The Polo Report by Steve Crowder. We still have polo going in California, but many are far away from the Gold Coast for a while. The Surfer, Diego Cossio, is in Boca Raton, FL. Mariano Fassetta, Little Mac (Frederick Mannix, Jr.) and Jeff Hall are in Argentina. Jofie (Joseph Stuart) and the Palomino (Jason Croweder) are down under to see Rob Ballard and to play some Australian polo. Its hard to find a some of these players. I think the Riceman (Shane Rice) and Carlitos Galindo, Jr. are in Houston, TX. The Petaluma Cowboys are even out of town as JP Theriot is ranching down south in the Pampas of Argentina.
Its still happening in Santa Barbara for one more weekend as the 8- goal continues with 5 teams in the last tournament, so thats an increase. San Diego is hopping with new people for the coaching league. San Diego PC is one of the few clubs trying to build polo outdoors. It has been a very good program as the Club has been very helpfull in taking new polo players from indoor to outdoor through this venue which is what we need more of. There are some real flashes showing up there with David Flowers from the Orange County Polo and several others as well as Cecilia and Lady Joy. They are all taking aim on being ready for next season on the grass. Polo needs these programs. It is time to face the facts. Many of us are out of it and we need to find replacements and grow with the days as polo is a great sport. If we’ve been in polo a long time, we sometimes as individuals canhinder the growth process. We need to encourage new ideas and bring in some fresh leaders to help take polo to the next level. We need let the voices be heard from all levels and give the opportunity of leadership to those who can drive the game. Like Shelley Geiler of OC Polo says “we need people to commit to the sport.” I think people will commit if they do not feel they are dealing with some of the elders of polo who are set on polo of the 80’s or even 90’s. We as a collective group of polo players and supporters need to push for change and renewed committment. Polo is growing everywhere but here and California. California is growing faster than anyother state, so its got to be those within our sport who are hindering the growth. You do not have to be a horse person to take up polo, but you will have to learn to ride. You need a few things to enjoy the thrill of speed, danger, teamwork and adventure of the fastest team sport there is. These things you need are money, courage, the desire for speed and competition. Polo is the thrill of your life when you come flying down the field with the sound of 32 hooves striking the ground with the grass flying by and the sounds of the mallet on the ball. Its pure pleasure. Try it and you will love it or hate it. If you love it get ready to travel as polo is a passport to the World as Will Rodgers once said. It is yours if you want it. Call Heather or Graham at the San Diego Polo Club . Don’t forget to bring your boots and a helmet to fly through the air. Call 858 481 9217. JUST DO IT.
SEE YA