – specialist equine nutritionist

Rear of the Year How are your rears looking at this time of year? I arrived at Tom Beim’s yard near Cirencester in mid-September when the polo season is pretty much over for most, when ponies begin to become tired and ready for a rest. Three goal player, Tom, still has ten games to go, but I was delighted to see his string of ponies still looking super and, as Tom says, still feeling great – his two grooms, Matias and Antonio, look like they are the ones in need of a rest! Although these ponies are not playing high goal, they are predominantly Australian Thoroughbreds and have so far played 112 games with another 10 to go. They have also been doing plenty of travelling up and down the country, which was why I was so impressed that their ‘rears were looking fabulous’ at this time of the year. During the second half of the season, we are often used to seeing ponies begin to

At 15-years-old, Jenny still has a fabulous end-ofseason rear

The Beim string show off their impressive end of season rears

lose their topline and often lack a little energy. Frequently, this means we often add a few more oats to help them see the season out. So, how have Matias and Antonio achieved such good ‘rears’ to the end of the season? For the last two seasons these ponies have all lived out at night and are stabled during the day. Whilst they stand in, they have constant access to haylage and any ‘good doers’ are given two or three smaller amounts during the day so they are not without forage for long periods of time. As you can imagine, it is music to my ears when I hear that muzzles are a thing of the past in the Beim yard! When the ponies come back into work they are all fed Conditioning Cubes and a prebiotic (Baileys Digest Plus) to aid beneficial bacteria in the hindgut as it adjusts to the introduction of concentrate feed. The quantity of cubes they receive is increased in line with their workload, trying to ‘keep a lid’ on their energy levels as they become fitter. Once they start playing, they are generally

6-year-old Minstrel has kept her topline throughout the season

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receiving three round Stubbs scoops per day of Conditioning Cubes, with two mugs of Baileys Performance Balancer per day. Those ‘good doers’ have a little fewer cubes and a little more balancer, thus reducing the calorie intake but maintaining a balanced ration to support their workload. So far none of the ponies have needed oats as the Conditioning Cubes are providing adequate energy and power for the work Tom is asking of them on the field. Touching wood (and lots of wood!) Tom tells me, “They have not had any injuries this year, apart from the odd cut and scrape.” Could this be attributed to a balanced diet of quality proteins, vitamins and minerals, and therefore tendon and ligament integrity and elasticity not being compromised? Who knows, but Team Beim have done a great job here, maintaining their rears until this time of year Contact Lorna Edgar of Baileys Horse Feeds on lorna@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

10-year-old Flint, pictured with Mathias, is a reliable, solid and powerful third chukka horse

Polo Times, October 2015

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Knowledge

Veterinary Focus

Nicola Bell BVetMed MRCVS graduated from the Royal Veterinary College and spent time working near Buenos Aires, before returning to the UK to a position at Riverside Vets in Hampshire. Having captained the Royal Vets Polo Team for several years, she continued to play club polo at Lacey Green, before moving to Hampshire with three of her polo ponies in tow. Nicola has a particular interest in equine medicine and performance, which incorporates preventative medicine.

Mineral Deficiencies

Photograph by ÂŠwww.imagesofpolo.com

Grass in your paddocks may seem plentiful, but it is wise to test the soil to make sure geography is not likely to impact on the mineral content if copper and selenium levels are low

Electrolytes are lost in sweat

become out of kilter. The more electrolytes a horse loses, the osmolarity (concentration) of body fluids is altered and this in turn affects how their bodies function. This can contribute to fatigue, impair their ability to regulate their body temperature and lead to poor co-ordination.

Electrolytes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what are they and what do they do? Electrolytes or Salts are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in water. They are fundamental to important processes in the body such as controlling fluid balance, muscle contraction and the transmission of nerve impulses. The role of electrolytes in fluid balance is important to consider, as electrolytes are lost in sweat. If we consider that in normal conditions, horses can lose up to five to seven litres of sweat per hour of exercise, and up to 15 litres of sweat per hour during high intensity exercise (with 10g of electrolytes in each litre) it is easy to see how these electrolytes can

How do we prevent this? Ensuring our horses have access to a good quality balanced feed should provide horses in light to moderate work with their daily requirement of electrolytes. Offering rock salt licks is a good way to make up for any shortfall. Those horses in harder work may require additional supplementation. Picking the correct supplement can often be daunting when walking into a feed store. A rough guide for electrolytes can be calculated by adding the stated amount of sodium to the amount of potassium and it should be equal to the level of chloride. This is in balance with the ratio of electrolytes lost in sweat.

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Going into winter, what should we be considering for the ponies we turn out? Is grass enough? The nutritional content of grass varies from season to season, as well as geographically. It is often thought that grass alone is adequate as the only feed offered to those horses on turn out. Unfortunately it is not particularly suitable in terms of vitamins and minerals and for those horses with higher energy requirements, for example mares in foal. Many people will regularly test their hay or haylage for its nutritional content, however pasture or soil testing is often overlooked. What is in the soil can determine the quality of the grass produced, along with other edible plants that may supplement the grazing. This is the best way to ensure that the grazing we are providing is suitable as a sole feedstuff or whether we need to supplement over the winter. Copper and selenium are two minerals that are often lacking from pastures, selenium being affected by geographic location. Whilst selenium requirements are low, supplementation should always be done with care and veterinary advice as horses are particularly sensitive to selenium toxicity. Copper levels vary hugely throughout the year, and can be altered by the levels of other minerals that are being ingested.

Eating soil can be an indicator of Pica and should lead to investigation of mineral levels

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Veterinary Focus

Offering a rock salt lick is a good way to make up for any shortfall

Protein deficiency is also something that is often mistaken for eating too few calories. This may be caused by either poor intake of good quality protein, or a lack of a specific amino-acid (the building blocks of proteins). Horses that are protein deficient often show non-specific signs such as poor quality hair and hoof growth. What signs may we see to indicate our horses may be lacking in minerals? Behaviours such as Pica (eating non-food substances) or excessively licking each other may indicate that our ponies are lacking in essential minerals. Phosphorus

deficiency can be seen in horses that are fed poor quality hay or pasture without feed supplementation. Horses may be seen to eat large quantities of soil, often seen before other signs become apparent. Chronic salt deprivation may also result in Pica. Other behaviours such as eating faeces and chewing fences or bark may indicate that they do not have enough roughage in their diets. Supplementing the pasture with good quality hay will often combat this issue. However, all of these behaviours have also been linked with boredom. In summary, testing the pasture is the best starting point, and seeking appropriate advice regarding the results to ensure that you have good quality pasture and hay available to your ponies this winter. Making small changes such as making sure the mineral balance is correct will help us get off to a great start at the beginning of next season. Nicola Bell BVetMed MRCVS Riverside Equine Vets Tel: 02380 620605 Email: nbell@rvc.ac.uk or visit www.riversidevets.co.uk/equine

Knowledge

The eating of non-food substances is called Pica and whilst can be linked to boredom is also a sign of mineral deficiency References Hinchcliff, K.W., Kaneps, A.J., Geor, R.J., 2007 Equine Exercise Physiology: The Science of Exercise in the Athletic Horse, Saunders Merck Veterinary Manual, Management and Nutrition. Accessed online at www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/ index.html

The boundary to your property is where the security starts Automa tic Gate s Car Park Barriers Access Cont rol Risi ng Bollards Sola r Gate s and Barriers

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Polo Times, October 2015

24/09/2015 17:32

Knowledge

Equine Legal Advice

Debt Recovery

Lottie Goldstone, a Solicitor Advocate at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, offers up some legal advice on how to deal with end of season debt recovery Whether you are a professional player, patron, blacksmith, feed merchant or a polo club as we near the end of the season you may find that you are owed money. This article aims to help guide you through the process of recovering debt and opting for the most cost effective route relating to the sum of money outstanding. If money is owed to you then you are known as a creditor and your first step is to contact the debtor with a view to agreeing either payment in full, or a payment plan that is affordable for the debtor. It would be prudent to make this arrangement via email and to keep a note of all correspondence between yourself and the debtor with a view to, if this is not resolved, using it as evidence. This would also show you in a good light, providing that you have been reasonable, if it ever went to Court. If however, corresponding with the debtor is fatuous, then the next step would be to write a letter to the debtor formally outlining: 1. Who you are 2. The amount of the debt 3. How the debt arose i.e. the purpose of the debt 4. Steps taken to recover the debt 5. Steps that will be taken to recover the debt 6. The date by which you would expect payment (a minimum of seven days) 7. A request for any disputed issues to be put in writing If this again provides no further progress with the matter, then mediation would be the next reasonable step. However this can be a fairly costly exercise and needs to be fully considered and related to the amount of money outstanding. The Court does take the view that parties to a dispute should attempt to resolve their differences through negotiation or mediation before seeking redress through the Courts and, if mediation is unsuccessful, the matter can still be taken to Court. Mediation is very good if there are disputed areas in so far as to how the debt arose and contributory factors that may, in the debtor’s mind, reduce the amount outstanding. The ‘no nonsense’ approach, of which I am an advocate, is that any sum outstanding over £750 can be demanded via Statutory Demand and if payment is not received within 21 days then the creditor is able to petition 70

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for the debtor’s bankruptcy (if individual) and liquidation (if corporate). This route is cost effective and the results are good in so far as receiving payment. However it can affect the relationship with your debtor and you need to be mindful of this should you wish to continue doing business together the following season. That said, if your reputation is one that if you do not get paid on time or in full then you will petition for bankruptcy or liquidation, then the hope is that future debtors will heed to this ‘no nonsense’ reputation. If, however, you are a professional player and you are owed money by a patron, then issuing a Statutory Demand and petitioning for bankruptcy could have a detrimental effect on your relationship and engaging with that patron on a professional basis in the future. This should not be considered as a deterrent, more as an overriding factor to be aware of. Personally, I would adopt the Statutory Demand approach every time. The original contract needs to be clear that the sum is due for the services rendered and when the payment is to be paid, so it is as well to agree the finite terms and conditions of your contract with the relevant party before embarking on the service. As with all legal issues, it comes down to what was agreed in principle or in writing at the beginning and who has not honoured the contract of paying the sum. If you are not confident to adopt the Statutory Demand route then you can pursue your own debt recovery via Money Claims Online, whereby you issue a claim in the County Court dealing with the money owed. Once you have obtained judgment via this route then you would enforce the judgment by attaching an Earnings Order, a Charging Order and petitioning for bankruptcy. There is little point going to the cost of obtaining and enforcing judgment if the debtor does not have the means to pay, as this can result in throwing good money after bad. An attachment of Earnings Order requires a percentage of the debt (as much as a Judge deems affordable) to automatically come out of the debtor’s wage packet each month to pay back the creditor. Therefore to enforce via this method the debtor must be in employment. A Charging Order places a charge over the debtor’s property as security for the debt owed.

However for those of you contemplating litigation you need to be mindful of the Court fee increases which have happened recently. In March this year fee increases for money claims meant: 1. The fee to issue claims from £1 to £9,999 remains unchanged at up to £450 2. Fee claims from £10,000 to £199,999 increased to 5% of the claim (i.e. up from £450 to £1,315 to a new scale from £500 to £9,999) 3. The fee for claims over £200,000 became fixed at £10,000 (from the previous fee of £1,515 for a £200,000 plus claim) 4. There is a 10% discount on fees for claims from £10,000 to £199,999 filed electronically On 22 July 2015 the Ministry of Justice revealed plans to increase Court fees further by doubling the issue fee for claims over £200,000 from £10,000 to £20,000. The Ministry of Justice consultation will continue until 15 September with changes anticipated soon thereafter. There are various options open and attached to firms to help spread the cost of litigation and obtain funding for Court fees dependent of course on the merits of the case. It is also important to be mindful of the fact that any debt owed that falls below the £10,000 threshold is a small claim and, not withstanding whether you win or lose your claim, you will have to pay your own costs, so if you are using a solicitor you need to bear this in mind. Debts have a habit of creeping up on individuals and keeping a close eye on your paperwork, the originating contract and setting reminders in your calendar for payment after invoices have been sent out, is one way to keep on top of things. If the sum outstanding is £10,000 or more and if you are successful with your claim you can obtain your costs back from the other side, so it is worthwhile engaging with a solicitor to support you through this process. For more information call Lottie on 07725 240233 or email her at lgoldstone@ hcrlaw.com. As the recognised legal partner of the HPA, all HPA members are entitled to 15 minutes of free legal advice with Lottie and a 10% reduction in fees upon initial instruction. www.polotimes.co.uk

24/09/2015 17:32

Gate safety focus

Knowledge

Unlocking the Answer to Livestock Security With Gate Safety Week in October, Polo Times talks to Green Gate Access Systems about solutions to secure your yard, keeping ponies in and unwanted visitors out Photos – thanks to Eyehorn Farm, Kent

Photograph courtesy of Green Gates Access Systems Ltd

Electric gates can keep ponies and livestock in, and unwanted visitors out, without having to worry about guests to your yard shutting the gate behind them

ecuring property boundaries and access routes for clubs and yards can be tricky, especially with horse boxes, suppliers, vets, grooms and players coming and going at all times of the day – and even after dark. Standard five-bar farm gates do the job well enough, but with a high volume of traffic, equine and vehicular, gates are often left open or not secured properly. They are also vulnerable to being opened at anytime, despite padlocks and chains. In the April 2015 issue of Polo Times our resident legal columnist, Lottie Goldstone, took a look at the implications of loose horses and how accidents caused by polo ponies on the main public highway could spell legal and financial disaster for the owner. Lottie said, “Case law has shown that the Courts tend to favour the innocent party, i.e. the driver, who may potentially be seriously injured by the collision with the escaped animal. If, for example, the horse had taken fright and trampled through fencing or jumped out on to the road, and this did not result from any negligence of the owner of the horse nor from the livery

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yard owner, then one would look to the Animals Act and consider where and how strict liability will therefore be attached.” With all legal lawsuits, the Court of Law will always consider all the actions of the parties involved and how they have taken steps to prevent such situations occurring. Installing electric gates for your yard would solve the issue of open access to any yard. Electric gates can be programmed to be opened by sensors during specific times of the day, or only to be opened with key-pads, mobile devices or only from inside the property. Electric gates would do away with any worries about other people closing gates behind them, or uninvited visitors chopping through chains to help themselves to the contents of your tack rooms. If you are a livery yard or polo club owner that offers boxes or paddocks for rent to your members and players then the onus may still be on you in the event of a accident involving escaped ponies. Lottie points out that, “As to whether the horse owner is liable or not, we need to establish whether the owner has been

The Animals Act 1971 The Animals Act is known for being filled with tortuous wording and many legal debates and litigation have ensued, with many unsuccessful attempts at amending or altering the Act in any way. As far as a horse owner is concerned, the Animals Act is exceptionally onerous and can only really be described as a nightmare of legalese. Horses are not animals which belong to a dangerous species contained within the Act. However they can be caught under section 2(2) whereby: a) The damage is of a kind which the animal, unless restrained, was likely to cause or which, if caused by the animal is likely to be severe; and b) The likelihood of the damage, or of it being severe was due to the characteristics of the animal which are not normally so found except at particular times or in particular circumstances; and c) Those characteristics were known to the keeper, or at the time known to a person who at the time had charge of the animal.

Polo Times, October 2015

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Gate safety focus

negligent or attracts strict liability under the Animals Act. The horse owner has a general duty of care to keep the horse properly secured and prevent any possible access on to the highway. If, upon inspection, it shows that the fencing is inadequate, then there is the potential to attribute the liability to the horse owner. However, it is more complex than that, as the horse owner is contracted to the livery yard owner. There is an implied condition on behalf of the livery yard owner within the contract that the fencing and fields will be adequate. Whilst the owner of the polo pony has the overall responsibility of the wellbeing of the horse and should check that the facilities are secure, there is an argument that the liability will attach to the livery yard owner. Furthermore, this point could quite successfully be argued. Let us consider that perhaps the polo pony had been let out deliberately and potential horse thieves had cut the padlock, then arguably the horse owner is not negligent and will not have any liability at common law. This would come down to a question of evidence however, to ensure that the field was secured by a padlock and chain in the first place.”

Nick Hine explained. “We have horses on site 24/7, being exercised at different times of the day, whilst people and vehicles, are coming and going throughout the day. But, we needed to get power over 100 metres from its source in the office, to the end of the drive. Quotes came in between £1,500-2,000, just to get power to where we needed it. Everyone said that the digging up the tarmac and running armoured cabling to

carry the mains supply was the only option. Not wanting to accept defeat, on the spur of the moment, fortunately, I made contact with Solar Gates UK Ltd (and sister company Green Gates Access Systems). After a few minutes on the phone talking through our power supply concerns, I quickly realised that their solar power provided the perfect solution – not only was it more cost-effective in

Courtesy of Green Gates Access Ltd

Knowledge

These gates on a cattle farm are powered by solar energy

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Courtesy of Green Gates Access Ltd

Solar power can provide solutions for rural locations

The panel can be located to optimise its use, but always near to the gate

Courtesy of Green Gates Access Ltd

Solar Security – No Mains, No Problem Many rural locations for yards, clubs and polo schools will have electricity, but not necessarily cabled as far as the entrance to the property. Extending mains power even 50 metres, is both expensive and time consuming – not to mention intrusive as it invariably involves digging up tarmac. In many cases, providing power for electric gate installation is the most expensive part of fitting a security gate. “At Polo Times’ own rural premises, this was the exact problem that we faced”

Third party liability cover is available as part of your Membership with the HPA. However there are restrictions: you are covered if you are up to and including two goals in handicap and own 10 or fewer ponies that are either registered or passported in your name with the HPA. However, if you are 3 goals or above then you are not covered. Likewise if the ponies are registered in a different name or business name then you are excluded from this cover. Ponies used for commercial use, for example ponies that are hired for reward or gain or used in conjunction with hire and reward are also excluded. So be aware that ponies used by players who charge fees (or even get reward in kind – so diesel paid etc) are also excluded. If you offset your polo costs against your business (as marketing costs etc), you may also not be covered by the HPA member’s scheme. In cases of exclusion, it is the player’s responsibility to ensure that he, or she has adequate insurance cover.

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Gate safety focus

the short term, but in the long-term its power supply was totally free … so of course, using solar power it is better for the environment too”. Nick added, “Solar Gates UK’s whole team have been nothing but exemplary; from the first phone call that I made when they initially discussed and costed up just how their systems really would work for us, to its successful install, nothing has been too much trouble… and as is evidenced by the photo, it really does work!” Green Gates Access Solutions solar systems will operate a gate up to 200 times a day even on the darkest day in a British winter! It is assumed on this power consumption that any gate will be fitted with a GSM intercom and exit loop as standard (most installations have these accessories as a minimum) and the solar systems are rated to cover this in their energy calculations. In short, the solar option allows security to be fitted to the most remote locations. Neil Sampson, founder and Managing Director of Solar Gates UK Ltd said to Polo Times, “Solar powered gates are perfect in remote locations or shared power situations and can be upgraded with ease, depending on how busy the entrance is. We can offer equestrian owners massive cost savings when mains power is more than 50 metres away from the gate. With a solid two year warranty on all products, we offer an unprecedented further 8 years return to base warranty on our gate motors.”

Regulations The Supply of Machinery Safety Regulations 2008 state that new powered gates are safe and should be supplied with a declaration of conformity and a CE mark. The Workplace regulations require that powered gates in a workplace must be maintained in a safe condition The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 require that owners, landlords and managing agents maintain their gates in a safe condition and that installers do not leave them in a unsafe condition. All the detail on how to identify hazards of a gate and then implement the relevant safety, are outlined in the harmonized British standard BS EN 13241-1 for industrial and commercial garage doors and gates. Gate Safety Week Gate Safety Week was initiated in 2014 to raise awareness of the importance of proper installation and maintenance of powered gates and how to prevent accidents. It also aims to inform owners that a gate is their responsibility, whether that be in a workplace or domestic dwelling. The campaign aims to educate and inform installers, specifiers and the general public on the dangers of poorly installed and maintained powered gates and how to deal with an unsafe gate. If an automated gate does not have a technical file, CE declaration of conformity, force test, user guide and maintenance log, it is not compliant. Neil Sampson supports the initiative saying, “Owners need to realise

using solar power it is better for the environment

Polo Times’ new gates, operated by solar power

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Knowledge

this is their responsibility and problems are easily remedied by appointing a DHF Powered Gate Group safety assured installation and maintenance firm to manage their automated gates. Never again should a security system compromise life in the UK and the Powered Gate Group are working hard to make this so.” Extra advice Legal help For more information about the legal ramifications call Lottie on 07725 240233 or email her at lgoldstone@hcrlaw.com. As the recognised legal partner with the HPA, all HPA members are entitled to 15 minutes free legal advice with Lottie and a 10% reduction in fees upon initial instruction. Gate Safety Week Gate Safety Week from 12 – 18 October aims to engage, educate and encourage best practice. Most importantly, it is hoped that through Gate Safety Week, accidents resulting from unsafe powered gates will become a thing of the past. Visit www. gatesafetyweek.org.uk for more information. Electric gate installation Call Green Gate Access Systems 08456 800269 or visit www.greengateaccess.co.uk or for Green Gate Access Systems’ latest 2015 brochure visit www.solargates.co.uk

Gate Safety Week is from 12 – 18 October 2015

Polo Times, October 2015

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Knowledge

Sotogrande Welfare

Sotogrande or Bust Polo Times went behind the scenes of La Indiana’s high goal setup in Sotogrande to find out more about how the top-level equine athletes are looked after and kept at peak performance level during the intense Spanish season. We went behind the scenes with the La Indiana team, and spoke to Jessica Pons Mata, DVM, MRCVS of the Hampshire Equine Clinic, Alton, Team Vet, and Lou Thomas, Polo Manager about the importance of the roles that each member of the team plays.

Photography by Katie Vickery

The La Indiana Team

The Manager: Lou Thomas

t is often quoted that the pony makes up 80% of the team. As a result, the organisations behind the high goal strings are extensive and must work like well-oiled machines. “It is vital to work as a team,” says Jessica. “Not just the four players, but the managers, the physios, the trainers, horses, vets and the grooms need to be united.” Lou agrees, “It’s really important to talk to your players and your pros, because at the end of the day they’re the ones who are playing the horses on the fields. Your grooms are super important – it’s so essential to have a good relationship with them. For me, the veterinary aspect is also massive. We also have an amazing back physiotherapist, which is vital. It’s always a huge team effort.” Travel With the trip to Spain taking up to three days, the ponies are given a week off prior to travelling, and their feed is also cut to reduce the risk of tying up. Frequent physio and vet checks before, during and after the journey, ensure they remain in top condition. “It is vital that the route is planned carefully, focusing especially on the stops and the sites

The journey to and from Spain can take its toll on the ponies’ health

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The Vet: Jessica Pons Mata, DVM, MRCVS of the Hampshire Equine Clinic, Alton

The Grooms: Lucie Horton, Ellie O’Malley and Sophie Gazzard, James Harper’s grooms

where the horses will be resting, making sure that they have high quality bedding and feed with an unlimited water supply,” explains Team Vet Jessica Pons Mata. “Controlling the external conditions (temperature control, feed etc.) and being acutely aware of the behaviour of the horses (for example, their attitude, energy levels and excretion habits) helps prevent any problems. All the horses will suffer a certain amount of stress due to the journey, but the consequences can be serious if the conditions of the trip are not controlled and the horses haven’t been previously used to travelling such distances.” Lou explains that in her experience, those horses who have done the trip once or twice before tend to cope a lot better. “For me it’s mostly about timing,” she adds. “I think giving the ponies as much time as you can after the journey to Spain is super important. Balancing the act of getting the horses out, against when you have to play your first practices and matches is crucial.”

trick is judging when to let them drop down and when to bring them back up again, so you can get as much longevity as possible.”

Excersise Once out in Spain the schedule is intense, so James Harper’s Head Groom, Sophie Gazzard, changes the ponies’ routines from their normal practice accordingly. “Because they’re living in, we try to go out for at least an hour every day. Normally at home we do 10-15 minutes walking, 20 minutes trotting and then another 10-15 minutes walking, but here we do 20 minutes walking and 20 minutes trotting, broken up into two 10-minute sessions with a walk lap in between. We train them like we would for endurance – interval training has helped them a lot.” “The idea is that you manage to get the horses to peak performance level and then kind of float them there,” says Lou. “I think the

Grooms walk ponies back to the lines after morning exercise when it is still cool

Avoiding injury “I’m a massive believer in prevention rather than cure and I like to see how my horses are moving,” says Lou. At least two or three times a week they’re all trotted, and a minimum of once a week the vet will come and check them over.” Jessica is also a strong believer in avoiding sickness or injury where possible with preventative care. “I believe that correct and sufficient physical preparation of the horses is the key to avoiding and preventing injury. There are of course some accidents that cannot be avoided, but problems such as tendonitis (inflammation of tendons), myositis (inflammation of muscle fibres), colics and gastric or colonic ulcers, for example, can be avoided if we correctly control the physical condition of our horses. It is important to make sure that they receive regular veterinary checks (not just when the damage is done), to objectively analyse the horses regularly and not to rush into playing horses that are not sufficiently prepared. www.polotimes.co.uk

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But it is better for the boys to ride them in the afternoons because in the end they are going to be played in the afternoons as that’s when the games are so they do need to be ridden in the heat to get used to it.”

Jessica, the Team Vet, checks for any signs of distress in the ponies, after they are washed down

Every minute in polo is a fight that pushes the horse to 100% of its physical capacity. For this reason the excuse of ‘but the horse is only going to play two or three minutes, it will be fine,’ holds no sway with me, because polo always pushes horses to their maximum intensity level whether this is for one minute or a whole chukka.” For this reason Jessica is on hand at every game, stethoscope at the ready, checking heart rates and breathing in between every chukka and making sure that the ponies coming off the field are washed and walked appropriately by the grooms in the pony lines. Accidents do occur though, this is polo after all, and when asked what the most common ailments seen out in Spain are, Jessica has a list. “Mainly orthopaedic soft tissue injuries such as tendonitis, desmitis (inflammation of ligaments) and concussion injuries (from balls, sticks and other horses). Arthritis, arthrosis (damage) of joints and the odd stress fracture or trauma caused by an accident are common too, and exertion rabdomyolysis (tying up) caused by muscle fatigue or incorrect feeding is seen quite frequently.” The heat “Horses actually cope with the heat probably a lot better than we do,” says Lou. I’ve had some ponies that just don’t even seem to worry about it and then others who are affected. Apparently this year it was the hottest it’s ever been, and that made a big difference. But I think the horses managed better than we did. Of course you have to always watch out for dehydration.” Lucy adds, “We try to work them in the mornings when it’s cooler and then in the afternoons we cut the work a bit to avoid the heat. www.polotimes.co.uk

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The fields Santa Maria Polo Cub is famous for its beautiful, fast fields, however it should be noted that their contrast to British clubs can have a detrimental effect on the ponies. “In England the fields are damper and therefore heavier, as a result of the colder climate, whereas in Sotogrande the fields are dryer and faster. You’ve got to be careful, shoes come off left, right and centre, and foot infections are quite common, as well as the more obvious concussion injuries. Icing the horses’ legs is a priority,” explains Lou. The schedule There are mixed feelings backstage in camp about the schedule of the matches. From a veterinary point of view Jessica sees problems with such a chukka-packed season. “It can be an intense season for the horses especially on the back of an heavy season in England, where they have had to adapt to very different conditions. It is not just the short time between seasons that causes problems, but the fact that the season in Sotogrande is so compact. Some teams are playing the same amount of matches in August as they did in the entire British season.” The grooms disagree, however, and when asked about the hectic schedule they told Polo Times, “It hasn’t been enough! We’ve done five games in a month. Our horses are playing nearly every day at home, five or six times a week. I think this is the problem that we’ve had with tying up because the ponies play and then they won’t do anything for two days and we have to keep changing the feed which they don’t cope with very well. It’s not consistent.” In Lou’s point of view the intensity has been just right. “There are slightly fewer teams than there have been in previous years, so it’s actually been quite nice. This year has been kind of perfect with the amount of polo we’ve played and the amount of practices we’ve had to do.”

Farriers are on call to ensure any shoeing mishaps are quickly righted

Despite the heat, the ponies still retain excellent condition under the care of the La Indiana team

Horsepower Lou outlines the goals of the stable management team and how they have achieved their aims this year. “The basic hope and idea for the season was that we start and finish with the same amount of horses. We bought more horses this year. Last year was our first year doing the high goal out here, this year is our second. Last year we had 40+ horses, this year we knew we needed more. This time last year I was having a small nervous breakdown with injuries and this year it’s been amazing.” It seems that it really is all about quantity in Spain, as Jessica expresses the advantages of overflowing pony lines. “Taking a larger number of horses than you might at first believe strictly necessary means that there is not as much pressure on each pony. The fields are fast, the heat is intense and the best thing that you can do for the horses is to have them play fewer minutes with more frequency if you want to avoid misfortunes.” Energy Fuelling the equine athletes is a balancing act, made all the more difficult logistically by the fact that you are far from home and far from easy access to what you would normally feed your string. Lou has spent years sourcing the right feed and forage for the horses out in Spain. “It’s super important what you feed them out here. I don’t go anywhere near the alfalfa until they’ve really started playing and even then a really small amount. We get normal pasture hay from the north, which is superb, but it did take me about three years to find a supplier.” “I think you just have to be careful about supplements. Vitamins and electrolytes are important, all the basic stuff you do in England is a lot more concentrated out here.” So it would seem that teamwork, preparation and experience are the foundations for surviving the Sotogrande season unscathed, and many thanks must go to all the behind-the-scenes help who keep this show ‘on the road’. The lessons learned out in Sotogrande can help all teams fine-tune their pony power, for both International success and accomplishment back on home turf. Polo Times, October 2015

24/09/2015 17:33

Gossip

A DIFFERENT KIND OF ADVENTURE Three goal Cowdray player, Jamie Peel, has got engaged to his girlfriend Coco Clevely. Jamie, who came second in the Mongol Derby last year, now faces a new kind of adventure as married life awaits.

DOUBLE DORSEY

VENTURING DOWN THE AISLE

Freddie Ventura, the Chief Umpire at Ham Polo Club, wed Nastassia LOVELOCKS IN Frey on Saturday THE AIR 29 August at the Congratulations must go to Charlie Church of the Hanbury who has proposed to his Immaculate Conception in Farm Street, girlfriend Yoanna Otto. The couple Westminster. After the ceremony the recently got engaged at Oktoberfest. reception took place at Ham Polo Club Charlie, who manages the breeding along with the groom taking to the field programme at his Lovelocks Polo in a celebratory polo match. Stud, is a 4 goal player.

Gonzalo Torres, Martin Roman & Lorenzo Larumbe

Rugby Polo Clubs tournament on 12 – 13 September was a very wet affair, Kate Hartwell’s pony Arthur umpired two matches in the rain then was kindly taken by Kate Howe round to the clubhouse for a cheeky glass of bubbly.

Photograph courtesy of Ham Polo Club

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

CHAMPAGNE CHUKKAS

Photograph by Drews Views Photography

Sidelines

Former General Manager of the Singapore Polo Club and Hong Kong Polo Team member Torrey Dorsey and his wife Jessie, Operations Manager at the Riding for the Disabled, Hong Kong, have announced the birth of their twins. Felix Joachim and Yannick Oliver arrived on Sunday 13 September at 1:08pm and 1:24pm respectively. They join Torrey and his eldest son to make a full complement of Dorseys for a polo team!

Party goers enjoying the dance floor fillers

Lizzi Teroerde & Abi Mowat

Summer Party; Ham Polo Club; Friday 21 August

Polo and a Party The Ham Polo Club Summer Party on Friday 21 August was an afternoon and evening of revelry with everything from a gourmet BBQ, with drinks supplied by Hunt-Kendall, and floor-filling sounds from Splendid Sounds Discotheques. Celebrating all the highs and commiserating all the lows of the 2015 season, the party was filled with all Ham’s brightest and best polo players and patrons. The party began with some polo on the main grounds in front of the Clubhouse, just to round off the season nicely, before 200 guests, made up of members, friends, players, grooms and professionals, took to the dancefloor to shake a tail feather. Victoria & Rita Gilbert

Charles Wood, Eloni Ivi & Charlie Ham 76

Polo Times, October 2015

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Miguel & Graciela Smith

Photography by Robert Piper

Julie de Rivaz, Pat Erskine & Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers

Charles & Plum Schrager

Annie Colquhoun-Denvers www.polotimes.co.uk

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Mandy & Rod Scammell, Jagdeep Gill & Steve Jones

Heather & Simon Walton

Sheryl Rollinson & Christina Burchell

Hog Roast Party; Cheshire Polo Club; Saturday 29 August

Pig out at Cheshire! Cheshire Polo Club hosted an evening of food and friendship when they put on a hog roast for the SUPA teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The evening provided a great chance for the visiting teams to meet and get to know each other, while enjoying delicious food and maybe a drink or two. Attendees included friends and playing members of Cheshire Polo Club, Mr & Mrs Charles Betz, Tom Branigan and Mr & Mrs Dugald Long (who would present the prizes the following day) as well as Thom Bell of Kinross Polo Club. For those in need of more entertainment, a rodeo bull provided thrills and spills for guests throughout the night. For a full report and results, turn to page 59.

Katie Jenkinson, Cristian Chaves & Peover Grooms

Photography by Mark R. Heath

James Fielding, Matt & Maxine Haycox

Charlotte & Dugald Long

Hannah & Karen George

Mark & Louise Farnworth & Friends

George Smith on the rodeo bull

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John Wheeldon & Martin Kidd

Ann Whaley & Caddi Earl

Maddie Goode, Nicole Keen & Laurie Hickey

Jamie Thomas & Friend

Mrs. Charles Betz

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Ned Hine & Will Harper

Libby Combes, Ella Gilmore & Emma Weal

Jessica Pons

The Sotogrande Summer Season; Santa Maria Polo Club; July 28 – 29 August

Non-Stop Action

Ellie O’Malley waiting in the pony lines for James Harper

Michael Bickford changing ponies

It was pedal to the metal in Sotogrande as the impressive and intense Summer Season got underway in early August. Santa Maria Polo Club hosted the 44th Land Rover International Polo Tournament at its various luxury locations dotted around Sotogrande, and with the Bronze, Silver and Gold Cups at low, medium and high goal levels all going on there was little time to think of much else. Some of the best teams in the world gathered in the beautiful South of Spain where the sun was no stranger and the spectacle drew in audiences from all over – locals and holidaymakers alike. Players such as Adolfo Cambiaso, Nico Pieres, James Harper, Max Charlton and many more played head to head for the prestigious titles that have recently been raised in the WPT rankings. The competition was fierce and the polo non-stop after hundreds of polo ponies and their extensive entourages descended on the area in July. Photography by Katie Vickery

Nina Clarkin, James Beim & Ben Vestey

Aislinn Price & Sophie Kyriazi Andalusian horse demonstration

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Max Charlton, Louise Thomas & Paula Bickford

Martín Valent & Alejo Taranco

Pite, Mariana & Valentina Merlos

Half-time crossover

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La Clarita polo team

Juan Cruz Merlos & Freddie Horne

Murus Sanctus ponies

The market at Santa Maria

Sophie Gazzard

Sophie Brogen, Chris Charlton & Hannah Charlton

John Horswell watches on as La Clarita ride to victory

Adolfo Cambiaso takes a selfie with young fans

Adolfo Cambiaso, Rashid Albwardy & Julian de Lusaretta

Ponies heading home after another hot day

Martin Gallego & Martin Perez, the Fitness for Polo team Sun shines on the captivated audience

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Imogen Tyreman, Ruby Wykes, Nicola Sheddon, Tegan Price & Kathryn Hare

Max Charlton

Guille & Posey O’Flaherty

Charlie Holley, Tom Brodie & Charlie Pidgley

Players’ and Grooms’ Party: Guards Polo Club; Sunday 6 September

End of Season Revelry

Gillian Hughes, Ebe Sievwright & Chloe Willett

Sophie Kyriazi & Georgie French

Heather Lodder, Ola Kelly, James Park & Ellie Pearce-Thomas

Anouschka Bahlsen & Alan Fall

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There’s nothing like a fancy dress knees-up in the Guards Clubhouse to mark the end of another season. The Guards Players’ and Grooms’ Party on Sunday 6 September didn’t disappoint, with a party formula to satisfy everyone from the grooms to the girls in the office and a sprinkling of patrons and professionals for good measure. A hog roast and beats supplied by DJ James Park let the cowboys, cats, gypsies and cowgirls celebrate well into the night. Even Gerry abandoned his Steward’s post for the evening and joined in with a few of the fancy dress guests on the dance floor. Everyone was welcome, whether dressed in party frocks or post-polo whites and team jackets, and great fun was had by all. Untill next year!

Tara Smith & Holly Baird

Sascha Bahlsen & Simone Sorensen

Georgia Sweeney, Christie Smith, Imi Hancock & Genevieve Hampson

Richard Blake Thomas & Amy Guy

Gavin Heath & Gerry Gibson with a mystery guest

Katya Romero

Adolfo & Deborah Casabal

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Charlie Morris & Nicholas Dellaportes

Rose Farquhar, Grace Chen, Rakesh Parmar & Natasha Williamson

Colonel Simon Ledger

George Meyrick, Roy Prisk, Nacho Gonzalez, Jack Severn & Ebe Sievwright

Angelica Cheung & Charlie Morris

British Polo Day China – the victorious RJI Capital British Schools and Royal Salute Tang Polo Club polo teams

British Polo Day China; Tang Polo Club; Sunday 13 September

Michael Ward & Ben Vestey

Brits in the East

Chadwick Delaney & Chevy Beh

Tang Polo Club saw this year’s return of British Polo Day on its grounds this year, as both English and Chinese players came together to battle it out for the prizes with the support of great British sponsors such as Land Rover, Hackett, Royal Salute, RJI Capital, NUO Hotel Beijing and Harrods. Guests enjoyed a pitch-side glass of Royal Salute followed by a traditional afternoon tea, while watching displays of Brompton Bicycle Polo and, of course, the Anglo-Asian action on the pitch. Guests were treated to a Justerini & Brooks Wine Dinner at JE Mansion, or for those whose taste was more for tailoring than tasting, Chinese couturier Grace Chen held a fashion showcase. To finish the match day, Royal Salute’s Peter Prentice toasted Queen Elizabeth II as the longest reigning monarch, with a ringing cry of “xie-xie” and the traditional Scottish “Slange Var”! An Argentinian asado and accompanying party continued into the early hours.

Adrian Mayer, Michael Ward & Richard Tams

Photography by Sam Churchill Brompton Bike Polo

Genny Owen, Lady Eliza Manners & Louisa Wentworth-Stanley

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Stephen Loftus, Giselle & James Houghton

Lucy Boorman & Holly Houghton

The Nuo Beijing Hotel’s Best Playing Pony and Shilai Liu

24/09/2015 17:38

Sian Saxton

Richard ‘Hobgoblin’ McAlister-Martin, the intrepid lobster

Marine chaos in action

Lee Burgin

The Sophie Tompkins Birthday Match; Vale of York Polo Club; Saturday 19 September 2015

Get in the Sea

Amy Steventon, Francesca Lee, Sophie Tompkins, Lisa Piddington & Antonia Dowie

Lead octopus backs up a goldfish on the shark offensive

Billed as “five chukkas of marine chaos”, the Vale of York Polo Club’s annual Sophie Tompkins Birthday Match meeting saw players take to the field to participate in the Polo Jump Challenge. The aim of the challenge is to race a ball up the pitch, over two jumps and through a goal. Five-second time penalties are awarded for mis-hits, run-outs, knock-downs, failure to hit the ball through the jump and inferior fancy dress. This year, Alice Bagley was the deserved winner on her pony Victoria. The match afterwards saw players take to the pitch in loosely organized teams. With a few mid-chukka defections and many home goals, it was eventually decided that all should be awarded one point for the summer league tables. This year marks the Vale of York Polo Club’s 10th anniversary, Happy Birthday!

Alice Bagley

Linda Baughan

Photography by Duncan Hill & Ray Brammall Amy Steventon

Paul Piddington

Diana Dickinson

The modestly stocked Vale of York Clubhouse

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No points will be lost for this costume!

The namesake of the day in full pirate attire

Hannah Hornby & Sian Saxton

Helen Sutcliffe

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Polo directory

Dates for Your Diary

What’s On in October 2015 Last remaining UK grass dates: Ranelagh – Copa Fin De Temporada (Open): 3 – 4 October Rugby – Toft Triathalon (Open): 3 – 4 October

UK Arena dates for October: Rugby – T-Bone Challenge (Open): 5 October Epsom – United Nations Cup (2-4): 10 – 11 October Vale of York – ABI Beach Challenge (Open): 18 October Vale of York – Lay-Soft Arena Challenge (Open): 21 October South Wonston – Ladies Tournament (0-2): 24 October Epsom – All Saints Day Trophy (2-4): 24 – 25 October Wicklow – Novice Cup (0-8): 24 – 25 October Rugby – Lagrima Trophy (0-4): October 31 – 1 November South Wonston – Remembrance Day Trophy (2-4): October 31 – 1 November Druids Lodge – Varsity Match (Royal Holloway vs Exeter): 31 October

Singapore

Singapore – Korea Cup & Club Tournament: 17 – 18 October Singapore – Novice Tournament & Club Tournament: 24 – 25 October Singapore – British Polo Day: 31 October

New Zealand

Auckland – BMW New Zealand Polo Open: 21 February

Overseas highlights

Royal Selangor – The 4th Malaysian Ladies’ Polo Championships: 6 – 11 October Ellerston – Ellerston Polo Club Tournament: 3 – 11 October Windsor – Winten Cup (4): 3 – 4 October Windsor – JK Mackay Memorial (12, 0 and sub zero levels): 3 – 4 October Sydney – Sydney Polo Gold Cup (12, 4, 0): 17 – 18 October Garangula & Gundalong – Garangula & Gundalong Polo Club Tournament: 22 – 25 October Windsor – Windsor Spring Tournament (12, 4, 0): 24 – 25 October Killarney – Killarney Polo Club Summer Tournament (6, 2, 0 & sub zero levels): October 31 – 1 November

Polo Times, October 2015

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Tortugas – Tortugas Open: September 29 – 18 October Hurlingham – 122nd Hurlingham Open: October 20 – 8 November Palermo – 122nd Argentine Open: November 21 – 12 December

South Africa

Val de Vie – 2 Goal Tournament: 23 – 25 October East Club – Highveld Gold Cup: 16 – 25 October

Snow Polo dates

Malaysia Australia

Argentine Open dates

Copa de Oro Challenge? Answer -

to the question posed on our Letters page Adolfo has won the Copa de Oro de Sotogrande on two other occasions before 2015. In 1999 he won with Outback (J. Timothy Gannon, Gonzalo Pieres & Alejandro Figueras Garriga) and again in 2014 with Valiente (Bob Jornayvaz, Santiago Torres & Santiago Laborde).

Aspen – Piaget World Snow Polo Championships: 17 – 19 December 2015 Kitzbuehel – 14th Valartis Bank Snow Polo World Cup: 14 – 17 January 2016 Megève – 21st BMW Polo Masters Megève: 21 – 24 January 2016 St Moritz – Snow Polo World Cup: 29 – 31 January 2016

Other dates

Brightwells – The Ascot October Bloodstock Sales: 6 October Tattersalls – October Yearling Sales Book 1: 6 – 8 October Tattersalls – October Yearling Sales Book 2: 12 – 14 October Tattersalls – October Yearling Sales Book 3: 15 – 16 October Tattersalls – October Yearling Sales Book 4: 29 – 30 October

Women’s Polo For ladies polo highlights turn to our Women’s Polo section for a full list of dates.

www.polotimes.co.uk

24/09/2015 17:39

Polo directory

MacWet Sports Gloves for all seasons

MacWets are fast becoming the most popular riding glove—with Ollie Townend, Ben Mayer and Zara Phillips being regular wearers of the brand. Luke and Mark Tomlinson are also regular wearers of the gloves. Safety is the key word, wet or dry MacWets give you the best grip possible. Recognised by many leading sports people as their glove of choice-used in 40 sports and forty countries— participants love the ‘second skin’ touch as the aim of MacWet is to achieve comfort and give the wearer the chance to forget they are wearing gloves so that they can concentrate on their performance.

Why not join them?

BUFF® is a registered trademark property of Original Buff, S.A. (Spain)

You can win a pair – Just tell us the funniest thing that has happened to you whilst riding

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email – amberwood.nzph@gmail.com

BUFF® Headwear is available from most good equestrian retailers and online at www.buffwear.co.uk.

Polo Times, October 2015

www.polotimes.co.uk

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Located in the heart ofyou the New Zealand How will wear it? Polo Scene we offer Polo for beginners and

U FF

25/09/2015 10:26

Polo directory

Classifieds

Marketplace Ponies

Transport

OUTSTANDING TB POWERHOUSE 7yo gelding played in winning University team to 8 goal but will do more. Featured in 2014/2015 PT running reports. Excellent pedigree. Will suit a young and up and coming player or patron playing at high level. £10,000 owing to high talent. Contact 07860 906032 Gloucestershire

FAST, EASY TO PLAY MARE Chestnut mare,15yrs, played 4-6 goal this season at Cowdray, and also played at Knepp Castle. Played Pony Club Gannon. Available to try. £2,200 (incl. tack) Contact Sarah Wiseman on 07920 023639 Knepp Castle Polo Club PONIES FOR SALE Two super polo ponies for sale due to owner giving up. Easy and responsive. Suit lady patron or young player. Handsome bay gelding, 11yo, by Mr Coffee. Stunning Argentine blue roan mare, 12yo. POA Contact Trisha: 07958 633 577 or email loscorrales@ hotmail.co.uk RCBPC

Special occasion polo cards for birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, weddings, & baby congratulations; from £2.99 plus p&p Visit www.Katesart.com or txt/tel 07887 678421 or email: enquiries@Katesart.com

15.1HH 12YR OLD TB POLO MARE Played high goal polo at Cowdray Park, has also played polocrosse, nippy little mare with a strong ride off. £3,500. Contact kay_555@hotmail.co.uk for more info. Somerset

TRISTAR

STUNNING 4 HORSE IVECO Cut through/ tilt cab. 12 month plate. 56 chassis with private polo plate, living, mechanically perfect,12 month old conversion purpose built with many extras £20,500 OIRO Contact 07519 566140 Cheshire

HORSE LORRY IN EXCEPTIONAL CONDITION DAF 45 (1997) to carry 4/5 ponies with aluminium partitions plus tack and changing area. Always barn stored. On air, isolator, 12 months test. £11,000 Contact 07436 039651 Suffolk

2006 IVECO EUROCARGO ML180E21/P 18 Ton, 11 Horse, Sleeper Cab, Water Tank, Fans, Sold with FULL TEST. £21,500+VAT Contact 07901 857960 or 01325 332649

Property POLO PLOT FOR SALE Exceptional Polo plot available. Front corner facing position, approximately 3180 SM. Site plan on request. £85.00 SM Contact Paul: docpaul200@ yahoo.co.uk Buenos Aires

Manufacturers of Quality Horseboxes

For our current stock please visit our new & updated website

www.tristarhorsesboxes.co.uk Tel: 01570 422250 Email: sales@tristarhorseboxes.co.uk

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Classifieds

Transport

2006 MAN 12.183 FRC/C 4.5 Carry 8 Large Horses, 12 Ton, Automatic, New Alloy Body With Water Tank, ans, ertificated to carry horses over 12 hours, Sold with FULL TEST. £26,500+VAT Contact 07901 857960 or 01325 332649

POLO RAT

Registration plate on retention and ready for immediate transfer Offers Invited Contact 07860 906032

Equipment

SCOREBOARDS AND CLOCKS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR POLO Outdoor and arena sizes. Fully electronic, displaying the time counting down, both scores and chukka number. Automatic bell/horn. Controlled wirelessly by a remote control you can even wear on your arm. Visit www.SportingDesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)7860 303217

Situations WANTED: BOOK–KEEPER/ OFFICE ASSISTANT Enthusiastic and self-motivated bookkeeper office assistant with e estrian (and ideally polo) knowledge required for busy polo yard. 2 mins from J12 of M4. Approx 1 or 2 days/week with e i ho rs days of work For further enquiries please contact Chris Bates on 07823339334 or cbates@polofix.com. 2 mins from J12 of M4

GROOM REQUIRED Live in Groom required for busy family run Hunt/Polo yard. Up to 12 horses in during the polo season. £200 per week Contact with CV cjtoffice@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk Gloucestershire

Polo directory WANTED - XL 18” POLO SADDLE WANTED 18” XL POLO saddle ( ref with stirr p leathers to fit chunky Criollo pony. £100 plus Contact Charlie Newton charlie@wills-art.com or call 01890 840777 Berwickshire

Livery WINTER GRASS LIVERY AVAILABLE Mature farmland grazing. Checked at least twice daily, I live on site and am an equine vet, stabling available. £20 per week per pony Please contact Katherine on 07786 367072 Near Kirtlington, Bicester

Miscellaneous

2005 MAN 8.155 7.5 Ton, 5/6 Horse, Newly Painted, Test Until March 2016. £9,750+VAT Contact 07901 857960 or 01325 332649

www.polotimes.co.uk

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WOODEN POLO PONIES made in the UK by Madera Polo. Available to buy online at www.woodenpolohorse.com

POLO TIMES ARCHIVE UP FOR GRABS An almost complete collection of Polo Times issues from Feb 1998 to the end of the 2012 season has been found in the course of tidying the house for down sizing. FREE - collection only Contact Trevor on tjreypolo@aol.com if you would like to have this collection of magazines. North Devon

WINTER POLO GRAZING Experienced polo grazing, mature pasture, hay included, 2 daily checks, rug check weekly, on site 24/7, stabling if needed. £20 a week Contact alastairfenemore@ yahoo.co.uk or 077795 885210 Buckingham

Polo Times, October 2015

25/09/2015 10:26

Final bell

In association with Aprés Polo

Rashid Albwardy is one of the most successful patrons of this current polo era. Having achieved multiple wins in both The Queen’s and Gold Cups here in the UK, he has recently added Sotogrande’s Bronze, Silver and Gold Cup titles to his impressive list of accolades. Here Rashid talks to Tilda Woodd about why the sport is so special to him and his greatest polo moments so far…

Photography by www.imagesofpolo.com

and we were lucky enough to win both The Queen’s and Gold Cups. As a polo player you believe you can do it but to actually achieve it is a completely different thing.

What is your biggest passion and why? Probably polo by far – my dad plays and my older brother too, and so playing polo meant I got to spend more time with them. What is your all time best polo memory? The 2010 season. I played the high goal for the first time when I was 16, and we lost The Gold Cup Final to Facundo, but then in 2010 they put Pablo (MacDonough) to 9,

Polo Times, October 2015

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Who are your favourite teammates and why? Adolfo for sure, that goes without saying. There are lots of polo players that are great but there is something very special about Adolfo – he is always going to be considered as the best, even when he retires. When I was a kid, I used to watch him and think I would never be able to play with someone as good as that, especially as he was in Argentina and I was all the way in Dubai – I never thought I would be lucky enough to have the opportunity. A lot of people say that having Adolfo on the team is the reason we do so well but it’s not just about playing alongside him – I learn as much from him off the field as I do on. He is one of my closest friends and even if we lost every game, that wouldn’t change – we lose together and we win together and he never lets me down.

It’s all about the mentality – it is only with the right mentality that you can achieve your full potential. Which sports do you like outside of polo? Golf and tennis. I also love fishing which I consider to be a sport. Favourite film? Shawshank Redemption or Cinderella Man. Favourite food? Chinese – everyone knows that! Favourite hobby outside of polo? Drones and photography. Most prized possession? I don’t have a prized possession, the most important thing to me is the people around me. When you are a kid you start imagining what you are going to do when you grow up, but you forget one thing, and that is that people are getting older, and therefore it is important to appreciate the time you can spend with the people that matter to you. Training is one aspect of the sport – but you have to be happy too, and the people around me are what make me happy.

Martin Valent is another person who I love to play with – I played my first year of the high goal with him and he’s been our Manager for the last 8 years – it’s kind of amazing that seven years later we played together again.

Best holiday destination Seychelles.

Hardest opponent? From my point of view, it’s not about who is the hardest opponent, it’s about going out there and doing your job as best as you can.

Are you passionately superstitious? Every single game I have to wear a necklace – when I was a kid I didn’t wear it for one game and I broke my arm.

Best pony and why.? Seanna. She was one of Adolfo’s and he gave her to me after I lost one of my best mares.

www.polotimes.co.uk

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