The excitement had been building for months, but on Friday, February 12th the wait was over as an unprecedented turn out of over 400 people gathered at the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame to welcome the newest members to the Hall of Fame; Hector Galindo, William “Billy” Post II, Richard Riemenschneider, Russ Sheldon and the polo ponies Toy Moon and Califa.
Kicking off with the “Grand Reception” sponsored by Marc and Melissa Ganzi, Grand Champions Polo Club, and Chukker TV, the glamorous group of polo stars, friends, families and fans were treated to their first glimpse of the recently completed new wing of the Museum that features an expansive new gallery space, a state of the art conferencing room, multi-functional exhibit/conference areas and a new library. The champagne flowed at the “Korbel Bubbles Bar” as the arriving crowd spilled into the new gallery space where they were able to mingle and get re-acquainted with old friends, enjoy a beautiful array of passed hors ‘oeuvres and peruse the Silent Auction while serenaded by the wonderfully talented guitarist and songstress Victoria Cardona.
As the evening progressed everyone was invited into the pavilion to be seated for a sensational dinner sponsored and presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach, with the wine and spirits for both the dinner and reception sponsored by Lipman Brothers, Brown Forman, Bacardi USA, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Fetzer and Jekel Vineyards and Korbel. Also helping to make the evening a successful fundraiser were the sponsors for the evening’s entertainment Pam and Wayne Garrison who sponsored the evening’s entertainment.
To kick off the ceremony a great mare of “Yesteryear”, Toy Moon, was the first inductee of the night to be honored. A dapper Elbridge T. Gerry, Jr. was most happy to accept the award for Toy Moon a pony that played with brilliance under his Hall of Famer father, Elbridge T. Gerry
Califa was the next polo pony star to be honored. Accepting the award for owner Peter Brant, Mariano Aguerre shared a genuine, moving and unscripted (“You stole my speech” he chided Chairman Marty Cregg who read the introductions) account of Califa’s storied career. Mariano was the man who forged the legendary relationship with the famous gelding Califa and together they have galloped their way into the history books.
Mariano Aguerre accepts Califa’s award
The humans who have helped shape the sport were next to be honored, with the late polo pioneer Russell A. Sheldon, Jr. as the posthumous recipient of the Philip Iglehart Award. His son Billy Sheldon, daughter Sherry Sheldon Gibson, grandchildren Shane and Danika Rice and other family members were here from California to accept the award supported by friends that came from coast to coast.
Billy Sheldon and Sherry Sheldon Gibson with Melissa Ganzi
A huge contingent turned out to celebrate with Iglehart Award winner Dick Riemenschneider, a great testimony to his dedication to the sport since 1949. “Remo” fans went wild as he approached the podium to accept his award and it was easy to see that he has made an impact on the sport throughout the years and continues to do so today as he still serves as the Chairman of the Polo Training Foundation.
Dick Riemenschneider gets his award
The daughter of William “Billy” Post II, Elizabeth Post accepted the award for her father, a dashing polo star born to ride and play polo and destined for greatness during the golden age of polo in the 1930s.
Elizabeth Post, daughter of William “Billy” Post II
The final inductee to be honored was Hector Galindo and the place virtually erupted as Hector was called to the podium to accept his well-deserved award. He worked hard and persevered to achieve what he has and has always done so with a good nature that has endeared him to his fellow players and fans. In every sense of the word, Hector is a champion, and not just as a gifted player, but also as someone who has set an example on and off the field as a gracious sportsman and has continued to mentor and give back to the sport that we all love.
Hector Galindo and Family
The Museum is grateful to all its gracious sponsors and also to Alex Pacheco for his photographic support for the exhibits and the dinner, to Melinda Brewer for the portraits of the Horses to Remember, and to the great volunteers who help make this wonderful event possible – Maria and Vincent Feola, Linda Clarke, Chris Vining, Farish Ensenat, Debra Massey, and Melanja Jones.